downsmail.co.uk
Maidstone South Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE
June 2017 No. 242 N
Rustie to be panto’s News Litter firm trouble Fairy Godmother A LITTER enforcement firm em- RUSTIE Lee, the TV cook and star of the Bafta- ployed by the council has been nominated "Real Marigold Hotel", will play the suspended over claims it of- Fairy Godmother at this year's panto at the fers staff fine bonuses. 3 Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone. Cinderella runs from December 1 to 31. Rustie, famous for her infectious laugh, has Arriva face numbers been on our screens for decades and is still a reg- DATA shows Invicta grammar ular on ITV's This Morning. She has also ap- pupils are turning up late peared in West End shows such as South Pacific. after timetable changes. 4 A spokesman for the Hazlitt Theatre said: “Rustie is very much one of the nation’s favourites. We believe that she will prove to be a Princess Royal visit big draw in our production of Cinderella .” PRINCESS Anne dropped in on More Hazlitt panto news on page 8 Maidstone’s Save the Children shop. 16
Loulous Ofsted praise A CHILDCARE facility in Maidstone Teens charged with has been rated as “out- standing” by Ofsted . 26 killing man in park DETECTIVES investigating the violent death of a homeless Romanian man in Tovil have charged two teenagers with murder. Alex McDonald (18), of Regency dress, was arrested on May 16 on Place, Maidstone, and Jimmy Buck- suspicion of murder and was still in ley (19), of Capell Close, Coxheath, custody as Downs Mail went to are both charged with the murder press. Obituaries 36 of Razvan Sirbu (pictured), be- It is understood Mr Sirbu had tween May 6 and 7. been sleeping rough behind Crime Reports 37 Mr Sirbu (21), of no fixed ad- houses on Tovil Hill, but had more dress, was found dead in Crisbrook recently acquired a tent. A CAR was broken into at Gabriels Meadow in the Loose Valley Con- News of his death stunned the Hill and a bank card stolen; servation Area at 7.15am on Sun- local community and floral tributes youths were seen trying to gain day, May 7, 2017. were laid close to where he died. access to a van at Glebe Lane; a black bicycle was stolen from The According to police, a post Mr Sirbu’s family described him Broadway; a house was broken mortem examination revealed Mr as “a son who was always willing into and jewellery taken by bur- Sirbu had died from “blunt force to help those in need”. glars in Park Avenue. trauma” to the head and body. Mr Sirbu’s mother said in a state- McDonald and Buckley have were also arrested in connection ment: “My only son, Razvan, was Parish Councils 37 been remanded in custody and ap- with the incident have been bailed full of mercy and empathy; he peared before Medway Magistrates pending further enquiries until would always want to help others FLEUR Willson has been on May 16. June 8. in need. co-opted onto the parish council Two boys, aged 14 and 15, who An 18-year-old, of no fixed ad- “Razvan was very shy and very in Barming; the smoking of good. He was very well-behaved cannabis at King George V play- and listened to people intently. ing field in Loose has been re- “He had a lot of love from me ported but not caught on CCTV; and my wider family. Razvan was the parish clerk at Barming has my only child, so he was spoilt by received one report of rubbish the whole family. He was also the being dumped at one of the new YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT only grandson to my parents.” bus shelters. [email protected] Anyone with information can call 01622 690290 Kent Police on 01622 604100 quot- Comment 46-47 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent ing crime reference YY/011763/17. webexpand.co.uk 01622 880840 web design •• google promotion ecommerce OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories
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2 Maidstone June 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Homes plan at Li er force suspended traffic hotspot RESIDENTS have been sent leaflets revealing an 840-homes plan near gridlocked Hermitage Lane. after BBC’s Panorama Developer Gladman has delivered 470 pamphlets to homes and busi- nesses outlining a public consulta- MAIDSTONE council has sus- he often pretended to call the police tion into their proposal. pended litter wardens from duty in order to make people hand over They promise a new school, doc- for a second time after a Panorama their personal details. Once he had tor’s surgery and improved traffic. investigation revealed they were these, he could issue a ticket. Gladman Developments Ltd in- being paid bonuses based on the Kingdom has about 28 contracts tends on submitting an outline ap- number of tickets they handed out. with local authorities and, last year, plication to Tonbridge and Malling The council said it was aware that saw its profits jump by 30% to £9m. Borough Council