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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling April 2016 No. 228

News Landmark ruling could Care home to shut THE best efforts of campaigners, including local MPs, have failed to prevent the closure of  help reduce congestion the Dorothy Lucy centre. 4 A LANDMARK decision to prevent new housing in south Maidstone Election decision could help campaigners stop other unwanted developments. ’S controversial police and crime commissioner Ann  The Secretary of State for com- stone local plan and the council would have gained 95 acres of land Barnes will not restand. 5 munities and local government, should be able to use this to seek for public amenity, but the pro- MP Greg Clark, upheld an inspec- constraints against the identified posal was contested by North tor’s findings that building should housing need of 18,560.” Loose Residents’ Association, Southeastern delays not take place on land in Boughton Mr Clark felt an increase of be- Loose Parish Council and Maid- RAIL commuters have been told Lane because of the adverse effect tween 15% and 30% in traffic flows, stone Council’s landscape and to wait until late 2017 for it would have on Loose Road and in an already-congested area, were housing officers. improvements. 12 the congested Swan junction. a matter for “significant concern”. Maidstone councillors turned The decision to refuse on the BDW Trading Ltd, KCC and Fu- down the planning application for grounds of road congestion was the ture Schools Trust, which owns the 220 homes, claiming the access Annual celebration first time that KCC’s highway de- NLL Academy in Boughton Lane, road would destroy ancient wood- MAIDSTONE will do its bit to partment, which raised no objec- wanted to sell part of the school land and the extra traffic would mark St George’s Day on  tion, had been overruled. playing fields for development to add to congestion on Loose Road. April 23. 18 Previously, Maidstone Council raise funds for the expansion of the Following a four-day hearing in planners had stated it could only Five Acre Wood special school, as July last year, planning inspector refuse on highways grounds if well as creating an 8.65-hectare John Felgate dismissed an appeal Heritage boards KCC lodged an objection. playing field on agricultural land against the decision. VISITORS can learn about Maid- Sean Carter, chairman of the for use by NLL students and the His findings have been upheld stone’s past on a series  North Loose Residents Association local community. by the Secretary of State, of educational panels. 20 planning group, said: “This has Parish who said: “On the appel- 4 great implications for the Maid- Council supported the scheme as it lants’ own figures, the likely Religious concern A PROPOSAL to rebuild a mosque in the town centre has 23 Carys makes light work of title been criticised. A teenager lucky to be alive after being born severely premature is targeting the Olympics Moving from Mote after winning a regional weightlifting title. MAIDSTONE Mela will be held in Carys Harper, 15, who attends St Augustine’s Acad- the town centre in Sep- emy in Maidstone, won the Lion Heart category at this  tember, for the first time. 29 year’s Celebrate Maidstone awards for overcoming dif- ficulties to achieve great things. Born 12 weeks premature and weighing only 3lb, Friday is market day Carys – daughter of Zoe Reed and step-dad Chris – was A FARMERS’ market will take initially unable to breathe without an incubator. Diag- place every month in Ju-  nosed with dyscalculia, a brain disorder causing diffi- bilee Square. 35 culty in making arithmetical calculations, she struggled at school but with the help of Jayne Bradshaw, her men- her to weightlifting and, in just two years, she has gone tor at St Augustine’s Academy, she refused to give up. from beginner to competing at a national level. Carys Comment 44-4546-47 Her fighting spirit led her to take up kickboxing, re- won a silver medal in the British Schools Weightlifting ceiving her junior black belt in March 2013. Championship in February 2015 and gold in the  Obituaries 46 One of her teachers, Michael Blackford, introduced 2015 London & SE Junior Championships, 6 Crime Reports 54 ROAD signs were stolen in Fant. Hospital woe Parish Councils 54 DRASTIC financial measures COUNCILLORS in Barming called have been necessary to keep for a modern bridge to afloat the Kims private hospital, be built next to the old one in YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT which lost £15m in its first year. ; flooding was killing fish in 01622 690290 [email protected] Full story – page 16. 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent a pond in Loose. Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk Expand your business on the web with Webexpand IF you are considering a new website, or “A Website should make you updating your existing website in line with your growing business, Webexpand can help. money, not cost you money” Established in 2004, by David McCord, local business Webexpand has helped hundreds of David genuinely took the time to business owners to achieve a strong on-line web fully understand our business and presence that is vital for creating and developing Webexpand created a fantastic new customers. website for us. 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2 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Pie-flingers get prepared Lady rowers show they BOOKINGS are now being taken for the 49th World Custard Pie Championships, being held in Cox- heath this summer. can take on the best Attracting worldwide interest, this YOUNG women from Maidstone pie-pitching event is not for the faint- Invicta Rowing Club have been hearted – or those who don’t fancy showing the country that “Kent getting their hands dirty. Girls Can”. This year’s custard challenge takes The club is supporting the KCC place on Saturday, June 4 and teams sporting initiative which is aimed at of four are asked to come ready to getting more girls into sport. do battle in Victorian costume or Three eight-women crews were some other novelty dress. among those taking part in the re- The World Custard Pie Champi- cent Hammersmith Head race on onship was dreamed up by former the Thames – a shorter version of the councillor Mike FitzGerald and cur- Oxford and Cambridge boat race. rent ward member Brian Mortimer This was the first race on the The Junior Ladies crew with coach James Knight to raise funds for the village hall. Thames for many of Maidstone’s The rules are simple. The teams of crews and a different experience WJ18 crews on the day with an im- rector of rowing, Brian Humphris, four are drawn against each other from the sheltered . pressive 13.24mins, coming in 91st who finished eight in 11:46 and win- and score points depending on MIRC press officer Richard Bald- overall. ning Masters Eights after being in- where their pie hits an opponent. win said: “This was a great club per- Second in this category were the vited to row in a London RC crew. The challenge has been featured in formance against tough opposition Women’s Junior 16 girls eight, who The Junior Ladies went to London the press and on TV across the globe, and despite quite a bit of lost train- had to race up an age group with a with coach James Knight to receive drawing a Japanese contingent to ing due to high river levels.” time of 13:34, coming 99th overall. their winning pots for the Hammer- the area in 2015. The international Five boats from Maidstone raced Both girls’ crews beat Emanuel smith Head. Six of the crew, plus cox team spent a whole day in training over the 4.5km course, against 147 School’s crew, however, who were Cathy Metcalf, were present to re- and were rewarded with first place competitors drawn from rowing racing on their home water. ceive their trophies. for their panache. They have clubs and schools from across the The adult ladies’ eight finished in The crew were also presented with pledged to return to defend the title. South East and Thames Valley. 13:52 and were placed 109th overall, two plaques for Fastest Junior Ladies With a limit of 22 teams and en- The Junior 18 boys eight came sec- while the club’s youngest crew of Crew and also WJ18 8+. tries flooding in, teams are urged to ond to London Oratory School and the day was the J15 coxed quad fin- Anyone interested in rowing or register early. More information can 34th overall with a time of 12:21. ishing 118th overall in 14:00 and coxing at Maidstone should go to be found at www.worldcustard- The Maidstone Women’s Junior 18 third in their category. www.maidstoneinvicta.co.uk or piechampionship.co.uk. crew came in at the fastest time of all The fastest Maidstonian was di- find them on Facebook. 15% DISCOUNT ON COLLECTED CASH ORDERS OVER £15

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Maidstone Town April 2016 3 downsmail.co.uk News Traffic ruling Continued from page one impact on traffic conditions at the Closure date set for Swan junction would be severe and without effective mitigation, the impact on the highway network would be unacceptable. “The proposed development Dorothy Lucy centre would have a severe adverse im- pact on the highway network, in KENT County Council has voted to as providing support to local fami- terms of congestion and inconven- close the Dorothy Lucy centre and lies who needed respite facilities. ience to residents and other road care home. “I am pleased I was able to help users, and on the strategic trans- Despite efforts by local council- get Kent County Council to hold port planning of the area.” lors, campaigners and MP Helen back their decision while they car- Mr Clark also said the proposed Whately, the county council’s adult ried out research to identify alterna- development “would result in sig- social care cabinet committee voted tive providers for the services. nificant danger to pedestrians, cy- to close the care home in Northum- “This was particularly important clists and other road users.” berland Avenue, Shepway, from Au- for day care services at Dorothy He also took into account the gust 2016 and to end dementia day Lucy, which now won’t be with- emerging North Loose Neighbour- care provision from March 2017. drawn until March 2017, rather than hood Development Plan. Cllr Brian Clark made a final bid this month as originally planned. While Mr Clark accepted there for a reprieve at the meeting, with “While I understand the reasons was an acute shortage of housing in Marian Reader and Anna Ralph. Cllr Brian Clark, Anna Ralph and her KCC put forward for closing the cen- the area and that a new sports field Both ladies made a case to keep father-in-law John Hoggin tre, providing high-quality health would be of benefit, he agreed with the centre going, based on the excel- care locally is a must. I will continue the inspector that “the benefits of lent service provided and lack of like time to make the decision on closure. to monitor the situation and press this proposed development are sig- -for-like services locally. “KCC should be deferring the de- KCC to ensure good replacement fa- nificantly and demonstrably out- Cllr Clark said KCC should defer a cision until credible alternative serv- cilities are in place before the final weighed by its adverse impacts.” decision, claiming it had so far failed ices are available for the whole closure of the Dorothy Lucy Centre.” Mr Carter added: “It’s a bit sad to find any alternative services lo- package of services offered by KCC says the Dorothy Lucy cen- that it has taken a planning inspec- cally in the private sector. Dorothy Lucy." tre is no longer fit for purpose, along tor and the Secretary of State – both He said: “KCC has had to extend His views were echoed by Mid with Kiln Court at Faversham. from outside the area – to quickly dementia day care provision at Kent MP Helen Whately who said: Mrs Whately said: “There are op- and accurately identify the prob- Dorothy Lucy to March next year “I am disappointed the Dorothy portunities for health agencies to use lems we have, while KCC’s high- after finding no suitable alternative. Lucy Centre is to close. It is a much- this overall situation to improve pro- ways authority and Maidstone “Given the clear lack of current al- valued community asset and the vision in Maidstone and across Kent, Borough Council have failed to see ternatives for dementia day care in staff there have done great work car- particularly for dementia care home it as a serious issue.” south east Maidstone, this is not the ing for the frail and elderly, as well and nursing care home beds.” IF WE DON'T SELL YOUR HOME IN 6 WEEKS WE'LL GIVE YOU 50% OFF OUR STANDARD SELLING FEES!

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4 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Police elections | News LOVE BEAUTY Newly opened I’ve done my beauty room • Spray tanning • Waxing • Threading time, says Ann • Tinting • Eyelash KENT’S police and crime commis- extensions 20% sioner Ann Barnes is not standing discount with for re-election. • Manicure this voucher Mrs Barnes, who was elected to and pedicure the post in 2012, has been a promi- nent figure during her term of office – and not always for the right rea- To book an appointment call 07879652463 sons. 1st floor Cosmopolitan 19 Union Street Maidstone ME14 1EB She has fought to retain the num- ber of police officers on the streets in the face of swingeing budgetary ity for seven years. Registered Charity cuts and has set up a successful sex- Having spent more than 15 years No. 1144081 10th Anniversary ual assault referral centre and im- in police accountability and gover- Celebration proved the services of victim nance, Mrs Barnes believes she has support in the county. done her “time” and said: “I am SUMMER CHARITY BALL But she received widespread content that I have delivered what I ridicule after appearing in a fly-on- said I would and is in a TIARA’S AND BALLGOWNS the-wall documentary on Channel 4 very strong and sustainable position about the role of the commissioner for the future.” Friday 17th June @ 7.30pm (pictured). She has warned the candidates for The orchard, Spot Lane, , Maidstone ME158SE Mrs Barnes made a public apol- the role that they will need to be pre- ogy and admitted she had been un- pared to work around the clock, lis- TICKETS £35 wise to appear in the programme, in ten to the public and put the people which she struggled to explain what of Kent first – not a political party Live music from The Suzie Turner Swing Band! her role involved and was filmed and not Westminster. Disco/Buffet/Bar/Dancing/Aution having difficulty defining an ap- She concluded: “I have been hon- proach to policing priorities called oured to have the chance to meet Tickets are limited so book yours today “the onion”. She also failed to write and work with so many wonderful her title correctly on a whiteboard individuals and organisations who [email protected] www.rubiconcares.org and was filmed painting her nails in work tirelessly in Kent to make life Patron: Dick Whitfield the office. better for our communities. Their A former teacher, Merseyside- compassion, professionalism and born Mrs Barnes moved to Kent kindness is inspirational. Sponsored by more than 30 years ago and has “We should never forget these un- been a magistrate since 1986. Before sung heroes who only want the best being elected as commissioner, she for us and I am proud to have got to was chair of the Kent Police Author- know and work closely with them.” www.goldinghomes.org.uk Timetable of the election NOMINATIONS close for the role lowing day. The electorate will on April 7 – so there is still time have two votes. Any of the candi- for more candidates to put them- dates who get more than 50% of selves forward for election. the vote in the first count will be The election will coincide with elected. local authority elections on May Otherwise, all but the top two 5 and the count will take place at candidates are eliminated and Dover Town Hall on May 6. the second preference vote Nadeem Aziz, chief executive comes into play, ultimately de- at Dover District Council, has ciding the candidate with the been appointed the returning of- most votes. ficer. Mrs Barnes was elected with a st Mrs Barnes will relinquish her majority of 53,889 but this year’s Sunday 1 May 2016 reign on May 11 and the new victory is likely to be much less Discounted early bird registration until 17th April PCC will take command the fol- clear cut. A 6 mile sponsored walk amongst the Bluebells on the North Conviction could bar Fergus Downs and through the beautiful Kent countryside. • Raising vital funds for • Starting from Village Hall PROPERTY tycoon Fergus Wilson has launched a controversial high- Heart of Kent Hospice profile campaign in his bid to be Kent’s next police and crime com- • You can begin your walk any time missioner. • Fun for all the family between 8.30am and 10.30am However, with a conviction for assault to his name, he might have to • Craft and food stalls • £10 per adult, £3 per child and £25 pull out of the race. Celebrating 25 years of compassionateper family of five care Mr Wilson (67), from Boughton Monchelsea, says he has instructed • Bring your own picnic his solicitors to appeal against the conviction, in April 2015, after he was found guilty of hitting estate agent Daniel Wells and fined £1,500. Nominations close on April 7, but candidates who have put them- Register Now! selves forward so far include: Henry Bolton (Ukip), Tim Garbutt (Ind), Visit: www.hokh.org David Naghi (Lib Dem), Tristan Osborne (Lab), Gurvinder Sandher Tel: 01622 790195 (English Democrats), Matthew Scott (Con), Fergus Wilson (Ind) and Email: [email protected] Steve Uncles (English Democrats). Heart of Kent Hospice @Heartofkenthosp RCN No. 298164

Maidstone Town April 2016 5 News | Celebrate Maidstone downsmail.co.uk Town’s stars shine at ceremony REPRESENTATIVES from businesses, schools, charities, public services and arts groups gathered at the Celebrate Maidstone 2016 gala event to recognise the contribution of the town’s brightest stars. Those attending the black tie-af- for our wonderful team of peace- fair at Kent County Showground, makers, who give up their time, vis- Lionheart title near , included Deputy iting people in their homes and Lieutenant of Kent Bill Cockcroft, helping them to talk to each other.” Deputy Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Neil Pattison, chairman of Cele- for Carys Derek Butler, and MP Helen Grant. brate Maidstone, said: “Maidstone Continued from page one They enjoyed performances from is growing and benefits from strong ranked first in the county for her the Hazlitt Youth Theatre, the businesses, a healthy economy, and weight category. Maidstone Nepalese Dance Group, high employment. Her dream is to compete at the and the King Street band. “We also need quality of life re- Olympics and become a successful When asked what she thought sulting from a strong community physical trainer, encouraging other the best thing was about receiving glued together by love, compassion young children to take an interest the lifetime achievement award, and forgiveness. Let us follow the in this otherwise male-dominated winner Annette Hinton, of Maid- example and inspiration of the peo- sport. Jill Maynord stone Mediation, said: “Recognition ple recognised by these awards.” Carys was one of eight community stars given awards at the gala event, which took place at the Kent Show- ground near Detling. Carys thanked Mrs Bradshaw, Mr Blackford and the Reverend Kes Grant for support and nominating her. She also paid Sarah Allsebrook of Frederic Bistro Annabelle Pearsall, Maidstone Museum Donna Carr tribute to her weightlifting coach Matt Vine, who gives up his time to train with Carys three days a week and attend competitions at week- ends all over the country because he believes that she has the poten- tial to fulfil her dreams. Chairman of Celebrate Maid- stone, Neil Pattison said: “Carys is an inspiration to us all, demon- strating that even difficult hurdles can be overcome with determina- tion and a fighting spirit. A worthy winner and a star of Maidstone; we are proud of you, Carys.” Janet Judges Steve Purvis Annette Hinton Celebrating contributions to community  L – Carys Harper (sponsored by quality. The restaurant was also Janet has worked as a volunteer Maidstone Parkrun has become one Maidstone Churches). awarded runner-up in the Kent In- for more than 20 years, serving of the largest parkruns in Kent. It has Customer Experience – Jill May- dependent Trading Awards in 2013. Maidstone Police Station. She has more than 4,000 registered members nard (sponsored by Manak Solici- Rated highly on Tripadvisor, Fred- made a difference to the lives of hun- and a regular turnout of 200-300 run- tors). eric Bistro is fast becoming a jewel in dreds of young people who find ners. Donna started Maidstone Jill and her husband Jim estab- Maidstone's dining and restaurant themselves in police custody. Parkrun, which is run by volunteers, lished Zeroth Clinical Exercise in experience. Her patience, commitment and just over two years ago. Donna is 2003 to provide exercise therapy and  Visitor Attraction – Maidstone warm friendly nature enables her to present every weekend encouraging rehabilitation for people of all ages, Museum advise young people in a way that runners, joggers and walkers of all including support for MS sufferers, Recently refurbished, the Maid- makes a difference, and in many ages. children with behavioural issues, stone Museum contains a rich his- cases reduces their offending.  Lifetime Achievement – Annette and those tackling excessive weight, tory of the county town that is free  Innovator – Steve Purvis Hinton (sponsored by Kent Event as well as improving fitness. Jill “lis- to all entrants. Dawn Hudd, head of Steve is part of the charity Parents Centre). tens, helps, supports, encourages economic development at Maid- is the Word, which brings together Annette worked hard to establish and treats people like they were an stone Council, said: “From investing parents in Park Wood. Steve has Maidstone Mediation in the 1990s, old friend.” in essential maintenance works to been a key person in helping with training volunteer mediators and pi-  Business – Frederic Bistro (spon- scheduling an exciting calendar of the children’s work and to distribute oneering what was a relatively new sored by Creation Healthcare). events and exhibitions, our aim is to food parcels, and regularly goes concept. Since then the idea of medi- The Earl Street restaurant was aid the development of Maidstone as above and beyond for the charity. ation and restorative justice has been nominated due to its high standards, one of the most significant areas of  Community – Donna Carr (spon- duplicated across the country and relaxing and homely atmosphere culture and heritage within Kent.” sored by Golding Homes). internationally. and excellent consistency in food  Mentor – Janet Judges Through Donna’s hard work,

