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Bolt Roundabout on Ashford's Elwick Road gets Covid-Christmas makeover

One of Ashford's favourite Christmas traditions has continued despite the pandemic.

The Bolt Roundabout on Elwick Road is decorated every year for events like Christmas and Halloween, and this year's no different.

The Bolt Roundabout has been given a Covid-related Christmas makeover this year
The Bolt Roundabout has been given a Covid-related Christmas makeover this year

A mystery resident has transformed the sculpture, originally intended to highlight Ashford's railway heritage, into a mask-wearing reindeer.

It's certainly topical, considering that last year seeing someone wearing a mask on the high street was a rarity.

Many residents have commented on this year's design, with a vast number saying it could be the best yet.

The tradition of decorating the bolt goes back at least six years when, in December 2014, the unknown artist added holly leaves and berries to make it look like a Christmas pudding.

The Bolt in Elwick Road has previously been decorated as Christmas pudding. Picture: Gary Browne
The Bolt in Elwick Road has previously been decorated as Christmas pudding. Picture: Gary Browne
Last year, it was a snowman for the holidays
Last year, it was a snowman for the holidays

The next year, the controversial bolt sculpture was adorned with a snowman façade for Christmas, but had also been decorated throughout the year as an Easter Bunny and a ghost for Halloween.

Alex Whitewood, Natashia Whitewood, Amy Kingsnorth and Laura Gray dress up the Drovers Roundabout, but aren't involved in the Bolt's makeovers. Picture: Paul Amos
Alex Whitewood, Natashia Whitewood, Amy Kingsnorth and Laura Gray dress up the Drovers Roundabout, but aren't involved in the Bolt's makeovers. Picture: Paul Amos

Despite some people calling for the bolt's design to be changed or removed entirely, the tradition of transforming it for special holidays is certainly a popular one.

Two siblings also spread Christmas cheer through festive additions to the nearby Drover's Roundabout, however they have denied any involvement in the annual Bolt makeover.

For more quirky and unusual stories, click here.

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