County councillors have complained that KCC has not got the credit it deserves for helping regenerate Margate.

They suggested a “blue plaque” scheme to publicise how it has backed the town with taxpayers’ money.

The idea was floated by Conservative county councillor Jeremy Kite - also leader of Dartford council - who said there was little recognition of KCC’s efforts to transform the town, notably through spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of money.

As a solution, KCC should consider using buildings and other assets to let people know what it had done, he suggested.

“When I visit Margate - which I love - I am astounded by the transformational effect of investment and it seems to have been picked up by the local community.

"But when you go round, there is really no recognition of the role that KCC has played.

"If we are not going to get a logo on the side of the Turner Contemporary, can we not advertise the fact that we are backing Margate to this extent?”

He added: “I think it is important that people recognise - at a time when councils get a bad about rap sometimes - that good plans, good will and good money can have a transformational effect on a town.”

Cllr Rosalind Binks, who represents Broadstairs on KCC, said: “I do think we ought to have something and frankly every other council has something like a plaque saying who paid the money.

"KCC should have some arrangements for a plaque, particularly when we fund a building or a project.”

But Thanet council UKIP leader Chris Wells gave the issue short shrift, saying: “I’m surprised they have time to debate ways in which they can pat themselves on the back.

"Perhaps I should initiate a “purple plaque” scheme to give recognition of the things we have done.”

The suggestion for signs to indicate KCC’s financial support appeared to take Cllr Mike Hill - the politician in charge as cabinet member for communities - by surprise.

He said: “I try as hard as I can to get recognition….the idea of some kind of physical example of what we do is worth considering.”

KCC was the main funder of the £17.4m Turner centre and has also invested significant sums in Dreamland.