Kent County Council bosses say they will not “bring back Bob” – and have replaced him.

KCC-employed community warden Bob Hughes was told he was “too challenging” and therefore did not have the job as community warden for Sevington, Smeeth, Brabourne, Mersham and Aldington after his six-month probationary period came to an end last month.

Hundreds of villagers have expressed their anger at the county council’s decision as Mr Hughes, a retired Met police officer with 33 years’ experience, was very popular and had made a big impression since being taken on in March.

At a meeting between parish councillors, Ashford borough councillors and KCC’s head of community safety and the managers of the warden service last Thursday, county council bosses refused to give any explanation as to why Mr Hughes was dismissed and said there was no way that he would be reinstated.

Parish councillors have expressed the wish to employ Mr Hughes as a parish community warden but do not have the funds to pay for him.

Local councillors were told at last week’s meeting that Richard Sinden is now the permanent warden for the villages. Mr Sinden, until now, has been the community warden for Bethersden.

In a statement from KCC, a spokesman described Mr Sinden as: “One of Kent County Council’s most experienced community wardens, having served for seven years as the community warden for several rural communities and villages east of Ashford, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience particularly applicable to these parishes.”

Mr Hughes has entered a post dismissal grievance procedure with KCC.

In a letter written this week to villagers, Mr Hughes said: “As of this moment, the only reason I have been given for my dismissal was told to me on the 27th of August by Mrs Noden (Mr Hughes’ line manager). She stated that it was due to me being too challenging. This altered a few days later to include the allegation of being intimidating. At no time have I ever been provided with any form of evidence that supports these assertions.”

For more on this story, see this week's Kentish Express.

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