Labour ward councillor Sid Pollitt and deputy leader of Conservative-controlled Dover District Council, Sue Chandler, will work together in order to create and maintain change in Freemens Way.

It came about after Cllr Pollitt proposed a question to Cllr Chandler at a full meeting of the district council on Wednesday, asking why he had not been included in a discussion concerning the road when he is a Mill Hill ward councillor.

He said: “What and/or who were the priorities of the portfolio holder for housing in setting up a community event at Freemens Way, Deal on October 28, and on what basis did the portfolio holder choose not to provide the ward councillors with a copy of the action plan for the area as requested?”

Cllr Chandler, who is also the portfolio holder for housing, children’s services and safeguarding, and youth and community safety, responded saying the meeting was set up for Deal MP Charlie Elphicke in response to concerns raised by residents.

They also carried out a survey whereby the responses are still being put together.

She has assured Cllr Pollitt he will be included in this exercise.

She said: “I am always willing to speak to board members about decisions in their areas. Board members are always a part of any long-term plans the council has.”

The councillors agreed to speak further behind closed doors.

Cllr Pollitt said: “It seemed there was a political football being kicked around and Cllr Chandler was part of it.

'It seemed there was a political football being kicked around and Cllr Chandler was part of it.' - Cllr Pollitt

"But, we’ve agreed we should put our differences aside.

“We’re really wanting the same thing: improvement for the residents of Freemens Way. We agreed we should work together.”

Cllr Chandler said: “There are no differences between myself and Cllr Pollitt.”

The main concern of Freemens Way residents, for many years, has been the central grass area which is often unkept. Despite it being private land, the grass was recently cut by Mr Elphicke and volunteers.

Cllr Pollitt explained the owner of central grass area has objected to it being a public space. A consultation on public spaces went to the full council early this year and the report is expected by the end of December.

He said: “We can’t do anything as such until the report is published.

“Collectively we want to work with residents to empower them to take control of the land. It’s going to take a lot of effort.”

Cllr Pollitt feels they could encourage the forming of a community group which could control the maintenance of the grass area, depending on the outcome of the report.