Protest Rally Planned to Say No to Housing

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

NewsFREE JanuaryPanto 2020 ahoy! Kate,No. 107, 273 dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to News has died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. David has disclosed. GoodOn board The report Kentish Lady were Izzy’s call-up THE Lenham School has national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy TEENAGER Izzy Shelley, an In- Godmother),achieved a “good” former rating EastEnder by the Ste- MP’s Local Plan bid education watchdog Ofsted. victa Grammar pupil, has been fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELEN Whately asked the The secondary, once the fail- called up to represent her beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig governmentcountry at hockey. to halt the à3 Andersoning Swadelands, (Buttons) is and,part of pictured, the borough’s housing scheme. 4 StephenValley Invicta Richards Academies and Adam Trust Bor- zone(VIAT) (Ugly under Sisters) head . teacher Bishop Rose speaks ChrisThey Foreman. were greeted by pupils from PlansTHE new forBishop Dr of Nigel Dover has SouthSee pageBorough 6 for Primary full story. School and THEspoken widow for theof GP first Dr time Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto willabout walk the the role. Grand à5 runs from December 1-31. For tick- Canyon for charity. 12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. Mental hospital woe JasonWE STUDY Donovan the decline dateof the Protest rally planned THECygnet former Hospital Neighbours which star led brings to the death of a father by his show to the Hazlitt CCTV call in a bid Theatrehis son. next May. à188 to say no to housing Postal service POST Office staff did not allow a ramraid of the branch in A MASS rally is being planned to highlight the growing “people's protest” Bearsted to stop it re- againstto the stop council’s plans for fly-tipping 28,000-plus homes in the borough. opening for Christmas. à10 CALLSOrganisers for are the looking installation for a present of CCTV level of camerasdevelopment. to Only prevent ONLINE fly-tipping OPINION onPOLL a venue to hold about 1,500 people, 6,500 homes from the Local Plan Bin collection ‘sorry’ wherecountry representatives road have hope beento send madehave so by far been the delivered. local borough councillor.DOWNS Mail has launched an THE borough council has apolo- a messageBurberry to Lane, Liberal near Democrat-led Leeds and nearby,Now the more Save than Our a Heath year after Lands it unlicensedonline poll waste to test carriers, public opinion but be- gised for its “unreliable” bin col- MaidstoneBroomfield, Borough has been Council targeted that by was(SOHL) dumped pressure and set group on fire. wants to lieveson Maidstone the cost to Borough small firms Council’s of dis- lection service in recent enoughwaste dumpers is enough. for years, but in re- joinThe forces church with car other park hashousing also seen op- posingmassive of housing construction plans. waste at a Obituariesmonths. à3223 centThe months, MBC Local the problem Plan, adopted has be- manyposition instances outfits to of galvanise illegal dumping. support transferWe are station asking is provingour readers: a deter- twocome years more ago, acute. commits it (under forBut a rally it is to a problempersuade in local many and rural cen- rentl that Given is costing mounting councils concerns more. ParishObituaries Councils 34-35 à32 GovernmentConstruction direction) waste, rubble, to build hard areastral government including to Langley, halt future Otham de- Cllramong Fort residents made her about remarks house- as 17,600core, windows houses. and household fur- andvelopment Kingswood. plans. Water Lane in onebuilding, of the borough’straffic on the closest roads trans- and ASHParishes dieback has been discovered à34-36 in Monks Meadow in ; nitureBut the is left Local illegally Plan –review often strewn could BearstedA SOHL and spokesman Pilgrims Way said havecom- ferthe stations squeeze at on North public Farm, services, Tun- Detling HollingbourneA MUCH-loved villagenewsagents’ fete stall- allow,in the middleaccording of theto an road. MBC docu- alsomunities been must targeted take recently. back control of bridgeshould Wells, Liberal announced Democrat-con- it will be ment,Cllr for Gill an Fort additional said: “Every 10,500. month theirLast destinies. year, Maidstone Anyone interested Borough closed for 10 weeks. holdershop, co-ordinatorlatterly run byJean Keith Duffy Var- has trolled Maidstone Borough Coun- resigned; yellow lines are needed weThe are senior having management toilets, sinks and andLib Councilcan contact cleared SOHL 911 cases by of emailing fly-tip- She added: “If you go along the ney, has shut in Lenham after 70 cil consider the suspension of for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow Demconstruction leadership waste have dumped now become in the [email protected]. and this year more than163 line of increasing fines, they have to years; Malcolm Gallihawk has any further development? buses through Imperial Park; rub- thevillage, “master specifically developers” in Burberry of the haveSchemes been for recorded tens of thousands since April. of be enforced. A reduction in the taken over the running of the To respond, go to www.downs- bish bins in the sports field in hush-hushLane, where plan we are to now build thinking 5,000 Thehouses approaching were contained darker in evenings the re- charge or offering it free may have Lorry Watch scheme in Leeds mail.co.uk/views/14. Kingswood are to be moved over to housesof installing at Lenham cameras Heath. on private willcently-published prompt a rise “call in illegal for sites” tipping. list, the desired similar effect.” from mid-January; a lack of pub- Residents are becoming increas- among them the MBC-led scheme thelic presencepicnic area at and Harrietsham rear exit. land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- lorA three-monthlyEddie Powell accused litter pick MBC on the of ingly worried that the roads and for Lenham Heath. parish meetings was noted. A recent event in Burberry Lane tive by the Environment Agency mile-long“effectively stretch pre-determining of road through its Crime Reports 35 services are unable to cope with the andIndependent the Driver Maidstone and Vehicle council- Stan- saw a caravan burned out while a Leedsown site. village It stinks”. produces an average torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32 black sacks of rubbish. VEHICLESCrime haveReports been driven à over36 MBC claims: “No decisions have farmland in causing Cllr Fort, who also serves as a A VEHICLE wasLenham, keyed in Bearsted; been taken on the submitted sites. damge to crops; an attempted parish councillor, says teaching diesel was drained from a car Many will be deemed unsuitable. break-in was reported in Detling; a children about social responsibility parked in Sittingbourne Road, We’re keen to work with the com- vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted and the issue of litter in schools will Detling; a house in Boxley was helpmunity, take especially the issue with off thelandowners streets. Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were and developers, to map out poten- stolenbroken into from and an valuables allotment taken; in a She believes with every household trailer was stolen from a premises receivingtial sites and a weekly be clear refuse about collection what de- Lenham. YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT in Church Road, Otham. [email protected] service,velopments there could is no excusetake place for inlitter the beingfuture.” thrown from vehicles or CommentComment à46-4746-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumpedSee more in the on road.page 19 Home AlarmsWindows, supplied doors and 0 fitted1622 686732 visit www.amiga.co.uk& conservatoriesor callwww.s 08000outhern 199622glassmaidstone.co.uk PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE OR CALL NOW FOR THE VERY BEST OFFERS! Your path to home ownership

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2 Maidstone East January 2020 downsmail.co.uk News Jane Eyre on Hockey player Izzy, 15, THE Hazlitt Theatre has announced it will be putting on a rendition of Jane Eyre. It runs from Wednesday, Jan- uary 15 to 16, starting at 7.30pm gets an England call-up on both days. Tickets cost £20 per person. To AN INVICTA Grammar School described her as a “rising teenage book visit www.parkwoodthe- student has been celebrating her star” and she was deemed good atres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre call-up to international hockey. enough at the end of last season to Izzy Shelley (15), who is in year debut in the Euro Club Trophy. 11 at the Huntsman Lane school, Izzy, who is a Kent U17 cricketer, Craft & talk has been selected for the England said: “It was a rollercoaster, there START the New Year putting your under 16s girls’ squad. were a few ups and downs but it crafting skills into action with Izzy, who lives in Bearsted, plays has been the best. It’s what I have Leeds Craft and Natter Group. for Holcombe Hockey Club, near always wanted to do and to do it The group’s first meeting of 2020 Rochester Airport, but also helps one season aged just 15 was amaz- at Leeds Village Hall is from 11am out at Invicta as a coach. Her ing.” to 1pm on Wednesday, January 15. school is more noted for its A spokesman for Invicta said: More details from Jane New- achievements on the netball court. “We are delighted to share with some on 01622 862558. Izzy, who can play up front and you that Izzy in 11V, has taken part in midfield, underwent several tri- in a number of hockey trials and als for emerging talent in the sport has been notified by England Street sleepers before getting her call-up. Hockey that she has been selected THE number of rough sleepers in Mum Tracey said: “She's very for the England U16 Girls’ squad – the borough has fallen by 90% ac- pleased to have been selected for a fantastic achievement.” cording to Homeless Link. the squad and there are training She is in good company at Hol- According to official statistics, sessions until February before she combe, as the women's roster in- there were 48 in September 2018 but knows if she’ll be picked to play cludes England international that number slumped to three at the competitively.” Nicola White, Wales internationals most recent count at the end of 2019. She has already caught the eye in Beth Bingham, Sarah Jones, Rose Tory councillor Jonathan Purle ad- the sport at elite club level, having She is thought to be the youngest Thomas, Jo Westwood and Leah vised borough councillors that four broken into the women's national to have reached that level. Wilkinson, and Scotland interna- tents still remained in Whatman league with Holcombe's first team. The Hockey Paper newspaper tional Lorna Cruickshank. Park.

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An artist’s impression of the new M&S store at Eclipse Park, which is due to open in October 2020, and right, the store under construction M&S store to open in October THE brand new M&S store for Maidstone near junction seven of the M20 is taking shape and will be open for business in the autumn. The developer, the Gallagher rior works by early spring, and Eclipse Park an atractive proposi- of the application that the appli- Group, says the scheme at Eclipse M&S will then take about six tion, they said. cants take steps to mitigate Park is on time and on budget, months to fit and stock the inte- It is hoped its proximity to the against the effects it might cause. with a store opening date pen- rior.” M20 will also attract customers That’s why we have taken a fairly ro- cilled in for October this year. The arrival of a new M&S store from further afield. bust position on this.” It was scheduled to open in is widely anticipated, because it Business development group Gallagher has landscaped the site 2019, but that date had to be offers easy access and free park- One Maidstone hopes developer to give the plants a chance to estab- pushed back in April. ing, two elements the county contributions (section 106 money) lish over winter and laid a concrete Gallagher Group chief execu- town is lacking. can be diverted into providing apron for the service area. Currently, tive Lance Taylor said: “It’s all Local councillors expressed mitigation to the town centre. it is finishing cladding and glass good news. We're on time and in concerns that the popularity of Spokesman Ilsa Butler said: work. budget. We are very pleased with out of town centres reflected “One Maidstone is here to pro- Mr Taylor said: “We’re really look- the design and the quality of badly on Maidstone. Customers mote the businesses in the town ing forward to the completion. We work. We are looking forward to faced with gridlocked roads and centre and that is why we ex- think it will be a great benefit to the completing the shell and the exte- high parking charges will find pressed our concerns at the time town.” Jagger’s gone Tumble ﬁre A BEARSTED parish councillor re- Gordon’s on the mend signed at full council in a disagree- RESPECTED borough councillor lint warning ment over the budget. Gordon Newton is recovering after FIREFIGHTERS were called to Cllr Frank Jagger walked out after a major heart attack. voting against the authority's decision reports of a tumble-dryer fire in The Independent Maidstone to include unspecified amounts for Maidstone - sparking a warning member Cllr Newton, who is in his asset purchase and a renovation about the build up of lint. 70s and a stonemason by trade, scheme. Two fire engines attended the was taken ill two weeks ago after Bearsted parish Council's finance scene in Calder Road on Decem- complaining of pains in his shoul- committee had decided to set aside ber 4 and crews wearing breath- some money to help buy the Coal der. ing apparatus used a hose reel Yard and £40-60,000 of work to the After going to a local hospital, he jet to put the fire out. pond on The Green. Cllr Jagger was transferred to a specialist unit One person suffered the ef- claimed that this was "wrong". in London for triple by-pass fects of smoke inhalation and He voted against the budget and surgery. was checked over by SECAmb then resigned from the council at its It is unlikely he will be back in paramedics. monthly full meeting of members on the local politics’ front line until the Following this incident, fire- December 3. spring. fighters are reminding residents Chairman Michael Bollom said: The Downswood and Otham councillor, Eddie Powell said: to follow simple tumble dryer "The finance committee spent three member told us: “I was taken ill “Let's hope Gordon is back in the safety and maintenance tips to and half hours preparing the budget with a serious heart attack and I thick of it very soon. We all wish prevent a fire starting. and had gone through it in great detail was transferred to a London Hos- him well. Colin King, Area Manager for with our accountant present. It came pital for a triple heart by-pass. “He is a hard-working councillor Customer Safety and Engage- to full council for ratification. “Staff at the Maidstone Hospital who is well thought of and packs a ment, said: “We strongly encour- “Frank has done some great work, Coronary Care Unit have been ab- lot into his life.” age members of the public to particularly around transport issues, solutely fantastic in their handling Couty councillor Gary Cooke, remove tumble dryer lint after and it was a real shame to see him go of my case, and I cannot praise who stood against Mr Newton in every use, and to register house- and I'd like to thank him for allhis ef- them enough.” May’s borough election, said: “I hold appliances to ensure they forts." Fellow Independent Maidstone wish him a speedy recovery.” are safe to use.”

4 Maidstone East January 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Bishop ‘used to life’s challenges’ MAIDSTONE’S new leading light in the Anglican church has spoken for the first time about her role as Bishop of Dover. The right-hand woman of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, now manages the An artist’s impression of the new M&S store at Eclipse Park, which is due to open in October 2020, and right, the store under construction day-to-day life of the Canterbury Diocese. Speaking in East Kent’s Outlook magazine, is is clear that Rose is a woman used to facing life’s chal- M&S store to open in October lenges, becoming one of the first women priests accepted into the Church of England in 1994. THE brand new M&S store for Maidstone near junction seven of the M20 is taking shape and As well as being a mum, the last will be open for business in the autumn. nine years of her religious career their constituents”. has involved working with politi- Baptised at four months in the The developer, the Gallagher rior works by early spring, and Eclipse Park an atractive proposi- of the application that the appli- cians during one of the nation’s Anglican Church in Jamaica and Group, says the scheme at Eclipse M&S will then take about six tion, they said. cants take steps to mitigate most turbulent periods. As Chap- battling to find a leading role to Park is on time and on budget, months to fit and stock the inte- It is hoped its proximity to the against the effects it might cause. lain to the Speaker of the House of spread her faith, she admits these with a store opening date pen- rior.” M20 will also attract customers That’s why we have taken a fairly ro- Commons, leading services at the challenges have been posed not cilled in for October this year. The arrival of a new M&S store from further afield. bust position on this.” Palace of Westminster, she was the only by her gender. She reflects: It was scheduled to open in is widely anticipated, because it Business development group Gallagher has landscaped the site go-to person for MPs looking for “As a woman of African and 2019, but that date had to be offers easy access and free park- One Maidstone hopes developer to give the plants a chance to estab- spiritual guidance. Caribbean heritage, I have, unfor- pushed back in April. ing, two elements the county contributions (section 106 money) lish over winter and laid a concrete The article reveals that contain- tunately, faced racism. But I have ing her own political views was Gallagher Group chief execu- town is lacking. can be diverted into providing apron for the service area. Currently, never spent my energy on this. I re- one of the hardest parts of the job, assure myself that, for those who tive Lance Taylor said: “It’s all Local councillors expressed mitigation to the town centre. it is finishing cladding and glass Will, Estate or commenting that she listened with reject me, it’s their loss.”. good news. We're on time and in concerns that the popularity of Spokesman Ilsa Butler said: work. an open heart, preferring simply to Her ambition to change that, the budget. We are very pleased with out of town centres reflected “One Maidstone is here to pro- Mr Taylor said: “We’re really look- “love the people one is called to article concludes, is: “making it the design and the quality of badly on Maidstone. Customers mote the businesses in the town ing forward to the completion. We Power of Attorney serve unconditionally”. normal to talk about faith and do work. We are looking forward to faced with gridlocked roads and centre and that is why we ex- think it will be a great benefit to the The article goes on to say that prayer in a very natural way, en- completing the shell and the exte- high parking charges will find pressed our concerns at the time town.” Rose has hope, knowing there abling each other to be comfortable dispute? were many Parliamentarians “gen- with the language of faith and Jagger’s gone Tumble ﬁre uine about wanting the best for ‘walking the talk’ together”. Do you have a dispute regarding how a A BEARSTED parish councillor re- Gordon’s on the mend Will, Estate or Power of Attorney has signed at full council in a disagree- RESPECTED borough councillor lint warning been handled? ment over the budget. Gordon Newton is recovering after Shoplifter back in court Cllr Frank Jagger walked out after FIREFIGHTERS were called to a major heart attack. A PROLIFIC shoplifter dodged jail voting against the authority's decision reports of a tumble-dryer fire in Whitehead Monckton has considerable The Independent Maidstone after stealing bank cards, cash and to include unspecified amounts for Maidstone - sparking a warning member Cllr Newton, who is in his make-up at a bar in Maidstone. experience in helping clients to resolve asset purchase and a renovation about the build up of lint. 70s and a stonemason by trade, Former crack addict Violet Verny scheme. Two fire engines attended the these difficult disagreements and in many was taken ill two weeks ago after (30), of High Street, sat tearfully in Bearsted parish Council's finance scene in Calder Road on Decem- complaining of pains in his shoul- the dock as magistrates heard she committee had decided to set aside ber 4 and crews wearing breath- cases achieving excellent financial results. had been conditionally discharged some money to help buy the Coal der. ing apparatus used a hose reel three times for similar offences. Call us today on Yard and £40-60,000 of work to the After going to a local hospital, he jet to put the fire out. At Maidstone Magistrates Court, pond on The Green. Cllr Jagger was transferred to a specialist unit One person suffered the ef- Kristy Harkett said: “The victim Canterbury 01227 643250 claimed that this was "wrong". in London for triple by-pass fects of smoke inhalation and was on a night out with friends at He voted against the budget and surgery. was checked over by SECAmb Maidstone 01622 698000 Banks bar, when she realised her then resigned from the council at its It is unlikely he will be back in paramedics. It was claimed Verny suffered bag wasn’t where she had put it. Tenterden 01580 765722 monthly full meeting of members on the local politics’ front line until the Following this incident, fire- from bipolar and emotionally un- “Security checked the CCTV December 3. spring. fighters are reminding residents stable personality disorder. cameras and saw Verny taking the London 020 7531 2990 Chairman Michael Bollom said: The Downswood and Otham councillor, Eddie Powell said: to follow simple tumble dryer Probation officer Gloria Balogun bag into the toilet. The victim then "The finance committee spent three member told us: “I was taken ill “Let's hope Gordon is back in the safety and maintenance tips to said Verny spent a year as a crack for an initial no obligation consultation by phone. approached Verny and saw her and half hours preparing the budget with a serious heart attack and I thick of it very soon. We all wish prevent a fire starting. addict. makeup, cash and tobacco in the was transferred to a London Hos- him well. Colin King, Area Manager for Verny was sentenced to a 12- E-mail [email protected] and had gone through it in great detail defendant’s bag.” pital for a triple heart by-pass. “He is a hard-working councillor Customer Safety and Engage- month community order, 25 reha- with our accountant present. It came Officers later found two missing www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk “Staff at the Maidstone Hospital who is well thought of and packs a ment, said: “We strongly encour- bilitation days, six sessions on a to full council for ratification. bank cards under the driver’s seat Coronary Care Unit have been ab- lot into his life.” woman offending programme, 150 “Frank has done some great work, age members of the public to in the police car. Whiteheadwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered solutely fantastic in their handling Couty councillor Gary Cooke, hours unpaid work and a £175 in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, particularly around transport issues, remove tumble dryer lint after Defending, Andrew Main said and it was a real shame to see him go of my case, and I cannot praise who stood against Mr Newton in fine, which was added onto her Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. every use, and to register house- Verny was a “very vulnerable Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority May’s borough election, said: “I fines account to be deducted from and I'd like to thank him for allhis ef- them enough.” hold appliances to ensure they woman and needs help.” under no. 608279. forts." Fellow Independent Maidstone wish him a speedy recovery.” are safe to use.” her benefits. DM 07/19

Maidstone East January 2020 5 News downsmail.co.uk Music group MUSIC fans are invited to join School head welcomes Maidstone Friends of Music group. The club arranges trips to venues in London to see orches- tral concerts, ballet and opera. praise from inspectors Outings are arranged to include coach travel from Grove Green or A SCHOOL has been praised by Castle Road, Allington. education watchdogs following Annual membership from its first inspection since gaining February is £12, and members re- academy status. Ofsted inspectors visited The ceive regular newsletters listing Lenham School, which opened as upcoming events. Swadelands in 1952, and scored it For details and an application good across the board. form contact Jennie Bentley on The secondary school in Ham 01622 734510. Lane, became part of the Valley In- victa Academies Trust and Panto times changed its name under head Chris Foreman in March 2017. HAVE you got your tickets for Al- Ofsted praised Mr Foreman’s edge, skills and confidence across leaders, including governors, addin? “open door policy”, which it said their learning.” should ensure the whole staff team Leeds Amateur Dramatic Soci- “allows pupils, parents and staff to However, the watchdog said that is well informed about these plans, ety will be performing its panto discuss their concerns and share “curriculum plans should provide to support the contributions of production on two days in Febru- their ideas”. teachers with enough detail about members of staff". ary. It added that “pupils’ academic what pupils need to learn and Headteacher Mr Foreman said Shows are at 7.30pm on Friday, and social success are important to when”, allowing them to help he was delighted with the report. February 7 and 8, at Leeds Village leaders and staff” and commended pupils build on their knowledge. “This result reflects the ongoing Hall. A matinee performance is at students’ behaviour in and out of Ofsted questioned how well- hard work and commitment of all 2.30pm on the Saturday only. class, saying “they are respectful informed staff were about the our pupils, parents, governors, Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 and supportive of each other”. school’s plans for improvement, and, of course, our fantastic staff. for OAPS and children. Call 01622 Inspectors also praised teachers timescales for those plans, and “Our pupils are our absolute pri- 862467 or email them at ladsam- for “knowing their subjects well”, how success will be measured. ority and we want the very best for [email protected]. adding: “Pupils develop knowl- The report advised that “senior each and every one of them.”

