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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling August 2015 No. 220

News ‘Let’s act fast to avoid Fun on the river ALMOST 100 boats lined along the Medway for the informal boat gathering, collated by  a rise in homes target’ River Medway Boaters. 4 THE borough's housing target could swell beyond the current 18,560 if the Involve replaces Vam local plan is not adopted soon, warns the leader of Maidstone Council. LOCAL charity Voluntary Action Maidstone is to change Lib Dem Cllr Fran Wilson cam- spokesman] and myself over the port in the independent magazine  its name to Involve. 26 paigned to reduce the controversial past 18 months to achieve this and for housing professionals that indi- housing target (initially 19,600) – be- we've failed. cates that the latest revision in pop- tween 2011 and 2031 – while in op- “The leader of County Coun- ulation figures puts existing housing Delays expected position to the ruling Conservatives. cil [Cllr Paul Carter] did all he could data in question and that calcula- OPERATION Stack misery is set But less than three months after re- to find a way and he failed. tions on which local authorities have to continue despite  gaining the role of council leader “Kalc [Kent Association of Local based their figures for housing need political interventions. 31 eight years since she was in charge, Councils] provided a further report have probably underestimated pop- Cllr Wilson has admitted that she and MBC, in the interests of trans- ulation growth. has “failed” to reduce the target. parency, sent that to yet another in- “I beg everybody to work together Show crowd increase Furthermore, both the Lib Dems dependent consultant. His verdict to actually resolve our local plan.” A TOTAL of 77,000 visitors at- and Conservatives have warned that was that it would not stand up to the Conservative Cllr David Burton, tended the Kent Show – London's rapidly increasing popula- inspector's scrutiny. chairman of the strategic planning up 2,000 from 2014. 40 tion – up by 100,000 every year since “It would now be advisable to ac- committee, said: “The impact of mi- 2008 – could force the borough to ac- cept the 18,560 housing need assess- gration to and from London will cept an even higher target. ment and to understand that as yet have an impact on the South East. Comment 34-3546-47 Cllr Wilson told full council: no utility or highways authority “There is some uncertainty about “Everything has been tried to reduce have provided any evidence to en- if and when it will come to fruition. Crime Reports 35 our housing need assessment. No able us to substantially convert that Delay in the local plan increases the one worked harder than Cllr Tony figure into a lower housing target. risk that housing numbers ITEMS were stolen from a cricket Harwood [Lib Dem planning “There is a well-substantiated re- need to increase further.” 12 pavilion in . Obituaries 38-39 Cash query as TRIBUTES were paid to Alistair Rockers let hair down Black (79), who was a Maidstone bypass agreed borough councillor for Fant ward. MAIDSTONE proved it could rock with the best of them, MAIDSTONE Council is set to Parish Councils 50-51 in spite of the rain, when press ahead with the Leeds-Lang- the Ramblin’ Man Fair paid ley bypass, but there is still no indi- THERE was little interest in an its first visit to the town. cation of how the scheme will be emergency plan at Broomfield Thousands endured funded. and Kingswood; a car had en- Sunday’s downpours at the The proposed road linking the tered tee lake in ; rock weekender in Mote A274 south-east of Maidstone with rats were problematic in ; Park and, in spite of the A20 near M20 Junction 8 has there were reports of travellers in complaints about the noise been an aspiration for more than 30 Glebe Field, . from residents, Maidstone years. It has become even more im- Council has confirmed it is portant in recent years, with the in talks with organiser The council's local plan target of 18,560 Rock Collective about a homes between 2011 and 2031 in- repeat performance next cluding about 4,000 homes along year.  the Sutton Road corridor. 20 Previously the link road idea had caused divisions but the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board, con- taining borough, county and parish Award winning councillors, has recommended the Rubbish pick-ups salon inclusion of the scheme in the Inte- PAID-FOR bulky refuse collec- grated Transport Strategy (ITS), tions now include Saturdays. For sohairdressing.com which will form part of the local information see the Maidstone plan. But Cllr Paul Carter, who Council-sponsored 12-page Bor- lives in Langley and repre-  ough Update in the centre pages. 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2 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Arcade plan A GAMBLING arcade in Maidstone Parade brings global town centre is set to close. A planning application seeks to convert Main St Amusements at 90 Week Street into a tanning and beauty salon. theme to town centre Applicant Absolutely Fabulous Tanning has 14 salons across the HUNDREDS of people enjoyed country, including Mega Sun Tan- the glorious sunshine as the Maid- ning, which recently opened in Orp- stone Parade wound its way ington and whose frontage would be around the streets. replicated in Maidstone. The spectacular parade with the Maidstone Council will decide. theme “Around the World” in- volved more than 20 walking groups from schools, churches, Doorstep sellers charities, youth and community RESIDENTS have been warned groups, accompanied by choirs and not to do business with doorstep bands. sellers after reports of a company Places represented in colourful knocking on doors in the Madgin- costumes included Africa, Brazil, ford area. Anyone needing work Italy and Hawaii while the children A group from the Mandy Ellen Performing Arts School in Hawaiian dress done to their home or garden is ad- from Jubilee Church dressed as vised to obtain three quotes before aeroplanes from across the world. buying. Any suspicious activity There were also live music and should be reported by calling 101, or dance performances in the town. in an emergency, 999. The event was organised as part of Maidstone Arts Festival by Maidstone Town Team, in conjunc- Pub extension tion with Maidstone Council and THE Harrow in Road, Lids- the Town Centre Management. ing has applied for a single storey  For more pictures of the parade extension to the pub's existing din- see www.downsmail.co.uk ing area. Maidstone Council will determine For more local news Left, children from Jubilee Church the part-retrospective planning ap- and above, dancers from Maplesden plication, which includes a utility www.downsmail.co.uk room and installation of a decking Noakes Dance Academy area with canopy. 01622 738772 7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd , Kent ME14 4ND www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk

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Maidstone East August 2015 3 News downsmail.co.uk Boat gathering lights up river

THE prospect of poor weather was that we do not want an official spent more than £500 during the sued a warning to visitors to stay failed to deter boat owners sailing event – we are quite happy to carry five days he was berthed on the safe and behave responsibly on the into Maidstone for the new “gath- on with our own gathering as we Medway. water. ering of boats”. have done for 37 years.” Mr Smurthwaite said: “It is such However, one speedboater – un- Almost 100 boats berthed in the Mr Smurthwaite said 90% of the a shame that the council cannot see connected with the gathering – was town for the informal gathering, boaters were happy with the gath- the benefit in promoting the river spoken to by police after driving collated by River Medway Boaters, ering as it was – although he criti- as a positive attribute to the county dangerously close to young chil- which last year replaced the Maid- cised Maidstone Council for its town, despite using a picture of it dren bobbing about in dinghies, stone River Festival. apparent lack of interest in the river on much of their literature.” and causing a swell which knocked The gathering was a great social as a tourist attraction. Prior to the gathering, police is- other boat owners off their feet. event, according to spokesman This year’s gathering coincided Mark Smurthwaite, who said it was with the Ramblin’ Man Fair, which now a fixture which would con- the council claimed would boost tinue in its present form for “many the town’s economy by £700,000 years to come”. and bring up to 20,000 visitors to There had been attempts to re- the town. vive the old-style festival this year But Mr Smurthwaite said: “Yes, but Mr Smurthwaite said: “The lots of people travelled to and from boaters do not want a fun fair, Mote Park but very few stopped in stalls, bands and all the grief that Maidstone or spent any money in goes along with being part of an or- the town.” ganised festival. In contrast, one boat owner alone “From speaking with the boating – moored alongside Mr Smurth- community, the general consensus waite and who visits every year –

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4 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Protest at plan for 850 homes CAMPAIGNERS are facing an- Cllr Paulina Stockell, a member of other battle to prevent hundreds of the committee, said: “I am ab- homes being built on land south of solutely staggered. It gets worse and Sutton Road, Maidstone. worse. Enough is enough. We now Maidstone Council still has a hear there is going to be a school, shortfall of more than 1,000 on its when there is already going to be a local plan target of 18,560 homes be- school at the Langley Park develop- tween 2011 and 2031, so officers ment nearby. have recommended an allocation of “There will be 2,000 homes there 850 homes at Langley Park Farm. and another 850 on here. There will The idea came before the strategic be an unacceptable impact. Nothing planning committee, less than a has changed since it was refused be- week after developer Countryside fore. The traffic in rush hour goes all Properties hosted an exhibition out- the way back to . For lining a proposal for 850 homes as this development to go all the way well as a school on the land. to the allotments and the Crown Cllr Cheryl Taylor Maggio, chair- and Horseshoes pub is unaccept- man of Langley Parish Council, was able.” at the exhibition. She said: “The The Downs Mail received several housing density is high, at 35 houses letters of objection in the days before per acre, and there will be blocks of the meeting. Adam Hume wrote: 3.5-storey town houses – an urban “At the meeting [exhibition] I was development in the countryside – astonished to see no green buffer which extends from Langley Park to zone/anti-coalescence strip, which St Mary's Church, including the golf will mean Langley as a village will driving range. The view of St Mary's (if passed) disappear to be swal- Church on the approach down the lowed up into Park Wood.” hill to Langley would be blocked by Rob Jarman, the council's head of housing.” planning, told councillors that they In March, objectors thought they would not be “wedded” to the idea had successfully protected the land of having a school on the land, but from development when an alloca- added it would be difficult to refuse tion of 600 homes was removed a planning application for homes Advertisement Feature from the list of sites on the draft given the shortfall in the local plan local plan because it was considered and the site's proximity to those al- an unacceptable “encroachment of ready with planning permission. the urban area”, given that about The 11pm deadline arrived with- WARNING: 2,000 homes in the Sutton Road cor- out a solution. The item was de- ridor had recently been built or ferred to the next meeting of the 7 Critical Questions to given planning permission. committee on August 18. Classic fun at castle Ask Before You Instruct an was a sea Estate Agent in Maidstone of Union Jacks as Not all estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek thousands enjoyed the yearly classical concert. the help of an agent when selling your home, you need A sunny afternoon some good information before you make any decision. greeted swing from The Choosing an estate agent is one of those critical issues Definitive Rat Pack and a programme from the that can cost or save you thousands of pounds. In this FREE Royal Philharmonic special book, we give you the 7 specific questions you Orchestra, conducted by should be asking to ensure that you get the best estate for John Rigby. After your home. Before you appoint any estate agent in the demonstrations from a Spitfire and TV dancers Maidstone area, call and secure your free a copy of this James and Ola Jordan, book entitled "The 39 Steps to a Successful House Sale". who live in Kings Hill, the Whilst it normally retails at £9.95, our special reader evening concluded with cannons and fireworks. offer entitles you to get the book for free! Simply visit www.Maidstone7Questions.co.uk Club seeks extra parking Or to get a free text redemption code with details about BEARSTED and Thurnham Club has applied to extend car parking to how to get your FREE copy of this book simply text the rear of its premises in Bearsted Green. “MAIDS7” to 60222. The club wants to create five extra spaces on land it purchased 15 years Get your free book NOW ago from a former owner of one of the Invicta Villas. A supporting state- ment said: “The current car park at the rear is often full and at times it to find out the 7 questions does become hazardous with the potential for accidents. The situation is that most estate agents in not helped by the continuance of unauthorised parking as a result of the Maidstone hope you’ll never parking restrictions now imposed around the Green.” ask! Maidstone Council will decide.

Maidstone East August 2015 5 News downsmail.co.uk Lights events THE Christmas lights will be switched on in Maidstone’s Frem- Passing medics rush to lin Walk on November 19. As in previous years, the organ- isers are hoping to attract a celebrity to perform the switch-on. save heart aack driver Maidstone Town Centre Man- agement will be looking to comple- A man who suf- cumstances ensured that Peter re- ment the event with entertainment fered a heart attack at the wheel of ceived the best treatment possible including performances across the his car in Wateringbury was saved when he suffered a heart attack. town from the likes of school choirs by hospital staff who were in ve- What were the chances of there and the Salvation Army band. hicles behind him. being two health professionals in Efforts are also being made to co- Peter Rabbatts (62) was driving to cars behind Peter, who had both ordinate late-night shopping op- work through the village when he been trained in CPR? Then you portunities, possibly for two weeks collapsed. When his car failed to throw in the presence of the trust’s in the run-up to Christmas. pull away as the traffic lights medical director, and the miracle is Approaches will also be made to changed, the two medics became complete.” Maidstone Council about parking concerned and ran to help him. Mr Rabbatts said: “Thanks to concessions. Paediatric oncology nurse Helen their prompt actions, I arrived at Stevens and occupational therapist Maidstone Hospital’s A&E depart- Chloe Joseph, who work for Maid- ment alive. We cannot thank them No lorry ban ston and Tunbridge Wells Hospital enough – my survival is down to KCC has decided not to implement Trust, each had an instinct that them.” a 7.5tonne weight restriction in something was wrong. Discovering Another passer-by who was on Road south of . that Mr Rabbatts had no pulse and his way to work also stopped at the A petition was handed to the wasn’t breathing, Helen began Peter Rabbatts with Paul Sigston and scene and used his first-aid training Maidstone Joint Transportation CPR, supported by Chloe, while a nurse Helen Stevens from his work as a special consta- Board in April calling for restric- member of the public called for an ble. tions on heavy goods vehicles ambulance and helped to direct Mr Rabbatts said: “The last thing Mr Sigston said: “We are so (HGV) that pass through , traffic. I remember is waiting at the lights pleased that Peter is making a good Platts Heath, Liverton Hill and As Chloe took over the chest on the A26 when I started to expe- recovery. Fortunately, because my Grafty Green. compressions, the hospital trust’s rience intense chest pains, and put- colleagues responded so quickly to However, a report to the meeting medical director Paul Sigston came ting my handbrake on. The next Peter’s cardiac arrest, further treat- said that alternative routes for on the scene and assisted with CPR. thing I remember is waking up in ment could be provided by the HGVs are limited, and many of When the ambulance arrived, he hospital and being told that I’d suf- paramedics when they arrived. It is them are serving businesses in the continued to offer medical support fered a heart attack.” at moments like this that one ap- area, rather than using the road as a as Mr Rabbatts was taken to Maid- His wife Jane said: “It was noth- preciates why everyone should be rat-run. stone Hospital. ing short of miraculous how cir- trained in basic life support.”

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Maidstone East August 2015 7 News downsmail.co.uk School’s farewell Dawn Riach- Brown (right) and Janet to retiring head Greenroyd receive the A MAN described as “the face of award from Bower Grove School” is retiring. CTSI Past and present staff and pupils chairman of the special school in Fant Lane, Mark Fant were reunited in saying good- McGinty bye to Trevor Phipps at a series of events in the run-up to the end of term. Wardens’ work rewarded The active 60-year-old intends to use his time to follow his passion as MALLING and Maidstone’s com- and we offer support to victims and a cyclist and also hopes to visit his munity support warden has re- give them confidence.” daughter in Australia. ceived an award for her Kent Community wardens visited more Mr Phipps joined Bower Grove in colleagues for their work in protect- than 600 scam victims as part of 1984, rising to deputy head and, 25 ing the victims of scam callers. Kent’s Stop the Scammers project. years ago, to headmaster. He has been the face of Bower Dawn Riach-Brown, previously a KCC’s cabinet member for com- He saw through the changes that Grove School for more than 30 community warden in Bearsted, munity services Mike Hill said: came about following a review 12 years.” picked up the Hero award at the “Kent’s community wardens have years ago, when the school shifted The former PE teacher will be re- Chartered Trading Standards Insti- worked tirelessly, often in their own from serving children with physi- membered for his love of amateur tute’s annual conference in time, to visit vulnerable residents cal disabilities to those with behav- dramatics and sport. Mrs Salter Bournemouth. and warn them about the various ioural and mental health needs. added: “His favourite day of the The award recognises the support ways in which scammers can part The school now has a register of year has always been sports day of the county’s wardens with the them from their money. We are de- 200 pupils aged from four to 16. and the teachers versus students’ campaign by KCC Trading Stan- lighted with their achievements and Deputy head Lynn Salter will football match for year 11s. We plan dards, police and local authorities to this award is well-deserved.” take over as head following Mr to put on a show for his leaving cut scam crime. Community wardens have also Phipps’ retirement. She said: “He party and to hold a staff and pupils Dawn, who is the support warden been delivering training to banks knows every child’s name, and all rounders match before he goes.” for Malling, Tonbridge and Maid- and post offices on scam awareness the parents, always takes Friday as- Mr Phipps is pictured with a Cel- stone, based at the Community and where to report incidents and semblies, takes a turn on lunch ebrate Maidstone Lifetime Achieve- Safety Unit at Maidstone Gateway have helped at training sessions for duty and enjoys making a differ- ment award, which he won in 2013 in King Street, Maidstone, said: more than 400 Royal Mail postal de- ence to the lives of young people. for his work at the school. “There are a lot of scams going on livery workers.

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www.homeleighgroup.co.uk Villagers back "YOUR LOCAL TIMBER & BUILDERS MERCHANT" shop and cafe NATURAL DETLING could have a commu- tion of the shop, opening times and nity shop by Christmas if cam- the details of how it will work, PAVING OFFERS paigners have their way. after carrying out research with fel- A meeting of more than 60 vil- low councillor Irene Bowie and lagers was the final proof needed resident Richard Finn. that the community is behind the The survey across the village initiative, with a steering group set showed all but 3% of the village’s to take the project forward in the 635 residents were in favour of Pine coming weeks. starting a community shop follow- Detling, which once had a village ing the demise of its last commer- Blend school, two shops and a garage, is cial retail outlet in 2011. FROM hoping the new shop and tearoom He said: “We know there are +VAT will provide a much-needed hub commercial challenges, but the £13.99 (Per Sq M) for villagers, particularly the eld- community shop would not be try- erly, who often feel isolated. ing to provide everything for Cllr John Clayton, one of those everyone, just basics and a place to driving the initiative, welcomed have a slice of cake and chat over a the latest development. He said: cuppa.” “Detling used to have so many Possible locations for the shop places to meet and is now groaning and post office include the church, as a community after losing its the village hall and outbuildings Chestnut shop, post office and most recently next to Detling’s pub The Cock the school. Horse Inn. Blend “We feel it needs a hub, such as a Cllr Clayton said: “The post of- FROM community shop, where people fice is very keen to have a presence can get together and to chat.” in Detling, but wants an applica- £13.99 +VAT He says it will be up to the new tion from us by September, so that (Per Sq M) steering group to decide the loca- is providing a timeline for us.”