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Maidstone Town April 2016 7 downsmail.co.uk News Nomination for entrepreneur Teenager Ben leading FORMER Maidstone Grammar stu- dent Keith Mabbutt (pictured) has been named in the top 100 of way for young talent Britain’s most successful busi- ness profession- BRITAIN’S next Richard Branson In December, Ben was named als. is busy building up his empire number one on The Times Maga- A panel of ex- from an office in Maidstone’s Busi- zine’s Superteen Power List. perts from the ness Terrace. He has also shot up the Richtopia Centre for Entre- The Virgin mogul has described British Entrepreneurs Top 100, to be preneurs agreed Ben Towers as “one of the UK’s placed at number 34, along with ty- the 36-year-old, from Harrietsham, most exciting young entrepre- coons Richard Branson and Lord should feature in this year’s indus- neurs”. Alan Sugar. try-nominated Maserati 100 index Ben, who is still only 17, set up his He has more than 63,000 follow- for his role in assisting the next gen- first business at the age of 11, de- ers on Twitter and regularly appears eration of business talent. signing and building websites from on television. Keith said: “It is fundamental for home. Ben still lives at home with his young people to have an enterpris- He is now an award-winning en- Entrepreneur Ben Towers parents in Gillingham, but is hoping ing attitude and I have a genuine en- trepreneur, with three companies to buy a house in Maidstone. thusiasm for helping young people and a six-figure turnover to his to inspire young people. He is busy campaigning for busi- realise their potential.” name. Ben’s digital media and web de- ness bank accounts to be made His first venture was a graduate As most of Ben’s early work was sign agency Towers Design em- available for youngsters under the recruitment company in Maidstone, carried out online, nobody had any ploys 15 people and has more than age of 18 and trying to influence the which he sold before launching a na- idea of his age and he was offered 700 customers. payment gateways and merchant tional job board for university stu- his first public speaking engage- He is also behind the social media accounts, which also restrict the dents. He has created a TV ment – at ExCel in front of 3,000 management company Social Mar- ability of U18s to be in business. business-pitch contest for university people – aged only 15. ley and he is working on a third He said: “I want to be sure that if students called The Grad Factor, and Today, he is an ambassador for company, NGBT, a social media there are budding young entrepre- a social venture with West Ham management platform. United for homeless youngsters. Young Start-Up Talent (YST) awards neurs out there that they aren’t held He was tempted to the county His latest venture is a finance and and for the National Entrepreneur- back by their age. funding academy for business own- ship Challenge, a scheme set up to town by the attractive office rents “I hope I can provide valuable ers that will run from The Business help teach and inspire enterprise for available at the Business Terrace, support, things which I wished I Terrace in Maidstone. For details call young people in schools. which is in the Maidstone Gateway, had known myself when I was start- 01865 261 480. He also works alongside the FSB King Street. ing out.”         SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS        Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of products are especially sourced to offer excellent value. Expert advice and installation service available

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Maidstone Town April 2016 9 downsmail.co.uk News Cricket club aims for top Real ale award A STRUCTURE aimed to make while running a 1st XI able to The Mote the best cricket club in challenge regularly for the Kent Kent was presented to the annual League premier title”. meeting. The Mote, with four Saturday for town pub The club now have seven man- teams as well as Sunday and mid- agement groups: cricket (led by week sides plus an expanding club captain Alex Fordham); colts section, are looking for pro- A POPULAR Maidstone local has ground (Howard Waters working motion from division one to the been voted pub of the year by with new groundsman Chris premier division of the Kent members of the Maidstone and Dale); finance and strategy (new League after missing out at the Mid-Kent Branch of the Campaign treasurer Paul Heynes); develop- final game last season. for Real Ale (CAMRA). ment (Dennis Fowle); community Chairman Glen Aukett said the Matt Bannerman and Gina Keo- engagement and membership £4m development plan, to in- hane took over the Rifle Volunteers (Laurence Waters); house (John clude a large new pavilion, was in Wyatt Street in March 2015. They Fuggle); and social and fund rais- on hold while the club negotiated have vowed to maintain the single- ing (Nick Aldridge). with Maidstone Rugby Club over bar, stone-built, street-corner pub’s The aim is to offer “enjoyable playing space. Rugby’s current charms, recently identified by cricket for all, providing a thriv- lease expires on May 31. CAMRA as having a regionally im- ing membership with the best Anyone interested in playing portant historic pub interior. 2008 when they managed The Pilot playing and pavilion facilities for the club can call 07725 418305. Gina said: “We’ve always been in Lower Stone Street. great fans of the pub and wanted to Ian Clennett, chairman of the keep all the things that have made it Maidstone and Mid-Kent Branch of special over the years. Our regulars CAMRA, said: “In less than a year, Cash for maternity services enjoy a good selection of locally- Matt and Gina have made it a ‘must- MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge It will also allow healthcare staff brewed ales without the distraction visit’ for real ale fans locally and fur- Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has been to have confidence to support of music or TV.” ther afield. It’s great that they’ve awarded £16,000 as part of a drive women in their choice of where to Only those pubs judged to serve resisted the temptation to revamp to make the NHS one of the safest give birth to their baby – whether the highest quality real ales qualify the pub and have been rewarded places in the world to have a baby. at home, in hospital, or in a for inclusion in the voting process with a growing clientele.” The money will be spent on sim- birthing centre. and CAMRA members and a voting The Rifle Volunteers – one of two ulation equipment used to train Applications for funding, from a panel base their selection on style, Goacher’s tied houses in the county midwives, doctors and ambulance pot of more than £2 million, were decor, furnishing and cleanliness; town – now competes against other staff in a range of labour and birth considered by the Department of service, welcome and offering; com- branch winners in the Kent (West) scenarios, to ensure they are confi- Health and representatives from munity focus and atmosphere; and section of CAMRA, with potential dent and skilled in dealing with the Royal College of Midwives alignment with CAMRA principles. onward progression to regional and all situations they might en- and the Royal College of Obstetri- Matt and Gina won the title in national voting stages. counter. cians and Gynaecologists. Homewood Orchard Garden Centre “with our help... you can create the perfect garden” Garden Furniture • Tubs and Containers • Shrubs/Trees (Over 30 varieties of fruit trees) • Pots • Compost/Growbags Garden Ornaments • Bird Tables/Bird Feed• Bark & Aggregate • Turf • Fresh Grown Fruit & Vegetable Plants to buy

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10 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Young ‘priced out of homes’ HOUSING chiefs have pledged to were trapped into sub-standard ac- support a four-pronged policy to commodation. tackle the problems of housing and Members of Momentum, who homelessness in the borough. held a protest outside the Town Hall While the number of people before the council meeting, warned sleeping on the streets is sympto- young people were at risk of devel- matic of the crisis in Maidstone, oping mental health issues as a re- campaigners claim many more sult of the stress of having to young people are hidden behind the sofa-surf or be homeless. scenes, suffering from the shortage The council has identified the of affordable accommodation. need for a further 18,560 housing Cllr Paul Harper told Maidstone units in the borough between 2011 Council: “Our looming housing cri- and 2031 and sites with more than sis is disproportionately affecting 15 units must offer 40% affordable the young and vulnerable. Whilst housing. there are people sleeping on the The council agreed it would con- streets in Maidstone, they only rep- sult young people about their hous- resent the easily identified need. ing needs and work with private “Most homelessness is hidden as landlords to identify empty housing people are forced to remain at home and provide bed spaces for the with their parents, move around to homeless. find a bed, or live in unfit and over- It will also try to identify over-oc- crowded accommodation. cupied properties and work with “The young struggle to rent, are the occupants to resolve this. restricted in claiming housing ben- In the longer term, Cllr Harper efit until they are 35 and have little wants to see a housing conference in hope of buying a home.” Maidstone on the subject, encom- Cllr Harper said he believed passing the statutory authorities, young people should have the op- housing associations and the volun- portunity to buy their own homes, tary sector, with the aim of formu- Buying,Buying, sellingselling just as the previous generation did lating a multi-sector approach to and said too many young people tackling the various issues. Discount store back in Mall oorr both?both? A FAMILIAR face is returning to The north of and the return to Mall in Maidstone town centre. Maidstone is the first in the com- Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help The discount department store TJ pany’s expansion plans for the Hughes is returning to the promi- south. you complete all the legal steps, whether nent corner site in The Mall which it Capital and Regional, owner of last occupied in 2011, before the the Mall, see the return as a vote of you’reyou’rree buying or sellingsel a prproperty.operty. company went into liquidation. confidence in the county town – Staff at the store had little more and in the shopping centre. We take pride in offffering a no-nonsense approach to than a week’s notice that it was to The 32,000sqft store will be split what can sometimes be a frustrating process, helping close, leaving more than 60 people over two levels, making it one of out of work. The Mall’s largest retail units, along ensure your transaction is completed as quickly and Lewis’s Home Retail, which pur- with BHS. chased the company, kept six of the Capital and Regional has agreed smoothly as possible. original 57 branches open, but is new leases with 10 retailers in the now looking to expand. past year while the refurbishment Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality The name will be back up on the work has been ongoing, and retail Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some store from September, as part of asset manager Gareth Holland sees the £5m refurbishment of the Mall. this latest signing as a real coup for mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors. TJ Hughes was best known in the the Mall. Contact us today Russian singers’ church date Canterbury 01227 643250 MAIDSTONE people are being given a rare opportunity to hear top Maidstone 01622 698000 quality acapella singers from Russia when the Hermitage Ensemble sing in Leeds Church. The concert, at 7.30pm on Sunday, April 3, is being organised by the TTeTenterdenenterden 01580 765722 church to raise money for its repairs fund. www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk The group from St Petersburg will present a varied programme of Russian hymns and folk songs at St Nicholas’ Church. The Hermitage Ensemble includes soloists from theatres and con- WWhiteheadhitehead MoncktonMonckton LimitedLimited (no.(no. 08366029),08366029), registeredregistered inin EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. cert companies of St Petersburg, including the Kirov Opera and Bal- RegisteredRegistered officeoffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, KKent,ent, ME14ME14 1BL.1BL. let, Maly Opera Theatre and St Petersburg Concert. The group tours AuthorisedAuthorised andand regulatedregulated byby thethe SolicitorsSolicitors RegulationRegulation AAuthorityuthority underunder the UK every year. no.no. 608279.608279. Tickets for the concert are now on sale, priced £10. Call Brian Hardy on 01622 842915. DM/1

Maidstone Town April 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk Train delays ‘likely until Footballer Josh receives end of 2017’ COMMUTERS in Kent are likely to his call-up for England face delays until the end of 2017, ac- cording to Southeastern. Only 61% of trains have run on JOSH Wisson, a sixth-form student at Maidstone's Maplesden Noakes time since Christmas, with several School, has been selected to play for the England under-18 football squad. major events when trains have been disrupted for hours. Josh (17), who is studying for A Noakes to be awarded U18 inter- Mid Kent MP Helen Whately has levels in history, psychology, soci- national honours and follows in a been holding talks with Southeast- ology and PE, was at home alone long line of elite soccer players at ern in a bid to get to the root of the when he received his England call- the school. problem. up letter to play centre back. In recent years four students She said: “While they are trying, He said: "I was ecstatic at this, the have progressed from the school’s I’m frustrated that – by their own ad- biggest achievement in my life so soccer academy to be awarded con- mission – we’re likely to see delays far. tracts with professional clubs, and all the way through to the end of “I was so proud that the months three students secured football 2017 when the major works at Lon- of trials and selection and the years scholarships at universities in the don Bridge eventually finish.” of hard work and dedication had USA. A further four students rep- The MP met with Southeastern paid off with this life-changing op- resent the school at county level managing director David Statham. portunity to play at the interna- and five at district level, which is She said: “Since Christmas Eve tional level. I phoned my mum and an outstanding achievement for the we've seen the service go from bad dad immediately and they were school. to worse, with delays and cancella- over the moon with the news. at that stage. This was done for- Josh praised the role of the Soc- tions day after day.” Then I phoned my older sister, who mally by letter of appointment. cer Elite Academy at the school in One of the “disaster” days was lives in France, and she was just so Josh’s news came at the end of a getting him to where he is now. caused by the failure of new sig- proud of what I'd achieved.” week's trial for south London pro- He said: “I've been pushed and nalling equipment and another due Josh was chosen to play after a fessional side Millwall FC. He is encouraged every single day. I've to iced-up rails. Heavy rain at gruelling and highly-competitive also investigating the possibilities worked hard and they've really Christmas caused several landslips, process involving more than 500 offered by a soccer scholarship at brought out the best in me.” including one at . young hopefuls. The field was nar- an American university, where he Headteacher Jane Prideaux said: Mr Statham said the collapse of rowed down to a shortlist of 32 would be able to combine degree “I am always very proud of all our the sea wall at Dover, destroying the players. studies with playing at varsity students who excel and represent track and putting that part of the net- The final 18 players were chosen level. the school at any level, but special work out of action, had made it very at the Football Association's School As captain of the Kent U18 foot- congratulations must go to Josh for difficult for Southeastern to keep of Excellence at Lilleshall Hall, ball team and a semi-professional his outstanding achievement and services working. Shropshire – where the 1966 World player with Sittingbourne first we wish him well for the rest of the Repairing the line at Dover may Cup winning squad trained. How- team (Ryman League), Josh is the football season and his career in take most of the year and Southeast- ever, their names were not revealed second student from Maplesden the game.” ern recognises it has to find a way to improve the service. Mrs Whately said: “While the con- ditions may have been challenging, Pupils put their pride in school on film Southeastern acknowledged that be- PUPILS from Loose Primary School Council have tween it and , they been working with A-level media students from need to be able to keep the service Invicta Grammar School on a video to promote running better.” their school. Southeastern told the MP it was Pupils and parents attended the premiere to employing more drivers and crew, see the results of the 12-week project. Three increasing “engineers on the road” videos created by year 1 pupils showing (who travel to a broken down train learning throughout the curriculum were shown to fix it), and avoiding decoupling as well as a film of a day in the life of a pupil. trains to speed up services and re- Miss Watts, assistant headteacher at Invicta, duce the likelihood of breakdown. thanked all staff and pupils at Loose, saying she They are also going to de-ice at had seen such pride and excellence at the milder temperatures to avoid a re- school during their visits and that this had made peat of iced-up rails. the filming of a video easy for her students. Mrs Whately is due to meet South- eastern again, together with Net- work Rail, to keep up the pressure. For more local news go to www.downsmail.co.uk MP joins call to increase rail carriages Young carers IN last month’s Downs Mail we re- MALLING MP Tom Tugendhat increase the number of carriages common for passengers to have an ported that the mother of Becky, MBE has called on the rail minister on some Southeastern train serv- intolerable commute home – with to increase the capacity on the ices, and will make a decision in a many standing as far as Bromley one of the young carers in our fea- Maidstone East Line, following few weeks on which routes will South and sometimes beyond. ture, had progressive nerve damage dozens of complaints from irate benefit from the 12-carriage trains. “I often receive complaints from to the base of her spine. constituents. Mr Tugendhat said the increased residents in Borough Green, West We would like to clarify that it The MP has written to Claire capacity was badly needed and Malling, Kings Hill and surround- was indeed Becky’s father who had Perry MP asking her to push for said: “The Maidstone East line ing villages about this. That’s why the condition, as a result of a bad extra carriages on the Southeastern could do with extra carriages, par- I have called upon the rail minister accident eight years ago. train services passing through the ticularly at peak time. All too often to act. Becky’s sister Sophie is also a town when the Government makes as the service approaches London “I hope they will listen to our carer, with the sisters currently its decision this spring. Victoria many commuters are concerns and increase capacity on helping their mother recover from The Government is proposing to standing. Furthermore, it is not un- this congested line.” open-heart surgery.

