Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every month downsmail.co.uk
MaidstoneMaidstone EEastast EEditiondition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE
Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling February 2016 No. 226
News Supermarket idea for No to warehouses THE Waterside Park proposals to build an industrial estate off M20 Junction 8 have been re- M20 park and ride site fused at the High Court. 4 A PLAN to build a Waitrose supermarket on Maidstone’s doomed park Shopping boost and ride site at Eclipse Park has been unveiled. WORK is to start on a major re- vamp of the historic Royal The £14m proposal would see a Star Arcade, Maidstone. 5 29,000sqft store developed close to the new Next shop near M20 Junc- tion 7, bringing an anticipated 200 Play park demand new jobs. The store would be more THE campaign to save a play than twice the size of the existing area in Bearsted Park has 13,000sqft Waitrose in Allington been stepped up. 8 Park, which the retailer says it is committed to retaining. Nick Yandle, chief executive of Mr Yandle outlined the vision, about traffic problems, Mr Yandle Open space vision Gallagher Group, the developer be- pictured, to Boxley parish council- said that vehicles visiting the store A NEW cafe and visitors centre is hind the proposal, said Maidstone lors and residents ahead of a plan- would be spread throughout the the key part of a project remains a key target for Waitrose, ning application due to be day, whereas the park and ride traf- to boost Mote Park. 19 who would have built a store in submitted to Maidstone Council in fic was condensed at peak times. nearby Newnham Court but for late February. He said the single- No new highways work would Maidstone Council refusing Land storey building, next to the Tower- be required, with shoppers using Obituaries 26-27 Securities’ application in June 2014. gate office block, would have a the existing access by the Chiltern POP icon David Bowie had an He said: “The investment in a simple and contemporary design, Hundreds pub or the new junction interesting link to Maidstone. Waitrose store is a sign of confi- in keeping with the surrounding re- near the Next store. dence in the borough. It will rein- tail and commercial units and The existing park and ride facility Comment 46-4730 force Junction 7’s importance as a would feature Kentish ragstone. closes on Saturday, February 6. gateway to the Maidstone economy The car park would provide 300 If the plan is approved, building Crime Reports 31 and will attract further investment spaces, with two hours free parking is expected to start in late 2016 with and employment at Eclipse Park.” for customers. Replying to concerns the store opening early in 2018. Parish Councils 42-43 A KEY road in Boughton Mal- Age UK faces budget cut Costa coming herbe was weather-damaged; CORE services for the elderly are KCC’s adult services and under- the Diocese of Rochester ob- under threat, Age UK Maidstone stand it has difficult decisions to to Bearsted? jected to a proposal to serve al- has warned. make to balance its budget, but we A COSTA coffee shop could be open- cohol at Bredhurst Village Hall; It follows a request to the organ- are already the poor relation to ing in Bearsted. the bus service in Detling was isation from KCC to cut its costs in other voluntary service providers. It was thought that workmen slammed; a £1,704 defibrillator West Kent by £10,000 next year. “We are a lean organisation, so were set to move in at the former was ordered in Downswood; Age UK says it has not received this request to trim our funding Hunker Down Daisy florist and water pollution fears were raised a real-term increase from KCC in needs further will translate into tearoom on the A20 Ashford Road in Hollingbourne; air condition- six years for the core services it the closure of some services or to begin necessary refurbishments. ing provoked concern in Lenham. provides Kent’s elderly residents more costs being passed to our Amanda Harris, from the nearby and already receives less per pen- clients – neither of which we Cavendish Tea Rooms, said: “This sioner than anywhere else in the want.” is a very busy road and businesses country. Mr Coles said negotiations are and local residents are already con- Age UK’s chief executive in continuing with KCC, with a deci- cerned about where these new cus- Maidstone Paul Coles said: “We sion expected in the coming tomers will park. Traffic queuing at have a good relationship with weeks. 6 the nearby garage and Tesco – which already sells Costa coffee – Latest hospital plan for Newnham Court already spills in to the road and takes up spaces outside the parade Clean-up weekend A PROPOSED of shops on that side of the road.” hospital for As Downs Mail went to press, no JOIN in a long weekend of litter- mental health representative from the Costa chain picking activities between patients has had returned our calls. March 4 and 6. For more infor- been unveiled. mation see the Maidstone Coun- Turn to page Public meeting to cil-sponsored 12-page Borough 12 for details. discuss local plan 8 Update in the centre pages.
