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Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper downsmail.co.uk Maidstone South Edition FREE Maidstone & Malling’s October 2017 No. 2461 newspaper FREENews Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies JuneTHE cast2018 of Cinderella, which is to be No. 254 KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to Nhase wdieds aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. EastEnders David has disclosed. On board The Kentish Lady were Can Tories gain control? national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy THE May 3 elections once again Godmother),star i nformerp EastEnderanto Ste- MP’s Local Plan bid left the council in no overall control fanSO ABoothP sta r(PrinceRichar Charming),d Blackwoo Eliza-d bHELENut the CWhatelyonserva taskedives a sthe the bethhas b e Brighten nam e (Cinderella),d as the star of Craig lagovernmentrgest group to. halt the 4 Andersonthis year's (Buttons)pantomim and,e at t pictured,he borough’s housing scheme. 4 StephenHazlitt T Richardsheatre. and Adam Bor- zoneRic (Uglyhard, Sisters)45, has a. n impressive Police mosque drama arTheyray o fweretale ngreetedts as an byac pupilstor, from PPlansOLICE sea forled of fDr Ma idNigelstone Southcomed Boroughian and rPrimaryapper an Schoold will bande MTHEosq uwidowe after ofsu sGPpic iDrou sNigel Minnet memberstreading th ofe theboa r media.ds in M Theaid s pantotone ewillnve lwalkopes thewere Grand received. 6 runsfrom fromDece Decembermber 1 to 31-31.1. H eForwi ltick-l Canyon for charity. 12 etspla goy t htoe www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.Genie in Aladdin. In 2015, he joined the cast of M&S launch plans EastEnders as the “mysterious” RJasonETAIL gia nDonovant M&S has sub datemitted Vincent Hubbard, but recently pTHElans former for its Neighboursnew store a start brings announced that he was Eclipse Park. 8 leaving the hit soap. 5 his show to the Hazlitt Theatre next May. 18 CCTV call in a bid Maidstone pub special WE LOOK into the state of the pub trade in the county ‘Muggers won’t stop town. 18-19 to stop fly-tipping M20 Brexit fears CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a HIGHWAYS chiefs are no closer to me having night out’ finding a solution to country road have been made by the local borough councillor. Operation Stack. 26 ABurberryPENS Lane,ION nearER Leedsrobb anded onearby,f her morebag thanas s ah yeare w afteralke itdunlicensedhome fr wasteom carriers,Maids button be-e Broomfield, has been targeted by was dumped and set on fire. lieves the cost to small firms of dis- Obituaries 36 twasteown dumperscentr fore in years,sist buts th ina re-t sheThew churchill no cart le parkt th hase a alsotta seenck sposingtop he ofr constructionfrom goin wasteg ou att a. Obituaries 32 centLes months,ley Wilso then (6 problem9) was w hasalki be-ng many instances of illegal dumping. atransferutism a stationnd lea isrn provinging diffi acu deter-lties, Parish Councils 37 bcomeack a morefter a acute.night at the Old House But it is a problem in many rural arentdde thatd: “I isw costingas really councilsshocked more.when Parish Councils 34-35 at ConstructionHome pub in waste,Puddin rubble,g Lane hardjust areas including Langley, Otham it hCllrappe Fortned, madeand for herthe remarksnext coup asle A CHARITY donation request has ASH dieback has been discovered in bcore,efore windowsmidnight andon S householdunday, Ma fur-y 6, and Kingswood. Water Lane in oonef da ofys theI w borough’sas upset. I closestwould trans-defi- been received at Barming; it was Monks Meadow in ; wniturehen s ishe leftw illegallyas attack –ed oftenon a strewnfoot- Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have nferitel stationsy recogni atse t Northhe man Farm,. Tun- noted that many councDetlingillors in village fete stall- pinat theh le middleading f ofrom theC road.ounty Hall to also been targeted recently. bridge“It’s m Wells,ade m announcede wary and n ite willxt tim bee LHollingbourneoose were unhappy that the latest LoCllrwer GillBoxl Fortey Ro said:ad. “Every month Last year, Maidstone Borough Iclosed’m out foron 10my weeks.own, I’ll get a taxi.” mholdereetin gco-ordinator of the Joint Jean Tran Duffysporat hasion Mrs Wilson’s son David lives with resigned; yellow lines are needed weSh aree sai havingd: “As I w toilets,as walk sinksing ho andme, Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- She added: “If you go along the Board (JTB) had been cancelled; a her in Peel Street. He said: “The first for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow aconstructionman came u wastep behi dumpednd me an ind p theut ping and this year more than 163 line of increasing fines, they have to Barming resident has written asking I knew of it was when the police buses through Imperial Park; rub- hvillage,is hand specificallyon my shoul inder Burberry, I asked have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the if a tree branch can be removed; the him not to do that and then he hit turned up with her. It was one of the bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking LTheesley approaching Wilson with h darkerer son D eveningsavid charge or offering it free may have community warden in Loose has of- me and took my bag. most horrible feelings to know that Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. the desired similar effect.” fered tips to reduce the number of “I shouted and swore at him, and but it won’t stop me going out.” had happened to my mum.” the picnic area and rear exit. land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- A three-monthly litter pick on the shed break-ins. he came back and hit me again. The bag contained just £11, an The man is described as 5ft 6ins, A recent event in Burberry Lane tive by the Environment Agency mile-long stretch of road through “I’m a bit shaken up and I don’t umbrella, a torch and her keys. with black hair and a short beard. Crime Reports 35 saw a caravan burned out while a andThe them Driverum-of- andthree Vehicle, who Stan-has HLeedse was villagewearin producesg a black h anood averageed top, like people coming up behind me, CVEHICLESrime R haveepo r beents driven 3 over7 torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on b32la blackck trac sacksksuit ofbo rubbish.ttoms and white farmland in causing traCllriner s Fort,. who also serves as a PLANTS and heLenham,dging were dam- parishA Ke n councillor,t Police spo k saysesma n teachingsaid: “A adamgeged du r toing crops;a bre a ank-in attemptedin Maple mchildrenan is re paboutorted socialto hav responsibilitye approached Abreak-invenue; pwasots reportedwere tak einn Detlingfrom th; ea tandhe v theicti missueand ofs tlitterruck inhe rschoolsin the fwillace dvehicleoorstep was of a vandalisedhome in Bu cink lBearstedand Hill; bhelpefor etakestea theling issuea han offdb atheg. N streets.o seri- aRd, bic yWeaveringcle was take;n f pumpkinsrom the fr on weret of oSheus ibelievesnjuries w withere s ueverystain ehouseholdd. astolen shop i n H fromart S tr aneet ; h allotmentandbags c on in- receivingIf you ca an weeklyhelp ca refusell Kent collectionPolice on tLenhamaining ca.sh were taken in a burglary YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT in Queen’s Road. [email protected] 0service,1622 60 there4100 qisu nooti nexcuseg YY/ 1for542 litter2/18 obeingr Ke n thrownt Crim e fromstopp e vehiclesrs, ano n ory- Comment 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent mdumpedously, o inn 0the800 road.5551 11.” Comment 46-47

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2 Maidstone June 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Chaos caused Andy trades furniture by M20 smash AN accident on the M20 caused mayhem on the roads in and around Maidstone on May 8. for holidays and golf The incident ground most of Maidstone to a standstill after a col- A PERMANENT fixture in a lision between a car and a motorcy- Maidstone furniture store has clist. gone after the retirement of Andy Almost every road into the Simmonds. county town, including the A20 The 64-year-old called it a day at and the A249, was gridlocked. the end of April, having been with Drivers reported two hour jour- Clarke’s Furnishings since the shop neys to travel a few miles and moved to its current Sandling Road schoolchildren – some sitting site. All change – exams – were unable to get in on The sales manager and buyer is Andy time. now planning on spending his days playing golf and enjoying more hol- Simmonds is idays. retiring from Have your say “It’s an unreal feeling,” he said. “I a lifetime’s AN on-line poll carried out by still can’t get my head around it to career in the Daily Downs Mail has comprehen- be honest, but retirement comes to furniture sively rejected massive hikes in off- street car parking prices. us all. trade “I’m a member of Weald of Kent We asked: “Is Maidstone Bor- golf club, and my handicap’s 24, so I “I really wanted to join the police Royal Arsenal Co-Op and when he ough Council right to propose in- want to get that below 20, while my force,” he said. “But in those days moved to Kent in the late 1970s he creases to off-street car parking?” wife Julie and I have already got a you had to wait for your O-Level re- commuted to the capital, before A huge 91% said ‘no’, 7% were in Mediterranean cruise booked. sults before you could join up, and working for Gerald Lukehurst’s in favour while 1% of the 272 total re- “I’m going to miss the customers, then either re-sit them there or go Sittingbourne until his move to spondents were unsure. contacts and friends that I’ve made straight in. Clarke’s. Daily Downs Mail is currently here.” “But my dad said I couldn’t just sit As well as improving his handi- asking readers to take part in a sur- Andy, who lives in Sittingbourne, around and wait for my results and cap, he is looking forward to spend- vey into whether the B2163 HGV has spent his whole career in furni- got me a job in furniture. I enjoyed it ing more time with his wife, their ban is being enforced by Kent Po- ture – but it was almost very differ- – and the rest is history!” three children and six grandchil- lice. Go to http:// www.downs- ent. Andy started his career at the dren. mail.co.uk/views/8/

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Maidstone June 2018 3 News | Elections downsmail.co.uk Tories confident, but gains not enough for full control THE Conservatives edged the local elections on May 3, emerging as the biggest party with no overall control of Maidstone Borough Council. The Tories made three gains while All the results for the ruling Liberal Democrats THE NEW COUNCIL dropped two. The composition of Maidstone borough council It still remains to be seen if the To- Borough Council is now: ries can cobble together a coalition Conservative 25 Allington Dan Daley (LD) – HOLD with independents, or if the Lib Liberal Democrat 20 Mike Cuming (Con) – Bearsted Dems can cling on, possibly with Labour 3 HOLD Martin Cox as a new group leader. Independent Maidstone 2 Boxley Bob Hinder (Con) – HOLD That decision was being made on Independents 4 Bridge Jonathan Purle (Con) – May 19 after Downs Mail went to Independent other 1 CON GAIN FROM LD press. Source: MBC This will be followed by decisions Coxheath & Hunton Lottie Parfitt- on committee composition and who Reid (Con) – CON GAIN FROM LD two surprises, but nothing earth- will chair each one. shattering. All the results can be put East Nikki Fissenden (LD) – HOLD Cllr John Perry said: “I feel confi- down to local factors.” Fant Paul Harper (Lab) – HOLD dent we can put it together as we are The Lib Dems dropped Bridge Harrietsham & Lenham Janetta now by far the largest party, but I and Coxheath & Hunton wards. Sams (Ind) – HOLD can’t take anything for granted.” Cllr English suggested a hard Headcorn Martin Round (Con) – The Tories picked up Bridge (Lib Cllr John Perry held on to Staplehurst campaign by the Green Party’s HOLD Dem), Coxheath & Hunton (Lib Donna Greenan and her team may Dem) and Shepway North (Inde- Malcolm McKay won the seat with a Heath Ashleigh Kimmance (LD) – have squeezed the Lib Dem vote in pendent Maidstone). majority of 51. Bridge ward to let Tory Jonathan HOLD The party now has 25 seats, com- Mr Barned said: “I’m not going to Purle in by a handsome 110 votes, at High Street Clive English (LD) – pared to the Lib Dems’ 20. stand again. I’m now in my 70s and the expense of David Pickett. HOLD The leadership must be able to it is time to stand aside and let some He added: “In effect, there was a Marden & Yalding David Burton command 28 seats to form overall of the younger ones do it. I’ll still be pincer movement between the (Con) – HOLD control of the 55-member council. active in local stuff where I can.” Greens and the Tories. Evidently we North Tony Harwood (LD) – HOLD Tory councillor Matt Boughton, Independent Maidstone’s Eddie underestimated the number of votes who helped organise the campaign, Powell said the doorstep feedback Park Wood Daniel Rose (Con) – the Greens would get in Bridge.” said: “This has been a very good re- towards the mainstream political In Coxheath & Hunton, Lottie HOLD sult for us. We did better than we parties was “extremely negative, but Parfitt-Reid dislodged the popular Shepway North Alan Bartlett – had hoped.” also extremely real”. and respected Brian Mortimer after CON GAIN FROM IND Most Conservatives agreed that, His prediction of a low turnout on a spirited campaign. Shepway South Malcolm McKay had they worked Shepway South the day – just 31% - favouring the Cllr English said: “It is no secret (Lab) – LAB GAIN FROM IND harder, they may have been able to traditional parties also proved true. that our councillor there, Brian Mor- South Derek Mortimer (LD) – take that seat as well. Liberal Democrat councillor Clive timer, has been very ill for a while. English, who easily retook High HOLD Paul Cooper was essentially put “It was difficult for him to put in up as a paper candidate and banked Street ward, said that his members the effort that was needed. He has John Perry (Con) – Staplehurst on Independent Maidstone’s John were “reasonably happy” with been a very good councillor and if HOLD Barned retaining the seat on a large some of the results. he were fully fit that result wouldn’t personal vote. However, Labour’s He added: “There were one or have happened.”

MP Helen Grant joins Conservatives to celebrate their gains in the local elections