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Maidstone Town April 2016 13 downsmail.co.uk News Traders move Charity’s plea for support A FUN day is being held to help get a fledgling children’s charity in Maidstone off the ground. The Alfie Rose Foundation was set up by Alfie’s mum Ellen Ridley, after her son was born with a life-threatening kidney disease. in to new units She now wants to get charitable status as a means of gaining greater access to grants – but the group needs to raise at least £5,000 a year to NEW businesses are moving into qualify. Park Wood with the regeneration Alfie suffers from nephrotic of Wallis Avenue. syndrome, which means his body The Mayor of Maidstone Cllr does not process proteins. Daniel Moriarty officially opened Large amounts of protein leak Phases 1 and 2 of the Golding into his body via holes in the Homes’ scheme, which has pro- kidneys and, although steroids vided 146 homes and 13 retail units. seal the holes these can cause a He is pictured with Roger Ford of huge amount of other issues, Golding Homes. ers are already trading.” such as ADHD and anxiety, both The retail units replace the shops The remaining units should be of which now affect the three- in the existing Parkwood Parade, occupied by the end of April. year old. which will be demolished to make Mark Mickelburgh, head of retail He is also more at risk of way for a further 56 houses and flats for Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “We catching colds and infections and two more shops. are delighted with the new shop, and has to live on a very basic Both national and local independ- which is both modern and spacious diet, with no processed foods ent retailers have signed up to the and offers us a great opportunity to and very little salt, and have his new units, including The Beauty stock a greater range of furniture as urine tested twice a day. Closet, Heart of Kent Hospice, well as our usual range of donated Miss Ridley set up a Facebook Greggs Bakery and McColls con- items. We are already open and page, which now has nearly 700 followers throughout the world, to venience store. trading and look forward to wel- highlight the problems caused by the syndrome and to act as a Two of the units will be occupied coming new and existing customers counselling service for fellow sufferers and their families. by Fusion as a local community cafe to our store.” She has been busy organising a fundraising event at Madginford Hall, and training centre. The Wallis Avenue scheme has al- Bearsted, from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, April 2. Anne Chapman, Golding Homes’ ready been recognised for its dis- Entry is free and there will be a jumble sale, raffle, face-painting, head of new business and commer- tinctive, high quality design. tombola, cakes and refreshments and much more. cial services, said: “We are delighted The new homes include a mix of She said: “We are locally based and would be grateful for any support. that retailers share our vision for family houses and flats and replace Since the foundation was established in 2013, we have become friends this area. The construction stage is a similar number of outdated small with nephrotic children and adults all over the world.” coming to an end and several retail- flats. OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories

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Maidstone Town April 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Kims’ £15m loss in first year MAIDSTONE’S newest private hospital, Kims, made a £15m loss in its first year of operation. Delays in signing up to the NHS 2015. sultant surgeons fully transferring fident that the company has suffi- “Choose and Book” service (now Among measures implemented across to Kims being lower than ex- cient appropriate funding.” known as eReferral) and the failure to pull Kims back from the brink pected, with a consequent impact Kims took two years to build and of consultant surgeons fully com- were the issue of new share capital, on revenue,” it adds. cost more than £100m. It boasts mitting to the ground-breaking which raised £7.8m and the con- During the year, more than 1,600 some of the best hi-tech equipment new hospital meant income version of £33.7m of loans into eq- private and 1,200 NHS patients and consultants in the country and streams were lower than antici- uity share capital. were treated at Kims, but only 12% has since carried out a number of pated, forcing the board to restruc- Founding directors Steven Bern- of the beds and 20% of the operat- ground-breaking procedures, in- ture and re-finance. stein, Franz Dickmann and his son ing theatre capacity were used. cluding open heart and keyhole Accounts for the hospital, which James Dickmann all resigned while Since registering with the eRefer- heart surgery. opened in April 2014, reveal that al- Peter Goddard was appointed ex- ral service, which went live on Sep- Speaking in October last year, Mr though the hospital had a turnover ecutive chairman, Simon Rust fi- tember 1, there has been a James said: “I have never seen a of £8.76m in its first year, it ended nance director and Simon James significant increase in the number healthcare company make money the year with a shortfall of £15.22m. chief executive. of active consultants at the hospital in its first year. It’s a business that Existing lenders put an addi- Their end-of-year report reveals and the first CQC inspection, car- has to be resource-led, as you have tional £2m into the project, while a the original business plan was for ried out in September last year, was to recruit staff before you can take four-year “rent holiday” was the hospital to generate high value, extremely positive. in patients.” granted under the property lease to high complexity patient procedures Chief executive Simon James He believes the hospital can help ease cash flows. but the initial take-up was lower concludes: “The company has had break even in its third year – still Directors realised the hospital than anticipated. a challenging year in performance. sooner than the accepted norm of was facing difficulties in November This was partly due to the hospi- This led to the need for significant five to seven years for a private hos- 2014 and brought in a new man- tal missing the deadline to tender additional funding and highlighted pital. agement team to run the hospital. for NHS work and instead having the need for a more appropriate He said: “It will be hard work, On their advice, the board was to rely on sporadic referrals. sustainable capital structure. but it is achievable. We have had forced to restructure or face run- “Uncertainty of NHS work “With the restructuring in De- great support from the consultants, ning out of funds by December streams led to the number of con- cember 2015, the directors are con- which is really good.” School must Women’s charity climb for cancer try harder FIVE Maidstone women are raising A SHEPWAY school has been told money for two charities as a by a Government inspector that in practical way of dealing with an spite of progress, more needs to be illness that has hit their family. done to improve standards. They will take part in a three peaks The visit to Molehill Primary challenge to fund research through Academy in Hereford Road follows The Brain Tumour Charity and sup- an overall rating of inadequate at its port from Marie Curie Cancer Care. previous inspection. Chloe Loy (18), whose mum In its latest Ofsted report, the in- Jennifer was diagnosed with a brain spector found that while leadership tumour in 2011, will be joining her and management at Molehill were aunt Kay Irving (41) and her now good, the school’s overall rating daughters Alice (20) and Sophie From left, Sophie Irving, Tina Salt, Kay Irving, Chloe Loy and Alice Irving of “requires improvement” included (18), along with cousin Tina Salt another family the help and support and works at Tesco Express, said: the quality of its teaching and pupils’ (31), who lost her dad Martyn Ridd they need or prevent them from “Doing the challenge as a family will behaviour. to pancreatic cancer, aged 56. having to go through it altogether, motivate me to keep going and it The report noted that progress by Chloe, who works in retail in the it’ll be worth it. The fact that we’re will be a constant reminder of why pupils varied from class to class and town and lives in Westmorland Road, doing this together will keep us all we are doing it. Both of these by the end of year 6, standards in Shepway said: “My aunt and cousins going and help us push each other charities need funds for research and reading, writing and mathematics have organised charity nights with on to the finish. support purposes so that other were too low and too few reached auctions in the past and Sophie and “My dad came from Yorkshire, so it families don’t have to suffer like we the higher levels of attainment. Kay did a bungy jump in 2014, but seems right that this is where our did and still are.” It added that while teaching had this is like nothing we have done first big challenge is.” They are already busy training for improved: “The quality of teaching before.” The girls will be climbing Pen-y- their challenge in August, at the gym is not consistently good or better Tina, who owns the Midnight Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and with walks each week at Mote across the academy because not all Flower florist in Hanson Drive, added: – a challenge that should take about Park. Sponsor them at teachers have high expectations.” “We’ve all been affected by these 12 hours. www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/t While the executive principal, sen- conditions and if we can give Sophie, who lives in Tarragon Road hreepeakss ior leaders and governors had worked effectively and made signif- icant changes, the report said: School’s wartime life recorded “Work is sometimes not demanding Flood wardens enough to challenge the most able THE former head of Maidstone Girls’ Grammar Parish Council is writing pupils so they do not always achieve is looking for memories from former pupils for a to residents who live on the wa- as well as they could.” book she is writing about the school during the terfront in Tovil in a bid to re- It noted that the number of inci- war. cruit more flood wardens for the dents of poor behaviour had been Mary Smith (right) has been asked by the area. reduced considerably and staff were school to compile the book, using wartime illus- The requests will be delivered determined to provide the best pos- trations painted by former art teacher Miss Keen. to those people living in Hugh- sible learning for pupils. Mrs Smith said: “If you think you may be able enden Reach, The Boatyard and to help, even if your knowledge of the time seems Millers Wharf. For more local news insignificant to you, please get in touch.” Potential recruits will be of- Email [email protected], marking your subject fered training. www.downsmail.co.uk for the attention of Mary Smith.

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Maidstone Town April 2016 17 downsmail.co.uk News Parking fears as flats agreed Town flying the flag CONCERNS over parking failed to prevent the introduction of eight flats behind Regal House, 11-13 Albion Place, Maidstone. to celebrate St George Cllr Clive English, chairman of Maidstone Council’s planning MAIDSTONE will be emblazoned year are the Black Lion Courtiers, a committee and member for High with red and white bunting when five-piece Indie folk band from Street ward, was unhappy with it flies the flag for St George on Rochester, who perform from the provision of six parking April 23. 2.20pm, followed by another Med- spaces. He said: “We are propos- Patriotic performances will be tak- way folk band, Larkspur at 3.30pm. ing to take away a car park in an ing place throughout the town cen- The oldest building in Maidstone, area short of parking and provid- tre, commemorating the patron the Royal Albion in Havock Lane ing a block of flats with not much saint’s day, with St George and the (off St Faith’s Street), will host The parking.” Dragon playing a prime part in pro- Legendary Skynflynt Big Band at In October last year, a plan for ceedings. 2pm on an outdoor stage. They are 10 homes on the site was refused Yarn bombers are already busy also putting together a special pie for being out of keeping with the knitting their fiery dragons to install and mash menu. Holy Trinity Conservation Area. in Jubilee Square as fiddlers resin The Honk Project Re-enactment battles are also on Objector Mr Newton said: “The their bows. the cards. revised application is three Stick-twirling morris men, clog cepted date of the death of Saint For younger children, there will be storeys, down from four storeys, dancers, traditional music and inno- George in 303 AD. magic shows at 2.15pm and 3.15pm but the height is almost the same. vative folk rock will be among per- One Maidstone events organiser at D'Lishious in Market Buildings, It has gone from 12.3m to 11.4m, formers in town, celebrating Zoe Sparkle said: “Last year’s event and Maidstone Museum is running which is not much different. everything that is English. was a great success and this year’s a children’s craft workshop where “Is it right to impose this huge The event is being run by One celebration is shaping up to be even they can make their very own colossus upon us? If it was next Maidstone, a new Community In- better. What a great excuse to fly the dragon to take home. Face painting door to you, would you want it terest Company that has been cre- flag for England and celebrate its will be free for under 12s in Jubilee there? If the answer is no, please ated by joining the Town Team and finest traditions!” Square and Fremlin Walk. reject this application.” Town Centre Management, with the The programme gets underway at Street theatre is provided by The- However, a similar scheme was support of Maidstone Council. noon, with the popular Maidstone atretrain and the Hazlitt Youth The- given planning permission in Although Saint George’s Day is band Fate the Juggler in Jubilee atre and the eccentric Honk Project’s April 2013, meaning the commit- not an official national holiday, it is Square, followed by the Sally Iron- dancing day trippers – mad moped tee felt it had no choice but to ac- celebrated by various Christian monger Trio. enthusiasts with music – will be at cept the proposal. churches and is the traditionally ac- Back by popular demand from last Fremlin Walk.

18 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News MAJORS LAKES YMCA centre FISHING SYNDICATE A beautiful Lake set in a 5 acre woodland land concerns Stocked with Carp CONCERNS about the owner- up to 25lb plus ship of land on which Tovil’s new Tench, Roach, Perch, community centre stands have been answered by Maidstone Barbel & Chub YMCA. The YMCA, which runs the centre in Barfreston Close, was responding to a claim that, many years ago, the “Children’s House” site was be- queathed to the parish, along with a fund to assist youngsters from poor able for community use. families. He added: “Maidstone YMCA FRESHLY William Hall (62), from Courtney took over the running of the Chil- RESTOCKED Road, says he believes the land and dren’s House in 1974, when the WITH SILVER the fund were left to Tovil by a fe- Children’s Society was no longer male benefactor, adding: “I have able to raise the funds, nor could FISH THIS YEAR!! three grandchildren in Tovil and if find willing committee members to they have a legal entitlement to use continue. If Mr Hall is referring to the facilities, I want this back. Too this context, then clearly those funds much is taken away from children had run out, and no such funds Memberships start at just £85 per adult these days.” have ever been made available to But the chairman of Maidstone Maidstone YMCA.” IRU2$3«V  YMCA, Bryan Price, says the site be- With regard to the rest of the site, longed to KCC, not a private bene- including part of the netball court, £40 for children under 16 factor, when the charity bought it in he said: “KCC retained a large por- 2008 for a community centre. tion of the land, which it recently Tel: 01795 880441 ~ [email protected] He said: “Tovil Community Cen- sold to Landform Developments. tre has been built by Golding “The division of the land was set Homes as part of its commitment to by KCC and did cut the playing area www.countrysports.co redevelop the Coombe Road hous- in half, although the new build has ing estate, with contributions from created another playing area. Maidstone YMCA, Tovil Parish “Maidstone YMCA will use the Council, Garfield Weston and the community centre to offer a large Clothworkers' Foundations. variety of activities to the local com- munity, including a much-needed Open 9a “This plan took more than 10 m to years to bring to fruition and at no playgroup for which families with 5.30pm 7 days a time has there been any mention of financial difficulties are able to get week including a ‘female benefactor’ funding free attendance support from the gov- Bank Holidays access for local residents..” ernment. We want the community He says the original wooden Chil- to support this facility and to use it.” The place for plants dren’s House is believed to have An open day is being held at the been used to pack munitions during centre from 11am to 4pm on Friday, If you’re passionate about plants then we the war, after which it became avail- April 1. are well worth a visit, we’re an independent retail nursery and we grow and source a Police hunt onesie robber fabulously wide range of garden plants. DETECTIVES investigating a robbery at a petrol station in Maidstone are appealing for witnesses. A man described as wearing a white onesie with black spots is said to We look forward to seeing you! have entered the BP Parkwood Service Station in Sutton Road at about 8pm on Wednesday, March 9. He allegedly shouted at staff to open a till 01622 737801 before reaching across the counter and opening it himself. The suspect, who is thought to have had a knife, stole cash before www.thepottedgarden.co.uk running off towards Wallis Avenue. Ashford Road (A20), Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4NH A 24-year-old man from Maidstone has been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed until April 6. Officers are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to ring the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/5310/16. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111. Charity’s work subject of talk A MAIDSTONE man who admit- November last year. ted drink driving was banned from He gave a blood test reading of driving for three years by Mid Kent 156mg of alcohol in 100ml of Magistrates. blood. The legal limit is 80mg. John Rushworth (29) from Wallis Magistrates banned Rushworth Avenue, was almost twice the legal from driving for 36 months. He drink-drive limit when he drove a must also pay a £400 fine, £85 costs Ford Focus on Wallis Avenue in and a £40 victim surcharge.

Maidstone Town April 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Truckers ‘make Historic move for town A SERIES of historical interpretation boards has been erected in the county town to help connect locals and visitors alike with Maidstone’s past. The panels, developed by Maidstone Council and creative signage noise and mess’ specialist Fitzpatrick Woolmer, were unveiled by the mayor, Cllr Daniel Moriarty, at the start of English Tourism Week. Also present were representatives of Maiden Distillery, based in The LORRIES parking near residential breakfast after an overnight stay, Old Brewery, who gave a short presentation and tasting showcasing the streets have been causing a night- leaving the wrappings by the fence 200-year-old mare for residents who complain around the lake.” gin distilling of parking problems, traffic con- Neighbours fear the situation can heritage of the gestion, noise and litter. only get worse if a proposal to ex- area. People living in houses in Holt- pand industrial buildings in Lake The panels wood Avenue and surrounding Road is approved by Tonbridge provide a roads in say that about and Malling Council. glimpse into 20 HGVs park bumper-to-bumper The plan includes extensions to Maidstone’s overnight and throughout week- three blocks at units 1 to 18, a one- compelling ends in Lake Road and Wealden way system within the site, excava- history, with Way, on the Quarry Wood indus- tion at the foot of an embankment colourful trial estate. and construction of a retaining representations Residents complain of unaccept- wall, more parking and security of events able noise from the truck’s refriger- fencing. offering insight ation units, and that drivers are into times past. Aylesford Parish Council regis- sleeping in their cabs and leaving Cllr Moriarty tered a strong objection to the rubbish in nearby woodland close said: “Whether it’s 14th-century Peasants’ Revolt led by Wat Tyler, the to housing and food outlets. scheme, saying: “The existing traf- legacy of gin distillation that thrives to this day, or even the ancient “We hesitate even to suggest fic infrastructure cannot cope with trade routes established with Rome during the conquests of Julius what toilet arrangements are any further development. Exten- Caesar, the evolution of Maidstone and its residents ensures that the made,” said one neighbour. They sion of buildings will encroach on culture of the region is as rich and fascinating as any other. added: “We were appalled by the nearby residential properties with “To be able to unveil these magnificent panels is a great honour, and I litter and rubbish evident around noise implications.” hope that residents and visitors take the opportunity to learn more the lake and industrial units, which Kent Police said it was working about the compelling cast of characters that has defined not only we put down to HGV overnight with Highways England and Kent Maidstone, but history itself.” parking in and around the indus- County Council to address the The council hopes the panels, which recount some of the key trial estate. issue. Councillors were due to de- moments in local history, will encourage people to take a closer look at “We witnessed one foreign HGV cide on the application after Downs the cultural significance of the region. driver returning to his cab with Mail went to press.

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20 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News AUNT SALLY’S KITCHEN Neighbourhood Family Run Cafe Mid Kent Shopping Centre - Allington plan approved Come and visit our friendly family run

NORTH Loose has become the spent £10,000 compiling the plan cafe. Serving good quality home cooked first district in Maidstone to get and Mr Carter said: “I believe the food in comfortable surroundings. its own neighbourhood develop- overwhelming Yes vote shows that ment plan. people do want to take a hand in We pride ourselves on using locally sourced Voted on by residents, the plan shaping their own future.” now becomes a formal policy doc- The referendum was the culmi- food including Rickwoods of Bearsted. ument to be used when consider- nation of four years’ work by ing planning applications in the NLRA. There were two years of We offer a full range of breakfasts, light area and means residents will have community involvement, gather- lunches, home cooked hot meals, homemade a greater say on how planning pol- ing ideas and the views of resi- icy is applied to applications. dents and businesses in the area, cakes, snacks and much more. Of the 4,055 residents in North used to shape the development of Loose, which stretches from Arm- the plan. To top it all our customer service strong Road to Lancet Lane, who A series of formal consultation is second to none. were eligible to vote on the 32-page stages followed, prior to the draft plan, 34.8% turned out – of which being checked by a professional 95% said they were in favour. planning examiner in December. • Free Wifi There were 77 people who voted The plan was one of the first in against the plan and one void bal- Kent prepared by a local Neigh- • Free Parking lot paper. bourhood Forum, rather than a • Take Away There were three polling stations parish council, to reach this stage. – Maidstone Hockey Club, the The North Loose Residents' As- YMCA Centre and the Vine sociation was formed in 2003 to Opening Times Church – with the count taking fight a proposed Tesco develop- Monday to Saturday place at the latter. ment, which was eventually with- 8.00am til 4.00pm Sean Carter, chairman of the drawn. planning team from the North It has more than 1,000 members Sunday 01622 297271 Loose Residents’ Association and works closely with South 9.00am til 1.00pm which drew up the plan, said he Ward councillors to achieve the Find us on Facebook was delighted with the turnout best results from planning applica- and the result. The group has tions, voicing residents’ concerns.

Choir’s trip to desert island THE musical director of Maidstone Choral Union Martin Hindmarsh was transported to a tropical paradise by the ladies of the choir who gathered to hear which music he would choose for his desert island discs. Martin’s choices were influenced by his early experience of Salvation Army music from his family and his time at Sheffield University as an academic, composer and singer. Music from Wagner, Elgar, William Walton, Vaughan Williams and Richard Strauss filled the evening. However, his final selections surprised everyone. Two folk songs, Hush a-bye Birdie and John Peel, were his own recordings and finally Mamma Mia, which his family sings at home for relaxation. Martin was interviewed by alto Marion Heredia, who explored his reasons for being a singer, composer and musical director. The audience discovered that he broke his front teeth riding his bicycle which affected his trumpet playing, that he enjoys watching cricket and films but also that he can be quite naughty as a choir member. His chosen luxury was an espresso coffee maker. Martin was presented with a book to take with him, containing photographs of all the alto ladies of the choir.

