Viv Kenny has left as Folkestone Partnership Manager after Folkestone Town Centre Management (FTCM) terminated the role.

Mrs Kenny only took over last November after John Barber retired as Folkestone Town Centre Manager - the previous title of the role.

She said she was "saddended" by the announcement at a time she believed the partnership had "turned a corner in creating a stronger independent" partnership for businesses.

FTCM confirmed the post had been made redundant but that Mrs Kenny has the right to appeal the decision.

The company says it has been prompted after changes in the way government initiatives are run is affecting how town centres are managed.

"The past 12 months have included some highs and lows, but I have thoroughly enjoyed working to meet those challenges for my home town." Viv Kenny

FTCM manages initiatives and the way the town centre operates with businesses and bringing people into town.

In a statement FTCM said these initiatives are “quite rightly championing greater involvement from within the public sector and specifically the entrepreneurial flair of the numerous sole traders within the town.

“Additionally to this Folkestone Town Council is taking a more active role in organising Folkestone’s Town Centre activities with much success such as the recent and significant “High Street Rising Star” award win.”

It said the situation was “not unique to Folkestone” and that “with other voices in the town coming to the fore the purpose of the role was, regrettably, seen to be no longer as pertinent to the area as it once was.”

“Together with the regional changes in public funding our private company has had to make the very difficult business decision to move the company forward with the times and concentrate our efforts towards real areas of benefit to Folkestone in 2015 and beyond.

“The removal of the Folkestone Partnership Manager’s role was a decision that was not taken lightly.”

New roles have been created with deputy town centre manager Matt Davidson being named Folkestone Partnership Coordinator and former mayor Tom McNeice – an FTCM director – taking a “much more active role in leading the company”, the statement said.

Mrs Kenny said: "I am of course saddened that the three remaining directors have made the decision to terminate the role.

"During my 12 months in post, I am very pleased that I was able to bring to fruition, the first Discover Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh guide in over five years along with a number of other projects.

"The Board’s news that the post is to disappear due to lack of demand for the role both locally and regionally are unfortunately at odds with the long term strategy and messages from professional private and public sector bodies, such as the Association of Town and City Centre Management and the High Street Regeneration Team at the DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government).

"The past 12 months have included some highs and lows, but I have thoroughly enjoyed working to meet those challenges for my home town and been able to share in some of the successes."