4 Maidstone June 2018 News | Elections downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Tories confident, but gains EastEnders star to be HazliŒ’s genie SOAP star Richard Blackwood has not enough for full control been named as the star of this year’s pantomime at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone. THE Conservatives edged the local elections on May 3, emerging as the biggest party with no Richard (45), who has an impres- overall control of Maidstone Borough Council. sive range of talents as an actor, co- median and rapper, will be The Tories made three gains while THE NEW COUNCIL treading the boards in Maidstone All the results for the ruling Liberal Democrats from December 1 to 31. dropped two. The composition of Maidstone He plays the genie in Aladdin. borough council It still remains to be seen if the To- Borough Council is now: In 2015, he joined the cast of Eas- ries can cobble together a coalition Conservative 25 tEnders as the mysterious Vincent Allington Dan Daley (LD) – HOLD with independents, or if the Lib Liberal Democrat 20 Hubbard, but recently announced Mike Cuming (Con) – Bearsted Dems can cling on, possibly with Labour 3 he was leaving the hit soap. HOLD Martin Cox as a new group leader. Independent Maidstone 2 Hazlitt general manager Martin Boxley Bob Hinder (Con) – HOLD That decision was being made on Independents 4 Cleverly said: “The Hazlitt The- Bridge Jonathan Purle (Con) – May 19 after Downs Mail went to Independent other 1 atre’s 2018 programme is full of CON GAIN FROM LD press. Source: MBC bigger and better productions in This will be followed by decisions Coxheath & Hunton Lottie Parfitt- comparison to years gone by, so it on committee composition and who couldn't let things slip when it came EastEnders star Richard Blackwood Reid (Con) – CON GAIN FROM LD two surprises, but nothing earth- will chair each one. to the celebrity of its in-house pan- shattering. All the results can be put A Hazlitt spokesman said: East Nikki Fissenden (LD) – HOLD Cllr John Perry said: “I feel confi- tomime. down to local factors.” “Richard is a bit of a coup for us Fant Paul Harper (Lab) – HOLD dent we can put it together as we are “Richard Blackwood will be a The Lib Dems dropped Bridge and judging by the reaction so far, it Harrietsham & Lenham Janetta now by far the largest party, but I fantastic member of the cast and and Coxheath & Hunton wards. is going down very well. Sams (Ind) – HOLD can’t take anything for granted.” Cllr English suggested a hard part of a production that promises “He has been around for quite a The Tories picked up Bridge (Lib Cllr John Perry held on to Staplehurst campaign by the Green Party’s to entertain, delight and wow the Headcorn Martin Round (Con) – while, is a talented guy and has Dem), Coxheath & Hunton (Lib Donna Greenan and her team may visiting crowds.” HOLD done a lot of different things in his Dem) and Shepway North (Inde- Malcolm McKay won the seat with a have squeezed the Lib Dem vote in The Hazlitt faced competition last Heath Ashleigh Kimmance (LD) – career, so his following is quite pendent Maidstone). majority of 51. Bridge ward to let Tory Jonathan Christmas from another panto HOLD wide. The party now has 25 seats, com- Mr Barned said: “I’m not going to Purle in by a handsome 110 votes, at being staged in the county town. Relationship at “We’re very excited and we’ll High Street Clive English (LD) – pared to the Lib Dems’ 20. stand again. I’m now in my 70s and the expense of David Pickett. Last year’s Cinderella production have other announcements to make HOLD The leadership must be able to it is time to stand aside and let some He added: “In effect, there was a – which starred TV chef and na- as the summer progresses. Marden & Yalding David Burton command 28 seats to form overall of the younger ones do it. I’ll still be pincer movement between the tional favourite Rustie Lee – was “We’re hoping that this year’s breake ingng pointoint? control of the 55-member council. active in local stuff where I can.” Greens and the Tories. Evidently we hailed a success, despite another (Con) – HOLD panto can build on the success of North Tony Harwood (LD) – HOLD Tory councillor Matt Boughton, Independent Maidstone’s Eddie underestimated the number of votes production being staged close by. The breakdowne of any relationship can be who helped organise the campaign, Powell said the doorstep feedback Cinderella, which was very well re- Park Wood Daniel Rose (Con) – the Greens would get in Bridge.” very distressine g. said: “This has been a very good re- towards the mainstream political In Coxheath & Hunton, Lottie ceived.” HOLD sult for us. We did better than we parties was “extremely negative, but Parfitt-Reid dislodged the popular Meanwhile, the Peter Andre Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you Shepway North Alan Bartlett – had hoped.” also extremely real”. and respected Brian Mortimer after show has sold out. CON GAIN FROM IND Most Conservatives agreed that, His prediction of a low turnout on a spirited campaign. Talks are being held in an effort through this stressful and painful time. Shepway South Malcolm McKay had they worked Shepway South the day – just 31% - favouring the Cllr English said: “It is no secret to arrange an additional date for the singer in Maidstone after tickets We offerf sensitive, constructive and cost effective (Lab) – LAB GAIN FROM IND harder, they may have been able to traditional parties also proved true. that our councillor there, Brian Mor- for his appearance in June sold out. South Derek Mortimer (LD) – take that seat as well. Liberal Democrat councillor Clive timer, has been very ill for a while. legal advice. All our lawyersrs are expeexperriencenceded meembermbers English, who easily retook High The Hazlitt says consideration is HOLD Paul Cooper was essentially put “It was difficult for him to put in of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational up as a paper candidate and banked Street ward, said that his members the effort that was needed. He has being given to potentially putting John Perry (Con) – Staplehurst on Independent Maidstone’s John were “reasonably happy” with been a very good councillor and if Last year’s panto, Cinderella on another show in October. approach to rese olving family problems. HOLD Barned retaining the seat on a large some of the results. he were fully fit that result wouldn’t personal vote. However, Labour’s He added: “There were one or have happened.” An initial fixed cost meetinngg for just £11000 (inncc VAT)T with Police warn of bike thefts one of our lalawyers can help yyoouu seesee yyoourur wawayy forrwaward KENT Police have issued advice “If storing your bike in a and understand yyoourur lelegagal positiioonn and ooptptioionsns. to bike owners after a string of garage, shed or outbuilding, thefts across the Maidstone area. make sure this is also secured.” Our offices are in the centtre of Canterbury, MaMaidstone A high number of bike thefts Officers are also advising bike and Tenterdenden so, ifif yoyouu wantw toto ttakakee thatthat first stepstep to reported to police have included owners to take further measures findfindining ooutut your optioptioons siimmppllyy visit our websebsiteite atat: ones taken from sheds and out- to ensure that if they are a victim buildings, or locked up outside of bike theft, their property is supermarkets. In one case in easily identifiable. wwwwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Melford Drive, on the evening of “We also strongly advise peo- Canterbury 01227 643266 April 27, the wrought iron con- ple to register their property at tainer the bike was secured to www.immobilise.com, a website Maidstone 01622 698051 was taken with it. which allows people to register a Tenterentee rden 01580 767540 A police spokesman said: “Bi- variety of items free,” the cycles can be stolen from any- spokesman added. where so ensure your bike is “PCSOs will be conducting wwwww.whitehead-mon-monckt-monckton.coc on.co.u.uk secure. bike marking events in Maid- WWhiteheahitehead MoncMonckton Limitemited no. 08366029), registered in “Buying a good quality lock, stone over the next few months. EEnngllanand & Wales. Regiisstered office 72 King Street, Maiidsdstone, Kent, MwwE14 1BwL. . Awuthoriiteheased and regguldula-mted boy tnckton.cohe Solicitors Reggulula.tiounk such as a D-lock, can deter This enables bikes to be regis- Authority under no. 608279. thieves from trying to steal cycles. tered on a national database.” MP Helen Grant joins Conservatives to celebrate their gains in the local elections DM2016

Maidstone June 2018 5 News downsmail.co.uk Growing green COUSINS Jen Stuart-Smith and Bek Imam is ‘unhappy’ after Bibby celebrated the 10th anniver- sary of their floristry business, Blooming Green, in May. The company operate from Lod- dington Farm in Linton, a former geing hate mail in post mushroom shed and boiler room, built by Jen and Beck’s grandfather MAIDSTONE'S Muslim leader in the 1950s. has described the moment he They are the fifth generation of opened a package containing a growers at the farm, but instead of white powder and a hate-filled growing fruit, they chose flowers. message written inside. In 2012, they featured on a Chan- Dr Muhammed Usmani said two nel 4 series, ‘My Dream Farm’, hop- envelopes were posted thorough the ing to inspire others to follow in letterbox of his Mote Road home – their footsteps. which is part of the Maidstone Hate mail The eco-friendly and organic Mosque – at 2pm on May 2. and a white florists use bio-plastic and recycled The imam opened one of the powder were card, as well as beneficial insects and white packages – both of which had in envelopes pollinators. computerised, printed labels and sent to Dr second class stamps – to find a white Muhammed powder inside. Usmani Shop closure There was also a folded, A4 sheet THE Oxfam shop in Earl Street was of paper with a message which con- “But about half an hour later, I re- carbonate. shut because it was no longer prof- tained the phrases “war is coming” ceived a call from the mosque at Dr Usmani added: “It’s difficult to itable, the charity has disclosed. and “Muslim vermin”. Canterbury to say the imam had got say how I felt about it but it wasn't The outlet, which was close to Dr Usmani said the arrival of the something similar, possibly itching anger – just not happy and uncom- both Week Street and the Fremlin letters made him feel “uncomfort- powder, so I contacted the police.” fortable.” Walk complex, shut in December able” and “not happy”. He said about 10 Kent Police offi- Police are linking three instances 2017. He said: “When I saw the powder cers, including forensic experts, ar- of suspicious letters being sent to The Oxfam bookshop at Gabriels and the writing inside, I was just rived, sealed off the area for about mosques in the county. Hill remains open and Francesca going to ignore it because I don't two hours. Envelopes containing a powder – Munari, area manager for Oxfam in give any importance to these things They were able to establish on site since found to be harmless – were Kent thanked everyone in the town and the people who have these atti- the materials were harmless, possi- also sent to the mosques in Canter- for their continued support. tudes. bly washing powder or sodium bi- bury and Gravesend.

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Maidstone Weald October 2017 7 Maidstone June 2018 7 News downsmail.co.uk Upcycling boost to trust funds VOLUNTEERS from a building soci- Rob Geall, from Nationwide, said: ety took part in a number of activi- “We enjoyed the day and were made ties to help boost the Kenward Trust. to feel really welcome. The team from the Nationwide , Social enterprise manager for Ken- pictured, spent a day at the trust, in ward Trust, Peter Jones, thought the Yalding, where they helped to upcy- trust would be able to raise about cle furniture, paint porcelain to cre- £500 from the work completed. He ate items for sale in the trust’s said: “This is a nice result to see charity shop, Charitique. something tangible from the day.” The Kenward Trust is a drug and If you would like to find out more alcohol residential rehabilitation about volunteering for Kenward centre and is celebrating its 50th an- Trust, visit kenwardtrust.org.uk for niversary this year. more information. RNLI charity’s dancing night Double edge to M&S A FUNDRAISING dance is being held for the lifeboat charity RNLI. Dancing to the calling and music of John and Karen Sweeney, the retail park store plan evening, on Friday, June 29, is in Fant Community Hall, Fant Lane, BRITISH high street favourite Eclipse Park. Operationally, having Whilst the announcement of one Barming, at 7.30pm. Marks & Spencer has submitted two stores within a town centre is Britain’s favourite shops expand- Tickets, £10, includes a plough- its application to join the growing far from ideal. ing its offering in Maidstone has man’s supper, but bring your own Eclipse Park retail centre near “There have been six closures an- been broadly welcomed, there drinks and nibbles. junction seven of the M20. nounced in the M&S portfolio al- have been worries that it will fur- To book call John Ashbolt - 01622 It is hoped the scheme, lodged ready where satellite stores operate ther damage the town centre. 725435 or Alan Cocks 01622 761004. with Maidstone Borough Council in the same town. Maidstone council has been crit- in late April, will create up to 300 “The intention would be to sig- icised for driving shoppers away Woman found new full and part-time jobs. nificantly improve the freehold from the town centre by changing An M&S planning statement store opposite Fremlin Walk and it the park and ride scheme and hik- AN Allington woman whose dis- reads: “M&S currently operate would continue to sell clothing and ing the cost of off-street parking. appearance sparked a police hunt from two stores in the town centre food, as well as having a cafe.” Both form part of the council’s turned up safe and well. on Week Street. One store is free- A spokesman for MBC con- policy for “modal shift”, which Margaret Stradling (80) went hold and the other a leasehold with firmed a planning application has aims to ease the traffic pressure cre- missing on May 1 in the London the lease expiring in 2022. been received. ated by Maidstone’s 17,600 new Road area at around 8pm. “The intention is that the lease- Work should begin in earnest by homes by encouraging people to By mid-morning she was located hold store will close either at the Christmas with opening expected walk, ride bikes or take buses. in good health. end of the lease or, ideally, to allow in October 2019, said developer A recent survey conducted by staff to transfer to the new store at Gallagher. the Daily Downs Mail website con- Taxi questions cluded that the borough council HAS Maidstone too many or too was wrong to impose increased few taxis? parking charges. That is the question being asked The poll saw 91% disagreed with of the public by Maidstone council, the charge increases, 7% agreed, which currently licenses 48. while the rest were unsure. The Taxi and Hackney Carriages John Barned, spokesman for In- in Maidstone consultation closes dependent Maidstone, said: “There on May 27. is little doubt that the new M&S Taxi users can give their com- will be very popular – popular be- ment in a survey, which takes cause it is accessible in a way that about 10 minutes to complete, at the centre of Maidstone no longer www.maidstone.gov.uk/home/ is and because the parking is free.” primary-services/council-and- Gallagher spokesman Nick Yan- democracy/additional-areas/have- dle said: “M&S see the importance your-say/tier-3-primary-areas-/cur of free parking because it encour- rent-consultations. Computer image of the proposed Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park ages dwell time in the store.” Thief is jailed for series of burglaries across town A MAN has been jailed after ad- but came to an end when he was ar- Inquiries led to the discovery of a DC Raj Dusanjh led the investi- mitting a string of burglaries, in- rested in Shepway on January 29. pillowcase stuffed with stolen gation and said: “Izuebe deliber- cluding across Maidstone. The arrest came after reports of a items under a parked car in nearby ately chose properties he thought Atkinjoe Izuebe (26) was jailed suspicious man running close to Heather Drive, and a search of an would be empty, often targeting for three years and four months at the scene of a burglary in Park address linked to Izuebe in Sussex addresses during school runs. Woolwich Crown Court after Way. Patrols located and stopped Road uncovered more stolen items. “Many of his victims arrived pleading guilty to 11 counts of bur- Izuebe, who was carrying gloves In Maidstone alone, Izuebe was home to find possessions strewn all glary and a further count of at- and a face mask and had items of charged with burglaries in Sussex over the floor and their homes in a tempted burglary. jewellery stashed in his pockets, as Road, Bell Meadow, Willow Way, terrible mess.“ Izuebe’s offences took place in well as £420 in cash and a stolen Plains Avenue, Linton Road, Cop- Izuebe also burgled properties in December 2017 and January 2018, watch on his wrist. per Tree Court and Park Way. Chatham and Orpington.

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Malling October 2017 23 Maidstone June 2018 9 News downsmail.co.uk WNewsater ban after downsmail.co.uk sAnotherewer damage incursion‘Unfit’ Jimmy Buckley EMERGENCY repairs to a damaged sewage pipe have kept park-users out of the water at Maidstone’s Mote Patark for a s Larkfieldecond week. is dparketained over killing Repairs to the collapsed sewer near the main entrance could, warns A MAN deemed mentally unfit to Maidstone, were imprisoned for a TRAVELLERS have moved back sellerstand t simplyrial but movingconnecte ond t too t takehe br upu- minimum of 16 years and a mini- Montoaids ato popularne Coun parkcil, ta inke Larkfieldanother temporary residence elsewhere in tal murder in Tovil of homeless mum of 18 years, respectively. Both tforhree theto secondfour we timeeks. in six months. the area. man Razvan Sirbu (pictured) has had denied murder, but were found TThehe d familiesamage w -a ins r fiveevea caravansled when - He said: “They just seem to be been detained by a judge. guilty by a jury. fpulledlooding onled M toai Gighilldstone C Greenouncil t ino doing the rounds. These incidents Jimmy Buckley has now been put Buckley (20), formerly of Capell cLunsfordlose the m Laneain en ontra Sundaynce to th Octobere park have affected West Malling, forcing ,, releasing dogs on the popular uthende closurer a hosp ofita thel ord villageer, afte hall,r he w andas Close, Coxheath, was deemed unfit inpublicMote openAvenu spacee on A andpril 3 setting0. up fLeybourne,ound to be m andent nowally u theynfit areto p backlead to plead, but was found by the jury washingSouther linesn Wa withinter says hours.the pi Itpe isc un-ol- tino th Larkfield.e murder o Thef Ra policezvan Si toldrbu, w resi-ho to be involved in the act of killing Mr laderstoodpsed due to the volume of water, wdentsas kil thatled la thisst y wasear. a civil trespass Sirbu. He was sentenced at Maid- inthesuffi fami-cient capacity and a blockage. whenUsin theyg po reportedwers und ite andr the thatMe theyntal stone Crown Court on Thursday, Aliestempo in-rary pipe has been laid. Hcouldn’tealth Ac dot, J anythingudge Jere andmy C obviouslyarey im- May 3. volved Chris Perkins, Southern Water’s ptheose councild the ord officeser inde werefinite closedly on M be-ay Detective Sergeant Matt Banks ohaveperati beenons manager for Kent, said: cause it was the weekend. These offering 3, citing it was necessary for the pro- said: “It has been almost a year since “Pumps have been installed to man- travellers know and play the sys- tree felling ttem.”ection of the public. ‘Spooktacular’R atazvan theSirbu was farmkilled in the most age flows and the damage to the services to TThehe v council’sictim, w legalho w teamas 21, servedsuffere and MAKE the most of the October half-termapp holidayalling a atnd Kentcow Lifeard Heritagely way, sub- tresidentsemporary car park has been re- mevictionultiple noticeinjurie buts to it tookhis h ae weekad an tod skFarmull fra Park’sctures Halloween, facial bon Spooktaculare fractures injec Maidstone.ted to a brutal and sustained at- pinai thered area.to allow visitors access until benforce.ody afte Cllrr bei Thornewellng subjected heldto a talkssus- as wBraveell as kidssign areifica invitednt injur toies theinc vintagelud- ta villageck w tohi knockch le onft doorshim andsuffering theParishwork is complete.” twithained Laddingfordand unprovo Engineeringked assault inwi anth indiscoverg severa whol frac –tu orre whatd ribs –. is lurking behinddeva themstatin fromg inju Octoberries to b 21-31.oth his head councilIn spite of receiving clear water wefforteapo tons increaseincludin securityg a meat furthercleaver on. AThen inv award-winningestigation by t attractionhe Kent a atnd Sandling,and bod neary. Maidstone, has a few achairmannalysis results, the council put a theTh publice Rom land,anian near’s bo thedy w M20.as found Esothersex Se tricksrious upCr itsim sleevee Dire tocto turnrate itsled usual“ exhibitsThis m intourde frighteningr robbed a young sDavidtop to Thornewellall water s saysports moreand hasdog tos byValdemardog walke Kalininrs in an a (pictured),rea of wood of- tofarmhousesthe arrests o andf Ch horrifyingarlie Whi homes.te, Alex Youngstersman of h canis li tryfe a pumpkinnd also carving,devastated be done to stop the travelling com- swimming in the lake. ltheand National, off Cav Gypsy-Traveller-Romae Hill, on the morning Mdressingacdonal upd a andnd J theame Uglys Bu Bugckle Ball.y, all the lives of his loved ones. I hope munity running circles around the Council said recently that local Council leader Fran Wilson said: of May 7, 2017. He was discovered on sOnusp Octobericion of 25,mu thererder. will be more spookynow th goings-onat Buckley withhas Kentalso Lifebeen sen- police and local councils. councils must provide designated After Dark, “WHee fe sayslt it w theas jobbet ofter movingto be sa onfe t trav-han near a tent he had been sleeping in. On January 16, 2018, White aged tenced that Mr Sirbu’s family will be traveller sites or “tolerated zone” 19 aThisnd f eventorme includesrly of Q au spine-chillingarry Road, tour suitable for under-eights from sellersorry. W fore ar seconde hopef timeul tha willt we runwil intol be whichA pos gypsyt morte convoysm exami cannatio moven re- 5-6pm and, for older visitors, from 7-8pm.able to get some closure, from what Maidstone and Macdonald, aged 19 athousandsble to rein ofst poundsate wat Theer a lastctivi inci-ties vonto.ealed Heblu said:nt fo “Itrce comestraum downa to th toe If you would like to know more aboutha anys un ofdo theubt above,edly be callen a 01622harrowing sdent,hortly in.” early summer, costing the hracialead an prejudiced body. Th againstere were thismul com-tiple an763936.d formerly of Regency Place, ordeal.” parish council £1,200, with the trav- munity.” 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. 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6 Malling October 2017 10 Maidstone June 2018 downsmail.co.uk News MBC boss issues official complaint THE chief executive of the Maid- stone Borough Council has made an official complaint against a Leeds-Langley relief road cam- HOP TO IT paigner over a Facebook posting. MBC chief executive Alison Broom took issue with county coun- THIS SPRING cillor Gary Cooke’s claims on his so- cial media site that for months, MBC blocked cash needed for Kent WITH UP TO County Council exploratory work to assess the viability of a by-pass. He alleged it was “reluctance” on 25% OFF the part of the “Liberal Democrat- controlled” council to release house- building developer contributions (section 106 or S106 money) because THE SPRING SALE of a legal wrangle. Cllr Gary Cooke After months of disputes between ENDS BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY the two authorities, £200,000 was re- the use of these funds for this pur- leased and Tory-led KCC has begun pose is perfectly legitimate. the work. “Happily now resolved and we INCLUDING On April 20, Mrs Broom wrote to can get on with the work to demon- KCC’s monitoring officer saying: “I strate the benefits of a South East Swivel Chair am raising this with you formally, Maidstone Relief Road to not only given MBC’s concerns about its ac- Leeds and Langley, but also to the curacy and timing (given the local wider communities affected by the Only £739 government elections in Maidstone) congestion in South East Maidstone and request that you investigate it.” and with that information we will Cllr Cooke’s Facebook posting on make the case for the Relief Road and April 19 read: “Am pleased to an- secure funding from Central Govt.” nounce that following a short delay Later in Downs Mail, Cllr Cooke the investigative works necessary as went further when he said: “I do not part of developing the data to sup- believe that members of the ruling port the Relief Road will now be party at MBC have ever demon- moving ahead at a pace. strated a real or credible desire for a “These are the works that were re- relief road – quite the reverse.” ferred to by the Director of High- Of Mrs Broom’s actions, Cllr Cooke ways at the Public Meeting I held at said: “There were no inaccuracies in the Great Danes before Christmas. the posting and I fully expected to be Disappointingly – the delay was due be exonerated, at which point I will to a reluctance on the part of the Lib- look at all my options going for- eral Democrat-controlled borough ward.” council to release the funds from We approached MBC at the time PLUS S106 monies. of Cllr Cooke’s claims and received “This, as well as causing delay, no response. MBC was approached a meant that KCC officers had to for a comment on the complaint but FREE spend time and effort in demon- did not respond. KCC refused to Footstool strating and persuading MBC that comment. Worth RBS to close town branch £123 THE Maidstone branch of the drawals, blance checks and pay- Royal Bank of Scotland is to ing in. close. A statement said: “Since 2012 The High Street branch will we have seen the way in which shut its doors on August 8. people use Maidstone branch A spokesman said that now change, with 72% of customers 3 YEARS INTEREST FREE CREDIT plans to divest RBS as a “chal- already banking in other ways. lenger” bank have been shelved, “Transactions at Maidstone when you spend over £1000* the decison was taken to close have reduced by 54% since 2012, the branch. with only 25 customers now vis- RBS claims that the way its ac- iting the branch regularly.” count holders use the service has RBS also has an arrangement 01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk altered radically in recent years. with the Post Office, so that cus- But customers will be able to tomers can pay in and take out Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF use NatWest, which is part of the money as well check on bal- *See website for terms and conditions. same group, for cash with- ances.

