downsmail.co.uk

MaidstoneMaidstone WWealdeald EEditiondition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

February 2017 No. 238

News Inspector cuts 900 off homes target Queen’s bull in Kent THE number of homes to be built she was “frustrated by the failure to building on A274 Sutton Road A SUTTON Valence farm has re- in Maidstone as part of the contro- take into account” the many con- could be mitigated by providing cruited a Highland bull from the versial Local Plan should be re- cerns raised by residents during the bus lanes and road widening. Queen’s Balmoral estate to duced by 900, according to a inquiry at the town hall. He also warns that a relief road help increase stock. 3 government inspector after a Two residents’ meetings have running between south Maidstone seven-week inquiry. been called by Cllr Gary Cooke to and the M20 – which would ease Hunton plan worry Robert Mellor’s 35-page interim discuss the impact on residents in congestion through Willington report largely vindicates Maidstone south Maidstone. Street, Langley, Shepway, Leeds HUNTON residents are con- Borough Council’s approach but Cllr Cooke said he was “very dis- and Otham – will meet a “signifi- cerned over plans to ex- will now build 17,600 new houses appointed” by the report, which he cant funding challenge”. pand a local business. 6 instead of 18,500 by 2031. said is “full of inconsistencies”.  Special reports, pages 4&5 Local MP Helen Whately said Mr Mellor ruled that house-  Comment, page 32 Village centre plans THE village centre in Staplehurst could be rebuilt in planned improvements. 8 Surgeries team up Artist’s half century POPULAR artist Graham Clarke reflects on 50 years of to face the future creativity. 16 Marden play choice TWO GP surgeries are to merge in a bid to save patient services from MARDEN residents will choose how they want their Government policy changes that look set to close small practices. play area upgraded. 20 The details of the merger were be put out of danger and will be able given in Sutton Valence on Wednes- to meet the government’s demands. day at a public meeting called to an- Mrs Lambe added: “We do not an- Maestro remembered swer questions from patients. ticipate any staff will lose their job as MUSICIAN Jeffrey Vaughan- Joanna Lambe, practice manager a result of this. In fact, we hope to Martin’s life will be for the Sutton Valence Surgery in offer more services and more staff.” celebrated this year. 22 South Lane, says the decision to join The surgeries will stay at their cur- with Cobtree Medical Practice has rent venues, but details of how the Crime Reports 28 been taken to ensure the survival of service will emerge remains to be TWO Shetland ponies have been patient services in Sutton Valence. seen. There is no room to expand the stolen from from a field in Forstal The merger process has begun, with Cobtree surgery, but there is scope Lane, Coxheath. the hope that they will operate as a for growth at Sutton Valence. joint practice by April 2018. Mrs Lambe said: “We haven’t  Mrs Lambe said: “The proposed ironed out all the problems, but we Obituaries 30 merger is our pro-active response to will be pressing ahead with this to  both local circumstances and the opening, which we could not ensure our patients have all the serv- Comment 32-33 NHS national policy (the STP or sus- achieve alone. Finally, the STP also ices they need.”  tainability and transformation plan). proposes the closure of small prac- Martin Stokes, chairman of the pa- Parish Councils 42-43 There are many new building devel- tices to achieve economies of scale, tient support group, said he would opments starting in our practice area and we would like to avoid this. We be attending the meeting. He added: and we do not have the capacity to see this as an opportunity to im- “If the Government, in the form of expand to meet the demand as a prove the service we provide.” the NHS, is proposing to withdraw small practice. The Government also By combining their 6,000 patient funding from smaller surgeries, plans to press ahead with seven-day registers, they say both practices will what else can be done?” Your daily news YOU can now keep up to date with Recycling reminder local news through the DAILY Downs A FOOD recycling sticker will ap- Mail. Our editorial team now feeds pear on bins as a reminder to YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT breaking news to our website at residents. For more, see the Maid- www.downsmail.co.uk. So why not stone Borough Council-sponsored 01622 690290 [email protected] join us on Facebook and Twit- 12-page Borough Update inside. 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent ter and never miss out... 18

01622 IT’S ALL CHANGE AT theTickled Trout Please see our ads on pages 17 and 21 814717 www.thetickledtrout.com FEED THE BIRDS THIS WINTER FOR LESS BULK OR LOOSE BIRD FEEDS REMEMBER YOU CAN’T BUY “CHEEPER”! Premium PEANUTS SUNFLOWER HEARTS 25kg only 20kg £29.90 £19.99

HIGH MEAL WORMS BIRD FOOD ENERGY BEST SONG BIRD all-round mix MIX 20kg 800g 20kg only £19.99 £9.99 £9.99 GREENWORLDPETS.CO.UK Open: 01580 891312 Monday to Saturday 8.30am- CRANBROOK ROAD (A229), STAPLEHURST, KENT TN12 0EU 5.30pm. Sunday 9.30am - 1pm COUNTY COBBLER WE KEYS A family run business with a HAVE Yale type £5 wealth of experience MOVED 2 for £7.50 3 for £10!!! We specialise in men’s leather O We also cut soles stitched on. Mortice, Chub We are in The Mall-Chequers Centre- five b O We can replace ZIPS on the premises Security & most shops in from the main entrance on the right within 24 hours. hand side, next door to Virgin Media. car keys O NEW Specialised keys – i.e. tubular, magnum & laser

O MOST car keys cut HEELS O Engraving Service Ladies – we can also supply trophies & tankards Stiletto Heels O Zippo Lighters from £4.99

O Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced Mens Rubber Heels £7.99 Please call in or call 01622 297600 for expert advice on all of our services.

County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, Chequers CentrH‡

2 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Queen’s Duke Failing fridge gets funeral A FUNERAL director from Coxheath found himself surrounded by paparazzi after dramatically returning his mother’s “dead” fridge freezer to end a row with the machine’s maker. The Indesit appliance was bought by Rafael Learmonth’s 79-year-old mum moves to Kent and had been laid out in her front room for four weeks awaiting collection after a string of break- A FARM in Sutton Valence has ac- downs dating back to quired a new Highland bull 2015. named The Duke – and he comes The ailing model was with a royal seal of approval. bought from Argos in The new arrival at Roundoak Chatham High Street, Farm, in Heniker Lane, was but they told Mrs Lear- brought down from the Queen’s es- month to speak to Inde- tate at Balmoral in Scotland. sit. He will be introduced to increase After three loads of the stock of 120 Highland cows and shopping were ruined in calves resident at the farm. the faulty freezer, Rafael Roundoak owners, Norman and said he would try to re- Ruth Coles are regular visitors to solve the situation. He Braemar where they met Dochy said: “I called Argos only Ormiston, who is in charge of the to be told the manufac- Her Majesty’s Highland stock at turer needed to deal Balmoral. Weald of Kent, began keeping with it. I felt that pass- The Coles expressed an interest in Highland cattle in 2008 with two ing the buck was unac- acquiring stock for their Kent herd cows. This stock was supplemented ceptable.” and last month, they drove 600 by another six within two years. After four months miles to Scotland with a trailer to The Coles built a permanent being “passed from pillar to post ”, he loaded the freezer into the hearse and fetch The Duke. home on the land, which was com- delivered it back to Argos, complete with its own velvet pall. A farm spokesman said: “The pleted in November 2015. He said: “I didn’t want to make a spectacle and took it down a side alley Duke will be introduced to our The farm also keeps more than into the store, but someone posted it on line and it went viral in two days. Highland stock in the spring as part 700 rare breed sheep as well as “I just wanted to take it back and say it’s now yours to deal with. I hate to of our conservation grazing pro- some more commercial stock in- think how many others, like my mum, are stuck with things that are no good gramme which is run with the Kent cluding a herd of Sussex cattle and to them but have no way of returning things. Buck-passing is not right.” Wildlife Trust, Kent County Coun- about 100 Sussex Mule sheep. And his efforts paid off. Argos refunded Mrs Learmonth’s money within cil and Medway Valley Countryside Roundoak also keeps free-range two hours of Rafael leaving the store, with a voucher and flowers arriving the Partnership, to name but a few.” chickens and guinea fowl which next day. Roundoak, on the edge of the roam the yard. 07711 798941

24 HOUR Drainage Specialists 24 Hour Service No Call Out Fees FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE · Blocked Drain Clearing · Sewer and Drain Repairs · Drainage Repairs · Investigative Works ALL AREAS COVERED…… · CCTV Surveys · Sewer Unblocking FAST! · Gulley Changes 10% discount for senior citizens www.icdrains.co.uk

Maidstone Weald February 2017 3 News | Local plan downsmail.co.uk Inspector ‘ignored’ people - MP TORY MP Helen Grant has hit back at the initial findings of a government inspector reviewing Maidstone Council’s draft Local Plan. She says he appears not to have which would divert a significant It is now subject to an appeal listened to the many complaints amount of traffic away from this against refusal last summer. about congestion in the borough. area of the town.” She said: “I am disappointed that The MP for Maidstone and Mrs Grant closed her letter by im- Woodcut Farm remains under con- Weald has now written to Robert ploring the inspector to listen to the sideration as a site suitable for of- Mellor to express her serious con- views of local people. fice development. cern. She stated: “As I indicated in my “Woodcut Farm has previously She has told him: “The interim presentation to you previously, the been refused planning permission findings, which set the tone for the most common concern raised with because of the impact on the land- inspector’s final report, seemingly me as the MP for the area is the scape. ignore the concerns that were rate, scale and impact of housing “The site is detached from the raised, not only by me but also the developments around the county built-up area, so employees would highways authority and a number town. I do not feel that your interim likely access it by car, adding to the of other stakeholders. Congestion is report has recognised the severity congestion and air quality issues.” a particular issue for the South of of these concerns, especially with Leeds Castle chief executive Sir Maidstone where the draft plan regard to congestion. I, therefore, David Steel has also voiced his proposes a large number of houses very much hope your final report grave concerns about the gateway will be built in coming years, in ad- MP Helen Grant can recommend mitigation, and in to the historic tourist attraction dition to those already in doing so will recognise the objec- being built over. progress.” cient to limit or halt further devel- tions raised by local people.” Local people fear if one develop- She also criticised the inspector’s opment in the area. Neighbouring MP Helen ment is allowed, it will open the conclusion that an extension of the Mrs Grant also used the opportu- Whately, the member for Faver- floodgates to similar applications. Sutton Road bus lane would help to nity to again stress the case for a sham and Mid Kent, has also writ- Leeds borough councillor Gill mitigate traffic travelling into the Leeds-Langley Bypass, adding: “I ten to the inspector, drawing Fort said: “There will be a major town centre and her disappoint- feel the people of Maidstone de- attention to the possibility of devel- traffic impact on our village as well ment that Mr Mellor had not felt serve the right for investigations to opment of Woodcut Farm near as Langley and Sutton Valence, to the issue of poor air quality suffi- be made into a possible relief road, junction 8 of the M20 near Bearsted. name but two.” ‘We’ll own the future’ Factors affecting numbers THE final report for the inspector In January, the inspector issued a THE Local Plan inspector considered areas of outstanding natural beauty, who presided over the Local Plan 35-page interim report which flood risks and transport in his deliberations on whether to reduce housing inquiry will return ownership of largely vindicates MBC’s housing numbers. Maidstone’s future back to the policy of more than 18,500 houses This was one argu- town, according to the borough to be built by 2031. The inspector ment put forward by council’s head of strategic planning. has suggested a reduction of 900 to Maidstone and the Cllr David Burton, who repre- the total. Weald MP Helen Grant sents Yalding, said Robert Mellor’s in her submission to the observations on Maidstone Bor- recent inquiry. ough Council’s position on land Mr Mellor stated that supply for development has further in Maidstone, the brown- strengthened the scheme going for- field land available for ward. redevelopment falls well The authority will also have more short of the assessed housing needs. clout in saying ‘no’ to unwelcome He said while the town’s external growth was paused for several years in development plans, he said. the early part of this century, that cannot be sustained if it is to make an ap- Mr Mellor suggested the author- propriate contribution to housing needs. ity, which failed to meet a near 900 He states: “They (the constraints) do not preclude all housing develop- home a year programme in the first ment or create a fixed capacity for the borough. five years of the Local Plan, absorbs “Rather it is necessary to assess locations individually and to apply judg- the backlog over the next decade in- ments as to the impact of development and whether any significant ad- stead of five years. Cllr Burton added: “I suspect in verse impacts can be adequately mitigated.” According to the Planning Advi- the final report he (the inspector) sory Service (PAS), the National will suggest some modifications Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and there are some we have agreed requires local councils in Britain to in outline as we went along.” Yalding site is ‘put on hold’ “identify and keep” a deliverable The council will consider the in- land supply for house-building. terim findings and stage a public THE Sygenta site at Yalding is one Burton, the council’s planning chief, Cllr Burton (pictured) said: “The consultation before going before the site the Local Plan inspector has rec- was pleased overall with the interim interim report gives us control of full council in early summer. ommended should not go ahead. report. planning in the future, instead of On securing land for develop- The parish council has indicated it He said that when calculating the developers. In particular, it has ment, the PAS states: “To help with would be unwise to designate the housing needs, a number of matters put us in a strong position over the boosting the supply of housing, the area for anything while there are were considered, including housing five year land supply. National Planning Policy Frame- flooding issues to be resolved. prices and delivery rates. “It was exciting news that the in- work requires local planning au- Local people are said to be de- Cllr Burton said the authority is spector did trim the overall num- thorities to identify and keep lighted that the inspector took on now much closer to adopting the bers a bit and that also strengthens up-to-date a deliverable five year board their view. Local Plan and is looking forward to that five year land supply issue. housing land supply. Yalding borough councillor David receiving the inspector’s final report. “It gives us the chance to say no “Without this, even recently- to unwanted applications and it be- adopted planning policies for the To view the inspector’s interim findings, click onto comes a planning-led system rather supply of housing will be consid- http://tinyurl.com/glh5pu than a developer-led system.” ered out of date.”

4 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk Local Plan|News Housing total 900 ‘too many’ THE number of houses that need claim that it was possible to im- to be built in Maidstone has been prove either to mitigate the added overestimated by the borough congestion. council, according to a govern- Mr Mellor said: “The A229 al- ment inspector who has slashed ready carries more traffic than the the target by 900 homes. A274 and is also likely to attract ad- The ruling is included in a 35- ditional movements due to devel- page interim report which has just opment at villages to the south of been released on the borough’s Maidstone. A lack of capacity at the Local Plan following a seven-week Wheatsheaf junction is likely to examination in public at the end of contribute to queues obstructing last year. the Swan junction. Moreover, After hearing objectors, includ- Boughton Lane is itself already an- ing parish councils and individu- ticipated to carry significantly more als, the inspector, Robert Mellor, traffic due to school expansion.” mainly dismissed their claims and He ordered that both sites should said the borough had acted prop- be deleted from the plan, but al- erly. But he said that the borough’s lowed a third site in the area, for 25 choice of 5% to boost its objectively- homes at Boughton Mount, to be assessed housing need as a counter retained. The inspector said this to house price increases was arbi- was a brownfield site and the in- trary. crease in traffic would not be sig- He considered there was no indi- nificant. He said that another site cation the figure would have any for 40 dwellings at the junction of effect and therefore ruled it be Church Road and Heath Road in deleted, resulting in an estimated Boughton Monchelsea might also need of 17,600 new homes by 2031. generate additional traffic on Mr Mellor ruled against two sites Boughton Lane. However, he felt in Boughton Lane – one for 180 that site should be retained as traf- homes on the playing field at New fic from there had the opportunity Line Learning and another plot to disperse to other routes. Will, Estate or nearby for 75 dwellings. He con- Mr Mellor said his interim report sidered that extra traffic from those provided a “broad overview” to in- sites would add to congestion at dicate where main modifications Power of AttorAttorneyney the Swan and Wheatsheaf junc- should be made. His full report is tions, and rejected the council’s expected in several months. dispute?

Do you have a dispute regarding how a Will, Estate or Power of Attorney has been handled? Whitehead Monckton has considerable experience in helping clients to resolve these difficult disagreements and in many cases achieving excellent financial results. We can offffer a ‘NO WIN – NO FEE’ service for Will, Estate and Power of Attorney disputes. Call us today on No relief for Sutton Road SUTTON Road’s house-building allocations can be mitigated by bus lanes 01622 698031 and stops, road widening and developer contributions, said Local Plan in- spector Robert Mellor. for an initial no obligation consultation by phone. There could also be improvements to the Willington Street and Wallis Avenue junctions. And there should be a bigger push towards the some- E-mail [email protected] times derided “modal shift” where cars are left at home in favour of walk- ing, cycling or public transport, said Mr Mellor. www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwwww..whitehead-monc.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Maidstone must build 883 properties a year to hit the target set in the Local Plan. It has so far failed to achieve that target in the first five years www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk and inspector Robert Mellor suggested the borough should wipe out the WWhiteheadhitehead MoncktonMonckton LimitedLimited ((no.no. 008366029),8366029), rregisteredegistered iinn backlog in the next decade, rather than the five years proposed by Maid- EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. RegisteredRegistered oofficeffice 7272 KingKing Street,Street, Maidstone,Maidstone, Kent,Kent, stone Borough Council. MEME1414 1BL.1BL. AuthorisedAuthorised andand regulatedregulated byby thethe SolicitorsSolicitors RegulationRegulation AAuthorityuthority underunder no.no. 608279.608279. DM2016

Maidstone Weald February 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Scouts’ quiz EGERTON village hall is the venue for a quiz night next month. Lorries fear as fruit The Headcorn Scout Group is holding event on March 25 starting at 7.30pm. There are tables of six and tickets firms aim to expand cost £9 each which includes a home-made hot meal and cake. RESIDENTS in Hunton fear they Book tickets with Kevin Harper are being hemmed in by HGVs fol- An aerial shot of on 01233 756659 or email him at lowing an application to expand a the sizeable [email protected]. haulage and fruit packaging busi- Amsbury Storage ness in nearby Linton. and Packing The proposal from Firmin’s at business in Modern service Wares Farm comes as Maidstone A MODERN Morning Worship Borough Council (MBC) is being Hunton aimed at all age groups takes place asked to see if Amsbury Storage and Picture: Google at All Saints’ Church in West Far- Packing needed planning permis- Earth leigh on each second Sunday of the sion for ongoing growth of its site in middle. It could well be the time for has asked MBC to look at whether month. East Street, Hunton. them to think about relocating to an Amsbury had permission for its ad- Starting at 11am, the informal Hunton Parish Council chairman industrial estate somewhere.” ditional developments. service will include a reading, dis- Gary Thomas says while the organic The council, which is expected to Cllr Thomas said: “If it does need cussion and a presentation. Details growth of both businesses and the express its fears about Firmin’s ex- to apply, we would be able to insist from Rev Peter Callaway on 01622 jobs being created is recognised, pansion plan following a meeting to that conditions should be imposed verges are being churned up and 747570. discuss the proposal on January 26, to limit the number of lorries.” large lorries are a constant feature on the rural roads around both sites at Clean-up date all hours of the day and night. Warehouse plan before council RESIDENTS in Chart Sutton are He says: “According to the devel- opment proposals for Wares Farm in A FULL planning application has been received by Maidstone Borough getting together to tidy up the vil- Redwall Lane, 30% of vehicles leav- Council from Berry Gardens Ltd and Alan Firmin Ltd for a new, larger lage. ing here would pass through soft fruit warehouse and packing site on the south side of Redwall Lane. The annual clean-up takes place Hunton. We have also seen a large The proposal states that the development would enable the on March 25 and volunteers are increase of lorries in the area serving company’s head office and pack house to be in one place and allow it to asked to meet at the village hall in the growing Amsbury Storage site in realise its predicted growth, with the creation of over 500 jobs by 2024. Chart Hill Road at 10am. East Street. Both these businesses The application also outlines talks between Berry Gardens and Roxhill, All participants will be issued seem to be trying to expand at the which had hoped to build warehousing off J8 of the M20 near Bearsted. with high-vis bibs. same time and we are caught in the It says the company concluded that the site would not meet its needs.

HAMILTON KITCHENS Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs

❚ Free no obligation consultation & design ❚ All building works undertaken. ❚ Quality ❚ Design ❚ Imagination ❚ Better and at the right price ✓ www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk ❚ Tel: 01622 844897 Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3LQ

6 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone Weald February 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Future of school site discussed STAPLEHURST Village Centre could be transformed after a consultation with residents. More than 150 people attended day last month. One firm, People an open day to see how the former and Place, has put forward two school, which was acquired by Sta- ideas – one for a refurbishment with plehurst in 1989, might be used. an extension to the building or an- Many have filled out feedback other to demolish it and rebuild slips which will be studied as part afresh. of the scheme. The building is not listed, said It is currently managed by a Cllr Perry, who also serves as a bor- seven-strong ough councillor for the community. trust, with two There is currently a Village Cen- trustees provided tre Development Committee tasked by the parish with looking at all the options. council. Few disagree that the North Hall, Staplehurst in particular, needs refurbishment. parish councillor felt is the need to have a place in the and the place for clubs and societies Any possible option might be John Perry (pic- centre of the village where people should be central to the village. hampered by access issues to the tured) said: “I and the clubs and societies can “The question might be, do we Sobel Lodge home, at the rear of the don’t think that meet. That’s very important. keep the front of the building as it centre site. many people would argue that the “But it’s very early days. My per- is or do we have a completely new This could be remedied by ex- place is looking a little tired that sonal view is that the sports facili- building?” panding into the Kent County something needs to be done with it. ties can be concentrated at the Plans were displayed from three Council-run youth facility next “What is probably more strongly Jubilee Fields, but the parish offices sets or architects during the open door.

