by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Banks have come under more fire for failing to lend for business growth.

On the same day that Adair Turner, head of the Financial Services Authority, called for an end to demonising bankers and their bonuses, bosses in Swale vented their feelings to Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

At a wide-ranging question and answer session at Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, hosted by Thames Gateway Chamber of Commerce and chaired by KM Group business editor Trevor Sturgess, he was left in little doubt that persuading banks to lend more to firms, especially smaller ones, was central to economic recovery.

The issue was hotly debated for some 30 minutes as bosses vented their anger over bank lending policies.

Several spoke of the difficulty of obtaining enterprise loans for expansion and job creation.

Banks repeatedly claim that they have the money to lend but that not enough good propositions are put forward by firms.

Recent Bank of England figures show that bank lending to business fell in July for the fifth month in a row

Paul Price, marketing director at Kent Science Park, said that while banks may have money to lend, approved loans were only granted on "onerous" terms, often with high interest rates and family homes on the line.

"The issue of banks lending was one that really brought the debate to life and I think everyone who attended will be confident that Gordon has taken those concerns on board and will be taking them back to the Commons."

Mr Henderson, a businessman himself, said he shared concerns over bank policy, although it was not always right for the public sector to dictate to the private sector.

He promised to "bat for business" in Parliament, and, in a show of hands, was reminded that a majority of businesses think the economy will get worse before it gets better.

Meanwhile, he announced the formation of a local business forum, and a dedicated business portal on his website.