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Army vehicle which served in Cold War returns to Ashford's 'tank' roundabout at Templer Way and Chart Road on A28 after restoration

11:00, 14 December 2014

updated: 11:01, 14 December 2014

After months of restoration Ashford's 'tank' roundabout has got its namesake back in place.

The armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) was taken away for extensive repair and restoration in August.

But the tank - as it is affectionately known among residents - was returned back to its post on the roundabout between Templer Way and Chart Road on the A28 over the weekend.

Ashford's 'tank roundabout' with the vehicle back in place after restoration
Ashford's 'tank roundabout' with the vehicle back in place after restoration

Teams from the 133 Field Company REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) based at the Army Reserve Centre opposite the roundabout in Sir Henry Brackenbury Road carried out the repairs.

Having seen it fall into disrepair, commanding officer Major Phil Linehan approached Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to enquire about getting it fixed after becoming fed up of seeing it fall into disrepair from his office window.

The tank, which has been located on the centre of the roundabout for many years, served in Germany during the Cold War, then was deployed on Operation Granby during the first Gulf War, and then was sent to Bosnia during the crisis there under the United Nations Banner.

Sgt Andy Roberts and Major Phil Linehan from 133 Field Command REME
Sgt Andy Roberts and Major Phil Linehan from 133 Field Command REME

Originally, it had been hoped the tank would have been back in place in time for the Remembrance Sunday services last month.

But the tank's condition was far worse when 133 Company began carrying out work.

There was a lot of plants inside and even a nest of field mice had set up home inside the machine, which they had to wait for them to vacate.

Much of the tank was rotting and had to be fully restored but it is hoped the newly fixed vehicle will remain in place for the next 50 years.

What do you think about the tank's return? Are you pleased to see it back in place? Join the comments below.

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