A community has shown it is divided over a parish council's plans to buy a new office.

Walmer Parish Council is proposing to purchase a new office and community hub to replace its current leased base in The Strand, labelling it "an investment for residents."

The move requires a loan of £250,000 from the Public Works Loan Board and comes at a cost of an 11% precept rise for ratepayers.

It's the equivalent to 10.5p a week or £5.42 a year extra on a Band D property, which currently pays £48.66 a year.

During a consultation, whereby letters were sent to every household in Walmer, the council asked two questions.

Publishing the results on its website, it's revealed that 401 forms were returned to the office, with 20 showing no vote marked.

Some residents only answered one of the two questions.

Of 376 forms, 188 or 50% of respondents answered that they were in favour of the parish council going ahead with the new office and community hub proposal.

Of 373 responses to question B, 183 or 49.06% said they were in favour of the parish council going ahead with the proposal if it includes at 11% precept increase in council tax.

Walmer Parish Council has declined to comment on the findings but highlighted that the results will be considered at the next full council meeting on December 2.

It will take place at 7pm via Zoom and members of the public are welcome to join.

Visit walmerpc.kentparishes.gov.uk or call 01304 362363.

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