Gateway gets Tributes to loving Dad Titch Play park probe INVESTIGATIONS are continu- FLORAL tributes in the shape of a tank and pint of his favourite Guin- ing after excrement was smeared a make-over ness mark the final resting place for Francis “Titch” O’Sullivan, who died on play equipment in Headcorn. in the Sutton Valence THE Maidstone Gateway will The incident – said to be the sec- pram race on New Year's re-open on Tuesday, February ond in recent months – follows the Day. 14, after renovation work . re-opening of the children’s play The 52-year-old was The borough council’s cus- park at Days Green by pupils tomer services team returns to buried at St Nicholas’ Church in Leeds on Jan- from the local school in Novem- its King Street base after mak- ber. The parish council has spent ing way for contractors at the uary 23, with hundreds of mourners in atten- more than £80,000 to revamp the end of September. park after it made Maidstone The large glass building next dance. The grave site is fes- Council release money it was to the Arriva bus station re- holding as part of a developer con- opens as the Maidstone Link, tooned with tributes from family, friends and former soldier friends. Mr O'Sullivan had served tribution. following a staff competition to A spokesman for the parish rename it and incorporating Job as a tank driver in the conflict in the Gulf. council said it was unclear why Centre plus and Citizens’ Ad- The father of three lived in Langley but had family and friends in such an act had been carried out vice (CAB). Leeds, where he helped out behind the bar at the George Inn. He had but CCTV images were being re- In addition to improved self- been taking part in the race in a three-wheeled Spitfire-themed contrap- viewed. service areas and meeting tion when it flipped over, after apparently hitting a kerb. rooms, the layout of the build- ing has been changed to incor- porate a mezzanine floor and more digital services, including Festival picks Dandelion Time an option to scan and submit documents to MBC. THE VICAR’S Picnic music festival has announced a Residents have been assured charity partnership with Dandelion Time. they will be able to use cash on The two-day family event, which takes place on The the self-service payment kiosks. Lees in Yalding, has announced it will be supporting Maidstone Link opens from the children’s charity, which is based in nearby West 9am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday Farleigh, at this year’s event on July 14 and 15. (Wednesday, from 10am). The Dandelion Time works with vulnerable and JCP opens at the same times, traumatised children and their families. closing at 5pm and the CAB Dave King, co-founder of the Vicar’s Picnic said: from 9.45am (10am on Wednes- “We are really looking forward to a partnership with day) until 4pm. this wonderful charity that restores hope to young Customers with queries lives. Dandelion Time is in tune with our creative should contact each organisa- outlook which they also use to complement their tion initially as follows: therapeutic approach with less fortunate children and • Job Centre Plus – families. www.gov.uk/browse/working “As well as delivering an amazing festival, we • Maidstone Borough Council remain committed to repaying the fantastic support – www.maidstone.gov.uk/ser- of our local community.” vices or 01622 602000 The charity’s chief executive Graham Carpenter • Citizens Advice Maidstone – said: “We are all hugely excited about this fantastic [email protected] or collaboration. Dandelion Time places a high value on Festival organiser Dave King (left) with Dandelion 01622 767661 building long-term meaningful relationships with the local community.” Time chief executive Grahame Carpenter

8 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Tailor makes a 6” Mistake

If youyou were were measured measured to have somethingto have Dvarifocals ¿EUH WLS they SHQ DYDLODEOHmark the lenses VLQFH  using tailorsomething made tailor for you, made would for you,you expectwould WDNHD ¿EUH PHDVXUHPHQWV WLS SHQ DYDLODEOH ZLWK D VLQFH UXOHU   ¿UVW toyou be expectdelivered to shoesbe deliveredthat are 2 shoessizes LQYHQWHG\HDUVDJR XVLQJWKHVDPHWDNH PHDVXUHPHQWV ZLWK D UXOHU ¿UVW toothat smallare 2 forsiz you,es too or smalltrousers for 6you, inches or rulerLQYHQWHG\HDUVDJR XVLQJWKHVDPH measure the distance between tootrousers big? 6O finches course too not. big Yet? Othousandsf course yourruler measureeyes. B uchananthe distance Optometrists between not.of people Yet wearthousands spectacle of lensespeople that wear are abandonedyour eyes. thisB uchananinaccurate O ptometristsmethod 10 spectacleincorrect bylenses at least that 17%are incorrect. by at yearsabandoned ago, preferringthis inaccurate instead method to use 10 a Aleast recent 17% .European Optometry study computerisedyears ago, preferring measuring instead system to use that a showedA recent that European the average Optometry error studyby a notcomputerised only measures measuring your pupil system position that showedtrained opticianthat the measuringaverage error a person by a notto within only measures 0.1mm butyour also pupil takes position into trainedfor varifocals optician was measuring 5mm per eye.a person Even toaccount within several 0.1mm otherbut alsomeasurements takes into fora 0 .varifocals5mm error was can 5mm cause per eye-strain,eye. Even accountsuch as howseveral the spectacle other measurements frame sits on prescriptionUK are off-the-shelf added to designs it - a cra withzy youridea KHDGDFKHVDQGUHGXFHG¿HOGRIYLHZa 0.5mm error can cause eye-strain, suchyour asface. how We the are spectacle all different, frame sosits any on prescriptionconsidering weadded all haveto it -different a crazy jideaobs, IKHDGDFKHVDQGUHGXFHG¿HOGRIYLHZt’s no wonder so many people have yourframe face. you Weput areon allwill different, sit differently. so any hobbiesconsidering and welifestyles. all have Odifferentur varifocals jobs, triedIt’s no and wonder failed soto manycomfortably people wearhave :HPHDVXUH HOHFWURQLFDOO\QRUXOHUV frame you put on will sit differently. arehobbies not off-the-shelf and lifestyles. designs Our tailor varifocals made triedvarifocal and spectacles.failed to comfortably Thousands morewear the:HPHDVXUH HOHFWURQLFDOO\QRUXOHUV  distance the frame sits from your andare not completely off-the-shelf individualised designs tailor for made you MXVWvarifocal WROHUDWH spectacles. WKH SRRU Thousands ¿HOG RI more YLHZ face,the distance the angle the of frame the frame, sits from the curveyour andtaking completely into account individualised what you wantfor you to andMXVW swimming WROHUDWH WKH vision SRRU that ¿HOG these RI YLHZmis- offace, the the frame, angle ofhow the yourframe, eyes the curvework takingdo with into your account lenses, what your you work, want your to measurementsand swimming canvision cause. that theseBut mis-why binocularlyof the frame, together. how yourThe endeyes result work? dolifestyle with yourand leisurelenses, activities.your work, Taking your measurementsdoes this happen can? cause. But why binocularlyThe most comfortable together. The vision end possible result? lifestyleinto account and yourleisure precise activities. computerised Taking doesYou thiswill happen probably? remember that The- or yourmost money comfortable back. vision possible intomeasurements account your and precise prescription. computerised Ywhenou willmost probablyopticians measureremember you thatfor 2YHURIYDULIRFDOOHQVHVVROGLQWKH- or your money back. measurements and prescription. varifocalswhen most they opticians mark measurethe lenses you using for UK2YHURIYDULIRFDOOHQVHVVROGLQWKH are off-the-shelf designs with your ;feËkjl]]\in`k_gffi]`kk`e^c\ej\jXe[jlY$jkXe[Xi[m`j`fe 9ffbpfliXggf`ekd\ekkf[Xp :XccEfn$'(-)),*,((, 56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5NB

                                      

Maidstone Weald February 2017 9 News downsmail.co.uk Fenlon curfew A HEADCORN clothes thief has cheated six months behind bars – Closure will go ahead but must obey a curfew. Brian Fenlon (36), burgled an ad- dress in the road where he lives and took personal items and clothing. despite village protest Fenlon was sentenced on January 23 at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court NATWEST has said it will not re- after he admitted the offences in consider its decision to close its Thatch Barn Road, Headcorn. Staplehurst branch but is to inves- Magistrates sentenced Fenlon to tigate providing a mobile service 180 days in prison, suspended for to start in three months’ time. two years, and a three-month curfew It follows a last-ditch attempt to to remain at home from 8pm to 5am. get the bank in The Parade re- He must also pay £250 compensa- opened by concerned customers and tion, £85 costs and a £115 victim sur- their representatives. charge. Key figures from the bank Masked aack travelled to POLICE are appealing for witnesses Maidstone last that after two ram raids on the that a significant proportion of vil- following an attack on a Maidstone week for a meet- branch and taking advice from secu- lagers are over 65, a lot of people woman in her home. ing with bor- rity consultants and the police, to re- prefer to bank face-to-face and oth- Officers investigating the incident, ough councillor Louise Brice, pic- open the branch “posed an ers do not have the facility or the de- in which jewellery was taken, say the tured left, the unacceptable risk to personnel”. sire to bank online. These people can woman was assaulted at a house in local MP and Cllr Brice said: “It is a shame the seem less visible and as elected rep- Boughton Lane but did not sustain Staplehurst bank didn’t put better security meas- resentatives it is our job to make sure serious injuries. parish council- ures in place following these inci- they are heard.” The suspect is described as white lors. But after hearing numerous dents. However, they listened to our She added: “Afterthe Downs Mail and was wearing a black balaclava. problems the closure will present, concerns and we made them aware was published last month, I don’t The incident took place at about particularly for the village’s large of the particular issues the closure of think I’ve ever had so many calls 10am on Friday, January 27. disabled community, and being the bank will have on the elderly, from people wanting to sign the pe- Anyone with information is asked handed a 300-signature petition, the those without cars, and the severely tition because they couldn’t do it on- to contact Kent Police on 01622 bank remained unmoved, blaming disabled at Sobell House. Unfortu- line. This I used as another graphic 604100 quoting YY/2383/17, or Kent the recent ram raid, pictured right, nately, we do live in an age where illustration of how a lot of vulnera- Crimestoppers, anonymously, on for the decision. the wider public thinks everyone has ble people will not be able to simply 0800 555111. Those at the meeting were told a smart phone, but we made it clear migrate to online banking.”

EST. 35 YEARS

NO OBLIGATION QUOTES FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS AVAILABLE*

Specialists in Private Driveways – Carparks Black or Red Tarmac Block Paving in any chosen colour or design. Footpaths Also, the latest in Resin Driveways White Lining

> Prestige Driveways Patio’s > Driveway Division Walls Office Hours: > Council Approved Contractors 01622 662816 > Fully Insured with up to 10 Years Guarantee Garden Design Out of Hours: > KCC Approved for *Subject to terms & conditions 07747 085062 Dropped Kerbs 07889 255813 [email protected]

Unit 1, Hanson Yard, Liphook Way, St Laurence Avenue, Maidstone ME16 0LL www.arcookltd.co.uk

10 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Fantasy novel’s history lessons A MAIDSTONE nurse is hoping plot, the Great Fire of London and her “Harry Potter spin on history” the Battle of Britain. will encourage fans of fantasy Kathy is writing under the pen books to revisit some of Britain’s name of Katy Chalk and is already most historic moments. working on a sequel. In the first She left Maidstone Hospital’s book from cardiology department in 1997 to Kathy take up her love of history studies Elkins, The at Kent University, achieved a History Masters in archaeology and ran Sphere, her history workshops at schools be- grand- fore starting her writing career. daughter Kathy said: “I realised that if we Olivia and want children to learn about this her dog country’s important historical Archie re- events they need to be presented in pair the a way that makes them interesting. earth’s his- “I was keen to ensure the book tory by was ready by the time Olivia was beating Warlock Brogan’s evil ef- 10 and able to appreciate it. She’s forts to change the passage of time now very pleased to be the hero- KING SIZE FOR THE PRICE OF DOUBLE at pivotal world events. ine, along with her dog, in my new The gallant duo, a pocketful of book and can’t wait to read where powers and a companion dwarf, she’s going to be next.” elf and pyskie, travel back in time She believes the book will appeal to an Otherworld called Theia to to anyone over eight. restore order. The book is available at the Shop The book, which has taken on the Green, Chart Sutton, for Kathy, from Chart Sutton, five £8.99 from Waterstones and years to research and write, pays Amazon. Buy direct from the au- particular attention to historical thor for £5 – call 01622 843086. events, including the Gunpowder Garden theft of spaniel Fifi A FEMALE golden cocker spaniel has been reported stolen from a house in Collier Street. Fifi (pictured) was taken from the garden of a home in Haviker Street. The owner says the dog was taken at about 1.25pm on Sunday, January 22. Police say it is not, at this time, being connected to the theft of half a dozen spaniels from the Birling area earlier this month. Anyone who believes they witnessed Stratus anything suspicious in the area, or who 150cm Firm Edge Divan Set believes they may have been offered the dog for sale, is asked to call Kent Po- RRP £2239 SLE £1519 lice on 01622 604100 quoting Headboard optional extra YY/1891/17. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestop- pers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. EXTR 5% OFF Call for views on monitoring LL beds and selected furniture THE health watchdog is asking the and more targeted inspections, with public for its thoughts on future increased emphasis on the leader- for a limited time only monitoring of NHS services. ship of trusts. It also intends to carry The Care Quality Commission out unannounced inspections of at (CQC) says that after a comprehen- least one core service, such as urgent www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk sive inspection of every NHS trust in and emergency, or child and adoles- England at least once, it is time to cent mental health ward. 01622 753073 fine-tune its operation. View the consultation document It has launched an eight-week in- at www.cqc.org.uk/nextphase and Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF vitation, which closes on February respond to [email protected] or 14, inviting comments on how it reg- by writing to Freepost RTTE-JTBT- ulates primary medical care and so- ZTHH, Next Phase Consultation, UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS cial care over the next five years. Care Quality Commission, 151 BEDROOM | CCESSORIES The CQC wants to improve its in- Buckingham Palace Road, London formation gathering and run smaller SW1W 9SZ. Not applicable to The Lounge Co products and goods sold at clearance price.

Maidstone Weald February 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk OAP theft scam Ramblin’ Man kicks off - police warning KENT Police are advising resi- dents to stay safe following reports of distraction burglars posing as of- with ear-spliing Saxon ficers. Detectives are investigating eight THE organisers of the Ramblin’ The organisers claimed: “After reports in the county – one of Man Fair have announced an even the ‘storming’ and the very suc- which happened in Coxheath – bigger Friday night start to the cessful Friday night at last year's where men tried to pass themselves open-air festival in Maidstone – fair we realised we needed to get a off as policemen at the front door. causing concerns over noise lev- much bigger stage for this year. So They then enter the homes of res- els. with that in mind we are opening idents to search for valuables. Heavy metal heavy-weights up the main arena at 4pm.” In an incident in Rochester on Saxon will headline on Friday, July Last December, chairman of January 24, one man spoke to the 28, with the main arena at Mote Maidstone Borough Council’s cul- victim while another said he was Park opening at ture committee Cllr David Pickett searched the property for items to 4pm. said: “Large-scale events including ensure they were stored in safe lo- Borough council- Proms in the Park, Maidstone Mela cations. lor Mike Revell Festival-goers can look forward to and The Ramblin’ Man Fair pro- When they left, the householder (left), who lives in even more music this year vide the opportunity for communi- discovered cash and jewellery had the grounds of Mote “I attended the event last year ties to enjoy open-air, high-quality, been taken. Park, said he was and the sound inside the arena it- family events right on their The first man is said to be white, unaware of the festi- self wasn’t so bad, but that was be- doorstep. in his 60s, slim and approximately val’s bigger – and possibly much cause most of it was going over the “The Ramblin’ Man was particu- 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing casual louder – line-up for the Friday top of my head.” larly successful this year (2016), clothes and white gloves. night. The music could be heard as far with £2.5m income generated into The second man is white, aged Cllr Revell has recommended away as Langley, Kingswood, the local economy and visitors between 30 and 40, of medium that the speakers for the event are Chegworth and Harrietsham, and from 23 countries. We are aware build and about 5ft 7ins tall. He positioned so that the sound would caused upset to many residents that these events may cause some was wearing casual clothes. be contained inside the arena. disruptions to residents, but we are who live close to the park. The offence in Coxheath took He added: “I don’t think that the committed to looking at ways to One person disgusted by the place in Gresham Road between council’s officers give two hoots limit these impacts successfully. We noise levels was Victoria Wallace, 8.50m and 9.20pm on December 9. about the residents who live close hope the measures we put in place the former chief executive at Leeds Anyone with information can call by and do not want to upset the or- mean both visitors and residents Castle, who gave the organisers an Kent Police on 01634 792209 quot- ganisers of the festival. “absolute mouthful”. can enjoy how they choose to ing reference number XY/3742/17.

01622 829183 Visit our East Farleigh showroom to view our full range of beautiful bathrooms www.balinea.co.uk E: [email protected] Unit 5 Kilnbridge Works, Off Lower Road, East Farleigh, Maidstone Kent ME15 0HD

12 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Cashback wwith every installation*£ 6 every installathb 0 The simplicity of electric. The beauty of natural stone.

The Indulgence Range brings together the world’s most YLHSPZ[PJÅHTLLɈLJ[LSLJ[YPJÄYL[OL6W[PT`Z[®^P[O HUPTWYLZZP]LOHUKJYHM[LKZ[VULZ\YYV\UK  (]HPSHISLPU[OYLLL_X\PZP[LKLZPNUZHUKMV\YÄUPZOLZP[       ^PSSJYLH[LH^HYTZ[\UUPUNJLU[LYWPLJLMVY`V\YYVVT  

;;VVZLL [OL YHUNL HUK KPZJ\ZZ `V\Y WLYZVUHS YLX\PYLTLU[Z JVU[HJ[! THE INDULGENCEENCE ;;VVUIYPKNL 9VHK 4HPKZ[VUL RANRANGEGE Kent 4, 93

    ^^^OLHY[OHUKÄYLZJV\R

;;LLYTZHUK JVUKP[PVUZ HWWS` 7SLHZL HZR `V\Y YL[HPSLY MVY KL[HPSZ  News downsmail.co.uk A wishlist for trade and jobs COUNCILS and businesses have Crossing; dualling the A2 from Lyd- issued nearly a dozen Kent MPs den to Dover and a solution to the with a shopping list to get trade, lorry parking problem. jobs and transport moving in the Other suggestions included ex- county. tending the length of high speed Representatives from more than 75 trains to avoid overcrowding, and businesses, councils and education providing a dedicated shuttle serv- providers came ice between Ebbsfleet and London. together to put All agreed that extending the the case for in- Crossrail service to Ebbsfleet or 50 drivers in lorry phone trap vestment in Gravesend, would help regenerate Kent’s infrastruc- North Kent. NEARLY £5,000 in fines has been handed out by Kent Police to drivers on ture at a summit After the summit, its chairman, the M20 in a covert operation to stop motorists using their mobile at Maidstone TV Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, said: phones. Studios last “Everyone knows Brexit will present As well as chatting while at the wheel, drivers were caught texting, month. Attending challenges – but there will also be looking at paperwork, and in one case a woman had a cigarette in one for Maidstone real opportunities to build the sort of hand and her mobile phone in the other while she was on the slip road Council was leader Fran Wilson (pic- Britain we want. It’s clear we need leaving the motorway. tured) and regeneration and eco- investment in Kent’s roads and rail- Officers used an unmarked lorry from Highways England to catch 50 nomic development manager John ways. The A2 must be dualled and culprits in five days, in an operation which ran until January 29. Foster. we need to get on with building the A Kent Police spokesman said one of the most shocking incidents The summit, organised by South Lower Thames Crossing. We must witnessed was a lorry driver who travelled 500 yards on the slip road East Local Enterprise Partnership, act now to prevent gridlock and de- from the M20 without glancing up, even once, from his phone screen. called on MPs to lobby government lays. Meanwhile, we have to increase Four other motorists were stopped for speeding, including one who on the commercial importance of capacity on our trains to meet de- was travelling at 110mph, and a lorry driver who was reversing his keeping traffic moving through the mand and it’s vital we support vehicle along the hard shoulder. county. There were also calls for cash Kent’s colleges and universities in Kent Police say using an unmarked lorry cab allows officers to get a to be spent on a link road between providing the lifelong learning clear view down into other vehicles without pre-warning offenders of the the M2 and the Canterbury Road at adults in Kent need to adapt to a dy- police trap. Brenley Corner; a Lower Thames namic digital economy.” orchard o dental practice

Emergency Appointments Free Parking

£100 worth of M&S vouchers with this advert at point of sale. Expires 6th March 2017 Difficulty Bathing we can help Wet rooms • Walk in showers (low level & level access) • Walk in baths Pay Less • Product & installtion guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling Dental Care • Slip resitant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets Examination • Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms Introducing £19.70 *Discounts for over 60’s SSFA and Ex Service personnel* Late evening & we design • we supply • we fit • we care Independent Saturday appointments Dentistry Tel: 01622 738204 & office 01622 611880 To see how we can help call Our prices are based [email protected] on NHS charges 01622 741817 www.ahminstallations.co.uk Showroom Open 7 Days, Unit 11, Newnham Court Shopping Village, www.paylessdental.co.uk Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH 146 Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, ME17 4PL Vouchers sent out 30 days after installation of bathroom installation.

