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Iusually talk about the significant regeneration being delivered in the borough but I would like to touch on one of the grittier, but no less important, matters that we are undertaking as an authority to improve your quality of life.

This is the problem of inappropriate overnight lorry parking.

Freight is an important contributor to the success of the UK economy and the international connectivity of Ashford’s roads is key to this. However, whilst there are three main designated truck stops in the county, many areas in Kent have experienced issues with overnight lorry parking on side roads, industrial estates and unsuitable lay-bys not designed for such use. Ashford has taken the lead in tackling this problem, which often sees residents and businesses face the consequences and the anti-social behaviour that results from some of the drivers. This includes bottles of urine and other waste material or rubbish being left by the kerbside and in gardens.

Clearly we cannot allow this to continue – so in partnership with Kent County Council, we began to clamp repeat offenders in 2015. This did act as a deterrent and had a positive impact.

As a result of our earlier work, KCC choose Ashford to work alongside them as part of this national initiative. This will be conducted on the A20 between Charing and the Drovers roundabout in addition to other places where an overnight HGV restriction exists. The Department for Transport has amended the guidelines for clamping, which enable us to not only issue a Penalty Charge Notice but to now also allow clamping for the first and every subsequent offence. I will let you know how it progresses.

A new report has identified Ashford as the most improved area in Kent for business growth.

This recorded positive perception of Ashford showed that 59% view Ashford as a good or very good business location.

Excellent rail and road links in close proximity to London and Europe, available sites, quality of life and a supportive local council were all listed as positives.

More than three in five (62%) state that Ashford has improved as a business location over the past five years.

This is up from 57% in 2014 and makes Ashford the most improved district in the county, thus keeping us as the number one business location in Kent.

We will continue to promote sustained economic growth and strive to create a green and pleasant borough for all.