It’s neck-and-neck here, exclusive poll reveals

The EU referendum race is closer in Canterbury than anywhere else in Kent, a countywide poll has revealed.

With just a week to go until the historic vote, the district is split on which box to cross when they go to the ballot box.

The exclusive poll reveals 57% of likely voters in Kent say they’ll opt out of Europe when given the chance.

But in Canterbury the race is neck-and-neck, with 38% leaning towards an Out vote, 39% In and 22% undecided.

It makes us the only constituency of the 17 in Kent without a clear majority for either side.

The findings of the exclusive poll come as both sides in the campaign make their final push for votes in what has often been an acrimonious battle. Our survey found: 58% of those who favour Brexit say immigration is the most important issue

The economy and jobs were most important for those wanting to stay (47%)

Ten Kent MPS could be out of step with their constituents on the question of staying or leaving

Turnout could be as high as 91%

The results suggest anti-eu sentiment is strongest in the east of the county, whereas voters in the west are much more likely to support staying in the EU.

Our poll also points to Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage as being the most influential figures for Brexiteers

The Bank of England and its governor Mark Carney and UK business leaders are the main influences for those who plan to vote to remain.

Of those who said they would not vote, one in four said it was because they did not know enough.

The survey also points to a significant generation gap, with those aged 55-plus significantly more likely to vote to quit the EU (65%) than remain.

Younger people – those aged between 35 and 54 – are, in contrast, more likely to want the UK to remain in the EU by a margin of 55% to 45%.

However, the poll reveals that 17% are still undecided about how to vote, suggesting there could be a more even split in the county on June 23.

The most Euro-sceptic area is Sittingbourne and Sheppey, where 62% favour leaving the EU; followed by North Thanet (58%) and Chatham and Aylesford (57%).

And the most Europhile part of the county is Sevenoaks where 54% of those surveyed backed staying in.

Last week a Gazette snapshot poll in Canterbury High Street revealed 62% of those asked would vote Remain, with just 30% leaning towards Out.

Boris Johnson and Bank of England governor Mark Carney are influential figures of each side of the debate

Picture: Ben Stansall/pa Photos