14 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Are you one of 58% of people in the UK who haven’t made their Will? Making a Will ensures that you are able to after you’re gone. Argo Life & Legacy decide how your property, your money and your Your donation will help Heart of Kent Hospice to Home visits by appointment. assets will be distributed after you continue caring for local T: 01227 700 702 M. 07732 165 657 die. It gives you the chance to people and their families at Contact: Kelly Duke, Director make sure your children and loved home or in their locally based Burrough’s Solicitors ones are provided for after you are Aylesford Hospice. 38 King Street, Maidstone ME14 1BS gone, yet currently 58% of people If you would like to make or T: 01622 757 580 or 01622 676 982 in the UK don’t have a Will. This amend your Will please call 1 Contact: Simon Rogers, Partner means that the government will of the 6 solicitors listed, stating decide how to distribute your Daniel Francis Solicitors Heart of Kent Hospice ‘Make a property, your money and your 5A Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, ME16 8RL Will Fortnight’ and make your assets and if you have an T. 01622 669 460 Contact: Mary Eniolu, Principal appointment so that you can unmarried partner or step-children, Gullands Solicitors decide what happens to your they could be left with nothing. 16 Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6XT property, your money and your T. 01622 678 341 Contact: Alex Astley, Partner Heart of Kent Hospice’s Make a assets. Will Fortnight, 20 February to 3 Sahota Newcomb Scott March is an opportunity for you to Denning House, 1 London Road, make or amend your Will. During Make a Will Maidstone ME16 8HS Fortnight six local, qualified Solicitors based in T. 01622 238 850 Contact: Gareth Scott, Partner Maidstone have pledged their time to you for Whitehead Monckton free. Instead, they are asking that you make a 72 King Street, Maidstone, ME14 1BL donation to Heart of Kent Hospice. You’ll get T. 01622 698 022 professional legal advice and the peace of mind Contact: Kerin Speedie, Associate Director and of knowing that your wishes will be carried out Head of Tax and Estate Planning For more information, please contact Ellie Dorrell, In Memoriam and Giving in Wills Manager, on 01622 790195 or email [email protected] or visit www.hokh.org/makeawill

“When our new fence looks this good, is maintenance free and guaranteed soft for 25 years, it’s a no-brainer” furnishings Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Available to every budget Knitting wool and Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose haberdashery Colourfence, and were delighted with our range of colours. They love that our fences are tested to withstand merciless weather – even wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it 25yr is maintenance free, and they love the peace of GUARANTEE mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, make yours a Colourfence garden. Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB For a free no-obligation quote, please contact us now. 01622 744265 01622 233322 www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk Email:[email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details

Maidstone Weald February 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk ‘Genial’ bowler Fifty years of art on show MAIDSTONE artist Graham Clarke, pictured, has selected a display of his work over the last 50 years for Now & Then at Maidstone Museum. The Boughton Monchelsea author, illustrator and humourist, who is one of Britain’s most David has died popular and best-selling printmakers, has included etchings, blockprints, A “GENIAL” Kent cricketer who from the first class game in 1968, pre- watercolours and was recalled to frontline county ferring thereafter to play for The sketchbooks spans duty in his 40th year has died. Mote Cricket Club in Maidstone demonstrating his unique David Michael Sayer, who was 80 until 1981. style found in national when he died, During his first-class career, he collections, royal palaces, was called out of took 613 wickets from 33,482 balls at galleries, pubs and private retirement as a an average of 23.48 and earned the homes across the world. right arm quick nickname “Slayer”. There were The exhibition was when a bowler MCC tours, representing The Rest of launched by his friend, shortage struck England and three seasons playing Maidstone Cllr Dan Daley. at Kent County varsity cricket at Oxford University It will be on at the Cricket Club, between 1958-60. museum until Saturday, 3,277 days after Playing in Maidstone, Mote CC March 18, and is open he stepped away never finished below third in the from the first league, twice won the championship between 10am and 5pm. class game. His one wicket and 11 and contested the DH Robins Cup at A related arts day, costing runs could not save Kent from a Lord’s in 1969. £20, was held on seven-wicket defeat, but he is en- Mr Sayer set up DM Sayer & Co Saturday, January 28, shrined in statisticians’ minds and and traded for four decades, focus- from 10am to 4pm. the hearts of cricket lovers for heed- ing on commercial and household ing the call-up. insurance. The firm was based in His recall meant his county career Lenham for many years. Compost food waste, says council appeared to have lasted, on paper, Friend and club mate John Booth MAIDSTONE residents are being urged to recycle their food waste dur- from 1955 until 1976, an impressive described Mr Sayer as a genial man, ing February. if unlikely longevity for a fast bowler adding: “He was a gentle giant who Bin stickers urging people not to put their food in with their waste are of that era. He first played for Kent at stayed in touch with his old friends being placed on bin lids. The council is also offering food recycling bins. 18 as a Maidstone Grammar School in cricket and continued playing and The council says nearly 8,000 tonnes of food that could be turned into student and won his county cap in umpiring friendlies for many years.” compost is wasted every year across the borough. 1962. Mr Sayer, who lived in He leaves his wife Carol and two Order your food recycling bin at www.maidstone.gov.uk or call MBC’s Roseacre Lane, Bearsted, retired daughters. customer contact centre on 01622 602600. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates • Logs • Salt • Top Soil • Turf • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery All Bags £40 Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

16 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Be tickled pink by the Trout on Valentine’s day

The Grade II listed Tickled Trout at West Farleigh Staplehurst. This sensitive upgrade boasts some of the best Kentish architecture the revealed more secrets, including county has to offer (get yourself along there and stunning 16th century oak beams check out its chimney stacks!). that adorn its six stylish en-suite Built in 1541, it was boutique first licensed as a pub bedrooms – offering a delight when complimented by the in the mid-1700s and place to celebrate in style comprehensive range of wines – including local has been linked for and to stay overnight. labels – craft ales and ciders. Add to that its three generations to the The modern and stylish south facing sun terraces and al fresco dining ancient poacher’s art pub offers a fabulous areas, overlooking landscaped gardens, complete of sending trout into a fish-focused restaurant with children’s play trance by tickling their and a signature dish of area, and this pub belly to steal them locally-sourced smoked sets itself apart from from the water. trout pate that will the competition. Indeed, every nook and cranny tells a story. As part of its emerging history, the beautiful pub Valentine’s Night – 14th February underwent an impressive refurbishment at the 3 course meal including welcome drink & chocolate truffles end of 2015 thanks to new owner Hush Heath, which also runs the nearby vineyard at £39pp or £49 – including wine matches

THE TICKLED TROUT OPENS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. theTickled Trout 01622 814717 Lower Rd, West Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0PE e: [email protected]

DON’T MISS OUT ON BRITELITE’S Amazing Deals! Transform yyour home,, Save Money Install now with on youryour heating bills with Britelite’sBrite nothing to A+ ratedrated energy efficient window!wind pay until April 2018 With just a £100 Deposit on all uPVC Window & door % installations# Our Britelite Fitters * OffO All installations are carried out by our own skilled window fitters, who have all attended and passed 55 the course to meet the British Standard Institute on Windows,s, DoorsDo requirements for the installation of windows and Licence No. doors. The latest testimonials to the quality of our KM98320 & Conservatoriestorie installations are updated daily on our website. Britelite is a Which? Trusted Trader Calllll FreeFreer 08000 500 500 707 VisitVisiVisitt our o website w for a FREEF E online quotete www.britelitewindows.co.ukwwww.briteitei eelelitewinddoows.co.ukk

*Off**OOff ourouur normal list price. #If yoyyouou reprepayepay thethhe loan amountamo before 12 months aftera installation of the goods ththenhenn non ininterestterestt wwillwill be payable.payable. APRPR 0%.0 If the loan is not repaidrepaiid within 12 months interesterest will be charged. Example: Cash Price £2500 less depositdeposit £100£100 = a loan amountamo of £2400.400. RepayableRepaR yable byby 12012 monthlym paymentspaymentsts of £42.33£42 commencingcommenciencing PRQWKVDIWHULQVWDOODWLRQRIWKHJRRGV7RWDO&KDUJHIRUFUHPRQWKV DIWHU LQVWDOODWLRQ RI WKH JRRGV 77RRWDO &KDUJH IRU FUHGLWGLW eWRWDO$PRXQW5HSD\DEOHeLQWHUHVWUDWHe WRWDO $PRXQW 5HSD\DEOH e LQWHUHVW UDWH LVSHUDQQXPYDULDEOH5HSUHVHQWDWLYH$35YDULDEOH0LLV  SHU DQQXP YDULDEOH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYYHH $35  YDULDEOH 0LQLPXPĆQDQFHRUGHUYDOXHe$XWKRULVHGDQGUHJXODWHGE\WKHQLPXP ĆQDQFH RUGHU YDOXH e $XWKRULVHG DQG UHJXODWHG E\ WKH)LQDQFLDO&RQGXFW$XWKRULW\'RHVQRWLQFOXGH7UDGLWLRQDO5H)LQDQFLDO &RQGXFW $XWKRULW\\ 'RHV QRW LQFOXGH 7UDGLWLRQDO  5HVLGHQFHSURGXFWVVLGHQFH  SURGXFWV

Maidstone Weald February 2017 17 News downsmail.co.uk

Your DAILY Downs Mail IN 2016, Downs Mail’s website went from strength to strength. Since January, the number of pages viewed by our online followers increased by more than 400%. The number of visitors shot up by a similar amount–atelling testament to a clear, unfussy website where readers can get hold of accurate information without tabloid spin. Our current and past editions are available to read as free-to-use, page-turning screen versions, so readers need never miss a word. We provide a daily digest of news, exclusively from the Maidstone and Malling areas, and will en- deavour to bring the breaking stories to you first. And you can be updated of news as it comes in by signing up to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Our valued reputation for reliable reporting is not compromised online – just honest, British journal- ism delivered in an accurate and balanced way. No over-spun news stories, no clickbait, no pop-ups, no unwanted surveys and no intrusive advertising. What you see is what you get. If you’ve not checked us out online, click onto downsmail.co.uk. All the local information you need OUR website has become a regu- lar destination for local groups, so- cieties, charities and communities to pass on information about Follow us on what they do. Be they local events, community social media services, employment and volun- OUR social media presence has also teering opportunities or to sell un- wanted items locally, this service rocketed this year. is here for our readers to use, free On Facebook, we have more than of charge. doubled our likes. It is a great place We also run corporate news, in- for us to promote the work we do formation, networking opportuni- but also a forum to share info, pro- ties, business and recruitment mote events, gossip and fun with services to serve the Maidstone’s the friends of Downs Mail. Find us burgeoning commercial sector. at www.facebook.com/downsmail- And there is the opportunity to news/ look up local service providers, And on Twitter, the audience con- tradespeople, retail, food outlets tinues to grow apace – more than and so on via our increasingly pop- 25 % since the beginning of the ular business directory. year. Stay in touch with news, views Click onto downsmail.co.uk. and information which matters to Downs Mail readers and Maidstone. Follow us at: @DownsMail

18 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk Marden Dental Care is Creating a Smile for life now able to provide: continue to serve in the coming years. We are proud to offer a specialised wide range of Cosmetic and Facial treatment in the comfort of one of our four aesthetics including wrinkle treatment rooms. correction treatment Marden Dental Care is a Preventative Practice that holds the view that "teeth are for life". ZOOM teeth whitening The newly renovated Practice now has four treatment rooms and is able to provide a wider State-of-the-art equipment range of treatment for all existing and new for more efficient treatment patients. Est 1987 Dr Kaumudi Madhursi Dhutia B.D.S Ncle 1983 A Practice Plan for Reg. No 57715 affordable, high quality Dr. Dhutia and the team at Marden Dental dental care at just £11.50 Care are waiting to serve the dental needs per month for you and all the family. Marden Dental Care has been serving the local 0% finance on any treatment community since 1987. As the Practice has over £250 grown, the latest, totally self-financed refurbishment programme is designed to Member NHS treatment available

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL Free consultation for 01622 831556/[email protected] www.mardendentalsurgery.com cosmetic treatments and CHURCH GREEN, MARDEN, TONBRIDGE, KENT 25% off TEETH WHITENING Mon-Sat: 8.15am - 6.00pm, Late night: with this advertisement Tues & Thurs 8.15am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am -1.00pm WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced We were pleased with the work Fairdeal Windows previously carried out on our porch, so we Window and door hinges went back to them for windows. We are very pleased with the windows and the installers. We and stays “ couldn't fault the work they carried out plus they left everything clean and tidy. Thanks to all Leak and draught repairs the staff too. ” Mr H. - Snodland We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating over 25 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

Follow us on Maidstone Weald February 2017 19 News downsmail.co.uk Driver jailed A DRIVER who used his car in MP’s petition bid to stop Maidstone while over the drink limit and already on a ban has been jailed. Medway Magistrates heard that Mark Kingshott (43) had 56mg of al- cohol in 100ml of breath when he closure of town barracks was stopped on the London Road. Kingshott, of Newport in Wales, MAIDSTONE and Weald MP had no car insurance and later failed Helen Grant is launching a petition to surrender to bail. calling on the Ministry of Defence He admitted the charges and was (MoD) to reverse its decision to sentenced to 137 days in prison, close Invicta Park Barracks. banned from driving for three years, The MP says the petition follows and must pay £85 costs and an £80 concern about the negative impact victim surcharge. the Ministry of Defence decision will have on 800 service personnel and their families, as well as the county Burglary case town’s economy and community. A MAN from Maidstone has been Mrs Grant said: “I know that charged following a burglary in Al- many local people are concerned bany Street in the town. about the decision to close Invicta Ministry of Defence by Easter. “Do you wish to be the one re- Dmitrij Ivanov (30), from Lower Park Barracks, breaking centuries of The proposed closure of Invicta sponsible for removing these brave Fant Road, was charged on January military tradition in Maidstone. Park Barracks was announced by the families and replacing 200 years of 17 with burglary, theft and fraud fol- There is also great affection for the Government in November 2017 as history with housing? lowing the alleged incident on Janu- town’s vibrant Nepalese community one of 91 proposed closures to mili- “The barracks can be redeveloped ary 16. He was due to appear and local people are wanting to tary bases across the UK. and housing modernised – there is Maidstone Magistrates’ Court. show their support for them.” Chris Kemsley, of Maidstone, no reason to remove the garrison As well as the petition, she is also wrote on the petition site: “The bar- other than for financial and political Play options working to establish a platform for racks and the people who work gain. The troops must stay!” people to voice their opposition. there are an integral part of the  The survey can be downloaded RESIDENTS in Marden are being in- She added: “I am sending a survey town. Their value cannot be judged at http://bit.ly/2kjPxSI. The vited to choose how they want their to about 10,000 randomly selected in pure economic terms.” petition is at www.ipetitions.com/ village play area upgraded. addresses in central Maidstone to John Northern added: “Do you re- petition/save-maidstone-barracks Parish councillors will discuss allow people to share their views ally want to be responsible for send- and from Helen Grant’s three options for the Napoleon Drive about the proposed closure and I en- ing away these soldiers, who would constituency office on the Play Area at a public consultation in courage everyone to take part.” lay down their lives for us without London-bound forecourt of John Banks Hall from 2.30-4.30pm The petition will be handed to the question? Maidstone East railway station. on Monday, February 27.

the

Chequersinn Beautiful 15th Century Inn Relaxed Atmosphere - A True Village Family Inn

· Award winning real ales · Good quality home cooked pub classics including daily specials. Sunday roasts available until 8pm. Please see our website for details of our full menu · Real log fire · Children welcome – garden and play area · Accomodation available Laddingford 01622 871266 near Yalding ME18 6BP www.chequersladdingford.co.uk

20 Maidstone Weald February 2017 The Pepperbox Inn Dining Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, ME17 1LP Visit our charming pub situated Out in beautiful countryside with outstanding views of the Weald of Kent both. We will be hosting a number of events that showcase Full á la carte menu and what we are about. You can also traditional pub food served enjoy a night away in our lunchtimes and evenings boutique hotel rooms. Also look out for our new vintage set menu that will be launching soon. For details please contact Tables still us on 01622 814 717 or available for [email protected] Valentine’s Day The Delhi Spice Indian The Pepperbox Inn is to be restaurant offers a great found in the heart of the Kent selection of traditional Indian food which is freshly made Countryside at Windmill Hill, • Outside terrace Harrietsham. The charming using organic meat and chicken • Ample parking country pub offers award- and the finest colour and winning food and specialises in preservative free ingredients. • Walkers & Riders welcome Check out the Sheek Kebab traditional ales, lagers and fine • Warm & welcoming open starter – delicious barbecued wines. The pub offers log fires. outstanding views of the Weald ground lamb rolls in masala of Kent and is a popular spice marinade and seasoned • Sunday Lunches £11pp destination for riders and with coriander. For a main walkers. The family run pub course try one of the special Opening Times: Daily from 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm offers a warm welcome to all. seafood sizzlers. Food Served: Lunch 12noon – 2pm Evening 7pm – 9.30pm Takeaway customers can enjoy a Sunday Lunches: 12noon –3pm Closed Sunday Evenings The tickled trout is all about 15% discount during February. great wine and food. With wine The restaurant and takeaway 01622 842558 from our own winery and fresh can be found at The Rose pub on local food we provide the best of the Ashford Road Bearsted. www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk delhispice Fine dining Indian Restaurant serving traditional Indian food Menu selected from various regions from all over the Indian sub continent, with specialist Indian spices, and 100% free from all artificial colourings and flavourings. Very popular traditional bar, serving fine wines, real ales and an extensive range of teas and coffees All New Exciting Lunch Menu now available The Rose, 87 Ashford Road, Bearsted Tel: 01622 734747 / 738200 www.rose-inn.co.uk Discount Discount 20% on Monday 15 % on Takeaway & Wednesday evenings.•• until the end of February.* On presentation of this advertisement. Valid until 28.2.2017 Please mention this advert when making a booking •• Dine in only - Minimum spend £25 * Excluding Bank Holidays & Valentine’s Day. Terms & conditions apply

Maidstone Weald February 2017 21 News downsmail.co.uk Salon arrest POLICE arrested a woman after an alleged attack on a man outside a Concert tribute to Maidstone hair salon. The man, who is in his 50s, was taken to a London hospital with cuts on his upper body following the alleged assault in Willington a musical maestro Street between 10.40pm and 11.11pm on Monday, January 16. INSPIRATIONAL Maidstone mu- music teacher and spent the final 21 A woman aged in her 30s was sician Jeffrey Vaughan-Martin will years of his working life as a special- later arrested on suspicion of as- be remembered at a one-off concert ist music inspector in Kent. sault. Police say the person arrested in the town in the spring. His local work included founding and the victim are known to each Musicians from across the region and directing a number of signifi- other. have been queuing up to take part in cant musical ventures. In 1978 he Anyone with information that the tribute to the multi-talented founded the Kent School Symphonic they think would help the police in- music maestro, who died last year, Wind Band, renamed the Kent quiry is asked to call 01622 604100. after a lifetime devoted to the art and Youth Wind Orchestra in 1985 after many years as leader of the Maid- its numbers grew. stone Choral Union and the Maid- Jeffrey set up the Maidstone Youth Drugs charge stone Singers. Music Society, led the Maidstone A TEENAGER from Maidstone has The concert, entitled Celebrating Choral Union from 1974 to 2008 and been given a community service Jeffrey – A Life in Music, will be at set up The Maidstone Singers in order after being sentenced for as- Mote Hall, in the centre of town, at 1991. sault and intent to supply cannabis. 3pm on Sunday, March 19. In the final week of his life he was Mike Divuilu, from Church A collection of 80 players are ex- still active, working with the West Street, appeared at Mid Kent Mag- pected to form the “JVM All Stars” ductor, including the Dambusters Malling Community Choir. istrates’ Court on December 26. and more than 100 singers will come March. Jeffrey was treasurer of the In court, he admitted possessing together in a JVM Choir, from the Proceeds from the concert will Methodist Church in Union Street – cannabis with intent to supply on groups that have featured in his life. help establish a Jeffrey Vaughan a location used as a venue in the October 12 and assaulting a man on These include Maidstone Youth Martin bursary, supporting young Maidstone Jazz Festival, which he July 27. Both incidents took place in Music Society (MYMS) and West musicians from the area. helped to found and promote. Tonbridge. Malling Community Choir, with Mr Vaughan Martin, who was 78, Tickets cost from £10, with con- Magistrates ordered Divuilu to performances promised by Paul and lived at Arran Road, Maidstone, cessions, and free places for those carry out 160 hours of unpaid work Beniston, Fraser Bowles and percus- studied maths and music at the Uni- aged under 12. They are available over the next 12 months and to pay sionist Evelyn Glennie. versity of Wales and then went to from Malcolm Withnall by email at £85 costs and an £85 victim sur- Set pieces will include personal Oxford University before moving to [email protected] or by calling charge. favourites of the musician and con- the town in 1978. He worked as a 01622 736392.

