A PARISH council is celebrating after becoming the first in its borough to be recognised as ‘quality’ by the Government.

Stone Parish Council was awarded Quality Council Status after its overall performance was inspected by a panel from the Department for Communities and Local Government at the beginning of the month (October).

It is the first council in Dartford borough to be given the award, which entitles it to apply to Dartford Council and Kent County Council for power to run some services currently controlled by them, such as minor road repairs and planning applications.

Council chairman councillor Stephanie Thredgle said: “We are delighted to have achieved this award. It confirms that we provide an excellent service to our community and are capable of taking on an enhanced role in service provision.”