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During the lead up to the referendum on our continued membership of the EU, I made a conscious decision not to campaign for either side. I did so because as Leader, I would need to ensure the continued unity of purpose, once the outcome of the vote was known. Now that we have a clear result, we all need to work together for the continued wellbeing of our borough and our country as a whole.

Once the outcome of the referendum was known, there was bound to be a degree of uncertainty that undermined confidence. This was reflected in many of the economic and financial markets. As we know from empirical evidence, this degree of volatility is usually quite short term, until a more settled picture emerges. However, there may be some short to medium term financial and economic uncertainties that could affect what we have been achieving over the last few years here in Ashford.

We have an important responsibility to the people of Ashford in continuing to deliver economic growth and to work hard to create a vibrant and engaging place to live, work and visit. I therefore took immediate action to form a small Task Group, reporting directly to Cabinet. This special Task Group includes the two Opposition Group Leaders and will be advised by our principal officers and assisted, where necessary, by external professional advisers. The Task Group will deliberate and consider any potential impact and take any necessary action to ensure financial and economic resilience.

I was therefore comforted by the announcement by Cineworld that they wish to continue their expansion plans for the cinema complex at Eureka Leisure Park. They have now submitted plans for an IMAX at Eureka, which will complement their six-screen Picturehouse cinema, which is planned at Elwick Place in the town centre.

One year ago Ashford Borough Council announced it had purchased the 31 retail units which make up Park Mall, with a plan to reinvigorate this run-down shopping centre – directly in response to calls from our residents. At the time of the acquisition a third of the units were empty. The council has breathed new life into Park Mall, filling most of the vacant units and driving up footfall by around 7%. Park Mall has become home to a quality independent-led town centre offer, occupying either business incubator spaces or other units on longer leases and licenses, thus complementing existing retailers in the High Street.

Of course, Park Mall is not immune to the comings and goings of businesses on the High Street. Over time, retailers will come and go, but overall its future is looking brighter than this time last year.