Plans to commemorate the First and Second World Wars in Ashford have been discussed by councillors.

They say it will be more appropriate to focus on marking the end of both the wars, rather than the beginnings.

Therefore the end of the First World War will be marked in Ashford in 2018 on Armistice Day and the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will be commemorated in 2015.

Cllr Jessamy Blanford , portfolio holder for culture and the environment, said: “I am pleased to support this approach to commemorating the anniversaries of the end of both the First and Second World Wars and I am confident that our proposals will be appropriate and fitting to mark such important and significant occasions.”

Plans to mark the anniversaries include holding the Council’s Civic Awards in the years 2015 and 2018.

The last Council Civic Awards were held in 2012 and marked the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Other proposals include launching an appeal for a commemorative statue or plaque within the borough and setting up a temporary 'Memorial Library' in the town centre.

Cllr Michael Claughton, deputy leader of Ashford council, said: “We need to take note of the word commemorate – this is key.

"Some people say we shouldn’t look back, and that we should move on. But we wouldn’t be in a position to move on if it wasn’t for the people who fought and died.”

The council has agreed however to support and work with any parishes or wards within Ashford which might want to mark the beginning of the First World War next year.

Cllr Graham Galpin has also proposed marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War in August 2014, with an event at Ashford’s Mark IV tank, which is located in St George’s Square in the town centre.

The tank was given to the residents of the town in 1919 in recognition of their excellent response to the various war loan efforts during the First World War and is now thought to be one of only three of its kind in existence.

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