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February 2017 No. 238 N

News Inspector cuts 900 off homes target Right demo fizzles THE number of homes to be built she was “frustrated by the failure to building on A274 Sutton Road A DEMO against the expansion of in Maidstone as part of the contro- take into account” the many con- could be mitigated by providing Maidstone Mosque attracted only versial Local Plan should be re- cerns raised by residents during the bus lanes and road widening. 20 far-right supporters who  duced by 900, according to a inquiry at the town hall. He also warns that a relief road stayed an hour. 6 government inspector after a Two public meetings have been running between south Maidstone seven-week inquiry. called by Cllr Gary Cooke to dis- and the M20 – which would relieve Robert Mellor’s 35-page interim cuss the impact on residents in congestion through Willington Leeds Castle in cuts report largely vindicates Maidstone south Maidstone. Street, Langley, Shepway, Leeds FALLING revenues are forcing Borough Council’s approach but Cllr Cooke said he was “very dis- and Otham – will meet a “signifi- Leeds Castle management  will now build 17,600 new houses appointed” by the report, which he cant funding challenge”. to make cuts. 8 instead of 18,500 by 2031. said is “full of inconsistencies”.  Special report, pages 4&5  Local MP Helen Whately said Mr Mellor ruled that house- Comment, page 42 Edie’s sensory appeal THE parents of Edie Hughes have backed an appeal for a Concert farewell to special sensory appeal. 10 M20 bridge charge A DRIVER faces charges over the collapse of the M20  a musical maestro footbridge last summer. 12 Snow brings chaos INSPIRATIONAL Maidstone musician Jeffrey Vaughan-Martin will be THE first snow of this winter remembered at a one-off concert in the town in the spring. brought problems for the roads. 22 Musicians from across the region music teacher and spent the final 21 have been queuing up to take part in years of his working life as a special- the tribute to the music maestro, ist music inspector in Kent. Homeless helpers who died last year after a lifetime de- He founded and directing a num- SHOPPERS in Maidstone raised voted to the art and many years as ber of musical venture, including in £1,000 for homeless leader of the Maidstone Choral 1978 the Kent School Symphonic people. 22 Union and the Maidstone Singers. Wind Band, renamed the Kent The concert, entitled Celebrating Youth Wind Orchestra in 1985. Parish Councils 32 Jeffrey – A Life in Music, will be at He set up the MYMS, led the Mote Hall, in the centre of town, at Maidstone Choral Union from 1974 Crime Reports 32 3pm on Sunday, March 19. to 2008 and set up The Maidstone A CHIMNEY pot was stolen from A collection of 80 players are ex- Singers in 1991. the garden of a house in pected to form the “JVM All Stars” In the final week of his life he was Marsham Street. and more than 100 singers in a JVM still active, working with the West Choir, pulling together talent from the Dambusters March. Malling Community Choir. Obituaries 33 the groups that featured in his life. The proceeds from the concert will Jeffrey was treasurer of the They include Maidstone Youth help establish a Jeffrey Vaughan Methodist Church on Union Street – Comment  Music Society (MYMS) and West Martin bursary for young musicians a location used in the Maidstone Jazz 42 - 43 Malling Community Choir, with from the area. Festival, which he helped found. performances promised by Paul Mr Vaughan Martin, who was 78, Tickets, from £10, with conces- Beniston, Fraser Bowles and percus- and lived at Arran Road, Maidstone, sions, and free places for under 12s, sionist Evelyn Glennie. studied at the University of Wales are available from Malcolm Withnall Set pieces will include personal and Oxford University before mov- from [email protected] or call favourites of the musician, including ing to the town in 1978. He was a 01622 736392. Your daily news YOU can now keep up to date with Recycling reminder local news through the DAILY Downs A FOOD recycling sticker will ap- Mail. Our editorial team now feeds pear on bins as a reminder to BEST WISHES FOR 201 breaking news to our website at residents. For more, see the Maid- - www.downsmail.co.uk. So why not stone Borough Council-sponsored join us on Facebook and Twit- 12-page Borough Update inside. ter and never miss out... 18

01622 880840 2 Maidstone February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Hospital train Knickers top of wishlist album display A RARE chance to see an 1899 album revealing the role of a World at shelter for homeless War I hospital train was provided to mark the last day of Maidstone Mu- “PLEASE send us pants.” That was other vulnerable people in the area. seum’s exhibition, Coming Home: the urgent plea from volunteers Food was also provided by the Conflict and Care 1916-2016. who are helping to provide shelter White Rabbit pub and Tesco, The album includes images of the for homeless people in Maidstone. Lunsford Park. Princess Christian Hospital Train As temperatures plummeted Gifts for each guest included those which was seven carriages long and below freezing, project manager donated by Gruffalo class at St had a kitchen, dining and siting Alexa Kersting-Woods, of Maid- Marks’ CE Primary School, Eccles room, nurses’ quarters and bunks stone Churches Winter Shelter, was and customers of the Retreat beauty for patients. delighted with the donations of salon, Maidstone. The story of the train, which cost clothes and food, money and offers Alexa said: “It’s amazing to see the about £7,000, was explained by of help which had flowed in, but tents or shop doorways. Ages of cur- generosity of hundreds of people Maidstone Museum collections offi- highlighted a need for knickers. rent guests range from 23 to 62. wanting to help street homeless, the cer, Rebecca Arnott, who described “We have had quite a lot of cloth- The project’s appeal for day guests were really touched.” how the nurses often worked in dif- ing sent in, for which we are very helpers resulted in 260 people com- The shelter works with Maidstone ficult conditions sometimes made grateful, but we are making an ap- ing forward, but overnight volun- Day Centre, in Knightrider Street, worse by bombings near stations. peal for pants. We especially need teers are still needed. which is run by charity Homeless She said: “It was great to be able to men’s fitted boxer shorts in small, Alexa said: “The night is split, so Care, and with Porchlight, which share the research we gathered on medium and large and ladies’ knick- you wouldn’t have to stay awake all works with rough sleepers. the album.” ers, also in a range of sizes.” night. Even if you could only make Zofia Grzymala, manager of the The event was organised with the Warm clothing is also always wel- two nights during the 12-week pe- day centre, said it was helping about museum by Kent Community Rail come, as well as sheets, blankets riod that would make a difference.” 30 clients a day. “The problem is Partnership. sleeping bags and tents. The winter shelter opened for huge in the severe weather we are Chairman Sue Murray said: “The The shelter, which is in its fourth three nights from Christmas Eve, having at the moment,” she said. presentation was terrific bringing to- year, opened on January 3 for 12 with volunteers Annie and Keith “The community of Maidstone is gether the spoken word, slides, weeks, and is held at different Shave opening the United Reformed helping very well, but we definitely paintings, phots and artefacts giving Church to ensure there was some- churches and buildings throughout need winter clothes, coats, tents and all of us a better idea of how an am- where for street homeless to go. the town each night. Last winter, 77 all types of food donations.” bulance train worked. Learning of Guests were treated to a curry by people received its support. Contact the winter shelter on the cramped conditions nurses the Tandoor Mahal in Medway This year, 15 beds are available for 01622 296450, Maidstone Day Cen- worked in, their bravery and that of Street, with so much food that vol- men and women who would other- tre on 01622 674064, and Porchlight those wounded soldiers, was alto- wise be sleeping rough in car parks, unteers were able to take some to on 0800 567 7699. gether a very moving experience.” COUNTY COBBLER WE KEYS A family run business with a HAVE Yale type £5 wealth of experience MOVED 2 for £7.50 3 for £10!!! We specialise in men’s leather O We also cut soles stitched on. Mortice, Chubb We are in The Mall-Chequers Centre- five O We can replace ZIPS on the premises Security & most shops in from the main entrance on the right within 24 hours. hand side, next door to Virgin Media. car keys O NEW Specialised keys – i.e. tubular, magnum & laser

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Maidstone February 2017 3 News | Local plan downsmail.co.uk MP calls for rethink on findings MP Helen Whately has written to the planning inspector Robert Mellor urging him to reconsider findings of the Local Plan inquiry contained in his interim report. Mrs Whately remains concerned tion increases. report a much greater emphasis on the Woodcut Farm at M20 junction “While I know more housing is the need to seek alternatives to this 8 is still under consideration for de- needed, the pace of development site for employment uses.” velopment into industrial units, de- should be scaled back to bring the Before Christmas, Leeds Castle spite being thrown out by borough more into line with other chief executive Sir David Steel said Maidstone Borough Council’s own areas, and particularly to enable in- of the Woodcut Farm proposals: planning committee. frastructure improvements to catch “While we support any commercial Those misgivings are shared by up with population growth.” activity which promotes employ- local representatives, including the In her letter to Mr Mellor, she ment and economic benefit in the chief executive of Leeds Castle. writes: “I am also disappointed that area, we are not convinced that de- Mrs Whately – pictured here at Woodcut Farm remains under con- velopment at junction eight will the Local Plan inquiry – cautiously sideration as a site suitable for of- bring the benefits necessary to out- welcomed Mr Mellor’s recommen- fice development. weigh the detrimental effects on the dation to reduce the number of “Woodcut Farm has previously local community, the environment new houses for Lenham by 500 and been refused planning permission and the wider tourism industry to that the village’s residents should because of the impact on the land- justify such development.” be able to decide on development MP Helen Whately scape. Leeds village’s borough council- sites through the neighbourhood the housing number has fallen, but “The site is detached from the lor Gill Fort said: “After Kent Inter- plan process. I am disappointed to see such a built-up area, so employees would national Gateway (KIG) was seen But she remains “frustrated by small reduction. likely access it by car, adding to off, this is just KIG2 on a smaller the failure to take into account the “Pressing ahead with so much congestion and air quality issues. scale, but I do not believe it is ap- concerns of residents in other vil- development without properly ad- “In addition, any industrial de- propriate for the area. lages around Maidstone – and in dressing the infrastructure deficit velopment there would blight the “We can’t imagine that there the town itself – about the level of cannot be right. This will only in- approach to Leeds Castle, a na- would not be a traffic impact on development and its impact”. crease the frustration of residents tional heritage asset attracting half Leeds village and the surrounding The member for Faversham and seeing their quality of life affected a million visitors a year. villages which they simply cannot Mid Kent said: “I appreciate that year on year, as traffic and conges- “I would like to see in your final take.” Factors affecting numbers THE Local Plan inspector considered areas of outstanding natural beauty, flood risks and transport in his deliberations on whether to reduce housing numbers. This was one argu- ment put forward by Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant in her submission to the recent inquiry. Mr Mellor stated that in Maidstone, the brown- field land available for redevelopment falls well short of the assessed housing needs. Public meetings called He said while the town’s external growth was paused for several years in the early part of this century, that cannot be sustained if it is to make an ap- THE Local Plan, housing numbers, A274 near Langley. propriate contribution to housing needs. traffic congestion and the need for Cllr Cooke said that the interim He states: “They (the constraints) do not preclude all housing develop- a relief road to connect south Maid- report from the Local Plan inspec- ment or create a fixed capacity for the borough. stone and the M20 will be discussed tor Robert Mellor – which suggests “Rather it is necessary to assess locations individually and to apply judg- at two public meetings. a reduction of 900 planned houses ments as to the impact of development and whether any significant ad- Hosted by county councillor Gary in Maidstone from a total of more verse impacts can be adequately mitigated.” Cooke, they will be held on Febru- than 18,000 – as “incredibly disap- ary 24 and March 3. pointing”. Cllr Cooke is certain that the issue He added: “The interim report is Yalding site is ‘put on hold’ of heavy traffic and Maidstone Bor- full of inconsistencies and I am very ough Council’s home-building pro- concerned that the inspector has not THE Sygenta site at Yalding is one Burton, the council’s planning chief, gramme will feature high on the list taken on board the evidence from site the Local Plan inspector has rec- was pleased overall with the interim of residents’ concerns. MPs, local parish councils and the ommended should not go ahead. report. The meeting on February 24 takes highways authorities. I am now The parish council has indicated it He said that when calculating place at Otham Church and the one talking to the officers here at county would be unwise to designate the housing needs, a number of matters on March 3 is at Christ Church in hall and to other members to see if, area for anything while there are were considered, including housing Wallis Avenue, Park Wood. Both collectively, anything can be done.” flooding issues to be resolved. prices and delivery rates. start at 6.30pm. The cost of a relief In his report, Mr Mellor said a re- Local people are said to be de- Cllr Burton said the authority is road is thought to be between £35m lief road would be subject to the lighted that the inspector took on now much closer to adopting the to £50m. “significant challenge” of funding board their view. Local Plan and is looking forward to There are currently three possible and while it would reduce traffic Yalding borough councillor David receiving the inspector’s final report. options on the table for considera- flows, it could not be included until tion by the all-party Joint Trans- very late in the Local Plan period. To view the inspector’s interim finding, click onto portation Board (JTB). All start near The full findings are to be pub- http://tinyurl.com/glh5pu Leeds Castle and emerge on the lished later this year.

4 Maidstone February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News | Local Plan- Housing total 900 ‘too many’ THE number of houses that need claim that it was possible to im- to be built in Maidstone has been prove either to mitigate the added overestimated by the borough congestion. council, according to a govern- Mr Mellor said: “The A229 al- ment inspector who has slashed ready carries more traffic than the the target by 900 homes. A274 and is also likely to attract ad- The ruling is included in a 35- ditional movements due to devel- page interim report which has just opment at villages to the south of been released on the borough’s Maidstone. A lack of capacity at the Local Plan following a seven-week Wheatsheaf junction is likely to examination in public at the end of contribute to queues obstructing last year. the Swan junction. Moreover, After hearing objectors, includ- Boughton Lane is itself already an- ing parish councils and individu- ticipated to carry significantly more als, the inspector, Robert Mellor, traffic due to school expansion.” mainly dismissed their claims and He ordered that both sites should said the borough had acted prop- be deleted from the plan, but al- erly. But he said that the borough’s lowed a third site in the area, for 25 choice of 5% to boost its objectively- homes at Boughton Mount, to be assessed housing need as a counter retained. The inspector said this to house price increases was arbi- was a brownfield site and the in- trary. crease in traffic would not be sig- He considered there was no indi- nificant. He said that another site cation the figure would have any for 40 dwellings at the junction of effect and therefore ruled it be Church Road and Heath Road in deleted, resulting in an estimated Boughton Monchelsea might also need of 17,600 new homes by 2031. generate additional traffic on Mr Mellor ruled against two sites Boughton Lane. However, he felt in Boughton Lane – one for 180 that site should be retained as traf- homes on the playing field at New fic from there had the opportunity Buying,Buying, sellingselling Line Learning and another plot to disperse to other routes. nearby for 75 dwellings. He con- Mr Mellor said his interim report sidered that extra traffic from those provided a “broad overview” to in- sites would add to congestion at dicate where main modifications oorr both?both? the Swan and Wheatsheaf junc- should be made. His full report is tions, and rejected the council’s expected in several months. Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help you complete all the legal steps, whether you’reyou’rree buying or sellingsel a prproperty.operty.

