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Work is due to start soon on building 300 high-quality homes at Conningbrook Lakes. This development will provide funding towards improving the range of facilities on offer at the Conningbrook Lakes Country Park, which opened in 2015. The aim is to gradually transform the former quarry site into a family-orientated country park around the existing lakes, offering a variety of leisure and waterbased activities. We will also be looking to make significant improvements to the Julie Rose Stadium.

With a beautiful lakeside setting, views to the North Downs and access to a network of country trails, this park is another stunning attraction for the borough – a real jewel in Ashford’s crown.

On Friday July 14 several hundred children from schools in Ashford and the surrounding areas, will take part in the Kent Challenger Games, being held at the Julie Rose Stadium. It is hoped that these games, supported by disabled military veterans, will encourage young people to do something out of the ordinary.

There is widespread support for these games, and it is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to the Ashford Military Covenant by raising awareness of the great sacrifice our service personnel make on our behalf. Find out more at www.kentchallengergames2017.org

One month on, the One You health shop is proving very successful. Hundreds of people have visited the shop, which offers a friendly and welcoming environment.

The services available include bloodpressure checks, weigh-in services, advice on quitting smoking and how to be more active. Also popular is the ‘booth of truth’, where people can find out their weight and total body-fat index in private, and then receive on-the-spot advice about how to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Located in Park Mall, One You is part of Public Health England’s national campaign of the same name. Visitors can either drop in or arrange a scheduled appointment.

Finally, given that our new in-house Aspire Landscape Management team were only formed late last year, I’m pleased our residents have been quick to comment on the good work that they see being carried out by them across the borough to make Ashford appear at its best.