SUPPORTERS of axed Swanley town councillor Nikki Hill have rallied together to give her their backing.

The former White Oak ward councillor broke rules by not attending a full council meeting for six months, despite attending several committee meetings and community events.

Ms Hill received a letter from the town council on November 28 confirming her removal as a councillor.

Households in Ms Hill's ward have since come out in support of the ex Tory councillor, recognising the work she has done.

Carrie Paz, 34, of Alder Way, Swanley, said: “I don’t think they’ve been fair, it’s disgusting.

“I’m a young mum with three kids and she has tried to put on some really good things for families and children - now she’s not on the council it’s awful.”

Elected in May, Ms Hill campaigned for a one-day ice rink in Swanley but this was turned down by Sevenoaks District Council, who claimed it did not offer value for money.

Rachel Roberts, 32, of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley, said: “When I found out an ice rink might be coming to Swanley, we were really excited.

“My little girl said ‘Mummy, it will be so magical’ but now it will be another year of doom and gloom.”

Ms Hill, a mother-of-two, missed council meetings when she was on holidays on June 29 and September 28 meaning she had gone six months and 12 days without attending.

She said: “They are wasting resources doing this when I have clearly put myself out for the good of Swanley.

“They haven’t given me the opportunity to explain my situation."

Town council clerk Brian Daley said: “We sought legal advice as the councillor attended a number of community events organised by the town council during the six month period.

“Once it was clarified such events, meetings and functions were not approved attendances, the vacancy was declared.”

The vacancy is advertised and residents have until December 16 to contact Sevenoaks District Council and request a by-election.

MS HILL’S WORK AS A COUNCILLOR INCLUDES:

:: Campaigned, unsuccessfully, for an ice rink to be opened in Swanley for one day this month

:: Master-minded Santa’s Grotto, due to appear in Swanley on December 19, complete with live reindeer

:: Protested with residents in Edgar Close about a proposed phone mast and supported them at the planning meeting in October

:: Attended the Swanley in Bloom 2011 Awards Ceremony with other town councillors in September

:: Represented the council at the opening of the ‘Bull Hotel’ in Wrotham Village in May