Transportation chief at Kent County Council Cllr Mathew Balfour has lost his task

The politician in charge of roads and transport at KCC has actually lost his job.Cabinet member Cllr Matthew Balfour has been moved out of the function and it is understood that he will be changed by Cllr Mike Whiting, who was re-elected in last year's election.Sources recommend Mr Balfour may have paid the rate for the method in which the

questionable plans to cut back on socially needed bus routes emerged.Cabinet member Cllr Matthew Balfour:"Labour of Hercules"The disclosure that there might be cuts to dozens of paths subsidised by the

council to assist conserve ₤ 4m over two years provoked a furious backlash

with criticisms originating from schools, community groups as well as from Kent MPs.They wrote a stinging letter criticising the proposed modifications to some 70 bus services saying KCC should re-think the strategies. The letter from ten MPs stated:"These services are essential for senior people, enabling them to obtain into towns to shop, visit relatives or go to physician visits. schoolchildren, disabled individuals and low earners also deal with being cut off."Mr Balfour is councillor for Malling Rural East.KCC leader Paul Carter had stated that the release of the information about the proposals was premature and revealed he was taking individual charge of the problem -something which resulted in speculation about Mr Balfour's future.In a statement

confirming the news, KCC leader Paul Carter stated:"I wish to take this chance to thank Matthew for his hard work and devotion as Cabinet Member for the past three years."Mike Whiting has been appointed as his successor as cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste.Cllr Mike Whiting said"I am happy to have actually been provided the chance to go back to Cabinet and am looking forward to the challenge ahead."It is understood that the prepared public consultation on the requirements to be used when deciding where cutbacks could be made -due to start next Monday-is on hold.

Source

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