Easyjet drops ads after 'cheap jibes' against Margate
The budget airline Easyjet has withdrawn an advertising campaign that critics said damaged the reputation of a Kent seaside town.
Locals in Margate took to social media websites to express anger at a poster on the rail network saying: "This year end up in Malaga, not Margate".
One, known as @seasidelandlady tweeted: "How very dare you... you can keep your cheap trips, and cheap jibes."
Easyjet apologised and said there was "no intended criticism of the town".
Local resident and councillor, Will Scobie, said Easyjet had picked the wrong target for its campaign.
"Margate is a fantastic town for people to visit," he said.
"We've just been named as one of the top 10 places in the world to visit, we've got exciting local shops that you can't find anywhere else, the new Turner Contemporary art gallery and an air show this summer.
"Easyjet picked the wrong place to insult with their campaign."
In a statement, the airline said: "We apologise to any residents of Margate who have been offended by the campaign.
"Easyjet has taken the decision to cease running the ads."