Memorial details

Last week’s paper carried a story about a memorial service being held in Egerton for American and Canadian airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War. We have been asked to point out that the event was organised by Sue Palmer and husband John for the first time.

They took over the role from her aunt Sheila Palmer and her husband Alan who had previously organised the annual event for 38 years. Owners of a historic village pub say they hope to install bollards around their business this month to stop wayward vehicles careering into it.

Firefighters, paramedics and police were called to The Swan Inn in Little Chart earlier this year when a van ploughed into the side of the pub – causing an estimated £200,000 of damage.

Now landlord Brian Davies, 56, says he is preparing to install 16 oak bollards around his business – but is waiting on Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to approve his plans this month.

“The place was closed 18 months ago and we have turned it around since taking it over then, so it was a bit soul destroy- ing,” said Mr Davies. “The new bollards will help stop the damage – we need to crack on.”

ABC last month approved Mr Davies’ plans for cast iron bollards, but he has since decided to fit oak obstructions – supported by Little Chart Parish Council.

The van crash in February came just three months after a car caused £100,000 worth of damage to the front of the pub –

It was one of numerous inci- dents in recent years. “The van was doing 60mph or 70mph when it hit – we only finished the repairs last week,” said Mr Davies.

He added that after the collisions some people thought the pub was closed because of the ongoing restoration works.

“It’s a listed building, so all bricks are hand-made.

It takes time for them to be made,” he said.