Have your say on redevelopment of community centre

Public consultation launches in Bockhanger

A public consultation on the redevelopment of community facilities in Bockhanger and Bybrook is underway.

It comes after the 50-year-old Bockhanger Community Centre was demolished in April, leaving residents without a community facility.

Last year, a petition campaigning for a replacement community hub attracted 1,700 signatures.

But the campaign - set up by ward member Cllr Diccon Spain (Lab) - was rejected by Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

At an ABC meeting in July where Cllr Spain’s petition was debated, plans emerged for a “predominately residential” development consisting of about 20 to 30 homes to be built on the site of the former community centre.

But now the Kennington Community Council, which was formed in May, has made it a priority to ensure residents have a community facility that “truly meets their needs”.

Chairman Paul Goodwin said: “Community councillors are working closely with ABC officers and the borough ward members to ensure views of the residents are listened to via a thorough consultation process which has already begun and will run through until the spring.

“The aim of the consultation is to properly understand what is required by residents, community groups and local businesses, and also what facilities already exist in the area and what they offer.

“Most importantly when these community needs have been identified and analysed we will then seek to identify suitable funding to build and run a new facility.”

The consultation began with a workshop at the St Mary’s Community Centre in Rylands Road where residents met with police officers and councillors to discuss ideas for the future development of community facilities.

Bosses say it will be followed by a residents’ survey before a ‘community conversation’ workshop is held in March.

Later that month, a report with recommendations will be presented to ABC at its full council meeting.

At last July’s meeting, council leader Cllr Gery Clarkson said the authority hopes to improve the area.

“I think it is right to say that every one of the members in this council is keen to ensure that this borough is seen as one of the best in the country,” he said.

“We care, I care, I am passionate about Ashford and most importantly about the people and that is all the people.

“I am very keen to improve Bockhanger and we do mean business.

“We do own a lot of the land there and we want to get the right mix.

“We are not fudging or delaying the issues.

“If something is really worth doing we will find a way.”

■ For more information about Kennington Community Council visit www.kenningtoncc. kentparishes.gov.uk

Or email Yaz Aboubakar at bockhanger.engagement@ashford.gov.uk for more information about the consultation.

■ What do you think? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup. co.uk

The consultation was held at St Mary’s Community Centre in Rylands Road

Picture: Steve Salter The community centre in Bockhanger shortly after work was completed in 1965

Picture: Ellie Crook The former community centre site is now a wide open space following the demolition