By Teflon

I was quite amazed to read that Hawkinge village has now become a town and I would think a lot of residents who live here feel the same as me.

The proposal seems to have slipped through quietly to the "approved rubber stamp" mode.

It was noted that there were not more residents present on this proposal. That, I would think, is probably because the majority of residents did not know that such a historic motion was taking place.

I am sure all the right protocol and registration went by the book ie an A4 sheet of paper on the Council notice board etc, but I would have thought communication to the residents could have and should have been better and louder on such an important issue.

There seems to be no criteria in law for becoming a town apart from a governing local body and HM approval.

So two pubs, one and half supermarkets, one fish and chip shop, one hairdressers, one Chinese food shop, one florist, one saddle and horse supplies shop, one post office, two community centres, two doctors surgeries, two schools, and three garages but no petrol station probably just about makes it.

Stretch the borders to add a few more pubs and farms and hey presto... a TOWN.

So how will this give Hawkinge 'more clout'?

Will there be a better say at Shepway District Council meetings and representation? Better funding strength? Maybe next we get twinned with a French Town, become a Quality Council or a Fairtrade Town?

I am all for progress but also consultation on major decisions that affect where I live. Maybe though I missed it by living in a sleepy village ... oops sorry town.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©