THE man responsible for promoting Ashford has a strong challenge to new businesses.

Mark Bradbury, Ashford Borough Council's head of economic development, said: "Part of the message I want to get over to businesses is this: You have heard all about the houses being built in the town, now come and employ the people living in them."

He believes that there are many benefits for new or expanding firms wanting to locate in Ashford.

"We've got all the infrastructure in terms of roads," said Mark. "We've got people coming to live here and they will want to work.

"And once we've got the 37-minute connection to London, not only will people be able to get quickly to London from here, but they will be able to do it the other way round."

He pointed to the plans for thousands of homes in the town over the next few decades, providing a range of homes suitable for employees and management. And the high speed rail link promises to link the town with London and cities around the continent.