Our rolling fields, our juicy apples, and foaming mugs of proper English ale, it’s all part and parcel of living in the garden of England.

But could a mass influx of Scousers, Brummies and Geordies with their flat caps and bottles of Newcy Brown be threatening our idyllic Kentish image?

Think-tank Policy Exchange has suggested that folk up north should relocate to the south east in order to improve their quality of life.

The report claims regeneration projects for northern cities such as Liverpool, Sunderland and Bradford are failing, and the areas have "little prospect of offering their residents the standard of living to which they aspire".

Kent and surrounding counties are being touted as much better options, with suggestions that people living in places like Liverpool - which, incidentally, beat Canterbury to be crowned 2008 European Capital of Culture - should cross the 'north/south divide' once and for all.

~ The 'north/south divide' - tell us which side you're on >>>

The report stated: "No one is suggesting that residents should be forced to move - but we do argue that they should be told the reality of the position: regeneration, in the sense of convergence, will not happen because it is not possible."

The report has caused outrage in the north - and has been rejected by both the Government and the Conservative party.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "We totally disagree with the conclusions of this report.

"No government has done more to turn around decades of neglect, and since 1997 cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle have benefited from thousands of new jobs, lower crime rates and better living standards thanks to our sustained commitment to regeneration, and investment in public services."