WW1 Tank statement

An Ashford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Ashford Borough Council can confirm, despite media headlines and misleading information being spread on social media, no decision has been made on future of our World War 1 tank. 

“Some initial conversations with tank restoration organisations have been held regarding what is the best way to protect the machine, one of only a handful to survive from The First World War.”

Council Leader, Cllr Noel Ovenden added: “Some initial discussions have taken place in order to understand how best we can protect this nationally significant rare tank from disappearing through decay. The tank is listed, and so any proposal will require public consultation. 

“Any action taken by the council to secure the long-term survival of this nationally important asset will, out of necessity, involve consultation with the public and other significant stakeholders. That said, the tank is in danger of literally falling apart - the rust has taken hold, and if nothing is done in the next five or 10 years, it will be beyond repair. £1 million has been allocated towards restoring ABC’s historical assets, but the money will not cover all the previous years of neglect.

“Potential options will be put together and at some point later this year they will all be put on the table for councillors to look at all of the options, before the public get to have their say.

Leader Cllr Noel Ovenden reaffirmed this at last night’s Cabinet meeting, adding: “There has been a lot of noise about the tank, with the public being misled that the tank is being moved from the town… no councillors have voted on any proposal to move the tank out of the town.”

A spokesperson added: “Our priority is to protect the tank from further deterioration. The desire to retain this piece of history in Ashford is foremost and we will continue to explore options to achieve that.”

Response from the Tank Museum

“As the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and Royal Armoured Corps, we hold the national collection of historic armoured vehicles and have expertise in the care of First World War tanks such as the Mark IV. 

“The Mark IV in Ashford is one of just a handful of British World War One tanks to survive from over 1,200 built. These early tanks are rare survivors of the world’s first armoured fighting vehicles and are of considerable national historic importance.

“We understand the Council is exploring a range of options to ensure the vehicle can be preserved for future generations. The Tank Museum has not submitted a proposal to remove the tank from Ashford.”