Council outlines future priorities for the borough

A consultation on the plan was held between May and June

A borough council in Kent has set out its priorities for the next four years in its new corporate plan.

Ashford Borough Council detailed how it hopes to achieve its vision of making the area a place where "people, business and nature can collectively thrive".

The three pillars of "Our Plan for the Borough – 2024-2028", against which progress will be measured, are planet, people and place.

Council leader Noel Ovenden said: "We face many challenges, [including] maintaining financial stability, serving a growing population, and tackling climate change."

'Considerate and inclusive council'

The authority said it wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create places for nature, listen to and service the community, make best use of its resources to build an "equitable and fair society", and to make the area "a place people are pleased to call home and love to visit".

Mr Ovenden said: “Whilst we may not be in control of the national picture, of which our borough is a part, we are in control of how we react to the issues that affect us.

"We will be a listening, considerate and inclusive council.”

A consultation on the plan was held between May and June, and there were 158 responses which were considered, the council said.