Council award

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has created a new honorary title aimed at highlighting people who have improved life or development in the borough. The recently-established Honorary Ambassador of Ashford award scheme recognises and honours individuals who have made - or are making - a significant contribution to the development, wellbeing, strength and civic dignity of the borough. The first such award to be handed out was given to Dr Liliana Turoiu, President of the Romanian Cultural Institute, in December for her efforts to improve Ashford’s relations with the East European country, bringing a statue of Romanian royal Queen Marie to Elwick Place. Speaking at the surprise award ceremony, leader of the council Cllr Gerry Clarkson said: “The council already has a civic award scheme which recognises individuals who live within the borough to reflect their contributions. “And in the past we have awarded the freedom of the borough to the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment, the Intelligence Corps and REME 133 Field Workshop Company and others. “The new award bridges the gap between these two awards and allows us to honour people who live both within and outside of the borough to reflect their individual contribution to the borough.”