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Maidstone South Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

September 2017 No. 245 N

News Rain can’t stop Wilko’s jobs fear JOBS at Wilko in Maidstone are in park rocking danger after the retailer 3 RAMBLIN’ MAN Fair music fans braved announced redundancies. heavy downpours at Mote Park to enjoy some of the biggest names in rock perform in the Tilly tours with Billy county town. TALENTED Maidstone teen Tilly An estimated 20,000 people attended the Cook has been on tour with the event, which boasted Saxon and ZZ Top stage version of Billy  among the headliners. Elliott, the musical. 5 Initial reports suggest the event – now in its third year – has not been plagued by complaints about noise levels which be- Local plan agreed came a feature of Ramblin’ Man in 2016. MAIDSTONE’S blueprint is The festival is due to return to Mote Park capable of adoption,  next year. says an inspector. 8  Full report and pictures, page 8 Brothel boss jailed A MAN who trafficked women to work in a Maidstone 14 Health changes to brothel has been jailed. ease hospital load MASSIVE changes to improve health care and ease pressure on hospitals are on the way for Maidstone, Malling and West Kent. Faced with challenges of an in- The CCG is particularly concerned creasing and ageing population, the By Dennis Fowle about cancer care – late diagnosis in budget-holding GP-led NHS West particular – and access to services Obituaries 36 Kent Clinical Commissioning Group Surveys and consultations showed and poor outcomes for mentally ill. (CCG) says primary health care is the public supports hubs - main con- The CCG says the local care model Parish Councils 37 “extremely fragile in some areas”. cerns were about time and distance also needs to: A key change will see GP practices to travel, especially by public trans-  Educate the population to moni- A PCSO was unable to attend the scaled up to work in clusters or fed- port. tor, improve and manage their own parish council meeting at Loose; erations (four clusters have been The CCG wants to close gaps in health and promote self-care. it was agreed to donate £36 formed by GPs for Maidstone Cen- services with poor outcomes, espe-  Co-ordinate and integrate health towards the cost of a bench at tral, East Maidstone, Weald and cially for long-term conditions and and social care services. the YMCA pre-school in Tovil; Malling) with many providing a frailty.  Provide an easy access service – there is a danger in barbecues much wider range of treatments and Local hospitals are not always best an alternative to A&E attendance. being lit at Brooks Field in Loose; services. to care for the frail, but services out-  Provide short-term care on hos- the overhanging foliage in In addition, local care hubs could side hospital are not always able to pital discharge for independent liv- Newchurch Road, Tovil, does not be based in larger buildings to de- cope. Every day more than 1,000 ing in own residence. need parish council intervention. liver a range of services that do not people are in Kent hospitals who  Avoid referrals where possible Crime Reports 37 need a hospital setting but serve a could be elsewhere if services were with easier specialist opinions for population bigger than GP clusters. available. GPs. TWO bay trees were stolen from a garden in Tovil; a number plate  Position mental health staff con- was stolen from car in Perryfield sistently in all care settings to direct Street; a window was smashed in and support care for patients. Carlton Gardens; A BMW was The CCG recognises it has to in- keyed in Hubble Drive; a house in crease capacity in several areas and Milton Street was broken into and overcome current high levels of staff a handbag and keys were stolen. YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT vacancies, turnover and skill short- 01622 690290 [email protected] ages. 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2 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Reynolds ban A MAIDSTONE driver who failed Parking fears as plans to provide a specimen of breath for analysis has been banned from the road for 30 months and placed on a curfew. for flats are announced Oliver Reynolds (36), of Bar- grove Road, admitted failing to provide a specimen on July 13. RESIDENTS have voiced concerns He was sentenced at Mid Kent about plans for nearly 100 houses Magistrates’ Court to 56 days in and flats on two car parks in Maid- prison, suspended for 12 months, stone. banned from driving for 30 months The schemes would include 47 and given a three-month curfew to units on the Union Street East site, remain at home between 10pm and currently a long stay car park with 6am daily. He must also pay £85 51 spaces, and a similar number on costs and a £115 victim surcharge. the nearby Brunswick Street car park, which has 66 spaces. The es- tates would include allocated park- Wilko job woe ing spaces for residents as well as JOBS at discount store Wilko in gardens and landscaping. Maidstone could be lost after the The two proposals were outlined chain posted an 80% downturn in by Maidstone Council officials at pre-tax profits. public meetings after they were ap- Almost 4,000 staff are employed proved by the policy and resources us and one for visitors, but we have parking allocated. If there was one by the group and Wilko manage- committee. A planning application to go everywhere by bus. When peo- space per flat and two spaces per ment is looking to make reductions has not yet been submitted. ple come to stay, they have to pay to house it might be more manageable. in in-store numbers, blaming But local residents are angry, ar- park in the car park and walk into They just don’t care about the qual- Brexit in part for the slowdown. guing that parking problems are al- town, even though we have paid for ity of life of local residents.” ready at crisis level and the a permit. There are not enough MBC spokesman John Foster said: proposals will make matters worse. spaces now – where will all the new “Following the public meeting...we Art exhibition Lisa Benn, of Tufton Street, said residents park?” are aware of the concerns of the ex- MAIDSTONE artists are being cel- that she and her husband, Gregory, Michael Low, pictured with Lisa, isting residents regarding parking. ebrated in a one-day exhibition at travel by bus because if they move said only one space was allocated to MBC is considering ways of mitigat- The Barn in Broad Street, Holling- their vehicle, they will not be able to each house and there was one space ing the impact of the new housing bourne, from 2-6pm on September park near their home when they re- for every three flats. He said: “It’s development on existing reported 3. turn. She said: “We pay £50 a year completely insane. The general con- parking pressures in the N4 parking A quarter of proceeds from sales for two resident’s permits – one for cern is that there is a woeful lack of permit area.” will be given to the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust. COUNTY COBBLER

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Maidstone September 2017 3 News | Roads downsmail.co.uk Road widening ‘not solution’ A PLAN to tackle growing congestion on the A274 Sutton Road in Maidstone has already met with opposition. Work to widen the road at its the creation of bus laybys to im- junctions with Willington Street prove traffic flows. However, it and Wallis Avenue will start in Feb- concedes that vegetation and a ruary. number of mature treewill need to But many say the £3m cost and be removed to accommodate the seven months of work would be widened junction. better spent by the county council In response to criticism expressed taking traffic away and on to a about the alleged inadequacy of the south Maidstone relief road from scheme, a Kent County Council the A274 to the A20 via Leeds and spokesman said: “Junction im- Langley. provements on Sutton Road ad- Cllr John Barned describes the dress the existing congestion and road widening as an unnecessary future growth in the surrounding “plaster to patch a far larger prob- area. lem”. “Without these improvements, He said: “There has always been the junction will be over capacity a bottleneck here and widening the imminently and congestion will road is not going to make much dif- worsen. Cllrs Matt Burton and John Barned ference. “This project is part of a package “If I thought it was a good address the “understandable con- pedestrian railings from vehicles of schemes within the Maidstone scheme I would say we have to go cern” about noise in Bell Meadow and widening the road here will area to tackle existing congestion with it, but I think the money and Sutton Road. help. Obviously, the longer term and is funded through the South would be better spent on a relief But Cllr Barned says: “The road solution will be a (Leeds-Langley) East Local Enterprise Partnership. road.” widening will completely remove relief road.” “Without this funding, it would He has been contacted by dozens the green buffer that has protected The county council says that with not be possible to make these im- of people who live on the Sutton properties in Sutton Road, leaving the full cost of the road widening portant changes to the junction at Road slip road that runs parallel to residents staring straight at the traf- available from Government and de- this location. the A274 who say squeezing three fic and homeowners on the other velopers, the scheme offers an op- “KCC is committed to assessing lanes north and south into the side in Bell Meadow in the same portunity to improve journey times the need for a relief road and con- available space will carve up the position.” on the strategic A274, which is no- tinues to develop the business case green space that has served as a Park Wood councillor Matt Bur- torious for peak time traffic delays. for future financial bids.” buffer for years – bringing traffic ton said: “I use Willington Street The cash will also provide dedi- For more information on the Sut- “nose close” to their homes. regularly and it is a nightmare at cated turning lanes and upgraded ton Road (A274) improvement The county council says land- peak times. traffic controls into Willington project, visit www.kent.gov.uk/sut- scaping and acoustic fencing will “There is a lot of damage to Street and Wallis Avenue, as well as tonroad. Campaigners’ signs ‘stolen and dumped’ POLICE are investigating the al- leged thefts and criminal damage to signs put up by supporters of the WILLact pro-relief road pressure group. WILLact founder Jenny Sutton (right) has urged others to contact Kent Police if they are victims of vandalism. Kent Police have appealed for wit- nesses to the alleged offences. Don Wright claims “Support the Relief Road” signs commissioned by WILLact and some posts were stolen Kent Police said it has received a and dumped on Willington Green. report that 14 white signs on Where will A274 traffic go? WILLact supporter Mr Wright, wooden stakes have been damaged who lives in Willington Street, said: in gardens along Willington Street in CONSERVATIVE Shepway borough councillor Marion Ring lives “This is theft of a sign which has Maidstone. in Westmorland Road and says she and her neighbours are con- been placed on private property, A police spokesman said: “The cerned about the loss of trees and where traffic will be diverted and, certainly in the case of those signs are reported to have been dam- while the seven months of A274work is carried out. dumped, of littering. I believe that aged between 10am on Saturday, She said: “This is a very, very big project and I’d like to know both actions carry some form of July 1 and 10am on Thursday, July where the county council intends to divert traffic. Northumberland punishment by the authorities. 27, 2017, with some being deposited Road is already a rat run for vehicles cutting across the estate to avoid traffic hold-ups. They simply aren’t up to this, particularly “I’d ask those responsible to use in the Willington Green area.” the volume of traffic we are seeing today.” the appropriate channels if they Anyone with information that can Cllr Ring was among many due to put her question to KCC rep- have an objection, and not to resort help is asked to contact Kent Police resentatives at a public exhibition about the scheme at St Martin’s to such childish actions. Why is there on 01622 604100, quoting reference Church, in Northumberland Road, as Downs Mail went to press. no longer respect for other people’s YY/22683/17, or call Kent Crimestop- views?” pers on 0800 555 111.

4 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Dancer Tilly’s date with Billy Sleep like a king A TALENTED teenager has been wowing audiences during a tour of without spending a ransom the hit musical Billy Elliot. Tilly Cook (13) played to audi- Enjoy 3 years interest-free credit ences throughout the UK and Ire- land after being chosen to dance in on our complete range of luxury beds the show, which also visited Ger- many. The youngster, who came home in July after touring since last Sep- tember, played the part of Tracey £30 Atkinson, one of the pupils in the only ballet class which the lead character per month joins. Tilly, a pupil at Sutton Valence School, was previously on the West End stage for a year when she played Hortensia in the musical Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre. Her mum Mandy, who runs Mandy Ellen Performing Arts Stu- dio in Earl Street, Maidstone, said: “She has had a fantastic time. The day she finished in Matilda, the Billy only Elliot company flew her to Scotland per month and she then went on tour with £45 them. They are the two best shows that a youngster can be in. “I took her to see Matilda when Tilly Cook at Matilda she was nine. She sat there and said: been a wonderful experience for ‘I want to be in that show’. She au- her. She is very level-headed and ditioned for it three times before she has really worked hard with her got the part. It was her dream show school work. They are very well-tu- and she was determined to be in it. tored while on tour and her school It shows that dreams can come true has been very supportive. – you can achieve them.” “She is a very clever girl and has Tilly, who has been attending her managed to get all A and B grades. mum’s stage school since she was She has been working non-stop for five, has been continuing her stud- two years and now she is going to ies while away. Mandy said: “It has have a well-earned rest.” £45 only Roots ‘ruining path’ per month A MAIDSTONE resident fears that sprouted from the stump. “I am not tree roots have continued to damage happy with the council. I want the his garden wall and path, even stump removed,” he said. “While though the sycamore was cut down that root is still there, I cannot even a year ago by the borough council. build a new wall. I dug down 2ft Keith Madlin noticed cracks in a under my path and the loss adjustor section of the brick wall after mov- saw there were three different ing into his house in Woolley Road roots.” three years ago. The wall is leaning Borough ward Cllr John Barned and the cracks have spread to his has taken up the matter to press for concrete garden path, which he dug a speedy settlement for Mr Madlin. THE SUMMER SALE up to prove that roots from the tree He said: “There are many problems on the other side of the wall were with large trees in this area.” ENDS BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY causing the problem. A spokesman for Maidstone Pensioner Mr Madlin asked the Council said: “The tree was re- council for cash two years ago to re- moved at the occupier’s request and Hypnos 150cm Stratus Divan Set As Above place the 12ft section of brickwork a stump left. It was explained to Mr (Headboard optional extra) and path and has refused to accept a Madlin that a small amount of re- lower figure suggested by the coun- growth from the stump was to be Cash Price £1519, deposit £439, 36 monthly payments cil’s insurance loss adjustors. expected; however, this would He said: “When I moved in, the eventually stop with continued of £30. Total payable £1519. Subject to status. tree was touching the building and mowing and the roots would not Credit subject to acceptance. the cracks were there.” continue to grow. The tree was trimmed over a “When large trees are removed number of years and was cut down the ground also needs time to settle. 01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk about a year ago, but Mr Madlin is We understand that an insurance Visit us at Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF concerned that new growth has claim is being pursued.”

