EasyJet has dropped an ad campaign after being accused of making ‘cheap jibes’ about a UK coastal town.
The poster campaign ran on rail networks with the strapline: "This year, end up in Malaga, not Margate."
But Margate residents took offence, defending the Kent seaside town on Twitter.
One Twitter user called @seasidelandlady tweeted: ‘@easyJet How VERY dare you talk about OUR town like that, you can keep your cheap trips, and cheap jibes £letsallstacationatmargate Grrr.’
Local resident and councillor, Will Scobie, said Margate is a fantastic town for people to visit.
He added: "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."
EasyJet has apologised and stopped running the ads.
It said in a statement: "There was no intended criticism of the town but, of course, we apologise to any residents of Margate who have been offended by the campaign.
"EasyJet has taken the decision to cease running the ads."
