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Maidstone East Edition & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper Maidstone Weald Edition downsmail.co.uk FREEMaidstone & Malling’s October 2017 No.No. 246 1 newspaper

NewsFREE February 2020 Panto ahoy! Kate,No. 107, 274 dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in , stone, took to the to has died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. News David has disclosed. HousingOn board The Kentish Ladyplans were ‘unthinkable’, says MP national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Good neighbours Godmother), formerMP EastEnder HELEN Ste-Grant says the number of “Current targets for housing in Maid- MP’sHEART ofLocal Hospice Plan hasbid fan Booth (Prince Charming),houses being Eliza- planned by Maidstone stone are already high and the forth- HELENlaunched Whately a new asked scheme, the Com- beth Bright (Cinderella),Borough Council Craig is “unthinkable”. coming increase, to 28,000, by 2037, is governmentpassionate toNeighbours, halt the as Anderson (Buttons) Mrs and, Grant pictured, said: “There comes a point unthinkable. borough’sits patient housing list grows. scheme. à43 Stephen Richards … and where Adam numbers Bor- of new houses are “Housing targets must be fair, bal- zone (Ugly Sisters)too . high and infrastructure, however anced and achievable. At the moment, They were greetedgood, by pupils becomes from saturated. I believe we frankly, they are not.” PlansBattle for mystery Dr Nigel South Borough Primary School and l are in that zone. Special reports pages 18, 19, 20 & 21 THEREAD widow how oneof GP woman Dr Nigel helped Minnet members of the media. The panto willsolve walk a Battle the Grand of Britain runs from December 1-31. For tick- Canyonmystery for after charity. 50 years. à124 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. JasonAnthea’s Donovan cut above date Calls for action over A HAIRDRESSER is joining the THE former Neighbours star brings hisgrowing show to band the Hazlitt of people signing Theatreup to be next Church May. of 18 CCTVspeeding call and in HGVs a bid “working vicars”. à8 Legion conference RESIDENTS on a once-sleepy country back road now fear stepping out of THE Mayor of Maidstone their homes because of speeding traffic and articulated lorries. attended the Kent Royal British Legion annual toMotorists using stop Dean Street, fly-tipping meeting in . à near , regularly break the 10 CALLS30mph limit, for while the HGVs installation use it in of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a countryboth directions, road despite have the been nar- made by the local borough councillor. Mela back at Mote rowness at some points. THE much-loved Mela multi-cuul- Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- The road runs from the B2163 tural festival iks back at Mote Broomfield,until it meets has the been B2010 targeted Lower by was dumped and set on fire. lieves the cost to small firms of dis- waste dumpers for years, but in re- The church car park has also seen posing of construction waste at a ObituariesPark five year after the 32 Road, . council pulled its funding. à12 centLiberal months, Democrat the problem borough has coun- be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deter- come more acute. But it is a problem in many rural rent that is costing councils more. Parish Councils cillor Richard Webb, a member of 34-35à SpeedWatch,Construction said: waste, “People rubble, go hardway areas including Langley, Cllr Fort made her remarks as Obituaries 26 core, windows and household fur- and Kingswood. Water Lane in one of the borough’s closest trans- ASH dieback has been discovered in too fast and the lorries are not suit- MonksParishes Meadow in àDetling28-30; nitureable for is a left road illegally that size. – often strewn Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have fer stations at North Farm, Tun- in the middle of the road. also been targeted recently. bridge Wells, announced it will be village fete stall- “East Farleigh Parish Council is A MINK problem on an East Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month Last year, Maidstone Borough closed for 10 weeks. holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has aware of this issue and we are tail trying to push me a bit faster.” added: “It’s something many resi- resigned; yellowfarm has lines been are reportedneeded we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- She added: “If you go along the Farleigh looking to find ways of detouring Resident Simon Webb, pictured, dents are keen to point out. Some forto Buffkynthe Natural Way, England Otham, organisa-to allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 line of increasing fines, they have to HGVs. There are construction lor- said: “I walk along Dean Street and tell me they fear crossing the road buses through Imperial Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the tion; the clerk would obtain three ries which are not meant to go the traffic is horrendous. There are or walking from house to house. bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking The approaching darker evenings charge or offering it free may have quotes for a new light to be along Dean Street in both direc- too many HGVs and too many cars “I want to see action from the ap- Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. the desired similar effect.” placed in South Lane, Sutton Va- tions but they do anyway. doing far more than 30mph.” propriate council department to the picnic area and rear exit. land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- A three-monthly litter pick on the lence; the grounds maintenance “I find that if I stick to the speed The Conservative candidate at ensure Dean Street is the pleasant A recent event in Burberry Lane tive by the Environment Agency mile-long stretch of road through contract for is up limit along there, I have a car on my May’s borough council election and safe walk it should be.” Crime Reports 35 saw a caravan burned out while a and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- Leeds village produces an average for renewal in April. Residents have highlighted the torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32 black sacks of rubbish. VEHICLES have been driven over speed and volume of cars on bends Crime Reports à30 Cllr Fort, who also serves as a farmland in , causing and pinch points after the Horse- parish councillor, says teaching damgeSHEDS in to Boughton crops; an Monchelsea attempted hoes pub towards . children about social responsibility break-inwere burgled was reported and gardening in ; a Downs Mail approached Kent and the issue of litter in schools will vehicleequipment was vandalisedstolen; a new in Bearstedhome in County Council, the highways au- help take the issue off the streets. Rd, was; broken pumpkins into wereand thority, for a comment. She believes with every household stolenitems taken; from heating an allotment oil and in East Farleigh Parish Council de- receiving a weekly refuse collection Lenhamcopper piping. was stolen from a YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT clined to disclose its SpeedWatch service, there is no excuse for litter house in Headcorn. [email protected] beingdata as thrown it is still from being vehicles collated. or Comment 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumpedClerk Desiree in the road. Home refused to à comment further. Comment 38-39 Home Alarms supplied and fitted Home Alarms supplied and fitted visit www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 visit www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 NEW HOMES NOW AVAILABLE Willow Grove

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2 Maidstone Weald February 2020 downsmail.co.uk News Wild gardens Neighbours invited to IF you would like to make your garden wildlife-friendly, a talk in Headcorn could be for you. Maureen Rainey will be the speaker at Headcorn Active Re- help terminal patients tirement Association’s meeting at 2pm on Tuesday, February 25. HEART of Kent Hospice (HOKH) A common misconception is that Those over 50 are invited to be- has launched a scheme to provide HOKH looks after only terminal come members. support to the lonely and ill in cancer sufferers coming to the end For further details, call Jane plain sight – those living in their of their lives. In fact, says Mrs Stone on 01622 891475. community. Pugh, only 54% of the patient list Compassionate Neighbours are have cancer, while the rest may be trained volunteers who can call on suffering from other life-shorten- Mencap sale vulnerable people as they ap- ing illnesses such as motor neu- MAIDSTONE Mencap is holding proach the end of their lives. rone disease, multiple sclerosis, a fundraising jumble sale. HOKH chief executive Sarah dementia and frailty. It will be held at Cobtree Hall, Pugh (right) launched a funded Only £1 in every five is funded Willington Street, from 2.30pm to one-year pilot project to get the by the National Health Service, so 4.30pm on March 21. scheme started in the Maidstone, most of the cash has to come from There will be second-hand bar- and Malling areas. fundraising and donations. The gains, toys and bric-a-brac on The Aylesford-based charity, like hospice also generates revenues offer. many in its sector, is now under in- or trips out, which can enrich their though its charity shop in Head- creasing pressure to provide hos- final days. corn and Staplehurst. pice care to an ever-growing Mrs Pugh said: “The idea is that The Compassionate Neighbours Church quiz number of people. someone who coming to the end of movement was founded by St A QUIZ night is being held in aid The hospice has just 10 in-patient their lives is matched with a Joseph’s Hospice in in of Headcorn Parish Church. beds, meaning around 840 regis- trained Compassionate Neighbour 2014 , to help reduce loneliness and The event will take place at An- tered patients are actually sup- volunteer who can call on them.” social isolation in terminally-ill pa- dred hall on Saturday, March 7, at ported at home. But those numbers She hopes that over time, an tients. 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. have doubled in the past five years. “army” of volunteers will be re- l Contact Heart of Kent Hospice Teams of six to eight can enter. Most of these people can be cruited and trained, which will Compassionate Neighbours on Tickets cost £5 per person and are helped through emotional and help ease the burden on hospice 01622 792200 or email available from florists Sweet compassionate support, on visits staff and services. [email protected]. William or Headcorn Delicatessen.

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Maidstone Weald February 2020 3 News downsmail.co.uk Derek’s birthday tribute to pilot A MAN inextricably linked to the life, death and resting place of a Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot has celebrated his old age with a tribute to the World War II ace. Desmond Liddicoat, who has Battle of Britain, but only two had just turned 90, was married to the never been formally identified. woman whose dogged determina- Records showed one was killed tion identified an unknown airman in the afternoon and one in the shot down on September 5, 1940, morning. She knew he went down as the conflict raged daily in the in the morning and a silver pocket skies above Kent. watch was later confirmed by his Flight Lieutenant Freddie ‘Rusty’ family as having been given to him Rushmer (30) parachuted out of his by his father in Norfolk. stricken plane that morning only to By 1998, after Jean had pieced all be “torn to ribbons” by enemy ma- the pieces together, Freddie was chine gun fire. honoured in a service of commem- Inexplicably, he was buried in oration at All Saints’ in Staplehurst. the churchyard at Staplehurst as an So on January 18, widower Mr airman known only to God, and Liddicoat celebrated his 90th birth- lay there for 50 years until a simple Derek Liddicoat, left, celebrates his day at the Gallagher Stadium’s ap- twist of fate intervened. 90th birthday, and above, Flt Lt Rush- propriately-named Spitfire Lounge According to the Brickwall Club mer, who is buried in Staplehurst and raised £300 for the RAF Benev- ancestry search website, the story stopped in shock as they observed untended and overgrown grave of olent Fund. goes that as a young woman, Jean He said: “I was adamant that I the enemy fighter close in and fin- Flt Lt Rushmer in the churchyard. Jarvis (who would later marry didn’t want any birthday presents, Desmond) watched a fierce dog- ish the airman off. Upset by the neglect, Jean de- so we decided that raising money fight with her mother near their By chance, in 1990, Jean’s grand- cided to tidy the plot up and set for the RAF Benevolent Fund home that morning in 1940. son, who had been learning about about an eight-year quest to name would be a fitting alternative. Our Suddenly, a parachute emerged the great battle at school, asked her the unknown serviceman. family has an unusual connection from an RAF plane, pilot attached. to tell him about her experiences. She discovered he had been one to the Royal Air Force, but it’s one The pair started cheering but Later, the lad stumbled upon the of 32 pilots killed that day in the that we will never forget.” Easter panto HUNTON village has always Blackcaps’ foody visit Hit and run been proud of doing things dif- IF YOU have a feisty fighter at your ferently… and that includes an bird table, it could be that you’ve man injured Easter pantomime. spotted a new visitor choosing to A MAN was reportedly Performances of Peter Pan Re- over-winter in these parts. “knocked off his bike by a hit- turns start at 7.30pm on Thurs- The blackcap is being seen in in- and-run driver” in Coxheath. day, April 9, 10 and Saturday 11, creasing numbers in mid-Kent, The incident happened in when there will also be a 2pm choosing to spend the cold months Heath Road on Friday, Jan- matinee. in Britain, where gardens have well- uary 17. The venue will be Hunton Vil- stocked feeding stations. The cyclist broke his collar lage Hall in West Street, Hunton. But like the resident robin, the bone in two places as a result Tickets are £9, or £5 for those aged blackcap is fiercely territorial and of the crash. In a Facebook ap- under 14, from Sue Pinks on 01622 can scare off other birds, such as peal, a family member wrote: 820709, or [email protected]. finches and sparrows, which might “My brother-in-law got Under-fives go free. normally benefit from the food. knocked off of his bike last The Royal Society for the Protec- night by a hit-and-run driver; Get in line tion of Birds (RSPB) says that al- and shunted into a tree. though the warbler is primarily a sectivores, but as the supply of in- “It was in Heath Road at ap- THERE’S an opportunity to learn summer visitor, which heads south sects diminishes with the approach proximately 7.45pm. He has to line dance at the Monday after- to warmer climes in the autumn, of winter, they seem more than broken his collar bone in two noon sessions in Headcorn. birds are migrating from Germany happy to eat the sunflower seeds places. All we know is it was a New members are welcome to and north-east Europe in winter. we put out for the other small birds, large vehicle. There are no de- join in at the village hall (Andred) During the breeding season, there such as finches.” tails as it happened down a from 1.25pm to 2.55pm. For de- may be as many as 120,000 in the Louise Menenes-Bautista, who dark road so there were no tails, call Brenda on 01233 628542, UK, although the RSPB says that lives in Leeds, saw a flock of six passers-by. or just go along. number drops to 3,000 in winter. blackcaps over Christmas moving “Even though that’s all The male has a distinctive black through an ivy bush in her back gar- we’ve got to go on, someone Parish role marking on its head while the drab- den. might know something, so the further afield we can get this HEADCORN Parish Council has ber female has a brown cap. The mother of four said: “I was- But what is unmistakable is its n’t at all sure what they were at message the better chance of welcomed a new assistant clerk. us finding the culprit.” Stefan Christodoulou started fluting song, which has earned the first, but because of the distinctive warbler the name “northern marking on the head, they were A spokesman his new role in January. said: “Details of the vehicle He can be reached at the parish nightingale”. easy to identify. They were such Michael Beaman, of Sutton Va- handsome little birds – very distinc- are unknown, and a record of office or on assistantclerk@head- the incident was completed.” cornpc.org.uk. lence, said: “As warblers, they are in- tive.”

4 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News YMCA MAIDSTONE Derek’s birthday tribute to pilot £1m drugs haul Best things in life are FREE A MAN inextricably linked to the life, death and resting place of a Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot has celebrated his old age with a tribute to the World War II ace. under the stairs at YMCA Desmond Liddicoat, who has Battle of Britain, but only two had just turned 90, was married to the never been formally identified. A COCAINE smuggler has been woman whose dogged determina- Records showed one was killed jailed for eight years after a 5kg tion identified an unknown airman in the afternoon and one in the haul was found under some stairs shot down on September 5, 1940, morning. She knew he went down at business premises. as the conflict raged daily in the in the morning and a silver pocket When Kent Police went to the skies above Kent. watch was later confirmed by his building on Lower Road, East Far- Flight Lieutenant Freddie ‘Rusty’ family as having been given to him leigh, on August 29 2019, they Rushmer (30) parachuted out of his by his father in Norfolk. asked the only occupant, Andrew stricken plane that morning only to By 1998, after Jean had pieced all Mackie, pictured, if there were any be “torn to ribbons” by enemy ma- the pieces together, Freddie was drugs stored there. chine gun fire. honoured in a service of commem- Mackie directed them to a cup- Inexplicably, he was buried in oration at All Saints’ in Staplehurst. board under stairs where they the churchyard at Staplehurst as an So on January 18, widower Mr found three sealed parcels and six All our fitness memberships benefit from airman known only to God, and Liddicoat celebrated his 90th birth- grip-seal plastic bags containing lay there for 50 years until a simple Derek Liddicoat, left, celebrates his day at the Gallagher Stadium’s ap- 5.3kg of cocaine. The drugs were FREE Creche, FREE Carpark, FREE WIFI twist of fate intervened. 90th birthday, and above, Flt Lt Rush- propriately-named Spitfire Lounge seized along with a bag containing sentenced to eight years and four months in prison. T NO C mer, who is buried in Staplehurst scales, gloves and plastic bags. and over 60 fantastic Group C ON According to the Brickwall Club and raised £300 for the RAF Benev- RA T T R A Kent Police statement said: Kent Police Chief Inspector Ray N THIS A ancestry search website, the story olent Fund. O C T C stopped in shock as they observed untended and overgrown grave of Exercise Classes a week

Quiller said: “The quantity of co- MONTH ONLY ”The officers also seized £5,000 N

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the enemy fighter close in and fin- Flt Lt Rushmer in the churchyard. caine discovered at this business NO C from a filing cabinet and £2,000 T

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CONTRACTR ish the airman off. Upset by the neglect, Jean de- would suggest an organised crime R

from Mackie’s vehicle. He was ar- Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, T

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Desmond) watched a fierce dog- so we decided that raising money O T C

N fight with her mother near their By chance, in 1990, Jean’s grand- cided to tidy the plot up and set for the RAF Benevolent Fund rested and charged with being con- gang was involved in distribution. Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD O home that morning in 1940. son, who had been learning about about an eight-year quest to name would be a fitting alternative. Our cerned in the supply of cocaine. “I have no doubt the drugs, Tel: 01622 749404 www.maidstoneymca.org.uk Suddenly, a parachute emerged the great battle at school, asked her the unknown serviceman. family has an unusual connection “The cocaine was analysed and which were of a high purity, found to have a purity of between would have been mixed with other from an RAF plane, pilot attached. to tell him about her experiences. She discovered he had been one to the Royal Air Force, but it’s one Find us on Charity Number: 1110087 The pair started cheering but Later, the lad stumbled upon the of 32 pilots killed that day in the that we will never forget.” 80% and 100%. This has an esti- substances to increase the quantity mated street value of £1,000,000.” for sale on the streets. SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION Mackie of Lower Road, East Far- “Mackie and his criminal associ- Easter panto leigh, pleaded guilty at Maidstone ates were making a considerable Hit and run Crown Court and last month, at profit whilst bringing misery to the HUNTON village has always Blackcaps’ foody visit the same court, the 53-year-old was streets of Kent.” been proud of doing things dif- IF YOU have a feisty fighter at your ferently… and that includes an bird table, it could be that you’ve man injured Easter pantomime. spotted a new visitor choosing to A MAN was reportedly Performances of Peter Pan Re- over-winter in these parts. “knocked off his bike by a hit- turns start at 7.30pm on Thurs- The blackcap is being seen in in- and-run driver” in Coxheath. day, April 9, 10 and Saturday 11, creasing numbers in mid-Kent, The incident happened in when there will also be a 2pm choosing to spend the cold months Heath Road on Friday, Jan- matinee. in Britain, where gardens have well- uary 17. The Queens Head The venue will be Hunton Vil- stocked feeding stations. The cyclist broke his collar lage Hall in West Street, Hunton. But like the resident robin, the bone in two places as a result Tickets are £9, or £5 for those aged blackcap is fiercely territorial and of the crash. In a Facebook ap- 01622 843225 under 14, from Sue Pinks on 01622 can scare off other birds, such as peal, a family member wrote: 820709, or [email protected]. finches and sparrows, which might “My brother-in-law got Treat your loved one to a special meal on Valentines day Under-fives go free. normally benefit from the food. knocked off of his bike last night by a hit-and-run driver; The Royal Society for the Protec- Valentines Bottle of House Wine to Share! tion of Birds (RSPB) says that al- and shunted into a tree. Get in line Appetisers Deserts £49.95 though the warbler is primarily a sectivores, but as the supply of in- “It was in Heath Road at ap- Seared Scallops & Asparagus Chocolate Orange Torte THERE’S an opportunity to learn summer visitor, which heads south sects diminishes with the approach proximately 7.45pm. He has Kate’s 1,400-mile cycle to line dance at the Monday after- broken his collar bone in two A VISUALLY-impaired woman from It is estimated the cycling chal- Crispy Chilli Beef & Violet Dip Watermelon & Sorbet to warmer climes in the autumn, of winter, they seem more than Orange & Walnut Nest Raspberry Cheesecake noon sessions in Headcorn. birds are migrating from Germany happy to eat the sunflower seeds places. All we know is it was a Maidstone is taking part in a 1,400- lenge will take Kate three weeks. New members are welcome to and north-east Europe in winter. we put out for the other small birds, large vehicle. There are no de- mile cycling challenge. She added: “When I had the ac- Mains *Prices displayed are per two diners, join in at the village hall (Andred) tails as it happened down a During the breeding season, there such as finches.” Kate Bosley (57), who is pictured cident, I had a major head injury Salmon & Tiger Prawn Risotto bookings ONLY. Offer only valid on from 1.25pm to 2.55pm. For de- may be as many as 120,000 in the Louise Menenes-Bautista, who dark road so there were no with her husband John, lost a quar- and was unconscious for three 14.2.2020 from 18:00 tails, call Brenda on 01233 628542, 6oz Fillet of Beef & Lyonnaise Potato UK, although the RSPB says that lives in Leeds, saw a flock of six passers-by. ter of her visual field in a cycling ac- weeks and on a ventilator. My life Halloumi & Avocado Salad Bowl or just go along. For Allergen information please ask a number drops to 3,000 in winter. blackcaps over Christmas moving “Even though that’s all cident seven years ago. changed completely. From doing Lobster & Sweet Potato Fries member of staff. The male has a distinctive black through an ivy bush in her back gar- we’ve got to go on, someone She is aiming to raise £5,000 for very well in my career, I suddenly Parish role marking on its head while the drab- den. might know something, so the Kent Association for the Blind (KAB), wasn’t able to achieve those things. further afield we can get this who are celebrating their 100th an- It was very difficult to come to HEADCORN Parish Council has ber female has a brown cap. The mother of four said: “I was- message the better chance of niversary this year. terms with.” welcomed a new assistant clerk. But what is unmistakable is its n’t at all sure what they were at us finding the culprit.” Mrs Bosley said: “KAB supported Kate is also training to complete Stefan Christodoulou started fluting song, which has earned the first, but because of the distinctive A Kent Police spokesman me to understand the implications the London Marathon in April. To his new role in January. warbler the name “northern marking on the head, they were said: “Details of the vehicle of my disability, advised me on the sponsor her, go to www.justgiv- He can be reached at the parish nightingale”. easy to identify. They were such are unknown, and a record of support available and trained me in ing.com/fundraising/john-kate- office or on assistantclerk@head- Michael Beaman, of Sutton Va- handsome little birds – very distinc- the incident was completed.” how to walk safely with a cane.” bosley. cornpc.org.uk. lence, said: “As warblers, they are in- tive.” www.thequeenshead-pub.co.uk

Maidstone Weald February 2020 5 News downsmail.co.uk Bats at castle THE pavilion on the Leeds Castle estate is having a facelift for the Figures show police first time in 40 years, but it uncov- ered residents bosses did not know they had. Forty pipistrelle bats have been fail to back lorry ban using the building as a roost, said chief executive Sir David Steel. POLICE are under fire once more This came to light when work for failing to enforce the lorry ban LORRY WATCH began to replace old cladding. on the B2163 Leeds to Langley. TO TAKE part in Lorry Watch, call Writing in the parish magazine Figures obtained by Downs Mail co-ordinator Malcolm Gallihawk for Leeds & Broomfield, Sir David show Kent Police issued far fewer on 01622 861438 or email lgalli- said: “These were carefully re- tickets in 2019 to illegal drivers [email protected]. homed. The cladding has been in- flouting the weight restriction on stalled in such a way that the bats the B2163 than the previous year. Report illegal lorries directly to are welcome to return, as well as Just two penalty notices were Kent County Council at [email protected]. Please give providing much better insulation.” imposed on errant truckers, while 14 were handed out in 2018. the date, time, company name, Residents and elected represen- registration plate and photo if Rock festival tatives are disappointed and frus- you have one. ROCK legends Lynyrd Skynyrd trated after they held a positive will grace this year’s Ramblin’ Man and productive meeting with po- congestion and hazards that can be Fort said: “I don’t believe the police festival in Maidstone. lice last July to discuss the crisis. caused when drivers ignore the have spent any time in Leeds this Now in its sixth successive year, At that meeting, convened by prohibition signs. past year to monitor the situation the event at Mote Park last year at- Downs Mail, police pledged to “Officers patrol the area in line and issue penalty notices. tracted more than 20,000 rock fans play their part in discouraging lor- with emergency calls and other “This was something they for the three-day affair. ries rat-running through the village duties and, where available, will promised in July 2019.” Lynrd Skynyrd, the band behind between the A20 and the A274. respond when notified that a HGV County councillor Gary Cooke the classic hit Sweet Home Al- Maidstone commander Chief In- is committing an offence.” said: “It is incredibly disappointing abama, are on the Main Stage on spector Ray Quiller said: “Kent Po- Lorry Watch co-ordinator Mal- that police seem disinclined to pro- Saturday, July 18. lice are aware of residents’ colm Gallihawk said: “We sus- vide any meaningful support to Other acts include Hawkwind, frustration about vehicles not ad- pected the police had done next to residents and Lorry Watch. HGVs Billy Bob Thornton and the Box- hering to weight restrictions in nothing and the figures prove it.” are breaking the law on the B2163 masters and Clutch. Leeds and Langley, and the traffic Local borough councillor Gill and seemingly with impunity.” Your ideal job?

