Warning As Third Cat Found Dismembered

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November 2016 No. 235 N

News MP joins town celebration of diversity Downs Mail expands MAIDSTONE and the Weald MP DOWNS Mail announces the ex- Helen Grant was one of the guests pansion of its portfolio from four at the Maidstone Black and Minor- editions to five - distribut- ity Ethnic Communities Forum’s ing 85,000 copies monthly. 3 recent celebration. Mrs Grant, deputy mayor of Maidstone Malcolm Greer, and 200 Park Wood revamp guests from 20 countries enjoyed a TRADERS move into new prem- coming together of cultures. ises in £50m revamp of The MP spoke of the need to em- Park Wood. 3 brace and celebrate our diversity and to counter the national 85% in- She said: “It is also vital that peo- they are to effect positive change. crease in hate crime since the coun- ple from diverse backgrounds en- Registering to vote is a good start.” Local Plan inquiry try voted to leave the EU in June. gage with the political process if Full story, page 11 THE public inquiry into the council’s Local Plan begins with MPs speaking out. 4 Warning as third cat Sink hole danger A TOP geologist warns of the sink hole dangers facing Maidstone. 5 found dismembered Beggars moved on TOWN centre beggars will be A MAIDSTONE pet owner has added her call in the growing campaign to moved on under a bold council scheme. track down a cat killer in the Tovil area. 17 After a third attack of its kind in these to the same person. the town, Claire Devereaux spoke “There are several theories, but it Ukip fraud denial this week about Tampa – her short- looks as if this could be some sort of AN EX-Ukip MEP denies she knew hair black cat, found two weeks after salesman or delivery driver or a re- of an expenses scam he went missing, minus his head, tail moval man. The timescales make it run by an aide. 21 and front paws in a children’s park possible if they have transport and near Albert Reed Gardens. are sent to various areas. Obituaries 30 The attack, according to Miss De- “While there is a higher propor- vereaux (34), bears the hallmarks of tion around Croydon, we’ve had Comment 42 the 130 bodies now being linked to three cases from Maidstone, one the so-called “Croydon Cat Killer”. from Margate and others from Man- Parish Councils 43 She said: “When Tampa went with a cat to be aware and to report chester and Birmingham.” missing, I joined a number of miss- anyone acting suspiciously.” The other cats found dead in the Crime Reports 43 ing cat sites on Facebook and was For the time being, the mum-to-be Maidstone area were a Bengal called advised to report Tampa’s death not is keeping her other three cats in- Rosie and Ella who was found in VEHICLE body parts were stolen only to the council, but the Metro- doors overnight. Bearsted and belonged to a family from a Volvo saloon at a car park politan Police inquiry and South Tony Jenkins, from SNARL, be- from Grove Green – both incidents in Campbell Road. Norwood Animal Rescue and Lib- lieves police should be looking for “a were reported in the Downs Mail. erty (SNARL), which I have done. man in a van or travelling salesman” Anyone with information should “I feel more than one person is re- in connection with the inquiry. call Kent Police on 101, Kent sponsible for these attacks because He said: “We have had post- Crimestoppers, anonymously, on of the area that they now cover. mortems carried out on 35 cats, over- 0800 555111 and report cases to However, it is important for anyone seen by the RSPCA, which links SNARL on 07961 030 064. Gyratory delay WORK on the Maidstone bridges Festive recycling gyratory system will not be com- CHRISTMAS is coming and we pleted on time. have advice on recycling festive YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT The £5.75 million project was waste. For more, see the Maid- [email protected] due to end in November but stone Borough Council-sponsored 01622 690290 bosses now say it will be 12-page Borough Update inside. 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent January 2017. 14

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2 Maidstone November 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Downs Mail even bigger Traders move into new WELCOME to the November edition of the Downs Mail, Maidstone and Malling’s number one newspaper. premises in Park Wood From today, we have expanded the number of our publications THE final phase of a £50m regen- serving the county town and sur- eration project has started at Park rounding areas from four to five. Wood. With the expansion of Maidstone The redevelopment sees the and an increase in its housing stock, demolition of the old parade of we want to reach out to new read- shops and flats in Wallis Avenue. ers. And as the buildings come Of course, we want to provide an down, Angela Raper, owner of the even better service to our advertis- Beauty Closet, said goodbye to her ers by adding thousands of copies old premises across the road and being delivered door to door. hello to her new shop, where she is Mail Publications Chairman pictured. Claire Procter said: “At a time when She added: “It will be sad to see some newspapers have declined, we the old shop go as I had been there have decided to expand our offering for more than 15 years and have both to our family of loyal readers many happy memories, but I ab- and our commercial partners. solutely love my new shop. 146 homes in the area as part of the “As a considerate constructor “The Downs Mail is soon to cele- “It is bright and airy and my cus- Wallis Fields’ scheme, the shop- we’re looking forward to working brate its 20th anniversary and what tomers can park directly outside. ping area and a community centre. closely with Golding Homes to better way to do so than to an- “I have exciting plans for my The final phase of the project is deliver this scheme and help nounce these exciting expansion business and am looking forward being carried out by Rydon Con- shape better living for local peo- plans.” to the future.” struction. ple.” Downs Mail now publishes five The new shops are in a pedestri- Ben Finch, contracts manager for The redevelopment has seen a editions across the Maidstone and anised area, with flats above and a Rydon, said: “It is always exciting number of different bodies, in- Malling areas with more than 85,000 landscaped community square. to start work on a new project, but cluding Maidstone Borough copies delivered direct to people’s The final phase of the Wallis this development is particularly Council, working together on the homes and available for pick-up Fields’ development is for 56 important as it represents the final project to a successful comple- every month. homes, including 38 flats and 16 piece in the jigsaw for the Wallis tion. All of our current and archived family homes for affordable rent, Fields’ regeneration scheme into The project is one of 24 projects editions are also free to read on our along with commercial units. high quality new homes, shops shortlisted in this year’s Kent De- website at www.downsmail.co.uk Golding Homes has already built and community facilities. sign and Development Awards. 15% Sim3 DISCOUNT Mobile Service ON COLLECTED CASH ORDERS SCREEN PHONES OVER £15 IPOD • IPHONE BOUGHT REPAIRS BLUETOOTH HEADSETS FOR CASH CAR CHARGERS • FASCIAS • PHONE BATTERIES INDIAN TAKEAWAY Open 7 days BODY GLOVES • CHARGES • SIM CARDS a week 5pm - 11pm UNLOCKING WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS Zeran serves all of your favourite Indian. Our menu has something for everyone, from warm starters to cold desserts. UNIT 7, MARKET BUILDINGS, THE CORN EXCHANGE, MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 1HP We hope you will enjoy your experience at Zeran through our 01622 753516 efficient take out and delivery service. DOWNLOAD www.zerandelivery.co.uk ZERAN Mobile Tek FREE DELIVERY APP Repair and Service Solutions Minimum order £12, within a 5 mile radius.

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Maidstone November 2016 3 News | Local plan inquiry downsmail.co.uk ‘Listen to public over local plan’ THE public have not been listened to over their concerns about the content of its controversial Local Plan, outspoken MP Helen Whately has claimed. Mrs Whately told planning in- posed in the borough by 2031 was structure. Asked specifically about spector Robert Mellor it was “vi- too high – the highest number of whether the proposed junction 8 Traveller sites tally important” the council gets it any borough in the county, bar Woodcut Farm employment site, right before proceeding – particu- Medway. off the M20, should be removed The MP also questioned the coun- larly on housing. Going further, she said that a from the plan, she said: “I seek cil’s allocation of traveller sites, ar- She told the in- four-week consultation period the deletion of this site from the guing that the council failed to take spector at the after the revised housing figure Local Plan. into account the Government’s lat- town hall in- had been released was clearly not “It is not an appropriate loca- est definition of what constituted a quiry: “I have long enough for parishes to consult tion for such a large industrial gypsy or a traveller. had hundreds of and respond in time. site.” This resulted in an over-estimate letters and emails This was particularly true of She added that the site was an of the number of pitches needed. on this issue. Few those where much of the housing integral part of the landscape be- She said: “Time and again, we topics have was being proposed, such as Head- tween Bearsted and Leeds Castle are seeing permissions (for gypsy sites) granted. MP Helen aroused such a corn, Harrietsham and Lenham, – an important heritage site that volume of so which she said would grow by attracts moe than 500,000 people "We are seeing permissions Whately much concern.” 110% if the Local Plan were ap- to the area every year. granted on the grounds of a lack of The failure of the borough coun- proved. Mrs Whately said development five-year supply, but this is leading cil to listen to the level of concern The MP said the housing figure around junction 8 had previously to the expansion of traveller sites in meant she was duty-bound to en- had to reflect local need and that of been rejected, adding: “We clearly totally inappropriate locations, sure the inspector left the inquiry preserving the countryside, while need to provide employment sites where we know planning permis- in no doubt that constituents felt also contending with the needs of within the area, but those that are sion for residential development the 18,560 new homes being pro- transport and investment in infra- accessible by public transport.” would not be granted.” 18,000 homes ‘not enough’ THE Home Builders’ Federation claims Maidstone should be building MORE than the 18,000 houses it has proposed by 2031 in order to ease the capital’s housing crisis. James Stevens told the inquiry that all the boroughs in London – with the exception of Camden – have a shortage of housing stock. Mr Stevens (left) told the inspector: “There will be a significant under- supply in London and it would be prudent to factor this in.” Maidstone Bor- ough Council (MBC) said the authority had made allowances for this in its projected population growth. Government inspector Robert Mellor asked if the arguments had MP Grant against housing figure been heeded by other planning in- MAIDSTONE and the Weald MP housing developments. quiries and was told they had not. Helen Grant is to submit written Check the session programme for “Helen Whately (fellow local Mr Mellor is due to hear from rep- the public inquiry at representations to the planning MP) and I hosted a very well at- resentatives of local parish councils, www.maidstone.gov.uk developers, amenity groups, neigh- inspector hearing views on the tended public meeting to address bouring councils and highway au- borough's Local Plan. Council (KCC)”. these and other issues at the Maid- thorities amongst others. Government inspector Robert The MP told Downs Mail: “The stone Studios (pictured above). The inspector, who is bound by Mellor began hearing evidence focus for me has been what I con- “I have also held private talks the existing legislative frameworks, from the community on Tuesday sider an excessive number of new with the leaders of KCC and MBC can accept the proposals in the Local October 4. houses, which could be reduced and have made written represen- Plan or order significant changes. Mrs Grant is to lodge her objec- by reference to planning con- tations to MBC with particular ref- Robert Jarman, MBC’s head of tions on the “excessive number of straints. erence to the long-mooted Leeds – planning, said his authority had new houses” planned by Maid- “I have also been concerned Langley relief road scheme. risen to the challenge of setting local stone Borough Council (MBC) with manifest shortcomings in “I will be putting further writ- development targets “which are ap- and their traffic implications. constructive co-operation between ten representations to the plan- propriate for Maidstone”. She has also been concerned by MBC and KCC in the develop- ning inspector during the course This assertion is likely to be tested the “manifest shortcomings in ment of this plan, especially relat- of these public hearings to under- throughout the inquiry, with many constructive co-operation being to mitigation of additional line and endorse the opinions I representatives fearful of the impact tween MBC and Kent County vehicle traffic arising from new have already made clear.” house-building will have on roads, schools, GP practices and other www.downsmail.co.uk amenities. For more local news go to

4 Maidstone November 2016 downsmail.co.uk News

soft furnishings Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains Dr Clive Edmonds and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery and left, the road damage in Leeds Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Sink hole ‘may Available to every budget Knitting wool and happen again’ haberdashery AN expert geologist claims a cata- were a contributing factor, Dr Ed- strophic sink hole which shut a monds added: “It’s difficult to Kent village for six months is only gauge. Clearly, the roads have been a burst water main away in other used for a long time until there was parts of the borough. too much water in one location. Much of the soil and deep level “We don’t think traffic levels were ground structure across Maidstone implicated although one might is of a similar nature to Leeds – argue that if you had a shallow void Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, leaving it susceptible to sudden col- and you put a heavy load onto it, it Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB lapses. wouldn’t be helpful.” Dr Clive Edmonds, a geohazards At the time of the sinkhole ap- expert specialising in sinkholes for pearing, local councillor Gary 01622 744265 engineering giant Peter Brett Asso- Cooke said a separate series of in- ciates (PBA), said the suspected leak dependent investigations had been www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk there could trigger similar events carried out and found no imminent Email:[email protected] elsewhere. threat. But he claimed that the traffic The collapse which occurred in levels going through the village Leeds in November 2014 is thought “can’t have helped”. to have been caused by a water es- The voids which collapsed were cape causing weaknesses in under- at depths of 25-30m. ground “voids” which eventually Downs Mail has obtained a copy gave way. of the PBA survey into the orginal Dr Edmonds said: “In principle, Leeds collapse which hinted at the same geological circumstances wider possible problems in the are present in a wide area, not only Maidstone area. in the village but the land around it Dr Edmonds studied geology at for that problem to happen. the University of Nottingham and “You need something to trigger it. holds a master’s degree in engineer- In Upper Street, Leeds, it was being geology from Imperial College, OpeningOpeennininng times:ttimimemeess: FriFrri - SatSat 9.00am9..0000aam - 5.00pm5.5.0.0000ppm SunSuun 9.00am9.9.0.0000aam - 4.00pm4.4.0.0000ppm lieved that a water main leaking was London. the probable trigger. He also holds a PhD in engineer- “The geological conditions are ing geomorphology from Royal similar in other areas, not just in Holloway. 446N - 6 NovemberNovembber Leeds but places like Maidstone and Dr Edmonds, a PBA partner, was MaidstoneMaidstone PPavilion,avilion, West Malling.” called in provide expertise on the Asked if high volumes of traffic crisis which hit Leeds. KKentent CountyCounty Showground,Showground, Detling,Detling, ME14 3JF AnAn opportunityopportunittyy toto memeetet Britain’sBritain’’ss most talentedttaalented makersmakkeers Make most of amphitheatre andand purchase inspirinspirationalationalnal gifgiftsftts aandnd fefestivestivvee fofoods.ods. MAIDSTONE Borough Council plan to improve access, facilities (MBC) says it wants to make more and activies in the area. The work is of its Roman-style amphitheatre on being overseen by the Maidstone the banks of the river near the Arch- River Park Group, recently formed bishops’ Palace. Described as one of to carry out the council’s Tourism the town’s “most delightful outdoor Destination Management Plan. venues” the site has been branded The group has already recruited by some as “a wasted investment” McDonalds’ staff from Maidstone and “a drug-dealing gang meeting who have been cleaning up the corner”. area. The arena and stage, which seats A Maidstone Council spokesman 250 people, is one of the lasting said: “MBC would like to see more legacy projects, funded in part by events taking place in the am- the National Lottery, to celebrate phitheatre and we would be very AtAt the event:event: Adults:Adults: £7.00 Seniors:Seniors: £6.00 the Millennium. happy to work with event organis- The council says the amphithe- ers looking to book an outdoor InIn advance:advance: Adults:Adults: £6.00 Seniors:Seniors: £5.00 atre is now one of three priorities space either in this space or the (subject(subject toto 60p trtransactionansaction ffee)ee) identified in a three-year action River Stage at Whatman Park.” [email protected]@a@[email protected] o.uk..uk wwww.ruralcraftsassociation.co.ukww..rruraalcalcrlccrraafftssaassssosoocciaiaattiotionioon.n..cc o..uuk

Maidstone November 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Homes crisis COUNCIL chiefs say a combination of soaring property prices and wel- Lier police are back fare reforms could see social housing organisations buying up sites in Kent. A new report by Kent County on beat after review Council delivers the warning against a backdrop of benefit caps MAIDSTONE’S “litter police” are and a tightening up of eligibility. back on duty after being hauled Butt of the fines It claims that housing associations over the coals by the borough fear a cut in social housing rents council … and one departure from A BREAKDOWN of the fines issued until 2020 could mean 600 fewer the sub-contracted team. since September 1 2015 shows homes being built each year in Kent. It follows complaints from the more than 2,000 fines were issued public about the council’s private for dropping cigarette ends, while enforcers being too heavy-handed. only about 130 were issued for Mummy scan A woman was fined £80 at Tovil dropping litter. THE Maidstone Mummy has been for feeding ducks – because the Fixed penalty notices were is- scanned to reveal the secrets of the warden maintained there were no sued for: 2,700-year-old teenager. birds around. The fine was later • Cigarettes - 2,043 Ta-Kush, who was 14 when she withdrawn by the contractor, King- • Food/food packaging/chewing died, has been scanned at a local dom Security. gum – 36 hospital in the hope her face can be It follows the return of 61 fines by The borough council’s head of • Dog fouling – 8 reconstructed and any other details the private enforcement firm since environment, Jennifer Shepherd, • Other litter (cellophane, plastic of her life revealed. the company won the £160,000 said enforcement officers would be stirrers etc.) – 98 It is also hoped to prove once and two-year contract to enforce the returning to duties following the • Literature – 16 for all that she is not, in fact, a he. council’s litter laws last June. review of the contract, which runs Total 2,201 Ta-Kush has been a favourite at But it appears this was the final until June next year. the St Faith’s Street collection and straw, leading the council’s envi- She added: “I can confirm there safe environment.” came to England in the 1820s. ronmental enforcement manager have been a number of personnel It is understood this will be a Martyn Jeynes to suspend the serv- changes which Kingdom have commitment to ensure officers re- Poppy appeal ice for a thorough investigation. made during the review and we an- ceive full training and regular re- THIS year’s Poppy Appeal is The suspension of the service, ticipate that two new officers will fresher courses about the way in launched at County Hall in Maid- which lasted 26 days, saw officers be joining the team. which they conduct themselves in stone on Wednesday, October 26. finally return to the streets on Oc- “We have been working closely response to the council’s enforce- Armistice Day falls on Friday, No- tober 12, minus at least one male of- with Kingdom to ensure officers ment requirements. vember 11 and Remembrance Sun- ficer, amid calls for better training are able to provide a service which Kingdom Security declined to day on the 13th. of all frontline staff. fulfils our priority of a clean and comment. COUNTY COBBLER WE HAVE NEW SHOE REPAIR PRICES MOVED * Due to the cheap throw away shoes nowadays! County Cobbler are now offering some lower priced shoe repairs. Ladies Stiletto heels £4.99 – larger £5.99 & £6.99 Men’s Rubber heels £7.99

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Maidstone November 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Harrison’s run to help families A MAIDSTONE boy is making huge strides this month to help comfort other families following the death of his baby sister. Seven-year-old Harrison King will be running a Miles in Memory How you can help challenge to raise money for To sponsor Harrison visit www.my- Aching Arms – a charity that pro- donate.bt.com/fundraisers/hazelk- vides comfort bears to newly be- ing1 reaved families. The Miles in Memory fund-rais- Harrison, who lives in ing challenge offers people a Downswood, near Maidstone, with chance to run, walk, jog, swim or his mum Hazel, dad Martin and lit- cycle as many miles as they can tle brother Jacob, hopes to run during October. 25.8km during October in memory of his sister Sienna, who was still- born on August 25, 2014. and Facebook to send dedicated The Madginford Primary school bears. pupil said: “I have wanted to do Aching Arms was founded in something in memory of Sienna for 2010 and became a registered char- a while but didn’t know what, until ity in August 2013. I heard about this challenge.” A spokesman said: “The aim Harrison King plans to run over 25km in memory of his sister Sienna Mum Hazel said: “I had gone when we first started was to get 10 into the maternity unit with re- angel baby boy, called Elijah, and Aching Arms raises awareness of bears into one hospital and see how duced movements after a problem- we now know that Sienna’s bear is the impact of pregnancy and baby it went from there. free pregnancy, and that’s where I comforting another family.” loss and bring some comfort to be- “What happened was that 24 was told there was no heartbeat. There are now 55 hospitals across reaved parents and their families mothers sent bears dedicated in “After we lost Sienna, we needed the UK offering Aching Arms after the loss of a baby. memory of their much-loved ba- something that was in her memory, bears, with Darent Valley and Med- It supplies Aching Arms bears to bies, and now we have more than something to hold and give us way Maritime also interested in hospitals for midwives to give to 40 hospitals working with us, with comfort, and we were given an taking part. Last year, the charity newly-bereaved mothers and fa- more coming on board all the time, Aching Arms bear. gave away more than 1,000 bears to thers. The charity also makes con- and we have given out more than “Our teddy is named after an grieving families. tact via the website, email, Twitter 1,000 bears.” Jail for aack New kitchen opens at community cafe on pensioner MAIDSTONE’S Oasis Café has A ROBBER who assaulted a frail opened the shutters on a new pensioner in her Penenden Heath £30,000 kitchen. home and stole £6,000 in cash has The community cafe – run by the Vine Church in Northumberland been jailed. Cllr Brian Richard Henry (49), of Chingley Road – helps families and people in Clark with Close, Bromley, targeted the need in Shepway North. Joy Wood woman, who is in her 90s, at her The kitchen has been home in Penenden Heath in Febru- reburbished, thanks to a £1,000 from Oasis ary. contribution from county councillor Cafe in the He denied the offence, and a Brian Clark’s community budget. refurbished charge of driving while disqualified, The Oasis team includes a paid kitchen but was found guilty of both at part-time cafe manager, 18 Maidstone Crown Court. He was volunteers, and three part-time am proud to contribute funds from team here should be congratulated sentenced to four years in prison community workers who provide my devolved budget towards this for its hard work and deserves to be with another four on licence. other services. tremendous cafe, which is rewarded with such enthusiastic The court heard that Henry At the opening, which was well effectively the only community participation from local residents at knocked on the victim’s door and attended by locals, Cllr Clark said: “I meeting point in the area. The today’s opening.” barged past her to search the property. At one point, the victim was pushed to the floor after asking him to leave. Online anger over subway ﬂooding Henry went on to take a handbag KENT County Council (KCC) has “It is the worst place for pedes- “There is an alternative route for and £6,000 from the home before defended its maintenance of Maid- trians I have ever known. The lights pedestrians although we do recog- pushing the victim to the ground stone’s underpasses after criticism keep you waiting for ages and you nise that this is longer and more in- again. He then drove off in a hire ve- of flooding recently. have to take your chance to get convenient.” hicle, despite a driving ban. Residents took to the local views across to the other side of the river. Two of the three subways are While officers were taking details forum Streetlife to vent their con- I despair.” being closed as part of the ongoing from the victim, a report was re- cerns after the subway at Matalan A KCC spokesman said: “We are Maidstone Bridges scheme. ceived which stated her passport and Lidl was impassable due to aware of the flooding in the Maid- The Medway Street subway will had been found in Southend Road, rain in September. stone subways and undertake reg- remain open and will have a flood Beckenham, near Bromley. One said: “What a nightmare it is ular servicing and maintenance of door added on the river side. Officers were able to track Henry’s for pedestrians in Maidstone. You the pumps and drainage system to The Broadway subway, on the movements to the Bromley area cannot cross to the other side of the keep this to a minimum. opposite side of the river, will have using cameras and tracking software river from the main road as it is “When surface water flooding work done to improve its appear- on the hire van and he was arrested. blocked due to roadworks, the un- occurs, our priorities are keeping ance and drainage. As well as his sentence, Henry was derpass is flooded. How are we ex- road users safe and protecting Changes are expected to be done banned from driving for five years. pected to get over the road? homes. early in the new year.

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Maidstone November 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Bus card plan BUS users across the county can now buy their own Oyster-style George, 15, has top travel card. But the pay-as-you-go Smartcard – a joint initiative between Kent County Council and Medway Coun- cil – has already attracted criticism golf title in his sights from passengers for failing to include one of the country’s main serv- MAIDSTONE school student won both the U16 and U18 Kent ice providers, Arriva. George Young is striking the bal- Championship titles and as the The card can be topped up online, ance between studies and secur- youngest player came a credible at libraries or on the bus, with an ing a place in the world of golf. 18th out of 28 in the England Golf’s auto top-up option. The Maplesden Noakes Year 11 Champion of Champions tourna- While the card is accepted by op- pupil confesses to being completely ment in September. erators Nu-Venture, Autocar, Chalk- self-taught. Nevertheless, the 15- His headteacher, Richard Owen, well, ASD, County Connect, Farleigh year-old won the Kent Schools' said: “George is a talented all- and Go-Coach, Arriva says it has its Golf Tournament this year and rep- round sportsman and clearly excels own scheme on trial. resented Kent in the English at golf. His commitment and dedi- Arriva spokesman Simon Baxter Schools’ Tournament in May, cation have enabled him to make said: “We simply can’t afford to where he came ninth from a field of rapid progress in this sport and the make the investment twice.” 51 – a great result for a teenager school is always very proud of his taking part in his first national tour- achievements.” Curfew set nament. And as for George? He says: “In A WOMAN has been placed on a George, pictured, who has been the next two years my goal is to curfew after assaulting an officer at playing golf for three years is a reg- earn an England Cap and win a na- Maidstone police station. ular at West Malling Golf Club and tional event. My long term goal is has a handicap of one, in spite of make playing effortless. to get a scholarship to attend a uni- Cecilia Sibiya (27) admitted as- “At the Kent School’s tournament saulting the officer at the Palace Av- never having had a professional versity in the US to develop my his driving was straight and long, enue station on May 9. golf lesson. golf even further. I know it won’t his short game was incredible (es- Sibiya, of London Road, Maid- With the tireless support of his be easy to juggle both golf and my stone, was sentenced at Mid Kent family, he manages to play at least pecially the eagle putt on the sixth studies at Maplesden Noakes but I Magistrates Court to carry out 200 twice a week and at weekends. hole) and this, together with his am confident that, with my focus hours of unpaid work in the next 12 George also gets a support from his consistently accurate putting, won and determination, I will achieve months and observe an eight-week school, in particular from PE him the tournament.” good GCSE grades, stay on to sixth curfew, keeping her at home from teacher Stephen Chapman, who George has been playing for Kent form and do well in my A Levels. 9.30pm to 5am daily. She must also said: “George is a fantastically tal- for two years and for the South East I’m prepared to do extra to get the pay £200 compensation. ented young golfer who seems to of England for a year. This year, he exam results I need.”

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AN EXCHANGE of cultural song, dance and food featured in an ethnic cel- Bearsted Office ebration in the town. Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ Dancing Afghan women and a performance of ancient Turkish guitar by the Baglama player drew fans on stage at The Vine in Boughton Lane. Tel: 01622 737800 The event was organised by Maidstone Black and Minority Ethnic Com- munities Forum and Involve Kent. Penenden Heath Office Involve Kent’s BME forum facilitator Jacqueline Bobb said: “It was a joy to watch the enthusiasm and talent of our local musicians and dancers Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN who proudly showed off their traditions and demonstrated just how diverse and talented our borough has become.” Tel: 01622 671200 MP Helen Grant said the multi-cultural celebration was “just what is needed” in light of an 85% rise in hate crime since the Brexit vote. www.ferrisandco.net

Maidstone November 2016 11 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk Relationship on the Rocks The title of this article processes. If emotions are running high, taking • The person that leaves is often a co-owner of may conjure an image a step back can regain the ability to think more the family home. The absent person is still of cold, troubled waters clearly. Taking time to reflect and acting bound by their responsibilities to mortgage with potential dangers rationally can avoid lots of anguish. Many lenders and should ensure that the home and above and below the people regret actions/words spoken in the heat contents remain protected by insurance. The surface. If this is a of the moment but the damage done remains. leaving party continues to have rights to enter, prospect facing you ideally on giving reasonable notice. then look to get • Think carefully about the consequences of • Analyse your financial resources to work out sensible support from acting irresponsibly, especially when it relates to how they can meet everyone’s needs. Drawing Dawn Harrison the outset to help you your children or to money. Children are very Head of Family team up a priority list of what you and your estranged manage the turmoil. vulnerable when parents separate, they need to partner/spouse need is important. Enquiring Below are some pointers to consider know both parents love them and will continue what help is available in the form of benefits will to be there. Financial pressures can lead to • It may not be too late to repair the damage. also assist in continuing to meet the family’s relationship problems. Running two households Lots of organisations offer support and guidance budget. on practical issues people face when threatened will only compound any financial pressures. • Taking early advice can help you steer a safer with separation. Relate Counselling can help • When one person leaves the family home, they course through the dilemmas that separation identify if a relationship can be repaired or guide rarely take all their belongings with them at brings. Try to preserve some respect for the them to come to terms with the loss of their once. Sensible arrangements need to be agreed other person no matter how difficult the union. If reconciliation is not possible, a to allow them to return for their remaining items. situation. Talk to one of the specialist family specialist family lawyer is the next point of call. Joint items within the home should be preserved team at Whitehead Monckton who have a • Explore the alternative dispute resolution until an agreement can be reached on a fair wealth of experience in these matters. opportunities like mediation or collaborative distribution. Canterbury 01227 643266 Maidstone 01622 698051 Tenterden 01580 767540 www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

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12 Maidstone November 2016 downsmail.co.uk News NOWSALE ON Detective Constable Geoff McCreery and Investigating Ofﬁcer Donna Mencia- Kenny with ACC Worron Awards for police in murder inquiry POLICE officers who solved the were convicted of murder and the murder of John Birney, who was officers were praised by the judge. found stabbed to death at his The two officers from the Kent Maidstone flat in June last year, and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have been recognised at an awards received commendations for their ceremony for their good work. work from Assistant Chief Consta- Detective Constable Geoff Mc- ble Steve Worron. Creery and Investigating Officer He said: “Serious Crime Direc- Donna Mencia-Kenny worked tire- torate officers and staff are commit- lessly to unravel the murder after ted to dealing with some of the most one of the offenders, John Barham, serious crimes in Essex and Kent. was released without charge for his “There is a commitment across part in the crime. the departments to make sure the Alison Tomlin, who lived with the people who have committed those victim, was charged with the of- crimes are dealt with by the courts. fence after her fingerprints were “Whether conducting enquiries in found throughout the victim’s flat, the full gaze of the public or devel- along with her belt that had been oping intelligence and preparing ev- used to tie his wrists. idence behind the scenes, it is the Barham was said to be bragging shared ambition to make sure justice about killing Mr Birney and exten- is done that motivates all involved. sive enquiries were made by the of- “I am delighted that we take the ficers, which led to the arrest and time to formally recognise the dedi- charge of the joint-killer. cation and commitment of the offi- The trial was complicated by a cers and staff tackling serious the next generation lack of evidence that Tomlin and criminality in Essex and Kent.” Barham had acted together and the The officers are pictured with lack of a cause of death due to de- ACC Worron after receiving their composition, but eventually both awards. SALE Armed oﬃcers increased MORE armed police will be on patrol on the streets of Kent to counter potential terrorist attacks. The county’s police force announced the move following a Home Of- fice decision to increase the number of firearms officers. The patrols will include armed units and officers with taser capability at key locations. Deputy Chief Constable of Kent, Paul Brandon, said: “While we are not expecting a direct threat to the county, we do want to make sure that should circumstances change quickly, we are adequately prepared.” Some of the extra patrols will be be targeted at Canterbury city centre and cathedral, the Port of Dover and Bluewater shopping centre. Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: “I hope these visible patrols will provide additional reassurance to the public. The security of the people of Kent is my priority.” www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk Biker injured Charity cards 01622 753073 A MOTORCYCLE passenger was CHARITIES will benefit by taken to hospital with head injuries thousands of pounds from the after a crash in Willow Way, Maid- Sandling Road, Maidstone Christmas card shop to be stone, on Saturday, September 17. held once again in the The woman was flown by air am- Kent ME14 2RF Methodist Church, Union bulance to King’s College Hospital Street, Maidstone. in London after the incident, be- The shop, run by volun- BEDROOM FURNITURE tween a car and the motorcycle, just teers, will trade from 10am to after 8pm. DIVANS | BEDSTEADS 4pm Monday to Friday, from Police cordoned off Willow Way Friday, October 14 to Friday MATTRESSES | PILLOW and Mote Road was also closed after December 16. the accident. HEADBOARDS

Maidstone November 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Fraud warning PEOPLE in Coxheath and Loose have been targeted by fraudsters Gyratory work facing asking for money to fix a computer. The victim is told to go to the post office and put funds in a bank account. A police spokesman said: “If you delays into New Year are sceptical of a call, end the con- versation and do not give out your WORK on the Maidstone bridges lanes to allow drivers using the personal information. “gyratory” system will not be fin- A229 towards Blue Bell Hill and “Don’t trust a number the caller ished on time. Chatham to avoid the bridge sys- gives you, look up one that is known It is likely to be two months over tem. to be accurate on an official website.” its scheduled completion date of The plan is that congestion will Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 mid-November. be eased in the town centre, with 2040 or report concerns online at Business leaders were told of the highways bosses hoping the new www.actionfraud.police.uk/re- latest development by Kent road layout will shave 74 seconds port_fraud, call Kent Police on 101 or County Council’s project manager off journey times along the A20 Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, Russell Boorman who set a com- Broadway and A229 Bishops Way. on 0800 555111. pletion date of January 17. Highways bosses have done But Mr Boorman assured a net- their best to minimise the disrup- Cygnet injured working meeting at the Gallagher tion caused by the works, which A YOUNG swan is on the road to re- Stadium earlier this month that aim to take traffic away from the covery after becoming entangled on there would be no disruption over town centre, by putting lane clo- fishing line in Maidstone. the festive season. sure in place outside peak times. The bird swallowed line and a The main highways work will be When peak time closures were hook at Bartons Lake in Tovil which completed on schedule, but ele- required – particularly between were removed in an operation. ments of the finishing touches will October 3 and 5 – there had been Swampy’s Wildlife Rescue service not. advanced notice and publicity. collected the cygnet which is recov- Finishing retaining wall on the The gyratory project has hit delays However, there was still significant ering at a sanctuary in Surrey. corner of the junction of High contract was allocated, there had disruption to journeys. Street and Bishops Way and laying been delays in delivering the ship- The £5.74m project started in Pizza by canoe new paving stones was hampered ment. June, amid concerns from busi- A PIZZA chain is trying a novel way by difficulties sourcing suitable He added that the project had nesses that protracted works might to deliver takeaways – by canoe. slabs from China. overcome several other issues, in- cause difficulties for them. Domino’s in Loose is trying river Mr Boorman said that despite cluding the need to move 24 un- Mr Boorman said at the time that deliveries to ensure "that residents the order being placed with the derground optical fibre cables. the aim was for “business as usual can order fresh pizza to their door". Chinese source immediately the The project will create two new in Maidstone”.

14 Maidstone November 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk SEEING beyond the offers Staying focused isn’t just about keeping your who will monitor the eye on the ball . . . caring for your sight is so health of their eyes much more – it’s the window to your inner and take the time to health. discuss an individual’s That’s the message from the team at Kings needs, ensuring they Hill Opticians, whose two full-time optometrists receive the best pride themselves on providing a thorough solution to correct investigation with their vision.” a bespoke optical solution for all your visual As an independent – needs. or “freehold” - practice The practice is led by Mr Satvinder Shoker, that includes access to who is also the lead optometrist at Maidstone any make of spectacle Hospital, where he works alongside lens, frame or contact ophthalmologists in glaucoma, diabetes and lens from around the wet macula degeneration services. Mr Shoker globe. Staff are also happy to advise on the a limited ‘own brand’ choice of lenses, when, in also specialises in fitting complex contact implications and benefits of refractive laser fact, there are over 100 types lenses, helping partially sighted patients with surgery and other sight solutions you may not of varifocals to choose from. alternative ways of seeing, and looking after have heard about, such as EyeDream contact “Here, patients don’t see a different young one’s visual requirements. lenses: these are lenses that you wear overnight optometrist every time, but a qualified Now in practice for over 10 years – at and remove in the morning, leaving you free optometrist who will monitor their vision and purpose-built premises in Liberty Square, Kings from spectacles or contacts for the whole day. visual health each time they visit. This Hill – his practice is one of just three in Kent Mr Shoker said: “For many new patients it is a continuity ensures accuracy, which can help in capable of monitoring treated wet macula real eye-opener to learn that there are many the early detection of conditions and degeneration, which once robbed patients of more solutions than those offered on the high treatment.” their sight. This is just one of the cutting-edge, street, which may better fit their particular The practice offers free sight tests to the hospital-standard services offered at this visual needs. So often, patients will say they over-60s, under-16s and those on benefits. practice, but not on the high street. have struggled with varifocals or don’t want to For details visit www.kingshillopticians.co.uk, Mr Shoker said: “All clients are given try them. Most of the time, this is because they or to make an eye appointment call 01732 a 40-minute examination with our optometrists have only been offered 875544.

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Maidstone November 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Invicta’s Sam is on Whispering DJ’s charity turn COUNTRY writer Alan Cackett celebrated 50 years in the music business with a fund-raiser in Maidstone for Macmillan Cancer Support. His guests at the Exchange Studio – part of the Hazlitt Theatre – included country signers and supporters, the mend at home along with DJ “Whispering” Bob Harris and Roger ‘Twiggy’ Day. A TEENAGE runner whose body doctors to put him into a coma. Alan, who contributed to nu- went into “shut down” 200 yards Mr Bartholomew said: “We are merous music titles including from the finish line in a competi- now pleased to say that Sam is out Country Music People and Record tion race is out of intensive care and of intensive care. He was released Mirror, launched his own country back home. from King’s College Hospital after music magazine, Maverick, in Invicta Grammar student Sam three weeks in a coma and is pro- June 2002. Bartholomew (18), was rushed to gressing well at home.” As well as his writing and pro- hospital after collapsing on the track He believes the family’s return ductions skills, Alan also pro- during the 10k competition run in from a holiday in America just two moted concerts at theatres Gravesend on Au- days prior to the race, the heat on the across Kent, including the Hazlitt. gust 5. His parents day and dehydration combined cat- Dozens of friends gave their time to perform for the charity, including Gail were watching the astrophically to prompt the condi- Davies, Kent band Rich Pickin’s; the Porridge Band and Jonny Young, to raise race, and only re- tion rhabdomyolysis, where the an impressive £1,745.80. alised their son was body breaks down muscles causing Afterwards, Alan thanked those who had travelled many miles to share in in difficulty after multiple organ failure. Sam, who the celebration. But he reserved a special thank you to his family for their race officials raised previously attended Maidstone support and encouragement as he pursued his passion for music through the the alarm. Grammar School, suffered failures of years. Alan is pictured, on the right, here with the star DJ. Dad Terry, of the heart, lungs and liver and was on Rectory Lane South, West Malling, dialysis as he fought to pull through. said: “He gave me the thumbs up as His dad said: “His whole body Reward for return of lost pet he entered his last lap, but then I saw was affected. Fortunately, things are those who were behind him cross now moving in the right direction. A DISTRAUGHT owner is offering Street, East Malling on September 7. the line and thought he’d slipped The medical teams are looking at a reward of £300 for the return of her She said: “He is very small and back, or it was him the St John team whether an infection brought about beloved dog Bobby. friendly. I believe he was taken. We were talking about. I jogged over the reaction but it remains unclear. Elaine Bent- have searched everywhere but there and saw him lying on the track.” “Fortunately, Sam being young ley last saw the has been no sign of him.” The seriousness of the incident be- and fit has helped and he is talking 12-year-old Mrs Bentley has reported the inci- came clear as the family headed for about returning to do his A levels miniature York- dent to the police and lost pet sites Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, and going on to university, although shire terrier on social media. where Sam’s wildly beating heart he may have to miss a year to re- playing in her If you can help, please call her on and erratic body temperature forced cover fully.” garden in Mill 07743 982932 or 01732 490543

16 Maidstone November 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Town’s beggars to be moved on BEGGARS and street drinkers are come "criminalised" and pushed to be moved away from the town out into areas where there is no centre in a move by Maidstone support for their issues. Borough Council. A spokesman said PSPOs work The authority’s housing and en- best where charities work with the vironment committee has agreed to enforcing authorities. adopt the use of a Public Spaces MBC spent £228,000 on tempo- Protection Order (PSPO) to crack rary housing for rough sleepers be- down on associated antisocial between March and June and has haviour. forecast £916,000 for the year. This Shelter scheme needs help The PSPO provision includes the is double the forecasted figure in MAIDSTONE’S Winter Shelter scheme is looking for volunteers to problems of street drinking, litter- the budget. provide a warm and safe haven for the town’s homeless this Christ- ing and “verbal intimidation by Anyone who breaches the PSPO mas. beggars”. Rough sleepers will not order could be liable to a fine or There is no sign of letting up for the scheme, which is entering its be affected by the move. taken to court, which could grant fourth year, with volunteers helping 77 homeless people, including a The order would mainly cover an injunction banning that person pregnant woman, last year. the town centre, spreading over to from the area. Seven churches and a community centre in Maidstone have teamed Whatman Park, Fant and Tovil. The number of reports to police up this year to provide 15 beds offering comfort to some of those sleep- The MBC report said: “A PSPO is of antisocial behaviour in Maid- ing on the streets on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day designed to stop antisocial behav- stone has fallen by 25 per cent over and from January 3 to March 28. iour in a public place. three years, says the report. How- Project manager Alexa Kersting-Woods says for the service to oper- "They can cover a wide range of ever, Maidstone still has the fifth ate, more than 200 volunteers are needed. behaviours and enable local au- highest level of antisocial crime in She said: “Maidstone has never let us down in responding to the call thorities to deal with a particular the county. for volunteers for this scheme, which is truly rewarding. nuisance or problem in a particular The council has faced repeated “People can sign up for as little as a couple of hours to help out, es- area that is detrimental to the local complaints from residents, visitors pecially overnight.” community’s quality of life.” and businesses about antisocial be- The scheme is funded by donations from private firms, Maidstone The moves was criticised by the haviour including drinking, litter- churches and grants from organisations including Maidstone Borough homeless charity Porchlight, which ing from legal highs and “verbal Council and also puts the homeless in touch with support services. feels those people affected by the intimidation from beggars and If you can help, please call 01622 296 450 or email enforcement of the order will be- rough sleepers” over the last year. [email protected].

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Maidstone November 2016 17 INVITATION Festive Celebrate with us The Opening of The Potting Shed on Sat 19th November from 3pm till late. Dining Food tasting & Live music As Autumn is now very much in the air our thoughts start THE to turn to Christmas celebrations. Make sure that you make your plans early so not to miss out on the fantastic deals being offered by your local pubs, hotels and restaurants this Christmas.

Embankments restaurant is the only permanently moored POTTING floating restaurant in the whole of Kent. Situated on the river SHED Medway, behind the Archbishops Palace, the Now taking bookings for our restaurant offers a newly created ‘alfresco sun deck’ where you can relax in the sun Festive Winter Menu while watching the boats and river wildlife pass you by! Mon 14th Nov, until Sat 24th Dec 2016 This unique restaurant boasts The Potting Shed in Langley Served daily 12pm to 9.30pm (pre booking required) 60 covers where guests can enjoy opens on 19th November and Lunch 3 course £25pp great food and wine presented everyone is invited. Why not go (2 course available Monday to Thursday £20pp) through a range of specially created along from 3pm and enjoy a menus designed to complement 3 course Dinner Mon-Thu £28pp, Fri & Sat £30pp friendly evening in the completely each other. refurbished pub located on the Sundays booking available from 5pm, £25 per person The friendly staff, great, value and Sutton road in Langley. There will quality food ensure you a dining be food tasting and live music. Starters experience to better most of the While you are there take the high street chains. Honey roasted parsnip, chestnut & truffle soup opportunity to meet the landlord Kentish wild game terrine Coquille Saint Jacques, (supplement £3) Baked Camembert Christmas at Embankments Dry gin & lime cured salmon Superfood salad Festive Season Meals Mains "Great food, great location, great seasonal atmosphere" Kentish free range roast turkey Lunch: 3 Course menu £25pp or 2 Course menu £19.50pp 28 day matured English beef fillet, (supplement £5) Dinner: 3 Course menu £39pp incl: Dine & Dance Sea bass fillet (3 course menu's includes: a glass of Kir Royal) Slow cooked English lamb shoulder Christmas Dine & Disco Parties Festive nut roas Turbot fillet, (supplement £5) Why not hire the whole restaurant for your office Christmas celebration. Puddings Traditional Christmas pudding, Brandy sauce (For less than 60 guests, a no buffet option is available and we Vanilla bean crème brûlée, spiced cinnamon shortbread biscuit will group you with other companies for the disco and dancing) Bramley apple & pear crumble, £39 per person for either Chocolate & pecan brownie, orange & Cointreau ice cream 3 course sit down Christmas menu (up to 75 guests) Selection of British & Continental cheeses, (supplement £3) or Early Christmas midweek offer Christmas buffet menu (from 60 to 120 guests) both options includes: Mon 14th Nov until Thur 1st Dec £21pp whole Restaurant, from 7pm to 2pm, Glass of kir Royal on 3 courses, lunch or dinner arrival and DJ & dancing until 2pm. Early Christmas weekend offer Fri 18th, Sat 19th, Fri 25th & Sat 26th Nov, Fri 2nd & Sat 3rd Dec £25pp, 3 courses, lunch or dinner Late Christmas offer Thur 5th & Fri 6th Jan, Mon 9th until Fri 13th Jan £21pp MAIDSTONE Sat 7th & Sat 14th Jan £25 per person 3 courses, lunch or dinner

The Potting Shed 0800 689 7888 Sutton Road, Langley, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3LZ Email: [email protected] 01622 862 112 KENT’S ONLY FLOATING BAR & RESTAURANT

18 Maidstone November 2016 Festive Dining whilst sampling the cuisine, fine this the ideal venue for a wines and ales on offer. Plus Christmas celebration. booking are now being taken for The Pepperbox Inn is to be found Christmas - be sure to book early. in the heart of the Kent The Gem of Kent boasts itself as Countryside at Windmill Hill, Come & celebrate Maidstone’s only Turkish and Harrietsham. The charming Kurdish Restaurant. The popular country pub offers award-winning restaurant offers outstanding food and specialises in traditional dishes from both cultures created ales, lagers and fine wines. The CHRISTMAS using the finest quality pub offers outstanding views of ingredients. the Weald of Kent and is a popular at Maidstone’s finest Their menus are designed to offer destination for riders and walkers. the fullest experience of Turkish The family run pub is now taking Turkish Restaurant cuisine. In addition to the bookings for Christmas. With extensive a la carte menu there is prices starting from just £20 per CHRISTMAS MENU a set lunch and dinner menu person it’s excellent value. which means that AVAILABLE FROM choosing and dining has never been easier – 23RD NOVEMBER offering you a mouth- watering choice of new CHOOSE FROM A SELECION OF tastes as well as the classic dishes. SET MENU’S TO SUIT YOUR PARTY The warm friendly atmosphere and the courteous team along with Set Menu A Set Menu B the exceptional food make 6 Cold Mezze 6 Cold Mezze + 2 Hot + 6 Hot Mezze Mezze to share to share (Falafel & Borek) +1 dessert pp + 1 Main course pp Christmas at Prices from +1 dessert pp The Pepperbox Inn £16.95 - £19.95 Prices from Windmill Hill, Fairbourne Heath, Nr. Harrietsham £21.95 - £27.95 Visit our charming pub situated in beautiful countryside with outstanding views of the Weald of Kent Set Menu C Book now for Christmas All from SET MENU B Christmas Menu available + Unlimited still & sparkling water & soft drinks lunchtimes & evenings 1 Lunch + House wine & house beer for 2 /2 hours Monday to Saturday Prices from 3 course £26 2 course £20 £33.95 - £39.95 Dinner Monday to Thursday £27 Friday & Saturday £30 Full á la carte menu and AS A THANK YOU TO THE PARTY ORGANISER, BOOK TODAY AND traditional pub food served RECEIVE A £20 GIFT VOUCHER* lunchtimes and evenings To visit us anytime in January 2017 • Ample parking (* For bookings of tables of 8 or more) • Walkers & Riders welcome • Warm & welcoming Don’t leave it too late... open log fires treat the one you love this Christmas

Opening Times: Daily from 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm Food Served: Lunch 12noon – 2pm Evening 7pm – 9.30pm 01622 675000 Sunday Lunches: 12noon –3pm Closed Sunday Evenings 62-63 High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SR 01622 842558 www.gemofkent.co.uk www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk Email:[email protected]

Maidstone November 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Water power plan for castle LEEDS Castle bosses are considering creating electricity for the 900-year-old historic building using a water-powered turbine. Chief executive Sir David Steel the 525 tons of silt collected, rich in has revealed he is looking to harness nutrients, was taken away and used energy from a flow falling from the as fertiliser at a local farm. Great Water into the moat. “This delivered to the foundation Sir David said the idea is being in- a saving of about £35,000 against the vestigated as the castle continues to only other option of dumping the look for ways to save money by also silt many miles away.” turning off unnecessary lights and The castle is also adopting a green reducing gas consumption in the policy when it comes to tools and its kitchens. 57 insured estate vehicles. He writes in the Leeds and He added: “We have instituted a Broomfield parish magazine: “We policy of purchasing/leasing more can do better and, as part of an en- environmentally-friendly vehicles ergy savings programme, we are where opportunities allow and we changing as many light bulbs as will reduce the number of vehicles, possible to LED lighting and inves- if at all possible.” tigating the introduction of a hydro- The venue attracted 339,000 visi- wheel, producing electricity by the sections of water was given to a local away. Sir David said: “When we tors between April and the end of water falling from the Great Water farm to use as a fertiliser, saving the dredged the moat and the Great August, well on course for achieving to the moat.” castle £35,000 by avoiding the need Water recently (for the triathalon the 600,000 target set for March Silt recently dredged from the two to dump the waste many miles and to allow our boat a safe passage) 2017. Threats case Drugs charge A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been A WOMAN who tried to obtain sent to prison for making threaten- drugs from a Maidstone chemist ing phone calls to Kent Police. using a false prescription has es- James Edwards was sentenced on caped jail. September 20, 2016 at Mid Kent Shaina Marston (23) was sen- Magistrates’ Court. tenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ He pleaded guilty to sending Court after she pleaded guilty to two threatening communications. counts of fraud. On September 1, Edwards, of Marston, of Brunswick Street, Hampshire Drive, Maidstone, Maidstone, passed a false prescrip- made telephone calls conveying a tion for Diazepam at a pharmacy in threat to Kent Police, with the pur- High Street, Maidstone, and at an- pose of causing distress or anxiety other pharmacy in Week Street. to the recipient. Magistrates sentenced her to 56 Magistrates sentenced Edwards days in prison, suspended for 12 to five days in prison. Because the Looking to future after EU months. She must also pay £40 costs offence was committed during the and a £115 victim surcharge. operational period of a suspended A HUNDRED days after Brexit, business leaders from throughout Kent sentence, the overall length of his gave their views at a Maidstone seminar on what the future holds and sentence is 131 days. He must also the best strategies to thrive in a fast changing “new world”. Police assault pay a £115 victim surcharge. The brieﬁng at Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery (KIMS), A 33-YEAR-OLD woman has ap- Bearsted, heard from key speakers including Tonbridge and Malling MP, peared in court for being drunk and Tom Tugendhat. disorderly and assaulting a police of- Pills fraud An active remain campaigner during the referendum run-up, he ficer in Maidstone. DRUG fraudster Damian John Par- stressed that small and medium businesses should make their voices Alina Korosteliova was sentenced sonage has been jailed for a bun- heard. “Do not let your MP say things that are inimicable to your ability at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court after gled bid to get tablets from a to trade.” admitting assaulting the officer in chemist. The uncertainty over free movement was already creating issues, he Bishops Way on July 11 and being On July 13, 2016 the 29-year-old, said. “It is simply not true that you can be a member of the single drunk and disorderly in the same of Brunswick Street, Maidstone, market and not have freedom of movement.” street the following day. passed a false medical prescription Alexandra Renison, Institute of Directors (IoD) policy lead on Brexit, Korosteliova was sentenced to 90 at a pharmacy in High Street, said it was imperative that the Government communicated with days in prison, suspended for 18 Maidstone, and at another phar- business and provided an assurance that transitional arrangements months and ordered to pay a £115 macy in Week Street, Maidstone, would be put in place. victim surcharge. intending to make a gain of Di- She thought that Article 50, the ofﬁcial start of Britain’s exit from the azepam tablets for himself. EU, would be triggered in 2017. Fit for a king Magistrates sentenced Parsonage THE Bearsted Choral Society with to 84 days in prison, suspended for Lees Court Music will perform a 12 months. He must also pay £40 royal-themed programme at St Mar- costs and a £115 victim surcharge. Big crowds for promoted Stones garet’s Church, Rainham, on No- He was sentenced on September MAIDSTONE United’s atten- The club is raising funds to go to- vember 12. 21 2016 at Mid Kent Magistrates’ dances have shot up since gaining wards the £650,000 new stand. The “ARight Royal Occasion” will fea- Court. promotion to the Vanarama Na- current fans’ total is about £22,000. ture music for the coronation of King He pleaded guilty to two counts tional League. Club spokesman Ian Tucker told George II. of fraud. The Stones are averaging an at- a recent meeting of the One Maid- Tickets are £10 (students £5) by For more local news tendance at home of 2,300, some 500 stone business networking group: calling 01634 362023 or emailing www.downsmail.co.uk more than last season’s very “It is very encouraging to have such [email protected] as healthy 1,800. interest in the club.” well as tickets on the door.

20 Maidstone November 2016 downsmail.co.uk News MEP denies role in Ukip fraud FORMER Kent Ukip MEP Janice fraud. This tactic of trying to shift on Atkinson has angrily denied she to me the blame for a crime which was complicit in a fraud committed Christine had already admitted in by one of her officials. court was made publicly. What they Christine Hewitt (55) admitted in said about me was simply not true.” court she inflated a £950 dinner to The event at The Hoy was meant Annie’s design for trophies £3,000 but claimed Mrs Atkinson to encourage more women into pol- knew of the scam. But the Euro-MP itics. A GLASS sculptor from Maidstone has been commissioned to create the – now an inde- But the court heard pub manager trophies for this year’s Kent Design and Development Awards. pendent – said that David Goulding became uneasy as Annie Ross (pictured), from Penenden Heath, has been working with Hewitt’s assertions Hewitt suggested the invoice price glass for more than 30 years. She has worked as a designer for a global were “simply not should be increased and a premium architectural glass company behind a series of stunning domes created true”. cost be added to a lunch. for religious buildings in places including Salt Lake City, Helsinki and the Her former aide, The inflated bill would be claimed Middle East. of Kings Hill, re- from the pan-European Alliance for Annie has produced a range of trophies, which also feature Kentish ceived a four- Direct Democracy in Europe, and its ragstone, with the winning design to be revealed at the awards’ night. month suspended foundation The Initiative for Direct She said: “I really enjoy the challenge of creating a design that ﬁts in with a theme or concept and working with glass to enhance its strength sentence at Canter- Janice Atkinson Democracy in Europe. bury Crown Court Mrs Atkinson insisted she did not or emphasise its fragility.” and was ordered to complete 40 tell Hewitt to obtain an inflated in- The Kent Design and Development Awards are held every two years. hours of community work. voice from the pub and was un- In a statement after Hewitt’s con- aware the defendant had done so. viction, Mrs Atkinson said: “The case The MEP was expelled from Ukip involved Christine’s acquiring from when the scandal erupted in a na- Albany funeral service award The Hoy pub (in Thanet) a falsely-in- tional tabloid newspaper sting. ALBANY Funerals in Loose has been awarded runner-up in the presti- flated invoice supposedly to cover Mrs Atkinson’s statement added: gious national title of ‘traditional funeral director of the year' at this year’s the cost of a sponsored event. "Her actions led to my expulsion Good Funeral Awards ceremony at the Porchester Hall which was staged “Christine’s barrister attempted to from Ukip and to my becoming the in London. mitigate her punishment by blaming subject of a police investigation – an The well-respected firm was selected from hundreds of nominees from me as someone who was ‘aware of investigation which cleared me of across the UK and received the award from Penny Smith, familiar to many and instrumental in arranging’ the any wrongdoing whatsoever." as a presenter of GMTV and many other TV programmes. WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced We were pleased with the work Fairdeal Windows previously carried out on our porch, so we Window and door hinges went back to them for windows. We are very pleased with the windows and the installers. We and stays “ couldn't fault the work they carried out plus they left everything clean and tidy. Thanks to all Leak and draught repairs the staff too. ” Mr H. - Snodland We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating over 25 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

Maidstone November 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk Charlie Girling’s sporting tribute

A SHIELD for sporting achieve- As part of that, the school is ar- ment is to be presented in memory ranging a charity challenge with of Maidstone student Charlie Maidstone United Football Club Girling, who died while on a between staff and ex-pro players on Scout trip in Finland this summer. December 2 at the Gallagher Sta- The idea has dium. Charlie was a regular sup- Watching out for Beadles staff been put forward porter at the stadium and fans MAIDSTONE motor dealership Beadles has celebrated 100 years in business by fellow students observed a minute’s silence in his by raising money for charity. at Maplesden memory on learning of his death. The Beadles Group involved its 550 employees in the south east centenary Noakes School, Charlie’s family – mum Helene, charity events in support of The Automotive Charity BEN and Demelza Hos- where 12-year-old dad Les, brother Jack and sister pice Care for Children. Employees took part in a number of events including Charlie (pictured) Abby – from Ash Close in Ayles- a sponsored charity cycle around all the dealerships. was well known ford, have welcomed the school’s They took part in a charity cricket match with the aid of the Kings Hill for his love of involvement and their ideas to re- cricket team, a quiz night, a BEN Sailing event, a swimathon arranged by sport, especially football. A “chill member a much-loved member of David Lloyd in Dartford and a raffle to win a bespoke Trek bike donated by out garden” in his memory is also the school. Charlie died suddenly Larkfield Cycles. Pictured receiving their cheques from Beadles Managing Di- to be created. on July 24 while attending an inter- rector Richard Johnson and Financial Director Tim Humphries and the Bea- Head teacher Richard Owen said national Scouting jamboree in dles Brand Directors Steven Blake, Steven Philpott and Colin Jackson, are students were busy raising money Hameenlinna, 1,500 miles from Mary Haisman from Demelza accompanied by one of the families who ben- and were also keen to support home. efit from their care - Tracy and her daughters Courtney and Carla. Charlie’s family with its campaign A spokesman forther Mid Kent to provide a new hut for Charlie’s coroner said investigations had Scout group. confirmed Charlie’s death was due Bridge delays Train hits tree He said: “Our school was to natural causes, adding: “The in- LANE closures near the Maid- RAIL users were delayed after a shocked by the news of Charlie’s vestigation has been discontinued stone bridges between October train hit a tree between Bearsted and death this summer and since the due to a natural cause of death. As 3-5 caused some disruption to Maidstone east stations. Operator start of term we have been trying to such there will be no need for an in- traffic at peak times. Work is Southeastern told Twitter followers work out how we can help the fam- quest, and there is no further obli- being carried out to create new the the train struck the fallen tree at ily to raise money for the cause gation for the Coroner, and, lanes to take traffic away from 1.30pm on October 4. The line was they have established to build a hut therefore, the death is being treated the town centre. blocked on the London-bound side for the 1st Aylesford troop.” as a death abroad.” for around half an hour.

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22 Maidstone November 2016 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough November 2016

Pride in our borough

www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council

Budget roadshows continue across the borough Our budget roadshows are in full swing and there are still a number of dates left to go for you to have your say on where you think our money should be spent. The theme for the events is ‘Your services, you decide’ with the aim of getting as many people across the borough as possible to think about what services they most value. It could be housing or you might think street cleansing is your top service. Either Gateway way, we want to know your views! The roadshows follow on from our pledge that residents will be fully involved in we’ve moved! planning ways to close a £4.2 million hole in our budget following changes to the way that local government is funded. The council’s income is being cut by an Hello from The Mall! Our increasing amount over the next four years, leading to the shortfall in the Council’s Customer Services Team has ‘revenue budget’ which pays for services. The shortfall will mean services need to moved to their temporary home, be cut or provided in different ways and standards. next to Sports Direct for the next four months. Senior councillors and officers will be at the events so please come along and have your say at the following locations: The Gateway building is being transformed to include the Saturday 22 October 10:00-14:00 Wednesday 26 October, St Martin's construction of a mezzanine floor Longmeadow Hall, Headcorn Church, Shepway 10:00 - 14:00 and a more open plan feel which Monday 24 October 10:00-14:00 The Monday 31 October 10:30-12:30 will see Job Centre Plus and Mall, Maidstone North Hall, Staplehurst Citizens Advice Bureau locating to Tuesday 25 October 10:00-14:00 The Saturday 29 October 09:30-12:30 the building too. Mall, Maidstone Sutton Valence Village Hall Works are due to be completed in mid-February 2017 Cllr Fran Wilson, Leader of the Council, said: “Since 2010 we have been forced to make significant changes due to cuts in government funding. We’ve shared services Residents are able to visit the with other councils to provide value for money, and achieved savings with Maidstone Borough Council efficiencies and changing the way we work rather than service cuts. We have worked website via their phone, tablet or hard to protect front-line services as much as possible. computer where they’re now able to carry out many council related “This has become harder each year and it is now inevitable that some services will matters such as ordering a have to be reduced over the next four years. It’s essential that residents play an garden bin or renewing a parking active role in this process. We hope that as many people as possible will come along permit as well as nearly 100 other to the roadshows or take part in the online survey to share their views.” such services too. If you’re unable to make the roadshows, please visit our website maidstone.gov.uk where you can fill in our budget survey until November 18.

Helping you to engage with our services more Our upgraded webcasting and microsite was launched earlier this month and has been very popular so far. The improved system allows more flexibility, helping to promote better engagement with the public. As well as attending meetings in person, the public can also watch all proceedings from the comfort of their own home, whilst benefitting from state of the art audio visuals and interactive tweets. The introduction of ‘live tweeting’ during Committee meetings has certainly brought a fresh feel to proceedings and utilises an easily accessible channel of communication. Why not see how you can get involved by visiting www.maidstone.gov.uk Maidstone Borough Council 3

NEW BENEFIT LEGISLATION How does this affect me?

Central Government has said that from November 2016 the Benefit Cap for households receiving housing benefit and other state benefits will be reduced to £20,000 per year. This is £384 per week.

If your total weekly income from any of Severe Disablement Allowance the benefits listed below is more than Widowed Parent's Allowance £384 we will reduce the amount of Anyone affected by this change can How does this work in practice for housing benefit paid to you. contact any of the organisations households? Bereavement Allowance directly: If your total weekly income from any of Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau Child Benefit the benefits mentioned was £400 we (T) 01622 752420 Child Tax Credit would reduce the housing benefit by (W) www.maidstonecab.org.uk Employment and Support Allowance £16. Kent County Council Children’s Centre (except where it is paid with the Paying the difference (T) 03000 412323 support component) The tenant would need to pay this extra (E) [email protected] Guardian's Allowance £16 to their landlord. Golding Homes Housing Benefit - unless you are living How can I prepare for this change? in supported accommodation (T)0300 7772600 To help people affected by this reduction (W) www.goldinghomes.org.uk Incapacity Benefit in their weekly income we have invited a Income Support number of local partner organisations, Still concerned? Jobseeker's Allowance who can offer advice and assistance If you have any immediate questions, Maternity Allowance with budgeting and debt problems. please call us on: 01622 602557. Housing Seminar Everything you ever wanted to know about housing…but were afraid to ask

We are hosting a housing seminar on The seminar will take place at To reserve your space please contact the 3 November between 9.30am and Maidstone Salvation Army on Union Sarah Ward on: (T) 01622 602157 2pm for all agencies who may wish to Street and promises to be a very (E) [email protected] find out more information about informative and useful resource for all housing. agencies dealing with any of the topics What topics will be covered at the mentioned. event? All places MUST Homelessness Law be booked in What to do if your client is facing advance. eviction What to do if your client is living in substandard accommodation What financial support is available? Places are FREE but are limited to a total of 60 attendees (maximum 3 per agency). A light lunch will be provided on the day.

Due to popular demand another date has been added - Monday 14 November at Maidstone Town Hall. 4 Maidstone Borough Council

What can visitors hope to find? Visitors to the Maidstone Farmers’ Since early spring of this year we have Market can see a great selection of meat, game, sausages and delicious been working hard to introduce and products, ranging from marmalades fruit and veg! cultivate a regular Famers’ Market in and jams, Kentish cobnuts, luxurious The Farmers’ Market is a great way to Maidstone each month. Although there bath bombs, and even Maidstone- remind people that we are in the are approximately 50 farmers’ markets produced cookies which are also on Garden of England, with its amazing around Kent, there has not been a sale in Fortnum and Mason! produce, and it also brings some regular one in the county town until vibrancy and activity to the town centre. now. The monthly Farmers' Market is held The first market was launched in June on the fourth Friday of each month from and was supported by 19 local stall 10am- 2pm in Jubilee Square. holders selling a range of locally produced items from breads and Keep your eye out for new products as sausages, to fudge, cider and even the seasons change, and we add new alpaca fleece products! traders. Next Farmers’ Market dates: Since this date word has quickly spread and the market each month has grown There’s a busy bakery stall selling a 28 October 2016 in popularity with visitors and traders variety of breads, cakes, pastries and 25 November 2016 wishing to be a part of this new initiative. other goodies. You can also grab 23 December 2016 It is the perfect balance between a yourself some lunch at a stall selling a Why not stay in touch by following the commercial venture where traders are selection of Scotch eggs, in a variety of Farmers’ Market Twitter account or keen to come to Maidstone and benefit flavours you won’t find in the liking their Facebook page? from a healthy number of people in the supermarket. Last but by no means town on a Friday and consumers who least a Farmers’ Market certainly @MaidstoneFMMrkt are keen to see something a bit wouldn’t be a Farmers’ market without facebook.com/ different, with quality fresh goods. the traditional ‘farm products’ including maidstonefarmersmarket

Planning application submitted shortly. Details of the closest for Adventure Zone at Mote Park litter bin will also be indicated. We have moved to Once the the next phase in removal phase the complete removal of in completed (late council owned dog waste November) each bin will bins and a move to a be monitored and emptied 'commingle approach twice per week to evaluate (mixing of litter and dog A plan has been submitted is planned for the north demand and ensure that waste). for a new adventure zone at eastern corner of the park. we are providing an We have begun visiting all efficient service. Mote Park. The application If the planning application dog bin sites and are was validated by the is granted, it is hoped the How you can help us entering into a two-week council’s planning team on facility will be open for during this transition consultation period with 15 September with a target people to use from Summer phase? parishes to ascertain decision date of December. 2017. whether the litter bins are Please ensure that any dog The zone, which would be Any residents wanting to currently located in the waste is bagged securely seven hectares, would comment on the application best place to capture and placed in the litter bin. house a Segway hire can do so via our planning demand or, whether facility, high wires, a How can I let you know portal. Visit repositioning them would climbing wall, and an if I see a full bin? maidstone.gov.uk and click be better. During this adventure golf course and the ‘planning’ tab. period please make sure Each litter bin will be fitted that you liaise with your with a unique number, parish and make your allowing us to identify its opinions known. location far easier. Please report this online at Prior to its removal each www.maidstone.gov.uk dog bin will be stickered to select ‘Contact Us followed remind all residents that by ‘Report It’ and choose the bin will be removed the appropriate option. Maidstone Borough Council 5 Resident Parking Permits. Save time,

1 ONLINE do it online! FORMS The council has recently 9 launched a new online form that allows residents to apply for parking permits. This new £ form follows on from the highly successful renew a parking permit which is used to renew over 70% of permits every month online. These 2 forms have allowed the council to improve the service REF. N0. fjdksl jffdddlllaaks jffdddsskaaff

saajjfkddsskafkj fkjsddjjffnnnjjdssffnnnkkjss and considerably reduce the anffdddjjsffnnddkkjsknf kddjjsddjjnfkfk-- time it takes to get permits to jddssd fnfnnjjddssddjjnfkfkjjs people. The council offers a wide range of digital services - everything from booking bulky rubbish collections to checking planning PROOFSPROOFS 24hhrsrs 3 applications. /day/d/ ay

These online services are PROOFSPPROOFS available 7 days a week 365 days a year and lots of people find them the most convenient way to deal with the council.

E ONLINEONLINL S Thank you for FORMSORMORMSR To find out more visit submitting your proof www.maidstone.gov.uk/ 9 services

Maidstone’s Community Toilet Scheme

If you see a Community Toilet How the scheme works: Scheme sticker in a shop window Participating premises display one of what exactly does this mean? our four stickers in their window We are working with local businesses showing the facilities available e.g. like shops, restaurants and pubs, to male, female, wheelchair accessible, help improve the provision of public baby-changing facilities. Members of toilet facilities within the Town the public can use the toilet facilities Centre. during the premises’ opening hours; however, businesses retain the right to Through this scheme you will have refuse entry to anyone whose behaviour We need more access to clean, safe and is unacceptable. accessible toilets. more businesses to help: Window Signs: Is your business happy to allow non- A number of organisations are Premises participating in the customers to use your toilet facilities? participating in the scheme which Community Toilet Scheme will display Do you think your business would means that you are able to use their one of these signs in their window. benefit from being involved in the toilet facilities during normal opening Wherever you see this sign means you Community Toilet Scheme? If you are hours without having to make a are welcome to use the toilet facilities interested in being involved in the purchase. without having to make a purchase. scheme, please apply online. An introduction introduuction to NeighbourhoodNeiighbourhhood Planning

Staplehurst also has a very The DraftDraft Plan Neighbourhood Planning was advanced plan which has been introduced under the Localism The draft plan is governed by examined and will be subject Act in 2011 and allows local regulations setting out the to a local referendum in early communities to have a far stages the plan must go through November 2016, and the greater say in planning for Headcorn Plan is currently at their area. which includes at least two public consultations. examination. A Neighbourhood Plan can contain policies for design HoHoww do wwee support What happens nenext?xt? and public realm, housing Neighbourhood Planning and employment, and can • When all of the all of the grgroupsoups during the prprocessocess also allocate land for housing, consultation stages are recreation or employment complete the plan must be • Provision of mapping for example, so this affords the local community a great examined independently. • Health-checks on draft opportunity to express their • If recommended by the policies views on matters that are examiner a local refere really important to them. • Arranging and on the planan must be held.he managing consultations, • The local authorityauthority mustmus examinations and What ccan’tan’t the then ‘make’ (adopt) the referendums. Neighbourhood Plan be Neighbourhoodrhood PlanPlan andan used for?for? • Providing updates and use it alongsidengside its otherothe advice on national local plan policiespolicies whenwhen policy relating to considering planning The Neighbourhood Plan can’t Neighbourhood Plans so applications in that are prevent development or be over those involved are kept protective of the status quo in up to date with changes an attempt to block housing Neighbourhood Plans to legislation. or employment proposals. in the boroughborough Constituted bodies such as Parish Councils, or Neighbourhood Maidstone hass a numbernumber of v Forums can apply to their local active Neighbourhoodourhood PlanningPlan council to designate an area for groups, with 14 different ar the purposes of a Neighbourhood covered by Neighbourhoodeighbourhood Plans Plan and then begin to work which are all at different st on a plan with policies for that of development. Currently area. Some may choose to do Maidstone hass one ‘made’‘made’ plan,p this using a group of volunteers, whilst others may employ for North Loose which was specialist support. There are a at the meeting of Full Counc number of funding opportunities April 2016. and grants that can be applied for. Brief Guide to Determining Planning ApplicApplicationsations Legally the Planning Department must make decisions on planning applications in line with Section 70(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. This essentially requires that decisions on planning applications are made in accordance with the Development Plan unless other material considerations indicate otherwise. Making a Decision

What is the DevelopmentDevelopment Plan? When making a decision the The Development Plan is a set of documents which contain planning Planning Department must policies relating to different aspects of development including ccarefullyarefully weigh up a number strategic matters such as housing, transport, the environment, retail, of differdifferentent mattermatterss includingincluding and economic development down to detailed matters such as house planning polices,polices, governmentgovernment extensions, advertisements, farm buildings, listed buildings, and policy and guidancguidance,e, adviceadvice barn conversions. frfromom statutory cconsulteesonsultees such as the EnEnvironmentvironment In Maidstone the Development Plan currently consists of: Agency and NaturNaturalal • The Maidstone Borough-Wide Local Plan (2000) England, carefullycarefully cconsideronsider • MBC Affordable Housing Development Plan Document (2006) rrepresentationsepresentations fromfrom ParishParish Councils and the public, and • MBC Open Space Development Plan Document (2006) balancbalancee the prospros and conscons of • North Loose Neighbourhood Development Plan (2016) ananyy devdevelopment.elopment. However, the current Local Plan (2000) will be replaced by the new Local Plan (2011 - 2031) which is expected to be adopted MatterMatterss that in 2017. can’tcan’t be takentaken into accountaccount Further Neighbourhood Plans are also likely to be produced and adopted and they will form Some issues areare beyondbeyond the part of the Development Plan. scscopeope of planning controlcontrol and ccannotannot be consideredconsidered including (not exhaustive):exhaustive): What araree other material puts great emphasis on boosting cconsiderations?onsiderations? the supply of housing, and in • Loss of propertyproperty valuevalue certain situations it can take • Neighbour disputes/ Material considerations are precedence above a Council’s privateprivate mattermatterss other matters that are taken into local policies. account when making a decision. • Damage to propertyproperty This can include Central • Loss of view Government Policy and Guidance RetrospectiveRetrospective planning • ProblemsProblems arising fromfrom the embodied in the National applicapplicationsations constructionconstruction period of a Planning Policy Framework Retrospective planning developmentdevelopment (NPPF) and National Planning applications can be submitted Practice Guidance (NPPG), or • MattersMatters coveredcovered byby other and it is not against the law to legislation other matters such as planning do so. They have to be handled appeal decisions, and planning in exactly the same way as any • PossiblePossible futurefuture case law. other applications and judged applicationsapplications For example, the NPPF has on their own merits, and they • PersonalPersonal circumstancescircumstances a presumption in favour of cannot be punished for being sustainable development and retrospective. News from the MUSEUM Maidstone’s Museum is no longer in the dinosaur ages!

Maidstone Museum has unveiled its new Victoria Barlow, Museums Director, website which is already improving not said: “We’re delighted with the new only the visitor experience, but the work website. As well as looking great, it will of the wider team too. For those of you allow our customers to do lots of things that haven’t had the pleasure of using online like booking tickets for our this fresh and modern website you can events, showing an interest in what’s expect great things including: coming up or planning a birthday party. COMING HOME: Simpler navigation “It should make things quicker and Conflict & Care in Clear and clean design simpler for everyone. I particularly hope 1916 Lots of high quality pictures people will check out our regular blog on the page to find out what’s been Modern, clean design September 24, 2016 -January 7, 2017 going on behind the scenes and let us A highly responsive site with the ability The winter exhibition at Maidstone know what they think.“ Museum provides a compelling and for users to access it using mobile emotional look at the lives of those in devices including tablets Maidstone during the Great War. What can you do that you couldn’t Inspired by the work of artist Frank before? Hyde – in particular the paintings Paying for an event or children’s party? ‘Trones Wood’ and ‘Wounded Soldiers Now you can complete this online! Not Arriving at Maidstone East’ – the only can visitors create an account and exhibition, sponsored by Southeastern, pay securely using Paypal, the team can provides a compelling and emotional also track the booking, monitor sales insight into the lives of those in and attendees all from within the Maidstone during the First World War. website! Entrance to the exhibition is FREE HLF funding and mummy scanning

the Maidstone Museums’ Foundation, Civilisations gallery, Maidstone the Egyptology Department at the Museum’s very own 2,700-year-old British Museum, the Petrie Museum at mummy, Ta-Kush, underwent a full University College London, and the body scan at the Kent Institute of Egypt Exploration Society to research Medicine and Surgery (KIMS). and uncover the stories behind the The results of the scan will As part of Maidstone Museum Heritage objects, the redisplay will be unveiled in subsequently be interpreted by experts Lottery Funding, the Ancient Summer 2017 with a fantastic new to enable us to learn more about the Civilisations gallery is set to experience space in which to discover the artefacts. history of one of the museum’s most a complete overhaul. With support from In addition to reworking the Ancient popular artefacts. Keep in touch Fright Night: The museum has recently undergone a programme Fright Night: Prepare yourself for of improvement works. Keep in touch and find news Halloween! Hear from and information at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk, our curators on a tour on twitter @MaidstoneMuseum or by emailing of the weird and [email protected] sometimes disturbing objects in our collections The tour — which is limited to just 25 people — begins at 18:30, but numbers are limited, so please sign up in advance for Museum Lates FREE or upon arrival. Last Thursday of every month Then, at 19:45, watch the Anaconda dance troupe in a chilling and creepy performance. Not for the faint-hearted. There is Museum open until 9pm Lates activities start from 6pm no need to register on the free tour in order to Museum Lates showcase, art, film dance, This season: enjoy the performance of the dance troupe; history and more with a different theme 27 Oct — Fright Night simply walk-in on the day and enjoy the show! each month for you to enjoy. 1 Dec — Christmas Music Licensed café and bar. Our curators share a special insight into 26 Jan — An Evening with the theme’s collections and people are Graham Clarke Admission to museum is free; however, some able to choose from a range of activities. 23 Feb —Romance Museum Lates activities may incur a charge.

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings can be made via 01622 602838 and online. Maidstone Borough Council 9 Recycle your way through Christmas!

Christmas is on its way. Part and parcel of the festivities is knowing what to do with all the additional waste generated and how can you dispose of the never- ending pile of wrapping paper! We have a few suggestions that should help you and the environment this year. Keep your black bin trim this Christmas. Recycle all of these in your green recycling bin: Wrapping paper, cards and envelopes Cardboard packaging, boxes & tubes Chocolate boxes and inner trays Kitchen foil, foil trays and dishes Glass bottles and jars (lids too!) Food tins, drink cans, biscuit and sweet tins Plastic bottles, plastic meat trays, plastic sweet tubs Juice cartons

Remember: *Christmas tree lights beyond repair can be recycled by placing in a carrier bag alongside your black refuse bin. G Maid I st *All food waste including B o e n cooked & raw meat, h e Bin it to win it! bones, shells and peelings can T Sign up to The Big Maidstone Food Waste go in your food bin and be collected weekly. FOODFOODW WASTEWAASTE Challenge and you could win a £30 gift voucher for The Mall/ Chequers Shopping Over the Christmas and New Year period, Ch e Centre or family swimming vouchers for please place your bins at the boundary of alleng Maidstone Leisure Centre. your property by 6am. ToTo taktakee the challenge,challenge, Normal Collection Garden followfollow these collection over festive Waste simple steps! date season will be 1 Monday 26 Wednesday Suspended Sign up forfor the challengechallenge December 28 December service and prpromiseomise yyourour support Tuesday 27 Thursday Suspended at wwwwww.maidstone.gov.w..maidstone.gov. Did youyyoou know?know? uk/foodwastechallengeuk/foodwastechallenge 7 millionmillion tonnes of ffoodood and drink is thrthrownown December 29 December service or byby sending yyourour name, awayaway frfromom homes in the UK eveveryery yyearear Wednesday 28 Friday 30 Suspended addressaddress and phone number byby post to: The and moremore than half of this is ffoodood and drink December December service Big Maidstone FoodFood WasteWaste we couldcould havehave eaten? WWee need YYOUROUR help Thursday 29 Saturday 31 Suspended ChalChallenge,lenge, Maidstone to tackle foodfood wastewaste and cut dodownwn on the BorBoroughough CouncilCouncil,, BircholtBircholt amount thrownthrroown dirdirectlyectly in the rubbish bin. December December service RRoad,oad, Parkwood,Parkwood, Maidstone Friday 30 Monday 2 Suspended ME15 9XY December January service Monday 2 Tuesday 3 Suspended 2 3 4 ReduceReduce youryour avoidableavoidable ffoodood Put youryour unavoidableunavoidable ffoodood LeaveLeave yyourour January January service wastewaste as much as possible wwasteaste (such as vvegetableegetable foodfood bin out forfor Tuesday 3 Wednesday 4 Suspended byby planning yyourour meals in peelings, teabags or collectioncollection advance,advance, using leftoleftoversvers bones) straightstraight into youryourur on youryour rubbish January January service in tasty rrecipesecipes or adding foodfood bin, NONOTOT into yyourour and recyclingrecycling Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Suspended scrscrapsaps to yyourour compostcompost rubbish bin collectioncollection daysdays January January service heap if youyou havehave one Sin WinWi BinBiB Thursday 5 Friday 6 Suspended Bin n As a thank you for your commitment to tackling food waste and helping the envirroonment, all households who take t January January service challenge and put their food rreecyec cling out for collection will be enterreed ini to a quarterly competition to win great prizes. Every quarterr,, 50 family swimming voucherrssfor Maidstone Leisurree Centr Cen e (to be used within threee months) and 20 gift Friday 6 Saturday 7 Suspended voucherrss for the Mall / Chequerrrss shopping worth £30 each will be awarrrdded to households chosen at rraandom. January January service For more information, frequently asked questions, terms and conditions or to sign up, please visit www.maidstone. govv..uk/foodwastechallenge, email: [email protected] or call 01622 602600. This scheme is being paid for with Garden waste collections suspended from funding frrooomm the DeDepartmentpartment ofo Government and Local Communities. 26 Dec until 7 Jan. Collections will resume FFoor advice and tips to minimisenimise fofoodw aste visit www.loveffoodhatewaste.co.uk on 9th Jan. 10 Maidstone Borough Council Open for Business! The Business Terrace is running a series of FREE events and workshops to get your business started or growing.

Established Business looking to grow your customer base, improve marketing or access finance? Business Growth Workshops with RIFT Accounting: 18 October from 8am – 10am. Then fortnightly from 1 November from 8am – 10am. Have a great idea and want to know how to turn it into a commercial success? Business Start-up Workshops with Kent Foundation: Each Friday in November from 9am – 11am. Want to book your place now? Email: [email protected] or call 01622 239300 Can’t make a workshop? Why not drop into The Business Terrace instead? Come along and see one of our advisors who are ready to help from Monday - Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm. Looking for an innovative entrepreneurial community offering flexible & affordable workspace with a 1000% internet connection?

Home to three of Kent’s “Top 30 • Flexible office accommodation under 30” entrepreneurs along with • Modern workspace 20 other innovative start-ups from all • Unlimited fast internet included in affordable hot-desking tariffs backgrounds and age groups, • Private meeting room for up to six The Business Terrace in Maidstone • 40-seat seminar room with ceiling mounted projector provides a dynamic, inspiring and • Onsite business support events highly supportive environment & mentoring where you can chat, connect and • Direct link to the Government’s collaborate with like-minded people. Start-up Loans Company

Drop in between 9am and 4.30pm Monday – Friday to look around and see what The Business Terrace can offer you and your business. T: 01622 239300 E: [email protected] W: www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk @BizInMaidstone

New Councillor Appointments Cllr John Raymond Barned (UK Cllr Gordon Newton for Downswood Independence Party) successfully ran for and Otham is a councillor for the UK election as the councillor for the Shepway Independence Party. South Ward in the recent by-elections. How to contact Cllr Gordon Newton: How to contact Cllr John Barned: (T)01622 862 330 (M) 07769 676238 (T) 01622 851142 (M)07813579631 (E) [email protected] (E) [email protected] How your council works

Do you know who is responsible for delivering which service?

You may ﬁnd it useful to understand exactly what Maidstone Borough Council is responsible for in the borough. In practice many services are delivered by working together with our partners at the county council and other organisations such as police, ﬁre and health services. Below is a quick guide to help you.

Kent County Council Maidstone Borough Council Parish Councils • Education • Local Planning • Parishes have powers • Housing to spend money on the • Social services following: • Public health • Parks and Open Spaces • Allotments • Highways and traffic • Cleansing • Open spaces and playing ﬁelds management • Community Safety • Building Control • Community halls • Strategic planning • Roadside verges • Environmental Health • Consumer protection • Seats and shelters • Refuse and Recycling • Footway lighting • Waste disposal Collection • Crime prevention • Libraries • Cultural – • Cleansing • Registration of births, Museum, Theatre • The borough of deaths and marriages • Council Tax Collection Maidstone is made up of the unparished town and 41 parishes, 35 of which have parish councils. 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working for you

Angela Woodhouse Head of Policy and Communications

What tasks and responsibilities does your job What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? involve? I run, although this isn't always enjoyable! I run several services for the council including Recently my 7 year old has discovered monopoly, communications, complaints, policy and which has made for some fun but competitive information, electoral services and democratic afternoons! services. I have responsibility for corporate governance and information management and What’s your favourite food? also oversee major projects. Anything my mum makes! I really enjoy a seafood linguine. What do you most enjoy about your role? I work with brilliant people; I enjoy working Which country have you always wanted to visit directly with other officers, councillors and and why? meeting residents. I particularly enjoy internal Australia, such beautiful scenery! staff engagement events and running If you had to pick a character to be from a book, workshops to improve how we do things as a council. TV series or historical figure, who would it be and why? What is the most difficult aspect of your Clarice Starling, from Silence of the Lambs, everyday role? because of her resolve and determination. There are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, so I have to make sure I don't Pick one word to describe yourself. set too many things running at once! Enthusiastic.

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

What’s On! To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com downsmail.co.uk News Emily’s bale for Westminster A FORMER Invicta Grammar School pupil has been chosen to represent the Liberal Democrats at the next general election in the Maidstone and the Weald constituency. Oxford graduate Emily Fermor represent the people of Maid- (23), of Coxheath, will take on stone.” Helen Grant, the sitting Conserva- Miss Fermor said the Lib Dems tive MP. are now on standby for a general Miss Fermor was elected by a sin- election next spring. gle vote in May’s borough council Mr Gerard, who is now em- elections to the Coxheath and ployed as a campaigner for the Hunton ward, beating the Tories. party’s HQ, said: “Emily was part She was part of Lib Dem parlia- of my team in 2015 and was ab- mentary candidate Jasper Gerard’s solutely brilliant. She worked in- general election team in 2015. credibly hard and is very popular. Mr Gerard, who was heavily She’ll make a fantastic candidate.” beaten by Mrs Grant despite hav- Mrs Grant swept into the seat in ing run a well-organised campaign, 2015 with a majority of more than welcomed her appointment. 10,000 and few will give Miss Fer- Miss Fermor, who works as a Emily Fermor, centre, on the campaign trail mor much chance of winning the consultant for a London public re- seat. She was approached for a lations firm, said: “I am proud of lages that can’t be taught. I relish Miss Fermor, who lives with her comment. our county town and believe we the opportunity to prove myself in parents in Heath Road, attended a Mr Gerard worked the patch full need a local person representing us the coming years. state primary school in Boughton time for more than three years, and with energy, enthusiasm and a “Nationally, the country is in cri- Monchelsea before attending In- made significent gains through commitment to the local area – sis. Both the Conservatives and victa. She studied history at Mag- local campaigning. something we have not had for a Labour are focused entirely on in- dalen College, Oxford. However, a change in the na- number of years. fighting while the economy wors- She added: “I am incredibly tional mood towards the end of the “I have lived in Maidstone all of ens, threatening jobs, public proud to have been selected to Tory campaign convinced voters to my life and have a knowledge and services and our efforts to build the stand as the candidate in my home turn away from the Lib Dems, who understanding of our town and vil- houses Britain so badly needs.” town. It would be a huge honour to suffered a catastrophic collapse. New Mall shop SHOPPERS at The Mall in Maid- Castle is setting for flower festival stone have had their first peek in- ENOUGH flowers to fill eight vans side the centre’s newest store. were exhibited throughout the Discount department store, TJ rooms of Leeds Castle at its breath- Hughes, opened its doors on Sep- taking five-day Festival of Flowers. tember 22, five years after its origi- Providing the perfect backdrop for nal Maidstone store closed. the 20,000 stems of flowers and It stocks leading beauty brands foliage, brought together in including Elemis, Estee Lauder, elaborate floral displays by 28 Clarins and Clinique as well as de- designers, there was plenty for signer bed linen from Catherine visitors to feast their eyes on. Lansfield, fashion accessories from The event, opened by TV garden Karen Millen, Gucci and Calvin personality Joe Swift, was expected Klein, plus toys and games from to have been seen by 13,500 visitors. Disney, Playmobil and Fisher Price. Visitors included TV presenter Jan “We’re thrilled to welcome TJ Leeming and Maidstone and the Hughes to The Mall, Maidstone,” Weald MP Helen Grant. said Suzie Brindle, The Mall Maid- Taking this year’s trophy for the stone’s spokesman. “The depart- best floral display was the castle’s International floral designer courtyard display Whimsical ment store will give our shoppers a head florist Louise Roots, with her Dennis Kneepkens is pictured here Woodland at the Festival of Flowers: real variety of products and some design A Royal Banquet. putting the finishing touches to his A Queen’s Castle. great discounts.” Tesco staff saved shoppers from fire Fostering plea MORE foster homes are urgently SHOPPERS and staff were evacu- A large plume of black smoke ity, particularly by the firemen. needed in the Maidstone area ac- ated from a Tesco Express after a was visible for miles around The police were controlling things cording to Kent County Council bonfire at a nearby derelict build- Maidstone. out front and making sure the area (KCC) which says demand for carers ing got out of control. Tesco staff knew something was was cleared and the cars kept out is reaching “crisis point”. The fire halted traffic for a time wrong when there was a strong of immediate danger. Maidstone has been identified as a while firefighters dealt with the smell of acrid smoke getting into "At one point it looked like it incident. the supermarket. might get very serious but the priority are by the county council The blaze spread to the Tesco Staff and shoppers were quickly crews got there quickly and id a which needs to find 200 places. store in Loose Rd and there were ushered to safety. good job." In Kent this year, 1,593 children en- fears over the presence of large gas It is understood the fire also af- A Tesco spokesman said: "Our tered care compared to 899 in 2013/4. canisters. fected a double garage which is colleagues worked really hard to KCC needs homes for teenagers, Kent Fire and Rescue Service also near to the derelict property. ensure our customers were safely children with disabilities and sibling (KFRS) used a hose, jet and a hy- One local resident said: "At first evacuated from the store." groups as well as unaccompanied drant to dampen the 10 feet high we though the Tesco was on fire Traffic was held back in both di- young asylum seekers. flames on September 21. but it turned out to be coming rections for a time and the road To find out more visit www.kent- It is understood the cause is from the back of the building. was later reopened. No one is un- fostering.co.uk or phone 03000 being treated as accidental. "There was a lot of frenetic activ- derstood to have been injured. 420002 to speak to an advisor.

Maidstone November 2016 23 LEARNING FOR LIFE It’s never too late to learn IT’S easy to think that learning stops after we memory, planning, and other complex leave school, but with more of us looking mental activities. forward to an active retirement, it’s becoming • In certain brain regions, communication increasingly important to understand that an between neurons can be reduced because active mind, is as good for your health as a white matter is degraded or lost. strong heart. • Blood flow to the brain can be reduced Today’s advice is that as well as eating five a because arteries narrow and there is less day, we should also follow seven simple rules growth of new capillaries. for keeping our mind active: • Damage by free radicals and inflammation • Stay curious and involved — commit to also increases. lifelong learning rising higher up the league table of lessons that As a result, even the healthiest among us may • Read, write, work crossword or other can be learned in order to maintain your health notice a modest decline in our ability to learn into retirement. puzzles new things and retrieve information, such as They include: • Attend lectures and plays remembering names. However, if given enough • Enroll in courses at your local adult time to perform the task, the scores of healthy • Controlling risk factors for chronic disease, education center, community college or people in their 70s and 80s are often similar to such as heart disease and diabetes (eg other community group those of young adults. In fact, as they age, keeping your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight at a healthy level) • Play games adults often improve in other cognitive areas, such as vocabulary and other forms of verbal • Enjoying regular exercise and physical • Try memory exercises knowledge. activity • Garden It also appears that additional brain regions • Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of In recent years, investigators have learned can be activated in older adults during vegetables and fruits much about what happens in the brain when cognitive tasks, such as taking a memory test. • Engaging in intellectually stimulating people have a neurodegenerative disease such Researchers do not fully understand why this activities and maintaining close social ties as Parkinson’s, AD, or other dementias and happens, but one idea is that the brain engages with family, friends, and community these findings have also revealed much about alternative mechanisms to compensate for The latest findings also add weight to the long what happens during healthy aging. difficulties that certain regions may be having. held phrase “use it or lose it” and with evening As a person gets older, changes occur in all These findings have led many scientists to classes, the new U3A movement, keep fit parts of the body, including the brain: believe that major declines in mental abilities classes, and a host of opportunities to get active • Certain parts of the brain shrink, especially are not inevitable as people age. both in body and mind, there’s never been a the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus So as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, more fun - and holistic way – to welcome on old - both of which are important to learning, the role of continuous learning and education is age. Excel Yachting 7, Copsewood Way, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PJ t: 07710 647966 Excel Yacht Charters Dover Excel Yachting www.excel-yachting.co.uk www.excel-yachting.co.uk Excel Yachting & RCPYC Ltd in association with Yacht charter for private individuals the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club Dover or corporate entertainment. RYA training either in the Dover or Maidstone It does not matter whether you want a day sail, areas, or if you prefer online using an Interactive two day sail, weekend or week. computer program. Do you want to give your family and friends CLASSROOM COURSES RYA VHF / DSC Radio, 1 Day. RYA YM Ocean. RYA First Aid, 1 Day. an experience of a lifetime? RYA Basic Safety & Essential Navigation, 2 days. RYA Day Skipper Theory, 6 days. RYA Coastal Skipper/YM Theory, 6 days. As a business you’d like to entertain your ONLINE INTERACTIVE COURSES. favorite clients in an unusual environment. RYA VHF / DSC Radio. RYA Basic Safety & Essential Navigation. Then come and join us aboard our Yachts based in PROFFESIONAL ONLINE COURSES Dover, only five hours from French Ports. RYA Safe & fun Child Safety course. RYA Professional Practice and Responsibilities. All yachts have Experienced, Professional Skippers and crew, who PRACTICAL SAILING COURSES work in the local waters. They are experienced in teaching people to RYA Try Sailing, 2 days. RYA Competent Crew, 5 days. sail, so if you fancy having a go, don’t just sit there get involved. RYA Day Skipper, 5 days. RYA Coastal Skipper, 5 days. Yachtmaster Coastal & Yachtmaster Prep week. Yachtmaster Coastal & Yachtmaster exam, 2 days. Why not speak to us directly, we can then tailor it to suit your requirements. For further information, availability, dates and pricing. Please: t: 07710 647966 e: [email protected] t: 07710 647966 e: [email protected]

24 Maidstone November 2016 Sixth 16+ Form 2SHQ Open Evening (YHQWV 2016 Tuesday 8th November 6pm - 9pm Talks by Head of Sixth Form at 6:15pm & 7:15pm Parents and studentss araree warmlywarmly “an exceptional learning experience” ininvitedvited to our 16+ Open EEvents. - 26 A Level & Pre U courses OpenOpen EEveningvening - Extensive enrichment programme Monday 7 November 2016 ([WHQGHGSURMHFWTXDOLʏFDWLRQ 7KHUHZLOOEHDSUHVHQWDWLRQDWSPIRURXULQWHUQDOVWXGHQW7KHUHZLOO EH D SUHVHQWDWLRQ DW SP IRU RXU LQWHUQDO VWXGHQWVV “Outstanding Personal Development” OFSTED DQGSPIRURXUH[WHUQDOJXHVWVDQGSP IRU RXU H[WHUQDO JXHVWV New Building Now Open Open MorMorningning Friday 25 November 2016, 9am - 111am1am Oakwood Park Grammar School Oakwood Park **XLGHGWRXUVFDQEHSUHERRNHGKWWSERRNLQJVLQYLFWDYLDWRUXLGHGWRXUV FDQ EH SUHERRNHG KWWSERRNLQJVLQYLFWDYLDWRUJXNJXN Maidstone Kent ME16 8AH ++XQWVPDQ/DQH0DLGVWRQH.HQW0('6XQWVPDQ/DQH 0DLGVWRQH .HQW 0( '6 01622 726683 [email protected] scan for directions www.opgs.org 7(RI¿FH#LQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN7 ( RII¿¿FH#LQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN www.invicta.viat.org.ukwwww..invicta.vviiat.org.uk

Maidstone November 2016 25 LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE

Is your child due to start school in September 2017? St Paul’s Infant School St Michael's C of E Infant School, Douglas Road, Hillary Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BS Maidstone Kent ME16 8ER Invites you to attend an Tel no: 01622 751398 Open Morning Open afternoon Friday 4th November 1.30pm until 2.45pm. For parents of children for September 2017 intake. "This school is a harmonious, diverse community where differences are both respected and celebrated." "Pupils are very polite, helpful and interested in the world and other people …They say that the school is St Michael’s CofE Infant School is outstanding. caring and people are kind." Ofsted June 2016 The school provides an extremely stimulating, caring Wednesday 30th November 2016 and supportive environment where pupils thrive and develop an enthusiasm for learning. Or Thursday 1st December 2016 Our values of Friendship, Respect, Perseverance and 9.30 – 10.30 a.m. Happiness creates a loving learning environment If you would like to book a visit please where the children are encouraged to live up to our contact Mrs Webster on 01622 753322 motto ‘Be the best you can be’ E-mail [email protected]

26 Maidstone November 2016 News downsmail.co.uk Why Emily enjoys dog’s life IF YOU are out and about in Maidstone you may well see Guide Dogs trainer Emily Knott with her canine recruits, working hard to improve the lives of blind and partially-sighted people. Emily (29) from Leybourne has new owners. Of course, it is an just passed her year-long training amazing thing that they are going to become fully qualified, and is to do. It’s like having children – loving every minute of her new job. you’re proud when they go to She has been involved with the Newly- school, or pass exams, but you also Guide Dogs charity for eight years qualified shed a tear! after her parents volunteered to act “It’s amazing to get feedback that Guide Dog as “boarders” for guide dogs. your dog has changed someone’s Emily also volunteered and soon trainer Emily life. I can’t think of greater job sat- realised that she wanted to work Knott with two isfaction.” for Guide Dogs full time. She has of the dogs Emily is one of the team of Guide now had 15 dogs through her she has Dogs workers and volunteers hands. She teaches them all the el- trained to help based at Turkey Mill in Maidstone, ements, or tasks, of guiding a blind blind and covering an area including Kent or partially-sighted person. One of partially- and East Sussex. the most frustrating obstacles is sighted people The charity is entirely funding by cars parked on pavements. donations from the public and be- Emily said: “We teach our dogs means taking them on to the road goodbye to her dogs can be emo- quests in wills. to always keep their owner off the - safely, of course. It’s very frus- tional. She said: “I get really at- Emily added: “We are hugely road, and then we have to teach trating.” tached to every one of them and do grateful to all the support we get them to go around cars, which Emily admitted that saying get sad when they go on to their that allows us to do this work.” Picture show AN EXHIBITION of photography U3A group marks 25 years of learning by former Invicta Photographic MEMBERS of the Maidstone U3A Club member Brian Paxton will go have celebrated 25 years of on display at Maidstone Salvation belonging to the national Army. organisation which promotes Mr Paxton, who died in 2015 of learning for retired and semi-retired pancreatic cancer, was a keen pho- people. tographer. New chairman James Downer The display has been organised thanked Stephen Bush, who was by his wife. See his photographs at chairman for the previous four years, the Salvation Army Hall in Union crediting him with increasing mem- Street on Saturday, October 22, bership and finding a new venue for from 3pm to 6pm. Entry to the ex- the group to meet. hibition is free, but donations are Mr Bush also introduced new ac- welcomed in aid of Pancreatic Can- tivities, including short holidays. New chairman James Downer addresses the U3A meeting cer UK. The annual meeting was followed logo, specially made for the occa- mounted exhibitions of their works by tea and coffee with three deco- sion. and findings and a number of new Age UK plea rated cakes spelling out the U3A The art, craft and geology groups members signed up at the meeting. THIS October, Age UK is calling on the people of Maidstone to support its annual stock appeal, The Big Police tackle Bag Challenge, by donating as Awards for traders many bags of quality clothing or TWO Kings Hill business have and laser hair removal, said: “I treat hare coursing goods as possible. been successful in the Kent Inde- everyone as a client and a friend, The appeal starts on October and OFFICERS from Kent Police’s rural pendent Traders Awards 2016. not just a number through the volunteers in the Age UK Maid- liaison team have been cracking Post and Packing and Lumiere door.” stone shop will be on hand to re- down on illegal hare coursing and Aesthetics picked up the titles of The contest was organised by the ceive donations, with the goal of lamping. Medium Business of the Year and Kent Independent Traders group reaching 100,000 bags of goods in The operation coincided with a Customer Service Award respec- and sponsored by the Federation of just two weeks. The Age UK shop recent full moon, when there is a tively. Small Businesses (FSB). is at 11 Gabriels Hill. spike in such activity. Post and Packing offers an alter- David Milham, from the FSB PC Michael Laidlow said: “We native service to the Post Office, said: “Running your own company are keen to hear from anyone who Festive appeal often opening in places where a can be tough; the Kent Independ- is aware of illegal hare coursing or STAFF at Angels Funerals in Cox- post office has closed. ent Traders Awards recognises this lamping in their community. heath are collecting gifts to spread Owners Martyn Filby and Hugh and brings together successful en- “Not only is this activity cruel, Christmas cheer to the homeless as Furnace took over the business in trepreneurs who have the determi- but it is often linked to damage and 2012, when the original firm was nation to make their idea work.” theft on rural properties.” part of their festive appeal. The firm is appealing for dona- threatened with closure, keeping She Who Bakes won the Home- Police with 4X4 vehicles were on tions of practical items, such as on all the staff. Based Business of the Year award at hand to respond to reports of this hand cream, socks, scarves, hats, Marketing manager Chloe Sands KITA 2016. wildlife crime in addition to pa- toothbrushes and thermal cups or said:”Hugh and Martyn have put Former St Simon Stock school trolling hot spot areas. flasks. Donations can be taken to in a lot of time and hard work to pupil Britt Whyatt set up the com- PC Laidlow said: “Hare coursing Angels Funerals, Heath Road. build the business and grow it. pany two years ago. She started and lamping can have a devastat- They really deserve the award.” baking cakes for friends but now ing impact on farming and wildlife For more local news Kelli Preston, owner of Lumiere works almost exclusively online if left unchallenged, and we want to www.downsmail.co.uk Aesthetics which offers non-surgi- with some 200,000 followers on work with the community to target cal treatments such as contouring Facebook. individuals involved.”

Maidstone November 2016 27 News | Health downsmail.co.uk 999 service ‘special measures’ A DAMNING report listing a catalogue of failings has recommended that South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is placed into special measures.

The advice from the Govern- Foundation Trust confirmed the ment’s Care Quality Commission CQC report had rated its service “in- would allow the service to get the adequate” overall and that NHS Im- support it needs to improve from ex- provement was considering placing ternal parties. the trust into special measures. The report by Prof Sir Mike However, he added that SECAmb Richards lays the blame squarely on remains committed to improving the shoulders of service leaders. It the quality of its service and would raised concerns in 13 areas, includ- welcome the additional support ing staff numbers, poor medicine placement into special measures management and hygiene practices, would offer. and in meeting national perform- Acting chief executive Geraint ance targets. Davies said: “While we are pleased However, Sir Mike makes no se- Sir Mike Richards praised ambulance that the dedication and care of our cret of where he feels the blame lies, staff but criticised a management staff is highlighted as good in this re- praising staff for providing the serv- port, we are sorry that we have not culture of harassment and bullying ice, in spite of management and a met the standards expected in a culture of harassment and bullying. agers to meet patient safety and op- nificant concerns about the perform- number of other areas. He adds: “It is to the credit of the erational standards and the need for ance of the ambulance service, I “We have been working on and staff that they have continued to pro- staff to take meal breaks, finish on want to provide some reassurance. implementing a number of im- vide a vital service to the people of time and get their administration Once care arrives, it is of a good stan- provements. I would like to reassure Kent, Surrey and Sussex – dealing and training done. dard – with dedicated and caring everyone that I, along with my sen- with almost a million emergency Sir Mike went on to reassure the call handlers, ambulance crew, para- ior team, am committed and focused calls a year. public, adding that since the inspec- medics and other frontline staff on ensuring these necessary changes “Throughout our inspection, we tion in May, when clear evidence working hard to ensure this. continue. We are determined to im- heard how staff were giving their was found that senior executives “Secondly, the trust is taking ur- plement the changes required to re- best, treating patients kindly, with were not always “pulling in the gent steps and some improvements store confidence in our service.” dignity, care and compassion.” But, same direction”, improvements have already been made to ensure He said action taken so far in- he added: “It was apparent that the were being formulated by an expe- that everyone who relies on this cluded recruiting more staff, al- leadership had not been supporting rienced interim chair. The executive service receives excellent, timely though this remained a significant staff to do their jobs effectively.” has also recently been strengthened care.” issue, and strengthened systems for Specific actions to improve include by new appointments. A spokesman for the South East the management of medicines and providing enough staff and man- He finished: “While we have sig- Coast Ambulance Service NHS infection. Services reviewed in bid to save £5m “UNPRECEDENTED pressure” on quire an acute hospital bed – but cease for non-specific back pain. the NHS due to high demand, es- may require care services – will be Audiology Access to this service WHAT’S NEXT pecially in urgent care, will lead to provided with short-term support will be restricted to patients with se- early money-saving cuts and re- to be discharged to their home or a vere or moderate hearing loss. THE CCG needs the cuts to work views of some local services. community setting. This will in- Orthotics Devices are supplied within its budget. The GP-led budget-holding NHS volve KCC social services. More for supporting limbs and service It says at this stage it has not West Kent Clinical Commissioning treatments are planned at home. specifications will be put in place. included changes in: IVF, Group (CCG) has earmarked about COPD rescue packs Chronic ob- Enhanced recovery programme cataracts, a ban on non-urgent re- 15 areas as it investigates making structive pulmonary disease packs The aim is to improve outcomes for ferrals, statin prescribing, foot full-year savings of about £5m. This will be issued to suitable patients to patients from surgery, reducing care, physiotherapy for minor in- is on top of almost £20m agreed ear- cut down on hospital admissions. time in hospital and ensuring pa- juries, non-health essential treat- lier this year. Hip/knee replacements Lifestyle tients are as fit as possible to receive ments such as excessive sweating The group says: “The proposed advice will be offered to ensure pa- surgery and preparing for recovery. and over-the-counter medicines. changes do not represent a sub- tients are fit for surgery. The aim Temporary restrictions These stantial change in service. They in- will be to refer patients to advice will be imposed on MRI services troduce better systems for services if their body mass index is with exceptions for spine, brain and Whistleblowing preparing for surgery, managing above 30 or they smoke. Surgery knee, although GPs will still have WEST Kent CCG has approved a repeat prescriptions safely, manag- will remain a clinical decision, access to these scans with consult- “whistleblowing policy” to en- ing ongoing care or a temporary weighing up safety considerations ant prior approval. Vasectomy and courage employees to raise con- suspension of ways to access care.” and effectiveness of intervention. sterilisation procedures may be sus- cerns for the benefit of all patients. The key areas are: Referrals to consultants GPs will pended for six months. “We will look in to what you say Urgent care – frequent attenders be encouraged to use the Kinesis Medicines Reviews will look to and you will always have access to A project will identify top-repeating software system including guid- ensure best patient outcomes and the support you need,” says the users of local urgent care and a ance from consultants for advising reduce waste. A call centre will be CCG. manager will be recruited to over- patients to reduce outpatient refer- created for repeat medications. see a care plan management sys- rals. A “virtual clinic” could be set Gluten-free The CCG will carry tem. The aim is to reduce A&E up for most headache referrals. out a consultation on a proposal Ambulance plan attendances, 999 calls, ambulance Spinal injections The aim is to that gluten-free products should LOCAL ambulances are still miss- conveyances, non-elective admis- reduce the number of injections. An not be routinely prescribed. ing emergency targets and West sions, 111 calls and GP out-of-hours advice service could offer lifestyle Thyroid The CCG will discon- Kent CCG has written formally to appointments. counselling to ensure patients’ fit- tinue Armour thyroid and other SECAmb requesting a recovery Home first Patients who have re- ness for injections and offer advice desiccated thyroid extract products plan for this area and regular ceived medical care and do not re- on alternatives. Funding could due to lack of evidence of benefit. progress reports.

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Maidstone November 2016 29 downsmail.co.uk Richard Corben supported the charity Safe Anaesthesia practice in the area, Gavin worked out of Obituaries Worldwide, which is based in Marden. surgeries on Church Street and King Street. RICHARD Corben (77) of High Halden, Sir Nicholas was married to Susan and Gavin married Sue, his wife of 48 years, in and formerly of Maidstone, made a major father to Robert, who has followed his father Maidstone and was father to Sheena and contribution to local life. into the diplomatic service. James. He ran the Corben construction firm based Sue said: “My on the Tonbridge Road for many years until husband worked it ceased trading in the 1990s. The site of his Dave Long locally for so long that firm has recently been redeveloped as the THE death of Dave Long, who had been he was eventually Corben Yard business park. delivering the babies Amongst other local roles undertaken by known to sleep in a doorway between Tiger and the Halifax bank in Week Street, of patients who had Richard Corben was the post of High Sheriff once been babies at of Kent in 1984. In the Maidstone area, he Maidstone – prompted the laying of flowers and tributes where he had previously slept. his surgery. remained heavily involved in the business “He was involved community and served as a magistrate. Dave died in Kings College Hospital, London. He was well known to staff and in many aspects of Richard served the Cobtree Charity Trust Detling life, including chairmanship of the as chair for 23 years, standing down late in clients at Maidstone Day Centre on Knightrider Street which helps the homeless. parish council, and serving on the Village 2015 due to ill-health. Hall Management Commiee. He was married to Roseanne and father to “He was involved at the start of the Josephine, Caroline and Simon. David Heaver Detling Players amateur dramatic group and Former Area Commander of Maidstone part of the Detling Singers from 1976 to the Police, Roger Hext, who succeeded Mr DAVID Heaver (74) lived locally in end of his life. People will remember him as Corben as chair of the Trust said: “Richard Kingswood for about 20 years and before someone who was enthusiastic, energetic, was a respected chair who gave many years that in Langley. cheerful and smiling. of service to the trust.” Born in London he met Val, his wife of “He also contributed to local life as In a death announcement placed in the over 50 years, when the couple aended a chairman of the Trustees of the Heart of Kent Daily Telegraph, Richard’s family stated: youth club as teenagers. Hospice and through his long-standing “His courage and sense of humour stayed He began work for Beefeater Gin and went commitment to free palliative care. He was with him to the end.” on to work as a sales rep for Lyons tea. He also an associate hospital manager under the Richard leaves his wife, children and nine worked for the financial firm Slater Walker Mental Health Act; a post in which he was grandchildren. in Lewisham and a local financial firm before involved in reviewing the care of people establishing Rumwood Industrial Finance. detained under the act.” The couple moved to the Maidstone area Gavin leaves his wife and children. Sir Nicholas Fenn from Orpington. SIR Nicholas Fenn (80) of Maidstone Road, He was father to Deborah. Val said: “David Marden, was a distinguished career loved his music. He also loved cycling and Laurie Springe golf. He played golf at the Weald of Kent diplomat who had retired to Kent. LAWRENCE “Laurie” Springe (95) lived He became active in public life again in Golf Club and had been captain there. He was a life-long Arsenal supporter who locally for most of his life and spent the last 2014 when his anger at the development 39 years in Allington. plans of Maidstone Borough Council aended games as a boy with his father. People will remember him as someone who Born in North Street, Barming, he also prompted him to stand as a Liberal lived on the Tonbridge Road. He worked for Democrat councillor in opposition in 2014. got on with everyone and had a good sense of humour. David was a loving and Len Cabinet Makers and – after wartime That effort was unsuccessful, but Sir service in the Navy – returned to work Nicholas’ working life had seen him take a generous husband and a genuine person.” David leaves Val, his daughter, locally for Kent County Council. He was range of positions in the diplomatic service involved in hospital administration for including ambassador to Ireland, High grandchildren Emma, Cara and Michael and great-grandchildren Bethany and Isabelle. Sheppey Hospital and Chatham Hospital Commissioner in India and spokesman for before working for KCC at County Hall and Britain at the United Nations. He was then spending years working for the county knighted for his diplomatic service in 1989. Dr J Gavin McLaggan whilst based at Medway Old People’s Home. Sir Nicholas read mediaeval history from Laurie was father to Brian and Jocelyn and the University of Cambridge and joined the DR J Gavin McLaggan (82) who lived in step-father to Shelley, Vincent, Michael and Diplomatic Service from university. Detling for 47 years, served the local Stephen. Laurie’s second wife, Jean, said: He served as vice counsel in Burma during community for decades as a GP. “Laurie had a real passion for fishing and the military coup in that country in 1962 and He was also known in the village for his was a member of the Victory Fishing Club. served a total of 37 years as a diplomat. involvment in all aspects of community life. He was also a life-long supporter of Arsenal Sir Nicholas was involved in the Lancaster Born in London and raised in Surrey, and had aended games for years. We House talks over the future of Rhodesia Gavin aended Winchester College and enjoyed camping holidays in our motor (now Zimbabwe) and was our man in China went on to study medicine at the University caravan and after that enjoyed cruises. during the last days of leader Mao Tse Tung. of Cambridge, completing his studies with People will remember Laurie as a gentleman He later worked for three years as chief the clinical phase of his course at St Thomas’ of the old school for whom the values of executive for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Hospital in London. decency and honesty were really important.” Sir Nicholas served as a church warden for He moved to Maidstone where he worked He leaves his wife, children, step-children, St Michael and All Angels’ Church and as a GP. 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Maidstone November 2016 31 News | Transport downsmail.co.uk Bypass ‘key to traﬃc ﬂow’ THE single biggest improvement to Maidstone’s traffic woes would be the building of the Leeds/Lan- gley bypass, says the head of the borough’s strategic planning and transport committee.

Speaking after the council ap- tion on Maidstone’s roads is proved its far-reaching Integrated needed urgently, with 18,500 new Transport Strategy, Councillor homes and 14,500 new jobs envis- Areas for improvement David Burton, chairman of the aged by 2031. OTHER keyfindings of the new In- KEY FIGURES Strategic Planning, Sustainability The proposals in the Integrated tegrated Transport Strategy include and Trans- Transport Strategy also include the following: SOME 84% of households in portation road improvements particularly Parking charges could be in- the borough have at least one car, Committee, around key junctions, better bus creased by 50 per cent in some of compared with 80% across Kent said he be- services and train connections. Maidstone's car parks by 2031. and 74% in England. lieved the Cllr Burton said: “The first drafts Councillor David Burton said the The 2011 Census shows that South East were very much carrot and stick, proposals would not necessarily be 15% of trips to work in Maidstone Relief Road with lots of stick for motorists. This implemented across the board. He are 2km or less in distance. would offer latest draft is carrot, carrot, carrot. said: "We can use price to encourage The council’s Journey to Work “the most Yes we want more cycle paths, yes longer stayers to use the less popu- Census gave the following results: significant we want more bus services and lar car parks, which are a couple of Car driver – 50,131 – 44% contribu- better train services, but don’t for- minutes' walk out of town, leaving Not in work – 35,141 – 31% Cllr David Burton tion to relief get the humble motorist.” the central ones free for shoppers.” On foot – 9,023 – 8% on the The findings, approved on Tues- There are few bus lanes and most Train – 5,257 – 4.6% area’s roads.” day, will be added to evidence buses only accept cash. In some Work at home 4,705 – 4% He added: “My personal view is supporting the council’s local plan cases return journey tickets are not Bus or coach – 2,945 – 2.6% that this would be the single most – the document bringing together available before 9am. The report Bike – 935 – 0.8% significant improvement. I trav- planning for development in the suggests working with bus compa- elled across Maidstone today, and borough – which is due to be sub- nies to introduce more bus lanes, there were no problems. It was mitted for approval next month more bus services and a north west Maidstone and the Medway Towns. lovely. But, if something does The council identifies money Maidstone bus loop. Maidstone’s key roads are at, or occur then this area quickly be- from new housing developments Maidstone’s three town centre sta- near, capacity at peak times. Cllr comes congested. The relief road as one source of money to imple- tions are poorly connected com- Burton said there would be number would provide an alternative route ment the strategy as well as vari- pared to other Kent towns. More of road junction improvements that as well as providing a shorter jour- ous funding pots including New train services including reintroduc- would be made as part of the strat- ney.” Homes Bonus and an £8.9million ing direct services to London Bridge egy as and when proposed now Cllr Burton, who represents the grant from the Local Enterprise and Cannon Street are suggested. homes are developed. He said: “This Marden and Yalding ward, high- Partnership. Cycle routes in the town centre are is the tool with which to empty the lighted that a significant propor- Cllr Burton added: “This docu- limited and disjointed with very few developers’ pockets.” tion of the area’s new homes were ment is the context to say to devel- off-road options, few safe cycle The public transport network is destined to be built in the south. opers building new homes ‘these routes to schools, colleges, shops and poor, particularly for people in the The council’s report on the Inte- are the issues that this will create work places. The borough does have south of the borough who find it grated Transport Strategy, which and you need to contribute money cycle routes linking the town centre difficult to access vital services be- was approved on September 20, to resolving those issues, and mak- with surrounding houses including cause of “a lack of transport op- says that action to tackle conges- ing people’s lives better’.” an 11-mile commuter link between tions”. Routes proposed for a village relief road THREE options are being consid- Option 3 (East and west): This route ered for a Leeds-Langley relief road. will form an ‘S’ shape, following the The Joint Transportation Board west route before emerging at the (JTB), made up of representatives Langley end of Burberry Lane and from county, borough and parish picking up the end of the east route councils, is assessing factors includ- and emerging at or near the Five ing topography and viability. Wents crossroads. The options will go out to public Most JTB members realise none of consultation, but critics worry this these options will be palatable to res- may not happen for many months. idents affected by them, but with According to information seen by traffic through Leeds and Willington Downs Mail, all routes would start Street on the rise – and set to rise fur- on or near the Penfold bridge after ther with new house building – Downs Mail: “My guess is that will figure heavily in the county the main entrance to Leeds Castle. something will have to be done. they’ll try to sit on it until after the council election campaign next year. Option 1 (East): From Penfold Hill, Option 1 is the least likely, as it KCC elections next May. Ukip spokesman Eddie Powell the route would skirt along Burberry will receive strong opposition from “Perhaps they don’t realise that said: “The JTB can propose what it Lane and into woodland close to Leeds Castle whose parkland it people are getting pretty angry likes, but it’s no use if there isn’t the Langley and then on to or near the could affect. It would also run close about it. You can’t just keep building money to pay for it. Five Wents crossroads. to Battel Hall, an historic building. houses and hope the roads will cope “There needs to be a little less talk Option 2 (West): From Penfold Hill, The second option is likely to be because they can’t cope as it is.” and lot more action. The time for get- the route would veer right around cheaper than the third, although the The issue of housebuilding on the ting these proposals in front of the Leeds, over Forge Lane and possibly third might be seen as a more practi- A274 Sutton Road and the knock-on public is now, not after next May on to Back Street, emerging at the cal or less unpopular solution. effects for villages such as Otham, when the KCC elections are out of junction near Horseshoes Lane. One borough council source told Langley, Leeds and Sutton Valence the way. People aren’t daft.”

