A council leader has revealed plans to scrap the authority's name to help put the district on the map.

David Monk, leader of Shepway District Council (SDC) has called an extraordinary meeting next Wednesday to discuss calling the authority Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

“I regularly meet people who, after 40 years, still don’t know where Shepway is, although some think we are a housing estate in Maidstone or on the Isle of Sheppey.

"We need a stronger geographical identity to support our regeneration, particularly in
attracting new businesses to the district.

“This proposal reflects the name of the parliamentary constituency and the two main
settlements of the area where nearly two-thirds of the population live.

He added: "It is true that the district also includes Hawkinge, Romney, Walland and Denge Marsh and the North Downs but having a name that includes every area of the district is
impractical and is not the case in the neighbouring councils of Ashford, Canterbury or
Dover.”

Although the name of the district was prescribed by the Secretary of State, the council
can, under section 74 Local Government Act 1972, resolve to change it.

A change requires the council to pass a resolution at a specially convened meeting.

The resolution must be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds of those councillors present.

If the resolution is passed the name change will be likely to take effect at the beginning
of the next financial year in April 2018.