in 2017. employees of Kingdom Security, the The company said it was important The site is a 33.69 hectare field to company it employs to run its litter that members of the public knew east of Hermitage Lane in Ayles- warden service, could receive a “dis- what could happen if they are con- ford. The south east boundary is cretionary competence allowance”. victed at court, but any decision to near Barming station and a large However, the borough insisted prosecute would be made by the depot to the south, with London that this was linked to overall per- local authority. Road and Hermitage Lane border- formance and not merely the num- Kingdom officers returned to ing the north and west. Residential ber of tickets issued. Viewers saw how one operative duty in Maidstone last October hav- areas in Aylesford and Allington lie The latest suspension follows the explained staff topped up their £9.47 ing been suspended by the council to the west and south east. BBC TV airing of Inside the Litter per hour pay with a ticket bonus. after one fined a woman for feeding A new link road from the Poppy Police, which showed an officer The first four fines went to King- the ducks in Tovil. Fields roundabout to Hermitage from Kingdom Services claiming dom and then a bonus of up to £6 Jennifer Shepherd, Maidstone Lane will alleviate traffic congestion that his bonus one month was each thereafter. council’s head of environment and between the Coldharbour Round- nearly £1,000. Kingdom – which splits the fine public realm, said: “In light of the about and A20/Hermitage Lane Other officers were filmed hand- revenues 50-50 with Maidstone Bor- Panorama investigation, we have junction. ing out fines for dropped orange ough Council – claims the scheme is made the joint decision with King- The Poppy Fields roundabout will peel and poured-away coffee. to reward competency and cus- dom to remove the officers from also be improved to significantly in- Panorama sent an undercover re- tomer service. duty today (May 16). crease current capacity. porter to work with Kingdom’s en- The undercover reporter was told “We are speaking with Kingdom Congestion at the A20/Hermitage forcement team in Bexley, where by a trainer: “Obviously, we are to review how we can continue to Lane junction will be reduced by one officer boasted he earned £987 here to make money, I’m not going provide the best service to residents land being safeguarded for Kent in bonuses while working in Ash- to not say that to people.” and when officers will be rein- County Council’s highway im- ford. One officer told the reporter that stated.” provement works, says Gladman.
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Maidstone June 2017 3 News downsmail.co.uk Buses ‘making pupils late’ THE number of pupils late for classes at Invicta Grammar School shot up immediately after bus giant Arriva’s much-criticised changes to the timetable, Downs Mail has learnt. The school kept a detailed log be- closely with Invicta Grammar fore and after the company cut School, and all other schools within services on key routes over the its region, to continually monitor Easter holidays. and improve performance.” Invicta Grammar School (IGS) Langley residents accused Arriva data shows that on the altered of “taking the heart out of their vil- number 12 service – which has at- lage” at a lively meeting with the tracted much of the criticism – four bus operator earlier this month pupils were late for classes between Head of Invicta Grammar School after it scrapped the stop at Lang- March 20 and 31. ley Heath. Julie Derrick (left) claims Arriva’s But post-changes, between April The number 12 serves Tenterden timetable changes have led to a 18 and May 5, the number had shot to Maidstone via Headcorn and up dramatically to 68. huge increase in pupils arriving late Sutton Valence. On all services used by IGS to lessons Now children will have to cross pupils, the number of pupils late the busy A274 or wait for the less between March 20 -31 was 130, but this way. As both a parent and victa Grammar School has raised a frequent number 13. from April 18 to May 12, it had teacher, I am appalled at the way in concern around late arriving pupils Tory spokesman Helen Whately jumped by 402. which Arriva have changed timeta- and as a listening, passenger-facing said: “There are no magic answers, Mrs Derrick’s warning before bles and services mid-way through organisation, Arriva is working but there were several suggestions Easter now appears to have been the year. with them to review their data and made, like a new crossing on the borne out. “It is nonsense to reduce services; explore any issues which can ac- Sutton Road and a bus stop, which She said at the time: “It is not it will just mean more cars, more tively be addressed. will be looked into by KCC. only frustrating, but extremely dis- traffic and yet more congestion in “Arriva prides itself on its part- “I