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6 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Bats at castle Teen arrested THE pavilion on the Leeds Castle A TEENAGER has been arrested estate is having a facelift for the Figures show police ’s busy year after a serious crash in Maidstone. first time in 40 years, but it uncov- The collision happened in ered residents bosses did not know Northumberland Road at about they had. 3.15pm on January 2. Forty pipistrelle bats have been fail to back lorry ban to mark 35th birthday A Kent Police spokesman said: using the building as a roost, said “A woman reported injuries and chief executive Sir David Steel. POLICE are under fire once more LORRY WATCH KENT Life heritage farm park was tended to by the South East This came to light when work for failing to enforce the lorry ban celebrates its 35th anniversary Coast Ambulance Service. began to replace old cladding. on the B2163 Leeds to Langley. TO TAKE part in Lorry Watch, call this year with a programme of 18 “An 18-year-old local man was Writing in the parish magazine Figures obtained by Downs Mail co-ordinator Malcolm Gallihawk special events. arrested on suspicion of dangerous for Leeds & Broomfield, Sir David show Kent Police issued far fewer on 01622 861438 or email lgalli- The working farm and visitor at- driving, driving without insur- said: “These were carefully re- tickets in 2019 to illegal drivers [email protected]. traction at Sandling opened in 1985 ance, failing to stop when required homed. The cladding has been in- flouting the weight restriction on by a police officer, theft, and pos- Report illegal lorries directly to and will mark its birthday with a stalled in such a way that the bats the B2163 than the previous year. Peter Rabbit-themed party on July session of cannabis. are welcome to return, as well as Just two penalty notices were Kent County Council at “He was later released pending [email protected]. Please give 4 & 5. providing much better insulation.” imposed on errant truckers, while further investigation." the date, time, company name, Kent Life, which boasts a host of 14 were handed out in 2018. buildings dedicated to the county’s Anyone with information or Residents and elected represen- registration plate and photo if dashcam footage should call police Rock festival you have one. cultural history, stands in 28 acres tatives are disappointed and frus- of farm land and orchards. on 101, quoting reference 02-0807. ROCK legends Lynyrd Skynyrd trated after they held a positive The site, once part of the Alling- will grace this year’s Ramblin’ Man and productive meeting with po- congestion and hazards that can be Fort said: “I don’t believe the police ton Castle estate, was owned by Theft charge festival in Maidstone. lice last July to discuss the crisis. caused when drivers ignore the have spent any time in Leeds this Thomas Wyatt in the mid-16th cen- annually, dried and packed by season and prepares for the arrival Now in its sixth successive year, At that meeting, convened by prohibition signs. past year to monitor the situation tury. hand in its , using only of some new-born lambs. A MAN who allegedly stole more the event at Mote Park last year at- Downs Mail, police pledged to “Officers patrol the area in line and issue penalty notices. After owner Sir Garrard Tyr- traditional techniques, at the annual l Bugs and Grubs Weekend than £500 worth of sportswear tracted more than 20,000 rock fans play their part in discouraging lor- with emergency calls and other “This was something they whitt-Drake died childless in 1964, Hops’ n’ Harvest Beer Festival in March 14- 15, 10am - 5pm. Get up from JD Sports in Maidstone failed for the three-day affair. ries rat-running through the village duties and, where available, will promised in July 2019.” his estate was bequeathed to the September. close and personal with nature to turn up at court. Lynrd Skynyrd, the band behind between the A20 and the A274. respond when notified that a HGV County councillor Gary Cooke people of Maidstone. Events coming up include: with the Kent Life bug hunter, visit Maidstone Magistrates Court is- the classic hit Sweet Home Al- Maidstone commander Chief In- is committing an offence.” said: “It is incredibly disappointing By 1983, a joint project between l February Fun and Frolics (Sat- critter corner or make a mini-beast sued a warrant without bail for abama, are on the Main Stage on spector Ray Quiller said: “Kent Po- Lorry Watch co-ordinator Mal- that police seem disinclined to pro- local councils had created ‘The Mu- urday, February 15 to Sunday, house. Special guest appearances David Akinwuni (31) of London. Saturday, July 18. lice are aware of residents’ colm Gallihawk said: “We sus- vide any meaningful support to seum of Kent Life’ which opened to February 23, 10am - 4pm) A fun- from the Gruffalo. He was due to appear at court on Other acts include Hawkwind, frustration about vehicles not ad- pected the police had done next to residents and Lorry Watch. HGVs the public on July 6, 1985. packed week full of activities and Go to www.kentlife.org.uk or call Friday, January 4, over charges that Billy Bob Thornton and the Box- hering to weight restrictions in nothing and the figures prove it.” are breaking the law on the B2163 Hops grown there are harvested trails as the farm enters lambing 01622 763936 for details. reportedly happened on Septem- masters and Clutch. Leeds and Langley, and the traffic Local borough councillor Gill and seemingly with impunity.” ber 24, 2019.

Maidstone Weald February 2020 7 News | Churches downsmail.co.uk Stylist has designs on church ANTHEA Mitchell has blue hair and wears crazy coloured boots to work and is the face of a growing number of “working vicars”. At 53, the step-mum of one has used to the idea and that talk of owned Hair Professional in King God is less weird than they first Street for 30 years, and is now cut- thought and more relevant.” ting herself a career as one of a She believes by keeping her cur- new breed of “Ministers in Secu- rent job she will be able to reach lar Employment”. more people who simply want to The former Maidstone Girls’ talk or offload some of the chal- Grammar School girl told Downs lenges life presents, but who do Mail: “I had shelved the idea of not attend church. becoming a vicar because I as- “I’ve always loved to talk and a sumed it was too late after devel- salon is a great place to commu- oping the salon. But, with huge nicate.” she said. encouragement from the congre- “I don’t intend to adopt any gation at St Paul’s, I decided to new character or force beliefs on step up.” to anyone but I’m here in a wel- She said: “As a working vicar, I coming environment and always can combine both my passions.” happy to listen.” That means 70 hours a week in the salon, theology college at West Malling, her religious stud- Rev Chris seeks new pastures ies and support work at St Paul’s. This will result in her ordination THE humour and the guitar play- any longer. The Diocese has been next summer. ing will be missing from services very supportive.” She said: “It’s a long journey, as Rev Chris Key heads off to He says he is looking forward to but it is only right the Church York after more than six years at retirement, and the chance to in- makes sure your calling is gen- St Luke’s. dulge hobbies, which include uine.” A keen walker, the 64-year-old photography and bird watching. Her work will be voluntary has bought a house for his city es- He told Downs Mail: “I don’t with the salon serving as her own cape with wife Mary, their dog suppose it will be long before I “church in the community”. and two cats. am volunteering my services to Asked what her colleagues feel After being ordained at 25, Rev the Church again in York, but on a about the prospect of her turning Key says: “It is time for some new more part-time basis!” up to work in a dog collar, she ad- blood. I will miss my congrega- St Luke’s and his popular lead- mits they were bemused. She tion and the friends I have made ership have created a congrega- said: “They have now grown ,but I can’t cope with the stress tion of 200-250. Reshuffle to help bishop Why attendance is growing REPORTS of rising congregations Rev John Corbyn, of Holy corn and the Suttons, she believes MAIDSTONE’S Archdeacon at cathedrals across the country Cross Church, Bearsted, believes there is still a huge affinity for Stephen Taylor has been called on have been welcomed, but do they cathedrals have capitalised on a people with their local church and to serve as the new Bishop of offer a wider insight into today’s rising call for “a sense of occa- family connections. ’s right-hand man as she set- connection with faith? sion”. Ian Parrish is the Priest in tles into her new post. Downs Mail has asked local Rose Hudson-Wilkin was ap- He said: “Canterbury, for ex- Charge at All Saints’ with St pointed at the end of last year, and church leaders what their take is ample, is a World Heritage Site, Philip in Maidstone and St with no break in service from her on the figures, which show that with a professional choir. Stephen’s in Tovil. previous posting as Chaplain to more people attended a cathedral “Christians want to maintain The huge 1,000-seater church in the Speaker of the House of Com- service at Easter (58,000) and their connection with the Church the centre of town is one of the mons, she is being assisted into her Holy Week (95,000) in 2018 than on important occasions. They UK’s listed “Great Churches” and new role and with introductions to at any time in the last decade – don’t want Christmas to be all almost 7,500 people attended ser- the many faces in the area. with attendance at Christmas and about a trip to Bluewater, but are vices in December. The appointment of Rev Taylor Advent 5% up on the previous looking for something bigger.” He said: “I think All Saints’, like as one of her senior aides means year at 750,000. Holy Cross holds five services our large cathedrals, offers the his duties as Archdeacon in Maid- At Rochester Cathedral, its on Christmas Eve and its Crib anonymity to just drop in. It also stone have been handed over tem- evensong service on Christmas Service, for the last three years, provides the choir, bells and porarily to Rev Canon Andrew Eve traditionally attracts 250 peo- has been at 6pm, producing a 25% smells that allow many to remi- Sewell, Priest in Charge at St Paul’s ple, but this time 800 attended. increase in numbers. nisce.” in Road. Taking on his role Weekday service numbers at Rev Ruth Haskett said: “If peo- In terms of resources, he says as Area Dean is Rev Chris Laven- cathedrals are also up 14% on the ple are going to Church, wherever good use of social media has been der, Priest in Charge at St Nicholas' previous 10 years to 37,000, with that is, I’m very pleased. Like a made by cathedrals to engage Church, Allington. more attending mid-week than on magnet, the bigger the response with the public, whereas smaller It is thought the temporary post- Sunday for only the second time the stronger the pull becomes.” churches still often rely on parish ings will be for up to six months. since records began. Based in the villages of Head- magazines to spread the word.

8 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News | Churches downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Stylist has designs on church ANTHEA Mitchell has blue hair and wears crazy coloured boots to work and is the face of a growing number of “working vicars”. At 53, the step-mum of one has used to the idea and that talk of owned Hair Professional in King God is less weird than they first Street for 30 years, and is now cut- thought and more relevant.” ting herself a career as one of a She believes by keeping her cur- new breed of “Ministers in Secu- rent job she will be able to reach lar Employment”. more people who simply want to The former Maidstone Girls’ talk or offload some of the chal- Grammar School girl told Downs lenges life presents, but who do Mail: “I had shelved the idea of not attend church. becoming a vicar because I as- “I’ve always loved to talk and a sumed it was too late after devel- salon is a great place to commu- oping the salon. But, with huge nicate.” she said. encouragement from the congre- “I don’t intend to adopt any gation at St Paul’s, I decided to new character or force beliefs on step up.” to anyone but I’m here in a wel- She said: “As a working vicar, I coming environment and always can combine both my passions.” happy to listen.” That means 70 hours a week in the salon, theology college at West Malling, her religious stud- Rev Chris seeks new pastures ies and support work at St Paul’s. This will result in her ordination THE humour and the guitar play- any longer. The Diocese has been next summer. ing will be missing from services very supportive.” She said: “It’s a long journey, as Rev Chris Key heads off to He says he is looking forward to but it is only right the Church York after more than six years at retirement, and the chance to in- makes sure your calling is gen- St Luke’s. dulge hobbies, which include uine.” A keen walker, the 64-year-old photography and bird watching. Her work will be voluntary has bought a house for his city es- He told Downs Mail: “I don’t with the salon serving as her own cape with wife Mary, their dog suppose it will be long before I “church in the community”. and two cats. am volunteering my services to Asked what her colleagues feel After being ordained at 25, Rev the Church again in York, but on a about the prospect of her turning Key says: “It is time for some new more part-time basis!” up to work in a dog collar, she ad- blood. I will miss my congrega- St Luke’s and his popular lead- mits they were bemused. She tion and the friends I have made ership have created a congrega- said: “They have now grown ,but I can’t cope with the stress tion of 200-250. Reshuffle to help bishop Why attendance is growing REPORTS of rising congregations Rev John Corbyn, of Holy corn and the Suttons, she believes MAIDSTONE’S Archdeacon at cathedrals across the country Cross Church, Bearsted, believes there is still a huge affinity for Stephen Taylor has been called on have been welcomed, but do they cathedrals have capitalised on a people with their local church and to serve as the new Bishop of offer a wider insight into today’s rising call for “a sense of occa- family connections. Dover’s right-hand man as she set- connection with faith? sion”. Ian Parrish is the Priest in tles into her new post. Downs Mail has asked local Rose Hudson-Wilkin was ap- He said: “Canterbury, for ex- Charge at All Saints’ with St pointed at the end of last year, and church leaders what their take is ample, is a World Heritage Site, Philip in Maidstone and St with no break in service from her on the figures, which show that with a professional choir. Stephen’s in Tovil. previous posting as Chaplain to more people attended a cathedral “Christians want to maintain The huge 1,000-seater church in the Speaker of the House of Com- service at Easter (58,000) and their connection with the Church the centre of town is one of the mons, she is being assisted into her Holy Week (95,000) in 2018 than on important occasions. They UK’s listed “Great Churches” and new role and with introductions to at any time in the last decade – don’t want Christmas to be all almost 7,500 people attended ser- the many faces in the area. with attendance at Christmas and about a trip to Bluewater, but are vices in December. The appointment of Rev Taylor Advent 5% up on the previous looking for something bigger.” He said: “I think All Saints’, like as one of her senior aides means year at 750,000. Holy Cross holds five services our large cathedrals, offers the his duties as Archdeacon in Maid- At Rochester Cathedral, its on Christmas Eve and its Crib anonymity to just drop in. It also stone have been handed over tem- evensong service on Christmas Service, for the last three years, provides the choir, bells and porarily to Rev Canon Andrew Eve traditionally attracts 250 peo- has been at 6pm, producing a 25% smells that allow many to remi- Sewell, Priest in Charge at St Paul’s ple, but this time 800 attended. increase in numbers. nisce.” in Boxley Road. Taking on his role Weekday service numbers at Rev Ruth Haskett said: “If peo- In terms of resources, he says as Area Dean is Rev Chris Laven- cathedrals are also up 14% on the ple are going to Church, wherever good use of social media has been der, Priest in Charge at St Nicholas' previous 10 years to 37,000, with that is, I’m very pleased. Like a made by cathedrals to engage Church, Allington. more attending mid-week than on magnet, the bigger the response with the public, whereas smaller It is thought the temporary post- Sunday for only the second time the stronger the pull becomes.” churches still often rely on parish ings will be for up to six months. since records began. Based in the villages of Head- magazines to spread the word.

Maidstone Weald February 2020 9 News downsmail.co.uk Woman hit and her car set alight A HEADCORN arsonist has He pleaded guilty at Maidstone been jailed after leaving his vic- Crown Court and last month was tim with serious facial injuries. sentenced to two years and six Joseph Wenham (50), of Head- months’ imprisonment. corn Road, , poured a He was also disqualified from drink over a woman’s head and driving for two years and three punched her, during an unpro- months. Legion presents awards voked attack on August 11, 2019. Kent Police spokesman PC Phil THE Mayor of Maidstone attended would be involved if they wished. On September 30, he torched Crowhurst said: “Wenham’s vic- the Kent Royal British Legion annual Conference was told £53 million her vehicle in Busbridge Road, tim was the subject of repeated conference at Headcorn village hall was raised nationally for the Poppy Loose, and destroyed it com- harassment and unwelcome at- on January 20. Appeal, £3 million raised by Sains- pletely. tention, during which time she The guest speaker was Steve bury’s, £1.2 million by M&S and Wenham’s car was found aban- was subjected to a violent and un- Sherry, chief executive of the Royal £20 million in legacies. doned in Headcorn Road. He provoked assault, leading to in- British Legion Industries, who out- The annual awards went to P tried to run off but was arrested juries which are likely to have a lined how the RBLI works to support Austen for the county standard after being found hiding in bram- lasting impact. ex-servicemen and women. bearer trophy, Mervyn McAllister bles. “The arson offence further Many of the silhouette “Tom- won the deputy county standard During police interview Wen- demonstrated Wenham’s volatile mies” displayed in 2018 were made bearer shield, Jesse Parsons won the ham denied any wrongdoing. He and dangerous behaviour and the by RBLI and they can still be bought novice trophy and Callum Baluch claimed the victim’s injuries must risks he posed. today, with a new garden version in- won the most improved standard have been a result of her falling “I hope the victim can take as- troduced to the range. bearer award. over and also denied being in- surance from the custodial sen- Jim France, area manager for the Harry and Cath Chapman were volved with the arson. tence that has been passed and Royal British Legion south-east, an- presented with county certificates. Wenham was charged with in- would like to thank her for her nounced celebrations for the 75th Kent chairman Richard Cast was flicting grievous bodily harm, support and courage in coming anniversary of VE Day and said he awarded his gold badge, an award arson, dangerous driving and fail- forward, which has helped us en- hoped veterans of that campaign given for meritorious service. ing to stop for police. sure a successful investigation.”

THE WALNUT TREE Your traditional, family run, local pub. WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS Kent’s longest running comedy club Every Thursday – Come and Free talk followed by open Q & A see the future stars of comedy live! By Michelle Nanouche CSB One Night TUESDAY 10th MARCH 2020 with Marilyn at 7:30 pm a night of Comedy and Music on Saturday 15th February Christ Jesus’ method of Live Music - every Friday healing wasn’t a personal Jam Night - First Monday power or secret knowledge, of the month (visit website but a spiritual practice of divine laws. Christian for details) Science explains how to practice these laws today Live Band Quiz Night Third Monday of Every Month

Dogs welcome on their leads. Lovely beer garden and car park. at Varied bar menu served every day 12noon-8.30pm. The Christian Science Church, Corner of Vinters Road and Sittingbourne Road, Come try our famous ‘Build a Burger’ meals! Maidstone ME14 5DX Find us opposite the entrance to Oakwood Park Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SR This talk is sponsored by Christian Science Society, Maidstone. For more information phone the Christian Science Reading Room on 01622 01622 727260 685830 or email [email protected] or visit email : [email protected] www.csmaidstone.co.uk/events web : www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com (Please note this is NOT Scientology)

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Maidstone Weald February 2020 11 News downsmail.co.uk Mela is back at Mote Park MAIDSTONE Mela will be returning to Mote Park this summer after years of campaigning. The celebration of music and dance from around the world has been based at Whatman Park for the last three years. Maidstone Borough Council, which pulled its funding in 2015, has now agreed to support the cul- tural event with a £5,000 grant every year for the next three years ,so it can eventually become “self- financing”. Mela was forced to relocate to Whatman Park where the sur- rounding infrastructure was not suitable for staging large events. Councillors and organisers have campaigned for the event to return to Mote Park as it has “far better space and parking facilities.” Gurvinder Sandher, from organ- isers Cohesion Plus, said: " The first Mela took place in Mote Park in 2003, and it remained there until 2015. Gurvinder Sandher, pictured at the Mela in Whatman Park “The last five years have been tough, but we have persevered and Mela is a unique event in Maid- spokesman said: “I can confirm “The organisers would be given the feedback from those who at- stone, with communities coming that the decision to relocate the a grant for £5,000 per annum for tended on the whole was to take it together through music, food and Maidstone Mela from Whatman three years from the council ,in back to Mote Park. dance to celebrate all that binds us Park to Mote Park was unani- order to help them grow the event “Now that we have accom- together as citizens of the bor- mously agreed at the Economic Re- so it can become self-financing.” plished this, all that remains is to ough.” generation and Leisure Committee The next Maidstone Mela is on raise the balance of the funds. The A Maidstone Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, January 28. Sunday, September 13,. Driver freed A DRIVER was “trapped inside a M20 delay for SMART review car” and airlifted to hospital after THE transport secretary has an- Gary Cooke who said: “To call that the M20 project has cost £92m a serious collision in Hunton. nounced the M20 SMART motor- them SMART motorways is a con- and is highly unlikely to be Emergency services were called way will not open until a “stock tradiction in terms, they are any- scrapped altogether but in my to the road crash involving one take” has finished, amid a nation- thing but. view it should not become a live vehicle in Water Lane on Mon- wide outcry over safety. “In fact, they have been proven all-lane running motorway UNTIL day, February 3 at around Grant Shapps has agreed to re- to be downright dangerous.” there are proper radar systems in 1.30pm. view the project, which has cost Tracey Crouch, who represents place that detect broken down ve- Three fire engines attended the £92m and caused delays, disrup- Aylesford and Chatham, said: hicles in live lanes which then close scene and crews used hydraulic tion and diversions for hundreds “The transport secretary an- that lane with immediate effect cutting equipment to remove the of thousands of drivers, before it is nounced that the All Lane Running and that the refuge areas are closer doors of the car and free the casu- opened in March. stretch of the M20 going through than the 1900m currently built. alty, who was passed into the care One of the most vocal critics Aylesford/Larkfield due to go live “I am not giving up the fight on of the air ambulance. about the motorway widening on March will NOT open until his this. If we are going to have an All Kent Police, SECAmb scheme, which effectively replaces stock take into smart motorways Lane Running motorway through paramedics and its Hazardous the hard shoulder with refuges has finished. my constituency, it needs to be as Area Response Team (HART) also areas, is Kent county councillor “I think we need to be realistic in safe as a normal motorway.” attended. Pub’s last order Thief took `week’s worth of food’ A FAMOUS Maidstone landmark A SHOPLIFTER stole groceries said: “On December 10 at stole various food items to get has been demolished. worth more than £100 from a su- around 9.05pm, the defendant him by and he is very sorry. The Victoria Hotel, know to ev- permarket in Maidstone. entered the store with an empty “He is currently looking for eryone as The Vic, shut in 2011 Raymond Tinker (35), of Cobb trolley and began to fill it up. He work in the building trade.” but is now part of the dramatic re- Way, Maidstone, stole “a whole was seen on CCTV observing The court heard Tinker had vamp of Maidstone East station. weeks’ worth of food” from the the till area before leaving the nearly £1,000 in outstanding The derelict building sat on top Co-Op in Willington Street. store without paying.” court fines. of a railway tunnel and was de- Maidstone Magistrates Court Defending, Lewis Holloway Tinker pleaded guilty to theft molished floor by floor. heard Tinker has 22 previous said: “At the time of the offence and was given a conditional dis- The work to the station is being convictions, mostly for theft. he was not working and was in a charge for one year. He was also carried out by Network Rail and Prosecuting, Nesisa Ndhlovu desperate financial situation. He fined £216. will cost £2.5m.

