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Tonbridge and Malling is the most patriotic borough in Kent, Ashford the least

As Kent prepares to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, it appears that Tonbridge and Malling is the most patriotic borough in the county.

Its residents have applied to Kent County Council for 84 road closures in order to host street parties - far more than any other authority in Kent.

Cllr Matt Boughton (56895945)
Cllr Matt Boughton (56895945)

Matt Boughton, the leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: "That comes as no surprise to me. We are a very patriotic community and Tonbridge and Malling residents are delighted to have the chance to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee with Her Majesty.

"The Queen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her country and commonwealth for an extraordinary period of time. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude for this service.

"It's very unlikely that generations to come will ever have the opportunity to commemorate 70 years of having their monarch on the throne and that's why I’m pleased that here in Tonbridge and Malling, we have so many events to show our appreciation for all she has done."

He said: "As well as the huge number of street parties, our community is coming together in many other ways to celebrate, including the lighting of a beacon on Thursday at Tonbridge Castle.

"I'm looking forward to seeing so many residents celebrating and having a great time."

Cllr Mike Taylor from Borough Green
Cllr Mike Taylor from Borough Green

In Borough Green, Cllr Mike Taylor, who personally built the beacon which residents there will light on the Thursday, said: "We in Borough Green are very keen to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

"But instead of a street party, we are holding a huge party on the recreation field. We are expecting at least 1,000 people."

Sarah Norrington is one of four residents organising a huge street party in Teapot Lane, Aylesford.

She said: "The Queen actually came to Teapot Lane a few years ago when she visited the Royal British Legion Industries nearby. Her helicopter landed on our school field.

"The children were very excited to see her then and have been big fans ever since.

"The Queen has been a great figurehead for the country for so long and she is a terrific role model for the children to look up to."

The Queen visits Aylesford in 2019
The Queen visits Aylesford in 2019
Children in Aylesford greeting The Queen
Children in Aylesford greeting The Queen
Children from Green Street Green Primary School await the arrival of The Queen at the Royal British Legion Industries, Aylesford on Wednesday. Picture: Chris Davey. (21031414)
Children from Green Street Green Primary School await the arrival of The Queen at the Royal British Legion Industries, Aylesford on Wednesday. Picture: Chris Davey. (21031414)

In total, KCC has approved 567 road closures over the four days from June 2 until June 5 so that street parties can take place.

Coming second highest on the list is Tonbridge's close neighbour - Tunbridge Wells Borough - with 69 parties, closely followed by Canterbury on 66 .

Seemingly least keen to engage with the Queen's celebrations are the residents of Ashford, where only 25 street parties are planned.

But Ashford Borough Council's deputy leader Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) denied that was because of a lack of patriotism

Cllr Bartlett said the figures were misleading.

The number of Jubilee road closures
The number of Jubilee road closures

He said: "In my area, Sevington and Mersham, we are doing the parties off the streets as it's actually easier that way.

"The villages can often be quite spread out so people really need somewhere to park their car, which is a lot easier when it's an off-road event on a playing area or sport ground.

"It certainly doesn't mean Ashford is less patriotic - it just means more people are choosing to have them off their streets rather than closing roads.

"There is a lot happening around Ashford, with beacon lightings on Thursday evening and other events.

"We are all very committed to the jubilee and it will be fantastic to have four days off to celebrate it."

Are you having a street party? Send your pictures to news@thekmgroup.co.uk

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