A borough councillor has been forced to take a break from tackling constituents’ issues after being admitted to hospital.

Maidstone Borough Councillor Matthew Burton took to social media to alert his followers to the issue and that he would return calls when he returns.

The Park Wood and Boughton Monchelsea ward councillor posted a statement on Facebook yesterday evening giving an update to his situation.

He wrote: “If you have been trying to get in touch with me over the last week or so, my sincerest apologies.

“I have been taken into hospital because of what seems to be a setback in longstanding condition. I am awaiting a transfer to another hospital at the moment, but hope to be back in action in the near future and will return all calls, texts, tweets, messages and emails when I'm up and running again.

“In the meantime, if you live in Park Wood and Boughton Monchelsea North and have been trying to get hold of me urgently, please try my colleague, Cllr Jade Webster.

“Her contact info is available on the Maidstone Borough Council website. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”