Save money on your hair styling costs! At the Keith Graham Hairdressing Academy Salon

Hair styling is carried out by apprentices who are supervised by trained professionals. Cut & Style £10.00 Perm £10.00 Blow - dry or set £6.00 Full Head Foils £26.00 Partial Foils £18.00 Tint £16.00 A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME. All men’s hair services are free on alternate Mondays Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with a range of glazing options and post sizes, allowing you to Privately Funded and choose the perfect structure for your setting and budget. Government Funded Courses Available in Hairdressing, Barbering, Customer Services and TAQA. Also Level 3 & 4 in Education and Training. Call For More Details 01233 664171 For more information and to book call 01622 691916 0800 0742 721sbiproducts.co.uk 49 Earl Street, Maidstone.

22 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough February 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: • Local Plan Update • Budget Consultation Results • Recycle Your Food Waste! • Maidstone Link • Your Vote Matters • and more!

www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council Welcome from Alison Broom, Chief Executive Thank you to Building enough quality homes that Maidstone is an attractive place to live everyone who people can afford is paramount. Our and visit – a place that we can all be responded to our Local Plan defines how many new proud of. We will redouble our efforts to budget consultation homes are needed and where they can keep our streets, parks and open spaces in October and be built. It has now been tested through clean and tidy and our residents safe as public examination with a government November last year our communities grow and the number inspector and the interim report we about the priorities for council services. of people visiting the borough increases. have received looks very promising. The We are using this feedback about what Council will work with private developers Improvements are planned for Week matters most to you and information and housing associations as well as Street, Gabriels Hill and Mote Park. about demand for our services to decide building homes itself again. We will Regeneration of Maidstone town centre how to use the council’s resources over improve existing homes so that they is gaining momentum and over the last the next 12 months. meet decent standards for example year we have laid the foundations for In 2017 the Council, working in through grants to improve heating and redevelopment of several key sites provide items like ramps and rails partnership with other organisations, through capital investment of New where these are needed. Support for will continue to provide a wide range of Homes Bonus including the area around those in the most acute need - who are services with improved efficiency – and at risk of becoming homeless or have Maidstone East. We are looking forward we will focus on achieving three results nowhere to live - will be improved by to station improvements over the next in particular – a home for everyone, a reducing the time spent in temporary year and developing plans for the wider safe and clean environment and accommodation and the cost for each area – so watch this space for your regeneration of our town centre. family supported. opportunity to get involved. Local Plan Update Maidstone’s current local “Throughout the hearings the plan, the Maidstone Borough Inspector has considered the Wide Local Plan, was adopted views of the public, the in 2000. Lots of things have development industry and changed since then so we’re significant others, as well as working on a new plan to appeal decisions regarding a replace it, which will be number of sites in the borough. called the Maidstone Borough It was found that two sites on Local Plan. Boughton Lane should be The Maidstone Borough Local deleted because specific Plan provides a framework solutions to traffic congestion at for development until 2031. It key junctions had not been plans for homes, jobs, forthcoming. One of these sites shopping, leisure and the (New Line Learning) is the environment, and provides subject of a re-opened public inquiry. infrastructure to support distributing the housing provision these. across the borough as well as “We are pleased to be able to say that maximising all existing transport we are much closer to adopting the infrastructure. Local Plan and look forward to receiving the final report from the “When calculating the housing need a Inspector.” number of matters were considered, including housing prices and delivery rates. The Inspector has concluded that the included uplift of 900 homes between 2011 and 2031 to address affordability would not How is the plan progressing? necessarily have the desired An interim report has been produced by effect so has proposed that the the inspector (Mr Robert Mellor) from housing figure be reduced the Secretary of State for Communities accordingly to 17,660. and Local Government. Cllr David Burton, Chairman of the What happens next? Strategic Planning, Sustainability and A final hearing is due to take place to consider outstanding matters before the Transport Committee, said: “Overall the Inspector issues his main modifications required to make the plan sound. Council is very pleased with the These will then be the subject of a six week consultation period before the plan Inspector’s interim findings which is found sound and adopted. endorse the approach taken to Maidstone Borough Council 3

HELP Housing and ASSISTANCE Advice Team GUIDANCE TIPS The Housing AAdvicedvice Team can housing advice and asssis ADVICE support residentsents who araree to residents in the borou actively seekingng their o ownwn are homeless or in threa accommodationon iinn tthehe prprivateivate homelessness. Through intervention the Councilcil wwil rented sector aandnd tthehe tteameam to support residents inn ppr are able to exploreplore options their homelessness by exploring for those who araree unable to a range of housing options. Thesse Stephanie Line, TTeeam Leader afforaffordd to to pa payy the the upfr upfrontont c ostscosts can include assisting tenants withith for Discharge Liaison said rrequiredequired to secursecuree a prproperty.operty. rent arrears by negotiating with WWee have recently commenced joint The Council operoperatesates a landlords to agree repayment working with Maidstone Borough Homefinder Bond Scheme arrangements; assisting with council to ensure homeless and fforor eligible applicapplicantsants in housing benefit issues; helping individuals admitted in to our tenants maximise their income“ and thrthreateat of homeless who araree TTrrust with housinghous concerns are advice on reduce their expenditure; unable to afforaffordd a ac ashcash r entrent supported on discharge from and assistance with conciliating a deposit forfor a prproperty.operty. TToo hospital. Although this does not return home in the case of parental, find out if yyouou araree eligible fforor alwayyssresolve the individuals family or friend evictions. If you concerns there is a link to ensure a Homefinder Bond please are in threat of homelessness or that they are supported on visit http://wwwhttp://www.maidstone..maidstone. eviction please ensure you contact discharge where possible. I believe gogov.uk/residents/housing2/v.uk/residents/housing2/ the Housing Advice TTeeame as early this has enhanced the outcome find-an-afforfind-an-affordable-homedable-home to to as possible before you reach the for many of our patients. In turn makmakee an online applicapplication.ation. point of homelessness. having a positive outcome on their If yyouou araree a landlorlandlordd who is long term health and life outcomes. The team has recently started interinterestedested in finding out about working with Maidstone Hospital Supporting homeless individuals our incincentiveentive scheme please to offer advice and assistance to and people with housing concerns people who are being discharged is an importantt issuee fforor tthehe hhealthealt ccontactontact housingadvichousingadvice@e@ from hospital with no home to go to. service and our locall council. maidstone.gomaidstone.gov.ukv.uk

Helping those on continue our work with people with a wide range of partners the streetstreet living on the streets as well as including Maidstone Day Centre, those with no fixed address who Porchlight and a range of health are in danger of ending up on the professionals, we have engaged street. ” with over 300 people in the past two years. We have also helped This is the second time we have about 100 people find some form been awarded funding for this of accommodation, whilst helping kind of work, showing that what others move back to another area, we have done so far has been often where they have family who successful and it is fantastic news can help support them. Of course, that we will be able to carry on. Just before Christmas we finding somewhere to live is only found out that a joint bid made Anyone can end up on the street- part of the story, so we have also by Maidstone, Canterbury very few people have a substantial put ongoing support in place for and Tunbridge Wells to the amount of savings, and one event, some people, helped some into government’s Rough Sleeper such as losing a job, a relationship work and, where needed, helped Grant Funding pot was successful, breakdown or a rent increase can people to access drug, alcohol and meaning that we will be able to have a devastating effect. Working mental health services. 4 Maidstone Borough Council

Housing and HealHealthth genergeneralal

Working with the hospital Maidstone Borough Council’s Housing and Health Team Members of the council’s Housing Housingousing Seminarr.. Itw as a work in partnership with our and Health TTeeam have started veryery vavaluable seminarr,, which health colleagues to address to work more closely with our prrroovided information on the role a spectrum of housing needs colleagues within Maidstone of the Housing and Health TTeeam, which in turn are affecting hospital, so that we can support homelessnessomelessness prreevention and the resident’s health. Partnerships our most vulnerable residents housing registerr.. to return to a safe and suitable have been formed with GP On returning to work, I was home after a hospital stay. We Surgeries, Hospital Discharge immediately able to use my can work with people in any type Teams and Health and Social new knowledge of the Housing of property, be it rented or owned. Care Workers to ensure and Health team to benefit two people are living in suitable One home we are currently clients who were inpatients in conditions and their health involved with has a number our community hospitals. The does not deteriorate due to of issues, such as out of date Housing and Health Officer poor housing conditions. electrics, no fixed heating Rebecca Astin has been helpful and a substantial amount of and approachable, with a positive The team can assist with hoarding meaning much of the attitude towards resolving a range of issues from property is inaccessible. The housing issues for our clients. The Disabled Facilities Grants property currently poses a risk collaborollaborraative working between (Home adaptions), to Home to the occupants, neighbours Rebecca and hospital health carree Inspections for general and future carers. The team is prrroofessionals has led to resolution disrepair for both home working with a wide range of off prrooblems which would owners and those renting in partners to ensure the resident otherwise lead to longer lengths of the private sector. is appropriately accommodated hospital stay for these patients. while the work is carried out to I have confidence that the Housing Throughout the winter months the property. We are working with and Health TTeeam will also follow- we receive high volumes of the local community to ensure the upp these vulner raable patients , damp and mould complaints house is cleared so that residents hi h i t k fl across the borough. Upon can return to their property

inspection, many of these knowing it is safe and warm. cases are due to lifestyle behaviours within the home We hope that by working close and some small changes can with the hospital, we can help help reduce the build-up of people return home and reduc condensation. incidents of readmission to hospital. If you think the condition Discharge nurse, Caroline of your home is affecting Essenhigh has supported this your health ask your GP to partnership by stating. make a referral to us, or contact the team directly In my neew rorole as Discharrgge on 01622 602000 or Support Nurrsse for the WWeest KeKen email housingandhealth@ CCommunityommu hospitals, I attended maidstone.gov.uk “Maidstoneone Borroough Council’s Maidstone Borough Council 5

Maidstone Borough Council Your services you decide Budget Consultation As you may remember Maidstone Borough Council undertook a consultation with residents and visitors on the Budget for 2017/18 during October and November 2016. The theme for the event was ‘Your services, you decide’ and How was the survey distributed? the primary focus for conducting the research was to: Paper copies available at 11 roadshows held throughout the identify which services we deliver are a priority to our borough residents. Online survey and determine what approach to funding these services Consultation mailing list for residents signed up residents think we should take. Social Media links to online survey

The results: A total of 140 surveys were completed during the roadshows wanted to retain existing funding (‘Funding kept the same’) and a further 786 surveys were completed online. for the ten services. Household waste collection and disposal was the service which had the greatest support at Overall rating of front facing services which are important 93%. Culture and tourism had the lowest proportion that said funding should be kept the same at 31%.

Reduce or cut funding?

Household waste collection and disposal received the highest rating when residents were asked to place a list of ten services in order of importance with 7.33. Culture & Tourism received the lowest rating at 4.29.

Funding for each service should the council maintain current funding, reduce or cut? Culture and Tourism have the greatest proportion of respondents overall that said funding should be reduced or cut altogether at 68%. This is made up of 14% that said cut all funding and 54% that it should be reduced. Household Waste Collection and Disposal was rated as the most important service with minimal support for reducing or cutting funding for this service.

What happens next? Each service committee will now be considering the results of the survey together with other information and deciding how the budget will be spent. Policy and Resources Committee will be looking at the service committee recommendations during February and will make the final decision. The graph above shows the proportion of respondents that 6 Maidstone Borough Council

Do you recycle your food waste? During February 2017, Maidstone residents will see a sticker appear on their rubbish bin encouraging them to remember to use the food recycling service.

It is anticipated that around 5,775 tonnes of food waste is being disposed of every year in residents’ rubbish bins but the majority of this is totally avoidable as we offer a weekly food recycling service so we would like to encourage more people to take part. Recycling food waste is important. Rather than simply throwing it in the rubbish bin, it could instead be composted and used as a soil improver on local farms. Using the food recycling service will also give you more space in your rubbish bin for any other waste which cannot be recycled or composted. Plus we collect food recycling every week. Maidstone Borough Council 7

Similar projects, which have been taken place elsewhere in the country, have seen a marked increase in food recycling and we are keen to copy this success. Marion Ring, Chairman of Communities Housing and Environment Committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who is using the food recycling service each week; however, we are aware that some residents are still throwing most of their food waste in their grey rubbish bins. Food in the grey bin goes straight for incineration which means that this valuable resource is going to waste. “We want residents to really look at what they are currently throwing away in their rubbish bins and ensure that any food waste, whether it’s raw or cooked, is diverted to their food recycling bin. “By placing a permanent reminder on every household’s rubbish bin we hope we can stop even more food waste from being incinerated, creating nutrient rich compost for local farms and saving money for our residents.” Since the scheme started in 2011 in the borough what has been achieved so far? Residents in the borough of Maidstone have diverted over 26,000 tonnes of food waste from being incinerated by using their food recycling bins. Do you need a new food recycling bin? If you need a replacement food recycling bin in order to take part in the service you can order it online at www.maidstone.gov.uk or by calling our customer contact centre on 01622 602600.

Pictured: Councillor Marion Ring, Chairman of Communities, Housing and Environment

A day in the life of YOUR recycled food

The food recycling that is collected in Maidstone is taken to an in-vessel composting facility in East Malling. Here the food recycling is shredded into smaller pieces then composted on an industrial scale. The organic material is made into a nutrient-rich soil improver. As the composting process happens quite quickly, the resulting compost is still quite coarse and therefore would not be suitable for use in a garden, however it is perfect for use on local farmland.

Food on its recycling journey…

Food recycling is collected every week from residents’ homes.

It is taken to Blaise Farm, West Malling. After being visually inspected it is shredded and stored in long heaps and turned regularly to allow air into the food which helps the micro-organisms break down the food into compost.

The mixture must reach a temperature of 60 degrees c. for a minimum of 16 days to kill of any harmful bacteria.

The end product is high quality compost which is used as a nutritious soil improver on local farms. 8 Maidstone Borough Council Ask for Angela launched in Maidstone

The Safer Maidstone Partnership has introduced a code-word campaign aimed at making people feel safe following a successful launch of the initiative in Lincolnshire. ‘Ask for Angela’ is aimed at encouraging HI I’M ANGELA, people to discreetly ask for help by going to the bar and alerting staff to a cry for help if they are faced with a difficult situation. Posters are being displayed in venues across the town centre and the campaign is Are you on a date being run in partnership with the council, Do you feel like Kent Police and the Maidstone Domestic that isn’t Abuse Forum. Training is being provided to you’re not in a venues which are part of Maidstone’s Night working out? Time Economy Forum. safe situation? Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr Fran Wilson commented: “When I heard Is your Tinder or PoF about the national recognition that the ‘Ask for Angela’ had been getting I was keen for date not who they Does it all our county town to get involved and be part of this important sexual violence awareness said they were on feel abit campaign. Launching this in Maidstone is a their profile? big step towards reducing the fear some weird? people might feel in a situation and to prevent sexual violence against women.” Cllr Marion Ring, Chair of the If you go to the bar and ASK FOR ‘ANGELA’ Communities, Housing and Environment Committee commented: “This safety the bar staff will know you need some campaign is a critical part of providing a safe environment for those enjoying the help getting out of your situation and will night time economy in Maidstone. If we can call you a taxi or help you out discreetly - help one person in a difficult situation, it means we’ve made a difference to their without too much fuss. safety and wellbeing.” MBC’s Community Partnerships & Courtesy of Safer Communities Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, Lincolnshire. Resilience Manager Matt Roberts said: “It’s Originators of the ‘Ask for Angela’ poster campaign part of the #NoMore sexual violence important that anyone who is feeling unsafe and abuse in Lincolnshire awareness Campaign. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nomore can be empowered to speak out and ask for help. We were impressed with this initiative from Lincolnshire as it’s a simple way of offering help and support to those who www.maidstone.gov.uk might be at risk. I would encourage anyone who needs help to go to the bar and ask for ‘Angela,’ and the bar staff will know you need help and will call you a taxi or help Maidstone Link you out discreetly.” The Council’s former Gateway building is due to re-open to the public Those heading on a night out in Maidstone during February. should follow this simple advice from Kent The building, now named Maidstone Link has undergone a complete Police in order to stay safe: refurbishment to provide a more open plan feel, and these changes allow Plan your journey to and from home in the space to be shared with the local Job Centre Plus and voluntary advance. If you get a taxi or minicab, organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. ensure it is licensed. The Council will continue to offer an appointment only service and will Tell someone where you are going and provide two cash only payment kiosks and facilities to make card what time you expect to return. payments online or by telephone. There will also be an increased number of self-help computers for customers to access council and other If you have arranged to meet with government services. someone new, tell a friend who they are Residents can also access a full range of council services via their phone, and where you plan to meet them. tablet or home computer by visiting www.maidstone.gov.uk/services Avoid leaving a drink unattended. News from the MUSEUM Findings from the Maidstone Museum mummy scan Maidstone Museum’s very own 2,700-year-old mummy – Ta-Kush – underwent a full CT scan at KIMS Hospital in September as part of the Ancient Civilisations Gallery redevelopment project. Museum Lates Last Thursday of every month During the scan, the team had the chance to analyse a Maidstone Museum Lates showcase number of additional art, film, dance, history, and more, objects from the with a different theme each month. ancient Egyptian Our curators will share a special collection. insight into the theme’s collections Initial scans of Ta- and often there is a range of activities possibly much older. Kush found that, to be enjoyed. while many believed For more information on her to have passed how to become a supporter Admission to the museum is free; away during of the Ancient Civilisations however, some Museum Lates adolescence, she may in fact have been gallery and other projects run by the activities may incur a charge. much older. Evidence was seen of well- Maidstone Museum Foundation – the worn teeth, loss of enamel, cavities, museum’s own charitable trust – Forthcoming events: abscesses in the jaw, and fully erupted contact Lyn Palmer on 01622 602862 or wisdom teeth, details which suggest a email [email protected] 23 February — Romance person who is at least mid-twenties, today. 30 March — ImaGINe 27 April — Quiz Night 25 May — Japanese Night CURRENT EXHIBITION This spring sees a host of fun and rewarding events scheduled to take place at Maidstone Museum. From Graham Clarke: ‘Now & Then’ exhibitions to workshops, there is something to suit all ages over the coming months. - Half-Term Make-It Workshops - Lino Cut Workshop - Interpretations – Maidstone Visual Arts Network - Japan: A Floating World in Print - Easter Holiday Fun - Japanese Style Arrangement Want to stay in touch? To find out more about the forthcoming events at Maidstone Museum, and to book your tickets visit http://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/events today. Follow Maidstone Museum January 21-March 17, 2017 You can stay in touch with the latest news and events at Maidstone Museum Artist, author, illustrator, and humourist, Graham Clarke is one of Britain’s most by following us on social media. Search popular and best-selling printmakers. This entertaining exhibition of etchings, for Maidstone Museum on Facebook, blockprints, watercolours, and sketchbooks spans 50 years of this prolific Kentish follow @MaidstoneMuseum on Twitter, artist’s work, demonstrating his unique style found in national collections, royal and visit us online at palaces, galleries, pubs, and private homes around the world. http://museum.maidstone.co.uk.

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings can be made via 01622 602838 and online. 10 Maidstone Borough Council

Proms in the Park SAVE THE DATE!

Proms in the Park will feature as part of our exciting We’ll be announcing all the top acts who will play at the outdoor events programme for 2017. event soon so keep a look out for further updates by This popular annual free family event will be held again in visiting our website www.maidstone.gov.uk or the picturesque setting of Whatman Park on Saturday 27 www.visitmaidstone.com May 2017. We look forward to seeing you there!

Why not report it to us online? From fly-tipping to a missed bin, we The next major election for Maidstone is the Kent County have a fast and efficient way for you Council election which will be held on Thursday 4 May 2017. to inform us about something you The deadline for receiving new have noticed or applications to register to vote is that we may Thursday 13 April 2017. have missed. If you aren’t registered to vote, you won’t You don’t have have the chance to have a say on who to drop in in represents you. person or even To register you can go online now to wait to speak with www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and us on the phone - we’re complete an application form or here 24/7 online for you. alternatively email [email protected] to Use our handy online ‘report it’ forms request a paper form. to tell us about almost anything. You can download the form from Whether your concern is noise, litter www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. After or graffiti, simply visit our website completing the form, you'll need to print and complete the short form. it, sign it, and send it back to the Electoral Services team by email or by Provide your details so we can keep post. you informed of the progress we are The deadline for postal vote and postal making and you can even see what proxy vote applications is 5pm on other people have reported to us over the previous 14 days. Tuesday 18 April 2017. If you have any queries regarding your The deadline for receiving proxy votes is registration please contact our team at www.maidstone.gov.uk/residents/ 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2017. [email protected] reportit Maidstone Borough Council 11 Council Tax Our compliance team have carried out their property or didn’t return their This review resulted in 204 a review of Council Tax payers who completed form confirming they were cancellations of relief amounting to were claiming the 25% single person entitled to the discount. We only keep £397k. discount. Council Tax bills are based 15% of the extra £250k income MBC is completing more regular cross on the assumption that two adults generated. This equates to £37.5k, checks with the other Kent occupy the property as their main with the majority of the Council Tax authorities. This sharing of home. If it's occupied by only one collected being passed to Kent County information means that if someone is resident, the bill is reduced by a single Council and the remainder to Kent claiming a Council Tax discount person's discount of 25%. Police and Kent Fire & Rescue. elsewhere as well as in the Maidstone As a result, 945 single person We also carried out a review of Borough, it will be picked up. In the discounts have been cancelled which businesses that were claiming the interests of all tax/ratepayers MBC will generate additional income of Small Business Rate Relief. This relief remain committed to pursuing over £250k per annum. In the majority is applicable if a business only uses individuals and companies claiming of cases the taxpayers forgot to advise one property and the property’s discounts that they not entitled to and us that another person had moved into rateable value is less than £12,000. recovering the monies in full.

