On top from the terrible events in Ukraine, it has been a difficult time for us in Kent with the problems at Dover spilling over on to our roads. I know how frustrating this is and have been urging local and national authorities to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
As we approach Easter next week, I hope many of you will or have already visited our newest addition to Ashford, The Range, which opened on 18th March and replaced what used to be, John Lewis. Although we lost a well-established store we have now gained another excellent one. This is good news as we welcome this investment into Ashford that will benefit our community in the long term and attract more visitors to our Town. Now that restrictions have been lifted and we return to normality, I hope to see the store busy and helping to create a positive atmosphere throughout Ashford during the holidays.
Not only do we have the arrival of The Range to celebrate but Brompton, the UK’s largest bicycle manufacturer has decided to produce a new factory in Kingsnorth. As we move towards a healthier lifestyle and encourage cycling strategies, Ashford Borough Council will support Brompton to help transform the way people travel and to provide an opportunity for a wetland to be restored. This new facility will also become Brompton’s Global Headquarters and it is estimated that over 4,000 jobs will be created locally. This new investment is excellent news for the environment and especially for our local economy boosting job prospects. I am looking forward to its opening and for Ashford to be recognised as a cycling hub.
With much to celebrate locally, I must mention a national celebration that I’m sure everybody is very excited about and looking forward to – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with celebrations beginning from 2nd June 2022. I hope you all will make the most of these celebrations and enjoy the events. I am really looking forward to the 4-day bank holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen’s historic 70 year reign.
I wish you all a happy and healthy Easter and I hope we can all enjoy the summer, when it arrives!