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Maidstone Town April 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk Cash for dismissed mill workers ALMOST 100 workers who worked at Aylesford Newsprint have been awarded a share of £750,000 for being dismissed without consultation. However, because the Larkfield- with their representative, in this “The sale of the company’s land about £3,700 each – a total of based company went into adminis- case, Unite. will raise several million pounds so £296,000. tration early last year, the workers In an insolvency situation, em- it is possible that our members may Eighteen workers were dismissed may get less than half that figure. ployees can claim up to eight weeks’ also recover additional cash on top on April 30 last year. As the 90-day The workers, who are members of pay arrears capped at the statutory of that paid by the fund, but it won’t protected period started on Febru- the country’s largest union Unite, maximum (in this case £464 per be the full amount. ary 24, they were entitled to 25 days are classed as unsecured creditors week) from the Government’s re- “While we know that our mem- pay. These members should each re- and will only receive £321,000 – al- dundancy fund. bers won’t get the full amount they ceive three weeks pay from the re- though it could be boosted by the Unite regional officer Tim Elliott deserve and are owed, Unite’s legal dundancy fund, which will amount sale of the company’s land, expected said: “The total value of the protec- services team battled to get them the to about £1,300 per person – £25,000 to raise several million pounds. tive award to our members is about maximum amount possible under in total. An employment tribunal decided £750,000. However, as the company current legislation.” Aylesford Newsprint fell victim of that the workers should receive a is insolvent it is unlikely we will re- Eighty workers who were dis- the dramatic downward trend in “protective” award because the cover the full amount. The £321,000 missed on February 24, 2015, should newspaper sales and when it went company dismissed 20 or more em- will be paid to our members from each have received eight weeks’ into administration more than 230 ployees without proper consultation the government’s redundancy fund. pay. They are expected to receive jobs were lost. Academy’s Neighbourhood watch chair quits head named THE chairman of Maidstone and some younger blood. We are all get- cluding a database manager, prod- FUTURE Schools Trust has an- District Neighbourhood Watch has ting older but not being replaced – ucts manager (dealing with pur- nounced the appointment of Is- resigned. and young people nowadays are so chasing and selling) and website abelle Linney-Drouet as principal Jim Wilson (right), who has been a very, very busy. manager, all of whom are prepared of Cornwallis Academy. member of the association for six The scheme to give up two hours for meetings Mrs Linney-Drouet joined the years and its chairman for the past has been run- once a month. school in Lin- two and a half, has resigned as chair- ning in Maid- Mr Wilson, from Penenden Heath, ton in Septem- man but is remaining a member of stone since the said: “Linda is the ideal candidate to ber last year on the committee. Members have 1980s, providing fill the position of chairman and she an interim elected Linda Sinclair, from Barm- crime and safety brings with her a unique historical basis but has ing, who was the association secre- awareness and knowledge of the association. She now accepted tary for nine years, as his successor. advice through- has many contacts with the co-ordi- a permanent The association is still struggling out the borough. nators and police representatives.” contract. to attract members to the committee, There are cur- In a letter to members, he said: “I Sir Nick despite a plea at the last AGM in No- rently 485 coordinators who dissem- thank and acknowledge the support Williams, chief vember. Although one new member inate information to 14,000 you have given me during my executive of came forward, another one resigned households. tenure as chairman and sincerely Future Schools Trust, said: “The after being involved for 22 years The committee has a secretary and hope that some of you will consider governing body agreed it has been Mr Wilson said: “We really need treasurer but needs six people in- becoming committee members.” extremely impressed by Isabelle’s leadership since she joined in an acting capacity and is delighted to Was town ready for Witches? Charity jump appoint her to the post. A RETIRED builder from Shepway “In the six months Isabelle has By Dennis Fowle is to undertake a 111m bungee jump been at Cornwallis, she has already EASTWICK was not ready for the raunchy antics of the Devil and for charity. made a number of important three witches. Was Maidstone? Answers will vary widely. Ray Taylor (75) will changes to the running of the Maidstone Amateur Operatic Society, with a proud tradition of jump from Victoria school and we look forward to see- bringing popular musicals and light opera to the town, bravely Falls in Zimbabwe for ing her lead the academy towards staged the 2000 American show, The Witches of Eastwick, which the Heart of Kent even greater success.” tells of the impact of the rampant Devil arriving in a small town Hospice, which cared Mrs Linney-Drouet was previ- and especially on three attractive but frustrated ladies. Their an- for his wife Mary dur- ously vice-principal at Highworth tics and language left a little to the imagination. ing the last weeks of Grammar School, Ashford, where It gave a large cast a chance to enjoy a very lively show and the her life. The couple she was responsible for raising the dance and choral scenes were colourful highlights. The lasting would have cele- achievement of pupils to outstand- memory, though, is confident performances and voices of the brated 50 years of ing levels. three witches (Lili Westlake, Kathryn Norman and Christina marriage in November. She officially relinquished this Whitehead) and the power of Ben Smyth as a very unlikeable Ray is halfway to his £10,000 tar- post at Easter. Devil. get for the Aylesford hospice. He Mrs Linney-Drouet said: “I am said: “I want to give something back delighted to accept the permanent The mix of contrived American accents and some strident music did not always make listening and understanding easy. to those who cared so wonderfully role of principal at Cornwallis for my wife.” The society is promising us Sweet Charity on April 3-8, 2017. Academy. The pensioner, from Shropshire “I look forward to continuing the Terrace, thanked his friend Michael invaluable relationships with stu- Lawrence, from Bearsted, for his dents, parents and staff, to ensure Drink-driver banned by court support and Leroy Tomlin, from we achieve only the best possible THOMAS Frankham (49) was banned from driving for 18 months and Maidstone, who will fly with him to outcomes.” fined £120 at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court after he admitted drink driv- Zimbabwe on September 5. ing. Ray will pay for the trip himself to Read our archived Frankham, of Highcroft Green, Park Wood drove a Mercedes E350 in ensure every penny raised goes to editions FREE online at Albion Place, Maidstone, and gave a breath test of 65mg of alcohol in the hospice. To sponsor him go to 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. He must also pay £85 costs and www.virginmoneygiving.com/Ray- www.downsmail.co.uk a £20 victim surcharge. Taylor.

22 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Mosque plan Samaritans ‘here to listen’ SAMARITANS volunteers in Maidstone went to Maidstone East station to talk to travellers about the charity’s brand new ‘We Listen’ campaign. Posters in railway stations across the country contain hidden messages where people claiming to be fine are not OK at all. One says “I’m alright with raises concerns being single I guess. It’s not ideal for the kids, but they seem to be coping”, the real message being “I’m not coping”. NEIGHBOURS have expressed ries of extensions”, but says a plan to The campaign aims to concerns over a plan to level Maid- turn it into a three-storey building show that while it’s easy to stone’s mosque and rebuild it as a represents “total overdevelopment”. hide your feelings, when three-storey building. He also comments on the parking someone really listens A planning application with problems caused on days of wor- you’re more likely to open Maidstone Council proposes trans- ship, adding: “There is not enough up and start working forming the Mote Road premises parking in Melville, Kingsley, and through your problems. into a centre for worship, including a Hastings Road already.” Maidstone branch director prayer room, classrooms, kitchen, John Peden moved to Melville Maggie Jones said: “Life’s offices, library and washing facilities Road less than two months ago and pressures can build, without for the Islamic community, with says he is already aware of parking you even realising. It’s all three shops, for lease, to pay for the and congestion issues. In a letter to too easy to turn away, ig- building. However, there would be the council, he says: “It is already nore how you’re feeling, and just two parking spaces, with the ap- difficult enough to navigate the put on a brave face, but you plicant suggesting up to 200 wor- roads around this area and find a don’t have to do that with Volunteers put up posters for The shippers would attend services. parking space. The extra traffic that us. Samaritans volunteers Samaritans at Maidstone East station Maidstone Council, which will de- this redevelopment would poten- make time for you and really termine the application, has received tially bring in would make an al- listen to you, because simply being listened to can help you put into words almost 20 letters from neighbours, ready bad situation much worse.” what’s going on in your life. concerned about the size of the de- He says the building would over- “Talk to Samaritans free from any phone, email us, text us or come to our velopment and parking problems. look properties and “lead to a level branch in Grecian Street. We’ll listen and help you find a way through.” Others have expressed concern of discomfort” for neighbours, and Network Rail has been working with Samaritans to raise awareness of the about the scale of the building, questions the need for shops within charity’s emotional support services since 2010, along with Britain’s train which would overshadow neigh- the development, which is 400m operating companies and British Transport Police. bouring properties. from the town centre and across the Volunteers will be inviting travellers to find out more about the work they Neighbour Andy Woodward is road from Sainsbury’s. do and encouraging commuters to spread the word about the campaign on concerned the development could Hayley Collins, from Kingsley social media, using the hashtag #WeListen. damage the foundations of his prop- Road, says residents who pay £25 for You can call Samaritans on 116 123 (you don’t even need credit and this erty in Mote Road. parking permits already find they number won’t show up on your phone bill), email [email protected], or visit He describes the current single- can’t park and more shops would samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch. storey mosque as a “ramshackle se- add to the issue of illegal parking. First Aid TTrTrainingraining -89;-&!;380T 1'8+'2$@ -89;-&!;380T!'&-!;8-$ -89;-& !; 380T  1'8+'2$@  -89; -& !; 3380T !'&-!;8-$  -89;-&!2&138'f=-9-;3<8>'#9-;'(38(<££$3<89'&';!-£9 -89;-& !2& 138' f =-9-; 3<8 >'#9-;' (38 (<££ $3<89' &';!-£9

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Maidstone Town April 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Good news for Firewalkers help hospice CROWDS gathered in Maidstone’s Jubilee Square to watch 50 brave fire walkers hotfoot it across 15ft of smouldering coals in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. school applicants The event was hosted by Scott Bell, who holds two world records for fire walking and is MOST Maidstone children have ing on its school place planning pro- one of the country’s secured their first choice of second- vision, has meant 2016 will see the leading experts. It ary school – and almost all of them highest number of children securing was sponsored by one of their four preferences. their first preference school to date.” central heating and This year, more children than ever Cllr Gough commiserated with boiler installer applied for a place in a Kent second- those who did not receive their pre- Samsian Ltd, from ary school, with 18,797 applications ferred school but said there was still Borough Green. received – an increase of more than time for things to change. Many of those 600 on last year. “This is the first stage of the school taking part in the Despite the increase in applica- allocation process and I would like challenge were tions, 363 more Kent children will to reassure parents that a KCC team walking in memory get their first preference of second- is on hand to help with any queries. of loved ones and in ary school for September compared Between now and September there recognition of the with last year, and more than 97% will be movement through waiting care that staff and will receive an offer from one of their lists and appeals process.” volunteers at the four preferences. Parents have until March 17 to ac- hospice provide for However, 428 will still have their cept or refuse their offer and must those with a life-limiting illness and their families. school allocated by Kent County lodge appeals by April 13. KCC will Sarah Lawless, from Vinters Park, who has raised more than £400 in Council – but the figure is a third less send out a second round of offers on memory of her mum and mother-in-law who were both cared for by the than the 641 last year. April 29. hospice, said: “The fire walk was awesome. I was really anxious when I Cllr Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet The charity ChildLine has opened first arrived, but the training was brilliant and Scott put everyone at member for education, said: “Offi- its helplines to children worried ease. I felt a great sense of achievement when I completed the walk cers have been hard at work to en- about their allotted place. and being able to say I did it in honour of my mum and mum-in-law. sure that there is enough capacity in An NSPCC spokesman said: “I can never thank the hospice enough for the respect and dignity Kent schools to cope with another “Finding out that you haven’t got they gave my mum at the end of her life.” year of increased applications. In into the school of your choice means More than £11,500 was raised by the evening, which drew a big crowd spite of the challenge, 13,159 families starting again in a new environment of supporters and spectators, and more money is still pouring in. will receive their first preference and having to make new friends. Tom Abbott, events manager for Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “There school and 1,840 their second. “ChildLine is there 24/7. Call and was a real buzz in the air as our intrepid walkers took on this huge “The excellent work in Kent speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or challenge and made this a great night to remember.” schools coupled with KCC deliver- go to www.childline.org.uk.” T. 01622 201078 J.L.B M.07854 529434 Property Maintenance [email protected] Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices New Tiled Roofs UPVC Fascias, General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering Moss Removal Felt Flat Roofing Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs Broken Brackets Undertaken..... Leaking Gutter Joints Down Pipes So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Prices Start From As Little As £20.00 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

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RELAX AND TAKE A BREAK Be sure to leave enough time to meet up with friends in one of our friendly eateries. Coffee Corner is open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Whether you want a full meal, a snack or just a cup of tea or coffee, you are sure of a warm welcome. Alternatively enjoy fresh barista made coffee in Bricks Coffee House in the courtyard. It is open every day, offering a relaxed atmosphere in comfortable surroundings. Noble House is a magnificent Chinese restaurant specialising in oriental cuisine where customers savour all the specialities of classic Cantonese and Peking dishes. The popular restaurant is known for prompt and friendly service and also offers a quality takeaway service. To book call 01622 637268

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Find us on: JUST OFF JUNCTION 7 OF THE M20 AT MAIDSTONE • MONDAY TO SATURDAY – 9:00AM TO 6:00PM • SUNDAY 10:30AM TO 4:30PM Free Parking SHOPMOBILITY: 01622 631511 downsmail.co.uk News Chicken firm Vegan festival eyes up site Kirsty bales first for town FAST food retailer Nando’s could MAIDSTONE will host its first be moving into South Aylesford vegan festival on July 23, with Retail Park after two rival firms stalls, live music, a vegan pop-up called off plans to occupy units. to beat pain café, children’s activities, talks and The restaurant would be located at more. With an estimated 175,980 vege- the main entrance to the Quarry A MAIDSTONE woman has dured trigeminal neuralgia – sudden tarians and vegans in Kent, the fes- Wood site on part of the car park next turned to social media to find a so- and severe facial pain like electric tival is set to be a major to the Pets at Home store. lution to her crippling pain. shocks. She began having fits in late crowd-puller. It follows Kent The Crown Estate, owner of the Kirsty Keep (23), from Mangravet 2014 and was hospitalised in Pem- Vegan Festival, which was attended centre, obtained planning permission was 12 when the after-effects of an bury, where she had steroids and by more than 1,500 people in Can- from Council insect bite led to her being hospi- painkillers to suppress her immune terbury last year. for two units with KFC and Subway talised. system. The festival will take place at as the prospective occupiers. How- The long-term effects of the inci- The situa- Maidstone Methodist Church in ever, the landowner said discussions dent have left her with the autoim- tion has led Union Street. Local businesses with with them had not progressed well mune disease lupus; and a struggle her mother and it now wished to let the building with pain that, on her worst days, Theresa, vegan-friendly products are invited as a whole to Nando’s. An amended has left her wanting to end her life. with whom to apply for stalls, by emailing application was being submitted. A range of doctors have so far she is pic- [email protected]. been unable to help symptoms of tured (left) With “flexitarianism” on the rise, Assault case weakness, fatigue and crippling to suspect and one in eight people looking to pain. she may replace meat, eggs and dairy with A MAN found guilty of assaulting a In desperation Kirsty turned to have Lyme plant proteins, the festival aims to neighbour in Maidstone has been Twitter to appeal for help, saying: disease – a be a welcoming place for both long- given a suspended prison sentence. “I’m in chronic pain every day…I condition term vegans as well as those curi- Julian Kaziu (38), from Kingsley don’t know how much more my spread by tick bites – but tests in the ous about this way of life. Road, denied the offence, but West body can handle.” UK have come back negative. The organisers said: “Relax in the Kent magistrates convicted him of the Her tweet brought responses from Her family and friends are now garden with a slice of cake as you offence against another man from an the UK and abroad. fundraising to help Kirsty – who take in the sounds of some of Kent's address in Kingsley Road. Lupus is a complex and debilitat- needs round-the-clock care – to have finest bands. Learn more about this Kaziu was sentenced to four ing disease although treatments tests abroad. An initial fundraising compassionate way of living and months in prison, suspended for two have greatly improved in recent target of £15,000 has been smashed how veganism helps animals, peo- years, and ordered to carry out 200 years. Kirsty’s problems have been after a reggae and raffle night at the ple and the planet.” hours of unpaid work in the next 12 lengthy and varied. She suffered the Orchard Spot, Bearsted raised £2,900 Entry is £2 per person, and free months. He must also pay £250 com- facial paralysis Bell’s palsy at 16 for and publicity for Kirsty’s case drew for under 16s, who must be accom- pensation. which she had surgery. She also en- more than 600 contributions. panied by an adult. www.collins-windows.com

28 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News New chair Mela takes to streets for Tories MAIDSTONE and The Weald Conservative Association has to find new energy elected a new chairman to lead its battle to regain overall con- MAIDSTONE’S culturally-di- trol of Maidstone Council. verse Mela is going on the move. He is for- The Mela, which takes place in mer Maid- September each year, will be mov- stone ing from Mote Park to the town borough and centre, with a new format which is Kent County designed to reach out to wider au- councillor diences. Alan Chell, The Mela was introduced in 2002 who held the to build a better understanding be- office for tween local communities and cele- three years brate the diversity of Maidstone’s when Helen residents. Grant was selected as the par- Featuring music, dance and food liamentary candidate. from around the globe, the Sunday GDF Productions performing at the Maidstone Mela last year Retiring chairman Brian afternoon event quickly became a Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman have been engaged through the Moss highlighted in his report successful, well-respected and cul- of Maidstone Council’s heritage, Maidstone Mela Advisory Group Mrs Grant’s general election turally diverse celebration. culture and leisure committee, said and aiming to meet those commu- success in doubling her major- But with the town’s changing moving the Mela would re-ener- nities that never have been, or are ity to about 10,000. population – and the need to make gise the festival. no longer, engaged and ask them Cllr Matt Boughton was the Mela financially self-sustaining He said: “In view of the chang- for their input. elected deputy chairman (po- – organisers now plan to take the ing communities and the compet- Cllr Newton said: “Since 2002, litical) and Andrea Thorpe festival to the masses. ing demands on us as a local the town and its population have deputy chairman for member- The first Maidstone Street Mela authority, it is time to consider changed considerably. ship and fundraising. will be a celebration of culturally what the Mela represents and what “This is a good opportunity to diverse arts, with street perform- format it should take. update and re-energise this great ances and interactive arts work- “Research will help to clarify this event, to reach new audiences and Read our archived shops. and investigate how it can be to bring together more people to It will take place at venues funded to make it sustainable.” enjoy music, dance and food from editions FREE online at around the town centre on Satur- The council will be consulting within our multi-cultural commu- www.downsmail.co.uk day, September 10. with the local communities who nity.” HUGE SAVINGS 50% OFF SELECTED SHOWROOM DISPLAY MODELS

