A petition for an Ashford ice rink gains traction with over 170 signatures. Ashford resident Sarah Vince advocates for increased recreational opportunities and easy access.
Sarah Vince, from Kingsnorth, started a petition because she loves skating after watching Torvill and Dean. Growing up, the rink was too far from Tenterden, so she couldn’t learn easily then. At 45, Sarah lives in Kingsnorth, Ashford now. She made learning to be a New Year’s goal and currently takes lessons in Gillingham.
Sarah feels Ashford desperately needs a rink, as it would improve access to this limited sport. Sarah works at Earlscliffe boarding school, and now that she skates, she wishes she had learned sooner. Gillingham is 40 minutes away usually, and having one closer would be very nice. Ashford needs more things for people to do.
Ashford has two cinemas and a bowling alley currently, but gyms can be costly, she thinks. Skating suits everyone of all ages. Sarah started her petition in January this year, and she is surprised by the positive response. 170 people have signed the petition now.
Leacon Road would be ideal, she believes. Sarah says it’s next to Matalan and is a flat, properly sized area. This facility is actually needed by everyone, and online responses show many agree with her.
Comments are positive for the most part, which confirms people want such a facility. Some say Ashford “never gets anything,” but she feels you simply must try. Ann Quarterman signed the petition also and writes that Ashford needs leisure facilities.
Karen Jackson thinks a rink would help Ashford, and she notes health and social benefits too. She declared that “no social activity places” exist now and believes a rink would help the town greatly. Currently there’s only a cinema and Outlet.
Amy Nash supports the plan too, stating an ice rink would benefit all ages. Bluewater has an ice rink sometimes, but it is seasonal, not open year-round. It will return later in the year, and Ashford has discussed a rink for years, but nothing has happened so far.
In 2008, a temporary rink was put outside Panorama to celebrate the ring road’s completion. That was only open around seven weeks. In 2016, plans to overhaul Victoria Park occurred.
The council planned an open space then for movies, skating, and fairs. They also considered archery possibly. Almost ten years later, nothing happened. Sarah hopes to bring her petition to the council soon and wants councillor support on this.
The council welcomes any plans for a rink, as they wish to add to existing facilities. The council feels it would assist Ashford.