Maidstone June 2018 11 News downsmail.co.uk Salon to close A POPULAR salon in Maidstone is to shut after 60 years in the town. Allington patients get SHQ in Puddling Lane has called it quits, blaming rising overheads, according to reports. Owner Sam Chan , who has been a new surgery after all in charge of the business for the past nine years, will continue to see PATIENTS in Allington who tomatically, so there will be no clients from a salon at home. feared they would lose access to need for patients to re-register. The Sam says the new arrangement GP services when two surgeries CCG intends to write to all affected will allow her to spend more time announced they would shut be- patients. with her two daughters. fore the summer have been “This appears to be a very good handed a reprieve. outcome”, says local councillor, Forgeries alert Maidstone-based The College Dan Daley, pictured left. “It is vi- Practice, in College Road, has tally important that the provision POLICE have warned shopkeepers stepped in to take over the Alling- of GP facilities within walking dis- in Maidstone to be on the lookout ton Clinic and handle those af- tance for Allington residents has for forged £50 banknotes. fected by the closures. been continued.” It follows reports that a man tried Around 5,000 patients are on the MP Helen Grant said: “I am very to pass off a fake at a Week Street books of the GPs stepping aside. pleased to hear there is going to be restaurant on May 1. Dr Robert Mennie (61) blamed a practice still operating in Alling- When staff refused to accept the the increased pressure of working ton. This service is crucial for my note, the man left and headed in the “12 or more hours per day” for his constituents who live in the area, direction of Maidstone East station. decision to retire. demonstrated by the fact that so Retailers have been warned to be He wrote to his patients: “Over The CCG said patients registered many of them have written to me vigilant. the past two years, I have started to with the practice will be able to in the past few weeks on this topic. feel the pressure of working very visit any of the three surgeries. “I am glad that the CCG was able Hospice walk long hours, often 12 ore hours per It advised all residents living to find a solution which doesn’t ABOUT 1,000 people took part in day. At this stage in my career, the within the Allington area who are leave my constituents without a the Blue Bell walk in aid of the Heart long hours have been simply too currently registered with the surgery and grateful to The College of Kent Hospice in early May. much for me.” Allington Park Surgery and Alling- Practice for agreeing to set up this The journey along the North West Kent CCG confirmed that ton Clinic will transfer to the new branch practice.” Downs raised £16,000 for the charity The College Practice, which also Allington branch of The College The Allington clinic’s Dr Mayur which supports terminally-ill pa- has a practice in Barming, has de- Practice. Vibhuti decided to also step down tients. cided to intervene in the crisis. The transfer will be handled au- at the same time as Dr Mennie. COUNTY COBBLER

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12 Maidstone June 2018 News downsmail.co.uk Salon to close A POPULAR salon in Maidstone is to shut after 60 years in the town. Allington patients get SHQ in Puddling Lane has called it quits, blaming rising overheads, according to reports. Owner Sam Chan , who has been a new surgery after all in charge of the business for the past nine years, will continue to see PATIENTS in Allington who tomatically, so there will be no clients from a salon at home. feared they would lose access to need for patients to re-register. The Sam says the new arrangement GP services when two surgeries CCG intends to write to all affected will allow her to spend more time announced they would shut be- patients. with her two daughters. fore the summer have been “This appears to be a very good handed a reprieve. outcome”, says local councillor, Forgeries alert Maidstone-based The College Dan Daley, pictured left. “It is vi- Practice, in College Road, has tally important that the provision POLICE have warned shopkeepers stepped in to take over the Alling- of GP facilities within walking dis- in Maidstone to be on the lookout ton Clinic and handle those af- tance for Allington residents has for forged £50 banknotes. fected by the closures. been continued.” It follows reports that a man tried Around 5,000 patients are on the MP Helen Grant said: “I am very to pass off a fake at a Week Street books of the GPs stepping aside. pleased to hear there is going to be restaurant on May 1. Dr Robert Mennie (61) blamed a practice still operating in Alling- When staff refused to accept the the increased pressure of working ton. This service is crucial for my note, the man left and headed in the “12 or more hours per day” for his constituents who live in the area, direction of Maidstone East station. decision to retire. demonstrated by the fact that so Retailers have been warned to be He wrote to his patients: “Over The CCG said patients registered many of them have written to me vigilant. the past two years, I have started to with the practice will be able to in the past few weeks on this topic. feel the pressure of working very visit any of the three surgeries. “I am glad that the CCG was able Hospice walk long hours, often 12 ore hours per It advised all residents living to find a solution which doesn’t ABOUT 1,000 people took part in day. At this stage in my career, the within the Allington area who are leave my constituents without a the Blue Bell walk in aid of the Heart long hours have been simply too currently registered with the surgery and grateful to The College of Kent Hospice in early May. much for me.” Allington Park Surgery and Alling- Practice for agreeing to set up this The journey along the North West Kent CCG confirmed that ton Clinic will transfer to the new branch practice.” Downs raised £16,000 for the charity The College Practice, which also Allington branch of The College The Allington clinic’s Dr Mayur which supports terminally-ill pa- has a practice in Barming, has de- Practice. Vibhuti decided to also step down tients. cided to intervene in the crisis. The transfer will be handled au- at the same time as Dr Mennie.

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Maidstone June 2018 13 News downsmail.co.uk Alternative site sought for school THE government agency in charge Campaigners hoped the KMC site that private health company Cygnet, The ideal site would be self-con- of funding a new primary school would house a primary and special which will run the mental hospital, tained and around three acres. has dropped the Kent Medical needs school serving Bearsted and published a 44-page document in Mary Richards of the Bearsted & Campus (KMC) site at junction other areas nearby. December 2015 outlining its in- Thurnham Society, said: “I am not seven of the M20 as a suitable loca- We understand that the ESFA de- tended use. The privately-run facil- aware of any alternative sites being tion, Downs Mail has learnt. cision to pull out of the site has ity will be funded entirely by found anywhere around here. The Education, Skills and Fund- prompted a behind the scenes blame commissions from the NHS. “It’s a mess. I can’t think of any ing Agency (ESFA) has now placed game over who knew what. But one insider said: “Surely, with other way to describe it.” the search for a new site in the hands An application to secure the ESFA the MP Helen Whately pushing re- Borough councillor Denis Spooner of specialist schools planning firm, funding was already being ad- ally hard for the schools to be sited said: “We desperately need that LocatED. vanced when it became clear about at KMC, someone should have school. All I know is that the ESFA The decision came as this news- the hospital's intended use. thought to do a bit of checking. It’s has started looking elsewhere.” paper published details about the Senior Maidstone Borough Coun- all out there in the public domain.” Mrs Whately claimed the KMC kind of mental health facility to be cil official William Cornall has indi- A dozen sites have been identified site would be the answer to the placed near Bearsted. We revealed cated that it would not have been for a new primary school in Maid- chronic shortage of primary places mentally-ill criminals and women MBC who advised the ESFA of the stone but we understand those in and in Bearsted and hoped the schools with borderline personality disor- hospital's proposed remit. around J7 would be unlikely to fit the would have been open by Septem- ders will be treated there. Mr Cornall has told colleagues bill over pedestrian access issues. ber 2017. Club is hoping funds will come rolling in MAIDSTONE Roller Hockey Club has launched an and club committee member Penny Williams said. ambitious plan to raise £4m to build a new venue. “Roller hockey is a great sport and youngsters The 70 member-strong club currently use the seem to love it. We’ve had some challenged chil- YMCA surface in Melrose Close, but as they have dren who have tried other sports and not got on grown, they have also had to use Mote Park. with them, but roller hockey has brought them out This means members are separated, and with of their shell.” many places not keen to let the club in due to fears The club has a number of players who represent of damage to their floors, it is now hoped they can England and are hoping someone will partner with get their own venue. them to achieve their dream of a new venue. “It’s an ambitious target and it’s very early days, Fundraising details at: https://www.gofundme. but we’re hoping we can do something,” parent com/help-me-build-a-rink-hockey-arena

14 Maidstone June 2018 Opening Friday 25th May

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Maidstone June 2018 15 News downsmail.co.uk Dogs sniff out illicit trading Army’s absence is ‘no A STASH of more than £18,000 worth of illicit cigarettes has been seized from a convenience store in Maidstone. reason’ to halt parade Trading Standards officers used sniffer dogs to find cigarettes and ONE of the town’s former mayors, hand-rolling tobacco hidden be- Mike Fitzgerald, has spoken of hind a false wall, concealed under his “dismay” at the cancellation of the shop counter and in the chiller this year’s civic parade. cabinet. The formal installation of the The outgoing The raid, carried out at the store new holder of the mayoral chain mayor of in Upper Stone Street on March 29, and chairman of the borough coun- Maidstone, was part of a larger operation, in- cil, Cllr David Naghi, has been can- Malcolm cluding premises in Sittingbourne celled. Greer, and Tunbridge Wells, and sup- Maidstone Borough Council pictured at a ported by Kent Police. claims the cancellation has been town hall A total of 22,220 illicit cigarettes due to the army, which forms a were seized from the store in Maid- large part of the event, being de- function stone, along with 405 pouches of il- ployed overseas on the date in May. why disappoint the crowds of peo- to celebrate what Maidstone has to licit hand-rolling tobacco. The parade – which some claim ple who turn out because the 36th offer.” Illicit tobacco includes items that dates back to 1548 – draws hun- regiment is unavailable? This has This year’s outgoing mayor is have been smuggled, without duty dreds of people each year. been the case in the past, but it is Malcolm Greer, to whom Cllr paid; counterfeit tobacco, made to In a letter to Downs Mail, Mr not a reason to cancel. Naghi has been deputy. Tradition appear like legitimate goods; and Fitzgerald wrote: “I wish to ex- “Maidstone has squandered a in Maidstone dictates that the “illicit whites”, which are manu- press my dismay at how a decision golden opportunity to bring the deputy steps up to fill the role. factured legitimately in one coun- to cancel the civic parade appears community together at a time of The coming year’s deputy will be try, but smuggled and sold in to have happened without council- austerity, tough retail trading con- the respected Conservative, Cllr another without duties being paid. lors being aware, we elect our ditions and charities struggling to Marion Ring. Clive Phillips, of KCC Trading members to run the council. find core funding – an opportunity When Downs Mail broke the Standards, said: “This is a fantastic “The civic parade has been heav- to involve and value all our diverse story, Cllr Ring wondered why the result for Maidstone as the sale of ily promoted over the last few cultures, youth groups, schools absence of the army should make illicit tobacco undermines local le- years and moved to a Saturday to and local organisations together any difference to the staging of the gitimate businesses.” attract even greater numbers, so expressing solidarity and support civic parade.