Maidstone September 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Pupils ‘valued Mathew’s prize day with dogs KENT Police welcomed competition winner Mathew Holmes, from Maidstone, back to the force to spend the day with the dog unit. and respected’ After submitting the best guess in the ‘how many dog treats in the jar’ A FREE school in Maidstone with a residents that the school, which competition at the open day, controversial planning history has opened in September 2014, has Mathew (8) was given a tour and a received a glowing Ofsted report. caused parking problems, the in- soft-toy German Shepherd dog. The inspector rated Jubilee Pri- spector noted that the atmosphere in Mathew, brother Joshua and their mary School in Gatland Lane the school was harmonious and sup- family saw the police kennels and “good” overall, and “outstanding” ported by parents. took part in a game of hide and seek in the key areas of leadership, pupil “Everyone is valued and treated with police dog Keela, who quickly behaviour, early years provision and with respect and pupils love coming tracked them down. academic outcomes. to school. They are engaged in their Mathew said: “I had a magnificent Much of the praise was for former learning and demonstrate exem- time. I really liked Major and Quest, head Anne Allen and her team, with plary behaviour.” the search dogs.” comments in the report stating: The school only fell back on its Sergeant Ian Sutton said: “We were able to give Mathew and his “School leaders, governors and trust score for teaching. The inspector family an insight into what goes into training our dogs and the range of members have a clear and uncom- noted: “During the autumn term, work that dogs take part in to help people and catch criminals.” promising vision for the school that two teachers new to the school fell promotes the achievement of every below leaders’ high expectations. pupil within a caring community Prompt action was taken to ensure Involve cash for lonely OAPs based on Christian values.” pupils’ achievement did not suffer. OLDER people’s charity Involve Kent has won £409,682 from the Big Lot- The school is now led by Marilyn This variability means that teaching tery Fund, to support the isolated and vulnerable for another four years. Nadesan, its former interim assistant is good but not outstanding.” The Older People’s Service (formerly Brighter Futures) offers falls pre- head. The inspector advised the school The inspector continued: “Pupils to look for opportunities to challenge vention, befriending, mentoring, day trips and support to people over 65. flourish and thrive because they are pupils further and ensures the qual- The Older People’s Forum attracts large numbers from across Maid- extremely well looked after in a nur- ity of teaching is outstanding. stone to share information as well as representing the elderly. turing environment.  A recent planning application to Involve Older People manager Charlotte Jones said: “We are over the “Individual academic, social and expand the school to take 420 moon to have received this funding from the Big Lottery Fund to con- emotional needs are carefully iden- pupils was refused by Maidstone tinue our work with socially isolated older people in Maidstone. tified and supported and pupils council due to the lack of playing “This service is vital in an era of cuts to NHS and social care budgets make rapid progress.” fields and traffic concerns of resi- and when older people feel lonelier than ever. A trip out, lunch or a In spite of complaints from nearby dents in the Fant area. friendly face popping round to say hello makes the world of difference.” WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced We were pleased with the work Fairdeal Windows previously carried out on our porch, so we Window and door hinges went back to them for windows. We are very pleased with the windows and the installers. We and stays “ couldn't fault the work they carried out plus they left everything clean and tidy. Thanks to all Leak and draught repairs the staff too. ” Mr H. - Snodland We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating over 25 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

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6 Maidstone September 2017 Maidstone September 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Inspector agrees Local Plan MAIDSTONE’S Local Plan “is sound and capable of adoption”, according to planning inspector Robert Mellor’s final report. Mr Mellor’s 71-page summary of- schedules of the proposed modifi- at the Invicta Barracks site in Maid- the council, Keith Young said: fers little different to his interim cations and carried out sustainabil- stone. “Valuable lessons must be learned findings of a few months ago. ity appraisal of them. On Woodcut Farm, Mr Mellor from the sad mistakes they have A small reduction in housing by Under the sections for “housing states: “Modifying the policy for the ploughed on with, right up to the 800-900 homes in Maidstone Bor- need and supply”, he says “the ob- strategic employment site at Wood- final version. ough Council’s plan for 18,000 new jectively-assessed housing need is cut Farm to reduce its impact on the “All in all, a disgraceful waste of houses by 2031 is the main change. reduced and the backlog is to be ad- landscape and on heritage assets public effort and ratepayers’ money A letter from MBC’s strategic dressed over 10 years in order to whilst safeguarding office provi- that will wreak havoc on Maidstone planning department states: “The smooth the trajectory with a further sion. Modifying policy for employ- for the next 20 years and will be re- report concludes that subject to review of housing needs to form ment development in economic gretted far longer as we sink under main modifications, the Local Plan part of the intended review of the development areas in the country- a blanket of unsustainable new is sound and is capable of adop- Local Plan as set out in the submit- side and for development involving housing, largely where it is not tion.” ted plan but with a target adoption the expansion of existing rural busi- needed at prices the vast majority of The report takes in the council’s date brought forward to April nesses.” homeless or newly working families responses to Mr Mellor’s indications 2021”. On Yalding, he says: “Remove the cannot possibly afford to buy or after evidence heard at the public in- Housing allocation at New Line residential and employment alloca- rent.” quiry last year. Learning and Boughton Lane are tion at the former Syngenta Works County Cllr Gary Cooke said: “It’s Mr Mellor said the council had deleted because of traffic worries; in Yalding for reasons of flood risk a missed opportunity in the sense asked him to recommend main Lenham’s house-building is to be whilst retaining a policy to allow for that it doesn’t have at its heart an in- modifications necessary to allow the determined by the Neighbourhood other uses that can be shown to be tegrated transport strategy for a re- plan to be adopted. Following the Plan or in the Local Plan Review and compatible with that location.” lief road (for south Maidstone) at hearings, the council prepared there will be a reduction in housing Resident and long-time critic of the soonest opportunity.” Old pounds to help a hospice HEART of Kent Hospice is hoping to encourage people to donate their old £1 coins to charity before the familiar round pound ceases as legal tender on October 15. The Coins for Care campaign is asking the public to empty their piggy banks, loose change jars, and look down the backs of their sofas to support the 1,300 patients with ter- minal illnesses cared for by the Aylesford hospice each year. Chief executive Sarah Pugh said: “We depend on the public every bit as much as they do on us, that’s why we hope people will get behind the hospice and make their old £1 coins Ramblin’ fans brave the weather really count.” Supporters can donate their coins MORE than 20,000 rock fans faced at the Heart of Kent’s 14 charity heavy showers with a smile to watch bands including Saxon, shops; at the Heart of Flavour café in Festival-goers King Street, Maidstone, or by taking Extreme and ZZ Top at the controversial Ramblin’ Man Fair in came from all them into the Hospice in Aylesford. over the world There will also be official collectors Mote Park. to Mote Park in in Fremlin Walk on September 9. This was the first year the event has been held over three days Maidstone for (Friday-Sunday), with four stages the Ramblin’ Knife curfew offering back-to-back bands, Man Fair, with A MAIDSTONE man has been including Finnish country band many dressing placed under curfew for possessing Steve 'n' Seagulls. for the occasion. a knife. It is the third year the festival has Pictures: Andy Paul James Palmer (53) was sen- been staged in Maidstone. Archer tenced on July 7 at Mid Kent Magis- Music fans travelled to the event trates’ Court where he pleaded from as far afield as Freemantle in they could not get through to a Victoria Wallace, the former chief guilty to the offence. Australia, the Orkney Islands and complaints hotline specially set up executive of Leeds Castle which is a On June 16, Palmer, of St Philip’s one woman who came from to deal with noise-related problems venue for major concerts and Avenue, had a lockable knife in Glasgow specifically to see from the venue. fireworks displays. This year, early Maidstone High Street. Saturday night country headliner Walkers in the King’s Wood, near reports suggest there were fewer He was sentenced to 60 days in Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Chegworth, and residents at complaints. prison, suspended for 12 months, Organisers were forced to Harrietsham said they could hear Maidstone Borough Council with a 90-day curfew to remain at respond to complaints in 2016 the bass and drum sections clearly. leases the venue to the organisers home between 8pm and 6am daily. about excessive noise. Residents One local who complained loudly of the festival. It is set to return He must also pay £85 costs and a around Mote Park were incensed last year was Mote Park resident next year. £115 victim surcharge.

8 Maidstone September 2017 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk A Warm Welcome at Marino’s Hart Street If you pay a visit to Marino’s Fish and Chip priced at £2.99 and kids meals for £3.50 Shop in Hart Street you are assured of a including a toy and a drink. warm welcome. You will be In addition to the tasty food greeted by the friendly if not the excellent standards of familiar faces of Aggie cleanliness and top notch Michaelas and his wife Gina. customer service are enticing & CHI Having run the takeaway for new customers and bringing • FISH PS • 23 years, up until 2010, the back the regulars time and couple have now returned. time again. Serving excellent fish & chips Aggie has worked in the family Gina and Aggie love to support business for the last 7 years the local community too and to the people of Maidstone and now boasts 30 years’ offer their special ‘Blue Light experience in the fish and chip Discount’ to members of the 'BLUE LIGHT DISCOUNT' trade – he was part of the police and emergency services to Police & original Marino’s business, who – 20% off on production of a %* Emergency also have a further takeaway valid id card. Plus there is 10% OFF Services in Bearsted. discount for students too. All 20 The popular takeaway serves major credit cards are now traditional fish and chips, accepted. You will find the STUDENT %* freshly cooked to the highest standard on shop in the heart of Maidstone, opposite the OFF the premises every day using top quality Crown Courts near Lockmeadow - be sure to DISCOUNT 10 ingredients. As well as all the usual pay them a visit soon they are looking favourites you will find Senior citizens meals forward to welcoming you. •All food freshly cooked to the highest standard Find us at:- •Senior citizens meals £2.99 29 Hart Street, Maidstone ME16 8RA •Kids meals £3.50 (Opposite Maidstone Crown Court close to Lockmeadow complex) •All major credit cards accepted 01622 756181 (*On production of a valid ID card)

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Maidstone September 2017 9 News downsmail.co.uk Palace weddings Jack playing the fool A ONE-MAN play which portrays the rise to stardom of comedian Norman Wisdom after a tough and lonely childhood comes to the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, on Wednesday, September 27. are here to stay Starring Jack Lane, Wisdom of a Fool tells WORRIED brides looking to book how the slapstick comic their wedding at a “fairytale” venue perfected the routine in Maidstone have been assured which shot him to the historic building will remain stardom in the 1950s, available. with film success and the There had been fears that when hit song “Don’t Laugh At the county council’s lease on the Me” sealing his fame. Archbishop’s Palace, owned by Norman’s daughter Maidstone Borough Council. Jaqueline Wisdom said: Council, ended in 2020, civil wed- “Wearing the gump suit dings would be relocated, along delay for the Maidstone East regen- brought Dad back to life. with the coroner’s service. eration project by KCC, Maidstone It was incredibly While inquests will shift to Can- Council and Network Rail, if tenants emotional and I know tium House at the long-awaited are to move back in to more vacant Dad would be flattered Maidstone East regeneration site, buildings on the site and comes that Jack’s performances KCC has confirmed that the register weeks after a temporary car park earned him standing office will stay. was created on the Sandling Road ovations.” Shirley Sheridan, service manager improvement site. It is understood Call the box office on for KCC Registration, said: “The that four property firms are in the 01622 758611. plans for the coroner’s service to va- running to submit tenders for the cate Archbishop’s Palace have no proposed regeneration project by impact on the use of the building as September. KCC says it will be the County Register Office, so all asked to produce a viable master- Cyclist injured in fall from bike these services including weddings plan that reflects future trends for re- A MAN was seriously injured after falling from his bike near Maid- and citizenships will continue. It is tail, housing and commercial stone. The incident happened in Smiths Hill, West Farleigh, at an impressive building at the heart premises on challenging town cen- about 6.10pm on August 14 and the man was flown to a London hos- of Maidstone, parts of which date tre sites as this. Network Rail also pital by air ambulance. back to the 14th century, and is one plans to demolish the derelict pub in A police spokesman said: "The 72-year-old, who was riding a of our most popular venues for mar- St Faiths Street, known as The Vic, to black racing bike, fell onto the road and suffered severe injuries. riage ceremonies.” extend its ticket office, alongside He was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition." It does, however, suggest further other improvements.

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Maidstone September 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk Vicars join the fun at Picnic THOUSANDS flocked to the fifth Vicar’s Picnic music festival at Yalding, which kicked off with its own “rocking rev” – a set from the village priest Paul Kish and his band the Devil’s Cut Combo. As the double bass-playing cler- gyman took to the stage, the clouds parted to reveal heavenly blue skies – the start to two days of toe-tap- ping sounds, fabulous food, arts, crafts and comedy, plus activities to keep the children amused. Friday’s headline act was From the Jam, with Bruce Foxton,who was as energetic as the days when he and Paul Weller packed stadi- ums in the 1970s and ‘80s. On Saturday night, headliners The Fratellis got everyone dancing. Among the crowd enjoying the music was soap star Melanie Hill (Coronation Street’s Cathy Matthews), who was visiting friends in Yalding. Rev Paul Kish in Devil’s Cut Combo New this year was the artist’s and right, Corrie actress Melanie Hill quarter, where festival laureate Matt Chamberlain headed an im- was at the festival with friends pressive list of local poets who per- award-nominated event, attracting formed throughout the weekend. crowds of thousands? For the scores of campers, the fun “We’re proud to say that the continued in the Secret Disco, with Vicar’s Picnic is now firmly estab- FNUK, Seb Fontaine, Darren Jay lished on the festival scene. It’s and a host of other DJs. quite remarkable what can be The festival, organised by volun- achieved when a team pulls to- teers, attracted more than 3,200 gether – but it wouldn’t have been people to the sleepy Kentish village possible without the hard work of for a weekend of family fun. a committed bunch of dedicated Festival co-founder Dave King villagers and supporters.” said: “Who would have thought This year’s event was supporting that something which started with Dandelion Time, the Maidstone- a group of friends in a neighbour’s based charity which works with garden would now be a multi vulnerable children. Barming Bull Perfume thief in make-over spared prison THE Bull at Barming has reopened A WOMAN who shoplifted after a £425,000 refurbishment by beauty and electrical items worth its new owners with dozens of new more than £500 from The Mall in jobs. Maidstone and drove while dis- Stonegate Pub Company plans to qualified has been spared a transform and extend it as part of prison sentence. the major renovation which was Amie Rose-Marie Frankham due for completion by August 10. (28), was sentenced on July 5, Creating 30 new jobs, the firm 2017, at Mid Kent Magistrates’ says its commitment guarantees Court. the pub’s long-term future with the She pleaded guilty to driving deal between Stonegate and prop- while disqualified, driving with- erty owners Enterprise Inns the School hits library target out insurance and shoplifting. On August 30, 2016, Frankham, perfect solution for the venue. WATERINGBURY CE Primary School is celebrating after raising the of Eccleston Court, Maidstone, The pub will focus on premium £115,000 needed to replace its library roof and windows less than 12 stole perfume, beauty items and products including craft and cask months after launching a major capital fundraising appeal. electrical items valued at £507.42 beer, a spirits emporium and fine The school in Bow Road successfully bid for £81,000 funding from the from a shop in The Mall, Maid- wines alongside seasonal, quality Diocese of Rochester and the rest of the money was raised by the school stone. food with daily offers. The garden community, village organisations and local businesses. The cheque for On March 16, 2017, she drove a is also set for a makeover. £2,500 was handed over by the Friends of Wateringbury Primary School Ford Fiesta in Woodside Road, Simon Longbottom, Chief Execu- from fundraising events organised by parents. Maidstone, while disqualified tive for Stonegate Pub Company Plans are now being drawn up for the project, which will also include and with no insurance. said: “The acquisition of The Bull better heating ventilation, lights and furniture. It is hoped work can start Magistrates sentenced her to 60 adds another gem of a pub to our before Christmas. days in prison, suspended for 12 estate. Headteacher Chasey Crawford Usher said: “We are thrilled to have months, and ordered her to carry “We are hugely excited about the reached our target so quickly. Local businesses have supported us with out 100 hours of unpaid work in development of this pub and are substantial donations and even the children have helped with the next 12 months. She must also confident the transformation will fundraising initiatives. It’s been a real community effort. This project will pay a £120 fine, £170 costs and a be a hit with locals and visitors ensure the library continues to inspire children to love reading.” alike.” £145 victim surcharge.

