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Deal Conservative Party accuses Labour of overspending during control of town council

The Deal Conservative Party has accused Labour of overspending during its control of Deal Town Council.

The claims are in a leaflet for the Middle Deal by-election, after Emma Carr stood down to spend more time with her family.

Juliette Short (Con) and Nick Tomaszewski (Lab) are in the running for the seat and the voting will be held on Thursday, June 23, the same day as the EU referendum.

Conservative leaflet
Conservative leaflet

Mrs Short’s leaflet claims Labour increased council tax by 36% over five years, wasted £45,000 in settlement fees after claims of bullying of the town clerk, and used expenses on foreign “jollies” with members of working groups travelling across Europe.

The leaflet states: “While funding for these jollies did not necessarily come from Deal Town Council it was funded by various public sources be they EU/KCC, all of whom are financed directly by Deal residents among others.”

The Conservatives also say that there was a 2% reduction in council tax during the last year when they had control of the authority, and zero expenses were claimed by Tory councillors.

"I want what’s best for the town and the people, so people remain in the town as I love it here." - Mrs Short

This meant they could top up the grant budget with this cash and gave a total of £17,700 to community groups and charities in the town.

Hitting back, Mike Eddy, leader of the Labour group on Dover District council, claims the 2% reduction in council tax meant a small saving of £1.16 per year for an average household.

The Deal town and county councillor also said Labour reduced the amount of expenses from £450 to £300.

He said: “The expenses are meant to cover travel to and from meetings, some of which are out of the town, parking charges, additional costs for phone and computers. It is a decision for every councillor as to whether they claim expenses or not.”

Juliette Short, Middle Deal candidate
Juliette Short, Middle Deal candidate

Labour’s Peter Inch decided not to take expenses.

Cllr Eddy hit back against claims taxpayers’ money was used for jollies. He said £500 was put aside to build European links per year and the funds were used so James Tillitt and an apprentice at the Astor Theatre could participate in a conference in Portugal.

Labour increased the grant budget to £15,000 in its last year in power. Cllr Eddy said council tax was raised during that period because DDC council grants were due to be cut.

He said: “I think we are all heartily sick of the Tories’ pathetic smears.

"I love this town. It’s a wonderful town where people want to live, work and visit." Mr Tomaszewski

“They have not even tried to act as a responsible opposition and in their brief period of domination of the town council they have shown precious little initiative and direction.”

Nick Tomaszewski, 73, of Church Lane, Deal, is standing for the Middle Deal ward for Labour.

He has been a Labour supporter all his life, was born in Canterbury and moved to Deal in the 1960s.

He later moved away for work but on his retirement as a senior lecturer in Canterbury, he came back to Deal two years ago.

Nick Tomaszewski has gained a seat on Deal Town Council
Nick Tomaszewski has gained a seat on Deal Town Council

He lives with his wife Muriel Tomaszewska and the couple have four children and nine grandchildren.

He said: “I love this town. It’s a wonderful town where people want to live, work and visit and I’m very conscious of our town motto, Befriend the Stranger, that’s exactly what this town has done for me and now it’s time for me to give something back.”

Juliette Short, 51, of London Road, Deal, is standing for the Conservatives.

She is self-employed running wedding car hire and catering businesses and is a trained therapist.

She lives with her husband Kevin and has three children.

She said: “I want what’s best for the town and the people, so people remain in the town as I love it here.

“It’s great but it could be better. I want to encourage more people into Deal and get more money into the town.”

Mrs Short moved to Deal 10 years ago and said she wants to carry on the good work the Conservatives have been doing.

Polling stations open 7am until 10pm on Thursday, June 23 at Deal Christian Fellowship Hall, Sutherland Road, Deal, Linwood Youth Centre, Park Avenue, and Warden House School, Birdwood Avenue.

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