DARTFORD councillors are concerned their voices are not being heard by the public.

But it's not a lack of open democracy which is causing problems it's the public address system in the council chamber.

The ruling cabinet is due to agree to a £50,000 refit of the equipment which has "reached the end of its useful life".

A report states: "The current system has been in use for a number of years but is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

"The equipment is now obsolete and replacement parts are not available."

A hi-tech computer voting system will be incorporated into the new design which should be installed in the coming months.