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Maidstone Town April 2016 29 News downsmail.co.uk Patients supported in care plans RESIDENTS are to be given help to draw up their own NHS care plans with an emphasis on smoking, drinking, diet and exercise. Initially the focus will be on resi- strategy for physical and mental It says it must tackle barriers pre- dents with life-threatening condi- health with co-operation from a venting people benefiting from self- tions, frail elderly patients and end range of partners. care (such as social isolation, Cancer misses of life care. By 2018-19 the proposal It says: “The ageing population in housing, energy costs) by engaging MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge is that all patients should have a per- West Kent and increased prevalence with partners to offer advice, guid- Wells hospital trust has an ac- sonalised care plan to be developed of chronic diseases require a strong ance and practical support. tion plan aimed at improving and reviewed with the individual. reorientation from reliance on acute Dr Bob Bowes, the standard 62-day wait for Proposals include special services and episodic care towards preven- chairman of West cancer patients to beyond the to help residents achieve plans, tion, self-care, more consistent stan- Kent CCG, said: 85% standard target. health trainers, walking groups, vol- dards of primary care and care well “Self-care needs to However, demand, which untary sector activities and family co-ordinated and integrated across work with existing was up 22% in December com- weight programmes. partners from all sectors. services to improve pared with the previous year, Self-care is “what people do them- “Self and community-supported the population’s still outstrips capacity and the selves to establish and maintain care will mean new ways of working health by preventing illness but also trust continues to miss current health and prevent and deal with ill- for us all, changing how services are in improving the effectiveness of target times. ness.” commissioned and delivered and medical interventions. The CCG will Self-management is defined as the way service users access care and work with partners in West Kent.” “actions individuals and carers can interact with healthcare and other Nationally the NHS wants to see Call delays take for themselves, children, fami- professionals.” “improvements in the proportion of THE local NHS 111 call service lies and others to stay fit and main- The CCG sees extensive engage- people who feel supported to man- is still seriously missing target tain physical and mental health.” ment not only with local GPs but age their condition, care and treat- for answering within 60 sec- The GP-led NHS West Kent Clini- also with partners in public health, ment”. It says the economic onds. Latest figures show cal Commissioning Group (CCG) KCC, district councils, carers and the prosperity of Britain now depends 77.9%of calls were answered has agreed to implement recom- voluntary sector – with achieving “on a radical upgrade in prevention within the target time, signifi- mendations to progress a national people’s own life goals the priority. and public health”. cantly below the expected 95%. Improvement Shop needs in staff survey volunteers AN NHS survey which invited VOLUNTEERS whocan spare a staff at Maidstone and Tunbridge few hours a week are needed to Wells NHS Trust to rate the organ- work in Hi Kent’s new shop in isation, showed more would rec- Week Street, Maidstone. ommend the trust as a place to The shop will be open after Easter, from 10am to 4pm Monday work or to receive treatment. to Saturday. No experience is nec- Staff also felt the care of patients essary as full training will be was the trust’s top priority. Michael Topley, of the Art Lounge, with members of the Dawn Patrol given and travel expenses paid. While the staff survey, which The charity, which works to covered 32 areas, showed the trust help deaf and hearing-impaired outperformed the national average Dawn patrol homes in on cafe people in Kent, welcomes applica- in eight areas, and seven within BRIGHT and early Rotarians in Maidstone are raising their coffee cups tions from a diverse range of peo- the top 20%, according to staff, 10 to finding a new home. ple. A DBS check will be areas scored within the national The Rotary Club of Maidstone’s Dawn Patrol has been meeting at a necessary and will be paid for by average, and six fell below that, in- variety of places since the closure of the Stone Court Hotel, but has now the charity. cluding one regarding the extra found a new home at the Art Lounge in Market Buildings, Maidstone – This is an opportunity to make hours they needed to work, which and marked the venue with a commemorative plaque. a real difference to Hi Kent’s put it in the bottom 20%. The club meets at 7.30am on Thursdays for fun and fellowship and to clients by promoting assistive Other responses put the trust in help communities, both locally and internationally. equipment that can help a person the top 20% for ensuring staff had If you are interested in the work of the Rotary Club and Dawn Patrol living with hearing loss. appraisals, relevant training and and would like to help with various projects, pop along to a meeting to Please contact Donna Chadwick learning and development oppor- meet the members and find out more, or contact president Martin on 01622 691151, textphone to 07795 951466 or email d.chad- tunities. Pember on [email protected]. [email protected]. Richard Hayden, deputy direc- tor of workforce, thanked staff for their hard work and dedication at Charity offers help for parents a time of enormous challenge and Drivers plea PARENTS looking for support with youngsters demonstrating behav- unprecedented demand on the INVICTA Gateway Club, ioural problems are invited to call a Maidstone charity for help. which runs a social club for service and said that the trust HearSay has been established for 12 years, but has recently moved to would continue to invest in front- adults with learning disabilities, Mill Street. The charitable trust offers counselling to those showing is looking for volunteer drivers. line staff and services. symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism, He added: “While this is an im- The role involves driving the as well as support for other members of the family. club’s minibuses between provement on last year, the trust is Counsellor and senior psychotherapist Dr Kitty Morgan Jones assists 6.30pm and 10.30pm on occa- working with staff to help make those referred by care professionals such as GPs and with self-referrals, sional Fridays. Anyone inter- further improvements with an aim who are asked to give a donation to the charity, based on what they can ested should email of having no areas at all below the afford. [email protected]. national average.” For details call 01227 271172 or email [email protected]. For more local news and features, go to www.downsmail.co.uk

30 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Four held on Thames crossing route drugs charges FOUR people were arrested as part of an operation aimed at tack- ling drug abuse and gang-related gets council backing violence in Maidstone. Officers used a warrant to search MAIDSTONE Council has given a house in Mote Road, where they the thumbs up to a new Thames seized what they believed to be 40 crossing joining the M2 near wraps of class A drugs, several Gravesend. knives and an airgun. Highways England has identified Two Maidstone men aged 50 and three potential routes for a twin 34 and two London men aged 18 tunnel between Essex and Kent and The route of the and 19 were arrested on suspicion come down in favour of option C, Eastern Southern of supplying a class A drug. All which would link up with the M25 were released on bail until April 19. Link is the option or emerge close to Shorne. Acting Detective Chief Inspector Maidstone Council agrees that preferred by Michael Coltham said Kent Police this option would be the best route Maidstone was determined to disrupt emerg- for alleviating congestion at Dart- Council for the ing gangs. ford whilst having most benefit to proposed He said: “Drug-dealing gangs the people of Kent. Thames Crossing target the most vulnerable mem- The council’s strategic planning bers of society and seek to benefit and transportation committee the least environmental impact. Link (ESL) is preferable to the west- from their misery. They also make heard the proposed crossing would A new crossing would draw ern southern link, as it connects di- life unpleasant for law abiding peo- have no direct impact on the bor- some 13-14% of traffic away from rectly to M2 Junction 1/A2/A289, ple, and we are determined to keep ough of Maidstone but could result Dartford, improving journey times west of , and has greater po- them out of our town. in economic benefits. at Dartford by five minutes and tential to alleviate traffic conges- “We have a good understanding The twin tunnel, costing between journeys from Kent to the M25 by tion. of who the gang members and their £4.3bn and £5.9bn to build, would up to 12 minutes. The western southern link route, associates are, as well as how they have a 70mph design speed along It is estimated north-south cross- which is supported by KCC, would operate. We will continue to target its length. Motorists would be ing capacity across the river would emerge south west of Orsett before them and protect those most at risk charged to use it. increase by 70% in its opening year. joining the M25 between junctions from their actions.” Although it is more expensive to Maidstone Council believes the 29 and 30. Members of the public can play build and maintain a twin-bored preferred route has the potential to Highways England will consider their part by calling 101 or tunnel than a bridge or an im- unlock greater regional economic all the consultation responses prior Crimestoppers anonymously on mersed tunnel, Highways England benefits than the alternatives. to making a preferred route an- 0800 555111 to report any suspi- believes this kind of crossing has It considers the Eastern Southern nouncement in mid-2016. cious activity.

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Maidstone Town April 2016 31 News downsmail.co.uk Ambulance chief quits over intentional delays THE head of the South East’s ambulance service has quit following reve- lations that services were intentionally delayed. Chairman Tony Thorne’s resig- Mr Sutton said the trust had where people are non-responsive. nation comes shortly after the chief wanted to make sure the most ill One national newspaper has executive Paul Sutton went on patients were responded to claimed the practice was responsi- Lucy’s still “mutually agreed” leave of absence promptly. ble for at least 11 deaths – some- from his post. However, he did acknowledge thing refuted by SECAmb. fund-raising The South East Coast Ambulance that it had not acted in the right An independent review has said Service (SECAmb) NHS Founda- way. there were fundamental failings in tion Trust was investigated after it Under NHS rules, calls desig- the pilot scheme. at 100 admitted delaying sending help for nated as life-threatening are sup- Katherine Murphy, chief execu- YOU’RE never too old to help a certain 111 calls during a pilot proj- posed to receive an ambulance tive of the Patient Association, said: good cause, as centenarian Lucy ect, transferring them instead to response within eight minutes. “Any decision that downgrades ur- Brown has shown. 999, which gave the ambulances an The calls affected were in the sec- gent category ambulance calls in Lucy, who started her life in extra 10 minutes to respond. ond most serious category – Cate- order to massage performance tar- but now lives in The health regulator Monitor gory A Red 2 – which covers gets is deplorable and undermines Maidstone, decided she had said the trust had not fully consid- conditions such as strokes or fits the confidence that the public everything she needed at the ered patient safety. but which are less critical than places in NHS leaders.” age of 100 – so asked for donations to charity instead of birthday gifts. Sexual abuse Friends and family held a birthday party for Lucy, at which they put donations in a box, team’s success raising £210 for the local A TEAM set up to tackle the sexual Macmillan volunteering service. exploitation of children in Kent Lucy said: “I told my family I made 19 arrests in three months. didn’t want presents – there’s The multi-agency team, funded nothing I wanted, not at this age by the Kent Police and Crime Com- – but that I would like to give a Roz Yates, Bill Murray, Claire Ryan and oncologist Dr Russell Burcombe missioner, Ann Barnes, brings to- donation to Macmillan. gether the police, Kent County “We had a donation box at my Council, Medway Council and party and donations were made Clinic tribute to cancer patient health services to target offenders at my local coffee morning.” A NEW clinic providing acupuncture for people with breast cancer and help young people at risk. Lucy had two son-in-laws who has been officially opened at Kent Oncology Centre. Since forming in December 2015, found themselves facing cancer The Susan Murray Ear Acupuncture Clinic has been set up with they have had over 300 calls and 19 and when her husband died, she support from the Murray family from . Susan Murray, a offenders have been arrested. made a donation to Macmillan, former patient at the Kent Oncology Centre, at Maidstone Hospital, Mrs Barnes pledged to give instead of buying flowers. died in June 2015, and her husband Bill and children were keen to £600,000 during three years to help Lucy’s granddaughter Cheryl do something positive in her memory. the force focus on this priority. McDowall found out about the With the help of Macmillan nurse clinician Claire Ryan and acute She urged people to familiarise Macmillan volunteering service oncology nurse Roz Yates, the clinic was set up, primarily for peo- themselves with the signs to look through a friend at Heart of Kent ple living with secondary breast cancer. out for in young people – such as Hospice. The complementary therapy aims to promote relaxation, encour- unexplained gifts or cash, drug or Cheryl said: “I spoke to age a sense of well-being and assist in the management of alcohol use, missing school and Grandma who said it would be menopausal symptoms – a common and debilitating symptom of running away. nicer if we kept the Macmillan breast cancer treatment. Anyone concerned that a child donation local so we went to The clinic was opened by Mr Murray and saw its first patients in might be being sexually exploited can call Kent Police on 101, quoting Involve at Marsham Street to March. Operation Willow or text 116000. present the cheque.” Lucy lived in Chart Sutton and later before moving to Maidstone in 1985. County show line-up revealed She has had two children, three grandchildren, seven great- STUNT motorcycles, award-win- Peppa Pig will also be at the show while the Kent Spitfire will fly over- grandchildren and one ning bands and racing pigs are with her brother George and Trac- head. great-great grandchild. among the acts at the Kent County tor Ted have his own area where The Royal British Legion Band & She still lives in her own home, Showground this summer. younsters can enjoy a bouncy castle, Corps of Drums, Romford, will be where the birthday party was As tickets go on sale for the annual operate Digger Den and take part in entertaining in the main ring on Sat- held. three-day extravaganza at Detling, welly wanging. urday and Sunday while the Bold- She said: “It was lovely having organisers of the County Show have The Country, Game and Canine dog FMX Stunt Team will see riders all the family together and all revealed the full line-up for the area of the show will also be bigger jumping gaps of over 75ft. the neighbours too. You could weekend of July 8, 9 and 10. this year. Show manager Lucy Hegarty said: barely move.” Show organisers are introducing The Coakham Bloodhounds will “Many of the demonstrations and more displays and entertainment for give a display on the Friday and displays have been part of the event younger visitors and Joseph’s Amaz- there will be a parade of beagles on for a number of years. The sheep ing Racing Pigs are sure to prove fun the Saturday. There will also be gun- show, sheepdog and duck show, Read our archived for all the family. Six rare breed pigs dog, falconry and ferret displays. birds of prey and ferret racing are in- editions FREE online at will be throwing themselves over Chef Dan Kennedy of Kent Cook- credibly popular and we are de- www.downsmail.co.uk hurdles in a bid to be first to get their ery School will give game butchery lighted to have them back again for nose in the trough. and cookery demonstrations daily 2016.”

32 Maidstone Town April 2016 Keeping

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Maidstone Town April 2016 33 News downsmail.co.uk Girl assaulted by a guest Road changes designed A GUEST at a barbecue sexually as- saulted his hosts’ young daughter as she lay in bed, a court has heard. Maidstone Crown Court jailed to improve traffic flow David Papworth (29), from Bell Lane, Burham, for COUNCILLORS have agreed a se- being first mooted. concern had not been taken into ac- five years for touch- ries of measures designed to im- Shepway resident Don Bates count in the preparation of the ing the young girl prove traffic flows in the Loose pleaded with the town’s Joint strategy. He proposed that the con- inappropriately Road corridor. Transportation Board to retain the troversial plan be removed from while she slept. They include lane marking status quo – as he did in the 1970s. the A229 package. Papworth (left) changes to Upper Stone Street and More than 500 people signed a Following debate, the committee denied the offence Sheals Cresecent; alterations to lane petition opposing the closure, unanimously agreed with Cllr but was convicted allocations at the junction of Loose which was rejected by the bor- Clark’s proposal. following a trial. Road and Armstrong Road; and the ough’s strategic planning commit- Cllr Marion Ring told officers at The court heard how Papworth, relocation and removal of some bus tee in December. Kent Highway Services: “The resi- formerly of Waterloo Street in Maid- stops. However, it resurfaced as part of dents do not want it shut off and stone, had been drinking in the gar- Two lanes of traffic heading from the town’s integrated transport you cannot go against all these res- den and went into the property Upper Stone Street into Sheals strategy for easing traffic flows idents’ wishes. You have to find a when everyone was asleep. Crescent will be given priority and along the A229 Loose Road corri- different solution.” The following day his young vic- the “give way” sign removed. dor. Cllr Clive English, who said he tim told her mother that Papworth Three lanes will be created on Mr Bates, from Marion Crescent, considered the package to consist had entered her room and touched Loose Road for southbound traffic said that while he sympathised of only “minor” and not “signifi- her inappropriately. between Sheals Crescent and Arm- with both Maidstone and Kent cant” improvements, said: “There Papworth had left the house be- strong Road and one for north- councils over the long-standing is not much merit in improving one fore anyone was awake but handed bound vehicles and a pedestrian bottleneck at the Wheatsheaf, he road while simultaneously disim- himself in the following Tuesday. crossing will be created. did not believe closing the exit of proving others!” He was charged with sexual assault. Traffic modelling surveys show Cranborne Avenue would make Cllr Clark said: “I was very dis- Investigating officer Detective that this should improve overall ca- any difference, as vehicles would appointed to see this scheme on the Constable Emma Crombie said: pacity by 5% in the morning rush simply emerge from Plains Avenue, papers after it had been unani- “David Papworth took advantage of hour and 6% in the evening. or other streets in the vicinity. mously rejected in the local plan a child who was too young to un- derstand the gravity of what was However, a controversial attempt At the February meeting of the discussions at Maidstone Council. happening. However, she was able to close the exit of Cranborne Av- JTB, Brian Clark, Lib Dem county Now that councillors from both to tell her mother and we were able enue at the Wheatsheaf junction to councillor for Maidstone South, ex- Maidstone and Kent County Coun- to gain evidence. from a brave girl.” ease traffic flows has been thrown pressed disappointment that resi- cils have rejected the closure plan, out again – more than 40 years after dents and Maidstone councillors’ it really is time to move on.”

34 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Working for safer railways Market plan to RESIDENTS and communities along the Medway Valley Line, which runs from Strood to Tonbridge, via Maidstone and , have helped to make stations along the line feel safer. The Kent Community Rail Partnership and its volunteer travel aract shoppers champions have provide murals and A MONTHLY farmers’ market is council. landscaping at several to be introduced to Maidstone’s Officers believe up to 32 stalls stations and Jubilee Square as part of a drive to would fit on the square and a plan- encouraged local increase footfall in the town cen- ning application will be submitted people to adopt their tre. for this. station. The monthly market – on the As it can take up to 90 days to get Crime has fallen by Champion Action Day at Maidstone Barracks fourth Friday of the month – will be street trading consents, the council 37% along the line organised by the council in con- hopes the markets will start in June. since 2013 and Inspector Adam Hewett of the British Transport Police junction with the Kent Farmers’ About 80% of the stalls would sell said this could be attributed to partners’ efforts. Market Association and Produced foodstuffs while the remainder Speaking at the Champion Action Day, he said: “Everyone has the in Kent – and will coincide with pay would be given over to crafts. right to travel on the railway free from the fear of crime and the British day for many town centre workers. The market is just one of many Transport Police will continue to work with its partners such as Kent Since the creation of Jubilee ideas being considered to increase Community Rail Partnership, to ensure that we build on the results we Square in 2012, there has been no use of the square and revenue for have already achieved.” set policy for its use. the council. Anyone interested in becoming a Travel Champion should contact A similar suggestion failed to get There was some disagreement be- Sarah Deakin or Guy Schofield, [email protected] off the ground last year because it tween members of the town’s her- would have required planning con- itage, culture and leisure committee sent, as did a proposed Christmas as to whether the square should be market. hired out by political or religious Hospice wedding for Tracey Previous attempts to hold a farm- groups and the council is to look ATERMINALLY-ill patient has married her fiancé at the Heart of ers’ market at Lockmeadow and again at what kind of events will be Kent Hospice. -based teaching assistant Tracey Deacon outside County Hall have failed but permitted to take place. (49) married Paul Ecclestone (52). The couple became engaged officers believe the square would be The square is already a focal point shortly before Tracey was told she had a year to live. much more successful, as it is cen- for protesters against planning ap- Staff and volunteers at the hospice helped with the big day; trally located. plications, as it is bordered by the Tracey wore a dress donated by a nurse, a volunteer made her bou- Research has shown that between Town Hall where councillors hold quet and the hospice kitchen provided the cake. Tracey was ac- 3,000 and 4,000 people per hour their meetings. companied down the aisle by her sons Scott and Sam. pass through Jubilee Square on a Cllr Paul Harper said that, in a Tracey – a mother of three – was employed at Park Way Primary Friday, which should prove prof- democratic society, people should School in Maidstone until she became ill. itable for stallholders and for the be allowed to exercise free speech.

