Dr Stoate's campaign to try and force Dartford council to take action to improve the town centre appears to be bearing fruit after council leaders finally acknowledged the need for investment and general improvement in the town centre.

Whilst council leader Jeremy Kite has failed to respond directly to Dr Stoate's letter outlining his vision for the town centre's future, statements eminating from the council make it clear that the issue has moved firmly up the agenda.  Readers of the council's glossy Christmas magazine, Life, will have seen coments from Cllr Kite acknowledging the need to make special efforts to improve the town centre and a firm promise to improve the town over the next year.

Discussing this, Dr Stoate said, "whilst I am very disappointed that the council has not responded to me directly, particularly given that my letter was delivered over five weeks ago, I am delighted to see that the council is at least listening to my concerns, and those of thousands of local people.  Cllr Kite's admission that the town centre is in need of investment represents a step in the right direction."

"My colleagues working on the council also tell me that councillors on the ruling group have agreed to put money aside for investment in the town centre, meaning that we should definitely see some improvements over the next 12 months.  Naturally I hope that this improvement will begin the process of making Dartford a better town to visit and enjoy."

"Since I began this campaign, particularly the decision to place pictures of the town on my website, I have noticed a marked reduction in the overall levels of rubbish and litter within the town centre, and whilst there are still some appalling sights, particularly the bins, street signs and benches, this represents a start.  I am going to continue to keep the pressure on the council to maintain this, and indeed make the further efforts that are required to give us the town centre that we deserve and can be proud of."

The latest pictures of the town centre can be seen below.  Once again, simply click on the top image to view the subsequent picture.