Council leaders will have to wait until June next year to learn the fate of £3.2million bid to improve Victoria Park.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has already been awarded a £167,000 grant to help with its bid, but the authority will find out next summer if its application for the full funding has been successful.

The money comes from a £40million Heritage Lottery Fund pot given to 13 parks and cemeteries across England and Wales.

Cllr Mike Bennett, portfolio holder for culture, said: “We are excited that Victoria Park is evolving to the needs and wants of the local community.

"With great play spaces, interesting ecology and quiet spaces to relax, there is already something for everyone, but the extra funding gives us scope to develop this even further.

"Future plans for the park could include improving the play areas, more outdoor activities for volunteers, improvements for wildlife and refurbishment of the fountain."

The council is inviting residents to get involved with the development of its bid.

On Firday (April 20), the newly formed Friends of Victoria Park group will meet for its second meeting at the Civic Centre in Tannery Lane from 6.05pm.

The meeting is an opportunity to discuss ideas about how the park could be managed and maintained, and what issues need to be addressed.

A consultation event will then be held on Saturday (April 21) from 9.30am to 3.30pm in the park.

It will be put on near the Hubert Fountain and will feature activities for all ages.

Anyone unable to attend the friends group meeting or the consultation event can still get involved by filling out an online survey by visiting www.ashford.gov.uk/victoria-park.

Alternatively, visit the Twitter or Facebook feeds at @VictoriaParkABC and Victoria Park Ashford.