New figures reveal that Ashford has recorded the biggest population rise in the South East over the past decade.

Judith Armitt, managing director of Ashford’s Future, tasked with delivering the borough’s growth agenda, claimed the latest research by Halifax Financial Services reflects Ashford’s growing popularity as a place to live and work.

Figures show that, among local authorities in the South East, Ashford saw the largest population increase in the decade to 2007, up 15 per cent to 112,500.

She said: “A growing number of skilled jobs, top-quality housing and the prospect of high-speed domestic rail services launching in 2009, which will cut journey times from Ashford to the capital to just 37 minutes, are making Ashford an increasingly attractive place to be.

“Thanks to a carefully managed development strategy, Ashford continues to enjoy sustained economic growth, despite the current economic downturn.”

Ashford is pursuing an ambitious £2.5bn development strategy, including the creation of 28,000 jobs, the building of 31,000 homes, and creation of 2m square feet of commercial space. It’s the fastest growing town between London and the Continent and is expected to double in size by 2031.