An outraged New Romney ward councillor is gauging opinion from the district’s taxpayers’ after finding out that £320 of public money was spent on a lunch with transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The “private” meeting at Rocksalt restaurant in Folkestone Harbour included three of the minister’s staff, Shepway District Council’s chief executive Alistair Stewart, leader Cllr David Monk and Cllr Matthew Balfour, of Kent County Council.

It took place on Tuesday, February 16, after a visit to Shakespeare Cliff in Dover, where the damaged Dover to Folkestone railway line is undergoing extensive repair work.

Cllr Susie Govett, of Meehan Road, Greatstone, has encouraged people to take her online questionnaire after criticising Shepway District Council for forking out £320.75 on the lunch.

Cllr Govett said: “When I first heard about it I was outraged as that is nearly three months of my council tax gone on that.

“Was it really deemed necessary?

“There are lovely restaurants in the area that are much more reasonably priced – it works out about £45 per head.

“We are in an age of austerity.”

The angry councillor has tabled a question to the SDC leader at next Wednesday’s full council meeting. She will ask Cllr Monk whether this amount is acceptable.

She said: “I am just collecting the information now and working out what the best way forward is.

“What was wrong with them meeting in an office?

“I know I have been cross but I just wanted to see how people felt about it.”

So far more than 200 residents have taken part in the survey which gives people multiple choice answers about how much should be spent on a hospitality lunch.

A SDC spokesman said: “The meeting was to discuss local transport issues, including the railway line, and the impact of Operation Stack and illegal overnight lorry parking on local roads.

“The cost of the hire of a private room and lunch for seven people came to £320.75, which was paid by Shepway District Council.”

To take the survey, visit