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Maidstone June 2018 17 NewsN|eMwaisds|tMonaeidpsutobnse pubs downsmdoawil.ncosm.ukail.co.uk WWhyhypupbusbsaraerefigfihgthintigngtotosusruvrivvieve IT ISITa tIrSaadtertahdaettihsawt oisrtwho£r5t5hm£5t5omMtaoidMstaoidnseteoanceheyaecahry, ebaurt,tbhuetpthuebpinudbuisntdryushtarys hhaads hitasdfaiitrssfhaiarrsehare of knoofckknsoicnkrseicnenretcyeenatrys.ears. DrinkiDngrinhkainbgitshhaabvites chhaavnegecdh,angLeodts, ofLothseorftohtihnegrstihminpgasctimpupbacstapsubs as and, with it, the make up of our well, such as occupational pen- and, with it, the make up of our well, such as occupational pen- pubs. Many have been lost along the sions.” pubs. Many have been lost along the sions.” way, while others are striving to find Pubs have always been at the way, while others are striving to find Pubs have always been at the a niche that makes them stand out heart of the community, and this has a nichefrothmatthmeackreoswtdh.em stand out heart obfethene ctohme mcauseniitny,palnadcetshissuhcahsas Ul- from theBcurot wthder.e are signs of a resurgebneceen. thcoemcabsee aindplSatcoecsksbuucrhy,aswUhle-re vil- But tRhefrietsarecossigtinnsgofhaurnedsurergdesncoef. thcoum-belaagnedrs cSltuobcbkebdurtoyg, ewthheerrteo kveile-p their Refits scaonsdtisnagrehbuenindgrecdarsrioedf othuotuo-n solamgers clolucablbsedoptoegne.tThehretoTkroeselpeytheHireritage sands apruebbse,inwghcilaerrtihede oreuvtoolnutsioomnein lroecaalls Goproeunp. TishheopTirnogslteoysaHverTithaegPelough, pubs, awnhdilceratfhtealreesvioslaultsioonheilnpirnega.l Groupwishhicohpiinsgcltosseadv,ebTuhtehPalsobuegehn, made and craftTahlerseisaarlesomhaenlpyinsgu.ccess stowriehsi,chains c“laossseedt,obfuctohmams bueneintymvalduee”. Therbeuat realsmoancyaustuiocnceasrsy sttaolreise.s,Jaamne“sassetTohfecSowmamnuinniLtyoovsaeluise”a.nother pub but alSsoutctaaur,tiothnearysaltaarlieesd. Jmamaneasger Tohf e wSwhaicnhinprLiodoeseiitsealnfootnhebrepinugb at the SouttaDr,rathkessianlaMrieadidsmtoanneagtoewr nofcenwtrhei,chhperairdteosfiltoscealfl poenobpelein. g at the DrakesadinmiMtsathidastttohneeintdowusntryceisnntroet, sohmeae-rt of l“oTchalispepoupbleh.as a strong commu- Chef Steph Hinton and manager James Souttar at Drakes admitsththinatgthe iwndoulsdtryinivsensottinso. me- “Thinsitpyubohnads,”alastnrdolnagdycoWmemnduy- LeaCtht ef Steph Hinton and manager James Souttar at Drakes thing heBwuotuTlhdeinRvoeysatliPna.per Mill, in Tonvitiyl, bosanidd,.”“lPaenodplaledyfeeWl ethnedyneLeedattto keep But Thhaes Rhaodyawl Phapt leirceMnislel,einTrTuodvyilC, osllainids. “tPheeoppulebfaeleivl ethaendneseodutsoe kite.ep Vegan food ‘gives us an edge’ has hadewschraibt elisceanssaee“dTirrued”yspCeoll.lins the pub a“lWive panudt oson ufosoedit,.events and aVsk eAgVaEGnAN kfitocheon ids he‘lpgingiDvraekes suevesn oar einght ien tdhe gchaein’and they describes“Wasea’r“edsitraey”isnpgelal.float,” she sai“dW. ecpuusttoomnefrosowd,heavtetnhtesyanwdanats.kA pAubVEGAinNMkaiticdhsteonnies thoewlpnincgenDtrreaksetasndseovuetn ohraevieghvat riniotuhsekcithcahiennasn. d they “We“’rTehsetalyaisntgfiavfeloamt,o”nsthes shaaivde. bceuesntomsherosuwldhbate tthheey lwivaingt. Aroopmubof tihneMaidfrsotomnethteowcrnowcedn.tre stand out have vari“oSutsepkihtcHheinntso. n, the chef at the “The ldaisrte.fivTeradmeosnmthens hhaavveenb’teegnotshthoeuldcobmemthueniltiyv.iInt’gs trhoeoirms nooft ythoeurs, wfroem theAcsroownde. of the oldest pubs in th“SetepFohrtHifiyntCoanf,étwheasclhoeofkiantg tfhoer a new work or the money, a long winter just run it.” dire. Tradesmen haven’t got the community. It’s theirs not yours, we As otnoewonf, tDheraokledsesits,pmubasniangtehreJaFmoertsifypCreamféisweas,swloeowkeinregpfuotr ian ntoeuwch with means less money coming in.” The gloomy headlines are there work or the money, a long winter just run it.” town, SDoruatkteasr sisa,yms, anaagleterrnJamtivees vepnrueemishees,rwaendweitr’es pguotnienftroumchthweirteh. Nationally, about 18 pubs a week for all to see, but Mrs Simmonds means less money coming in.” The gloomy headlines are there Souttatrosmayasn, yanofatlhteorsneaetlisvewvheenruee. her and i“tW’seg’ovneehfarodmptehoeprele. from as far are closing. There are various factors sees a brighter future. Nationally, about 18 pubs a week for all to see, but Mrs Simmonds to many“oAf tlhoot soefeolsuerwrheegruel.ar custome“rWs e’avfieelhdaads Spceootplalendfraonmd Paasrisfacrome to at play, but both the Campaign for “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” are closing. There are various factors sees a brighter future. “A lottreoaft othure rpeugbulaarscausbtoitmoefrsa asafifeeld atsryScthoetlafonodda.”nd Paris come to at playR,ebaultAbloeth(CtAheMCRaAm)paanidgnthfeorBritis“hIf ysohuedaodnd’tedu.se“Iitd, oyno’ut’lblelloiseeveit,i”t’s pos- haven,” he said. “There has always James has been in the pub trade Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) sible to keep all of the pubs opetrne,at the pub as a bit of a safe try the food.” Real Ale (CAMRA) and the British she added. “I don’t believe it’s pos- haven,b” eheensaind.a“ltTehrenraetihvaesvaiblweahyesre anJadmefosrh1a3sybeeaerns,ianntdhwe oprukbedtriandceatering Beer apnodinPtuthbeiAr sfisnogceiarstioatno(nBeBkPeAy)facstiobrle. tosokmeephiastlloroifcatlhpeupbusbasreonpoetnv, iable. that’s what people like. prior to that, so has seen the ups “About a third of the price of a “But I am positive about the ibne-en an alternative vibe here and for 13 years, and worked in catering point their fingers at one key factor. some historical pubs are not viable. that’s wh“aWtepeaoreplae lhikided. en gem, but pthriaotr toantdhadto,wsnosh. as seen the ups “Abopuinttaistnhoirwd toafx,tahnedpthrieceavoefraage pu“bButdIusatmry.pNosaittiiovnewaibdoeu, ta tbhielliionn- meals benefits us.” “If I had money to invest, I’m not pays about £130,000 tax a year,” a year are sold, and there are around“We are a hidden gem, but that and downs. pint is now tax, and the average pub dustry. Nationwide, a billion meals benefits uJas.m” es has been manager at th“Ief I shuardemitowneoyultdo ibneveinst,tIh’ims tnroatde,” he pays aBbroiguitd £S1im30m,0o0n0dtsa, xchaiefyeexaerc,u”tivaeyoefar a5r0e,0s0o0ldb,eadnrdoothmesreinaroeuarrpounbds. pub for almost three years, taking said. “But we’re doing ok here, we’re the BBPA told Downs Mail. “We want to encourage people toJames has been manager at the sure it would be in this trade,” he Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of 50,000 bedrooms in our pubs. over when it re-opened after an 18- turning a profit. “As a country, we pay around 40% drink anything – it doesn’t haveptuob for almost three years, taking said. “But we’re doing ok here, we’re the BBPA told Downs Mail. “We want to encourage people to month closure due to flooding. “The financial crash in 2008 has of the amount raised by tax on beer be alcoholic – in a safe environmeonvter when it re-opened after an 18- turning a profit. “As a country, we pay around 40% drink anything – it doesn’t have to The vegan kitchen opened its changed drinking habits enor- in Europe, yet nationally we only like a pub. Pubs are unique in Britimshonthdcoloosrusrleatdeulaesttoyfleoaor,dginivgin. g a new d“Ti-hemfionuasnlyc.ial crash in 2008 has of the admrinokunatbroauiste1d2%byotfatxheonprboedeurct.be alcochuoltluicr–e.in a safe environment The vegan kitchen opened its changed drinking habits enor- in Europe, yet nationally we only like a pub. Pubs are unique in British mension to the pub and opening it “It’s definitely that rather than “Business rates are also costly. “We’ve lost about 8,000 in the padsotors luaptetloasatwyeidaer,rgcilvieinngtealen.ew di- mouslyt.he smoking ban – even the smok- drink about 12% of the product. culture. About 2.8% of the business rates in few years and I believe local authomre- nsion“tTohtehkeitpcuhbenanisdaopseepnainragtiet enti“tIyt’sedrsefisnaiytetlhyetyhaptrerfaetrhtehrethpaunbs now “Business rates are also costly. “We’ve lost about 8,000 in the past this country are paid by pubs, but ities have a role to play in keepiunpgto atowitdheer pcluiebn,”tehlee. added. “Therethaeresmtohkaint gthbearen’s–neovesmn othke isnmtohke-m.” Aboutt2h.e8r%e’sofarthoeunbdus0in.5e%ssorfattehseinoutfpeuwt.yetahresmanodpIebne.”lieve local author- “The kitchen is a separate entity ers say they prefer the pubs now this country are paid by pubs, but ities have a role to play in keeping to the pub,” he added. “There are that there’s no smoke in them.” there’s around 0.5% of the output. them oIpetn.”’s all about the beer at The Jug It’DsRINKaINlGlhabaits bare doefinuitelyt stochk thequabntityeaned qrualitay ofthoTbbyhthanea busJineuss. Hge couldn’t changing – and the rise in microp- real ale that we do. Over the week- find anywhere that sold the range DRINKubINs iGs thakaibnigtsaadrveandteafgieniotefltyhats.tock tehned,quantity and quality of hobbyotfhbaneearsbhuesilnikesesd..HWeecdouolnd’tno’tpen as changingM–icarnodputhbes rcisoemien minicarollps-harpeaelsale thwaet wloeokdoto. Ohavveer tbheetwweeeenk-12faind anloynwghaesretrtahdaittisoonldaltphuebrsandgoe, and I ubs is atankdinsigzeasd–vacnontavgeertoefdthpautb.lic toielentds,, 14 casks on the go – it’s like havoifnbgeertshihneklikoeudr. Wcuesdtomn’etrospeanpapsreciate Micrsohpoupbssancdommeorienaraellhoshmaepteos themw.e laoboeketrofehsatviveableetvweeryend1a2y.and long atshtarta.dItitiaolsnoalmpeuabnssdwoe, acnadn Igo out and sizesT–hecofnirvset rotnede oppuebnliecdtoiinleHtse, rn1e4icnasks“oInt’sthgeoginog– rite’asllliykewhealvl ihnegre tahnidnk wohuerncwuestsohmuet rast 9appmp.r”eciate shops 2a0n0d5m, aonrde awreithhomalemtoosth5e0m.doattebdeerwfeestgivetalaelvoetroyf dreaayl.ale fans fromthaaltl. It aWlsiothmouetanfrsuiwt me caachningeosoauntd juke- The afirrosut nodnethoepeconuedntiyn, HKenrnteisinthe u“nI-t’sogvoeirntghereaarellaycwomelel htoerveisaitnuds.”when bwoexsehs,umt aictr9oppmu.b”s are all about the 2005, oanffdiciwalihthomalemoofstthe50mdicortotpeudb.we get aBlouttoitfirsenaloatlaellfaanbsofurtotmheablleer –Waithboeuetr.frIut’ist amcahcahnincestaontdryjulokcea-l ones around tThheecoMunaltlyin, KgeJnutgisbtheceaumne- Wovesetr thgeooardeawcoinmee tsoelveicstiitouns.”and lboocaxles,amndictrhoopsuebfsroamre faullrtahbeoruatfitehled. officiaMl haolmlinego’sf ftihrestmicropub. But ictidisenrsothaellpabbroinugt tihnepbuenetre–rsa, wbheieler. It’s“aWcehhanavcee tboeterrys lforcoaml oGnoeascher’s The MwalhlienngitJoupgenbeedcaitms deoWorsesint Agporoild bwotitnled slaegleecrtsioanre alnsdo olnoocaffler.and thionseMfraoidmstfounrtehearnadfiKeledn.t Brewery, Mallin2g0’1s7f,irasnt d a year on it is still gocindgers heTlhpebribnegaiuntypunotferst,hwesheile pub“sW, ewhhaivceh biseeinrsBfirolimng,G”oSahcihrleery’ssays. whesntriotnogp,enweidthitsadwoiodres irnaAngperilof baoletstledthloaguegrhs,alriesalisnotohne opfefeorp.le behinindMaid“sBtountewaenadlsKoehnatvBeraewsuepryp,lier so 2017, afnrodmaaylelaorvoerntihteiscostuilnltgryoionngoffeTr.he thbemea.uty of these pubs, whichwiseincaBnirglientg,b”eSehrsirfleroymsayasc.ross the strong, wDiuthtyamwaindaegrearngSehiorlfeayleEsvetrheotut gh,Slhieisrleiny tshaeidp: “eoWphleenbeDhaivnidd [Ca“tB- utcowuenatrlyso, fhroamveaallsmupanpnlieerrosfodiffer- from a(lpl iocvtueretdhe) scaoiudn:t“ryMoonstopffuebr.s dtohne’mt . terall] set up the pub, it was mowreeacanengtebtrebweeerrsiefsr.o”m across the Duty manager Shirley Everett Shirley said: “When David [Cat- country, from all manner of differ- (pictured) said: “Most pubs don’t terall] set up the pub, it was more a ent breweries.”

