IN A survey by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Maidstone has been named as the second best value-for-money town in Britain and the first in the South East.

The bank’s affordable affluence index considered positive lifestyle indicators such as upmarket shops and restaurants, and compared this with negative influences such as betting shops and lower-end supermarkets. The education credentials together with entertainment and cultural attractions were all taken into consideration.

In the survey the positive and negative factors were weighed up to give an affluence score. Property affordability was then worked out to determine the overall index position of each location.

As a result Beverley in Yorkshire came first and Maidstone came second. Third was Chester and fourth was Perth in Scotland.

"The survey does not come as a surprise," said Jo Richards, marketing and corporate manager at Hillreed Homes.

"I live and work in Maidstone and am well aware of the fabulous facilities we have in the area. We also have exceptional access to central London via train and the M20/M25.

"House prices in the region are very competitive, particularly when you consider what an excellent place Maidstone is and what it has to offer residents.

"There is the river which runs through the centre with its riverside walk, the excellent range of shops, bars, restaurants and night life.

"There’s the David Lloyd Centre plus the town’s history, together with breathtaking countryside all within easy reach. It didn’t need a survey to tell me about the value of owning a home in Maidstone – I know and I rather suspect other residents too appreciate our fabulous value for money area."

Canterbury was 11th in the national poll.

THE UK’S TOP VALUES FOR MONEY AREAS

1 Beverley, Yorkshire
2 Maidstone
3 Chester
4 Perth, Scotland
5 Salford
6 Inverness
7 Huddersfield
8 Solihull
9 Wokingham
10 Sutton Coldfield
11 Canterbury