by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Prime Minister David Cameron joined the flurry of high profile politicians stopping off in Gravesham as the final countdown to the local elections begins.

Mr Cameron met people at the Little Pebbles Sure Start centre in Ordnance Road, Gravesend.

Looking tanned just days before his attendance at the Royal Wedding Mr Cameron told the Messenger: "The local elections are coming up and Gravesham is an important area so I am meeting with the council leader and county councillors.

"Kent and Gravesham have committed back office cuts but there are no closures of Sure Start and children's centres.

"Gravesham are also saving money by sharing their chief executive with a neighbouring council.

"They are putting money into the area despite being forced to make reductions."

Highlighting the fact that Gravesham council has been earmarked by political pundits as one that could turn red from blue, along with Thanet and Dover, he said: "Gravesend and Kent are a political battle ground.

"Thousands of people live and work in the area who want services which work for them."

Manager Hema Birdi said Mr Cameron had been impressed by the centre. It sees more than 1,000 youngsters through its doors each week and runs a range of classes including parenting, play sessions, and family planning clinics.

But she said she was not sure whether his visit would change her vote in the May 5 elections.

After visiting the centre Mr Cameron travelled to the New Line Learning Academy in Maidstone.

His visit came a week after Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the Conservative Party's co-chairman visited Marling Cross Library in Gravesend.

• Pictures courtesy of Gareth Fuller/PA Wire