Kentish Express Ashford & District
Survey on town’s ‘at-risk’ WWI tank delayed for a year
Election and coronavirus have held up work
Survey work on Ashford’s unique First World War tank “at risk of collapse” will resume this year.
The Mark IV tank has been stationed in St George’s Square since August 1919, and is the only publicly viewable machine of its kind.
It was donated to the town in recognition of the war bonds bought by residents to fund Britain’s war effort.
But a report issued by Ashford Borough Council in September 2019 revealed the registered war memorial could collapse in 15 to 20 years.
Among the early findings was that “extensive conservation treatment of the metal” was required to lengthen its lifespan.
In 2019, a chain and signs were installed to deter children from climbing on the machine.
But council chiefs say that due to the last general election and coronavirus pandemic, a broader survey has not yet been conducted.
Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con), leader of the council, said: “This poignant and cherished tank is
now Grade II-listed and is a registered war memorial, which has been with us for more than a hundred years.
“We commissioned a basic condition survey of the tank in April 2019 which established that it was basically stable, but was at risk and in critical need of a large-scale intervention to re-establish the structural integrity and to recommend the conservation treatment needed to secure the long-term future of this heritage memorial.
“Following the basic condition survey it was clear that a much more detailed structural and mechanical survey was needed.
“Accordingly, a project initiation document was prepared and submitted on September 5, 2019, for a full structural and mechanical survey with recommendations for future conservation be commissioned and this was approved.
“However, in the meantime on October 24, 2019 the new Prime Minister had announced a general election for December 12, 2019 and the council had to swiftly prepare for the electoral duties associated with this general election.
“Unfortunately, the ensuing coronavirus pandemic at the early part of last year, quite rightly, meant that our focus was and still is on supporting the community and delivering the priority services included within our recovery plan.
“Our First World War Mark IV tank, now a registered war memorial, is of great significance to the people of this borough and the detailed survey and advice will be commissioned early this year.”