Minister impressed by visit

Local government minister Bob Neill MP has endorsed the new vision for Ashford on a recent visit to the borough.

The minister (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Communities and Local Government) made use of Ashford’s high speed rail link and joined members of Ashford Borough Council cabinet and invited guests at Ashford Gateway Plus for an update Ashford’s progress in the context of the coalition Government’s localism agenda.

The council’s chief executive spoke on how the authority informs, advises and delivers evolving government policy, while head of planning Richard Alderton spoke about the town’s economic development.

There was also a speech about Ashford’s culture, youth and leisure offer with emphasis on the Olympic games by head of culture Mark Carty.

The minister then addressed guests and took questions, before visiting the recently opened Citizen’s Advice Bureau opposite Ashford Gateway Plus and attending a meeting with the CPRE in Charing.

Bob Neill said: “I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen today. Ashford is well ahead of the game in grabbing the opportunities which the government’s localism agenda gives to councils.

“It was useful to come and see some of the trailblazing things that Ashford has done in terms of planning, economic development and community engagement and it’s a clear demonstration that growth and protection of the environment should go together.”

Media release 0252/11
16/11/2011