12 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk News MP’s thumbs Crack leads to closure up for caring MAIDSTONE MP Helen Grant has welcomed a new “stay at home” of bridge after impact service for the elderly, admitting that she would like to live in her own home for as long as possible into her TESTON Bridge near Maidstone old age. has been shut, amid fears that a Helen praised the scheme of large section is about to crumble home-call care assistants offered by and fall into the River Medway. Bluebird Care in Maidstone. Kent Highways officials have closed the crossing after a vehicle She said: “It’s really made me hit one of the main sections. think about how I would like to be A large crack cared for in the event that I need ad- Teston Lane is now likely to be in the side of out of commission until Sunday, ditional support when I get older, as Teston Bridge, September 3, with a number of di- I would certainly want to remain in versions in place. caused when my own home for as long as possi- Motorists will be able to go via a vehicle hit ble.” Tonbridge Road, Bow Road, Maid- it, has led to Helen made her comments after stone Road, Hampstead Lane, Ben- the bridge visiting Royal Air Force veteran Ge- over Road, High Street, Yalding being closed. offrey Kellam. Hill and onto Lower Road. Diversions are The 88-year-old, who took part in The bridge is a busy crossing in place the Berlin Airlift of 1948-9, has had over the Medway from Coxheath the support of live-in care assistant and into Tunbridge Wells and News of the closure sparked an would stop 99% of unsuitable vehi- Shawlene Chance since July. Maidstone, and the closure is likely immediate response on social cles using it." Having lived in Maidstone for 60 to have major consequences for media. Maureen McNamara posted Tony Lavelle said: "It has hap- years, Geoffrey wanted to stay put, road users. on Facebook: "How did that hap- pened before. Looks like the dam- even though his family grew con- Sailing group, the River Medway pen? At Yalding, the lorries fre- age is to the parapet not the cerned after he had several falls. Boaters, was among the first to quently hit the bridge and it has to supporting arch. Maybe it wasn't Geoffrey said: “It is reassuring for draw attention to the closure. be rebuilt, but I have never heard of repaired to a good enough stan- me and my family to know that Members Tweeted: “The river is this one being clunked, was it an dard last time." someone is always here. being closed to all boats this after- impact that caused it?" In September 2016, Teston Bridge “She keeps the house clean, looks noon due to a large section of the Gareth Ve wrote: "I don't know was shut after it was hit by a vehi- after me and I enjoy the company of bridge in danger of falling into the why the local council don't put six cle, leaving a hole in the side of the having her around.” river.” feet, six inch height barriers, which structure. . YOUR COMMUNITY WEBSITE

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Maidstone September 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Drink driver’s fine and ban Brothel boss jailed for A DRUNK driver from Maidstone has been given a three-year ban and £3,000 fine. Raymond Massey was sentenced on July 4, 2017, at Medway Magis- role in sex trafficking trates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to drink driving. A MAN who trafficked women Drulia, of no fixed address, took On April 29, 2017, the 65-year- into the UK to work as prostitutes a substantial cut of their earnings Maidstone house’s old, of Perryfield Street, Maidstone, at a brothel in Maidstone has and feld the UK before he could be drove a Ford Focus in Palace Av- been jailed. arrested but was picked up trying prostitution use Maidstone Crown Court heard to cross the border between Poland enue, Maidstone, and gave a breath A BROTHEL at a house in Stagshaw how 35-year-old Romas Drulia and Germany in February 2017. test of 48mg of alcohol in 100ml of Close, Maidstone, has been closed (pictured) was investigated by He was sentenced to four and a breath. The legal limit is 35mg. down by police. Kent and Essex half years at Maidstone Crown Magistrates banned Massey from Officers raided the property on Serious Crime Court on July 31 after admitting driving for 36 months. He must Thursday, July 27, following com- Directorate two counts of human trafficking also pay a £3,000 fine, £85 costs and plaints from neighbours that it was after it became for sexual exploitation, six counts a £170 victim surcharge. being used for prostitution. clear he ran of controlling prostitution for gain Disqualification can be reduced Two women were arrested on sus- brothels in and four counts of managing a by 273 days if he completes a picion of involvement in running a Rochester, brothel for prostitution. course approved by the secretary of brothel. Gillingham, Detective Sergeant Jason Booth state, the cost of which will not ex- Police also arrested five more Chatham and said Drulia was involved in a net- ceed £250. women at an address in Lower Box- Maidstone be- work that “cruelly and unscrupu- ley Road on the same day. tween April 2013 and October lously exploited women”. A closure order under the Sexual Teen ‘pusher’ 2015. He added: “The victims were of- Offences Act 2003 has been issued POLICE have arrested a 17-year- The court heard that Drulia fered hope of a new life with better for the first time in Kent. old boy in Maidstone on suspicion worked in an organised gang, ad- prospects but instead they were Officers served a closure notice of possessing drugs with intent to vertising jobs online as a ploy to forced to illegally work as prosti- and the case was considered at supply. force victims into the sex trade. He tutes. Maidstone Magistrates’ Court the Officers stopped him in Buckland helped traffic two Lithuanian “Outside of their home coun- following day, when it was agreed Road, Maidstone and found he had women into the UK but forced tries, there was no one around to that a closure order would be drugs, believed to be heroin. them to work as prostitutes or risk support these women and that was granted. The teenager, from Thamesmead, being harmed. a vulnerability that Drulia ex- All those arrested have now been has been bailed to return to Maid- Their passports were seized and ploited for financial gain.” released from custody, pending fur- stone police station on August 29, were forced to pay rent on the The victims have now returned ther investigation. pending further enquiries. brothel they were living in. to their families. Sell your unwanted items

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KCC vision for smaller parks THE possibility of handing over including one at Blue Bell Hill. the management of smaller coun- In its strategy document, which try parks to community groups or is out for public consultation until wildlife charities is being consid- September 11, KCC says: “Some of ered by the county council. our sites have more potential than It is just one vision of the future others to deliver a quality country set out in the Kent Country Parks parks experience, deliver health Strategy, which looks at how the outcomes, increase visitor numbers county council will protect and and generate income. manage these public assets over “For example, some of the the next four years. Goals include smaller sites don’t have a car park increasing visitor numbers from or basic visitor facilities such as toi- Relationship at last year’s 1.6m, as well as off-peak lets. This doesn’t reduce their local use, through partnerships with or- importance but we feel that they ganisations, schools and health may benefit from being managed breakingbrreeaking point? service providers. by local community organisations It also wants to enhance the abil- or wildlife charities. ity of country parks to pay for “Therefore, we will consider al- The brreeakdown of anny rreelationship can be themselves, suggesting that some ternative management arrange- very distrreessing. smaller sites, with few facilities, are ments for some of our smaller not best placed to contribute as the countryside sites, with any Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you squeeze on budgets continues. changes to management arrange- through this stressful and painful time. The county council currently ments dependent on securing ap- manages nine principal sites: propriate safeguards regarding We offffer sensitive, construuctive and cost effffective Teston Bridge Country Park (pic- land management standards and tured); White Horse Wood, Thurn- continued public access to these legal advice. All our lawyersrs ararree experiencedexperienced membersmember ham; Manor Park Country Park, valued community assets. of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational West Malling; Brockhill Country “Any proposal would also be Park, Hythe; Grove Ferry Picnic subject to public consultation.” approach to rreesolving family fam problems. Site, Canterbury; Trosley Country To comment on the document go Park, Meopham; Pegwell Bay to www.kent.gov.uk/country- An initial fixed cost meetingng for just £100 (inc VVAAATT) witwith Country Park; Shorne Woods; and parksstrategy, email alternative- Lullingstone Country Park at [email protected] or call 03000 one of our lawyers can help you see your way forward Eynsford, with five smaller sites, 421553. and understand your legal position and options. Our offices are in the centrtrree of Canterburyy,, MaidstonMaidstonee Nightingales in meadows and TTeenterden so, if you wantw to take that first step to MANY thanks to reader Andrew Fletcher who took this photograph of a finding out your options simply visit our website at: nightingale singing in Marden Meadows recently. Mr Fletcher responded to a Downs www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Mail article in which Leeds residents David and Monica Wratten said they Canterbury 01227 643266 had heard the migratory songbird in their village for the first time in Maidstone 01622 698051 decades this summer. TenterdenTTeenterden 01580 767540 He said: “I was there to photo- graph the orchids and not birds, so it’s not a good shot or very close. It www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monc.whitehead-monckton.co.uk was only when I got back home that WhiteheadWhitehead MoncktonMonckton LLimitedimited (no.(no. 008366029),8366029), rregisteredegistered iinn I realised what they were. There EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. RRegisteredegistered oofficeffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, Kent,KKeent, were certainly two, and maybe, MEME14www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk14 11BL.BL. AAuthoriseduthorised aandnd rregulatedegulated bbyy tthehe SSolicitorsolicitors RRegulationegulation three of them.” Picture: Andrew Fletcher Photography AAuthorityuthority uundernder nno.o. 6608279.08279. DM2016

Maidstone September 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk Drugs charge A TEENAGER who assaulted po- Former police officer lice officers after being caught car- rying drugs in Maidstone has appeared in court. Azden Jdaa (18) admitted being in possession of cannabis in the joins hospice board High Street on June 30 and assault- ing two officers at Maidstone police A MAIDSTONE hospice has ap- year on year, to keep providing out- station. pointed former deputy chief con- standing patient care. We have many Jdaa, from Canterbury, was sen- stable of Kent Police as its supporters, but need many more, tenced by Mid Kent magistrates to chairman of its board of trustees. and we need everyone living in our 57 days in prison, suspended for 12 Jim Barker-McCardle, pictured, catchment area to know more about months. He was also ordered to has been given the role at Heart of what we do and how we are funded. Kent Hospice, in Aylesford, where I look forward to helping make that carry out 200 hours of unpaid work he has been a trustee since October happen.” in the community and pay £250 2016. Chief executive, Sarah Pugh said: compensation, £85 costs and a £115 Mr Barker-McCardle retired from “We are delighted that Jim has been victim surcharge. policing in 2013 after 31 years, dur- appointed to the role. His contribu- ing which he served as deputy chief tion to Heart of Kent Hospice has Aacker jailed constable of Kent Police, deputy been hugely appreciated since he chief executive and chief operating joined the charity last year. A 39-YEAR-OLD shoplifter who officer of the National Policing Im- “He becomes chairman at a chal- assaulted a man at a store in Maid- provement Agency and chief consta- lenging time and I am sure that his stone has been jailed. ble of Essex Police. considerable skills, experience and Daniel Graham Reed admitted His stepfather spent time at the an extraordinary and wonderful expertise will ensure he makes a theft and common assault on July hospice and Mr Barker-McCardle place. It is the most uplifting envi- positive impact on the charity, and I 14 and being in possession of am- was struck by the “caring and cheer- ronment to be in and all day, every look forward to working with him.“ phetamine in Maidstone High ful” atmosphere there. day, extraordinary people do ex- He takes up the position with im- Street on March 21. He said: “Although this was some traordinary things to help and treat mediate effect and will serve for a Medway magistrates heard that years ago, I remember thinking that extraordinary people.” term of five years. His new role Reed, of no fixed address, stole al- Heart of Kent wasn't what I imag- On being appointed as chair of opens up a trustee position, and the cohol worth £29.50 and assaulted a ined a hospice to be. It wasn't at all trustees, he added: “It is wonderful Hospice welcomes applications. man at the supermarket in Romney like a hospital and the atmosphere working with and learning from a Anyone wishing to be considered Place, Maidstone. was lovely, caring and really cheer- team of highly-skilled and dedicated for the position is invited to contact He was sentenced to 90 days in ful, which I know seems a strange colleagues and volunteers. [email protected] for further prison and ordered to pay £85 costs thing to say in the circumstances. “There are major challenges information or have an informal chat and a £115 victim surcharge. “I feel privileged to be part of such ahead, not least raising the funds, with Sarah Pugh, chief executive. PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN MAIDSTONE THIS SUMMER

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Maidstone September 2017 17 News | Health downsmail.co.uk GPs’ offer of support to pool services By Dennis Fowle opportunities for practices to work collaboratively while allowing them THE key change will concern GP to maintain their unique identities practices, which will be supported and relationships with their own pa- to “co-operate, collaborate and tients. combine” across seven “clusters”. Clusters will offer extended hours, Clustering practices is seen as crit- wider services, teams of nurses and ical to integration of out-of-hospital allied health professionals, co-ordi- care – forming a bridge between nated care, back office and estate ef- services available at individual GP ficiencies, – and support sustainable practices and those in local care hubs and resilient general practice. or hospital care. The CCG will prioritise and con- The CCG says: “Strong and re- sider investment in new premises silient general practice is the bedrock for: on which our local care plans are  existing practices where there is an being built and these are essential to identified population need; What the changes will mean serve the majority of health needs.  new practices where merger or “We will support our general population growth would support a THIS is what patients should expect right professional.  practices to co-operate, collaborate new list of more than 8,000 patients. from the changes, says the CCG, Care for you as a whole – physical and combine by encouraging prac- The CCG must meet national chaired by Dr Bob Bowes of and mental health.  tices to work together to deliver NHS targets for 2019 with urgent GP Tunbridge Wells: Regular monitoring for complex  services at scale and will support care appointments available on Joined-up services for treatment health conditions.  practice mergers where this makes weekdays from 8am to 8pm and Sat- and care at home after leaving More support from voluntary and sense for the practices and popula- urdays and Sundays at times to meet hospital when medically fit – “your charitable organisations.  tion.” population needs. own bed is the best bed”. Better access to health  The 60 West Kent practices have Currently 54 of the 60 practices in Health and social care improvement advice and services to already formed into seven clusters Maidstone and West Kent offer professionals working as a team, help improve and manage own covering: some extended hours outside the with immediate access to personal health and reduce risk of serious  Central Maidstone (7) – popula- core periods (8am-6.30pm Mondays health records (with patient illness. Surveys revealed patients tion 82,506 consent). wanted to improve their own health, to Fridays), with 11 offering week-   East Maidstone (11) – population ends. Using best technology for particularly losing weight and taking 66,116  Increasingly of late, West Kent booking appointments on line, exercise. Main barriers were: will  Weald (15) – population 46,781. practices are reporting shortages, virtual (but secure) consultations, power, lack of time and pre-existing  online assessment and diagnostic medical conditions. Malling (6) – population 64,874. with nursing capacity the greatest  These are in addition to Ton- risk. The CCG has taken a strategic systems and advice on apps to Quality hospital care when bridge, Tunbridge Wells and approach to workforce planning and monitor health. needed – and more care, treatment Timely appointments with the and support out of hospital. Sevenoaks. development with four key areas: re- The CCG says it supports greater cruit, train, refresh, retain. Community beds are staying Call to review urgent WEST Kent CCG sees not only a need to retain beds in community hospitals, but plans more to absorb growth in the next 10 years. It says: “There is strong evidence that a patient should not be and emergency care assessed for long-term health needs in an acute hospital. “Provision of a short period of more intense rehabilitation after THE NHS is pressing for redesign proach to their care, particularly some hospital admissions can significantly reduce ongoing needs of urgent and emergency care serv- emergency medical admissions to and these beds are sometimes the right place to assess care for a ices to integrate emergency depart- hospital, involving hospitals, com- patient in their own home with a suitable package of support.” ments, GP out-of-hours services, munity, primary and ambulance urgent treatment centres, the NHS services through joint service plan- Further work will define the future requirements for commu- 111 calls system and ambulance ning and sharing clinical informa- nity beds. services using shared standards tion across different agencies.” and processes. From April 2019, the NHS 111 The CCG says: “Currently the helpline will be improved, so that Finance volunteer needed urgent care system in West Kent is more patients get expert advice on complex, often fragmented with lit- the phone, avoiding travel for ap- MAIDSTONE Hospital League of Friends is looking for a volunteer tle integration between different pointments. Staff on the 111 serv- with a financial background to become its new treasurer. sectors: acute, community, primary ice will also book both GP The role requires someone with a knowledge of PAYE and pensions, care and social care; and the serv- appointments and the new urgent and skills using computer-based finance applications. ices within those sectors. It is vital treatment centres in Maidstone and The League of Friends was established in 1983, has 120 volunteers to support clinicians to work to- Tunbridge Wells hospitals and raises between £300,000 and £500,000 annually for Maidstone Hos- gether to ensure best care.” The CCG wants the urgent care pital to buy items and equipment to benefit patients. It adds: “Once patients have been system to be intuitive, helping peo- Anybody who would like more information about the role is asked to assessed as urgent, we need to en- ple to make the right decisions. get in touch with Jacqui Featherstone on 01622 224781. sure there is an integrated ap-