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Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors. Contact us today No relief for Sutton Road Canterbury 01227 643250 SUTTON Road’s house-building allocations can be mitigated by bus lanes Maidstone 01622 698000 and stops, road widening and developer contributions, said Local Plan in- spector Robert Mellor. TTeTenterdenenterden 01580 765722 There could also be improvements to the Willington Street and Wallis Avenue junctions. And there should be a bigger push towards the some- www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk times derided “modal shift” where cars are left at home in favour of walk- ing, cycling or public transport, said Mr Mellor. WWhiteheadhitehead MoncktonMonckton LimitedLimited (no.(no. 08366029),08366029), registeredregistered inin Maidstone must build 883 properties a year to hit the target set in the EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. Local Plan. It has so far failed to achieve that target in the first five years RegisteredRegistered officeoffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, KKent,ent, ME14ME14 1BL.1BL. AuthorisedAuthorised andand regulatedregulated byby thethe SolicitorsSolicitors RegulationRegulation AAuthorityuthority underunder and inspector Robert Mellor suggested the borough should wipe out the no.no. 608279.608279. backlog in the next decade, rather than the five years proposed by Maid- stone Borough Council. DM/1

Maidstone February 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Cooke in seg theft aempt Right-wing mosque A HOMELESS man who tried to steal two Segways from a shop in The Mall in Maidstone town cen- tre has been sent to prison for demo fizzles in rain more than four months. A Benjamin Alfred Cooke was A DEMONSTRATION by a far- sentenced on January 6, 2017, at right, anti-Muslim group fizzled Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. out in the drizzle when only a Cooke pleaded guilty to four handful turned up to campaign counts of shoplifting and one against the expansion of Maidstone count of attempted shoplifting. Mosque. The court was told how on Sep- Barely 20 protestors from South tember 7, 2016, the 30-year-old, of East Alliance showed up in Mote no fixed address, stole razor Road, compared to around 100 Mus- blades worth £57.35 from a phar- lims, anti-facists, and trades union- macy in Longshaw Road, Maid- ists who stood outside the Islamic stone. centre. Ten days later, he stole cosmetic Ten police officers were on duty. items worth £63.56 from the same The far-right supporters, who claimed to have the support of local pharmacy. “The relationship with other faiths demo to highlight their opposition to people, chanted: "No more Then on September 22, 2016, he in this town has always been good." the extension of the mosque. refugees." stole razor blades worth £20 from The mosque provided tea, biscuits "They feel they are being ignored South East Alliance arrived at the same pharmacy. and pizza to protestors outside. by the council. around 1pm, two hours late, stayed On November 9, he attempted to South East Alliance declined to “We would like to thank the locals for 60 minutes before departing. steal two Segways worth £499.98 speak to Downs Mail's reporter who invited and joined us on our The mosque's Imam Muhammad from a shop in The Mall, Maid- when approached at the protest on first demo as Kent's official branch of Usmani, 41, said: "Of course, I re- stone. January 7. the South East Alliance and we look spect anyone's right to free speech On December 4, he stole gro- But according to reports, South forward to the next demo." even if I don't like or agree with ceries worth £46 from a shop in East Alliance claimed the group had Few people knew of the mosque's what they're saying. Northumberland Road, Maid- been invited to stage a demonstra- existence in Maidstone until it ap- “But I would be unhappy if either stone. tion by local people. plied for, and was granted permis- side used inappropriate words. "The Magistrates sentenced Cooke to The spokesman said: "After being sion, to expand its facilities – mosque has been here for more than 125 days in prison. Magistrates de- approached by local people, we de- including a new kitchen - by the bor- 20 years and I never expected this clared he must also pay £186 com- cided to support them by having a ough council. pensation. (the protest) to happen here.

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Maidstone February 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Surgery cuts will go deep Leeds Castle’s cuts By Dennis Fowle THE wide range of non-urgent sur- gery is to be seriously reduced until as revenues tumble April by the local Clinical Commis- sioning Group (CCG), which needs to save about £4m before the end of LEEDS Castle management starts 2017 with the prospect of making the financial year in April. savings after a year of increased visitor numbers but reduced income. This will also reduce pressure on local hospitals, but the trust will not That was the stark warning from community. He writes: "There have be authorised to sub-contract to the the treasure house’s chief executive been complaints, of course, mostly independent sector up to April. Sir David Steel, writing in the Leeds to do with traffic congestion on the In addition, all male and female and Broomfield parish magazine. A20 and for this, I apologise. sterilisation and reversals are Terrorism in European cities such “We do all we possibly can to stopped to the end of 2017/18. as Nice, in southern France, de- manage traffic, to ease the flow of The GP-led NHS West Kent CCG terred tourists who would normally cars along the A20 and through the is also looking at: bring higher spending power than lanes around the estate, but the  Cataract surgery - restricting ac- British visitors. roads configuration is not in our cess depending on vision loss. Now significant capital projects favour. I just hope that our neigh-  Surgery restriction – new criteria are to be shelved and ways of find- bours and those who pass Leeds offering help to the overweight and ing savings are also being sought, Castle...will understand.” smokers to avoid the need for sur- said Sir David. Ukip borough councillor Eddie gery or to ensure better results from The castle boss also takes the op- Powell, who lives near the castle, operations. This was in the pipeline portunity to apologise for the traf- said: “Perhaps Leeds Castle’s rea- for hip and knee replacements. fic issues that events – such as the sons for the income reduction could  IVF – funding just one round of recent Christmas market – bring to sound like excuses. Sometimes peo- IVF with an age limit of 42. local roads. Leeds Castle CEO Sir David Steel ple can hide behind issues like ter-  Prescriptions – not prescribing Sir David writes in the January cient." rorism while the poor old castle medicines that can be bought over edition: "We head into the new year Sir David acknowledged again staff will worry they’re for the the counter, unless there is no other with the joy of increased visitor the issue of castle traffic to the local chop.” way to meet a clinical need eg numbers since last year, but re- painkillers, hayfever treatments, duced income. Terrorism in Europe nicotine replacement therapy. Food earlier in 2016 meant significantly supplements will be reviewed. reduced numbers of overseas visi- Smart security measures  Injections – stopping hip injec- tors, who tend to bring with them LEEDS Castle has invested in its said: “Smartwater technology is tions and spinal cord stimulation un- significant purchasing power. own unique formula of Smart- a cost-effective deterrent and fits less under NHS England criteria. "Certain capital projects have had Water to protect key assets on in as part of our overall security Outpatient services will also be re- to be postponed and we are looking the 500-acre estate near Maid- measures to protect the castle viewed. at further ways of making savings. stone. and its artefacts.” The CCG faces significant extra “I am delighted to say, therefore, In a warning to potential However, he would not be costs in acute (hospital) care, mental that, through the real hard work of thieves, the castle’s security drawn on what items have been health as well as healthcare. It all who work here, we will make team announced that the invisi- marked. wants to continue to develop serv- nearly £20,000 of savings in energy ble marker is being used to SmartWater glows yellow ices outside hospitals. costs compared with 2015/16 and strengthen its security measures. under UV light and only a trace Dr Bob Bowes, CCG chairman, we will be making further changes Kelvin Wood, security man- is required to identify where it said if it overspent budget now, to make us even more energy-effi- ager at the 12th century castle, was stolen from. more severe cuts would be needed later. “We have looked carefully at ensuring least impact on patients.” He added that health and social care organisations across Kent and Apprentice Stephanie wins award Medway were now working to- A MAIDSTONE woman is one of four Kent County gether to re-organise services so that Council apprentices who have won awards for their they support patients better, mostly work. in their own home and communi- The Apprentice of the Year awards, which recognise ties. Key beneficiaries would be the the contribution that apprentices make to the council, frail and elderly. were presented by its leader Paul Carter at a ceremony  Dr Bowes called for wiser use of attended by the winners’ families and managers. services, especially at A&E, where Stephanie Broom (22) has worked for the council for 40% of patients left without treat- 18 months and is studying a level 3 qualification in ment. He recommends the website business administration. She helps arrange school www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk to in- admission and transport appeals and won the award vestigate symptoms and the nearest for the strategic and corporate directorate. place for help. She said: “I love it. I enjoyed studying childcare at college and when I read the job description for this Beth’s classes post, I really liked how it involves working with children and families.” MAIDSTONE artist Beth Hannant is Other winners were Zoe Hardingham from offering art classes for accomplished Folkestone, Ellie-Jo Isaacs from Ashford and Emma artists and novices in 2017. Payne, from Rochester. Beth, from Langley, will be taking Cllr Carter said: “Not only are we proud of the way classes of up to eight people for three KCC has embraced the apprenticeship scheme, but we hours a week over six weeks. have been trying to convince the government that Contact the artist, who trained at apprenticeships are the best way for many young the Royal College of Art and the Vic- people to enter the workplace, as long as they receive toria and Albert Museum, on 01622 the mentoring and support they need.” 863096 or [email protected].

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Maidstone February 2017 9 News downsmail.co.uk Keeping your home secure Parents backing appeal KENT Police is urging people to consider their home security all year long after the end of its annual bur- glary awareness campaign. for a sensory playroom Operation Castle ran for 10 weeks, to cover the months when there is A MAIDSTONE couple whose Children with disabilities in Maid- usually an increase in the number of daughter suffered catastrophic stone currently have to travel to clin- reported break-ins. brain damage during an emergency ics outside the area for sensory The main aim of this year’s cam- Caearean section delivery are back- therapy. The £28,000 Gift of Play ap- paign was to promote the crime pre- ing an appeal for a sensory room peal would fund a sensory room at vention techniques available, with for youngsters in the area. the Heathside clinic in Coxheath. hints and tips posted on the force’s One-year-old Edie Hughes was di- Marianne said: “We travel to social media sites using #kentagain- agnosed with quadriplegic cerebral Gillingham each month to use the stburglary. palsy when she was just five days sensory room at Woodlands School. Chief Inspector Stephen Barlow, of old. The news was a devastating It’s a wonderful space and you can Kent Police, said: “Even though Op- blow for her 34-year-old parents tell that Edie benefits; it’s such a eration Castle has come to an end, Marianne and Daniel, who live in calming, immersive environment. our efforts to prevent burglaries Oakwood Park, and their daughter “If we didn’t use it I know Edie never will and we encourage people Mattie, five. wouldn’t be at the stage she is now.” to think about how secure their Marianne said: “Edie arrived on The appeal is being co-ordinated homes are every day of the year. her due date but she had stopped by i care, the charitable arm of “Burglars do not have an off-sea- moving in the womb so I had an KCHFT, which held a fund-raising son and do not care what time of the emergency C-section. She had a family and friends celebrated her quiz at Maidstone FC this month. year it is or whether it is the morn- foetal maternal haemorrhage, where birthday in December, smiling Edie To make a donation, search for ing, afternoon or night. All they her blood supply travelled out of her was making incredible progress. The Gift of Play on Just Giving. want to know is how easy it is to body and back up the umbilical Her mum said: “We were referred  Most NHS Trusts have a charita- break into your home, and what can cord. She needed three blood trans- to the children’s integrated therapy ble arm that takes donations from they steal if they do. fusions, spent four days on a life Team with Kent Community Health the public to buy equipment or serv- “The response to Operation Castle support machine and suffered brain NHS Foundation Trust (KCFHT) at ices such as community gardens and this year has been very positive and damage as a result of the blood loss. Coxheath soon after Edie’s diagno- play equipment, which are not I hope people have found our advice “We never imagined that some- sis and they worked out a therapy funded by the NHS. useful. By ensuring our homes are thing like this could happen to us.” plan. Edie also has hydrotherapy For more on KCHFT-funded proj- secure, we can all play our part in Marianne and Daniel were origi- sessions at Preston Hall. Thanks to ects go to www.kentcht.nhs.uk/ helping to reduce the number of nally told that Edie would be able to the team, she’s made incredible help-us/our-charity/how-you-make- burglaries in Kent.” do little herself. However, when her progress.” a-difference/ Yoga and Pilates Studio

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tthehe Trophy sold to wwinterinter pay for title bid sale A MAIDSTONE rally driver was forced to put a beloved champi- How you can help onship trophy up for auction to pay SINCE her latest eBay appeal OFFER ENDS fees to carry on competing. 31ST JNURY Louise Cook (28) lost vital spon- was launched, Daniel Stonhill has IFC sorship just weeks before a World set up a GoFundMe page to raise Rally Championship event in Swe- money for Louise, which is avail- den and was unable to meet the able at www.gofundme.com/ £8,000 entry fees. save-louise-cooks-rally-sweden. So she made the heart-breaking Michael Higgins has also decision to sell the FIA Production started another JustGiving page Car Champion trophy she won in to help her. It can be found at 2012 in a bid to carry on. It raised al- www.justgiving.com/crowdfund- most £1,600 and supporters have ing/worldrallychamptionships- helped to get pledges for the rest on- louisecook line. Former Maplesden Noakes pupil Louise, of Maidstone, said: “I WRC Rally Sweden entry fees were reacted to the situation by putting due.” my trophy up on eBay in an attempt Louise was hoping that, as the tro- to still make the first round. phy is a one-off and won by one of “I do not have much to sell and I the best young female British rally was hoping it would help towards drivers, it would attract a collector of the rally. I love the trophy and the specialist sporting memorabilia. hard work it stands for, but my heart There were 26 bidders for the tro- just says it is better to be competing phy and the winning bid was £1,588. and making the season happen than It is not the first time Louise has re- sitting at home polishing the trophy. sorted to selling her trophies online “I sadly found out that major to make it to the starting line. sponsors had to delay their plans In 2012, she had to raise £18,000 to and had only a matter of days before compete in New Zealand. She was my World Rally Championship and able to raise the cash. Drink-driver’s £900 bill up to Interest A WOMAN who drive while over the limit has been left to work out the cost after receiving a ban and a bill for more than £900 in court. years 0% Free Credit* Thirty-year-old Lisa Powley, from London Road, Maidstone, ad- 3 mitted driving her Ford Ka along Upper Stone Street on October 29 when a breath test showed she had 83mg of alcohol in 100ml of Offer Ends 31st January breath. The legal limit is 35mg. Mid-Kent magistrates banned her from driving for 18 months and ordered her to pay a £750 fine, £85 costs and a £75 victim surcharge. www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk 01622 753073 Get in line Scouts’ sale Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF OVER 50? Fancy trying line-danc- A JUMBLE sale is being held at ing? A new course is being held at the Vine Church in Boughton Coxheath village hall every Lane, Maidstone, from 1pm on UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS Wednesday, with beginners’ Saturday, January 28. The event is BEDROOM | CCESSORIES classes starting at 1.15pm and in- being organised by Loose Swiss termediates at 2.30pm. Scouts. The classes take place at the Jumble donations can be Cash Price £2000, deposit £500. 36 monthly payments of £41.67. Total payable £2000. Subject to status, quotation available on request. Credit provided by an external finance Stockett Lane hall and lessons cost dropped off between 9.30am and company determined by Clarkes. Subject to acceptance. Not applicable £4. Details on 01622 746323. midday. to The Lounge Co products and goods sold at clearance price.

Maidstone February 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk Gillet’s fillets A MAN who shoplifted a large amount of meat from shops has es- M20 bridge collapse: caped being sent to jail. Matthew John Gillett (34) was sentenced on January 5 2017 at Medway Magistrates’ Court. He admitted seven counts of man, 63, is charged shoplifting. A MAN has been charged in con- The court heard how Gillett, of nection with the collapse of the Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone, M20 footbridge last summer. stole meat from the same super- The crossing broke up on the Lon- market in Sutton Road, Maidstone don-bound carriageway after being on seven occasions between De- hit by a lorry carrying a digger. cember 28 and January 4. Police, who have been investigat- Magistrates sentenced Gillett to ing since the incident on August 27, 90 days in prison, suspended for 12 have charged a 63-year-old man months. He must also pay £274 from the north of England. compensation, £85 costs and a £115 The Darlington man was issued victim surcharge. with a summons to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Girl injured February 17 charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving POLICE investigating an accident and three counts of criminal dam- in Maidstone in which a 14-year- throwing himself clear the collpase. "Kent Police were called at age, which relate to vehicles and the A major incident response swung 12.07pm on Saturday, August 27, old girl suffered a broken ankle are bridge. into place immediately after the al- 2016, to a report that a bridge had appealing for witnesses. The incident happened on a bank leged collision and the section of mo- collapsed between junctions 4 and 3 The collision on the Loose Road, holiday weekend when the motor- torway was closed for some days. on the London bound carriageway involving a grey BMW car, hap- way would have been used by hun- Little evidence of the incident re- of the M20. pened at just after 4.30pm on Mon- dreds of thousands of motorists. mains after a massive clear-up and "On January 13, a 63 year-old man day, January 9, as the girl was on a More than 150 tonnes of concrete dismantling operation, but it may be from Darlington was issued with a pedestrian crossing. The driver structure and debris crashed onto some time before it is rebuilt. summons to appear before Maid- stopped at the scene and the girl the carriageway near junction 4 for A Kent Police spokesman said: "A stone Magistrates’ Court on 17 Feb- was taken to hospital. Leybourne. man will appear before court fol- ruary 2017, charged with dangerous Anyone who saw the accident No one was killed in the incident lowing the collapse of a pedestrian driving, causing serious injury by shoudl call Sergeant Hannah but a 73-year-old motorcyclist, Jim bridge over the M20 motorway in dangerous driving and three counts Brown on 01622 798538. Shaw, was left with broken ribs after August 2016. of criminal damage."

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Maidstone February 2017 13 News downsmail.co.uk Megan’s charity ball Hospital gets A BARMING family is arranging a fund-raising ball for research into Crohn’s disease. Megan Hyndman (25), who was diagnosed with the condition at 18, hopes the social event will help find a cure for the life-long condition. Her parents Vivienne and a good report Dean, from Barming Heath, and her friend Gabrielle Collins, WATCHDOGS have given Maid- ters should include details about pictured with Megan, are stone Hospital a clean bill of health parking and patients should be helping to arrange the event at but made recommendations to en- given information “consistently” Oakwood House in Maidstone. sure patients are more comfortable. about waiting times. Temperatures Last Christmas, Megan, who Healthwatchkent’s survey shows in the waiting areas should be con- works in Wateringbury, was in that 97% of users felt they had been trolled, with entrance doors kept Maidstone Hospital recovering given the full attention of staff and open in hot weather, and a drinks from an operation to remove a their privacy had been respected. machine should also be considered, metre of her small intestine. Her More than 80% of users said the in- the watchdog said. The hospital treatment prompted her to start formation they received was clear should also consider wheelchair raising money for the Crohn’s and easy to understand, while 70% spaces in the waiting areas, to min- and Colitis UK charity, with boot felt they had been involved in the imise obstruction to patient flows. fairs and a cake competition. decisions about their care. Healthwatchkent’s report states: She also took part in a 7k run at Levels of satisfaction were gener- “The clinics were clean and tidy. Ob- Knole House in August, raising ally higher in Maidstone than at servations by some patients were more than £1,000. Tunbridge Wells. The body sent that the waiting area could do with The ball, on Saturday, March 11, will include a live band, three-course teams to both Maidstone and Tun- being ‘a bit more cheery’, especially meal and a glass of wine as well as a raffle and an auction. Tickets are £50 bridge Wells hospitals to talk to pa- for patients with a longer wait. from [email protected], 01622 721016, or tients about their experiences of “There were plenty of posters and www.chronscharityball.co.uk. using the NHS services provided information around the waiting there. areas. There was a drinking foun- But Healthwatchkent – an inde- tain, toilets and some light reading pendent voice for local people on material available.” Drugs charge teen is in court health matters – did make several The watchdog sent a team of six A TEENAGER from Maidstone has been given a community service order recommendations for Maidstone to volunteers on “enter and view” vis- for assault and intent to supply cannabis in Tonbridge. consider. It suggests signs to clinics its, where they met with the head of Mike Divuilu, from Church Street, appeared at Mid Kent Magistrates’ and toilet facilities are clear, visible outpatients and the deputy chief Court on December 26. He admitted possessing cannabis with intent to sup- and easy to follow, especially to the nurse and spoke to 73 patients at ply and assaulting a man. He was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid visually-impaired. Appointment let- both hospitals. work and to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

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Maidstone February 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk Caitlin is TV voice of hospice A SCHOOLGIRL from Maidstone for us. As well as Caitlin, we had tually her speech returned.” made thanks to Swale Heating who is fronting a new TV campaign to Sam, a lively toddler and we were Today, Caitlin has reduced mobil- donated £26,000 worth of its own raise awareness of Demelza chil- both trying to hold down our jobs. ity in her right arm and leg but her air-time to the charity. dren’s hospice. We thought Demelza was for end of condition is stable. She has an elec- The firm has given nine of its top Caitlin Goodsell (11), from life care. We never en- tric wheelchair to help her in school TV advertising slots a month to Kingswood, recites a poem to ac- visaged we would and a normal one for days out. Demelza. The 30-second advert pro- company a commercial going out in need their help.” She enjoys riding and swimming, motes the charity’s work and the Meridian and London region. Over the next four as well as drama and singing. prompts viewers to text to donate. The youngster, who attends Corn- years, Caitlin under- Ingrid said: “Caitlin’s condition Following the recording at the wallis School, was born with so went six major heart and medication is a worry to people Sunlight Centre, Gillingham, Caitlin many holes in her heart that doctors operation. Then she outside close family, so Demelza of- said: “It was brilliant to be asked to were amazed she survived. But de- suffered a stroke and fers us the equivalent of a “sleep- be the voice for Demelza, even spite after a series of illnesses and lost her speech. over” with her friends. She likes to though I was nervous. I felt like I operations, she is determined to lead Ingrid recalled: “The doctors said: use the hydrotherapy pool.” was speaking for all the other chil- a normal life. ‘Just keep talking to her’ – and even- Caitlin’s commercial has been dren who use Demelza.” After being born two weeks early, her concerned GP sent her to Maid- stone Hospital. From there, she was rushed to the More police officers join the beat Royal Brompton and Harefield Hos- ANOTHER 54 police constables have Chief Constable pital in London. begun patrolling Kent’s streets this Alan Pughsley, Mum Ingrid said: “It transpired week after completing five months Mike Hill, PCC her heart was full of holes. We could of initial training. Matthew Scott, have lost her at any point.” Police and Crime Commissioner PCs Benjamin When Caitlin (pictured) was a year Matthew Scott was among those at- Long and Jake old and being fed through a gastric tending the passing-out ceremony tube, a visiting nurse suggested the at Kent Police headquarters, Maid- Roberts, and family could borrow a feed machine stone, along with his guests Dartford Dartford MP from the Demelza hospice in Sitting- MP Gareth Johnson and Police and Gareth Johnson bourne, to save Ingrid and husband Crime Panel chairman Mike Hill. increase in reports of domestic policing. So, I'm sure the people of Barry having to get up every three Mr Scott said: “Kent Police is hav- abuse and child sexual exploitation Kent and Medway will welcome the hours during the night to feed their ing to tackle new threats like cyber – but the force still needs to provide news of 54 more PCs being deployed daughter manually. crime and terrorism – as well as an effective neighbourhood and roads to their communities.” Ingrid said: “It was life-changing All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates • Logs • Salt • Top Soil • Turf • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery All Bags £40 Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

16 Maidstone February 2017 Leaflet Online NEW Distribution COMMUNITY INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS TAKE AWAY Now The Downs Mail community notice board is a facility, available MENU which can be found on our website, for local residents Local Indian and organisations to use. Restaurant with FREE DELIVERY Search for information or promote Maidstone Open until 11pm your organisation and its services every day Free bottle of absolutely free. and Malling’s beer with every No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal ➢ Employment & newspaper All types of Training openings renovationbuilding and gardening work ➢ Events FREEundertaken. ESTIMATES ➢ Charities/Fundraising Brickwork•Carpentry • Tiling • ➢ Schools & Colleges • Patio’s • Decking ➢ Local Authority • Distribution area can be Services ➢ tailored to meet your needs Health & Wellbeing ➢ • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail Support Groups & PROMOTE YOUR Helplines VOLUNTEERING, • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month ➢ Clubs & Organisations EMPLOYMENT AND • Competitive rates & volume discounts ➢ Groups & Societies TRAINING OPENINGS Visit the community FREE Call 01622 630330 notice board at: for a quote, and see how easy it is to get your leaflet delivered with the Downs Mail www.downsmail.co.uk

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Your DAILY Downs Mail IN 2016, Downs Mail’s website has gone from strength to strength. Since January, the number of pages viewed by our online followers has increased by more than 400%. The number of visitors has shot up by a similar amount–atelling testament to a clear, unfussy website where readers can get hold of accurate information without tabloid spin. Our current and past editions are available to read as free-to-use, page-turning screen versions, so readers need never miss a word. We provide a daily digest of news, exclusively from the Maidstone and Malling areas, and will en- deavour to bring the breaking stories to you first. And you can be updated of news as it comes in by signing up to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Our valued reputation for reliable reporting is not compromised online – just honest, British journal- ism delivered in an accurate and balanced way. No over-spun news stories, no clickbait, no pop-ups, no unwanted surveys and no intrusive advertising. What you see is what you get. If you’ve not checked us out online, click onto downsmail.co.uk. All the local information you need OUR website has become a regu- lar destination for local groups, so- cieties, charities and communities to pass on information about Follow us on what they do. Be they local events, community social media services, employment and volun- OUR social media presence has also teering opportunities or to sell un- wanted items locally, this service rocketed this year. is here for our readers to use, free On Facebook, we have more than of charge. doubled our likes. It is a great place We also run corporate news, in- for us to promote the work we do formation, networking opportuni- but also a forum to share info, pro- ties, business and recruitment mote events, gossip and fun with services to serve the Maidstone’s the friends of Downs Mail. Find us burgeoning commercial sector. at www.facebook.com/downsmail- And there is the opportunity to news/ look up local service providers, And on Twitter, the audience con- tradespeople, retail, food outlets tinues to grow apace – more than and so on via our increasingly pop- 25 % since the beginning of the ular business directory. year. Stay in touch with news, views Click onto downsmail.co.uk. and information which matters to Downs Mail readers and Maidstone. Follow us at: @DownsMail

18 Maidstone February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Bus boss says: use it or lose it STARK warnings have been is- 11.30 and again at 1.30pm, making sued to passengers by two of request stops anywhere along Ey- Maidstone bus companies. horne Street. “Use it or lose it” was the mes- Meanwhile, Unite regional offi- sage to Hollingbourne residents cer Dave Weeks said Arriva serv- from bus operator Nu Venture this ices in Maidstone are still at risk week from owner Norman Kemp from strike action because of The year 2017 marks 40 years in in light of the drive for austerity moves by bosses to introduce mys- cuts by the county council. tery shoppers on services. estate agency for Tim Ferris. Mr Kemp welcomed an opportu- In spite of a vote for strike action, nity to talk to Hollingbourne talks have been continuing be- Parish Council, saying he had no tween the union and bus service passion to withdraw the village’s bosses. However, a solution still Number 13 service but it was op- seems some way off. portune to mention the risk facing Mr Weeks said services would all subsidised services. The num- not be affected over Christmas, but ber 13, between the village and would face a further review in the Maidstone, is one of only 3% of bus new year, adding: “After talks routes funded by KCC. under the auspices of the concilia- He said: “It is not that the bus tion service Acas, we have agreed isn’t used elsewhere that it calls, in- with the Arriva management to ex- cluding Leeds, Langley Heath, tend the 28-day period for taking Then Now Otham and the Sutton Road, but in action by a further 28 days and Hollingbourne there are often no postponed any planned action passengers at all. This puts the until January 20 to allow the service at risk in the eyes of the agreed changes to take effect.” During the last four decades, Tim has county council and I would urge A spokesman for Arriva said villagers to make use of it.” talks at Acas had been “fruitful” The number 13 leaves Holling- and that he was confident a solu- valued, listed and sold thousands of bourne church at 7.17am, 9.50, tion would be found. houses. His considerable experience is at your disposal. If you would like to know the value of your home and would like a free market appraisal, then please call the office to book your appointment today.

With low rates of just 1% plus VAT, Book Leeds panto online no tie-in contract and a dedicated LEEDS Amateur Dramatics Society (LADS) is selling tickets for its panto next month online. team – we feel confident in providing Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is in Leeds village hall on Fri- day, February 3 at 7.30pm and Saturday February 4 at 2.30pm and you with a first class service. 7.30pm. Tickets cost adults £8, child/senior citizens £5 and family tickets £25 (two adults and three children). All tickets for Saturday evening performance cost £8. Keep in touch with news via the website www.leedskentamdram.org and at www.face- A TRUSTED LOCAL COMPANY book.com/LADSamdram. Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/leeds- amateur-dramatic-society. Tickets will still be on sale during rehearsals on Sundays in the village hall between 3pm and 6pm. Call us today Warnings follow burglaries Penenden Heath Office Maidstone ME14 2HN POLICE have issued burglary pre- Police officers are urging home- Te l: 01622 671200 vention advice after a string of owners to ensure that doors and thefts in Walderslade Woods. gates are locked and boundaries A grey Mercedes was taken from are secure. Keys, cash and valu- Bearsted Office Bearsted ME14 4QZ a home in Hurst Hill on December ables should be kept out of view 6, along with jewellery and a lap and bikes, tools and garden items Te l: 01622 737800 top from the same street on No- should be locked away. vember 30. A VW Golf was taken Anyone with information about www.ferrisandco.net from an address in Tunbury Av- the thefts can call Kent Police on enue on December 6. 01622 604100 quoting YY/22279/16.

Maidstone February 2017 19 News downsmail.co.uk Concrete cancer Driving ban A MAN who drove while almost at the bus stop Failures led to twice the legal limit for drink has DECAYING concrete bus stops been banned from driving. throughout Kent will be getting a Taylor Kane (25) was sentenced makeover during the next few at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court weeks. mother’s death where he admitted drink-driving. Kent County Council has begun Kane, of Bower Mount Road, THE death of Offham Primary employed by the trust cost Frankie Maidstone, drove a Mini in Earl replacing hundreds of old bus stop School teacher Frances Cappuccini her life. Nothing can heal that pain. poles with new modern alternatives. Street and gave a urine test of was a result of failures, inadequate At least today, after four years, the 205mg of alcohol in 100ml of urine. It says the project, which will con- diagnosis and treatment, a coroner truth is acknowledged.” tinue through February, will im- The legal limit is 107mg. has ruled. In a statement, Maidstone and Magistrates banned him from prove safety and allow for more Nicknamed Mrs Coffee by her Tunbridge Wells Hospital Trust of- efficient maintenance. driving for 20 months. He must pupils, the 30-year-old mum (pic- fered “sincere also pay a £270 fine, £85 costs and a There are 235 concrete bus stop tured) suffered bleeding followed by apologies” to Mrs poles in the county, with the major- £30 victim surcharge. a fatal cardiac arrest at Pembury Cappuccini’s fam- Disqualification can be reduced ity in a poor state of repair. A num- Hospital, shortly after giving birth to ily and said ber of the poles also have “concrete by 153 days if he satisfactorily her second son, Giacomo, by Cae- changes had been completes a course approved by cancer”, which happens when the sarean section. made. the Secretary of State, the cost of steel core rusts, and are likely to de- A 10-day inquest into her death on It said: “Patient which will not exceed £250. teriorate further or collapse if left un- October 9, 2012, heard from experts safety remains of treated. and staff from Maidstone and Tun- paramount impor- A spokesman said: “The project bridge Wells Trust. tance to the trust. The trust has how- Cars damaged will enable information to be Coroner Roger Hatch said that the ever recognised that there were A MAIDSTONE man has been brought up to date, will ensure that Caesarean was not carried out with aspects of Frances’ care that fell short found guilty of damaging three timetables and flags are easier to re- care and a piece of placenta should of the standards that the trust would cars in the town. place in the future and the new poles not have been left behind. The fail- expect and we wish to once again The court was told Philip Priest, are also safer than their concrete ure led to the of events which cost sincerely apologise to the family of Chillington Street, damaged the predecessors in the event of an acci- her life, he said. He also criticised the “The trust will carefully consider vehicles in Arundel Street in Janu- dent. Disruption to traffic and resi- management of fluid levels. all of the evidence heard at the in- ary last year. dents will be kept to a minimum Following the inquest, Mrs Cap- quest to ensure that any necessary Priest had denied causing crimi- whilst works are conducted with lo- puccini’s husband, Tom, and her changes which have not already nal damage, but was convicted of calised traffic management in place family, said: “Frankie was a won- been made are fully addressed.” the offences and sentenced at Mid where necessary.” derful wife, mother, daughter and In 2015, the trust was cleared of Kent Magistrates’ Court. Work at each bus stop will take 30 sister. She was bubbly, intelligent, corporate manslaughter for her He was ordered to carry out 240 minutes to an hour and will include beautiful, loving and much loved. death and charges of gross negli- hours of unpaid work in the next 12 refreshing bus stop clearway mark- “Failures of Maidstone and Tun- gence against anaesthetist Errol Cor- months. Priest must also pay £900 ers where necessary. bridge Wells NHS Trust and those nish were dropped. compensation and £600 costs. HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd. Independent BMW & Mercedes Vehicle Specialists

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Maidstone February 2017 21 News downsmail.co.uk Snow thieves THIEVES used heavy snowfall to First winter snow brings stage the theft of a 17.5ft fishing boat. The Warrior 175 craft called Cat- tfish was stolen from a farm in Wier- ton Hill, Boughton Monchelsea, between 10pm on Thursday, Janu- problems on the roads ary 12, and 3am the following day. Kent was experiencing its first heavy snowfall of the winter at the time. WITH the first scenic snows of The white vessel, which weighs winter came chaos on the roads. This serene scene about a tonne, has a blue stripe along Whilst it was a serene vista for folk of snow in its side and a blue tilted cover. Kent looking out over Bearsted Green and Bearsted Police are investigating the theft. Mote Park, for many journeys the contrasted experience was far from idyllic. sharply with the Just two inches of snow fell be- chaos on the Homeless help tween January 12 and 13 but it GENEROUS shoppers in Maidstone wrought havoc on the highways. A249, which had have raised £1,000 for the homeless. The M20 and A20 were described to be closed They contributed to the collection as hazardous with some social northbound on by Maidstone Lions Club members media commentators questioning Friday in Week Street in December. the county’s gritting policy. Cheques for £500 were sent to the A car transporter came off the Winter Night Shelter and the Maid- A249 early on January 13 and al- stone Day Centre for the Homeless. though the road was initially shut Lions president Malcolm Luxton and re-opened, it had to be closed old local man was arrested on suspi- thanked all those who gave. again – during rush hour – as the ve- cion of drink-driving. hicle was pulled from a ditch. There was gridlock in Leeds vil- The driver was checked by para- lage as one vehicle was abandoned Barn dance medics at the scene but did not need and another struggled to make itup A BARN dance is to be held in treatment in hospital. the hill near the George Inn pub, havoc with power networks. Social Barming in aid of the RNLI . The accident caused huge prob- causing massive tailbacks in both di- media was alive with criticism of the John and Karen Sweeney will pro- lems for motorists throughout the rections. Villagers later suffered an British inability to cope with a minor vide the music at Fant Community day. A family was left homeless after electricity blackout for more than an fall of snow. Hall, Fant Lane, Barming, at 7.30pm a car crashed into their house in hour. Would you like to have your on March 4. Tickets are £10 and in- Lucerne Street, Maidstone at about In other parts of Maidstone and say? Drop a line to the editor or clude a ploughman's supper. Call 7.20pm on January 12. No one was elsewhere, streetlights on the sides use our social media pages: John Ashbolt 01622 725435 or Alan hurt. A white Fiat Punto hit the front of the roads flickered on and off as @DownsMail on Twitter or click Cocks 01622 761004. door of the property and a 22-year- snow and gusting winds played onto www.facebook.com

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22 Maidstone February 2017 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough February 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: • Local Plan Update • Budget Consultation Results • Recycle Your Food Waste! • Maidstone Link • Your Vote Matters • and more!

www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council Welcome from Alison Broom, Chief Executive Thank you to Building enough quality homes that Maidstone is an attractive place to live everyone who people can afford is paramount. Our and visit – a place that we can all be responded to our Local Plan defines how many new proud of. We will redouble our efforts to budget consultation homes are needed and where they can keep our streets, parks and open spaces in October and be built. It has now been tested through clean and tidy and our residents safe as public examination with a government November last year our communities grow and the number inspector and the interim report we about the priorities for council services. of people visiting the borough increases. have received looks very promising. The We are using this feedback about what Council will work with private developers Improvements are planned for Week matters most to you and information and housing associations as well as Street, Gabriels Hill and Mote Park. about demand for our services to decide building homes itself again. We will Regeneration of Maidstone town centre how to use the council’s resources over improve existing homes so that they is gaining momentum and over the last the next 12 months. meet decent standards for example year we have laid the foundations for In 2017 the Council, working in through grants to improve heating and redevelopment of several key sites provide items like ramps and rails partnership with other organisations, through capital investment of New where these are needed. Support for will continue to provide a wide range of Homes Bonus including the area around those in the most acute need - who are services with improved efficiency – and at risk of becoming homeless or have Maidstone East. We are looking forward we will focus on achieving three results nowhere to live - will be improved by to station improvements over the next in particular – a home for everyone, a reducing the time spent in temporary year and developing plans for the wider safe and clean environment and accommodation and the cost for each area – so watch this space for your regeneration of our town centre. family supported. opportunity to get involved. Local Plan Update Maidstone’s current local “Throughout the hearings the plan, the Maidstone Borough Inspector has considered the Wide Local Plan, was adopted views of the public, the in 2000. Lots of things have development industry and changed since then so we’re significant others, as well as working on a new plan to appeal decisions regarding a replace it, which will be number of sites in the borough. called the Maidstone Borough It was found that two sites on Local Plan. Boughton Lane should be The Maidstone Borough Local deleted because specific Plan provides a framework solutions to traffic congestion at for development until 2031. It key junctions had not been plans for homes, jobs, forthcoming. One of these sites shopping, leisure and the (New Line Learning) is the environment, and provides subject of a re-opened public inquiry. infrastructure to support distributing the housing provision these. across the borough as well as “We are pleased to be able to say that maximising all existing transport we are much closer to adopting the infrastructure. Local Plan and look forward to receiving the final report from the “When calculating the housing need a Inspector.” number of matters were considered, including housing prices and delivery rates. The Inspector has concluded that the included uplift of 900 homes between 2011 and 2031 to address affordability would not How is the plan progressing? necessarily have the desired An interim report has been produced by effect so has proposed that the the inspector (Mr Robert Mellor) from housing figure be reduced the Secretary of State for Communities accordingly to 17,660. and Local Government. Cllr David Burton, Chairman of the What happens next? Strategic Planning, Sustainability and A final hearing is due to take place to consider outstanding matters before the Transport Committee, said: “Overall the Inspector issues his main modifications required to make the plan sound. Council is very pleased with the These will then be the subject of a six week consultation period before the plan Inspector’s interim findings which is found sound and adopted. endorse the approach taken to Maidstone Borough Council 3

HELP Housing and ASSISTANCE Advice Team GUIDANCE TIPS The Housing AAdvicedvice Team can housing advice and asssis ADVICE support residentsents who araree to residents in the borou actively seekingng their o ownwn are homeless or in threa accommodationon iinn tthehe prprivateivate homelessness. Through intervention the Councilcil wwil rented sector aandnd tthehe tteameam to support residents inn ppr are able to exploreplore options their homelessness by exploring for those who araree unable to a range of housing options. Thesse Stephanie Line, TTeeam Leader afforaffordd to to pa payy the the upfr upfrontont c ostscosts can include assisting tenants withith for Discharge Liaison said requiredrequired to secursecuree a prproperty.operty. rent arrears by negotiating with WWee have recently commenced joint The Council operoperatesates a landlords to agree repayment working with Maidstone Borough Homefinder Bond Scheme arrangements; assisting with council to ensure homeless and forfor eligible applicapplicantsants in housing benefit issues; helping individuals admitted in to our tenants maximise their income“ and thrthreateat of homeless who araree TTrrust with housinghous concerns are advice on reduce their expenditure; unable to afforaffordd a ac ashcash r entrent supported on discharge from and assistance with conciliating a deposit forfor a prproperty.operty. TToo hospital. Although this does not return home in the case of parental, find out if yyouou araree eligible fforor alwayyssresolve the individuals family or friend evictions. If you concerns there is a link to ensure a Homefinder Bond please are in threat of homelessness or that they are supported on visit http://wwwhttp://www.maidstone..maidstone. eviction please ensure you contact discharge where possible. I believe gogov.uk/residents/housing2/v.uk/residents/housing2/ the Housing Advice TTeeame as early this has enhanced the outcome find-an-afforfind-an-affordable-homedable-home to to as possible before you reach the for many of our patients. In turn makmakee an online applicapplication.ation. point of homelessness. having a positive outcome on their If yyouou araree a landlorlandlordd who is long term health and life outcomes. The team has recently started interinterestedested in finding out about working with Maidstone Hospital Supporting homeless individuals our incincentiveentive scheme please to offer advice and assistance to and people with housing concerns people who are being discharged is an importantt issuee fforor tthehe hhealthealt contactcontact housingadvichousingadvice@e@ from hospital with no home to go to. service and our locall council. maidstone.gomaidstone.gov.ukv.uk

Helping those on continue our work with people with a wide range of partners the streetstreet living on the streets as well as including Maidstone Day Centre, those with no fixed address who Porchlight and a range of health are in danger of ending up on the professionals, we have engaged street. ” with over 300 people in the past two years. We have also helped This is the second time we have about 100 people find some form been awarded funding for this of accommodation, whilst helping kind of work, showing that what others move back to another area, we have done so far has been often where they have family who successful and it is fantastic news can help support them. Of course, that we will be able to carry on. Just before Christmas we finding somewhere to live is only found out that a joint bid made Anyone can end up on the street- part of the story, so we have also by Maidstone, Canterbury very few people have a substantial put ongoing support in place for and Tunbridge Wells to the amount of savings, and one event, some people, helped some into government’s Rough Sleeper such as losing a job, a relationship work and, where needed, helped Grant Funding pot was successful, breakdown or a rent increase can people to access drug, alcohol and meaning that we will be able to have a devastating effect. Working mental health services. 4 Maidstone Borough Council

Housing and HealHealthth genergeneralal

Working with the hospital Maidstone Borough Council’s Housing and Health Team Members of the council’s Housing Housingousing Seminarr.. Itw as a work in partnership with our and Health TTeeam have started veryery vavaluable seminarr,, which health colleagues to address to work more closely with our prrroovided information on the role a spectrum of housing needs colleagues within Maidstone of the Housing and Health TTeeam, which in turn are affecting hospital, so that we can support homelessnessomelessness prreevention and the resident’s health. Partnerships our most vulnerable residents housing registerr.. to return to a safe and suitable have been formed with GP On returning to work, I was home after a hospital stay. We Surgeries, Hospital Discharge immediately able to use my can work with people in any type Teams and Health and Social new knowledge of the Housing of property, be it rented or owned. Care Workers to ensure and Health team to benefit two people are living in suitable One home we are currently clients who were inpatients in conditions and their health involved with has a number our community hospitals. The does not deteriorate due to of issues, such as out of date Housing and Health Officer poor housing conditions. electrics, no fixed heating Rebecca Astin has been helpful and a substantial amount of and approachable, with a positive The team can assist with hoarding meaning much of the attitude towards resolving a range of issues from property is inaccessible. The housing issues for our clients. The Disabled Facilities Grants property currently poses a risk collaborollaborraative working between (Home adaptions), to Home to the occupants, neighbours Rebecca and hospital health carree Inspections for general and future carers. The team is prrroofessionals has led to resolution disrepair for both home working with a wide range of off prrooblems which would owners and those renting in partners to ensure the resident otherwise lead to longer lengths of the private sector. is appropriately accommodated hospital stay for these patients. while the work is carried out to I have confidence that the Housing Throughout the winter months the property. We are working with and Health TTeeam will also follow- we receive high volumes of the local community to ensure the upp these vulner raable patients , damp and mould complaints house is cleared so that residents hi h i t k fl across the borough. Upon can return to their property

inspection, many of these knowing it is safe and warm. cases are due to lifestyle behaviours within the home We hope that by working close and some small changes can with the hospital, we can help help reduce the build-up of people return home and reduc condensation. incidents of readmission to hospital. If you think the condition Discharge nurse, Caroline of your home is affecting Essenhigh has supported this your health ask your GP to partnership by stating. make a referral to us, or contact the team directly In my neew rorole as Discharrgge on 01622 602000 or Support Nurrsse for the WWeest KeKen email housingandhealth@ CCommunityommu hospitals, I attended maidstone.gov.uk “Maidstoneone Borroough Council’s Maidstone Borough Council 5

Maidstone Borough Council Your services you decide Budget Consultation As you may remember Maidstone Borough Council undertook a consultation with residents and visitors on the Budget for 2017/18 during October and November 2016. The theme for the event was ‘Your services, you decide’ and How was the survey distributed? the primary focus for conducting the research was to: Paper copies available at 11 roadshows held throughout the identify which services we deliver are a priority to our borough residents. Online survey and determine what approach to funding these services Consultation mailing list for residents signed up residents think we should take. Social Media links to online survey

The results: A total of 140 surveys were completed during the roadshows wanted to retain existing funding (‘Funding kept the same’) and a further 786 surveys were completed online. for the ten services. Household waste collection and disposal was the service which had the greatest support at Overall rating of front facing services which are important 93%. Culture and tourism had the lowest proportion that said funding should be kept the same at 31%.

Reduce or cut funding?

Household waste collection and disposal received the highest rating when residents were asked to place a list of ten services in order of importance with 7.33. Culture & Tourism received the lowest rating at 4.29.

Funding for each service should the council maintain current funding, reduce or cut? Culture and Tourism have the greatest proportion of respondents overall that said funding should be reduced or cut altogether at 68%. This is made up of 14% that said cut all funding and 54% that it should be reduced. Household Waste Collection and Disposal was rated as the most important service with minimal support for reducing or cutting funding for this service.

What happens next? Each service committee will now be considering the results of the survey together with other information and deciding how the budget will be spent. Policy and Resources Committee will be looking at the service committee recommendations during February and will make the final decision. The graph above shows the proportion of respondents that 6 Maidstone Borough Council

Do you recycle your food waste? During February 2017, Maidstone residents will see a sticker appear on their rubbish bin encouraging them to remember to use the food recycling service.

It is anticipated that around 5,775 tonnes of food waste is being disposed of every year in residents’ rubbish bins but the majority of this is totally avoidable as we offer a weekly food recycling service so we would like to encourage more people to take part. Recycling food waste is important. Rather than simply throwing it in the rubbish bin, it could instead be composted and used as a soil improver on local farms. Using the food recycling service will also give you more space in your rubbish bin for any other waste which cannot be recycled or composted. Plus we collect food recycling every week. Maidstone Borough Council 7

Similar projects, which have been taken place elsewhere in the country, have seen a marked increase in food recycling and we are keen to copy this success. Marion Ring, Chairman of Communities Housing and Environment Committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who is using the food recycling service each week; however, we are aware that some residents are still throwing most of their food waste in their grey rubbish bins. Food in the grey bin goes straight for incineration which means that this valuable resource is going to waste. “We want residents to really look at what they are currently throwing away in their rubbish bins and ensure that any food waste, whether it’s raw or cooked, is diverted to their food recycling bin. “By placing a permanent reminder on every household’s rubbish bin we hope we can stop even more food waste from being incinerated, creating nutrient rich compost for local farms and saving money for our residents.” Since the scheme started in 2011 in the borough what has been achieved so far? Residents in the borough of Maidstone have diverted over 26,000 tonnes of food waste from being incinerated by using their food recycling bins. Do you need a new food recycling bin? If you need a replacement food recycling bin in order to take part in the service you can order it online at www.maidstone.gov.uk or by calling our customer contact centre on 01622 602600.

Pictured: Councillor Marion Ring, Chairman of Communities, Housing and Environment

A day in the life of YOUR recycled food

The food recycling that is collected in Maidstone is taken to an in-vessel composting facility in East Malling. Here the food recycling is shredded into smaller pieces then composted on an industrial scale. The organic material is made into a nutrient-rich soil improver. As the composting process happens quite quickly, the resulting compost is still quite coarse and therefore would not be suitable for use in a garden, however it is perfect for use on local farmland.

Food on its recycling journey…

Food recycling is collected every week from residents’ homes.

It is taken to Blaise Farm, West Malling. After being visually inspected it is shredded and stored in long heaps and turned regularly to allow air into the food which helps the micro-organisms break down the food into compost.

The mixture must reach a temperature of 60 degrees c. for a minimum of 16 days to kill of any harmful bacteria.

The end product is high quality compost which is used as a nutritious soil improver on local farms. 8 Maidstone Borough Council Ask for Angela launched in Maidstone

The Safer Maidstone Partnership has introduced a code-word campaign aimed at making people feel safe following a successful launch of the initiative in Lincolnshire. ‘Ask for Angela’ is aimed at encouraging HI I’M ANGELA, people to discreetly ask for help by going to the bar and alerting staff to a cry for help if they are faced with a difficult situation. Posters are being displayed in venues across the town centre and the campaign is Are you on a date being run in partnership with the council, Do you feel like Kent Police and the Maidstone Domestic that isn’t Abuse Forum. Training is being provided to you’re not in a venues which are part of Maidstone’s Night working out? Time Economy Forum. safe situation? Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr Fran Wilson commented: “When I heard Is your Tinder or PoF about the national recognition that the ‘Ask for Angela’ had been getting I was keen for date not who they Does it all our county town to get involved and be part of this important sexual violence awareness said they were on feel abit campaign. Launching this in Maidstone is a their profile? big step towards reducing the fear some weird? people might feel in a situation and to prevent sexual violence against women.” Cllr Marion Ring, Chair of the If you go to the bar and ASK FOR ‘ANGELA’ Communities, Housing and Environment Committee commented: “This safety the bar staff will know you need some campaign is a critical part of providing a safe environment for those enjoying the help getting out of your situation and will night time economy in Maidstone. If we can call you a taxi or help you out discreetly - help one person in a difficult situation, it means we’ve made a difference to their without too much fuss. safety and wellbeing.” MBC’s Community Partnerships & Courtesy of Safer Communities Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, Lincolnshire. Resilience Manager Matt Roberts said: “It’s Originators of the ‘Ask for Angela’ poster campaign part of the #NoMore sexual violence important that anyone who is feeling unsafe and abuse in Lincolnshire awareness Campaign. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nomore can be empowered to speak out and ask for help. We were impressed with this initiative from Lincolnshire as it’s a simple way of offering help and support to those who www.maidstone.gov.uk might be at risk. I would encourage anyone who needs help to go to the bar and ask for ‘Angela,’ and the bar staff will know you need help and will call you a taxi or help Maidstone Link you out discreetly.” The Council’s former Gateway building is due to re-open to the public Those heading on a night out in Maidstone during February. should follow this simple advice from Kent The building, now named Maidstone Link has undergone a complete Police in order to stay safe: refurbishment to provide a more open plan feel, and these changes allow Plan your journey to and from home in the space to be shared with the local Job Centre Plus and voluntary advance. If you get a taxi or minicab, organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. ensure it is licensed. The Council will continue to offer an appointment only service and will Tell someone where you are going and provide two cash only payment kiosks and facilities to make card what time you expect to return. payments online or by telephone. There will also be an increased number of self-help computers for customers to access council and other If you have arranged to meet with government services. someone new, tell a friend who they are Residents can also access a full range of council services via their phone, and where you plan to meet them. tablet or home computer by visiting www.maidstone.gov.uk/services Avoid leaving a drink unattended. News from the MUSEUM Findings from the Maidstone Museum mummy scan Maidstone Museum’s very own 2,700-year-old mummy – Ta-Kush – underwent a full CT scan at KIMS Hospital in September as part of the Ancient Civilisations Gallery redevelopment project. Museum Lates Last Thursday of every month During the scan, the team had the chance to analyse a Maidstone Museum Lates showcase number of additional art, film, dance, history, and more, objects from the with a different theme each month. ancient Egyptian Our curators will share a special collection. insight into the theme’s collections Initial scans of Ta- and often there is a range of activities possibly much older. Kush found that, to be enjoyed. while many believed For more information on her to have passed how to become a supporter Admission to the museum is free; away during of the Ancient Civilisations however, some Museum Lates adolescence, she may in fact have been gallery and other projects run by the activities may incur a charge. much older. Evidence was seen of well- Maidstone Museum Foundation – the worn teeth, loss of enamel, cavities, museum’s own charitable trust – Forthcoming events: abscesses in the jaw, and fully erupted contact Lyn Palmer on 01622 602862 or wisdom teeth, details which suggest a email [email protected] 23 February — Romance person who is at least mid-twenties, today. 30 March — ImaGINe 27 April — Quiz Night 25 May — Japanese Night CURRENT EXHIBITION This spring sees a host of fun and rewarding events scheduled to take place at Maidstone Museum. From Graham Clarke: ‘Now & Then’ exhibitions to workshops, there is something to suit all ages over the coming months. - Half-Term Make-It Workshops - Lino Cut Workshop - Interpretations – Maidstone Visual Arts Network - Japan: A Floating World in Print - Easter Holiday Fun - Japanese Style Arrangement Want to stay in touch? To find out more about the forthcoming events at Maidstone Museum, and to book your tickets visit http://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/events today. Follow Maidstone Museum January 21-March 17, 2017 You can stay in touch with the latest news and events at Maidstone Museum Artist, author, illustrator, and humourist, Graham Clarke is one of Britain’s most by following us on social media. Search popular and best-selling printmakers. This entertaining exhibition of etchings, for Maidstone Museum on Facebook, blockprints, watercolours, and sketchbooks spans 50 years of this prolific Kentish follow @MaidstoneMuseum on Twitter, artist’s work, demonstrating his unique style found in national collections, royal and visit us online at palaces, galleries, pubs, and private homes around the world. http://museum.maidstone.co.uk.

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. 10 Maidstone Borough Council

Proms in the Park SAVE THE DATE!

Proms in the Park will feature as part of our exciting We’ll be announcing all the top acts who will play at the outdoor events programme for 2017. event soon so keep a look out for further updates by This popular annual free family event will be held again in visiting our website www.maidstone.gov.uk or the picturesque setting of Whatman Park on Saturday 27 www.visitmaidstone.com May 2017. We look forward to seeing you there!

Why not report it to us online? From fly-tipping to a missed bin, we The next major election for Maidstone is the Kent County have a fast and efficient way for you Council election which will be held on Thursday 4 May 2017. to inform us about something you The deadline for receiving new have noticed or applications to register to vote is that we may Thursday 13 April 2017. have missed. If you aren’t registered to vote, you won’t You don’t have have the chance to have a say on who to drop in in represents you. person or even To register you can go online now to wait to speak with www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and us on the phone - we’re complete an application form or here 24/7 online for you. alternatively email [email protected] to Use our handy online ‘report it’ forms request a paper form. to tell us about almost anything. You can download the form from Whether your concern is noise, litter www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. After or graffiti, simply visit our website completing the form, you'll need to print and complete the short form. it, sign it, and send it back to the Electoral Services team by email or by Provide your details so we can keep post. you informed of the progress we are The deadline for postal vote and postal making and you can even see what proxy vote applications is 5pm on other people have reported to us over the previous 14 days. Tuesday 18 April 2017. If you have any queries regarding your The deadline for receiving proxy votes is registration please contact our team at www.maidstone.gov.uk/residents/ 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2017. [email protected] reportit Maidstone Borough Council 11 Council Tax Our compliance team have carried out their property or didn’t return their This review resulted in 204 a review of Council Tax payers who completed form confirming they were cancellations of relief amounting to were claiming the 25% single person entitled to the discount. We only keep £397k. discount. Council Tax bills are based 15% of the extra £250k income MBC is completing more regular cross on the assumption that two adults generated. This equates to £37.5k, checks with the other Kent occupy the property as their main with the majority of the Council Tax authorities. This sharing of home. If it's occupied by only one collected being passed to Kent County information means that if someone is resident, the bill is reduced by a single Council and the remainder to Kent claiming a Council Tax discount person's discount of 25%. Police and Kent Fire & Rescue. elsewhere as well as in the Maidstone As a result, 945 single person We also carried out a review of Borough, it will be picked up. In the discounts have been cancelled which businesses that were claiming the interests of all tax/ratepayers MBC will generate additional income of Small Business Rate Relief. This relief remain committed to pursuing over £250k per annum. In the majority is applicable if a business only uses individuals and companies claiming of cases the taxpayers forgot to advise one property and the property’s discounts that they not entitled to and us that another person had moved into rateable value is less than £12,000. recovering the monies in full.

Council Tax Review

Changes to Maidstone Borough Council’s Council Tax Reduction scheme will come into effect from April of this year following a consultation with residents. Over 1400 people responded to a survey looking at different options relating to the amount of financial help provided to those living in the borough on low incomes. The changes also relate to the way central Government has made welfare changes and the level of discount is based on the income of the household. Currently the maximum discount is 87% for working age households and up to 100% for pensioners. The consultation ran for a period of eight weeks between 1 July and 24 August 2016 and a decision on the changes was made at full council on 7th December with the following changes agreed:

Reducing the maximum level of support for working age applicants from 87% to 80% Removing the Family Premium for all new working age applicants Reducing the period for which a person can be absent from Great Britain and still receive Council Tax Reduction to four weeks Removing the work related activity component in the calculation of Council Tax Reduction Limiting the number of dependent children within the calculation for Council Tax Reduction to a maximum of two Introducing a scheme, in addition to Council Tax Reduction, to help applicants suffering exceptional hardship Residents with questions regarding how the changes might affect them can email [email protected] 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working for you

Paul Kirrage Health Officer for MKIP - Community Partnership Team

What tasks and responsibilities does your job and effort into their employees’ wellbeing and signing involve? onto the awards in the first place. My job role involves marketing and selling the Kent Secondly, when working with employers illustrating healthy Business Awards to local businesses. This the importance of collaboration with staff and not a could be presentations at business events, working top down dicator style of operating. Both these with business associations and even cold calling on aspects involve relationship building to gain trust. site. Once they have signed on my role is to support What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? the businesses in any way they need. This could Most of my spare time is taken up by my very include, policy and procedure formation, staff energetic boys, aged 7 and 5. When I do get some engagement ideas, Health and Wellbeing information time alone I enjoy playing golf and being outdoors. giving or signposting to relevant information. Once completed my role is to assess the business to make What’s your favourite food? sure they have achieved National accreditation for the Favourite food is Italian. Pizza and Pasta dishes are work they have completed. I then complete a report always very welcome. for each business showing the strengths and potential Which country have you always wanted to visit and improvements that could effect change even more for why? the wellbeing of their employees. I always wanted to visit USA; Disney world to be What do you most enjoy about your role? precise as never was able to when I was young. Now I love the ability to work with so many differing having children and able to visit the price puts me off!! business, of all sizes and industries. I work with Sole If you had to pick a character to be from a book, TV traders all the way to businesses with over 10000 series or historical figure, who would it be and why? employees. Being able to make a difference to the Elijah from the Bible. He's done some amazing things employees that work for these businesses is the and then at the end got taken to Heaven in a burning reason I enjoy my job so much. chariot and a whirlwind, which sounds like a great way to go if you ask me! What is the most difficult aspect of your everyday role? Pick one word to describe yourself. Showing employers the real benefits of putting time Passionate.

Borough Update Follow us on Twitter This is your council newsletter, Your comments and suggestions @maidstonebc produced up to four times a year are always welcome. It is in the Downs Mail newspaper. It typeset by AW design and printed Like us on Facebook – is written, edited and designed by Newbury News. www.facebook.com/ by the council's communications If you are visually impaired and maidstoneboroughcouncil team, Maidstone House, King would like the newsletter text in Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 large print, please call us on Watch us on YouTube – 6JQ. 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 Woman jailed A WOMAN who assaulted SIX po- Fringe festival aims to lice officers has been sent to prison for a month . Kayley Skelton was sentenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court where get the town rocking she admitted criminal damage but denied six counts of assaulting a po- THE county town’s pubs and clubs lice officer and one count of assault- will be alive to the sound of music Confirmed so far: ing a person assisting a police officer. in May when the seventh Maid- She was convicted of the offences by ARTISTS confirmed to play are: stone Fringe Festival is staged. magistrates. The Scorchers, One Day Elliott, TV Billed as a celebration of the di- On May 27, 2016, the 29-year-old Smith, Molly’s Bar, Ben Mills, versity of new and original music, assaulted three police officers and a Funke & The 2 Tone Baby, Esk the event will be held over five days person helping the police a council Forte, The Dredgermen, Fowokan, during the May Day bank holiday. building in King Street, Maidstone. The Soundcasters, Petty Thieves, From all-nighters to gentle, fam- On June 16, she assaulted a police The Narratones, Clea Llewellyn ily-friendly entertainment in cafes officer in the same building and be- Trio,The Lowly Strung, Connor and coffee shops, organisers hope tween June 21 and 22, she damaged Noble and David James Rumsey. there will be something for every- a shop window valued at £450 at a one. VENUES confirmed so far are: service station in Sutton Road. On A local auction company and the The Style & Winch, 4 Degrees, July 4, she assaulted two police offi- business support group One Maid- The Druids Arms, The Flowerpot, cers at an address in Sutton Road. stone will be supporting the Fringe. spokesman said: “It follows on from The Source Bar, The Stag, Drakes, Much of the entertainment will be its predecessors in celebrating the The White Horse, The Cellars, The free to attend. diversity of new and original music Music Room - Pizza Express, Bar 6, So far, a number of town centre in Kent and the south-east. The Royal Albion, Frederic, The Curfew order venues have come on board, includ- “During five days over the May- Duke Of Marlborough, the Social A MAN convicted of assault in a ing The Music Room – Pizza Ex- day Bank Holiday weekend, the fes- Chill Bar. Maidstone pub has been ordered to press, Molly’s Bar, The Stag and the tival will be filling the county town’s stay at home every night for four riety of music from rock, indie and Social Chill Bar. numerous pubs, clubs and music months. Matthew Edwards, of pop-punk, through to acoustic and Among the acts which have been venues with live acts from across Hampshire Drive, denied assault, blues acts, ska and reggae, contem- confirmed are The Dredgermen, many different genres. but was convicted by magistrates. porary folk, funk, soul, dance and The Scorchers, Petty Thieves and the “Incorporated within the festival He assaulted a man at the Market hip-hop. Narratones. are a number of all-day events and Buildings pub on July 24 last year.  Former X-Factor finalist Ben Mills, dance all-nighters, as well as family More information can be found He was sentenced to unpaid work from Chatham, pictured, has been -friendly entertainment in cafes and at FACEBOOK: maidstonefringe- and given a curfew. He must also confirmed in the line-up. coffee shops in the town centre.” festival or click onto www.maid- pay £250 compensation, £250 costs A Maidstone Fringe Festival The festival will put on a wide va- stonefringe.com and an £85 victim surcharge.

Maidstone February 2017 23 News downsmail.co.uk Two-year threat to barracks THE Maidstone barracks could be shut by as early as 2019, Downs Mail has learned. Although the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced last year it will shut the Royal Engineers Road site Officer in charge by 2027, we understand it has the THE new commanding officer of ability to pull the plug at any time. 36 Engineer Regiment and Com- The MoD has to give two years’ mandant of the Queen’s Ghurkha notice of closure of Invicta Park, end- Engineers, Maid- ing a two centuries-long military as- stone, is very much sociation with the county town. a Kentish Man. News of the closure caused anger Lt Col Jim and dismay and our revelation will Hawkins was born further disappoint campaigners des- and grew up in Big- perate to keep the barracks open. gin Hill and was The Ministry of Defence has al- commissioned into ready disposed of vast tracts of land the Corps of Royal Engineers in no longer in use by its personnel. 1998. Between world-wide post- ings he has served in Chatham on Much of the estate is viewed as at- MP Helen Grant joins campaigners hoping to keep the barracks open tractive for housing or commercial three occasions . Married with two young children, development, particularly if plots passion and understanding. ter Mark Lancaster to express her his interests include skiing, eating, are near town centres, road net- “This rings particularly true for concerns at the MoD decision. reading, gardening and sport. works or rail links to the capital. our Gurkhas, to whom Maidstone Mrs Grant said: “I have been liais- The 41-hectare barracks site is has become their long-term home ing with senior military personnel home to the Royal Engineers 36 En- and for whom the closure of the base and the Maidstone Nepalese com- estate closure with close ties to their gineer Regiment, including two would cause the greatest wrench. munity leaders. They are unani- local town in the recent MoD an- Gurkha squadrons. “I look forward to continuing to mously opposed to closure for a nouncement has a longer history The news will be a blow to MP for work with this group of MPs to con- range of reasons and will be work- than ours.” Maidstone and the Weald Helen vince the MoD to reverse the deci- ing closely with me on this issue. In his Better Defence statement, Sir Grant, who has met a number of sion to close Invicta Park barracks.” “I agree that the MoD has to mod- Michael said the MoD estate is MPs whose constituencies are simi- Mrs Grant said before Christmas ernise the UK’s military estate, but “vast” and makes up 2% of the UK’s larly affected by closures. that the Maidstone closure would there is a much wider case to answer entire land mass. She added: “This decision is not “rip the heart out” of the town. in Maidstone. We’ve had a barracks The borough council has identi- fair on those who give so much to She has written to the Secretary of here for almost 220 years and a mil- fied the site as having potential for our country and deserve to be State for Defence, Sir Michael Fallon, itary presence for much longer. 1,300 homes, although the Local Plan treated with a great deal more com- and has met with the defence minis- “In fact, I understand that no other inspector sees it suitable for just 500. KCC major player Call for a new M20 junction TWO councillors have urged residents to sign a petition demanding a new junction for the M20 to serve the "unacceptable" growth in housing. The call comes after a scheme was announced for 450 homes and a 30- in house hurdles acre commercial develop- ment at the former site of Aylesford Newsprint. Cllr Mike Parry-Waller and Cllr Ben Walker (pic- tured), who are behind the petition, claim roads are already at breaking point. The borough councillors, who represent Larkfield and Ditton, say an extra junction on the M20 be- tween junctions four and five, might help to ease congestion. KENT County Council (KCC) is a aims to identify and “unblock in- In a joint statement, key player in a new government- frastructure problems” to speed up they said: "Roads in Aylesford, Ditton and Larkfield exceed their capacity, backed pilot scheme designed to house building. It will pay particu- blighting the lives of residents. remove some of the hurdles seen as lar attention to developments de- "This is unacceptable. Any development of the former Aylesford Newsprint blocking new house building. layed by lack of water and sewage site without sufficient highways improvements will exacerbate this traffic dis- It follows a report from The systems, as well as electricity, gas ruption, leading to an unprecedented increase in traffic flows. Housing and Finance Institute that or roads.The pilot will run until "The development of the former Aylesford Newsprint Site is inevitable, re- highlighted how failing water com- May. Its first findings expected to sulting in an increased number of traffic movements. We believe that by High- panies are hampering private go before housing and planning ways England developing an additional junction, an optimal transport house builders by not providing minister Gavin Barwell and MP network with efficient movement of traffic will be established, minimising adequate infrastructure. Stephen Hammond, chair of the All congestion." Poor performers highlighted in Party Parliamentary Group on In- But Highways England has ruled out another junction for the area in the the report include Southern Water. frastructure, by the end of the past. It would cost millions to construct and cause disruption while it was The pilot scheme – supported by month. Natalie Elphicke, chief ex- being built. major organisations including Kent ecutive of The Housing & Finance Maidstone Borough Council is likely to consider the application soon. County Council, the South East Institute, said: “Our hope is that Three hundred jobs were lost when the newsprint site shut and the devel- Local Enterprise Partnership and this pilot will provide us with a opers hope the new commercial element to the site will help mitigate lost the Home Builders’ Federation – blueprint for fixing these issues.” jobs by creating new ones.

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Maidstone February 2017 25 News downsmail.co.uk Garage thefts POLICE are investigating a spate of Local MPs set to gain break-ins at garages and sheds across west Kent including Maid- stone, when bikes and other Christ- mas gifts have been stolen. bigger poll majorities Officers have reminded residents to lock outbuildings after thefts of ALL our local MPs will be returned bicycles and gardening equipment. at the next general election with en- A red and white Principia Ellipse hanced majorities, according to bicycle and another bike were new polling data. stolen after thieves broke a lock on The respected independent Elec- a garage in Loose Road, Maidstone. toral Calculus (EC) has crunched Maidstone District Commander, polls, analysis and trends to show Inspector Jody Gagan-Cook said: some hefty increases in majorities for Tracey Crouch Helen Whately Tom Tugendhat Helen Grant “Bicycles, power tools and garden- the Conservative members. 8% gain 4% gain 3.6% gain 1.1% gain ing equipment are some of the The biggest beneficiary will be most common targets but there are Tracey Crouch in Chatham and locally contentious issues. 2015, but they lost all three.” a number of steps residents can Aylesford, whose 11,455 majority Nor does it consider possible The party campaigner did ac- take to avoid falling prey to oppor- could jump by more than 8%. boundary changes, which could see knowledge that Miss Fermor, who tunist thieves. Helen Whately in Faversham and Mrs Whately’s constituency swal- lives in Coxheath, might gain “some “I would encourage residents to Mid Kent might enjoy a 4% uplift on lowed up, or a snap general election. traction” in a localised contest. contact their PCSO to arrange for her 16,652 majority while Tonbridge On paper at least, Mrs Grant’s po- A Lib Dem source said: “On bikes to be security marked and to and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat sition is comparatively more parlous paper, you wouldn’t give Emily a use strong locks on outbuildings.” could see a 3.6% increase on his than her neighbours, although a prayer but given the mess the gov- 23,734 advantage. 10,000 plus majority might be a tall ernment is making of Brexit and Maidstone and Weald MP Helen order to overturn. some bad economic times ahead, a Arson alleged Grant’s majority of 10,709 might see But a growing Ukip groundswell popular candidate might just do it.” A 40-YEAR-OLD woman has a 1.1% rise in a national poll. and a strong Lib Dem candidate in EC predicts the Tories to win the been arrested on suspicion of arson Most political observers treat the Oxford-educated Emily Fermor general election with 364 seats (+33) after a blaze at a bungalow in Col- polling with some caution, not least might make Mrs Grant feel nervous. and Labour to secure just 197 (-35). lege Avenue, Maidstone. after inaccurate predictions prior to As one Tory activist told Downs The Lib Dems would increase by just Kent Police said she had been the 2015 general election and the EU Mail: “The Lib Dems think they can a single seat to nine and Ukip would bailed until February 16. referendum last summer. win it every time they stand in retain its one MP. Firefighters were alerted just But parties treat EC as a fair fore- Maidstone and Weald. They sent The prediction service used opin- after 8.30pm on Tuesday, Decem- cast as a national poll of polls, al- Peter Carroll, who is no slouch, to ion polls carried out in December ber 27, and the fire was put out though it does not take into account fight it twice and Jasper Gerard in 2016 from a sample of 6,719 people. with a hose reel jet.         SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS        Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of products are especially sourced to offer excellent value. Expert advice and installation service available

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26 Maidstone February 2017 downsmail.co.uk News CQC in call for changes Fund-raising bid as A NATIONAL review by the Care Quality Commission has found that the NHS is missing opportunities to learn from patient deaths. hospice looks ahead A report from the quality regula- tor raises concerns about the quality A HOSPICE which has helped of investigations led by NHS trusts thousands of families in their dark- and their failure to improve care. est hours is facing serious cutbacks The CQC review found that there after a drop in funding. is no consistent national framework Heart of Kent Hospice has re- to support the NHS to investigate vealed that up to 20 posts may be deaths that may be the result of lost after a period of consultation. problems in care, leaving families Donations through wills have without clear answers. fallen in the past two years while The review was carried out at the government funding has dropped request of the Secretary of State for by about 9% in five years. Health, following the findings of the Although the charity has managed NHS England-commissioned report to shave £420,000 off its costs this in a will, which has always been a emotional support services. into the deaths of people with a year, it needs to find additional sav- vital source of funding, have been “Regretfully, this means there are learning disability or mental health ings of £575,000. The hospice’s an- nual running costs are £5.4m. particularly low. likely to be redundancies amongst problem cared for by Southern A spokesman for Heart of Kent “Funding from government is also our workforce. Health NHS Foundation Trust. Hospice acknowledged the serious- down in real terms, contributing “Our goal is to minimise the im- The regulator is now calling for a ness of its position but said there was 25% of our costs in 2011-12 and just pact on patient care and remain true national framework, to ensure that “no panic” and there would be “no 16% in 2016-17. to the principles on which the hos- learning is promoted, care is im- compromise to patient care”. “We depend heavily on our sup- pice was first founded, providing proved, and families are listened to. Now the Aylesford-based charity porters, whose donations account compassionate end-of-life care, free Professor Sir Mike Richards, Chief has launched a campaign to raise for £4 out of every £5 spent on our of charge, to everyone who needs it. Inspector of Hospitals at the CQC, £600,000 next year. services, but many are just not able “We are appealing to our commu- said: “Families are not always prop- Chief executive Sarah Pugh said: to give as much as they used to. nity to Get Behind Heart of Kent erly involved in the investigations “The uncertain economic climate is “This means we must now care- Hospice, to help raise an additional process or treated with the respect hitting us hard as the demand for fully review the services we are able £600,000 in 2017.” they deserve. This was particularly our help and costs rise, but funding to offer in order to ensure the long- You can make a donation at the case for the families of people is increasingly difficult to secure. term future of our core inpatient, www.hokh.org/donate or text with mental health problems.” “Donations left to us through gifts community nursing, outpatient and “HOKH17 £5” to 70070. EASY TO SELL Turn your unwanted items into cash. • Cars • Bikes • Cycles • Toys • Fruniture • Videos • CDs • Garden Equipment • Musical Instruments • Clothing etc etc Easy to upload FREE Private Ads Online www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone February 2017 29 News downsmail.co.uk Code word for safer nights Young triathlete raises A SAFE phrase is being introduced for those feeling threatened in Maid- stone. The announcement – by the Safer £1,500 to help hospice Maidstone Partnership – follows a series of sex attacks in the town. AN EIGHT-year-old boy has raised nearly £1,500 as a thank you to the The “Ask for Angela” code will allow anyone feeling threatened to “lovely people” who cared for his dying cousin. discreetly alert bar staff that they are faced with a difficult situation. Jack Hills, from Lenham Road in sisters Amy and Emily held the red Posters are being displayed in ven- Platts Heath, completed a triathlon tape at the finishing line. ues across the town in conjunction of swimming, cycling and running, He said: “I would have been with Maidstone Council, Kent Police and netted three times his target of quicker, but dad slowed me down.” and Maidstone Domestic Abuse £500. He was presented with a trophy Forum and training provided for The challenge was in memory of by staff at Demelza to mark his those within Maidstone’s Night his cousin Jessica Humphrey, who achievement when he visited with Time Economy Forum. was helped by Demelza Hospice mum Sarah and proud grandpar- The initiative has already been Care for Children for three years ents, Jane and David Humphrey successfully launched in Lin- prior to her death in 2013. from Lenham. colnshire. Jack, who visited her in the Sit- Demelza events co-ordinator Cllr Fran Wilson, the leader of tingbourne hospice several times, Emma Cox said: “We were delighted Maidstone Council, said: “Launch- said: “That’s when I learned what a to hear about Jack’s challenge. It was ing this in Maidstone is a big step to- wonderful place it is. I saw the so thoughtful of him and he raised wards reducing the fear some lovely people who work there care an incredible amount to help fund people might feel in a situation and for Jessica and all the other children the work we do in caring for chil- to prevent sexual violence.” and I think they are awesome. dren with life-limiting and life- Maidstone Council’s community “They have some cool toys and a threatening conditions.” partnerships and resilience manager great music room too. Jessica loved More than 90 people, including Matt Roberts said: “I would encour- her music therapy. I have decided I the lollipop lady at Jack’s school – age anyone who needs help to go to would like to raise some money for Egerton CE Primary – supported the bar and ask for Angela, and the Demelza to say thank you.” Jack through his Just Giving page. bar staff will know you need help Jack, who loves all kind of sport, Jack’s mum said: “We are grateful and will help you out discreetly.” set about getting sponsors and com- to everyone who supported him in Kent Police are also advising those pleted his 200m swim, 6k cycle race training two months earlier and fin- raising this great amount, which we heading for a night on the town to: and 3.3k run at Maidstone’s Mote ished his challenge, accompanied by were delighted to hand over to  Plan journeys to and from home Park and Leisure Centre. He began dad Chris, in 1hr 23m 27s. Jessica’s Demelza.” in advance. If you get a taxi or minicab, ensure it is licensed.  Tell someone where you are Restaurants going and when you will be back.  Tell a friend if you have arranged to meet someone new, who they site for sale are and where you will be. TWO Maidstone restaurants  Do not leave drinks unattended. face an uncertain future as the owner of their town centre building has placed the site on Rape charge the market. The distinctive property in man in court Union Street is occupied by an A 25-YEAR-OLD man charged Asian restaurant called The with five counts of rape has ap- Buffet House on the ground peared in court by video link. floor and La Taberna on the Mateusz Sura, of Tottenham, was floor above. arrested by officers investigating a Christie and Co has been ap- sex attack alleged to have taken pointed to handle the sale and place in Wallis Avenue, Maidstone the firm is seeking £849,995 for on Monday, December 12. the freehold or £70,000 for the All of the charges relate to the Academy players win praise leasehold, with an annual rent same incident against one victim CORNWALLIS Academy students Each of the shows, which took of £45,000. who is not known to Sura. have been bringing to life an place on November 30, December 1 The property agents said He was remanded in custody to adaption of Beauty and the Beast and December 2, was met with both businesses would vacate appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ story. rapturous applause from audience the site when it is sold, but Court on Monday, January 16. The version of the classic tale - members, who praised the students owners of La Taberna, the Officers are urging anyone with once depicted in a Disney cartoon for their talents. Munoz family, say they hope information, who has not yet spoken epic - won high parise from the April Watts, Head of Performing to stay put if a deal can be to the police, to get in touch. school’s performing arts head who Arts at the school, said: “The reached with the new owners. This includes a slim white man, described its as “absolutely brilliant” students were absolutely brilliant. The current owner bought about 5ft 8ins tall and aged between and was the reward for much hard “They worked so hard in the property nine years ago 20 and 25. He was wearing black work in rehearsals. rehearsals and their efforts really did when it was known as the chino-type trousers and a black The story of Beautiful Belle, was pay off. Comedy Creek Club. hooded top and was standing on the performed by pupils in all age “It was a fantastic production. James Hughes, business corner of Bell Road and Wallis Av- groups over three days, including a Well done to everyone involved.” agent in the Maidstone office enue between 5.30pm and 7pm. matinee performance for children An audience member said: “They of Christie and Co, said the site Call Kent Police on 01622 654863 from local primary schools. showed themselves to be a gifted is an “excellent opportunity” quoting 12-1162. Alternatively con- The academy staged two bunch of people who put on shows to introduce “new offerings” to tact Kent Crimestoppers, anony- performances of the play. that were brilliant.” Maidstone. mously, on 0800 555111.

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Maidstone February 2017 31 downsmail.co.uk

aihCouncils Parish Barming would collate comments and submit them. completed their training and the deputy Trees Cllr Manser enquired about the trees clerk was due to receive training. Police report The clerk had been informed on the eastern edge of the parish field. The Councillor recruitment Loose Views would of two reports of criminal damage and one boundary was cut back every three years but be posted to residents showing the new aempted burglary. the tops had never been reduced. Cllr Doe advertisement for councillors. An Pavilion Cllr Gooch recommended the agreed to visit the site with Cllr Manser. advertisement would also be sent to Involve kitchen choice, and this was agreed. The Maidstone. work was due to start early in the new year. Loose Antisocial behaviour The bin in the KGV A yearly clean of the weatherboarding, playing field had been used to damage car windows, fascia and guers was agreed. The Warden’s report Liz Lova had received reports of nuisance parking on the zig-zags park fencing. KCC Stay and Play had been clerk was to arrange for the work to be done advised to lock the bin after use and the in early spring, subject to quotes. in Lancet Lane. She had advised parking enforcement. Work was still continuing with caretaker had now chained it to prevent it Riverside bench The bench would still being wheeled across the car park. remain. The intention was to set it back elderly residents affected by scam mail. slightly to make way for the new towpath. Crime report PCSO Dougie Muir continued Motorbike inhibitors would be installed at to patrol following the incidents of Tovil both ends. vandalism. Crime figures had been sent to YMCA funding The donation of £50,000 Information board It was proposed to wait the deputy clerk who read them out: a case towards the construction costs of the new until the work on the towpath was of criminal damage to the car park barrier community centre was finalised. YMCA completed and then approach Gavin fencing, and theft from a vehicle at the Shell would provide a revised licence agreement. Lawrence for a quote to repair and re-install. garage on Linton. Notice to vacate the premises at Tovil This was agreed. PROW officer Michelle Snowdin introduced Working Men’s Club would be given Goals and fencing The new 3D plans were herself as the public rights of way officer and immediately. given to members which now show plenty said a lot of work was needed to maintain Trustee director It was agreed to endorse of width between the fire escape and the the footpaths. The footpath surface was the Cllr Abigail Hogg as a trustee director of rebound fence, and room for the mowers to responsibility of the PROW officer but the YMCA as a voting board member complete their work. The revised price was sides of the path generally belonged to representing Tovil Parish Council. to be confirmed. The fence and goal would landowners, who were responsible for the Noticeboard It was reported that the be fixed to the ground. Playinnovation maintenance of vegetation. She was asked to noticeboard outside the post office had been would excavate the area and fix posts with review the Loose Neighbourhood plan and repaired as the damage was dangerous to concrete foundations. to look at the steps leading from Copper members of the public. An estimate for the Bramble removal Cllr Doe gave verbal Tree Court to the A229 as they were often cost of manufacturing a new wooden quotes that had been received. It was agreed muddy and dangerous. Following reported noticeboard was brought to the meeting. It to accept the wrien quote that had been issues on KM218, Michelle said she had met was agreed to accept this and the received from W A King, who would be the householder and the path would be noticeboard would be stored until needed. instructed to go ahead with the work as monitored. Gravel might be provided by the The clerk was to talk to Cllr Brian Clark soon as possible. owner if needed. about the placement of a board at Postley CCTV Cllr Gooch had been working with Pickering Street accident An email had been Road. East Farleigh and Teston regarding CCTV on received about an incident where a young Budget Discussions would take place with both of the bridges. Residents had been child shot out of an alley on her bike into the the aim of keeping the precept to that of disturbed by in increase in heavy goods path of a car, despite a bollard at the 2015/16 - £64,000. trains on the Medway Valley Line, as the entrance of the path. It was agreed to raise Humidifier It was agreed that the damp in railway bridge at Lewisham was being concerns to see if further options could be the office was for the landlord to rectify, not strengthened. considered. After discussion it was agreed Tovil Parish Council. TMBC call for sites There were eight that no further action would be taken for the Evening surgeries It was agreed to start possible sites which would equate to 2,730 moment. surgeries when the office moved to the new homes. A new road linking the back of A229 junction An email had been received YMCA. They would be trialled for three Quarry Woods to the Poppy Fields had been advising that the hatching markings seemed months, monthly from 7-9pm and usage suggested which would also open up the to deter parking. would be assessed. This was agreed. land at the back of the industrial estate in the Neighbourhood plan Cllr Jim Andrew said Planting A further planting day would be Coldharbour area. The sites would increase the consultation was well under way with arranged for planting bulbs. Councillors transport challenges. The main concern of three more sessions to go. were happy to maintain the wooden Barming Parish Council was the increased Website A lot of modifications had been planters. It was suggested that a working traffic and air pollution on Hermitage lane needed to make the website suitable for use. party was set up to regularise grounds and the Fountain Lane junction. The clerk Both the clerk and the assistant clerk had maintenance work.

rm reports Crime A PARKED car was broken into in Hardy Street and a parking permit sticker was re- moved. Neighbourhood Watch The rear windscreen was damaged on a Honda Accord parked in Boxley Road. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Fencing was damaged in the school ground at Oakwood Park. into in Caroline Crescent, Allington. driveway in Howley Way. A shed at a house in Cumberland Avenue Someone attempted to take a bike from the A Toyota Yaris parked in a car park at a was broken into but nothing was taken. garden of a house in Springwood Close but block of flats in Mote Road had its rear wind- A Peugeot van parked in a driveway in was not successful and drove away. screen wipers ripped off. Larking Drive, Allington, was broken into A window was broken on a Peugeot 207 In Union Street, a blue Gary Fisher bike and three drills were stolen. parked in a driveway in Dorset Way. Noth- was stolen from the road, along with the A house was broken into in Allington Way ing appeared to have been taken. chain and padlock. by damaging a lock but nothing was taken. A chimney pot was stolen from the garden A Volvo XC60 parked in a driveway in Tools were stolen after a van was broken of a terraced house in Marsham Street. College Road was keyed. The rear windscreen wiper was stolen A woman’s orange and pick Carrera Vul- from a Citroen Picasso parked in Old Tovil can mountain bike, padlock and chain were ALARM NOT WORKING? Road. On the same night, the rear wiper was stolen from a car park at McKenzie Court. WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS also stolen from a Nissan Micra also parked Persons were seen smashing windows of a in the road. property in Tonbridge Road. CALL 01622 880751 Damage was caused to a garden in Waters There was an attempted burglary at a Edge due to a vehicle driving over it. property in Farleigh Lane. Enquiries ongo- A shop window was smashed in Market ing. A vehicle parked in The Broadway had its ALARMS & SECURITY LTD Buildings but nothing was taken. A motorcycle stand was stolen from a number plate damaged.

32 Maidstone February 2017 downsmail.co.uk Pam Hensby area, and much of her social life and us since his death to say the presence of his friendship revolved around the pub that art in their homes will be a reminder of him. Obituaries PAMELA “Pam” Hensby lived for 41 years was also her home. “He never lost his love of learning. After on St Andrew’s Road and locally her whole Her mother has spoken movingly of the his retirement he completed an Open life. tireless work Kayleigh had put into helping University degree. And he will be Born Pamela Turk and raised in Tovil, others in her work in local care homes, remembered for his sense of humour, which Pam worked in the milk bar behind the saying: "Kayleigh's view of life was simple: stayed with him until the very end.” current site of the The Mall in Maidstone, in Make people happy and help others less John – who was widowed in 2004 – leaves a laundry on the Loose Road and at fortunate than yourself. To this end, she had his daughter, son-in-law Ben and International Stores on Week Street and worked tirelessly over the years in various grandchildren Samuel and Jacob. Pricerite on the current site of Argos on old people's rest homes offering comfort Maidstone High Street. and help to those in need. Pam’s last jobs were as a staff canteen “Outside work, she led a social life much John Harrisson cashier in local hospitals, working at of which revolved around The Dragoon THE death of John Harrisson has drawn Oakwood Hospital until that closed and public house, where she lived. then at Maidstone Hospital. tributes from a number of local people. "Her many friends and locals have been John was a partner with the Hobbs Parker As a young woman, she spent several touched by her infectious sense of fun, with years involved with the Salvation Army. Group based in Ashford and Tenterden and the sound of her laughter never far away. Whilst working in International Stores a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered But sometimes the pressures of life can be she met Ray Hensby, who was to be her Surveyors. He was also a player and cruel and a shining star of beauty and husband of 41 years, and the couple seled administrator in local goodness has been extinguished. She will be on St Andrew’s Road. He said: “Pam very rugby who had sorely missed, but never forgoen, by all much liked being with other people and she served Maidstone her family and friends. Rest in peace was close to her family, especially her nieces Rugby Club for many Kayleigh.” and nephews. She loved walking and years, serving as Kayleigh’s friend Vicky Baldock said: music; especially singers including Michael president of the club “Going to miss her so much, feel like my Ball, Cliff Richard, Celine Dion and Russell from 1985 to 1989. heart is completely broken.” Watson. When we were both retired we Locally born and took a trip to Canada visiting places like Her nephew Michael Holness said: educated, John joined Vancouver Island before flying to the “You’ve left us all in bits Kay” whilst Nikki the firm of E J Parker United States where we saw Celine Dion in Owen said simply “RIP Beautiful.” after national service Las Vegas, and to Hawaii.” Kayleigh leaves her mother, step-father, in 1946. The firm was later amalgamated Pam leaves Ray and her many friends and sisters Lorrina, Deonne, Kirsty, Casey and into Hobbs Parker. John worked at the family. Melissa and brother Joseph. Maidstone office and lived in Loose until moving to Tenterden three years ago. Maidstone Rugby Club, who knew him as Kayleigh Caesar John Gosbee “JVH,” said on their website: “JVH was a mainstay as a player in the club, TRIBUTES have been paid after the JOHN Gosbee (78) who died in Dorset on Boxing Day will be remembered for his two particularly in the post-war years. At the sudden death on Christmas Eve of Kayleigh time of the club’s centenary in 1980 he had Caesar (28), whose body was discovered at decades as headmaster of only shortly ended his playing career which The Dragoon pub on had spanned four decades. He went on to the corner of Sandling Troiscliffe Primary School. become president of the club following the Road and Hope Born in Arundel, establishment of the league system.” Street. Sussex, John did John leaves his wife Edna, daughters The pub had been national service in Sarah and Elizabeth, four grandchildren home to Kayleigh Cyprus and went to and four great-grandchildren. since her mother, art college and teacher Clare Parslow, took training college before over as licensee in moving to Kent. His William Sewell January 2016. homes between 1969 and 1996 included WILLIAM Sewell (95) lived for 40 years in Kayleigh – who was time in Rochester, Maidstone and West Norman Close, Maidstone. London-born, named after Marillion’s hit song in the Malling. He retired from teaching and left William worked for the Post Office from the 1908s – lived locally her whole life. She had the area in 1996 to live in Dorset. age of 16 to 62, apart from his war service in worked in local care homes and done bar John was husband to Janet and father to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical work in establishments including the Susie, who said: “My dad was incredibly Engineers. William met Margaret, his wife Village Inn and The Bull at Penenden well-read and had an exceptional level of of 58 years, on a skiing holiday in Austria. Heath. general knowledge. His passion for art She said: “William worked for the Post Kayleigh’s selflessness and love of life stayed with him and he worked constantly Office and was awarded the General Post have been praised by friends and family, in his studio at the house in Dorset, took Office Imperial Service Medal. He was a many of whom have taken to social media part in open studio days and sold some member of Bearsted Golf Club for 40 years, to pay tribute. She was well known in the works. A number of people have contacted playing off a low handicap. He also enjoyed playing cricket. Those who knew William will remember a good-natured man who loved to chat.” William leaves his wife and Camrass Wills their daughter Fiona. Advice you can trust The Stone Shop Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere. Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? Inscriptions added to existing memorials • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Renovations and memorial cleaning For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW The Stone Shop 01622 720985 Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. www.camrasswills.co.uk 01622 726633

