Shop owner Julie Clifton -- who runs The Emporium with son Laurence, pictured -- has hit out at the latest example of "Margate bashing" in the national Press, saying she has every faith in the town centre’s regeneration plans.

A feature in the Guardian’s business section on Friday was headlined "Margate’s miserable claim to fame" – and has brought out the fighting spirit in Julie, who owns alternative clothing store The Emporium in Margate High Street.

The article was based on a study published by the Local Data Company, claiming that the town has the highest number of empty shops in the country – 37.4 per cent.

Julie – whose son Laurence (right) is manager at the shop, which sells mod, punk, rockabilly and cyber clothes and accessories – says the Margate "knockers" are relying on a cliched image of the place, which is currently being transformed.

She said: "I genuinely feel that we are in a transitional phase – the big chains have mostly gone to Westwood Cross, and slowly but surely the specialist and niche shops are moving in.

"The nature of our town centre is evolving and I think it could start to get a Brighton feel to it, like the Lanes – especially in the Old Margate area.

"I am confident about the town’s future – especially with the Turner Contemporary opening in April, which will bring in visitors to the town – and the exciting plans for Dreamland.

"There’s already a buzz about the place, and although there are some empty shops at the moment, I’m sure they won’t be empty for long."

Signs of the seaside town being spruced up for the big day when the multi-million-pound gallery opens on April 16 include the renovation of The Arcadian in Fort Hill – a once impressive former hotel which was a derelict eyesore until recently – behind the Turner Contemporary.

The nearby Britannia Inn is also having a facelift to prepare it for the eagerly awaited influx of art tourists.

Julie said: "People should get behind our town and help it get on its feet again. This is a big opportunity to have something to be proud of."