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FROM +VAT £13.99 (Per Sq M) Protests at motocross plan THE long-running saga of the mo- an application to allow the riding of tocross circuit in Sandway, near motorcycles for 28 days per calen- Lenham is set to continue after a dar year. new planning application was sub- A local group, Residents Against mitted. Sandway Motocross, has issued a Forest Locals have made strong protests strong objection. A statement by about the use of land south-east of the group's James Proudlock said: Blend Runham Lane, Sandway Road since “We continue to suffer unbearable FROM it was first turned into a motocross distress because of the continuing track four years ago. uncertainty about the use of this £15.99 +VAT This has been followed by unau- land. The application this time (Per Sq M) thorised motorcycle-racing on the around will in no way change the track, two withdrawn applications unacceptable loss of amenity and to legalise the use and a failed at- chaos that ensued the last time the tempt by Maidstone Council to track was used.” complete enforcement proceed- One resident commented: “Our ings, despite CPRE Protect Kent rep- local narrow lanes, especially near resenting more than 200 to this land, are not able to absorb neighbours at a public inquiry. the heavy increase of traffic of lor- However, in January this year the ries and motor cycles and the noise council was able to issue an 18- – presumably at weekends – would 01622 791111 Hall Road, Maidstone month notice removing applicant carry a long distance and be intol- 01580 892733 Park Leisure's rights to use the site erable.” Maidstone Road, for any type of motor-racing. Maidstone Council will determine 01580 892037 Station Road, Staplehurst Now the company has submitted the planning application. 01233 850075 Ashford Road, High Halden

Maidstone East August 2015 11 News downsmail.co.uk Tories welcome leader’s u-turn THE Conservative group says it feels vindicated by Cllr Fran Wilson's decision to endorse the 18,560 housing target between 2011 and 2031. In the two years since the figure protect the open spaces residents previous cabinet system, reverting was set by the Conservative ad- hold most dear. It will not be easy. to committees in May, meant that Capital ‘could ministration as a result of a study However, the Lib Dems believe it is the Conservatives were in control by consultant GL Hearn, Cllr Wil- perfectly possible to achieve this of the process and her group had add pressure’ son and her opposition Lib Dems and provide the affordable homes no significant influence. Continued from page one had called for a much lower figure. so desperately needed for an ex- She added: “We have practically Cllr Harwood said: “There is a Cllr Tony Harwood, the Lib Dem panding population.” used every brownfield site. We be- strong actual and perceived rela- planning spokesman, had earlier However, she has now admitted lieve that there is little room for ma- tionship with the borough and the said that the target could be re- defeat, saying she has failed to noeuvre to up our figures in High capital. Our proximity just outside duced to 10,950 by showing evi- bring down the target, which has Street ward. the Metropolitan Green Belt dence that 18,560 was a figure buoyed the Conservatives. “This is not an argument about brings dangers, and there will be derived from an upward blip in Cllr Annabelle Blackmore, leader town versus rural – this is a night- pressure to use Maidstone as a new developments – many on of the Conservative group and Cllr mare for all of us. If anyone can dormitory for an expanding city. brownfield sites – between 2001 Wilson's predecessor as leader of come up with a solution about “The local plan is dictated by and 2011. the council, said: “It is tonic to my where we can put the homes then others outside Maidstone – it may Cllr Wilson, who became the ears that your group are now be- we will have to do so. be central Government and other leader of a hung Maidstone Coun- hind the objectively assessed need “We will do all we can to find authorities. cil in May, told the Downs Mail in – the figure which you have brownfield sites but I think we are “If we do not move quickly and the run-up to this year's elections queried for so long. The local plan get a plan in place with policies that she would work to reduce the was put in jeopardy because of the on quite a sticky wicket.” Cllr Harwood had told the we will be very vulnerable for target. delays being caused by people housing figures even more unsus- She had said: “Maidstone’s peo- playing politics. Downs Mail in March 2014: “We were successful in delivering re- tainable than the figures we have ple put great value on our built her- “It is a vital document that we now.” itage and countryside yet, in the have to work on. You have played generation in sustainable locations rush to pack in homes, we are wit- politics for so long so I am pleased and a good yield of affordable nessing accelerating destruction of you are back onside saying 'let's housing in the first decade of the Plan target: these wonderful assets – a recipe work together'. millennium. for disaster when one understands “To say we must work more “However, this was clearly a blip the vital contribution tourism closely together is strange when we and must not set a precedent for spring 2017 makes to the economic viability of did that anyway.” the future. Our greenfield sites and A COUNCIL spokesman said: the borough. Cllr Wilson responded in the full villages are not up for grabs in the “In the coming weeks officers “We promise to halt this loss and council meeting by arguing that the way that derelict urban sites were.” will be presenting reports to the strategic planning sustainability and transport committee ahead of a four-week public consulta- Petition over Discounts for park visitors tion in the autumn on key pol- icy and site changes. Mote charges “Thereafter, the whole plan The Mote Park will be pulled back together, A PETITION has been launched fol- Fellowship, lowing Maidstone Council’s deci- picking up previously agreed with Maidstone sion to introduce car parking and ‘banked’ sites and policies charges at Mote Park. Council as well as those that are the sub- The decision means the council employees, ject of the autumn consultation. could raise £171,000 every year to- receiving the “The revised ‘publication’ wards the upkeep of the park, which Green Flag version of the plan will then go receives about a million visitors a Award in 2014. for a further stage of consulta- year and has been voted the second tion focused on its soundness, best park in Britain. A MEMBERSHIP scheme has been events, and invites visitors to join the (during February/March) before Visitors will be charged £1 for up launched for supporters of Mote Park, group. it is submitted to the Secretary to six hours or £12 for longer, but the offering benefits and discounts to For a £20 annual fee, used to sup- of State in late spring 2016. charges will not apply before 10am, regular visitors. port projects in the park, members re- “The recognised timescales to allow joggers and dog walkers to The Mote Park Fellowship is the ceive discounts including 20% off post-submission suggest ap- enjoy the park from 8am. group of volunteers that maintains prices in the café, 10% off in the proximately 12 further months Council leader Cllr Fran Wilson the park with Maidstone Council. restaurant at Mote House, 50% off until adoption (to allow for ex- opposed the charges, saying they Its new website – www.motepark- courses at the lake watersports cen- amination by an inspector) sug- might encourage visitors to park in fellowship.org.uk – offers information tre and free tickets for events gesting adoption could be in the neighbouring streets. on the park’s history, wildlife and throughout the year. spring of 2017.” Other members were concerned the charges could be the “thin end of the wedge” and increase over time. New president The council wants to ensure the park retains its Green Flag status and wants to improve the park. It of Inner Wheel would also like to appoint a perma- FRANCES McGill, pictured far nent parks officer. right, is the new president of the Cllr John Perry said he believed Inner Wheel Club of Maidstone. the imposition of modest parking charges would help the park retain The Inner Wheel Club will its status as a visitor attraction. continue to work hard this year Resident Bianca May began the to raise money for local charities. petition opposing the charges, which Pictured with Frances is the new attracted more than 750 signatures in vice-president, Anne Goodliffe the first five days. and past president Sue Kinsman.

12 Maidstone East August 2015 Maidstone East August 2015 13 News downsmail.co.uk Tree faces axe A PLANNING application has been submitted to fell a protected Medical estate ‘would mature beech tree at Alexandra Hospital, Impton Lane, Walder- slade. A supporting statement claims a need road and bridge’ fungus is fruiting close to its base, and if the tree's condition deterio- A SPINE road and bridge would be retail and business use and accom- A supporting statement said: “The rates it is within falling distance of required to serve a new medical es- modation for patients and staff. proposed access and internal road both the hospital entrance road and tate next to the Kent Institute of An expected university campus layout has been designed to ensure car park. Medicine and Surgery (Kims) at will now be sited in Tunbridge that it is capable of upgrading, Maidstone Council will decide. Newnham Court, Weavering ac- Wells, but business backer Franz should development be proposed cording to the applicant. Dickmann says the other elements of and approved at a later date. Rugby cup tour In April 2014, Maidstone Council the scheme should go ahead as “The proposal would involve cre- RUGBY fans will be able to view granted planning permission for planned in the next couple of years. ation of hard-surfacing for the ac- the sport’s Webb Ellis Cup in Maid- 98,000sqm of additional floorspace, The project, now called Kent Med- cess. However, this aspect of the stone in September. near M20 Junction 7, for a project ical Campus, has submitted a plan- proposal would not detract from the Rugby’s greatest prize will visit called the Maidstone Medical Cam- ning application to build the bridge character of the wider area. County Hall on Thursday, Septem- pus, a rehabilitation centre. and road over a stream off Newn- “The openness of the land will be ber 3 as part of a national tour, be- The plan includes hospital, educa- ham Court Way in advance of the maintained and there would be no fore arriving at Twickenham tion and training facilities as well as development. adverse impact on the strategic gap.” stadium on September 18 ahead of the world cup opening ceremony. Full details will be released Homes scheme turned down shortly. MAIDSTONE Council has refused a the scheme by one home, the com- planning application to replace 27 mittee felt the problems remained. Ducting fire concrete garages with five homes be- Mr Bradford, a local objector, said: FIREFIGHTERS were called to hind the Samaritans' office at 48 Gre- “Parking is a disaster . Getting rid of reports of a fire in ventilation ducts cian Street, Maidstone. 27 garages will make it even worse.” at a commercial property in Dick- In March 2012, the planning com- Cllr Martin Cox, a member of the ley Lane, Lenham. Crews tackled mittee overruled officers and turned committee, was concerned that there the fire using equipment including down a plan for six homes on the would be only a single parking a fog spike and thermal imaging site, citing scale and proximity to space per dwelling. A motion to re- cameras, extinguishing the blaze properties in Waterlow Road, and fuse the scheme was accepted, with poor amenity for residents. seven votes for, one against and four with a hose reel jet. The cause is un- The entrance to the garages known. Despite the reduction in the size of abstentions. Driving ban Trust hopes youth work A SHEPWAY motorist has been banned from driving for three years for a string of offences in the town. Mark Hindle was in a Ford Focus will mean a Safer Kent when police saw him driving dan- gerously in Cumberland Avenue THE Kent People’s Trust has been and Northumberland Road. re-born – and relaunched under a At first, Hindle failed to stop. He new name: Safer Kent. then gave a breath test of 52mg of The charity, which has given more alcohol in 100ml, when the legal than £800,000 in grants to various or- limit is 35. He was also found to ganisations in the county since its in- have no insurance and was driving ception in 2000, works with while disqualified. Safer Kent individuals and organisations to The 34-year-old, from Oxford trustee Laura provide everything from youth Gardens, admitted the offences. clubs, security advice, mentoring Cox with Joe Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court or- programmes and drug rehabilitation Shand and dered him to carry out 150 hours of to help for victims of domestic abuse. director unpaid work, to pay £235 costs and The projects all help prevent crime Bryn Price a £60 victim surcharge. and reduce anti-social behaviour in He said: “After just the first ses- them supply night time revellers local communities. sion, I felt that someone believed in with bottled water, thermal blankets Based in Maidstone, the trust House agreed me. The coaches were amazing.” and flip flops, and KCC’s Licence to works with young people who are MAIDSTONE borough Cllr Joe, who has just taken his GCSEs, Kill project, which teaches year 12 on the verge of exclusion from Daphne Parvin, who represents has helped coach the disabled youth and 13 pupils about the dangers of school, offering them social and North Downs, has been given plan- team and has now been offered a reckless driving. sporting opportunities and mentor- ning permission for a four-bed- place at the club’s youth academy in More than 10,000 pupils will see ing to put them back on the straight room home in the rear garden of September. the presentation this year. and narrow. her home at 49 Meadow Walk, He said: “The scheme has helped KCC’s Carol Cullen told the Among those helped was Malling Maidstone. keep me in school and helped me at meeting: “It’s the most impactive School pupil 16-year old Joe Shand, Concerns were raised by three home. It has changed my life.” project we have ever been involved from Wouldham, who spoke at the neighbours – all living in Mote Av- Safer Kent director Bryn Price in.” re-launch. enue – about loss of privacy and said: “This project aims to give The rebranding has been carried He told how he was bullied at views, overshadowing, impact on young people renewed confidence out to give groups and organisa- school and struggling at home, trees and visual impact. and focus and a reason to stay out tions a better idea of the ethos be- where he has a disabled sister. However, Maidstone Council's of trouble.” hind the trust. He was facing exclusion from planning committee approved after Other projects supported by Safer Mr Price said: “We believe our school when he was placed on the hearing planning officers state that Kent include the Maidstone Stree new name will better describe what the development would not have a scheme and given a placement with Pastors, providing funds to help the trust is doing.” Maidstone United Football Club. negative impact on the area.

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Maidstone East August 2015 15 News downsmail.co.uk £50m bypass scheme agreed Continued from page one and the development of the bypass. tion has been made that 8% of peo- The other option, do minimum North, has re-emphasised the finan- The sustainable package (DS2), ple will have a modal shift and not (DM), included little more than the cial obstacles the project faces. The which included improved bus fre- drive, which is a possibility in urban already-planned town centre bridge KCC leader says there would only quencies, Linton park and ride, en- areas but not in rural areas. gyratory scheme and would have be a total of £10m funding available hanced walking and cycling “People will not cycle from Head- seen a rise of 38% in travel times. for a scheme that would cost more facilities and increased parking corn to Maidstone every single day; Cllr Gary Cooke, KCC member than £50m. charges, would have seen a rise of not from Staplehurst or Marden. It for Maidstone South East, said: “All At the end of a two-hour debate in just 3%, according to consultant is not practical or real. things have to be funded and we which it was agreed to press ahead Amey, who was commissioned by “We currently subsidise park and need to work on that, but it is im- with the idea, Cllr Carter said: “We Maidstone Council and KCC to un- ride by £500,000 a year. What sub- portant there is provision for a relief can't promise a transport plan that dertake the study. However, coun- sidy would we have to provide to road for the residents who live here can't be delivered and gives devel- cillors were sceptical about this prop this one up? It is not sustain- and those who will move here.” opers an opportunity to build more finding. able financially and there is not the The board's recommendation will homes. Cllr Annabelle Blackmore, leader political will for park and ride. We go in the draft local plan document “Don't make decisions based on of the Conservative group on Maid- should look for greater collabora- that will go out for consultation. total uncertainty. We need to find stone Council, said: “The assump- tion over bus services.” out how much the true cost is.” However, chairman of the board Cllr David Burton said: “We make a list of desires and then find out how Gnus add humour to summer concert they might be achieved.” BEARSTED Choral Society was joined by Good Gnus, The board agreed to back an ITS from the lay clerks for Canterbury Cathedral, for a light- that includes the Leeds-Langley by- hearted summer concert in St Nicholas’ Church, Leeds. pass, increased bus frequencies of The group (pictured) sang a selection of songs from up to every 10 minutes and a 50% Flanders and Swan and Stilgoe and Skellern, among rise in long-stay town centre park- others. The concert was conducted by Andrew Lowen, ing charges. and Trevor Brearley accompanied the Bearsted Choral The proposal for a park and ride Society’s songs on the piano. service in Linton was removed. The Little Maids and the tenors and basses gave an exhila- The programme included rousing songs such as chosen strategy (DS3) could see an rating rendition of We’re called Gondolieri. The increase of 7% in vehicle travel times Heart of Oak and The Mermaid, and the audience evening was rounded off withThe Star-spangled Ban- from 2014 to 2031, which compared joined in enthusiastically with the chorus of The Hip- ner. favourably to 30% in the DS1 op- popotamus Song, while more than one tear was shed The next concert will be a performance of Bizet’s tion. The latter included a range of during the beautiful Give me a Ticket to Heaven. The Carmen at 7.30pm on November 14. For full details go small-scale junction improvements sopranos and contraltos had their moment with Three to the BCS website www.bearstedchoral.org.uk. Artificial Grass Sale @ Carpet Next Day

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News downsmail.co.uk Festival rocks county town THE biggest rock music event in Maidstone’s history drew a massive and international crowd of about 20,000 to Mote Park on the last weekend of July. The Ramblin’ Man Fair was or- Photo: Andy Archer ganised by Classic Rock magazine Wind spreads and offered three stages on both days, with onsite camping, park and ride buses and car parking. noise issues The bill was rich in American and THE strong westerly wind during European acts, with several exclu- the weekend prompted residents in sive attractions including German Madginford, Downswood, Grove heavy rock titans The Scorpions Green, Vinters Park and Thurnham making their only UK festival ap- to complain about noise. pearance this year and acts like Pol- Natasha Bastone, from Grove ish prog rockers Riverside. Green, said the music drowned out The Downs Mail was on site on the film she was watching on tele- both days, speaking to fans from all vision with her family. over Europe, and even as far away She said: “I love to party but as San Francisco. The range of acts the Romney Place supermarket had well-chosen line-ups on each stage. when you have a young child, this was breathtaking, with many pro- done a roaring trade. However, there were complaints booming music over the whole ducing stunning performances. Reactions on social media from about poor information on the park weekend was too loud. I have no Inside the arena the atmosphere festival-goers were almost unani- and ride bus service and many resi- problem with the festival return- was celebratory, the warm Saturday mously positive, with many praising dents complained about the level of ing, but the organiser needs to do weather making for a party feel and the quality of the performances and noise during the two days. something about the volume.” the rain for the first half of Sunday’s On Maidstone Council’s Face- schedule forcing the early perform- book page, Sandra Woodfall said: ers to push the limits as they tried to Boost for town Cash donation “We live on the Pilgrims Way and THE Rock Collective, which organ- warm up the crowd. Icelandic heavy By Neil Nixon can hear the music above the noise ised the Ramblin’ Man festival has of the motorway. We find it disap- rockers Solstafir joked that the I WILL not bore you with my music announced a fund to support proj- pointing that when the council is weather made them feel at home. obsession but my first published ects in the Maidstone area. promoting an event it doesn’t pro- Sunday ended with a main stage journalism as a student was about The fund of about £10,000 will vide an out-of-hours service that performance from American rock rock music and I am still writing help groups to deliver cultural, en- covers the duration of the event so legend Gregg Allman, whose former books on the subject today. tertainment or sports-related proj- that complaints can be dealt with.” band The Allman Brothers had a Whatever the judgments about ects to thank the town for Maidstone Council said it had re- huge hit with Ramblin’ Man. noise and nuisance I can only say supporting the festival, which was ceived just two formal complaints. The fair offered more tickets than that the festival was one of the expected to bring at least £700,000 A spokesman said: “We have also Maidstone’s previous biggest rock best-organised events I have ever into Maidstone's economy. received positive comments about concert, Radio One’s Big Weekend in attended. The quality of acts lower Anyone can apply to the fund to how the festival handled issues 2008. There was a bonus for busi- down the bill was life-affirming: help to stage a community event or such as traffic and litter. All feed- nesses, with hotels, bars and restau- standouts were the pristine beauty run a community project. back received will be considered rants reporting increased trade. of Camel and the incendiary blues Applicants should contact when looking at future events.” Maidstone Grammar School of- of Joanne Shaw Taylor. [email protected] for more The spokesman said noise did fered camping on its playing field. To have such an event of this details. Applications close on Sep- not breach the licence terms and The stream of people clutching quality in town is a bonus to all who tember 4. Successful applicants will confirmed the organiser is looking Sainsbury’s bags packed with food love their live music. as they headed to the site suggested be notified by the end of September. to return on July 23 and 24, 2016. Apology for Patients pleased with GP surgery supercar jams A GOVERNMENT health watch- making appointments. The in- with doctors and “worse than av- LEEDS Castle has apologised for the dog has rated Bearsted GP surgery spectors spent two days checking erage” for consultations with traffic chaos caused by its Supercar as good across the board, follow- paperwork and monitoring work- nurses. Nevertheless, 87% of pa- Siege event. ing an announced inspection. ing practices and agreed. tients rated it as good or very The event, which attracted a Patients at Bearsted Medical They also looked at the results good. record 7,500 people, caused major Practice questioned by Care Qual- of the NHS Choices online survey, Inspectors commended the congestion on the M20. ity Commission inspectors said which showed reviews for the medical centre on its care for chil- A statement issued by Leeds Cas- they felt supported by staff and Yeoman Lane centre ranged from dren, families and the vulnerable tle admitted it “got it badly wrong”. were given enough time during “in the middle” for the percentage and for those at work, noting its It said: “A huge apology to any of consultations. They said the prac- of patients who would recom- late night surgery on Monday and you who got caught up in the traffic tice was well-managed, clean and mend the practice, through to “av- early morning “commuter surger- tailbacks or were otherwise incon- tidy and they had no difficulty erage” for scores for consultations ies”. venienced. “We’ve held this event for several years and it normally attracts about War games in woods questioned Sexual charges 5,000 people. Our normal proce- THE landlord of a THURNHAM Parish Council has supported a freedom of information pub has been charged with nine of- dures, staffing, car parks and so request to be made about war game activities at valley. forth are usually more than ade- fences of sexual assault. It follows reports that wire and boulders have been used to block Gary Hitch (57), of the Sugar quate to accommodate the visitors paths and bridleways in Squirrel Woods off the A249. without too much disruption. This Loaves, Eyhorne Street, is alleged to Sherrie Babington, council clerk for Thurnham and Stockbury, said have committed the offences be- year we got it wrong.” Maidstone Council’s planning department had been asked repeatedly tween July 1, 2014 and January 12, It has promised that all reserve car if the activity, run through website Apocalypse249, had planning per- 2015. He was bailed to appear at parks will be open and extra staff mission. She said: “I think the way forward is a freedom of information Maidstone Magistrates’ Court as will be on hand to assist the next request.” Downs Mail went to press. time the event is run.