12 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Health | News Parents asked Mela is back at Mote Park for visiting Report highlights the MAIDSTONE Mela will be returning to Mote Park this summer after years of campaigning. service views The celebration of music and THE Health Visiting Service is dance from around the world has problems facing NHS looking for parents with young been based at Whatman Park for children to join a public advisory the last three years. group (PAGs). PROBLEMS facing the health service in Maidstone and West Kent have Maidstone Borough Council, The club aims to help gain feed- which pulled its funding in 2015, led to a report by Maidstone Council’s chief executive Alison Broom. has now agreed to support the cul- back from its service users in the The issue is largely due to a with district nursing, this is being tural event with a £5,000 grant Maidstone and Malling areas and shortage of health professionals – redesigned to community multi- every year for the next three years to discuss how it can improve. the area has about the worst ratio disciplinary teams; ,so it can eventually become “self- These forums will be chaired by l financing”. the health visitor district manager of patients to GPs in the country. Connectivity: Improving links Mela was forced to relocate to and will run roughly four times a The council now works increas- between primary care and ser- Whatman Park where the sur- year. ingly closely with the budget- vices impacting on health (such as rounding infrastructure was not The scheme kicked off in January holding GP-led NHS West Kent housing, leisure, debt and finan- suitable for staging large events. and the next group get-together is Clinical Commissioning Group cial management) will improve Councillors and organisers have not expected until the spring with (CCG) and Mrs Broom (pictured) outcomes and reduce pressure on campaigned for the event to return a date to be advised. is on three sub-groups. health systems; to Mote Park as it has “far better There is no need to book in ad- Her key points in the report l Kent’s new medical school: space and parking facilities.” vance. being considered by the council’s This is now operating and doctors Gurvinder Sandher, from organ- Everyone is welcome, including Community, Housing and Envi- will be trained from September to isers Cohesion Plus, said: " The first children. ronment Committee are: include placements in hospitals, Mela took place in Mote Park in Water and fruit will be provided, l Workforce: The NHS is to in- GP practices and other NHS 2003, and it remained there until and travel will be reimbursed. troduce 20,000 extra workers in to providers. 2015. Gurvinder Sandher, pictured at the Mela in Whatman Park If you have any questions, or if primary care nationally, and new cantly, with help from teams of Mrs Broom says it is important “The last five years have been you have any communication re- models and partners at local level health professionals and groups to promote Maidstone as “an at- tough, but we have persevered and Mela is a unique event in Maid- spokesman said: “I can confirm “The organisers would be given quirements please contact Sue to improve managerial leadership, of practices working together. tractive place to live and work”. the feedback from those who at- stone, with communities coming that the decision to relocate the a grant for £5,000 per annum for Sharman on [email protected] operational and financial arrange- This will release more GP time for This encourages people to move tended on the whole was to take it together through music, food and Maidstone Mela from Whatman three years from the council ,in or 07747 635257. ments; people with complex needs; to Maidstone and deliver services back to Mote Park. dance to celebrate all that binds us Park to Mote Park was unani- order to help them grow the event GP work is changing signifi- l Community healthcare: Along required by residents. “Now that we have accom- together as citizens of the bor- mously agreed at the Economic Re- so it can become self-financing.” plished this, all that remains is to ough.” generation and Leisure Committee The next Maidstone Mela is on raise the balance of the funds. The A Maidstone Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, January 28. Sunday, September 13,. Buildings to meet Driver freed A DRIVER was “trapped inside a M20 delay for SMART review population growth car” and airlifted to hospital after THE transport secretary has an- Gary Cooke who said: “To call that the M20 project has cost £92m a serious collision in Hunton. MAJOR new NHS building l Greensands health centre is nounced the M20 SMART motor- them SMART motorways is a con- and is highly unlikely to be work proposed in the Maid- to have new premises close to Emergency services were called way will not open until a “stock tradiction in terms, they are any- scrapped altogether but in my to the road crash involving one stone area is largely driven by Linton crossroads to replace take” has finished, amid a nation- thing but. view it should not become a live population growth in the Local two Coxheath surgeries. vehicle in Water Lane on Mon- wide outcry over safety. “In fact, they have been proven all-lane running motorway UNTIL day, February 3 at around Plan. This includes: l New staff building in Grant Shapps has agreed to re- to be downright dangerous.” there are proper radar systems in l 1.30pm. A local care hub (with ser- Springwood Way, next to view the project, which has cost Tracey Crouch, who represents place that detect broken down ve- vices yet to be finalised) which Maidstone Hospital, for key Three fire engines attended the £92m and caused delays, disrup- Aylesford and Chatham, said: hicles in live lanes which then close scene and crews used hydraulic could be located off the top of healthcare workers. tion and diversions for hundreds “The transport secretary an- that lane with immediate effect Week Street as part of Maid- l Need for new or extended cutting equipment to remove the of thousands of drivers, before it is nounced that the All Lane Running and that the refuge areas are closer doors of the car and free the casu- stone Station redevelopment GP practice serving urban opened in March. stretch of the M20 going through than the 1900m currently built. area or at Kent Medical Cam- alty, who was passed into the care Maidstone has been One of the most vocal critics Aylesford/Larkfield due to go live “I am not giving up the fight on pus, which includes KIMS hos- of the air ambulance. Cancer care on target recognised. about the motorway widening on March will NOT open until his this. If we are going to have an All pital. A key aim would be l Kent Police, SECAmb Lenham Heath garden com- scheme, which effectively replaces stock take into smart motorways Lane Running motorway through HOSPITAL staff say they are back therapy (SACT) training at Canter- services for patients with com- paramedics and its Hazardous munity is seen as an opportu- the hard shoulder with refuges has finished. my constituency, it needs to be as on target, hitting all eight NHS bury Christchurch University. plex needs. Mini care hubs for nity to plan infrastructure as Area Response Team (HART) also areas, is Kent county councillor “I think we need to be realistic in safe as a normal motorway.” timeframes to treat the region’s The new SACT nurses (from left) the Weald and Aylesford are part of a master plan, but no attended. cancer patients. include Debbie Owens, Claire also being considered. decision has yet been taken on Maidstone and Tunbridge Well’s Williams, Michelle Bell and Rudo l A plan is required for a healthcare building. Pub’s last order NHS Trust has reached the na- Chaza. premises now College Road l Brewer Street Surgery, Thief took `week’s worth of food’ tional targets now for the second They join another 30 qualified and Allington buildings are Bower Mount Centre, Vine A FAMOUS Maidstone landmark A SHOPLIFTER stole groceries said: “On December 10 at stole various food items to get consecutive month, placing it colleagues at Maidstone Hospi- has been demolished. “not suitable for longer term”. Medical Centre, Langley, Wal- worth more than £100 from a su- around 9.05pm, the defendant him by and he is very sorry. among the top 20% in the coun- tal’s Lord North Ward and Tun- l New site is required for lis Avenue Surgery, Bearsted The Victoria Hotel, know to ev- permarket in Maidstone. entered the store with an empty “He is currently looking for try. bridge Wells Hospital’s eryone as The Vic, shut in 2011 GP branch. Medical Practice, Albion Medi- Raymond Tinker (35), of Cobb trolley and began to fill it up. He work in the building trade.” The trust’s previous poorer per- Haematology-Oncology day unit. l but is now part of the dramatic re- Group GP cal Centre, Marden Medical Way, Maidstone, stole “a whole was seen on CCTV observing The court heard Tinker had formance has been met with a raft As well as giving chemotherapy practice (South Lane and Centre, Headcorn Surgery, Sta- vamp of Maidstone East station. weeks’ worth of food” from the the till area before leaving the nearly £1,000 in outstanding of changes that have improved treatment to patients, they are The derelict building sat on top North Street) needs new plehurst Health Centre are all Co-Op in Willington Street. store without paying.” court fines. waiting times. certified to discuss treatment with premises to respond to growth practices where work, includ- of a railway tunnel and was de- Maidstone Magistrates Court Defending, Lewis Holloway Tinker pleaded guilty to theft They include upskilling nine patients between cycles of molished floor by floor. in the area. ing refurbishment and recon- heard Tinker has 22 previous said: “At the time of the offence and was given a conditional dis- nurses to administer chemother- chemotherapy. l The work to the station is being Len Valley practice/Glebe figuration of existing convictions, mostly for theft. he was not working and was in a charge for one year. He was also apy. Those involved underwent in- The cost of the training was met branch needs extra capacity. premises, will be considered. carried out by Network Rail and Prosecuting, Nesisa Ndhlovu desperate financial situation. He fined £216. tense systemic anti-cancer by the trust. will cost £2.5m.

Maidstone Weald February 2020 13 News downsmail.co.uk 5G for town JCB used to take cash MAIDSTONE is one of the first towns in the country to be able to get 5G. EE was the first to launch 5G in the UK in May and has been machine at fuel station building its network since. Neil Aitken, BT Group regional RAM raiders ploughed through a lead for the south east, said: “It’s petrol garage in Staplehurst in the great to see Maidstone amongst early hours of the morning to the first locations in the UK to steal its ATM machine. welcome 5G. The new technology Police have appealed for wit- will enable a faster, more reliable nesses to the crime at the Esso mobile connection for both con- garage in Iden Park, Cranbrook sumers and businesses in the area Road. and is set to play a pivotal role in It is understood a JCB was used our lives.” to rip the cash machine from the wall shortly after 2.50am on Satur- day, January 25. Market date The business was forced to shut THE next East Farleigh farmers’ temporarily as a result of the at- market is on March 1. tack. The event will run from 10am Major damage was caused to the of the Esso garage at Iden Park, those responsible.” to 1pm at the Old School Hall, garage and detectives from the Cranbrook Road, shortly after Anyone who witnessed the inci- and visitors can enjoy a range of Kent and Essex serious crime di- 2.50am on Saturday, January 25. dent or has CCTV or dashcam cakes, pastries, jams, juices and rectorate are now searching for the “The cash machine was then footage that may assist the investi- vegetables. perpetrators behind the raid. placed on the back of a light- gation is urged to call the appeal A Kent Police spokesman said: coloured flatbed van, which was line on 01622 604100 quoting refer- “Kent Police are appealing for wit- driven away in convoy with a ence 46/15147/20. Hearing clinic nesses after a cash machine was white or silver Mitsubishi Shogun You can also call the indepen- HI-Kent Hearing clinic will be stolen from a petrol station in Sta- and a dark hatchback-style vehicle. dent charity Crimestoppers anony- holding a session at Headcorn plehurst. “Significant damage was caused mously on 0800 555111 or Methodist Hall. “A JCB is reported to have been to the petrol station, and detectives complete the online form at The session will run from 10- used to rip the ATM from the wall are carrying out enquiries to locate www.crimestoppers-uk.org. 11am on Tuesday, February 25. Family Funeral Service brings its personal service to Headcorn

Family Funeral that has been helping families in the area for making funeral arrangements we have learned Service brings its 40 years. how to help families have and be part of a personal service to Michael Lawrence said: “We are pleased our meaningful service that celebrates life. Headcorn branch in Headcorn High Street is now open. “Our approach is simple. We sit with you in FAMILY Funeral We’ve worked hard to ensure the premises is our office or your home, taking you slowly and Service has opened sympathetic to the village conservation area, methodically through the various decisions a new base in with help from Nick Prior, at Woodland that you will face and the options available to Headcorn, offering Carpentry, and provides a comfortable you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit its friendly service environment in which people can relax and talk and talk to someone with to even more through their needs. experience and compassion people across the “Jo will be our lady on hand to help before making a decision.” Maidstone area. families looking to arrange a fitting tribute Contact Family Funerals on The family for their loved ones. I will also be there daily Bearsted 01622 260200 or in owned, and family run business offers a to meet families and help with their Headcorn on 01622 962001. personalised approach, with the option of requirements and wishes.” home visits and access to a friendly voice at To meet his new business commitment, the end of the telephone 24 hours a day. Michael has recently moved to Headcorn. He Already operating out of Bearsted, Family added: “The loss of a loved one is never easy to Funeral Service is run by Michael Lawrence and cope with, and the added stress of making his son Robert, along with Kim and Angela - the arrangements can often bring further team behind the third-generation business emotional upset. With our experience of

4 Cavendish Way, Find us at: 59 High Street, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Headcorn Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 Maidstone ME15 8PW TN27 9QA South East London Region Winner 01622 260200 01622 962001

14 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News 5G for town Concorde talk JCB used to take cash MAIDSTONE is one of the first OUR fascination with the super- towns in the country to be able to sonic aeroplane Concorde is taken Trees planted to help get 5G. slightly off course with a talk in EE was the first to launch 5G in Headcorn this month. the UK in May and has been Using previously unseen machine at fuel station building its network since. footage, it will examine whether fight climate change Neil Aitken, BT Group regional suggestions of a cover-up sur- RAM raiders ploughed through a lead for the south east, said: “It’s OVER 100 volunteers planted petrol garage in Staplehurst in the rounding the plane are true or great to see Maidstone amongst simply a flight of fancy. more than 600 parkland trees on early hours of the morning to the first locations in the UK to donated land at Campfield Farm steal its ATM machine. Tickets are £5, from Headcorn’s welcome 5G. The new technology delicatessen and florist or by call- near and Police have appealed for wit- will enable a faster, more reliable ing Chris Jesson on 01622 890832. Loose. nesses to the crime at the Esso mobile connection for both con- This is the first venture by The talk, at Headcorn Village garage in Iden Park, Cranbrook sumers and businesses in the area Boughton Monchelsea Parish Hall, starts at 7.30pm on Satur- Road. and is set to play a pivotal role in Council and the village Amenity day, February 22. It is understood a JCB was used our lives.” Trust to help in the battle against to rip the cash machine from the climate change. Nearby villages wall shortly after 2.50am on Satur- such as Sutton Valence, Linton and day, January 25. Market date Barn dance ARE you ready for a hoedown in are likely to follow. The business was forced to shut THE next East Farleigh farmers’ Families were joined by Rotari- temporarily as a result of the at- the name of charity? market is on March 1. ans from Maidstone, Riverside and tack. The Rotary Club of the Weald of From left, Tony Fridd, Paul Firmin and nine-year-old Archie Fridd The event will run from 10am Dawn Patrol clubs, to plant the Major damage was caused to the of the Esso garage at Iden Park, those responsible.” Kent is organising a Barn Dance to 1pm at the Old School Hall, trees on 1.25 acres of land donated dents, to enhance the landscape l MAIDSTONE Borough Coun- garage and detectives from the Cranbrook Road, shortly after Anyone who witnessed the inci- on Saturday, March 14, at Head- and visitors can enjoy a range of by the Firmin family in memory of and fight climate change. cil is felling 300 trees in an effort Kent and Essex serious crime di- 2.50am on Saturday, January 25. dent or has CCTV or dashcam cakes, pastries, jams, juices and corn Village Hall with an open in- Ian Firmin, who died recently. Cllr Matthew Balfour said: “We to prevent flooding in Mote Park. rectorate are now searching for the “The cash machine was then footage that may assist the investi- vegetables. vitation. Boughton Monchelsea Scouts set are dealing with a varied county, The work will entail the rein- perpetrators behind the raid. placed on the back of a light- gation is urged to call the appeal Tickets are £10, with the pro- up a stall to give out free food and lots of which is already built up forcement of the dam between the A Kent Police spokesman said: coloured flatbed van, which was line on 01622 604100 quoting refer- ceeds going to Headcorn drink on the chilly morning. and choked.” park and Turkey Mill. The coun- “Kent Police are appealing for wit- driven away in convoy with a ence 46/15147/20. Hearing clinic Churches. The evening starts at A centrepiece in an area of high Pressure has been growing to cil fears should flooding con- nesses after a cash machine was white or silver Mitsubishi Shogun You can also call the indepen- HI-Kent Hearing clinic will be 7pm. habitat value has been retained to counter the loss of trees in Kent, tinue, the dam will disintegrate, stolen from a petrol station in Sta- and a dark hatchback-style vehicle. dent charity Crimestoppers anony- holding a session at Headcorn For tickets, call Chris Jesson on become a floral glade. not least from ash dieback disease. causing thousands of gallons of plehurst. “Significant damage was caused mously on 0800 555111 or Methodist Hall. 01622 890832 or pick them up at Kent County Council has A KCC working group has now water from the 30 acre lake to “A JCB is reported to have been to the petrol station, and detectives complete the online form at The session will run from 10- the village delicatessen or the pledged to plant a tree for every been set up to formulate a policy to enter the Medway at Maidstone used to rip the ATM from the wall are carrying out enquiries to locate www.crimestoppers-uk.org. 11am on Tuesday, February 25. florist, Sweet William. one of the county’s 1,500,000 resi- achieve the tree target. town centre.

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Maidstone Weald February 2020 15 News downsmail.co.uk One-way idea is ‘not viable’ Call for plans on £1m THE Leeds parish clerk is to write to Kent County Council (KCC) after a resident suggested making Burberry Lane one way climate change budget to ease pressure on the B2163. Traffic would come off Pen- THE borough council has been “Where there are large scale fold Hill at the Leeds Castle end challenged on how it will spend building works, we would be ad- £1m of public money it has vocating the replacement of these of the village and emerge at Lan- pledged to tackle climate change areas with equal if not better biodi- gley. and promoting biodiversity. versity.” But county councillor for the Both the Green Party and the MBC said funding will be priori- area and campaigner for a relief Conservatives have asked for de- tised based on the contribution it road, Cllr Gary Cooke said: “We tails of expenditure plans. makes towards achieving the tar- have looked at that option and The sum set aside was agreed by get of reducing carbon emissions. our specialists said it is not vi- a Maidstone Borough Council “A report setting out proposals able to widen Burberry Lane.” committee and a working group is will go to the policy and resources Four options for a relief road drawing up priorities. committee in April, when the have been identified which meet Simon Webb (pictured), Tory money will be available, and will the necessary cost-to-benefit candidate for Coxheath and include details of projects or initia- ratio. Hunton in the May local elections, tives the climate change working But, said Cllr Cooke, the relief said the money must be spent on more risk assessments. Personally, group will put in place.” road would have to be included the ground, not on local govern- I want to see substantial tree plant- Liberal Democrat MBC leader in the revised Local Plan. The ment conferences and more coun- ing in and around Maidstone.” Cllr Martin Cox said: “In April LibDemocrat-controlled Maid- cil officers. Green Party spokesman Donna 2019, Maidstone Borough Council stone Borough Coucnil did not Mr Webb, a leading education Greenan, who is standing in the declared twin emergencies in bio- include it in the 2017 Local Plan. specialist, said: “It’s good that we borough council election in the diversity and climate change, and He added: “It simply cannot finally have a budget of sorts, albeit town centre Bridge ward, said: this funding demonstrates our work unless it is in the Local on paper only, but we need a “The big questions are how will commitment towards tackling this Plan as it is reviewed. The in- proper plan to ensure the money this be done and where will the national emergency. This funding frastructure has to be in before isn’t just spent on local govern- money be spent. I hope there will will make a huge difference. It is we can think about building ment conferences and more cli- be safer and improved walking, our small contribution to fighting more houses.” mate change officers producing cycle ways and tree planting. climate change globally.”

