The director of Turner Contemporary has hit back at suggestions they should charge art lovers for entry.

Victoria Pomery was responding to calls from Kent County Council Ukip group leader Cllr Roger Latchford for the authority to review the huge £836,000 grant given to the gallery every year from its coffers.

She said: "Turner Contemporary has been a catalyst for the regeneration of Margate and east Kent, changing perceptions of place and transforming the lives of many individuals.

"We believe in free access for all and this ethos is very important in order for us to have the greatest regenerative impact.

"Since opening in April 2011, we have had more than 1.9m visits, generated more than £41m into the local economy and supported the establishment of more than 70 new businesses.

"The gallery has organised a highly-regarded exhibition programme and a hugely innovative learning programme that has had an impact on many people’s lives from children and young people to the elderly and isolated.

"We regularly work with schools and colleges offering young people the opportunity to grow and develop their full potential.

"As a charity, we generate much of our own income through our trading arm and through our fundraising campaigns to ensure that every pound of public investment is money well spent."

Cllr Latchford had told councillors a fee of £1.50 would be appropriate.

He said: “There is an arts budget for KCC of just a little under £2m, of which £836,000 goes to the Turner Contemporary.

"I suggest we consider an entrance fee. A charge of £1.50 would raise half a million pounds which would go someway to making it cost-neutral to residents.”

The idea got short shrift from KCC cabinet member Cllr Mike Hill (Con).

He said charges were a matter for the gallery to consider but defended the part it had and was playing to help regenerate the wider area.

He said: “Our funding grant to Turner Contemporary is agreed as part of our budget proposals which cover three years. There is no long-term commitment.”

“Turner Contemporary is the jewel in the crown of arts development in Kent.

"However, although its funding comes from our arts budget, it is also a major part of the regeneration initiative for Thanet, and its importance in that regard cannot be underestimated.”

He added: “We anticipate that our support on its early years will help get Turner Contemporary on a firm financial footing.

"It is a matter for Turner Contemporary regarding the possible introduction of admission charges.”