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Maidstone East August 2015 21 News downsmail.co.uk Waterside Park appeal rejected PLANS to build an industrial estate near M20 Junction 8 at Hollingbourne have been thrown out by a Government inspector. Maidstone Council turned down have an adverse impact on traffic two applications, from Gallagher congestion levels. Properties and two Marden-based Ms Peerless concluded: “I find that ‘Now protect companies, to build Waterside Park the environmental harm would be on land south of the A20. greater than the identified economic this land’ Now, planning inspector Katie advantages and the adverse impacts RESIDENTS are pleading with Peerless has supported Maidstone would significantly and demonstra- Maidstone Council to protect planning officers and dismissed Gal- bly outweigh the benefits.” land near M20 Junction 8 from lagher’s appeal. Roger Vidler, treasurer of the development. The inspector said she was con- Bearsted and Thurnham Society, The Bearsted and Thurnham cerned that the proposed develop- said: “The decision vindicates the Society has written to Cllr Fran ment would “prove disruptive and stand that the society, the Joint Wilson, the leader of the coun- seriously harmful to the character of Parishes Group, the CPRE and oth- cil, asking that J8 be removed as the wider landscape”. ers took on this development. a location for employment in She wrote: “The impact of the “It also adds further weight to the the draft local plan. schemes would be further exacer- Leeds Castle and its parkland. She arguments we and others advanced Society secretary Mary bated by the extent of the earth- said it would intrude on the “iconic for this area along with the land be- Richards referred also to the de- works that would be needed to view” of the castle from the golf tween the M20 and A20. cision to reject an application create the development platforms course and “diminish the signifi- “However, as always with MBC, for the Kent International Gate- and the surrounding bunding. cance of the heritage assets”. the position is not as straightforward way road/rail freight inter- These would be engineered, obvi- The inspector accepted there was as one might hope. We understand change in August 2010. ously man-made features that a need for additional industrial and that there is still pressure to desig- The society believes the coun- would contrast unfavourably with employment development in Maid- nate junction 8 as a site for industrial cil should designate the area as the gently rolling hills leading to- stone, but said there was available and commercial development and, “a valued local landscape wards the scarp of the North Downs space elsewhere in neighbouring of course, the threat from the Roxhill and/or Green Belt to check the and would permanently change the boroughs and, as neither ADL nor development covering part of the unrestricted sprawl of Maid- topography of the landform.” Scarab – the two Marden companies former KIG site remains.” stone to the east and to safe- Ms Peerless said the development – had a formal agreement to take up Nick Yandle (pictured), chief exec- guard this valued area of open would be detrimental to walkers space, the development was effec- utive of Gallagher Properties, said: countryside from development, and she believed that the proposals tively speculative. “The inspector’s decision is of course also to protect the setting and did not tie in with the development She conceded that the site was “a disappointing. We have a number of character of Leeds Castle and plan policy regarding protection of highly sustainable location in terms options open to us, and we are giv- other nearby heritage assets and the countryside. of accessibility to major road trans- ing these due consideration, taking to assist with the regeneration One of her greatest concerns was port links” but said she believed de- the inspector’s decision and reason- of employment land within the the impact of the development on velopment on such a scale could ing into account.” Maidstone urban area.” Rotary honour Green driveway refusal New town for William A BEARSTED homeowner has tourist boards been told she will not be granted a TWELVE new historic tourist infor- lawful development certificate for mation boards are being designed turning an old cart track into a to go on display in Maidstone town paved driveway. centre. When Lorraine Summers bought The existing tourist information No 1 Smarts Cottages in Bearsted notices, which were expected to be Green, an alley alongside the house in place for six years are now 12 was grassed and overgrown. She years old, and “looking a little sad”, has since had the pathway paved, admitted Maidstone Council’s with gates to the front and back. lic use. Mrs Summers argued the Christine Dyer at a meeting of The previous parish council ad- land had been used for car parking Maidstone Town Centre Manage- ministration claimed it owned the since 1987 and that the works had ment. land and said it was not a private significantly improved both the ap- She said work was progressing to THE first duty of incoming presi- drive but a public access to The approve designs, with the hope of dent of the Rotary Club of Maid- pearance and drainage and did not Green. It demanded she remove the impact on anyone else. getting the new replacement stone, David Hackett, was to award paving and reinstate the driveway boards up across the town at the outgoing president William Perry On her application, Mrs Sum- to its former state. Since then, the mers states that, in advising her to earliest opportunity. the club’s highest honour, a Paul council has discovered the land is Maidstone Town Centre Man- Harris Fellowship. apply for the certificate, Maidstone not registered at the Land Registry Council’s Alan Howell said that agement’s events group is also This marked his “tremendous – but has been attempting to get it working with Celebrate Maidstone amount of time and effort during “there is no problem with the use added legally as part of The Green. to produce two treasure trails for the year” and also his career as a or works and that no action will be In the meantime, Mrs Summers school children and visitors to “headmaster of standing,” which taken by the council.” continues to park her car on the town. started when he became Kent’s In refusing the application, the land but leaves the gates open to borough council said that “insuffi- Both initiatives aim to engage, youngest head at the age of 28. educate and promote the area at A resident of Hollingbourne, he allow pedestrian access. cient evidence has been submitted More than 50 residents wrote to to establish that the use applied for home and to foreign visitors, com- served as chairman of Holling- plementing recent initiatives by the bourne and Leeds Parochial Maidstone Council when Mrs has been carried out continuously Summers applied for the lawful and without interruption for more Town Centre Regeneration Group Church Council; was a churchwar- including new flags in Jubilee den; a member of the Prison Parole development certificate, claiming than 10 years.” A spokesman the path had been in public use for added: “Our planning enforcement Square and garden planters outside Board (young offenders); and sup- the town hall and in the main shop- more than 150 years and the recent team is currently looking at the ported Mencap Cobtree pre-school. ping areas. changes acted as a deterrent to pub- issue of the works on the land.”

22 Maidstone East August 2015 Come into our Award Winning Soles with Heart store for your Back to School shoes this year for a wide range of quality shoes and expert advice. We stock the very best in footwear for boys and girls from sizes 26 to 46, prices start at £34. The Soles with Heart team are trained to fit every child’s shoe and this special bespoke service with a smile is what makes Soles with Heart an Award Winning shop. Come in for your back to school shoes and don’t forget to bring your loyalty card!

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Maidstone East August 2015 23 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Thurnham Homes strategy No neighbourhood COUNCILLORS agreed to support Parish News a borough-wide initiative for a re- duction in the housing proposed in plan for parish Maidstone Council’s draft local plan. The Kent Association of Local THURNHAM Parish Council with parishes to the north, such as Councils (Kalc) is pressing the coun- members have decided against pro- Detling or Hollingbourne, while cil to adopt a calculation suggesting ducing a neighbourhood plan for some felt that unless the neigh- 10,000 homes would be more realis- the area. bourhood plan could be created be- tic than the borough council’s pro- Discussions were held following fore Maidstone Council completed jected 18,560 from 2011 to 2031. an invitation from Bearsted Parish its Local Plan, it would hold little Cllr John Horne, who is also a Kalc Council, which is making prelimi- weight. member, said: “A reduced number nary moves to create one, asking if Cllr John Horne pointed out that would reduce our need for employ- members were interested in team- Harrietsham had been “ripped in ment growth; the impact on green- Meetings normally held on the third ing up. two” by differences of opinion re- field sites and infrastructure. We Monday of each month at the Marriott Thurnham councillors felt that garding proposed developments in would then get our power back by Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. the parish did not have the reserves the community and said profes- having a five-year housing strategy.” CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner to fund such an expensive and sional help – out of the reach of CLERK: Sherrie Babington labour-intensive endeavour. Others many parishes – was needed to put 01634 867173 felt the parish had more in common such a complex document together. Wreaths gift A CHEQUE for £36 has been made to the Royal British Legion by the Building plan parish council. The contribution is MEMBERS supported a planning Concert booking at church for the wreaths being laid in the area application to put a two-storey THE Detling Singers have booked St acoustics, space and facilities the by the Rev John Corbyn in remem- wood-clad building on the show- Mary the Virgin Church, Thurnham church had to offer. brance of soldiers who died in WWI. ground at Detling. The application as the venue for a concert later in Members made various sugges- involved pulling down an old build- the year. tions, including using the church as Fuel thefts ing to make way for the extension. It follows community efforts to a cinema, but agreed to return to make wider use of the facility and their next meeting with a list of TWO motorists drove off from Operation Stack the news that someone may be ap- ideas for other church uses. Detling filling station without pay- pointed to market the venue. The public is, as always, invited to ing for their fuel and a theft from the COUNCILLORS expressed their Cllr Richard Smith, who has been attend the meeting and bring along forecourt shop was reported. concern about the traffic chaos helping to involve the community in their ideas on September 21. The being caused in the area by Opera- activities, said he was delighted by meeting which takes place at the Board work tion Stack and what action might the news and hoped more people Tudor Park Hotel on the A20, starts THE parish council is to get a quote be taken. would make use of the excellent at 7.30pm.  for work to some of its noticeboards See our full report on page 28. to keep them water-tight. The Black Horse Inn

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Maidstone East August 2015 25 News downsmail.co.uk New name for volunteer group MEMBERS of Voluntary Action Maidstone voted overwhelmingly for the charity to change its name to Involve Kent. At an extraordinary general ford and Gravesham; the Maid- Jones said that the standardised meeting 29 votes, supplemented by stone and Malling Carers project logo would save time and money. 24 proxies, were registered to pass will additionally cover Medway. When asked by a member of the the motion. Just one person, by Advertising agency We Are Tan- audience if the name could put off proxy, voted against. gerine, based in College Road, existing clients, he pointed out that The organisation now has its Maidstone came up with the name he was on the project board which third name since it was formed in Involve and produced the logo, in helped deliver the ill-fated £2m re- 1975 as Maidstone Voluntary Bu- which the “vol” part of the word naming of Royal Mail to Consignia reau. It became Voluntary Action will be a different colour to high- in 2001, which changed back to its Maidstone eight years ago. light the charity's voluntary focus. original name just 15 months later. Involve chief executive Charlotte On the logo is a smaller word on “I have a good idea about these Osborn-Forde told the meeting that Charlotte Osborn-Forde and Trevor the bottom right directly beneath, things,” he said. “We have asked the decision followed a two-year Jones with the charity's new logo which could be used to localise an everyone we know whether they review into how best to market the West Kent Clinical Commissioning area or service, so meaning that the have a problem and there were charity. She said: “Funding cuts Group, which is one of the largest word Maidstone could still remain only two objections.” and austerity measures have long CCGs in the country, covering four on relevant branding materials. Involve's services have expanded been on our minds, yet our funds divisions in Kent.” Mrs Osborn-Forde added: “This so much in recent years that its have grown in recent years, but we Involve Kent will retain its main new name will help people turnover is now more than £1m, can't assume it will stay the same. focus on Maidstone, but will con- throughout Kent know the service meaning it is a registered company “Funders want us to cover larger tinue to provide voluntary services is in their area. However, our focus as well as a charity. areas so they can get better elsewhere in Kent. The falls pre- will remain on Maidstone and we The leadership, board, charity economies of scale. For example, vention project already operates in are based here.” structure and projects will not be one of our closest partners is the East Kent and will soon cover Dart- Involve board chairman Trevor affected by the name change. Gypsy site extended Alcohol thief Immigrants PLANNING permission has been said: “The borough council is dis- questioned granted for an additional mobile regarding the views of the parish sent to jail EIGHTEEN immigrants were ar- home and day room on a gypsy council and local residents. A LENHAM man who stole alcohol rested after being found in the back site in Marley Road, Harrietsham. “How many pitches are allowed of a lorry on Detling Hill. Two years ago Bridget Cash was on the site? Every time another one from a shop in the village has been jailed. Those taken into custody in- given planning permission to sta- is accepted it gives them the chance cluded 12 men and a 15-year-old tion a mobile and a touring cara- to have some more. This is damag- Matthew Jordan Hazelby (44), boy from Bangladesh, three men van at The Mellows permanently. ing the AONB.” from Robins Close, Lenham, ad- from Pakistan and a man and a The applicant says the new cara- However, Cllr Tony Harwood mitted shoplifting from the store woman from Nepal, all suspected van would cater for her daughter said: “This is a fairly small change of entering the country illegally. and the day room for her son, who in the site and there will not be vi- in Honywood Road, Lenham, but One of the Bangladeshis was de- is registered disabled. sual harm.” he failed to surrender to bail at ported. The others were given im- Mr Lord, an objector, felt the site Permission was granted, on con- Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. migration bail while their cases extension was inappropriate for dition of boosted landscaping, Magistrates sentenced Hazelby were considered. The 15-year-old the Kent Downs Area of Outstand- with eight votes for and four from Bangladesh was now in the ing Natural Beauty (AONB). He against. to 120 days in prison. care of social services. Anger as bollards prevent garage access A PARISH council plan to prevent age from driving over the old bol- have been slowly left out on the parking on Bearsted Green and tidy lards when using the entrance to paved area. up the rear of Smarts Cottages has turn their vehicles and it is conceiv- The spokesman said: “Residents come in for criticism. able that claims against the council have been asked twice before to re- The council has installed locked could arise. move them. They are an eyesore for bollards behind the cottages, on the “If the council were to remove the majority – and in a conservation north side of The Green, replacing them, it would be possible for any- area.” two old and damaged bollards, one to drive up and park on The But Emma Boundy, who lives in a which now stop cars gaining access Green, as happened a few weeks first-floor flat, says this means she to three garages and the cricket ago.” will have to put her rubbish in black pavilion. Trouble flared when painter and sacks inside her property. It has also written to all residents decorator Kane Fawcett, who rents She said: “I have rented the flat for along the terrace threatening legal one of the garages, was told he could two years and the bins are not mine action if they do not remove their not have a key to lower the bollards. to dispose of – and I am certainly not wheelie bins from the rear path, He said: “I was originally asked if putting my rubbish inside my flat, which the council owns. I would be a keyholder. Now I have where my two children and cat can The council says both the meas- been told I can’t have a key – nor can get at it.” ures are part of a wider-reaching anyone else. We can only borrow The parish council spokesman strategy to tidy up the village and car park. It was felt that were the one from the parish council and re- said: “It has become apparent that keep it clean and tidy for the resi- bollards to be replaced it would sig- turn it – which means a drive to with the change of ownership of dents. nal the beginning of an improve- Madginford and back to get to a some of these properties, misunder- An environment committee ment scheme to tidy this shabby garage a few yards from my home.” standings and rumours have over- spokesman said: “The area was be- area. The parish council says wheelie taken the truth. We are never going coming untidy and being used as a “Several cars have sustained dam- bins, meant to be kept in gardens, to please all concerned.”

26 Maidstone East August 2015 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough East, August 2015

LEGO® Brick City Arrives in Maidstone! See page 9

www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council News in brief Hall Hire at Maidstone Market Museum Accreditation Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery has received accreditation from the Arts Council , recognising its commitment to looking after and managing its collections effectively for visitors to enjoy. The achievement means that it can apply for grants from organisations such as the Arts Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and can run things such as the very successful Museums in Schools project. Certificates of Excellence Both Mote Park and Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery have been awarded TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence! These are awarded to attractions that receive consistently positive reviews on the TripAdvisor website. Delivering New Homes People from all over Kent have been coming to Maidstone Market since 1548, Maidstone Borough Council has making it a crucial and enduring part of the County Town’s rich history. Once a delivered more than 1,100 new central meeting place for local produce and wares, the market has adapted over affordable homes in the last five the years from a traditional cattle market to the vibrant, lively place it is today. years, helping to make getting It still stands on its original site at Barker Road, Lockmeadow just a few minutes onto the housing ladder more walk from the River Medway and Maidstone High Street. It is less than three miles achievable. from the M20 junction 6, making it ideally placed for visitors and businesses. Helping Homeless Families The Agricultural Hall is a large, flexible space, which is available for hire at weekends by organisations, businesses and individuals for a wide variety of events. We now have 20 units of our own The hall can be hired for a one-off booking or for a series of events at competitive housing stock to help homeless hire prices with reduced rates for not-for-profit events. families. This means we can provide better quality homes for The market regularly hosts many interesting events including dog and cat shows, those in the most need and much history fairs, auctions, beer festivals, antique toy fairs, tool sales, archery better value for money than bed competitions, art markets, boot fairs and plant sales. and breakfast accommodation. For information about hiring the hall or to arrange a viewing please contact 01622 Twinning Association 602258 or email [email protected]. Interested in France and French culture? The Maidstone/Beauvais Twinning Association is always looking for new members to help Bulky refuse further the friendly links between Our paid for bulky collection service now includes Saturday collections - the twinned towns of Maidstone book online or by calling 01622 602600. and Beauvais in France. If you would like to find out more, contact But if your items are still usable you could help one of the many local charities the secretary, Michael Yates, at which collect for free for a small donation. Many residents are finding this a [email protected] or by better solution to get rid of items they no longer need. calling 01622 675188 or 07963 Alternatively the local household waste recycling centre at Burial Ground Lane, 677952. Tovil accepts many materials from cooking oil to white goods and recycles more than 65% of the rubbish taken there. It is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to Traffic and Travel 4.30pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9am to 4pm. To keep up-to-date with traffic The council also operates a Saturday freighter service but all the rubbish goes to news, including Operation Stack, landfill so please only use it for items that cannot be re-used or recycled. The useful Twitter accounts to follow freighter cannot accept cardboard, small electrical items, textiles or garden are @KentHighways, @Kent_Police waste which can be recycled with the household waste collection service. And it and @HighwaysSEAST. You don’t doesn’t accept large bulky items, building rubble, commercial waste, electrical need your own Twitter account to items or hazardous material. see the updates – just visit For more information about bulky rubbish services, including paid for doorstep www.twitter.com and search for collections and the freighter, visit maidstone.gov.uk or call the cleansing hotline the account that you’d like to see. on 01622 602162. Maidstone Borough Council 3 People are better together – how can we connect them?

From social networks keeping distant to those who have just moved to to help make that prototype a reality. family members in touch, to LinkedIn’s the borough and are looking for Research shows that social networks professional network — technology is like-minded individuals to share an are good for physical and mental connecting more and more people. But interest. You don’t need technological wellbeing, so we want to take how can we use technology to bring know-how — we’re just keen to hear people together and reduce isolation in your ideas! advantage of technology to make sure that people have the opportunity to our community? Maidstone is hosting The top ideas will then be taken the Kent Connects ‘Transformed by build up these networks and reduce forward to a ‘Hack Day’ on 21 isolation in our communities. You’ challenge to find out! November in the Business Terrace, The challenge is in two parts — first, Maidstone’s new Enterprise Hub. If you think you have a technological we want your ideas to help anyone who Here, developers and anyone else with solution to a problem related to social might experience social isolation — an interest can come along to help isolation, then get involved! Please from local businesses looking to build a prototype solution, and have submit your ideas at collaborate for their mutual benefit, the chance to win a package of support www.transformedbyyou.com : Responsible Canine Could You Use Ownership £246?

The average We are delighted to introduce our new RK9 potential saving for mascot! Look out for him at events around people signing up to the Big Maidstone the borough, where he’ll be helping to Switch this spring was £246.35 – do promote responsible dog ownership. you have two minutes to see if you You can find out more about the RK9 project could save the same? at www.facebook.com/Responsiblek9s The Big Maidstone Switch is open to We would also like to thank everyone, whether you own or rent everyone who took their your home and pay your bills by Direct dogs to our Fun Debit, cash or pre-paid meter. Dog Show in • First you’ll need to register at Marden on 14 www.maidstone.gov.uk/ June. The event bigmaidstoneswitch or by calling raised £335 for 01622 602750 – you’ll need your last Battersea Dogs and gas or electricity bill. Cats Home. • iChoosr will then go away, find low prices and contact you with an offer showing if and how much money you would save by switching. • You then decide if you’d like to switch suppliers/tariffs. • iChoosr will then manage the switch on your behalf. You don’t have to switch if you don’t You want to. It’s just an easy way to find out whether you could save Said money on your bills. We Did

We have introduced free weekly football, boxing and basketball lessons for 14 - 24 year olds at The Manor, You wanted mmoreoreree actiactivitiestvitvities Shepway Youth and Community Centre and installed a for young people in Shepway... parkour free running area on Shepway Green. For information, call 01622 602222 4 Maidstone Borough Council

Week Street Fire Kent Fire and Rescue Service was quick to get to the fire in Week Street, Maidstone in June. Crews that had been putting out vehicle fires in other parts of the town and filling tenders at the mill pond in Palace Avenue made it to Week Street in double quick time. Maidstone Borough Council, the emergency services and Maidstone Town Centre Management did not waste any time planning to re-open Week Street. As soon as the fire crews left the site Maidstone Borough Council made sure that the worst fire damaged buildings were safe, employing contractors to put scaffolding and hoardings around the buildings. The council took on the work on behalf of the owners to make sure it was done quickly and Week Street was fully open for business with a minimum of delay. Receiving Benefits and Need to Update Us? Save Time & Do It Online!

