A floral display designed to celebrate Ashford’s rich railway heritage will be placed in the town centre.

The flower arrangement, commissioned by Ashford Borough Council, has been created to replicate the Coffee Pot Train, the first locomotive to be built at Ashford’s Old Railway Works, based in Newtown.

It will be installed within the raised brick planter at the entrance of Vicarage Lane car park at the end of this week.

Portfolio holder for culture, leisure and the environment, Cllr Jessamy Blanford, said: “We believe that the floral display will attract a lot of interest and encourage sponsorship for future installations, drawing upon Ashford’s rich, varied heritage, and celebrating its ongoing evolution.”

The Coffee Pot train was built by Locomotive Superintendent James Cudworth in 1850 and formed the basis for all future locomotives, some of which are still being used throughout the world today.

The new floral display was funded from New Homes bonus money and is part of a series of improvements for floral bedding around the town.

Last month, 40 flower planters were dotted around the town centre and include flora such as Calibrachoa and Bacopa in a range of bright colours.

In addition, the council has worked in partnership with Hadlow College to produce a second art installation, which is scheduled to join the Coffee Pot Train structure in the car park later this week.

What do you think? Comment below or write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk.

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