Ashford Borough Council and Shepway District Council are to hold talks about pooling their resources to save money and improve efficiency.

Leaders and chief executives of the two councils have agreed on talks on sharing workforces and skills.

Similar schemes have already been tried by other authorities in the country to save money in the face of austerity cuts.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Ashford leader, said: “We have always enjoyed a good working relationship with Shepway. Since Cllr David Monk and I were both elected as leaders this year we have both developed a close working relationship.”

“It is a little too early to say where this might ultimately take us but we look forward to exploring opportunities for closer collaboration with our Shepway colleagues.”

Ashford is already in partnership with other neighbours, Maidstone and Swale councils, for recycling and refuse collection.

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.