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

Maidstone February 2017 33 News downsmail.co.uk Tributes to popular ‘Titch’ WARM tributes have been paid to Francis O’Sullivan, a father-of-three and former Gulf war tank driver, who died tragically in a charity event. “Titch” O’Sullivan, who was Langley, he was also well-known travelling, seconds before it popular throughout the Maidstone in Leeds village, where his mother flipped over. Mr Tharp was one of area, died from head injuries after lives. those who joined first-aiders and his vehicle flipped over in the an- He sometimes worked part-time onlookers to assist Mr O’Sullivan nual charity pram race at Sutton in The George pub in the village – before he was airlifted to King’s Valence on New Year’s Day. He just one of several places where Cross Hospital, where he died in was just 52 and had worked for floral tributes have been laid since the neurological unit on January 3. Kent Frozen Foods in Aylesford the accident. In an emotional tribute to her since returning from Germany six As part of a three-man team in son, Kathleen O’Sullivan spoke of years ago and after leaving the the charity event, Titch took the her tragic loss, having welcomed army. controls of a makeshift Spitfire he Titch home from the risks he faced A spokesman for Kent Frozen and his friends had created for the as a tank driver in Iraq during the Foods would only say she had vis- race. The landlord of The George, first Gulf War conflict in 1990 with ited the family and it was their Jason Tharp, was also in the team, Prince Harry’s former regiment the wish that no comment should be is pictured right. Blues and Royals. made by the company about Mr In a film clip posted online, spec- Kent Police say an inquiry has O’Sullivan, who they described as tators could be seen gasping and revealed there were no suspicious “a very private person”. shouting “no way” as they saw circumstances and the matter will While Mr O’Sullivan lived in how fast the makeshift plane was be referred to the coroner. Girl grabbed Grateful Rachel’s fundraising success by van man A MUM has completed a year of pital staff using a Vapotherm ma- POLICE have released this e-fit fund-raising to hand more than chine. image after a man reportedly £7,000 to the hospital that saved her The support received for her jumped out of his vehicle and daughter’s life Breathe4Pembury campaign has in- grabbed a young girl in Snod- Rachel Burns has ticked off 12 chal- cluded a £500 donation from Kent Po- land. lenges over the last 12 months to lice’s Property Fund. The com- fund a new Vapotherm respiratory Rachel, of Kings Hill, said: “Last year, puter gener- machine for Tunbridge Wells Hospital. was an incredible year. I have learnt a ated image is Her charity stunts having included lot about myself, met some amazing of a man who swimming in icy water, abseiling, cy- people and friends have shown in- cling, rowing and completing an army credible support, and my family’s sup- may be able to assault course, closing with a run port leaves me speechless, especially assist with en- around Kings Hill in festive fancy dress how loud Ava can yell ‘Go mummy, quiries. just before Christmas. go’, like her nana! The teenage The mum-of-two was inspired to “And of course, Ava’s cheers always girl told police take on the challenge after her first remind me of the whole point of that she was daughter, Ava, was born seriously ill doing this ... to say thank you to the walking along Bramley Road to- but was nursed back to health by hos- neonatal unit for saving her life.” wards Malling Road at about 6.30pm on Friday, December 16, when a white Transit-sized van with two male occupants parked next to her. The driver spoke to her and, as she carried on walking, he jumped out and pulled her sweatshirt. The girl broke free and ran away. The van reversed towards her then drove off towards Birling Road, returning later to drive in the direction of Malling Road. The driver is described as being white, late 20s with short Healthy living awards presented straight hair and a beard, and the passenger was said to be late SIX localbusinesses and organisa- in 2014, the award scheme assesses The borough council’s Healthy 20s. tions, including the borough coun- workplace wellbeing in areas such Living Team continues to work The van is described as having cil, have received Kent Healthy as leadership, absence manage- with all of the award-winning a diagonal orange stripe on the Business Awards. ment, health and safety, mental workplaces to progress the scheme rear. Recipients from across the county health and wellbeing, environment, as it goes forward. Anyone with information who who attended a ceremony were physical activity, healthy eating, In 2017, they will also be working is yet to speak with officers is RARK Solutions Ltd, East Malling; smoking and tobacco-related ill with TM Active, Larkfield; McDon- asked to call 01622 604100 quot- Royal Mail Medway Valley Deliv- health, alcohol and substance mis- alds, Tonbridge; Heart of Kent Hos- ing reference YY/028396/16. Al- ery Office, Snodland; South East use. pice, Aylesford; The Bridge Trust, ternatively, you can contact Kent Water, Snodland; Veolia, Tonbridge Since the scheme started, 32 Kent Tonbridge; Royal Mail Delivery Of- Crimestoppers, anonymously, Depot; Wilkinson Construction Healthy Business Awards have fice, Tonbridge; Hugh Lowe Farms, on 0800 555 111. Consultants Ltd, Kings Hill. been awarded in the Tonbridge and Mereworth and Southeastern (Ton- Launched by Kent County Council Malling area. bridge Station).

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Maidstone February 2017 41 downsmail.co.uk Comment Now we can look to future WE have a much better idea of how Maid- Unhealthy outlook stone will look in about 15 years now a Gov- MailMarks ernment inspector has given us an early view AS a local journalist, I have specialised of his key decisions after a public inquiry in to DENNIS FOWLE President on NHS issues, and regular readers will our Local Plan. [email protected] be aware of my recent serious concerns. It will be largely as proposed by Maidstone Sadly, this winter they have come home Council, after a long and tortuous period and to roost locally and across the country. wide public consultation which brought many many as the best location for bigger expansion We are past a period of attempted patching- prolonged and powerful protests. because of its powerful road and rail infra- up. Politicians of all parties must now look for Most opposition was to the total number of structure (M20, A20, main line to Maidstone, permanent solutions, costing big money. new houses and, in many cases, their proposed London, Kent coast) and the shops and services We can all see it is not there at present. Gov- locations. To stand a chance of approval by an already available. The inspector agrees, but sug- ernment is so cash-strapped we now feel the inspector, appointed by a Government desper- gests development should be delayed to be- pain in so many directions – the NHS, social ate for massive housing growth, the total had yond 2021 to allow the village the chance to care, local government, the armed services, to be evidence-based. propose best sites. our roads and other infrastructure……. Initially, the evidence suggested more than Now that Maidstone Army barracks are Governments, in the main, cannot create 19,000 in the period up to 2031, much to the dis- scheduled to close some time between 2019 and money – it has to come from us through taxa- may of just about everyone in Maidstone. Sub- 2027, a very significant development area will tion and businesses. It is easy to say Govern- sequently, this was reduced by about 1,000. be available close to the town centre. The coun- ment must spend more on this or that but if Now the inspector looks like reducing that cil sees about 1,300 houses there – the inspector we do not contribute more now, the national figure by 900 to 17,660, reflecting a 5% over es- is more cautious, suggesting about 500 in the debt we leave for our children and grandchil- timate adjustment by the council. He agreed Local Plan period. dren will be even more crippling. with some objectors and said about 250 houses It seems the business park between the A20 The NHS and social care are the most emo- should not be built in the Boughton Lane area and M20 west of Hollingbourne will go ahead, tive end. One way or another, we are going to of Loose because of congestion on local roads. bringing many new jobs. have to pay up – either directly for NHS serv- Syngenta site, Yalding, escapes due to flooding. The Local Plan has been a prolonged night- ices or through increased taxation. His decisions mean that about 100 houses a mare, but it seems the Government has now It is painful, but the alternative is to watch year need not now be built in the borough – but spoken. Many on Maidstone Council were our massively-growing and ageing popula- that still leaves a massive 1,000 or so a year. given a very rough ride, but in the main, the in- tion, with ever-increasing expectations, suf- Many will be built in an expanded urban area spector is vindicating their work and soon fering with reduced quality NHS and social of Maidstone. But the villages of Staplehurst Maidstone will have an approved Local Plan to care. Marden, Headcorn, Lenham and Harrietsham ensure we are in greater control of our destiny. Locally, the current investigation is reduc- will all become larger rural centres, which will His binding final report is still ahead of us – ing the number of hospital beds with more bring a mixture of opportunities and problems. and I hear KCC is very unhappy about some of care close to or in our homes. Both seem futile The Lenham area has been identified by his initial views. But I think the signals are clear. aims in the light of latest events.

Why not bypass the town? memorable service but the best was to come. The resulting extra traffic will not make Afterwards, we were allowed to mingle with the problem beer. MBC should look after REFERENCE the Leeds-Langley bypass – the inmates. It was a joy to meet so many of its own effects of planning in the area. why stop there? Go all the way, past these men, all good-humoured, all The requirement is a traffic link between Coxheath and re-join the M20 somewhere. appreciative of a few words of friendship M20/A20 and the A26 – easily said, but it This may (no, would) upset a lot of people, and all with a remarkably positive would appear not possible on the ground. as would Maidstone with a mono-rail perspective on life. Hermitage Lane is just that, a lane, now a network with sufficient park and rides and Earlier the bishop had reminded us that, bole neck with a major hospital within its no bus lanes. even in the despair of being stuck in prison length. Why did no one see it coming? I’ve just found a book of Maidstone 1949, over Christmas, there is a ray of light. These If you have any historical bearing you and a celebration of its town charter. It spoke gentlemen showed that there are indeed might promote the reinstatement of the Sir of an 18-hole golf course and an open-air some bright lights shining in the dark Thomas Wya name to the venue which is swimming pool for Mote Park – we didn’t recesses of Maidstone Prison. now called “Beefeater”, surely a brand get either of these. Let’s hope these lights continue to shine. name, not one recognisable for people trying David Green, Eddington Close, Maidstone Rob Bird, Liberal Democrat County to locate it? Councillor for Maidstone Central Anyway, I hope the borough council keeps up pressure against any more development Rays of light in prison in the area. RECENT reports of prison violence have Leave us in Malling Peter Royall, via email reminded us that prisons can be very dark REGARDING traffic congestion at and harrowing places. Thankfully this Hermitage Lane, planning proposals by despair has not pervaded all prisons. Tonbridge and Malling would further Meeting ban a puzzle I was privileged to be invited to aend the aggravate these problems. THE comments in your newspaper, from the carol service at Maidstone Prison. It was an I sent the council a strongly-worded leer Maidstone Borough Council spokesman to enlightening experience which overturned on the subject, but do not expect them to do the effect that I was not forced to leave the many preconceptions of prison life. much about my comments or anyone else's. I meeting on the Ramblin’ Man Fair music As we were taken through the countless think they have an agenda not for changing festival by the legal team is correct. locked doors and gates, we were reminded – a similar agenda to Maidstone, a total of But it was the advice from the legal team of the grim reality of being incarcerated 20,000 houses by 2031. that I had an “other special interest” which behind bars. But once the multi-national, I must address your presumption that caused the chairman, Councillor David multi-lingual service began, bright rays of Aylesford and surrounding area should Picke, to tell me that I could not speak and light shone throughout the Chapel of the belong to Maidstone. must leave the meeting immediately. Good Shepherd. Historically, they have never had anything It should be made quite clear that I was The choir performed with passion, to do with Maidstone. not accused of having a disclosable originality and no lile skill; the inmates in It holds few gems that we would want to pecuniary interest. This is important to the congregation joined in with gusto and join, it’s a cultural backwater. understand, because many people have commitment; and Bishop Trevor Willmo MBC is building right up to its boundary assumed that I did have such a financial gave an inspiring address. with Tonbridge and Malling, near the Sir interest. I do not, and in fairness to the legal It was a heart-warming and truly Thomas Wya pub. team, they did not accuse me of this.

42 Maidstone February 2017 downsmail.co.uk

But neither do I have any “other special given to building offices away from the town pretenders” in Westminster with the guts, Comment interest” in the relevant item relating to the centre and leave the town for shops. We the wit, or the will to stop this criminal Ramblin’ Man concert and the chairman have been advised after all to walk or catch waste robbing patients of proper car. could not think of a single reason for me the bus or get on a bike to go shopping. Phil Granger, West Malling having to leave the meeting. “I am 81 years old and I have done my He did relent and say that I could stay, but time – I should just ignore all this, but I could not speak. The chairman clearly did cannot. I wake up in the night worrying Town needs its hospital not comprehend that I had been elected by about what Maidstone might be like in times MY WIFE has received a 2.30pm the residents of Bearsted to speak for them. to come. I must have some peace of mind. appointment for the supply of a walking I should not have been excluded on the “Please, this is a very important issue and stick at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital. whim of officers. The reason I left was cannot be decided on a show of hands.” As we live in Coxheath, this would take a because siing in a commiee where I had Carlo Aabuto, Maidstone day by public transport or half a day in our been gagged was a waste of my time. But I own vehicle. This is difficult for OAPs with did have good reasons for wanting to speak. walking difficulties or driving on narrow, I had five points to make: Worshippers are welcome congested roads and returning in the dark.  The recommendations of the independent I RECENTLY aended a Maidstone United We have cancelled the appointment. sound engineer were not followed, in football match with my nephew and enjoyed However, the number of similar situations particularly in directing the loud speakers the experience, if not the result. will increase greatly if rumours of the straight to the residents outside Mote Park Here was a family occasion with teams closure of Maidstone Hospital and transfer and down into the arena directly towards fielding players from different faiths and to Pembury come true, as seems likely with the audience. ethnic groups. The same could have been the suitability of the site for house building.  The sound level limit of 65 decibels said for the supporters, too. Maidstone without a university is indeed recommended by the Noise Council is for all The other Saturday, I went by the regreable but for Maidstone to be without a music events, but particularly for events Maidstone Mosque in Mote Road during a hospital, the future would be appalling. such as Glastonbury which is in a rural “demonstration” by the far right against the Could this be an appropriate use for the location. Maidstone is not a rural location. expansion of the mosque. Invicta Barracks site?  The previous meeting of this commiee I would hope that these people were not M E Cook, Coxheath had asked for an income account for the locals. event – a profit and loss account in short. Like many, I didn’t even know there was a  The contract gave Maidstone Council a mosque in Maidstone until I read about the Blame the bankers share of the admiance money paid to planning application. Evidently, they I SYMPATHISE entirely with Dennis Fowle’s Ramblin’ Man. What that came to has never perform their religious worship and duties concerns that Maidstone Borough Council is been disclosed to the commiee or to the without disturbing anyone. being forced to make more savings as a public, who underwrite this event with their Long may it continue. result of government cutbacks. taxes. The silence leads me to guess that this A Twigg, via email However, I am puzzled as to why he sum is negligible. believes the economic problems are the fault  Has a new contract been signed for 2017? of former prime minister Gordon Brown. Cllr Mike Revell, Maidstone Borough NHS waste scandal The financial crash was caused by Council THE economies in the NHS are just more rampant greed and incompetence of the smoke and mirrors to cover up the appalling banks and Gordon Brown played a major waste and mismanagement. role in preventing a financial meltdown. A plea for our town Recent reports have shown £182m spent It was bailing out the banks that depleted I HAVE wrien the following leer to on “birth tourism” alone, not counting other our finances, not any mismanagement by Mr various authorities locally. It reads: treatment meted out to other health tourists” Brown. If there is criticism, it is that they “For a county town, it is a mess. The buses – £300million wasted on drugs and followed Conservative Party policies by coming from the south have to wait at the £700million on temporary staff for A&E. failing to regulate the financial institutions. end of Mill Street to turn up the High Street. There’s £1bn on agency staff, Since then, the Conservatives – aided for a The ones coming down to turn into Pudding equipment/supplies bought at top prices, while by the Liberal Democrats – have taken Lane have the same problem – and the unnecessary operations and managers on the view that our public services should be pollution you can see without monitors. top salaries with golden hellos and starved of funds in order to finance the road “Things can only get worse. Now we have goodbyes, payment for failure, fat pensions, to recovery. the chance to do something for Maidstone bonuses, etc. Instead, perhaps they should stop and all the people who live here. We can't afford to be a world health rewarding banks with big tax breaks and “The site of the Royal Mail sorting office service, or waste money making up for put an end to the huge levels of tax could be a fantastic site for a bus station. incompetence, laziness and greed. avoidance by multi-nationals and big “This opportunity will never come again. Why aren't the highly-paid managers businesses and those crooks who have not We have got a lot of empty office space in controlling this waste? Why the conspiracy only avoided paying taxes but also steal the Maidstone and we don’t need any more. of silence and the inaction? pensions and livelihoods of their employees. “For the future, consideration could be Sadly, there are none amongst the “great Jack Atkins, Maidstone

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