by Thom Morris

Lives lost at the old railway works in Ashford during the Second World War could be commemorated with a memorial when new homes are built.
According to an online roll of honour, 18 people lost their lives in 1942 and 1943 when the works were bombed.
Beatrice Shrubsole contacted the Kentish Express after our story about redevelopment of the disused works and has been asked to get in touch with developers Kier to discuss her ideas on how best to commemorate those who died.
Beatrice lost her father Jack Brown on March 24, 1943 after a bomb ricocheted into a wall near where he was working. The wall fell on him and he was found dead under the rubble. Beatrice was just nine months old at the time.
Plans have been submitted for the first phase of restoration of the old Southern Railway Works in New Town Road.
Designs by Kier are for 107 homes including houses and apartments. Kier wants to build 788 houses and flats plus 140 homes within listed buildings on the 7.88 hectare site.
Kier spokesman Jane Mason said: “Any Kier designs for the development would reflect the historical context of the site, and a plaque regarding the history and workings of the railway site has already been mentioned in design meetings.”
The Kentish Express would like to hear from you if you lost a loved one at the railway works and hear what ideas you have to mark the site. Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to 34-36 North Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8JR.