Foundation stone should be preserved

In the years prior to the construction of the William Harvey Hospital at Lacton Green, the fastgrowing town of Ashford was serviced medically by the former Ashford Hospital in King’s Avenue which was opened on October 20, 1926, by the Duke and Duchess of York. Despite being smaller, the hospital still gave a first class service and even provided the services of casualty and physiotherapy. After many services had transferred to the new William Harvey, the former hospital continued to provide services for the elderly and infirm, which eventually transferred to Willesborough in the early 1990s. The main hospital became derelict and although the administration buildings were still used by the local health authority, the site stood abandoned for many years. Work is currently under way to create a new housing development on the site, namely Jubilee Place. Many (including myself) have campaigned to retain the illustrated frontage as was originally intended by the developer Abbey Homes, but they now say that the frontage, complete with the foundation stone, is beyond repair. Having looked at the remaining building myself with experts in construction, the frontage is as sound as it was when constructed. Many local people have a desire to retain the frontage as originally promised, but others are more interested in retaining the foundation stone. If the stone is kept and demolition goes ahead, it needs to be retained and incorporated on the site. As someone who is passionate about the history of our town, I would very much like to hear your views on the future of the frontage which is currently in serious doubt.

Do you have any photographs or slides that you would be willing to loan to me, to enable them to be scanned and featured in the Kentish Express? If so please write to me: Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email me at rememberwhen_kmash@ hotmail.co.uk or follow me on Twitter @SteveKMAshford. Or you can also leave a telephone message for me with brief details by calling 01233 623232.