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16 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News downsmail.co.uk One-way idea is ‘not viable’ Call for plans on £1m IndependentIndependent Financial Financial Advice Advice THE Leeds parish clerk is to write to Kent County Council Retirement Specialists (KCC) after a resident suggested Retirement Specialists making Burberry Lane one way climate change budget Providing advice on Company Pensions and to ease pressure on the B2163. ProvidingPersonal Pe ansidviocens on. Company Pensions (including Traffic would come off Pen- THE borough council has been “Where there are large scale Final Salary Schemes) and Personal Pensions. fold Hill at the Leeds Castle end challenged on how it will spend building works, we would be ad- Also providing advice on Investments, Personal £1m of public money it has vocating the replacement of these of the village and emerge at Lan- AlsProteo prctionovid (inglife cadovevicr e tcon.) , InEstatvestme / eInhnts,eritan Persocen Taaxl pledged to tackle climate change areas with equal if not better biodi- gley. and promoting biodiversity. versity.” ProtPlanning,ection Wills, (life cPovewerrs e tofc.) Attorne, Estatey /a nInhd Territusatsn.ce Tax But county councillor for the Both the Green Party and the MBC said funding will be priori- Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts. area and campaigner for a relief Conservatives have asked for de- tised based on the contribution it road, Cllr Gary Cooke said: “We tails of expenditure plans. makes towards achieving the tar- We offer advice across a wide range of services have looked at that option and 01622 391 444 The sum set aside was agreed by get of reducing carbon emissions. including investments, savings, mortgages our specialists said it is not vi- a Maidstone Borough Council “A report setting out proposals We offer advice across a wide range of services [email protected] able to widen Burberry Lane.” (including Equity Release) and protection. We are 01622 391 444 committee and a working group is will go to the policy and resources including investments, savings, mortgages and Four options for a relief road drawing up priorities. committee in April, when the committed to putting clients at the heart of [email protected] have been identified which meet Simon Webb (pictured), Tory money will be available, and will proteverythingection. wWee d aro ean committedd to developing to pu ttinglong-term clients the necessary cost-to-benefit candidate for Coxheath and include details of projects or initia- aret lationshipsthe heart o withf eve rythingour clients we. dThio ans isd achito eved by www.handffinH&F Financiala Limnciaitel.cdo.uk ratio. Hunton in the May local elections, tives the climate change working denevselopinguring that lo ng-termwe underst relationshipand the individus withal onuered s But, said Cllr Cooke, the relief said the money must be spent on more risk assessments. Personally, group will put in place.” cofli eantchs. cliThient,s i sa ndac hievto impled ebmy eenntingsuring tailor thated we Granville House road would have to be included the ground, not on local govern- I want to see substantial tree plant- Liberal Democrat MBC leader H&FGranv Finillea Roanciald Limited in the revised Local Plan. The ment conferences and more coun- ing in and around Maidstone.” Cllr Martin Cox said: “In April ufinannderstandcial plans the to individ addressual tho neeseds needs. of each client, LibDemocrat-controlled Maid- cil officers. Green Party spokesman Donna 2019, Maidstone Borough Council SuMaiitedston 1B e aMndortgag to imple ore Emqeuntingity Releas tailoreded from fin ayouncri ahlo plmaen wills to b e stone Borough Coucnil did not Mr Webb, a leading education Greenan, who is standing in the declared twin emergencies in bio- address those needs. 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Maidstone Weald February 2020 17 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk A249 scheme moves ahead Village backs council AN ambitious multi-million pound scheme to ease congestion on the often gridlocked A249 has progressed, after Kent County in call for sites battle Council applied for permission to extend it further. The £11m A249 Bearsted Road EAST Farleigh residents packed the school hall and supported their Improvement Scheme was given parish council in a fight against 16 land offers for residential development. the go-ahead two years ago to en- large the roundabaouts near J7 of If permitted by Maidstone Bor- l Sustainability Poor public services the M20 around Bearsted Road. ough Council (MBC), they would By Dennis Fowle and amenities cannot sustain an in- The carriageway will be triple the number of houses in their crease in population and traffic. widened between Bearsted Road Domesday Book riverside village and Simon Finlay Medical care and supplies are only and New Cut Road, and traffic from about 650 to more than 2,000. accessible by car; there are no cycle lights will be introduced at J7. They would also add massively to lanes or safe footpaths and the school The 18-month works, while traffic problems on their narrow is over subscribed. needed to ease the worsening cri- country lanes, already seriously grid- Cllr Charlton said: “Your council sis on one road as a result of Maid- locked at times. will strenuously defend East Farleigh stone Borough Council’s (MBC) Residents watched a site-by-site against over development. A thor- house-building programme, will presentation, with the council’s key ough plot-by-plot assessment will be cause massive disruption. reasons for objection and indications formulated and professionally pack- KCC also intends to build an ac- of extra traffic movements. They aged.” cess road into Newnham Court via then added their own objections. Of the 16 land offers, five are in the New Cut roundabout and an ap- They backed the council’s propos- heart of the parish, lining Lower plication has been submitted to als, which include engaging a plan- Road, which villagers now see as a MBC. Pressure is mounting on the ning specialist to help draft the Maidstone bypass as cars aim for the roads in the area. objections document to go to MBC. village bridge or bridge, or Three new schools in the imme- The council agreed to consider a one- Vicarage Lane and Forge Lane. They diate area of the works have been off addition to the next parish precept weighted against development in include Bydews Farm (500 houses), given the go-ahead. to raise a fighting fund. open countryside to prevent urban Court Lodge Farm (270) and These could open almost at the The presentation was made by sprawl; Vicarage Lane/Lower Road junction same time as the work will be un- council chairman Cllr. Glyn Charlton l Protections The approved village (60). dertaken.The opening of a new (pictured). He met a senior MBC plan requires very little new devel- One of the most concerning is M&S store will add further traffic. planning officer, who told him the opment; the Medway Valley conser- Court Lodge Farm, now in owner- parish was not in the top tier for ac- vation area covers the river side of ship of College, , Lenham ‘no’ ceptance of land offers – in fact it was Lower Road; the Loose Valley con- which also includes an enlarged as low as tier 3 or 4 – and there were servation area adjoins the village; business area. It proposes five access A SURVEY conducted by MP powerful reasons for refusals. l Traffic The village, with narrow roads, three on to Lower Road and Helen Whately has revealed al- Cllr Charlton said key reasons in- dangerous roads, a single-lane two to Forge Lane. most overwhelming opposition to clude: bridge (an ancient monument) and Conservative council candidate for Maidstone Borough Council's plan l Green space Large areas of green adjacent level crossing gates, already East Farleigh, Simon Webb, said: for 5,000 home "garden commu- space, mainly grade 1 agricultural, suffers extensive congestion with “We must keep our villages special. I nity" at Lenham Heath.. should be retained to maintain the long delays and disruption, espe- strongly object to this historic village The survey shows 96% of re- urban anti-coalescence policy. The cially Station Hill and its approaches being joined with Tovil on one side sponders believe that the location national planning policy is strongly and winding Dean Street; and Fant on the other. It’s too much.” is wrong for such a large number of homes, while 2% support it. Mrs Whately's survey, which had 1,051 responses, shows people are worried about the impact on Protestors oppose 2,000 homes the wildlife, the countryside and ABOUT 40 protestors from the Mar- increase in traffic. den Planning Opposition group turned up at the town hall on Jan- Have your say uary 7 to hand in a petition. DOWNS Mail’s online poll on the The movement is against 2,000 housing crisis facing the borough houses being built in the village as has sparked a huge response, with part of Maidstone Borough Coun- almost 2,000 voting so far. cil's massive house-building pro- We asked: “Given mounting con- gramme. cerns among residents about house- Wearing distinctive yellow and building, traffic on the roads and the black T-shirts, the members at- squeeze on public services, should tended the meeting of the influen- Liberal Democrat-controlled Maid- tial strategic planning and stone Borough Council consider the infrastructure committee, as part of suspension of any further develop- the SaveMarden campaign. ment?” Conservative borough councillor As we went to press, 95% said Jonathan Purle said: “It was a pretty ‘yes’ while only 5% said ‘no’. Go to impressive effort to get dozens of www.downsmail.co.uk/ people out on a January evening, views/14/ to vote. just a few days into the new year."

18 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Housing | News A249 scheme moves ahead Village backs council MP ‘out of loop on homes plan’ AN ambitious multi-million MP HELEN Whately laid into the Lib Dem leadership of Maidstone Borough Council at a meet- pound scheme to ease congestion on the often gridlocked A249 has ing about plans for 5,000 homes on Lenham Heath. progressed, after Kent County in call for sites battle Mrs Whately, the member for on the heath, with a motorway the land, which is about 10% of the Council applied for permission to and Mid-Kent, told 300 junction and a high-speed rail stop. commercial value to a developer. extend it further. angry residents she was cut out of MBC’s plans were revealed as One landowner, John Arthur- The £11m A249 Bearsted Road EAST Farleigh residents packed the school hall and supported their the loop in the early stages of the part of the “call for sites” last year, Boyd, who has a 50% stake in a Improvement Scheme was given parish council in a fight against 16 land offers for residential development. the go-ahead two years ago to en- scheme. It would normally be a where landowners put forward landholding of about 20 acres, told large the roundabaouts near J7 of If permitted by Maidstone Bor- l Sustainability Poor public services courtesy to keep affected members areas they believed could be suit- the meeting that he and the other the M20 around Bearsted Road. ough Council (MBC), they would By Dennis Fowle and amenities cannot sustain an in- of parliament informed. able for development, as part of a owners were merely “custodians”. The carriageway will be triple the number of houses in their crease in population and traffic. Instead, the MP learned about review of the 2017 Local Plan. He is opposed to selling his plot. widened between Bearsted Road Domesday Book riverside village and Simon Finlay Medical care and supplies are only MBC’s decision to become a self- Mr Cornall said government was We have also learned that up to and New Cut Road, and traffic from about 650 to more than 2,000. accessible by car; there are no cycle styled “master developer” through demanding the council increased six key landowners may also be lights will be introduced at J7. They would also add massively to lanes or safe footpaths and the school the local media. its annual delivery from 883 to unwilling to sell, raising the spec- The 18-month works, while traffic problems on their narrow is over subscribed. Mrs Whately was on stage at 1,236, and that “garden commu- tre again of the land being taken needed to ease the worsening cri- country lanes, already seriously grid- Cllr Charlton said: “Your council Lenham community centre with nity” projects were identified by the through compulsory purchase. sis on one road as a result of Maid- locked at times. will strenuously defend East Farleigh Lib Dem MBC leader Cllr Martin council’s executive as an effective Cllr Cox told the meeting that if stone Borough Council’s (MBC) Residents watched a site-by-site against over development. A thor- Cox, his deputy Cllr Fay Gooch, means of hitting targets and pro- deals could not be secured, the house-building programme, will presentation, with the council’s key ough plot-by-plot assessment will be and director of regeneration and tecting land supply arrangements. council would have “backed off”. cause massive disruption. reasons for objection and indications formulated and professionally pack- place William Cornall, who will The meeting heard there were Cllr Cox said: “Not everybody is KCC also intends to build an ac- of extra traffic movements. They aged.” oversee the Lenham project. eight principal landowners, but Mr behind this, but we have very few cess road into Newnham Court via then added their own objections. Of the 16 land offers, five are in the Mr Cornall told the audience on Cornall admitted there were no options. We didn’t pick (Lenham New Cut roundabout and an ap- They backed the council’s propos- heart of the parish, lining Lower January 24 about the authority builds it, and infrastructure.” agreements in place to secure the Heath) and say ‘That’s where we plication has been submitted to als, which include engaging a plan- Road, which villagers now see as a having to meet the housing targets She later said she was 100% op- land needed for the development. are going to cause havoc’.” MBC. Pressure is mounting on the ning specialist to help draft the Maidstone bypass as cars aim for the set down by central government. posed to the development, which Downs Mail understands there His deputy, Cllr Gooch, said the roads in the area. objections document to go to MBC. village bridge or , or Mrs Whately said: “The MP is “feels like it’s gone on behind are more than 25 property owners government targets MBC had been Three new schools in the imme- The council agreed to consider a one- Vicarage Lane and Forge Lane. They usually involved in consultation, closed doors”. in the footprint of the proposed set were “almost unachievable”. diate area of the works have been off addition to the next parish precept weighted against development in include Bydews Farm (500 houses), but the first time I saw this was in MBC leader Cllr Martin Cox and site, which borders Charing Heath Lenham Heath resident Mark given the go-ahead. to raise a fighting fund. open countryside to prevent urban Court Lodge Farm (270) and the local media – that’s not the way top officers have been accused of on the edge of Ashford Borough Street said local people were These could open almost at the The presentation was made by sprawl; Vicarage Lane/Lower Road junction the process should work.” secrecy in attempts to secure land, Council. These have small but sig- shareholders in the council’s busi- same time as the work will be un- council chairman Cllr. Glyn Charlton l Protections The approved village (60). She added: “I have heard a lot of using agents Barton Willmore, nificant holdings and there may be ness and public money must not dertaken.The opening of a new (pictured). He met a senior MBC plan requires very little new devel- One of the most concerning is blame levelled at government. The from the owners and using non- up to 150 householders, too. be spent in this way. M&S store will add further traffic. planning officer, who told him the opment; the Medway Valley conser- Court Lodge Farm, now in owner- council has choices it can make disclosure agreements. Landowners have been offered The meeting was organised by parish was not in the top tier for ac- vation area covers the river side of ship of Trinity College, Cambridge, about where housing goes, how it The council plans 5,000 houses 10 times the agricultural value of the Save Our Heath Lands group. Lenham ‘no’ ceptance of land offers – in fact it was Lower Road; the Loose Valley con- which also includes an enlarged as low as tier 3 or 4 – and there were servation area adjoins the village; business area. It proposes five access A SURVEY conducted by MP powerful reasons for refusals. l Traffic The village, with narrow roads, three on to Lower Road and Protecting sky Helen Whately has revealed al- COUNCILLORS have taken steps All eyes are now on Sevenoaks Cllr Charlton said key reasons in- dangerous roads, a single-lane two to Forge Lane. most overwhelming opposition to clude: bridge (an ancient monument) and Conservative council candidate for to prevent over-development of Maidstone Borough Council's plan ALL eyes in the planning world l Green space Large areas of green adjacent level crossing gates, already East Farleigh, Simon Webb, said: the “skyscapes”. for 5,000 home "garden commu- are on Sevenoaks District Council space, mainly grade 1 agricultural, suffers extensive congestion with “We must keep our villages special. I Cllr Steve Munford called for a nity" at Lenham Heath.. (SDC) which has, effectively, re- should be retained to maintain the long delays and disruption, espe- strongly object to this historic village policy to protect the sky as well as The survey shows 96% of re- fused to accept the Government’s urban anti-coalescence policy. The cially Station Hill and its approaches being joined with Tovil on one side the land. sponders believe that the location housing targets. national planning policy is strongly and winding Dean Street; and Fant on the other. It’s too much.” MBC was forced to abandon is wrong for such a large number plans for a 14 storey block of flats The authority was required to of homes, while 2% support it. at The Broadway when the plan to deliver 11,312 in its Local Plan Mrs Whately's survey, which move the war memorial to accom- but instead submitted 9,996 citing had 1,051 responses, shows people modate it sparked outrage. the fact that 93% of the area is are worried about the impact on Protestors oppose 2,000 homes classified Green Belt. the wildlife, the countryside and The matter is now in the hands ABOUT 40 protestors from the Mar- increase in traffic. Rebels’ voice of a planning inspector who set a den Planning Opposition group deadline of January 17 for SDC to turned up at the town hall on Jan- A FACEBOOK page set up for people concerned about over-de- withdraw the plan. The council Have your say uary 7 to hand in a petition. did not comply. The movement is against 2,000 velopment in the borough al- DOWNS Mail’s online poll on the ready has more than 180 It is a tense stand-off and the spector’s misguided conclusions its draft Local Plan. housing crisis facing the borough houses being built in the village as outcome will be determined if the part of Maidstone Borough Coun- followers. are implemented. This cannot be However, before and during has sparked a huge response, with Housing Rebellion Maidstone is inspector rules the authority right. the examination, the council almost 2,000 voting so far. cil's massive house-building pro- failed in its “duty to cooperate”. gramme. designed to be a sounding board “Bringing this issue to the at- claimed it was able to prove that it We asked: “Given mounting con- for those worried that roads and The leader Cllr Peter Fleming tention of the secretary of state had worked closely with neigh- cerns among residents about house- Wearing distinctive yellow and wrote to the secretary of state for black T-shirts, the members at- services are unable to cope with now is the right thing to do. We bouring councils since starting building, traffic on the roads and the MBC’s housing quotas. housing challenging the inspec- have asked to meet with him at work on the new plan in 2015. squeeze on public services, should tended the meeting of the influen- tor's conclusion that SDC failed to tial strategic planning and his earliest convenience to discuss It tees up the politically tantilis- Liberal Democrat-controlled Maid- work with its neighbours to find the points raised in our letter.” ing prospect of the truest of true stone Borough Council consider the infrastructure committee, as part of Housing rally sites for new homes. the SaveMarden campaign. Last October, the inspector, blue Tory councils taking on a suspension of any further develop- SAVE Our Heath Lands, the pres- Cllr Peter Fleming said: “We are Conservative borough councillor Karen Baker, cancelled SDC’s Conservative Government with a ment?” sure group opposed to 5,000 not an anti-development council. Jonathan Purle said: “It was a pretty Local Plan hearings after two massive majority. As we went to press, 95% said homes at Lenham Heath, plans a In our draft Local Plan, we have impressive effort to get dozens of weeks due to a perceived lack of A Maidstone councillor said: ‘yes’ while only 5% said ‘no’. Go to rally on a date to be announced. brought forward innovative solu- people out on a January evening, constructive engagement with “Perhaps we’d not be in this www.downsmail.co.uk/ Go to www.saveourheath- tions to deliver new homes in the just a few days into the new year." neighbouring authorities to re- pickle if the executive had taken views/14/ to vote. lands.co.uk for details. district, which will stall if the In- solve the unmet housing need in a similar stance.”

Maidstone Weald February 2020 19 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk Homes protest sent to minister A CROSS-party letter to government about “unachievable” housing targets has been sent to the housing minister. The borough faces 28,000 new homes by 2037 impositions from the government which the and residents are worried Maidstone can barely council must comply with or face losing plan- cope with the numbers it has got. ning controls. The communication was inspired by the 5,000 One council insider remarked: “Martin’s in home “garden village” proposed by Liberal an awkward spot three months out from the Democrat-led Maidstone Borough Council as next local council elections. You can’t claim to “master developer” when protestors tried to be a master developer in one breath and tell the pass a motion to suspend building in the bor- government the targets are unachievable in the ough. next. It’s inconsistent.” But a Conservative-led counter proposal be- Cllr Perry, Mrs Grant, Labour group leader fore Christmas by opposition group leader Cllr Cllr Malcolm McKay and Independent Maid- John Perry led to the direct approach to gov- stone leader Cllr Eddie Powell are also among ernment. Now a three-page plea to Robert Jen- those who signed. rick MP, the housing and communities’ An MBC statement said: “It formally ex- secretary, details the concerns about targets im- presses concerns around the government’s posed by central government. methodology for setting housing targets for It adds: “…community resistance with a firm each council and it also raises four specific ‘asks’ anti-housebuilding sentiment is widespread, for the Secretary of State to consider.” with positive consultation and engagement ex- 7,000 of the 28,100 potential target homes have The letter claims the amount of government tremely difficult to achieve.” been delivered. funding for “infrastructure projects” is inade- It is hoped pressure can be applied by MPs And while the Lib Dem leader of the council, quate and developer contributions (section 106 Helen Whately and Helen Grant to persuade Cllr Martin Cox, has endorsed and promoted money) only cover local impacts caused by Mr Jenrick to revise the methodology used to his authority’s house-building programme, he building. calculate housing numbers. is ironically one of the signatories to the letter, The council leadership has recently faced The 2017 Local Plan has 17,600 houses but a as is his deputy Cllr Fay Gooch. damning accusations of being “officer-led” review may mean 10,500 more. Fewer than Cllr Cox argues that the housing targets are rather than by the elected members. Traffic plan aims to get borough moving KENT County Council has THERE is also a consultation launched a series of consultation event at Sessions House, County exercises designed to get traffic Hall, County Road, Maidstone flowing in the borough. ME14 1XQ on Monday, February The Conservative-run authority 17 between 1pm and 7pm with announced the Maidstone Inte- a presentation from the team at Save Our Heath Lands organiser Kate Hammond and MP Helen Whately grated Transport Package (MITP), 2pm and 6pm. intended to reduce traffic conges- After the consultation, a report tion, could be built in the next few summarising the feedback will years. Protesters sign petition be published in April and the Massive house-building by THE campaign group opposing , especially in feedback will be used to further Maidstone Borough Council is 5,000 houses on Lenham Heath has places like Lenham Heath, Marden develop the scheme designs. putting huge strain on the roads. launched a petition. and Langley. Liberal Democrat-run MBCmust It follows stormy meeting on Jan- l Not accept new house-building deliver 17,600 homes in the 2017 uary 25, when residents challenged levels that are unsustainable for the ways and Transport Michael Payne Local Plan. Although barely 6,500 the scheme’s "master developer", Borough of Maidstone. said: “To do nothing is realistically have been built, no road improve- Maidstone Borough Council. l Complete a full infrastructure as- not an option and our aim is to re- ments have been made. Campaigners from Save Our sessment before the Local Plan Re- duce congestion, provide addi- Another 10,000 plus homes may Heath Lands hopes to garner at view and ensure all historical tional capacity, improve air quality be on track as MBC becomes a self- least 6,500 signatures to be able to infrastructure issues are rectified and deliver wider benefits to our styled “master developer” as the advance the protest. across the borough before projects local businesses and communities.” Local Plan is reviewed. The petition says: “We the under- commence. If agreed, KCC proposes: Relations between the two au- l signed request our Elected Repre- l Be transparent and engage Phase one to start in May with thorities have not always been cor- sentatives in Maidstone Borough to: parish councils and local communi- work on the A20 Coldharbour dial, with MBC recently taking l Challenge and campaign against ties before any final decisions are roundabout; KCC, the highways authority, to l National Government’s house- made with regards to planning and Phase two would start in the the High Court over developer building targets. new developments in the area." summer on the A229 Loose Road; contributions. MBC backed down, l l Rethink the building of garden The petition can be found at Phase three would be the Will- costing the tax-payer an estimated communities. They are not an ap- www.saveourheathlands.co.uk/sign- ington Street junction with the A20 £100,000. propriate planning policy for the this-petition. Ashford Road in early 2021 and the KCC Cabinet Member for High- A274 Sutton Road in spring 2022.