18 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk Health | News Hospital changes ‘evolving’ FEARS that services in Maidstone Hospital – notably A&E – could be seriously reduced under the evolving NHS sustainability and transformation plan have been allayed. Dr Bob Bowes (pictured), chair- ple not receiving hospital treat- man of the key fund-holding body, ment and who could be looked the GP-led NHS West Kent Clinical after elsewhere with the right care Commissioning Group, says there and support. will be a “clinically-led evolution”, Liaisons increase, especially with rather than dramatic change. Kent Community Health NHS The wide-reaching plan for Kent Foundation Trust, to encourage and Medway aims to provide more home or community care to pre- care outside main hospitals. This vent hospital admissions. could reduce A review will be held of services many outpa- in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, tient appoint- Medway and Darent Valley hospi- ments involving tals, with health professionals and travel to Maid- patients helping to identify serv- stone or Pem- ices that could be provided from a bury. smaller number of sites to improve Kent and standards and save funds. One re- Medway Trans- cent example is dermatology. formation Part- Another key aim of the plan is an nership (all integral improvement in mental when trauma orthopaedics, currently not against all areas it is local NHS organisations, KCC and health and support. women’s and children’s services measured. Evaluations continue Medway Council) also wants to Dr Bowes said there were serious make best use of hospital specialist were re-organised as the new Tun- and decisions are expected next financial challenges and “mone- staff (in short supply in many spe- bridge Wells Hospital opened. summer, after public consultation. tary tightness is now causing anxi- cialities) and reviews bringing The greatest uncertainty is loca- Dr Bowes quelled fears about re- ety. some services currently provided tion of three specialised larger ducing services in Maidstone’s “We will be looking to cut back at different sites together to im- stroke units between Kent’s seven A&E. He said hospital A&Es were in areas we don’t consider provide prove patient outcomes and staff acute hospitals to provide high very busy now and capacity was value for money. People talk about skills. quality 24/7 care in the first days required for an increasing and age- NHS inflation being 4%. Our NHS organisations must re-ap- after a stroke, with a target of two ing population. “Maidstone has budget for growth is only 1%. This praise all expenditure, but this is hours from stroke to clot-busting nothing to fear,” he emphasised. is particularly difficult after we unlikely to impact heavily on key treatment one of the key priorities. Another priority is to reduce have already made a series of sig- services in Maidstone Hospital, be- Maidstone’s unit is relatively pressure on Kent hospitals cur- nificant economies in recent cause of major reconfigurations new and performs well, though rently accommodating 1,000 peo- months.” Care hubs to Watchdog praise for surgery ensure access ASUTTON Valence GP surgery child take-up of flu vaccines. has been rated as outstanding by He said that the practice imple- to specialists health watchdog, the Care Qual- mented suggestions for improve- ity Commission, in its latest re- ments and made changes to the LOCAL care hubs to serve popula- port. way it delivered services as a con- tions bigger than GP clusters will be Cobtree Medical Practice, in sequence of feedback from pa- opened to ensure that a critical mass Southways, received the overall tients and from the patient of services, with interdependency, grade after an unannounced com- participation group (PPG). For ex- can be delivered on a “safe, cost-ef- prehensive inspection in June. ample, the centre had held a pub- fective and sustainable basis”. It was rated as outstanding in lic meeting about a proposed The hubs will also be used by cli- three categories for providing car- merger of practices with the sup- nicians and other professionals as re- ing, well-led and responsive serv- port of the PPG. quired by local areas including ices, and as good in two sections The practice had good facilities pathways for the vulnerable (frail, for its safe and effective services. and was well-equipped, while mental illness, long-term conditions, The report said that all of the 39 feedback from patients about dementia). One aim is to reduce out- CQC comment cards it received their care was positive and con- patient work in hospitals. were positive about the surgery, sistently better than local and na- West Kent CCG says initially it 22 used the words care or caring tional levels. There was also has worked with key health providers currently commissioned when talking about the staff and Dr Michael Heber continuity of care, with 95% of a third of the patients used terms patients seeing their GP of choice to define the characteristics, culture such as outstanding or excep- incidents with other practices on compared to the national average and environment and the potential tional to describe the practice. a regular basis,” said the report. of 59%. range of services to be delivered The CQC praised the practice Chief Inspector of General The centre, which is run by Dr from a hub. for its open culture in which all Practice, Prof Steve Field was im- Michael Heber and Sara Butler- Then it will work with a wider safety concerns raised by staff pressed with how the practice Gallie, with Dr Siu Ling Wong, range of stakeholders including and patients were highly valued worked closely with other organ- posted on its Facebook page: “We KCC and borough and district coun- as integral to learning and im- isations and with the local com- are proud to announce we have cils and the voluntary sector to iden- provement. munity in planning how services been awarded for the second tify shared opportunities between “All opportunities for learning were provided to ensure they time, outstanding. Thank you to health, social care and public health. from internal and external inci- meet patients’ needs. For exam- all our terrific team at Cobtree The aim is to use where possible dents were maximised. The prac- ple, a child-themed fun day was and especially our PPG group existing buildings easy to access by tice shared learning from safety held, which had doubled the who supported us on the day.” the public.

Maidstone September 2017 19 News downsmail.co.uk REVIEW: When art meets science Gift to a hospital ward By Dennis Fowle ART is all about imagination and learning – and the audience at Maid- was John’s dying wish stone International Arts Festival gala concert at Mote Hall had their fill. THE dying wish of a man from Maidstone shares its name with a Coxheath has been fulfilled by his crater on Mars, and the concert’s red family, with the presentation of planet theme brought together art medical equipment to Maidstone and science. Hospital. At times I felt rather spaced out John (Pete) Lewis (pictured, inset) but there were plenty of down-to- spent the final 14 weeks of his life on earth highlights I could more easily the John Day Ward before he died last September at the age of 82. associate with. Last week, his wife Ann and his This built up to a splendid finale, sons Gary and Scott presented the with an amazing colourful painting team with three drugs trolleys used by Maryleen Schiltkamp on a blank to take medication to patients. canvas, to the piano music of Reinis The family say the care Mr Lewis Zarins. And to round off, Invicta received on John Day was “second Jazz Orchestra really achieved audi- to none” and it was his father’s John’s family present staff with the drug trolleys ence participation. wish that staff should be thanked. Bruv”. After his move he com- bours. He Local talent shared the stage with Gary Lewis (53), from Coxheath, muted back into London as chief would never international dance and singing said: “Dad loved the banter with accountant for Lintas (part of let a chal- artists and dance schools (Hilton staff, we can’t thank them enough Unilever). lenge get in Hall, Essence and Jag), a choir for their support, dedication and Scott, from Headcorn, who runs his way and formed by Maidstone Singers and professionalism. Kent and Sussex Fine Foods Store would often battle through it until Mixed Blessings and the Dead Rat “John would have been delighted in Biddenden, says his father had a he succeeded; always making sure Orchestra had a chance to show their to know that we have been able to keen interest in DIY and his new it was done to perfection.” achievements. give something back to the staff store provided a much-loved proj- Neil Salmon, manager of John The contemporary dances by the that will help them each day and ect for his retirement. Day Ward, said: “We would like to Rambert Dance Company did space benefit patients, too.” He said: “Dad had two main pas- say a huge thank you to John’s fam- me out and I was more at home with John moved to Coxheath with sions: The first, without question, ily for their kindness, generosity the performances of Russian mezzo- Ann in 1994, after growing up in Is- was his family; the second, his love and support. The trolleys will make soprano Maria Gulik and Spanish lington. The eldest of three, he was of DIY, whether it be working on a huge difference on the ward, to tenor Jorge Navarro Colorado. affectionately known as “Big his own house, or helping neigh- both staff and patients.” You know when you’ve arrived

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20 Maidstone September 2017 THINNER’S A WINNER IN WORKTOPS Louise Milliken explains the benefits of Origina® for a stunning new look...

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To talk your ideas through with an interior design consultant, visit your nearest TREND Transformations showroom. TREND Transformations Find us inside Notcutts Garden Centre at Newnham Court Shopping Village Bearsted Road Maidstone ME14 5LH 01622 469541 Find us online at: trend-transformations.com/maidstone

Maidstone September 2017 21 News downsmail.co.uk Scents leave a bad smell PCSO changes leave ROGUE traders are selling fake or stolen perfume in Maidstone. Kent Police and Kent County Council Trading Standards are cover ‘spread thinly’ warning shoppers not to buy from a group of men in the town centre at lower than retail prices. THE latest changes to Maidstone’s Police Community Support Officer Inspector Rachael Cumberland, of Maidstone’s Community Sup- network has sparked fears for a community presence in the future. port Unit, said: "If something seems The introduction of specialist too good to be true, it probably is. PCSOs, with dedicated responsibil- "You may be buying stolen or ity for domestic abuse, vulnerable counterfeit goods. Buyers will often adults, youth engagement and the find that their purchase turns out to exploitation of missing children is be poor quality and this may make understood to have spread the the product unusable.” service even more thinly. Clive Phillips, KCC trading stan- An email from Kent Police to dards operations manager, said: "If parish councillors, who have long you buy an item from a stranger, expressed concerns about frequent whatever they are selling will have staff changes and the infrequency no traceability, so the goods could of officers attending their meetings, turn out to be stolen or counterfeit. read: “The changes to the policing In addition, you will probably be model means Kent Police has unable to contact the seller again if gained some specialist PCSO roles most vulnerable. To further protect you have any complaints. and these changes do leave a tem- tion of Local Councils advised him "We always advise the public to porary shortfall of PCSOs to man- the people across West Kent, from PCSOs must attend one in every purchase from a legitimate outlet." age the district demand.” September 12, PCSO posts will be- three meetings. A PCSO has not at- If you think you have been sold It is a service that has faced in- come dedicated to supporting these tended meetings in recent months. counterfeit goods, or if you suspect creasing pressure since the intro- groups. Superintendent Tim Cook said: somebody is selling fake goods, call duction of the uniformed civilian “Work is on-going to recruit “PCSOs remain at the heart of com- the Citizens Advice consumer section in 2002. In 2009, 16,814 PCSOs into any vacant roles at the munity policing and work at times helpline on 03454 04 05 06. PCSOs were employed in England earliest opportunity and where the of the day when they can provide Alternatively, report it to Action areas covered by PCSOs alter as a and Wales, but three years later, in the most effective service to the Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. result of the changes, our commu- light of budget cuts, this had public. If you suspect you have been of- nities and partner agencies will be slipped to 15,820 across a division “PCSOs will attend community fered stolen property call Kent Po- informed accordingly.” of officers representing 6.8% of all and parish council meetings when- lice on 101. police employees. Cllr Richard Ash, a former bor- ever possible, but this will be sub- Commenting on the move to cre- ough representative with Maid- Drink driver ate specialist roles, Superintendent stone council is among a growing ject to other competing operational Tim Cook, head of Kent Police’s number of parish councillors con- demands. A MAIDSTONE man was banned “If they are unable to attend, any from driving for 18 months after he Strategic Partnerships Department, cerned about “no shows” by issues can still be raised via parish admitted being drunk in charge of said: “The PCSO role is critical to PCSOs at their meetings. a vehicle and being drunk and dis- delivering a first class service to our He told fellow parish councillors council clerks, with whom the orderly. communities, particularly for the in Bearsted that the Kent Associa- PCSO has frequent contact.” Tomasz Franczak (38) was sen- tenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Discover new Court on August 9 . Owners warned after Magistrates heard that Franczak, of Dover Street, was drunk and dis- board games orderly in Angel Lane, Tonbridge. FANS of board games are invited to He was also in charge of a Mazda thefts of motorbikes ditch their Smartphones for “an vehicle and gave a breath test of evening with the experts” to redis- 105mg of alcohol in 100ml of A SPATE of motorbike thefts has were also reported to have stolen cover the latest coffee table teasers breath. The legal limit is 35mgs. prompted a warning from Kent a Honda CB125F motorcycle from at Maidstone Museum. He must carry out 150 hours of Police. Cumberland Avenue at 4.45am on The Games Night on Thursday, unpaid work and must pay £85 The force is reminding bike and Monday, August 14. They were de- August 31, follows the success of costs and an £85 victim surcharge. moped owners to park their vehi- scribed as wearing a hooded top the museum’s first games event in cles securely after reports of thefts and a black jacket. The motorbike July. Baery thefts in the south Maidstone area. was abandoned nearby. Leading board game publishers Between 8.30pm on Sunday, Au- A Sinnis Harrier moped was Thames and Kosmos are sponsor- THREE men, including one from gust 13, and 10am on Monday, Au- ing the evening, which ties in with Maidstone, were arrested and also reportedly stolen from a gust 14, a Honda WW 125 and driveway in Quarry Road between the Museum’s Game Plan: Board dozens of batteries were recovered clothing were reported stolen Games Rediscovered exhibition, by police after stopping a vehicle 2am and 2.18am. from an address at Wootton Close. which runs until October 1. on the M25 in Westerham. Inspector Rachael Cumberland, Over the same night, between Joanna Drage, from the sponsors, Patrols halted the van on Friday, of Maidstone Police’s community 9.30pm and 6am, a Yamaha Virago says the first games night at the mu- August 11, after suspecting it was 750 motorbike was reported stolen support unit, said: “I would urge seum attracted a wide audience: overweight. A number of batteries from the front garden of an ad- motorcycle and moped owners “The players varied from grandpar- were found inside, which have who cannot park in a garage or ents looking for games to play with since been linked to thefts from mo- dress in Hastings Road. Police also received a report that other building to secure their mo- their grandchildren to millennials bile phone masts in West Kent. torbikes and mopeds to an anchor mixing with middle-aged parents.” Three men, a 52-year-old from a Yamaha WR 125X had been point in the ground.” The museum will be open from 6- Maidstone, and a 33 and 31-year- stolen by two people from a front garden in Highcroft Green at Anyone who can help can call 9pm. The event is for over 18s only. old, both from Sevenoaks, were ar- Tickets are £5 per person and can be rested on suspicion of theft. 2.48am on Monday, August 14. It Kent Police on 01622 604100, quot- was later found burned out in ing reference YY/23091/17, or Kent booked online at www.maidstone- All three have been released on museum.org, or simply turn up. bail until Tuesday, September 8. Park Wood Walk. Two teenagers Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

22 Maidstone September 2017 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Award Winning Bearsted salon celebrates its 10th Year SO Hairdressing of Bearsted is celebrating its Despite its success, 10th birthday and there is certainly plenty for it continues to strive the award-winning salon to celebrate. for excellence; the Since it launched in 2007, the salon has salon continues to A warm welcome awaits continued to grow and expand and has develop and keeps marked its special anniversary year with a pace with the celebrities, as well as an amazing new product complete refurbishment this spring. The demands of its ever-growing client base. The range from America, R&Co, which is also a bespoke salon has been given a bright, fresh talented team continues to expand and the favourite with the VIPs. And it doesn’t stop and modern look, with a welcoming and salon is currently investing in providing there – for ultra-glossy hair, the new Keratin comfortable feel. ongoing education for all its staff to ensure they are up to date with all the current trends, straightening system is also available. Not only has the popular salon gone from styles and techniques, as well as state-of-the So Hairdressing continues to give a great strength to strength in the past 10 years, it has art products. education to future hairdressers and the next also scooped a whole host of accolades and 12 months will see the launch of a new in- titles, including UK Creative Colourist, and a The salon now offers more services than house training academy. finalist for the L’Oreal Colour Trophy, winning ever, including barbering with a range of the Southern Region final. men’s bespoke barbering services is available, As it celebrates 10 years at the top, So including shaving. Hairdressing is poised for even more success in With a team of top-notch stylists, So providing its customers with world class hair Hairdressing has built an enviable reputation Also among the new services on offer to give treatment. for its first-class friendly service and creativity that all-important “red carpet” look are Easilocks hair extensions, as used by the by providing a VIP treatment for every client. To experience So Hairdressing for yourself 85 Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4BS call today on 01622 739001.