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6 Maidstone East January 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk Business Focus Music group Over 55? Release tax free cash to help fund retirement MUSIC fans are invited to join School head welcomes THEN YOU COULD CONSIDER A RETIREMENT MORTGAGE OR EQUITY RELEASE Maidstone Friends of Music group. RETIREMENT LENDING AND EQUITY THE ADVISER – Raise money for; The club arranges trips to RELEASE CAN BE IN SEVERAL FORMS, Andrew has a wealth • Home improvements venues in London to see orches- TYPICALLY FROM 55 YEARS OF AGE of experience as an • Holiday of a lifetime tral concerts, ballet and opera. praise from inspectors • Retirement mortgage - Similar to a independent mortgage • Gifting family members a Outings are arranged to include traditional mortgage where you repay the adviser, he is friendly, deposit towards a home purchase A SCHOOL has been praised by coach travel from Grove Green or professional and cares or funding school fees education watchdogs following capital and interest or solely the interest Castle Road, Allington. about his clients. • Repay an existing mortgage its first inspection since gaining keeping monthly payments low, main Annual membership from difference is there is typically no end date Over 90% of Andrew’s Andrew McCrossan • Repay unsecured debt February is £12, and members re- academy status. • Money for everyday living Ofsted inspectors visited The with the interest only option. clients are returning ceive regular newsletters listing Lenham School, which opened as • Lifetime mortgage - This is the most customers or referrals, highlighting his attitude Other reasons can include to upcoming events. Swadelands in 1952, and scored it common type of equity release, where you and long term relationships with clients. purchase a holiday home, estate For details and an application good across the board. have the option to repay the interest, make Andrew has been established since 2003 planning, to fund long term care or form contact Jennie Bentley on The secondary school in Ham overpayments or let the interest roll up and is one of the few mortgage advisers to to pay for private medical costs. 01622 734510. Lane, became part of the Valley In- without making any payment. With many have the prestigious high level DipMAP victa Academies Trust and flexible products you can initially take enough mortgage qualification. HOW DO WE DISCUSS THIS? – Panto times changed its name under head money for your immediate needs with a Andrew is happy to carry out Chris Foreman in March 2017. Andrew is a member of the HAVE you got your tickets for Al- drawdown facility for future use or to provide meetings at the Maidstone office, Ofsted praised Mr Foreman’s edge, skills and confidence across leaders, including governors, Equity Release Council, addin? a regular income. in the comfort of your own home, “open door policy”, which it said their learning.” should ensure the whole staff team committed to the highest • Home reversion 65+ - You raise money by phone or video call. To start Leeds Amateur Dramatic Soci- “allows pupils, parents and staff to However, the watchdog said that is well informed about these plans, standards of advice and ety will be performing its panto by selling all or part of your home while with please call to see if it is worth discuss their concerns and share “curriculum plans should provide to support the contributions of safeguarding. while arranging a meeting. production on two days in Febru- teachers with enough detail about members of staff". continuing to live in it, this is the least their ideas”. ary. what pupils need to learn and Headteacher Mr Foreman said common and rarely features in current It added that “pupils’ academic T: 01622 826150 Shows are at 7.30pm on Friday, and social success are important to when”, allowing them to help he was delighted with the report. equity release. February 7 and 8, at Leeds Village leaders and staff” and commended pupils build on their knowledge. “This result reflects the ongoing Borrowing is typically repaid from the sale of [email protected] Hall. A matinee performance is at students’ behaviour in and out of Ofsted questioned how well- hard work and commitment of all your home when you die or move permanently www.equitylifeuk.com 2.30pm on the Saturday only. class, saying “they are respectful informed staff were about the our pupils, parents, governors, into residential care. The Old Library, St Faiths Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 and supportive of each other”. school’s plans for improvement, and, of course, our fantastic staff. for OAPS and children. Call 01622 Inspectors also praised teachers timescales for those plans, and “Our pupils are our absolute pri- Equity Life UK is Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd. New Leaf Distribution Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Number 460421 862467 or email them at ladsam- for “knowing their subjects well”, how success will be measured. ority and we want the very best for For retirement mortgages your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage [email protected]. adding: “Pupils develop knowl- The report advised that “senior each and every one of them.” MORTGAGE - EQUITY RELEASE – WILLS - ESTATE PLANNING - LIFE ASSURANCE - CRITICAL ILLNESS - INCOME PROTECTION

Maidstone East January 2020 7 News downsmail.co.uk Killing a new low for hospital THE Cygnet mental hospital in Maidstone has rarely been out of the news since it opened in Oc- tober 2018, with reports of violence, assault, weapon carrying and escape, but this summer cul- minated in a killing. Simon Finlay charts a short, troubled history… THE slaughter of a father at the hands of his son, after his early release from the Cygnet mental hospital in Maidstone, marked the nadir of months of trouble since the facility opened last year. Jonathan MacMillan (28), inset picture, convinced his dad John was possessed by Satan, stabbed him in the chest five times and in- flicted a 10-inch wound to his neck and spinal column. A judge ordered Jonathan to be detained indefinitely after admit- ting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He also ordered an inquiry, which will try to ascertain why a dangerous and seriously mentally ill man was deemed fit to leave the hospital and find out who al- ments of pre-planning by hospital “good” overall, said Cygnet and stopped washing, eat- lowed the departure to happen a Jonathan and some attempts by Cygnet in Maidstone “required ing, drinking or taking her medi- month before his due date. him to cobble together an alibi improvement” on the central cation. The unit was a noisy, scary It throws the spotlight yet again after the killing. question: “Is it safe?” place at night, she said. on an institution bedevilled by a Whether his early release con- CQC inspectors reported five Her mother, an old hand at series of, if one is charitable, un- tributed to the outcome is for the “serious incidents” at the 65-bed dealing with private mental fortunate incidents. inquiry, but the judge, the Hon- hospital, including one involving healthcare providers, said she had One does not expect the treat- orary Recorder of Preston, Mark a weapon and an escape. to “push and push and push” to ment of the mentally ill, particu- Brown, could not have been The report for the March in- have Danielle moved. larly those with a history of clearer. spection read: “Types of incidents Andrea observed: “I get that violent crime, to always go He said at sentencing: “He recorded included physical ag- this is a business ... but there is smoothly. should never, ever have been dis- gression from patient to patient or something nagging me that says But there appears to be a chorus charged from hospital in Kent, patient to staff, and property private firms should not be run- of voices growing louder by the certainly not into the commu- damage.” ning secure mental health units.” day about the standard and level nity.” These were prevalent on And this appears to be nub of of care afforded to these most vul- Dr Stephen Barlow, a psychia- Bearsted ward, which takes refer- the issue. nerable in society, especially in trist working at HMP Preston rals of those detained under the Parents across the country are hands of private, profit-driven who assessed Jonathan, observed: Mental Health Act and the crimi- fighting for better care in child providers like Cygnet. “Looking at the case as a whole, I nal justice system. and adolescent mental health ser- Local worries that such a facil- struggle to understand the deci- Inspectors also highlighted dif- vices (CAMHS). ity could be prone to dangers so sion … to simply discharge him ficulties in moving patients back The pressure group CAMHS in close to a large residential area from hospital, rather than transfer to their local areas. Neither Crisis cites a lack of safety, care- were seemingly allayed by assur- him back to hospital.” Cygnet nor the NHS assisted this less and bad management, ances from the US-owned com- The warning signs were there, newspaper in its attempts to de- penny-pinching, turned blind pany, particularly when schools clear as day. tail the nature and frequency of eyes, sloppy regimes, inadequate for special needs and primary age The NHS West Kent Clinical these incidents, despite repeated staffing, poor procedures and in- pupils were first mooted close to Commissioning Group (CCG) or- requests. adequately trained or untrained the site, and then approved in the dered a multi-agency inquiry Concerns about the safety of staff at some of these facilities as face of a public outcry. after a “disproportionate” num- children at the two new schools drivers towards failure. Not any more. ber of violent incidents at the unit next door to Cygnet were largely Many providers are excellent – Preston Crown Court heard in April. ignored. Residents, councillors well managed, safe, caring and ef- Jonathan was assessed as high Downs Mail found there were 29 and clergy who doubted the wis- fective. risk in May, yet three weeks into reports to Kent Police in a 26-day dom of setting a mental hospital It will be up to the inquiry to as- his stay at Cygnet, he was re- period from April 2-28 at Cygnet’s there in the first place were simi- certain what happened leading assessed as low risk and sent back Kent Medical Campus unit, all for larly dismissed. up to John MacMillan’s death in home to Barrow. violent conduct. Insiders say these Andrea Attree, a mother whose Barrow last June, but Cygnet is John MacMillan (70) had voiced might have been linked to patients’ 22-year-old daughter spent 17 unlikely to emerge with any fears about his son being let out access to phones. days at Cygnet in Maidstone, was credit if Judge Brown’s remarks too soon, and community mental But at its conclusion, the in- unimpressed by the level of care are anything to go by. health worker Lauren Wray tried quiry acknowledged an action provided there. to contact the Cygnet unit to ex- plan had been agreed. Dannielle, who has suffered See Boxley Parish Council, press these misgivings. Even before this, the Care Qual- with mental health issues for a page 22 Evidence seems to show ele- ity Commission, which rated the decade, went into “meltdown” at

8 Maidstone East January 2020 mail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk downs News downsmail.co.ukBusiness Focus Killing a new low for hospital A new breakthrough THE Cygnet mental hospital in Maidstone has rarely been out of the news since it opened in Oc- tober 2018, with reports of violence, assault, weapon carrying and escape, but this summer cul- minated in a killing. Simon Finlay charts a short, troubled history… treatment for dry eyes THE slaughter of a father at the hands of his son, after his early Dry eye is a condition that release from the Cygnet mental hospital in Maidstone, marked PDQ\ SHRSOH MXVW VX൵HU LQ the nadir of months of trouble silence with but now that can since the facility opened last year. be quickly remedied. Award- Jonathan MacMillan (28), inset winning opticians Buchanan picture, convinced his dad John was possessed by Satan, stabbed 2SWRPHWULVWV QRZ R൵HU ((\H him in the chest five times and in- a revolutionary new treatment flicted a 10-inch wound to his to eradicate the discomfort of neck and spinal column. A judge ordered Jonathan to be dry eyes or meibomian gland detained indefinitely after admit- dysfunction. ting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. 2017-2018) is understandably eyesight is one of your body’s He also ordered an inquiry, The treatment is non-invasive H[FLWHG WR EH DEOH WR R൵HU WKLV most precious functions and your which will try to ascertain why a dangerous and seriously mentally and painless and can be revolutionary new treatment eyes should be an area that you ill man was deemed fit to leave FRPSOHWHGLQMXVWDIHZPLQXWHV to his clients and explained the protect as well as you can. Just the hospital and find out who al- ments of pre-planning by hospital “good” overall, said Cygnet and stopped washing, eat- providing lasting relief from impact it is having: “Treating putting up with symptoms of dry lowed the departure to happen a Jonathan and some attempts by Cygnet in Maidstone “required ing, drinking or taking her medi- month before his due date. him to cobble together an alibi improvement” on the central cation. The unit was a noisy, scary JULWW\VRUHGU\LUULWDEOHEOXUU\ dry eyes has always meant H\HLVQRWMXVWXQFRPIRUWDEOHLW It throws the spotlight yet again after the killing. question: “Is it safe?” place at night, she said. or watery eyes. Buchanan using drops or other at-home FDQ DOVR D൵HFW \RXU ORQJWHUP on an institution bedevilled by a Whether his early release con- CQC inspectors reported five Her mother, an old hand at series of, if one is charitable, un- tributed to the outcome is for the “serious incidents” at the 65-bed dealing with private mental Optometrists decided to invest regimes. The amazing new eye health. fortunate incidents. inquiry, but the judge, the Hon- hospital, including one involving healthcare providers, said she had in this innovative solution as an ((\HFDQRIWHQPHDQ\RXQHHG ,I\RXDUHVX൵HULQJIURPGU\H\H One does not expect the treat- orary Recorder of Preston, Mark a weapon and an escape. to “push and push and push” to ment of the mentally ill, particu- Brown, could not have been The report for the March in- have Danielle moved. increasing number of dry eye no more time-consuming daily V\PSWRPV IURP PLOG LUULWDWLRQ larly those with a history of clearer. spection read: “Types of incidents Andrea observed: “I get that VX൵HUHUV FDPH WR WKHLU FOLQLF WUHDWPHQWV,WLVDEUHDNWKURXJK through to the more severe violent crime, to always go He said at sentencing: “He recorded included physical ag- this is a business ... but there is KDYLQJ EHHQ XQDEOH WR ¿QG giving amazing results and relief V\PSWRPVOLNHLPSDLUHGYLVLRQ smoothly. should never, ever have been dis- gression from patient to patient or something nagging me that says But there appears to be a chorus charged from hospital in Kent, patient to staff, and property private firms should not be run- relief from their symptoms in to our clients.” book a consultation at Buchanan of voices growing louder by the certainly not into the commu- damage.” ning secure mental health units.” other traditional treatments like 2SWRPHWULVWVWR¿QGRXWLI((\H day about the standard and level nity.” These were prevalent on And this appears to be nub of of care afforded to these most vul- Dr Stephen Barlow, a psychia- Bearsted ward, which takes refer- the issue. H\HGURSV:LWK((\H\RXFDQ The statistics behind the could be the right solution for nerable in society, especially in trist working at HMP Preston rals of those detained under the Parents across the country are reduce or even stop your drops treatment shows that Buchanan you. Don’t let dry eyes dictate hands of private, profit-driven who assessed Jonathan, observed: Mental Health Act and the crimi- fighting for better care in child providers like Cygnet. “Looking at the case as a whole, I nal justice system. and adolescent mental health ser- and at home dry eye treatments. Optometrists have probably what you do. Fix your dry eye Local worries that such a facil- struggle to understand the deci- Inspectors also highlighted dif- vices (CAMHS). found the best dry eye treatment problem at its source. Find ity could be prone to dangers so sion … to simply discharge him ficulties in moving patients back The pressure group CAMHS in close to a large residential area from hospital, rather than transfer to their local areas. Neither Crisis cites a lack of safety, care- 7KH .HQWEDVHG RSWLFLDQV in the market. Research LQVWDQW ORQJODVWLQJ UHOLHI were seemingly allayed by assur- him back to hospital.” Cygnet nor the NHS assisted this less and bad management, founded by Alisdair and shows that 85-90% of people from dry eye by booking an ances from the US-owned com- The warning signs were there, newspaper in its attempts to de- penny-pinching, turned blind appointment on 01622 535110. pany, particularly when schools clear as day. tail the nature and frequency of eyes, sloppy regimes, inadequate .DWKU\Q %XFKDQDQ VSHQW WLPH ZRUOGZLGHFDQPDNHDVLJQL¿FDQW for special needs and primary age The NHS West Kent Clinical these incidents, despite repeated staffing, poor procedures and in- UHVHDUFKLQJ WKH H൵HFWLYHQHVV RI improvement to both the clinical pupils were first mooted close to Commissioning Group (CCG) or- requests. adequately trained or untrained ((\HDQGIRXQGWKDWLWZDVDEOH measurements of dry eye and the site, and then approved in the dered a multi-agency inquiry Concerns about the safety of staff at some of these facilities as Book your E-Eye face of a public outcry. after a “disproportionate” num- children at the two new schools drivers towards failure. to deliver much better results WKH V\PSWRPV E\ XVLQJ ((\H Not any more. ber of violent incidents at the unit next door to Cygnet were largely Many providers are excellent – WKDQ RWKHU VROXWLRQV ((\H 95.7% of people recommend Preston Crown Court heard in April. ignored. Residents, councillors well managed, safe, caring and ef- appointment today Jonathan was assessed as high Downs Mail found there were 29 and clergy who doubted the wis- fective. R൵HUVORQJHUODVWLQJUHOLHIIURP WKHWUHDWPHQWZLWKWKHPDMRULW\ risk in May, yet three weeks into reports to Kent Police in a 26-day dom of setting a mental hospital It will be up to the inquiry to as- GU\ EOXUU\ DQG ZDWHU\ H\HV of cases showing improvement his stay at Cygnet, he was re- period from April 2-28 at Cygnet’s there in the first place were simi- certain what happened leading Call Now assessed as low risk and sent back Kent Medical Campus unit, all for larly dismissed. up to John MacMillan’s death in The quick and easy procedure after just 3 treatments. home to Barrow. violent conduct. Insiders say these Andrea Attree, a mother whose Barrow last June, but Cygnet is uses light to trigger the nerves John MacMillan (70) had voiced might have been linked to patients’ 22-year-old daughter spent 17 unlikely to emerge with any 01622 535110 fears about his son being let out access to phones. days at Cygnet in Maidstone, was credit if Judge Brown’s remarks attached to the meibomian Leaving dry eye untreated is too soon, and community mental But at its conclusion, the in- unimpressed by the level of care are anything to go by. glands to stimulate secretions more harmful than many people health worker Lauren Wray tried quiry acknowledged an action provided there. and contraction of the gland. realise with long-term dryness 0DOOLQJ5RDG to contact the Cygnet unit to ex- plan had been agreed. Dannielle, who has suffered See Boxley Parish Council, 6QRGODQG.HQW press these misgivings. Even before this, the Care Qual- with mental health issues for a page 22 Alisdair Buchanan (voted sometimes leads to ulceration on Evidence seems to show ele- ity Commission, which rated the decade, went into “meltdown” at best Optometrist in the UK your cornea and scarring. Your 0(1%

Maidstone East January 2020 9 News downsmail.co.uk Ramraid attack shuts post oﬃce RAMRAIDERS ploughed through A nearby resident, who asked a post office in Bearsted to steal its not to be named, said: “A lot of safe. local people rely on having that The break-in at the Ashford Post Office and I hope that it’s Road branch occurred at about back up and running sooner 12.30am on Friday, December 13. rather than later.” It is understood a stolen digger Shortly after the raid, a Post Of- was used by the thieves to dam- fice spokesman said: “The people age the rear wall of the building who run our Post Office branches Nightclub closes doors after ploughing through nearby provide important services to ONE of Maidstone’s best known which was due to hold its last fencing. local communities. cabaret venues is on the market event on December 21. As a result of the attack, the “This type of crime is very trau- for £1.2million. Manager Kerry Guest has been branch was forced to shut tem- matic for the retailer, and we will Victoria’s nightclub, in Ashford working at the club for 29 years porarily, putting strain on nearby support the police in their efforts Road, and says the decision to close post offices during the festive pe- to apprehend those responsible.” comes with “great sadness”. riod. The Post Office reopened fully Harrietsham, has called time In a post on Facebook, she A police statement said: “Kent to customers on December 18. A and is now being sold as a poten- thanked the club’s “amazing cus- Police were called after a digger spokesman said: “We apologise tial development site. tomers” for their support over the was used to damage fencing and for any inconvenience caused by Owner Spencer Holley has years, and the staff for creating so the rear wall of the building. A the temporary closure of this blamed “astronomical running many happy memories. safe containing cash was reported branch.” costs” for the reluctant decision. While the club’s ﬁnal event has stolen during the burglary. Witnesses and anyone with in- The closure has been met with already proved a sell-out, the 0.6- “The digger was also later re- formation are urged to call the ap- sadness from its many customers acre site is already being adver- ported stolen from a building site peal line on 01622 604 100 ,quoting over the years, who have enjoyed tised for sale. on Pluckey Road, Charing. It is reference 13-0027. Alternatively star turns, hen parties, tribute acts It is said to have potential for a understood it was taken at about call Crimestoppers anonymously and theme nights at the venue, variety of uses, including housing, 10pm the previous evening.” on 0800 555111.

