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Tax protest over poor roads

By Hayley Robinson

A campaigner is refusing to pay part of his council tax bill in a bid to make a stand about the state of Kent's roads.

Paul Dunford, creator of the Facebook group Swale is a Mess, has been putting pressure on Kent County Council (KCC) for almost three years to resurface the roads close to and including Dobbie Close where he lives.

But when he recently received a letter saying no action would be taken as the roads were not considered to be a priority, the 42-year-old lorry driver decided to cancel his direct debit and sent a letter explaining he would only pay the portion that goes to Swale council and the emergency services.

He said: "I am not paying anything to KCC until I see an improvement in these roads. They're more than 40 years old and they've never been resurfaced.

"As soon as the improvements have been done I will pay the outstanding amount."

A spokesman for KCC said: "Kent's road repair crews have fixed a massive 80,400 potholes since the start of the year.

"But as crews continue tackling potholes throughout the summer residents are asked to be patient."

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