27/01/2010 : We're on the Map(posted by Bill Day)

THE first concrete evidence of the part Ashford Town Cricket Club could play in the £2.5billion investment programme to build 31,000 new homes in the area went on public display in a village hall tonight (Wed 27th January 2010).

Just 15 days before the club's immediate future is discussed at an extraordinary general meeting, Ashford Town's future in the longer term was unveiled at an exhibition of development proposals for the growth of the town, at Godinton village hall.

Five words printed in the top right hand corner of a map of the potential development sites in the greater Ashford area marked progress in lengthy negotiations carried out by the trustees of Ashford Town Cricket Club and Ashford Hockey Club.

In the map's category E Zone, the area was clearly marked "Ashford Cricket and Hockey Club". The map identified sites which could be developed for housing or employment, as well as key infrastructure, open spaces, sport and recreational areas.

Feedback from the exhibitions will be assessed before Ashford Borough Council decides which sites to allocate for development when the plan is published for full public consultation in April 2010. There is likely to be a public examination into the Council's Plan at the end of 2010 before the plan can be adopted.

The map reference does not represent firm proposals for a new cricket ground, but it does indicate an important step in the right direction. It means the land has been included in an informal consultation exercise of sites for inclusion in the council's Urban Sites and Infrastructure Development Plan document.

A key to the zoned area notes: "Ashford Cricket and Hockey Club. A site for around 600 homes on either side of the A28 incorporating new, larger sporting facilities for the clubs."

But this is in the longer term. Meanwhile, more immediate short term club issues come under the spotlight at the extraordinary general meeting at Stacians Park, on 11th February, 8pm. The AGM follows the EGM.

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