麻豆约拍

Are there too many people in Kent?

There are 1.7 million people who live in the county. Those figures come from the Census we all filled in last year. In the last ten years Kent's population has grown by nearly 150,000. That is basically like adding another city the size of Canterbury.

The whole country now has a population of 56.1 million. The average age of a British citizen is 39 - but in Kent we tend to be older - we have more 45-49 year olds than any other age group. And one on five of us are over 65.

In Kent the area with the fastest growing population is Ashford where there are 15,000 more people than in 2001. If you live in the Ashford area - does it feel overcrowded?

The population may be growing but the Borough Council says you are a pretty happy bunch - a MORI poll shows you have among the best quality of life rating anywhere in Kent?

Are there enough homes, school places, hospital beds?

Why are there more of us? Three reasons - immigration, birth rates and increasing life expectancy.

It has been 64 years and now the Olympic torch is back in Kent!

Over 70 days, 8,000 torchbearers will carry the Flame a distance of approximately 8,000 miles during the Relay.

Today, it is our turn!

Lit from the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, the flame has already travelled around the UK passing through over 1,000 cities, towns and villages on its way the to Olympic Stadium.

We will bring you live coverage as the torch passes through the town.

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