Kentish Express Ashford & District
Plan would create more councillors
Residents in South Ashford could soon be represented across five council wards after a proposed new electoral map was drawn up.
They are currently represented by five ward councillors in Beaver, Victoria and Norman, but these could soon be split to reflect the changing population.
South Ashford Community Forum is to submit its recommendation to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on plans for new wards.
Beaver Green ward would cover the area south of Brookfield Road in Beaver Lane, Crownfield Road and Maypits.
Woolreeds ward would cover an area stretching from St Stephen’s Walk across to Kingsnorth Road and include Wotton Road.
Christchurch ward would cover traditional South Ashford streets such as Bond Road, Beaver Road and Christchurch Road.
Station Ward would be created to represent new residents at housing developments to be built in Victoria Road and include Bowen’s Field and Godfrey Walk.
Finally, Watercress ward would extend to the north side of Brookfield Road and represent people living in streets such as Arlington, Hillbrow Lane, Noakes Meadow and Clockhouse.
Overall across the borough there would be four more councillors.
To view the proposals, visit www.southashford.org.uk An Army Cadets leader from Ashford has been praised for his loyal service to the organisation.
Captain James Bilsland, Officer Commanding County Training Team in the Kent Army Cadet Force, was awarded his Cadet Force Medal for 12 years’ service.
Capt Bilsland came up through the ranks, having been a cadet himself, and has held several positions, including detachment commander Tenterden and 10 years as sub-unit shooting officer.
He was promoted to Captain in June 2009.
He said: “I am hugely proud to have worked with the cadets and instructors of Kent ACF over the last 12 years and I look forward to continuing my work with the youth of Kent in my new role as the officer commanding the county training team.”
The Army Cadet Force is one of four cadet organisations sponsored and supported by the Ministry of Defence, the others being the Combined Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps.
Colonel Chris Gilbert, Commandant Kent ACF, said: “I would like to congratulate James on his medal and thank him for his exemplary and loyal service to the organisation.
“We would not be able to run the broad range of exciting activities across the county for the young people of Kent without dedicated adults and officers like him. James is a role model for the younger cadets, adults and officers coming up through the ranks, providing essential leadership and training for our 3-stars and potential instructors.”