Ashford Borough Council has welcomed a significant step forward in securing the future of the town’s Grade II listed Mark IV First World War tank.
The Ashford Heritage and Memorial Charitable Foundation has been invited to submit a detailed Development Phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, following the successful approval of its initial Expression of Interest.
While this invitation does not guarantee funding, it represents a crucial milestone for the rare vehicle—believed to be the only female Mark IV tank on public display in the UK. The registered war memorial has deteriorated over time, and any successful restoration will require meticulous conservation, technical planning, and financial backing.
The initiative highlights strong local sentiment, reinforced by a recent community petition. Although Ashford Borough Council previously allocated a portion of a £1 million heritage fund toward the tank, alongside the Hubert Fountain and Woodchurch Windmill, external grants and partnership working remain vital to meet the project’s scale.