The lack of progress in the Dover Town Investment Zone regeneration project was discussed at a scrutiny meeting on Monday night.

The slow-going development has sparked a 2,000-signature petition to find out why things are not moving along more quickly.

The St James’s site is set to house a multiplex cinema and anchor chains such as M&S and Frankie and Benny’s by 2016.

But the plans have dragged on for more than a decade with little to show.

A spokesman from the council said: “While it is not necessary for questions to be submitted in advance, it would be helpful if members of the public advised us of any questions they would like to ask so that we can ensure a full response is given at the meeting.”

Petitioners, who are keen to get some answers on the snail-pace development, met outside the Mean Bean coffee shop last weekend where they invited residents to meeting at the Discovery Centre in Dover last night.

A petition to get answers was started by River man Alan Shirley, his wife Veronica, and an army of residents.

Mrs Shirley said: "Alan had a meeting with Cllr Kevin Mills, the chairman of the scrutiny committee.

“Cllr Mills was extremely supportive and again confirmed that questions need not be pre-submitted, although those of a more complex nature may be better answered at the meeting if they are pre-submitted.

“The meeting will have a structure and an operating framework but Cllr Mills is keen to ensure that everyone who wishes to ask a question or respond to an answer will be given every opportunity to do so.”