20 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Housing | News MBC: We need Homes protest sent to minister Council officers force work on roads A CROSS-party letter to government about “unachievable” housing targets has been sent to PHILIP Coyne, MBC interim di- rector for the Local Plan review the housing minister. said: “The Local Plan is pivotal to delay on site decsions Maidstone’s ongoing ambitions to The borough faces 28,000 new homes by 2037 impositions from the government which the attract investment in jobs, housing and residents are worried Maidstone can barely council must comply with or face losing plan- MAIDSTONE Borough Council still seems an impossible dream and other facilities to the borough cope with the numbers it has got. ning controls. has announced it needs extra time because the massive infrastructure over the next 15 years. The level of The communication was inspired by the 5,000 One council insider remarked: “Martin’s in to consider the submissions made and land assembly problems make response to the recent Call for Sites home “garden village” proposed by Liberal an awkward spot three months out from the in its call for potential sites for de- it a long-haul delivering housing. is very encouraging and is further Democrat-led Maidstone Borough Council as next local council elections. You can’t claim to velopment. “I suspect that developments evidence of continuing investor “master developer” when protestors tried to be a master developer in one breath and tell the The Liberal Democrat-led au- that can deliver permissions and confidence in the borough. pass a motion to suspend building in the bor- government the targets are unachievable in the thority says its officers will now housing in the three to eight year “However, this does mean that ough. next. It’s inconsistent.” undertake the second "consulta- bracket will be their main focus.” the Council now has more techni- But a Conservative-led counter proposal be- Cllr Perry, Mrs Grant, Labour group leader tion" stage later in the year, not in Tory Cllr Denis Spooner said: “It cal work to do in appraising all of fore Christmas by opposition group leader Cllr Cllr Malcolm McKay and Independent Maid- the spring as was first proposed. may mean the council starts to the submissions fully and ensur- John Perry led to the direct approach to gov- stone leader Cllr Eddie Powell are also among Last year's "call for sites" exercise focus on building slightly smaller ing that we take forward propos- ernment. Now a three-page plea to Robert Jen- those who signed. saw more than 330 submissions developments on the outskirts of als ..It is important that as part of rick MP, the housing and communities’ An MBC statement said: “It formally ex- made with 550 proposed areas for town and villages. I feel the coun- the process we work in close col- secretary, details the concerns about targets im- presses concerns around the government’s development put forward by "housing rebellion" and the fact cil officers were taken aback by laboration with infrastructure and posed by central government. methodology for setting housing targets for landowners. the Lib Dem leadership now sup- the sheer weight of criticism.” transport providers - including It adds: “…community resistance with a firm each council and it also raises four specific ‘asks’ The call for sites was part of ports a Conservative-led push to After a briefing of members on Kent County Council and utility anti-housebuilding sentiment is widespread, for the Secretary of State to consider.” MBC's review of the 2017 Local persuade the Government to re- February 4, Labour Cllr Malcolm companies to ensure that the nec- Plan, which would see the bor- think its method of calculating McKay said: “Councillors asked with positive consultation and engagement ex- 7,000 of the 28,100 potential target homes have The letter claims the amount of government essary requirements are fully con- ough being asked to take up to a housing need. repeatedly for the sites with no tremely difficult to achieve.” been delivered. funding for “infrastructure projects” is inade- sidered to meet the needs of total of 28,500 new houses instead MBC officers claim they need to prospect of being accepted to be It is hoped pressure can be applied by MPs And while the Lib Dem leader of the council, quate and developer contributions (section 106 future development. of 17,600. liaise with Kent County Council announced ASAP but this was re- Helen Whately and Helen Grant to persuade Cllr Martin Cox, has endorsed and promoted money) only cover local impacts caused by “This new timetable will also MBC has faced a fierce public on how to deliver infrastructure jected by officers.” Mr Jenrick to revise the methodology used to his authority’s house-building programme, he building. enable us to work with investors backlash over its plans, which in- needed to support such a vast MBC has come for heavy criti- calculate housing numbers. is ironically one of the signatories to the letter, The council leadership has recently faced and developers to deliver growth clude it becoming a self-styled number of extra homes. cism in recent weeks and faced The 2017 Local Plan has 17,600 houses but a as is his deputy Cllr Fay Gooch. damning accusations of being “officer-led” more quickly and with greater "master developer" of 5,000 houses One senior figure in the con- accusations of being “officer-led”, review may mean 10,500 more. Fewer than Cllr Cox argues that the housing targets are rather than by the elected members. certainty when the plan is on Lenham Heath. A residents' struction industry said: “Lenham not by elected members. adopted...” Traffic plan aims to get borough moving FREE LOCAL DELIVERY KENT County Council has THERE is also a consultation launched a series of consultation Buy 5 Bags event at Sessions House, County exercises designed to get traffic Hall, County Road, Maidstone of Top Soil flowing in the borough. ALL LOADS Ltd. ME14 1XQ on Monday, February The Conservative-run authority GET ONE 17 between 1pm and 7pm with Specialists in Supplying Aggregates announced the Maidstone Inte- a presentation from the team at FREE!* Save Our Heath Lands organiser Kate Hammond and MP Helen Whately grated Transport Package (MITP), 2pm and 6pm. intended to reduce traffic conges- After the consultation, a report tion, could be built in the next few TOP SOIL - TURF - SAND - BALLAST - LOGS summarising the feedback will years. Protesters sign petition be published in April and the Massive house-building by THE campaign group opposing Borough of Maidstone, especially in feedback will be used to further Skip Loading Dumpers Available Maidstone Borough Council is 5,000 houses on Lenham Heath has places like Lenham Heath, Marden develop the scheme designs. putting huge strain on the roads. launched a petition. and Langley. Doorway Diggers up to 3 Tonne Liberal Democrat-run MBCmust It follows stormy meeting on Jan- l Not accept new house-building deliver 17,600 homes in the 2017 uary 25, when residents challenged levels that are unsustainable for the ways and Transport Michael Payne Local Plan. Although barely 6,500 the scheme’s "master developer", Borough of Maidstone. said: “To do nothing is realistically have been built, no road improve- Maidstone Borough Council. l Complete a full infrastructure as- not an option and our aim is to re- ments have been made. Campaigners from Save Our sessment before the Local Plan Re- duce congestion, provide addi- Another 10,000 plus homes may Heath Lands hopes to garner at view and ensure all historical tional capacity, improve air quality be on track as MBC becomes a self- least 6,500 signatures to be able to infrastructure issues are rectified and deliver wider benefits to our styled “master developer” as the advance the protest. across the borough before projects local businesses and communities.” Local Plan is reviewed. The petition says: “We the under- commence. If agreed, KCC proposes: Relations between the two au- l signed request our Elected Repre- l Be transparent and engage Phase one to start in May with *(on general purpose soil) thorities have not always been cor- sentatives in Maidstone Borough to: parish councils and local communi- work on the A20 Coldharbour dial, with MBC recently taking l Challenge and campaign against ties before any final decisions are roundabout; MACHINE HIRE AVAILABLE KCC, the highways authority, to l National Government’s house- made with regards to planning and Phase two would start in the the High Court over developer 01622 873231 building targets. new developments in the area." summer on the A229 Loose Road; contributions. MBC backed down, l l Rethink the building of garden The petition can be found at Phase three would be the Will- www.allloads.co.uk costing the tax-payer an estimated communities. They are not an ap- www.saveourheathlands.co.uk/sign- ington Street junction with the A20 £100,000. [email protected] propriate planning policy for the this-petition. Ashford Road in early 2021 and the KCC Cabinet Member for High- A274 Sutton Road in spring 2022.

Maidstone Weald February 2020 21 News downsmail.co.uk Cancer sufferer’s race ambition VICTORIA McCarthy has signed up to run a half marathon in London in October. Nothing strange in that, you opposite and ordered two martini Larkfield. She says she came “next might think, until you understand cocktails and a bowl of nuts, and to last” but that meeting others in that this inspiring 50-year-old from got no further. the same situation was more help- Bearsted has been diagnosed with She said: “It was such a shock. I ful than she could imagine. cancer – twice. really couldn’t believe that after She said: “If anyone had heard Diagnosed again in August, fol- five years clear, I was back on the us nattering, they might have lowing surgery at East Grinstead to hamster wheel of appointments. thought we were talking about remove a rare cancer in her sali- This cancer had also spread to my making cocktails not about cancer. vary gland, Victoria says of the rib, so there was no going back.” Everyone was sharing their knowl- 13.1-mile run: “I was looking for a Victoria learned the medication edge and experiences; it was so challenge!” she needs to hold her condition at positive.” Living with cancer, not dying of bay meant being post-menopausal. While admitting she has run the disease has been her mantra She remembers after her first injec- nothing more than a bath before since being told the breast cancer tion “feeling like I was lying in a and loves wine “more than life it- she noticed last summer while bath of sweat and I cried for two self”, Victoria is now training for showering on holiday in Spain has weeks”. her first half-marathon for Breast no current cure. But, surrounding by good Cancer Now. She told Downs Mail: “I under- friends at home and in Spain, the She said: “I don’t want the ‘head stand a lot of people would want to Cardiff girl says research is allow- on the side’ how are you? pity; I crawl under a duvet and not come ing her to stay well on just two want to live with cancer, have holi- out.” tablets a day, thanks to reminders days and fun and give something In fact, after returning from hos- from Alexa. back to help find a cure.” pital she told her partner Ray She has taken on an allotment To sponsor Victoria, go to her Davies “I need to take a walk”. She and joined the 5k Your Way run- Just Giving Page and key in Victo- got as far as the White Horse pub ning group at Leybourne Lakes in ria McCarthy6. Warning of Appeal after two cars stolen cat attacks DETECTIVES are investigating was robbed of her black Audi TT The Honda Jazz was found HEADCORN Parish Council are two reported car thefts in Maid- by an unknown man. abandoned in a field in Stile- warning people of alleged “cat poi- stone. The victim said she had been bridge Lane later on January 25. sonings” in Headcorn. At about 10.30am on Wednes- followed by someone in an or- Police are keen to obtain dash Clerk Caroline Carmichael wrote day, January 22, a woman is re- ange Honda Jazz while she trav- cam that captures either of the ve- on Facebook: “I don’t want to scare ported to have been robbed of her elled in Plain Road and Albion hicles being driven in the Plain anyone, but I am hearing rumours car keys by an unknown man Road, Marden, before the offence Road and Albion Road area of of cats being poisoned. while she walked in a hotel car took place. Marden between midday and “If any residents have first-hand park in Ashford Road, Bearsted. No serious injuries were sus- 1pm on January 25. evidence or know details of an in- An orange Honda Jazz was also tained from either incident. Anyone with information is cident, could you please get in stolen. Around 30 minutes after the asked to call police on 01622 touch with me. Nothing has been The second offence is reported Audi TT was stolen, it was in- 604100 quoting 46/15584/20. reported to the police, so I am try- to have taken place in the Bluebell volved in a collision with a police You can also contact the inde- ing to separate fact from fiction.” Drive/ Campion Way area of Mar- car in Linton Hill. The occupants pendent charity Crimestoppers den at about 1pm on Saturday, subsequently dispersed and en- anonymously by calling 0800 555 Road closed January 25. quiries to locate them are ongo- 111 or using the anonymous on- During the incident, a woman ing. line form at Crimestoppers-uk. A BUSY road in Coxheath was forced to shut in both directions after a car hit a lamppost. The A229 Linton Hill closed on Police recover January 28 after the crash hap- Muddy mess explained pened near The Bull Inn. No in- HEADCORN Parish Council that the footpath “wasn’t really dumped 4x4 juries were reported. has apologised for the muddy that important”. A STOLEN vehicle linked to hare conditions on Days Green – but But in December, Kent High- coursing has been found dumped Talk on artist says it is pleased. ways agreed that the responsi- in Staplehurst. The soggy conditions are the ble drainage pipe had The 4x4 was located and recov- THE mid-Kent Arts Society will be successful conclusion to 12 collapsed. discussing painter Joseph Wright ered by Kent Police. years of wrangling with Kent The replacement of 100 yards A Police spokesman said: “On at its February meeting. Highways over frequent floods of pipe has caused the mess, December 31, officers from Kent The talk on the “painter of light where the green meets Dawks but the parish council is now Police’s Rural Task Force seized a and enlightenment” will be led by Meadows. keen to push on and level the Ray Warburton on Tuesday, Febru- The parish council had been area and says it will seed the suspected stolen 4x4 in Staple- ary 25, after the society’s AGM. told by Kent Highways that verge when the weather warms hurst. Nobody has been arrested The talk, at Sutton Valence Vil- after failing to fix the problem up. at this stage and enquiries are on- lage Hall, starts at 10.45am. going.”

22 Maidstone Weald February 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Cancer sufferer’s race ambition Borough council ‘officer-led’ VICTORIA McCarthy has signed up to run a half marathon in London LEADERS of three of the four main groupings at Maidstone Borough Council were left in the dark in October. over a decision to scrap tax-payers’ right to pay their bills in cash, we can reveal. Nothing strange in that, you opposite and ordered two martini Larkfield. She says she came “next The resolution was condemned might think, until you understand cocktails and a bowl of nuts, and to last” but that meeting others in by one as “disgusting” and has that this inspiring 50-year-old from got no further. the same situation was more help- prompted a damning accusation Bearsted has been diagnosed with She said: “It was such a shock. I ful than she could imagine. by another that the Liberal cancer – twice. really couldn’t believe that after She said: “If anyone had heard Democrat authority is now “offi- Diagnosed again in August, fol- five years clear, I was back on the us nattering, they might have cer-led”. lowing surgery at East Grinstead to hamster wheel of appointments. thought we were talking about Controversy was sparked when remove a rare cancer in her sali- This cancer had also spread to my making cocktails not about cancer. Maidstone Borough Council an- vary gland, Victoria says of the rib, so there was no going back.” Everyone was sharing their knowl- nounced the loss of one of two 13.1-mile run: “I was looking for a Victoria learned the medication edge and experiences; it was so cash payment machines, where challenge!” she needs to hold her condition at positive.” residents can pay in rent or coun- Living with cancer, not dying of bay meant being post-menopausal. While admitting she has run cil tax, over the festive period. the disease has been her mantra She remembers after her first injec- nothing more than a bath before The other will be decommis- since being told the breast cancer tion “feeling like I was lying in a and loves wine “more than life it- sioned in April. she noticed last summer while bath of sweat and I cried for two self”, Victoria is now training for But opposition Conservative showering on holiday in Spain has weeks”. her first half-marathon for Breast leader John Perry, Malcolm MacKay (Labour) and Eddie no current cure. But, surrounding by good Cancer Now. Powell (Independent Maidstone) She told Downs Mail: “I under- friends at home and in Spain, the She said: “I don’t want the ‘head knew nothing of the decision that From left, Independent leader stand a lot of people would want to Cardiff girl says research is allow- on the side’ how are you? pity; I will affect 2,000 taxpayers. Eddie Powell, Conservative leader PayPoint contract ‘not finalised’ crawl under a duvet and not come ing her to stay well on just two want to live with cancer, have holi- The group leaders all fear it John Perry and Labour leader MAIDSTONE Borough Council will of the Pay Point system. out.” tablets a day, thanks to reminders days and fun and give something could adversely affect the most Malcolm Mackay say they knew allow residents to use the cash pay- He wrote: “The actions being In fact, after returning from hos- from Alexa. back to help find a cure.” vulnerable members of society, nothing of the decision to scrap ment service, PayPoint, at shops. taken are consistent with the digital pital she told her partner Ray She has taken on an allotment To sponsor Victoria, go to her such as the elderly, people with cash payments A press release of December 30, strategy, which has been agreed by Davies “I need to take a walk”. She and joined the 5k Your Way run- Just Giving Page and key in Victo- learning difficulties or those with which announced the decision to go members and decisions have been got as far as the White Horse pub ning group at Leybourne Lakes in ria McCarthy6. mental health issues. in the Downs Mail. It seems the "cashless", made no mention of an al- made at all times in accordance with MBC claims the decision was council is now run by the officers, ternative cash payment service, but agreed delegations.” made in April 2018, but none of not the elected members. encouraged taxpayers to set up a di- But we have learnt Maidstone Bor- Warning of the three leaders recall it being “This was sneaked out over rect debit or go online. ough Council’s contract with Pay- Appeal after two cars stolen discussed, leading to the belief Christmas in the hope that no one A letter, dated December 2019, Point has not yet been finalised at that officers carried it out under would notice. This will hit the el- sent to cash-paying residents also the time this edition of Downs Mail cat attacks DETECTIVES are investigating was robbed of her black Audi TT The Honda Jazz was found the guise of an overall change to derly or people who do not have had no reference to an alternative was going to press. In fact, earlier this HEADCORN Parish Council are two reported car thefts in Maid- by an unknown man. abandoned in a field in Stile- digital services. a bank account. Two thousand means of payment. month the council was still at the warning people of alleged “cat poi- stone. The victim said she had been bridge Lane later on January 25. When challenged by Downs people in one borough is a lot of A further letter to be circulated in testing stage with the new service, sonings” in Headcorn. At about 10.30am on Wednes- followed by someone in an or- Police are keen to obtain dash Mail, MBC asserted, initially, that people, but I’d like to know how February will tell those affected of the according to PayPoint spokesman Clerk Caroline Carmichael wrote day, January 22, a woman is re- ange Honda Jazz while she trav- cam that captures either of the ve- the decision was approved by officers came to that figure.” PayPoint option. Sam Holl. on Facebook: “I don’t want to scare ported to have been robbed of her elled in Plain Road and Albion hicles being driven in the Plain committee, but only later admit- Cllr Perry said: “Try as I might, Downs Mail asked MBC where Pay- Conservative Cllr Jonathan Purle said: “The PayPoint option wasn’t anyone, but I am hearing rumours car keys by an unknown man Road, Marden, before the offence Road and Albion Road area of ted the decision was taken by un- I cannot recall being informed Point is mentioned in the 2018 digi- tal strategy documents. The council mentioned in the digital strategy of cats being poisoned. while she walked in a hotel car took place. Marden between midday and elected officers under “delegated about this by anyone.” refused to answer. We also asked documents and now we know why. It “If any residents have first-hand park in Ashford Road, Bearsted. No serious injuries were sus- 1pm on January 25. powers”. Independent Maidstone mem- when the alternative cash payment wasn’t there.” evidence or know details of an in- An orange Honda Jazz was also tained from either incident. Anyone with information is Cllr McKay said: “Why were ber Cllr Gordon Newton said: service was approved, for supporting Cllr MacKay added: "The strategy cident, could you please get in stolen. Around 30 minutes after the asked to call police on 01622 the members not consulted? It di- “There seem to be far too many dated documentation and the name seems to be to scare people into tak- touch with me. Nothing has been The second offence is reported Audi TT was stolen, it was in- 604100 quoting 46/15584/20. rectly affects the people we repre- officer-led decisions and we, the of the officer with final sign-off. The ing out direct debits, because that's reported to the police, so I am try- to have taken place in the Bluebell volved in a collision with a police You can also contact the inde- sent, particularly the vulnerable. elected members, don't know council has not responded. more convenient for the council, and ing to separate fact from fiction.” Drive/ Campion Way area of Mar- car in Linton Hill. The occupants pendent charity Crimestoppers anything about them until Disgusting plan.” But on January 16, MBC director of then mop up those who don't with den at about 1pm on Saturday, subsequently dispersed and en- anonymously by calling 0800 555 they've gone through. This au- Cllr Powell said: “I'm meant to finance Mark Green wrote to elected PayPoint at the end. It's a cynical January 25. quiries to locate them are ongo- 111 or using the anonymous on- thority is in danger of being offi- Road closed be a group leader at the council, members explaining the advantages strategy." During the incident, a woman ing. line form at Crimestoppers-uk. cer-led.” A BUSY road in Coxheath was yet the first I heard about it was forced to shut in both directions after a car hit a lamppost. The A229 Linton Hill closed on Police recover January 28 after the crash hap- Muddy mess explained Boastful drunk urinated in patrol car pened near The Bull Inn. No in- HEADCORN Parish Council that the footpath “wasn’t really dumped 4x4 juries were reported. has apologised for the muddy that important”. A STOLEN vehicle linked to hare A DRUNKEN hod carrier “At around 6pm on November 15, “Mr King had several opportuni- weeks and I was very stressed out. conditions on Days Green – but But in December, Kent High- coursing has been found dumped launched a verbal tirade of abuse at an off-duty policeman received re- ties to calm down, but instead he I have a job interview after this says it is pleased. ways agreed that the responsi- in Staplehurst. officers before urinating in the back ports that Mr King was outside shouted: ‘I’m a big-time drug hearing, which I should get.” Talk on artist seat of a police car. Carphone Warehouse in Maidstone dealer, how come you’re bothering Chairman of the bench, Gill The soggy conditions are the ble drainage pipe had The 4x4 was located and recov- THE mid-Kent Arts Society will be Robert David King (29), of Stock- High Street waving a bottle around. me about this.’” Fryzer said: “Well, Mr King. This successful conclusion to 12 collapsed. ered by Kent Police. discussing painter Joseph Wright ett Lane, Coxheath, told officers he “On arrival, Mr King shouted at Maidstone Magistrates Court has been a very expensive morning years of wrangling with Kent The replacement of 100 yards A Police spokesman said: “On at its February meeting. Highways over frequent floods of pipe has caused the mess, was a “big time drug dealer” and the officer ‘who called you? You heard he then told officers at the for you. I hope you can appreciate December 31, officers from Kent The talk on the “painter of light where the green meets Dawks but the parish council is now that he earns “more in a day than can f*** off’. Mr King then went to scene his jeans were worth £300 the seriousness of this offence, and Police’s Rural Task Force seized a and enlightenment” will be led by Meadows. keen to push on and level the police do in a week”. Marks and Spencer’s and began and that he pays their wages. that police officers do not go to Ray Warburton on Tuesday, Febru- The parish council had been area and says it will seed the suspected stolen 4x4 in Staple- He then threatened to “roll swearing in front of young children Defending himself, King said: work to be shouted at.” ary 25, after the society’s AGM. told by Kent Highways that verge when the weather warms hurst. Nobody has been arrested around on the floor and bite the and customers. The swearing con- “I’m extremely embarrassed, and King pleaded guilty to one The talk, at Sutton Valence Vil- after failing to fix the problem up. at this stage and enquiries are on- PC’s face and arm”. tinued into Church Street, right in I’m sorry. My employer has been charge of being drunk and disor- lage Hall, starts at 10.45am. going.” Kristy Harkett, prosecuting, said: front of people’s houses. withholding money from me for derly and was ordered to pay £525.

Maidstone Weald February 2020 23 Winter Homes & Gardens

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Obituaries Beryl Jones An obituary in the Daily Telegraph and her husband in 2019. She leaves her noted that Robert’s chairmanship occurred two youngest children, five grandchildren BERYL Audrey Jones (86) moved from during “a period of radical change in the and nine great-grandchildren. London to Snodland in 1963, with her beer industry and pub trade” and he husband Ron. “achieved steady growth in his family Born Beryl business against a background of evolving Geoffrey Figgett MBE Titchmarsh, she spent leisure and drinking habits as well as new much of her time GEOFFREY Figgett MBE (90) spent his legislation affecting ownership of pubs”. whole life in the family home on the researching her Robert Neame earned an honorary family tree and found Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. doctorate in civil law from the University The eldest of nine siblings, he grew up that broadcaster Alan of Kent in 2010. The university website Titchmarsh and with his grandparents. After completing noted: “Robert Neame has made a key national service with the RAF in Malta author Lynda La contribution to the region and was a Plante were distant Geoffrey worked for Tilling-Stevens on St member of Kent County Council from Peter’s Street. He later joined Kent County relatives. 1965 to 1989. He was leader of the council Beryl was mother Council where he became head porter. from 1982 to 1984 and High Sheriff of Kent There he met many notable people, to Sheila, Peter and Robert and worked at from 2001 to 2002.” Sandhole Farm (now a golf course), Reed’s including the Duke and Duchess of Kent Robert also supported causes such as the and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He paper mill and the pet shop on Snodland Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, for whom High Street. received the MBE in 1994. he served as life vice-president. Geoffrey leaves one sister, Carol Price. Husband Ron said: “Beryl was devoted Robert leaves his wife Yvonne, children to her children and grandchildren. She Charlotte, Jonathan, Sarah and Moray, and enjoyed music, television and reading. nine grandchildren. “Beryl was a very friendly, helpful and Craig Vidler jovial person. Although the war disrupted CRAIG Vidler (73) a recruitment boss her schooling and she started work at the Violet Barnes known for his charity work, died on age of 15, she enjoyed expanding her January 10. knowledge in various different forms.” VIOLET Elsie Barnes (83) lived in He received the British Empire Medal in Beryl leaves her husband and her son for over 20 years, having 2016 for his charitable Robert (her other two children pre- previously lived for decades in Minster on work. deceased her), and 10 grandchildren. the Isle of Sheppey. For 30 years, Craig Born Violet Hobbs Vidler ran Star and raised in London Executives before Robert Neame she began working in heading up HR Go, a the printing trade. THE death of Robert “Bobby” Neame multi-million pound Violet married John agency. CBE, a former leader of Kent County Easterbrook in 1956 Council has died, aged 85. RetailTRUST – a and became mother charity supporting Robert served for decades on the board to Deborah, John and of the Faversham- those who worked in Dawn. They moved the industry – posted: based brewing to Sheppey in 1965 company, Shepherd “We are deeply saddened to hear about and Maidstone in the passing of one of our longest-serving Neame. 1973. He joined the supporters, Craig Vidler. Our condolences Violet and John divorced in 1984 and are with his family and friends at this sad company in 1956 and she met and married David, to whom she was appointed to the time.” was married for 30 years. Richard Boland, chief executive of the board in 1957. He Violet’s granddaughter, Rose, said; was made executive charity described him as: “A truly “Nan was a very proud woman, she was a philanthropic man and a legend in retail chairman in 1971 and very glamorous nanny. She had a strong continued in the role circles going back over the last 50 years.” independent streak and enjoyed a good Mr Vidler, who had moved from the until October 2005. social life with her friends. He retired from the board in 2006. local area to Surrey, leaves wife Marjorie, “She doted on her grandchildren and three children and two grandchildren. He was the company’s first president, great-grandchildren and we’ll all eventually retiring as chairman of the remember her as loving and very funny.” trustees of the Shepherd Neame Company Violet lost her eldest daughter in 2018 Retirement Account in 2018. Daphne Bates DAPHNE Bates (86), of Marion Crescent, Maidstone, was a well-known figure in local music. She served as a church organist and as secretary to the musical director of Kent Music School and was the longest serving member of Maidstone Choral Union. Her involvement with the union was so Wills | Probate | Powers of attorney | Funeral plans dedicated that she had not missed a concert in 63 years. • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Her husband, Don, was the founder of the Retained Firefighters’ Union and DipPFS MSWW Daphne served as the organisation’s secretary for 25 years. www.camrasswills.co.uk Daphne leaves her husband and sons 01622 720985 Graham and Ian.

