The number of child asylum seekers arriving in Kent has seen another dramatic fall, according to latest figures.

Kent County Council says 214 child asylum seekers arrived in the county last year – a fall of 44% on the previous year when there were 388.

The decline in numbers is even more marked when compared with 2015, when 948 children arrived on their own.

KCC has welcomed the downward trend but warned it continues to face financial pressures caused by the number of asylum children who have now reached the age of 18 and remain the authority’s responsibility.

Cllr Roger Gough (Con), cabinet member for children’s services, said the tightening of security around Calais was helping curb migrant numbers, along with the demolition of the “Jungle” camp which held thousands of people trying to reach the UK.

“There is a lot of additional security around Calais and we are seeing a smaller proportion coming through Kent ports of entry.

"The national dispersal scheme has also helped, which means more children are dispersed to other parts of the country.”

He added there was anecdotal evidence migrants were now using other ports to try and reach the UK.

But the council now faces a related financial pressure as the government grants for looking after those who reached the age of 18 was less than the amount allocated for unaccompanied children.

“We have coped well with a very difficult situation but we now face a £4m gap for care leavers, which we are lobbying the government about.”

“Despite the pressures, KCC is committed to offering assistance to unaccompanied asylum seeking children who arrive in Kent, just as we would with children and young people who are resident in the county and require our support.”

If the decline in numbers continues, then it could raise a question mark over the future of the council’s accommodation centre, Milbank in Ashford.