Positive results have been achieved for the community of Sandwich despite a difficult year.

This was the optimistic message from the Mayor, Cllr Joe Trussler, at the annual town meeting.

He reported good news on the long-awaited improvements to the toilets on The Quay, with work due to be completed by July or August.

“This work is of paramount importance, as the majority of complaints we receive are about the condition of these toilets,” he said.

Cllr Trussler said plans to light the skate park on The Butts had been a challenge but progress was being made.

A controversial proposal to move the district council area office to Sandwich library was halted and it will now operate from the main lobby at The Guildhall.

The area office has been offered to the Citizens Advice Bureau, which Cllr Trussler said would be of great help to the community, particularly in the current economic climate.

He added that the council was working with the police to reduce crime and is one of the first towns to adopt the PACT (Partners and Community Together) scheme.

“This initiative highlights problems within the town on a monthly basis and we work together to overcome them,” said Cllr Trussler.

“We used Sandwich Toll Bridge fund money to buy a speed gun to help police monitor speeding throughout the town.”

Cllr Trussler ended his report by highlighting how the town is admired for its “charm, character and people” and how they have to work hard to keep it this way in an ever-changing world.

“I know this council has the courage to do what is needed to help Sandwich remain the lovely town that it is.”