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Maidstone Town April 2016 35 News downsmail.co.uk Charity farce is a high-flyer Festival moves BOOK a seat for some top flight entertainment at The Hazlitt Theatre and help raise money for Maidstone’s Macmillan support service. Half the £12 cost of tickets from the production of Boeing Boeing! by the Willington Players on Thursday, April 14 will go straight to to showground the charity. The farce, set in the 1960s, tells of a bachelor’s high-flying life dat- THE Social music festival, which ing three air hostesses – all oblivious of each other, at least until led to dozens of complaints last Robert, bachelor Bernard’s friend flies in and forgets who’s sched- year, will not be held in Maid- uled to arrive. stone’s Mote Park this summer. The entertainment starts at 7.30pm. For tickets, call Macmillan’s He- The organisers say the music lene Poursain on 07764503484 or email [email protected]. event – planned for September 9 and 10 – will take place at the Kent County Showground in Detling. School bus service back It follows increased pressure for tighter stewarding at the event, ganisers of The Social. NU Venture has stepped in to county council. which attracted 10,000 music fans The move follows a successful take over a replacement bus serv- The bus company failed to turn to the park, but left Maidstone winter Social at the Kent County ice for students travelling from up for grammar school students Council with a major clean-up op- Showground in February, which at- Marden to school in Maidstone. waiting in Marden on several eration and 53 residents’ com- tracted 4,500 people. The company gave up the No 28 days, with a Facebook alert sys- plaints to contend with. The summer event will make use service in January, saying it felt tem finally implemented to let Cllr Clive English said: “The So- of both the covered and outdoor fa- “unable to meet passenger expec- parents know when their chil- cial Festival proved to be the most cilities provided at the showground tations”. It was claimed problems dren would not be picked up. anti-social event ever held at the for the festival on Friday night and had been aggravated by road- In this most recent turn of park, so I am pleased it will not be Saturday. works and congestion on the events, parents were told Nu Ven- held in town. It had outgrown the Organiser Luke Bendall said: route. ture would run the service again site and attracted younger people “After three years in Maidstone we However, the bus firm is now until July. who caused problems for the local did experience problems – not on back in the driving seat after a However, the Downs Mail has community outside of the event.” site, but with the number of people string of mechanical problems been told by the county council: He dismissed fears that the Maid- leaving the venue on foot. forced the replacement bus com- “Nu Venture is running the serv- stone economy would miss out on “The showground’s event man- pany – 1st Bus Stop, based in ice as it was in a position to pro- the £1m spent by festival-goers in agers have been brilliant – the best the area last year, saying income we have worked with – and the Gravesend – to quit, just a month vide it again. This is not a would be spent in another part of venue will provide a better experi- after being appointed by the temporary measure.” the borough. He said the park ence for festival-goers and allow us could instead host a more family- to limit our environmental and For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk orientated celebration from the or- noise impact on the area.” FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100’s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available

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36 Maidstone Town April 2016 Maidstone Town April 2016 37 News downsmail.co.uk Work planned to cut traffic jams A £1.8m scheme to improve the flow of traffic along Willington Street is set to get underway later this year. As the primary route linking vil- Sutton Road has a two-way aver- Once completed, the traffic sig- £500,000, would enable the scheme lages south of Maidstone with the age daily flow of 19,000 and peak nal timings will be amended to to proceed. A20 and M20, Kent County Coun- flows of 1,680 vehicles per hour, take account of the new layout. No land needs to be acquired to cil wants to make improvements to according to KCC. The Willington Street Junction make the improvements and resi- the road, starting with the junc- A significant number of vehicles Improvements Scheme forms the dents will be informed when work tions at both ends. use Willington Street to avoid con- first part of the Maidstone Inte- is to start, via a mailshot. Both junctions are significant gestion in the town centre. grated Transport Package, which The report concludes: “This is an “pinch points” on the A20 and “At present these signalised junc- has been provisionally allocated important scheme to help reduce A274 corridors, with the traffic sig- tions at each end of Willington £8.9m from the local growth fund congestion on the Sutton Road cor- nals causing long delays at peak Street are heavily congested under via the South East Local Enterprise ridor, of the A274 strategic route. times. peak traffic conditions,” says a re- Partnership (SELEP), for spend be- The allocation of Local Growth Ashford Road has an average port to KCC’s cabinet committee tween now and 2019/20. Fund to the scheme is very wel- two-way daily flow of between for environment and transport. SELEP has now recommended come news in enabling the scheme 13,800 and 21,800 vehicles per The committee agreed to the the approval of £1.3m local growth to proceed. The programme has hour, to the east and west of the widening of the A274 near the fund to the project in 2016/17 and, been developed and some prelimi- Willington Street junction respec- junctions with Willington Street subject to Government approval, nary work has already been done tively. and Wallis Avenue and to create a the funds will be released to KCC. and there is confidence that a con- At peak times, it can carry up to left turn lane into Willington Street This, together with local devel- struction start date of late 2016 can 1,850 vehicles an hour. from Ashford Road. oper S106 contributions of be achieved.” Friendz reaching out across Kent A CHARITY which helps children and adults with learning disabilities has been able to increase its help to families in Maidstone and Malling. Kent Friendz, which has its head office in Sevenoaks, helps more than Some of the Choral first 300 children and adults and recently staff of Kent successfully tendered to Kent County Friendz, which ALL Saints’ Church in Maidstone Council to provide services across was the scene of a musical first. Kent. helps children Maidstone Choral Union per- The registered charity was and adults formed Sir John Stainer’s Crucifix- founded 51 years ago and, for many with learning ion and his great grandson’s new families, it offers the only source of disabilities composition Resurrection. help and respite for the carers Resurrection composer David away, and a comprehensive advice “Our service users are generally among them. and information service. disadvantaged, isolated and Pennant, pictured with MCU pres- Some of the people they befriend ident David Pickett, joined the Chief executive officer Chris Burton vulnerable by the nature of their have Downs syndrome or cerebral said: “No child or adult is excluded disabilities. They have low self- choir for this performance, which palsy, but the majority have included another of Stainer’s great whatever their disabilities and our esteem, no independence and miss profound multiple learning and services are always in demand. De- out on the social, education and grandsons, Mike Newson. physical disabilities and need 1:1 – Soloists Charlotte Shipley, John spite this we pride ourselves on hav- employment activities we take for or even 2:1 and 3:1 – care. ing no waiting lists. granted. Our clubs ensure that Findon, John Holland-Avery and The charity provides more than 30 organist Lawrence Thain. “We are delighted that KCC has children and adults with severe services, including holiday clubs and given us the opportunity of learning disabilities displaying Choirmaster Martin Hindmarsh educational activities throughout also doubled up as a soloist, providing our services in new areas challenging behaviour, often the school holidays, as well as and look forward to working with the excluded by other service providers, singing the part of Doubting weekend activities and weekends Thomas. children and their families. are included.” Probus events ‘Poorly designed’ flats rejected Sea challenge THE Probus Club of Maidstone is A PLAN for a four-storey block of flats in London Road, Maidstone was ROWERS from the Maidstone In- inviting new members to join for turned down on the grounds of poor design. victa Rowing Club took on a new this year’s packed itinerary. The application was for an eight-bedroom L-shaped block replacing challenge when they took to the The club is aimed at retired or Christmas Lodge. Cllr Richard Ash, a member of Maidstone Council’s seas at Shoreham. semi-retired professionals and planning committee, said: “This design does not inspire me. I am not an Richard Stokes and Richard Bald- businessmen who meet to talk architect but I could have drawn that. It looks appalling.“ win, from Maidstone, were invited about their working lives and to Cllr Martin Round said: “It seems highly flawed. Love or hate high- by two members of Bexhill Rowing hear talks from non members. rise buildings, four storeys is high-rise to me.” club to join them in The Head of the Forthcoming talks include prevent- Adur on the south coast. ing blindness in the Amazon, the The committee voted overwhelmingly to refuse the application. They were joined by Maidstone last voyage of the RMS Queen cox Cathy Metcalf for the 3.5km Mary and the history of Kent sea- Charity builds African school side towns before World War One. race on a strongly tidal section of MAIDSTONE-based charity Parenta Trust has started building its the River Adur, just off Shoreham. Members meet on the first and third nursery school in Uganda. third Monday of each month at the The composite crew from Maid- Parenta Trust’s second school was built in the Kaberamaido district Civil Service Club, Recreation stone and Bexhill had a few boating Road, Maidstone. Ladies can join of Eastern Uganda and completed in July 2015. Thanks to the charity’s issues but rallied to take third place members for lunch at some meet- sponsorship programme, 32 children have now been enrolled in this in the Vets 40+ race, with a time of ings and at two formal lunches school. 17:13min. The winners came in every year. Call secretary Ed Cook- The building will have a rainwater-harvesting system to provide with a good time of 16:31, followed sey on 01622 631371. drinking water, three large classrooms and a block of toilets. by Eastbourne with a time of 16:54.

38 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Waste freighter service to be axed MAIDSTONE Council’s Saturday waste freighter scheme is to be scrapped as part of a cost-cutting exercise across the borough. The council feels the service re- could not be separated for recy- quently by commercial businesses sults in inequality as not all resi- cling, which reduced the council’s that are unable to access Tovil dents, especially the elderly and recycling rate by 0.27%. Household Waste Recycling Centre disabled, can access it. “Small pockets of residents are (pictured) and would be required to The bulky refuse freighter, which benefiting from a service which is travel to Sittingbourne to dispose of has been a regular sight in the vil- paid for by all taxpayers,” said the their waste responsibly.” lages at weekends since it was report to members. The council plans to introduce a started in 1991, costs £45,000 a year The council’s bulky collection cer- subsidy to the bulky collection serv- to run. vice, which charges £23 to collect ice for those on low incomes, mean- It visits 99 sites across the bor- between one and four items and £33 ing they will only pay £16 for the ough on a 10-week rota and collects for five to eight items, costs £68,500 removal of up to four items, which bulky items and household waste, a year to run but generates £80,000 will be reviewed after six months. such as old furniture and children’s and will continue. The council will urge residents to toys, but will be withdrawn from “The Saturday freighter service recycle waste to charities and is also the end of April. provides an inequality of service to in discussion with Kent County The service pre-dated the intro- Maidstone residents as it enables Council to explore opportunities for duction of wheelie bins and recy- abled-bodied people to dispose of accepting commercial waste at the cling centres and was designed to cline in usage, the borough envi- bulky waste free of charge; however council’s depot in Park Wood. help residents dispose of all types ronment committee was told. those who are unable to transport Members heard that the with- of waste, particularly bulky items. Only 2,600 residents used the their waste would be required to drawal of the service would sup- Over the past 10 years, the serv- service in 2014, compared with pay for a bulky collection,” says the port the council’s waste strategy ice has been adapted to reflect the more than 12,500 10 years ago. report. and have a positive effect on the changing needs of the borough but Last year, 300 tonnes of waste was “The Saturday freighter service borough’s recycling rate of about monitoring has shown a steady de- collected and sent to landfill as it has also been found to be used fre- 0.2%.

Restaurant Planners beaten on home decision PLANNING officers from Maid- body. There is no opposition locally The single-storey home, to be workers held stone Council were overruled re- or from statutory consultees. built on an unused garden close to garding the development of a new “The site is perfect and the house the junction with Bottlescrew Hill, TWO people were arrested at a home in Boughton Monchelsea. would be well positioned with is to include a roof terrace, pond restaurant in Tovil following a The planning department recom- woodland around it. Given its prox- and swimming pool. swoop by immigration officers. mended that a proposal to build a imity to developments in Boughton Cllr Stephen Mun- The 29-year-old woman and house on land next to Rock House Lane the sustainability objection ford (pictured), local 37-year-old man, from Indone- in Boughton Lane be refused due to can be overcome. ward councillor, sia, were found to have over- its unsustainable location and the “Boughton Monchelsea’s archi- said: “We have 25 stayed their visitor visas potential harm it would cause to the tectural heritage is not only rich but houses on the oppo- following a tip-off to enforce- open countryside. varied. There are some absolute site side of the road ment officers. Neither had the However, the planning commit- gems from every era, except per- and 71 homes up the road. This res- right to work in the UK and tee took on board the parish coun- haps our own. It is exciting to have idence would be the fourth closest have been transferred to a de- cil’s support for the scheme and something with architectural merit in my parish to a bank and bus tention centre, pending their granted planning permission. for our own age. If this is built, peo- service. This is sustainable, there are removal from the country. Cllr Sara Evans, from the parish ple in 10 years’ time will say it is a no objections and it is an innovative The Oriental Chef has been council, said: “This won’t hurt any- home befitting of the 21st century.” design.” ordered to demonstrate it made appropriate right-to-work checks on the two people; fail- Assault case man in court Scam warning ure to do so carries a fine of up A PARK Wood man has appeared back in court following a series of of- MAIDSTONE residents are being to £20,000 per worker. fences in the town, including assault. warned of a telephone scam oper- The arrests followed a visit The crimes, which included shoplifting and driving without a licence ating in the area. Homeowners are being called by enforcement officers to the or insurance, were committed by Abraham Joseph (33), of Wallis Av- and told they will need an Energy Church Street premises at enue, while he was still serving a conditional discharge. Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court accepted his guilty pleas to stealing Performance Certificate from April about 7.30pm on March 11. 2016. The scammer says they can Two other members of staff cleaning products from a shop in Willington Street, assaulting a woman at a shop in Northumberland Road and the motoring offences in a Toy- send someone that day to carry out were cleared to work in the UK. the survey. Richard Lederle, from Kent’s ota Yaris in Sutton Road on December 27. Magistrates sentenced Joseph to 120 days in prison – topped up to 150 Kent Trading Standards have enforcement team, said: “There days because of the operational period of his conditional discharge – pointed out you only need an En- will be no slowdown in our ef- suspended for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for eight ergy Performance Certificate if you forts to tackle illegal working months and must pay £133 compensation, a £110 fine, £85 costs and a are selling or renting your prop- in the county. Using illegal £20 victim surcharge. erty. labour is not a victimless crime; For further advice call Citizens it defrauds the Treasury of Advice consumer service on 03454 much-needed funds, undercuts Work order for food thief 040506. honest businesses and cheats A THIEF who broke in to the Malta Inn and stole food valued at £2,730 legitimate job-seekers out of has been ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work in the community. employment.” Dean Manser was sentenced at West Kent Magistrates’ Court after Companions He urged the public to report pleading guilty to the burglary at the Allington Lock restaurant on Oc- THE Good Companions Club will suspected immigration abuse tober 20. meet in the British Legion Hall in The 30-year-old, from Lullingstone Avenue in Swanley, was sentenced to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 Priory Street at 7.30pm on Monday, to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £500 111. April. A talk about moles will be compensation, £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. given by Chris Stewart.

Maidstone Town April 2016 39 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk

Parking action INCONSIDERATE parking in the Funding quest for repairs area was discussed by councillors, with photographs shown of vehicles causing an obstruction to pedestri- ans. to wall at burial ground Members heard that the PCSO had issued warnings to drivers in THE parish council is to make approaches for funding to restore the areas including Burial Ground Lane and urged councillors to report other ragstone wall at the closed burial ground in Burial Ground Lane. vehicles that were a cause of con- cern. Councillors heard that the wall should be done to encourage fresh Councillors also learned that dou- had “blown” and commented on tenders but in the meantime, ap- ble yellow lines are to be added to the specialist repointing, using lime proaches will be made to the Bap- prevent parking towards the round- mortar, that was required and the tist church and organisations able about in Armstrong Road, down to £7,000 cost of re-seating the metal to offer grants for work at redun- the post box. railings, which was adding to the dant churches. overall cost. At the same time, funding will Vice-chairman Paul Wilby said also be sought to strip the ceme- On the move such was the specialist nature of the tery’s back wall of ivy. THE council has agreed it will move repairs needed that only one quote Members noted that the burial to its new offices at the YMCA centre The burial ground wall had been received from six ground contains some of the oldest in Barfreston Close on April 7, with builders. Councillors felt that more graves in the borough. the intention of being “open for busi- ness” on Monday, April 10. Councillors will move their office Yasmine link equipment from Tovil Working Donation request is rejected Men’s Club. It was agreed to keep AN appeal for a donation to- to the Kent Association of Local to borough the photocopier rather than breach wards the cost of challenging the Councils. the lease agreement, which would borough council’s 18,560 hous- The financial contribution re- YASMIN Gordine introduced her- cost more than £1,000 in penalties. ing target for 2011-2031 was re- quest was issued by its Local self to councillors as Maidstone The YMCA will be asked to make jected by members. Plan Working Group, which is Council’s new parish liaison offi- room for the machine. Tovil Parish Council members looking to hire a consultant to cer. felt that while a reduction in the challenge MBC’s housing figure She told members that the cre- overall figure would be wel- when the plan is considered by ation of the new Drive change come, the impact on the parish a planning inspector. The coun- full-time post in MEMBERS have suggested an alter- would be negligible and did not cil also voted not to renew its £50 December follows ation, on safety grounds, to a pro- warrant a donation – some as membership to Action with a review of the posed development. high as £1,000 by some villages – Communities in Rural Kent. parish charter, Councillors felt the driveway for a which showed a three-bedroom bungalow on a gar- need for a point of den on the corner of Forest Hill contact for parish should open to Caernarvon Drive. Fete appeal Agenda plan councils. COUNCILLORS made a renewed ITEMS may not be put back on the The borough has 37 parish coun- appeal for local organisations and council’s agenda for a second time cils and Yasmin hopes to have at- Tax thanks tended meetings of them all by the residents to get involved with the in six months, without being au- MEMBERS were thanked by a mem- beginning of June. proposed parish fete. thorised by three members. ber of the public for keeping her She told the Downs Mail: “I pride It is hoped the event will be The change to the council’s council tax bill down. myself on my communication skills Councillors heard that the woman staged at Archbishop Courtenay standing orders was proposed by a and being approachable, which had seen the bill on her band D CE Primary School or the new member, who said: “I think if is- will aid me in this post. My property go down another £4. YMCA centre. Councillors have sues keep being put back on the strength, and, perhaps, my weak- formed a working group, but are agenda time and again, we will ness, is that I’m not afraid to say I keen to hear from anyone able to spend all our time discussing the don’t know, but I will do my re- Lier clean-up offer help, as well as from bands same issues. search.” A LITTER pick attended by parish and display teams interested in “Of course, if new information Yasmin (22) has worked for the councillors and Tovil Action Group taking part. becomes available then that is the borough council for three years and collected more than 50 bags of rub- Offers of help should be time to talk it through again, but as lives just outside Marden. Her post bish, three tyres and a toilet, mem- emailed to the clerk@tovilparish- a council we need to be able to keep is for a year’s fixed-term. bers heard. council.co.uk. moving forward.” THIS PAGE IS EDITED BY TOVIL PARISH COUNCIL CLERK: Alison Chew, Parish Office, Rear of Tovil Working Men’s Club, Tovil Hill, Tovil, ME15 6QS TEL/FAX: 01622 675628 EMAIL: [email protected]