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Maidstone Weald October 2017 33 downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils vehicle-activated signs did not meet this Langley requirement, so the equipment would not HGVs Members discussed the problem of be replaced. Budget The budget for 2020/21 was HGVs ignoring the sign on the A274, Flood plan It was agreed to update the considered. Costings were to be obtained resulting in them getting stuck turning plan and post it on the website and on the following items: new planter; from Chart Road into Chart Hill Road. The noticeboards. extension of the play area fence; two new clerk was asked to ask Kent Highways for Elections People were needed to step noticeboards; planners’ fees for the Call for costings for a width/weight restriction sign. forward for nomination at the parish Sites consultation and website fees. Highways would not fund this as it was council elections. There were nine seats Speeding An email had been received not a safety critical site. and six members would be stepping down from Borough Cllr Young regarding Reports Cllr Waring said the bench on the in May. Anyone interested was asked to speeding vehicles and HGVs in Langley green had been removed so that it could be contact the clerk. Heath, which had been submitted to Kent refurbished. He would speak to the Highways for consideration. Residents landowner about re-siting the salt bin in could report HGV sightings on the Leeds Chart Hill Road. The tree in the village hall Road to [email protected]. car park had been removed. Cllr Webb said Police report A vehicle causing obstruction Recreation ground A quote had been the carpet in the church had been replaced on East Sutton Road was to be removed by received for the purchase and installation at a cost of approximately £3,500. the AA. Highways had dealt with a tree of a fence for the new play equipment. A Call for sites Planners agreed that Chart that had fallen on electrical cables. further quote would be sought. Sutton was an unsustainable location and Highways The overgrown verge outside that the parish council needed to provide the church was being investigated by KCC. Marden The clerk was to ask MBC to clear litter in substantial arguments when refusing Air diffusers The two air diffusers had Stickfast Lane. traveller sites, without being been installed at the locations requested. discriminatory. Police report Crimes reported included Power cuts It was noted that there had Headcorn five cases of criminal damage, one of arson, been a lot of power cuts in the village. The Lenham Road Regarding the lack of one burglary, one theft and one case of clerk would contact UKPN. footpath from Hop Pocket Way to the Crest carrying a firearm/imitation firearm. Grounds maintenance Members Nicholson Site, the chair said the planning Newsletter The deputy clerk had arranged considered the 3% uplift in the 2020 quote application for the footpath had now been the purchase of Canva software to help from Landscape Services. It was agreed to approved. with the design of the newsletter. Examples accept the quote but the clerk would write Whitehorse Crossroad Ongoing issues would be taken to the communication sub- to confirm the tasks that should be carried with traffic signals were discussed and it committee to discuss layout. The spring out upon specific request by the parish was noted that the developer would be edition needed to go out early to promote council. Additional items agreed included issuing a letter of apology to the the Neighbourhood Plan referendum. topping up the football goal mouth; community. There would then be further Flooding Marden had suffered flooding in overseeding the pitch; fertilising in spring communication explaining the programme several areas before Christmas. and summer and selective weed killing. for installation of the traffic signals. and Collier Street were part of a road Wheeler Street It was noted that there closure pilot in regard to flooding and Cllr East Farleigh would be further disruption to the A274 Tippen had raised the need for Marden to Dean Street The action group’s petition when the zebra crossing was installed. be included in this pilot scheme. was received and would be forwarded to Church Lane The issue of parking by Neighbourhood plan The referendum Cllr John Wilson at KALC. The parish traders was discussed and it was agreed to would be on February 27. MBC had council supported the petition with the write to persistent offenders. booked the Memorial Hall main hall. condition that diverting traffic from one Annual meeting The matter of a new Emergency plan Cllr Turner provided an area would not significantly affect the format for the meeting would be taken update on the emergency planning traffic flow in other parts of the village. forward by the communications team. workshop. The clerk was obtaining details Mink The mink problem on Hartridge Assistant clerk The role had been offered from KCC emergency planning team on Farm had been reported to Natural to and accepted by Stefan Christodoulou. the correct document to use and would England rganisation. Speed surveys The clerk had asked Dr Ker meet Cllr Turner . Wildlife A resident was concerned about and Kent Highways to comment on the Call for sites Several members had met foxes and other wildlife bringing food results of the survey. with members of Marden Planning waste into gardens. The parish council Kings Road The clerk confirmed it was Opposition Group to finalise the response asked that people be extra vigilant with part of the parking conditions for the to MBC on the three large sites. food waste and dispose of it according to Ulcombe Road that six spaces be provided Consultation which was due in February/March was not going ahead as local council guidelines. for off-road parking to compensate for the more work was needed on assessing the The Triangle Works had now been loss of on-road parking at the junction. The sites and working with infrastructure completed and an insurance claim clerk would monitor the situation. providers. The response would be submitted. The noticeboard at this junction Air pollution A parishioner had suggested circulated to members for agreement. had been moved to a safer position inside signs be placed at White Horse Crossroads the wall of the Old School Hall car park. asking drivers to turn off their engine while Play area The repair to the surface in waiting at the lights. This had been referred Sutton Valence Vicarage Lane had been delayed by to the developer and signs advising the Harbour play area Trees were due to be weather conditions, but would be same were placed at the location. planted in January. A working party was completed as soon as the weather Weavers A resident had written about the needed and access to the tree line needed improved. The fete working party’s siting of a large communal waste bin and to be cleared. Cllr Ward offered to do this. contribution to the cost of the swing loss of parking on the Crest Nicholson site South Bank A resident had asked for better replacement was gratefully acknowledged. on Grigg Lane. The clerk would check signs in South Bank. This would be done. Speed sign The sign in Lower Road near planning conditions and liaise with MBC. Lighting A parishioner had asked that a Gallants Lane had been moved by KCC to Overgrown shrubs A resident said shrubs new light be placed in South Lane, and that investigate the poor reliability and attempt on the corner of Woodcocks were an upgrade be considered for the LED to repair it. However, a full repair had not overgrown. The clerk said it was not the lighting. It was agreed that the clerk would been possible because of the age of the responsibility of the parish council and the obtain three quotes for a total upgrade and sign. With limited resources, priority was matter had been reported to Kent look into a public works loan. given to safety-critical schemes and Highways. Continued on page 30

28 Maidstone Weald February 2020 downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils Chart Sutton vehicle-activated signs did not meet this Langley requirement, so the equipment would not HGVs Members discussed the problem of be replaced. Budget The budget for 2020/21 was HGVs ignoring the sign on the A274, Flood plan It was agreed to update the considered. Costings were to be obtained resulting in them getting stuck turning plan and post it on the website and on the following items: new planter; from Chart Road into Chart Hill Road. The noticeboards. extension of the play area fence; two new clerk was asked to ask Kent Highways for Elections People were needed to step noticeboards; planners’ fees for the Call for costings for a width/weight restriction sign. forward for nomination at the parish Sites consultation and website fees. Highways would not fund this as it was council elections. There were nine seats Speeding An email had been received not a safety critical site. and six members would be stepping down from Borough Cllr Young regarding £62 £31 Reports Cllr Waring said the bench on the in May. Anyone interested was asked to speeding vehicles and HGVs in Langley £76 £38 green had been removed so that it could be contact the clerk. Heath, which had been submitted to Kent £76 £38 refurbished. He would speak to the Highways for consideration. Residents could report HGV sightings on the Leeds landowner about re-siting the salt bin in East Sutton £104 £52 Chart Hill Road. The tree in the village hall Road to [email protected]. car park had been removed. Cllr Webb said Police report A vehicle causing obstruction Recreation ground A quote had been £166 £83 the carpet in the church had been replaced on East Sutton Road was to be removed by received for the purchase and installation at a cost of approximately £3,500. the AA. Highways had dealt with a tree of a fence for the new play equipment. A £94 £47 Call for sites Planners agreed that Chart that had fallen on electrical cables. further quote would be sought. £62 £31 Sutton was an unsustainable location and Highways The overgrown verge outside that the parish council needed to provide the church was being investigated by KCC. Marden The clerk was to ask MBC to clear litter in substantial arguments when refusing Air diffusers The two air diffusers had Stickfast Lane. traveller sites, without being been installed at the locations requested. Quality Garden Buildings discriminatory. Police report Crimes reported included in the Heart of Kent Power cuts It was noted that there had Headcorn five cases of criminal damage, one of arson, been a lot of power cuts in the village. The Lenham Road Regarding the lack of one burglary, one theft and one case of clerk would contact UKPN. footpath from Hop Pocket Way to the Crest carrying a firearm/imitation firearm. Grounds maintenance Members Nicholson Site, the chair said the planning Newsletter The deputy clerk had arranged Sheds, Site Huts, considered the 3% uplift in the 2020 quote application for the footpath had now been the purchase of Canva software to help Workshops, Garages, from Landscape Services. It was agreed to approved. with the design of the newsletter. Examples Mini Tool Stores, Potting accept the quote but the clerk would write Whitehorse Crossroad Ongoing issues would be taken to the communication sub- Sheds, Play houses, to confirm the tasks that should be carried with traffic signals were discussed and it committee to discuss layout. The spring And all other types of out upon specific request by the parish was noted that the developer would be edition needed to go out early to promote garden building. council. Additional items agreed included issuing a letter of apology to the the Neighbourhood Plan referendum. topping up the football goal mouth; community. There would then be further Flooding Marden had suffered flooding in 01622 880031 www.shedsandshelters.co.uk overseeding the pitch; fertilising in spring communication explaining the programme several areas before Christmas. Yalding Hollingbourne Hill, Hollingbourne, Maidstone Kent [email protected] and summer and selective weed killing. for installation of the traffic signals. and Collier Street were part of a road Wheeler Street It was noted that there closure pilot in regard to flooding and Cllr East Farleigh would be further disruption to the A274 Tippen had raised the need for Marden to Freephone 0800 6942024 Dean Street The action group’s petition when the zebra crossing was installed. be included in this pilot scheme. HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East was received and would be forwarded to Church Lane The issue of parking by Neighbourhood plan The referendum Cllr John Wilson at KALC. The parish traders was discussed and it was agreed to would be on February 27. MBC had CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER booked the Memorial Hall main hall. council supported the petition with the write to persistent offenders. • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing Annual meeting The matter of a new Emergency plan Cllr Turner provided an Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate condition that diverting traffic from one • UPVC Fascias & Soffits area would not significantly affect the format for the meeting would be taken update on the emergency planning Single Room (12’ x 12’) £52 £26 traffic flow in other parts of the village. forward by the communications team. workshop. The clerk was obtaining details • Chimney Re pointing or Removal Through Room (12’ x 18’) £66 £33 Mink The mink problem on Hartridge Assistant clerk The role had been offered from KCC emergency planning team on • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Hall, Stairs & Landing £66 £33 the correct document to use and would Farm had been reported to Natural to and accepted by Stefan Christodoulou. Upholstery England rganisation. Speed surveys The clerk had asked Dr Ker meet Cllr Turner . 3 piece suite £94 £47 Wildlife A resident was concerned about and Kent Highways to comment on the Call for sites Several members had met www.apolloroofing.co.uk results of the survey. with members of Marden Planning Kent business owner? Leather 3 piece suite £156 £78 foxes and other wildlife bringing food We can handle all your Trade Waste needs 50% waste into gardens. The parish council Kings Road The clerk confirmed it was Opposition Group to finalise the response Curtains Discount to MBC on the three large sites. 07808 414965 or 01622 853601 asked that people be extra vigilant with part of the parking conditions for the Full length £84 £42 food waste and dispose of it according to Ulcombe Road that six spaces be provided Consultation which was due in Call for a free no obligation quote February/March was not going ahead as Half Length £52 £26 local council guidelines. for off-road parking to compensate for the 0344 8807700 more work was needed on assessing the No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT The Triangle Works had now been loss of on-road parking at the junction. The sites and working with infrastructure completed and an insurance claim clerk would monitor the situation. providers. The response would be submitted. The noticeboard at this junction Air pollution A parishioner had suggested HOODS TREE01233 SERVICES 840624 LTD TOM HOPE offers the following services: signs be placed at White Horse Crossroads circulated to members for agreement. had been moved to a safer position inside COMPUTERS TREE SURGERY SPECIALISTS the wall of the Old School Hall car park. asking drivers to turn off their engine while COMPUTERS [email protected] Most types of fencing undertaken NO FIX NO FEE, NO CALL OUT FEE! Fields rolled, harrowed and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) Play area The repair to the surface in waiting at the lights. This had been referred Sutton Valence NO FIX NO FEE, NO CALL OUT FEE! Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) Vicarage Lane had been delayed by to the developer and signs advising the Harbour play area Trees were due to be • Computer repairs & upgrades • Laptop repairs & screen replacements Services include: • Data backup & recovery • Great deals on new pc’s Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. same were placed at the location. planted in January. A working party was The largest G Blocked drain clearance weather conditions, but would be • Data backup & recovery • Great deals on new pc’s • Over 20 years experience Tree Reductions and Felling Horse manure loaded and taken away. Weavers A resident had written about the needed and access to the tree line needed • Over 20 years experience • Computer repairs & upgrades completed as soon as the weather independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker siting of a large communal waste bin and to be cleared. Cllr Ward offered to do this. Call Ben on 01622 297262 or 07772 843544 Stump Grinding improved. The fete working party’s • LaptopCOMPUTERS repairs & screen replacements G Circular saw for overgrown hedges – other services available (anything considered). South Bank A resident had asked for better Hedgeowned Cutting liquid andDrain Rem & seweroval cleaning contribution to the cost of the swing loss of parking on the Crest Nicholson site NO FIX NO FEE, NO CALL OUT FEE! REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. replacement was gratefully acknowledged. on Grigg Lane. The clerk would check signs in South Bank. This would be done. Seasonedwaste LogsG Cesspool & septic tank services www.bl-it-solutions.co.uk• Computer repairs & upgrades • Laptop repairs & screen replacements Speed sign The sign in Lower Road near planning conditions and liaise with MBC. Lighting A parishioner had asked that a Call Ben on 01622 297262 management G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) FOR SALE: Gallants Lane had been moved by KCC to Overgrown shrubs A resident said shrubs new light be placed in South Lane, and that • Data backup & recovery • Great deals on new pc’s • Over 20 years experience NPTC Qualified and fully insured Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. company in G All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. investigate the poor reliability and attempt on the corner of Woodcocks were an upgrade be considered for the LED or 07772 843544 Pollution & flooding solutions Call Ben on 01622 297262 or 07772 843544 Free quothet esUK and advice provided Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered. to repair it. However, a full repair had not overgrown. The clerk said it was not the lighting. It was agreed that the clerk would G Waste disposal & recycling All above subject to availability. been possible because of the age of the responsibility of the parish council and the obtain three quotes for a total upgrade and [email protected] - www.hoodstrees.co.uk sign. With limited resources, priority was matter had been reported to Kent look into a public works loan. www.bl-it-solutions.co.ukwww.bl-it-solutions.co.uk www.mtscleansing.co.uk Telephone/Fax: Mobile: given to safety-critical schemes and Highways. Continued on page 30 01622 744149 - 07590 461382 01233 756673 07890 818783

Maidstone Weald February 2020 29 •Driveways •Tar & Grit Brand New •Tarmacadam •Footpaths Straight Stairlifts Reconditioned •Block Paving•Car Parks Stairlifts Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates Tel No: 01622 756128 Next WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES Mobile: 07905 182363 day www.stairliftstoday.co.uk installation 01622 741183 [email protected] 01622 862035 / 07771 523799 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. Access Computer Denied Problems???

Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contact Double Glazing Repairs Dean: & Locksmith Services Mob: 07722 293187 • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units Facebook: Warford Computers • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes • Patio doors, runners & rollers £25 per hour NO Fix NO Fee 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 No Call out Charge Quote ‘The Downs Mail’

Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils Continued from page 28 was working with Yalding Enterprise Park The Kintons was going to be moved. Cllr (YEP). YEP was reviewing the entrances to Stead would cost the current equipment to West Farleigh take buses, but this would only come up with a budget. A proposal would Police report Since the last meeting there accommodate single-storey buses so as not be prepared to engage local children. had been one crime – a shed break-in on to breach the HGV No Right Turn from the Email addresses Cllr Law gave the Charlton Lane. Borough Cllr Parfitt-Reid site. chairman a quotation but it was said she believed Kent Police ought to CCTV The police had confirmed that they considerably more than using the existing attend meetings more regularly. would continue to monitor the equipment. domain. Ewell Lane The clerk reported on an email Cattle on The Fen The area was being Safety surface The clerk had met with regarding vehicles turning right at the checked for other escape routes. The Wickstead to look at the condition of the Ewell Lane triangle to beat cars queuing to chairman had asked YEP to write to their safety surface at Jubilee, and the possibility the right. This was a better approach for Network Rail contact asking them to repair of extending the surface at the Kintons by larger vehicles, as the sight line was better. the fence. Community Payback workers the helter skelter. A quote was still awaited. The email suggested having a no right had started to put in posts. Neighbourhood Plan The steering group turn, but all present were against this idea. Fingerposts Again the signs had not been continued to progress the plan. The survey Lower Road The traffic survey had been fitted as promised. The clerk had chased it. closing date had been extended. An completed and the data would be analysed The Kintons It was agreed to submit an application was being made for a by Kent Highways. Additional roundels outline planning application for the new government grant to help finance the had been added to the road. Keep Clear facilities. An architect had been production of the plan. markings had been added in the layby. recommended who would be able to draw Flooding update Phase 1b of the property Shingle Barn Lane This had been added to up outline plans at a reasonable cost. MBC flood resistance scheme – the installation the Highways Improvement Plan as had sent a link to a pre-application visit. was not progressing as quickly as was residents were concerned about damage Website The site needed a final review intended and the project would not be being done to their property. They had before going live. Ben Kirby had run an completed until well into the new year. The made a request for a speed limit reduction. accessibility compliance check. new flood wardens had been contacted Internet service Cllr Pritchard had received The Tatt Access would be closed for at least and kitted out. two answers from potential providers and 24 hours to confirm rights of access. Only Play scheme It was agreed that Play Place the next step was to provide them with a Tatt Cottage and Bramling House have be appointed to run the scheme in 2020. list of residents interested in a fibre service. official access. Southern Water would be The detailed plan and charges were to be Grounds maintenance The current asked to contribute to the cost of repairing agreed. contract is due for renewal in April. Since the track. Community centre It seemed that Yalding the last tender process, West Farleigh in Defibrillators The backboard had been Baptist Church had changed its name to Bloom had been formed and were working fitted at The Woolpack and was awaiting Yalding Community Centre, which was on some of the areas covered by the electricity and cabinet connection. causing confusion with regard to Yalding contract. The clerk suggested these areas Bin requests Regarding the request for a village hall and in respect of the new might need reviewing. bin next to each of the seats between facilities which would be Yalding Call for sites Two sites had come forward Yalding and Laddingford, MBC had said Community Centre. for development in West Farleigh: Fox Pitt they could not confirm their position until Highways Jenny Watson of KCC in Shingle Barn Lane and Court Lodge some time in 2020. Highways had reported that the traffic Mews in Lower Road. Drawings were Sports association The chairman of regulation order to move the 30mph signs circulated and it was agreed that a meeting Yalding and Laddingford Sports’ had been sealed. The works to move the should be arranged with an officer at MBC. Association confirmed that the association signs had been raised and had included a Trees competition West Farleigh was the had been inactive for a number of years, gateway feature at the entrance to the 2019 winner of the Kent Men of Trees and new members and officers would be village. The chairman had reported the competition, winning a prize of £30 and a required. Cllr Law had agreed to be the bollards, cobbles and kerbs on hornbeam tree to plant. The tree warden parish council representative. A meeting Road to the cabinet member for roads. was thanked for his work. would be arranged to restart the Tree competition Yalding had been highly association. commended in The Kent Men of Trees, the Yalding Play equipment Grant funding was still village trees competition. The prize was a Bus service Regarding the possibility of available from MBC. A discussion was certificate and a hornbeam. It was agreed to routing a bus via the station, Nu-Venture needed to agree whether the equipment at display the certificate in the library.

Crime reports A PROPERTY in Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea, had been broken into. A house was broken into in Lime Trees, Neighbourhood Watch Staplehurst. The rear door was smashed, Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police and jewellery and a quantity of cash was stolen. Waverley Close, Coxheath. There was no house in Maidstone Road, Yalding. The Several sheds were broken into and damage, but considerable effort was door was broken, but no items appeared various gardening equipment was stolen needed to clean up. to have been stolen. from properties in Church Hill, Boughton Thieves broke into an outbuilding at a An ATM machine was stolen from a Monchelsea. house and stole various items in Gallants service station in Cranbrook Road, Eggs were smashed over a house Lane, East Farleigh. Staplehurst. Thieves had used a JCB overnight in Park Way, Coxheath. A container was broken into at a fishing digger to rip the cash machine out of the Petrol was removed from a vehicle in club and various items were stolen in wall. Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea. Gravelly Ways, Yalding. Heating oil and copper piping was Somebody broke the driver's side A new home in Headcorn Road, stolen from a house in Shenley Road, window of a Ford Transit parked in Staplehurst was broken into and items Headcorn. Huntington Road, Coxheath. were stolen. It appeared that somebody had taken A breaker was taken from a building A ball bearing was used to break the the bank cards and driving licence of a site in Howland Road, Marden. window of a home in Lughorse Lane, person who had recently died, as their Somebody spread flour and water over Marden. bank account has been accessed in a pathway and door at a house in Somebody broke into a workshop at a Chestnut Avenue, Staplehurst.

