by Graham Tutthill

Kent County Council members had a "day out" in the Dover district on Monday September 14 to see for themselves the efforts that are being made to revitalise the area.

They visited a number of sites where regeneration is planned, before holding a cabinet meeting at Dover District Council offices.

District council leader Cllr Paul Watkins gave the meeting an overview of what was planned for the town for the next 20 years.

KCC Chairman Paul Carter described it as "a very stimulating and exciting look around Dover" and said the county council would do all it could to help the district achieve its ambitions.

Among the places included in the visit were Fowlmead Country Park at Betteshanger, Walmer Science College in Deal, the former Connaught Barracks site at Dover and Dover Castle, the Sea Sports Centre and the Western Heights.

Visits to Astor College for the Arts and Archers Court Youth Centre were followed by lunch at the district council offices and a cabinet meeting.

The aim of the visit was to give county councillors a better understanding of the current situation within Dover and Deal as they take part in talks on future proposals.