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Maidstone Town April 2016 43 downsmail.co.uk Comment Local elections so hard to read AT this stage, with a month to go, it is Paul Cooper will be looking to overturn spin of the coin time again for forecasters of MailMarks that. who will really control Maidstone Council The reverse applies in & after the elections on Thursday May 5. Hunton, where prominent Tory Cllr John As usual it is a close battle, with the Con- DENNIS FOWLE President Wilson is retiring. The Tories believe they servatives probably needing a net gain of [email protected] have a strong replacement in Ron Leagas, one seat to ensure their desired overall con- but the Lib Dems hold the other two seats trol. With this would probably come the sig- in this ward and they will be looking for a nificant position of leader of the council, Current council make-up gain to ensure the hat-trick though youthful which was lost last May when Lib Dem Cllr local candidate Emily Fermor. Fran Wilson had a majority of one vote at Conservative 25 Both the national and local political scenes the annual council meeting when she was LibDem 20 make forecasting so difficult this year. also backed by the majority of Independ- Independent 6 The Tories did well last year on the back ents, Ukip and Labour councillors. UKIP 2 of a successful general election campaign The Conservatives hold 25 of the 55 seats. Labour 2 while the Lib Dems floundered. Has that Two Independents usually vote with them. tide turned at all? Labour defend Shepway They feel they are well-placed to win con- Labour-held Shepway South and Inde- South locally, but will divisions nationally trol but they campaign hard to achieve a pendent-held Park Wood. over the party leadership affect local sup- comfortable majority. There are many un- The Lib Dems have dominated High port? certain ingredients – but one certainty is the Street for many years but it is a ward where Will passions over the EU referendum im- local Lib Dems will still be punching well population migrates more than most, and it pact locally? above their weight to strengthen their posi- became marginal last year when Cllr Fran In Maidstone borough the Conservatives tion. Wilson ended with a 119 majority over the reckoned they suffered because they had to There are several key battlegrounds in the Conservatives. The Tories are targeting it in lead the essential but controversial local relevant 19 wards and the power battle will May and believe their hard work can now plan which required very heavy residential probably be decided by the results in these bring success for Joe Mamo against former development. This year council leader Fran nine: Bridge, Coxheath & Hunton, Fant, Mayor, Lib Dem Cllr Denise Joy. Wilson has had to front the local plan and Heath, High Street, North, Park Wood, The Tories also believe they can succeed take flak from many unhappy residents. It Shepway South and South. again in North ward, where they pulled off is a poisoned chalice she has drunk from A political change in any of the other 10 a surprise victory last year after long Lib bravely. I did not have courage to forecast the final wards (Allington, Barming, Bearsted, Dem dominance. It was only a 25-vote win outcome last year. This year it is even more Boughton Monchelsea & Chart Sutton, Box- – but with long-standing Lib Dem Cllr Jenni difficult… ley, East, Headcorn, Marden & Yalding, Paterson now standing down, there will be North Downs and Shepway North) would an intriguing battle between Michelle Hastie be a significant surprise. (Lib Dem) and Jeff Tree (Conservative). The EU vote The Conservatives will need to hold in the South ward has often fluctuated and the LAST month’s Mail Mark when I rea- three marginal key seats of Bridge, Cox- Tories see their chance with the retirement soned why I will vote for Brexit brought a heath & Hunton and Fant – no easy task – of stalwart Lib Dems’ Cllr Ian Chittenden record number of emails and other contacts. and look for gains mainly in Lib Dem-held (Paul Wilby is the new candidate). There Thank you. I will touch on them next Heath, High Street, North and South or in were only about 100 votes in it last year and month.

Appalled by phone-tracking using my phone for. That’s personal. Mote Park is fine as it is Your report also states that November Dear Sir – Regarding your article about 2015 was the eighth month in a row that Dear Sir – Having lived in Maidstone all tracking mobile phone habits, I am both footfall was down. Have the two my life, I have seen Mote Park change, but amazed and appalled at the news that this organisations above not worked it out yet? I’m afraid a lot of the recent changes have is happening. Maidstone traffic is a nightmare, parking not been for the beer. I am amazed that it is legal, and appalled is expensive and there are too many pop- Many of us appreciate the peace and that both Maidstone Council and up shops and empty shops; not a great tranquillity of the park and the nature Maidstone Town Centre Management experience really. It’s free to park and shop which makes its home there and would like condone this activity. It was only a short out of town with less traffic and a beer it to remain that way, without the need for time ago that we had the press tapping into shopping experience. even more building and commercialisation. phones; how is this any different? I realise that retail is tough with the age Yes, perhaps it does need a new cafe, but Whilst we are told that individuals of online sales, which to be fair I am using only because the present one was built cannot be identified, how can we be more and more. However, some shops I do with such a definite lack of forethought assured that this will remain the case, as I go back to because the customer care is so and planning and one of the biggest am sure that the technology exists? good. problems has always been the lack of stock I have a contract phone so my details are Tracking phones will only compound the control. I have been in the cafe at least three stored somewhere. We are already targeted problem and keep shoppers away. Will the times only to be told I couldn't have a cup with junk mail and annoying phone calls public be warned with signs stating that we of tea as they had no milk. On another where details of purchases are sold on to will be entering a tracking area? Shouldn’t occasion during the school holidays the third parties; I’m sure this will be the we be asked before being snooped on? only ice creams they had were the very beginning of new marketing tactics. We’ve known for some time that big expensive ones. A lot of the mothers Your report states that it’s just location brother is watching us with the cameras weren’t too impressed with this and none and usage. Well, I don’t really want people about town; now he’s tracking our phones. of this is hard to sort, but unfortunately knowing where I am, let alone what I’m Neil Cole, that is the way it always seems to be. Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

44 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk

In this modern stressful world, a lot of property in the current year is £1,089.99 I was siing in the lounge, and the people love to escape to the peace of the This is wrong – that is just the Kent window and door were out and the back Comment park and do not want this interrupted by County Council portion and is not the total door was open. The workmen were Segways, noisy model boats etc. There are of what people have to pay at the moment. throwing rubbish out of the door, but the already too many cars in the park and one Added to this are precepts for Kent wind was blowing it back into the hall, so I has to be very careful when taking small Police, Kent Fire and Rescue, Maidstone put a black bag outside the door to take children or dogs over there. Council and the local parish council. So, as their rubbish. Less environmental damage might also an example, my bill for a band D property When one of the men came back in I said: give the nature of the park a chance to (just an average three-bedroom semi) in “Excuse me, I’ve put a black bag outside recover. There has been talk about Coxheath is £1,584.28 this year. for you to put your rubbish in.” I thought provision for nature but most of us long- I do think you should make this clear he was going to hit me, and he shouted: term residents have sadly seen it all decline and quote the correct total figures. “You’re not allowed to say that any more.” over the years. If we don’t all help protect Peter Welfare, by email What is it coming to – what are we it, it will disappear altogether. allowed to say? I did report it but nothing This is one of the few places in was done. Maidstone where we can make a difference Racism claim shocking Mrs S Hayes, Greenborough Close, and we ought to limit the damage. Dear Sir – I have just read the school Maidstone I do love Mote Park and care racism claim in your paper today and am passionately about its future. I resent all astounded that a young child has been these commercial ventures. I met a number victimised by the school in this way. Retake control of borders of mothers at Gillingham Strand last year It's disgraceful – Gaynor Harryman and Dear Sir – After 70 years living here I am and they were moaning about the fact that her son should receive a sincere apology they couldn’t come to Mote Park during appalled at how Maidstone has been and all claims that her son made a racist forced to change over the past five years or the summer as they had several small comment should be wiped out. children and didn't want to spend the so and I too will be voting to exit the EU Black is an accepted term for a black man (Mail Marks, March). entire day being pestered by their children as white is for a white man – a lot of to be allowed in the fair! Maidstone has become so overcrowded derogatory terms existed in years gone by and immigration is radically changing the I did complete the survey when asked at (I do remember them as I am 72) but black culture of our town. It will get worse until the park, but let’s face it, the questions is totally acceptable, ask any black person. Britain gains full control of its borders. were worded to get the answers they The school has gone mad – I would We are having huge residential wanted – not to get honest answers and certainly not want my grandchildren to be developments imposed on us very much opinions. going to Vinters Park if that’s the way they against our will; road journeys now take so Mote Park is not a London park and I for teach and treat their pupils. The much longer; our GPs and hospitals are one, whilst I do appreciate the path round headmaster and teachers need a lesson in totally overstretched and delays for the lake, would suggest hands off racism before they are let loose teaching everything else. Leave us to enjoy it just as young people. patients are unacceptable; and too many it is. I hope a lot of people complain about parents have deep concerns about finding Jean Howland, by email this as it is something that needs to be desired places in schools. addressed prey promptly. Anyone Brexit may bring early uncertainties but I reading the report and what was said and will live with these to expel the hand the Bypass money was there to whom and her reaction would first of all EU casts over our country. Dear Sir – I was reading the comments laugh as it’s so outrageous and then be Robin Brand - by email about the Leeds-Langley bypass and was disgusted that a young boy had to go interested by KCC leader Paul Carter’s through being disciplined and having a Vote for Brexit statement that he would have to find £55m racism report against him when there was Dear Sir – I feel guilty my generation is to do this project. no case to answer. creating through EU membership a Didn't they once put £50m into an Ice- If I was the parent I would seek some diminished Britain I will be ashamed to landic bank, and would it not have been advice from a solicitor and explain that my leave to my children and grandchildren. cheaper to carry out the work at this time? son's name had been blackened (is that (Mail Marks, March). I would be surprised if he lives in Langley racist?) by the school. It’s shocking. I am patriotic and have loved living in because you state that he uses the South Carole Revell, Hillden Shaw, Maidstone Maidstone, Kent and England. I cannot Park rat-run to get to work. No doubt we bear to see what now happens through will continue to have 44-tonnes lorries, some overcrowding and the financial crises I containing liquefied petroleum gas, mount- Comments out of context consider are closely linked to our EU ing the kerbs through the centre of town Dear Sir – Regarding your story about an membership, especially on welfare James Burnham, by email. allegedly racist comment made in a school, payments. I feel very sorry for the young boy who I love Europe too, and believe we can made the comment, as I went through a work well with our friendly neighbours Council tax error similar experience. without all the serious downsides of EU Dear Sir – Your story on council tax in the I live in sheltered accommodation and membership. We have to give this a chance recent edition of Downs Mail quotes that about three weeks before Christmas men and vote for Brexit. the average council tax bill for a band D arrived to fit new windows and doors. Mary Jameson - by email. Concert dates THE programme chosen by the Support service backed Maidstone Singers for their two A BEREAVEMENT support serv- service must continue and has of- grateful for their support.” summer concerts this year embraces ice in Maidstone facing closure fered £5,575 to keep it going while Peter Hooper, Maidstone Lions major sacred works by two of after KCC pulled the plug on its it looks for long-term funding. welfare chairman, said: “I had the Britain’s leading living composers: funding has found a backer in Cruse’s Alison Blair said: “We privilege of seeing the dedication Bob Chilcott's Requiem and Sir Karl Maidstone Lions. were disappointed when we were of these volunteers when I was Jenkins’ Stabat Mater. The Cruse Centre in Marsham told that we were to lose our fund- mayor of Maidstone in 2004-5, so I The concerts will take place at All Street, where trained councillors ing. Our volunteers provide first- had no hesitation in recommend- Saints’ Church, Maidstone at offer free and confidential support line telephone and email support ing to the Lions that we support 7.30pm on Sunday, June 19 and St to hundreds of people every year, and face-to-face counselling that is this worthwhile cause.” Mary’s Church, West Malling at was due to run out of money in well-known across the county for Alison said: “This grant will en- 7.30pm on Saturday, June 25. April, after losing £5,000 in funding its contribution to bereavement able us to keep going while we look Soloists are Stephanie Crooks, from the county council. care. The Lions’ group has helped to secure permanent funding from Diane Seargeant and David Clarke. But Maidstone Lions has said the us in the past and we are extremely April 2017.” Tickets: £12 for adults, free for U18s.

Maidstone Town April 2016 45 downsmail.co.uk Quiz night A QUIZ night is being held at the Bus users consulted United Reformed Church in Week Street, Maidstone to raise money for the church’s property develop- ment fund. on timetable changes The quiz takes place on Saturday, April 23, in the main hall of the RESIDENTS are to be asked what who live in remote rural areas. KCC supports about 2.3% of bus church, starting at 7pm. they think of proposals to remove or “These are not commuter services. routes in the county, which are not Entry is £5 per person and teams amend up to 17 rural bus services. They are there to help people get to commercially viable, but which give are made up of six people. Bring Communities in places such as Lin- shops or go to medical appoint- people access to work, healthcare, your own drinks and nibbles. ton, Marden and Yalding could be af- ments,” he said. shops or education. For further information, contact fected as Kent County Council Cabinet member for transport Cllr Among the list of suggestions is the Graeme Wyles on 07919 050430. scrapes around to shave a further Matthew Balfour has said KCC will withdrawal of the No 89 evening £400,000 off its transport budget. listen to the views of the public dur- service between Maidstone and Cox- The county council is already ing the consultation period, which heath, being replaced by a diversion Model trains tasked with saving £1m on its provi- runs until May 15 – but it still needs to service No 5 which goes via Loose GET on track for this year’s Maid- sion of “socially necessary” bus serv- to find savings of £400,000. and Linton, and the removal of the stone Model Railway Exhibition at ices in the coming year, on top of last KCC has worked closely with its Monday service from , Yald- Loose. year’s £750,000. bus operator partners to identify serv- ing, to Paddock Wood. There could The event, on Saturday, April 16, is According to KCC: “A range of ices and journeys which could be re- implications for the Maidstone to at the village primary school in Loose service changes have been intelli- turned to commercial operation Hawkhurst service, although it could Road, with opening times running gently developed with the bus opera- following news that the Government remain largely unchanged. from 10am to 4.30pm. tors and are considered to be is granting just £5.6m, rather than the A route could be introduced be- There will be a variety of layouts to relatively low impact.” hoped £6.5m, in the coming year. tween Maidstone and Kings Hill via enjoy from Britain, America, Europe But KCC Cllr Mike Baldock be- The changes include the re-timing West Malling station to cover the loss and Japan. Admission for adults is lieves savings should be made else- of journeys, journey amalgamations of Nu Venture service 123. £5, children £2 and a family ticket where, without punishing people and journey withdrawals. Consultation ends on May 15. £12. For details call 07595 255150.

Obituaries Mollie Richford chorister, bell ringer, sidesperson, organist couple made their and archivist. As an archivist she looked in home in East MOLLIE Richford (88) lived in various to whether the church had ever been Peckham from 1964. houses in from 1960, dedicated to any saint, discovering that it Joan worked on spending most time in Vicarage Lane. She never has. farms and William was a teacher in a number of village junior “My mother was also a Guide captain worked in plant hire schools, and and district commissioner and – after being and as a roller driver. regularly aended widowed in 1999 – had an amazing end to Later in life, Joan East Farleigh Church. her life with solo trips to places like became an Born Mollie Picke Canada, Iceland and Morocco. She visited occupational therapy in Benover, Yalding, the Galapagos Islands seven times, helper and worked with mentally- she grew up in becoming a personal friend of Philip handicapped elderly people at Oakwood Nelestead and Darwin – a descendant of Charles Darwin Hospital in Maidstone, retiring from that Wateringbury and – and being appointed as a guardian of the part of her working life when the hospital trained as a teacher in Galapagos because of her dedication to the closed. Joan and William raised sons Cambridge. Mollie islands.” David and Stuart. taught in Biddenden Mollie leaves her children, seven Son David said: “My mother’s passion and Rochester before grandchildren and three great- was her work with the Salvation Army. She marrying Paul – who worked as a county granddaughters. and my father built up and ran the local architect – and the couple lived in East corps in , where my mother Peckham before moving to East Farleigh. served for more than 40 years. In a move Mollie was mother to David, Mark and Joan Boyle that is highly unusual, I took over the corps Mary and over the years taught at schools JOAN Boyle (78) lived in East Peckham for from her leadership, along with my wife in Hunton, Nelestead and Wateringbury. most of her life. Suzanne, when her health declined. David said: “My mother was an She came to the area when she was “She was loved by everyone and always independent-spirited woman who had evacuated from Wood Green in London as had time for people. She was known as clear ideas about the way she wanted a child and returned after training with the Auntie Joan and was a cherished presence things done. Salvation Army in 1959. in her community. There is a thanksgiving “Her faith was very strong and she was Born Joan Perry, she married William service for her life at Holy Trinity Church, involved with East Farleigh Church as a Boyle (originally from Dundee) and the East Peckham at 3pm on April 17.” Joan – who was widowed in 1996 – leaves her sons and grandchildren Jasmine Camrass Wills and Joseph. Advice you can trust The Stone Shop Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere. Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? Inscriptions added to existing memorials • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Renovations and memorial cleaning For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW The Stone Shop 01622 720985 Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. www.camrasswills.co.uk 01622 726633

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48 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Garden Services continued Painting & Decorating continued

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z Fencing z Treework D K PLASTERING L.W.LANDSCAPING z z R K Plastering Turfing Decking All plastering work carried out All Aspects of Plastering z Levelling Ground Internal / External Fully Insured & Reliable • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Plastering Over Artex z Jet Washing Service FREE Quotes Coving Tel: 01622 260149 z z Email: [email protected] Free Estimates Astroturf Patios Clean & Reliable z z Call David 01622 727534 Mob:07772 231419 Clearance Driveways Call Rob on: 07984 609133 Mobile: 07974 891795 www.rkplastering.co.uk