If you need to let us know about a Visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/ benefits change of circumstances that might and choose the form that you need. affect your housing and council tax Proofs, can be a scan or photo benefits, or need to send us any of the document. proofs, you can now do it online. Online services are more convenient This means you can avoid Gateway or than face to face or on the phone and contact centre queues, and do it at a give quicker decisions on your time that’s convenient for you using benefits. your computer or smartphone!

Cobtree Manor Park Events MMaidstoneaidstone Children’sChildren’s CentresCentres Minibeast safaris Wednesday 12 August, 10am and 11.30am An hour of fun searching wild habitats for small creatures. Butterfly nets and magnifying glasses will be SummerS Fun Day provided so that you can take a closer look. Free for all the family. Booking required. Sorry, no dogs. To book call Friday 14 August 2015 01622 602747, email [email protected] or book in person at the Cobtree visitor centre. 11am - 4pm, Mote Park Behind the scenes (near main car park) Sunday 6 September, 10am - 12pm Free activities all day Wednesday 9 September, 10am - 12pm Meet the Cobtree team LiLiveve T-ShirtT-Shi rt EEntertainmentntertainment PrintingPrinting and learn what it takes to run a country park. Have PoPocketcket CCraftsrafts & MMoneyoney a go with a saw, and other MessyMessy titipsps ranger tools. Free for all PlayPlay the family. Booking required. To book call 01622 602747, BouncyBouncy SSportsports email [email protected] & FreeFree CastlesCastles or book in person at the Cobtree visitor centre. GGamesames RaffleRaffle Cobtree Arboretum in the autumn DrawDraw Wednesday 21 October, 10am - 12pm Sunday 25 October, 10am - 12pm An informative seasonal ramble with the ranger amongst the beautiful and rich collection of trees from around the world. Free for all the family. No booking needed. Maidstone Borough Council 5 Get involved with Council decisions Most of our meetings are held at Maidstone Town Hall in You can ask questions or make statements about any the High Street. We have wheelchair facilities, including transport issue or item on the agenda. There’s a limit of 10 lifts and toilets, and an induction loop. speakers per meeting. Each person can speak for three You are more than welcome to attend and you can ask a minutes and must register by 3.30pm on the day of the question – one per person. Email your name and address, meeting. your question and the meeting its for, to [email protected], by 5pm one full Planning Committee working day before the meeting. You can ask questions about applications being considered Full Council at the meeting. Each person can speak for three minutes and There is an hour long question and answer session at every must register by 4pm on the working day before the meeting. full Council meeting. The chairmen of committees will Petitions answer questions and the group leaders will respond. Petitions and e-Petitions are a quick and easy way to bring Service Committees issues to the attention of Councillors and influence local The Committee Chairman will answer questions during a decision making. thirty minute session at the start of the meeting. Anyone who lives in Maidstone Borough can submit or sign Maidstone Joint Transportation Board a petition or an e-petition. For more information about asking questions at council meetings, petitions and other ways to get involved with council decisions visit www.Maidstone.gov.uk/have-your-say. Maidstone’s new committee system Most of the council’s decisions are taken by four new service committees.

Policy and Resources Strategic Planning, Committee Sustainability and Chairman and Leader of the Transport Committee Council: Cllr Fran Wilson Chairman: Cllr David Burton Vice Chairman: Cllr Annabelle Cllr Fran Wilson Cllr Annabelle Blackmore Vice Chairman: Cllr Tony Harwood Cllr David Burton Cllr Tony Harwood Blackmore Considers the Local Plan, Considers the Council’s budget development management policies and transport matters and strategic plan, economic development and corporate including parking and park and ride. matters such as risk management.

Communities, Housing and Heritage, Culture and Environment Committee Leisure Committee Chairman: Cllr Marion Ring Chairman: Cllr Gordon Newton Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Cllr Derek Mortimer Cllr Marion Ring Cllr Derek Mortimer Cllr Richard Ash Cllr Gordon Newton Cllr Richard Ash Develops the housing strategy, Considers matters regarding waste and recycling strategy as well as making decisions in our parks and open spaces, events, the leisure offer and respect of community development. culture and heritage services.

Leader of the Council • 6 Independent councillors needs to be added on, or taken off the Fran Wilson (Liberal Democrat) was • 2 labour councillors register. elected Leader of the Council at the • 2 UKIP councillors What you need to do next: annual meeting in May. She is the • 1 Vacancy If you’ve acted on the first form to tell political and elected head, the focus for Are you on the electoral register? us there are no changes, you don’t have political direction and the chief spokesperson for the Borough as well We’ll start sending forms out in August to do anything else. If there is anyone as an ambassador for the Council. to check everyone’s details on the new, we will send forms for each of The leaders of the other groups are electoral register and to make sure that them to your address. Please look out – Cllr Annabelle Blackmore, those who aren’t registered have a for this. Conservative, Cllr Fay Gooch, chance to do so. To get onto the register, each person Independent, Councillor Malcolm What you need to do first: must fill in and return the form, or go McKay, Labour, and Cllr Dave Sargeant, The first form to arrive at your address online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote UKIP. will be pre-printed with the names of and use the online service. Following May’s elections the political people already on the electoral roll. It's Remember – if you aren’t registered, make-up of the council is really important to check and send this you can’t vote, so please take a couple • 24 Conservative councillors back quickly to confirm there are no of minutes to make sure your details • 20 Liberal Democrat councillors changes, or to tell us about anyone who are correct. 6 Maidstone Borough Council Maidstone Borough Councillors 2015-16

Maidstone Borough Council is run by councillors who you They are not employees and are not paid a salary or wages vote for at local elections. Councillors make decisions for but they are entitled to allowances and expenses to cover the community about local services, for example rubbish some of the costs of carrying out their duties. and recycling collections and leisure facilities, and agree Elected councillors provide the policies. Paid employees, budgets and council tax charges. council officers, put them into practice. They represent residents in areas, called wards, for four Maidstone has 55 councillors and holds elections in thirds years. The work of a councillor includes helping local - elections are held in three years out of four, with one third people, supporting local organisations, campaigning on of the seats on the council up for election each time. This local issues, and developing links with all parts of the year elections were held in 19 of Maidstone’s 26 wards. community. The council has:

A ALLINGTON B EAST C FANT

Dan Daley Cynthia Belinda David Naghi Nikki Martin Stephen Vacancy Paul Harper Lib Dem Robertson Watson Lib Dem Fissenden Cox Paine Lab 01622 Lib Dem Lib Dem 01622 Lib Dem Lib Dem Con 01622 672459 01622 01622 678410 01622 01622 07906 763895 753517 750541 755494 688945 271325

D HIGH STREET E NORTH F SHEPWAY NORTH

Clive Denise Joy Fran Wilson Jenni Michael Tony Chris Marion Ring Simon Ells English Lib Dem Lib Dem Paterson Hemsley Harwood Garland Con UKIP Lib Dem 01622 01622 Lib Dem Con Lib Dem Con 01622 01622 07922 674063 673349 01622 01622 01622 07903 686492 758442 616858 679630 686773 677578 113571

G BRIDGE H SHEPWAY SOUTH I SOUTH Town

David James Ross Dave Malcolm Wards Derek Ian Brian Clark Pickett Con Sargeant McKay Mortimer Chittenden Lib Dem Lib Dem 07966 UKIP Lab Lib Dem Lib Dem 07963 01622 377292 01622 07879 07825 01622 757767 681889 750758 357333 916930 630867

J HEATH K PARK WOOD A E B G

J D Bryan James Jade Daniel Vizzard Willis Webster Moriarty C Lib Dem Lib Dem Con Ind F 07957 07838 07590 01622 I 442994 103350 592916 754756 H

K Maidstone Borough Council 7

BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA 1 2 BEARSTED 3 & 4

Fay Gooch Richard Val Mike Steve Derek Malcolm Wendy Ind Ash Springett Cuming Munford Butler Greer Hinder 01622 Con Con Con Ind Con Con Con 726608 01622 01622 01622 01622 01634 01634 01634 730151 737702 738825 741310 684854 862876 861579

DETLING & DOWNSWOOD HARRIETSHAM 5 & HUNTON 6 THURNHAM 7 & OTHAM 8 & LENHAM

John A Brian Richard Web Nick de Gordon Tom Sams Janetta Wilson Mortimer Lib Dem Wiggondene Newton Ind Sams Con Lib Dem 01622 Con Ind 01622 Ind 01622 01622 745716 01622 01622 859412 01622 720989 746046 681860 862330 859412

NORTH 9 HEADCORN 10 LEEDS 11 LOOSE 12 MARDEN & 13 DOWNS

Richard Martin Gill Fort Susan Grigg Annabelle David Steve Daphne Thick Round Con Lib Dem Blackmore Burton McLoughlin Parvin Con Con 01622 07706 Con Con Con Con 01622 01622 861605 052495 01622 07590 07711 01622 891224 890276 833299 229910 565489 202375

SUTTON VALENCE 14 STAPLEHURST 15 & LANGLEY Rural

4 Wards

John Perry Louise Brice Paulina Con Con Stockell 6 07770 01580 Con 13 734741 892141 01622 842508 G 2 1 7 10 KEY 11 8 5 Conservative 3 15 Liberal Democrat 9 Independent 12

Mixed representation 14 8 Maidstone Borough Council Maidstone’s new Mayor Councillor Daniel Moriarty is Mayor of Maidstone for 2015-16 and he will be accompanied on his mayoral duties by his niece Shirley Moriarty , who will be the Mayoress for the year. Councillor Moriarty was born in Maidstone, and worked in papermaking from the age of 15 and at Whatmans for 35 years. He has been married to Lana since 1974, and has one daughter, Kelly, and two grandchildren, Jake and Conor. He enjoys gardening, golf and visiting friends and family. Councillor Moriarty has lived in Park Wood, the community he represents on Maidstone Borough Council, since 2002, and his commitment is to the community, in particular regeneration programmes, decent homes, play areas and caring for the elderly. Councillor Derek Butler has been elected Deputy Mayor.

Kent Life Facelift for Greener Grilling Kent Life at Cobtree Manor gym Park, Sandling won the Customer Service category Summer is here and the BBQ season is upon us! On Maidstone leisure centre in the prestigious Museum average in the UK we now enjoy nine BBQ’s a year at a has given its gym a facelift, and Heritage Awards for cost of £35 each time, but knowing how much food to with new equipment and an Excellence 2015. Dubbed prepare for family and friends can be a challenge. extra floor to provide the Oscars of the museum dedicated stretching and In the UK 6% of all food waste produced each year is world they attract some of warm up/cool down, cardio- meat and fish and around £1.6m is thrown away. the biggest names in the vascular and weights areas. Guidance on portion advice and some great recipes for industry including the using up leftovers can be found at Victoria & Albert Museum in There’s also a new aqua www.lovefoodhatewaste.com London, the Tate, the challenge with a giant National Trust for Scotland inflatable obstacle course Ensuring that you are cooking only what you’ll need will and the Natural History during special sessions in reduce your food waste and save you money. Make the Museum. the main fitness pool. most of your BBQ and you’ll enjoy it even more! There are a number of things that you can do to help Swimming club wins Queen’s reduce food waste this summer. award • Keep your fridge below 5 degrees to keep food fresher Bubbles Swimming Club which delivers the Special Needs for longer. Swimming Programme at Maidstone Leisure Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service - • Use a cool box or bag in the garden to keep food at its the highest accolade given to voluntary groups. best before placing on the BBQ. • Storing bagged salad that you do not use in a sealed container with a piece of kitchen roll in to keep Planning and Infrastructure moisture out. Infrastructure is always taken into account when the council considers planning applications. • Any wilted lettuce leaves can be brought back to life by placing them in a bowl of cool water with ice-cubes to We always consult those responsible for infrastructure crisp it up again. provision and the council has never approved an application when they have said they cannot deal with any problems. • Freeze any meat which you haven’t got around to use and won’t get a chance to eat before the end of its use We are actively working with water, sewerage, education, by date. health, and transport services and providers. Officers are preparing local landscape protection policies. • Send guests home with a doggy bag if there is too These measures will allow us to set the borough’s housing much food left for you to eat. and employment targets whilst respecting the character and • Take leftover BBQ food to work for a change to your heritage of our borough. usual packed lunch. We have commissioned work to model future traffic growth • Leftover bread rolls can be frozen, salads and pastas and are working in partnership with Kent County Council, the can be stored in the fridge for another occasion. highway authority, on an Integrated Transport Strategy to reduce car journeys and congestion. Improvements already • Barbecued meats taste great in sandwiches and rolls planned include new cycle paths, the bridge gyratory system, the next day as long as you refrigerate them overnight. and junction 5 of the M20. Remember to use your weekly food waste collection service for any skin & bones, salad and vegetable Of the 18,560 homes needed between by 2031, around trimmings and anything that hasn’t survived the BBQ! 7,500 have been completed already or have planning Even your burnt sausages can do some good by being permission, and a further 3,500 are in broad locations for potential future development after 2026. composted and used as a soil improver on local farms. News from the MUSEUM LEGO® BRICK CITY! ‘Brick City’, our summer exhibition full of LEGO®, is on until 6 September. Over 60 iconic architectural models are featured, including a 4 metre-long St Pancras station, Rome’s Trevi Fountain and Rio’s Christ the Redeemer. There are gallery activities too – each Friday and Saturday we’re building a wall mosaic of Spike, our iguanodon mascot, plus we have lots of LEGO® for you to build with and competitions to enter. Are you up for our LEGO® Challenge? From 6pm-9pm on 27 August we’re giving teams of up to 3 people the chance to build a museum exhibit in LEGO® and win prizes. The café and bar will be open all evening.

Summer Holiday ‘Make it!’ weeks We’ll be running themed ‘Make It!’ activity weeks for children during the summer holidays, including Dinos, Romans, Japan and Explorers. And if you want your own LEGO® mask, we’re making them from card on 8 August for younger children, and from felt on 29 August for children aged 8 and over. • 10-14 August: • 17-20 August: • 24-27 August: Japanese Week Explorer Week Summer Mix Week

Cream tea tour If you’re a history lover, join us for a tour of our buildings followed by a cream tea Remembering on 15 August. The tour is £15 (£13 concessions) and booking is essential Contemporary Modern Watercolours Our Past Launching on 19 September, this exhibit will feature a collection of three works from each of 61 different artists. Thought-provoking and mainly abstract, the exhibition will run until 8 November..

Allsorts lampshades We’ve sent a 1917 oil painting, ‘Arrival Create a unique Liquorice Allsorts of a convoy of Wounded Soldiers at lampshade on 19 September, printing Maidstone East Station, 1916’, by your own fabric based on an amazing Frank Hyde, for conservation. It will 60s dress in our collection! £25 (£22.50 appear in the Museum’s World War concessions), booking required. One exhibition next year. A number of medieval artefacts have been lent to Kent History and Library Centre, for their exhibition commemorating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, which was signed in 1215. For more information and event times, please visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk. Bookings can be made by calling 01622 602838.

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings via 01622 602838. MAKE IT MAIDSTONE MAKE IT PROSPEROUS

Maidstone Borough Council is working to bring prosperity to the borough

A NEW GENERATION OF WORK SPACE FOR MAIDSTONE Work has started on The Business These include: what is available, and the cost of getting Terrace – a dynamic, affordable business • The high cost and inflexible terms of help is perceived to be high. workspace providing an inspiring and premises in Maidstone. ‘Generic’ The Business Terrace will combine best highly supportive environment to grow start-up or move-on space is practice and innovation from across the and sustain new start-ups and existing dwindling, there is a lack of premises UK to establish a leading-edge facility to micro businesses across Maidstone. available on flexible enough terms, meet the aspirational needs of It will be open in September. and costs are comparatively high - Maidstone. Once established, we hope that it will particularly for those without start-up The Business Terrace is in the centre of benefit more than 1000 entrepreneurs a capital such as first time town opposite King Street car park; next year through a combination of affordable entrepreneurs, recent graduates and to the Bus Station (with Park & Ride) and workspace, flexible time-based and residents starting in business from low The Mall Shopping Centre; a few steps virtual memberships, peer-to-peer income backgrounds; from the town’s main taxi rank; and only business support and collaboration, • Too many micro businesses working in a five minute walk from Maidstone East along with high quality, bespoke isolation with few natural clusters or Railway Station. mentoring, events, seminars and opportunities for developing local workshops and informal networking. supply chains; and For more information contact Karen The Business Terrace will help break • A lack of business skills. Franek on 01622 602392 or email down barriers to business formation and In some areas, there is little awareness of [email protected] survival across the borough.

Our Economic Development Team has • Desk space, on a Membership basis • Seminar, meeting, events and looked at how incubator and affordable from just 30 hours a month to networking spaces: vitally important workspace is delivered across the unlimited use; for businesses to offer impressive country to find the best model for the • Highly flexible, easy-in easy-out hosting facilities for clients, which borough. It will include: terms for up to six office pods – could lead to them winning more sales • Day Passes (a little like internet enabling space for expansion as and investments. cafes) for use in breakout areas; businesses grow; and Maidstone Borough Council 11 Rediscover Kent with free guided bike rides If you’re keen to get out on your bike and explore more of your local area this summer, but don’t know where to start, a series of free guided bike rides across Kent could be the answer. Part of a national campaign to get more people cycling for fun and fitness, Sky Ride Local offers a fantastic range of themed guided bike rides taking place throughout the summer months. Each ride is guided by a friendly British Cycling Ride Leader, and there are rides for all abilities. Upcoming rides include Maidstone History and Heritage (11 miles) on 15 August, and the Maidstone City Streets and Park Life 21 miler on 20 September. To find and sign up for a ride, visit www.goskyride.com/Kent

Aged 14-24? Try our free drop-in Keep Kids Active with the Ten sports sessions! If you like boxing, football or basketball – or have always Minute Shake Up! wanted to give one of them a try – come along to one of our Active kids are happy kids! Help them to FREE sessions for 14-24 year olds! get their recommended daily 60 minutes of Boxing (Term Time only) physical activity with 10 Minute Shake Ups! Mondays 4:30-5:30pm – Infozone, 3 Palace Avenue Change for Life has teamed up with Disney to provide this Wednesdays 7-8pm – Heather House, Park Wood fantastic summer holiday resources to get kids moving. Fridays 5:45-6:45pm – Shepway Youth & Community Centre They can sign up to one of four Disney teams and enjoy loads of fun games and activities over the summer holidays, Football (Term Time only) with free posters, stickers and wristbands to encourage Mondays 6-7pm – Hockey Astro, South Park them on their way! Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm – Heather House, Park Wood Visit https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up to get moving! Wednesdays 7-8pm – Shepway Youth & Community Centre Basketball (Term Time only) Sign up to the Thursdays 6-7pm – Heather House, Park Wood KentKent HealHealthythy Businessness AwAAwardward Thursdays 7.30-8.30pm – Shepway Youth & Community Centre ImprovingImproving economic eeconomic perfperformanceorrmarmance thrthroughough people and enenvironmentvironment Healthy Living HOWH W A company’s Programmes HEALTHYHHEEEAALA THTHY eemplomplop yees

IS YOUR ? NEEESSS BUSINESS?IN aare its greatest asseta Richard Brraanson MakeMk sure you lkftlook after yours.yours. People are the source of your business success. When your people are not performing at their highest level, your business is not performing at its highest level. Improve the health and wellbeing of your most important assets and you can improve the health and sustainability of your business. WWee ccanan help! Sign up to the KKentent HealHealthythy Business AAwards,wards, a fulfullyly funded assessment frframework,amework, to imprimproveove healhealthth and wellbeingwellbeing at wworkork and to rreceiveeceive national acaccreditation.crreddiditation.

ForFor mormoree infinformation,ormation, to arrarrangeange a meeting or to sign up, please email [email protected],aul.Kirrage@Midkddk nt We offer a range of programmes to callcall 01622 602032 or visit wwwwww.kent.gov.uk.kent.gov.uk and searchsearch forfor ‘K‘Kentent HealHealthythy Business AAward’.warrd help you to become healthier, including FurtherFurther details cancan be foundfound on the factsheet overleaf.overleaf. FULLFU weight management and exercise ULULLLYFY FUNDED. NDNDE programmes for those aged 65 and over. CAN YOU AFFORDFORD We also run programmes specifically RDRD NOTT TO? designed to help men to become more active and lose weight, and walking for health programmes to help everyone to move more and meet new people.