30 Maidstone Weald February 2020 ClassifiedsClassifieds downsdownsmail.co.ukmail.co.uk

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Contact our salesNatashaNatasha team… Bastone Bastone TeresaTeresa Jeffery Jeffery RebeccaRebecca Abbott Abbott Telesales Manager Contact our sales team…Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive Contact our sales team… Contact our salesTelesales team… Manager Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E:NatashaE: natasha@ natasha@ Bastone TeresaE:E: teresa@ teresa@ Jeffery RebeccaE:E: rebecca.abbott rebecca.abbott Abbott Contact our salesdownsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.uk team… downsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.uk @[email protected] Natasha Bastone TelesalesTeresa Manager Jeffery NatashaClassified BastoneRebecca Sales Executive Abbott TeresaClassified Jeffery Sales Executive Rebecca Abbott T.NatashaT. 01622 01622 630330 630330 Bastone TeresaT.T. 01622 01622 Jeffery 630330 630330 RebeccaT.T. 01622 01622 630330Abbott 630330 Telesales Manager E: natasha@Classified Sales Executive TelesalesE: teresa@ ManagerClassified Sales Executive ClassifiedE: Sales rebecca.abbott Executive Classified Sales Executive Telesalesext.downsmail.co.ukext.Natasha 224 224 Manager Bastone Classifieddownsmail.co.ukext.ext.Teresa 227 227 Sales Jeffery Executive Classifi[email protected] 234 234 Sales Executive Abbott E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott E: natasha@ E: natasha@TelesalesE: teresa@ Manager E: teresa@ClassifiedE: rebecca.abbott Sales Executive E: rebecca.abbottClassified Sales Executive downsmail.co.uk T. 01622downsmail.co.uk 630330 downsmail.co.ukT. 01622 [email protected] downsmail.co.ukT. 01622 630330 @downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.ukext.E: natasha@ 224 downsmail.co.ukext.E: 227teresa@ @downsmail.co.ukext. E:234 rebecca.abbott T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ApplianceAppliance Repairs RepairsT. 01622 downsmail.co.ukT. 01622630330 630330 T. 01622downsmail.co.uk 630330T. 01622 630330 CarpentersCarpentersT. 01622 @downsmail.co.uk 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 224 ext. 234 ext. 227 ext. 234 ext.T. 01622 224 630330 ext.T. 227 01622 630330 ext. 234T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234 downsmail.co.uk ALLALL ApplianceDOMESTIC DOMESTIC APPLIANCE RepairsAPPLIANCE FindFind your your local local Carpenters Appliance Repairs REPAIRREPAIR SERVICE SERVICE Appliancetrades people Repairs CarpentersWood Works A.H.B.SA.H.B.S Carpenters Parish Councils Appliance Repairs trades people Wood WorksCarpenters Continued from page 28 was working with Yalding Enterprise Park The Kintons was going to be moved. Cllr withAppliance fully qualified Repairs engineer Carpenters ALLwith DOMESTICAppliance fully qualified APPLIANCE Repairsengineer Find your local FULL CARPENTRY CarpentersCarpentryCarpentry (YEP). YEP was reviewing the entrances to Stead would cost the current equipment to AllAll makes makesREPAIR of of washing washing SERVICE machines, machines, Businesses & Services FULL CARPENTRY A.H.B.S fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, ALLBusinesses DOMESTICtrades people &APPLIANCE Services WoodFind your Works local All aspects of CARPENTRY West Farleigh take buses, but this would only come up with a budget.ALL DOMESTIC A proposal APPLIANCE would fridges,ALLwith FindDOMESTIC freezers, fully your qualified vacuumlocal APPLIANCE engineer cleaners, Find your local SERVICESERVICE FROM FROM All aspects of CARPENTRY REPAIR SERVICE t/dryers,t/dryers,ALL DOMESTICdishwashers, dishwashers, elecAPPLIANCE elec ovens. ovens. REPAIRononFind the the yourDowns SERVICEDowns local Mail Mail A.H.B.SDECKINGFULLtrades CARPENTRY people TO DOORS, CarpentryDoors,WoodDoors, Windows, Windows, Kitchens WorksKitchens supplied supplied and and A.H.B.S Police report Since the last meeting there accommodate single-storey buses so as not be prepared to engage local children. 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LocksLocks fitted, fitted, Skirting, Skirting, small small alterations, alterations, site. chairman a quotation but it was Businesses & Services fridges,Businesses freezers,downsmail.co.uk vacuum & Services cleaners, DECKING TO DOORS, Doors,Carpentry Windows, Kitchens supplied and All aspects of CARPENTRY Charlton Lane. Borough Cllr Parfitt-Reid fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, fridges,All makes freezers,0162201622 of 673113 washingvacuum673113 cleaners,machines, SERVICEdownsmail.co.ukdirectory FROM ALLAll JOBSaspectsFULL of BIG CARPENTRY CARPENTRY & SMALL. SERVICEPlastering and FROM Tiling All work guaranteed t/dryers,Businesses dishwashers, & elec Services ovens. ALLonSERVICE JOBS the Downs BIG FROM & Mail SMALL. fitted,All Loft aspects Conversions,Plastering of CARPENTRY and Doors Tiling hung, said she believed Kent Police ought to CCTV The police had confirmed that they considerably moret/dryers, than using dishwashers, the existing elec ovens. t/dryers,fridges,Anytime:Anytime:on dishwashers, freezers,the 07831 07831Downs vacuum 557677elec557677 Mail ovens. cleaners, on the Downs Mail Doors,KITCHENS Windows, Kitchens & FLOORS. supplied and DECKING TO DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and  Free estimates and call out DECKING TO DOORS, DECKINGSERVICEdirectory TO DOORS, FROM Doors,Locks Windows,fitted,AllAll Skirting, work workaspects Kitchens guaranteed. guaranteed.small of suppliedCARPENTRY alterations, and attend meetings more regularly. would continue to monitor the equipment. domain.  All work guaranteed t/dryers, dishwashers,directory elec ovens. All onworkdownsmail.co.uk directorythe guaranteed Downs Mail MAKINGfitted,MAKING Loft Conversions, THE THE BEST BEST Doors OF OF WOODhung,WOOD Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, All01622 work guaranteed673113  directory ALL JOBSDECKING BIG &TO SMALL. DOORS, fitted,KITCHENS LoftPlasteringFREE Conversions, ESTIMATES and & Tiling FLOORS.Doors hung, Cattle on The Fen The area was being Safety surface The clerkFree hadestimates met with and call out  Anytime: All work 07831 guaranteed 557677 FreeKITCHENS estimates & andFLOORS. call out LocksINKITCHENS AND fitted, AROUND Skirting, & smallFLOORS. THE alterations, HOME fitted,FREE Loft ESTIMATESConversions, Doors hung, Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, Ewell Lane The clerk reported on an email Free estimates and call out IN ANDdownsmail.co.uk AROUND THE HOME Locks fitted,FamilyFamilyAll Skirting,work business business guaranteed. established smallestablished alterations, 21 21 years years 01622 673113  Free01622downsmail.co.uk estimates 673113 and call out ALL JOBS01622downsmail.co.uk BIG 673113 & SMALL. MAKINGKITCHENS THE BEST &OF FLOORS. WOOD ALLLocks JOBS fitted, BIG Skirting, & SMALL. small alterations, Plastering and Tiling regarding vehicles turning right at the checked for other escape routes. The Wickstead to look at the condition of the BathroomsBathroomsAnytime: 07831 557677 ALL JOBSPlastering BIG and & Tiling SMALL. Plastering and Tiling Anytime: 07831 557677 Anytime:01622 07831 673113 557677 downsmail.co.uk ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. FREE ESTIMATESPlastering and Tiling All work guaranteed. Ewell Lane triangle to beat cars queuing to chairman had asked YEP to write to their safety surface at Jubilee, and the possibility CALLIN AND CliffAll AROUND work on guaranteed. THE HOME MAKINGFamilyAll0162201622 businesswork THE guaranteed. established BEST 743648 743648 21OF years WOOD Anytime: 07831 557677 MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD MAKINGCALL Cliff THE on BEST OF WOOD All work guaranteed. the right. This was a better approach for Network Rail contact asking them to repair of extending the surface at the Kintons by Bathrooms 07940MAKING 854927FREE ESTIMATES THE BEST OF WOOD Mob:FREE ESTIMATES07711 291921 FREE ESTIMATES IN AND AROUND THE HOME 07940IN AND 854927 AROUND THE HOME IN Mob:AND AROUND 07711 THE 291921 HOME Family business established 21 years larger vehicles, as the sight line was better. the fence. Community Payback workers the helter skelter. A quote was still awaited. Bathrooms CALL INFamilyCliff AND business on AROUND established 21 years THE HOME 31,31, Sheppey FamilySheppey01622 business Road,FREE Road, established 743648 Loose, ESTIMATESLoose, 21 years Maidstone Maidstone BathroomsTheThe completecomplete BathroomBathroomsBathroom Bathrooms Family business established 21 years The email suggested having a no right had started to put in posts. Neighbourhood Plan The steering group Bathrooms 07940 854927 Mob: 07711 291921 01622 743648 CALL Cliff on 01622 743648 CALL 01622Cliff on 743648 turn, but all present were against this idea. Fingerposts Again the signs had not been continued to progress the plan. The survey MaintenanceTheMaintenance complete CompanyCompanyBathroom ReachCALL Cliff up on to 80,000 households31, Sheppey every Road,01622 Loose, month 743648 Maidstone 01622 630 33007940 854927 07940Mob:CALL 854927 Cliff 07711 on 291921 07940Mob: 854927 07711 291921 Mob: 07711 291921 Lower Road The traffic survey had been fitted as promised. The clerk had chased it. closing date had been extended. An 07940 854927 ChimneyChimney Maintenance MaintenanceMob: 07711 291921 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone The complete BathroomTheMaintenance complete CompanyBathroomThe complete Bathroom31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone completed and the data would be analysed The Kintons It was agreed to submit an application was being made for a TheNONO CALL CALL complete OUT OUT FEE FEE & & FREE FREE Bathroom QUOTES QUOTES 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone by Kent Highways. Additional roundels outline planning application for the new government grant toMaintenance help finance the CompanyMaintenanceAppliance Company RepairsMaintenance Company ChimneyChimney MaintenanceMaintenance had been added to the road. Keep Clear facilities. An architect had been production of the plan. MaintenanceNO CALL OUT FEE & FREE Company QUOTES SupplySupply •• InstallInstall •• RepairRepair Chimney Maintenance Chimney MaintenanceHH && GG ChimneyChimneyChimney ServicesServices Maintenance markings had been added in the layby. recommended who would be able to draw Flooding update Phase 1b of the property Chimney Maintenance NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTESFloorNO CALL& Wall OUT Tiling FEE & FREE • Full QUOTES PlumbingNO CALL OUT Services FEE & FREE QUOTESChimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered Shingle Barn Lane This had been added to up outline plans at a reasonable cost. MBC flood resistance scheme – the installation FloorSupplyNO &CALL • Wall Install OUT Tiling FEE • Repair& •FREE Full QUOTES Plumbing Services Chimney sweeping service •H Long & establishedG Chimney • ICS Servicesregistered ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted the Highways Improvement Plan as had sent a link to a pre-application visit. was not progressing as quickly as was Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted H & G Chimney Services Supply • Install • Repair Supply • Install • Repair Supply • Install • RepairH & CompleteGCompleteChimney Chimney re-builds re-buildssweeping Services • • serviceRe-pointing Re-pointing • LongH •& • establishedGuttering, Guttering,G Chimney roof •roof ICS & & registeredvalley valleyServices repairs repairs residents were concerned about damage Website The site needed a final review intended and the project would not be SupplyCallCall • Install GaryWithGary fully • Repair 07738qualified07738 engineer. 902116902116 All types of flu • All pots-cowlsH &supplied G Chimney & fitted Services being done to their property. They had Floor & Wall Tiling • Full PlumbingFloor & Wall Services Tiling • Full FloorPlumbing & Wall Services Tiling • Full PlumbingChimney0162201622 739439 739439 sweeping Services 07860 07860 service 318166 318166 • Long [email protected] [email protected] • ICSsweeping registered service • Long established • ICS registered before going live. Ben Kirby had run an completed until well into the new year. The FloorAll makes& Wall of washingTiling •machines,fridges, Full ChimneyPlumbing sweeping freezers, Services service • Long establishedCompleteChimney re-builds • ICS sweeping registered • Re-pointing service • Guttering,Long established roof & valley• ICS repairsregistered made a request for a speed limit reduction. accessibility compliance check. new flood wardens had been contacted Call Gary0162201622 07738 736266736266 902116All types of flu • All pots-cowls01622 supplied 739439All types& fitted 07860 of flu 318166• All pots-cowls [email protected] suppliedAll & typesfitted of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted vacuum cleaners,t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. All types of flu • All pots-cowlsComplete supplied re-builds & fitted• Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Internet service Cllr Pritchard had received The Tatt Access would be closed for at least and kitted out. ALLALL WORK WORK GUARANTEED GUARANTEEDComplete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering,Complete roofre-builds & valley • Re-pointing repairs • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Call Gary 07738 902116Call Gary01622 07738 736266 902116Call Gary 07738Complete 902116 re-builds • Re-pointing •01622 Guttering, 739439 roof 07860 & valley 318166 repairs [email protected] two answers from potential providers and 24 hours to confirm rights of access. Only Play scheme It was agreed that Play Place Call Gary 0773801622 739439902116 07860 318166 [email protected] 739439 739439 07860 07860 318166 318166 [email protected] [email protected] the next step was to provide them with a Tatt Cottage and Bramling House have be appointed to run the scheme in 2020.01622 736266All work guaranteedALL01622 01622WORK GUARANTEED 736266 Free736266 estimates and01622 call out 736266 list of residents interested in a fibre service. official access. Southern Water would be The detailed plan and charges were to be Clean Sweep ALL WORK GUARANTEED ALL WORKBuildersBuilders GUARANTEED ALL WORK GUARANTEED Grounds maintenance The current asked to contribute to the cost of repairing agreed. ALL WORK GUARANTEED CleanCleanBrush & vacuum Wood burners SweepSweep and flues supplied and fitted Builders All work certified to cover insurance All work insured contract is due for renewal in April. Since the track. Community centre It seemed that Yalding 01622 673113 Anytime:Builders 07831 557677 CleanPest control available SweepCamera inspections available the last tender process, West Farleigh in BrushBrush && vacuumvacuum Defibrillators The backboard had been Baptist Church had changed its name to Builders BuildersMDMD Building Building & & Services ServicesBuilders Weddings attended Member of the ICS HETAS approved Bloom had been formed and were working fitted at The Woolpack and was awaiting Yalding Community Centre, which was BuildingBuilders ServicesClean SweepCleanBrush & vacuum SweepClean Sweep AUL EST WoodClean burnersContact and K fluesevinSweep Bovis on some of the areas covered by the electricity and cabinet connection. causing confusion with regard to Yalding PPAUL BBEST MD BuildingSpecialistsSpecialists & inServicesin Wood burners and flues •• Extensions Extensions • • Refurbishments Refurbishments contract. The clerk suggested these areas Bin requests Regarding the request for a village hall and in respect of the new PAUL BEST Brush• PlasteringSpecialists & vacuum(All aspects)in BrushWoodsuppliedBrush & 07885burners vacuum &and vacuum 651578 fitted and flues01622Brush 430855 & vacuum MD BrickworkBuildingBrickwork & Services MDMD• Building Plastering Building (All& Servicesaspects)& Services MDsupplied Building &and Services fitted might need reviewing. bin next to each of the seats between facilities which would be Yalding •• •Extensions Electrics Electrics • • Modernisations ModernisationsRefurbishments [email protected] OAUL EST Advertise• Plastering (All aspects) in our Woodsupplied burners and fitted and flues Call for sites Two sites had come forward Yalding and Laddingford, MBC had said Community Centre. PAUL BEST PBrickworkPOSpecialistsAULExtensionsExtensionsB inB EST •Wood• Kitchen KitchenPSpecialists AUL& & Bathroom SpecialistsBathroomburnersB in Installations Installations EST in and fluesAllAll Wood workworkSpecialists burners insuredinsured in and Woodflues burners and flues • Extensions • Refurbishments ••• Driveways, Driveways,•Extensions •Electrics Extensions Patios •Patios• ModernisationsRefurbishments • Refurbishments& & Repointing Repointing • Extensions • Refurbishments for development in West Farleigh: Fox Pitt OO General Builder • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations they could not confirm their position until Highways Jenny Watson of KCC • PlasteringGeneralExtensions (All aspects) Builder suppliedonline•• FencingPlastering Fencing• Plastering & & (AllbusinessBlockpaving andBlockpaving (Allaspects) aspects)fitted suppliedAll•supplied Plasteringwork and(Allinsured aspects)and fitted fitted supplied and fitted Brickwork BrickworkBrickwork • Driveways,Brickwork Patios & Repointing All work certifiedComputer to Servicescover insurance in Shingle Barn Lane and Court Lodge some time in 2020. Highways had reported that the traffic • ElectricsOO 25 • yearsModernisations Experience • Electrics• Electrics • Modernisations • Modernisations All• Electrics work • Modernisations certified to cover insurance O 25General years BuilderExperience • FencingFULLY & INSURED Blockpaving Mews in Lower Road. Drawings were Sports association The chairman of regulation order to moveO theExtensions 30mph signs • Kitchen &O BathroomExtensionsExtensions Installations •All Kitchen•directory Kitchen workFULLYO & BathroomExtensions & Bathroom INSURED insured Installations for Installations as All•All KitchenAll workwork & work Bathroom insuredcertified Installationsinsured to coverAll work insurance insured O 25 years Experience • Driveways,• Driveways, Patios Patios & Repointing & Repointing • PestDriveways, control Patios & Repointing available circulated and it was agreed that a meeting O • Driveways,O O GeneralPatiosGeneral & BuilderRepointing Builder Tel: MarkFULLYO General 07841 INSURED Builder 409061 Pest control available Yalding and Laddingford Sports’ had been sealed. The works toGeneral move Builderthe • 01622Fencing & Blockpaving 891960 Tel:• FencingMark• Fencing & 07841 Blockpaving & Blockpaving 409061 • Fencing & Blockpaving should be arranged with an officer at MBC. 01622O 891960 e: [email protected] as £4 per AllPestAll work control work certified certified available to covertoAll cover work insurance insurance certified to cover insurance Association confirmed that the association signs had been raised andO had25 included years Experience a O2525 years years Experience Experience Tel:Alle: [email protected] MarkworkO 25 07841 years certified Experience 409061 to cover insurance 07748FULLY01622 INSURED 630747891960 FULLYFULLY INSURED INSURED CameraCameraFULLY INSURED inspectionsinspections availableavailable Trees competition West Farleigh was the had been inactive for a number of years, gateway feature at the entrance to the 07748 630747 e: www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukmark@mdbuildingservices.co.ukwww.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Tel:Pest Markmonth control 07841 + 409061Vatavailable PestCameraPest control control inspections available available availablePest control available 2019 winner of the Kent Men of Trees and new members and officers would be village. The chairman had01622 reported 891960 the Tel: Mark016220774801622 07841 891960630747 891960 409061 Tel:www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk01622 Mark 07841891960 409061 Tel:WeddingsWeddings Mark 07841 attendedattended 409061 competition, winning a prize of £30 and a required. Cllr Law had agreed to be the bollards, cobbles and kerbs on Benover e: [email protected] Planse: [email protected]: [email protected] Camera•e: [email protected]/ 2w inspectionsr D inspectionst cti & R availablev 2 available 0774807748 630747 630747 Camerawww.mdbuildingservices.co.uk07748www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk inspections 630747 availableWeddings attended Camera inspections available hornbeam tree to plant. The tree warden parish council representative. A meeting Road to the cabinet member07748 for roads. 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukBuildingBuilding Plans Plans01622 630330 •Member Memberwww.mdbuildingservices.co.ukPC/ pt p R p of of2rs , theUthepgr d ICS ICSs & I st 22 ti was thanked for his work. would be arranged to restart the Tree competition Yalding had been highly Building PlansWeddings attended Weddings•Member WWeddings2r 2 ss & Br of attendedd the attendedd Is sICSu s & C fiWeddingsgur ti (mi nattended 1 hour) association. commended in The Kent Men of Trees, the BUILDING & SERVICES www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk •HETAS HETASN tw rk2 g approvedapproved • … d uc r Over 30 Years IT Yalding Play equipment Grant funding was still village trees competition. The prize was a Building Plans BuildingBuilding PlansMember Plans of theBuilding ICS PlansMemberHETASMember approved of theof the ICS ICSMember of the ICS Looking to extend or improve your home, we can help. Experience Regarding the possibility of CContactontact Mark on.. . Kevin Bovis Bus service available from MBC. A discussion was certificate and a hornbeam. It was agreed to From drive extentions, plastering to lighting, MD Building HETASContactHETAS approved approved Kevin Bovis routing a bus via the station, Nu-Venture needed to agree whether the equipment at display the certificate in the library. HETAS approved ContactT 2 01622 859 Kevin969 Bovis 0HETAS7867 9055 approved22 Services can supply all aspects of building works you require. Contact2016220162222Contact222 mark@m s c 844385o844385Kevinmp seKevinrv.com Bovis Bovis @ Electrics, Extensions, Kitchen & Bathroom FittContacting, Plastering, Kevin Bovis Contact Kevin Bovis

Crime reports 01622 844385 A PROPERTY in Church Street, Boughton Plumbing, Decking Systems, Fencing, Patios & Paving, Brickwork 0788507885 651578651578Driveway Services Monchelsea, had been broken into. 01622 844385 016220788501622 844385651578 844385 01622 844385 A house was broken into in Lime Trees, Watch Contact Mark for a Free No Obligation Quote on: 07841 409061 [email protected]@gmail.com Neighbourhood [email protected] 651578 Staplehurst. The rear door was smashed, Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police 07885 651578 07885 651578 07885 651578 and jewellery and a quantity of cash was [email protected]@gmail.com 38 Maidstone Weald OctoberCarpenters 2017 [email protected] stolen. 38 Maidstone Weald October [email protected] Waverley Close, Coxheath. There was no house in Maidstone Road, Yalding. The 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 Several sheds were broken into and damage, but considerable effort was door was broken, but no items appeared various gardening equipment was stolen 3838 MaidstoneMaidstone Weald Weald October October 2017 2017 needed to clean up. to have been stolen.38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 from properties in Church Hill, Boughton SURFACING CONTRACTORS Thieves broke into an outbuilding at a An ATM machine was stolen from a Maidstone Weald December 2017 39 Monchelsea. house and stole various items in Gallants service station in Cranbrook Road, Eggs were smashed over a house Lane, East Farleigh. Staplehurst. Thieves had used a JCB 01622 725328 • 07778 156314 overnight in Park Way, Coxheath. A container was broken into at a fishing digger to rip the cash machine out of the Petrol was removed from a vehicle in club and various items were stolen in wall. [email protected] Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea. Gravelly Ways, Yalding. Heating oil and copper piping was www.arnoldandarnoldltd.com Somebody broke the driver's side A new home in Headcorn Road, stolen from a house in Shenley Road, window of a Ford Transit parked in Staplehurst was broken into and items Headcorn. Huntington Road, Coxheath. were stolen. It appeared that somebody had taken A breaker was taken from a building A ball bearing was used to break the the bank cards and driving licence of a site in Howland Road, Marden. window of a home in Lughorse Lane, person who had recently died, as their Somebody spread flour and water over Marden. bank account has been accessed in a pathway and door at a house in Somebody broke into a workshop at a Chestnut Avenue, Staplehurst.