[email protected] YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent 01622 690290 New hope for Macular Degeneration Sufferers
® Improved vision for E-scoop Macular Degeneration patients
Even with reduced vision caused by glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or RP it is possible to achieve improved vision with the E-scoop lens.
The E-scoop loupe lens has a special curve, thickness, prism, colour and coating. These qualities together will project the light onto a different part of the retina and can improve your vision dramatically.
E-scoop lenses can offer: Cross-section of the working of the E-scoop loupe lens in front of the eye. • Partial recovery of a part of the central vision • Reduction of the sensitivity for day and sunlight • Better recognition of details, contrast and depth BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY Please visit our website for more details Kings Hill Opticians t: 01732 875544 2 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, www.kingshillopticians.co.uk West Malling, Kent, ME19 4AU [email protected]
2 Maidstone East February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News War heroes Mum trained to offer file for loan THE history of villagers from Bearsted who lost their lives during World War I is being made avail- help to young parents able to local residents. As reported in the Downs Mail NEW mums are receiving the sup- “It was really important that I last year, Les Lawson from Yeoman port of an experienced “nanny” as had someone outside my family to Way has compiled a detailed file part of a health service scheme to talk to and they were always there with information about each of the prepare them for the challenges of when I needed them.” 26 servicemen whose names are on being a parent. Family nurse supervisor Carol the Holy Cross War Memorial. Jordan Greenway (20), from O’Malley said: “Being involved in It took him 18 months to com- Allington, is the first of 35 such this programme is a serious, long- plete and his research took him all young mums from Maidstone and term commitment and all those tak- over Kent and Sussex, to the Com- Tunbridge Wells to graduate from ing part have shown how monwealth War Graves Commis- the Family Nurse Partnership pro- dedicated they are to improving sion, the National Archives and gramme in West Kent. their lives and being the best mums Maidstone Museum – as well as The scheme – an American idea – they can be to their children.” historical internet sites. is being run by the Kent Commu- Colleague Cathie Burton says the Mr Lawson copied death notices, nity Health NHS Foundation, of- programmes are important as a photographed gravestones and col- fering the advice and support of way of getting support and guid- lated photographs of memorials on specially-trained family nurses for ance to young families early on. both sides of the Channel. two-and-a-half years to first-time She added: “We know early in- The result is an impressive tome mums under the age of 20. tervention leads to much better of facts, figures and photos in trib- Jordan, mum to two-year-old outcomes for our children, devel- ute to the 26 men. Kayden, said: “It was a huge shock opmentally and socially, so it’s a There were previously only three when I fell pregnant. I wasn’t pre- real pleasure to see this working so copies – one for the church, one for pared to be a mum – I had no expe- well in practice.” the Kent History and Library Cen- rience with babies and was worried The programme is being offered tre and one for Mr Lawson. How- I might break him! mation on the things to watch out in Maidstone and Malling. ever, the copy he gave to the Kent “My family nurses, Pippa and for, how to keep Kayden safe and Expectant mums can be referred History and Library Centre is still Helen, were amazing. They gave also places I could take him and the to the service by their school, mid- not available for public view, as me so much confidence and infor- things we could do together. wife or GP. they want to have it bound. Mr Lawson has now produced a fur- Read our archived editions FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk ther copy which he is happy to loan out. Contact him on 01622 736264. 01622 738772 7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd Bearsted, Kent ME14 4ND www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk
Late night Thurs Introductory 50% Off Offer Cut & Finish* for all new clients on production of this advert *Valid until 20 March 2016. Can not be used in conjunction with any other offers.