To find out more or to sign up for a programme, visit FundedFunded byby www.maidstone.gov.uk/healthyliving, email Kent Healthy [email protected] or call 01622 602222. Business Awards 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working

Cerian Lythgoe joined the Customer Services for you team nine years ago, working her way up from a Customer Services Advisor in the contact centre to Team Leader. In this role, Cerian looks after the whole Customer Services team, taking care of the day to day running of our face-to-face and telephone service. As a busy front-line service, the Customer Service Advisors can deal with 21 different services on behalf of other departments. On top of the normal, day-to-day work, they can be called upon to provide an extended service, such as keeping the phone lines open until 10pm on Election days, and providing a 24/7 contact centre during the flooding of early 2014.

The Customer Services Team aims to deal with 80% of enquiries at the first point of contact, passing the enquiry onto another relevant department only in rare What attracted you to the job? circumstances new opportunities to develop my skills, as well as the service we When I first applied to work at the In June 2015: offer for our residents. council, I applied for a trainee • 2,113 customers helped in What does good customer service position within the Customer the Gateway Services team. I had just finished mean to you? • 15,509 calls answered in the my A Levels and thought this As you can imagine, we pride contact centre would be an excellent way to gain ourselves in providing outstanding experience within the working • 2,128 emails answered customer services to our world, and I was given the residents. Listening to our opportunity to complete an NVQ. I What do you like most about your customers, taking our time with found that I really enjoyed helping job? them, answering their questions in customers and gradually learnt all No two days are the same - which full and treating everyone fairly are the services we took calls for, and is a great way to keep you on your just a few of the ways in which we then became a Senior Customer toes and to be ready for the next can ensure we continue to deliver Service Advisor in 2011. challenge! I am always faced with a high level of customer service.

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

What’s On! To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com downsmail.co.uk News Fruit fly threat Planners call time on to our cherries THIS year’s cherry harvest is under attack from Asian fruit flies. Growers in Yalding and Loose ‘struggling’ village pub have already reported losing cher- ries to the bug, which enjoys the LAST orders have been served at a 16th century pub after Maidstone heat and thrives when tempera- tures top 20C. Council's planning committee allowed it to be converted into a home. The threat to this year’s harvest is A 245-name petition had called for just as real for gardeners as it is for the grade II-listed Old Plantation commercial growers, with the pest Inn, in Plantation Lane, Bearsted to ‘The industry partial to not only cherries, but be retained as a pub. plums and other soft fruit. But the writing was on the wall has changed’ Unlike most fruit flies, which at- back in May, when residents failed SPEAKING on behalf of the appli- tack fallen and over-ripe fruit, the to have it declared an asset of com- cant Heritage Designer Homes, Mr female spotted wing drosophila munity value due to its walking Collins said: “For some time the (SWD) lays its eggs under the skin proximity to pubs such as the White pub may have been viable but the of healthy fruit. Larvae eat the fruit Horse, Oak on the Green, Lion of whole pub industry has changed from inside, making them soft and Kent and Rose Inn. considerably. unmarketable. The planning committee used the “It is quite rare for a small pub Malcolm Marden, manager at same argument to give Heritage De- that does not serve food and is not Worley’s Court Lodge Farm in signer Homes consent to allow the “The pub is not tied to a brewery in a town or village centre to be vi- Kenward Road, Yalding, says the extension of the building to form a and does not need a licence to hold able. There are other facilities lo- bug, first recorded in the UK in five-bedroom home, and an addi- live music, both of which help its vi- cally that are popular and located 2012, first reared its head on his tional two four-bedroom detached ability. a short walk along safe roads in a farm last year. homes behind the pub. “While I accept that there are two nice area.” This year it has affected some Neighbour Sue Nutting said the pubs nearby, they are of a different An offer was made to take over trees in the farm’s orchards, which pub, which closed in February, had character. They attract people from the pub at a rental level of supply farm shops and supermar- only begun struggling in the last two outside the area and are crowded £15,000 per annum, but a Maid- kets. years under its current owner. She and lively in the evenings. They do stone Council officer report said: The farm will be destroying any added: “Under a previous owner in not function as a village pub. “On the basis that only a short- affected fruit. 2011 and 2012, during a recession, “The Lion of Kent is on the A20 term letting would be appropriate, He said: “We are having to go the pub was successfully operating and does not have a garden for chil- the landlord would have to carry over the trees to see which have against other pubs in the area. Since dren. The Rose Inn is on the A20, has out substantial investment to been affected. I have heard from it closed the applicant has received no garden and serves Indian food, bring the pub to a reasonable op- other growers who have been af- at least two enquiries from people which is not good for children” erational level before the prospec- fected too, but at the moment it wanting to take on the lease.” Cllr Richard Thick asked: “Is this tive tenant could move in. seems to be only on a small scale.” Ms Nutting also objected to the a bad pub or a good pub badly run?” “The pub would not be viable A spokesperson from British loss of the play area in the pub's beer But Cllr Tony Harwood said: without that. This offer grossly un- Summer Fruits, which represents garden, stating it was a valuable fa- “Sadly we are looking at the loss of dervalues the premises.” 98% of UK berry growers, said: cility for the people of Bearsted. another landmark of my misspent “There will be plenty of first-rate Cllr Val Springett, local ward youth. On Sunday nights the Planta- “When this site was surrounded British cherries this summer. member, said: “The only reason of- tion was very busy, but it is undeni- by strawberry fields and pea fields “Unlike other affected countries, ficers recommend refusal is the loss able that it has been dying for years. there was no one living there, yet it the UK industry anticipated the ar- of viability of the pub, based on evi- It is not a symptom of what has been always survived. Things have rival of SWD and set up a cross-in- dence supplied by the developer. going on in Bearsted but of what has changed.” dustry and government working However, residents dispute this been going on in society. We have The planning application was ac- group to ensure the correct meas- claim and have evidence provided destination pubs but the local pubs cepted, with eight votes in favour, ures are in place.” by the former landlord to back it up. are really suffering. two against and two abstentions. Much of the advice for control- ling the pest has come from work Revised home Classic cars draw crowds by East Malling Research. plan granted THE eighth annual Cars on the Green No games room festival took place on Bearsted Green, PLANNING permission was A PROPOSAL to create a games attracting 165 exhibitors and about granted for a redesigned proposal to room and flat roof link to an exist- 2,000 spectators. demolish and replace a home in ing swimming pool in Harrietsham The event raised more than £2,000 Church Lane, Bearsted. was refused. for Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance Maidstone Council previously re- Maidstone Council felt the plan and five awards were given out. fused a planning application for for The Pines in West Street was too The warm weather and good-na- large for the area and contrary to a Caterways, claiming a three-bed- tured crowd made for a hugely suc- room home would have been visu- policy protecting the countryside. cessful event. A number of historic Harrietsham Parish Council ob- ally harmful to the conservation cars were brought for sale and several area. jected on several grounds, includ- cars on display were among the most ing the site’s hill-top location The revamped scheme was signif- celebrated examples of their kind. icantly altered, according to Maid- posing drainage and run-off con- Organiser Phil Hill said: “It’s great and the local pubs do well, along with stone Council. cerns. However, applicants Simona to be able to bring such a multitude the air ambulance.” An officer report said: “The and Carter Sand said the land was of vehicles to a local venue. The five awards offered included “impenetrable”. dwelling now proposed is more tra- “We had machines including high certificates for the best sports car, ditional, with a clearly distinguished performance legends like the selec- best pre-war vehicle, most desirable Dishwasher fire principle part of the dwelling and its tion of E-type Jaguars on display, to vehicle, best-dressed vehicle and subservant additions to each side el- historic machinery like a local steam- best dressed couple and car, which FIREFIGHTERS tackled a fire in evation. roller that dates back to 1929. This is was won by Stephen and Denise a dishwasher at a homein Franklin “This creates a better overall form increasingly becoming the kind of Bailey from Chislehurst with their Drive, Grove Green. Crews used a to the property, which relates better event where people bring the family Mini (pictured). hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze. to the street scene.” There were no reports of injuries.

Maidstone East August 2015 27 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Considering the merits of neighbourhood plan BEARSTED Parish Council is to explore the value of drawing up its own neighbourhood development plan. The first tentative step – to make a He felt the plan would give Cllr Fabienne Hughes added: neighbourhood area application to Bearsted a better say over not just “Land is few and far between but we Maidstone Council – will be made, development but the look of new should look at this and see what it Fund for land members agreed. homes, areas needing protection and would achieve. Rather than being MEMBERS agreed that up to However the decision, which fol- the infrastructure required. He told sitting ducks to developers we do £90,000 of parish funds should be lows a series of planning proposals members that in producing a plan, need to be more proactive.” reserved to buy land for the benefit for the area, wasn’t without debate. the parish would also qualify for a Parish council chairman Fiona of Bearsted, if it became available. Cllr Richard Ash said he felt there greater share of any developer do- Redman agreed it was an emotive The council’s land and buildings were few areas left to develop; nations and grants were available to subject and suggested if the parish Fund currently stood at £10,000. claimed neighbourhood plans were assist with the cost of the work in- decided to press ahead with a neigh- Investigations were to be carried ignored by planning authorities and volved. bourhood plan that the public out to ensure the council could still the cost would not justify its worth, Cllr Young said: “We are not sug- should be invited to give their views access the money for other emer- adding: “I am wondering what you gesting developers come and build at the earliest opportunity. gency projects should they arise. hope to achieve; there’s nothing left here and we can’t say no to any con- Members agreed 12-2 that the The parish finance committee in Bearsted to develop.” struction, but we can have some con- neighbourhood area application, would also investigate the condi- Cllr Paul Young said Cllr Ash’s trol on development when at the which is free, will be pursued, along tions and details of the original comments showed “a gross misun- moment we have none. with investigations about the value land fund before a final decision derstanding of the land available in “This is just a first step, with no of the document, other parishes’ ex- about topping it up is taken. Bearsted, in light of the plans com- commitment for us to continue with periences and information about Chairman Richard Camp said: ing in left, right and centre”. a neighbourhood plan.” available grants. “Some parish councils in the bor- ough have already made use of these funds to buy land to protect it On record from development.” MEMBERS will enquire about buy- ing equipment to make an audio Lights quotes recording of council meetings, in an effort to improve communications. FURTHER quotes are to be sought Cllr Richard Ash and Cllr Pat Mar- for more “industrial” lampposts for shall said they did not feel it neces- Church Landway. sary as the council had a competent Cllr Fabienne Hughes said it was clerk. However, other members felt more robust models were agreed it was important that the needed to withstand any attack by Peter and Penny Hockenhull’s colourful garden in Mount Pleasant Drive parish council had a recording of vandals and maybe only half the proceedings in the event of any de- number was needed. Gardening winners named tails being challenged. Council chairman Cllr Fiona Red- It was suggested recordings could man said it was hoped the lights PETER and artist Penny Hockenhull’s be posted on the parish council web- could be in place by October. garden in Mount Pleasant Drive off site, which is to be redesigned at the Sandy Lane is the best in Bearsted, end of the year. Plans considered judges decided Communications committee chair- PLANNING committee chairman Eight gardens were entered this man Cllr Dan Conner said the num- Cllr Graham Farrow said the coun- year into the parish council’s best ber of Bearsted Parish Council cil had received 12 applications. garden competition. Facebook followers had doubled Refusals had included that for 100 In second place was Jackie Preston Judges were Sara Henderson, from since the previous meeting and there homes at Barty Farm, which the and Peter Schmoeger (Cross Keys) Hunker Down Daisy, Bearsted gar- was a plan to reintroduce the village and in third place Debbie and Nick council felt the area could not cope dener Gill Gregory and horticultural newsletter. Dale of Roseacre Lane. with and a request to remove a tree society member Malcolm Withnall. The winners (pictured with judge in Church Lane. Ms Gregory told the winners: “Your Gill Gregory) received a trophy and a garden was full of colour. You should Fayre thanks Cllr Farrow said: “This is a lovely prize from the Potted Garden Com- consider Chelsea next year!” THANKS were given to the organis- tree of about 45ft and the last thing pany and the runners-up a meal for Anyone keen to challenge the title ers of Bearsted Fayre and villagers we want is for it to be torn down.” two at The Oak and flowers from for 2016 should sent an email to the who visited the parish council’s Bearsted florist Hunker Down Daisy. [email protected]. colourful stand. Tree work Chairman Cllr Fiona Redman said THE council’s environment com- it was good to hear residents’ re- mittee reported that it is awaiting a quests, including calls to Maidstone quote for proposed work to trees on Work contracts explained Council to finish its draft plan; for and around The Green. RICHARD Camp, the chairman of the council’s finance committee, lights to be fixed at the Woodland Committee chairman Cllr Geoff brought members up to date with reports about a review of the way Trust; the pond on the Green to be Bennett said a list of the footpaths in which the parish awards work contracts and would be reassess- kept full; for Music on The Green; requiring urgent clearance was also ing its budget priorities. things for youngsters to do and a re- being drawn up. quest to widen Spot Lane.

This page is sponsored and edited by: Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: 01622 630165 E-Mail: [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chairman: Fiona Redman MEETINGS HELD SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH (7.30PM) www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk AND THE PUBLIC IS VERY WELCOME

28 Maidstone East August 2015 Spruce Up your garden this Summer!

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Maidstone East August 2015 29 News downsmail.co.uk Return of Music on the Green THERE will be a Music on The Members were asked for their Green event in Bearsted in sum- help in supporting other activities mer 2016. on The Green, including a sports Parish councillors agreed per- and activity day on September 12 mission should be given to the and the fireworks display on No- charitable non-profit-making or- vember 6. Help will again be re- ganisation Bearsted Events to run quested from Maidstone Round the event. Table and the Jubilee Church, Parish council chairman Cllr which worked so well last year. Fiona Redman said: “There are a Communications and commu- number of people who were scep- nity committee chairman Cllr Dan tical about this, myself included, Conner said: “There is also a desire and we have worked with Bearsted parish council from any financial Comments from members, in- for the farmers’ market to put on a Events to highlight any risks and responsibility for possible losses cluding that of Cllr Pat Marshall Christmas event, such as a night- how they would be mitigated. that the event might make. that the event should be more time market to coincide with the We’re lucky to have a talented Members heard the organiser an- about music than stalls, will be fed lights’ switch-on, although talks are group offering their services free.” ticipated 3,500 tickets would be back to the organisers, as will a re- still in their early stages.” She said the deal would free the sold for the event. quest for regular updates. Speed limits Run a rainbow to help hospice Homes scheme MAIDSTONE Council has raised THE Rainbow 5K fun run is back – party everyone is welcome at this ROAD signs limiting traffic no objection to a proposal for four and it is better and more colourful festival of colour which will raise speeds to 20mph are to be put three-bedroom homes at 58 Boxley than ever. money for the Heart of Kent Hos- in place along Roseacre Lane, Road, . This family event in Mote Park, pice. Yeoman Lane and Tower Lane The homes would be built on Maidstone on September 27 prom- To book a place on the run, go to following an imminent public land covered by Medway Council, ises lots of fun and laughter once www.hokh.org or call the fundrais- consultation. who will decide the planning ap- the paint starts flying. Runners will ing team on 01622 790195. Bearsted Parish Council plication, but is just 30m from the be showered with powdered paints Entry is £17.50 for those aged unanimously supported the ‘H- border of the Maidstone borough. as they make their way along the over 16, £10 for those aged 12 to shape’ speed restriction, and a Maidstone Council's decision course to the finish line. 16, £5 for under-12s or enter a request for financial support notice said the site should be With music and a chance to team of eight for £120. with the signs. “well treed”. Leaflet Pick-up your NEWDistribution FREE copy of the Now TAKE AWAY MENU available Local Indian Restaurant with FREE DELIVERY Maidstone Open until 11pm every day Free bottle of and Malling’s beer with every No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal In addition to newspaper All types of delivering the renovationbuilding and gardening work Downs Mail to FREEundertaken. ESTIMATES over 82,500 Brickwork•Carpentry • Tiling • addresses every • Patio’s • Decking month additional • Distribution area can be copies are now tailored to meet your needs available to pick • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail up from: • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month • Competitive rates & volume discounts Mace Stores - West St. Harriestsham Len Valley News - High St. Lenham Christophers - Eyhorne St. Hollingbourne Call 01622 630330 - The Green, Bearsted for a quote, and see how easy it is to get Taylor’s Newsagent your leaflet delivered with the Downs Mail Grafty Green P.O. & Stores - Headcorn Rd, Grafty Green

