Flanders roundabout marks links with WW1 Poignant reminders of Ashford’s strong links with World War One now greet motorists using one of the busiest access roads to the town. The roundabout where Malcolm Sargent Road meets the A2042/Bad Munstereifel Road and Avenue Jacques Faucheux, close to the Designer Outlet has been renamed Flanders roundabout. It is part of a wider scheme to improve the safety, appearance and maintenance of the town’s ‘gateway’ roundabouts undertaken by Ashford Borough Council’s Aspire Landscape Management team and Kent County Council Highways.
Nine European Quercus trees have been planted and eight ‘British Tommy’ soldier silhouettes and the town’s muchloved floral tank installed. A wildflower meadow containing poppies has also been sown. So not only does this scheme help to make one of Ashford’s key gateway roundabouts safer but it is also enabling us to celebrate our heritage and close links with the Armed Forces.
Battle of Britain anniversary September 2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. 15 September 1940 was declared Battle of Britain Day, when RAF Fighter Command secured a decisive victory over the German Luftwaffe and prevented the invasion of Britain. As we did with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, we will be commemorating this digitally through the heritage section of the council website. There will be information and photos of how the borough played its part in the successes of 1940, and the national picture, and a video message from the new Mayor of Ashford, Cllr John Link. Visit www.ashford.gov.uk/battle-of-britain to find out more.
Health bosses urge residents to get tested The Government has urged communities to get tested if they suspect they might have COVID-19. They are also looking for volunteers to sign up to vaccination trials www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/ coronavirus-vaccine-research
4
NEWS
