Mike Sole Reporting Back: July 2026

We have finally had it confirmed that Kent will be split into four unitary councils. Elections will take place in May 2027 to a new East Kent Unitary Council that will be made up of the existing Canterbury, Dover & Thanet councils. The new unitary council will operate in a shadow role until April 2028 when it will start to deliver services and both KCC and all Kent district councils will be abolished.

There are huge challenges in disaggregating KCC and combining the services of Canterbury, Dover & Thanet in a very short timescale. When it can take over a year just to get a new road sign put up or a white line re-painted, things will have to move quickly. As a councillor, I will be keeping a close eye on the process and in particular ensuring that when it comes to funding, we get a fair share of the money and KCC’s assets to deal with the unique challenges of East Kent.

I met with KCC Highways to discuss the progress of various Parish Council Highway Improvement Plans and ask for additional measures. A few updates:

Bridge, Adisham & Patrixbourne – 20mph schemes progressing and should be in place soon.

Petham – Stone Street gateway schemes being designed.

Barham – Signage etc to reduce lorries using The Street and Church Lane being investigated.

Bishopsbourne – Safety of Rose Lane junction being reviewed. National Highways to replace No Entry signs on slip road.

Littlebourne – White Lines in Nargate Street to be refreshed.

Lower Hardres – safety of pedestrians crossing the road near Simon Langton Boys’ School being reviewed.

Bekesbourne – KCC, who have now re-installed the reflective barriers, continue to urge National Highways for greater safety improvements on the slip road leading to Bifrons Hill.

Some parish council Highway Improvement Plans are quite old so I would urge parish council’s to update them and ask for reviews with KCC.

I am in regular contact with Canterbury City Council planning enforcement officers about local issues. Much must remain confidential and enforcement is a slow process, but I am assured that action is being taken where appropriate and that all breaches are investigated.

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