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10 Maidstone East January 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Ramraid attack YMCA MAIDSTONE NEW YEAR shuts post oﬃce SALE RAMRAIDERS ploughed through A nearby resident, who asked a post office in Bearsted to steal its not to be named, said: “A lot of safe. local people rely on having that The break-in at the Ashford Post Office and I hope that it’s Road branch occurred at about back up and running sooner 12.30am on Friday, December 13. rather than later.” It is understood a stolen digger Shortly after the raid, a Post Of- Castle’s birthday was used by the thieves to dam- fice spokesman said: “The people age the rear wall of the building who run our Post Office branches Nightclub closes doors after ploughing through nearby provide important services to ONE of Maidstone’s best known which was due to hold its last fencing. local communities. event ‘a success’ Pay Only £1 for January on all cabaret venues is on the market event on December 21. As a result of the attack, the “This type of crime is very trau- for £1.2million. Manager Kerry Guest has been LEEDS Castle boss Sir David from far and wide. matic for the retailer, and we will Direct Debit Memberships. branch was forced to shut tem- Victoria’s nightclub, in Ashford working at the club for 29 years Steel has hailed the treasure “We have established ourselves porarily, putting strain on nearby support the police in their efforts Road, and says the decision to close house’s 900th birthday celebra- very firmly on the podium of the Unlimited Gym and Group Exercise Classes, post offices during the festive pe- to apprehend those responsible.” comes with “great sadness”. tions a “resounding” success. great “treasure houses” of Eng- riod. The Post Office reopened fully Harrietsham, has called time In a post on Facebook, she The year-long celebration of the land and we have used the good FREE Creche and FREE parking! A police statement said: “Kent to customers on December 18. A and is now being sold as a poten- thanked the club’s “amazing cus- landmark was marked by a series fortune of our age to our advan- (terms and conditions apply) Police were called after a digger spokesman said: “We apologise tial development site. tomers” for their support over the of events, including the acclaimed tage.” was used to damage fencing and for any inconvenience caused by Owner Spencer Holley has years, and the staff for creating so Carnival of History and a garden Leeds Castle does not qualify for the rear wall of the building. A the temporary closure of this blamed “astronomical running many happy memories. opened by patron, HRH Princess full membership of the Association Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, safe containing cash was reported branch.” costs” for the reluctant decision. While the club’s ﬁnal event has Alexandra. of Leading Visitor Attractions Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD stolen during the burglary. Witnesses and anyone with in- The closure has been met with already proved a sell-out, the 0.6- It was not about boosting visitor (ALVA) as it does not achieve over Tel: 01622 749404 www.maidstoneymca.org.uk “The digger was also later re- formation are urged to call the ap- sadness from its many customers acre site is already being adver- numbers but to establish the castle a million visitors. ported stolen from a building site peal line on 01622 604 100 ,quoting over the years, who have enjoyed tised for sale. alongside the other great attrac- But ALVA, whose full members on Pluckey Road, Charing. It is reference 13-0027. Alternatively tions in England, he said. include the Tower of London, the star turns, hen parties, tribute acts It is said to have potential for a Find us on Charity Number: 1110087 understood it was taken at about call Crimestoppers anonymously and theme nights at the venue, variety of uses, including housing, Writing in the monthly Leeds V&A and Blenheim Palace, con- 10pm the previous evening.” on 0800 555111. and Broomfield parish magazine, sidered Leeds Castle as “best in SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION Sir David, pictureed above, writes: class” in its spring and summer “Some have asked me whether or surveys. not Leeds Castle 900 has been a Sir David added: “This is a re- success. markable outcome, especially “My answer is a resounding when you consider that the com- COUNTY COBBLER ‘yes’. Have we attracted thousands petition includes Westminster more visitors? Not really. Abbey, the Tower of London, the “However, from the very first V&A and Windsor Castle. Leeds Shoe Repairs - Key Cutting month of the year, when we fea- Castle might be small, but we tured on BBC1’s Countryfile, all punch way above our weight and Just moved? Need spare keys? the way through to this Decem- I hope that you will be as proud of ber…we have attracted interest this achievement as I am.” We are here to help! DISCOUNTS on multiple Drunken thief jailed key orders COMPETITIVELY priced • Gifts engraved by our engraving specialists A TIPSY and tearful serial committed have been whilst I’m - jewellery, pens & Zippo's etc. Zippo fuel KEYS* shoplifter begged a judge not to sober.” & flints available. Yale type £5 send him to jail, despite having Judge Paul Goldspring said: “It’s 2 for £7.50 Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced more than 40 convictions for 104 time to stop blaming others and • 3 for £10!!! offences on his record. take some responsibility. You have • We specialise in men’s We also cut Douglas Frankham (32), of Hu- over 40 convictions for 104 of- leather soles stitched on. bert Walter Drive, Maidstone, ap- fences. Seventy of those have been Mortice, Chubb peared at Maidstone Magistrates for dishonesty and shoplifting. • We can replace ZIPS on Security & Court after stealing nearly £100 “You have had every single type premises within 24 hours. most car keys worth of groceries from Wilkin- of sentence out there. Each time • NEW SPECIALISED key cutting – i.e. son’s on September 24. you have been given a chance to tubular multi-lock security The alcoholic said he was ex- change but instead you breach and *from the same key pecting to be accepted into a rehab ignore your sentences. • MOST car keys cut facility, but the letter proving his “You have lied to me about hav- Engraving Service – we can also Prompt claim had gone missing after his ing rehab arrangements and you • supply trophies & tankards “house burnt down the other day”. have tried to pull the wool over While U Wait Defending himself, Frankham my eyes. You can’t comply with • Zippo Lighters service said: “As an alcoholic, and as dys- anything.” We can now copy electronic fobs available functional as my life is, this will set Frankham admitted theft and • me back. I will be back on ground was jailed for 12 weeks on zero. 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Maidstone East January 2020 11 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Doctors and clinics work for ‘quick wins’ IMPROVED quality of patient care is a key aim as NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) investigates trans- forming the working relationship between GPs (primary care) and hospital clinicians (secondary care). The CCG has written to all GPs/clinicians to investigate current difficulties and to seek innovative solutions, resulting in a short list of “quick wins”. One area of concern is the use by GPs of the two-week cancer pathway for patients referred by Lunch to thank hospital volunteers a GP to be seen by a hospital consultant. GPs often regard this as VOLUNTEERS who help out at the Trust staff, including Voluntary teers on Thursday, December 12. the only way to get a quick ap- hospital at Maidstone have been Services Manager Anne-Marie The event was held in the mar- pointment for a patient. thanked for their hard work with a Stevens-Swain, served lunch to the quee which had been erected for special lunch. Maidstone Hospital-based volun- the Royal visit the day before. Secondary care clinicians say they recognise the reasons for what they too often see as “inap- propriate referrals” but this was having ‘an impact on capacity in secondary care.’ Cancer care improves, A suggested solution is that there could be a wider pathway for referrals which could be longer than two weeks but sooner according to ﬁgures than six months. GPs have expressed concern about being overburdened with MAIDSTONE and Malling cancer care is fast improving, latest figures information in discharge letters for West Kent reveal. from secondary care. GPs used to receive feedback from secondary The welcome news comes after care about “poor referrals”, a many months of seriously missed learning process that no longer targets by the local hospital trust. The number of patients seen takes place. within two weeks of an urgent GP referral hit 93% (national target SECAmb plan 93%) in October 2019 and the WHEN a single Clinical Commis- year-to-date figure is 88.66%. For sioning Group is formed for Kent patients with breast cancer symp- and Medway later this year it will toms, the October figure was consider whether the three- 92.7% (target 93%). county (Kent, Sussex, Surrey) The October percentage for patients receiving first definitive commissioning arrangement for treatment in 31 days was 97.92% South East Coast Ambulance Ser- (target 96%) and the year-to-date vice is still appropriate to im- 98.01%. The figure for treatments prove performance. in 62 days was 87.27% for October (target 85%) and 81.33% for the Home visits year to date. HOME visits are still included in Hospital investment plans continue to focus on recruiting addi- the GP contracts for which NHS tional staff in the most pressured West Kent CCG remains respon- specialities and to support sourc- 17,347 attendances, up 16% on Oc- (about 4% of available beds). The sible, including Maidstone and ing and out-sourcing diagnostic tober 2018. About half of patients major cause is lack of suitable ac- Malling. capacity. ringing a GP or NHS 111 said they commodation for patients, mostly The number of patients seen were advised to go to A&E. elderly. Health checks within four hours by the accident Delayed transfers of care of pa- GPs are targeted to diagnose de- A REPORT is due on proposals to and emergency departments in tients considered fit enough for mentia in 67% of patients with this ensure annual health checks for October was 88.9% (target 95%). hospital discharge are still caus- health problem. The rate for West Of these 18.9% were admitted to patients with learning difficulties ing serious loss of hospital bed Kent GPs is steadily improving – hospital main beds. This was the days – more than 64,000 in each of 61.4% in October compared with in West Kent meet national tar- third busiest month ever, with the first two quarters of 2019 58.7% in October 2018. gets.

12 Maidstone East January 2020 News | Health downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk Careers Doctors and clinics work for ‘quick wins’ IMPROVED quality of patient care is a key aim as NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) investigates trans- forming the working relationship between GPs (primary care) and hospital clinicians (secondary HERE are five top tips when searching care). for a job in 2020, according to Jobcen- The CCG has written to all tre Plus. GPs/clinicians to investigate cur- 1 Keep your CV updated Be prepared rent difficulties and to seek inno- to tailor it to the needs of the jobs you vative solutions, resulting in a are applying for. Your CV will determine short list of “quick wins”. whether you get an interview. 2 Log your good work outside work One area of concern is the use Don't be afraid to tell employers about by GPs of the two-week cancer your hobbies, volunteering or organisa- pathway for patients referred by Lunch to thank hospital volunteers tional skills. a GP to be seen by a hospital con- 3 Turn negatives to positives Admit sultant. GPs often regard this as VOLUNTEERS who help out at the Trust staff, including Voluntary teers on Thursday, December 12. New start for new year when a project has not gone to plan the only way to get a quick ap- hospital at Maidstone have been Services Manager Anne-Marie The event was held in the mar- and how you learned from it. Always NEW year, new challenge? As we If that is your goal in 2020, its online recruitment offer to job emphasise strengths. pointment for a patient. thanked for their hard work with a Stevens-Swain, served lunch to the quee which had been erected for special lunch. Maidstone Hospital-based volun- the Royal visit the day before. head into 2020, are you looking you’re not alone. seekers. 4 Do your research Employers may Secondary care clinicians say for a new job? Recent research has shown We have thousands of job op- ask: “What do you know about us?” they recognise the reasons for Perhaps it's time to move on or that two thirds of us may well be portunities across Maidstone and Show an interest in the company, its what they too often see as “inap- team and work. propriate referrals” but this was land the career step-up you've looking for a new or, at least, bet- Malling to choose from, as well as 5 Get support There are many routes having ‘an impact on capacity in been looking for. ter job this year. the rest of Kent and beyond. available to you at your local Jobcen- secondary care.’ Cancer care improves, Maybe you're getting back Well, you've come to the right All you have to do is head for tre, like gaining experience through into the world of work or search- place. That’s because Downs or go straight work placements or going through a A suggested solution is that downsmail.co.uk sector-based work academy. there could be a wider pathway ing for a niche in retirement. Mail has just massively expanded to www.downsmail.co.uk/jobs/. for referrals which could be longer than two weeks but sooner according to figures than six months. GPs have expressed concern about being overburdened with MAIDSTONE and Malling cancer care is fast improving, latest figures information in discharge letters for West Kent reveal. from secondary care. GPs used to receive feedback from secondary The welcome news comes after care about “poor referrals”, a many months of seriously missed learning process that no longer targets by the local hospital trust. The number of patients seen takes place. within two weeks of an urgent GP We’re passionate about referral hit 93% (national target SECAmb plan 93%) in October 2019 and the WHEN a single Clinical Commis- year-to-date figure is 88.66%. For sioning Group is formed for Kent patients with breast cancer symp- and Medway later this year it will toms, the October figure was fulfilling consider whether the three- 92.7% (target 93%). county (Kent, Sussex, Surrey) The October percentage for patients receiving first definitive residents’ commissioning arrangement for lives treatment in 31 days was 97.92% South East Coast Ambulance Ser- (target 96%) and the year-to-date vice is still appropriate to im- 98.01%. The figure for treatments Invicta Court, our new luxury care home, opens in April 2020. prove performance. in 62 days was 87.27% for October (target 85%) and 81.33% for the Come and visit our marketing suite to find out more. We will Home visits year to date. offer residential, nursing and dementia care, and all-round HOME visits are still included in Hospital investment plans continue to focus on recruiting addi- support to make things easier for you and your family. the GP contracts for which NHS tional staff in the most pressured Marketing West Kent CCG remains respon- specialities and to support sourc- 17,347 attendances, up 16% on Oc- (about 4% of available beds). The To book your visit, call us on 01622 806256 or email sible, including Maidstone and suite now open ing and out-sourcing diagnostic tober 2018. About half of patients major cause is lack of suitable ac- [email protected] Malling. capacity. ringing a GP or NHS 111 said they commodation for patients, mostly The number of patients seen were advised to go to A&E. elderly. Health checks within four hours by the accident Delayed transfers of care of pa- GPs are targeted to diagnose de- Invicta Court care home A REPORT is due on proposals to and emergency departments in tients considered fit enough for mentia in 67% of patients with this ensure annual health checks for October was 88.9% (target 95%). hospital discharge are still caus- health problem. The rate for West Gidds Pond Way, Weavering, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5FY Of these 18.9% were admitted to patients with learning difficulties ing serious loss of hospital bed Kent GPs is steadily improving – (for SatNav use ME14 5FT - next to the KIMS Hospital) hospital main beds. This was the days – more than 64,000 in each of 61.4% in October compared with in West Kent meet national tar- careuk.com/invicta-court third busiest month ever, with the first two quarters of 2019 58.7% in October 2018. gets.

Maidstone East January 2020 13 News downsmail.co.uk Appeal after driver assault Village call for action POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a female motorist was assaulted near Maidstone. Kent Police said that at about to stop banned HGVs 9.10am on Wednesday, December 4, a woman was driving along Sim- A MASSIVE spike in lorries monds Lane, Otham, when she breaking the lorry ban through pulled over to let a vehicle pass. Leeds village has prompted calls Report trucks “It is understood the other driver for better police enforcement. CALL Lorry Watch co-ordinator got out of his light blue car and was Roadworks at the junction of the Malcolm Gallihawk on 01622 involved in an altercation with the B2163 and the A274 has meant 861438 to volunteer or report a woman who had also got out of Leeds was used round the clock by lorry breaking the law. Email lgalli- her vehicle,” said a statement. HGV drivers taking a short cut. [email protected] “It is alleged the man was in- Normally they have to use a Residents can continue to report volved in a collision with the victim much longer route via Willington lorries breaking the law by email- and her car as he drove off. She re- Street, which has no HGV ban, but ing ceived treatment for minor injuries. could not do so during the work. [email protected]. Please give “The man is described as being Since then, residents say lorries name, date, time, registration white, in his late 50s or early 60s, have been trundling through day number and company name. At- 5ft 8in tall and with grey hair. He and night without enforcement. was wearing glasses, a blue top Lorry Watch will be reinstated lem has got significantly worse road campaigner Gary Cooke said: and tracksuit bottoms.” early next year, with resident Mal- since the roadworks. “If HGV drivers are in breach of Inspector Mark Hedges of the colm Gallihawk as its coordinator. “The trucks couldn’t get through the law they need to be held to ac- Maidstone Community Safety Unit It was noted that after a meeting at the Langley end because it was count. The police appear to be said: “The suspect was possibly in July to discuss the issue, at- shut so they went through the vil- turning a blind eye and that is a driving a Ford Focus with a partial tended by Ch Insp Ray Quiller , the lage instead. Since then they’ve very worrying.” number plate similar to KY07.” number of lorries defying the ban been using the B2163 with total dis- Chf Insp Quiller said deploy- Anyone with information appeared to decline. regard for the law. ment of resources to the problem should call Kent Police on 01622 It was agreed that a coordinated “The police need to start enforc- had to be “evidence-based” and 604 100 crime reference quoting action by police, villagers and ing the ban properly. And resi- encouraged residents to report 46/231387/19, or call Crimestop- councillors was needed. dents need to get involved too.” law-breaking truckers to 101 or 999 pers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mr Gallihawk said: “The prob- County councillor and relief in an emergency.

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14 Maidstone East January 2020 News downsmail.co.uk Appeal after RENOVATERENOVATE OROR SIMPLY UPDATE UPDATE driver assault Village call for action POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a female motorist was ININ AS AS LITTLE LITTLE AS AA DAY DAY assaulted near Maidstone. RENOVATE OR SIMPLY UPDATE Kent Police said that at about to stop banned HGVs Give your kitchen a stylish new look without going through all the disruption of ripping out your old one. Our be- 9.10am on Wednesday, December Give your kitchen a stylish new look without going through all the disruption of ripping out your old one. Our be- A MASSIVE spike in lorries 4, a woman was driving along Sim- spokespoke worktops worktops and and replacement replacement doors doors are are made made toto covercover existing surfaces surfaces precisely, precisely, leaving leaving a hardwearinga hardwearing and and monds Lane, Otham, when she breaking the lorry ban through pulled over to let a vehicle pass. Leeds village has prompted calls Report trucks luxuriousluxurious nish. nish. Known KnownIN as as ‘The ‘The AS Top Top That That LITTLE Fits Fits On On Top’, Top’, it’sit’s aa winning AS combinationcombination A DAY of of strength strength and and slimline slimline dimensions dimensions for better police enforcement. CALL Lorry Watch co-ordinator “It is understood the other driver thatthat has has made made us us a a household household success around around the the world. world. got out of his light blue car and was Roadworks at the junction of the Malcolm Gallihawk on 01622 Give your kitchen a stylish new look without going through all the disruption of ripping out your old one. Our be- 861438 to volunteer or report a involved in an altercation with the B2163 and the A274 has meant spoke worktops and replacement doors are made to cover existing surfaces precisely, leaving a hardwearing and woman who had also got out of Leeds was used round the clock by lorry breaking the law. Email lgalli- her vehicle,” said a statement. HGV drivers taking a short cut. [email protected] luxurious nish. Known as ‘The Top That Fits On Top’, it’s a winning combination of strength and slimline dimensions “It is alleged the man was in- Normally they have to use a Residents can continue to report that has made us a household success around the world. volved in a collision with the victim much longer route via Willington lorries breaking the law by email- and her car as he drove off. She re- Street, which has no HGV ban, but ing ceived treatment for minor injuries. could not do so during the work. [email protected]. Please give “The man is described as being Since then, residents say lorries name, date, time, registration white, in his late 50s or early 60s, have been trundling through day number and company name. At-

5ft 8in tall and with grey hair. He apply and Conditions *Terms and night without enforcement. apply and Conditions *Terms was wearing glasses, a blue top Lorry Watch will be reinstated lem has got significantly worse road campaigner Gary Cooke said: and tracksuit bottoms.” early next year, with resident Mal- since the roadworks. “If HGV drivers are in breach of Inspector Mark Hedges of the colm Gallihawk as its coordinator. “The trucks couldn’t get through the law they need to be held to ac- Maidstone Community Safety Unit It was noted that after a meeting at the Langley end because it was count. The police appear to be apply and Conditions *Terms said: “The suspect was possibly in July to discuss the issue, at- shut so they went through the vil- turning a blind eye and that is a driving a Ford Focus with a partial tended by Ch Insp Ray Quiller , the lage instead. Since then they’ve very worrying.” number plate similar to KY07.” number of lorries defying the ban been using the B2163 with total dis- Chf Insp Quiller said deploy- Anyone with information appeared to decline. regard for the law. ment of resources to the problem should call Kent Police on 01622 It was agreed that a coordinated “The police need to start enforc- had to be “evidence-based” and 604 100 crime reference quoting action by police, villagers and ing the ban properly. And resi- encouraged residents to report 46/231387/19, or call Crimestop- councillors was needed. dents need to get involved too.” law-breaking truckers to 101 or 999 pers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mr Gallihawk said: “The prob- County councillor and relief in an emergency.