18 Maidstone June 2018 News | Maidstone pubs downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Maidstone pubs | News Why pubs are fighting to survive Brewers ‘investing IT IS a trade that is worth £55m to Maidstone each year, but the pub industry has had its fair share of knocks in recent years. heavily in future’ SHEPHERD Neame brewery has Drinking habits have changed, Lots of other things impact pubs as been synonymous with the Kent and, with it, the make up of our well, such as occupational pen- beer scene for more than 300 pubs. Many have been lost along the sions.” years, but they too have had way, while others are striving to find Pubs have always been at the troubled times over the past few a niche that makes them stand out heart of the community, and this has years. from the crowd. been the case in places such as Ul- But the corner has been But there are signs of a resurgence. combe and Stockbury, where vil- turned, and they are now look- Refits costing hundreds of thou- lagers clubbed together to keep their ing to the future, and investing sands are being carried out on some locals open. The Trosley Heritage heavily in their pubs. pubs, while the revolution in real Group is hoping to save The Plough, A prime example of that is The and craft ales is also helping. which is closed, but has been made Landlord David Davenport has seen many changes at The Flower Pot Market House, in Earl Street, There are many success stories, an “asset of community value”. Maidstone, which reopened at but also cautionary tales. James The Swan in Loose is another pub the end of April after a £900,000, Souttar, the salaried manager of which prides itself on being at the three-month refit. Drakes in Maidstone town centre, heart of local people. We take pride in Pub manager Lou Davies said: admits that the industry is not some- “This pub has a strong commu- Chef Steph Hinton and manager James Souttar at Drakes “Not being from this area, I was- thing he would invest in. nity bond,” landlady Wendy Leatt n’t too familiar with Shepherd But The Royal Paper Mill, in Tovil, said. “People feel the need to keep Neame before I moved here. Vegan food ‘gives us an edge’ Manager Lou Davies has had what licensee Trudy Collins the pub alive and so use it. our range of ales “But it’s great to be part of describes as a “dire” spell. “We put on food, events and ask A VEGAN kitchen is helping Drakes seven or eight in the chain and they such a historic company and to “We also have plenty of “We’re staying afloat,” she said. customers what they want. A pub in Maidstone town centre stand out have various kitchens. YOU cannot take your eye off the on your toes. We are a proper beer see the investment they are put- healthy options too, so we’re all “The last five months have been should be the living room of the from the crowd. “Steph Hinton, the chef at the ball. pub and that’s what we pride our- ting into their pubs. excited for the future.” dire. Tradesmen haven’t got the community. It’s theirs not yours, we As one of the oldest pubs in the Fortify Café was looking for a new That is the view of the landlord selves on.” “The refit here is great, and Shepherd Neame remains a work or the money, a long winter just run it.” town, Drakes is, manager James premises, we were put in touch with of one of the town’s most success- As well as the beer, the pub we’ve been able to work with family business at its core, and means less money coming in.” The gloomy headlines are there Souttar says, an alternative venue her and it’s gone from there. ful boozers, which stands out for serves food on weekday our area manager to make this chief executive Jonathan Neame Nationally, about 18 pubs a week for all to see, but Mrs Simmonds to many of those elsewhere. “We’ve had people from as far its beer. lunchtimes and pizzas on Friday pub as good as can be.” hopes that refits like this one are closing. There are various factors sees a brighter future. “A lot of our regular customers afield as Scotland and Paris come to The Flower Pot, on Sandling evenings, and hosts live music, in- The pub was previously will benefit the company going at play, but both the Campaign for “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” treat the pub as a bit of a safe try the food.” Road, is a three-times Kent Pub of cluding an ever-popular jam night known as Earl’s and had a repu- forward. Real Ale (CAMRA) and the British she added. “I don’t believe it’s pos- haven,” he said. “There has always James has been in the pub trade the Year. Landlords David and on Tuesdays. tation for being one of the “We own a large number of Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) sible to keep all of the pubs open, been an alternative vibe here and for 13 years, and worked in catering Julie Davenport moved in to the “It was started two years before town’s leading music venues. unique pubs in unique locations point their fingers at one key factor. some historical pubs are not viable. that’s what people like. prior to that, so has seen the ups pub in May 2006, and have seen a we came here, and it’s still going That has been retained, and a with great character and interest- “About a third of the price of a “But I am positive about the in- “We are a hidden gem, but that and downs. number of changes in their time. strong,” says David. “It’s the new menu runs alongside it. ing histories,” he said. “Through pint is now tax, and the average pub dustry. Nationwide, a billion meals benefits us.” “If I had money to invest, I’m not “There have been challenging longest-running one in Maidstone. “There are so many restaurants good times and bad, we continue pays about £130,000 tax a year,” a year are sold, and there are around James has been manager at the sure it would be in this trade,” he times,” David said. “Drinking “We don’t get a lot of passing down this road, there’s little to invest in such outlets, whilst Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of 50,000 bedrooms in our pubs. pub for almost three years, taking said. “But we’re doing ok here, we’re habits have changed and so have trade, we either have locals or peo- point us trying to compete with disposing of pubs that no longer the BBPA told Downs Mail. “We want to encourage people to over when it re-opened after an 18- turning a profit. the costs associated with running ple coming for the ale or the music. them,” she added. “Our menu fit our profile. “As a country, we pay around 40% drink anything – it doesn’t have to month closure due to flooding. “The financial crash in 2008 has the pub – our margins are tight and “The internet is a double-edged has a lot of tapas-style dishes, “This continuous investment of the amount raised by tax on beer be alcoholic – in a safe environment The vegan kitchen opened its changed drinking habits enor- then you have all the red tape, like sword – it helps promote the gigs, with flavours from all over the and ongoing search for ways to in Europe, yet nationally we only like a pub. Pubs are unique in British doors late last year, giving a new di- mously. a waste certificate that costs us but one bad review can make a lot world. enhance our offer and to provide drink about 12% of the product. culture. mension to the pub and opening it “It’s definitely that rather than hundreds of pounds. of difference. We had a poor one on “We only have three main an authentic, high quality expe- “Business rates are also costly. “We’ve lost about 8,000 in the past up to a wider clientele. the smoking ban – even the smok- “We were the first pub to really Google, so I contacted the person to dishes and they’re all £10 each, rience is one of the reasons why About 2.8% of the business rates in few years and I believe local author- “The kitchen is a separate entity ers say they prefer the pubs now focus on real ale from around the ask why they’d given us a low and we also have a simple but our business has survived for so this country are paid by pubs, but ities have a role to play in keeping to the pub,” he added. “There are that there’s no smoke in them.” country, but we’re always chang- score, but they never got back to tasty brunch menu. long.” there’s around 0.5% of the output. them open.” ing what we do and you have to be me.” It’s all about the beer at The Jug Electronics and games ‘could play their part’ DRINKING habits are definitely stock the quantity and quality of hobby than a business. He couldn’t HYBRID pubs with more activities adapt are struggling,” he explains. that people come through the Flight Club are both based in the changing – and the rise in microp- real ale that we do. Over the week- find anywhere that sold the range and games could become more “Youngsters these days don’t nec- doors. Pubs are competing with su- city, but there is no reason why they ubs is taking advantage of that. end, of beers he liked. We don’t open as prominent in the future. essarily want to go out drinking. The permarkets on drinks,” Mr Bedington won’t spread further. Micropubs come in all shapes we look to have between 12 and long as traditional pubs do, and I That’s the view of an industry ex- first drink at 18 isn’t quite the rite of said. “But they are also competing Mr Bedington added: “I think we and sizes – converted public toilets, 14 casks on the go – it’s like having think our customers appreciate pert, who points to the rise of bars passage it once was – a lot of with Netflix, cinemas and casual din- will see a rise in hybrid pubs, offer- shops and more are home to them. a beer festival every day. that. It also means we can go out such as Bounce and Flight Club in youngsters are tee-total and some ing. People want to have great food ing more activities. I think we’ll see The first one opened in Herne in “It’s going really well here and when we shut at 9pm.” London. who do drink are happy to pay pre- and great drinks. They want to have electronics and gaming playing a 2005, and with almost 50 dotted we get a lot of real ale fans from all Without fruit machines and juke- Ed Bedington, editor of The Morn- mium prices. It’s about making sure beers, wines and cocktails they can’t part too. I think these things can be around the county, Kent is the un- over the area come to visit us.” boxes, micropubs are all about the ing Advertiser, the trusted fort- that cocktails look good and can be get at home and a great food offer a bit cyclical, and the next genera- official home of the micropub. But it is not all about the beer – a beer. It’s a chance to try local ones nightly pub trade magazine with a posted on Instagram. that can’t be replicated with a su- tion may be into drinking again. The Malling Jug became West good wine selection and local and those from further afield. circulation of 30,000, believes the “The days of going out on Friday permarket meal deal. “The Millennials seem to be re- Malling’s first ciders help bring in punters, while “We have beers from Goacher’s marketplace is different from the and Saturday nights are not what “The smoking ban forced publi- belling against their parents, so per- one that he knew as a younger they used haps the next generation will drink when it opened its doors in April bottled lagers are also on offer. in Maidstone and Kent Brewery, to be. cans to look at other avenues and drinker, but insists that pubs can get “It’s about making sure they can many of them looked at food. It was as their parents may not have done 2017, and a year on it is still going The beauty of these pubs, which is in Birling,” Shirley says. through this. get things when they’re out that an opportunity to offer good food so much.” strong, with a wide range of ales though, lies in the people behind “But we also have a supplier so “The good pubs that are adapting they can’t get at home.” without having other people sitting The Morning Advertiser merged in from all over the country on offer. them. we can get beers from across the to the current trends are the ones So it seems that drink prices are next to customers smoking.” Table recent years with The Publican Duty manager Shirley Everett Shirley said: “When David [Cat- country, from all manner of differ- which are thriving. Those who don’t not the biggest obstacle to ensuring tennis bar Bounce and darts venue newspaper. (pictured) said: “Most pubs don’t terall] set up the pub, it was more a ent breweries.”

Maidstone June 2018 19 News downsmail.co.uk Duo arrested in Football league ‘in dire a cocaine ‘sting’ TWO people – including a man from Yalding – were arrested in straits’, claims secretary connection with the supply of class A drugs in a Maidstone park. THE oldest local football league in The two were approached by the country faces a bleak future – FA ‘committed to plain clothes officers after being despite an attempt to encourage seen acting suspiciously in Collis more teams by removing its fees. growth of game’ Park, off Basing Close, at 3.40pm The Maidstone & District League THE Kent FA’s Senior Football De- on Thursday, April 5. should be planning to celebrate its velopment Officer Lee Suter is hop- When one of them, an 18-year- 125th anniversary this year, but in- ing the league can survive. old from London, was reportedly stead it is struggling to get enough “The Kent FA is committed to the seen to place a number of small pack- teams to keep going for next year. growth and retention of all aspects ages in his mouth, he and the 38- Despite having six leagues as re- of the game,” he said. “The adult year-old from Yalding were arrested. cently as 10 years ago, the 2017-18 11v11 game has been experiencing A quantity of drugs believed to be co- season has been played out with just a number of challenges and we are caine was later seized by officers. The one division of eight teams. but the eight-team league this year committed to those affected. investigation continues. The league committee decided to has struggled to be competitive. “With the support of The FA and ditch joining fees to the league, Sport participation in general is a Football Foundation, we have in- which would save clubs about £300 big issue, but Mr Brooks believes vested over £10,000 in creating Tovil suspects next season, but although there has more has to be done. new adult 11v11 teams this season TWO men were arrested after been some interest, organisers have “The FA should be looking to help while supporting existing teams. stones were fired at cars and sheep solve issues like this,” he said. “I been dealt a further blow. “In April, we launched the FA’s from a car. don’t think there is enough focus on “We’ve had a couple of clubs say Retain the Game fund which male Police stopped the VW Polo in men’s 11-a-side footbal. they might be interested in putting teams of under-17s-and-upwards Courtenay Road, Tovil, on March “The Kent FA has helped us out in a team,” said referees and fixtures will be able to apply for financial 28, where a search led to the dis- and put some suggestions forward, secretary Mick Brooks, right. “But support. We hope the investment in covery of catapults and stones. then two of the current sides have and there is a £1,000 grant for any new and existing teams will provide Two Coxheath men were ar- said they intend leaving the league. new clubs who start up. the numbers needed to keep rested on suspicion of causing “We are still trying to get new “Money is always an issue – our leagues such as the Maidstone & criminal damage and for possess- clubs to come in and we will help clubs tell us that collecting subs from District Football Leagues competi- ing offensive weapons in a public wherever we can.” players can be like getting blood out tive and offering 11v11 football.” place. Both were released, pending The league was founded in 1893, of a stone. We are in dire straits.” further investigation. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates • Top Soil • Turf Buy 5 Bags • Sand & Ballast of Topsoil Free Delivery GET All Bags £40 1 FREE Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

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Maidstone June 2018 21 News | Relief road downsmail.co.uk Call to enforce village lorry ban KENT Police have come under fire for failing to enforce a lorry ban through Leeds village, having issued just TWO tickets in past 12 months. Hundreds of trucks are believed they can’t. These days there are as Maidstone police commander to be defying the weight enforce- many if not more British registered Chief Inspector Mick Gardner said: School crossing ment signs on the A20 approaches lorries going through the village “Officers will continue to carry out to the B2163 each month. than ever before, whereas it was patrols in line with emergency calls is now ‘danger’ Trucks over 17 tonnes are re- nearly always foreign ones in the and other duties. quired to take another route onto past. The UK drivers know it is not “Since March 1, the force control THE lollipop man at Leeds & Broomfield Primary School has the A274 before making their on- being enforced.” room has been notified of a lorry detailed the reality of his job as wards journey. Borough councillor Gill Fort said: causing an obstruction on only one cars, vans and lorries race through Last year, Downs Mail revealed “If it’s a funding issue, and I am occasion and in the last 12 months the village at an average of the lorry ban had been enforced on pretty sure it is, then the enforce- two penalty notices for £50 were is- 15mph faster than the limit. one occasion in 2016, when seven ment will never be done. Mean- sued to drivers contravening the Richard Jackson said he has tickets were issued on a single day. while, the volume of traffic weight restriction. “Successful enforcement of re- been astonished at the manner in We approached the Kent Police increases, speeding gets worse and which motorists conduct them- and Crime Commissioner Matthew lorries trundle through whenever strictions on this stretch of road also depends on support from a number selves while driving past the Scott for an explanation, but he they please.” school. claims he cannot interfere with op- The PCC Matthew Scott said: “I of partners including Kent County Council and the Driver and Vehicle He said: “It is an eye-opener to erational policing matters. cannot interfere in operational Standards Agency. Together we can the traffic and standard of driving Locals believe truckers have got policing or dictate where resources ensure clear signage is in place, on this road. wise to the lack of enforcement and are placed but in setting the freight companies inform drivers of “There are some polite drivers know they can travel from the A20 county’s strategic priorities I’ve the correct routes to take and sat nav who are more than willing to stop. Leeds Castle roundabout through made it clear that crime is important devices take HGVs along suitable However, many commuters see to Langley without a detour. no matter where it takes place, in- roads.” this road as a link road to the mo- Leeds parish councillor Lesley cluding in rural areas and on our County councillor Gary Cooke de- torway and pass me at speed, on Martin said: “I used to pass info roads. I encourage any local resi- scribed £50 fines as “laughable” and the mobile phone, or generally do about lorries to the Lorry Watch dents with information about vehi- an “insult to the people of Leeds not want to stop. people but the police took ab- cles or companies regularly who have to put up with a continual “My instructor did a speed solutely no heed of it. A pointless ignoring the B2163 weight restric- flow of HGVs flouting the law”. check outside the school and exercise. Pathetic. tion to pass those details to Kent Po- On May 11, Kent Police sent a pa- recorded an average speed of “I was going out there in all lice. trol to the area for a short time in the 35mph in a 20mph zone. weathers, watching these trucks “Kent Police does conduct proac- morning where a foreign driver was “There are times where cars breaking the law and ended up get- tive enforcement, however issuing fined. seem to travel far in excess of this ting no support from the police. tickets will not solve the issue alone; A flashing 20mph sign was de- speed. A relief road would be fan- “I suppose the question has to be this requires all partners to work to- stroyed near Leeds’ village church tastic for safeguarding the chil- ‘why’? If the police cannot enforce gether on education and engineer- after being struck by a lorry driven dren.” the ban, then they must tell us why ing, as well as enforcement.” illegally, say locals. Hundreds join Langley group desperate for relief road TWO Langley residents have teamed up to highlight traffic prob- lems on the B2163 and to campaign for a relief road. The group, set up by Liz Clarke and Wendy Young (pictured left and right) has already attracted about 200 followers on the Leeds- Langley Relief Road Action Group’s Facebook page. Mrs Young said: “The people don’t seem to have a voice and that’s the reason for the Facebook page, to give a forum for local people to share experiences. “WILLact and Jenny Sutton led the way with the sign campaign and they’ve helped us over here. We all want the same thing.” Mrs Young, a former Langley parish councillor, said the MBC Local Plan, which will see 17,600 homes built in the borough in the coming years, will only serve to make a bad situation even worse. She said the borough council’s assertion that “modal shift”, which would encourage people to ride bicycles, walk or catch the bus, is “total rubbish”. Mrs Young asked: “How are you going to get someone wearing a suit on a bike in the middle of winter to ride into Maidstone? It’s total rubbish. “Buses might be okay in somewhere like Park Wood where there’s a reasonable service but not out here in Langley. “There are only two park and ride services in Maidstone – one this side of Maidstone and one on the other side. “Most people need to get to the M20 or the A20 and they use the B2163 as the link from the A274. “Too much traffic goes down Willington Street, so we need to put some transport measures in place to take traffic around Maid- stone. The relief road is imperative. Now.”

22 Maidstone June 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus

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Maidstone June 2018 25 News downsmail.co.uk £200k Rush job Op Stack solution elusive for town salon AFTER five weeks undergo- with Brexit on the horizon ing refurbishment, award- winning Rush Hair has moved DEPARTMENT for Transport eration Stack. It has been in place for into a new salon in the county bosses have admitted that finding three decades and no solution has town. a permanent solution to Operation been found. What are the chances it The move to Week Street – Stack is proving harder than first is going to happen in 12 months? from Fremlin Walk – keeps anticipated. Some politicians don’t get how long the business in Maidstone, With less than a year to go before this has been going on and are con- creates five new jobs and fol- the UK leaves the European Union, tinuing to bury their heads in the lows a £200,000 investment by anxieties are growing that there will sand. the company. be regular standstills on the M20 if a “They might discover to their cost The unisex salon, which deal is not struck by March 2019. how politically toxic this might turn opened on April 28, offers late According to a source close to the out to be.” night opening hours and ap- DfT, Highways England (HE), the But Downs Mail has learned that pointments on Sundays. agency tasked to find a solution pre- in anticipation of issues, Highways Brexit, is exploring all permanent England will start to reinforce the Stell Andrew, co-founder of possibilities, including a lorry park ments pass through the Port of hard shoulder between junctions Rush Hair, says the new state- and even a continuation of Opera- Dover each day. Observers are wor- eight (Leeds Castle/Maidstone) and of-the-art premises is good tion Stack. ried that queues of lorries will junction nine (Ashford). The work news for loyal customers and We understand that, as temporary stretch back to Maidstone, causing is due to be finished by October. first-timers. measures, HE plans to use the hard misery to residents and businesses This temporary measure would In November, Rush’s styl- shoulder of the M20, bring the M26 on the alternative A20 route. create the capacity for 3,000 lorries. ists were recognised as Artis- into commission or create a freight Villages around Maidstone might If traffic is likely to back up be- tic Team of the Year at the 2017 holding area near Whitfield, Dover. also suffer severe congestion. yond the capacity of the M20, the British Hairdressing Awards. Last year, the then Port of Dover No avenues to permanently solve DfT has indicated it would consider The relocation of Rush chief executive Tim Waggott the absence of a lorry park have using the M26 (which links the M20 Maidstone follows a string of proved successful, a source close to warned of 17-mile queues either and the M25). new salon openings in Lon- side of the Channel if the two- the DfT told us. The Department for Transport don and South-East over the minute average freight processing The source added: “The clock is spokesman said: “The department time per vehicle is increased after ticking and it seems that the solu- will be consulting on a permanent past year, bringing the total Brexit. About 10,000 freight move- tion to Operation Stack is more Op- solution in due course.” across the group to 93.

