Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every month downsmail.co.uk MaidstoneMaidstone SouthSouth EditionEdition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling October 2016 No. 234 News Emily Lib Dem choice Marden garden gong FORMER Invicta Grammar School pupil Emily Fermor will stand for MARDEN has been awarded a parliament as a Liberal Democrat against the Conservative MP Helen top award for its gorgeous gar- Grant. dens in the South East In The 23-year-old Oxford history graduate, pictured right, is on Bloom competition. 3 standby for a possible snap general election next spring for the Maid- stone and Weald constituency. Miss Fermor was elected by a single vote in May’s borough council Sex attacker hunted elections to the Coxheath and Hunton ward, beating the Tories. POLICE are hunting a taxi driver She was part of her Lib Dem predecessor Jasper Gerard’s team in who sexually assaulted 2015. a female passenger. 5 Miss Fermor, who works for the London PR firm Bell Pottinger as a consultant, said: “I have lived in Maidstone all of my life and have a knowledge and understanding of our local town and villages that can’t Crossing ‘welcomed’ be taught. I relish the opportunity to prove myself in the coming years.” SUTTON Valence has a new Full story, page 4 pedestrian crossing - with mixed reaction. 6 Medway migrant pass WORK on East Farleigh lock will Cat feared to be latest include a migratory fish pass. 12 Cock Inn award hope victim of serial killer THE Cock Inn at Boughton Monchelsea is in the run- AN “adorable” pedigree cat is feared to have fallen victim to the latest at- ning for pub of the year. 14 tack by the notorious pet killer stalking the south east. MP Grant vote boost A neighbour discovered the dead afraid so. There have been quite a animal – a two-year-old Bengal few with that hallmark.” FIND out why MP Helen Grant called Rosie – whose tail had been The owner has also informed the may get more Maidstone removed at its base. RSPCA, after taking advice from voters. 18 A charity which has been working Kent Police. alongside police investigating the She added: “In many ways, Rosie Ramblin’ too loud work of the so-called “Croydon Cat was the perfect cat. She was very THE Ramlin’ Man Fair music fes- Killer” fears the hallmarks match loveable, very friendly and very, tival was too loud, say previous attacks. very naughty. Not to be replaced.” official figures. The owner, a mother of four from Ella, the mutilated cat found in 24 Sutton Road who has asked not to be been cut down to the back bone. Bearsted, belonged to a family in named, said: “Rosie was just South Norwood Animal Rescue Grove Green. Ukip’s massive win adorable. I am so gutted that anyone and Liberty (SNARL) is now liaising A Kent Police spokesman said: UKIP retained the Shepway could do this to my lovely cat.” with the woman and offering ad- “We received a report stating that a south council seat with She learned of Rosie’s death when vice. SNARL has dealt with dozens cat was found dead in Sutton Road, a large majority. 26 a neighbour found Rosie’s collar. of cases across the south east, in- Maidstone. The cat is reported to The owner then found her beloved cluding Bearsted and Sittingbourne. have been found with injuries it is Obituaries 34 pet mutilated with her tail missing. The attacks appeared to start in the believed to have died from. She added: “I think whoever did Croydon area of south London. “Anyone with information on this this took Rosie’s tail as a trophy. It Asked if tail removal was usual can call Kent Police on 101 quoting Comment 36-37 looked like someone had used a with the assailant, SNARL YY/021239/16 or Kent Crimestop- spokesman Tony Jenkins said: “I’m chopper to take it off. The tail had pers on 0800 555111.” Crime Reports 37 Fears for bank A TRAILER was stolen in Hunton; THE NatWest branch in Staplehurst a caravan was taken from a field attacked by ram-raiders in July is in Headcorn; eight truck wheels still shut with no plans to reopen it were stolen from a yard in Collier while the bank carries out a security Street; a car was broken into in review. Villagers say they fear that Chart Sutton; a vacuum cleaner YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT and tools were taken from a prop- [email protected] the branch could be closed 01622 690290 for good. 5 erty in Marden. 