Maidstone East February 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Waterside Park Pair team up for charity TWO ladies from Bearsted have lined up two events to raise money for charity. Claire McCarthy (41) and Hilary Sands (39) are arranging a Valentine’s Evening at the Orchard Spot appeal rejected in Downswood on February 13 and will be running the London Marathon in April. THE High Court has thrown out upholds it, it shows that coura- Claire and Hilary (pictured) proposals to build an industrial geous decisions can win the day.” met when their children at- estate on land south of the M20 In his summing up, the judge tended a toddler group in the near Junction 8. mentioned the large amount of op- area and both are passionate After last year’s public inquiry, in position to the applications. about raising money for the which planning inspector Katie Mrs Richards said: “The inspec- Brain Research Trust. Hilary’s Peerless upheld Maidstone Coun- tor hearing the Kent International dad has vascular dementia cil’s decisions to reject Gallagher Gateway appeal several years ago and Claire’s nan and aunt Properties’ two Waterside Park ap- also commented on the volume of have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. plications, the company appealed. public opposition, so it is clearly Hilary, who teaches Pilates in Downswood, Weavering and Holling- However, High Court Judge Jus- worthwhile for the community to bourne, said: “Hopefully, this will prevent other families from going through tice Collins upheld the council’s de- make its views known in large the sadness these illnesses bring.” cisions. Craig Howell-Williams, numbers in situations of this kind.” To support them, go to the Virgin Money giving page and look for Hilary representng Gallagher, said being The judge ordered Gallaghers to Sands. To buy tickets for the Valentine dance call her on 07967 731659 or near the motorway made the site pay £9,290 costs. The company had Claire on 07876 731229. Tickets for the event, which starts at 8pm, cost suitable for a warehouses, despite 21 days to decide if it wished to £10 and there will be a charity auction. one of the prospective occupants, issue a further appeal. ADL, finding alternative premises Mid Kent MP Helen Whately for its relocation from Marden. said: “I have opposed this develop- Bearsted and Thurnham Soci- ment since I was elected [in May Bungalows plan is approved ety’s Mary Richards said: “It is par- 2015] – speaking against it was my A PLANNING application for four chalet bungalows in Bredhurst has ticularly heartening to see that first official engagement. been approved. when MBC councillors have the “We need successful businesses In 2003 a proposal to build seven units on the site, a vehicle repair and courage to reject planning applica- and jobs in Kent, but Junction 8 – so maintenance yard at 3 Blind Lane, was refused due to potential harm tions that their officers wish them close to Leeds Castle and the Kent caused to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. to grant, and when that decision is Downs Area of Outstanding Natu- Despite five objections and concern from Bredhurst Parish Council that appealed, the planning inspec- ral Beauty – is not the right place. the number of homes was excessive, the planning committee voted torate supports it. “Development around Junction 8 through the proposal. An officer’s report said: “The proposal involves “When that decision is subject to will affect the landscape and par- replacement of what is currently an unconstrained and unneighbourly judicial review and the High Court ticularly the AONB.” land use with one more appropriate to this location.”
TRUGYM MAIDSTONE HAS GONE THROUGH A FULL REFURBISHMENT •New open plan gym •New changing facilities •Extended free weights area •New functional training rig Nothing to pay until 1st March 2016 Special offer until 7th Feb - Limited spaces available visit our website www.trugym.co.uk and enter promo code febfree to claim your free month. NO JOINING FEE Membership from £14.99 a month
Unit 1 and 2 Broadway Shopping Centre, Maidstone ME16 8PS 01622 678889 I www.trugym.co.uk
4 Maidstone East February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Arcade to get major revamp
MAIDSTONE is about to un- includes the removal of the band- dergo some serious retail therapy. stand staircase and redevelopment Work is about to start on a major of the central rotunda. revamp of the historic Royal Star Mr Le Beau said: “In its place we Arcade, breathing new life into the will have a large covered area that heart of the High Street. will provide ample dining space, The arcade, which stands on the as well as the opportunity for sea- site of the old Royal Star Hotel, has sonal events that are simply not enjoyed mixed fortunes, despite at- possible anywhere else in Maid- tracting top designer names be- stone at the moment.” cause of its prestigious location. The original Star Hotel was a The arcade, created as a shop- popular overnight stop for those ping mall in 1989, retains much of travelling between London and the original architectural splen- Folkestone. The 19th century saw dour of the 16th century coaching the hotel get the royal seal of ap- inn and new manager Daniel Le proval, and the ‘Royal’ prefix, after Beau said: “The arcade will be a visit by a young Queen Victoria. transformed into a beautiful, clas- It is home to the ‘Disraeli Bal- sically-styled shopping experience cony’, where Benjamin Disraeli unmatched in the area, with the made his parliamentary accept- atrium, given its undoubted ance speech after being elected MP Over 50 beauty, its crowning glory. for Maidstone in 1837. “We plan to focus on a high qual- Mr Le Beau said the scheme ity blend of independent and niche would draw on inspiration from retailers and complementary busi- the Burlington Arcade in London nesses for those who appreciate the and the Royal Arcade in Norwich. personal touch, those that enjoy a An announcement is also ex- little bit of luxury and those that pected shortly on plans for land at would like their trip to Maidstone Maidstone East railway station. to be more than ‘shop hopping’.” The council has been keen to see a The arcade has two levels, pro- supermarket and housing on the viding 28 retail units including a site for many years but, despite Offers available cafe, health food shop and other much speculation, there have so far on ex-display niche outlets. The refurbishment been no takers. models Parish issues dog warning FOUL deeds in Hollingbourne have angered the parish council. Dog fouling is a persistent problem in the village and the cause of numerous complaints from residents, particularly in relation to dog- gie deposits on the Millennium Green. The parish council expects all dog owners to clear up after their pets and accepts that most responsible residents do. But Cllr John Cobbett said: “A small minority of owners are letting down the reputation of man's/woman's best friend. Please make sure that you clear up after your dog.” There are several waste bins in the village and on land owned by Hollingbourne Meadows Trust but some dog owners fail to pick up their dog waste which can result in a public health hazard. Parish magazine editor Jean Duffy wrote: “Dog mess is an eyesore and a health hazard. If you are a dog owner, you have a legal duty to clean up every time your dog messes in a public place. This is not a licence to let your dog defecate on a private drive or in someone's garden, either. This can be a source of great distress to the home owner, and if they are elderly or disabled they may struggle to clear up your mess which is your responsibility.” The parish council in Alresford, Essex is considering introducing dog DNA testing to track down those responsible for the dirty deeds. The £120 cost of the test would be recovered from the dog owner. Mrs Duffy said: “I would like to see this extended to all areas.”
