Councillors are set to quiz the community on their ideas to revitalise the town centre after the loss of one of its centrepieces – Marks and Spencer.

From early November, Gravesham council will be asking residents, businesses, community groups and others what they want to see done to get the centre thriving again.

Cllr John Cubitt, chairman of the Overview Scrutiny Committee leading the review, said: “What we are planning for is to get some input from people of all interested parties – community groups and people who travel in and live in the centre to find out their views on what they think can make a difference.

“We want to find out the answer to the question: why should people come to Gravesend?

“For example, Dickens has more to do with Gravesend than it does to Rochester, but what we need to find out is how we can get people to realise that.

“We’ve got some really good retailers, some first class restaurants, we just need to make sure that people in and out of the area know about it.”

Cllr Cubitt floated ideas which he wants to pose to focus groups, including the redevelopment of the Gravesend Town Guide smartphone app and enhancing the town market, which may turn to a reality if enough people demonstrate support.

“What we want to do is give a shot in the arm for the town centre and then see if we extend it to out-of-town centres like Northfleet.

“We are not playing politics –we are looking for a consensus for the best we can do for the town.”

A report detailing the findings of this consultation is expected to be delivered by February.

The Messenger has exclusively revealed in the past few weeks how the council wants to give Gravesend Borough Market, between High Street and Queen Street, a £1 million makeover, and is also bidding for cash to give the Gravesend Clock Tower, at the top of Harmer Street, a spruce up and new lighting.