Ukip is in town.

The party best known for its anti-EU policies and its flamboyant leader Nigel Farage has opened a campaign office in Mill Street in Maidstone in support of its prospective Parliamentary candidate Eddie Powell.

Mr Powell was one of four Ukip councillors elected to Maidstone Borough last May and has led his group on the council since.

The “party shop” will be manned from 10am to 7pm daily, with an open-door policy.

Mr Powell from Chegworth Lane, Harrietsham, said: “We have a full range of policies and we want the public to pop in and speak to us and find out more.”

The shop was being manned by three volunteers this week, with other supporters in the back office preparing Mr Powell’s leafleting campaign.

“We’ve got the building on a short lease until May 7 (Polling Day) - but with the option of extending it for another five years!” said a smiling Mr Powell.

He said his main campaign tactic would be to hold a series of public meetings, giving people the chance to meet him in person and ask questions.

He said: “We’ve held three already with another on Friday. I think it’s only fair that people should have the opportunity to meet those seeking to represent them.”

Ukip is holding a public meeting on Friday evening at St Phillips Church Hall, Waterloo Street, Maidstone, starting at 7pm. All welcome.

*Nominations for the General Election have yet to open officially, but those candidates already declared for Maidstone and the Weald include Helen Grant (Con), Jasper Gerard (Lib Dem), Allen Simpson (Labour), Hannah Patton (Green) and Dr Paul Hobday (National Health Action Party).