A HELICOPTER trip to show politicians the site of proposed new development in the Thames Gateway cost taxpayers more than £4,500.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott visited the Thames Gateway area in January.
He was joined by Kent County Council (KCC) leader Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart for the £4,658.63 aerial trip over the area earmarked for thousands of homes.
A KCC spokesman said: “Sir Sandy met the Deputy Prime Minister in January who said he could have 15 minutes with him at Dartford.
“He joined him in the helicopter to get more time with Mr Prescott. KCC didn’t pay for the trip and didn’t order it.” Mr Prescott’s office said a helicopter was considered the only viable way of viewing the whole of Thames Gateway.
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