If you feel the same way we do, and want to keep Dartford whole, then we truly need your support - and quickly.
Please take 10 seconds to sign the petition below, and also complete the consultation we have also linked below.
As you may have heard, the government has begun the process of abolishing Dartford Borough Council and replacing it with a much larger “super council” that would stretch well beyond our community, reaching across Medway and possibly into Sittingbourne.
One of the proposals on the table, known as Option 4D and put forward by Medway Council, would draw a boundary along the A2. In practical terms, that means cutting the borough of Dartford in two. The line would run directly through many of Dartford's villages, such as Wilmington, Darenth, Hawley and Bean. Meaning one community would be dependent on two separate councils for the same set of services. No joined-up bus service, no joined-up bin collections, and one side of the road paying a different rate of council tax to the other.
Now, Labour's plans to abolish local councils leave everyone worse-off, we all know that - but Option 4D is the worst of the lot. It was even mentioned in a meeting by a Labour Councillor, that villages like Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone and Hawley, "weren't really part of Dartford."
We believe this is not just the wrong option. It feels deeply disrespectful to the communities it would divide.
Every Labour councillor in Dartford has backed this proposal, as has Dartford’s Labour MP. This is a consequence of electing an MP, who, before his election, had never lived, worked or had any real connection to Dartford and its surrounding towns & villages.
Jim Dickson MP must reconsider his support for the plan to abolish Dartford.
Now is the only moment we will get to speak up; the consultation ends on the 26th of March. With your help, we can protect the integrity of our borough, and prevent Dartford from being split in half.
The Government is rushing a consultation through, hoping that you won’t notice. You can complete it here - it's a very long and clunky consultation, be sure to complete your objection to Option 4D.
Please take a few moments to sign the petition!
P.S - If you want to be updated on the issue, or want to be sent a guide on how to complete the consultation, don't forget to check the subscription box at the end!