Maidstone East February 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Local plan ‘is Age UK set for cut Continued from page one wants and what we can offer. However, it is clear that there “If there is no flexibility in the will be no funding to continue budget we will not be able to pro- Age UK’s befriending service that vide the same level of service.” a step closer’ was started in West Kent with He said the organisation was Maidstone Mind after July 2016. being forced to absorb the cost of MAIDSTONE’S local plan has He accepted there were “some Mr Coles said: “This attracted a setting up staff pensions and the moved a step closer to reality. residual issues” with the local plan couple of hundred volunteers to implications of the living wage. Councillors have decided that the drawn up in 2014, chiefly concern- befriend or accompany elderly KCC part funds voluntary latest draft should go out for the ing the rural settlement hierarchy – people and those with mental groups to help in areas such as final public consultation, known as including whether or not Coxheath health issues in their home or on adult social care services, which Section 19. should remain a larger village or be- day trips. Unfortunately, the suc- has a £9.5m budget. A spokesman Following this phase of consulta- come a rural service centre which cess of this pilot is not the issue said: “Due to well-publicised cuts tion, the plan would go back to could increase the number of homes here, but the county council’s re- to local authority budgets, we Maidstone Council in April and then it takes. sources to continue funding it.” have had to look again at how on to the Government’s planning in- Former council leader Cllr Chris He said efforts were continuing much we fund voluntary organi- spectorate for approval. Garland (pictured) to fund the project from outside sations and as a result have writ- If approved, it would come into said he believed the sources. Mr Coles added: “Age ten to all 98, including Age UK. force in early 2017, giving the coun- latest draft to be UK fills a large number of gaps in “We have asked if they could cil greater powers to defend itself “sound in its current the service provision for the eld- reduce the amount of funding against planning applications for format” and ready erly in West Kent and these talks they require, and many have sites deemed unsuitable. to go through to S19 will need to look at what KCC agreed to do this.” Head of planning Rob Jarman consultation. said: “We have undertaken site visits He said: “It is for every single site for housing, em- completely wrong to talk about the Council tax facing bigger hike ployment and retail development. ‘concreting over of Maidstone.’ Only THE cost of caring for elderly and such as education, social services The plan will enable us to direct 0.6% of land in the borough will be vulnerable adults in Kent means and highways. growth to those areas where it is developed in the next 20 years. ratepayers will have a 4% increase in The extra 2% will raise about most appropriate.” “Any attempts to use anecdotes, their KCC council tax bill from April. £11m, but the county council spent Despite challenges to the “objec- hyperbole and emotion will not be KCC is taking advantage of new almost £350m on adult social care tively assessed housing need”, accepted by an inspector.” legislation allowing it to increase last year and says it needs a further Maidstone has set a target of 18,560 Cllr John Perry maintained the council tax by 2% to meet the costs £42m this year to keep social care at new homes between 2011 and 2031. plan was “seriously flawed” but of funding this sector. its current levels. Mr Jarman told the policy and re- council leader Cllr Fran Wilson said: That’s in addition to the 1.99% The average bill for a Band D sources committee: “We believe the “An imperfect local plan is far, far general increase already proposed to property will rise from £1,089.99 to borough can consume this.” better than no local plan.” help meet the costs of other services, £1,133.55 from April. MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND Have you got a large garden, or small plot of land? We are experts at working with home owners to maximise the full value of their land
The risk-free way to maximise your land You pay nothing in advance! Industry leading experts in residential planning We take care of all the red tape! For a free appraisal Local councils urgently need new housing call 0843 557 4080 Act now before its too late! www.maximisemyland.co.uk
6 Maidstone East February 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk
01622 535110
