A TRAVELLING community has hit back at a rise in their rent, claiming that the site is in such a bad state it makes them ashamed.

Dwellers on the Bean caravan site in Claywood Lane responded to a 4.9 per cent increase in their rent by Dartford Council, which was due to be finalised on Monday (February 28).

The rise, budgeted in response to central Government guidelines, will also see council house tenants paying 4.9 per cent more from April.

Mary Ripley, aged 63, who lives on the site with her husband Joe, 65 said: “We first came here 40 years ago and the sheds were exactly the same then as they are now.”

Mrs Ripley said that the site’s toilets have been flooding for years, despite the council promising to replace them.

Forty-three-year-old Rosie Ripley said: “We are out of sight and out of mind to them. We understand that rent goes up but we are living the same way as we did 40 years ago.”

Dartford Council Leader Councillor Jeremy Kite said that the increase in rent is proof of the community’s equal relationship in the borough.

He said: "We are not the sort of council that believes the travelling community should be treated any differently or be a higher priority than anyone else.

"We have invested substantial amounts in the Claywood Lane site. I'm sure we will invest more, but not at the expense of other people in need of housing."

Gravesham Council also agreed a 4.9 per cent rise in council house fees, whilst rent on the Denton Caravan Site in Shamrock Road, Gravesend, is due to rise 4.6 per cent.

Council tax frozen

Gravesham Council also agreed the following budget terms for 2011/2012:

  • A council tax freeze, meaning no increase in rates for the next year.
  • No increase in council members’ allowances.
  • Maintaining the free parking facilities in Gravesend every weekend.
  • Protecting frontline services.
  • A slight increase in the fees paid to the council by Meopham, Vigo, Shorne, Luddesdown, Higham and Cobham parish councils.
  • A shared Chief Executive with Tonbridge and Malling Council from July.

Dartford Council was expected to agree the following budget terms for the next financial year:

  • A council tax freeze which the council hopes to maintain for two years.
  • No cuts to frontline services in the borough.
  • No increase in council members’ allowances.
  • No increase in council officers' salaries.