Council Talk

Whether it is anonymous tipoffs drawing our attention to the cleanliness of the borough or for fraudulent benefit claims, residents are our eyes and ears. Therefore, it is vital that the council has an effective mechanism in place for residents to alert us to such matters. I am pleased to say that we have improved our online reporting system, making it easier for fly-tipping, littering, dog fouling, vandalism, anti-social behaviour or planning enforcement issues to be reported to us.

The system has been designed to be responsive, meaning that it can be used on mobile devices. Once reported, incidents can be tracked via a unique reference number to see what has been actioned as a result of their contact, increasing accountability and ensuring residents can see what is being done.

By making it easier for residents to report issues, we hope that we are instilling that feeling of collective responsibility and promoting civic pride. Our message is simple – let’s work together to make the borough a better place.

We are now well into the run up to Christmas. We are delighted that Ashford businesses and local traders are once again able to host another exciting Festive Family Fun day where people can enjoy a whole day of Christmas activities, then see the town gleam with Christmas lights as it slowly gets darker.

Visitors are in for a treat because this year we are welcoming The Snowman and The Snowdog to this year’s event on Saturday, November 26 in Ashford town centre. Children will also have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Our wonderful rural town of Tenterden is also holding a three-day Christmas Fayre and Christmas Market from November 25-27. Tenterden High Street will be transformed through the sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas Fayre.

This traditional Christmas Market will host a great selection of themed stalls, local artisan and street food, craft and grocery food stalls for all your Christmas shopping as well as live music, choirs and street entertainment. The town’s Christmas lights will also be switched on during the Saturday.

I hope residents are able to come out, support their local high street, be it in Ashford or Tenterden, and enjoy the festivities on offer.