26 Maidstone June 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus A personal service at a time of loss Michael Lawrence, difficult decisions about how best to remember celebrates life. and his son Robert a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our along with Kim and With so many years’ experience, Family office or your home, taking you slowly and Angela, are the Funeral Service has learned how to respond to methodically through the various decisions that team behind a the specific and different needs of every you will face and the options available to you. family-owned individual facing one of the toughest times in Sometimes, it’s just good to sit funeral service that their life. This personalised approach includes and talk, and to learn about has been helping the option of home visits and access to a the services and venues families across the friendly voice at the end of the phone around available from someone with Maidstone area for the clock, as well as personal support to clients experience and compassion 40 years. through the bereavement process. before making a decision.” With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved Funeral Service is a third generation business, one is never easy to cope with, and the added experienced in caring for your needs with stress of making arrangements for the service commitment and understanding. can often bring further emotional upset. With At such a stressful time, they know it’s our experience of making funeral arrangements important to sit and talk to you about every we have learned how to help families have and detail and to assist you in making the often be part of a unique and meaningful service that

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Maidstone June 2018 27 News downsmail.co.uk New home for probation base Maplin staff ‘could lose PART of Maidstone’s probation service has moved to a new town centre location after a £1.8m up- their jobs this month’ grade of facilities across Kent. The operational centre – for low STAFF at Maplin in Maidstone say and medium risk offenders – is at the electronics store could close by Galleon House on King Street, re- the end of the month. placing a previous office in College Discounts at the Week Street out- Road. let have risen to 80% in a bid to shift The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Com- the last of its stock following the ap- munity Rehabilitation Company pointment of administrators by took over responsibility for super- Maplin Electronics Ltd in February. vising released prison inmates and The store’s nine staff said a last- those serving community orders in ditch-attempt to improve customer February 2015, as part of the Gov- service and boost sales had failed to ernment’s probation reforms. turn around the fortunes of the busi- Suki Binning, KSS CRC chief ex- ness and they were now waiting for ecutive officer, which is responsible and probably a statutory redun- embracing change for me.” their notice. for 4,500 offenders in Kent at any dancy package.” Maplin chief executive Graham An employee at the Maidstone one time, says she hopes that as well He said staff in the south-east felt Harris said when the business was store for more than 10 years told as improving working conditions luckier than most of the 2,500 who put into the hands of administrators Downs Mail it was a tragedy that for probation officers, the new of- will lose their jobs, adding: “Store that he had been left with no alter- “circumstances had led the com- fices will provide a “one-stop shop” closures started in February, but native, after failing to find a buyer pany down this route” when “there to address issues such as training, seem to have been from the north for the business. remains a lot of room for a store like housing and addiction for those down. Our head office and ware- He said Maplin staff had worked Maplin on the High Street. I just house have already closed.” hard to mitigate the impact of a de- moving on. hope we see another Maplin reap- The 37-year-old said he had valuation in the pound, post-Brexit; She said the company’s next proj- pear in time.” signed up for an apprenticeship as a weak consumer environment and ect will be to develop a research unit He said staff were now waiting for an electrician and would be carrying the withdrawal of credit insurance, to test, trial and evaluate new pro- news of an official closing date, out more wedding photography. He which he said lay behind the closure grammes to reduce re-offending. adding: “We will get a week’s notice ended: “It’s just got to be a case of of the company’s 200 stores. KSS CRC also maintains an office in Maidstone House, where back of- fice functions , including the data KIMS team’s race total analysis unit, are based. The National Probation Service KIMS Hospital’s chief executive Simon James and (NPS), which supervises high-risk chief operating officer Marcus Whiteley raised £4,000 offenders in the county, still works for the Samaritans Maidstone & Weald by completing out of College Road. the gruelling Highland Fling Ultra Marathon in late April. Simon and Marcus ran alongside each other, com- Free bus travel pleting the 53-mile course in just under 13 hours. The route took them through the Loch Lomond and deal extended Trossachs National Parks, and along the West High- YOUNGSTERS who hold a Young land Way – Scotland’s oldest official long distance Person’s Travel Pass can now travel footpath. free on Arriva buses in the evening, Speaking after the race, Simon said: “Taking part in the school holidays and at week- was a great experience that more than compensated ends. for the early morning training runs around Maidstone. Before the deal was negotiated by “The amazing support on social media from friends, the county council, pass holders family and the team at KIMS Hospital, and the could only travel on Arriva buses strength of our cause, helped us blast over those dev- between 6am and 7pm, Monday to ilish Scottish mountains.” Friday. Marcus added: “We are proud to have raised over KCC’s cabinet member for trans- £4,000 for the Samaritans Maidstone & Weald, KIMS port, Mike Whiting, said: “This is Hospital’s charity of the year. great news for children with our “This is a cause close to my heart and I know how travel pass as it means they’ll be able KIMS Simon James, left, and Marcus Whiteley at the much this donation will benefit the work the Samari- to get out independently during the end of their Highland Fling Ultra Marathon tans carry out.” summer holidays and weekends.” He congratulated KCC officers and Arriva on the agreement. KCC provides £8.5m to the dis- MP starts fancy dress walk cretionary travel scheme each year, MP Helen Grant, honorary presi- Maidstone Mencap for the work with no financial assistance from dent of Maidstone Mencap, joined they do in our community and for government. The extended benefits the Worshipful Mayor of Maid- their tireless fundraising efforts. It are being introduced at no addi- stone, Cllr Malcolm Greer, to cut is a pleasure to be involved.” tional cost to the council. the starting ribbon at a fancy dress The money from this walk will Stagecoach, which operates bus sponsored walk in Mote Park. go towards refurbishment works services in the east of the county, al- A Pegasus Gym gymnast loos- inside Mencap’s building at Cob- ready allows young passholders to ened walkers’ tight muscles with a tree Hall in Mote Park. use its services in the evenings, warm-up routine before the off. Donations can be made at maid- weekends, and holidays. Mrs Grant said: “I so admire stonemencap.org/donations.

28 Maidstone June 2018 News downsmail.co.uk New home for probation base Maplin staff ‘could lose Citizens PART of Maidstone’s probation service has moved to a new town centre location after a £1.8m up- grade of facilities across Kent. their jobs this month’ Advice The operational centre – for low STAFF at Maplin in Maidstone say and medium risk offenders – is at the electronics store could close by Galleon House on King Street, re- the end of the month. placing a previous office in College Maidstone Discounts at the Week Street out- Road. let have risen to 80% in a bid to shift The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Com- the last of its stock following the ap- munity Rehabilitation Company pointment of administrators by took over responsibility for super- Maplin Electronics Ltd in February. vising released prison inmates and Four in five people say volunteering boosts health The store’s nine staff said a last- those serving community orders in ditch-attempt to improve customer February 2015, as part of the Gov- service and boost sales had failed to ernment’s probation reforms. turn around the fortunes of the busi- Suki Binning, KSS CRC chief ex- Volunteering boosts employability, self-esteem and health, according to a report published by ness and they were now waiting for ecutive officer, which is responsible and probably a statutory redun- embracing change for me.” their notice. Citizens Advice. for 4,500 offenders in Kent at any dancy package.” Maplin chief executive Graham An employee at the Maidstone one time, says she hopes that as well He said staff in the south-east felt Harris said when the business was store for more than 10 years told • The report also reveals that 6 in 10 people who give their time to the Citizens Advice as improving working conditions luckier than most of the 2,500 who put into the hands of administrators Downs Mail it was a tragedy that service feel less stressed as a result. for probation officers, the new of- will lose their jobs, adding: “Store that he had been left with no alter- “circumstances had led the com- fices will provide a “one-stop shop” closures started in February, but native, after failing to find a buyer • Four in 5 people believe volunteering has had a positive effect on their health. pany down this route” when “there to address issues such as training, seem to have been from the north for the business. remains a lot of room for a store like • 90% of people who volunteer find an increased sense of purpose or self-esteem, feel more housing and addiction for those down. Our head office and ware- He said Maplin staff had worked Maplin on the High Street. I just house have already closed.” hard to mitigate the impact of a de- moving on. engaged in their community and feel be‚er equipped and empowered to deal with issues hope we see another Maplin reap- The 37-year-old said he had valuation in the pound, post-Brexit; She said the company’s next proj- pear in time.” signed up for an apprenticeship as a weak consumer environment and in their lives. ect will be to develop a research unit He said staff were now waiting for an electrician and would be carrying the withdrawal of credit insurance, to test, trial and evaluate new pro- • In 2017/18, 85 Volunteers gave up their time in Citizens Advice Maidstone, helping 9,766 news of an official closing date, out more wedding photography. He which he said lay behind the closure grammes to reduce re-offending. adding: “We will get a week’s notice ended: “It’s just got to be a case of of the company’s 200 stores. clients to solve 35,731 problems. KSS CRC also maintains an office in Maidstone House, where back of- Citizens Advice Maidstone is calling on people to pledge their support for free and fice functions , including the data KIMS team’s race total analysis unit, are based. impartial advice. The National Probation Service KIMS Hospital’s chief executive Simon James and (NPS), which supervises high-risk chief operating officer Marcus Whiteley raised £4,000 offenders in the county, still works for the Samaritans Maidstone & Weald by completing One Citizens Advice volunteer, Julia, became an apprentice with Citizens Advice whilst out of College Road. the gruelling Highland Fling Ultra Marathon in late also undertaking a qualification. Two years later Julia le the bureau aer geing a job in April. Simon and Marcus ran alongside each other, com- the health sector: Free bus travel pleting the 53-mile course in just under 13 hours. The route took them through the Loch Lomond and “I suffered severely with depression; I was successful with a good job, house, car and my deal extended Trossachs National Parks, and along the West High- independence. Unfortunately, aer a long period of illness I lost my self-esteem, I then YOUNGSTERS who hold a Young land Way – Scotland’s oldest official long distance Person’s Travel Pass can now travel footpath. volunteered at my local Citizens Advice. With help and guidance from staff, I started to free on Arriva buses in the evening, Speaking after the race, Simon said: “Taking part rebuild my confidence and consequently, my life, whilst giving vital support to a much in the school holidays and at week- was a great experience that more than compensated ends. for the early morning training runs around Maidstone. needed charity which provides a desperately needed service.” Before the deal was negotiated by “The amazing support on social media from friends, the county council, pass holders family and the team at KIMS Hospital, and the “I found opportunities varied, meeting and helping people from all walks of life. Volunteer- could only travel on Arriva buses strength of our cause, helped us blast over those dev- ing helped me to turn my life around; I have seen many volunteers move on to employment between 6am and 7pm, Monday to ilish Scottish mountains.” Friday. Marcus added: “We are proud to have raised over helped by the experience gained from volunteering.” KCC’s cabinet member for trans- £4,000 for the Samaritans Maidstone & Weald, KIMS port, Mike Whiting, said: “This is Hospital’s charity of the year. great news for children with our “This is a cause close to my heart and I know how Bonny Malhotra, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Maidstone, said: travel pass as it means they’ll be able KIMS Simon James, left, and Marcus Whiteley at the much this donation will benefit the work the Samari- to get out independently during the end of their Highland Fling Ultra Marathon tans carry out.” “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Organisation they make a huge contribution to the local summer holidays and weekends.” He congratulated KCC officers community, helping to support approximately 10,000 people each year when they need it the and Arriva on the agreement. most. Now, these figures reveal the benefits that volunteers can expect to see themselves.” KCC provides £8.5m to the dis- MP starts fancy dress walk cretionary travel scheme each year, MP Helen Grant, honorary presi- Maidstone Mencap for the work with no financial assistance from dent of Maidstone Mencap, joined they do in our community and for government. The extended benefits the Worshipful Mayor of Maid- their tireless fundraising efforts. It are being introduced at no addi- stone, Cllr Malcolm Greer, to cut is a pleasure to be involved.” If you can spare a few hours each week and would be interested in tional cost to the council. the starting ribbon at a fancy dress The money from this walk will volunteering with Citizens Advice Maidstone, then please get in touch with Stagecoach, which operates bus sponsored walk in Mote Park. go towards refurbishment works services in the east of the county, al- A Pegasus Gym gymnast loos- inside Mencap’s building at Cob- us on 01622 750770 or contact us on [email protected]. ready allows young passholders to ened walkers’ tight muscles with a tree Hall in Mote Park. use its services in the evenings, warm-up routine before the off. Donations can be made at maid- Or visit www.maidstonecab.org.uk. weekends, and holidays. Mrs Grant said: “I so admire stonemencap.org/donations.

Maidstone June 2018 29 News downsmail.co.uk Charity plans MENTAL health charity Maidstone Concern for cuckoo as and Mid Kent Mind has announced an expansion of its building in Col- lege Road, Maidstone. The two-storey extension will in- clude three counselling rooms and habitat is lost in Kent training suites, alongside more staff offices. IT IS the sound that heralds the But Phil Brown, of Egerton-based Chief executive Julia Blackmore arrival of spring. Badger Bushcraft, which runs sur- said: “There has never been a greater Two syllables repeated over and vival and outdoor workshops, is demand for our services, as more over again by the enigmatic cuckoo concerned the birds are being lost people become aware of the rising should be a familiar echo across the in the sound landscape. incidence of mental health prob- Kentish countryside, but local nat- He said: “They are not as preva- lems.” uralists and birdwatchers have lent in Kent as they once were. In In the past four years, the charity noted an alarming decline in their Egerton, which is a rural area, we has quadrupled the amount of fund- numbers. hear them quite a bit, but else- ing it receives from charitable trusts, Some observers in mid-Kent and where, not so much. I suspect it is a enabling it to deliver more services the Weald say they have not seen habitat issue.” to people with mental health prob- or heard the bird in some years. BTO data shows that the cuckoo The British Trust for Ornithology lems. has declined in England by two (BTO) believes that the growing ab- thirds, in Wales by a third while sence of moths and certain inverte- Shop re-opens Kent countryside but, like many Scottish numbers have remained brates in the south of England, species, they are at the mercy of A BOOKSHOP in Maidstone which caused by habitat loss, may be to broadly stable. Climate change has habitat loss.” led to wild fires in some Spanish was destroyed by a fire in 2015 has blame for the worrying decline. Leeds resident and keen bird- finally re-opened. regions, meaning that fewer sur- The cuckoo is famed for invading watcher, Audrey Browne, said: The Works, in Week Street, suf- nests of other birds to lay its eggs, vive the journey from west Africa, “It’s very sad. In years gone by, I fered more than £5 million damage while displacing the host’s clutch. says the BTO. Cuckoos spend just in a blaze across all three floors, Langley-based naturalist Theo would hear them all the time, but 15% of their year in Britain, arriv- thought to have been started delib- McCausland, who works as a tree not anymore.” ing in late April and heading back erately. surgeon in the Kent countryside, Fellow Leeds resident David to Africa by July. The store was demolished the fol- agreed with the BTO’s findings. Wratten reported cuckoos in “fine Have you heard a cuckoo this lowing March, with surrounding He said: “They are rarer than voice” as he prepared the wicket spring? Call Downs Mail on 01622 buildings covered in scaffolding they once were. I’m not saying that for the new cricket season in 734735 or drop us a line to while repairs were carried out. they have disappeared from the Horsmonden. [email protected]