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Maidstone East January 2020 15 News downsmail.co.uk Coﬀee scheme A COFFEE shop in the centre of the county town has introduced a Figures reveal huge scheme to provide a hot drink for those who may not be able to afford it. Puddings in Week Street brought in the idea where a cus- leap in ﬂytipping tomer can buy a beverage for someone less fortunate while mak- FLYTIPPING has gone up by reality of the situation, as many ing their own purchase. 57% in the borough – massively fly-tipping incidents take place on It can be later claimed by a higher than the national average. privately owned land. homeless person familiar to the Government figures show ille- “They also don’t show the huge shop’s staff. Cafe owner Marta gal dumping in the Maidstone emotional and financial cost. It Obuchowicz (41) hopes the scheme area is among the worst in the costs on average £1,000 to clean will restore community spirit. country. up each incident. With many The national average rise was rural businesses suffering multi- 8% and around 9% in Kent, ac- ple incidents, it can quickly affect 5G is coming cording to Defra. the bottom line dramatically.” MAIDSTONE is one of the first In Maidstone during 2018/19, Tory borough councillor Gill towns in the country to be able to there were 1,634 incidents re- Fort (pictured), who represents get 5G. ported on public land, compared the Leeds and Kingswood areas, EE was the first to launch 5G in with 1,041 in 2017/18 – a rise of has long campaigned for tougher the UK in May and has been 57%, the biggest in the county. erage. There were 507 incidents in action against flytippers. building its network on a daily The true figures will be even 2017/18, rising to 585 in 2018/19. She said: “The trouble is that basis. Neil Aitken, BT Group re- higher, as not all incidents are re- The Country Land and Busi- the borough council will not en- gional lead for the South East, ported, and these statistics ex- ness Association (CLA) says the force the powers they have. said: “It’s great to see Maidstone clude private land. figures act as a barometer and “There is a hotspot on my patch amongst the first locations in the The responsibility for dealing show that, after a static year in in Burberry Lane where a local UK to welcome 5G. The new tech- with flytipping is with Maidstone 2018, the crime has returned to a man was recently convicted of nology will enable a faster, more Borough Council, led by the Lib- long-term upward trend. flytipping after covert cameras reliable mobile connection for eral Democrats. Commenting on the figures, were used. both consumers and businesses in In nearby Tonbridge and CLA South East Regional Director “Since the publicity in the local the area and is set to play a pivotal Malling borough, the increase is Michael Valenzia said: “These press, the problem has dropped role in our lives.” 15%, almost twice the national av- statistics do not fully reflect the away significantly. It works.”

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16 Maidstone East January 2020 NewNewss dow n sdownsmail.comail.co.uk.uk downsBusiness mail.co.uk Focus downsBusinessmail.co.uk Focus downsmail.co.uk News FuCoffeen dog sschemehow A FUN dog show is being held in Relationship on the Rocks BougA COFFEEhton Mon c shophels e ina thein J centreune, A of ccidents reinforce need the county town has introduced a Figures reveal huge The title of this article processes. If emotions are running high, taking • The person that leaves is often a co-owner of with 18 different categories to be CCTV call to stop fly-tipping judgschemeed on th toe d provideay. a hot drink for may conjure an image a step back can regain the ability to think more the family home. The absent person is still Ththoseese in whoclud emayBes nott T rbeick able, Do gto af- CALLS for the installationof cold, troubled of Illegal waters fly-tippingclearly. Taking time to reflect and acting bound by their Acrossresponsibilities Kent, local to authoritiesmortgage are MostfordLik e it.it s PuddingsHandler, B ine s Weekt Biscu Streetit f or action on relief road CCTV cameras to preventwith fly-tip- potentialis dangers costing localrationally can avoid lots of anguish. Many lenders and shouldspending ensure hundreds that the of home thousands and of ping on a country road have been authorities hun- pounds clearing up rubbish. Catcbroughther and ainh utherdl eideas ra cwheree. a cus- above and below the people regret actions/words spoken in the heat contents remain protected by insurance. The leap in flytipping made by the local borough coun- dreds of thou- According to one report £323,000 It tomerwill b cane h e buyld at a B beverageoughton for TWO serious accidents on the cillor. surface. If this is a leaving party continueswas spent to have dealing rights with to enter, almost Monchelsea Recreation Ground on reality of the situation, as many sands of pounds,of the moment but the damage done remains. someone less fortunate while mak-A274FLYTIPPINGSutton Road i n hasas m goneany d a upys by Burberry Lane, near Kingswood,prospect facing you ideally on giving14,000 reasonable incidents notice. in 2016-17. This is a Saturingda ytheirJun eown30, w purchase.ith proce eds to have57%led tino ftheres hboroughcalls fo r– amassivelyn up- fly-tipping incidents take place on says Cllr Gill• Fort Think carefully about the consequences of has been targetedthen by wastelook to get sharp increase on the previous 12 MedicaItl D canete ct beio n laterDog s. claimed by d aa te higheron prog thanress f theor t hnationale Leeds- Laverage.an- privately owned land. dumpers for years, but in recent acting irresponsibly, especially when it relates to • Analyse yourmonths financial when resources just overto work 10,000 out in- For more information call Jill gley relief road. “They also don’t show the huge sensible support from how they can meet everyone’s needs. Drawing homeless person familiar to the Government figures show ille- months,Dawn the Harrison problem has become your children or to money. Children are very stances cost £244,000. Skinshop’sner on 0 staff.1622 7 Cafe4409 8 owneror 078 4 Marta0 A sgalcho o dumpinglboy was h init o then T u Maidstoneesday, emotional and financial cost. It moreHead acute of Family with team waste oftenthe outset strewn to help you up a priority list ofCllr what Fort you welcomed and your estranged a joint initia- 290486. vulnerable when parents separate, they need to Obuchowicz (41) hopes the schemeMa rcareah 13, a isn d amongtwo da y thes la t worster, a m a inn the costs on average £1,000 to clean across the middle of themanage road. the turmoil. partner/spousetive need by is the important. Environment Enquiring Agency was airlifted to hospital after a colli- Cllr Gill Fort, pictured right, said: know both parents love them and will continue and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- will restore community spirit. country. up each incident. With many Below are some pointers to consider what help is available in the form of benefits will sion beThetwee nationaln a car an daveragea lorry .rise wasLee ds-Langley rural businesses suffering multi- “Every month we are having toi- to be there. Financial pressures can lead to dards Agency to clamp down on May Day fair Campaigners said they did not relief road and lets,• It may sinks not and be construction too late to repair waste the damage. also assist in continuingunlicensed to waste meet carriers. the family’s But she HEADCORN’S May Fair will again 8% and around 9% in Kent, ac- ple incidents, it can quickly affect dumped in the village, specifically relationship problems. Running two households believes the high cost to small firms 5G is comingw i sh to make capital out of the inci- WILLact cam- Lots of organisations offer support and guidance budget. take place on the May Day bank cording to Defra. the bottom line dramatically.” in Burberry Lane. We are now will onlymore compound than any a financialHeadcorn pressures. and Chart Sutton. Last of disposing of construction waste MAIDSTONE is one of the firstde nts bInut dMaidstoneid claim it duringillustra t2018/19,es a pa igner Jenny Tory borough councillor Gill on practical issues people face when threatened • Taking early advice can help you steer a safer holiday. need for a bypass to relieve growing thinking of installing cameras on year after it was year, Maidstone Borough Council at a transfer station is costing coun- towns in the country to be able to there were 1,634 incidents re-Sutton Fort (pictured), who represents privatewith separation. land to oversee Relate the Counselling problem dumpedcan help and• When torched. one Theperson church leaves thecleared family 911 home, cases they of fly-tipping and cils dearly. Cllr Fort made her re- Organised by Headcorn School volumes of traffic. Major house- course through the dilemmas that separation get 5G. area.” car park has also seen illegal dump- more than 163 have been recorded marks as one of the borough’s PTFA, the event will be on Days ported on public land, comparedWh en we talk about the relief road, “Wthee re aLeedslly do andfear Kingswooda serious inc iareas,- identify if a relationship can be repaired or guide rarely take all their belongings with them at brings. Try to preserve some respect for the EE was the first to launch 5G binu ilding schemes in the area are A recent event in Burberry Lane ing. since April this year. The ap- closest transfer stations at North Green between 12pm and 4pm. with 1,041 in 2017/18 – a rise wofe always seem to be talking about dent,hasand longthis ocampaignedne – with the foryo utougherng them to come to terms with the loss of their once. Sensible arrangements need to be agreed other person no matter how difficult the the UK in May and has beenlik ely to make matters worse. erage. There were 507 incidents in saw a caravan burned out while a But it is also a problem in many proaching darker evenings will Farm, Tunbridge Wells, announced The PTFA are producing a free The57%,boy the– ag biggested 12 or in13 theand county.wear- t he congestion rather than the safety childaction– goes againstto show flytippers.the risks. The union. If reconciliation is not possible, a to allow them to return for their remaining items. building its network on a daily 2017/18, rising to 585 in 2018/19. car remains on a footpath nearby, rural areas, including Langley, prompt a rise in illegalsituation. tipping. Talkit to will one be of closed the specialist for 10 weeks. family programme for the day and any- ing schTheool u truenifor m figures– suffe r willed a besus - evenasp ect, and these sorts of incidents relief Sheroa d said:ca n “The’t c o troubleme so o isn that specialist family lawyer is the next point of call. basis. Neil Aitken, BT Group re- Joint items within the home should be preserved team at Whitehead Monckton who have a one who would like to advertise is pectehigher,d broke asn l enotg a fallter incidentsbeing hit barey re-will beTheless li Countrykely to h a Landppen. ” and Busi-enougtheh.” borough council will not en- askedgionalto ca ll leadMaz foron 0 the797 0 South53579 0 East, ported, and these statistics ex- ness Association (CLA) says the force the powers they have. •STAPLEHURST Explore the alternative vineyard dispute Hush resolution until an agreement can be reached on a fair wealth of experienceHeath in Estate these willmatters. be supplying to a car at the junction of Sutton Road Jenny Sutton, a campaigner for A new non-political pro-relief Heath will send its sparkling wine to Canadian consumers is hugely wel- or esaid:mail “It’sadv egreatrtisin tog@ seehea Maidstonedcorn- figures act as a barometer and opportunities like mediation or collaborativeVineyarddistribution. ‘bubbling’ over deal and Wcludeillin gprivateton Stre land.et. WILLact and a resident of Willing- group h“Thereeaded isb ya hotspotformer Lonan mygle ypatch Canada after landing a deal with come and they will be flying the schoolptfa.org.uk. amongst the first locations in theK entTheco u responsibilitynty councillo forr P dealingaul ton Stshowreet, a d that,mits afterthat t h ae r statice are c o yearn- p ina risinh c Burberryouncillor LaneWen d wherey You n a g local one of the world’s largest alcohol gramme. The “significant deal” was trading relationship as the UK flag for the high-quality of wine If UKyou tow welcomeould be 5G.inte Therest enewd in tech-Coopwither sa flytippingid: “This i sis awithbus yMaidstoneroad cer ns2018,ab otheut crimethe hasda nreturnedger to toh as bmaneen f wasorm e recentlyd to rep re convictedsent all of buyers.Canterbury 01227 643266announcedMaidstone as Prime Minister 01622leaves 698051 the EU. being produced in Britain.” havinologyng a sta willll, w enableith pitc ah efaster,s avai lmore- an d Boroughthere is a lCouncil,ways go iledng tbyo bthee a Lib-pedeslong-termtrians. upward trend. thoseflytippingwho live a l afterong t h coverte B216 3 cameras, in Hush Heath’s Balfour 1503 Clas- Theresa May was in Ottawa for Mrs May said: “It’s great to see Hush Heath owner Richard Bal- ablereliablefrom £ mobile20, co n connectiontact Lizell forris k oeralf inc Democrats.idents like th is. A lot of the “WheCommentingn my daugh t oner a thend t figures,wo the sawereme w used.ay th a t WILLact repre- sic Cuvée is the firstTenterden English talks 01580 with Canadian 767540 PM Justin that English sparkling wine has four-Lynn said: “Hush Heath is a Williams on 01622 892428 or email sparkling wine selected for the Trudeau on how the UK and been making a name for itself, not family-owned winery…and we are both consumers and businesses tinra ffic Inth at nearbygoes d ow Tonbridgen the roa d andgra ndCLAchild Southren tr yEastto c Regionalross the r Directoroad sen ts W“Sinceillingt othen S publicitytreet. It is inca thelled local www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk s t a lthel h areao l d ande r s is@ seth e toa playd c o ar pivotaln - do esnMalling’t need t oborough,be there, athend iincreasef there tiso getMichaelto my h o Valenziause, one o f said:us ha s “Theseto Lee dspress,-Lang ltheey Rproblemelief Roa hasd A cdroppedtion Liquor Contril Board (LCBO) of On- Canada can further strengthen just in the UK but further afield too. very excited to see our wines avail- schoolptfa.org.uk. tario’s Vintages Classics Pro- their ties to build the closest, freest “The news today that Hush able in the Canadian market." role in our lives.” was 15%,a rel ialmostef road twice, it w theoul dnationaln’t be. av-try anstatisticsd stop th edotr anotffic ,”fullyshe sreflectaid. theGr ouawayp. significantly. It works.” WhiteheadWhitehead Monckton Monckton Ltd Ltd (no.08366029) (no.08366029) registered registered in in England England & Wales.& Wales. 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Voters get behind Tory MPs VOTERS have overwhelmingly endorsed our two local Conservative MPs and rewarded them with another five years at Westminster. Both Helen Grant and Helen votes with a majority of 21,772. edged there had been “some Kent County Councillor Rob Whately achieved huge majorities Mrs Grant said: “Thank you pretty nasty, personal stuff” dur- Bird said: “The Liberal Democrat in a battle that was as much a from the bottom of my heart to ing the campaign, said she was share of the votes cast in Kent and Brexit election as anything else. the wonderful people of Maid- “delighted” to have been re- Medway for the December 2019 But we understand they will be stone and The Weald for again turned once more. Election was 10.3%. pressed early for action at West- placing their trust in me as their She added: “Being an MP is a “This was a notable improve- minster over Liberal Democrat- MP. huge responsibility and I’m hum- ment on 2017, with the number of run Maidstone Borough Council’s “I am hugely honoured to serve bled that so many people have Liberal Democrat votes 4.8% plans for more than 28,000 this fabulous community and put their trust in me once again. higher than in the previous gen- houses. look forward to continuing to “At a time when politics can be eral election. Constituents are worried that work tirelessly for the issues that nasty, I am truly grateful for the “It’s clear that some form of pro- roads and services cannot cope matter to us all.” kindness and messages of sup- portional representation would with the present levels of house- Elected as the Faversham and port I have received from people have produced a very different set building. Mid Kent MP for a third time, during this campaign. of results, both nationally and in Mrs Grant was elected MP for Mrs Whately polled 31,864 votes. “I hope we can all agree on the Kent. However, it is difficult to in- Maidstone and the Weald for a Her majority was 21,976. need to cut out the abuse and be terpolate the recent results into fourth time, after polling 31,220 Mrs Whately, who acknowl- nicer to each other in politics.” numbers of MPs.”

RESULTS Third place was Maidstone and the Weald ‘a bit gutting’ l Helen Grant (Conservative) LIBERAL Democrat James Willis 31,220 (Elected) was beaten into third place which l Stuart Robert Jeffery (Green he said was “a bit Party) 2,172 gutting”. l Yolande Ann Kenward (Inde- Answering his pendent) 358 phone with the joke l Daniel Robert Wilkinson “depressed Liberal (Labour) 9,448 Democrat speaking” l James Martin Willis (Liberal Mr Willis, a former Democrats) 8,482 Maidstone borough Conservative majority 21,772 councillor who speaks up on trans- Faversham and Mid Kent port issues, said: “We did the best job l Helen Whately (Conservative) we could and pushed the vote up. 31,864 (Elected) Decisive margins “It was a bit gutting to come third. l Jenny Reeves (Labour) 9,888 I would probably give it another BOTH Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch and Ton- l Hannah Perkin (Liberal shot as I am passionate about doing bridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat were both returned to Democrats) 6,170 the best I can for the town.” their respective constituencies by handsome margins. l Hannah Temple (Green Party) In a clear reference to the victor, Miss Crouch swept her Labour runner-up aside with a major- 2,103 Conservative Helen Grant, he ity of 18,540, having polled 28,856 on a 60.7% turnout. l Gary Butler (Independent) added: “Maidstone and Weald Mr Tugendhat captured the biggest ever majority for Ton- 369 needs someone who is keen and en- bridge & Malling of 26,941, with a vote of 35,784 and turnout of Conservative majority 21,976 thusiastic about infrastructure for all 72.3%. the new housing planned.”