30 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk Operation Stack | News Meeting fails to solve Stack HIGHWAYS England has been told to come up with solutions to end the traffic chaos caused by Operation Stack. It follows a meeting at County of Kent who are unable to go about Hall was attended by the Govern- their daily business. Not only does ment’s road transport team at- it affect people’s lives, but busi- tended by , county nesses are suffering and anyone council officials, MPs and repre- trying to get to Dover for their sum- sentatives for the ports, Eurotun- mer holidays is stuck in miles of nel, and lorry drivers. tailbacks. The idea of a contraflow, offering “This is an urgent problem that coastbound motorists access to the needs to be dealt with by Govern- M20 on the London-bound car- ment and Highways England.” riageway, was seen as a likely solu- The meeting at County Hall fol- tion. However, as Operation Stack lows growing anger from those af- came in to force on the M20 at fected by the continuing traffic Maidstone for the sixth time in five chaos, including businesses, coun- weeks, Highways England had re- cils, police and residents. jected the idea as “too dangerous”. It used the following reasons for rejecting the contraflow idea. Villages hit by  Using freestanding cones – the MP calls for a solution quickest way to set up a con- MP Helen Whately says ministers must find an alternative to Operation traffic chaos traflow – would risk collisions. Stack and keep the pressure on the French government to stop strike action PARISH councils have joined the  Emergency services would causing traffic chaos on this side of the Channel. call for a solution to Operation struggle to attend any incident. The MP for Mid Kent asked what talks had been held by secretary of Stack and the chaos caused by  It could not be easily switched state Theresa May with her French counterparts to queuing traffic in their communi- on and off, causing delays. avoid a repeat of the disruption and was told by ties.  It would disrupt the London- Mike Penning, the minister for policing, that “sub- Bearsted Parish Council wel- bound M20. stantial discussions have taken place between the comed MP Helen Whately’s sup-  It would reduce space available secretary of state, ministers and their French coun- port in raising the subject in the for queuing HGVs. terparts”. Commons and in responding to a KCC cabinet member for trans- However, Mrs Whately (pictured) used the oppor- letter from their chairman Fiona port Cllr Matthew Balfour, said: “I tunity to raise the issue of illegal immigrants seiz- Redman (see the letter at am disappointed that Highways ing stowaway opportunities, which led to further www.bearstedparishcouncil.co.uk). England considers a contraflow delays. However, she said members were system to be unworkable, but it is Immigration minister James Brokenshire MP told still “very concerned about the for them to give the Government a her measures were being taken to improve security at the border, includ- plight of Bearsted”, particularly, solution and they need to get on ing a £12m investment in fencing in Calais and potential improvements to the lack of signs when the traffic with it.” fences at Coquelles, along with increased use of the British Border Force. control system is in place and for- With lorries repeatedly queuing Mrs Whately said: “We need the French authorities to make sure striking eign lorries take themselves off the on the M20 because of strike action workers don’t disrupt ferry services. As it is likely strikes will continue dur- main roads. and immigration issues in Calais, ing the summer, I am calling on ministers to keep up the pressure on the Thurnham parish councillors overspill HGVs and cars diverted French government.” have also asked for better signs to onto the A20 have caused tailbacks Transport minister Robert Goodwill said there was an idea to store trucks keep foreign lorries out of vil- and “gridlock” across the town and on the now disused Manston airfield. He explained that his department’s lages. villages along the A20 corridor. immediate priority was tackling the queue-jumping that was making the Chairman Daniel Skinner said: Cllr Balfour said: “Operation congestion worse. Stack is a nightmare for the people “Even if they gave us diversion signs to put out ourselves, we would happily oblige. Let’s hope they can get some answers and the Caravan business sees trade fall cash before the end of the year, al- though I imagine when it comes to THE manager of a Harrietsham which days Operation Stack was in and servicing caravans on the site the county council, it will be about business on the A20 says his tak- force.” for people across the whole of the building a large car park some- ings are down a massive 25% be- He said nose-to-tail traffic had South East since 1948. Mr where.” cause of Operation Stack. forced his customers to give the Willoughby said that there was no Patrick Willoughby, from Lee business a “wide berth” at its redress for businesses. Davey Caravans, said: “You only busiest time of the year. He added: “Our busiest months Cost to police have to look in the till to know The company has been selling are June, July and August, when KENT police and crime com- we get a lot of interest in our cara- missioner Ann Barnes wants the vans and accessories such as gas Government to reimburse the Diversions as road closed bottles for barbecues and patio MOTORISTS could face more misery when they are forced to avoid Holling- county’s police force for the full burners. costs of policing Operation bourne village for three weeks because of work to the sewerage system “We started off with a record under the main road. Stack. June and since then we have suf- The cost of implementing the Eyhorne Street, a popular diversion with those trying to avoid Operation fered Operation Stack pretty much Stack congestion, will be closed from property number 103 from August traffic management measure on every week for a couple of days. the first four occasions had al- 10 for up to three weeks. Drivers will be encouraged to use the A249 and “We will never be able to get other routes to the A20. ready exceeded £700,000, with back this lost trade and there 112 police officers and staff A spokesman for the Nu-Venture bus company also warned: “This will seems to be no one and nowhere sever the only bus link to Hollingbourne (bus 13) for three weeks.” working all hours, she said. for us to get any redress.” Missed a story? Find archived editions of the Downs Mail FREE at www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone East August 2015 33 downsmail.co.uk Comment Ambulances now a 999 case  SINCE I retired as editor of the and there are carrots and sticks to Downs Mail, I have maintained close links convince us. to continue coverage and campaigning for MailMarks Probably the biggest stick is the quality local NHS services. DENNIS FOWLE President certainty of much slower journeys as Operating and financing them offer [email protected] major new residential and business great challenges. At times things go developments increase the number of cars wrong, but I believe I am just one of the and lorries. Then there is the likelihood of vast majority of the 250,000 population of and national microscopes – and is too parking charges increasing by at least the Maidstone area who sing the praises often failing. 50%. of just about all these services, and who The national press has conducted The carrots include an improved park- have good reason to be very grateful. undercover investigations, and some of and-ride service, with a new site possible That makes writing this month’s the shortcomings are appalling. Staff, at Linton crossroads and an extended 15- column so sad. For years I held our faced with rationing the services, have to minute service for all sites. There could be ambulance service in high esteem, but make life or death decisions. a £3 parking fee, with these bus journeys now too much goes wrong – and this is Locally the budget-holding GP-led free to all. happening at the very sharpest end of our Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) in Can we expect any big new roads? The emergency services. We are talking life or Kent have lost patience. An investigation Leeds/Langley bypass from Four Wents to death maers. revealed significant shortcomings and M20 J8 is still on the cards, but that’s it. Things seemed good when Maidstone “serious incidents”, which raised concerns The reports detail junction and had its own well-manned ambulance about Secamb’s internal governance. roundabout improvements, limited road station and enough vehicles to respond Sadly only 33% of staff recommend widening and major changes to the town speedily to demands. Management and Secamb as a place to work. centre bridge gyratory system. But the responses were largely in local hands. The CCG now plans contractual urban area is not structured for anything But big changes saw the South East “disaggregation” so the service operates really radical. Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) set up across individual counties, and nationally So will traffic logjams and much higher to cover an area from Hampshire to Kent. the NHS has announced a major review of parking fees persuade us to switch to Local stations closed and ambulances the 111 phone service. public transport, cycling or walking? It were strategically and mostly individually I think stronger management will help – seems this is happening to a worthwhile positioned to provide cover. Then the but suspect this is more about funding. degree in towns similar to Maidstone. NHS introduced the 111 phone system. But for many, especially those living in Month after month the service missed Our love affair with cars our rural areas, the car is essential to targets on the most crucial category of NEW reports on improving traffic working and private life. Our shops and emergency calls. The 111 system (operated flows in Maidstone during the next 15 other businesses will fight for its survival locally by Secamb) had a disastrous start. years make fascinating reading, but how in town. It has improved, but still offers can Maidstone and Kent councils We all know something must be done – frustrations to those calling an ambulance convince motorists to dampen our love but the right balances will be very testing. because of all the questions when speed is affair with cars? Planners must permit adequate parking of the essence. They would like to see us walk, cycle, for all developments. Lack of parking The service has now come under local car-share and use public transport more cannot be a weapon to ease traffic flow.

More chaos on the way under Tonbridge and Malling and it would rather than just housing. The planning appear that as it is in a pocket, well away appeal process appears to delay progress Dear Sir – Maidstone has only one bridge from its main centres but will aract extra rather than stop it; local political parties in the town and that results in traffic chaos. rates for that council, it really does not care have no real final say. It is no one’s fault but what do Maidstone about the traffic implications for House-builders and developers have the Council’s planners do? Agree to huge Maidstone. In such a crowded place isn’t it law on their side but the legal and housing developments in the Hermitage time for councils to talk to one another? consultation process adds costs which Lane area of Barming, as well as Coxheath Ron Stubbs, Maidstone must be passed on to customers. It is a and Park Wood. ludicrous system that slows our economy. Reaching Maidstone hospital in a hurry It is not just on traffic where Maidstone could Prey fields stretch across the country, for ambulances will be a miracle; as it is, do with the help of other councils. Hermitage Lane is usually jammed from not just Kent; our county has few unique The borough’s 18,560 housing target between 3.30pm until 6pm and the additional natural contours/landscapes that can save 2011 and 2031 could be reduced if another homes in Coxheath will create a far heavier our land from the developers. There must nearby local authority agrees to make up the strain on East Farleigh bridge as drivers try be someone in politics that can think shortfall by allowing additional homes. to avoid the town centre. outside the box. The ladies in Kent don’t Good luck with that one! More traffic at Coxheath will also filter appear to be those female warriors to drive Response by Stephen down, adding to problems at the Linton up standards across the region and county. crossroads and the Wheatsheaf junction, The Conservatives are seeking to remove which will also have to deal with the extra the annual state current account deficit by vehicles from Park Wood. Less talk, more action 2020, but if our national cumulative debt There doesn’t seem to be any practical Dear Sir – The ladies of Kent fulfil an continues to increase at the rate it has over solution, but you have to wonder whether important role in society, maintaining an the past five years, the nation will be the planners considered the impact that administrative competence in the political seeking to reduce a boom line close to more construction will have a few hundred arena with dignity and tenacity. two trillion pounds on the balance sheet. yards along the line? The real challenges of Maidstone revolve House-building will generate income, Part of the Hermitage Lane area comes around transport into and out of the town employment and tax collection that is Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

34 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk

essential to our national survival. political system. Perhaps the politicians this decision with her outspoken Comment Perhaps Cllr Tony Harwood has missed need to look at themselves before culling opposition to any development one the point that the closure of the Russell every government department and worker junction down the M20. Hotel reduces income into Maidstone. The outside Westminster. Should we sell the If, in the fullness of time, this Royal Star Hotel had the right location for BBC? Will that cover our NHS deficit? We development actually happens, will she a retail shopping experience but closed a are all responsible for the deficit. apply for a job there too? Sadly, politicians generation ago. Where are the first-class I wish the ladies well in Parliament, but I are known for being somewhat fickle when hotels in Maidstone? Kent has Leeds Castle doubt any of today’s issues will be it comes to making a principled stand, so it and Mote Park, neither of which come addressed to the satisfaction of the people really shouldn’t come as much of a from the great political minds in this of Maidstone. They are the same issues we surprise. county. had in 2010. We will just have to grin and By the way, using the voluntary work If the people of Kent oppose solar farms bear it. line won’t wash, as she can volunteer with because we don’t like the reflection or they Richard Maryan, Coxheath any number of other worthy charities and look ugly, what will help to pay the organisations in the area. national debt? We moan about everything Jon Carey, Bearsted. and do nothing but preserve the ordinary. Hypocrisy of ‘Angel’ We stifle business rather than encourage it. Dear Sir – I applaud the excellent work the Well, there is always someone willing to have a Maidstone remains in a permanent newly-appointed Kims Angels will do grumble isn't there? If I was a paid employee I gridlock – the traffic jam oozes throughout (Downs Mail, July) but marvel at the could understand the issue but as a volunteer, I the morning and the evening bumper-to- staggering hypocrisy of one of the people fail to see the problem. bumper period grows. The county and the involved. I do it because I enjoy it and actually, it gives nation require revolution. The revolution is Val Springe is also a local councillor me a break from the huge amount of pressure in thinking, rather than just saying no. who has been extremely vocal in we councillors are under regarding housing Compliance of the status quo will not do campaigning vigorously against such and commercial development in the area. if you have to breathe the air in the town developments. I was not involved with Maidstone Council centre; discussions on the state of the local Has she not thought how odd it might when the Kims development was approved. NHS will not fix the problem. House- seem to the people of Bearsted and Perhaps the writer would like to join me on one building needs more thought than Thurnham that she now appears to be of my three-hour volunteer sessions (just one a objection. quite happy to work at a place that exists week), which includes visits to patients – both If we accept austerity, perhaps we only on a greenfield site next to an AONB at NHS and private – who have said how much need one MP for Kent; perhaps we only M20 junction 7? they appreciated someone taking the time to sit need 325 MPs in the House of Commons. I’d be really interested to hear how one of and chat with them when they have no visitors. We have an extortionately-expensive our elected representatives can reconcile Response by Cllr Val Springe

A STIHL petrol hedge trimmer, a Dewalt rm reports Crime drill and a Stihl petrol chainsaw were stolen from the shed of a home in Roseacre Neighbourhood Watch Lane, Bearsted. A phone and a laptop were taken from a Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police vehicle in Green Sands, Lordswood. A set of Callaway golf clubs were stolen from an outbuilding at a property in Coeur Close, Thurnham was broken into Harrietsham, but left when the alarm was Roseacre Lane, Bearsted. and cash, a sat nav system and a pair of activated. The rear window of a Mercedes van sunglasses were stolen. A purse containing cash and cards was parked in a farmyard in Boxley was A lock was damaged on an outbuilding taken from a Peugeot 508 parked in Ham smashed. in Detling Hill, Detling, but nothing was Lane, Lenham. Gardening equipment was stolen from a taken. Items were stolen from a car in shed at a property in Ashford Road, Two doors were damaged at a property Wykeham Grove, Leeds. Bearsted. in Pennine Way, Thurnham, in an aempt A wacker plate was stolen from an Jewellery and a wallet were stolen from to break in to the property. outbuilding in Rose Lane, Lenham. an Audi in Birch Drive, Lordswood. A man Fencing and garden furniture were A car was searched in Meredith Close, described as white, in his 20s, about 6ft tall damaged in a country park in Detling. Leeds and items were stolen. and of slim build was seen in the car and Four vehicles were stolen from Detling A mobile phone was taken from a shop ran off when challenged. Hill, Thurnham. in Hollingbourne. A bicycle and alcohol were stolen from A property in Monkdown, Downswood, A horsebox was stolen from a field in the shed of a property inn Tower Lane, was entered and cash and keys to a white Hill Green Road, Stockbury. Bearsted. BMW 320 were taken. The vehicle was then The wing mirror was removed from a car A vehicle parked in Harvesters Way, taken from the driveway. parked on a driveway in Beauworth Park. Weavering, was entered and a sat nav Three quad bikes were stolen from a A lawnmower was stolen from the shed system and computer equipment were barn in Stockbury Valley. of a property in Senacre Lane, Senacre. taken. Items were stolen and damage was A rear bedroom window was smashed at Items were stolen from a shop during a caused when a cricket pavilion in White a house in Willington Street, Maidstone. break-in in Egremont Road, Bearsted. Horse Lane, Otham was broken into. Two children’s bicycles were stolen from A vehicle parked in Harvesters Way, A Hyundai parked on a driveway in Well a garden in Westmorland Green, Shepway. Weavering, was entered and a sat nav Road, Maidstone was broken into and A silver W-registration Ford Fiesta was system and computer equipment were searched, but nothing was found to be stolen from Groombridge Square, Senacre taken. missing. Kent peg roof tiles were stolen from a prop- A Land Rover parked on the driveway of A vehicle parked in Old School Close, erty in Grange Lane, Sandling. a home in The Chimes, Bearsted,was Lenham was scratched on two separate The windscreen was damaged on a vehicle broken into and golf equipment was stolen. occasions. parked on a driveway in Willington Street. Gas boles were taken from a premises Garden equipment was stolen from a in Pilgrims Way, Boxley. shed in Emsworth Grove, Vinters Park. A wallet was stolen from a vehicle in The front gate of a property in Broad PROTECT Ware Street, Bearsted. Street Hill, Hollingbourne was damaged. A property in Blacksmith Drive, Grove A gate was removed from its hinges and YOUR HOME Green was broken into and items taken. a security light smashed in Warren Street, ALARMS FROM Two men were seen behaving suspiciously Lenham. +VAT and enquiries are ongoing. A bicycle that was chained to a balcony £495 Tools were stolen from a vehicle in in Wheeler Street, Maidstone was stolen. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD Gleaming Wood Drive, Lordswood. Intruders caused damage breaking in to 01622 880751 A Citroen parked on a drive in Creve a stables complex in Pilgrims Way,

Maidstone East August 2015 35 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Ivor Davies CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU

Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Call to change law on lier Community work rewarded PARISH councillor Bob Hinder has been presented with the from cars Kent Association of Local Coun- THE parish council is to urge Maid- cils’ 2015 Community Award. stone Council to join the campaign Cllr Hinder was nominated by for a change in national law so that his colleagues in recognition of the owner of a vehicle can be pros- his hard work and dedication in ecuted if litter is thrown from their leading to fruition the Dove Hill vehicle. allotments project and as first Members recently discussed the chairman of the Friends of Box- growing roadside litter problem in ley Warren, whose conservation the parish, much of which was work in the Warren has been thrown from passing cars. They greatly admired. heard that in some London bor- Parish council chairman Ivor oughs, councils had successfully Davies, who is pictured present- fined registered owners of vehicles ing the award to Cllr Hinder, from which litter had been dis- said: “Whilst it may not be nor- carded, whereas Maidstone had mal for a council to put forward first to identify the driver or pas- one of its own for recognition, these two projects and con- council would welcome sugges- senger actually responsible. we felt this was an exceptional fronting all sorts of difficulties tions from residents of possible Borough and parish Cllr Tony case. and weather. This award is candidates for an award in 2016. Harwood said that the biggest “Bob has gone well beyond therefore richly deserved”. Nominations should be sent to problem was in areas where traffic what could be reasonably ex- Kalc Community Awards are the clerk, please, at the parish of- had to slow down because of traf- pected, spending long hours on made annually. The parish fice. fic lights or congestion. This gave people an opportunity to chuck whatever they have got out of the window. Clerk joins He pointed out that “If you throw a cigarette end into the road Homes appeal bat safari in town you will be prosecuted, but A BAT and moth walk organised MBC does not prosecute people lit- by Pippa Palmer of the Mid Kent tering from cars.” Downs Orchard Group was ex- Councillors agreed to ask Maid- turned down pertly guided by Simon Ginnaw of stone Council to give its robust the Medway Valley Countryside support to an on-going proposal to THE planning inspectorate dismissed an appeal change the law nationally and to Partnership. offer the borough as a pilot scheme. for a plan for eight homes but the site is now Parish clerk Pauline Bowdery Separately, borough and parish came hotfoot from a parish council Cllr Wendy Hinder reported on lit- facing the prospect of an advertising hoarding. meeting and joined a few hardy ter issues she had been dealing members of the public for the The inspector considered that ac- and drained by the stream feeding event. Even before the walk started, with, including bins not being emp- ceptable living conditions could the Vinters Valley Park lake. tied in Walderslade and rubbish a noctule bat was spotted flying not be reasonably provided for fu- Borough and Boxley Parish Cllr overhead at Provender Way. left on Weavering Heath. ture occupants of the site at the Tony Harwood, who submitted ev- Then, armed with bat detectors, She requested that the PCSO junction of New Cut Road and idence to the inspector opposing the group went from the commu- keep an eye on Weavering Heath as Bearsted Road, in terms of noise at- the scheme and to ensure its pro- nity orchard down Weavering there was evidence of barbecues tenuation. tection, has called on Maidstone and discarded “legal high” gas Another reason for dismissing Council to purchase the land using Street to Mote Park with stops cylinders. the appeal was said to be the im- a financial contribution received along the way to look at and learn pact on the landscape from the from a nearby development. about bats. Street lights dwellings and the required acoustic In a further development, Maid- Thirty minutes were spent at The KCC programme of works boundary fencing. stone Council has now received an Mote Park lake, with Simon keep- identifies that lights will be re- The planning application was re- application to erect a large adver- ing everyone informed on the placed in the following areas in Au- fused by Maidstone Council fol- tising hoarding on the corner of many bat species in Britain, with gust: Quinion Close; The Spinney; lowing receipt of concerns and Bearsted Road and New Cut Road nine found at Mote Park. At one Spenlow Drive; and Woodlands. objections from local residents and facing on to the roundabout. point there were up to 18 bats fly- the parish council. However the The parish council has asked that ing around the group. Next meeting developer appealed to the Inspec- the application be refused, citing They used bat boxes to monitor torate. possible distraction to drivers, im- them feeding, as when a bat gets THE next meeting of the parish In its objection to building on this pact on the street-scene and general close to a kill, the sonic sound council is at the European School of site, the parish council pointed out impact on the landscape of this val- changes to a raspberry sound. Osteopathy, Boxley at 7pm on Fri- that this was one of the few re- ued area. As it was becoming quite damp day, September 11. Members of the maining pieces of open land in the Maidstone Council’s decision is the walk ended at 10.45pm with public are welcome to attend. area, and that it was rich in wildlife awaited. only a brief stop at the moth trap.

