A COUNCILLOR has vowed to continue representing his constituents from his new home – 230 miles away in Devon.

Sevenoaks district councillor Peter Coates upped sticks and left Bitchet Green this week to move closer to his family near Plymouth.

The ward member for Seal and Weald did so with the blessing of his boss, district council leader Peter Fleming.

It is unclear whether he intends to accept his allowance of £3,698.18 for discharging his duties as a councillor for the coming financial year.

The retired accountant was unavailable for comment earlier this week.

Speaking on Tuesday (April 27), Cllr Fleming gave him his full backing.

"He's a really strong advocate for Seal and Weald," he said.

"I've spoken with him and he's retaining close links with his ward.

"He's going to see if he can continue as a councillor and see how it goes.

"If it becomes too much, he will let me know.

"He's got integrity. If he feels he's not doing the role to the best of his ability, he will step down."

One resident in Weald was sceptical about his ability to serve the needs of the community when he was so far away.

Shirley Partington Smith said: "How can you possibly have contact with him when he's so far away?

"I can see no sense in that at all. Surely to goodness there's someone else that can take his place."

But her neighbour Lesley Crowther wanted to wait and see.

"It depends on him and whether he wants to come backwards and forwards," she said.

Although the journey time by road is estimated by the AA as being 4hrs 20mins, Cllr Fleming believed he would still be able to attend council meetings.

"Obviously he will come up to as many meetings as he can and will be actively working on behalf of the people of Seal and Weald," he said.

"There needs to be an understanding of a district councillor's role.

"A large amount of it is done by post or by e-mail."

Cllr Coates has been a member of the district council since 2002.

In that time, he has served on several committees and was a cabinet member until 2006.

Even if Cllr Coates remains in post for the next year, Cllr Fleming said he had promised to stand down at the 2011 district council election.