Maidstone Weald February 2020 31 downsmail.co.uk Classified

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Competitive prices20% All decorating G NO JOB TOO SMALL G LANDSCAPESAny Electrical work undertaken Allll ttypes of Hard & Sofftt PaintingLands &ca decorating,pes /$1'6&$3(6 •Painting & Decorating •discount* Plastering all roofing works & repairs, G FREE ESTIMATES G J Norris Electrical Contractor All TypesTo See of OurHard Full & Soft Range Landscapes visit • Patios, Paving Roadson production & of Dthisr advertives • Concrete Bases & Stable Bases interior & exterior Natural & Concrete Paving & Patios • Patio• sTiling, Paving • Fencing Roads* not to be &used D in r ives • Concchimney’s,rete Bases guttering & Stable & gutterBases All aspects of • Part P bgelectrical-maidstone.co.uk 3523(57< • Fencingconjunction & Ga withtes any other• • Jungles Cleared Call Lynda Daniel Block Paving, Fencing, Concrete Bases • Laminate •Flooring Fencing • Plumbing& Goffersates • • Jungles Cleared FREE ESTIMATES domestic electrical certification All Work Guaranteed, cleaning, pressure cleaning, Turfing, Groundwork, Jungles Cleared. 6(59,&(6/WG General Household Maintenance. on work undertaken provided Free Advice & Quotations fencing & brickwork & driveways Bearsted 730541 07733 354617 by a trusted and LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/StoneAny odd jobs Walls, considered Block/Stone Paving, qualified • All work NIC CallNICEIC Paul Parton 01622 P registered 844605 Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, WaterPhone Features, Lee for Garden quotes Clearance, Based in Bearsted 07554 267087 electrician with 20 approved and or 07767 683747 Sheds/Summer & Play House07894 Bases, 138224 Tree Surgery 01622 etc 204491RING PAUL ON years experience. certified or email: BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, 01622 737750 Day Evenings or to leave a message [email protected] Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall01622Fully insured Tiling, 844605 Decorating etc or 0776701622 683747 807860 LEE Hughes - Free no obligation quotes 07768 for957 free 456 estimate ffor frreeee estimestimaattee.. PAINTING & DECORATING - No job too large or small FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE • Quality Decorating at a Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES SERVICES Tel: 07966 511408 fair & competitive price Tel: 01634 920598 Fencing Services Gardening Services HandymanMIKE LEWIS Services Locksmith Interior & Exterior Work Sales Tel: 01622 851222PROPERTY Mob: 07786 MAINTENANCE 07 01 07 Undertaken • Dulux approved over E-mail: [email protected] E: [email protected]• HOME & GARDEN 30 years experience OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Services www.maidstonelandscapes.comIMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS • Fully insured & City & Guild Qualified LOOK: Please check• INTERIORour reviews &and EXTERIOR other PAINTING Fencing companies you may use at www.uktc.org& DECORATING Tel: 01622 737225 Sky Vac Gutter Cleaning/Tel: 01622 759040Professional jet Maidstone Established 1990 Director:• WALLPAPER M Potter HANGING Maidstone & Kent Mobile: 07816 149502 • GARDEN MAINTENANCE T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 ALL TYPES – Sucks Your Gutters Clean washing serviceswww.sr-interiors.com at REPAIR/RENEW & Malling’s •B.T. DECKING ENVIRONMENTAL & PERGOLAS 3 Plains Avenue, LTD Maidstone ME15 7AT •FREE QUOTATIONS www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk• Saves using expensive access equipment affordable prices:email: [email protected] Est. 25 YEARS Locksmith FREE ESTIMATES No. 1 newspaper • SMALL JOBSTel. 01622 UNDERTAKEN 200333/07875 57969224 hour service  locks• Reachesopened up to fiveMALCOLM storey’s high ROBERTS• Driveways & Paths MIKE LEWIS  new locks fitted  security• Reaches checks those awkwardOver places 25 years’ experience• Block paving of 01622 232860 07931 368710 TEL: 01622 663192  maintaining people’s homes. MOB: 07810 [email protected] work undertaken• Camera and video footage • Patios • Walls Ray Cox www.iwallondfencingcontractors.co.uk FAIRVIEW FARM A friendly, reliable service. Free no obligation TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES  24 hour service  locks opened  new locks fitted  securitywww.bt-environmental.com checks • Prices from £30 Painting & decorating,• Graffiti removal Painting "ations for a helping hand with:-  emergency work undertaken  UPVC door & window repairs Logs Decorating Fence me in & alot more TREE SURGERY: T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 Maidstone & KentLogs Wall Papering, Tiling CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, and all aspects of DIY. All types of Fencing & Gates 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Interior & Exterior Installed & Repairs PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB - TRIMMING, CLEARANCE CALL MALCOLM Private or commercial All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED, CHRISTMASPlumbing & Tiling ON 01634Dr. 308067 Tiles 30+ years experience • Fully Insured Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. MOWING (lawns) Logs Bathroom Installation Mob: 07788 142576 Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, FULLY INSURED £100 load - £125 load. Bulk Bags £45 • FREE No Obligation Quote (City & Guilds FOR A FREETiling QUOTATION & Building Maintenance Hedge Cutting etc. For a friendly & NPTC qualified) SPECIAL& refurbishment,Business Directory Contact Ray Call Colin on 07521 professional service & advice DAVID AdvertiseCOX from as little as FREE •Plastering 07733072389/01622•Friendly, reliable, 205625 377306 or 01622 853978 Please call:- 01622 743428 – LOGSSEASONED – DRY LOGS Mob:- 07817 517 733 Mobile: 07701024078 NO OBLIGATION •Painting & Decorating clean & tidy worker. Four-year seasoned apple logs per month QUOTE £3.00 •Laminate Flooring Pain•tCitying & & Guilds De c orating £100 load – £125 load Home:RING JOSH 01622 730960Call 01622 630330 or visit Professional•Home Improvements qualified DAVID WYNN 07804 Services E: [email protected] website for more details 927680 •Tiling •Fully insured Any moisture test welcome on07939 delivery. 935149 Interior Decorator • Interior & exterior painting GREEN MAN Also other hardwoods available www.downsmail.co.uk Tree & Garden Services # FREE ESTIMATES # CallNot Danny just a on decorator, 07450 876363 or email:• Wall [email protected] papering • Plastering FREE DELIVERY – FREE SeasonedSTACKING SERVICE Hardwood Logs • Fully insured Hedge cutting but one with over Call Maidstone office: 01622 813750 40 years experience • Friendly & reliable service Traditional • Brickwork • or Mobile: 07854 615687 now semi retired, Call Nick for a Hedge laying WaghornLogman Ene rLogsgy G ARDEN & free quotation • • Decking/Patios so can offer a cheaper price Fencing www.wrightsfencing.co.uk AGRIC ULTURAL07921 193298 • Water Features • Fencing BulkFree bags kindling £39.99 with Landscaping Call our sales team now - 01622 687200 01622 206702 www.wrightsfencing.co.uk • Driveways • Treework Seasonedevery double mixed load hard wood Redwall Farm, Redwall Lane, [email protected] HINERY Free estimates & advice - Fully insured £70 a load Linton, Maidstone, ME17 4AX Stihl Chainsaws, Brushcutters, Tel: 01622Experienced 892244 • Reliable • Fully Insured01622 630logmanene [email protected] For all makes of T: 01622 749819 Hedgetrimmers, Strimmers No1 Locally Since 1996 Wood burning Viking Lawn Mowers and Mobile:Tel: 01622 527106 07732 Mob:07788 768331 532926 Email: [email protected] Seasonedwww.logmanene wood forr gy.co.uk •Plastering Stoves and F: 01622 749829 Ride-On Mowers by Stihl wood burners £60 a load Open Fires •Painting & Decorating Mountfield Lawnmowers MaidstoneMob Weald 0773468 October 2017 0671 39 No1 Locally Also• atLaminate Lydden Road, Flooring Swingfield, and Garden Machinery Free Delivery • Free Stacking Dover CT15 7HF Stiga Multiclip and Ride-On Mowers Since 1996 •Home Improvements Mobile: 07854Painting 615687 & Decorating Office: 01622 813750 FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 07804 927680 Rathbone Decorating Services Flat Roof Specialists | Felt & Single Ply Fibre glass and Liquid Roofs LOGMANLOGMANPainting & Decorating ENERGYENERGY No job too small Rathbone Decoratingdunn Services & cole Interior & Exterior with special rates suppliers of seasoned, dry hardwood logsfor pensioners suppliers of seasoned,Works Undertaken dry hardwood logs Painting & Decorating No job too small ...cut...cut •toto Free orderorder Estimates forfor woodburningwoodburning • Friendly stovesstovesPersonal andand Services openopen firesfires Interior &property Exterior maintenance with special services rates 07957903638 for pensioners Now• Domestic is the and time Commercial to stock • Qualified up withTradesman the Works Undertaken 01622• Free 891512 Estimates • Friendly SouthPersonal East London Services & Kent areas bestTel 01622 cut to721491 order or KentishMobile: 07753 seasoned 487796 • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman 32 Maidstone Weald February 2020 hardwood logs at discount prices. Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 Call ROBBIE on 07802Call 62512507534 863994 us on 01634 320604 We•Driveways accept payment •Tar by& Grit •Tarmacadam www.logmanenergy.co.uk •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks Discreet and reliable pest control serving homes and businesses in Kent Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates 40 and theMaidstone surrounding East areas. January Effective 2017 and tailor-made solutions to all of your pest control needs including rats, mice, wasps, moles, squirrels, WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES fleas, bed bugs etc. Non-toxic methods used where possible and advice 01622 741183 provided on preventative measures. 01622 862035 / 07771 523799 Local, family run business, fully qualified and insured. www.rssurfacing.com

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58 Mid Kent Living downsmail.co.uk Classified

Painting & Decorating continued Roofing Services continued Local Experienced Allington Roofing Decorator EST 1979 Affordable painting & Fascias, Soffits & Gu ering Decorating Services Roof Cleaning Felt Flat Roofing Honest, Reliable, Trustworthy & Experienced Moss Removal Roof Repairs Call now for a free Free Estimates no obligation quote Contact Ray on: 01622 861564 07889255813 07961533324 info@allingtonroofing.co.uk www.allingtonroofing.co.uk Decorator D.STEWART Skip hire All decorating interior & exterior 01233 660 099 FREE ESTIMATES www.gboxkent.com 01622 730541 07890 982430 SKIP HIRE Commercial & Domestic Pest Control Recycling Services

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34 Maidstone Weald February 2020 Leisure WANTED MODEL RAILWAYS Any age or condition Glebe Fencing Ltd has a reputation synonymous Richard 07780 681405 with quality workmanship and superior installations. Private collector Established for more than 19 years, the team at Glebe [email protected] pride themselves on customer service through consistently delivering high quality fencing, decking and gate installations. Health & Beauty We are looking for Fencing Installers, preferably with fencing experience- Must have a valid UK driving license and valid green or blue CSCS card- The working day will be Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm with occasional overtime. Alternate Saturday work is also expected- Salary will vary depending upon experience

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Time on your hands? Don’t know what to do? Why not join the Maidstone Hospital League of Friends

WE URGENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

• To staff the hospital shop which is stocked with a wide variety of sandwiches,crisps, drinks, toiletries, greetings cards, sweets, chocolate, etc. • To take trolleys (containing sweets, drinks, toiletries, etc.) round the wards. • Staff our busy tea bar. • Sell books in the book room. The League of Friends is a registered charity and all monies raised ensures that it can respond to requests for equipment in the hospital.

If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to join a friendly team doing something rewarding for the community please contact: Jacqui on 01622 224781

Maidstone Weald February 2020 35 Recruitment Mechanic BRICKLAYERS WANTED Wanted for a small independent garage in Maidstone Gangs and price or day work For more information contact Bob on: Work across All areas of Kent Flexible rates depending on 01622 751258 area plus best price rates

Skilled upholsterer required for family run Call: 07969 128969 business in Bearsted. Full time hours are preferred, part time will be considered for suitable candidate. Wages are negotiable depending on experience. Our unit is based in the countryside so own transport is essential, there is plenty of parking available onsite. Hours of work are 08.00- 17.00 On the Road We carry out modern, traditional and contract upholstery in a very friendly atmosphere, for more information please contact us on 01622 863069 On the Road

Media Sales To advertise please call Come and join our friendly sales team Becky or Teresa on and share in our success. Field Sales/Key Account Executive 01622 630330 Is required to sell advertising across our publications, online products and work on special projects. This is a part time position 26 - 32 hours per week over 4-5 days MOBILE BODY REPAIRS You will be representing the • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB best publications serving • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING the local community and • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED enjoy a working environment FREE that provides you with the ESTIMATES freedom and flexibility to use your initiative while working within a supportive team.

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Maidstone Weald February 2020 37 downsmail.co.uk Comment Get going, Boris – but listen to us r MOST people in Maidstone and Kent stewards, and a local farmer provided a will be relieved by Boris Johnson’s lorry as the platform. It was powerful landslide General Election victory and MailMarks and peaceful. with it a certainty of Brexit. But there is DENNIS FOWLE President I suspect there will be some resistance one big proviso. [email protected] within the council. I hope not – but if so, Quite rightly, he intends to prioritise it is time for the majority of elected investment in many sad-looking councillors to demand: “Just do it.” Northern towns. But the Government Towns across the South East are building cannot continue to ignore rapidly- up a real head of steam. A bitter pill growing discontent in the South, with the They need powerful support from all r HUNDREDS of patients across impact of a massive house-building their MPs, most of them Conservatives Maidstone are being told by the NHS programme now leading to serious local with strong influence on Government. they can no longer collect medications rebellions. They know what is going on and how from their surgery pharmacy and must The two policies are linked. If more strongly their electors feel. switch to a pharmacy nearer their home. people desire to live in the North and For many, this seems nonsense, with find attractive employment, pressure Offer Mote Park the convenience for patients (many of should be reduced on London and South a GROUPS protesting against all this them elderly) totally ignored. East. Maidstone housing are looking for a The surgeries are generally rural and Maidstone has become an awful suitable location to stage a mass rally – these patients (many long-standing) live example of a major town being destroyed and for various good reasons it is not outside the surgery’s “controlled by unbelievable housing targets, now easy. locality”. very seriously impacting on quality of Now Maidstone Council is on the side Patients will still be prescribed life in so many ways for residents. It must of protestors, surely it can offer them the medications by their GP and order them not go on. expanse of Mote Park, an ideal central as necessary from that surgery. Maidstone is committed (mostly with location with good parking. They will then need to travel to that great reluctance under Government There is a precedent. I was chair of surgery and pick up the medication decree) to a programme of 28,000 new MASH (Maidstone Action for Services in authority (often from the pharmacy they homes up to the early 2030s and we are Hospital) and Maidstone Council are banned from using) to travel to appalled by what is happening, with supported our big battle when the NHS another pharmacy for collection. only about 25% built. planned to move many services to a new Many of these small GP pharmacies are The message has been too slow getting hospital in Tunbridge Wells. reliable, fast and efficient. through to elected Maidstone councillors, Surgeons, GPs, MPs and councillors Sadly this cannot be said of all larger but it has now. They have just voted to addressed a huge crowd on a cold community pharmacies, and the Downs take our protests to Westminster. Saturday morning. The council covered Mail too frequently hears complaints. Maidstone does not stand alone. the insurance. We found lots of willing This is a bitter pill for many patients.

No homes without roads proposing to ease this nightmare as well without a ring road. as providing additional capacity for the l Ever tried parking on an estate? Not MAIDSTONE is the first county town new housing it is already building? With enough room. One car per household is visited by European travellers. Yet, why two-plus cars per household adding to not realistic. Design estates to fit the would anyone want to come here? the already packed roads and parking on social need and not the developers’ They will try to plan routes around the the streets and in town choked, how are building density. town or to pass through early enough or they going to improve the situation? Chris Smith, via email late enough to avoid the traffic jams. l I read in Downs Mail that the Leeds I have lived here all my life and seen bypass is not deemed cost effective and Council not divided the housing spread and the traffic may not go ahead. The reason given is it AS ONE of the councillors who volume get worse. will not benefit the community. The consistently opposed the Broadway I know how much pressure a Leeds to Langley bypass is needed not developer will apply to put in the just to assist Leeds, but as part of the shopping centre development scheme cheapest infrastructure they can get away solution to Maidstone's problem of from the very start, I must comment on with, often employing specialists to assist congestion. Maidstone will be a no-go, the letters in your paper regarding this with saving money by bending and high pollution area until a suitable matter. cheating regulation. capacity ring road is built, that will allow Whilst it may be fair to criticise a I have seen the ridiculous planning cars to move from A to B without having flawed internal consultation process applications granted for housing on flood to go into the centre of Maidstone for which saw this proposal come forward, plains and on any square inch of their 30-minute wait. despite the voiced scepticism of all town available land. Now the local authority is l New towns like Milton Keynes have centre councillors, and I have done so. It focused on building houses at all cost to ring roads and their town works and is a was not by any stretch of imagination a satisfy the housing shortage. nice place to get about. Maidstone “Liberal Democrat” proposal, or one A few observations: council and the planners work in silos from any other party. It originated with l Where is all the employment for the and therefore nothing is seen to be senior council officers. new housing in the Maidstone area? If it wrong by the council, but the people At the very first opportunity, is out of area, why are we building in the who live here do see what is wrong. It councillors had to discuss it properly, it wrong place, meaning people need to may be too late to put in the ring road, so was quite rightly rejected as commute and pollute? stop the additional housing. This way we unacceptable, by all councillors across l With the existing town roads grid- will still have to put up with not being the political parties. I confidently predict locked at busy times, which is at least able to get across the town in 30 minutes that this is what will happen with many twice a day, and more with Op Stack and like we do now, but it will be better than other proposed sites that are currently roadworks etc how is the council 60 or 90 minutes, if the housing continues being put forward, which are equally

38 Maidstone Weald February 2020 downsmail.co.uk unacceptable. It is unfortunate that Tree was shameful Scheme (BPS). Comment people are suggesting that there is, in While our industry is pushing for fact, some deep political divide within WE ALL have hobby horses and I have tariff-free trade with the EU, which is the council and that one party or another several, not least how the heart of Kent's what Government say they want, they is not listening, when in fact the views of historic county town was celebrated at also want a looser regulatory councillors across party are fairly similar Christmas by an aluminium pole. relationship with the EU to allow – horror that Government has imposed a Having spent £3 million of council tax divergence and that is where the huge increase in housing numbers on the payers' money (most of it probably challenge for 2020 will be. borough and a concern to minimise the borrowed) on some tacky white and blue Legally speaking, it is likely we will damage. paving, it seems it was unable to afford a leave the EU later this month, but Cllr Clive English, Maidstone Borough decent/real Christmas tree. economically, the risk of there being no Council Disgraceful. Free Trade Agreement remains a threat, This is made even more disgusting but also a bargaining chip for the UK Stop building now and shameful when compared to the government. lovely tree erected in the little precinct The Secretary of State highlighted the REFERENCE your recent coverage of on Grove Green. over-developed Bearsted, Maidstone and Government’s commitments to Peter Downs, maintaining the highest standards of its surrounding areas. Firstly, thank you for raising this issue. food safety, animal welfare and The non-stop development of what was environmental protection in any future our beautiful area is being destroyed at The future for farming trade deals. an alarming rate and everyone you talk AFTER a year of frustration and The maintenance of standards and not to about it feels the same – extremely stagnation with agricultural policy, 2020 undercutting UK food producers will be angry and anxious. is going to be a very busy year, crucial for our sector and remain a key Even the ancient, pretty water meadow following the decisive election result. focus of the CLA’s lobbying work with in Bearsted village with its streams and The Agriculture Bill has been on hold Government. trees, and which is known to frequently for the last year, as Parliament was Mark Bridgeman, President, Country flood, is being ripped up for housing gridlocked in Brexit disagreement. The Land & Business Association (CLA) despite huge local opposition. And Environment Bill received its first equally inappropriate housing has been reading and was then pulled once the built behind Barty House, again despite election was called. These two key Right result for Britain huge opposition. pieces of legislation will now come back IT WAS with a sigh of relief that I Who buys these expensive houses and to Parliament. greeted the general election result, what do they expect? Despite developers As well as preparing for Brexit, there although I had said to my friends that I calling them “village” they are definitely will also be a focus on climate change. thought it would be a landslide. NOT villages but housing estates/towns. The UK will be hosting COP26, the My grandchildren and great- Where did these people live before? major global climate summit, in grandchildren won’t become citizens of How do they get the massive mortgages Glasgow in mid-November. the EU. needed to buy these monstrosities? Who Having been the first major economy Its aim is to be one nation with its own is benefitting financially? Well the to make “net zero” a legal obligation, anthem, army, currency, flag and answer to the last question is of course there will be a lot of pressure on the UK unelected president. the already-wealthy developers, land- government to show they are starting to Ken Dodd said that the oldest and owners (eg farmers, and “others”), but act. funniest joke was that the people in one definitely NOT the local residents. And The Secretary of State for Defra, village thought the people in the next those who do flourish financially Theresa Villiers, has been keen to point one were all stupid. The result shows definitely don't live/remain in the same out that the Conservative manifesto has how true that is. area. committed to maintaining funding into Those of us who live in these islands Yes people need somewhere to live, the agricultural sector for the duration do not expect to have us or our leaders and no, it's not a case of NIMBY, but this of this Parliament, the much talked ever treated with such disdain ever dreadful, greedy building frenzy in our about £3.2bn that currently comes into again or have our laws thrust on us by lovely county has to stop NOW. Before the UK from the CAP. unelected commissioners who don't we completely run out of land. This is very important as we start the appear to be of the highest class. Gillian Barry, via email transition away from the Basic Payment Alan Wallace, via email

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