A national newspaper article describing Thanet as 'Chernobyl-like' and "a small nodule of erupted spleen" has sparked cross-party criticism in the area.

The piece, in today's Sunday Times by Camilla Long - the paper's film critic - said Thanet was bilious, forlorn and desolate in a portrait of the area ahead of the election.

She also described it as "the English Defence League on sea" - a reference to the far right group - and "a little bit of throbbing gristle"

Ukip leader and South Thanet candidate Nigel Farage, said: "This is yet another disgusting attack on the areas that have been left behind by successive Labour and Conservative governments and councils.

"The Thanet areas are not just some of the most beautiful in our country but these places have so much to offer if only the establishment parties would stop their elitist sneering."

Labour candidate Will Scobie weighed in on Twitter, saying: "Disappointed with the negativity from Camilla Long about Thanet today. This is the sort of bad publicity that Farage and Ukip bring us.

The article comes just days after thousands of people showed their support for the Dreamland regeneration project by buying tickets for the re-vamped theme park which is set to open in the summer.

Simon Moores, deputy chairman of North Thanet Conservative association and a Thanet councillor said the article was immature and insensitive:

"I am deeply dismayed by the characterisation of the area. I would have expected rather more from a national newspaper journalist.

"I would have expected her to conduct her research more thoroughly rather than just using Google and Wikipeda. I would like to see her apologise."

Ruth Bailey, of the Manston Airport Independent Party, tweeted: "Disgraceful assassination of Margate and Thanet in today's Sunday Times by Camilla Long. An area trying very hard to regenerate itself!"