Many people we speak to talk of the decline of the community spirit that Maidstone once had. They talk of how people would know, not just their neighbours, but many people in their street. They complain that life has become insular and unforgiving. People jump in the car on their driveway and zoom off to distant supermarkets - and local shops suffer and go into decline, perpetuating the problem.

Maidstone Greens want to change this. Our policies are about localism, making our community become a community once more. Getting people our of their cars and walking on the streets will make our streets safer and feel safer. When you see people you know, and are friendly with, walking past your house it gives a sense of security. Knowing and regularly visiting your local shops, cafes, churches and other meeting places provides a focus for the community.

Getting local police in the community, police that know the local people, will help to make us feel safe. CCTV does not do this! CCTV does not talk to us and understand where the problems are.

We also want to cut down on the destructive night economy in Maidstone. 14,000 people partying each weekend until the early hours is not good for a healthy community. We need to turn the night ecomony into an evening economy, with more varied range of activities.

It is these steps will start to rebuild our communities.