Maidstone September 2017 23 LEARNING FOR LIFE National Service for career-minded teenagers

FANCY giving your CV a Bear She said: “I found the course a Grylls’ boost? Well, signing up to huge boost to my self-confidence THE NCS programme was designed and piloted in 2009 by social the National Citizen Service could and a great way to meet people of integration charity The Challenge, which remains the largest provider be just the thing. my own age; the community of the programme. It was formally announced in 2010 by then Prime It provides a unique project was a real opportunity to Minister David Cameron as part of the Big Society initiative and was opportunity for 16 and 17 year bring something of yourself to the launched officially in 2011. olds to have fun building their party.” When the scheme was launched critics expected it to be an unpopular work and social skills with fellow and unsuccessful non-military version of national service. teenagers through activities such Subsequently, however, it achieved cross-party support at as abseiling, water rafting, Westminster. kayaking and community After the 2015 election, the programme was continued under the projects. The National Citizen Service Conservative government. In October 2016, Mr Cameron, who had has been running since 2011 and resigned as Prime Minister, became chairman of the NCS Trust's is backed by the Government, patrons' board. In the 2016 Queen's Speech, it was announced that the which means it costs participants scheme would be made permanent through a National Citizen Service just £50 or less to take part, with Bill. bursaries available on a case-by- case basis and extra support for and social development, A spokesman for the scheme young people with additional including leadership, teamwork said: “Not only do participants needs. The NCS takes place outside and communication skills. have the chance to give something Jessica Roberts attended the term-time, with teens able to sign Teens spend a week at an back to their community, but the NCS in Sittingbourne and used up for the part-residential outward bound facility, and a NCS also helps with job, college her musical talents to stage a gig experience either in the spring, second week living away from and university applications. NCS for pioneering stem cell treatment summer or autumn. home, typically at local university is now recognised by UCAS and in America for a neighbour with Each programme includes halls of residence, learning how to so taking part is a sought after cystic fibrosis. experiences that focus on personal be self-sufficient. addition to any CV.”

To find out more information about NCS or to sign up to NCS visit NCSyes.co.uk or call 08001978010. Like it on facebook.com/ncs, follow it on Twitter @ncs or subscribe to NCSYes channel on YouTube.

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24 Maidstone September 2017 LEARNING FOR LIFE

Jane Holland-Roe, from Kent County Council’s Community Learning & Skills programme, bangs the drums for apprenticeships….

APPRENTICESHIP programmes Apprentices usually start by CASE STUDY have evolved since the early days taking on simple tasks and Hayley Forsdyke, who works in a of craft-based training and are no progress to more complex tasks as business administration for the NHS Clinical longer vocational training time goes on. Commissioning Group (CCG) in Ashford started programmes just for boys and At the end of the programme, her apprenticeship in January. young men. the apprentice receives a Hayley’s reasons for applying for the Many occupations now offer a certificate of completion and can apprenticeship with CCG were that she had always variety of modern apprenticeship achieve full time employment. been interested in working for the NHS, but it programmes and they are a great In general, modern meant she could learn about the organisation, way to enter in to a number of apprenticeships can take between whilst building skills and knowledge in her own well-paid occupations. one and four years to complete, role. They no longer confine depending on the level of the She said: “Apprenticeships are definitely worth themselves to the traditional programme, the apprentice's it, it’s a great way to learn and work at the same time.” areas of manufacturing and ability and the industry sector. construction but also in health For example, an Intermediate CASE STUDY care, transportation, ICT, Law, level 2 apprenticeship usually James was eager to find an engineering media and business takes around 12 to 18 months and apprenticeship as he was aware of the learning administration, as well as an advanced level 3 opportunities that it brings, more so than a full- numerous others. apprenticeship around 24 months. time job. He was originally interested in finding a In contrast to historical appren- On completion, you can mechanics apprenticeship, but his keen interest in ticeships, modern programmes continue to train for an advanced, the military attracted him to the role he saw are open to both men and women higher, or degree level advertised at the Maidstone army supplies shop and the variety of occupations has apprenticeship, or a related Lower Stone Street, Semma4. something to suit everyone. vocational qualification. The James had helped out there as part of a course a Modern apprenticeship variety of apprenticeships year earlier so was already familiar with the programmes provide both on-the- available in Kent alone is organisation and staff. job training and classroom testament to the success of the In a short time, say his employers, he had become confident and instruction, allowing apprentices current programme with many his product knowledge “immense”. to earn wages while learning a apprentices being given full time He hopes to stay on once his apprenticeship has finished. professional trade or occupational employment after completing the He added: “My friend was recently thinking about applying for an skill. training. Apprenticeship and I told him to go for it.”

Future Future Schools Schools Trust Trust

Maidstone September 2017 25 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk

Heart of Kent Hospice is encouraging people to save up their old £1 coins to donate to the charity before the familiar round pound ceases to be legal currency from 15 October 2017.

The campaign, coined Coins for Care, is asking members of the public to dig out their piggy banks and loose change jars, search their wallets and purses, and scour the backs of their sofas to help support local people with terminal illnesses.

According to the Treasury, people have already returned 800 million of the old £1 coins and by mid­July there were more new coins in circulation than old ones. Which is why Heart of Kent Hospice is encouraging people to start collecting now.

According to Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive at Heart of Kent Hospice: “£4 in every £5 we spend on caring for people with terminal illnesses comes from the generosity of our local community. We depend on them every bit as much as they do on us, that’s why we hope the public will get behind the Hospice and make their old £1 coins really count.”

Supporters will be able to save up their pounds and donate them either through one of Heart of Kent’s 14 charity shops, at Heart of Flavour Café, in Maidstone, by bringing them into the Hospice in Aylesford, or taking them to official collectors in Fremlin Walk on 9th September.

Companies can also take part by encouraging their employees to come together to start collecting up the round pounds. Whether at home or work, supporters can visit www.hokh.org for more information and to download a collection label.

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Maidstone September 2017 29 News downsmail.co.uk Local bands to join star acts Ironbu Stephen does LOCAL up-and-coming musicians are set to wow the crowds at Sep- tember’s Hops and Harvest Bou- tique Festival. the double in Spain Talented performers already signed up for the two-day family HE’S done it – endurance rider ments, the highway, his levels of event at Kent Life Heritage Farm Stephen Cooper, from Maidstone, concentration and the aching tired- Park, near Maidstone, include has completed his “perfect 10” – ness of endurance riding – all of bands who have supported the Ironbutt Rides, that is. which left him recovering seven likes of Reef, Reverend and The To the uninitiated that’s a 1,000- days later. Makers and The Frattellis. mile road trip on two wheels in 24 Stephen said: “After eight suc- The artists complement the hours. And, to draw a line under cessful trips, the challenge some- headline acts already announced, the heady challenge that has been how felt unfinished. Ten draws a with Starsailor, Toploader and in his headlight for more than five line under it, and now I’m done. Newton Faulkner all taking to the years, Stephen decided to do two “I think the Kymco will also be main stage on September 9 and 10. back to back, riding to Valencia in grateful after being a bullet-proof Kent Life’s general manager Na- Spain and back on a modest Kymco and reliable partner throughout.” talie Cox said: “We are very excited Downtown 300 scooter. In fact, it wasn’t his bike, or the about the music programme – and It turned out to be a road trip full heat in Spain, the storms in France, there will be more names to an- of challenges for the retailer host or “gate-crashing” a wedding for nounce very soon. for Jaguar Land Rover, not least the directions, that nearly caused him "Just as there are activities to atrocious weather in France and no to throw in the towel, but a faulty cater for everyone, there will be thanks to Eurotunnel, which re- zip on his jacket. music for all tastes.” neged on its offer to cover his cross- He said: “After five hours riding The Peaks, a group of 17-year- ing because it was its “busy in torrential rain I stopped to get old schoolfriends from Canter- season” (five empty carriages as his the blood back in my legs, but then bury, were invited to perform on train pulled out of Folkestone did Previous rides have seen Stephen I couldn’t do my zip up without it the Croissant Neuf Bandstand little to convince him of that). (52), from Mayfair Avenue, travel bursting open. I remember think- stage at Glastonbury this year. But, in blinding rain, he set out to European destinations including ing ‘please don’t let the cheapest Ben Russell and The Charmers, on his challenge, this time, for the Berlin, as well as beating the en- component in this whole exercise rated by Radio 1's Dave Rodigan, Whizz Kids charity. The plan was durance record set by Scomardi be the architect of my downfall’. Wake Up Leo - support to Reef, to ride 2,000 miles in 48 hours, but Scooters by a massive 160 miles in “I finally got the zip mated on the Reverend and The Makers and The a last-minute detour to avoid the 24 hours. 10th try… I’ve never breathed such Frattellis - and Contraband are all storms, and that increased that to His final double challenge turned a big sigh of relief over something on the bill, too. 2,162 miles in 53 hours. out to be a test against the ele- so previously insignificant.” Pervert jailed for Police nab drivers ‘appalling’ abuse on drink or drugs KENT Police have nabbed more and others. Getting a drink or drug A “PREDATORY” sex offender from Maidstone responsible for the sys- than 170 drivers who were under driving conviction could cost you tematic abuse of three children has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. the influence of drugs or drink. your driving licence, and perhaps Martyn Waller, pictured, repeatedly Officers arrested 171 people dur- even your job, but worse still you targeted his victims between 2000 and ing a crackdown in June. could be responsible for causing 2012, committing offences which in- The annual campaign targets someone serious injury or death. cluded rape. those “who put themselves and oth- “There is no safe amount of alco- Waller (55), formerly of Westmor- ers in danger by driving vehicles on hol to have in your system when land Road, Maidstone, was arrested on roads despite being over the legal driving, so if you plan to have an al- January 25, 2016, after allegations were limit of alcohol or after taking con- coholic drink you should make al- made to Kent Police. trolled drugs”. ternative arrangements to get An investigation revealed he had The campaign coincided with the home.” also preyed upon other children. start of the summer, when there is Kent County Council Road Safety Appearing before Maidstone Crown generally an increase in traffic pass- Team Leader Vicky Harvey said: Court, Waller pleaded guilty to nine ing through the county. “Just one drink can increase the charges including indecent assault, in- Over the month, officers across chances of having a crash, some- decency with a child, and sexual activ- Kent arrested a total of 142 people times with tragic consequences for ity with a child. for either driving or being in charge you, anyone you hit and their fami- He was sentenced on July 28 and will of a motor vehicle in excess of the be subject to a sexual harm prevention prescribed alcohol limit, and 29 for lies. Likewise with drugs – it’s not order and also placed on the sex offender's register indefinitely. being unfit to drive through drugs. just illegal but it will impair your Detective Constable Emma Crombie, of Kent Police’s Public Protection Chief Inspector Peter Steenhuis driving ability. Unit, said: “Waller is a predatory paedophile, who subjected young chil- from Kent Police’s Roads Policing “Both substances make it difficult dren to the most appalling abuse and used their fear to ensure they com- Unit (RPU) said: “I am pleased that to concentrate, to react in an emer- plied with his demands. our officers have been able to stop a gency, to perceive accurately what’s “I would like to thank the victims, who have been incredibly brave to number of irresponsible drivers going on around you and to judge come forward and give evidence against Waller. Sadly, they will no doubt from potentially causing harm on properly the best course of action to carry the mental scars of his crimes with them for a long time but I hope Kent’s roads. avoid disaster. The message is sim- they will be able to move forward from this. “Drivers should never get behind ple - if you’re driving, don’t drink “Successful convictions such as this are just one of the reasons we urge the wheel if they have had alcohol or and don’t take drugs.” anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to contact the police. It is are under the influence of controlled The summer drink and drug driv- never too late to report any sexual offence and we will always treat any drugs as they significantly increase ing campaign ran from throughout information with the utmost confidence.” the chances of harming themselves the month of June.

30 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk Litter contract |News Warden work to ‘Lier police’ contract return in-house MAIDSTONE Borough Council will in future be using its own war- dens to issue litter fines as well as ceases after TV furore tackling antisocial behaviour, street drinking, begging, dog-fouling. They will operate the MBC Pub- THE contract with Maidstone’s lit- lic Space Protection Order (PSPO) ter wardens will cease at the end of initiative and will not receive per- this month. formance bonuses. It follows a meeting with King- dom Security, a company recently A spokesman said: “We’re look- featured in a Panorama investiga- ing at new ways of enforcement tion into bonus payments that saw and the specific areas they will wardens in the town briefly sus- cover following the cessation of the pended before being allowed to re- Kingdom contract. The PSPO will turn to work. operate in conjunction with the po- Maidstone Borough Council - lice. which hired the private firm - was “In-house officers will continue blasted by critics after Downs Mail to enforce and issue FPNs for any revealed Kingdom derived most of litter and dog fouling breaches its cash by targeting smokers in until such time a decision is Maidstone. reached in terms of long term en- The statement read: “Maidstone forcement. Revenue will continue Borough Council and Kingdom Se- to be generated and re-invested curity have come to a mutual deci- with Kingdom our focus was very way which is flexible but meets the into the cleansing service. The date sion not to extend the current much on targeting littering and irre- needs of local residents. All options is to be confirmed but we anticipate contract. Kingdom Security has sponsible dog ownership. This has will be explored and that includes we will see enforcement of the been providing enforcement serv- been very successful at reducing lit- retendering for a new enforcement PSPO from September 2017. They ices in relation to littering in the bor- tering and encouraging people to contract or bringing the service in- will continue with litter and dog ough since 2011 but this will cease use litter bins and act responsibly. house.” fouling enforcement duties from at the end of this month (August).“ Our focus has to change and adapt Kingdom’s methods came under August 31 until a final decision on The decision was made following to new challenges we are seeing in close scrutiny in the BBC investiga- future enforcement. a meeting held on August 1. The the borough. Now the contract with tion and led to furious criticism “The team of in-house officers is council’s head of environment and Kingdom is coming to an end, we from locals who questioned MBC’s employed directly by MBC will not public realm, Jennifer Shepherd, will work to ensure we continue moral responsibilty for taking 50% be part of any performance related said: “When our contract began with our enforcement service in a of the fine cash. payment scheme.”

