Today marks the beginning of long-awaited plans to regenerate the town.

The first spade was put in the ground at 10.30am to signal the start of works to transform the old paper mill site.

Owners London-based Essential Land was granted permission by Swale council in November to develop the land in Milton Road, before being given the seal of approval by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles in January.

The plans include the construction of a £10m Morrisons’ store plus a petrol station, parking and parkland.

Construction will create 40 jobs while the supermarket will eventually employ about 350 workers.

It is expected to open this autumn.

The water tower will remain in place until the phone masts attached to it have been moved to nearby shrub land. It is hoped this will be done in June.

For full story pick up today's Sittingbourne Messenger.