Council Tax Review

Changes to Maidstone Borough Council’s Council Tax Reduction scheme will come into effect from April of this year following a consultation with residents. Over 1400 people responded to a survey looking at different options relating to the amount of financial help provided to those living in the borough on low incomes. The changes also relate to the way central Government has made welfare changes and the level of discount is based on the income of the household. Currently the maximum discount is 87% for working age households and up to 100% for pensioners. The consultation ran for a period of eight weeks between 1 July and 24 August 2016 and a decision on the changes was made at full council on 7th December with the following changes agreed:

Reducing the maximum level of support for working age applicants from 87% to 80% Removing the Family Premium for all new working age applicants Reducing the period for which a person can be absent from Great Britain and still receive Council Tax Reduction to four weeks Removing the work related activity component in the calculation of Council Tax Reduction Limiting the number of dependent children within the calculation for Council Tax Reduction to a maximum of two Introducing a scheme, in addition to Council Tax Reduction, to help applicants suffering exceptional hardship Residents with questions regarding how the changes might affect them can email [email protected] 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working for you

Paul Kirrage Health Officer for MKIP - Community Partnership Team

What tasks and responsibilities does your job and effort into their employees’ wellbeing and signing involve? onto the awards in the first place. My job role involves marketing and selling the Kent Secondly, when working with employers illustrating healthy Business Awards to local businesses. This the importance of collaboration with staff and not a could be presentations at business events, working top down dicator style of operating. Both these with business associations and even cold calling on aspects involve relationship building to gain trust. site. Once they have signed on my role is to support What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? the businesses in any way they need. This could Most of my spare time is taken up by my very include, policy and procedure formation, staff energetic boys, aged 7 and 5. When I do get some engagement ideas, Health and Wellbeing information time alone I enjoy playing golf and being outdoors. giving or signposting to relevant information. Once completed my role is to assess the business to make What’s your favourite food? sure they have achieved National accreditation for the Favourite food is Italian. Pizza and Pasta dishes are work they have completed. I then complete a report always very welcome. for each business showing the strengths and potential Which country have you always wanted to visit and improvements that could effect change even more for why? the wellbeing of their employees. I always wanted to visit USA; Disney world to be What do you most enjoy about your role? precise as never was able to when I was young. Now I love the ability to work with so many differing having children and able to visit the price puts me off!! business, of all sizes and industries. I work with Sole If you had to pick a character to be from a book, TV traders all the way to businesses with over 10000 series or historical figure, who would it be and why? employees. Being able to make a difference to the Elijah from the Bible. He's done some amazing things employees that work for these businesses is the and then at the end got taken to Heaven in a burning reason I enjoy my job so much. chariot and a whirlwind, which sounds like a great way to go if you ask me! What is the most difficult aspect of your everyday role? Pick one word to describe yourself. Showing employers the real benefits of putting time Passionate.

Borough Update Follow us on Twitter This is your council newsletter, Your comments and suggestions @maidstonebc produced up to four times a year are always welcome. It is in the Downs Mail newspaper. It typeset by AW design and printed Like us on Facebook – is written, edited and designed by Newbury News. www.facebook.com/ by the council's communications If you are visually impaired and maidstoneboroughcouncil team, Maidstone House, King would like the newsletter text in Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 large print, please call us on Watch us on YouTube – 6JQ. Email: 01622 602176, and we will be www.youtube.com/ [email protected]. happy to send you a copy. user/maidstonecouncil

What’s On! To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com downsmail.co.uk News Cooke in seg Right-wing mosque theft aempt A HOMELESS man who tried to steal two Segways from a shop in The Mall in Maidstone town cen- demo fizzles in rain tre has been sent to prison for more than four months. A DEMONSTRATION by a far- A Benjamin Alfred Cooke was right, anti-Muslim group fizzled sentenced on January 6, 2017, at out in the drizzle when only a Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. handful turned up to campaign Cooke pleaded guilty to four against the expansion of Maidstone counts of shoplifting and one Mosque. count of attempted shoplifting. Barely 20 protestors from South The court was told how on Sep- East Alliance showed up in Mote tember 7, 2016, the 30-year-old, of Road, compared to around 100 Mus- no fixed address, stole razor lims, anti-facists, and trades union- blades worth £57.35 from a phar- ists who stood outside the Islamic macy in Longshaw Road, Maid- centre. stone. Ten police officers were on duty. Ten days later, he stole cosmetic The far-right supporters, who items worth £63.56 from the same claimed to have the support of local pharmacy. people, chanted: "No more “The relationship with other faiths demo to highlight their opposition to Then on September 22, 2016, he refugees." in this town has always been good." the extension of the mosque. stole razor blades worth £20 from South East Alliance arrived at The mosque provided tea, biscuits "They feel they are being ignored the same pharmacy. around 1pm, two hours late, stayed and pizza to protestors outside. by the council. On November 9, he attempted to for 60 minutes before departing. South East Alliance declined to “We would like to thank the locals steal two Segways worth £499.98 The mosque's Imam Muhammad speak to Downs Mail's reporter who invited and joined us on our from a shop in The Mall, Maid- Usmani, 41, said: "Of course, I re- when approached at the protest on first demo as Kent's official branch of stone. spect anyone's right to free speech January 7. the South East Alliance and we look On December 4, he stole gro- even if I don't like or agree with But according to reports, South forward to the next demo." ceries worth £46 from a shop in what they're saying. East Alliance claimed the group had Few people knew of the mosque's Northumberland Road, Maid- “But I would be unhappy if either been invited to stage a demonstra- existence in Maidstone until it ap- stone. side used inappropriate words. "The tion by local people. plied for, and was granted permis- Magistrates sentenced Cooke to mosque has been here for more than The spokesman said: "After being sion, to expand its facilities – 125 days in prison. Magistrates de- 20 years and I never expected this approached by local people, we de- including a new kitchen - by the bor- clared he must also pay £186 com- (the protest) to happen here. cided to support them by having a ough council. pensation.

Maidstone Weald February 2017 23 News downsmail.co.uk Garage thefts POLICE are investigating a spate of Local MPs set to gain break-ins at garages and sheds across west Kent including Maid- stone, when bikes and other Christ- mas gifts have been stolen. bigger poll majorities Officers have reminded residents to lock outbuildings after thefts of ALL our local MPs will be returned bicycles and gardening equipment. at the next general election with en- A red and white Principia Ellipse hanced majorities, according to bicycle and another bike were new polling data. stolen after thieves broke a lock on The respected independent Elec- a garage in Loose Road, Maidstone. toral Calculus (EC) has crunched Maidstone District Commander, polls, analysis and trends to show Inspector Jody Gagan-Cook said: some hefty increases in majorities for Tracey Crouch Helen Whately Tom Tugendhat Helen Grant “Bicycles, power tools and garden- the Conservative members. 8% UP 4% UP 3.6% UP 1.1% UP ing equipment are some of the The biggest beneficiary will be most common targets but there are Tracey Crouch in Chatham and locally contentious issues. 2015, but they lost all three.” a number of steps residents can Aylesford, whose 11,455 majority Nor does it consider possible The party campaigner did ac- take to avoid falling prey to oppor- could jump by more than 8%. boundary changes, which could see knowledge that Miss Fermor, who tunist thieves. Helen Whately in Faversham and Mrs Whately’s constituency swal- lives in Coxheath, might gain “some “I would encourage residents to Mid Kent might enjoy a 4% uplift on lowed up, or a snap general election. traction” in a localised contest. contact their PCSO to arrange for her 16,652 majority while Tonbridge On paper at least, Mrs Grant’s po- A Lib Dem source said: “On bikes to be security marked and to and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat sition is comparatively more parlous paper, you wouldn’t give Emily a use strong locks on outbuildings.” could see a 3.6% increase on his than her neighbours, although a prayer but given the mess the gov- 23,734 advantage. 10,000 plus majority might be a tall ernment is making of Brexit and Maidstone and Weald MP Helen order to overturn. some bad economic times ahead, a Arson arrest Grant’s majority of 10,709 might see But a growing Ukip groundswell popular candidate might just do it.” A 40-YEAR-OLD woman has a 1.1% rise in a national poll. and a strong Lib Dem candidate in EC predicts the Tories to win the been arrested on suspicion of arson Most political observers treat the Oxford-educated Emily Fermor general election with 364 seats (+33) after a blaze at a bungalow in Col- polling with some caution, not least might make Mrs Grant feel nervous. and Labour to secure just 197 (-35). lege Avenue, Maidstone. after inaccurate predictions prior to As one Tory activist told Downs The Lib Dems would increase by a Kent Police said she had been the 2015 general election and the EU Mail: “The Lib Dems think they can single seat and Ukip would retain its bailed until February 16. referendum last summer. win it every time they stand in one MP. Firefighters were alerted just But parties treat EC as a fair fore- Maidstone and the Weald. They sent The prediction service used opin- after 8.30pm on Tuesday, Decem- cast as a national poll of polls, al- Peter Carroll, who is no slouch, to ion polls carried out in December ber 27, and the fire was put out though it does not take into account fight it twice and Jasper Gerard in 2016 from a sample of 6,719 people. with a hose reel jet. Leaflet NEW EASY TO SELL Distribution Turn your unwanted items into cash. Now TAKE AWAY • Cars • Bikes • Cycles • Toys MENU • Furniture • Videos • CDs available Local Indian • Garden Equipment with Restaurant • Musical FREE DELIVERY Instruments Maidstone Open until 11pm every day • Clothing etc etc and Malling’s Free bottle of beer with every Easy to upload No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal

newspaper All types of renovationbuilding and gardening work

FREEundertaken. ESTIMATES Brickwork•Carpentry • Tiling • FREE

• Patio’s • Decking Private Ads • Distribution area can be tailored to meet your needs • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month • Competitive rates & volume discounts Call 01622 630330 Online for a quote, and see how easy it is to get www.downsmail.co.uk your leaflet delivered with the Downs Mail More news • Community information • Business News

24 Maidstone South January 2014 downsmail.co.uk News Woman jailed A WOMAN who assaulted six po- lice officers has been sent to prison Fringe festival aims to for a month . Kayley Skelton was sentenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court where she admitted criminal damage but get the town rocking denied six counts of assaulting a po- lice officer and one count of assault- THE county town’s pubs and clubs ing a person assisting a police officer. will be alive to the sound of music Confirmed so far: in May when the seventh Maid- She was convicted of the offences by ARTISTS confirmed to play are: stone Fringe Festival is staged. magistrates. The Scorchers, One Day Elliott, TV On May 27, 2016, the 29-year-old Billed as a celebration of the di- Smith, Molly’s Bar, Ben Mills, assaulted three police officers and a versity of new and original music, Funke & The 2 Tone Baby, Esk person helping the police at a coun- the event will be held over five days Forte, The Dredgermen, Fowokan, cil building in King Street, Maid- during the May Day bank holiday. The Soundcasters, Petty Thieves, stone. On June 16, she assaulted a From all-nighters to gentle, fam- The Narratones, Clea Llewellyn police officer in the same building ily-friendly entertainment in cafes Trio,The Lowly Strung, Connor and between June 21 and 22, she and coffee shops, organisers hope Noble and David James Rumsey. there will be something for every- damaged a shop window valued at VENUES confirmed so far are: one. £450 at a service station in Sutton The Style & Winch, 4 Degrees, A local auction company and the Road. On July 4, she assaulted two The Druids Arms, The Flowerpot, police officers at an address in Sut- business support group One Maid- The Source Bar, The Stag, Drakes, stone will be supporting the Fringe. spokesman said: “It follows on from ton Road. its predecessors in celebrating the The White Horse, The Cellars, The Much of the entertainment will be Music Room - Pizza Express, Bar 6, free to attend. diversity of new and original music in Kent and the south-east. The Royal Albion, Frederic, The Curfew order So far, a number of town centre Duke Of Marlborough, the Social “During five days over the May- A MAN convicted of assault in a venues have come on board, includ- Chill Bar. Maidstone pub has been ordered to ing The Music Room – Pizza Ex- day Bank Holiday weekend, the fes- stay at home every night for four press, Molly’s Bar, The Stag and the tival will be filling the county town’s months. Matthew Edwards, of Social Chill Bar. numerous pubs, clubs and music riety of music from rock, indie and Hampshire Drive, denied assault, Among the acts which have been venues with live acts from across pop-punk, through to acoustic and but was convicted by magistrates. confirmed are The Dredgermen, many different genres. blues acts, ska and reggae, contem- He assaulted a man at the Market The Scorchers, Petty Thieves and the “Incorporated within the festival porary folk, funk, soul, dance and Buildings pub on July 24 last year. Narratones. are a number of all-day events and hip-hop. He was sentenced to unpaid work Former X-Factor finalist Ben Mills, dance all-nighters, as well as family  More information can be found and given a curfew. He must also from Chatham, pictured, has been -friendly entertainment in cafes and at FACEBOOK: maidstonefringe- pay £250 compensation, £250 costs confirmed in the line-up. coffee shops in the town centre.” festival or click onto www.maid- and an £85 victim surcharge. A Maidstone Fringe Festival The festival will put on a wide va- stonefringe.com Snow thieves THIEVES used heavy snowfall to First winter snow brings stage the theft of a 17.5ft fishing boat. The Warrior 175 craft called Cat- tfish was stolen from a farm in Wier- ton Hill, Boughton Monchelsea, headaches on the roads between 10pm on Thursday, Janu- ary 12, and 3am the following day. WITH the first scenic snows of Kent was experiencing its first heavy winter came chaos on the roads. snowfall of the winter at the time. Whilst it was a serene vista for folk The white vessel, which weighs looking out over the Weald or Mote about a tonne, has a blue stripe along Park, for many journeys the experi- its side and a blue tilted cover. Kent ence was far from idyllic. Police are investigating the theft. Just two inches of snow fell be- tween January 12 and 13 but it wrought havoc on the highways Friends’ songs where Kent Police said there were THE Friends of St John the Baptist's 188 crashes in Kent - 11 in Maidstone Church, Harrietsham, are holding and 11 on the M20. an evening of music with the Rain- The M20 and A20 were described ham Ladies’ Choir on February 18 at as hazardous with some social 7.30pm. The choir will sing popular media commentators questioning classics, show songs and choral the county’s gritting policy. A car transporter came off the music. Refreshments are included. This serene scene of snow in Bearsted Tickets are available from Stephen A249 early on January 13 and al- contrasted sharply with the chaos on Morris on email: chairman@friend- though the road was initially shut the A249, which had to be closed sofstjohn.org or call 01622 850948. and re-opened, it had to be closed again – during rush hour – as the ve- drink-driving. hicle was pulled from a ditch. There was gridlock in Leeds vil- Barn dancing The driver was unhurt. The acci- lage as one vehicle was abandoned A BARN dance is to be held in dent caused huge problems for mo- and another struggled to make it up and gusting winds played havoc Barming in aid of the RNLI . torists throughout the day. A family the hill near the George Inn pub, with power networks. Social media John and Karen Sweeney will pro- was left homeless after a car crashed causing massive tailbacks in both di- was alive with criticism of the British vide the music at Fant Community into their house in Lucerne Street, rections. inability to cope with a minor fall of Hall, Fant Lane, Barming, at 7.30pm Maidstone, at about 7.20pm on Jan- Villagers later suffered an electric- snow. on March 4. Tickets are £10 and in- uary 12. No one was hurt. A white ity blackout for more than an hour. Have your say! Drop a line to clude a ploughman's supper. Call Fiat Punto hit the front door of the In other parts of Maidstone and else- the editor or use our social media John Ashbolt 01622 725435 or Alan property and a 22-year-old local where, streetlights on the sides of the pages: @DownsMail on Twitter or Cocks 01622 761004. man was arrested on suspicion of roads flickered on and off as snow click onto www.facebook.com

Maidstone Weald February 2017 25 News downsmail.co.uk Hospital train album display Knickers top of wishlist A RARE chance to see an 1899 album revealing the role of a World War I hospital train was provided to mark the last day of Maidstone Mu- at shelter for homeless seum’s exhibition, Coming Home: “PLEASE send us pants.” That was other vulnerable people in the area. Conflict and Care 1916-2016. the urgent plea from volunteers Food was also provided by the The album includes images of the who are helping to provide shelter White Rabbit pub and Tesco, Princess Christian Hospital Train for homeless people in Maidstone. Lunsford Park. which was seven carriages long and As temperatures plummeted Gifts for each guest included those had a kitchen, dining and siting below freezing, project manager donated by Gruffalo class at St room, nurses’ quarters and bunks Alexa Kersting-Woods, of Maid- Marks’ CE Primary School, Eccles for patients. stone Churches Winter Shelter, was and customers of the Retreat beauty The story of the train, which cost delighted with the donations of salon, Maidstone. about £7,000, was explained by clothes and food, money and offers Alexa said: “It’s amazing to see the Maidstone Museum collections offi- of help which had flowed in, but tents or shop doorways. Ages of cur- generosity of hundreds of people cer, Rebecca Arnott, who described highlighted a need for knickers. rent guests range from 23 to 62. wanting to help street homeless, the how the nurses often worked in dif- “We have had quite a lot of cloth- The project’s appeal for day guests were really touched.” ficult conditions sometimes made ing sent in, for which we are very helpers resulted in 260 people com- The shelter works with Maidstone worse by bombings near stations. grateful, but we are making an ap- ing forward, but overnight volun- Day Centre, in Knightrider Street, She said: “It was great to be able to peal for pants. We especially need teers are still needed. which is run by charity Homeless share the research we gathered on men’s fitted boxer shorts in small, Alexa said: “The night is split, so Care, and with Porchlight, which the album.” medium and large and ladies’ knick- you wouldn’t have to stay awake all works with rough sleepers. The event was organised with the ers, also in a range of sizes.” night. Even if you could only make Zofia Grzymala, manager of the museum by Kent Community Rail Warm clothing is also always wel- two nights during the 12-week pe- day centre, said it was helping about Partnership. come, as well as sheets, blankets riod that would make a difference.” 30 clients a day. “The problem is Chairman Sue Murray said: “The sleeping bags and tents. The winter shelter opened for huge in the severe weather we are presentation was terrific bringing to- The shelter, which is in its fourth three nights from Christmas Eve, having at the moment,” she said. gether the spoken word, slides, year, opened on January 3 for 12 with volunteers Annie and Keith “The community of Maidstone is paintings, phots and artefacts giving weeks, and is held at different Shave opening the United Reformed helping very well, but we definitely all of us a better idea of how an am- churches and buildings throughout Church to ensure there was some- need winter clothes, coats, tents and bulance train worked. Learning of the town each night. Last winter, 77 where for street homeless to go. all types of food donations.” the cramped conditions nurses people received its support. Guests were treated to a curry by Contact the winter shelter on 01622 worked in, their bravery and that of This year, 15 beds are available for the Tandoor Mahal in Medway 296450; Maidstone Day Centre on those wounded soldiers, was alto- men and women who would other- Street, with so much food that vol- 01622 674064. gether a very moving experience.” wise be sleeping rough in car parks, unteers were able to take some to

Property T.01622 201078 J.L.B Maintenance [email protected] M.07854 529434 Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices New Tiled Roofs UPVC Fascias, General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering Moss Removal Felt Flat Roofing

Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs Broken Brackets Undertaken..... Leaking Gutter Joints Down Pipes Prices Start So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing From As Little As £20 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

26 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News £1.45m boost to M20 bridge collapse: healthier travel THE county council has been given £1.45m to promote healthier travel by foot, bike and bus. The cash will come from the De- man, 63, is charged partment of Transport over the next three years. A MAN has been charged in con- KCC says it will put the money to- nection with the collapse of the wards cycle training for more than M20 footbridge last summer. 1,000 adults, rangers to care for cycle The crossing broke up on the Lon- paths, improvements to 10 walking don-bound carriageway after being and cycle routes, training primary hit by a lorry carrying a digger. school pupils to cross the road and a Police, who have been investigat- cycle recycling scheme. ing since the incident on August 27, Advice on sustainable and active have charged a 63-year-old man travel will also be given to residents from the north of England. and commuters at train stations, The Darlington man was issued schools and colleges. Alongside this, with a summons to appear before 11-19 year olds are to be encouraged Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on to travel to and from school or col- February 17 charged with causing lege in more health ways, and safer serious injury by dangerous driving road use will be promoted. and three counts of criminal dam- throwing himself clear the collpase. "Kent Police were called at The cash comes from the govern- age, which relate to vehicles and the A major incident response swung 12.07pm on Saturday, August 27, ment’s Sustainable Travel Access bridge. into place immediately after the al- 2016, to a report that a bridge had Fund. Clive Pearman, KCC deputy The incident happened on a bank leged collision and the section of mo- collapsed between junctions 4 and 3 cabinet member for environment holiday weekend when the motor- torway was closed for some days. on the London bound carriageway and transport, said: “We were one of way would have been used by hun- Little evidence of the incident re- of the M20.” the few local authorities to receive dreds of thousands of motorists. mains after a massive clear-up and During the demolition process, money from this scheme. More than 150 tonnes of concrete dismantling operation, but it may be carried out by a London-based spe- “We plan to build on our proven structure and debris crashed onto some time before it is rebuilt. cialist company, immediately after track record of promoting and pro- the carriageway near junction 4 for A Kent Police spokesman said: "A the crash, 400 tonnes of rubble was viding active travel choices for the Leybourne. man will appear before court fol- removed from the scene. people of Kent. For all the jargon of No one was killed in the incident lowing the collapse of a pedestrian The incident caused massive dis- ‘integrated packages of sustainable but a 73-year-old motorcyclist, Jim bridge over the M20 motorway in ruption to the Maidstone area in the transport’, what we are saying is we Shaw, was left with broken ribs after August 2016. days after it happened. want to make it as quick, easy and good for you, and the environment, to get from A to B.” Work will build on the Kent Con- Arriva to improve bus services nected website: kentconnected.org.