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Maidstone September 2017 31 News downsmail.co.uk Drink driver’s two-year ban Keep children busy A DRUNK who drove his Vauxhall Corsa while more than three times the legal alcohol limit for driving has been banned from the roads for at summer activities two years. Thomas Matthews was sen- tenced at West Kent Magistrates’ IF you are looking for something to get the kids out and about in the Court on August 1 2017, when he pleaded guilty to drink-driving. school holidays and into the autumn, look no further than Maidstone. On June 21 this year, the 34-year- old, of Belmont Close, Maidstone, Free sport sessions for fans of drove a Vauxhall Corsa in Belmont football, boxing, American football, Road, Maidstone, and gave a archery, cricket and gymnastics are breath test of 116mg of alcohol in on offer for boys and girls aged five 100ml of breath. The legal limit is to 18 in Tovil, Shepway, Park 35mg. Wood, and Marden. Magistrates banned Matthews Sessions are provided free of from driving for 24 months and or- charge thanks to Kent Sport, which dered him to carry out 200 hours of is backed by the county council, unpaid work in the next 12 months. and Golding Vision (the commu- He must also pay £85 costs and an nity arm of Maidstone housing as- £85 victim surcharge. sociation Golding Homes). Disqualification can be reduced Coaches and equipment come by 181 days if he satisfactorily com- courtesy of Kent Community pletes a course approved by the Cricket, Charlton Athletic Commu- secretary of state. nity Trust, Olympia Boxing, Pega- sus Gymnastics Club and American Football Development Ltd. tober 20 at venues in Maidstone opportunities for local young peo- Slavery case This is the second year the Get and over the summer holidays at ple with the activities we have to A UK and overseas investigation Active initiative has been available, The Cockpit, Cranham Square and offer. will see three stand trial in Lithua- with venues including Tovil Com- the football ground, in Pattenden “Last year, we had 504 young nia over “slave labour” allegations munity Centre in Barefreston Close; Lane, Marden. people take part in the project and relating to a company in Maid- Shepway Recreation Ground, Nicola File, sports projects officer its activities and this year we stone. Cumberland Avenue; Heather for Kent Sport, said the programme reckon we are on course to match, if It follows an investigation by House, Bicknor Road; Pegasus was now in its second year and was not better, those numbers. All the Lithuanian authorities, supported Gymnastics Club, Farleigh Hill; likely to increase its participant activities are completely free.” by Kent Police, into the alleged traf- and Park Wood Recreation numbers this year on 2016. For more on what’s available, ficking and exploitation of men Ground. She added: “The scheme is essen- visit www.facebook.com/GetAc- who worked as chicken-catchers Sessions run from now until Oc- tially there to provide more local tiveGolding or call 07872 417912. for a Kent-based company. Kent Police carried out a warrant at a property in Maidstone in Octo- Libraries seing ber 2012 in partnership with the Gangmaster Licensing Authority book challenge and UK Human Trafficking Centre CHILDREN are invited to solve a (UKHTC) and identified more than mystery by turning the pages of a 30 men as potential victims. confidential crime file this summer A man and woman from the at Kent’s libraries. Maidstone area, both aged in their It is all part of the Summer Read- 50s, who ran the business are now ing Challenge, for children aged to stand trial, along with a 53-year- Care home plan approved four to 11, promoted by the na- old Lithuanian man. PERMISSION has been given for development jigsaw on the Kent tional Reading Agency. A date for the trial at Klaipeda work to start on another £10m Medical Campus, that has already Youngsters who visit a Kent li- Regional Court has still to be set. health care development on a large received outline approval from commercial site off the M20 in Maidstone Council. brary will receive a folder, which Maidstone. Access to the building, to the introduces the mystery and the An- Beerling guilty The borough council has right of the main site, will be via a imal Agents trying to solve it. A MAIDSTONE man who stole al- approved details for a 75-bed care new £1.5m road called Gidds Pond The challenge runs until Septem- most £1,000 from his employers has home, with facilities for step-down Way, which was opened by the ber 16, with the answers there to been spared prison. patients leaving hospital but not Mayor of Maidstone on August 9. claim by reading half-a-dozen Peter Mark Beerling was sen- ready to return home. This will also serve the new £18m books, for which your child re- tenced on August 3, 2017, at Mid The 4,200sqm building (see Cygnet Health Care development ceives a sticker, for their Animal Kent Magistrates’ Court where he artist’s impression above) will form currently taking shape, and links to Agents folder, to solve the mystery. had pleaded not guilty to a charge the latest part of the 98,000sqm the New Cut Road roundabout. Successful literary detectives re- of theft by an employee. ceive a certificate and a medal But Beerling was convicted of the (while stocks last). Other Animal offence by magistrates. Agents’ themed incentives and ac- Between March 2 and 8, 2017, the Shoplifter jailed by magistrates tivities will be running at Kent li- braries across the summer. 37-year-old, of Cowden Road, A SERIAL shoplifter who targeted businesses in and around Maid- Maidstone, stole £969.80 from his stone has been sent to prison. Lindsay Prestage, from KCC’s li- employer. Daniel Elliott James Cook (25) was sentenced on August 3, 2017, at braries, said: “The summer reading Magistrates sentenced him to 20 Medway Magistrates’ Court where he admitted seven counts of challenge gets three-quarters-of-a- days in prison, suspended for 12 shoplifting from stores in East Malling, West Malling, Ditton, Bor- million children into libraries, months, and ordered him to carry ough Green and Maidstone. nearly 18,000, last year from Kent, out 200 hours of unpaid work in the Magistrates sentenced Cook to 196 days in prison. He must also pay and we hope to beat that.” next 12 months. He must also pay £934 compensation. Details at www.animal- £729 compensation and £125 costs. agents.org.uk

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Maidstone September 2017 33 News downsmail.co.uk Kent’s award for helping forces SUPPORT for former soldiers and reservists in Kent is among the best in the country – earning the county council an award from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The Employers’ Recognition Sil- ver Award comes just six months after Kent County Council (KCC) earned the MOD’s bronze award for its efforts to meet the specific needs of ex-service personnel. KCC’s Armed Forces Champion is county councillor Richard Long, who is a reservist himself. He says he is delighted by the recognition, adding: “We are one of the largest employers in Kent and a very mili- tary friendly employer, strongly supporting the employment of serv- ice leavers and veterans, with plans KCC’s Armed Forces Champion Richard Long (third right) with KCC chairman David Brazier (centre) and guests at a to develop further positive recruit- celebration event for reservists ment support to service spouses and personnel and gives help with civilian-military liaison adviser, really helped in finding schools of partners.” school admissions, employment, said: “Having seen the links with their choice and our veterans are Kent County Council signed the health and housing. the military in Kent grow closer and treated with respect in recognition Kent Armed Forces Community Cllr Long said: “Kent has not just closer, it is no wonder the MOD for the sacrifices they made over the Covenant in 2011 and offers 10 days signed the covenant but has actively deemed us a worthy silver award years to keep Britain and Kent, in paid leave to its reservist staff. It also sought and found ways to make it a recipient. Our reservist policy is sec- particular, safe and free.” works with Royal British Legion In- reality in Kent.” ond to none and one of the most The award will be presented on dustries to employ disabled military Canon Peter Bruinvels, KCC’s generous. Our service children are HMS Victory on September 6. Beer and cider festival is back Baby box plan for safer sleeping CAMRA’s East Malling Beer and PARENTS using Maidstone Hospital Cider Festival will be held on Satur- Birth Centre are to benefit from an day, September 2. initiative born in Finland and cred- The eighth on home turf for the ited with reducing child deaths. Maidstone and Mid-Kent branch, Free Baby Boxes, which double as the one-day event will take place in an infant sleeping space and contain the grounds of East Malling Re- information and products for fami- search, the world-famous horticul- lies, are being given out by Maid- tural research centre. stone NHS Trust as part of a drive to The festival is renowned for show- encourage mums and dads to link casing local microbreweries and up early with maternity services. cider producers, as well as brews The Baby Box tradition has been from around the UK. credited with supporting safer sleep- Event organiser Jeff Tucker said: ing for new arrivals and reducing in- “The response since we revived the fant mortality in Finland to 2.26 per Festival at East Malling Research has 1,000 births (2015). The UK’s infant been fantastic, and we think we have mortality rate stands at 4.19 deaths per 1,000. Mum Audrey Antione-Hart and baby Luisa-Rose with midwife Emily Stew- the perfect venue.“ ard (centre) and mum Leigh Taylor and baby Dasie Freeman The event opens at 11am and runs The Baby Box comes with a foam until 7pm. Admission is £5 and free mattress, mattress cover and a cot- plete a childcare education pro- vironment for babies as well as for CAMRA members. ton sheet, and is traditionally used gramme at www.babyboxuniver- knowledge and reassurance for new as a baby’s bed for the first months sity.com. parents. of their life, replacing the need for a Jenny Cleary, head of Midwifery “Baby Box is an established and Burglary case traditional Moses basket or cot. and Women’s Health at Maidstone successful programme which I am A33-YEAR-OLD manhasbeenac- To receive a free Baby Box, ex- NHS Trust, said, “We welcome any sure many of our local parents will cused of four burglaries. pecting parents will need to com- initiative which promotes a safer en- be delighted to benefit from.” Ambrose Treeby, of no fixed ad- dress, has been charged with the of- fences in 2016 at Barden Road, Keep cool at ice cream festival Tonbridge, on August 17 and Sep- LOVERS of ice-cream are in for a Providing the entertainment tember 6; Shrubcote, Tenterden, on treat this coming Bank Holiday will be The Boogie Woogie Gals – August 15 and Woodlands Road, Monday (August 28) when the a close-harmony group songs from Ditton, on September 1. popular Ice Cream Festival returns the 1940s and 1950s. He was also charged with two at- to the Kent Life Heritage Farm Kent Life’s favourite activities, tempted burglaries in 2016 at Wood- Park at Sandling. including the vintage village, lands Road, Ditton, on August 7 and Treats including Kent’s Simply Cuddle Corner, Paint-a-Pot studio, Northiam Road, Rye, on August 15, Ice Cream, a handmade ice cream play areas and opportunities to and fraud using a stolen bank card using local ingredients, and feed the animals will also be avail- in Tenterden on August 15, 2016. Kelly’s of Cornwall, known for its able to visitors from 10am to 6pm Treeby is due to appear before clotted cream range, will be (last entry 5pm). Maidstone Crown Court on August among the vendors, chocolatiers Tickets are available in advance 29. and sweet stalls. at www.kentlife.org.uk.

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Maidstone September 2017 35 downsmail.co.uk

Henry Beerling shop, which is now the home of Angels Road, Chart Suon, made local headlines Obituaries Funeral Directors. when he was carried on his final journey in HENRY Beerling (89) lived in Loose from After leaving the shop, Evelyn returned to the bucket of a JCB digger. 1964 until this year. Siingbourne. Amongst the tributes paid to Tony had planned the event himself after He worked across the local area as a sales Evelyn, her husband has noted her kind and being diagnosed with stomach cancer and representative for Brooke Bond Oxo and in caring nature. worked out the details with his son, Roger. the motor industry Evelyn leaves her husband, children and Tony’s passion for large machinery led him moving on to grandchildren Tia, Adam and Ramasan. to spend his working life from the age of 15 managing Importers, a working in plant and he had been specialist coffee surrounded by the same trappings that business located in Eugenie “Jenny” Marsh made his funeral such a unique event. Market Buildings, Carried into Vinters Park crematorium in Maidstone. THE death has been announced of Eugenie “Jenny” Marsh (90) formerly of Furfield the bucket of a machine lent by Diggerland He finished his in Medway, Tony’s coffin was escorted by working life working in Close, Maidstone. Jenny who died at the Pilgrims Way Nursing Home leaves a friends wearing hi-vis jackets bearing the the wine department of words “Tony Law’s Last Ride.” Waitrose in Allington. daughter, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Tony, whose wife Barb died 10 years ago, Henry was born in Fulham, London and leaves two children, seven step-children, lived in that area and in Wimbledon before grandchildren and great-grandchildren. moving to Loose. With his wife of 52 years, Sylvia, he brought up his daughters Linda Doug Cope and Wendy. THE death has been announced in Kintyre John Gower QC Daughter Wendy said; “When my father Argyll, Scotland of Douglas “Doug” Cope moved locally he was able to continue (68) a former resident of Beechwood Road, JOHN Gower QC (91) sat at Maidstone working for Brooke Bond Oxo which moved Maidstone. The death announcement Crown Court and was known for his him to local territory in his sales work and described him as a “Beloved husband and compassion and humanity. he covered the area all around Maidstone. son, loving father and granpa, much loved After a career in the Royal Signals, he was His previous employment had included brother, dear uncle and good friend.” called to the bar in 1948 and served as a QC time in the RAF and as a London bus driver. from 1967, starting his work as a circuit My father could always see the lighter side judge in 1972. of life and loved talking to people and David Woolfries After ten years in East Sussex John worked having a joke. He and my mother took up locally and sat as a deputy judge for three DAVID Woolfries (77), of Union Street, was years after 21 years as a judge. He became ballroom dancing in their 50s and bowling known locally for the five years he spent after my father retired. He played at Clare known for a distinctive opening remark fighting for compensation from Maidstone when passing sentence: “Now is the time for Park on the Tonbridge Road and played Borough Council after his step-daughter, short mat bowls in Park Wood. After he was you to be punished.” Julia Knight, slipped and fractured her arm His son Peter sits as a judge in Croydon. widowed, my father met Maureen and after misjudging the step down from the enjoyed a loving friendship with her until kerb at a bus stop on King Street, Maidstone. the end of his life.” The event occurred after changes to the Doug Taylor In his younger days, Henry had been an kerbs and road lay-out in the area and David active supporter of Fulham FC and Woolfries’ claims about the lack of safety in THE death has been announced of Doug continued as an armchair fan to the end of the materials used and the re-design of the Taylor (72) of Loose. Doug was born and his life. He leaves his daughters, area were at the centre of arguments. brought up in Maidstone and moved to grandchildren Oliver, Fay and Craig. David took up the case because Julia has Loose in his teens. His eulogy noted he “considered himself profound learning difficulties. During the After working as a clockmaker for fortunate these last five years to spend time he spent campaigning and fighting for Norman Carter’s on precious times with a steady trickle of great compensation, there were significant Week Street, Doug grandchildren Oscar, Charlie, Leah, Chloe, changes, including the painting of yellow worked in Isabelle and Sophie.” lines and the replacement of a granite lay-by telecommunications with asphalt. and civil engineering, David worked as a draughtsman and was for the GPO (later Evelyn Edwards married to Julia’s mother ,Edna. British Telecom). He THE death has been announced of former He died suddenly, shortly after giving oversaw the Coxheath shop manageress Evelyn Edwards evidence in the case against Maidstone development of their (68). Borough Council and before a verdict was infrastructure Born in Siingbourne as Evelyn Austin, returned. His work in the case is likely to be throughout the area. she married Trevor Edwards and was taken over by a friend. Doug was married to Pauline for 50 years mother to Gemma and Gary. and was father to Mark and Jade. Mark said: Evelyn lived and worked in Coxheath “Dad had a great deal of enjoyment from the from 1998 to 2007, managing The Paper Tony Law many interests in his life and was certainly Shop on Heath Road. She lived above the one of life’s doers. He had a life-long THE funeral of Tony Law (64) of Chart Hill involvement with the Loose Swiss Scouts, which he joined as a boy and was still fundraising for them to the end of his life. “He had an allotment in Loose and loved Camrass Wills spending time there, especially the social Advice you can trust side of being an allotment holder. Throughout his life Dad combined his practical skill with a natural artistic ability, Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? he was always making and fixing things and Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? was a prolific artist. “We’ve had contact with people from all • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed parts of his life and there have been many tributes paid online.” For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS MSWW In one tribute paid on the site, former colleague Gary Fincham said: “Great guy, it 01622 720985 was a pleasure to know you.” www.camrasswills.co.uk Doug leaves his wife, children and grandchildren Callum and James.