will also follow up the com- appointing that students and par- Maidstone.” nership working with the hun- plaints about pupils arriving at ents of Maidstone and the Arriva did not dispute IGS’s dreds of schools right across its Maidstone schools late because of surrounding villages are affected in data, and a spokesman said: “In- network, and is continuing to work the timetable changes." Watches taken Pews replaced A SHOPLIFTER who stole watches Charity bowling challenge ST NICHOLAS’ at Allington is the and beer from stores in Maidstone BUSINESSMEN in Maidstone Assistant manager Law Mar- latest church in Maidstone to dis- has avoided a prison sentence. are putting their computers to tin said: “We pride ourselves on pense with fixed pews in its nave. Daniel Graham Reed was sen- one side to test their skills on creating positive energy and The traditional seating arrange- tenced on 24 April, 2017, at Medway the bowling alley as part of a happy memories in our centre, ment has been replaced in favour of Magistrates’ Court after pleading novel charity challenge. especially for children and fam- chairs, allowing greater flexibility. guilty to two counts of shoplifting. Maidstone United Football ilies, and the work of the Young As well as “re-arranging the fur- On April 3, 2017, the 39-year-old, Club, Evans Cycles, Gravity, Lives Foundation is about en- niture” at the church, St Nicholas’ of no fixed address, stole four cans Sports Direct, the Odeon and suring young people receive the offered other unused chairs to of beer worth £5 from a supermarket the O2 are among those step- positivity and support they parishes in the Maidstone Deanery. in The Mall, Maidstone. On April 23, ping up to the line for the chal- need. We feel it’s a natural fit to They are now being put to good use 2017, he stole two watches worth lenge at the Hollywood Bowl in name them our official charity by the choir and in the Centre at St £38.99 from a shop in St Peter’s Maidstone in aid of the Young partner.” Philip’s in Waterloo Street. Street, Maidstone. Lives Foundation. The charity’s Karen Knight Magistrates sentenced Reed to 60 The charity league is just one said: “The benefits this will Dinosaur day days in prison, suspended for 12 of the fund-raisers being organ- bring to a wide range of local HE’S big, fast and scary. Meet Rex months. He must also pay £85 costs ised by staff at the Lockmeadow children is invaluable and will and a £115 victim surcharge. bowling alley for the Maid- help us reach so many more – the Dino at Maidstone Museum on stone-based children's charity, and do more – for the increasing Saturday, May 27. Half-term fun which offers support to vulnera- number of disadvantaged chil- Rex will appear at 10.30am, ble and disadvantaged children dren in our community.” 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Dino Day. SHEEP and sheepdogs will be the and is celebrating its 10th an- The grand final will be on Children can also have fun mak- star turns this May half-term at the niversary. Wednesday, June 7. ing their own dino tail to be like Kent Life heritage centre. Rex, at a cost of £3 per child. Working dogs, Jake and Barney, will take a rest from herding duties to meet the crowds, while ferret-rac- ing, family games on the green and ‘Road rage’ case witness appeal farm rides add to the rural fun. The action happens from May 27 POLICE have appealed for wit- was reportedly cut up. anyone who may have witnessed to June 4. Details from 01622 763936, nesses to a road rage incident in According to Kent Police, a fe- the incident and who has not yet email [email protected] or which a woman allegedly kicked male passenger in one of the cars contacted police. visit www.kentlife.org.uk another driver's car window near got out and started swearing at the A 17-year-old girl was arrested Fremlin Walk car park. driver of the other vehicle. on May 9, on suspicion of assault The incident happened at A statement said: "The suspect is and criminal damage. She has been Towpath opens Fairmeadow at about 3.40pm on then said to have kicked the vic- released, pending further investi- THE new towpath between Maid- May 1. A 17-year-old has been ar- tim’s driver side window, causing gation. stone and Aylesford has opened. rested and bailed pending further it to break. Anyone with information should Funded by KCC and Aylesford enquiries. "It is reported she then got back contact Kent Police on 01622 Parish Council, the path from the Police have received an allega- into the car, which was driven 604100, quoting reference Malta Inn at Allingon to Aylesford tion that both cars stopped at traffic away in the direction of St Faith’s YY/011195/17. Alternatively contact village is part of a project to provide lights close to the entrance of the Street." Kent Crimestoppers anonymously a riverside walk to Barming Bridge. car park when one of the vehicles Officers would like to speak to on 0800 555111.
