Dartford MP, Dr Howard Stoate has outlined his future vision for Dartford town centre in an open letter to council leader, Jeremy Kite.  The MP’s action comes in the wake of results in his ‘town centre survey’ which highlighted the growing dissatisfaction of local people with the general appearance of Dartford’s town centre.

Taking the results of this survey as his inspiration, Dr Stoate has provided Cllr Kite with a detailed critique of the town centre and presented a number of potential solutions to the problems faced by Dartford.

Dr Stoate makes three key proposals including 1) the complete replacement of the current paving in Dartford High Street between Holy Trinity Church and the Bull & Vic public house with a more attractive and durable surface 2) the replacement of street furniture in the town centre such as litter bins and benches with new items which are regularly maintained and cleaned 3) the establishment of an intensive new cleaning regime for the town centre and surrounding roads which will ensure that roads and pavements are swept and cleaned on a regular basis.

Discussing the proposals, Dr Stoate said, “the responses to my town centre survey make it quite clear that people find the appearance of Dartford’s town centre disheartening.  Comments were regularly made suggesting that the town was dirty and run down.  For this reason, my proposals all focus on transforming the centre’s appearance.  I believe that replacing the current paving would represent a significant start, and has the potential to transform the town’s appearance.”

“The current paving is simply appalling.  It is dirty and damaged, and where works have been carried out, ugly tarmac gashes crisscross the surface.  This makes the town look tired and rundown.  This image is not helped by items such as benches and litter bins standing at strange angles or being covered in graffiti and dirt.  It simply is not good enough and needs urgent attention.”

“I have written to Cllr Kite outlining in detail my proposals, and possible ways that the council could fund these works and boost the town centre’s appeal at the same time.  I know that people care about Dartford and want to be given a reason to visit the area.  I hope that this is a vision Cllr Kite shares.”

To read a copy of Dr Stoate’s letter to Cllr Kite please click HERE.