Dover’s shopping precinct has been ranked near the bottom of a list judging the country’s best towns for shopping.

The Vitality Index, launched by retail specialist Harper Dennis Hobbs, ranks the top 500 British shopping centres by scoring the quality, rather than merely the size.

Dover came in at 496th – fourth from the bottom.

We’re naturally disappointed at Dover’s showing in this survey" - Cllr Paul Watkins, DDC leader

While the town remains glorious in some senses, with its natural treasure of the White Cliffs and the thriving port and cruise terminal, presided over by one of English Heritage’s gems, Dover Castle, east Kent residents have criticised the declining town centre for almost two decades.

Dover has national chains like Marks & Spencer, Argos, and McDonald’s and charity shops galore, but it is a far cry from the success of Deal’s shopping precinct, which was named the Telegraph’s High Street of the Year in January.

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of Dover District Council, said: “We’re naturally disappointed at Dover’s showing in this survey.

"It underlines the importance of the £60 million St James’s development which is stimulating new investment from retail and leisure operators.

"We’re confident that by providing new, modern retail space in the heart of the town centre we can start to reverse this trend.”