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Maidstone June 2018 31 News downsmail.co.uk Cricket celebs to raise funds Drugs rehab charity in for ex-soldiers THREE former England cricketers safe hands with Penny could be set to take to the field in Sutton Valance this summer. IT IS all change at the top at a re- adding: “Penny has many years’ Bill de Lucy is organising a char- spected drugs rehabilitation cen- experience leading large teams and ity match at Sutton Valance School, tre near Maidstone. managing complex budgets and involving a Sutton Valance Old Penny Williams (pictured) has has all the skills needed to carry us Boys team, a Help for Heroes XI taken over from Kenward Trust forward on our journey in a diffi- and a Weald of Kent Rotary Select. CEO David Philpott, who will be- cult funding environment.” The event is to raise funds for come its chairman as Roger Bed- In taking up the post, Penny, Help for Heroes, and follows a ford retires after nearly 23 years who also plays roller hockey for similar game Mr de Lucy organ- with the charity. England, said: “The Kenward Trust ised in Laburnham, Suffolk,which A mum of two teenage boys, is a very special place and I am pas- raised just over £10,000. Penny has been part of the senior sionate about its work. I’m always Having now moved back to the leadership team at the addiction so incredibly humbled by the out- area for family reasons, Mr de centre as the director of marketing, comes and success we’ve had Lucy has high hopes for this event. communications and social enter- working together with people to “It came about because I met for- prise for the last two years. overcome their addiction to alcohol mer Bath Rugby player and old She says she will continue with and drugs.” friend Simon Halliday while I was the strategic direction delivered by She said her vision is to continue in Suffolk,” he said. David Philpott over the last three the amazing work of the trust’s “Help for Heroes don’t do a lot years. events business, Big Plan Group, clinical teams and to look for new in the South East, but this is a good Penny worked in broadcast which helps deliver the classical avenues of revenue. When she opportunity to raise some money. media, helping establish Invicta concert at Leeds Castle. does get some spare time, Penny, “In Suffolk, we had Devon Mal- FM, and in newspapers, before Upcoming chairman David who lives in Lenham, enjoys walk- colm playing, so I’ve asked Chris joining the Kenward Trust and will Philpott describes Penny as a “safe ing her two dogs and enjoys spend- Cowdrey, Michael Vaughan and continue to run her marketing and and capable pair of hands”, ing time with friends. Phil Tufnell if they can play in this one, and I’m waiting to hear back.” The day, on Saturday, July 7, will encompass three back-to-back Students behind garden tribute to Charlie games of 10 overs a side. STUDENTS at a Maidstone school Entry is £5 for adults, free for have opened a garden in memory U16s and there will also be a bar- of lost classmate Charlie Girling. becue, bar, auction and raffle. Charlie died from an asthma at- tack on July 24, 2016, while at- Food for thought tending an international Scouting jamboree in Finland. PRIMARY pupils from across He was 12 years old. Since stu- Maidstone found out about farm- dents, pictured, came up with the ing and where their food comes idea of creating a garden, the from at the Living Land event at whole of Maplesden Noakes has Detling. got involved. Pupils from Archbishop Courte- The school council designed the nay, West Borough and Madgin- garden - overlooking the sports ford primary schools and St fields and within earshot of Maid- Helen’s Montessori School, East stone’s football ground, where Farleigh, were among 2, 824 chil- Charlie was a well-known Stones’ £5,000 from the Tesco Bags of and two charity football matches dren from 48 Kent schools to sup- supporter. Students secured Help initiative, a housing firm at the Gallagher Stadium. port this year’s event. Man a
acked Natter and knitting ‘gals’ put world to rights KENT Police are appealing for wit- LADIES from a retirement home in nesses after a man was taken to Maidstone have been busy knitting for hospital after a town centre assault. Heart of Kent Hospice. The victim, in his 30s, was out- The gals came up with the idea of side an address in Camden Street making woollen chick chocolate-egg at 6.20pm on Sunday, April 22 holders, which they sold over Easter to when he was attacked by two men, raise money for the hospice. who it is understood are known to The ladies (pictured), from King’s the victim. They then left the scene. Lodge, in King’s Street, say they have The man was treated for facial in- raised more than £100 so far. juries and taken to a local hospital. Many of those with properties in the No arrests have yet been made Churchhill Retirement Living complex and anyone who may have seen are members of the weekly Knit and the incident or has any informa- Natter group. tion is asked to contact Kent Police Among them is Ann Owen, who said: on 01622 604100, quoting reference “As well as a chance to do something YY/13434/18, or call Kent useful for others, the group allows us to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on catch up and put the world to rights!” 0800 555 111.

32 Maidstone June 2018 Call for the

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Maidstone June 2018 33 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Cancer delays HUNDREDS of cancer patients are SECamb boss resigns facing delays in receiving lifesaving treatment. NHS figures reveal almost one in four patients urgently referred to hospital by West Kent Clinical before major surgery Commissioning Group doctors have not been seen within the sug- gested time. THE chairman of the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Government targets suggest 85% Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has stepped down with immediate effect. of urgent referrals should start treatment within two months. Richard Foster joined SECAmb It had been hoped that Mr Foster In 2017, 76.4% of West Kent CCG in April last year, but has left his would provide much-needed sta- patients were seen within that time- role after being advised he will bility to the Trust, but that has un- line, falling from 78% in 2016. need to undergo major surgery in fortunately proven not to be the In total, 1,226 cancer patients in the near future. case. west Kent were referred to hospital A statement said: “This, com- He said: “I am tendering my res- urgently, but 280 were not seen bined with the ongoing demands ignation with deep regret. It has within 62 days. of his other commitments, means been a difficult decision but I feel it that he feels he is unable to devote is the right decision for myself and the time that is necessary to the for the Trust at this time.” Bright future THE life expectancy at birth in Trust during its continuing period Deputy chairman Graham Col- Maidstone is above the county av- of improvement.” bert will take on the role until the erage. Mr Foster, a former chief execu- Council of Governors have fol- Children born in the county town tive of the Crown Prosecution lowed due process and decided on can expect to live to an average of Service, replaced Sir Peter Dixon. future arrangements. 82.85 years, with the county aver- Sir Peter had been the interim SECAmb Chief Executive Daren age sitting at 81.7. chairman of the Trust for 12 Mochrie said: “On behalf of the It can vary by ward too, with months, replacing Tony Thorne Trust, I would like to thank Detling and Thurnham having a who resigned after a controversial Richard for his contribution during rate of 89.5 – the highest in West pilot scheme which ended up de- the past 12 months and wish him Kent – compared to the lowest of laying ambulances for up to 20,000 well, both for his forthcoming sur- Richard Foster 76.5 in Bridge Ward. patients. gery and for the future.” GF foods cut New role for Baby app is in line for award GPs in Maidstone and the rest of West Kent are being recommended not to prescribe gluten-free prod- chief exec ucts in the future. THE long-serving chief execu- It is part of the drive to reduce the tive of Maidstone and Tunbridge money the NHS spends on “unnec- Wells NHS Trust has moved on essary” prescriptions, with these to one of the top positions in the products being available in stores. county. Glenn Douglas (pictured), who succeeded Service delay the controversial MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells Rose Gibb at the NHS Trust has set up a team to in- Trust, has now vestigate improvements in its serv- been appointed ice to patients needing to cancel or accountable offi- change a hospital appointment. cer for the eight Patients have been complaining GP-led budget- of long delays, which can lead to holding Clinical Commissioning seemingly missed appointments in Julia (right) with Jinny Robinson-Bright and her daughter Betsy-Rose Groups in the county. hospital departments. This includes West Kent, Ash- MAIDSTONE midwives and mums are making the most of an app that ford, Canterbury and Coastal, addresses the modern-day issue of sedentary children. Dartford, Gravesham and Swan- It’s the work of health visitor Julia Haynes, whose idea is through to On the streets ley, Swale and Medway. the finals of this year’s RCNi Nurse Awards. MAIDSTONE has the highest level of He maintains his role as the Her Born to Move NHS app has advice, tips and games to support chil- homelessness in West Kent. chief executive of the Kent and dren’s mental and physical development, in her response to serious con- A study has shown that there are Medway Sustainability and cerns that a growing number of Kent children were not developmentally 2.4 homeless people for every 1,000. Transformation Partnership, ready by school age. This compares to Tonbridge & which considers the future of As well as securing funding to launch the app, Julia’s work also Malling and Sevenoaks, who have the NHS and social services. prompted workshops across 12 Kent districts, training over 3,000 mem- lowest in the area, with 0.5 per 1,000. Ian Ayres, the former account- bers of staff, as well as parents, about the importance of getting babies able officer for West Kent, is now and toddlers moving. managing director of Medway, Her work has already garnered impressive results, with a county-wide Jabs campaign North and West Kent CCGs, audit showing a vast improvement in babies crawling in their first year – A DRIVE is on to increase the up- while Dr Bob Bowes has been re- up from 30% to 94% since the implementation of Born to Move. take of child immunisations across appointed chairman of West The awards, which recognise nurses who go above and beyond and Kent. The uptake in Maidstone and Kent CCG for a third term of transform nursing practice for the better, will be presented on July 4 at surround areas is low, so letters are three years. the Park Plaza in London. being sent to parents in a bid to in- crease it.

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O b i t u a r e s Donald Bish As was customary in 1956 she had to give Head of MGS Mark Tomkins praised up work after marrying John Ranger. Dizzy Thom as a “natural leader … who in his DONALD Bish (91), who lived in Allington worked with John on a time gave tremendous service and for about 25 years, was known locally as a family smallholding leadership to the school.” cleric who served Teston, Wateringbury and and after buying land Thom’s other volunteering and West Farleigh from on Lunsford Lane in community work included helping out at a 1979 to 1991. Larkfield the couple homeless shelter and at the Hazli� Theatre. He finished his moved in to a home Thom’s parents, Sue and Adie, have working life as they helped to build shared many stories chronicling Thom’s chaplain at the Heart themselves, raising amazing intelligence and dedication to of Kent Hospice. children Belinda, others – including a sponsored silence he Donald was born Melanie and Jamie. carried out for Demelza House Hospice and raised in South John said: “Dizzy when he was just nine. Wales and spent 25 and I were married for 62 years. She was Thom’s best friend, Beckie Willmo�, who years in the RAF as a devoted to her family and was loved by was planning to travel with him, said on fighter pilot, flying everyone she met. She did local work like Facebook including: “No one will ever Mosquito and Javelin fruit-picking and raised the family, whilst I compare to this human who is holding me aircraft. He later worked as a consultant in worked locally including a spell at safe within his arms and kissing me industry, with spells working for a Aylesford Paper Mill. because he loves me so much.” In another subsidiary of Rolls Royce in Derby and for “Dizzy had ba�led rheumatic fever post she added: “Rest easy, you amazing Hall Thermotank International (now Hall earlier in her life, but she went on to work boy.” Engineering) in Dartford. locally by se�ing up a nursery school in It was whilst living in Longfield and Larkfield Village Hall and then working for working in industry that he decided to take Kent Social Services as a social work Paul Bradshaw holy orders. Before moving locally Donald assistant. FRIENDS have paid tribute to teenager served as a curate in the Medway towns. “She worked at the children’s disabled Donald was married to Truda for 64 years Paul Bradshaw (18) after his tragic death. centre on the east of Mote Park and later in The youngster from East Malling died and was father to Frances and Andrew. our lives, Dizzy and I were founder Frances said: “My father’s RAF career took after falling from the Lunsford Lane bridge members of Larkfield Active Retirement onto the M20 on April 7. him to Canada for two years and the Association (LARA). The association read Persian Gulf for a year as well as all over the Amongst the tributes paid online is one out a tribute to her after she died. from close friend Charlie Duffield. She UK. “We travelled around the world twice “He will be remembered as a friendly and posted the last selfie the pair took, the day after retirement and spent three weeks in before his death, on her Facebook page. caring man who was capable of conveying a Mongolia, where our youngest got married deep concern for people. In his younger She added: “You always knew how to to a Mongolian lady.” put a smile on our faces, you had a heart of days, my father was a talented sportsman. Dizzy leaves her husband, children and He was a gymnast but went on to play gold…You meant the world to me. grandchildren George, Owen, Wilf, Nichole “There are so many memories, that I will rugby and tennis to a good standard and and Helen. became a rugby referee. treasure forever. So thankyou. I am finding “He never lost his love of sport and this so hard, don't ever forget that I love ya! enjoyed many different sports on television, Thom Walker This doesn't feel right, it was only yesterday especially rugby, tennis and athletics.” I was with you, but I promise you that you Donald lost his wife in 2014. He leaves his THE sudden death of Downswood’s Thom won't ever leave my heart…You had a children and grandsons William and Walker (19) has left family and friends whole life ahead of you.” Christopher. devastated and prompted an outpouring of tributes. The teenager died after being found Alan Gulsen Evelyn “Dizzy” Ranger unresponsive in his bedroom. The former MAIDSTONE’S Alan Gulsen (20) died student of Maidstone Grammar School had EVELYN Florence “Dizzy” Ranger (89) after falling into the River Medway on earned promotion to section leader as an April 13. Rescuers who managed to pull lived her whole life locally, spending her army cadet at MGS and was aiming for an final 29 years in West Malling. him out were unable to revive him. career in the Army before a peanut allergy Alan was well known to local skinheads, Born Evelyn Waters in a home near the forced him to abandon the ambition. walls of Maidstone Prison, she a�ended and friends have spoken of his plans to Thom worked locally as an IT form a punk and ska band – playing the Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and development technician for Caseware began work for Phoenix Insurance group. music he loved and had followed for a International and was planning to travel to number of years. Dizzy was also a well-known member of Nepal to teach English to orphans. the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club. Along with tributes from friends, Alan’s death has prompted calls for be�er lighting and safety measures in the area where he died. Camrass Wills Advice you can trust THE STONE SHOP EAST FARLEIGH Do you need help with probate? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? • MEMORIALS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed • ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTIONS DipPFS MSWW • CLEANING AND REFURBISHMENT 01622 720985 01622 726633 www.camrasswills.co.uk FREE CAR PARK NEXT TO SHOP

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suffered in the bad weather; Cllr Manser were unnecessary but, generally, most P

Barming a r i s h was to forward the le�er as she had given would strengthen the plan. A meeting was Annual payments It was agreed to renew out keys for hirers to use the vehicle gate. arranged to go through the the council’s subscription to the Kent School help A local school had been in recommendations. Association of Local Councils and to touch to ask if there were any jobs that SMART update Cllr Rigby reported that C authorise the annual renewal payment for needed doing on a voluntary basis. The many ward councillors were unhappy that o u n c i l s insurance. only task available would be li�er picking the Joint Transport Board meeting had Donation request A request for a donation and members felt it would be a good idea been cancelled and were considering a was received from Help a Maidstone for the school to contact MBC as they legal challenge to the authority of the Child. While members appreciated the would be able to provide the appropriate transport commi�ee. Cllr Rigby had also hard work done by the charity, it was equipment for the pupils, so the clerk was a�ended a regional Speedwatch decided not to authorise a donation at this to inform the headmaster. conference, where new innovations were time. shown off. It was hoped that the Loose Pavilion work A date was agreed for a Loose team would be out by the middle of May. meeting with the local resident to discuss It was also reported that Kent is leading the heave at the pavilion hard-standing Outbuildings Community warden Liz the way with the scheme, and that other area; two councillors and the clerk were to Lova� spoke about thefts from sheds, counties are in the process of adopting be in a�endance. allotments and garages and gave a number Speedwatch. Car park There were no new updates on of tips for residents to reduce the risks and the planned resurfacing of the Parish Field also ensure that if property is stolen it can Brooks Field The Loose Amenities car park. Cllr Gooch was to contact be recovered. She also warned that Association was in consultation with MBC Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) to seek technology items in cars, such as dashcams ahead of the planning application for advice, while Cllr Manser asked whether and satnavs, are often forgo�en about Brooks Field being formally put in. the council would consider leaving the when cars are locked up, despite being Utilities The council agreed to go with resurfacing for three years. Cllr Vizzard expensive items, and provided advice on Pozitive Energy to provide the gas and suggested that any quotes received should preventing crimes like these. Cllr Tony electric for the pavilion on a fixed rate for be considered and to wait for any advice Oliver also advised of a scam carried out 36 months. The contract was signed and that is offered, and then a final decision on the Loose Road on one of his will start with effect from August 1. could be made when all the information neighbours, and councillors asked if the Expenditure It was agreed to set up was available. warden could visit the victim. dedicated @loose-pc.gov.uk email Tree branch A resident had wri�en to ask Pavilion kitchen The door hinges were addresses for all councillors, at a cost of about removing a tree branch. Councillors agreed as per the round robin sent the £25 for initial set-up and £15 per year agreed that if it was overhanging into the previous month. Cllr Luckhurst reported thereafter. The contract for the defibrillator garden, the resident is entitled to remove on an email from the contractor which was also ratified, as was the contract for it; the clerk would write to the resident to confirmed the work on the kitchen would street lighting maintenance. tell them members were happy for the be completed between May 26 and June 3; Communications Anne Rigby, the offending branch to be cut back. that the old kitchen and other rubbish council’s media and communications clerk, Salt bins Cllr Gooch reported that she had would be disposed of by the council and went over the details of a circulated report chased highways regarding the empty salt that decoration is not included in the quote about the website and advised that bins in the parish. She had been advised and will be an extra £280. The councillors changes had been made to the Word that all bins would be refilled as part of the agreed to decorate the kitchen themselves package used on the website and that blanket order in advance of next winter. once the units have been installed. colours could now be used. A request had Field issues Cllr Manser had drafted a Neighbourhood Plan MBC had been received from a local swimming club response le�er to the recent complaint commented on the Neighbourhood Plan to have their details on the website but this received about hirers driving up the Parish and these comments were sent to experts was rejected as advertising from Field to the pavilion. The field had Feria Urbanism, who felt some of them businesses is not allowed on the website.

