A promotional picture of Folkestone used by rail operator Southeastern in a marketing campaign has been blasted as being the “worst photo” of the town.

The picture, taken from The Leas, overlooks the beach towards the harbour and was shot on an overcast day.

It also depicts crumbling steps and a half dug-up beach where builders are preparing the ground for the seafront development.

The photo is still appearing on the rail operator’s Facebook account but the picture has been deleted from a tweet posted last Wednesday.

Residents had replied, sending in their suggestions for better pictures to be used which included scenes of the inner harbour and historic viaduct and swing bridge.

Posting on the company’s Facebook page, Kay McLoughlin said: “You have possibly used the worst photo of Folkestone ever...”

Megan Hammond added: “Folkestone doesn’t look that bad you know.”

In a tweet replying to the criticism, Southeastern said it would consider using other photographs taken of Folkestone.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment.