by Tim Collins

tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Kentish Express has launched a petition calling on Kent County Council to rethink its decision to relocate a pair of boulder sculptures created by renowned sculptor Antony Gormley from Ashford to Maidstone.

As part of our ongoing 'Bring Back Our Boulders' campaign we have lodged a petition with KCC calling for a full council debate on the relocation idea.

Designed by the creator of the Angel of the North, Antony Gormley, below, the boulders were the artist's first professional commission.

The vandalised nine-tonne rocks - which had been sited at Singleton Lake, near Ashford, for about 30 years - were removed by their owners KCC and have been undergoing restoration for the past year.

But with repairs nearing completion, KCC says it intends to move them "most likely to the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone" - saying there is nowhere "suitable" in Ashford to relocate them.

Kentish Express editor Robert Barman said: "The Gormley sculptures were commissioned to be in Ashford and should remain here."

Councillor Bernard Heyes, Ashford council's culture boss is also backing the campaign.

He said: "I'm happy to support the Kentish Express Bring Back Our Boulders campaign.

"Ashford is a growing and significant town and I think it is only appropriate that the sculptures be returned to us. Any pressure that your readers can put on KCC to rethink their decision would be beneficial."

To back our campaign to ensure KCC debates the boulders' location visit www.kent.gov.uk and click on e-petitions under the 'have your say' section of the site.