Councils in east Kent have published a business case for a super district but Ashford DC has quit the plan.

Senior figures at Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet DCs have now completed a feasibility study for a merged authority, which would be the largest of its kind in the country.

Ashford BC announced today it no longer intended to be involved, but said it remained 'strongly committed to working closely with any future new council'.

Ashford leader, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, said: 'In light of the Government’s devolution agenda, financial challenges facing local government and the opportunity to drive improvements, it was only right and proper that we thoroughly examined the idea, and we entered the process with an open mind and a clear intention to work with the other authorities to explore the options.

'However, having received the business case, we do not believe it is in the best interest for our borough or represents value for money for our residents.

'We also feel it is not in the best interests of the other four authorities for us to continue either.'