FARMERS and hunting fans from across Kent ambushed John Prescott outside Eastwell Manor hotel near Ashford.

Dozens of countryside supporters turned out at the country hotel to declare their opposition to Mr Prescott’s plans to build 30,000 houses in Ashford over the next 30 years.

The deputy prime minister arrived in Ashford by train just after 5pm, for a low-key meeting with council officials to discuss the future of the town.

He was met by Sir Sandy Bruce Lockhart, leader of Kent County Council, and Paul Clokie, leader of Ashford Borough Council.

Speaking exclusively to the Kentish Express, Mr Prescott said: “I’ve come down to look at Ashford because it’s one of our important areas for development.

“There’s a very important connection with the channel tunnel rail link and with the other growth areas.”

After viewing Ashford from the top of International House, next to the station, Mr Prescott was whisked up to Eastwell Manor hotel, in Boughton Aluph.

Countryside protesters gathered in a field bordering the hotel drive and waved placards and blew hunting horns as Mr Prescott drove past.

Holding a poster reading "Kent -- Danger! Demolition in progress", farmer Paul Restorick, from Warehorne, said: “This John Prescott visit was meant to be a quick visit in the back door and off again.

“He is offering KCC and Ashford Borough Council 30 pieces of silver in exchange for 30,000 homes -- it’s spin, spin, spin, just to buy us off.”

Mr Prescott was due to spend the night at Eastwell Manor before heading down to Hastings on Thursday.