downsmail.co.uk Warning after


measles cases HEALTH service teams are warn- ing people to ensure they are pro- tected against measles, with five more confirmed cases in Kent. The illness, with cold-like early symptoms, affects any age and can have serious complications. Public Health England (PHE)


South East says everyone needs to check they are up to date with two doses of MMR vaccine. Any- one concerned they have the con- dition should stay away from others. PHE’s Dr Rachel Pudney says: “Measles is extremely infectious, can strike anyone and can have life-changing consequences. “It is important that anyone


who hasn’t already had two doses of the MMR vaccine contacts their GP surgery for an appointment.” Symptoms include:


l high fever (temperature of 39°C or higher); l sore, red, watery eyes; l coughing; l aching and feeling unwell; l a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears 2-4 days after the initial symptoms.


News


KCC leader Carter’s emotional goodbye


KENT County Council’s leader Paul Carter bid a tearful farewell when he stepped down as leader after 14 years. Cllr Carter (pictured), who lives


in Langley, broke down after giv- ing his final address to county hall earlier this month. Colleagues from across the polit-


ical spectrum have paid tribute to a man who led the authority through hard times and who, they said, had shown courage. The outgoing leader was unable


to finish his prepared speech, slumping into his chair as he said: “I hereby formally resign as leader of Kent.” He wiped his eyes and face with a handkerchief. Earlier, Cllr Carter had said: “I


said 14 years ago I would do my absolute best to serve the people of Kent and this council. It has been full throttle all the way.” Cllr Carter has been a county councillor for 22 years and has


been replaced by Roger Gough, a fellow Conservative. As we revealed earlier this year,


Cllr Carter would most likely have faced a coup from within his own ranks, had he stayed on. Many Tories felt it was time for a change and Cllr Gough appears to have been a well-received choice. One KCC member, who asked


not to be named, said: “Paul steered the council through some pretty choppy waters in the auster- ity years, when the budgets were slashed, but all things have to come to an end. “They say it’s better to leave


when you are part of the solution not the problem. Paul is right to have gone when he did. “His job was not for the faint- hearted. The opposition might have railed against him at times and called him all sorts, but se- cretly, they admired his guts and determination. Although not al- ways popular, I think that most agree that history will be kind to Paul Carter.” KCC Lib Dem group leader Cllr


Rob Bird said: “Whilst we may not agree on all policy matters, I will be one of the first to acknowledge Paul Carter’s commitment to the people of Kent and Kent Council Council. His successor will have a very hard act to follow."


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BRINGING THAT LONDON VIBE TO KENT


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