by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Town councillors say they are determined Dover will be welcoming, safe and very much open for business for the Queen’s Jubilee and Olympic celebrations in 2012 and beyond.

A working group of councillors has drawn up a list of essential actions and projects which include cleaning up the town centre, the future of the fountain in the Market Square, refurbishing the street furniture and decorating roundabouts.

Councillors also hope to fund "town ambassadors" to manage behaviour and extra public transport to connect local attractions.

"We are keen to include the whole community in the 2012 celebrations and join with businesses to boost Dover’s attractiveness," said Mayor Cllr Mrs Ronnie Philpott.

"The eyes of the world will be on Dover in 2012. While other agencies are organising events around the Olympic Torch, Dover Town Council will be working alongside them to ensure that the millions watching on their television screens see Dover at its best and that the thousands of visitors expected here get a warm reception in a welcoming environment."

Cllr Sue Jones, chairman of the working group, said: "These ideas are all the changes townspeople have wanted for many years. 2012 is the opportunity to grasp the nettle and make it happen. I know we can and will."

Councillors plan to be out on the streets in the coming weeks, meeting with residents and visitors face to face, to find out what they think is important and what they would like to see happen first.

People are also invited to contact the council with any comments and suggestions by calling 01304 242625.