Police area commander, Ch Supt Matthew Nix, said: "Our main aim for 2011 is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and to continue to improve the quality of life for the people of Swale.

"There is no doubt there are challenges ahead but we are committed to making sure residents see only an improvement in the way their borough is policed.

"Last autumn, Swale was the focus of one of the largest police operations seen at Kent Police in two years, tackling the criminals that cause the community the greatest harm.

"In 2011, we will build on the progress made during that operation, targeting criminals running Class A drug networks and their proven links to offences such as theft, burglary and car crime."

The Archdeacon of Maidstone, the Ven Philip Down, said: "I am delighted to have a brief opportunity to offer the communities of Sheppey and Sittingbourne my best wishes for the New Year.

"The year 2011 looks like being quite a tough year for Britain in so many ways. It will go down in history as a year of stringency and economic hardship for many. It is also clearly going to be a year in which communities will need to address themselves at the level of basic human relationships both in families and in local neighbourhoods.

"This may be a year for a renewed sense of good citizenship taking to heart the call to self-sacrifice and neighbourliness in the teaching of Jesus in the story of the Good Samaritan. Treating each other with compassion and care will make this year one worth living and celebrating."

Swale council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles said: "I would like to wish all readers a very peaceful and happy New Year.

"Through this paper’s reporting, you will all be aware of the tough times that lie ahead in 2011, and we will continue to let you know about where we are and what it means for you.

"We will do all we can to lessen the impact on you and will be open and honest at all times.

"We welcome your comments and your views at all times on any of our services.

"So let’s face 2011 together and be assured at all times that we will work to keep you fully informed."

Chairman of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Labour group, Cllr Roger Truelove, said: "In wishing everyone a happy New Year, I am only too aware that it will be a difficult time for many local individuals and families.

"I have a hope that people’s cynicism about politicians might steadily decline.

"Politics do matter because the decisions made by elected representatives really do make a difference, as people will experience in 2011.

"And honestly, in the 30 years that I have been involved in local politics, I have rarely met any councillor or MP who has not been principally motivated by a sense of public service.

"I remain as impatient as ever to see Sittingbourne regenerated and for the Sheppey academy to be properly built."

MP Gordon Henderson said: "The last couple of years have seen our country having to deal with a huge banking crisis and one of the deepest recessions in living memory. It has not been a happy period and many people have see their personal finances worsen.

"With Britain faced with the task of getting to grips with a national budget deficit that is costing taxpayers £120million in interest payments each day, it is unlikely that 2011 is going to be any easier.

"But we British are a resilient race. We have faced challenges before and working together have pulled through. I am sure we can do so again. Locally we are well placed to ride out the economic storms facing us, with a good mix of businesses in our area.

"My priority will be to help those businesses survive and where possible to expand and provide more jobs."