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

36 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk

Loose deputy clerk had directed the parishioner response by round robin. Councils Parish back to the council’s noise enforcement. Brooks Field There was a potential risk Vice-chairman Charlie Hollister was SMART There were about 25 volunteers with barbecues being used on Brooks Field. proposed, seconded and accepted as vice- for the Speedwatch scheme. With training There had also been a complaint about the chairman. and obtaining the necessary equipment it broken gate and the amount of lier being Police report The PCSO was unable to be was hoped the scheme would be up and left. It was agreed to erect temporary signs at the meeting but sent a list of reported running by September. on the gates to state “No Barbecues” and crimes. The deputy clerk said filming had Logo design The designer had come to the asking visitors to take their lier home, and been seen in the play area, which had been area to seek inspiration but had not yet got to look into the cost of permanent signs reported to the PCSO, along with the back with any designs. regarding restrictions. registration numbers of cars involved, by a Defibrillator There was concern about member of the public. Criminal damage having the defibrillators in the telephone Tovil was reported to the fencing in the car park box, including insurance, misuse and of the King George V playing field. The where English is a second language for Bench It was agreed to donate £36 towards youths had been caught on CCTV and this some users. It was agreed to buy a the cost of a bench for the YMCA Pre- had been reported to the police. A child on defibrillator for the telephone box. If it School. crutches had been knocked over by a dog could not be bought from this year’s Planters A letter had been received from a (not on a lead) on the playing field. budget, £500 would be put on the precept resident congratulating the council on the Southern Water An email had been for next year. Mick Abbott would see if he beautiful flower displays. received from Southern Water saying that could get an NHS defibrillator at a reduced Newsletter Cllrs Abigail and Susan Hogg no further works were planned. It was rate. A defibrillator sign would be put on presented a draft newsletter. Advertising agreed to write to Southern Water and the phone box at a cost of about £20 plus charges were agreed at £25, £20 and £15, request a summary of work completed VAT. McAlpine Trust would be contacted depending on the size of the over the last five years. to see if they were able to make a advertisement. Printing costs were £90. Busbridge Road White lines had been put contribution. Memorial It was agreed not to erect a down in Busbridge Road and a member of Right of way The planning committee memorial to the man who died at the public felt that motorists would steer updated the parish council on information Crisbrook Meadow. clear of the lines and erode his property. It received about the state of the footpath at Foliage It was agreed that the foliage was agreed to email him to say there was Walnut Tree Lane and Copper Tree Court overhanging the right of way from nothing the council could do as this had and issues regarding concrete retaining Newchurch Road onwards was not enough been sanctioned by Highway Services. walls and barbed wire. The path had been of a problem to warrant parish council Rockin Robin A complaint had been viewed and there were no blockages. The action. Dennis Usmar, of the Valley received about the noise from Rockin committee had agreed to look at permitted Conservation Society, offered to cut back Robin in Campfield Farm, Haste Hill. The development rights and would decide a the overgrowth where necessary.

AN entrance gate to the church in Week reports Crime Street was damaged. A vehicle parked in a car park in Hubert Neighbourhood Watch Water Drive was broken into. A house was broken into in Cooling Close. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Enquiries were ongoing. A secured Yamaha bike was taken in Wheeler Street. A Ford Transit parked in Old Loose Hill In Northumberland Road, a vehicle A property was broken into in Milton was broken into and tools were stolen. parked in the road was broken into and a set Street and a handbag and keys were stolen. Keys were stolen when a house was bro- of scales stolen. The keys were used to steal a Mini Cooper ken into in Linton Road and a VW Golf A drill was stolen after a Ford Transit ve- from the address. LD55*** was taken. hicle parked in a driveway in Oaktree Av- In Salisbury Road, two men were seen In Perryfield Street, a vehicle parked in the enue was broken into. breaking into a parked Ford Transit van and road had its number plate stolen. A Ford S-Max parked in Oxford Road was stealing tools. One was described as about 6ft A vehicle was taken from James Whatman keyed. tall, of slim build with short dark hair. They Way but was later recovered. A Ford Transit parked in Jenkins Drive left in a silver Vauxhall Astra. Both number plates were stolen from an was interfered with. There was an attempt to Someone tried to break into a vehicle Alfa Romeo saloon parked in Woodland force the lock on the driver’s door. parked in the road in Milton Street. Way. A window was smashed in Regent Close. A house in Claremont Road was broken Power tools were stolen from a property A window was smashed at a property in into. Car keys were taken and a Vauxhall being renovated in Cripple Street. Carlton Gardens. Corsa and other property were stolen. Two bay trees were stolen from a garden in Two men entered a supermarket in Damage was caused outside a store in Mill Lane, Tovil. Northumberland Road. One distracted staff Barker Road. Plants were scattered about A house in Thornhill Place was broken while the other stole a quantity of cigarettes. and other items were moved. into and a Samsung mobile phone was taken. They then ran off without paying. They are A vehicle parked in Heath Road was The interior of a vehicle parked in Radnor both described as about 30, short with keyed. Close was smashed after it was broken into medium length dark brown hair. In Tonbridge Road, a cycle was stolen and a radio and sat nav were damaged. A garage was broken into in Runnymede from a communal area of a property. In Chatham Road, there was an attempt to Gardens. A vehicle parked in Tonbridge Road was break into three vehicles parked on a drive- A BMW parked in Hubble Drive was broken into. The offender was disturbed and way. keyed. ran off. A vehicle parked in Dickens Road was A garden in Westmoreland Green was en- A Peugeot RCZ was keyed while it was broken into. Access was gained by the rear tered and two lurchers were stolen. parked in a car park in Upper Stone Street. doors and items were removed. Three Peugeot cars parked in a dealer- Someone broke into a vehicle parked in the CCTV & ALARM ship’s yard in Mill Street were vandalised, road in The Hedges. It was damaged but SPECIALISTS damaging paintwork, tyres and fittings. nothing was stolen. A Ford Fiesta was keyed in a car park at A window in Egerton Road was damaged, FREE consulation: Palace Avenue. possibly due to an object hitting it. 0800 281 249 Someone broke into a building site in In Forest Hill, someone attempted to break Melville Road. into a property under renovation. The in- [email protected] Pots were stolen when a garden was bro- truders were disturbed by the alarm being www.brooksecurity.com ken into in Old Loose Hill. activated.

Maidstone September 2017 37 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Contact our sales team…

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

Appliance Repairs Carpenters

ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE Business Directory A.H.B.S Carpentry with fully qualified engineer Advertise from as little as All makes of washing machines, All aspects of CARPENTRY fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, £3.00 Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. per month Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, Plastering and Tiling. All work guaranteed. All work guaranteed Call 01622 630330 or visit FREE ESTIMATES Family business established 21 years Free estimates and call out our website for more details 01622 673113 31, Sheppey Road, Anytime: 07831 557677 www.downsmail.co.uk 01622 743648 Mob: 07711 291921 Loose, Maidstone Bathroom Installers Wood Works FULL CARPENTRY SERVICE The complete Bathroom FROM DECKING TO DOORS, Maintenance Company KITCHENS & FLOORS. ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD IN AND AROUND THE HOME Supply • Install • Repair CALL Cliff on 07940 854927 Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Chimney Maintenance Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED Clean Sweep Brush & vacuum Building Plans Wood burners and flues supplied and fitted All work insured All work certified to cover insurance Pest control available Camera inspections available Weddings attended We accept payment by Member of the ICS HETAS approved Building Services Contact Kevin Bovis MD Building & Services 01622 844385 Specialists in • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) 07885 651578 • Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations [email protected] • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving FULLY INSURED Tel: Mark 07841 409061 email: [email protected] ( Call our sales team now - 01622 630 330 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

38 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk Classified

Chimney Maintenance cont. Cleaning Services Fencing continued

ALL TYPES – "WE CLEAN REPAIR/RENEW Est. 25 YEARS Follow OVENS!" FREE ESTIMATES H & G Chimney Services Using van mounted cleaning tanks, us on Chimney sweeping service your oven hob and extractor is 01622 232860 07931 368710 Long established cleaned to showroom shine without www.iwallondfencingcontractors.co.uk ICS registered • All types of flu smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of All pots-cowls supplied & fitted delighted local customers. Complete re-builds Re-pointing Oven cleaning from just £49 Guttering, roof & valley repairs Please call James on 01622 739439 07860 318166 01622 616168 David Matthews [email protected] www.ovenwizards.com Fencing • Free estimates & friendly advice • All types of fencing at Computing Services competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected • You talk directly to David at all stages for your fencing www.wrightsfencing.co.uk • Go on, give him a call on Phone: 01622 755342 No1 Locally Since 1996 Mobile: 07749 202140

Garden Services ARBOUR BRANCHING OUT TREE SURGERY ‘Trust your local experts’ TREE & LANDSCAPES All Aspects of Tree Work Driveway Services All aspects of tree work, all hedges Felling • Pruning & shrubs shaped & pruned. Hedge Cutting Fencing. Turfing. All gardening work. LANDWAY SURFACING Stump Grinding PROMPT SERVICE Fully Insured and Qualified FREE ESTIMATES Free No Obligation Written Quotation 01622 759119 07771 970570 01622 880218 www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk 07796 772020 Complete Garden Maintenance • Grass cutting, from field to a garden •Hedge cutting • Weed control Fully Insured Free Quotes • Japanese Knotweed treatment Tel 01622 206431 • Fencing • Rubbish removal Mob 07932 752875 • Hedge & tree reduction • Turfing www.boatmanlandscapes.com • CRB Checked

Tree Surgery TREE CARE Stump Electricians Grinding Contact Tom Hedge ELECTRICIAN J Norris Electrical Contractor Cutting ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL All aspects of • Part P T: 01622 206431 Pruning domestic electrical For all your electrical needs certification M: 07812 921748 Fencing work undertaken provided by a trusted and Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates • All work NIC Free Bark NICEIC qualified E:[email protected] Mulsh Part P registered electrician with 20 approved and CRB checked, Checkatrade approved Free Estimates, Friendly Service years experience. certified Fully insured, 25yrs Experience - Free no obligation quotes 0$,'6721( 20% Call Steve 01622 747257 - No job too large or small discount* Tel: 07966 511408 /$1'6&$3(6 on production of this advert Mobile 07985 474176 Tel: 01634 920598 * not to be used in conjunction with any other Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA E-mail: [email protected] 3523(57< offers 6(59,&(6/WG LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, Fencing Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance, Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etc BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, Fence me in & alot more Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc All types of Fencing & Gates FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE Installed & Repairs All our editions are Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. avilable to view online E: [email protected] Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. www.downsmail.co.uk www.maidstonelandscapes.com LOOK: Please check our reviews and other Call Colin on 07521 companies you may use at www.uktc.org 377306 or 01622 853978 Established 1990 Director: M Potter

Maidstone September 2017 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk Garden Services continued Plumbing & Heating EPIC NO JOB TOO Chris Bourne Plumbing Services LANDSCAPES BIG OR SMALL Telsons Plumbing making water work Heating Wall & Floor • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground No call Plumbing maintenance Plumbing Tiling out Charge • Patios • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Water Features New bathroom suites Complete 25yrs experience Free no Central heating systems Bathrooms • Clearance • Driveways obligation Quotation Water leak repairs 01622 747272 / For a free site survey call: Call Luke on 07934 832345/ 07885 950959 01622 527106 07788 532926 Larkrise, Green Lane, 01622 757513 Boughton Monchelsea. Handyman Services Handyman Handy Man Gavin Francis No job too small Central Heating Installations ex British Gas Electrical Work (17th Edition) • New Boilers Competitive prices Internal + External Painting •Painting & Decorating • Plastering • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Tiling • Fencing Flat Pack Furniture • Burst pipes & leaks • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing All DIY Tasks Undertaken • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber General Household Maintenance. Free Quotes • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Any odd jobs considered No Job too Small • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 Phone Lee for quotes & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 07894 138224 01622 204491 Call Ady on 07879 498934 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH Day Evenings or to leave a message NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] Fully insured 01622 730784

Painting & Decorating • All plumbing work undertaken LEE Hughes • Complete bathroom & kitchen installations PAINTING & DECORATING • Quality Decorating at a - Inclusive of tiling Power SERVICES fair & competitive price BLAIZE SERVICES LTD & alterations flushing of Interior & Exterior Work PLUMBING I HEATING I BATHROOMS • Dulux approved over • Free estimates heating Undertaken systems 30 years experience For an immediate OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE • All work carried from £350 • Fully insured response Call James City & Guild Qualified out by qualified Tel: 01622 759040 Tel: 01622 737225 07581 154499 tradesman Mobile: 07816 149502 [email protected] www.sr-interiors.com email: [email protected] Keith Richards MALCOLM ROBERTS NO CALL OUT CHARGE Painter & Decorator Over 25 years’ experience of Interior & Exterior maintaining people’s homes. & FREE QUOTES Free Estimates A friendly, reliable service. Painting & decorating, For all your plumbing needs Tel: 01622 728789 Wall Papering, Tiling General Repairs • New Taps Mob: 07714 092295 and all aspects of DIY. PLUMBING Over 25yrs experience CALL MALCOLM • Toilet & Cistern Repairs ON 01634 308067 Fully insured Mob: 07788 142576 Bath & Shower Installation FOR A FREE QUOTATION • Leaks & Fault Finding Rathbone Decorating Services Call Gary 07738 902116 Painting & Decorating No job too small 01622 736266 Interior & Exterior with special rates Works Undertaken for pensioners • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman Roofing Services Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 COMPLETE Plastering Services ROOFING SERVICE Business Directory I B Plastering D K PLASTERING •Full Roof Installation •Tiling & Slate Roofing Advertise from as little as Free No Obligation Quote All plastering work carried out •uPVC Fascias & Soffits •Chimney Repointing or Removal £3.00 Reliable Service, No Job To Small, • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • per month Fully Insured •Roofing Repairs & Maintenance FREE Quotes www.apolloroofing.co.uk Call 01622 630330 or visit Call Ian on: our website for more details Mob 07752175135 Email: [email protected] 07808 414965 www.downsmail.co.uk Tel:01622 843530 Call David 01622 728494 or 01622 853601 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07974 891795 for a free, no obligation quote

40 Maidstone September 2017 Classified downsmail.co.uk Roofing Services continued Skip Hire continued P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFING Extensions, renovations, roofing, BMP SKIP HIRE loft conversions & alterations Call Paul on 01634 865213 2/3/4 & 6 YARD 07748185920 • SAME DAY SERVICE All work carries an Insurance Backed Guarantee E.A. REG • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE E: [email protected] • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.uk 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill Chatham, Kent ME5 9RD 01622 858887 07870 680 979

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3-4 Yard Mini Skips 6-8 Yard Builder’s Skips 12-16 Yard Large Skips Road Permits arranged Grab Hire Available Rolon / Rolof 20-40 yds We accept Call the Recycling Team WE DO SAME 01622 962042 DAY DELIVERY See our website for FAQs www.adsskiphire.co.uk 90% of all waste handled by ADS is recycled.

