BUSINESS leaders heard how Dartford has held its own since the opening of Bluewater at the first meeting of its Business Forum, last week.

Delegates were told spending in Dartford dropped by £1.6 million a marginal dip of three per cent from 1998 to 2000 when Bluewater opened in Greenhithe, three years ago.

Speaking at the forum, Dartford Council leader, councillor John Muckle, said: "All the key figures show Dartford has held its own since the opening of Bluewater.

"While some people do try to talk down the town, the reality is Dartford is a good place to come for shopping and people enjoy visiting."

The figures used by Cllr Muckle came from a report published in 2000 called "Shopping Habits in Kent post-Bluewater." There are no 2001 figures available.

Director of environment Rob Scott told the forum Dartford is at the centre of a huge regeneration programme and highlighted Dartford's proximity to the Channel Tunnel rail link.

Dartford Council and Kent Thames-side Chamber of Commerce organised the forum to allow local business leaders to voice their concerns.