Two councils in Kent have pledged their commitment to formally working together, one year after they first signed the District Deal.

The agreement between Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council enabled them to work jointly on a number of projects.

The councils admitted progress has not always been smooth over the past year, but the District Deal has had a number of achievements such as securing funding for transport and infrastructure projects.

The councils have now re-committed to the principles of the District Deal in order to deliver key regeneration projects and economic growth.

Leader of Ashford Borough Council, cllr Gerry Clarkson, said: ‘The landscape for local government is ever-changing. Demands on our services are increasing and it is incumbent on the council to be the catalyst to bring inward investment into the borough.

‘Therefore, it is pleasing to me that we have been the joint architect of the first Delivery Deal in Kent, which is building on the strength between Ashford and Kent County Councils and seeking to deliver better results for our communities in the future.’

Mark Dance, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council, added: ‘We go from strength to strength building trust and an effective working relationship with Ashford Borough Council.’