Concerns are mounting over claims a tourist hotspot is becoming “shabby and neglected” with streets strewn with litter and unkempt verges.

Frustrated residents argue the authorities should work harder to bring Canterbury’s cleanliness up to par with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But Canterbury City and Kent County councils say ensuring the area is "well-cared for” is a top priority with teams “on target” with upkeep.

Oaten Hill and South Canterbury Association (OHSCA) members, who volunteer to litter-pick, claim St George’s Street and New Dover Road are particular causes for concern.

It comes as Canterbury recently experienced a 10% rise in tourism compared to the same time last year.

OHSCA member Helly Langley believes the perceived untidiness encourages anti-social behaviour.

The 74-year-old said: “We feel Canterbury has become increasingly shabby and neglected, particularly in relation to some of the other local towns and Cathedral cities.

“We are always very aware that this is a World Heritage Site, it's a very important place and we have an awful lot of visitors.

“The fact that we feel it's looking unkempt and uncared for is very concerning.

“Unfortunately the area is used by many as somewhere they can sit and while away the time drinking and chucking all their litter around.

“It is becoming an increasingly important task for residents to actually pick up litter because if it's not done by us, then it doesn't get done.”

Fellow OHSCA member David Kemsley says more needs to be done to highlight and celebrate the city’s rich history in the same vein as other UNESCO sites – Bath and Durham for example.

“The general level of awareness in Canterbury that we are a World Heritage Site needs elevating,” said the 77-year-old.

“The fact that it is a World Heritage Site needs to play a greater part in the decision-making process.

“I've been to various planning committees and read lots of papers, it's only on rare occasions you hear mention made of the World Heritage Site and the importance that planning applications don't compromise the World Heritage Site.”

The group says more effort should be made to trim trees and weeds as well as routinely planting fresh greenery to create a cleaner look for the city.

As well as litter-picking, the group says they trim overgrowing verges which should be the authorities’ responsibility.

Canterbury City Council (CCC) deals with the former and Kent County Council (KCC) with the latter.

However, efforts to spruce up the city continue to take place and areas such as Whitefriars have been praised for being an enjoyable and clean part of the city.

Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) has played a key part in this, with festive decorations and helping out council crews throughout the year.

Rachel Pilard from BID said: “Having a clean city is incredibly important for the city centre businesses, which is why we purchased a cleaning machine that the businesses named ‘The Becket’.

“We work in partnership with the council’s cleaning team reporting issues including fly-tipping, graffiti and areas that need waste removal, along with weekly meetings where we highlight hotspots.

“The BID cleaning machine also allows us to clean areas that the council cannot touch, because they are on private land (shop doorways for example).

“We know that a very wet summer has exacerbated the issue of weeds, and we will do everything we can to keep the city looking welcoming for our visitors who continue to increase in number.”

Aside from BID’s work, there are projects in the pipeline which city residents hope can freshen up the high street.

The £20 million levelling up money allocated to Canterbury will is expected to help rejuvenate key areas such as Dane John Gardens which, quite frequently, has received negative publicity for its perceived status as a crime hotspot.

A youth club near the city wall and the former Wilko building will also be rolled out using shipping containers to help combat “hundreds of young people” engaging in “deviant behaviour”.

The decision to grant the building approval went against city council officer’s recommendations after details of troubled youths in the area were laid bare to councillors.

The Canterbury Society also takes a keen interest in goings-on within the area, having played a key part in efforts to protect the heritage of the city in the past.

Hilary Brian, chairwoman of the group, said: “The Canterbury Society appreciates all the efforts made to eliminate litter in Canterbury's streets and to protect the safety of those who visit here by both its city council and the Business Improvement District's staff.

“The importance of a city that takes pride in itself cannot be overstated when attracting and welcoming visitors from home and overseas.

“Our city includes a World Heritage Site (three in one, actually) which is of vital importance to our business community.

“Work is being done to improve the 'outstanding universal value for history and culture' which is great news for those rejoicing in our wonderful heritage.”

However, the future of two large developments in the heart of the city continues to be a concern – with both developers yet to break ground.

The planned transformation of the huge former Debenhams store in Canterbury into 12 shops and 74 flats was first unveiled almost five years ago and earlier this month, with its owners reaffirming their commitment to the scheme.

In contrast, hopes of turning the dilapidated Nasons into a Brighton Lanes-style retail arcade, with a food and drink hall, public open space and 66 flats have dwindled in recent months.

The £30 million scheme has long been held up by concerns over wastewater pollution leaching into the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve in Canterbury and is now on the market for £6 million after the developers behind the scheme fell into money troubles.

But while the pair continue to be eyesores within the city, a crackdown on garish front shops continues.

One business, The Beano Cafe in North Lane, recently described how the council’s orders to repaint had impacted business earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the city council issued 22 enforcement notices to businesses in the Burgate, Sun Street, St Dunstan’s Street and North Lane areas of the city within recent months after being found to have altered their appearance without permission.

On keeping the city tidy, a CCC spokesman said: "We believe our public areas, parks and gardens are well cared for and, working with the Canterbury BID team, a lot of hard work goes into this.

"If a problem such as litter build-up occurs then we welcome reports so we can resolve it swiftly.

“Naturally we want the city to look the very best it can and this will always be a priority for us."

A KCC spokesperson added: "We cut our highway urban verges six times a year between March and October.

“This year we have seen a lot of vegetation growth due to the mix of warm wet weather providing ideal growing conditions.

“We are on target with our fourth cut of the year for Canterbury which should be completed in the next few days."