18 Maidstone East January 2020 News | Election 2019 downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Homes row goes to Westminster THE fight to save Maidstone from massive over-development took an unforeseen twist as councillors agreed to take the issue straight to government. It is hoped pressure can be ap- Tories, would “be impossible to plied on the housing minister via deliver”. direct interventions from the local Cllr Perry called for all political MPs Helen Grant and Helen groupings at MBC to send a joint Whately in the new parliament. letter to the secretary of state re- The charge was led by the leader garding the size of the housing tar- of the Conservative opposition, get and lack of infrastructure, such Cllr John Perry, who said the bor- as roads, needed to support it. ough council must argue housing MPs must seek face-to-face targets cannot be met “without ad- meetings with ministers to rein- versely affecting the residents”. force the residents’ misgivings, he Members of Maidstone Borough said. Council (MBC), which is controlled One Tory supporter said: “With- by the Liberal Democrats, agreed out the distraction of Brexit in a the Tory plan of action at full coun- hung parliament, our MPs have cil on December 18. got to earn their corn.” Voters get behind Tory MPs Lib Dem council leader Cllr Mar- called for a suspension of analysis unsuitable housing proposals. A handful of protestors from the tin Cox endorsed the Tory plan. of the recent 334 submissions for Residents should be given op- Save Our Heath Land (SOHL), pic- VOTERS have overwhelmingly endorsed our two local Conservative MPs and rewarded them MBC had been due to debate a the Local Plan review, was shelved portunities to properly express tured, who are against the 5,000- motion by independent councillors in favour of Cllr Perry’s. their views and that MBC should house proposal at Lenham Heath, with another five years at Westminster. Janetta Sams and Eddie Powell It was felt a suspension would work with other councils, espe- held a demonstration outside the Both Helen Grant and Helen votes with a majority of 21,772. edged there had been “some Kent County Councillor Rob calling for a temporary suspension halt the legal process irrevocably, cially Kent County Council, and town hall. Whately achieved huge majorities Mrs Grant said: “Thank you pretty nasty, personal stuff” dur- Bird said: “The Liberal Democrat of further building proposals be- and leave MBC open to losing is MPs to lobby government depart- Cllr Powell said: “I stand by our in a battle that was as much a from the bottom of my heart to ing the campaign, said she was share of the votes cast in Kent and yond the 17,600 already agreed in planning control powers. ments, it said. original motion, but this was a clas- Brexit election as anything else. the wonderful people of Maid- “delighted” to have been re- Medway for the December 2019 the 2017 Local Plan. The Conservative group argued There will be an attempt to “re- sic piece of political manoeuvring. But we understand they will be stone and The Weald for again turned once more. Election was 10.3%. The motion, supported by the that the recent “call for sites” pro- vise the (government) standard But we won the moral victory as pressed early for action at West- placing their trust in me as their She added: “Being an MP is a “This was a notable improve- anti-Lenham Heath housing devel- cess should be expedited for legal methodology” for calculating this would not have progressed minster over Liberal Democrat- MP. huge responsibility and I’m hum- ment on 2017, with the number of opment protest movement, which process reasons, but weed out all housing numbers which, say the without our intervention.” run Maidstone Borough Council’s “I am hugely honoured to serve bled that so many people have Liberal Democrat votes 4.8% plans for more than 28,000 this fabulous community and put their trust in me once again. higher than in the previous gen- houses. look forward to continuing to “At a time when politics can be eral election. Constituents are worried that work tirelessly for the issues that nasty, I am truly grateful for the “It’s clear that some form of pro- Speeding ‘accident roads and services cannot cope matter to us all.” kindness and messages of sup- portional representation would with the present levels of house- Elected as the Faversham and port I have received from people have produced a very different set building. Mid Kent MP for a third time, during this campaign. of results, both nationally and in waiting to happen’ Mrs Grant was elected MP for Mrs Whately polled 31,864 votes. “I hope we can all agree on the Kent. However, it is difficult to in- Maidstone and the Weald for a Her majority was 21,976. need to cut out the abuse and be terpolate the recent results into MOTORISTS are driving at more fourth time, after polling 31,220 Mrs Whately, who acknowl- nicer to each other in politics.” numbers of MPs.” than twice the speed limit in two of Bearsted’s most dangerous lanes. Weekly figures show a majority RESULTS Third place was of drivers exceeded the 20mph speed limit on both Yeoman Lane Maidstone and the Weald ‘a bit gutting’ and Roseacre Lane. l Helen Grant (Conservative) LIBERAL Democrat James Willis Former Bearsted parish council- 31,220 (Elected) was beaten into third place which lor Frank Jagger says the recent l Stuart Robert Jeffery (Green he said was “a bit data prove the issue to be “more Party) 2,172 gutting”. serious than I ever thought”. l Yolande Ann Kenward (Inde- Answering his It was recorded that 56% of traf- pendent) 358 and 18.8mph southbound. phone with the joke fic travelling north on Roseacre l Daniel Robert Wilkinson Cllr Jagger said: “These figures “depressed Liberal Lane exceeded the 20mph limit, Award for town team (Labour) 9,448 confirm that we have a significant Democrat speaking” with a maximum speed of 44mph. l James Martin Willis (Liberal speeding problem, more serious THE One Maidstone Business Im- “The One Maidstone BID team is Mr Willis, a former Similarly, 36% of motorists head- Democrats) 8,482 than I thought.” provement District (BID) has been to be commended for their excep- Maidstone borough ing south exceeded the same limit, Conservative majority 21,772 Bearsted parish councillor Fabi- recognised by Kent Police for mak- tional level of work, dedication councillor who speaks up on trans- with a maximum speed of 37mph. enne Hughes (pictured) said: ing the county safer. and commitment to service deliv- Faversham and Mid Kent port issues, said: “We did the best job In Yeoman Lane, 87.5% of vehi- “These figures are very disap- The Divisional Commander’s ery driven on promoting Maid- l Helen Whately (Conservative) we could and pushed the vote up. cles moving north topped the pointing. We need to come up with Certificate of Merit was presented stone as a safe place to live, work 31,864 (Elected) Decisive margins “It was a bit gutting to come third. 20mph limit, with a maximum a plan to slow the traffic down be- to BID manager, Ilsa Butler, and and visit.” l Jenny Reeves (Labour) 9,888 I would probably give it another speed of 49mph, whilst 89% of BOTH Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch and Ton- fore a child is killed, but we have to the team, for the initiatives they BID Manager Ilsa Butler ac- l Hannah Perkin (Liberal shot as I am passionate about doing southbound vehicles exceeded the bridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat were both returned to be realistic. have delivered within their first cepted the certificate at a special Democrats) 6,170 the best I can for the town.” limit, with a top speed of 53mph. their respective constituencies by handsome margins. “With traffic increasing because year of operation. divisional commanders’ ceremony l Hannah Temple (Green Party) In a clear reference to the victor, Miss Crouch swept her Labour runner-up aside with a major- The results show that, for Yeo- of all the added housing, it will not These include the BID ambas- held at Kent Police headquarters – 2,103 Conservative Helen Grant, he ity of 18,540, having polled 28,856 on a 60.7% turnout. man Lane, the average speeds change.” sadors, who patrol the town centre a team version of the award was l Gary Butler (Independent) added: “Maidstone and Weald Mr Tugendhat captured the biggest ever majority for Ton- were 24.8mph northbound and Bearsted Parish Council chair- during the day and night. later presented by Sgt Andy 369 needs someone who is keen and en- bridge & Malling of 26,941, with a vote of 35,784 and turnout of 25.7mph southbound. man Michael Bollom told full The certificate states the rea- Stringer at the One Maidstone of- Conservative majority 21,976 thusiastic about infrastructure for all 72.3%. In Roseacre Lane, the average council on December 3: “It is an ac- soning behind the commendation: fices. the new housing planned.” speeds were 20.7mph northbound cident waiting to happen.”

Maidstone East January 2020 19 News downsmail.co.uk Council’s secret £19m buyout THE borough council has sunk £19m of taxpayers’ money to secretly buy the leasehold of the Lockmeadow leisure complex in the centre of Maidstone. The Liberal Democrat-led The authority claims it will in- council has financed the deal by vest in the complex to enhance its its own reserves and borrowing appeal as home to the Odeon, an from two other local authorities, 18-lane bowling alley, a trampo- which is common practice. line park, restaurants and a pool We understand the £19.1m and gym complex. price tag is about £2m less than When Downs Mail asked if originally asked by leaseholders there is “any possibility, however Kames Capital. remote, that the site could be Maidstone Borough Council used for housing”, MBC replied: (MBC) effectively becomes Lock- “The qualification ‘however re- meadow landlord, charging mote’ makes it literally impossi- rents to tenants such as the ble to answer this question, but Odeon Cinema, while creating no proposals have been put for- profits to divert into public ser- ward for housing on the site as vices. part of the Local Plan review.” But dissenting voices claim as more flats, like everything the mercial sensitivities. Labour borough councillor that should the Odeon pull out, council touches.” The authority used Edgerley Malcolm McKay, who voted the venture would become a The minutes of the March 29 Simpson Howe (ESH) as agents against the proposal, said: “My “dead duck”, leaving it exposed policy and resources committee and its valuation was assessed by worry is that if the Odeon was to to conversion into homes. state funding was to be from the Harrisons Chartered Surveyors. move out, the whole thing is a The proposal was given cross- low-interest, low-risk Public MBC said: “ESH are engaged dead duck and then one option party approval by the policy and Works Loan Board, although the by the council to assess and ne- could be housing.” resources meeting in March. council now says: “Around two gotiate commercial investment The council, which now styles Local Tory borough councillor thirds is funded internally. The opportunities and remunerated itself as a “master developer”, Jonathan Purle said: “In princi- external funding comes from accordingly.” promoted a plan to remove the ple, this should generate a posi- other local authorities.” An MBC statement said: “By War Memorial at The Broadway tive financial return to fund MBC denies the March meet- investing in the site, we will gen- to make way for a 14-storey services and keep the council tax ing was secret, but concedes erate a financial return, in line block of flats. It was later down. In practice, I am more members of the public were ex- with our commercial investment dumped at committee stage by sceptical. I hope it doesn’t end up empt because of the deal’s com- strategy." furious elected members. Crash appeal Burglar caught by DNA and CCTV A PENSIONER was seriously hurt in a crash in Langley, Maid- A BUNGLING burglar from Sut- But Cuthbert cut himself in the stone on October 28 saw Cuthbert stone. ton Valence who left a trail of house and his DNA was identified near Wallis Avenue and tried to At 4.45pm on Monday, Novem- DNA at his victim’s home and from blood on furnishings. arrest him. Cuthbert managed to ber 25, a beige Skoda Octavia col- was caught on CCTV at a second On October 24, Cuthbert was escape but was detained on Octo- lided with a silver Suzuki Splash break-in has been sent to prison. caught on CCTV with an associate ber 30 at his home in The Harbour, on Leeds Road. A court heard that on October observing a house in Windmill Sutton Valence. He was later The passenger in the Suzuki, a 19, Lee Cuthbert (41) smashed a Hill, Harrietsham, before it was charged with two burglaries and woman in her 80s, was taken to window and a door to get in to a burgled. escaping lawful custody. hospital with serious injuries. property in Linton Road. Jewellery and bank cards were He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Officers need to speak to any- He searched the house, causing stolen, and Cuthbert was later Crown Court and, on November one who saw the vehicles before considerable damage before steal- identified on CCTV footage. 29, he was sentenced to three years or during the crash, and anyone ing jewellery and a mobile phone. An officer in Parkwood, Maid- in prison. with dashcam footage. Call the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538 quoting RY/SW/120/19, or email Dozens gather for Valentino’s baptism [email protected]. DOZENS of family and friends turned out for the baptism of one of Building work Leeds village’s youngest residents, Valentino Menenes-Bautista. WORK will start on a new retire- His baptism was carried out by ment village in Leeds in the new Rev Mark Pavey at St Nicholas year. church in Leeds. Steel framing will be erected by The service was followed by a March and the first phase will be champagne reception at the finished by 2021. Cavendish Tearooms in Bearsted. Builders Kier pledged to ensure Mum Louise said: “It was so lovely that all deliveries would not to see so many of our friends and Pictured are family and godpar- Menenes-Bautista; Lorraine and travel through the village but in- family. It was a beautiful service ents: Primrose, Andres, Otis, Louise, Aidan Wenham; Lesley Finlay; stead approach from Langley and and a great party afterwards.” Celestina, Valentino and Christian Joseph and Emily Irvine. leave the same way.

20 Maidstone East January 2020 News downsmail.co.uk Council’s secret £19m buyout FURNITURE WORLD THE borough council has sunk £19m of taxpayers’ money to secretly buy the leasehold of the Lockmeadow leisure complex in the centre of Maidstone. The Liberal Democrat-led The authority claims it will in- council has financed the deal by vest in the complex to enhance its its own reserves and borrowing appeal as home to the Odeon, an from two other local authorities, 18-lane bowling alley, a trampo- which is common practice. line park, restaurants and a pool We understand the £19.1m and gym complex. STORE CLOSING price tag is about £2m less than When Downs Mail asked if originally asked by leaseholders there is “any possibility, however Kames Capital. remote, that the site could be THIS LOCATION ONLY Maidstone Borough Council used for housing”, MBC replied: (MBC) effectively becomes Lock- “The qualification ‘however re- meadow landlord, charging mote’ makes it literally impossi- rents to tenants such as the ble to answer this question, but UP TO 70% OFF Odeon Cinema, while creating no proposals have been put for- profits to divert into public ser- ward for housing on the site as vices. part of the Local Plan review.” ALL DISPLAY STOCK MUST BE SOLD BY 29th JANUARY But dissenting voices claim as more flats, like everything the mercial sensitivities. Labour borough councillor that should the Odeon pull out, council touches.” The authority used Edgerley Malcolm McKay, who voted VISIT OUR OTHER STORES the venture would become a The minutes of the March 29 Simpson Howe (ESH) as agents against the proposal, said: “My “dead duck”, leaving it exposed policy and resources committee and its valuation was assessed by worry is that if the Odeon was to Castons Furniture, Angel Walk, Tonbridge, TN2 1TJ OPENS 26.12.19 to conversion into homes. state funding was to be from the Harrisons Chartered Surveyors. move out, the whole thing is a The proposal was given cross- low-interest, low-risk Public MBC said: “ESH are engaged dead duck and then one option Furniture World, Orchards Shopping Centre, Dartford, DA1 1DN party approval by the policy and Works Loan Board, although the by the council to assess and ne- could be housing.” resources meeting in March. council now says: “Around two gotiate commercial investment The council, which now styles Furniture World, 64-68 High Street, Hythe, CT21 5AL Local Tory borough councillor thirds is funded internally. The opportunities and remunerated itself as a “master developer”, castonsfurniture.com Jonathan Purle said: “In princi- external funding comes from accordingly.” promoted a plan to remove the ple, this should generate a posi- other local authorities.” An MBC statement said: “By War Memorial at The Broadway tive financial return to fund MBC denies the March meet- investing in the site, we will gen- to make way for a 14-storey services and keep the council tax ing was secret, but concedes erate a financial return, in line block of flats. It was later down. In practice, I am more members of the public were ex- with our commercial investment dumped at committee stage by sceptical. I hope it doesn’t end up empt because of the deal’s com- strategy." furious elected members. SOFAS FROM £199 Crash appeal Burglar caught by DNA and CCTV A PENSIONER was seriously hurt in a crash in Langley, Maid- A BUNGLING burglar from Sut- But Cuthbert cut himself in the stone on October 28 saw Cuthbert stone. ton Valence who left a trail of house and his DNA was identified near Wallis Avenue and tried to MATTRESSES FROM £79 At 4.45pm on Monday, Novem- DNA at his victim’s home and from blood on furnishings. arrest him. Cuthbert managed to ber 25, a beige Skoda Octavia col- was caught on CCTV at a second On October 24, Cuthbert was escape but was detained on Octo- lided with a silver Suzuki Splash break-in has been sent to prison. caught on CCTV with an associate ber 30 at his home in The Harbour, on Leeds Road. A court heard that on October observing a house in Windmill Sutton Valence. He was later The passenger in the Suzuki, a 19, Lee Cuthbert (41) smashed a Hill, Harrietsham, before it was charged with two burglaries and BEDS FROM £139 woman in her 80s, was taken to window and a door to get in to a burgled. escaping lawful custody. hospital with serious injuries. property in Linton Road. Jewellery and bank cards were He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Officers need to speak to any- He searched the house, causing stolen, and Cuthbert was later Crown Court and, on November one who saw the vehicles before considerable damage before steal- identified on CCTV footage. 29, he was sentenced to three years BEDROOM FURNITURE FROM £49 or during the crash, and anyone ing jewellery and a mobile phone. An officer in Parkwood, Maid- in prison. with dashcam footage. Call the serious collision inves- ALL AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY tigation unit on 01622 798538 quoting RY/SW/120/19, or email Dozens gather for Valentino’s baptism WITHIN 5 WORKING DAYS [email protected]. DOZENS of family and friends turned out for the baptism of one of visit our showroom Building work Leeds village’s youngest residents, Valentino Menenes-Bautista. WORK will start on a new retire- His baptism was carried out by ment village in Leeds in the new Rev Mark Pavey at St Nicholas 15 Royal Star Arcade year. church in Leeds. Steel framing will be erected by The service was followed by a Maidstone March and the first phase will be champagne reception at the finished by 2021. Cavendish Tearooms in Bearsted. 01622 296680 Builders Kier pledged to ensure Mum Louise said: “It was so lovely Kent that all deliveries would not to see so many of our friends and Pictured are family and godpar- Menenes-Bautista; Lorraine and travel through the village but in- family. It was a beautiful service ents: Primrose, Andres, Otis, Louise, Aidan Wenham; Lesley Finlay; Open Monday - Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 ME14 1JL stead approach from Langley and and a great party afterwards.” Celestina, Valentino and Christian Joseph and Emily Irvine. leave the same way.

Maidstone East January 2020 21 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Daniela Baylis ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Trust progress THE draft constitution for the Walderslade Woodlands Trust CIO was agreed at the December Killing brings new parish council meeting, with Cllrs Bob Hinder and Ivor Davies dele- gated to make any amendments. This will be submitted to the Charities Commission. Members concern for schools also agreed that both councillors be appointed as two of the three first BOXLEY councillors have once again raised grave concerns about the trustees for the CIO. siting of two new schools next to a mental hospital. Poppy Appeal It follows the case of a man re- site of the Cygnet Hospital. things and hope there are no COUNCILLORS congratulated ev- leased from the Cygnet Hospital An NHS inquiry has been problems. The die is cast it seems, eryone who raised funds for the Maidstone at the Kent Medical launched after the hospital came and that's it.” Poppy Appeal. The district total Campus near Weavering by mis- in for criticism by the judge han- In recent months, it has was over £40,000, the parish coun- take a month early who then went dling Mr McMillan’s case. emerged that there were 29 re- cil collecting £30.75. home and killed his father. Chairman Bob Hinder said: ports of violent incidents in a sin- It emerged that Jonathan “We have been assured in the past gle month, other assaults on site, MacMillan (28) was assessed as that these facilities are safe and evidence of weapons and an es- Salt bin help “low risk” at the unit in the sum- that the children would not be in cape. RESIDENTS are advised to check mer and returned to his home in danger. In March, a Care Quality Com- salt bins are kept within good lev- Barrow where he stabbed his fa- “It's getting ever closer to the mission inspection doubted els. Empty salt bins can be replen- ther John (70) to death. schools opening next September. Cygnet’s safety. ished via the Kent County Council Boxley parish councillors have It remains to be seen what the de- Cllr Wendy Hinder added: website or by calling 03000 41 81 repeatedly voiced their concerns mand is likely to be, or whether “What happened to that young 81. about the siting of special needs children who can't get into their man and his family was a and primary schools at KMC, favoured primary will be sent tragedy. It begs some very serious Report waste which are to be run by the Leigh there regardless. questions about the procedures FLYTIPPING is now a huge issue Academies' Trust, so close to the “All we can do is keep an eye on after this patient was transferred.” in the parish. The parish is asking residents to be report fly tipping to Maidstone Borough Council via Litter-pickers their website, selecting locations on a map and providing photo proof. clean up road FRIENDS of Weavering Heath car- Meeting call ried out a litter-pick on November BOXLEY Parish Council is looking 30, when seven volunteers turned to organise a meeting over the anti- out, including a young lady working social behaviour in the Weavering for her Duke of Edinburgh award. and Grove Green areas, which has Twelve bags of litter and rubbish caused concern to residents. were picked up along Grovewood Plants killed Drive North, Grove Green. PLANTS in the communal green areas of Wildfell Close have been poisoned causing unsightly areas of Hall available for your gatherings dead bushes adjoining footpaths. BEECHEN Hall, the council’s Following completion of our day 9am to 3pm; Thursday 11am The parish has asked the public to meeting venue has some avail- extension, we now also have our to 5.30pm and Friday 1-9pm. To be report any instances. ability for regular events/clubs. Acorn room which is perfect for inquire or to make a booking, Anyone who is looking to set meetings or conferences or please contact Melanie Fooks at something up, or who already smaller groups. It holds up to 50 our Boxley Parish Council office New boards runs an event and is looking for people (theatre style) or up to 30 on 01634 861 237. NEW noticeboards are being in- new premises our availability is (with tables and chairs). Both the main hall and the stalled in Gleaming Wood Drive, as follows: Main hall - Wednes- Our current availability for Acorn Room are also available to Walderslade, Impton Lane, Walder- day from 9am to 6pm and Friday this is Monday 9am to 5pm; hire for private functions at slade, and St John’s School, Grove from 9am to 2.30pm. Tuesday 9am to 9pm; Wednes- weekend. Green.

