by political editor Paul Francis

Kent County Council has confirmed it has extended the contract for its controversial internet TV station by a further seven months.

The two-year pilot of Kent TV was due to come to an end in September when KCC was expected to decide whether to continue with the channel. That decision will now be made next March following a review.

The decision to offer an extension to Ten Alps - the company that operates Kent TV on behalf of the authority - was agreed by chief executive Peter Gilroy.

In a statement, Cllr Roger Gough (Con), KCC's cabinet member for corporate services and the politician in charge of Kent TV, said: "Kent TV's contract was extended because it employs over 11 local people, it backs Kent business by commissioning content with local companies and is a valuable tool for promoting Kent to the outside world.

"It also raises awareness of the voluntary sector in the county and proves extremely popular with young people, particularly through initiatives such as Sound Clash 2009."

Opposition parties have urged KCC to end the contract at the end of the two-year pilot.

Last year, KCC which originally set aside £1.2million for the two-year pilot, earmarked a further £400,000 to cover the costs of a possible year-long extension.

Although Kent TV was originally intended to become entirely self-financing, it has struggled in the recession to raise advertising revenue.

Cllr Gough said: "Money for Kent TV was agreed as part of the public budget process for 2009-10 and any decision to let the contract beyond March 2010 will follow on from a review."

If the county council does decide to continue with Kent TV in March, there would have to be competition for the contract.