News

STREETS CLEANING IS COMING HOME

Street cleaning and grounds maintenance are set to return to Shepway Council’s control next year.

The services were taken over by Kent County Council in August 2004 as part of a two-year partnership arrangement at a time when Shepway had huge financial problems.

The then Liberal Democrat council faced tough budget restrictions after its spending was ‘capped’ by the government following its 2004 council tax setting.

Shepway Council Leader, Robert Bliss, thanked KCC for its assistance. “The arrangement came at a time when Shepway’s budget was under a lot of pressure, public toilets were being closed and the grass o­n highway verges was being left to grow.  It was a disaster.

“It is true that we faced problems in the early days following the transfer to Kent but I am fully confident that Shepway Council will be bringing an improving service back in house.”

Cllr Bliss said Shepway Council was now in a more stable position and was seeking to bring street cleaning and grounds maintenance back under the council’s wing in autumn 2007. 

Lib Dem leader, Cllr Lynne Beaumont, has welcomed the news and said: "Bringing street cleaning back under local control is a good step, and I welcome it."