BUS company Arriva has indicated it is to improve the reliability of its Gillet’s fillets bus services across the network. A MAN who shoplifted a large It follows a string of complaints amount of meat from shops has es- from bus users across the borough, caped being sent to jail. including Staplehurst where users – Matthew John Gillett (34) was many of them students – were left sentenced on January 5, 2017, at waiting more than an hour for a bus Medway Magistrates’ Court. on the coldest day of the year and He admitted seven counts of out in the cold for 45 minutes just a shoplifting. week later. The court heard how Gillett, of In a guarded statement following Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone, a month of break-downs and late stole meat from the same super- buses on the Number 5 village serv- market in Sutton Road, Maidstone, ice between Maidstone and Sand- on seven occasions between De- hurst, Arriva said: “We have cember 28 and January 4. conducted an in-depth analysis of Magistrates sentenced Gillett to the issues on the network and are 90 days in prison, suspended for 12 now in the process of implementing months. He must also pay £274 changes which should mean buses compensation, £85 costs and a £115 will not get to school on time.” assessing the running of a registered victim surcharge. are more reliable in future. The news from Arriva follows service is whether it has run no more “After registering changes with the other complaints of late arrivals and than two minutes early and five Traffic Commissioner, there is a 56- no-shows in recent weeks, including minutes late. Operators found not to Girl injured day period before they can be im- the 575 service used by students be running services in accordance POLICE investigating an accident plemented, so we hope to see from Kings Hill, Snodland, Malling, with registered timetables may be in Maidstone in which a 14-year- improvements in April.” old girl suffered a broken ankle are Aylesford and Barming to get to called on to attend a public inquiry, Staplehurst borough councillor appealing for witnesses. schools, including Invicta and Maid- have their licence revoked, face a Louise Brice said she was pleased to The collision on the Loose Road, note that the bus company was in- stone Grammar. fine or be required to show how they involving a grey BMW car, hap- tending to respond. Last month, Bearsted resident intend to improve their service. pened at just after 4.30pm on Mon- She said: “Arriva has done some Peter Wiles took his complaint about Downs Mail asked Arriva to ex- day, January 9, as the girl was on a work to improve the service, but in the delays and cancellations of the pand on its statement and to explain pedestrian crossing. The driver the last month or so it has been one Number 19 serving Bearsted and how the service and its network of stopped at the scene and the girl thing after another and there are Grove Green to the Traffic Commis- routes would be improved but was was taken to hospital. now a lot of unhappy people, partic- sioner, as reported in Downs Mail. told: “It basically means changes are Anyone who saw the accident ularly parents who are worried, with The Traffic Commissioner warns coming but they can’t be imple- shoudl call Sergeant Hannah exams coming up, that their children that the window of tolerance when mented overnight as that’s the law.” Brown on 01622 798538.

Maidstone Weald February 2017 27 News downsmail.co.uk Appeal after child injured Schools get bigger as KENT Police are appealing for wit- nesses to a collision on Marden Road, Staplehurst, in which a five- year-old boy was seriously injured. Kent demand grows The collision occurred at 5.15pm on January 18, when a grey Chevrolet Captiva crossed a grass THE county council has been doing its sums to create more than 23,000 verge and ended up in a ditch. extra school places over the next five years to meet growing demand. The boy, who was a passenger in the car, was air-lifted to a London Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet new primary and 10 new secondary year places in Maidstone North, a hospital with serious injuries. member for education, outlined the schools by 2022. 210-place expansion of Headcorn The driver, a 41-year-old woman scale of the problem, with demand He adds: “Much of the additional Primary School, 30 temporary re- from the Cranbrook area, had for school places rising for the last provision will be achieved by ex- ception year places in Maidstone minor injuries. five years. panding existing schools. While in West or a 210-place expansion of Ju- The accident happened between He added: “As demand continues many cases, the need for new and bilee Primary School at Fant. Lindridge Lane and Pagehurst to grow, Kent is working hard to expanded schools is dependent on By 2018/19 - A new 420-place school Road and the road was shut for make the places available for more future housing development, the in Maidstone North, 140 place ex- several hours during the emer- than 23,000 primary and secondary increase in demand for education pansion of Marden Primary School gency recovery work. extra children who will need school places continues to be significant.” and a 210 place expansion of Harri- The car may have struck a tree. places over the next five years in Since 2010, the county council has etsham Primary School. Officers from the Serious Colli- Kent. Of these, 15,700 are for sec- extended 89 primary schools (seven By 2019/20 - A new 420 place school sion Investigation Unit were called ondary school places and almost in Maidstone) and 39 secondary in Hermitage Lane, Barming. to the scene and the road remained 8,000 for primary.” schools (three in Maidstone). Cllr Gough said: “As the school closed for several hours. The county council says as a con- In its latest Commissioning Plan age population continues to grow, Anyone who saw the collision or sequence of house building, more for Education Provision, it high- we will plan for and respond to this the Chevrolet in the moments be- people moving to the area, and a lights a need in Maidstone for: demand and ensure where possible fore the incident, is asked to call the rising birth rate, Kent will need 37 2017/18 - 60 temporary reception that parental preference is met.” Serious Collision Investigation Unit Appeal Line on 01622 798538. Put new year fitness to test in race Killer found TEST your resolve to get fit in just A WOMAN on the run from an under five weeks’ time at a new open prison near Sutton Valence year Resolution Run in Maidstone. for 10 years has been traced and ar- There’s a chance to take part in rested. your first 5k or 10k run of the year Monique Dwyer (31) was serving at the Bearsted Woodland Trust’s time for manslaughter at HMP East land off Church Lane – and you will Sutton Park when she absconded in help raise funds for the UK Stroke September 2006. Association. Kent Police completed a full and An event spokesman said: “A thorough investigation into her dis- Resolution Run is exactly that – appearance at the time, but, it was your resolution for the new year, not until Saturday, January 21, that and we’ve already had more than Dwyer was finally traced to an ad- 4,500 people sign up to take part abilities, and, if you'd prefer to jog Friday) before February 24. dress in Studley Road, Stockwell. across the country. It’s the ideal or walk, you can do that. Admissions will be £20 on the day. Dwyer, who was nearing the end event if you want to get more Entry is £15 per person if you The race starts at 10.30am, on of her sentence when she went active in 2017.” book online by February 26, or by Sunday, March 5. missing, was due to appear in court The run is open to all ages and calling 0300 330 0740. (Monday to Parking will be limited. in Chatham.

A WHITE and blue 175ft fishing boat was reports Crime stolen from a property in Wierton Hill, Boughton Monchelsea. Two lawn mowers, tools and trimmer Neighbourhood Watch were taken during a burglary in Amber Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Lane, Chart Sutton. A house was broken into in Hanover Yalding. A vehicle parked in Church Street, Road, Coxheath. Thieves took an orange buggy from a farm Boughton Monchelsea, was broken into. A shed at a house in Lower Road, West site compound in Plain Road, Marden. A blue and white Mini saloon was stolen Farleigh, was broken into. A roof, padlock and chain were damaged from Moat Road, Headcorn. Garden chairs were stolen from property when a petrol chainsaw was stolen from a A shed was broken into in Heath Road, in Vicarage Road, Hunton. workshop in Orchard Bank, Chart Sutton. Boughton Monchelsea, but nothing was In Heath Road, Coxheath, a pet cat was A shed in Thatch Barn Road, Headcorn taken. killed. Vet analysis suggested it was proba- was broken into and cash stolen, Thieves damaged a padlock and chain bly poisoned by drinking anti freeze. A shed was broken into at a house in and took a silver two tonne trailer from a Electricity cable was cut and removed Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea, but farm in Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst. from a sub-station generator at The Priory, nothing was taken. East Farleigh. The rear number plate was stolen from an Two Shetland ponies have been stolen MG car parked in the road in Cleavesland, PROTECT from a field in Forstal Lane, Coxheath. Yalding. A Ford Ka in a car park at The Green, Christmas decorations were stolen from a YOUR HOME West Farleigh, had its tyres slashed. house in little Field, Staplehurst. ALARMS FROM Deliberate damage was caused to a vehi- A white Ford Transit van in Bishops £495+VAT cle in Shenley Road, Headcorn. Close, Nettlestead, was broken into but A white second-hand gas cooker was nothing was taken. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD taken from a garden in Medway Avenue, 01622 880751

28 Maidstone Weald February 2017 C Prompt ollection ery Garden Fastv eli & Ground D D.TD.T Maintenance SKIPSKIP HIREHIRE Local family Over 20 Years Experience run firm Fully Insured Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 NPTC Qualified & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone All aspects of garden & The Weald maintenance undertaken EA Registered Fast & Prompt Service Grass cutting • Hedge cutting • Ponds Commercial Please call for free visit & Domestic All needs catered for • Over 15 years experience 01622 843511 Telephone Ben on: 07712135602 01233 623721 Email- [email protected] Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ

www.collins-windows.com GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

Maidstone Weald February 2017 29 downsmail.co.uk John Gosbee years. Whilst fostering was mainly my work, health problems within their family. Obituaries Tony was always involved and helping. He Ann’s death came after a bale with JOHN Gosbee (78) who died in Dorset on loved historical things to do with the mesolthelioma, a cancer which is usually Boxing Day will be remembered for his two military and had visited and enjoyed the linked to exposure to asbestos dust. Ann – decades as headmaster of Troiscliffe Imperial War Museum’s collection of aircraft who was diagnosed in August 2015 – Primary School. at Duxford many times. Tony’s other loves believed the regular shaking out and Born in Arundel, Sussex, John did national included gardening and cycling.” washing of overalls belonging to her father service in Cyprus and Tony leaves his wife, children and and her husband had been a cause of her went to art college grandchildren Charlie, Arthur, Olive and health problems. and teacher training Bey. college before moving to Kent. His homes James Clinch between 1969 and John Harrisson 1996 included time in THE death in Newcastle-upon-Tyne has Rochester, Maidstone THE death of John Harrisson has drawn been announced of James Clinch (89). and West Malling. He tributes from a number of local people. Locally born and educated, James left retired from teaching John was a partner with the Hobbs Parker Maidstone Grammar School to complete and left the area in Group based in national service in the 1996 to live in Dorset. Ashford and RAF and study John was husband to Janet and father to Tenterden and a Chemistry at Jesus Susie, who said: “My dad was incredibly Fellow of the Royal College, Cambridge well-read and had an exceptional level of Institute of Chartered before embarking on a general knowledge. His passion for art Surveyors. He was career as an industrial stayed with him and he worked constantly also a player and chemist. After jobs in in his studio at the house in Dorset, took part administrator in local Ilford and Bristol, he in open studio days and sold some works. A rugby who had served returned in 1964 to number of people have contacted us since Maidstone Rugby Maidstone, living in his death to say the presence of his art in Club for many years, Willington Street, their homes will be a reminder of him. serving as president of where he worked for “He never lost his love of learning. After the club from 1985 to 1989. Locally born and a decade at W & R Balston specialist paper his retirement he completed an Open educated, John joined the firm of E J Parker making firm before redundancy and being University degree. And he will be after national service in 1946. The firm offered a post teaching Chemistry at remembered for his sense of humour, which became Hobbs Parker. John worked at the Maidstone Grammar School. He moved to stayed with him until the very end.” Maidstone office and lived in Loose until Leeds village in 1982. John – who was widowed in 2004 – leaves moving to Tenterden. James was married for over 60 years to his daughter, son-in-law Ben and Maidstone Rugby Club said on their Anne and was father to Katie, Christopher grandchildren Samuel and Jacob. website: “He was a mainstay as a player in and Lucy. He was the founding conductor of the club, particularly in the post-war years. what is now the City of Rochester At the time of the club’s centenary in 1980 he Symphony Orchestra, from 1969 to 1995 and Tony Welsh had only shortly ended his playing career he was also an accomplished oboist. Son which had spanned four decades. He went Christopher said: “My father showed ANTHONY “Tony” Francis Welsh (79) lived on to become president of the club following prowess at any challenge he took on, in Allington for about 35 years, having the establishment of the league system.” earning respect from all for his efforts." He returned to the area where he grew up after John leaves his wife Edna, daughters also helped with the choir at Saint Nicholas spending several years following his nursing Sarah and Elizabeth, four grandchildren and Church, Otham, where he worshipped for career in Birmingham. four great-grandchildren. many years. He served the church in a Tony had earlier lived in Boughton number of roles, including that of secretary. Monchelsea and served out his national James is survived by his wife, children and service. He completed his nursing training Ann Siddons grandchildren Emma and Hannah. locally and moved to Birmingham before finishing his career locally. ANN Siddons (72) of Rivers Walk, Lenham, Tony was married to Hazel for 54 years who died in Maidstone Hospital on January William Sewell and was father to Deborah, Julian and 10, had become well-known for her campaigning and research into potential WILLIAM Sewell (95) lived for 40 years in Andrew. Hazel said: “Tony worked as a . charge nurse at Leybourne Hospital and was dangers in the workplace Norman Close, Maidstone. London-born, a quiet person. Ann was the daughter of Walter Ward and William worked for the Post Office from the “He was also very giving to others and widow of Henry “Harry” Siddons. Both age of 16 to 62, apart from his war service in involved in a number of local charities, men had worked at the Marley factory in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical including the local air ambulance, the Lenham, and Ann was convinced that Engineers. William met Margaret, his wife of Woodland Trust and was often in problems with dust, in particular asbestos 58 years, on a skiing holiday in Austria. aendance at events involving the Royal dust, were central to their deaths. She said: “William worked for the Post British Legion. Her campaign drew local aention when Office and was awarded the General Post “He was also a foster parent for many she appeared in the press last year in search Office Imperial Service Medal. He was a of others who may have experienced similar member of Bearsted Golf Club for 40 years, and also enjoyed playing cricket. ” William leaves his wife and their daughter Camrass Wills Fiona. Advice you can trust The Stone Shop Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere. Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? Inscriptions added to existing memorials • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Renovations and memorial cleaning For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS MSWW The Stone Shop 01622 720985 Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. www.camrasswills.co.uk 01622 726633

There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected]

30 Maidstone Weald February 2017 01233 840624 [email protected]

The largest ● Blocked drain clearance TREE CARE ● independently CCTV drain & sewer surveys Contact Tom Tree Surgery owned liquid ● Drain & sewer cleaning Stump waste ● T: 01622 206431 Cesspool & septic tank services Grinding management ● Tankering including ADR (hazchem) M: 07812 921748 Hedge company in ● Pollution & flooding solutions Cutting the UK ● Waste disposal & recycling E:[email protected] CRB checked, Checkatrade approved Pruning Quote the www.mtscleansing.co.uk Downs Mail Fencing

Freephone 0800 6942024 HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 Don’t suffer with mould Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 problems this winter. Upholstery Unwanted House Guest 3 piece suite £84 £42 Let us help you get rid of it, Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 50% FOREVER! Curtains Discount Full length £74 £37 Tel 0800 622 6227 or 07814 500 400 Email [email protected] Half Length £42 £21 No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT www.moulddoctor.co.uk SAVESAAVVVEE £££s OONN SSKIPKIP HIRE ACROSS KENT 24 hour service locks opened 4, 6, 8 & 12yd Skips new locks fitted security checks DomesticDomestic & CommercialCommercial emergency work undertaken Reliable Service UPVC door & window repairs PermitsPermits ArrangedArranged Your Maidstone Locksmith CompetitiveCompetitive RatesRates Fully recycledrecycled atat our ownown ffacilitiesacilities T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 01622 804427 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk countrcountrystylerecycling.co.ukystylerecycling.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Dr. Tiles Tiling & Building Maintenance

FREE •Plastering •Painting & Decorating NO OBLIGATION •Laminate Flooring QUOTE •Home Improvements •Tiling 07804 •Friendly, reliable, clean & tidy worker •City & Guilds qualified 927680 •Fully insured Call Danny on 07450 876363 or email: [email protected]

Maidstone Weald February 2017 31 downsmail.co.uk Comment Now we can look to future WE have a much better idea of how Maid- of his initial views. But I think the signals are stone will look in about 15 years now a Gov- MailMarks clear. ernment inspector has given us an early view of his key decisions after a public inquiry in DENNIS FOWLE President Unhealthy outlook to our Local Plan. [email protected] AS a local journalist, I have specialised It will be largely as proposed by Maidstone on NHS issues, and regular readers will Council, after a long and tortuous period and be aware of my recent serious concerns. wide public consultation which brought and problems. Sadly, this winter they have come home many prolonged and powerful protests. The Lenham area has been identified by to roost locally and across the country. Most opposition was to the total number of many as the best location for bigger expansion We are past a period of attempted patching- new houses and, in many cases, their pro- because of its powerful road and rail infra- up. Politicians of all parties must now look for posed locations. To stand a chance of approval structure (M20, A20, main line to Maidstone, permanent solutions, costing big money. by an inspector, appointed by a Government London, Kent coast) and the shops and serv- We can all see it is not there at present. Gov- desperate for massive housing growth, the ices already available. The inspector agrees, ernment is so cash-strapped we now feel the total had to be evidence-based. but suggests development should be delayed pain in so many directions – the NHS, social Initially, the evidence suggested more than to beyond 2021 to allow the village the chance care, local government, the armed services, 19,000 in the period up to 2031, much to the to propose best sites. our roads and other infrastructure……. dismay of just about everyone in Maidstone. Now that Maidstone Army barracks are Governments, in the main, cannot create Subsequently, this was reduced by about scheduled to close some time between 2019 money – it has to come from us through taxa- 1,000. and 2027, a very significant development area tion and businesses. It is easy to say Govern- Now the inspector looks like reducing that will be available close to the town centre. The ment must spend more on this or that but if figure by 900 to 17,660, reflecting a 5% over es- council sees about 1,300 houses there – the in- we do not contribute more now, the national timate adjustment by the council. He agreed spector is more cautious, suggesting about 500 debt we leave for our children and grandchil- with some objectors and said about 250 in the Local Plan period. dren will be even more crippling. houses should not be built in the Boughton It seems the business park between the A20 The NHS and social care are the most emo- Lane area of Loose because of congestion on and M20 west of Hollingbourne will go tive end. One way or another, we are going to local roads. Syngenta site, Yalding, escapes ahead, bringing many new jobs. have to pay up – either directly for NHS serv- due to flooding. The Local Plan has been a prolonged night- ices or through increased taxation. His decisions mean that about 100 houses a mare, but it seems the Government has now It is painful, but the alternative is to watch year need not now be built in the borough – spoken. Many on Maidstone Council were our massively-growing and ageing popula- but that still leaves a massive 1,000 or so a given a very rough ride, but in the main, the tion, with ever-increasing expectations, suf- year. inspector is vindicating their work and soon fering with reduced quality NHS and social Many will be built in an expanded urban Maidstone will have an approved Local Plan care. area of Maidstone. But the villages of Staple- to ensure we are in greater control of our des- Locally, the current investigation is reduc- hurst Marden, Headcorn, Lenham and Harri- tiny. ing the number of hospital beds with more etsham will all become larger rural centres, His binding final report is still ahead of us – care close to or in our homes. Both seem futile which will bring a mixture of opportunities and I hear KCC is very unhappy about some aims in the light of latest events.