22 Maidstone East January 2020 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Drugs charges Traﬃc and staﬀ illness A MAN has been charged with drugs offences after police seized Boxley Parish Mail amphetamine and cocaine with an street value of up to £220,000. CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Daniela Baylis ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Kent Police searched a car in blamed for missed bins Maidstone near the junction of the Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU M20 and the A229 at 12.30am on COUNCIL bin collectors are and recycling service over the Wednesday, December 18. Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk missing dozens of rounds each past few months. Regrettably, the Around 22kg of amphetamine Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website month because their lorries are disruption to service has been due was found in the boot, as well as 41 getting stuck in traffic. to a combination of issues, pre- wraps of cocaine and about £1,000 Between 10 and 15 circuits are dominantly vehicle breakdowns, in cash. Trust progress missed each week because con- and restricted access to areas Sean Musgrove (30), of Rolven- THE draft constitution for the tractors Biffa have suffered staff which have resulted in collections den Road, Tenterden, was charged Walderslade Woodlands Trust shortages due to sickness, vehicle being repeatedly delayed. with possession of class A drugs, CIO was agreed at the December Killing brings new breakdowns and the borough “We are very sorry to the resi- class B drugs and criminal prop- parish council meeting, with Cllrs council's choc-a-bloc roads, ac- dents who have been affected and erty. He will appear in court at a Bob Hinder and Ivor Davies dele- cording to a Maidstone Borough continue to work with Biffa to de- later. gated to make any amendments. Council statement. liver a more reliable service. This will be submitted to the The Liberal Democrat-led au- “The collection crews are work- Charities Commission. Members concern for schools thority has admitted the service is ing hard to catch up, including Beating trial also agreed that both councillors be “unreliable” and vowed to have shifts across the weekends, which THE trial of a man accused of beat- appointed as two of the three first BOXLEY councillors have once again raised grave concerns about the done better in the Christmas pe- both MBC and Biffa are extremely ing a woman has been adjourned. trustees for the CIO. riod when the service level grateful for.” David Brown (28), of Owletts siting of two new schools next to a mental hospital. changed but demand was at its MBC has arranged for Biffa to Close, Shepway, appeared at Med- height. start one hour earlier and has way Magistrates Court on Decem- Poppy Appeal It follows the case of a man re- site of the Cygnet Hospital. things and hope there are no MBC has apologised for the added two more vehicles to the ber 18 on three charges. COUNCILLORS congratulated ev- leased from the Cygnet Hospital An NHS inquiry has been problems. The die is cast it seems, poor performance of the service, fleet, recruited five extra staff and He pleaded not guilty to crimi- eryone who raised funds for the Maidstone at the Kent Medical launched after the hospital came and that's it.” which is funded by the tax-payer. dropped. introduced dedicated crews to re- nal damage, assault by beating, Poppy Appeal. The district total Campus near Weavering by mis- in for criticism by the judge han- In recent months, it has Critics blame the council's Jennifer Shepherd, the council’s attempt collections where they and engaging in controlling and was over £40,000, the parish coun- take a month early who then went dling Mr McMillan’s case. emerged that there were 29 re- house-building programme for head of environment and public have been missed. coercive behaviour. cil collecting £30.75. home and killed his father. Chairman Bob Hinder said: ports of violent incidents in a sin- creating demand for the collection realm, said: “Maidstone Borough l Have you been affected by a A trial date has been set for It emerged that Jonathan “We have been assured in the past gle month, other assaults on site, and a lack of suitable infrastruc- Council would like to apologise poor bin collection? Drop us a February 20 at Medway Magis- MacMillan (28) was assessed as that these facilities are safe and evidence of weapons and an es- ture which causes rounds to be for the disruption to the refuse line at [email protected]. trates Court. Salt bin help “low risk” at the unit in the sum- that the children would not be in cape. RESIDENTS are advised to check mer and returned to his home in danger. In March, a Care Quality Com- salt bins are kept within good lev- Barrow where he stabbed his fa- “It's getting ever closer to the mission inspection doubted els. Empty salt bins can be replen- ther John (70) to death. schools opening next September. Cygnet’s safety. ished via the Kent County Council Boxley parish councillors have It remains to be seen what the de- Cllr Wendy Hinder added: website or by calling 03000 41 81 repeatedly voiced their concerns mand is likely to be, or whether “What happened to that young 81. about the siting of special needs children who can't get into their man and his family was a Independent Financial Advice and primary schools at KMC, favoured primary will be sent tragedy. It begs some very serious Independent Financial Advice Report waste which are to be run by the Leigh there regardless. questions about the procedures Retirement Specialists FLYTIPPING is now a huge issue Academies' Trust, so close to the “All we can do is keep an eye on after this patient was transferred.” Retirement Specialists in the parish. The parish is asking Providing advice on Company Pensions and residents to be report fly tipping to ProvidingPersonal Pe ansidviocens on. Company Pensions (including Maidstone Borough Council via Litter-pickers Final Salary Schemes) and Personal Pensions. their website, selecting locations on Also providing advice on Investments, Personal a map and providing photo proof. clean up road AlsProteo prctionovid (inglife cadovevicr e tcon.) , InEstatvestme / eInhnts,eritan Persocen Taaxl FRIENDS of Weavering Heath car- ProtPlanning,ection Wills, (life cPovewerrs e tofc.) Attorne, Estatey /a nInhd Territusatsn.ce Tax Meeting call ried out a litter-pick on November Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts. BOXLEY Parish Council is looking 30, when seven volunteers turned to organise a meeting over the anti- out, including a young lady working We offer advice across a wide range of services 01622 391 444 social behaviour in the Weavering for her Duke of Edinburgh award. including investments, savings, mortgages and Grove Green areas, which has [email protected] Twelve bags of litter and rubbish W(inclue offdering adv Eqiuceit ya crossReleas ae )w andide protrangece tiofo ns.e Wrvei cesare 01622 391 444 caused concern to residents. were picked up along Grovewood inclcommittudinged inv to eputtingstments, clients savings, at th me ohrtgearta gofes and www.handffinancial.co.uk Drive North, Grove Green. [email protected] Plants killed proteverythingection. wWee d aro ean committedd to developing to pu ttinglong-term clients at the heart of everything we do and to www.handffinancial.co.uk PLANTS in the communal green relationships with our clients. This is achieved by H&F Financial Limited denevselopinguring that lo ng-termwe underst relationshipand the individus withal onuered s areas of Wildfell Close have been Hall available for your gatherings Granville House poisoned causing unsightly areas of cofli eantchs. cliThient,s i sa ndac hievto impled ebmy eenntingsuring tailor thated we H&F Financial Limited dead bushes adjoining footpaths. BEECHEN Hall, the council’s Following completion of our day 9am to 3pm; Thursday 11am ufinannderstandcial plans the to individ addressual tho neeseds needs. of each client, Granville Road The parish has asked the public to meeting venue has some avail- extension, we now also have our to 5.30pm and Friday 1-9pm. To and to implementing tailored financial plans to SuMaiitedston 1B e be report any instances. ability for regular events/clubs. Acorn room which is perfect for inquire or to make a booking, Mortgage or Equity Released from your home will be Frederick House Anyone who is looking to set meetings or conferences or please contact Melanie Fooks at asddrecureessd againthoses net iteds. Kent New boards something up, or who already smaller groups. It holds up to 50 our Boxley Parish Council office BrMEewer14 2B StreJ et runs an event and is looking for people (theatre style) or up to 30 on 01634 861 237. Contact us for a free consultation NEW noticeboards are being in- new premises our availability is (with tables and chairs). Both the main hall and the Contact us for a free consultation M aidstone stalled in Gleaming Wood Drive, to look at your options. as follows: Main hall - Wednes- Our current availability for Acorn Room are also available to to look at your options. Kent, ME14 1RY Walderslade, Impton Lane, Walder- day from 9am to 6pm and Friday this is Monday 9am to 5pm; hire for private functions at Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - No 778297 slade, and St John’s School, Grove from 9am to 2.30pm. Tuesday 9am to 9pm; Wednes- weekend. Green. A company registered in England & Wales. Registered Company - No 10057458 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - No 778297 A company registered in England & Wales. Registered Company - No 10057458 Maidstone East January 2020 23 Burglary Winter can happen Homes & Gardens to you.

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Maidstone East January 2020 25 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Thurnham Bin debate Building fears MEMBERS will discuss buying lit- Parish News ter bins for two streets in Thurn- COUNCILLORS raised concerns of sites, including Ware Street and ham after being told by the about the impact of development Hockers Lane, where he felt indi- borough council it had no money. sites suggested in the borough vidual developments could merge Councillors had requested a lit- council’s call for sites. into giant blocks, while freeing up ter bin for Caring Lane and for Vice chairman Richard Smith was further areas for development. Castle Hill, where a resident daily worried about the numerous small Cllr Michael Stark complained picks up litter thrown from parked developments, which would add about a string of sites in Caring cars. residents and traffic but were likely Lane and there was concern over to escape giving anything back. He building on the Pound Land ware- Park boards said: “Small-scale developments house site in Crismill Lane. dip beneath the borough’s criteria Cllr John Horne said sites sug- MEMBERS heard new display boards had been put in place at the Meetings normally held on the third where road improvements or extra gested north of the railway line Monday of each month at the Marriott service provision is a condition of were also a concern. As a member Look Out Point at White Horse Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. approval. We just get development of the Joint Parishes Group, Cllr Woods country park. CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner sprawl and no community gain.” Horne has requested a meeting The work was undertaken by CLERK: Sherrie Babington Cllr Ian Shelley noted a number with MBC’s planning officer. former parish councillor Peter 01634 867173 Waite. The benches were to be re- Precept will rise by 5% paired by the Park Ranger. New councillor Sign concern GEETA Dunlop (37) has been co- COUNCILLORS agreed a 5% rise the parish has lost funding from opted on to the parish council. in the parish precept from April. MBC that, amongst other things, COUNCILLORS were upset to Mrs Dunlop, who has lived in This will result in an annual contributed to the upkeep of learn that, in spite of having failed the village for nearly two years, precept of £47.87 per household, Thurnham’s churchyard. to get planning approval for the said: “I want to give something or 92p per week for the average It became clear during the bud- advertising board for the develop- back and to get involved.” property – up from 88p on the get discussions that this money ment site at Barty Farm and being Family life is important to her, current year. would be needed for various pro- refused retrospective permission as is helping to protect those The extra revenue will be used jects including repairs to parish by the borough council, the devel- around her. The insurance under- to ensure the council has some noticeboards; reinstating and up- oper had simply reduced the size. writer enjoys politics, walking, contingency funding for commu- dating the council’s website and Members believed this might the gym, reading, cooking and nity needs. The decision received the prospect of funding litter bins now fall within permitted devel- travel. support, coming at a time when for the area. opment rights.

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26 Maidstone East January 2020 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Thurnham Bin debate Village plans Building fears MEMBERS will discuss buying lit- Parish News ter bins for two streets in Thurn- Goat sanctuary ‘at risk’ for the future COUNCILLORS raised concerns of sites, including Ware Street and ham after being told by the ONE of the most comprehensive about the impact of development Hockers Lane, where he felt indi- borough council it had no money. neighbourhood development plans sites suggested in the borough vidual developments could merge Councillors had requested a lit- in Kent has been handed to the bor- council’s call for sites. into giant blocks, while freeing up ter bin for Caring Lane and for after planning demand ough council by Lenham villagers. Vice chairman Richard Smith was further areas for development. Castle Hill, where a resident daily The grass-roots blueprint, which BUTTERCUPS Goat Sanctuary worried about the numerous small Cllr Michael Stark complained picks up litter thrown from parked sets out how the neighbourhood faces an uncertain future as Maid- developments, which would add about a string of sites in Caring cars. should evolve, will now be subject stone Borough Council forces a residents and traffic but were likely Lane and there was concern over to scrutiny by Maidstone Borough retrospective planning applica- Lorraine to escape giving anything back. He building on the Pound Land ware- Council, an independent inspector Park boards tion for its tearoom and car park Powell, who said: “Small-scale developments house site in Crismill Lane. and a community vote. which will cost the charity thou- fosters goats dip beneath the borough’s criteria Cllr John Horne said sites sug- MEMBERS heard new display The plan was started in 2012 and sands of pounds. Rio, Twinkle where road improvements or extra gested north of the railway line boards had been put in place at the has involved the parish council and Meetings normally held on the third Bob Hitch established the shelter Monday of each month at the Marriott service provision is a condition of were also a concern. As a member Look Out Point at White Horse and Tinkerbell, a 10-strong committee. It looks at over 30 years ago when he took in Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. approval. We just get development of the Joint Parishes Group, Cllr Woods country park. is concerned how new homes could be accom- two goats from the RSPCA. CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner sprawl and no community gain.” Horne has requested a meeting The work was undertaken by for the future modated and suggests a complex Mr Hitch and his staff now look CLERK: Sherrie Babington Cllr Ian Shelley noted a number with MBC’s planning officer. former parish councillor Peter of the goat study of road improvements. after 150 goats who have suffered 01634 867173 Waite. The benches were to be re- sanctuary The council received £75,000 paired by the Park Ranger. cruelty and neglect. from MBC for the work required. Precept will rise by 5% The council’s planning depart- ning consent for the old stable An MBC spokesman said: “We The plan covers the period from New councillor Sign concern ment says the charity needs retro- units, although they are over 25 provided the owner of the sanctu- 2021 to 2031 and accommodates GEETA Dunlop (37) has been co- COUNCILLORS agreed a 5% rise the parish has lost funding from spective planning consent for the years old, the car park which is ary several opportunities through- 1,500 houses designated for the opted on to the parish council. in the parish precept from April. MBC that, amongst other things, COUNCILLORS were upset to car park, stable units and tearoom. shingle covered and the tearoom. out the past six months to submit a area but does not account for the Mrs Dunlop, who has lived in This will result in an annual contributed to the upkeep of learn that, in spite of having failed Mr Hitch said: “The tearoom is The worst outcome is we will be planning application. 5,000 homes proposed by MBC at the village for nearly two years, precept of £47.87 per household, Thurnham’s churchyard. to get planning approval for the how we make our money. I have 10 refused planning consent or given “We can confirm we have now Lenham Heath. said: “I want to give something or 92p per week for the average It became clear during the bud- advertising board for the develop- members of staff, and if we close, such restrictions that make it im- received a valid planning applica- The plan includes provision for GP and school places, a railway back and to get involved.” property – up from 88p on the get discussions that this money ment site at Barty Farm and being there will be redundancies and the possible to continue running.” tion for continued use of land as a footbridge and a link road taking Family life is important to her, current year. would be needed for various pro- refused retrospective permission goats will be sent to a market.” Mr Hitch says the application goat sanctuary and associated op- Sandway traffic away from as is helping to protect those The extra revenue will be used jects including repairs to parish by the borough council, the devel- “The Maidstone planning de- has already cost the charity £8,500. erational development .” Lenham’s medieval square to a around her. The insurance under- to ensure the council has some noticeboards; reinstating and up- oper had simply reduced the size. partment have said, as a “sanctu- Lorraine Powell, from Cheg- To send a short note of support new exit on to the A20. writer enjoys politics, walking, contingency funding for commu- dating the council’s website and Members believed this might ary”, we shall, after 30 years, need worth, who fosters three goats for Buttercups to the Maidstone nity needs. The decision received the prospect of funding litter bins now fall within permitted devel- retrospective planning consent. from Buttercups, said the situation planning department, quote the It must receive 50% backing from the gym, reading, cooking and those taking part in the ballot. travel. support, coming at a time when for the area. opment rights. “This means we have to get plan- is worrying. reference no 19/505435/full.

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Maidstone East January 2020 27 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk

This page is written and edited by: Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted, ME14 8LH 01622 630165 Geo - please copy overEmails: the [email protected] [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Michael Bollom Acting Clerk: Erin Sugden Bearstedwww.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk masthead from dec 2019 Nominate your local hero for our awards AT THIS time of year, Bearsted Past recipients have included fred Mynn, a Bearsted resident Parish Council once again starts volunteers, charity workers, who played first class cricket in seeking nominations for local sportsmen and women and sup- Kent during the 19th century, fa- residents who deserve a special porters of many organisations, in- mously scoring a second innings award for their efforts within the cluding our churches and schools. century in 1836, despite having community. We will also have our youth suffered a broken ankle. Do you know someone who as- community award, which was in- Please send in your nomina- sists with selfless acts in the troduced last year and will allow tions to nominations@bearsted- parish and does not receive the schools and residents to nominate parishcouncil.gov.uk, fill in the recognition he or she deserves? younger members of the commu- online form on our website or Well, now is the time to put for- nity who have made a significant contact the parish office, where Parish booklet ward your recommended resi- contribution to their school, club you will receive a nomination WE SHALL be re-printing and dent to the annual Mynn Awards, or to the community as a whole. form to complete the information distributing our successful parish which aim to acknowledge local The Mynn Awards will be pre- for the nomination. All of the booklet which assists residents for people who have made an out- sented at this year’s annual parish nominees will then be considered local numbers and businesses op- standing contribution to Bearsted, meeting at Madginford Hall on by the panel. erating in Bearsted, as well as their neighbourhood or who reg- the evening of May 6. The closing date for nomina- many of our organisations. ularly help others. The awards are named after Al- tions is March 1, 2020. If your business is situated in Bearsted village and was not included in the launch booklet, Vacant seats please let us know so that you can BEARSTED Parish Council has be included. five vacancies. If there were any errors in con- It will be increasingly difficult tact details, please also advise us to sustain the amount of work it to make the changes. takes to maintain our village If you would like to advertise in without assistance. our booklet, which will be deliv- Even if you feel you are unable ered in March/April, please con- to join, we are desperate for vol- tact our office for details. unteers to assist with projects and Existing advertisers will be con- general help in the village. tacted in due course for the new We urge our residents to con- edition. sider joining us. Please come to the next full council meeting, see what we do and if you are able to New website give up some time to help, please Plans for our village pond DUE to new regulations coming into force this year, Bearsted make yourself known to the clerk. WE NOW have three views to consider on the village pond project, Parish Council is developing a Any training required will be which we have to collate and prepare a tender in order to process the arranged. works and obtain quotes. digitally-accessible website for all. Works cannot start until the spring, when we will hopefully have a con- We have started putting to- tractor appointed, enabling the works to commence. gether the information, and will Call for sites be looking to launch our new site AN EXTRAORDINARY meeting If anyone has any experience in this matter or knows of someone please get in contact with the acting clerk. in May this year, to coincide with has been called at Madginford our annual parish meeting. Hall, on January 13 at 7.30pm, to discuss the objections that have been made to Maidstone Borough Market on the Green is back Oﬃce times Council’s Call for Sites. OUR parish office will be open MARKET on the Green recommences on Sunday, February 2, from Monday to Wednesday, Members of the public are in- and subsequent markets will take place on the first Sunday of vited to attend. A copy of the each month during 2020. from 9.30am to 2pm. agenda, which lists all of the pro- The parish council is working with the team to plan a Christ- Visitors are welcome, but if posed sites, is available on our mas market later this year. time is required, making an ap- website. pointment is recommended.

28 Maidstone East January 2020 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Miss Kent’s call Geo - please copy over the to love yourself Bearsted masthead from dec 2019 THIS year’s Miss Kent GB has brushed and completely unrealis- launched an online campaign to tic. It took me such a long time to encourage body confidence in accept that. A lot of young people young people. compare themselves to others on Zoe Hetherington (21), of social media, but there’s a different Lenham Road, side that nobody gets to see. Nominate your local Harrietsham, “I want to get rid of the stigma set up an Insta- that its arrogant to love yourself, gram page to and that everyone’s self-love jour- share the stories ney is different.” of people who The page features stories about hero for our awards have overcome Zoe’s friends and how they have bullying or a overcome body confidence issues. Helipad’s Royal opening AT THIS time of year, Bearsted Past recipients have included fred Mynn, a Bearsted resident lack of confi- Zoe added: “The page has some PRINCESS Anne visited Maidstone emergency services, as well as char- Parish Council once again starts volunteers, charity workers, who played first class cricket in dence. very personal stories. For example, Hospital to ofﬁcially open its new ities such as the Children’s Air Am- seeking nominations for local sportsmen and women and sup- Kent during the 19th century, fa- The BeY- my friend has to wear a feeding helipad. bulance. residents who deserve a special porters of many organisations, in- mously scoring a second innings OUtiful campaign sees the pageant tube, and on the page she is wear- The royal visit follows the recent Robert Bertram, Chief Executive award for their efforts within the cluding our churches and schools. century in 1836, despite having queen draw upon her own insecu- ing a crop top, embracing that she £300,000 donation made to Maid- of the HELP Appeal, said: “As we community. We will also have our youth suffered a broken ankle. rities and admits they still some- is different but beautiful.” stone and Tunbridge Wells NHS rapidly approach the shortest day Do you know someone who as- community award, which was in- Please send in your nomina- times get her down. Zoe is encouraging people to Trust from The HELP Appeal. of the year, when there will be just sists with selfless acts in the troduced last year and will allow tions to nominations@bearsted- The former Cornwallis Academy message her directly in order to fill The new helipad replaces the eight hours of daylight, it’s fantas- parish and does not receive the schools and residents to nominate parishcouncil.gov.uk, fill in the student said: “When I was the page full of brave stories and temporary site, which was often tic to see Maidstone Hospital hav- recognition he or she deserves? younger members of the commu- online form on our website or younger, I thought I had the worst journeys, including her own. water-logged. ing a helipad. Well, now is the time to put for- nity who have made a significant contact the parish office, where Parish booklet skin as I had acne. After a while, I To see the latest updates from Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sus- The HELP Appeal is the only char- ward your recommended resi- contribution to their school, club you will receive a nomination WE SHALL be re-printing and just kind of accepted this is me. her body-positive mission, visit sex will be the main user, but ithe ity in the country dedicated to dent to the annual Mynn Awards, or to the community as a whole. form to complete the information distributing our successful parish “I want to show people that most Zoe’s Instagram profile @beyouti- helipad will also be used by other funding hospital helipads. which aim to acknowledge local The Mynn Awards will be pre- for the nomination. All of the booklet which assists residents for of what they see online is fake, air- ful.campaign.uk people who have made an out- sented at this year’s annual parish nominees will then be considered local numbers and businesses op- standing contribution to Bearsted, meeting at Madginford Hall on by the panel. erating in Bearsted, as well as their neighbourhood or who reg- the evening of May 6. The closing date for nomina- many of our organisations. ularly help others. The awards are named after Al- tions is March 1, 2020. If your business is situated in Bearsted village and was not included in the launch booklet, Vacant seats please let us know so that you can BEARSTED Parish Council has be included. five vacancies. If there were any errors in con- It will be increasingly difficult tact details, please also advise us to sustain the amount of work it to make the changes. takes to maintain our village If you would like to advertise in without assistance. our booklet, which will be deliv- Even if you feel you are unable ered in March/April, please con- to join, we are desperate for vol- tact our office for details. unteers to assist with projects and Existing advertisers will be con- general help in the village. tacted in due course for the new We urge our residents to con- edition. sider joining us. Please come to the next full council meeting, see what we do and if you are able to New website give up some time to help, please Plans for our village pond DUE to new regulations coming into force this year, Bearsted make yourself known to the clerk. WE NOW have three views to consider on the village pond project, Parish Council is developing a Any training required will be which we have to collate and prepare a tender in order to process the arranged. works and obtain quotes. digitally-accessible website for all. Works cannot start until the spring, when we will hopefully have a con- We have started putting to- tractor appointed, enabling the works to commence. gether the information, and will Call for sites be looking to launch our new site AN EXTRAORDINARY meeting If anyone has any experience in this matter or knows of someone please get in contact with the acting clerk. in May this year, to coincide with has been called at Madginford our annual parish meeting. Hall, on January 13 at 7.30pm, to Independent Award-winning Forward thinking Affordable discuss the objections that have been made to Maidstone Borough Market on the Green is back Oﬃce times Council’s Call for Sites. OUR parish office will be open MARKET on the Green recommences on Sunday, February 2, from Monday to Wednesday, Members of the public are in- and subsequent markets will take place on the first Sunday of vited to attend. A copy of the each month during 2020. from 9.30am to 2pm. agenda, which lists all of the pro- The parish council is working with the team to plan a Christ- Visitors are welcome, but if posed sites, is available on our mas market later this year. time is required, making an ap- website. pointment is recommended.

