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Since I last wrote in this column, Matthew Balfour, the Kent County Council cabinet member for planning, highways, transport and waste, has been replaced by Cllr Mike Whiting. While we as a borough work closely with the county on a whole range of matters, highways and transport are so important. This is especially so, given the development of a number of our derelict brownfield sites in the centre of Ashford.

There is little doubt that our roads are becoming busier and we need to work with the county to ensure more effective traffic management and parking provision.

Readers may be interested to know that Ashford is the only district in Kent that has a District Deal with KCC. This deal has two main elements – the first of which is to focus on our combined efforts to deliver key strategic projects. The second element is to improve the way both councils work to deliver the best quality outcomes possible for residents and businesses.

I would like to place on record that I and my colleagues in Ashford have enjoyed working with Matthew and the KCC officers, and I now look forward to continuing this productive working relationship.

As was reported last week, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet has confirming that McLaren Construction has been appointed on the much anticipated £90 million, 100,000 sq ft extension to the centre. The preparatory works are already being undertaken and the building works will soon be under way.

The expansion will continue to complement our thriving town centre where vacancy rates are at 7.9%, an historic low. This news illustrates the confidence that major investors have in Ashford and the borough’s future. It is clear that we are gaining a growing