Rays of light in prison Let’s hope these lights continue to shine. If you have any historical bearing you Rob Bird, Liberal Democrat County might promote the reinstatement of the Sir RECENT reports of prison violence have Councillor for Maidstone Central Thomas Wya name to the venue which is reminded us that prisons can be very dark now called “Beefeater”, surely a brand and harrowing places. Thankfully this name, not one recognisable for people despair has not pervaded all prisons. Leave us in Malling trying to locate it? I was privileged to be invited to aend REGARDING traffic congestion at Anyway, I hope the borough council the carol service at Maidstone Prison. It was keeps up pressure against any more an enlightening experience which Hermitage Lane, planning proposals by Tonbridge and Malling would further development in the area. overturned many preconceptions of prison Peter Royall, via email life. aggravate these problems. As we were taken through the countless I sent the council a strongly-worded leer locked doors and gates, we were reminded on the subject, but do not expect them to do Meeting ban a puzzle of the grim reality of being incarcerated much about my comments or anyone else's. behind bars. But once the multi-national, I think they have an agenda not for THE comments in your newspaper, from multi-lingual service began, bright rays of changing – a similar agenda to Maidstone, the Maidstone Borough Council spokesman light shone throughout the Chapel of the where around 18,000 houses are planned to the effect that I was not forced to leave Good Shepherd. by 2031. the meeting on the Ramblin’ Man Fair The choir performed with passion, I must address your presumption that music festival by the legal team is correct. originality and no lile skill; the inmates in Aylesford and surrounding area should But it was the advice from the legal team the congregation joined in with gusto and belong to Maidstone. that I had an “other special interest” which commitment; and Bishop Trevor Willmo Historically, they have never had caused the chairman, Councillor David gave an inspiring address. anything to do with Maidstone. Picke, to tell me that I could not speak and It was a heart-warming and truly It holds few gems that we would want to must leave the meeting immediately. memorable service but the best was to join; it’s a cultural backwater. It should be made quite clear that I was come. Afterwards, we were allowed to MBC is building right up to its boundary not accused of having a disclosable mingle with the inmates. It was a joy to with Tonbridge and Malling, near the Sir pecuniary interest. This is important to meet so many of these men, all good- Thomas Wya pub. understand, because many people have humoured, all appreciative of a few words The resulting extra traffic will not make assumed that I did have such a financial of friendship and all with a remarkably the problem beer. MBC should look after interest. I do not, and in fairness to the legal positive perspective on life. its own effects of planning in the area. team, they did not accuse me of this. Earlier the bishop had reminded us that, The requirement is a traffic link between But neither do I have any “other special even in the despair of being stuck in prison M20/A20 and the A26 – easily said, but it interest” in the relevant item relating to the over Christmas, there is a ray of light. These would appear not possible on the ground. Ramblin’ Man concert and the chairman gentlemen showed that there are indeed Hermitage Lane is just that, a lane, now a could not think of a single reason for me some bright lights shining in the dark boleneck with a major hospital within its having to leave the meeting. recesses of Maidstone Prison. length. Why did no one see it coming? He did relent and say that I could stay,

32 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk but could not speak. The chairman clearly boom of the problem? Town needs its hospital Comment did not comprehend that I had been elected If illegal drugs are coming into the by the residents of Bearsted to speak for United Kingdom through the ports, ferries MY WIFE has received a 2.30pm them. and airports why have the police not appointment for the supply of a walking I should not have been excluded on the started to police them properly? Are we stick at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital. whim of officers. The reason I left was blind? Has the MP Helen Whately not As we live in Coxheath, this would take because siing in a commiee where I had noticed what our government is doing? a day by public transport or half a day in been gagged was a waste of my time. But I Or should I be an MP and sort it out? our own vehicle. This is difficult for OAPs did have good reasons for wanting to Shane Chaney, Tovil with walking difficulties or driving on speak. narrow, congested roads and returning in I had five points to make: the dark. We have cancelled the  The recommendations of the History could inspire pride appointment. However, the number of similar independent sound engineer were not IT IS possible that the defacing of the situations will increase greatly if rumours followed, particularly in directing the loud memorial to Captain Louis Nolan – who of the closure of Maidstone Hospital and speakers straight to the residents outside died during the ill-fated Charge of the transfer to Pembury come true, as seems Mote Park and down into the arena directly Light Brigade – in Maidstone was likely with the suitability of the site for towards the audience. perpetrated by feral youngsters ignorant of  house building. The sound level limit of 65 decibels the life and times of this brave soldier or of Maidstone without a university is indeed recommended by the Noise Council is for the other Maidstone notables who regreable but for Maidstone to be without all music events, but particularly for events influenced our country by their talents, a hospital, the future would be appalling. such as Glastonbury which is in a rural intellect and character. location. Maidstone is not a rural location. Could this be an appropriate use for the  William Hazli and William Alexander The previous meeting of this commiee come to mind. If such local history was Invicta Barracks site? had asked for an income account for the taught in schools it would surely go a long M E Cook, Coxheath event – a profit and loss account in short.  way to providing that sense of pride which The contract gave Maidstone Borough is the antidote to yobbery and social Council a share of the admiance money disaffection and would certainly be a Blame the bankers paid to Ramblin’ Man. What that came to contrast to the steady diet of football I SYMPATHISE entirely with Dennis has never been disclosed to the commiee “celebrity” and sexual pap relentlessly fed Fowle’s concerns that Maidstone Borough or to the public, who underwrite this event to them by the media. Council is being forced to make more with their taxes. The silence leads me to Anne Clarke, Maidstone savings as a result of government cutbacks. guess that this sum is negligible.  However, I am puzzled as to why he Has a new contract been signed for 2017? believes the economic problems are the Cllr Mike Revell, Maidstone Borough NHS waste scandal fault of former prime minister Gordon Council THE economies in the NHS are just more Brown. Frequency is the issue smoke and mirrors to cover up the The financial crash was caused by appalling waste and mismanagement. rampant greed and incompetence of the LOW frequency noise is much more Recent reports have shown £182m spent banks and Gordon Brown played a major penetrating – we easily hear this from on “birth tourism” alone, not counting role in preventing a financial meltdown. passing cars, without the higher other treatment meted out to other health It was bailing out the banks that frequencies of the music. tourists” – £300million wasted on drugs depleted our finances, not any The basic physics of sound waves means and £700mn on temporary staff for A&E. mismanagement by Mr Brown. If there is that lower frequencies are longer and thus There’s £1bn on agency staff, criticism, it is that they followed can easily pass through barriers which equipment/supplies bought at top prices, Conservative Party policies by failing to block the higher frequencies. So there is unnecessary operations and managers on regulate the financial institutions. direct intrusion into our homes of this top salaries with golden hellos and Since then, the Conservatives – aided for repetitive, monotonous noise. goodbyes, payment for failure, fat pensions, a while by the Liberal Democrats – have This goes against the Noise Council’s bonuses, etc. taken the view that our public services code of practice. Elected councillors, who We can't afford to be a world health should be starved of funds in order to take the flack, are being ignored by un- service, or waste money making up for finance the road to recovery. elected officers. incompetence, laziness and greed. Instead, perhaps they should stop Edward Thompson, Bearsted Why aren't the highly-paid managers rewarding banks with big tax breaks and controlling this waste? Why the conspiracy put an end to the huge levels of tax of silence and the inaction? avoidance by multi-nationals and big Crack down on drugs Sadly, there are none amongst the “great businesses and those crooks who have not UNDERSTANDING that police have a big pretenders” in Westminster with the guts, only avoided paying taxes but also steal problem with drug offenders is important, the wit, or the will to stop this criminal the pensions and livelihoods of their as most crime is in some way drug-related. waste robbing patients of proper care. employees. Is it not time that the police got to the Phil Granger, West Malling Jack Atkins, Maidstone

The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Current and archived editions are also free to read online at www.downsmail.co.uk Contact our teams…. Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. Editor: Simon Finlay Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 01622 734735 01622 630330 ext. 221 Mail Publications Ltd Assistant Editor: Diane Nicholls Forge House Advertising Sales Enquiry: [email protected] Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 630330 ext. 232 01622 630330 option 1 Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

Maidstone Weald February 2017 33 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Contact our sales team…

Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Telesales Team Leader Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234

Appliance Repairs Building Plans ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE Find your local with fully qualified engineer trades people All makes of washing machines, fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, Businesses & Services t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. on the Downs Mail All work guaranteed directory Free estimates and call out 01622 673113 Anytime: 07831 557677 downsmail.co.uk

Bathrooms Carpenters

The complete Bathroom Maintenance Company Wood Works A.H.B.S FULL CARPENTRY Carpentry SERVICE FROM NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES All aspects of CARPENTRY DECKING TO DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and KITCHENS & FLOORS. fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, Supply • Install • Repair ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, Plastering and Tiling Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD All work guaranteed. IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES Family business established 21 years Call Gary 07738 902116 CALL Cliff on 07940 854927 01622 743648 01622 729092 Mob: 07711 291921 01622 736266 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone ALL WORK GUARANTEED Chimney Maintenance Builders H & G Chimney Services PAUL BEST Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered All Aspects of Groundworks & Construction All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted Brickwork • Drainage • Patios Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Extensions • Foundations • Driveways 01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected] • Fencing • Decking General Builder and much more! 25 years Experience Call for a free estimate! 07734462538 / 07762675297 01622 891960 A STEP IN TIME www.landworxltd.com 07748 630747 Fully insured and works guaranteed Stove installations & Chimney Sweep Services MD Building & Services We offer a wide range of Chimney Sweep services, including: Specialists in • Chimneys Swept and Vacuumed With No Dust Or Mess Left Behind • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) • Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations • Chimney Lining• Bird Guards/Cowls, Supplied and Fitted • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving • Fully Trained, ICS Registered Member FULLY INSURED • All Sweeps Are Certificated Tel: Mark 07841 409061 email: [email protected] • Friendly Reliable Service • Fully Insured www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk LEE GOODYER M: 07944510742 T: 01622 432597 ( Call our sales team now - 01622 630 330 www.astepintime.co.uk E: [email protected]

34 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk Classified Cleaning Services Fencing continued

"WE CLEAN Fence me in & alot more OVENS!" Business Directory I.WALLOND FENCING All types of Fencing & Gates Using van mounted cleaning tanks, ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Installed & Repairs your oven hob and extractor is Advertise from as little as Est. 25 YEARS All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, cleaned to showroom shine without FREE ESTIMATES Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of £3.00 per month 01580 890649 07931 368710 Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, delighted local customers. www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Hedge Cutting etc. Call 01622 630330 or visit Call Colin on 07521 Oven cleaning from just £49 our website for more details 377306 or 01622 853978 Please call James on www.downsmail.co.uk 01622 616168 www.ovenwizards.com Garden Services Driveway services KD & SON NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL •Tree & Garden Work •Clearance •Patios •Astroturf •Turfing •Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam •Decking •Levelling ground •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks •Jet washing service Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates •Driveways & Patio •Fencing Please call for your free quation WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES 01622 809794 01622 862035 07771 523799 07785 180605 www.rssurfacing.com FAIRVIEW FARM Electricians ARBOUR TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES TREE SURGERY for a helping hand with:- ‘Trust your local experts’ TREE SURGERY: L.W Electrical All Aspects of Tree Work CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, Electric Rewired Part P Registered PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB - The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied Felling • Pruning TRIMMING, CLEARANCE All electrical work undertaken We are Part P Certificated Hedge Cutting SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED, 24hr Call Out • Free Estimates MOWING (lawns) For all your Electrical needs Fully Qualified & insured Stump Grinding FULLY INSURED (City & Guilds From extra sockets to house rewiring OAP Discounts Fully Insured and Qualified For a friendly & NPTC qualified) Free No Obligation Written Quotation Replace old light fittings with new fittings Ring Lee professional service & advice 01622 737016 07906 517599 01622 759119 07771 970570 Please call:- 01622 743428 Call Alf for your free quote www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk Mob:- 07817 517 733 Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 Email: [email protected] www.electricrewired.co.uk. [email protected] ELECTRICIAN ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL Tree Surgery For all your electrical needs J Norris Electrical Contractor TREE CARE Stump Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates All aspects of • Part P Contact Tom Grinding NICEIC domestic electrical certification Part P registered Hedge work undertaken provided Free Estimates, Friendly Service T: 01622 206431 by a trusted and Cutting qualified • All work NIC Fully insured, 25yrs Experience M: 07812 921748 Pruning electrician with 20 approved and Call Steve 01622 747257 years experience. certified FREE 24 hour call & emergency Fencing Mobile 07985 474176 work carried out straight away - Free no obligation quotes Free Bark Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA - No job too large or small E:[email protected] Mulsh CRB checked, Checkatrade approved Tel: 07966 511408 E-mail: [email protected] 0$,'6721( 20% Fencing discount* /$1'6&$3(6 on production of this advert * not to be used in conjunction with any other 3523(57< offers 6(59,&(6/WG LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, David Matthews Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance, Fencing Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etc BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, • Free estimates & friendly advice Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc • All types of fencing at competitive prices FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE • Fencing supplied and erected Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES • You talk directly to David at all Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 stages for your fencing E: [email protected] • Go on, give him a call on www.wrightsfencing.co.uk www.maidstonelandscapes.com Phone: 01622 755342 LOOK: Please check our reviews and other companies you may use at www.uktc.org Mobile: 07749 202140 No1 Locally Since 1996 Established 1990 Director: M Potter

Read all editions online at our new website www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone Weald February 2017 35 Classified downsmail.co.uk Garden Services continued Pest Control

EPIC DAVID WYNN LANDSCAPES GREEN MAN NO JOB TOO Tree & Garden Services BIG OR SMALL 96<;05,*65;9(*;:*(990,+6<; Hedge cutting YH[ZTPJLIPYKZZX\PYYLSZHU[Z • Fencing • Treework • Turfing Traditional ^HZWZJVJRYVHJOLZMV_LZYHIIP[Z • Decking• Levelling Ground Hedge laying ÅLHZTP[LZOVYUL[ZILKI\NZ • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf Fencing • Water Features • Patios Landscaping • Clearance • Driveways Free estimates & advice - Fully insured For a free site survey call: Tel: 01622 892244 WWWSABRE KENTCOM 01622 527106 Mobile: 07732 768331 HOUR 07788 532926 %ROBLONGSABRE HOTMAILCOM Handyman Services Plastering Handy Man KD & SON Electrical Work (17th Edition) NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL Internal + External Painting •All roof repairs undertaken & repaired. D K PLASTERING SOUTH EAST Flat Pack Furniture •UPVC Soffits & fascias. All plastering work carried out PLASTERING All DIY Tasks Undertaken •Painting & decorating •Fencing • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Free Quotes •Brickwork & driveways FREE Quotes All Aspects of Plastering No Job too Small •Pressure cleaning Email: [email protected] Free No Obligation Quote, Please call for your free quation Fully Insured. Call Ady on 07879 498934 Call David 01622 728494 01622 809794 For help call: 01622 730784 07785 180605 Mobile: 07974 891795 Nathan: 07376863633 or Richard: 07926463323 Painting & Decorating Email: [email protected] Keith Richards Painter & Decorator • Quality Decorating at a •Plastering Interior & Exterior fair & competitive price •Painting & Decorating • Dulux approved over Free Estimates 30 years experience •Laminate Flooring Tel: 01622 728789 • Fully insured •Home Improvements Mob: 07714 092295 Tel: 01622 737225 Mobile: 07816 149502 FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 07804 927680 Over 25yrs experience www.sr-interiors.com Fully insured email: [email protected] MALCOLM ROBERTS Plumbing & Heating Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service. Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. CALL MALCOLM - FOR A FREE QUOTATION Chris Bourne Plumbing Services ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 making water work Heating Wall & Floor To place your Plumbing Tiling advertisement in our Rathbone Decorating Services Complete 25yrs experience Bathrooms classified pages please Painting & Decorating No job too small call our dedicated 01622 747272 / Interior & Exterior with special rates classified team on for pensioners 07885 950959 Works Undertaken Larkrise, Green Lane, 01622 630330 • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services Boughton Monchelsea. • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 Gavin Francis Central Heating Installations ex British Gas Business • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs Directory • Burst pipes & leaks • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber Advertise from as little as £3.00 per month • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Call 01622 630330 or visit our website for more details • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH www.downsmail.co.uk NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]

36 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Plumbing & Heating continued Skip Hire

C Prompt NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES ollection ery D.T Fastv D.T eli For all your plumbing needs D SKIP HIRE General Repairs • New Taps Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 • Toilet & Cistern Repairs Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding Covering Maidstone PLUMBING 01622 843511 & The Weald EA Registered Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266 01233 623721 Fast & Prompt Service Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, Commercial West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic Roofing Services Kingswood Roofing A.P.S Ltd ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING Roofing & Chimney Services FLAT ROOFING SPECIALIST • New roofs & repairs • 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE • Slating/Tiling/Lead work • FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES • Chimney rebuild/repairs • UNBEATABLE QUOTES • Pointing • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • Guttering Services • AS RECOMMENDED BY KCC TRADING Free estimates & all works guaranteed STANDARDS & WHICH LOCAL 0800 0232665/01622 729600 CALL: 01622 743741 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh 07885 750066 [email protected] [email protected] WWW.KINGSWOODROOFING.COM 07808 414965 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance www.apolloroofing.co.uk

Security Services Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive Double Glazing Repairs PINBINS & Locksmith Services Commercial and domestic 1-14 day hire Council approved • Locks repaired or replaced Same day delivery Tipped at our site • Letterboxes Access Access 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled • Hinges & window handles Denied 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete • Broken glass & misted units • Lost key replaced & doors opened Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil • Patio doors, runners & rollers Grab hire also available • Doors that are difficult to close and lock 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 NEW SITE NOW OPEN Detling Aerodrome LOCAL NEWS Maidstone UPDATED DAILY EVENTS - SERVICES & INFORMATION - ITEMS FOR SALE Freephone www.downsmail.co.uk Your community website 0800 028 49 00

Maidstone Weald February 2017 37 Classified downsmail.co.uk Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs Waste Services continued D. BODY LTD Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Waste Collection Kent Trailers Indespension Agent Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock, New & Used Detling 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166

Upholstery and Furnishings Cesspool Emptying Treatment Plants STYLES AVAILABLE: ROLLER Septic Tanks Gulleys & Forecourts CLASSIC VERTICALS ALI VENETIAN ROMAN WOODEN VENETIAN Drain Clearing High Pressure Jetting BLINDS Sludge Removal Simple. Easy. Classic FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE, FREE QUOTES, Domestic & Commercial HIGH QUALITY, WIDE RANGE, EXCELLENT VALUE, ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS ALL WINDOW BLINDS FULLY GUARANTEED www.ClassicsBlindsAshford.co.uk 01622 730572 01622 24Hr - 7 Days A Week Waste Services 631688 Prompt & Friendly Service www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent 01233 840624 Water Services [email protected]

The largest ● Blocked drain clearance independently ● CCTV drain & sewer surveys owned liquid ● Drain & sewer cleaning waste ● Cesspool & septic tank services management ● Tankering including ADR (hazchem) company in ● Pollution & flooding solutions ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS the UK ● Waste disposal & recycling SERVICED • SALES & SERVICE www.mtscleansing.co.uk • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS •FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS ALL OTHER MAKES SERVICED

BLOCK SALT SOFTENER • Cess pool & Setic Tank Empty • Drain Cleansing • Treatment Plant Service & Maintenance • Emergency 24/7 Call Out • Fast & Reliable 01474 812005 BARNSIDE, WROTHAM ROAD, MEOPHAM www.softwaterservices.co.uk [email protected]

Web Design EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS

• Google Marketing / Search 01622 882400 Engine Promotion • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting Units 1 & 2 Shingle Barn, • Email • Web Site Maintenance Smiths Hill, Maidstone ME15 0PH www.atacsolutions.com 01622 880840

38 Maidstone Weald February 2017 Health & Beauty Pet Services Leisure

Foot Care MAIDSTONE CHIROPODIST SPRINGERS & CO WANTED Mrs Linda Abnett All Breeds Dog Boarding – Not Kennels HPC Registered. MODEL • HOME VISITS • Pet Sitting and Walking Services 01622 891333 Fully Insured, RAILWAYS Mobile 07787 838645 NARP Member No. 1618 Any age or condition 01622 679052 Richard 07780 681405 07720264678 Private collector [email protected] [email protected] We accept payment by www.maidstonespringers.co.uk