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Maidstone East August 2015 37 downsmail.co.uk Alistair Black Jeannie Bowpi founder member of Bearsted and Obituaries Thurnham Tennis Club; a founder member MAIDSTONE Council is mourning the loss JEANNIE Bowpi (58) lived locally for 25 and trustee of Bearsted Bowls Club and a of Conservative councillor Alistair Black years, the first five in the Royal British founder member of the badminton club. (79), who died at Maidstone Hospital after a Legion Village in Aylesford and, for the Bernard was an examiner of local short illness. past 20 years, in Eccles. organisation accounts, including Bearsted Cllr Black lived in Born Jeannie Allen, Parish Council and Bearsted’s annual the Tonbridge Road she grew up in carnival and fair. He was employed by area for six years, Sidcup and also lived local company Marley and after retirement having moved locally in Dartford. She and in 1990 he set up his own accounts after retirement. husband Chris raised business. Born in Glasgow, he sons Steven and He became a respected school bursar, began his career with Michael. She worked notably with Red Hill special school (he the British Transport cleaning executive was also a trustee of the Red Hill Trust) Police before joining homes. and became business manager and the British South Chris said: governor of Roseacre Junior School, which African Police Force “Jeannie tried all he helped guide to grant-maintained in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). sorts of hobbies and pastimes in her life status. Cllr Black put himself through a degree at and was a very positive person. In recent He joined the Rotary Club of Maidstone night school and worked as personnel di- years, she was involved with the Leonard in 1995, was treasurer for five years and rector in a paper-making firm before mov- Cheshire Day Centre at Chipstead. president in 2004. Last year he was ing to the Maidstone area, where he became “She was so involved with the day centre honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship. active in the party he had always supported that staff regarded her like a member of Bernard is survived by his wife Helen and was elected to Maidstone Council. staff rather than a service user – she got and sons Graham, Michael, Tim and David Cllr Black joined the council in 2011, rep- people organised and did lots of card and and grandchildren. resenting Fant ward. He was re-elected in jewellery-making to help raise funds. May this year. Jeannie had suffered with rheumatoid The Maidstone flag flew at half-mast over arthritis since 1997, but she was resilient Kathy Hicks the Town Hall from the news of his death and didn’t let her health get her down.” until the sunset after Cllr Black’s funeral Jeannie leaves her husband, sons, and KATHLEEN “Kathy” Hicks (63) lived and the council observed a one-minute si- grandchildren Megan, Rhys, Thomas and locally her whole life, first in Maidstone lence at a recent meeting. Grace. where she grew up and – from 1979 – in Cllr Black’s friend and fellow Conserva- Harrietsham. tive (representing Coxheath and Hunton She was known as a playwright with a ward), John Wilson said: “Alistair was the Bernard Head strong creative voice and the ability to kind of selfless person who got involved in translate strong Christian themes into BERNARD Head (78) devoted much of his accessible and entertaining work. a range of local causes, pushing the interests time to helping the community of Bearsted, of local people. Born Kathleen Hills, she was educated in his home village for more than 40 years. Maidstone and worked in a range of jobs “He wasn’t the kind to spend a long time He served as telling you about himself and his achieve- locally including shop work, with the treasurer of Holy mentally handicapped and at County Hall ments. He was involved with St Luke’s Cross Church and Church and remained very positive. Just be- dealing with tax. Kathy met Paul, her was also treasurer husband of 44 years, when she was 16. fore he died he was still hopeful of recovery and trustee of and was making plans for the future.” Paul Hicks said: “Kathy was a very Bearsted Woodland determined person with a genuine gift Cllr Black leaves his wife, Sue, daughter Trust, which now Fiona who lives in Australia, son Douglas when it came to writing plays; her work is protects 26 acres of very varied and takes in musicals and who lives in Africa, grandson Brett and woodland and grand-daughter Jamie. serious drama. meadow. He was a “It was performed locally from 1978 to 2003 and requests came in from as far away as Cobham in Surrey for performances; some of her plays were also published by a company specialising in Christian drama. 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38 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk John Skinner Sam was father to Jane, Stephen, dent of Lenham Bowls Club and also pres- Jonathan and Jenny. His wife Lee said: “In ident of the Weald of Kent Rotary Club. Obituaries THE death was announced in Wiltshire of his younger days Sam was a gifted When he was widowed in 2006 Reg John A Skinner (89), who worked in footballer who tried out for professional moved to Headcorn, being joined by his Maidstone schools from 1958 to 1985, and clubs. He loved sport and became very daughter Mandy and her husband Nick. lived in Allington. good at table tennis. His other passion was The family say they were overwhelmed A mathematics graduate of Queen Mary computers and he was amongst the first to by tributes to Reg and his funeral in Head- College, John served own one. corn was attended by more than 200 peo- in the Navy and “He learned programming, and was able ple. taught in Woking to teach himself other things like how to and Birmingham build computers and DIY skills. He used before moving his computer skills to help with the Leslie Jeffries locally to become logistics in his business before using LESLIE Jeffries of Allington was well head of maths at computers in this was a normal part of Maidstone Grammar known locally from his years as station business. master at Maidstone East Station. School. “His son-in-law, Greig, delivered a He served as He held the post from 1964 to 1978 and eulogy about Sam’s achievements but also also served at stations on the Isle of Wight, headmaster of the modesty he showed, in not being Maidstone Technical High School for boys Emsworth in Surrey, Gipsy Hill in London outspoken about all the things he had and Sidcup. Leslie served as a radio opera- from April 1966. In 1974 the school’s name done. His friends and family will changed to Maidstone School For Boys, tor in the tank regiment in World War II, remember his dry sense of humour and his with postings including North Africa. He and in 1983 it became Oakwood Park wisdom.” Grammar School. met wife Jean in the Lake District during The current deputy head, Mark the war when she was working in a fish Howsden, served with John. He said: Norman Harlow and chip shop. “John was an educationalist of great Leslie loved the railways and also held a vision. He wanted to create a ‘different’ NORMAN Harlow (79) lived in Bearsted passion for Portsmouth Football Club; his grammar school, one which developed the for more than 50 years. He was born in first railway posting was as a clerk in a whole person, not just the academic. He Margate, was educated at Dover College goods office at Fratton Park, Portsmouth wanted his teachers to be teachers of men, and lived in Kent all his life. near the club’s ground. not just of their subject, once saying at Throughout the Leslie – who was widowed – leaves son Speech Day that ‘education is about war, he and his Mick, daughter Janet, four grandchildren relationships’. parents lived in The and four great-grandchildren. “John believed in developing the Victoria Hotel in individual in all of his pupils and staff, but Maidstone, where his always within a team ethos. Under John father was a hotelier David Nuall the school developed the reputation for and publican. Later DAVID Nuall (64), who had recently outstanding pastoral care and extra- he lived at the moved to Chart Suon, was well known curricular opportunities which it still Masonic Hall in locally for his years of involvement in enjoys today and soon was established as Bower Terrace. nature and conservation work. He lived for the academic equal to other Kent grammar His work as a sales almost 30 years in Downswood, most of schools; quite a legacy. rep and manager meant he travelled them in Longham Copse. “John was affectionately known to widely. He ended his career as general Born in students and staff alike as ‘Jasper’ and manager at Aylesford Priory. Chesterfield, although he had a very formal presence He had many interests and belonged to Derbyshire and and demeanour he strived to get the best the Association of Kentish Men and Men educated at for and from his pupils and when of Kent’s Maidstone branch, where he was Loughborough appointing staff he instinctively knew chairman and president. He organised University, David what made an Oakwood Park teacher.” many outings for members and friends. followed a career in John was married to Dorothy for 66 He also belonged to Bearsted History civil engineering that years and father to Christine, Richard and Society and more recently was a member took him to Helen. Daughter Christine said: “My of the U3A. Birmingham and father was a gentle man and led a life He leaves his wife Rosemary and sons Ashford, before he informed by Christian principles. He Christopher, Anthony and James. moved to the Maidstone area. In Kent he contributed a lot to local life in Maidstone worked for Wimpey Homes and Southern including being amongst the founders of Water. He was given a retirement card the Heart of Kent Hospice and a trustee for Sir Reg Doyle from his final job, but still continued to be many years.” involved three days a week until his death. SIR Reg Doyle (85) lived in Headcorn from David was married to Christine for 32 John leaves his wife, children and 2006 and was a distinguished public servant grandchildren. years, and was father to Rachel and Emily. who carved out a notable career including Emily said: “My father was very generous posts as Kent’s chief fire officer (1977-84) with his time and effort and loved taking Sam Dunlop and HM Chief Inspector of the Fire Service. his grandchildren on nature walks. He was During his tenure as Kent’s senior fire very involved with local causes including SAM Dunlop (78) lived locally from 1970, officer, he lived with his family in Lenham the Len Valley Action Group and Friends firstly in Maidstone and – from 1972 – in and Harrietsham. Born in Birmingham, his of Mote Park. He was a governor of Bearsted. first career saw him serve in the Navy, Madginford School for many years, and He worked for GEC in Rochester for 22 joining aged 15 and rising to the position helped out at many local events. years. He worked as of chief petty officer before joining the fire “Since moving to Kent he had been a draughtsman, service. involved with St Nicholas’ Church in rising to the role of Reg married his wife June in 1953 and Otham, which was a very important part of chief draughtsman the couple raised daughters Mandy and his life. He also loved music and regularly before becoming Wendy. His meteoric rise through the aended concerts by Maidstone Symphony logistics manager, the ranks of the fire service saw the family Orchestra and the Sacconi Quartet, of role from which he move across the country, including resi- which he was a patron.” retired. He had dence in Hereford and Worcester, where Christine died five years ago and David previously lived in he served as chief fire officer in the three recently married Vivien Tanswell. He Wembley and years before taking over the Kent service. leaves her, his children and grandchildren Rainham. During his time locally Reg was presi- Bethany, Benjamin, Zoe and Jessica.

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

Maidstone East August 2015 39 News downsmail.co.uk Show boasts the best in Kent THE Kent County Show in Detling attracted 77,000 visitors over three days – up 2,000 on the previous year’s turnout. In spite of the hot weather and Op- eration Stack in operation on the Fri- day, attendance for the 86th show held up with a display by the Red Arrows, which cost £12,000, boost- ing numbers through the turnstiles. The show was well represented by the area, not just by visitors, but also among the 400 exhibitors and trade stands, with our region’s commer- cial and amateur growers taking some of the top prizes. Brian Piper, from Filmers Farm in Loose, received the Challenge Bowl and an armful of trophies for his From left: Staff from Valley, cherries. He won six first places and Rodney Gibson with his vintage tractor the most points in The National Cherry and Soft Fruit Show – the and Chris Spree with Jim Buttress from country’s only top and soft fruit BBC’s Great Allotment Challenge competition, held as part of the She was delighted with her first Fordson Association. county show. win in this category and confessed He spent his life working as a The best strawberries in the her entry was watered by her son commercial and agricultural engi- TV special county were grown by Robert Pas- Michael when her husband was ill. neer, and has been showing at BBC Countryfile’s Matt Baker call, from Clock House Farm, Cox- The keen gardener, who has a Detling for 15 years. He said: “It’s helped wrap the cherries sent heath, who won the Kentish Garden half-acre plot, told the Downs Mail great to give the vehicles an airing from the show to Buckingham Strawberry Cup. Taking a first for that fuchsias had been her favourite and catch up with those who share Palace. Co-presenters Adam his apricots was Clive Baxter, from plant since a visit to a flower show the same interest. I never tire of it.” Henson, Tom Heap, Matt Amsbury Farm, East Street, Hunton. 12 years ago. Among the trade exhibitors was Baker, Ellie Harrison and Anita Stockbury gardener Chris Spree, Roz Day, from Headcorn, was in Anno Distillers, from Marden, from South Street, received the best Rani also took part in activities charge of the flower marquee. She is whose award-winning alcoholic of- for a special broadcast which is in show award from the Kent Feder- on the show’s board of directors and ferings, infused with Kent sloes, el- now available on BBC iPlayer. ation of Horticultural Societies as has been the chief flower steward for derflowers, hops and samphire, well as the County Trophy from the more than 20 years. attracted keen interest. Staff from Kent County Agricultural Society for She said: “It’s a full-on 10 days, but Chegworth Valley were also kept Charity cash his garden produce. I thoroughly enjoy it.” busy selling fruit juice to visitors, It was the chairman of Stockbury VOLUNTEERS from The Ro- The 32 students from New Line along with home-grown produce tary Club of Maidstone River- Cottage Gardeners’ Society’s best re- Learning Academy in Maidstone from the farm near Harrietsham. side again manned the gates sult at the show. The prize was pre- walked away with the The Pattullo So with a ticket price of £22 per and ticket booths. sented by Jim Buttress, from the Higgs trophy after winning the most adult on the gate, was it value for BBC’s Great Allotment Challenge. points for their animals at the show. money? They will be donating their Chris said: “I’m really pleased and They were in The Kent Young A show spokesman said: “The cheque from The Kent County I hope it encourages a resurgence of Farmers’ Clubs marquee where ticket price is reflective on the day Agricultural Society to Rotary young and new people coming into youngsters competing from eight out as a whole. It is comparable to charities across the district and, gardening even more. “ schools and 11 young farmers’ clubs other county shows and events for the first time, to the Black- The Kent Federation of Horticul- made it the largest gathering of across the country. thorn Trust in Maidstone. tural Societies named Pat Wickwar’s young farmers in Europe. “We continually look at what we calla lily as the best pot plant on Exhibiting his vintage tractors – a offer our visitors and the experience they offer the public and included show. Mrs Wickwar, from London narrow hop garden 1962 Super they receive when they are at the free donkey rides and a circus work- Road, Leybourne, is a member of the Dexta and a 1964 Super Major – was show. Following feedback from last shop for children.” Mid Kent Fuchsia Group, which Rodney Gibson, from Stockbury, a year’s show, we encouraged our Next year’s show will run from meets each month in Maidstone. founder member of the Ford and trade stands to think about what Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17. Albums stolen Village crime Bellringer moving on A MAN admitted stealing a record THE police in Bearsted received A MAN who rang the bells at Ul- Jean, who has been involved with collection from a house in Willington seven reports of crime in the combe church to mark the death of All Saints’ for a long time, helping to Street, Maidstone, when he ap- month following the parish Winston Churchill is on the move. clean the church and having organ- peared before Mid Kent Magistrates. council’s last meeting. Patrick (Pat) Davis has been a bell- ised and arranged the flowers for 40 Shaun Sands (47) from Tonbridge PCSO Timon Gurr said four ringer at All Saints’ since 1965. He years, was thanked by church war- Road, Maidstone was ordered to offences involved thefts from rang for the funeral of Churchill and, den Rita Strutt for her help, and was carry out 270 hours of unpaid work. cars – in Ashford Road, Ware more recently, for the 50th anniver- presented with a card and cheque He must also pay £300 compensa- Street, Whiteheads Lane and sary of VE day. for the family. Fellow warden John tion and a £60 victim surcharge. The Chimes. He reminded own- The congregation turned out to Goode added: “Pat will be particu- ers about locking cars and not wish Pat, his wife Jean and son larly missed at carol concerts, when Charity cricket leaving anything of value on David all the best with their move to he would join in enthusiastically. BEARSTED Cricket Club will take display. the Isle of Wight, where they will The family has made a wonderful on the Bearsted and Thurnham Club In Egremont Road, two bur- live closer to their daughter. contribution to the church.” in a charity cricket match on Mon- glaries involved items being Team captain Charles Tassell Jean’s departure means the church day, August 31. taken from property, other than thanked Pat for his service, recalling is now looking for someone to lead The match, on Bearsted Green, the homes, and one of criminal his patience with new ringers, and the flower-arranging team. Anyone will start at 1pm. Proceeds will go to damage to a property. presented him with a hand bell interested is invited to contact Rita The Heart of Kent Hospice and Kent made by the Whitechapel Foundry. Strutt on 01622 844325. Air Ambulance Trust.

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S COPPER I.WALLOND FENCING ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Maintenance and Servicing Est 1993 Est. 25 YEARS General repairs, maintenance and restoration. FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED 01622 844956 07931 368710 CITY & GUILDS ELECTRICIAN Free quotation services — No call out fees www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk For friendly advice call Simon Copper on 07564 209437 01622 765761 (Evenings) Fence me in & alot more All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs L.W Electrical All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Part P Registered Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Double Glazing All electrical work undertaken Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, 24hr Call Out • Free Estimates Hedge Cutting etc. Fully Qualified & insured Call Colin on 07521 E GLAZING REPAIR OAP Discounts 377306 or 01622 853978 UBL BEARSTED MA Ring Lee DO N 01622 737016 07906 517599 Misted Sealed Units Door Handles Broken Glass Email: [email protected] Door Locks Window Handles Letter Boxes Broken Hinges New Doors New Windows FREE ESTIMATES TOTAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES BEARSTED • MAIDSTONE OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Tel. 07763 613451 07808 849432 or 01622 738683 For all your domestic electrical requirements. •Full rewires Drives •New fuse boards •Sockets, Lighting www.wrightsfencing.co.uk •NICEIC Part P registered BUTLER Kent & Sussex •Competitive rates (no vat) DRIVEWAYS Drives •For free quotes and advice call Neil No1 Locally Since 1996 Block Paving Specialists in Block Paving, Resin Patterned Concrete bonded surfaces. Also red or black Tarmac Driveways tarmac. Hot tar chippings. Pea Shingle Drives Patios Shingle. Free Estimates. All new Electric Rewired 01622 850491 work guaranteed for 10 years. The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied We are Part P Certificated David Matthews Mobile: 07885 253623 Tel: 01622 809105 / 01580 891668 For all your Electrical needs Fencing Mobile: 07789 360748 Warren House Headcorn Road From extra sockets to house rewiring • Free estimates & friendly advice Sandway Maidstone www.kentandsussexdrives.com Replace old light fittings with new fittings • All types of fencing at Call Alf for your free quote competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected Landway Surfacing Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 • You talk directly to David at all www.electricrewired.co.uk. stages for your fencing Driveways, Block Paving, Tarmac & Shingle, [email protected] • Go on, give him a call on Council Approved Drop Kerbs, Resin bonded Drives All work fully insured and guaranteed Phone: 01622 755342 For free advice and quotation call:- Mobile: 07749 202140 Tel/Fax - 01622 734817 Mobile - 07795 471 196 or 07799 867 524 ADVENT Email - [email protected] ELECTRICAL SERVICES (Kent) LTD For all your electrical Website - www.landwaysurfacing.co.uk requirements from an extra 100 The Landway, Bearsted, KENT ME14 4LB socket to a full rewire. FENCING For a friendly local service call Jon Hughes LANDSCAPING 01622 630585 Garden Maintenance Mobile:0771 2653355 & Contractors 56 Ware Street •Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam Bearsted •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks Qualified to 17th edition Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates Part P WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES Reg’d 01622 743037 • Decking 07729 862518 / 07771 523799 • Patios www.rssurfacing.com • Clearance • Gates • Pergolas • Concrete bases • Retaining walls Online • All types of fencing undertaken Advertise your unwanted items FREE - Tel: 01622 631941 www.downsmail.co.uk 07876 540250

Maidstone East August 2015 43 Classified downsmail.co.uk Garden Services Garden Services cont Handyman Services continued Forestry First Ltd GARDENING SERVICES Tree Surgeons & Landscapers in Kent HANDYMAN No job too big or too small. All arboricultural tree works GENERAL GARDEN Painting & decorating, undertaken. Fully insured. MAINTENANCE all roofing works & repairs, www.forestryfirst.co.uk LAWN MOWING & STRIMMING, HEDGE TRIMMING, PRUNING & chimney’s, guttering & gutter 01622 616133 TENDERING OF FLOWERS BEDS ETC cleaning, pressure cleaning, fencing & brickwork & driveways RING JOHN FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TEL: 01622 813930 07554 267087 BRANCHING OUT MOB: 07964 129556 0800 4748750 TREE SERVICE Free from landlines All aspects of tree cutting, Re-shaping, Crown reduction. Felling of dangerous Locksmith or dying trees. All hedges and shrubs, TNC Property ARBOUR topped and shaped TREE SURGERY Site clearance, prompt services & Landscapes ‘Trust your local experts’ FREE ESTIMATES Driveways and Paving All Aspects of Tree Work Maidstone & Kent 01622 880218 Block paving refurbishment Felling • Pruning T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 (level sunken areas, clean & sand) Hedge Cutting 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT 07796 772020 Lawn construction Stump Grinding www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Fencing new and repairs 24 hour service locks opened Fully Insured and Qualified Brickwork/patios re-pointed Free No Obligation Written Quotation new locks fitted security checks emergency work undertaken Call Tremayne Fully Insured 01622 759119 07771 970570 www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk 01622 758221 Find us on 07748004252 Painting & Decorating LADY INTERIOR ad ad ad ad ad DECORATOR EPIC TANTONS NO JOB TOO SMALL Tree Surgeons LANDSCAPES REE STIMATES Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas No job too big or small F E TREE FELLING CHIPPING Call Lynda Daniel CONIFER TOPPING • Fencing • Treework CLIMBING/DISMANTLING • Turfing • Decking on 07733 354617 Aspen Tree Services SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS • Levelling Ground HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS • Tree Surgery • Jet Washing Service POLLARDING FREE ADVICE Y Decorator Y • Tree Felling and Removal • Water Features • Stump Grinding STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS D. STEWART Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed • Astroturf • Patios • Playarea woodchip for sale Public Liability Insured/ • Clearance • Driveways All decorating Qualified, Highly Experienced Approved Contractor For a free site survey call: interior & exterior & Fully Insured 01622 630312 01622 527106 FREE ESTIMATES For Free Advice & Quotations call: www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk

01622 745503 ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad 07788 532926 Bearsted 730541 www.aspentreeservices.co.uk ad ad ad ad ad Handyman Services z Fencing z Treework • Quality Decorating at a L.W.LANDSCAPING z Turfing z Decking fair & competitive price Fully Insured & Reliable z Levelling Ground Handyman • Fully insured & z Jet Washing Service No job too small references available Competitive prices • Dulux approved Tel: 01622 260149 z Astroturf z Patios Tel/Fax: 01622 737225 •Painting & Decorating • Plastering z Clearance z Driveways • Tiling • Fencing Mobile: 07816 149502 Mob:07772 231419 • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing www.sr-interiors.com General Household Maintenance. email: [email protected] 0$,'6721( Any odd jobs considered 20% Phone Lee for quotes discount* 07894 138224 01622 204491 MALCOLM ROBERTS /$1'6&$3(6 on production of this advert Day Evenings or to leave a message * not to be used in Over 25 years’ experience of conjunction with any other Fully insured 3523(57< offers maintaining people’s homes. 6(59,&(6/WG A friendly, reliable service. LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, MIKE LEWIS Painting & decorating, Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance, Wall Papering, Tiling Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etc PROPERTY MAINTENANCE BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, • HOME & GARDEN and all aspects of DIY. Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING CALL MALCOLM FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE & DECORATING ON 01634 308067 Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES • WALLPAPER HANGING Mob: 07788 142576 Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 • GARDEN MAINTENANCE FOR A FREE QUOTATION E: [email protected] • DECKING & PERGOLAS •FREE QUOTATIONS www.maidstonelandscapes.com • SMALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN LOOK: Please check our reviews and other Follow companies you may use at www.uktc.org MIKE LEWIS TEL: 01622 663192 us on Established 1990 Director: M Potter MOB: 07810 486146

44 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk Classified Painting & Decorating continued Plumbing & Heating LEE Hughes Painting & Decorating IRELAND PLUMBING Services PAINTING & DECORATING All domestic plumbing & SERVICES • Interior & exterior painting • Wall papering • Plastering heating work undertaken To place your Interior & Exterior Work boiler installations, Undertaken • Fully insured advertisement in our OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE • Friendly & reliable service servicing and landlord City & Guild Qualified Call Nick for a certificates classified pages please Tel: 01622 759040 free quotation call our dedicated 07921 193298 07912 892341 classified team on www.downsmail.co.uk 01622 206702 512663 01622 630330 [email protected] [email protected]

Professional Chris Bourne Plumbing Services M B Plumbing and Interior Decorator making water work Heating ● Heating ● Wall & Floor Boiler repairs and installs Not just a decorator, ● Plumbing Tiling Leaking taps 01622 862136 - 07525 083348 but one with over ● Complete ● 25yrs experience No Job too small, No call out fee, 40 years experience Bathrooms • All aspects of painting Free estimates & decorating now semi retired, so can offer a cheaper price 01622 747272 / All types of plumbing work. • Plastering service available 07885 950959 Please call Matthew on Scott Duffy, 42 Reinden Grove, 01622 687200 Larkrise, Green Lane, Downswood, Maidstone ME15 8TH . 07929 544 856

HALLFORD DECORATING NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES Painting & Decorating Services Call for free estimate For all your plumbing needs • Plastering • Carpentry • Property Maintenance General Repairs • New Taps • Ceramic Tiling, Floor Tiling, Laminate Flooring Call Martin Hallford on 07956 234273 • Toilet & Cistern Repairs Your friendly local service - Bearsted PLUMBING Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266 Rathbone Decorating Services

Painting & Decorating No job too small Interior & Exterior with special rates Benjamin Terry Plumbing and Heating Works Undertaken for pensioners • Free Quotations for all your plumbing and heating requirements • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services • All calls handled promptly and efficiently.

• Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman • No job too small 306005 Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 Heating Bathrooms Plumbing Boiler Servicing Landlord Gas Safety Certificates LPG, Air Source Pumps and Natural Gas

Plastering 01622 725558 [email protected] 07968 424228

BARMING PLASTERING D K PLASTERING • Internal & External Plastering All plastering work carried out • Reliable Professional Clean R. WEBSTER EST 20 YEARS Friendly Service • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • PLUMBING & HEATING Reg No. 185889 • Free Estimates FREE Quotes HEATING AND PLUMBING ENGINEERS • Over 25 years experience, Email: [email protected] references available on request High efficiency boilers and heating systems installed, existing systems • Registered with mybuild.com Call David 01622 727534 updated, all gas appliances repaired and serviced. Mobile: 07857 702418 07974 891795 Fault finding. All plumbing work undertaken. New bathrooms, en-suites, showers etc. MID KENT PLASTERING Free estimates. 01622 631915 All work guranteed. 0781 392 7162 / 0791 994 6328 Advertise here No call out charge - Proudly advertising in the Downs Mail for 12 years. and reach Plastering, Rendering & Screeding Tel: 01622 208621 New Ceilings & Repairs over 88,000 Coving & Stud Walls homes Mobile: 07949 241982 Tyrolean & monocouche rendering FULLY INSURED every month Commercial & Domestic ( Call our sales team now - 01622 630 330 www.midkentplastering.co.uk

Maidstone East August 2015 45 Classified downsmail.co.uk Plumbing & Heating continued Roofing Services continued

All gas appliances installed, serviced and repaired Boiler installations & breakdowns 218594 oofing ervices Solar installations & maintenance A1R S Gas cookers installed & repaired • TILED ROOFING • FLAT ROOFING Power flushing Landlord gas safety checks • LEAD FLASHING • PVC FASCIA / SOFFITS All plumbing work undertaken • FULL REPAIR SERVICE City & Guilds and A.C.S qualified Call Neil Tel: 01622 683476 Tel: 01622 296011 For a prompt reliable service Mobile: 07725 696030 GAS, HEATING, PLUMBING & RENEWABLES Mob: 07884 180595 Email: [email protected] Gavin Francis Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Burst pipes & leaks 25 years & 25,000 roofs • Bathroom & shower installations & all our guarantees are • FULLY INSURED Your local plumber insurance backed for the • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 07860 174959 full 30 years & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] 30 A B MOYLER PLUMBING & HEATING CALL NOW! Family Business Est. 1973 For a free home survey • Bathroom & Tiling • All plumbing work NO JOB • Power flushing TOO SMALL 0800 0434 342 / 07899 905 301 • Additional Radiators • Hot water cylinders The Fibreglass Roofing experts See the working display we created in Notcutts 25 years ago NO CALL OUT CHARGE • FREE ESTIMATE 07976 298296 www.flatroofcokent.co.uk 01622 863771 Skip Hire

Roofing Services

COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing Specialists in Liquid • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Membrane Roof Systems • Chimney Repointing or Removal We can overlay Existing Roof Surfaces • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Up to 25 year Guarantee Available www.apolloroofing.co.uk For a free survey/quotation 07808 414965 Please call Joe on 07786 802959 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote HIGH TOP ROOFING SERVICES ALL TYPES OF ROOFING WORK & REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN TILING • SLATING • FLAT ROOF • LEADWORK COMPETITIVE RATES • All Work Guaranteed • FREE Advice & Estimates • Tel: Maidstone (01622) 736130 Mobile: 07946 085259 STEVE JARRETT

46 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk Classified

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Maidstone East August 2015 47 On the Road

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Maidstone East August 2015 49 downsmail.co.uk

aihCouncils Parish deterrent to any potential problems and be a travellers and fly-tippers. The chairman positive outcome. stated that rubbish on the land was there Crime report PCSO Megan Day said four Emergency planning Owing to the lack of following a village clean-up, but it had taken crimes had been reported: criminal damage interest of residents at the recent village hall Maidstone Council a month to collect. He in The Bell car park and in Kemsley Street fair, there would appear to be no interest in confirmed that logs had been put across the Road and two thefts from vehicles in The organising an emergency plan. It was agreed area to prevent vehicles from accessing it. Bell car park. that there would be no further action. The clerk was asked to liaise with KCC to Village show A commiee member Tall Trees Close Tenants of parish council see if permanent posts could be put along aended the meeting and said this year’s land at Tall Trees Close had expressed a the layby. show would be held on September 5. There wish to buy the land and had put forward Chairman Cllr Mark Houston was the new was a request for £90 to cover the cost of the an offer subject to the understanding that the chairman of Detling Parish Council. hall hire, freeing up funds for the purchase parish council covered all costs and legal Burial plans Cllr Kennard reported that she of display boards. Cllr Nichola Carr expenses. Councillors agreed that potential had aended a Mid Kent Downs suggested that the council contribute legal costs would need to be ascertained Countryside Partnership meeting, at which directly to buying display boards and it was before agreeing on a price for the sale of the KCC confirmed that the Woodland Burial agreed to give £100. land. The clerk was asked to determine Parish plan Councillors had been surveying proposals for the White Horse Woods were these. no longer viable. However, those aending the village and would compile a list of items Buses During the school holidays, the requiring aention, which would go to heard that other plans for the woodland number 59 bus service would leave 18 were now being considered. residents for additional comments. Funding minutes earlier. There were no other opportunities were being investigated. The Village shop The questionnaire for the changes proposed, despite this service not community shop was due to be put out need for a part-time village caretaker had being financially self-supporting. become more evident to address some of the again to all parishioners, with a date for a minor maintenance issues. public meeting at the small hall. Cllr Kennard reported that she was currently Downswood looking into possible grants for a shop. Broomfield and Kingswood Co-opted Kate Pearson was co-opted to fill the vacancy on the parish council. Policing All anti-social behaviour County report KCC Cllr Gary Cooke said incidents/crimes commied within the Harrietsham the county council had saved £450m over Elected Cllr Trevor Allwood was elected sports field fell within a different ward, so the last few years. Now £50-55m would chairman for the forthcoming year with Cllr PCSO Maybank was unable to access this have to be saved over the next few years. Kenneth Kay as vice-chairman. data. However, he and the team were aware Parishes in more rural areas were meeting Warden’s report Community warden of the issues. Patrols had been trying to informally to develop/deliver a Martin Sherwood spoke about a phishing locate the offenders. Details for some youths Leeds/Langley relief road which Cllr Cooke email relating to Tesco Bank and about found loitering around the park had been strongly supported. changes to care provisions within KCC. obtained and the community policing teams Markings Road markings had virtually had been informed so that they could make Police report disappeared from all the side roads. Cllr The police had dealt with six visits too. If residents saw the youths, they Cooke would investigate. crime reports in the previous month. So far should call in and supply good descriptions. Lake A car left the road in Mallards Way the next month there had been 40 calls Neighbourhood plan Public consultation on and entered the lake. Fortunately no-one relating to the village and two crime reports. the plan was now complete. Councillors had was hurt and the Downswood resident had There was one theft and an assault had some very positive feedback from residents offered to pay for the damage to fencing. resulted in a person being arrested. Some of at the village hall fair. The information from Donation A donation of £125 was agreed the calls involved assisting a group of the public consultation would now be towards Bearsted Parish Council’s cyclists on the highway who had had an forwarded to Maidstone Council and playscheme. accident, a report of suspicious lights in a following its own consultation process, Trees It was agreed to replace the trees that field, possible poaching and one man had would be put to an independent inspector. had been planted and subsequently died at been arrested. There were numerous calls Cllr Hoy expressed thanks on behalf of the the rear of Murrain Drive open space, relating to travellers on the Glebe Field. parish council for all the hard work and possibly with an ash tree. Proposals to Neighbourhood planning Cllr Allwood commitment by the steering group. dedicate the tree to David Nuall would be said that eight of the 11 councillors had been Housing numbers Kent Association of Local discussed further at the next open spaces elected as members of Harrietsham Against Councils (Kalc) had asked parish councils to meeting. Reckless Development. This gave them a discuss and vote on the numbers of houses Defibrillator A site visit was being arranged mandate to address the neighbourhood plan proposed for development within the local with a supplier. to make it fit for purpose. Since the plan had plan. Councillors resolved to support Kalc in Gardens Rumwood Nursery had agreed to been submied to Maidstone Council, it had its endeavours to challenge Maidstone judge the garden competition and sell not progressed and this had caused serious Council on this issue. issues. It was agreed to engage with the Sports field A memorial bench had been vouchers to the parish council at a borough planning department to see what agreed. The Levercrest play area would be discounted cost. Vouchers would be needed to be done to move the plan removed. The purchase of additional toddler presented at the Christmas ceremony. forward, which would include recalling the play equipment had been agreed. The clerk Hanging baskets would be considered for plan back to regulation 14, amending it and would contact Jacksons fencing for a quote next year’s competition. for additional fencing and installation and Spires Medical Centre The chairman had resubmission. would make further enquiries on the cost telephoned the surgery and was told: “No- War memorial Insurance cover for the war and installation of bollards for the car park one is here at the moment. Nothing is memorial had been increased from £30,000 area. The main gate would be re-opened showing on the screen and I am unable to to £125,000. during daylight hours. Permission was given book an appointment. The clerk was asked Glebe Field Cllr Allwood reported on the for an under 12s football team to use the to make contact with the patient unauthorised encampment on the Glebe field on Sunday mornings. Initial enquiries participation group, as despite stating in a Field and thanked Cllrs Tom and Janea had been made regarding installation of leer to a Downswood resident that it had Sams for their hard work in geing the CCTV cameras. The hedge needed trimming contacted the parish council, it had not been maer resolved. Cllr Tom Sams had been around the gate as it was affecting access. in touch to discuss the closure. unable to source further concrete blocks and Footpath The clerk advised that another suggested using 10 to 15 tonnes of soil, at a leer regarding the footpath to the sports cost of £270, to form a temporary bund. This field had been received from a neighbouring Detling was agreed and more permanent solutions landowner expressing concern for her Rat problem Ward Cllr Nick de would be investigated. property and requesting that the parish Wiggondene reported the problem with rats Public forum A resident raised concerns council indemnify it. Councillors agreed on Queensway, stating that a collective about the amount of vegetation encroaching they were in no position to indemnify approach by residents was needed to deal on to the pavements and road along West private property. It was anticipated that with the problem. Street, Quested Way and between Baldwin’s beer public access would provide increased Rubbish Concern was expressed about land Place and the school. Residents gave their footfall which would in turn act as a at Church Lane being vulnerable to thoughts on securing the Glebe Field.

50 Maidstone East August 2015 downsmail.co.uk

to comprise of a 20-minute display and a 10- the council would match this. It was agreed Hollingbourne Councils Parish minute break. There were not enough chairs to put this on the next agenda. Car removed The parish council offered its and tables and it was not convenient to Maintenance Cllr Rayne Beale spoke about thanks to the PCSO for the removal of the borrow them from other organisations. the maintenance of the village and planting car at the entrance of Greenway Court Road Consideration was given to not supplying of the verges. She circulated plans for before the fete. tables to stallholders in future. Cllr Alan planting and said the total cost would be HGVs Cllr Susan Bauer had checked with Benne has said the food on the barbecue about £5,000. Cllr Cooke said he would liaise police and confirmed that it was illegal to and hog roast was too expensive, but it was with KCC as to whether permission was park or drive on kerbs. Unfortunately there noted that this was where the parish council needed for the planting. It was agreed to add was no alternative route for HGVs visiting generated the income for the fete and the the item to the next agenda to enable the nearby farms. Cllr Mike Bedwell said there prices had not risen for several years. Cllr council to review its budget, reserves and was sometimes no option but to mount the Cobbe said there had been complaints long-term projects. kerb if an oncoming HGV could not reverse. about the lack of a prize for the best stall and Car park Cllr Bob China said the height Kent Highway Services had put posts on it was resolved to reinstate this. barrier for the church car park was due to be pavements to prevent vehicles mounting Off-road motorcycles The club website was installed. He said there was still a problem kerbs. Aention was drawn to the narrow quiet and it was hoped this marked an end with rubbish collecting around the recycling gap outside Cotuam’s Hall in Eyhorne Street to the troubles. The council thanked Cllr bins and it was agreed a notice would be put where there was no proper pavement. The Daphne Parvin and Cllr Benne for their up about this. clerk was to write to the KHS and ask them efforts. Street lighting Cllr China recommended to evaluate the area. Twinning The visitors from Templeuve had that the parish council adopted a strategy to Condolences The council offered its enjoyed the fete and Hollingbourne retain the lighting throughout Leeds and to condolences to Rev Nigel Fry following the residents had been to the Witches and Street replace the bulbs with LED lighting as and death of his wife Jan. Music festival. The Hollingbourne players when they failed. He said that replacing all School parking The situation regarding had won the golf tournament. A bowls and the lights with LED fiings would reduce parking outside the school had become boules day was planned at Lenham the parish council’s energy tariff by 40%. It dangerous for children and motorists. Cars community centre with supper at the Dog was agreed to adopt this strategy. were parked on the verges, zig-zag lines, and Bear on September 19. Footpaths Cllr Fort said the footpaths were and near the railway bridge. Parents could Pavilion gates A suspicious vehicle had overgrown between Foley Hill and Forge park outside the Cardwell Pavilion if been driven into the Cardwell Pavilion car Lane. The clerk was to liaise with Rochester necessary. Cllr John Cobbe said the Lance park on two occasions. The gates would Bridge Trust about this problem. Memorial Field could be opened up for now be locked and the clerk would inform parking on special occasions such as sports the regular hirers. day. The clerk was to contact the PCSO and Otham the school calling for enforcement action. Phone lines A number of BT lines in the Leeds Parish questionnaire Cllr Moon was village were not working. However, BT was thanked for producing the questionnaire denying responsibility and blaming the High kerbs A resident asked KCC Cllr Gary which would be delivered by councillors to users’ phones. A BT Openreach contractor Cooke if he had any news on the high kerbs all residents on the electoral role. had said that the local exchange was outside Ashbank Coages. Cllr Cooke said it New councillor Lynden Gandotra was co- outdated and the lines inadequate. Cllr was not possible to put in high kerbs at that opted to fill the parish council vacancy. Cobbe said he had contacted MP Helen location and KCC was considering chevrons Police report Four crimes had been reported Whately about the broadband situation and as an alternative solution. – criminal damage in Titchfield Road, and she would be discussing the state of the Anti-skid surface It was reported that the thefts in Otham Street, Titchfield Road and Hollingbourne exchange with BT. The clerk surface on the corner near Ashbank Coages Stoneacre Lane. was to write to BT. was breaking up. Cllr Cooke said he would Street names Maidstone Council had Crime report PCSO Thomas Maybank liaise with Kent Highways about it. advised the new street names which were reported criminal damage in Eyhorne Street HGVs A resident expressed concern about based on suggestions from the parish and Manor Lane and a nuisance vehicle in lorries using the B2163 and suggested that a council: Butler Walk, Cobnut Avenue, Greenway Court Road. CCTV camera could be installed to identify Lambert Drive, Ennis Close, Cannon Close, Speeding The police would not be able to overweight lorries. Cllr Gill Fort asked Webbs Close, Cosford Road, Filbert Way, provide a long-term solution to this maer. whether someone would have to go through Downton Court and Pearson Close. Residents would need to apply to the the data on a monthly basis, as this would Football ground Maidstone Council has council to place any signage or change speed take man hours. Cllr Ian Bowles said the wrien to the owner of the ground, asking restrictions. The police would only be able to council was monitoring HGVs and the police him to ensure that conditions are adhered to enforce the speed limit through the use of had carried out spot checks on Penfold Hill. when matches are played. constables and speed checking – this was not He added that as part of the Lorry Watch Photographic competition Andy Weaver’s something the PCSO could do himself but scheme he was in contact with the police, picture of an owl was the winning entry. he could carry out Speed Watch checks with trading standards and the companies of a Fete The village hall commiee hoped to residents. number of HGVs that had used the village. encourage the fete commiee to make a After-school club The club had requested Ten Bells development There was concern large contribution towards the hall. the use of the pavilion for Tuesday, over the “inappropriate” name of Belgravia Village tidy Despite aendance being Wednesday and Thursday afternoons only. Place given to the development. The clerk slightly down , a lot of lier was cleared. Pavilion report The fire extinguishers had was asked to write to the developers to ask Sympathy The clerk was asked to convey been tested but a programme of what them to change the name to something more the parish council’s condolences to needed to be tested had to be produced so in keeping with the parish. Downswood Parish Council following the that safety checks were not missed. The clerk Highways Cllr John Gove said he and Cllr sad news of David Nuall’s death in France. was to arrange for the emergency lights to be Fort had aended a meeting to discuss the checked. bypass/relief road. He said there had been Disabled facilities At the fete a disabled discussion regarding the possible funding person had not been able to use the toilets as for a spur road which might be dependent Police report Two crimes had been reported they had steps. The pavilion did not have a on development in the area. Cllr Cooke said and there were no cases of anti-social toilet for the disabled and the shower room the route had not yet been discussed and behaviour. was in a dismal state. Cllr David Ardley was likely to be a challenge. He said the road Community warden Warden Dawn Riach- suggested that more facilities could be would be a KCC plan and would be part- Brown said issues with dog-fouling had incorporated on the Lance Memorial Field funded by government and LEP funding. decreased. Fly-tipping had been reported in and a possible extension of the pavilion. School donation A leer had been received Pye Corner and Stickfast Lane. She said Road resurfacing The work on Eyhorne was from Leeds and Broomfield School asking structural changes within the community delayed until August. for a contribution towards laptops. Cllr warden system had taken place and Fete The PA system needed more planning Cooke said he had visited the school and recruiting was under way. for next year’s fete. The programme had spoke in support of the leer. He confirmed Picnic table A picnic table had been ordered been too congested with too many events. In that he would be puing £1,000 of his for the recreation ground and a new notice future a half-hour slot for a display needed budget towards the project and hoped that board for the bus stop.

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