Maidstone East January 2020 29 News downsmail.co.uk ‘Get kids protected against ﬂu’ PARENTS in Kent are being urged by the Government’s health advisor to get their youngsters vaccinated against flu.

The advice follows delays in de- livering this year’s immunisation WHO IS ELIGIBLE? programme. This year, for the first time, all This year, the ﬂu vaccine is avail- primary school children, as well able to: as two- and three-year-olds, are l All children aged two and being offered the nasal spray by three years, provided they were the NHS. However, the vaccina- aged two or three on August 31, tion programme has had to be 2019, via their GP practice; temporarily halted while the l All children in primary schools, manufacturer works to replenish aged four to 10, via the school; stocks. l All other children with a health Public Health England says the condition that puts them at vaccination programme is again greater risk from ﬂu. underway, and parents should ensure two- and three-year-olds Children are ‘super spreaders’, and primary school children are and the vaccination not only vaccinated against flu. protects children, but also the Kent’s Public Health consultant more vulnerable members of the community from a poten- Dr John Rodriguez says if your asthma or diabetes should visit tentially deadly illness to prevent tially horrible illness.” child’s primary school flu pro- their GP if their school session has it spreading. The child-friendly nasal spray gramme has been cancelled, it been delayed, to ensure they are Dr Rodriguez adds: “The flu involves a squirt of the vaccine will be rescheduled. protected early.” season is already under way and into each nostril, making admin- He added: “Children with ex- The NHS hopes to immunise it is a serious illness that can be istration quick and easy. isting health conditions like 50% of children against the po- deadly for the most vulnerable. Theft warning Bulding sites thieves Arrest after to motorists FLATS and houses under con- Maidstone Borough Council. De- rape report struction were burgled in Maid- tective Constable Iain Joyce of MOTORISTS are being advised to A MAN has been arrested fol- stone. Maidstone C.I.D. said: "The stolen take steps to protect their vehicles lowing the alleged rape of a following a spate of catalytic con- Police reported 14 boilers, with items have a value of between £850 a value of between £850 to £1,000, to £1,000 and we would be very teenage girl in Maidstone. verter thefts across Kent. The incident reportedly hap- Since August 2019, there have were stolen from two sites in Blun- keen to hear from anybody who den Lane, Yalding and Hermitage has been offered a Potterton or pened in Brenchley Gardens be- been 173 reported thefts or at- tween 2am and 3.10am on tempted thefts in the county. Lane. Ideal boiler at a reduced price." The theft in Yalding occurred be- Anybody with information that November 10. Recent examples include thefts The victim, who was in her from vehicles in Hermitage Lane in tween midnight on November 23 may help the investigation should and 1pm on November 26. contact Kent Police on 01622 604 late teens, was walking through Maidstone, Railway Street in the park with a man when he is Chatham, and Littlebourne Road The incident in Barming is sus- 100 quoting crime reference reported to have raped her. in Canterbury. pected to have happened between 46/226868/19. Detective Inspector Darren On Tuesday, November 5, a 22- 5pm on November 26 and 5am on Alternatively, contact the inde- Reynolds said: “The suspect and year-old man from east London November 27. pendent charity Crimestoppers victim were not known to each was arrested on suspicion of steal- Thieves may have been exploit- anonymously by calling 0800 555 other, but had spoken during ing catalytic converters from vic- ing the massive house-building 111 or using the anonymous online tims across Kent and was released programme being pursued by form at Crimestoppers-uk.org the evening in a bar in Week on bail pending further enquiries. Street.” Kent Police Detective Superin- A spokesman for Kent Police tendent Mark Weller issued the fol- said: “On Friday, November 15, lowing advice to motorists: Group walking the world a 24-year-old man from Ton- l Contact your car manufacturer MAIDSTONE Ramblers have clocked up 28,437 miles in the past bridge was arrested on suspicion as some sell clamps and security year – the equivalent to the circumference of the earth. of rape. He has been released cages that make catalytic convert- A spokesman said: “Although it is not a competition, a record from custody, but remains ers more difficult to steal; is kept of those attending every walk. The top 20 walkers all man- under investigation.” l Park your vehicle in a garage aged over 400 miles each. Five of them completed more than 500 Anyone with information con- whenever possible; miles and the top three in excess of 600 miles.” cerning the incident is urged to l If you do not have a garage then The group meets weekly, and walks vary in length and diffi- call Kent Police on 01622 604 100, park in a busy, well-lit area; culty from three to 12 miles. For details of future walks, includ- quoting crime reference l Consider installing good quality ing the Winter Walks Festival, please go to the group’s website at 46/215787/19. CCTV cameras; www.maidstoneramblers.org. Or contact the charity l Security-mark and register the The group will celebrate its 40th anniversary next spring and Crimestoppers, anonymously, converter so that if it is stolen and will shortly be announcing details of a photographic competi- by calling 0800 555111 or com- recovered, it can be returned to tion which current and past members will be able to enter. pleting the online form at you. www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

30 Maidstone East January 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Delays rising DELAYS of between 30 and 60 ‘Get kids protected against flu’ minutes in ambulances handing Stones up ‘for sale’ in over patients to Maidstone and PARENTS in Kent are being urged by the Government’s health advisor to get their youngsters Tunbridge Wells hospitals rose to 504 in September (13.9%). vaccinated against flu. This is 60% higher than the same period last year. The percentage hunt for new backing The advice follows delays in de- livering this year’s immunisation WHO IS ELIGIBLE? for the full year is 12.5% and 1.3% had to wait for more than an hour. THE owners of Maidstone United programme. FC have put the club up for sale. This year, the flu vaccine is avail- The problem has been a key This year, for the first time, all Owners Terry Casey and Oliver able to: focus for the last 12 months and primary school children, as well Ash, who have been in charge for a l All children aged two and monthly meetings are proposed as two- and three-year-olds, are decade, are seeking new investors. three years, provided they were involving the hospital trust, the being offered the nasal spray by But they have stressed they are aged two or three on August 31, ambulance service and the NHS the NHS. However, the vaccina- prepared to wait to ensure the 2019, via their GP practice; West Kent Clinical Commission- tion programme has had to be handover will mean the club will l All children in primary schools, ing Group. temporarily halted while the not “slip into the wrong hands”. aged four to 10, via the school; manufacturer works to replenish They have invested more than l All other children with a health stocks. Children’s steps £5.2m to take the Stones out of fi- condition that puts them at intentions of any new investor are Town End could be totally trans- Public Health England says the nancial difficulties and built the greater risk from flu. NEW steps are being taken to safe- acceptable and that the interests of formed with a stand that will in- vaccination programme is again guard the welfare of local children 4,200 capacity Gallagher Stadium. the club and its supporters are fully clude changing rooms, hospitality underway, and parents should at risk. A statement by the Stones said Children are ‘super spreaders’, protected for the future. We have lounges and refreshment facilities. ensure two- and three-year-olds The Local Safeguarding Children the duo, who took over the failing and the vaccination not only not spent nine years of our lives “The three seasons spent in The and primary school children are Boards are being replaced by 'safe- club in 2010, could sell some or all protects children, but also the working hard for the good of the National League showed us the dif- vaccinated against flu. guarding partners' made up of of their shareholding. more vulnerable members of club only to see it slip into the ficulty of sustaining the club at this Kent’s Public Health consultant chief officers of police, local author- Mr Ash said: “We have limited the community from a poten- wrong hands.” level, let alone progressing to the Dr John Rodriguez says if your asthma or diabetes should visit tentially deadly illness to prevent ities (Maidstone Council locally) capital left, with which to take the tially horrible illness.” Maidstone United is now a EFL. This is the right time for Oliver child’s primary school flu pro- their GP if their school session has it spreading. club sustainably to the next level. The child-friendly nasal spray and NHS West Kent Kent Clinical broad-based community football and I to explore opportunities for gramme has been cancelled, it been delayed, to ensure they are Dr Rodriguez adds: “The flu Terry and I are prepared to consider involves a squirt of the vaccine Commissioning Group. and social club, serving the local new investors to come in.” will be rescheduled. protected early.” season is already under way and staying in charge with a new part- into each nostril, making admin- Government now requires 'a area. It is a self-financing operation. The Stones were knocked out of He added: “Children with ex- The NHS hopes to immunise it is a serious illness that can be ner or to consider passing on con- istration quick and easy. culture if listening and engaging in Mr Casey said: “We would like to the FA Cup’s second round on De- isting health conditions like 50% of children against the po- deadly for the most vulnerable. dialogue with children and taking trol of the club to new owners. bring in new partners to invest in cember 1 after being beaten by account of their wishes and feel- “In either case we will have to be the development of the stadium. Blackpool FC 3-1 away from home assured that the stature, means and Theft warning Bulding sites thieves Arrest after ings.' “With the right backing, the despite taking an early lead. to motorists FLATS and houses under con- Maidstone Borough Council. De- rape report struction were burgled in Maid- tective Constable Iain Joyce of MOTORISTS are being advised to A MAN has been arrested fol- stone. Maidstone C.I.D. said: "The stolen take steps to protect their vehicles lowing the alleged rape of a following a spate of catalytic con- Police reported 14 boilers, with items have a value of between £850 a value of between £850 to £1,000, to £1,000 and we would be very teenage girl in Maidstone. verter thefts across Kent. The incident reportedly hap- Since August 2019, there have were stolen from two sites in Blun- keen to hear from anybody who den Lane, Yalding and Hermitage has been offered a Potterton or pened in Brenchley Gardens be- been 173 reported thefts or at- tween 2am and 3.10am on tempted thefts in the county. Lane. Ideal boiler at a reduced price." Your ideal job? The theft in Yalding occurred be- Anybody with information that November 10. Recent examples include thefts The victim, who was in her from vehicles in Hermitage Lane in tween midnight on November 23 may help the investigation should and 1pm on November 26. contact Kent Police on 01622 604 late teens, was walking through Maidstone, Railway Street in the park with a man when he is Chatham, and Littlebourne Road The incident in Barming is sus- 100 quoting crime reference reported to have raped her. in Canterbury. pected to have happened between 46/226868/19. Detective Inspector Darren On Tuesday, November 5, a 22- 5pm on November 26 and 5am on Alternatively, contact the inde- Reynolds said: “The suspect and year-old man from east London November 27. pendent charity Crimestoppers victim were not known to each was arrested on suspicion of steal- Thieves may have been exploit- anonymously by calling 0800 555 other, but had spoken during ing catalytic converters from vic- ing the massive house-building 111 or using the anonymous online tims across Kent and was released programme being pursued by form at Crimestoppers-uk.org the evening in a bar in Week on bail pending further enquiries. Street.” Kent Police Detective Superin- A spokesman for Kent Police tendent Mark Weller issued the fol- said: “On Friday, November 15, lowing advice to motorists: Group walking the world a 24-year-old man from Ton- l Contact your car manufacturer MAIDSTONE Ramblers have clocked up 28,437 miles in the past bridge was arrested on suspicion as some sell clamps and security year – the equivalent to the circumference of the earth. of rape. He has been released cages that make catalytic convert- A spokesman said: “Although it is not a competition, a record from custody, but remains ers more difficult to steal; is kept of those attending every walk. The top 20 walkers all man- under investigation.” l Park your vehicle in a garage aged over 400 miles each. Five of them completed more than 500 Anyone with information con- I,000’s of great jobs. whenever possible; miles and the top three in excess of 600 miles.” cerning the incident is urged to l If you do not have a garage then The group meets weekly, and walks vary in length and diffi- call Kent Police on 01622 604 100, Local and nationwide. park in a busy, well-lit area; culty from three to 12 miles. For details of future walks, includ- quoting crime reference l Find it here at Consider installing good quality ing the Winter Walks Festival, please go to the group’s website at 46/215787/19. Sign up for free CCTV cameras; www.maidstoneramblers.org. Or contact the charity l job alerts. Security-mark and register the The group will celebrate its 40th anniversary next spring and Crimestoppers, anonymously, converter so that if it is stolen and will shortly be announcing details of a photographic competi- by calling 0800 555111 or com- recovered, it can be returned to www.downsmail.co.uk/jobs tion which current and past members will be able to enter. pleting the online form at you. www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Maidstone East January 2020 31 downsmail.co.uk

Obituaries Doreen Stephens Born in Liverpool, he went to school (59) made national with all the Beatles apart from Ringo Starr, headlines, but also DOREEN Stephens (89), of Vinters Park, before studying at Oxford. He joined ITN reminded people that was known locally from her work in 1964 as a writer and reporter, and was the man known for volunteering at the Heart of Kent Hospice wounded by gunfire in Biafra in 1968. television shows like charity shop in Starnes Court, Maidstone. He began presenting ITN's News at One Rhodes Around Doreen spent 16 in 1978, moving to C4 in 1982 where he Britain, the years as a volunteer won three Baftas. Sissons hosted BBC’s Masterchef series and in the shop until it Question Time for four years, and Hell’s Kitchen spent closed, becoming presented the Nine O'Clock News and 10 his formative years in well known for O'Clock News. Kent. preparing her own He retired from broadcasting in 2009, Rhodes grew up in Gillingham, went to recipe for cheese on but continued to make local appearances. school in Rainham and started his catering toast. Sissons, who was married to Sylvia, had education in Thanet. She then became a three daughters. His meteoric rise was aided by his volunteer at MADM retaining a Michelin star for the Castle (Making a Difference Hotel, Taunton, when he was just 26. He to Maidstone) in Tommy Thwaites made the first of many TV appearances a Church Street, year later and his career combined work as serving in the second shop for three and a THE death of Tommy Lee Thwaites (25) of a restauranteur and television success. half years. Her funeral procession paused Maidstone made local headlines. A fondness for traditional British food, outside the MADM shop – which supports Tommy, a former often with his own modifications to the the local homeless and disadvantaged – pupil of Valley recipes, was central to his appeal. where staff inside raised a mug in her Invicta, wanted a Rhodes married his wife Jennie in 1989 honour. career in and was a father two. He died suddenly in Born in Gravesend as Doreen entertainment on a Dubai on November 26. Wainwright, she met husband Terry and cruise ship, but also settled in Dartford, Snodland and battled mental health Maidstone, before moving to Vinters Park. problems after a knife Doreen worked as a school dinner lady attack that left a scar Alfie Weedon in Snodland and then in the canteen at on his nose. ALFIE Weedon (16) lived in Northiam Safeway’s distribution centre in Aylesford. Tributes by friends from the age of three, but was known She was mother to Therese and Marie. and family have locally as a devoted follower of Maidstone Therese said: “My mother enjoyed the mentioned the love that surrounded United and to those company of others and was close and Tommy, but also his struggles to who shared hospital loving with her family. appreciate that. time with him in “My sister and I saw her every week and Tommy took his own life on November Maidstone. she stayed active and involved in life until 16, after a four-year struggle with his Alfie, who died on her final weeks; continuing her problems. December 2, was volunteering work and taking cruises to Tommy, who was gay and could be born with only half of the point she had been round the world.” outgoing and a “party animal”, is being his heart developed, Amanda Sidwell of MADM added: celebrated with a funeral supported by and required regular “Doreen was amazing for her age and a fundraising for “Tommy’s Colourful hospital help from shining light of our shop.” Farewell” – an online campaign has been the specialist Doreen, who was widowed in 2000, organised to gather collections. Brompton Centre. leaves her daughters, grandchildren Sarah, Many online tributes have been posted, He was a keen gamer who also trained Stephen and James (grandchildren David led by Tommy’s cousin Shelbey. On her with Maidstone United’s Rangers squad, and Sean pre-deceased her), as well as Facebook wall Micky Parker wrote: “An which offers football to those with a range great-grandchildren Nathan and Jessica. amazing man.” Michael Juneya added: of disabilities. Maidstone United’s home “What a good dude, much love to his game on December 10 paid tribute to Alfie. mom and brothers xx.” A justgiving page has been established Peter Sissons by Alfie’s mother, Helen Barber, to raise money for the hospital centre that helped FORMER BBC and ITN newsreader Peter her son. She says on the page: “Alfie Sissons (77) lived in Sevenoaks and died on Gary Rhodes unfortunately lost his fight on December 2 October 1 at Maidstone Hospital. THE death of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes at the young age of 16. He had been a fighter from the day he was born. Alfie bravely bore the many operations and long spells in hospital, with his devoted family by his side.” The Brompton Centre has also paid tribute to Alfie, who manned the raffle ticket stall at an event for them five days before his death. They said: “Alfie will Wills | Probate | Powers of attorney | Funeral plans always be remembered for his cheeky, funny personality, his big smile and his • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed absolute love of football. On every hospital DipPFS MSWW stay, he took time to look out for the other patients on the ward and loved playing games with them and the staff. 01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk “He was an incredibly special young man who will be missed immensely.”