4 Maidstone June 2017 downsmail.co.uk News
New care home - school doubts?
A PLAN to add a care home to a She told members of Bearsted “medical campus” off the M20 at Parish Council’s May meeting: Maidstone is to be considered by “The planning authority is the bor- the borough council - but two new ough council.” schools there may be in doubt. Cllr Springett said the first mem- The proposal for a 75-bed unit on bers of the borough council knew the site off the busy junction 7, near of the EFA’s intention to put new the Nottcutts Garden Centre, is on primary and special schools at the the desk of the borough’s planning junction 7 site was when it was officers and is expected to be con- published in Downs Mail. WhWhereere there’stherree’s a sidered in the coming weeks. Tory parliamentary candidate The care home would include and former MP Helen Whately, “step-down facilities” for patients who has been campaigning for a well enough to leave hospital but new primary school serving the WWillill tthere’shere’saws a waywawaayy not ready to go home. Bearsted area, said: “I find dealing Gary Watson, from JLL – the with the EFA very frustrating; they YourYYoour Will can be a very powerful tool to help your company advising the applicants have evidently not been liaising on property matters – says the ap- with the borough council I have loved ones. It can: plication represents a £10m invest- worked hard for the funding and ment. we’ve got it. The question of the site • Ensurree your assets are left to the people you choose He claims the need to tackle bed is something to be worked out be- • Prrotect your family - appappoint guardians for blocking in the area and a shortage tween the EFA and the borough of care services for the frail has council.” your childrren been clearly identified. Cllr Springett had accused Mrs • Save your family tax The site is already earmarked for Whately of “blowing her own a mental health hospital and two trumpet” over the EFA’s decision • Give you peace of mind, a very valuable commodity new schools. to fund the schools. The latter is likely to cause some Currently taking shape, with the Just as you take expert advice when buying a new controversy as the land identified help of a high-rise crane, is a 64-bed house or investment plan, it’s even more important to by the Education Funding Agency mental health hospital for a health take expert advice regarding your Will. (EFA) is designated as “permanent care company, following the instal- woodland”, according to local bor- lation of a new link road. If you don’t have a Will – now is the time to discuss ough councillor Val Springett. See letters pages, 46&47 your wishes. If you have a Will – does it still reflect your wishes and in a tax efficient way? Coffee grounds for gardens ToTo rreviewreeview your currcurrentreent Will at no charge contact A SUPERMARKET is giving away used coffee grounds from its in-store us today.todayy.. café to gardeners, to help their plants to thrive. Gardeners can get the used coffee grounds by visiting Morrisons store Canterbury 01227 643266 in Sutton Road, Maidstone, and picking up a bag. There will be no limit to the number of bags available to each gardener to take away. Maidstone 01622 698051 Used coffee grounds are a source of nitrogen, which is needed by plants TenterdenTTeenterden 01580 767540 in order to grow. They also encourage the growth of micro-organisms and are thought to attract earthworms. Adrian Perris, store manager, said: “Used coffee grounds are a great or- www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monc.whitehead-monckton.co.uk ganic resource which gardeners can use in their composter or soil. We sell WhiteheadWhitehead MoncktonMonckton LLimitedimited (no.(no. 008366029),8366029), rregisteredegistered iinn a lot of cups of coffee and don’t like to see anything going to waste – so EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. RRegisteredegistered oofficeffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, Kent,KKeent, it’s great to see this natural fertiliser going to a good home. We hope that MEME14www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk14 11BL.BL. AAuthoriseduthorised aandnd rregulatedegulated bbyy tthehe SSolicitorsolicitors RRegulationegulation Maidstone’s plants will be in full bloom as a result.” AAuthorityuthority uundernder nno.o. 6608279.08279. DM2016