TV Aerials, Satellites Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive PAUL MILL Television Ltd PINBINS 01622 751000 Est. 1981 • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens Commercial and domestic • Freeview play • Catch Up & On Demand BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD n 1-14 day hire n Council approved • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation n n • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial, dish installation service Same day delivery Tipped at our site TV wall mounting service. n 2-4 yard mini skips n 70% waste recycled Please phone us for free friendly advice today n 6-20 yard skips n Crushed concrete Bower Place Maidstone ME16 8BG www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service n Roll-on, roll-offs n Top soil Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm Grab hire also available Upholstery and Furnishings

NEW SITE NOW OPEN BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS Detling • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired Aerodrome • 3 piece suites individually made to order Maidstone • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery • Antique restoration Freephone (01622) 863069 [email protected] 0800 028 49 00 Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone

Maidstone September 2017 41 Classified downsmail.co.uk Upholstery and Furnishings continued Water Services

STYLES AVAILABLE: ROLLER CLASSIC VERTICALS ALI VENETIAN BLINDS ROMAN WOODEN VENETIAN Simple. Easy. Classic FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE, FREE QUOTES, HIGH QUALITY, WIDE RANGE, EXCELLENT VALUE, ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS ALL WINDOW BLINDS FULLY GUARANTEED www.ClassicsBlindsAshford.co.uk 01622 730572 SERVICED • SALES & SERVICE Waste Services • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS •FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS D. BODY LTD Waste Collection ALL OTHER MAKES SERVICED

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The largest independently owned liquid waste management company in the UK 01622 880840 Window Services Blocked drain clearance MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning CCTV drain & sewer surveys • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service

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42 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk Classified Window Services continued Recruitment Continued www.collins-windows.com GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, VACANCY DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES Accounts Assistant An opportunity has become available to work for a local well­ established family owned company, which specialise in liquid waste management. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to learn new skills alongside their strong account skills set. This position will suit an experienced accounts assistant who would like to develop their role with client contact and be happy to learn new skills. Along with the rest of the team you will be responsible for: • Chasing money from clients • Sending Statements • Dealing with invoice queries • Answering phone calls for the company The ideal candidate will have previous accounts experience gained within the office environment and have the ability to communicate well with people of all levels. You will need to be: • Computer literate • Honest & motivated • Strong accounts administration & communication skills • Customer focused • Well organized with excellent attention to detail Health & Beauty • Own Transport essential To be considered for this position & for more information, Foot Health Professional - Katherine Morton MCFHP MAFHP please send your CV to [email protected] Registered member of The British Association of Foot Health Professional Visiting Practice - Nail cutting and filing, corn and callus removal, fungal nail infections, verrucas and ingrowing toe nails D.BODY LTD THE PADDOCK, DETLING HILL, MAIDSTONE ME14 3JG Mobile: 07960 072999 Home: 01732 875447 [email protected] www.kmortonfhp.com

downsmail.co.uk Come and join our friendly sales h ont very m lling’s 0 homes e & Ma r 88,00 Maidstone red to ove 1 newspaper s delive No. ur edition Fo FREE Edition team and share in our success. alling No. 231 MMalling Edition 16 July 20

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Maidstone September 2017 45 downsmail.co.uk Comment Welcome to the health revolution I WELCOME major plans to injury claims arising. revolutionise local health care. I see them Mail I note a new report says they also as essential, honest and caring – and I Marks increase dangerous emissions from wish local NHS and social care well as DENNIS FOWLE President vehicles. they press on with this very big task. [email protected] They damage vehicles and my car Most of us are close to our own GPs, springs need more aention than ever – and they are at the forefront of changes. an expensive business. With an increasing and ageing They are costly to install and will be population, they now face growing provides a more joined-up service for costly to remove. challenges, and budget-holding NHS patients involving health and social care I support sensible traffic calming West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group in hospital, the community and our own measures. Speed humps are not one of (led by doctors) is looking for answers homes. them. without impacting on valued It is also reassuring to learn from the relationships with patients. local NHS that its current sustainability Keep Ramblin’ and transformation plan does not include In the greater Maidstone and Malling WITH the success of three days in area, our GP practices have been grouped serious changes to services in Maidstone Mote Park this year Ramblin’ Man seems in four clusters and they are encouraged Hospital and that our treasured and busy set now to become a permanent fixture. to work together in many ways. A&E has a secure future. It has become very popular with Ultimately, this should lead to practices But the government is looking for followers of rock music and as they visit opening for longer hours on more days. efficiencies as it tackles the huge NHS from many parts they spend well to Most practices will continue to operate budget. improve the local economy. from their established premises, but I see I watch with interest as these promised Noise was always going to be the big a time when many will group in a larger improvements are reconciled with the issue but organisers and Maidstone building with more specialised staff local budget. council have listened and neighbours offering a much wider range of services. This also helps GPs manage their working Getting the hump appear much happier this year. It seems hours without overloading themselves. AS a motorist I hate speed humps and otherwise to be a popular, trouble-free There will also be care hubs serving now that most distinguishing warning event. Play on ... populations larger than the GP clusters, marks on the road have worn away providing services not requiring a locally I abhor them. They have become A day to cherish’ hospital seing. difficult to identify in daylight – and just I HAVE lived an hour’s drive from it More community (rather than acute) about impossible at night. for years – and only just enjoyed a family hospitals are planned. Maidstone misses Several times, I have been the driver visit (with grandchildren aged 12, 10 and out altogether currently, so there should accused by passengers as they are jolted 8) to the Rare Breeds Centre, Highland be good news here. around the car. Yet I am driving Farm, Woodchurch, near Tenterden. Your NHS 111 phone calls will be more carefully, considerately and well within What a wonderful day for us all – I’m effective too, offering expert advice and the speed limit. not sure if all the delightful animals or appointments with GPs and urgent They have now become dangerous to staff were more friendly. We were treatment centres. drivers and passengers. Unless KCC enthralled by the buerflies and birds of An important aim is to ensure the NHS maintains them properly I see personal prey displays. It was a day to cherish.

‘Bias’ a personal maer Strong view on BBC pro-EU, anti-British, pro the climate change lobby, pro-gay rights or anti-church. I AM writing in response to Mail Marks in I WAS disturbed to read your president’s Too many items, no maer how the August 2017 edition of the Downs Mail. criticism of the BBC in your August edition. unrelated, are given a negative Brexit It relates to the article entitled “BBC Surprisingly, the remarks were not reference or spin. doesn’t deserve licence fee”. because of the elitism, nepotism or the fact Foreign news will get precedence over I was surprised to see such a strongly- that it is run by, and for the benefit, of domestic stories. Some bulletins are 80% worded article against the BBC and clear public schoolboys – all recent criticisms of about maers overseas. right-wing political bias. Just as Mr Fowle the BBC. No, Mr Fowle was irate because I will not say if any of the above reflects does not expect to see (perceived) political the BBC was too far to the left of his own my opinions or not, but I do expect the bias on the BBC, I do not expect to see political views. He wants to remove its BBC’s flagship news programmes to report political bias in the local free paper. funding and presumably shut it down or in a neutral, fair and balanced way. I thought the purpose of the Downs Mail greatly curtail its output. And if you think the BBC is bad, Channel was to inform local people of local issues, It leaves me wondering where Mr Fowle 4’s news coverage doesn’t make any not provide political opinion. I know that sits on the political spectrum. aempt to conceal its bias and left-wing the BBC has strict guidelines on providing Jim Grogan, The Landway, Bearsted agenda. But this is not a public service, political balance and if reporting facts is licence fee-funded operation like the BBC perceived to be political bias then it is a Beeb’s content puzzling and appeals to the trendies who enjoy C4’s personal maer for Mr Fowle, not one for I AM not often driven to write to anyone alternative – and often very fine – output. the Downs Mail. these days, let alone a newspaper, but I do I remember when I was much younger I think Mr Fowle, as president of the have to strongly agree with sentiments hearing Norman Tebbit banging on about Downs Mail, should remember that a expressed by your columnist in the last the BBC’s left-wing bent and thinking he significant proportion of the readership did issue of Downs Mail about the BBC. was a bit unhinged. Now, I think he was not vote Conservative and did not vote to If it is not plainly obvious to those who right. leave the EU. Many of us, including myself, control its charter that the BBC’s news National newspapers can be as partisan are deeply concerned by Brexit and the output is no longer fulfilling the brief, then as they like. The Telegraph is a good government’s handling of it. it ought to be up to the relevant newspaper and so is the Guardian – and I, for one, am glad we have a media government department to intervene. you know what you’re geing. which will question and hold the The national news coverage is not so Local newspapers should be neutral government to account, particularly in much skewed to being pro-Labour as how politically – and Downs Mail does give these difficult times. I see the BBC as a vital it treats the subject maer it reports. everyone a fair shout – but their columnists service and certainly trust it to provide It will get prominence on the BBC if the can say whatever they like. Keep it up, Mr well-informed and balanced news. item is anti-Trump, anti-May, anti-Farage, Fowle. Kinsa Thirkell, via email anti-Brexit, anti-Tory, pro-SNP, anti-DUP, E Andrews, via email

46 Maidstone September 2017 downsmail.co.uk

expanding alarmingly. Facts, not opinion please Forced marriage fears Comment I wrote twice to KCC Highways to point I HAVE only just read the August edition FOR most children, the summer holidays out such shortcomings, without the courtesy of Downs Mail, and I wanted to thank you mean fun and time with their family. of a reply. for mentioning the blatant bias of the BBC But for some young people, the long break I then contacted Cllr Paul Carter, who did (Mail Marks). is when they are most at risk of being taken respond, and assured me that not only do Since before Brexit, they appeared to be abroad and forced into a marriage. the works have a two-year guarantee but, in allowing their journalists and reporters to In 2016/17, Childline provided 205 addition, KCC personnel were inspecting provide their own opinion rather than the counselling sessions to girls as young as 13 the works. facts, and this then seemed to stretch into about forced marriage–a12percent I walk through Grove Green every day what I considered to be almost brain increase from 2015/16. The same year, there and have to say I have never seen anyone washing. were 6,099 visits to the Childline forced reviewing or monitoring these works. As far as Brexit is concerned, they are not marriage page. To be even-handed they could, of course, able to report a full bulletin, however Children told counsellors they were have undertaken this work at night. positive it may be, without a negative to frightened of being taken out of the country I hope the outcome from viewing the KCC finish. Between the BBC and Mark Carney for marriage and reported emotional abuse monitoring logs can be shared with your (Bank of England) they have demoralised by their parents, because they believe readers. the country entirely and appear desperate resisting the marriage would bring shame Graeme Wyles, Grove Green to talk us into a downward spiral, when and dishonour on their family. they should perhaps be lifting us up. But In some instances, children may have been most of all, they should stick to reporting told that they are going on holiday and do Slaughterhouse reforms the facts. not realise that they are heading to their I no longer have any faith in their wedding day with a complete stranger. THE Green Party has been calling for reporting and have also turned to ITV in Once they are abroad they may find mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses for the hope of finding an unbiased report. themselves isolated and find it difficult to decades and the UK's membership of the EU I thought I was the only one who had raise the alarm and halt the marriage. has never prevented the introduction of the noticed it! It's always good to read No child should be forced into marriage measure – France introduced it earlier this something that fits with our own view, and we must be clear that, regardless of year. especially when it's so RIGHT, so I wanted cultural expectations, this is a crime and an So while the Government's announcement to thank you for puing my concerns so abuse of human rights. is welcome, the pitching of the policy as a clearly and succinctly into words. The secretive nature of forced marriage “post-Brexit reform” is cynical and Kim West, Bearsted combined with feelings of loyalty to family opportunistic nonsense. and community can mean it is difficult to As for the policy itself, the devil is in the Balance usually achieved grasp the true scale of the problem. detail and we've yet to see any. To help prevent the cruellest treatment of YOUR regular columnist Dennis Fowle To help us break the cycle the NSPCC is urging anyone – including potential victims UK farm animals the Government needs, as makes a now-familiar charge of bias in the a minimum, to ensure cameras are placed in news reporting of the BBC. – to speak up, so that we can step in and stop a child being bound into something that any area of a slaughterhouse where animals Yet the former chief political are handled, held and killed. correspondent and current Radio 4 Today they would never ask for. Adults can call the NSPCC helpline, 0808 The footage must also be held for a programme presenter, Nick Robinson, was reasonable length of time and made once chairman of the Young Conservatives. 800 5000. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 so they can be given support and available for independent viewing and Similarly, when he was presenter of monitoring. Newsnight, Jeremy Paxman admied that measures can be taken to stop them from being forced into marriage. At the same time, urgent steps are needed he considered himself to be a One Nation to improve and monitor on farm animal Conservative while his successor Evan Colin Peak, NSPCC, regional head of service, London and South East welfare standards too. Davis wrote neo-liberal papers advocating At the very least, the Government must the privatisation of the NHS when he was urgently ensure existing EU safeguards are at Oxford University. Cable work shoddy strengthened and maintained. Aren’t these strange appointments for a The House of Lords EU commiee supposedly Marxist-inclined broadcaster? THE August edition of the Downs Mail warned only last month that leaving the In their detailed and exhaustive analyses contained a report in the Thurnham Parish European Union and rushing to sign Britain of BBC news bulletins, the Glasgow News section in relation to work instructed up to post-Brexit “free trade at all cost” deals University Media Research Group showed by Virgin Media. will pose the biggest threat to farm animal that, if anything, there is a pro- The report is timely, as it exactly echoes welfare in the UK. Establishment bias in BBC output. our experience in Grove Green – disruption; Ultimately, it's also worth remembering Perhaps the truth lies somewhere surface finish to the trench deteriorating; that no amount of legislation or regulation between these two viewpoints and that the surface finish not being level with adjoining can ever make the slaughter business truly BBC usually aims at, and mostly achieves, pavement. Additionally, heavy equipment cruelty-free. some sort of impartiality. used by the contractors broke the road Keith Taylor, Green Party MEP for the K Banks, Maidstone surface in one street, with the hole created South East

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

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