Court Hair and Beauty www.courthairandbeauty.co.uk 20% OFF Recruitment NEW CLIENTS Come and join our friendly sales Fou r editio ns deliv ered to over 8 8,000 h Cuts from £10, MMallingallin Edition omes e g Ed very team and share in our success. ition month dow nsmai l.co.uk Maidst one Tow Maidsto n | M ne & M aidsto No. 1 alling THE Ken ne E new ’s t County ast spape joyed Sho | Ma r fine w w en- idst Colours from £21, bumper eather one crow and Sou F ground ds atth th | RE sinD eshow Ma E Mo etling. - lling re than8 visitors, ov 0,000 July 2 last er 3,000 016 year, a up on We are currently recruiting a the ttende No. 231 county d one o ’s bi f Comp ggest ev N etitors, s ents. ews and bu tallholders sinesses across t came B he coun from ette the usu try but h r bu al big lo ad PAR ses c Amon cal prese ENTS a all g thos nce bet re urg Shan, o e were . ter sch ing ac Gellux nails from £18 fSta Jo Ki ool bu tion to Ken plehu ngs H s serv get Shelton rst, and ill and ices f bo ,ofA Mallin West rom th pictu ylesfor g. re red, w d, presen ho  Fu ted the 3 chsia G Mid Ken P ha roup. K t hone s been en s aid box sho awonder :“It VILLAG es sa w.” ful ERS h ved  ways ave com More pic of reta e up pa tu red p ining with ge 16 res, see hone b their oxes.  A 4 n early CH Christ Field Sales/Key ILD cho ma risto s are rec rs in ording Merew Bridging the gap to tive so a CD orth ngs of fe in Octo s- ber. 5 Playg round KINGS H ange Call 01622 681114 w ill reside r e business prosperity re misle nts sa y pla d abou they nned ne t a w pla y area TRAD . 6 ERS a Petitio new nd hom n ag road e ow AN outd ains Account Executive bri ner oor g t gy in dge s in has b ym in m g n acr Sno een dis Leyb Tovil Green Court, Tovil Green Lane, ME15 6NE ew p oss t dlan a w misse ourne r h d aste d T ospe e Riv are of m as hat is t rity t er M head oney. nes he pre o th edw ing  s peop diction e tow ay s for 12 th le and of loc n. et to a bon J e rout coun al busi op anz oe’s d o e link cillors - peo en w a w ash utskir ing th who sa ple a ithin ith a THE fo ts of e A22 y tra re loo we last p r cas homes the t 8 on t de bo king eks, fo ub in D h on t own he in om wh forwa brin r a new itton mean he op and g acro en tra rd to g- a lease looks an i posite new ss the ffic st a st n offi of life set hou ncreas bank Am bridg arts flo art my ce block. as se pric e in b will ong th e. w- w own T es. usines em is as one busine OPEN Tues-Sat Late nights Wed & Thurs he £1 s and hairdr of th ss. Th  9 e Sn e e O wh mill M sser A odlan main r bridg bitu 28 ich is d ion r ackin lex e d to o eason e aries to sell advertising across our ha ue to oad b tosh xpand pen a s I cho s b op rid tur (pi in ba se een b en in ge, ed le c- Th g and rber’s.  port uilt by Septem o ft) w ere ar up and It’s an Com 32 , as th deve ber, pened ho u e lots comi me 1,0 e key loper A his sa p all of new ng are nt 00 hom to Pet Tren- lexan lon aroun hous a. ea e new ers Vi der’s i they fi d the es go  st ban com llage, town n the nish th area, ing 34 k near munit a ’s peop e brid and o Crime With Woul y on t Stree High le will ge, I th nce R Snodl dham he t of th come ink a eports benef and al . mo seve e rive over fr lot of it of ready nths n con r bec om th ROO  whic a high feelin ca ago b venie ause i at side F lea 43 h star -spee g the use of e- p nt for t will stole d and ted a d rail shopp i the an ut Sno them be ver n f copper year a link, ers an pated tic- dland . It w y rom a were go, bu He d com influ Afte on the ill rea house sines said mute x of r recen map. lly in Ayl publications and online products. s ber : “I wa rs. ham tly m ” esford. ’s in T s man with w oving onbrid aging looki ife,K to Wo ge bu a bar- ng for atie, A uld- t I wa ing ward t lex is nted t to sho o the b also o com rten h ridge mut is dail open- e. y work P 8 01622YOUR 690290 LOCAL PRO olice A FO to Insid PERTY EXPERT RMER pul e th ficer Metro pi N is editio m is th polita t EW b n: aidst Mal e ne n Poli uildin one ling, T w vic ce of- Mallin g p 23 Pu @m Re eston ar at g are b roposa dding artin v Nick and W East brid eing dr ls fo Lane • M co.co w Willi aterin ge and awn u r aidst m ith tw ams, w gbury on Mallin p as Ton one • Ke p o sons ho is . its eme g Coun - nt ost in , will marrie fou rging L cil wor You will be working on the best Octo start in d r-pag ocal P ks the v ber a his e supp lan. S Kent’s Most Awardedicarag Opticiannd liv new Action leme ee the e in Ea e in Partnersh nt by M st Ma peop ip, w alling lling.  le, busin hich su 5 the 1 esses pport 1 parishes and e s Book Now 01732 617557 in the vents in Mallin g area. www publications serving the local community .optometrists.co.u k and enjoy a working environment that

provides you with the freedom and flexibility FREE to use your initiative while working within a Autumn 2015 supportive team. The ideal candidate will have: pkin e pum Ashley On th ey il at Jacksons hock tra Kent’ tar Mandy Cairns BSc (Hons) Nutritionist • Experience of working to sales targets supers Emmetts • Have a confident and outgoing personality Garden & Personal Trainer • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Nutrition • Have excellent customer service skills

for • Personal Training You will require the use of your own car and A time g this full driving licence. sharin • Circuit Training Classes CHRISTMAS s Walk dens • & Gar WIN omes mas • H The role will involve: rist e atre h th he A C all t • T key & gs s ou tur min Day • Weight Management Solutions trim • Handling inbound and making outbound • Life Style Change calls • Developing business from existing and new clients and working on new projects Please visit my website for more information • Working to achievable revenue targets. Friendly, flexible, family owned business www.fitition.com OTE (based on 40 hour week) £22,500 pa Mileage allowance Or contact me on: 32 days annual leave Email applications, including your 07842 842 275 CV to the sales manager, Bill Brett. [email protected] [email protected]

SELL YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS LOCALLY Advertise for FREE – DownsMail Private Ads Online www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone Weald February 2017 39 On the Road

W.A MOTORS Farleigh Forge Garage BUYERS OF VANS, TRUCKS, MoTs 4X4’S & CARS Servicing and general •HIGH OR LOW MILEAGE• repairs to all makes •MOT OR NO MOT• Tyres and tracking •ANY AGE ANY CONDITION• Free local collection and £££ CASH WAITING £££ delivery by arrangement •SCRAP CARS/METAL CLEARED• Air Conditioning •LICENSED CARRIER• Established since 1985 CONTACT BILL ON 07747 025 301 07542 420700 Tel: 01622 726473 Lower Road, East Farleigh SILVERBACK RECOVERY ACE Car recovery and transportation M.O.T. and Clutch Centre Light commercial Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. Cars for scrap removed Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Competitive rates M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 CALL ROGER ON: • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted 01622 813733 07740 123495 • Broken belt damaged repaired • All makes, petrol & diesel To advertise in our 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG On The Road Feature please Tel: 01732 870368 call 01622 630330

Autospray SOLUTIONS

40 Maidstone Weald February 2017 On the Road MOBILE BODY REPAIRS • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED SAPPHIRE CARS 01622 663000 FREE Maidstones Local Private Hire Company ESTIMATES www.sapphire-cars.com For All Your Local Journeys z Airports z 6 Seater Vehicles z Ferryports z 8 Seater Mini Buses z Stations z VIP Chauffeured DRIVERS z Available 24-7 Mercedes URGENTLY z All Drivers are z No Extra Charge REQUIRED CRB checked After Midnight Before Before Luxurious, Executive Business Travel

Sapphire Cars provides a 24-hour V.I.P. & Executive luxury chauffeured car service for After After corporate clients. We guarantee discretion, reliability and professionalism providing an Proud • 6 day operation impeccable standard of service to companies and sponsors of private individuals throughout Maidstone and Kent. • Around 1/4 of body shop price Bearsted Experience first-class travel, allow us to greet you • Reliable, professional and flexible at a location of your choosing and whisk you Cricket Club away in style, comfort and total safety. All our drivers have been vetted and , licensed by Maidstone Borough Council and have passed Call: 07771 621 769 a council test of their knowledge of the local and surrounding area. All our drivers are also [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk issued with a unique ID number, so that we know who is driving our vehicles at all times.

CL OL

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED CLA OL

Once qualified, an A-CLASS DRIVING SCHOOL franchise is guaranteed š=[jmeha_d]_d'(m[[ai\WijfWii$š        

Maidstone Weald February 2017 41 downsmail.co.uk

if there were any solutions. road. It was agreed to liaise with the

aihCouncils Parish Chart Suon Speed limit The clerk had received community warden and KCC Highways. Road issues Cllr Underdown reported that notification from KCC of a traffic order to Play area The swings needed some the road surface in Marsham Crescent implement a 30mph speed limit on Dean lubrication. The clerk would arrange this. needed repair. A large pothole was reported Street. The parish would write in support. outside Lilypie in Chart Hill Road. The clerk Play areas It was agreed that no further was asked to report these to Kent Highways. work was required on the Vicarage Lane Linton Police report PCSO Gardener reported a play area. The clerk had received a quote Downs Mail The chairman had put a link to theft of fence posts in Chart Road and a theft from Landscape Services for mowing of the the Downs Mail onto the parish council of work tools from a vehicle in Chart Corner. Recreation Field and play area for 2017. It website as agreed at the previous meeting. New PCSOs were due to start in January totalled £941.16 and represented a 2% Police report PCSO Megan Day said there and there would be a restructure. increase. This was accepted. had been two crimes in the previous month. Volunteer support wardens The scheme Village heritage The booklet launch had Highways The damaged 30mph sign at was considered and it was agreed to been a success and booklets were still being Linton Hill would be reported to Kent participate at a a cost of £1,660 for two years. sold. It was agreed to keep 50 in reserve but Highways. The chairman said that DHA HGV signs Cllr Eric Hotson had agreed to to deposit copies in libraries and pubs. Planning had considered a design for the fund the signs and KCC Highways had Broadband The clerk had received several safe crossing on the A229 but it was unlikely agreed installation sites. responses to the note in the Grapevine and that this would be progressed as it did not Speed indication device Members would pass them on to BT/Openreach. comply with highways legislation. It was discussed trying Speedwatch outside the agreed that Cllr Whitmarsh would set up a Shop on the Green before considering a meeting with DHA Planning, County Cllr speed indication device. At present, the Headcorn Paulina Stockell and KCC. accident rate did not justify the cost. Police report PCSO Boyd said the visit by Linton Village Hall The hall had purchased Trees A branch had fallen off a tree at the Police and Crime Commissioner Mahew new chairs and the old ones had been Memorial Field. Members agreed a quote Sco to Headcorn went well and he was donated to a special needs school. Plans from Richard Curtis to carry out receptive to maers raised with him. were under way to transform the small maintenance on about 10 trees which would G&T site plan The council wished to press commiee room and a grant application had include removing dead wood or thinning for a clearer representation of the G&T sites been submied to revamp the hall entrance and lifting the crown at a cost of £825+Vat. and numbers. Maidstone Borough Council and forecourt. The hall commiee had Play area Cllr Waring had received three (MBC) said the delay was due to staffing suggested having a parish defibrillator quotes for the re-surfacing of the play area. It issues. The clerk would follow this up. outside the hall and it was agreed that the was agreed to accept the quote for £8,750 Shenley Corner It was noted that the white parish clerk would liaise with Cllr Stockell to from Outdoorsy as it was a local firm. lines had been installed the wrong way see whether she would be willing to grant Defibrillator The defibrillator needed an round and would be corrected. funding. electricity supply to enable heating of the Oak Lane footpath Ditch work studies were Noticeboard A noticeboard would be cabinet if the temperature dropped below due to be undertaken. purchased by the parish council to advertise 4C, which would cost less than £20 per year. Ringles Grigg Lane A leer had been parish meetings. It was agreed that it should be moved to the received from MBC advising that a planning west side of the Shop on the Green and breach had been investigated but it was not connected to an electrical supply. This Loose considered serious enough to warrant Warden’s report Liz Lova had received would be discussed by the shop commiee. enforcement action. The owner would be Memorial tree reports of nuisance parking on the zig-zags It was agreed that a sweet given 28 days to submit a further chestnut or oak tree could be planted in Lancet Lane. She had advised parking application. enforcement. Work was still continuing with between the pavilion and the bench. Bloomin’ Headcorn The bulbs had been Memorial field Cllr Underdown said dog elderly residents affected by scam mail. planted on Days Green – thanks were Crime report PCSO Dougie Muir continued fouling and overflowing bins had been passed to the BH team. atrocious. to patrol following the incidents of Rubbish bin A new bin had been installed vandalism. Crime figures had been sent to in Forge Lane. the deputy clerk who read them out: a case Coxheath Speed indicator The indicator at the top of of criminal damage to the car park barrier Millbank had been recalibrated and was fencing, and theft from a vehicle at the Shell Budget The parish council agreed its budget now reading correct speeds. garage on Linton. for 2017/18. The annual precept would be set White lining The enormous amount of PROW officer Michelle Snowdin introduced at £68,500, which would result in an increase fallen leaves had proved troublesome. herself as the public rights of way officer and of about £1.75 per band D property, Mobile police station Kent Police had now said a lot of work was needed to maintain depending on the size of the tax base. confirmed that the mobile police station had the footpaths. The footpath surface was the Community warden The warden would be ceased. This was countywide and due to lack responsibility of the PROW officer but the conducting a survey of aitudes towards of funding. sides of the path generally belonged to underage drinking and antisocial behaviour Pumping station Correspondence from landowners, who were responsible for the in the community. Southern Water confirmed that Hardwicks maintenance of vegetation. She was asked to Village centre The traffic and community remained unadopted as the site owners had review the Loose Neighbourhood plan and safety working group had been reconvened not completed the remedial work required. to look at the steps leading from Copper to look at ways of improving and softening Foreman’s car park A resident had reported Tree Court to the A229 as they were often the appearance of the village centre. that there was an issue with the parking muddy and dangerous. Following reported Road safety The parish council would liaise meters which were often broken. issues on KM218, Michelle said she had met with KCC Highways to improve safety at Headcorn Aerodrome There were two the householder and the path would be Amsbury Road and Hunton Hill. events planned in the summer: a 1930s monitored. Gravel might be provided by the Build-outs The parish council would clean dragster event in July and the open weekend owner if needed. the bollards on the build-outs and improve in August. Complaints had been received Pickering Street accident An email had been visibility of the western pedestrian crossing. and dealt with by the commiee. received about an incident where a young Post office vans Concerns were raised about child shot out of an alley on her bike into the double parking by post office vans. The path of a car, despite a bollard at the East Farleigh council would write to the postmaster. entrance of the path. It was agreed to raise Village car park Tesco’s insurance company concerns to see if further options could be Plexus had received an estimate for a new considered. After discussion it was agreed gate and the parish council was awaiting a Langley that no further action would be taken for the response. The car park aendant’s contract Police report There had been four crimes moment. had now been signed. A resident had since the last meeting. PCSO John Boyd was A229 junction An email had been received complained that parents were parking on due to replace PCSO Maybank. advising that the hatching markings seemed Vicarage Lane when picking children up. Parking A resident had emailed regarding to deter parking. There was nowhere else to park when the vehicles parking on the triangular verge at Neighbourhood plan Cllr Jim Andrew said car park was full. The head would be asked the junction of Leeds Road and Ulcombe the consultation was well under way with

42 Maidstone Weald February 2017 downsmail.co.uk three more sessions to go. loery application for the replacement of the basketball pole and hoop in the village car Website A lot of modifications had been safety surface. park. Councils Parish needed to make the website suitable for use. Dog bins Two new co-mingle bins had been Both the clerk and the assistant clerk had installed, one at the entrance to the completed their training and the deputy recreation ground in Maidstone Road and West Farleigh clerk was due to receive training. the other in Bishops Close. The parish- Police report PCSO Day said there had been Councillor recruitment Loose Views would owned bin on the KGV field would not be one crime, a case of criminal damage, since be posted to residents showing the new replaced. This was overflowing. It was the last meeting. Borough Cllr Mortimer said advertisement for councillors. An resolved to send a strongly-worded leer to a police presence was needed to issue tickets advertisement would also be sent to Involve Maidstone Borough Council asking that a at East Farleigh and Teston bridges. Cllr Maidstone. bin is placed in the KGV field. Martin said there were now tri-axle lorries Antisocial behaviour The bin in the KGV Highways Cllr Watson spoke on the parking crossing Teston bridge. playing field had been used to damage car problems in Bishops Close and was waiting Co-option Cllr Martin proposed that Chris park fencing. KCC Stay and Play had been on a date for a meeting with KCC and Cllr Stockewell be co-opted back on to the parish advised to lock the bin after use and the Stockell. council. This was agreed. caretaker had now chained it to prevent it Defibrillator Cllr Van Hensbergen said a Road closure The Ewell Lane closure was being wheeled across the car park. resident had asked whether a defibrillator causing chaos although nothing appeared to could be installed in the village. It was be happening since the tarmac had been agreed that the old phone box would be the replaced. The road closure signs were not Marden best place. across the road and there had not been a bus Police report There had been four crimes Flood group Cllr Meredith had been in service since the closure commenced. since the last meeting: one non-domestic touch with a resident who was interested in Leaves danger A lorry has slid out of Hunt burglary; one case of drug possession with representing the parish council at the Joint Street on wet leaves that had accumulated. intent to supply; one theft and a burglary. Parish Flood Group. This would be reported. There had been reports of motorbikes on the Fly-tipping Cllr Merri had reported a case playing fields and a man in his 30s drinking of fly-tipping in Ewell Lane but it had not and chasing youths. Staplehurst been removed. It seemed to be a van load of Community warden The warden had been Parish surgery Items raised included trees building waste. to the primary school to give a talk on winter felled at Parisfield due to roing; a planning Fingerpost The post on Lower Road safety. There were ongoing issues with application for land south of Marden Road; pointing up Charlton Lane was now parking. A resident had been reported the closure of NatWest in Staplehurst; poor pointing towards the Tickled Trout. Cllr driving across the grassed area of The drainage near the High Street chemist; and Martin would see if it could be tightened. Cockpit. Golding Homes was aware. poor quality block paving in The Parade. Speed bumps A resident had asked if speed Housing Golding Homes was looking to Working week There was a report on bumps could be installed in Charlton Lane. start development in Maidstone Road in the proposed amended working hours for the However, due to cutbacks, KCC Highways spring. parish office. It was agreed to change to a would only complete works if there was a Neighbourhood plan Cllr Turner reported Monday to Thursday working week for the history of serious accidents or fatalities. that the final amendment had been made parish office from February 1, noting that Teston Lane There had been meetings to and the document had been forwarded to these days would be covered by the clerk discuss the issues regarding Teston and East Richard Wells. Preliminary dates had been and assistant clerk. Farleigh bridges. It had been suggested that proposed for sending to the Independent Caretaker The clerk reported that temporary cameras that automatically issued fines were Referral Service and Maidstone Borough cover would be needed for the village considered, but KCC did not seem keen to Council for their informal review. It was caretaker for a two-month period in early progress this. East Farleigh Parish Council hoped that by the March full council spring. was working on a survey with DHA meeting the neighbourhood plan group Bank closure The clerk had been liaising Planning. Cllr Mortimer said a survey last would have all the comments necessary to with various parties to set up a meeting with year had come up with solutions that had present the draft to parish council. Cllr NatWest to discuss the closure of the branch. not been particularly helpful (cuing back Mannington spoke about Community Land Drainage area plan Representatives from vegetation) and would not resolve the issue. Trusts and asked whether this should be Southern Water had given an presentation to KCC had no plans for dealing with the issue. included in the plan. members of the parish council about the Speedwatch Details of a new co-ordinator Parking A leer had been received from a plan and a copy of the presented had been sent out to clerks and this resident – the clerk would respond saying information was awaited. information was passed to Cllr Stockwell. that the parish council was talking with Housing needs report A copy of the report Cllr Swan suggested a flashing indicator or South Eastern and Network Rail regarding was available from the parish office for 30mph warning light might be more the parking at the station. consultation. beneficial. Speeding Several emails had been received Solar farm Cllr Buller reported on the Roundabout The Rota Bounce had been about speeding in the village. The clerk appeal hearing regarding Great Pagehurst. ordered for the play area and was due to be would inform them that the details would She felt it was difficulty to gauge the installed. A generator and heavy breaker be considered when drafting the final report inspector’s thoughts. would have to be hired to break the on the parking survey. concrete. This would cost £100 but the Public transport Cllr Adam said people who were going to take the schoolchildren were still waiting at the Ulcombe roundabout away had offered £200 for it. boom of Church Hill and parents were still Police report Five crimes had been reported Grounds maintenance The clerk had parking in the station approach and on the in the month before the meeting. circulated a list of work to be included in the hill, resulting in backing up of vehicles Ditch clearance A site meeting was to be next contract. Cllr Merri said the brambles trying to get past. arranged with Kent Highways to discuss by Paynes land were very bad. There were ditch clearance near Neverend Farm and concerns that some residents might not be under road drainage clearance from Pye happy to pay for work that should be Nelestead Corner to Neverend Farm. completed by others. The clerk was asked to KGV Field The field had been cut and the Local plan Cllr Titchener had aended the find out the owner of the land at the junction clerk had forwarded an email from All recent examination hearings on gypsies, of Charlton Lane. Seasons Grounds maintenance with all the travellers and travelling show people and Lambing day Cllr Martin said this was likely cuts for 2016. It was agreed to extend the one on the environment. to be on March 12 and a parish council contract for 12 months. The clerk would ask Jubilee Corner It was felt that the KHS’s banner would be required. the contractor for a price for the grounds proposal of laid tree trunks would offer the Defibrillator Cllr Morgan asked if the work maintenance for 2017. The members said best protection for this area. It was agreed to on the signs would be completed soon (to they would like to see a book placed in the try to source some locally. include the postcode for the pub). churchyard which is to be signed by the Recreation area It was agreed to get quotes Men of Trees competition Although the contractor each time the churchyard was to strengthen fences and plant hedging on village did not win last year, it was praised strimmed. The clerk would order new nets the boundary fence. The clerk would check by the judges and awarded £25 towards a for the goalposts and had submied the land ownership and remove of the new tree.

Maidstone Weald February 2017 43 OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories

Sorry no buy one get one free. No 70% off list price Just the keenest prices around www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX 01622 686732

WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone.

Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Simon Finlay, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Newbury News.