Boar dead at side of road

An albino wild boar may have been living in woodland on the outskirts of Ashford.

But unfortunately the magnificent white creature was found dead at the roadside, possibly after being hit by a vehicle.

As the body has mysteriously disappeared, experts are unable to confirm whether it was an albino or simply a pale-coloured wild boar.

Rumours in the area suggest villagers loaded the animal on to a trailer and drove it to a zoo, but staff at Port Lympne and Howletts wild animal parks and Wildwood near Herne Bay, which specialises in the conservation of British wildlife, say they haven’t seen the animal. Plans for a five screen cinema and 60-room hotel on wasteland in Ashford have been unveiled.

A planning application for the ambitious development opposite the Debenhams department store, could be submitted as early as next month.

The proposal includes plans to build a car park and several bars and restaurants on the vacant land.

A description of the project states that it would “provide outstanding opportunities for retail and leisure uses and the creation of new jobs, while also strengthening the town centre’s attractions and nighttime economy.”

The plans also include building 153 homes and associated parking, although it is not clear if these will be flats, houses or a mix of both.