A group of highly influential Kent Ambassadors visited Ashford to find out about the dynamic developments that Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and its partners have been taking forward within the borough over the last few years, and the exciting plans for the future.
As a finalist in this year’s Local Government Chronicle awards in the categories of Council of the Year and Entrepreneurial Council of the Year, ABC representatives showcased our innovative approach to becoming a commercial council, whilst delivering high performing services for our residents.
Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “The Kent Ambassadors visit to Ashford gave us an opportunity to update some very influential people in the county on the successes we have achieved and our general approach to getting things done.
“They were very impressed by the breadth of investment we have seen, the amount of schemes which are currently underway and the projects which are on the horizon.”
The trip involved a tour of some of the £590 million worth of developments that are currently being delivered in Ashford town centre, including the Commercial Quarter, Elwick Place, Ashford College, Curious Brewery, The Coachworks and Ashford Designer Outlet.
Kent Ambassadors are a grouping of highly successful and experienced people who either live or work in Kent and who have come together, by invitation, in a voluntary arrangement to help all aspects of life in Kent.
Each year the Kent Ambassadors undertake a visit to a district/borough to learn more about an area and champion their findings around the County, as well as exploring other ways they could help, encourage and support projects. This year the Kent Ambassadors visited Ashford on Thursday 23rd August.
Richard Collins, Chairman of Kent Ambassadors, said: “The Ambassadors had a very interesting and well organised visit to Ashford as part of their annual programme.
“It was a great insight into the fantastic development that is going on in Ashford. The passion that everyone displayed was inspiring. We will definitely be watching with interest the progress of this very forward-thinking council.”
