KEY land in the heart of Ashford has been bought to launch development of the new style expanded town.

With funding from the Deputy Prime Minister's office, the South East England Development Agency has acquired the freehold of 1.2 hectares of brownfield site with an option on another 1.4 hectares that was the former Cattle Market site.

Both sites between the high-speed rail line and the Ring Road were originally purchased in 1990 as part of the rail line construction.

It means that Ashford's Future Delivery Board now has control of the land along Elwick Road between Station Road and Gasworks Lane.

SEEDA project director Stephen Sadler, said: "This is an important step towards securing the regeneration of Ashford Town Centre into a thriving, sustainable residential and business community."

Council leader Paul Clokie welcomed the news, which is part of a masterplan to bring land into public ownership.

He said: "It is important so that we can plan for the quality and right facilities to meet the aspirations of the people of Ashford, without getting into lengthy negotiations with private land owners."