Maidstone June 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Poorer students ‘need 11+ help’ Number of cancelled POORER pupils should be given extra 11-plus marks to help them get into grammar schools, according to an education research body. ops soars in bed crisis A report by the Education Data- lab, looking at the application of the THE number of cancelled opera- has revealed that 31 people so far selective tests in Kent, says the odds tions caused by bed shortages at this year had their surgeries can- are loaded against children from Maidstone Hospital has more than celled because there were not poorer backgrounds. doubled since 2015, a request under enough beds available, that’s an in- The report says parents who are freedom of information legislation crease of 50% on the 2016 total. better off can afford tutoring at home has revealed. “Urgent funds are needed for and this creates a disparity with chil- Twelve surgeries were cancelled in Maidstone NHS. We cannot con- dren not being offered preparation 2015, but this has risen sharply to 31 tinue asking the system to deliver for the tests at school. It also consid- this year alone. more and more, without giving it the ered that the tests are too short and In total, the Freedom of Informa- resources to do so.” unreliable. tion Act request shows that 58 oper- She said her party could aim to The Education Datalab report ations in total have been postponed redirect a penny in the pound to said: “Kent state primary schools are in the past two years. plug “funding gaps” in the NHS and explicitly asked not to prepare their The disturbing revelation by the social care. pupils for the 11-plus. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells A Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells “This means that the only ones NHS Trust was made by the Liberal Miss Fermor said: “I have experi- NHS Trust spokesman said: “It is able to gain familiarity with the rea- Democrat parliamentary candidate enced first-hand the pain caused to sometimes necessary to postpone soning questions are those whose for Maidstone and the Weald Emily patients and their families of bed planned procedures during periods parents help them practice, those Fermor (pictured). shortages in Maidstone Hospital. of unprecedented demand for emer- who pay for private coaching and She discovered that surgeries can- “In February this year, my elderly gency care to maintain safe services. those at private schools. celled due to bed availability rose grandad who is battling bowel can- “To put this into context, our hos- “We think this lack of 11-plus from 12 in 2015, to 15 in 2016, and 31 cer, was left in a corridor in Maid- pitals carried out over 1,900 more preparation for some explains why in 2017. stone Hospital overnight after he planned procedures, and admitted the free school meals gap in average This meant an increase of over had been admitted to A&E. over 4,400 more patients in an emer- marks is greatest in reasoning.” 50% from 2016, just five months into “Despite the tireless hard work of gency last year than the year before – The report is based on data ob- 2017. our NHS staff, he did not get the ur- treating nearly 100,000 patients in tained under the Freedom of Infor- Although the trust does not deny gent treatment he needed because total. mation Act by the Kent Education the accuracy of the figures, it sought there were not enough beds. “We are working with our health Network, which opposes selective to set the figures in context of treat- “My grandad is not the only one. and social care partners to meet education. ing 100,000 patients in total. Our Freedom of Information request people’s changing health needs.”