Handyman Services Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Heating MALCOLM ROBERTS Handyman Over 25 years’ experience of No job too small maintaining people’s homes. Chris Bourne Plumbing Services Competitive prices making water work A friendly, reliable service. Heating •Painting & Decorating • Plastering Painting & decorating, •Plastering •Painting & Decorating Wall & Floor • Tiling • Fencing Wall Papering, Tiling •Laminate Flooring Plumbing Tiling • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing and all aspects of DIY. •Home Improvements Complete 25yrs experience General Household Maintenance. FREE Bathrooms Any odd jobs considered CALL MALCOLM NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Phone Lee for quotes ON 01634 308067 01622 747272 / 07894 138224 01622 204491 Mob: 07788 142576 07804 927680 07885 950959 Day Evenings or to leave a message FOR A FREE QUOTATION Fully insured Larkrise, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea. C. TAYLOR HANDYMAN INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & No job too big or too small. DECORATING SPECIALISTS Gavin Francis Painting & decorating, PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT Central Heating Installations ex British Gas all roofing works & repairs, COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENTS • New Boilers chimney’s, guttering & gutter Painting Paperhanging • Noisy Boilers and repairs cleaning, pressure cleaning, Partitioning • Burst pipes & leaks fencing & brickwork & driveways Carpentry Coving • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber Wood & Laminate 07860 174959 07554 267087 Floors • FULLY INSURED • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 0800 4748750 FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE • FULLY INSURED Free from landlines CALL CHRIS ON 07970 980611 & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] Locksmith • Quality Decorating at a NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES fair & competitive price • Dulux approved over For all your plumbing needs Maidstone & Kent 30 years experience General Repairs • New Taps T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 • Fully insured 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT • Toilet & Cistern Repairs www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Tel: 01622 737225 PLUMBING Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding 24 hour service locks opened Mobile: 07816 149502 new locks fitted security checks www.sr-interiors.com Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266 emergency work undertaken email: [email protected]

Maidstone Town April 2016 49 Classified downsmail.co.uk Roofing Services Rubbish Clearance Skip Hire continued

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50 Maidstone Town April 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs Window Cleaning MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service • Power washing available for block paving & patios Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Kent Trailers 01622 863502 07950 211 507 Indespension Agent www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock, New & Used Detling Window Services 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166 TV Aerials, Satellites & Repairs MirandaMiranda PAUL MILL Television Ltd DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS 01622 751000 Est. 1981 SPECIALIST REPAIRER FOR OVER 20 YEARS • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Freeview play • Catch Up & On Demand BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial, dish installation service Misted / Broken Glass Units, TV wall mounting service. Door & Window Handles, Please phone us for free friendly advice today Locks & Hinges Bower Place Maidstone ME16 8BG www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service Patio Door Wheels & Tracks SPARE PARTS SHOP Waste Collection Units 15-16 Dickens Court Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate D. BODY LTD Waste Collection Kent ME2 4LY 01634 717400 www.mdgrepairs.co.uk

Cesspool Emptying Treatment Plants Septic Tanks Gulleys & Forecourts Drain Clearing High Pressure Jetting Sludge Removal Domestic & Commercial Glaze-Tech Services Ltd ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS A family run business 24Hr - 7 Days A Week with over 30 years experience 01622 631688 Free survey & quotations D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk Prompt & Friendly Service Installers of top quality double glazing The Paddock, Detling Hill, Maidstone, Kent • UPVC double glazed windows & doors • Solid core composite doors, the best in the market Web Design • Domestic & commercial aluminium products • Insurance backed guarantee on all installations • Supplied and installed by skilled fitters EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS • Secondary Double Glazing Specialists • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion • Repairs service to locks, hinges & handles • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting • Email • Web Site Maintenance T: 01622 717130 F: 01622 717132 www.glazetech.co.uk [email protected] Unit 8 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BT ((Call our sales team now - 01732 842454 01622 630 330

Maidstone Town April 2016 51 Leisure On the Road Bouncy Castle Health PENFOLDS AMUSEMENTS Bouncy castles and children’s carousels 01634 365427 | 07710 772597 & Beauty WANTED Farleigh Forge Garage Scrap Cars, Vans, Trucks ETC MoTs Any condition, Top price paid! Servicing and general Accredited training in Instant Cash call repairs to all makes 07521111402 Tyres and tracking Clinical Hypnosis & NLP Free local collection and delivery by arrangement Foundation and Diploma Courses starting soon Air Conditioning Follow Established since 1985 us on Tel: 01622 726473 The Kent College of Hypnotherapy Lower Road, East Farleigh www.kentcollegeofhypnotherapy.co.uk

Accredited by The Hypnotherapy Association Local venues and free half day taster BRITANNIA 07711140201 MOT & REPAIR CENTRE The Kent College Email:[email protected] of Hypnotherapy • REPAIRS & SERVICING • MOT’S CLASS 4 & 7 • CARS & LIGHT COMMERCIALS Pet Services • DIAGNOSTICS / TYRES / EXHAUSTS / TRACKING Pet Services • AIR CONDITIONING Please mention Downs Mail when booking ! PETS HOLIDAY HOME 01622 718888 www.britmot.co.uk BOARDING FOR DOGS & CATS • Small friendly family concern • 24 hours supervision • Professional one-to-one care Unit 1 Britannia Business Park Mills Road, Quarry Wood, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NT • Cats have extra large runs with heated chalets • Dogs have a secure exercise area (50mx25m) where they can run lead free safe & secure. All ages accepted, fully insured 01622 745438 07944 070355 www.petsholidayhomekent.co.uk EAST FARLEIGH, MAIDSTONE ACE Recruitment M.O.T. and URGENTLY REQUIRED 2 Experienced Cleaners Clutch Centre Yalding ME18 6ES Vehicle Maintenance, DBS will be required & References Essential Mon – Fri 6:30am – 8:00am Service & M.O.T. £7.75 per hour Tel: 020 8694 8844 Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 LEAD MID­DAY M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 SUPERVISOR VACANCY We are looking to recruit a child friendly, caring Lead Mid­Day Meals Supervisor, who has high expectations, to join our team • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted who supervise children eating meals in the hall and help clear away at the end. The role is to oversee a team of 8 Midday Meals Supervisors so that children are safe, looked after and behave appropriately. • Broken belt damaged repaired The hours are 12:00 to 13:45 Monday to Friday, term time only. Sandling Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the • All makes, petrol & diesel welfare of the pupils in our care and all posts are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Pay: Kent Range 3 Application Closing Date: Friday 29 April 2016 at 9.00am Please contact the school office for an application pack: Telephone No 01622 763297 / Email offi[email protected] Tel: 01732 870368

52 Maidstone Town April 2016 On the Road

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Maidstone Town April 2016 53 downsmail.co.uk

rm reports Crime THE paintwork of a Vauxhall Zafira in Beaconsfield Road, Tovil was damaged when porridge was poured all over it. Neighbourhood Watch A person was seen smashing a vehicle window and taking items in Bower Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Terrace, Fant. Several windows were smashed on a Items were stolen in a break-in at a A window of a van was smashed in a building site in London Road, Allington. property in Tonbridge Road, Fant. private car park in Kingfisher Meadow, Six parking restriction road signs were Three panes of glass were smashed in a Fant but nothing was taken. stolen from Evelyn Road, Fant. greenhouse in Plains Avenue, Shepway. A container was broken into at a Two men were seen acting suspiciously The window of a parked car was building site in Hermitage Lane. at the scene of a small garage fire at a smashed in Charlton Street, Fant. Another Several vehicles were damaged in water tower in North Pole Road, Barming. vehicle was damaged in the same street. Beaumont Road, Fant. A lock was damaged in an aempt to A bicycle was stolen from outside a A number plate was taken from a vehicle break into a flat in Bedford Place. When school in Oakwood Road. in a car park in Tonbridge Road. the owners returned they were unable to Graffiti was scratched onto the side wall A yellow off-road motorbike was stolen get into the flat. of a home in Hart Street, Fant. from the garden of a home in Springwood There was a break-in at a shed in Wesley The playing field of a school in Road. Close, Barming but nothing was reported Oakwood Road was damaged. Number plates were taken from a vehicle stolen. An Ipod was taken from a property in parked in St Andrew’s Road. Various items were taken in a break-in at Barker Road, Fant. Cash was taken from an office at a a property in Buckland Lane. A parking permit was stolen from a premises in Oakwood Road. A woman’s red bicycle was taken from Rover 114 in a car park in Hermitage Lane. The window of a car was smashed in a London Road, where it had been secured A mobile phone was taken from a car park in Fairmeadow. to a metal hand rail with a padlock and property in Barker Road, Fant. A man was seen acting suspiciously after chain. The wing mirror of a car was damaged items were stolen from a property in Hayle Items including an Ipad and a handbag in St Andrew’s Road. Road. containing cash and cards were taken from A wall was damaged at a property in A bicycle was taken from a park in a home in Bower Mount Road. Chamberlain Avenue, Fant. Station Road. A washing machine was stolen from the A shed was broken into at a home in A vehicle was found damaged in drive of a home in Curzon Road. Postley Road. Melville Road. A handbag was taken from a premises in The hub caps were taken from a vehicle The door of a car was damaged in Upper Week Street. in Bower Lane, Fant. Stone Street but nothing was taken. Several vehicles were reported to have Eggs were thrown at a Smart Car in a car been damaged in James Street. park in Coombe Road. The wing mirror of a car was damaged The wing mirrors were damaged on a ALARM NOT WORKING? in St Luke’s Avenue. vehicle in Woodford Road, Fant. WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS A vehicle was damaged in Milton Street, The front and rear light were stolen from Fant. a bicycle in the High Street. CALL 01622 880751 Keys were stolen from a car parked in A parcel, which had been delivered to a Derby Road, Shepway. flat in Hart Street, Fant was stolen. A window was damaged at a property in A parked vehicle had its window ALARMS & SECURITY LTD damaged in Roman Way, Park Wood. Tarragon Road.

more information. aihCouncils Parish Barming Loose Consultation The Maidstone local plan was PCSO Frank Woolle Cllr Sandra Manser, presented to members who will forward Flooding Members of the public raised a representing Barming Parish Council, and their views to the clerk so that she can number of maers regarding the flooding in Cllr Fay Gooch as borough councillor, had Well Street. These included: recurring issues submit a response on behalf of the parish aended PCSO Frank Woolle’s funeral. It with silt flooding a resident’s pond and council. Cllr Gooch highlighted some of the was a moving service and a lovely tribute to killing fish; issues regarding Well Street had him. integrated transport strategies, which been raised in October without any response Pavilion The new heater had been installed included the possible closure of North Pole from Kent Highway Services; problems with at the pavilion by Austin Electrical and the Road to become a walking and cycling route blocked gullies, for example at the boundary damaged weatherboard had been fixed back from Barming to Kings Hill. of Palm Coage. Borough ward Cllr Sue into place by Gavin Lawrence. He would be River crossing Teston Parish Council had Grigg confirmed that the site was being looking into the options of mesh/neing to requested views on creating another monitored and the developer was protect the cladding. The curtains had been Medway river crossing west of Maidstone. complying with everything he was installed and Peter Gooch was thanked for Members agreed with this idea. Most requested to do. The chairman agreed that completing this work free of charge. suggested that a modern bridge be built the blame lay with Maidstone Council which Parish hall Gavin Lawrence had eased the next to the old one at Teston. This would be was wary of refusing a planning application fire exit door and solved the issue with the the most cost-effective solution due to the that could end up going to appeal. It was push bar. He also looked at the rainwater minor road improvements that would be agreed that further action was needed to soakaway which was blocked. Tree roots required. Members were against the idea of highlight the drainage problems to Kent were the cause and the gulley would have re-opening Barming bridge due to concerns Highway Services to be dug up for access to clear. Gavin had over the access from St Helen’s Lane and the Annual meeting The annual parish meeting given a provisional quote of £250 and it was extensive compulsory purchases needed to is on Wednesday, May 4 at 6.30 for 7pm. agreed to proceed with the work. The increase the width of South Street. Another Restructuring The parish council holds 69 pointing work had been completed and the suggestion was to make Teston and East meetings in a year, which the chairman felt front door could now be used. Cllr Gooch was too demanding on councillors’ and Farleigh bridges one-way, but it was was thanked for opening and closing the clerks’ time, considering that there were five thought that this might not be seen as hall while the building work was in vacancies. There was a financial drain on progress, thus ensuring hirers could gain appropriate by members of the public. time taken to set up and run meetings. It was access. Rent Since increasing the rent at the parish agreed that all councillors should consider Fire extinguisher A one-year maintenance hall and pavilion, £85 a month had been lost ways of restructuring and report back at contract was agreed. due to hirers leaving. their next relevant commiee meetings. Lier campaigns Members declined joining Smart meter EDF had offered to install a Ideas would be brought to the main council Clean for the Queen and Love Kent, Hate smart meter at the parish hall free of charge. meeting in April. Lier, but would like businesses and All members were in favour and the clerk Precept An increase of 5% for the 2016/17 members of the public who wish to get would ask about one being installed at the precept was agreed – an increase of £2.89 a involved, to contact Maidstone Council for pavilion as well. year on a band D property.

54 Maidstone Town April 2016 News downsmail.co.uk Faye’s parents back campaign THE parents of a two-year-old girl from Maidstone who died after contracting meningitis B have been giving evidence to a parliamentary petitions committee. Jenny and Neil Burdett, from brave giving evidence to Parlia- we had to raise awareness and, if Shepway, whose daughter Faye ment so soon after losing their showing even a very small amount died on Valentine’s Day, are among daughter. Their determination to of her suffering made that happen, almost a million people campaign- raise awareness of meningitis B is we were willing to do so.” ing to have the meningitis B vac- inspiring.” Mr and Mrs Burdett would like cine given to all children under five The couple decided to release to see vaccinations for all children – not just babies. Faye’s pictures on social media to up to the age of five. The couple were joined by Claire back the meningitis B vaccination They said: “Faye couldn’t say she Timmins, who lost her son Mason campaign after witnessing Faye had a headache, that her body in 2013, and ex-England rugby going from being an extremely fit ached, or that she was generally player Matt Dawson, whose son and healthy child to fighting for her unwell. As her parents we had to Sami recently contracted the dis- life in the space of a few hours. guess, and guessing is not good ease. In a statement they said: “We enough with meningitis. Lee Booth, who started an online were not even aware of the MenB “We need to protect our children, petition last year after his daughter Faye Burdett vaccine. If we were, like many fam- not just the 30 or so like Faye who was deemed too old to have the people who signed the petition call- ilies, we would have been trying to die each year, but the 400-plus who vaccine on the NHS, also gave evi- ing for vaccination to be extended.” get it privately. are maimed for life; those who will dence to the first of two sessions on Meningitis Now gave evidence “We knew that our lives and battle as a result of having menin- extending the use of the vaccine to alongside medical professionals at moreso Faye’s, had changed for- gitis.” all children. the second hearing, but the charity ever and that we never wanted to Meningitis is usually caused by Meningitis Now chief executive hopes that the evidence provided picture another family sitting by bacteria or viruses and affects the Sue Davie, who also attended the by the families will encourage MPs their child’s bed watching their tiny membranes that surround the brain session to support the families in- to represent the views of their con- child fight so hard to remain on this and spinal cord. It often coincides volved, said: “These brave families stituents in the upcoming Parlia- earth; willing them to live in any with septicaemia, which can be represent the thousands of people mentary debate. way possible – this image has fatal. There are an estimated 3,200 who have been affected by menin- The Burdetts’ MP Helen Whately changed our life. cases of bacterial meningitis and gitis in the UK and the 820,000 plus said: “Neil and Jenny have been so “After Faye died we knew that septicaemia each year in the UK. Council tax MPs vow to fight for meningitis jab discount check THE Government has rejected calls and Immunisation had advised taking place prior to March 2016. MORE than 20,000 Maidstone resi- to offer the meningitis B vaccine to against extending the programme. However my office has struggled dents who receive the single per- all children, despite pleas from But the Prime Minister David to receive any substantive response son’s discount on their council tax more than 800,000 petitioners. Cameron agreed that MPs needed from the Department of Health.” are to be contacted to ensure the re- The petition, launched in Maid- to revisit the evidence put forward Mrs Grant said she intended to ductions are being claimed correctly. stone following the tragic death of prior to a new debate in the House pursue the case with vigour. The discount, which can be two-year-old Faye Burdett from of Commons. She also said she believed the claimed when only one adult lives in Shepway, on Valentine’s Day, Further pressure has come from manufacturer should look at its the property, is worth at least £250 a alerted the nation to the need to Maidstone and the Weald MP pricing policy to enable the pub- year. vaccinate all vulnerable children Helen Grant, who has written to licly-funded scheme to be ex- The checks form part of the Maid- against the life-threatening disease. the health minister and to the JCVI panded and promised: “I will be stone Council’s measures to prevent The vaccine is currently only of- for clarification on when they asking questions of the DoH re- and detect error and fraud to protect fered to babies born after July 2015. would review the programme. garding its negotiating stance.” the public purse. Mid Kent MP Helen Whately In March 2014, they issued a Mrs Whately said research was The council has appointed Capita raised the matter during Prime statement claiming the review underway into the effectiveness of Local Government Services to carry Minister’s Question Time in the would be carried out within two vaccinating teenagers, who are the out the review, which will include House of Commons, only to be told years. Mrs Grant said: “From that I main carriers of the meningitis B writing to everyone currently claim- the Joint Committee on Vaccination concluded that a review would be bacteria. ing the discount. Capita will also work with Equifax, the credit reference agency, using data-matching technology to identify where people are claiming Cookie company takes the biscuit at awards discounts they are not entitled to. THE Thomas Cookie Company in dream came true! We couldn’t Stephen McGinnes, Maidstone Maidstone has been named runner- have imagined anything better in Council’s head of revenues and ben- up Kent Food Producer of the Year in just our first year of trading. efits, said: “We are keen to ensure the Taste of Kent Awards in its first “We are now looking at retail that everyone who is genuinely enti- year of trading. units in Maidstone and soon we tled to the single person discount re- Founded by Thomas Redgrove, will be in a dedicated kitchen and ceives it, especially in these difficult his fiancé Sonal Vaja and friend should have an online shop up and economic times. David Winfield (pictured), the running. As well as looking to “However, taxpayers who claim gourmet cookie producers have supply local coffee shops and the discount improperly place un- been working from Thomas’s home restaurants, we will also be necessary burden on other residents. in Allington. However, such has recruiting.” Anyone currently receiving a dis- been the success of their cottage Thomas Cookie’s classic and count which they feel may not be industry, they are already looking premium ranges are already on correct should contact the council as to expand and take on new clients sale at farmers’ markets in Kent. soon as possible.” and staff. The awards were presented at a For more information about coun- Thomas said: “It was always a black tie dinner at the Detling cil tax discounts visit www.maid- dream to become a finalist, that Showground. stone.gov.uk.

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