More than 1,100 migrants from eastern Europe have registered to live in Ashford since 2004.

The figure of 1,186 represents nine migrant workers per 1,000 residents.

Across Kent, more than 19,000 migrants have arived in the county since eight new countries joined the European Union four years ago.

A report examining the impact of migrants into the country reveals that 19,530 registered for work across all parts of the county but also estimated that as many as 50 per cent had already left.

Polish nationals account for the highest number.

The report also found that at 84 per cent, employment rates among migrants from the new EU countries were among the highest of all immigrant groups.

Very few claim state benefits and on average work about 46 hours a week.

Across Kent, on average there are about nine migrants from the new countries like Poland, Estonia and Slovakia per 1,000 residents, a figure which is far lower than many other parts of Britain.

In Shepway there were 1,045 registrations, with seven migrant workers per 1,000 residents.

The report says that the number of people arriving is falling and the number leaving rising, a consequence of the improving economic fortunes of their home countries. It says in time, that could leave some UK businesses facing recruitment difficulties.

See the full report>>>

Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, one of the report’s authors, said: “Our findings challenge the widely held assumptions that most of those who have arrived are still here, that more will come and most will stay permanently.”

Ashford MP and shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: “People who ask whether immigration is a good or a bad thing are asking a crude question. There are good and bad things about large-scale immigration.

“The reason why there are some problems is that failing to control the numbers maximises the strains and stresses on local authorities who have to provide extra services.”