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6 Maidstone June 2017 Maidstone June 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Ugly sisters kick off panto fun IT may only be May – but it’s already pantomime time at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone. Cinderella has launched, with fa- “It can be gruelling with three miliar faces returning and some shows on some days so you need star names promised. something to help you through – Producer Martin Cleverley said and the audience here is amazing that ”household names” would be and provides that boost. announced over the next few “Playing The Dame is different to weeks. this role. A dame is a cuddly auntie The traffic stopped in Maidstone figure that kids would not mind and passers-by posed for selfies getting a squeeze from. outside the Earl Street venue when “But being an Ugly Sister, you the show’s Ugly Sisters unveiled a get to be vile and the audience love giant glass slipper. it. You get to be rude to the audi- The enormous prop was commis- ence, to the other characters and it sioned by the Hazlitt and made by is great fun being nasty.” theatre students in Sussex, and And Mr Cleverley added: “The shipped in to Maidstone this week. Ugly Sisters bring colour and a It turned heads when it was sense of wickedness to the show wheeled into the road for a photo- with plenty of audience interaction. shoot with the Maidstone Ugly Sis- Stephen has ‘sistered’ all over the ters of No Mercy, played by country and Adam is returning Autumn Anderson (8), from West Malling, meets the ugly sisters Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- after last year’s success. zone. mas interesting. It’s my sixth year “I love being a villain and a “We have a strong cast, including Adam is returning to the Hazlitt in panto and this will be a new ex- dame.” familiar faces Craig Anderson who after a successful run in last Christ- perience. Everyone in Maidstone But for Adam it is a return to his played Jingles last year and mas’s panto Sleeping Beauty, has been so lovely and I like the tra- old stomping ground. Matthew Pennington who will be which starred Louisa Lytton, from ditional theatre venue. He said: “It was so much fun so Dandini. EastEnders. “The Ugly Sisters are there to when I was asked back I jumped at “And we will be announcing Stephen is a sought-after panto cause carnage. We interrupt the the chance. some celebrity names over the next “sister” and he said: “I’ve never story-telling, have fantastic outfits, “The audience was great and for few weeks. It’s very exciting.” been to Maidstone before – this is and bawdy mischief in our attempt many children it is their first time Cinderella runs from December my first day. to get Prince Charming for our- in the theatre and hopefully will 1 to 31. Tickets are available on “My first impression is…the one selves and leave Cinderella on the encourage them to come back over 01622 758611 or from the website way system. It could make Christ- scrapheap. the years. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk. McCann ban A DRIVER who was caught at the Police target speeding drivers wheel while disqualified has been NEARLY 1,000 motorists were belt and two for no insurance. September 2016, 1,810 people were spared prison. caught speeding in Kent during a A further eight speeding drivers killed and 25,160 people were seri- Jerry McCann was sentenced on seven-day police campaign. were reported for summons – mean- ously injured in crashes. April 25, 2017, at West Kent Magis- Officers hit the county’s streets on ing they may face court – and four In 2016 there were 49 fatalities on trates’ Court where he pleaded a road safety blitz between April 17 received graduated fixed penalty no- Kent roads compared to 57 in 2015. guilty to driving while disqualified, and 23. tices. Chief Inspector Tony Dyer, of driving without insurance and fail- The most serious offences – some Police issued 169 verbal warnings Kent’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “I ing to provide a blood specimen. 81 – ended with drivers facing court, to speeding motorists and two vehi- hope this campaign drives the mes- The court heard that in March receiving a penalty notice or being cles were seized for having no insur- sage home and those who fail to this year, the 23-year-old, of Pear- ticked off. ance. The Kent and Medway Safety learn the lessons will be penalised. son Close, Maidstone, was stopped Kent Police worked with partner Camera Partnership detected 955 “Communities list speeding as in a Citroen Berlingo in Sutton agencies including the Kent and speed offences. being one of the most important is- Road, Maidstone. Medway Safety Camera Partnership Research shows that 95 per cent sues for police to tackle and we Magistrates sentenced McCann and Kent County Council to target of all collisions on Kent’s roads are have listened and are doing some- to 12 weeks in prison, suspended speeding drivers. due to driver error, and speeding thing about their concerns. for a year, banned him for a year During the week of action, 81 traf- increases the chance of death or se- “Motorists should drive to the and ordered him to carry out un- fic offence reports were generated – rious injury significantly. conditions of the road. A speed paid work. 77 for excess speed, two for no seat- In the UK, from October 2015 to limit is exactly that, not a target.” Castle gardens in miniature GARDENERS at Leeds Castle will be showcase information about turning their world “inside out” for notable plants at Leeds Castle and the popular Chelsea Fringe this signpost visitors to where the full year. size gardens can be found in the A mini version of the castle’s grounds. Woodland Walk, Lady Baillie Also for the Fringe festival – from Mediterranean Garden, the May 24-31 – the castle’s Culpeper Garden, and a miniature horticultural team will give talks on maze of cress will be brought the history of the gardens and day- indoors – squeezed inside a garden to-day maintenance, with useful shed – for the event, which runs tips for visitors. from Saturday, May 20 until Entry to the festival is free for Sunday, June 4. those visitors holding annual The festival centrepiece will also tickets.
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