A Kentish Express investigation into the cost of Ashford’s shared space scheme has been praised by a national media commentator.

Roy Greenslade, professor of journalism at City University and former editor of the Daily Mirror, highlighted our exclusive story on his Guardian blog under the heading ‘Why local papers count’.

Following a Freedom of Information request by our politcal editor Paul Francis, we revealed the cost of items in the shared space area, including £1,500 stainless steel bins.

Mr Greenslade wrote: "This is another in an occasional series devoted to showing why local journalism is both good for communities and necessary to sustain democracy.

"Today’s "Why local papers count" highlights a local weekly that has revealed eyebrow-raising details behind the refurbishing of a road that led to a council spending a total of £15.9m on an "upgrade".

"The Kentish Express informed its readers that Kent county council had lavished huge sums on bins, benches and bollards on the Ashford ring road."