A new youth activity centre being built in Stone will be named after murdered schoolgirl Claire Tiltman.

The decision was made by members of Stone Parish Council after a recent consultation regarding the council’s scheme in Cotton Lane, that will see the activity centre built alongside 16 residential properties.

Claire, of Woodward Terrace, Stone, was brutally murdered in an alleyway off London Road in Greenhithe on January 18 1993, just a few days after her 16th birthday. 

Last month Colin Ash-Smith was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison.

Construction of the centre will start in the spring, and it will provide space for Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme activities.

At the time of her death, Claire was taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, something she had inspired friends to take part in as well.

Council members, family, and friends of Claire agree the proposed activity centre provides a fitting opportunity to commemorate Claire and ensure her memory lives on.

Council chairman John Burrell said: "Claire was murdered in the most tragic way in her teenage years, taking away her ability to have a life full of experiences and achievements. 

"The parish council’s proposed youth activity centre is specifically designed to provide local children and teenagers with valuable life skills to enable them to prosper in life in a way Claire was sadly unable to."

Click here for further details regarding the proposed centre.