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent CALL US TODAY Brand New Independent MAIDSTONE 01622 687 155 Maidstone Builders Merchants OPEN MON-SAT 7AM-6PM Now Open In Bircholt Road, Parkwood ME15 9XY DOGGY DAYCARE AT GREENWORLD Greenworld Doggy Daycare provides a safe, cage free environment for your dog to spend the day... no more need to feel guilty when you go to work or enjoy a day out! We understand that each dog is unique and requires different amounts of play, exercise, mental stimulation and rest; therefore each day at our day care is tailored to cater for our guest’s individual needs. Our doggy guests are supervised at all times and have access to the many toys and facilities in our secure indoor and outdoor play areas. If you'd like to extend your dog's day with us, we are open for a We are also able Breakfast Club from 7.30 am. For more information to offer 1:1 dog training and additional costs, please contact us. during the day. We serve our delicious UBO dog food. Please contact us for more information. DOGGY DAYCARE OPENING HOURS • Monday - Friday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm Brand New Independent Maidstone Builders Merchants Now Open In Parkwood Maidstone 15% discount for all new account customers 01622 687155 CALL US TODAY 07484 082274 MAIDSTONE FREE SAME DAY DELIVERY 01622 687 155 OPEN MON-SAT Maidstone Builders Merchants Limited Roger James House, Bircholt Road 7AM-6PM www.maidstonebuildersmerchants.co.uk [email protected] Parkwood, Maidstone ME15 9XY 2 Maidstone South October 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Village award blooming great! GREEN-fingered villagers have RESULTS won a top award for their gorgeous gardens and perfect planters just a Best planter/hanging basket: few months after launching Mar- Carole Ennis, Howland Road. den in Bloom. Best front garden: Brian Rayner, The group formed in January with Cranham Square (below). the aim of enhancing the community Best community group/business: and entered this year’s South and Marden History Group. South East in Bloom competition. Budding gardener’s award: The parishioners’ displays, skills Marden Scout Group. and hard work paid off when the Highly commended for judges gave them a silver award. planter/hanging basket: James Chairman and parish council Komorowski, Albion Road and member Anne Boswell, said: “Not Lynda Treliving, Sutton Forge. bad for novices!” Highly commended for front The judges were especially im- garden: Gwen Nabbs, Meadow pressed with the grounds of Rook- parish. Many residents who did not Way, with Steve and Jo Medhurst, ery Court, Highwood Green’s Marden in Bloom members with the enter the competition also made a Chantry Way and Jan Turner, hanging baskets and the colourful South and South East in Bloom huge effort and the village was look- Goudhurst Road. displays in the High Street. ing lovely.” judges; Brian Rayner’s garden (below) One member, Robert Thompson, Plans for fundraising are under- made five planters to resemble apple way for a number of projects, in- crates which were stencilled with cluding planting 2,000 crocuses in Marden in Bloom by Jean Stratton. support of a national charity cam- These were filled with red, white paign which will provide a carpet of and blue flowers to celebrate the colour next spring. It will also be Queen’s 90th birthday. working with local businesses, chil- The group also organised a Best dren, Scout groups and Brownies Floral Display competition, judged and encouraging residents to grow by members of Cranbrook in Bloom. more bee-, butterfly- and bat- Cllr Boswell said: “Many resi- friendly plants. Anyone who lives in dents, businesses and community the parish and would like to join groups made a great effort to enter Marden in Bloom can call 01622 and it certainly has encouraged 833351 email more horticultural practice in the [email protected]. www.castle-cleaning.co.uk INVITATION specialists in carpet & upholstery cleaning Celebrate with us The Opening of The Potting Shed on Saturday 19th November from 3pm till late. Food tasting & Live music Experts in Cleaning Your Home THE Castle Cleaning is a small family run business operating across Maidstone for 10 years and we are dedicated to delivering the highest cleaning standards possible combined with excellent value for money. We are IICRC registered company, we have to adhere to guidelines set down by IICRC. POTTING Our truck mounted systems can clean… SHED • Carpets • Upholstery • Rugs Enjoy a friendly evening in the completely refurbished Potting Shed • Wood Flooring • Patios & Driveways Meet the landlord and new team whilst sampling • Decking & Conservatories our cuisine, wines and fine ales. Welcoming drink, food and entertainment with this invitation • Ceramic Floor tiles/grout • Marble & Granite Floors Sutton Road, Langley, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3LZ Freephone: 0800 3457219 Mention the 01622 862 112 Downsmail for a Mobile: 07920 840972 5% Discount Maidstone South October 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Emily’s bale for Westminster A FORMER Invicta Grammar School pupil has been chosen to represent the Liberal Democrats at the next general election in the Maidstone and the Weald constituency.