PLANTS and hedging were damaged when a garden in Maple Avenue was C r i m e broken into. Neighbourhood Watch Keys and cash were stolen when a Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police vehicle parked on a driveway in Allington R

Way was broken into. On the same into by a man described as white, in his Kingfisher Meadow. e p o r t s evening, two unknown offenders were early 20s, of slight build and around 6ft Money, keys and cards were in a bag disturbed as they tried to break into two tall. Some cash was stolen but he was stolen from a locked locker in the staff area cars on a driveway in the same road. disturbed by a resident and ran off. of a restaurant in The Broadway. Meat and soft drinks were stolen from a Terracotta pots were removed from a A Kona cycle was stolen from in front of butcher’s shop in Tonbridge Road after it doorstep in Buckland Hill. a tile store in Hart Street. was broken into. Several speed cameras in Sutton Road The ignition barrel was damaged when a The offender who broke into a house in were sprayed with paint, which damaged Mercedes van parked in Farleigh Lane was North Street was disturbed by occupants the lenses. The initials TA were sprayed on broken into. and made off. the rear of all the cameras. Intruders fled after being disturbed by Two cars – a Mini One and a Fiat Punto – A Vauxhall Corsa and a Saab parked in the homeowner when they broke into a parked in Bower Mount Road were Buckland Road both had two tyres property in Chamberlain Avenue. damaged on the same morning. slashed. Two potted trees were stolen from a Phones, chargers and a wallet containing A silver and red Giant cycle padlocked driveway in Gatland Lane. cash and cards were stolen in a break-in at in a bike rack in County Road was stolen. A Hyundai Tucson was taken from a house in Cornwallis Road. Two blue sunloungers were stolen from outside a house in Westree Court. Two handbags containing cash and other a garden in Boxley Road. A silver Apollo bicycle was stolen from items were stolen from a house in Queens Cash was stolen when a house in Boxley where it was secured in a car park in Road. Road was broken into. Kingfisher Meadow. Cash and other items were taken from a Men were seen smashing wing mirrors A silver and grey Giant bicycle was Vauxhall Zafira parked in Langdale Rise. of vehicles parked in Wheeler Street. stolen from a supermarket car park in Stainless steel gratings were unbolted A Flymo mower and a Specialized cycle Barker Road, where it was secured. and stolen from a bridge in St Peter’s were stolen from a flat in St Lukes Road. A black quad bike, which was not Street. A black and green Merida bicycle was roadworthy, was stolen from a garden in In London Road, a house was broken stolen from a bike rack at a block of flats in Upper Fant Road.

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Maidstone June 2018 45 downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk to think around a problem other than And increased housing numbers have school, probably from less than a mile C C

chucking huge sums at it? been known about for years. away, when a walk could well be be�er for o m e n o m e n As for voting at 16, let’s be positive. Give So why (and how) can it be, that the their health? Our town centre in five years 16-year-olds the vote and put government proposed surgery on Clockhouse Farm is I appreciate those living in rural areas and politics on the school curriculum – it inadequate? have li�le alternative than to use their cars, WHAT is ahead for Maidstone town remaining local retailers. might improve our nation. If the younger It would be hard to look a gift horse in but I would ask all motorists for whom t t centre over the next five years? Be I also think bigger businesses will generation vote Green, for example (as I the mouth, and Firmins should be thanked there is a reasonable public transport or prepared for significant changes. MailMarks continue to favour out-of-centre stores did at 18), then it doesn't affect the status for the generous offer. walking alternative, to think about the foul On-line shopping and banking are with massive car parks where we can quo. A green Prince of Wales hasn't affected However, as Brian Mortimer concedes: air those living on urban, traffic clogged revolutionising business for so many DENNIS FOWLE President drive more easily and park for free. the nation either. Global warming is "Of course, it would be be�er for a more roads have to breath so that they can sit in retail giants and their exodus from our [email protected] Supermarkets have led the way and big certainly here; the dumping of plastics and central site”, though quite why he their cars, probably by themselves. high streets is set to escalate. players like Next and M&S have the same waste in our hedgerows, as well as our seas, continues “time is not on our side” is Unless ring roads can be afforded, I can Closures: Latest to announce mass thoughts for Maidstone. is not affected by the colour of politics. mystifying. see no other solution than measures to closures are Royal Bank of Scotland/ of cars, parking and traffic chaos. Faced Maidstone Council and others have What are you afraid of, a wrong decision? Perhaps, when Sainsbury's withdrew restrict the use of private cars but, at the NatWest Bank – and RBS, High Street, with increasing serious traffic congestion, been worried about the future viability of The rest of the electorate has made plenty from taking over the used car site opposite same time, substantially improve public Maidstone is listed among the 162 Maidstone Borough Council is trying to our town centre. But this world is of wrong decisions at every age! the (existing) pharmacy, the protagonists transport to make it a viable alternative. branches to shut doors in England and force us into a ‘modal shift’ away from changing fast and could it all turn out for Richard Maryan, Coxheath should have seized the opportunity to Unless there is be�er central government Wales in late summer (August 8 for our cars towards their council tax-costly the be�er? Will we enjoy more a new mix purchase it? thinking (applicable to all parties), the Maidstone). The NatWest branch in the park-and-ride system, walking and of shops in the middle of town and motor Surgery views conflicting Ron Leagas, Linton South East will sink, Kent first, into the High Street survives this cull. cycling. I think this is a forlorn hope. happily to retail giants on the outskirts? THE Downs Mail article about a Coxheath English Channel under the sheer weight of House of Fraser has hit troubled times There is a massive hike in town centre Will the desired modal shift work out surgery to be built in Linton, has grabbed Solutions to congestion people living here. and it seems certain several big stores parking charges and some council car in a very different way? Will we just drive my a�ention in a way that few page threes THERE was much comment in May’s David Hacke, Maidstone will go. I have always been worried that parks are closing – and a significant our cars in different directions, taking ever have! Downs Mail about traffic, park-and-ride the local store, the star of the Fremlin change in payment systems at our very some of the pressure off the approach It’s on a site that Firmins have frequently and house building. Relief road is ‘modal shift’ Walk galaxy, has been too quiet for its limited park-and-ride sites, which is roads to the town centre? Given the tried to convert from agricultural to Maidstone, like many towns in the South I AM amused and intrigued by the recent own good and worry it will not survive a upse�ing bus pass holders – mainly choice between Maidstone Council’s residential use, but have always met with East, has inadequate infrastructure and conversion by the Liberal Democrats at major cull. pensioners and the disabled (see Mail current policy and a more comfortable MBC refusal on landscape, convergence, other facilities to cope with the housing Maidstone Borough Council to the notion What of Marks & Spencer? It has Marks, May edition). driving experience, I think I know the and other planning grounds. explosions on the outskirts of the town. Not of the Leeds-Langley relief road. You exciting plans for a major new store at Office conversions: Another significant winner. Next came an a�empt to turn it into a only do we suffer appalling road our Eclipse Park, rumoured to come close factor is conversion of office space to I do become increasingly worried about would think that they had been the ones park-and-ride site, which was similarly congestion in peak hours, including school who were campaigning for it! There is an to matching Bluewater branch in its residential apartments/flats. Maidstone the banking sector. We have seen so defeated while the Local Plan was in run times, but GP facilities are being offers. M&S has said it will keep one of had so many empty offices and many branches outside the centre of argument that a by-pass around the county preparation. stretched to breaking point, there are not town’s centre is a form of the ‘modal shift’ its two Week Street shops open – but for developers are taking advantage of a Maidstone close in recent years, causing The idea of having a surgery there is enough school places and resources such as how long if the new branch dominates its government policy to exempt from great concern and inconvenience to so to which the Lib Dems are so wedded. But initially seductive. Personally, living in water are under pressure. if a relief road is such a good plan, why local trade? planning requirements their conversion many. Now the RBS/NatWest decision Linton, I would certainly find it more The problem is one of too many people, Maplin store is closing and Linens to residential use. will mean the loss of another town bank. wasn’t it in the Local Plan? Just a thought. convenient than my current one in Yalding. as it is in other towns where successive J Robbie, via email Direct has now moved on. In Maidstone, about 300 homes have Will others follow suit? I fear so. But the many residents of Coxheath would government policy has been to impose new Many retail businesses are well-suited been created, with many more set to Could there be a single bank surviving either have to drive (ecologically unsound) housing in already overcrowded towns. to confident on-line shopping and by follow. The latest reports suggest there is in Maidstone in five years’ time? I think or get one of the occasional buses because, Given that we cannot indulge in a Profit before pupils? offering tighter prices and next-day home now a shortage of office space in the public opinion, good sense of the bankers on average, it is one mile from them. demolition programme, we need to be�er WHY, oh why, are they building a mental delivery they question the need for an town centre! Some retailers fear this will and government pressure will ensure Significantly further than that planned and manage the resources we have against a hospital on Bearsted Road when what is so expensive High Street presence. lead to a further loss of trade from office there is – but do not bank on it! approved in the Local Plan at Clockhouse background of restricted funds available. desperately needed in this area is another Increasingly, they face tough trading workers – but others welcome the Farm. Various correspondents are bemoaning primary and secondary school? Was it due conditions and for the second straight increase in town centre population. Castle – at last I am mystified as to why the Clockhouse the increased parking charges in the town, to the fact that there was more profit to be quarter they have experienced weakening Maidstone Council is decrying the heavy FEW in Maidstone have viewed one Farm plan is now “not of sufficient size or but surely this is a correct move by the made from a private hospital? demand with 1% falls nationally. The big loss of income from developer of its most historical treasures – Allington layout to provide the facilities identified as council to try to discourage the use of The authorities seem to have their hike in business rates and growing staff contributions towards local services not Castle. But now there is an opportunity being required and, without a solution, private car use. In London, parking spaces priorities completely confused. Next thing costs (wages and pension contributions) now payable for these conversions under thanks to co-operation between resident offers no way to deal with the additional are actually being reduced for this reason. we hear will probably be that planning add alarmingly to rising compliance, government rules. owner Sir Robert Worcester and the patients coming into the locality”. It will not have escaped the notice of permission has been given for even more marketing and other budgets. What now? As retail giants move out, Medway cruiser Kentish Lady. The Local Plan has only just been road users and town residents, that during houses to be built locally, further pu�ing an But there are many businesses not best what will move in? I think it could be Pre-booked excursions for about 60 completed. Brian Mortimer, though he the school holidays, there are few traffic already overloaded infrastructure at suited to on-line shopping and food and encouraging news for small businesses depart from Maidstone Bridge for the 20- chose to abstain from voting on it, was fully problems. Most schools in the town are breaking point. Oops, that's already health/beauty outlets, smaller niche and a return closer to the type of minute journey and a 100-minute guided involved in the Local Plan. Coxheath was primary schools which serve children in happening at Lilk Meadow! shops, some fashion shops and the Maidstone shopping scene of 80 to 100 tour of the moated castle, the delightful surely involved in the process. the local area. So why drive them to Howard Spice, via email discounters are among those still seeing years ago. Landlords will not be able to gardens and the two lakes. encouraging results. demand the huge rents paid by the The large, restored 13th-century castle I have just made a thorough walk of departing giants and make them more has a remarkable history, with many town centre shopping streets and am affordable to niche businesses – and royal visitors – is worth researching impressed by the small number of empty business rates may have to follow suit. before a visit. premises and an overall encouraging We could also see a further growth in The tour of the castle itself includes the buzz, at least on the shop fronts. Only town centre residential accommodation stately courtyards and fascinating Great The Mall seems to have significant as shops and stores are converted, which Hall. I would have liked to see one or two vacancies. will be well supported across the board more rooms – but this is a treasured Our cars: The other big factors are use by national politics and,perhaps, by private home. More to life than potholes with their yellow jackets filling potholes at Maidstone Borough Council has the role themselves. I am sure Wickes would to lead us into new trading possibilities? GOOD to read Downs Mail continues to welcome the trade if we all provided a If there is an access problem at Headcorn prosper (many congratulations) but the temporary fix in our own li�le patch. rail station then the locals need to start lead article in your Weald edition on If Brexit denotes that watershed in raising funds locally to fix it. potholes. Really? a�itude that bureaucracy has had its day Our national and personal debt remains I would like to react to this and some then we are doing an excellent job in at record levels and we keep looking to a other recent topics. bucking the trend locally. It starts in less third party to bail out a very small We have dozens of borough councillors – than 12 months, so where are our global minority. What about starting a volunteer instead of the constant whingeing the intentions to venture across the world service to assist those that need help to use borough councillors should be pictured seeking new business opportunities? Who Headcorn station. Have we lost our ability

46 Maidstone June 2018 downsmail.co.uk

to think around a problem other than And increased housing numbers have school, probably from less than a mile C

chucking huge sums at it? been known about for years. away, when a walk could well be be�er for o m e n As for voting at 16, let’s be positive. Give So why (and how) can it be, that the their health? 16-year-olds the vote and put government proposed surgery on Clockhouse Farm is I appreciate those living in rural areas and politics on the school curriculum – it inadequate? have li�le alternative than to use their cars, might improve our nation. If the younger It would be hard to look a gift horse in but I would ask all motorists for whom generation vote Green, for example (as I the mouth, and Firmins should be thanked there is a reasonable public transport or t did at 18), then it doesn't affect the status for the generous offer. walking alternative, to think about the foul quo. A green Prince of Wales hasn't affected However, as Brian Mortimer concedes: air those living on urban, traffic clogged the nation either. Global warming is "Of course, it would be be�er for a more roads have to breath so that they can sit in certainly here; the dumping of plastics and central site”, though quite why he their cars, probably by themselves. waste in our hedgerows, as well as our seas, continues “time is not on our side” is Unless ring roads can be afforded, I can is not affected by the colour of politics. mystifying. see no other solution than measures to What are you afraid of, a wrong decision? Perhaps, when Sainsbury's withdrew restrict the use of private cars but, at the The rest of the electorate has made plenty from taking over the used car site opposite same time, substantially improve public of wrong decisions at every age! the (existing) pharmacy, the protagonists transport to make it a viable alternative. Richard Maryan, Coxheath should have seized the opportunity to Unless there is be�er central government purchase it? thinking (applicable to all parties), the Surgery views conflicting Ron Leagas, Linton South East will sink, Kent first, into the THE Downs Mail article about a Coxheath English Channel under the sheer weight of surgery to be built in Linton, has grabbed Solutions to congestion people living here. my a�ention in a way that few page threes THERE was much comment in May’s David Hacke, Maidstone ever have! Downs Mail about traffic, park-and-ride It’s on a site that Firmins have frequently and house building. Relief road is ‘modal shift’ tried to convert from agricultural to Maidstone, like many towns in the South I AM amused and intrigued by the recent residential use, but have always met with East, has inadequate infrastructure and conversion by the Liberal Democrats at MBC refusal on landscape, convergence, other facilities to cope with the housing Maidstone Borough Council to the notion and other planning grounds. explosions on the outskirts of the town. Not of the Leeds-Langley relief road. You Next came an a�empt to turn it into a only do we suffer appalling road would think that they had been the ones park-and-ride site, which was similarly congestion in peak hours, including school who were campaigning for it! There is an defeated while the Local Plan was in run times, but GP facilities are being argument that a by-pass around the county preparation. stretched to breaking point, there are not town’s centre is a form of the ‘modal shift’ The idea of having a surgery there is enough school places and resources such as to which the Lib Dems are so wedded. But initially seductive. Personally, living in water are under pressure. if a relief road is such a good plan, why Linton, I would certainly find it more The problem is one of too many people, wasn’t it in the Local Plan? Just a thought. convenient than my current one in Yalding. as it is in other towns where successive J Robbie, via email But the many residents of Coxheath would government policy has been to impose new either have to drive (ecologically unsound) housing in already overcrowded towns. or get one of the occasional buses because, Given that we cannot indulge in a Profit before pupils? on average, it is one mile from them. demolition programme, we need to be�er WHY, oh why, are they building a mental Significantly further than that planned and manage the resources we have against a hospital on Bearsted Road when what is so approved in the Local Plan at Clockhouse background of restricted funds available. desperately needed in this area is another Farm. Various correspondents are bemoaning primary and secondary school? Was it due I am mystified as to why the Clockhouse the increased parking charges in the town, to the fact that there was more profit to be Farm plan is now “not of sufficient size or but surely this is a correct move by the made from a private hospital? layout to provide the facilities identified as council to try to discourage the use of The authorities seem to have their being required and, without a solution, private car use. In London, parking spaces priorities completely confused. Next thing offers no way to deal with the additional are actually being reduced for this reason. we hear will probably be that planning patients coming into the locality”. It will not have escaped the notice of permission has been given for even more The Local Plan has only just been road users and town residents, that during houses to be built locally, further pu�ing an completed. Brian Mortimer, though he the school holidays, there are few traffic already overloaded infrastructure at chose to abstain from voting on it, was fully problems. Most schools in the town are breaking point. Oops, that's already involved in the Local Plan. Coxheath was primary schools which serve children in happening at Lilk Meadow! surely involved in the process. the local area. So why drive them to Howard Spice, via email

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