Maidstone East February 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Last call for Calls to save play area housing views MAIDSTONE Council’s chief ex- A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the ecutive Alison Broom has been future of housing in Maidstone is asked to step in to secure the fu- being held at the Maidstone Stu- ture of one of the area’s most pop- dios on Thursday February 11. ular children’s play parks. The meeting, which starts at More than 100 parents petitioned 7pm, coincides with the Regulation to keep open Peverel Drive play 19 public consultation, which is the area in Bearsted Park when it was last opportunity to comment, sug- threatened with closure in 2014 by gest, amend and make changes to the borough council. Now, much of the proposed local plan. the play equipment has been re- The meeting is being organised moved by the council, which has Parish Council nor the local com- this list of strategic play areas, so by Cllr Paulina Stockell on behalf of declared it unsafe. munity have the reserves to pro- will not be maintained by the bor- the Maidstone and Mid Kent MPs, Eleana Keefe and Abbie Lowther, vide that level of funding so whilst ough council in the long term. Helen Grant and Helen Whately, who launched the campaign to giving the impression they are will- “If the parish council is not pre- and will run on a ‘Question Time’ save the play area, have been told ing to save the site they are not pre- pared to take this on [aftger five format with a panel and roving mi- by Maidstone Council that it will pared to secure its future. years of Section 106 funding], a fur- crophones. only repair the equipment if Thurn- “We are disappointed and frus- ther decision will need to be taken Cllr Stockell said: “Residents are ham Parish Council takes over re- trated at what we see as a cynical by Maidstone Council over the fu- very worried about their quality of sponsibility for its maintenance in move by Maidstone Borough ture of the play area. Separately to life in the future. Langley looks to five years’ time. Council to absolve their responsi- this, a recent inspection of the play become swallowed up in urban They have now written to Ms bility for a well-used play area and equipment found that the multi- sprawl and talk of a Leeds-Langley Broom, calling on her to intervene. an essential community resource, play was no longer safe, and so this Bypass through farmland to the Mum-of-three Eleana Keefe said: which MBC have maintained and was removed immediately.” M20 will blight the area and attract “We were told by MBC that fund- funded for more than 20 years.” A statement sent to campaigners more traffic.” ing from development in the area Campaigners are also calling on by Ms Broom said: “I’m sorry that The meeting will be chaired by was in place to prevent the closure MP Helen Whately for her support. you have not received the service BBC's John Warnett and will be at- of the play area and to replace all A spokesman for Maidstone Co- that you need. I have asked Paul tended by the leader of Maidstone the equipment. But after two years Council said: “Maidstone Council Spooner, director of regeneration Council Cllr Fran Wilson, planning of indecision, the council says it has a play area strategy to upgrade and place, to thoroughly review the chief Rob Jarman, KCC’s cabinet will reinstate the park – but only if a network of play areas so that the position and reply to you no later member for growth and transport Thurnham takes responsibility for vast majority of people in the bor- than February 8.” Matthew Balfour, CPRE Kent and it at about £5,000 per year.” ough will live no more than a 12 - To support the campaign visit the Joint Parishes Group, Maid- minute walk from a good quality Mrs Lowther said: “MBC are 'Save the Peverel Drive Playground' stone KALC and Paul Carter, play area. Peverel Drive is not on fully aware that neither Thurnham on Facebook. leader of KCC.
Maidstone At home bathing/ showering/washing service provided by our bathing assistants in the comfort of your own home
Cost One/first bath only £10.40 Second bath in the same week £7.50
Privacy and 7 Mill Street Please call our office on dignity Maidstone 01622 753618 ME15 6XW guaranteed to register at all times www.ageuk.org.uk/Maidstone for the service Charity No: 1062733
8 Maidstone East February 2016 BUY NOW AT LOW SALE PRICES • PAY NOTHING FOR A YEAR • INTEREST FREE CREDIT
UP TO Winter Sale HALF PRICE SAVINGS ON NOW
Chairs Now from ONLY £479 was £699
Sofa 2 seat sofa £699 Was £999 3 seat sofa £749 Was £1059 4 seat sofa £879 Was £1259
The natural choice for comfort Luxury, hand made pocket sprung beds in our Somnus Sleep Studio