32 Maidstone November 2016 downsmail.co.uk Transport | News Call for action at narrow bridge RENEWED calls have been made for a solution to the traffic problems at East Farleigh Bridge after a lorry hit a wall and a house. There were long delays as traffic fact of life and we can’t do anything built up after the HGV got into dif- about it. ficulties. “The problem of the HGVs is It is the latest in a long series of partly one of enforcement of the incidents at the single carriageway regulations and the police simply bridge, which dates back to me- do not have the resources. It is also Cllr John Wilson, chairman of East Farleigh Parish Council with Helen Grant dieval times. partly that there are few alterna- East Farleigh Parish Council tives.” signs at the top of the hill warning then someone says ‘I can see a chairman, Cllr John Wilson, has Cllr Wilson will be pressing for a drivers about the bridge, or physi- problem here’ and it’s back to the been fighting for a solution for South Maidstone Relief Road to be cal barriers preventing wider vehi- drawing board. It’s a problem that more than 15 years. built through his role in the Kent cles getting down the hill. does need sorting, but as yet no one He said the issue was twofold – Association of Local Councils, Cllr Wilson said that Kent High- has come up with the brilliant solu- the volume of traffic and the im- adding: “It is the only answer to the ways would be carrying out a sur- tion that will solve it.” proper use of the bridge by Heavy traffic and vital to the highways vey of HGV use on East Farleigh One person remarked on com- Goods Vehicles (HGVs). strategy of Kent, not just Maid- and Teston bridges following a munity website Streetlife: “The Lorries are misdirected to use the stone. National funding is needed.” meeting of the parish council chair- HGVs (and general through traffic) road by sat nav, which does not He has met with MP for Maid- man of Barming, East and West using our narrow village lanes show how narrow the road eventu- stone and The Weald, Helen Grant, Farleigh and Teston. south of Maidstone is seriously out ally becomes. to discuss the problem. Mrs Grant Ward Councillor Richard Webb of hand and getting worse all the Cllr Wilson said: “With 18,500 has previously arranged for a meet- said it was a “constant problem”, time… There needs to be some new homes being built in Maid- ing with National Rail, Kent High- adding: “Everyone is continually combined action between our stone – many of them in the south – ways and the parish council. looking at ideas which are bandied parish, borough and county coun- the increase in volume of traffic is a There have been calls for better about to various organisations and cils before there is a fatality.” Plans to renew ‘unﬁt’ bus depot Speeding bus driver caught PLANS to modernise Maidstone’s bus station are being worked on by The Mall owners. by villagers The current arrangements were A VILLAGE Speedwatch group strongly criticised in Maidstone had a successful morning when council’s newly-adopted transport they caught 19 vehicles, including strategy. a bus, breaking the 30mph limit. The report said: “The town’s The bus was registered doing main bus interchange at The Mall 36mph in Coxheath on Sunday, Chequers Shopping Centre is nei- September 18. ther fit for purpose nor user- Another driver was recorded friendly. It is not well lit or speeding in the village at nearly ventilated and is threatening in 60mph. character, being essentially a tun- The Speedwatch scheme has nel under the centre linking King been in place since June last year Street and Romney Place.” The entrance and so far has caught 400 drivers A spokesman for the owners, to the current breaking the limit. Capital and Regional, said: “We are bus station in Offenders’ details are then working with Maidstone Borough passed to Kent Police for possible Maidstone Council and bus operators to mod- further action. ernise the bus station, as part of our (above) and Motorists who break the limit successful refurbishment of The right, how the twice within a year get written Mall.” new more warnings, while those who break The company first revealed am- accessible bus the limit by more than 50% are bitions to modernise the bus sta- station might warned immediately. tion when it announced the look There have also been calls for refurbishment of The Mall with a speed controls in Boxley Road, £5 million investment. That work Maidstone, by motorists who have is almost complete. been trying to stick to the 30mph The exhibition promised “a relo- limit. One driver complained on cated and modern bus station the community forum Streetlife: which will create a better environ- “The problem is that vehicles are ment and improved experience for their partners in any plans that im- users, to meet the growing demand completely ignoring the speed the whole of Maidstone”. prove bus travel in the town. for high quality transport links in limit. Some of the speeds they do Bus company Arriva confirmed “We are working closely with and around the town.” are completely reckless and law- that new options for the bus station MBC to consider options for the The Mall interchange was not less. If you stick to 30mph in Box- were being considered. A bus station and welcome the op- designed to be the town’s main bus ley Road, you get tailgated, spokesman said: “We support portunity to create a first class fa- station. It took on the role when the overtaken, insulted and even Maidstone Borough Council and cility for current and future bus nearby station was closed. threatened by impatient drivers.”

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Maidstone November 2016 41 downsmail.co.uk Comment I live on Maidstone bypass I KNOW many living in Maidstone area has been plenty of pressure and I am pleased now have a tale of woe about increasing local MailMarks to see it is building once again. traffic problems, but please bear with me for a couple of minutes to learn of mine shared DENNIS FOWLE President The Great War exhibition at Maidstone Mu- with the good folk of Farleigh. [email protected] seum fascinated me for an hour – and I chal- I accepted more than 30 years ago that lenge anyone not to be moved by events Lower Road, East Farleigh, was a Maidstone which touched our town so strongly 100 years What thought went in to these? They cause bypass for many living in the south of our ago. major problems and serious delays in all di- borough, but now the consequences are ap- The centre pieces are two magnificent 1916 rections. I believe they are also dangerous for palling. paintings by local artist Frank Hyde – one A20 users. Something has got to be done – we As the centre of Maidstone becomes more showing a convoy of wounded soldiers re- have been very badly let down. congested, so more drivers seek a bypass at a turning to Maidstone East Station and the In East Farleigh, we are always being told time when this route is beset with new and se- other a battle scene from Trone’s Wood, on after investigations that nothing can be done rious problems. the Somme. about the busy railway crossing and our very The slowest part of our journey is now There are many telling exhibits which set historical single-lane bridge. It is a traffic usually from the M20 via Hermitage Lane, the the scene for the sadness and horrors felt by nightmare and big lorries, which use it ille- Tonbridge Road traffic lights, Farleigh Lane, Maidstone residents at the time. gally, are causing serious damage. It is a Farleigh railway crossing, Farleigh Bridge, Do not miss the postcards written recently horse-and-cart route expected to cope with Station Hill and Lower Road. by Maidstone children with messages they the ever-increasing weight of modern traffic. It can easily take 30 minutes, at worst an think they would have written from the front It suits Kent County Council to turn a blind hour. So we have had to give up on Papa's to loved ones at home. May their time never eye, but this just cannot go on. lovely takeaway fish and chips at Ditton! come. With all the development scheduled in the The new traffic lights close to the A20 junc- It is the season of Remembrance Day – an next few years, this horror story will get tion in Hermitage Lane are the final straw. appropriate time to take in this exhibition. worse. Talking has got to turn to action. There

Think about pedestrians the meantime, it would be nice to make the Delivering the relief road must be above road safer for pedestrians. It wouldn't be politics - it is far too important to us all. A I RECENTLY visited my daughter who expensive to implement a pedestrian suggestion was made, for any further lives in Leeds village and stayed at a bed crossing, traffic lights, etc. I hope that the action we may have to wait until May 2017, and breakfast a five-minute walk away. road improves before I visit again next after the Kent County Council elections. My wife is disabled and gets around in a year. Now the routes have been published, it motorised scooter. We had great difficulty Joseph Irrera, by email cannot be in anyone's interest to delay. crossing Upper Street and travelling up Finally, I am not in the least surprised and down the street. Relief road above politics with the flippant, patronising comment It is clear that most of the rules of the made by the UKIP spokesman, Eddie road are ignored, since there is no OF COURSE a Leeds/Langley relief road Powell. enforcement whatsoever. In fact, some of must be built. In fact, it should have been I have been campaigning with others for the signs warn that civilians will report built decades ago. wrongdoings, which I'm sure is an inside Resisting a relief road, for whatever over 25 years for the relief road, well before joke to the many lorry drivers. reason, is undemocratic. Too many his time. We have collected residents' I was led to understand that large lorries residents, motorists and businesses are signatures, within tight time-frames, from are banned from the village but I did now affected. I have personally been Willington Street, Senacre, Parkwood, witness many large trucks that barely fit in involved with others collecting over 6,000 Shepway and local villages. one lane and many vehicles travelling well signatures calling for the relief road. Cllr Cooke has also worked tirelessly above the speed limit in Leeds. The public are geing very angry, with me and others to kick start this road. What I would hope is that the village frustrated and bewildered that such an He and I have naturally had a few considers pedestrian crossings. It was very obvious solution remains on the drawing disagreements over the years, but we difficult for my wife to cross the street board. With many politicians and officers continue to work well together towards because the traffic didn't slow down and from both (Kent County Council and this much-needed road. He too, is always the road didn't always have easy access for Maidstone Borough Council ) authorities approachable and always supportive. her scooter, leaving her in the road longer agreeing the need, the question must be Sometime ago, I approached UKIP, than a non-disabled person. asked: "Where is it? Why are we still unfortunately they were not at all I also didn't feel safe. The pavement was talking about it"? interested. very narrow – you could not walk side by We all live in the 21st century, in a very Mr Powell said: “I hope they do it for the side – but even walking single file, the cars strategic location, in one the busiest parts benefit of the people who live in that area.” and trucks would speed by and you could of the UK. We can't hold back time, we He is obviously oblivious that "that area" be knocked over by the closeness of a lorry, can’t pretend our roads are coping when is, in part, represented by his party on especially those with extended mirrors. they are not. MBC’s Cllr David Burton and MBC. I'm sure there is no easy answer but, in KCC’s Cllr Gary Cooke recognise this. Jenny Suon, Willington Street (WillAct)

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Barming wage. Cllr Doe proposed to continue with emergency vehicles, would not be able to Councils Parish Dusters Cleaning Services, with all in access the village. The parish council Parish field A resident expressed favour. would write to KCC Cllr Eric Hotson to disappointment in the maintenance of the Pavilion maintenance Cllr Manser asked if ask him to see if Kent Highways could do boundary. He said he had recently taken the same kind of maintenance to remove anything to alleviate the problem. eight bags of brambles to the tip. Cllr weeds which had been arranged at the Speed limits on A229 Cllrs Eric Hotson Gooch expressed surprise as the parish parish hall could be arranged for the and Brian Clark had agreed to share the council had not been approached about pavilion. It was agreed for the clerk to funding for works to begin. KCC this and said that over the last two years contact the contractor for a quote. Highways and Maidstone Council had efforts had been made to keep on top of the agreed to reduce limits from 40mph to overgrowth. A site visit would be arranged 30mph. to assess the problem. Loose Public questions An email from a resident Kick board Playinnovation had contacted Police report PCSO Doug Muir reported had raised several issues, covering mainly the parish council to see what local there had been interference with a vehicle the village green area. These included fundraising had been done for this project and also nuisance with motorbikes insufficient lier bins, lack of regular grass and how much the parish council could alongside Walnut Tree Avenue. He also cuing, worsening parking issues. contribute. The parish council is puing spoke about known drug-dealing in the BT exchange An email was received forward the land and would be paying for Pheasant Lane area. It was felt that the regarding long grass outside the BT future maintenance. Cllr Gooch would North Loose Residents’ Association may be exchange on the A229. This maer was approach Cllr Paulina Stockell and Golding able to help with this maer in view of the brought forward last year and it was Homes to see if they could help towards size of the area. He asked for members of understood that LAA had an agreement funding. A contribution of £500 seemed the public to remain vigilant at all times. with BT and would be responsible for the fair, as long as there was a guarantee An incident was reported concerning area upkeep in return for erecting its regarding paint coating. ducks being aacked at Brooks Field Pond. village sign, It appeared the LAA was now Football club The container could not be The parish council voiced disgust and unable to do this because of underground moved back any further for practical devastation that such cruelty could have cables and it was looking for another space. reasons. The angle of the entrance was an taken place in Loose. Any similar incidents The deputy clerk would take this forward issue and there were concerns over the should be reported to the police on 999, with BT. weight of the container affecting the rather than 101. The RSPCA had also been Rubbish Regarding unauthorised rubbish stability of the bank. It was suggested that informed.A discussion took place about the disposal by South East Water at the King hawthorn bushes are planted to stop option of installing CCTV alongside the George V playing field, A CCTV recorded people going around the back of the Brooks and Brooks Field Pond, in view of disk showing the vehicle had been container. The club was still looking for a identified cruelty to animals in this area in submied to the company who would take permanent home ground. the past. It was agreed to contact Loose the maer forward internally. The Mobile police stations Due to PCSO Amenities Association (LAA) to see if it chairman thanked the deputy clerk for her staffing levels a decision had been made by would support CCTV or might have any hard work and perseverance with this the Chief Constable’s office to withdraw other ideas. maer. the mobile police station and assign Parking Problems outside Loose school Footpath Complaints had been received officers to other roles. The local PCSOs were mentioned. They were being about the poor state of the path between would remain the same and residents were monitored by the police. the rear of Copper Tree Court and Walnut reminded to use 101 to report non- Borough report Borough ward Cllr Sue Tree Lane. Detritus had been left on the emergency maers. Griggs reported that 150 dog bins were to footpath. It was suggested that KCC could Cleaning contract There had not been any be removed around the borough. She had put up a bollard to stop vehicles going increase for the past eight years and asked to be informed should any be down it. although the lack of notice was considered for removal from Loose. Memorial The war memorial in the closed disappointing, members were happy with Increased parking in the village, especially cemetery was to be listed. Further details the service. Members also noted that the on both side of the road in Old Loose Hill, were awaited from Historic England. other companies would also have to north end, was becoming a concern as it New councillor Susan Luckhurst was co- increase prices to cover the national living was felt large vehicles and, importantly, opted onto the parish council.

A DOOR was damaged at a house in New- reports Crime bury Avenue, Allington. A vehicle parked in London Road, Alling- Neighbourhood Watch ton, was damaged. A Toyota Aygo parked in Portsdown Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Close, Fant, was badly scratched. A home in Tonbridge Road, Fant, was bro- A locked bike was taken from Hayle Road. hall in Gabriels Hill. ken into and several small items and cash Wooden fencing was damaged at a home A home in Tovil Road was broken into. were stolen. in Mote Road. Items were taken from a property in Bank A green and grey Trek mountain bike was A Kia Sportage was scratched in a shop- Street. stolen from Tonbridge Road, Fant. ping centre in Water Lane. A bicycle was taken from a property in A red Piaggio Zip scooter, registration Money and bank cards were stolen in King Street. GN0***, was stolen from Hever Gardens, Fairmeadow. A green and blue Carrera bicycle was Fant. Vehicle body parts were stolen from a blue stolen from the driveway of a home in Latter A vehicle parked in Kingfisher Meadow, Volvo S40 saloon, registration YS08***, in a Road, Boughton Monchelsea. Fant, was damaged. car park in Campbell Road. The wing mirror was damaged on a Toy- The windscreen of a vehicle parked in A beige Toyota Auris saloon, registration ota RAV-4 while it was parked in Sutton Woodford Road, Fant, was damaged. GL56***, was damaged on the driveway of a Road, Park Wood. A black BMW 118D, registration AU10***, home in Hayle Road. A BMW X5 parked on a driveway in Strat- was stolen from a car park in Sherbourne A vehicle parked in a car park in Medway ford Drive, Park Wood, was broken into and Drive, Fant. Street was scratched. several items were stolen. Items were taken from a car in Farleigh A church was broken into in Knightrider Lane, Fant. Street, but nothing was taken. A vehicle was taken from Lower Fant There was an attempt to break in to a shop SECURE YOUR HOME Road, Fant. in Upper Stone Street but no access was ALARMS FROM £495+VAT A wooden gate was set alight by a burned- gained, possibly because an alarm was acti- out motorbike at a house in Tonbridge Road, vated. CALL 01622 880751 Fant. A black Carrera bicycle was stolen from A silver Piaggio Vespa scooter, registration Pads Hill, outside the multi-storey car park.

GD15T**, was stolen from outside a property A locked black and white mountain bike ALARMS & SECURITY LTD in Upper Fant Road, Fant. was stolen from a bike rack outside a bingo

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