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

32 Maidstone East January 2020 Call for the

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Maidstone East January 2020 33 downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils Boughton Malherbe Points of interest stone It was agreed to wait for the outcome of Sue Burch’s search Newsagent gives up store for a new site before deciding on next A SIGN of the times, or so it seems, with the steps. closure of another long-standing store in Highways Gullies were blocked near the Lenham High Street. top of Liverton Hill, Church Road near the Len Valley Newsagents now stands entrance to Mr Clerk’s field and in Church empty, after owner Keith Varney pulled Road/Headcorn Road. The clerk would down the shutters for the last time, ending a report them to KCC. service to the village that had been in oper- Litter Charlotte Harris spoke about the ation for 70 years. need for litter-picking on Headcorn Road Lenham Parish Council’s clerk, Margo Mc- near Crumps Lane junction. The clerk Farlane, said: “This really is the end of an era. would investigate whether the parish Unfortunately, with the BP garage, the Co- council could erect signs as suggested by op and McColls near the station all selling Charlotte. newspapers, it was impossible for four to sur- Village Hall A request for funding of vive.” £11,307 for improvements was approved. She added: “People now get their news online every two minutes, and paper sales have fallen. It is a real shame and a loss for the Bredhurst village and for Keith, who worked so hard to stay open.” Community Barn The flooring was due to Mr Varney made room for the village iron- be completed and the window blinds mongery business in the store after the Co- least 70 years, for many generations under installed. Turf had been laid and lighting op moved into its former outlet. He also the Tippen family, but now that has all gone. would be installed in the car park. The provided a separate access to the flat above It is a sign of the times, I fear, in that we building insurance was now effective. The the store, where he lived, so that both could have three successful hairdressers and a bar- health and safety pack was ready and it operate separately. However, with no takers bers and a graphic design studio, where the was arranged for it to be signed off. It was for the business in recent months, the store butcher once was. It is good that these agreed to set up a working party to decide has now closed. stores are being used, but the fear is there on suppliers and costs for individual items, Mrs McFarlane said: “It is such a shame. It will be less reason for people to take a wan- and to look at the hire agreement and hire was a lovely little shop, always clean and der up the High Street in future.” charges. well stocked. Keith bent over backwards to It is understood Mr Varney has moved out Allotments The tenant of plot one had left keep the business going and was up every of the property, but still lives in the village. the village. The tenant of plot two would morning for the paper deliveries. The village’s Bow Window coffee shop like to take on plot one and it was agreed “The newsagents has been going for at has also been sold. that he could do so. Highways Cllr Carr had met with Kent Highways to discuss the Highways KCC had advised that the minimum Teenage shelter Members considered the Improvement plan. There would be four width must be at least 1.8m, and had quote for the repair of the teenage table main issues (chicanes, bollards around the advised that several deeds of variation and the ground underneath the shelter, school, wooden bollards at Dunn Street would be needed. It was agreed that and it was felt to be too high. The clerk and removal of soil build-up on informal discussion would take place would investigate rubber matting and pavements). with the landowners. would ask the village handyman if it was AONB Cllr Jones reported that the Area of Boxing club The idea of holding a boxing a job he could undertake. Outstanding Natural Beauty sign at Forge club in the village was discussed. The Lane had been repaired and re-installed. PCSO had spoken to Olympia Boxing and The owner of Forge Lodge was thanked for was told that all funding was on hold. It Detling arranging for this work to be carried out. was agreed to discuss this again in the Speed cameras A resident asked about National Grid Cllr Jones reported on New Year. proposed speed cameras for the parish. There had been a break-in at ongoing issues regarding damage to the Police report Cllr Clayton said these were being a property in Ashford Road, but nothing village. Damage had also been caused to a considered and the parish council was appeared to have been taken. A car had grassed area in Dunn Street by UK Power working with Kent Highways. been damaged in Lenham Road. There Networks. Cllr Jones would chase National Highways It was agreed that there was a had been a break-in at a house and an Grid and submit a complaint to UKPN. need for highways working wroup to outhouse in Ashford Road. A caravan and Traffic lights A number of messages had look at highways matters. It was agreed to been received about the temporary traffic chicken run had been broken into in Gravelly Bottom Road. set it up with Cllr Coles as the lead. It was lights in the village and the poor agreed that the Highways Improvement management of the roadworks. The parish Sports field It was agreed to accept the quote for the repair of the leg press. The Plan needed to be reviewed to include the council had not been notified of the works white lines at junctions to Hockers Lane in advance and residents were advised to toddler swings had been checked and the issue did not appear to be immediate, but and Pilgrims Way. contact the company responsible. Village signs Cllr Finn issued a draft for would be monitored. Coffee morning Cllr Hoy said there had signs at the entrance to the village and been concern about whether the buses in asked members to approve the purchase Broomfield and Kingswood the pilot scheme would have disabled of Welcome and Drive Carefully signs, at Parish office A working party had been access and about the damage to the a cost of £287 + VAT. This was agreed and formed to progress the idea of a centre Lenham Road by tractors and lorries. The the clerk would order the signs. incorporating a parish office. A survey clerk advised that all buses had disabled Vacant seat No applications had been would be distributed to residents. access. A letter would be sent to KCC and received for the vacancy. The chairman Footpath The clerk would email KCC MBC regarding the road damage. suggested that the parish council should about the damaged pavement on Village hall A letter had been received by adopt a co-option policy. It was agreed Charlesford Avenue after a resident fell the clerk advising that hire fees would that the clerk would circulate a draft and broke her wrist. increase in 2020 by 50p per hour. It was policy to members. Lenham Road Regarding the pavement, agreed to accept this rise. Operation Brock Cllr Finn said that if this

34 Maidstone East January 2020 CALL THE EXPERTS

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Maidstone East January 2020 35 downsmail.co.uk was blocked the traffic would be diverted contribution would have to be reviewed. safety flooring had been installed and was Parish Councils up the A249. After discussion, it was Youth centre Terry Armstrong spoke to due to be inspected. There was space for a agreed that the parish council would the meeting about his plans to open a seat and a bench, and it was suggested monitor the matter. centre for youths, at the old medical that rubber mulch be placed in front of Horish Wood Cllr Finn said the parish centre. There were concerns about these to match the existing seats. As there council needed to take action to maintain bringing youths into Downswood, but Mr was still some funding, the clerk was the woodland. He had walked it several Armstrong was wished good luck with asked to order the benches. times and urgent work had been his proposal and invited to return when undertaken for health and safety reasons, more information was available. resulting in the clearance of three areas. Highways Cllr Weeks had requested Leeds He proposed allocating £1,000 from the double yellow lines “corner protection” Lorry Watch Cllr China was due to meet budget to undertake work in the wood for Murrain Drive/Gorham Drive. the PCSO to discuss the police proposals and this was agreed. Litter picking Maidstone Borough for Lorry Watch. Resident Malcom Bus services Members discussed Cllr Council’s collection of litter-picking waste Gallihawk had offered to take over the Bryant’s suggestion that further buses was not working. It had not been administration. (See page 14 for details) served the village and it was agreed that collected on several occasions and needed Car park It had been reported that non- the clerk would write to Arriva. further thought. disabled vehicles were parking in the Neighbourhood plan It was agreed that disabled bays in the church car park. It volunteers were needed to assist with the was noted that very little could be done. project. A notice would be placed in the Harrietsham Lighting The faulty street lights in Forge Detling News to this effect. Police report PCSO John Boyd reported Lane, Burgess Hall Drive and Wykeham on the following crimes: Damage to a Grove had been repaired or replaced. garden in Chegworth Lane; a stolen car in Faulty lights should be reported to the Downswood St Welcumes Way; a van broken into in clerk, with the number on the light Police report PCSO Zoe Turner reported Quested Way; theft from a shed in Ivens column. on two crimes: A window was smashed at Way; a van damaged in Station Road; a Maintenance Leaf build-up was reported a communal area in Longham Copse – the caravan break-in in Hook Lane, with a on the pavement between the village hall offender is being dealt with; and lock and chain stolen; a burglary in and the church and on Foley Hill. The vegetable oil was stolen from a fish bar in Horwood Way. There had been a report maintenance contractor would be asked Deringwood Parade. There had been of poaching from Pilgrims Lakes. to clear these. reports of cars parked on pavements in Contractors A resident asked about Salt bins The clerk advised that KCC was Murrain Drive, and double parking was contractors from the Bellway site parking to carry out an audit on the salt bins in preventing emergency vehicles getting along the A20, as they were ruining the the village, and would replace the through. Cllr Weeks said that someone grass. Cllr Roots said there was no damaged ones and top up where had impersonated a police officer in condition attached to the application that necessary. Murrain Drive. required the contractor to find onsite Footpath The clerk would write to KCC Flytipping It was reported to be taking parking for workers. about improved signage for footpath place regularly in certain areas in Meetings A resident commented on the KH262 and report that the stile on the Downswood. The borough council had lack of residents attending the meetings. footpath leading to the school was in been informed but nothing appeared to It was noted that this was always the case urgent need of repair. be happening. unless there was an issue in the village. Noticeboards The two notice boards were Salt bins Cllrs Rajaratnam and Cheesman Woodlands Walk It was agreed to pay for to be rubbed down and re-varnished. confirmed that bins on their routes were an additional treatment on the lakes Ledian Farm Work was due to start on full. Other members were to check and following two pockets of algae forming. phase one of the project at the beginning report back. Allotment hedge The hedge to the right of December and should be completed by Spires shops There had been no response of the allotments was said to be getting April 2022. Contractor Kier Southern to the clerk’s letter. Members said the quite high, and quotes were sought for would have strict access to the site, with front of the shops were a mess and cutting it. It was agreed to accept a quote no contractors vehicles travelling through another letter should be sent to the from Kent Valley for £1,300. the village. tenants, with a copy to Caxtons, stating Garden of remembrance The amenity CCTV It was decided that, apart from the that further deterioration had been noted, manager would look into the cost of police, anyone wishing to see CCTV and that co-operation would be replacing the damaged bench. recordings would be subject to a charge appreciated or the litter-picking Glebe Field The new play equipment and imposed by the CCTV supplier.

Crime reports A VEHICLE was keyed in Hampson Way, Bearsted. Somebody attempted to break into a Neighbourhood Watch property in St Welcumes Way, Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Harrietsham. A vehicle was broken into in Ashford A trailer was stolen from a house in Lock, Sandling, and stole tools. Road, Bearsted. Church Road, Otham. Two sets of keys were stolen from a A Vauxhall Insignia was keyed on a A vehicle was scratched in The property in Meadowdown, Boxley. The driveway in The Medlars, Boxley. Hedgerow, Boxley. vehicles that they belong to, a silver Audi The paintwork of a vehicle was A black Lexus, registration RV69***, A3, registration GN16 ***, and a grey damaged with an unknown substance in was stolen in The Green, Bearsted. Mazda 6 GN18 ***, were also stolen. Sharsted Way, Bearsted. Thieves broke into a house in Diesel was stolen from a vehicle in Diesel was stolen from a vehicle parked Harvesters Way, Boxley and took a Detling Hill. in Sittingbourne Road,Detling . handbag containing two sets of vehicle Thieves broke into a summerhouse at a Both number plates were stolen from a keys. A silver Ford Ranger 4X4, property in Sandbourne Drive, Boxley, vehicle in Old Mill Lane, Bearsted. registration GC19*** and a grey Audi A3, and various items were stolen. A house in Sylvan Glade, Boxley, was registration GJ17***, were later stolen. A vehicle window was smashed during broken into and cash, jewellery and Somebody broke into a Ford Transit a ﬁrework display in Church Road, designer items were stolen. van parked at a restaurant in Allington Otham.

36 Maidstone East January 2020 Classifieds downsdownsmail.co.ukmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Reach moremore peoplepeople thanthan ever ever before before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk was blocked the traffic would be diverted contribution would have to be reviewed. safety flooring had been installed and was Parish Councils up the A249. After discussion, it was Youth centre Terry Armstrong spoke to due to be inspected. There was space for a agreed that the parish council would the meeting about his plans to open a seat and a bench, and it was suggested monitor the matter. centre for youths, at the old medical that rubber mulch be placed in front of Horish Wood Cllr Finn said the parish centre. There were concerns about these to match the existing seats. As there council needed to take action to maintain bringing youths into Downswood, but Mr was still some funding, the clerk was the woodland. He had walked it several Armstrong was wished good luck with asked to order the benches. times and urgent work had been his proposal and invited to return when Contact ourour salessales team…team… undertaken for health and safety reasons, more information was available. resulting in the clearance of three areas. Highways Cllr Weeks had requested Leeds NatashaNatasha Bastone Bastone TeresaTeresa Jeffery Jeffery RebeccaRebecca Abbott Abbott He proposed allocating £1,000 from the double yellow lines “corner protection” Lorry Watch Cllr China was due to meet TelesalesTelesales Manager Manager ClassifiedClassified Sales Sales Executive Executive ClassifiedClassified Sales Sales Executive Executive budget to undertake work in the wood for Murrain Drive/Gorham Drive. the PCSO to discuss the police proposals E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott Litter picking Maidstone Borough E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott and this was agreed. for Lorry Watch. Resident Malcom downsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.uk @[email protected] Bus services Members discussed Cllr Council’s collection of litter-picking waste Gallihawk had offered to take over the T. 01622 630330 T.T. 01622 01622 630330 630330 T. 01622T. 01622 630330 630330 Bryant’s suggestion that further buses was not working. It had not been T.ext. 01622 224 630330 ext. 227 ext. 234 administration. (See page 14 for details) ext. 224 Reachext. 227 up to 80,000 householdsext. every234 month served the village and it was agreed that collected on several occasions and needed Car park It had been reported that non- 01622 630 330 the clerk would write to Arriva. further thought. disabled vehicles were parking in the Appliance Repairs Carpenters Neighbourhood plan It was agreed that disabled bays in the church car park. It Appliance Repairs BuidlersCarpenters continued volunteers were needed to assist with the was noted that very little could be done. project. A notice would be placed in the Harrietsham Lighting The faulty street lights in Forge ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE Find your local Detling News to this effect. ALL DOMESTICREPAIR SERVICE APPLIANCE Find your local A.H.B.S Police report PCSO John Boyd reported Lane, Burgess Hall Drive and Wykeham REPAIR SERVICE trades people Wood Works A.H.B.S on the following crimes: Damage to a Grove had been repaired or replaced. with fully qualified engineer trades people Wood Works Carpentry with fully qualified engineer FULL CARPENTRY garden in Chegworth Lane; a stolen car in Faulty lights should be reported to the All makes of washing machines, Businesses & Services FULL CARPENTRY Carpentry Downswood fridges,All makes freezers, of washing vacuum machines, cleaners, Businesses & Services SERVICE FROM All aspects of CARPENTRY St Welcumes Way; a van broken into in clerk, with the number on the light fridges,t/dryers, freezers, dishwashers, vacuum elec cleaners, ovens. on the Downs Mail SERVICE FROM All aspects of CARPENTRY on thedirectory Downs Mail DECKING TO DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and Police report PCSO Zoe Turner reported Quested Way; theft from a shed in Ivens column. t/dryers, All dishwashers, work guaranteed elec ovens. directory DECKING TO DOORS, fitted,Doors, Loft Windows, Conversions, Kitchens Doors supplied hung, and on two crimes: A window was smashed at Way; a van damaged in Station Road; a Maintenance Leaf build-up was reported Free All estimates work guaranteed and call out KITCHENS & FLOORS. 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TheMaintenance complete CompanyBathroom Murrain Drive. required the contractor to find onsite Footpath The clerk would write to KCC Maintenance Company parking for workers. about improved signage for footpath Chimney Maintenance Flytipping It was reported to be taking NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES place regularly in certain areas in Meetings A resident commented on the KH262 and report that the stile on the Chimney Maintenance NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Downswood. The borough council had lack of residents attending the meetings. footpath leading to the school was in H & G Chimney Services been informed but nothing appeared to It was noted that this was always the case urgent need of repair. Supply • Install • Repair be happening. unless there was an issue in the village. 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Services can supply all aspects of building works you• re Extensionsquire. • Refurbishments O Extensions • Kitchen• Plastering & Bathroom (All Installations aspects) Allsupplied work insured and fitted Somebody attempted to break into a Neighbourhood Watch Brickwork • Driveways, Patios & Repointing Electrics, OExtensGeneralions, Ki tchenBuilder & Bathroom Fitting, •Plas Electricstering, • Modernisations property in St Welcumes Way, O Extensions • Kitchen• Fencing & Bathroom & Blockpaving Installations Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Plumbing,O Deck25in yearsg Syst emsExperience, Fencing, Patios & Paving, Brickwork AllAll work work certified insured to cover insurance O • Driveways,FULLY Patios INSURED & Repointing Harrietsham. General Builder • Fencing & Blockpaving A vehicle was broken into in Ashford O Tel: Mark 07841 409061 PestAll work control certified available to cover insurance A trailer was stolen from a house in Lock, Sandling, and stole tools. Conta01622ct Ma25rk yearsf or891960 a ExperienceFree No Obligation Quote on: 07841 409061 Road, Bearsted. FULLY INSURED Church Road, Otham. Two sets of keys were stolen from a e: [email protected] Camera inspections available A Vauxhall Insignia was keyed on a 07748 630747 Tel:www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Mark 07841 409061 Pest control available A vehicle was scratched in The property in Meadowdown, Boxley. The 01622 891960 e: [email protected] driveway in The Medlars, Boxley. Hedgerow, Boxley. vehicles that they belong to, a silver Audi WeddingsCamera inspections attended available 07748 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk The paintwork of a vehicle was A black Lexus, registration RV69***, A3, registration GN16 ***, and a grey damaged with an unknown substance in was stolen in The Green, Bearsted. Mazda 6 GN18 ***, were also stolen. Building Plans MemberWeddings of attendedthe ICS Sharsted Way, Bearsted. Thieves broke into a house in Diesel was stolen from a vehicle in HETAS approved Diesel was stolen from a vehicle parked Harvesters Way, Boxley and took a Detling Hill. Building Plans Member of the ICS in Sittingbourne Road,Detling . handbag containing two sets of vehicle Thieves broke into a summerhouse at a Both number plates were stolen from a keys. A silver Ford Ranger 4X4, property in Sandbourne Drive, Boxley, ContactHETAS approved Kevin Bovis vehicle in Old Mill Lane, Bearsted. registration GC19*** and a grey Audi A3, and various items were stolen. 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Maidstone East January 2020 45 downsmail.co.uk Comment Housing – is it time to panic? MailMarks DENNIS FOWLE President We’ve finally got our Brexit [email protected] a IT HAS been an agonising, 60.41% (31,220) of the votes. frustrating three years and more, It was the same story in Faversham BUT WE WILL HAVE BREXIT and Mid Kent, with Helen Whateley r MANY magnifying glasses are WITHIN DAYS. (31,864, 63.68%) increasing her coming out in Maidstone to check fine A big majority in Maidstone and majority over Labóur to 21,976. detail of maps for the 334 new land Malling will be delighted after such Tonbridge and Malling was even offers to Maidstone Borough Council decisive local votes. more conclusive, with Tom Tugendhat for future developments – but they are Maidstone then voted 58.8%, polling 35,784 (62.78%) for a 26,941 not needed to capture the broad picture Tonbridge and Malling 55.7%, majority. horror of what could be ahead. Medway 64.1%. Despite claims by Four years ago, I frequently wrote The offers are for about 60,000 houses opponents, those figures seemed to my reasons for leaving Europe and but as Maidstone council is looking for harden as years rolled by. since faced the blows and enjoyed the something above 10,000 at this stage Remainers kept calling for a second bouquets. Like just about every most will be rejected early next year. UK vote and, through the general Brexiteer, I never waivered. But how long before they bounce back election, they effectively got it. The threat of a Corbyn-led Labour again? The Conservatives and Prime Government added to my deep fears Residents across the borough have Minister Boris Johnson campaigned in the election build-up, but when been shocked by many land offers made on “Get Brexit Done” and his results came through, I must admit to by owners looking for a quick fortune. landslide victory has given him an a few tears of relief and happiness as It has brought much worry and a lot of indisputable mandate. the British public made their hard work as opponents are wisely Locally, we played our part in a big overwhelming decision. completing their strongest-possible way. Helen Grant (Maidstone and The We have Brexit and Boris – and my objections. Weald) increased her majority over hope is he will become one of our A lot of this could have been totally Labour by more than 3,000 and took great PMs. avoided if MBC had sifted out many no hopers straight away. In my farming parish of East Farleigh This comes at a time when Tonbridge and Malling’s own parishes and MP there are 17 offers, and if the 1,300 or so and Malling council sees fit to pile huge Tracey Crouch all objected – but this is a houses were permitted, it would triple numbers of its new houses in an area massive headache Tonbridge is happy the population of a Domesday Book any sensible person would see as part of to leave with Maidstone. village with precious few services and Maidstone, not Tonbridge. I have always seen the borough overloaded narrow rural roads. It had already selected much land boundaries of Maidstone and But the official grapevine is “do not lining Hermitage Lane and Aylesford Tonbridge as ridiculous. No doubt it panic”, because there are many for development, much to Maidstone’s has been more about mathematics than powerful arguments against. We cannot anger, and now there is the coup de common sense. Time for a change. rest until they are formally rejected. grace. It has given planning permission The people of Maidstone, whose lives Pressure is being applied to for about 840 houses on the land are being seriously impacted in so many Maidstone council by local lobbyists to (equivalent to 50 football pitches) east of ways by all this development and fight Government on its massive the junction of Hermitage Lane and population growth, believe our borough housing demands. It includes some London Road, stretching almost to has more than played its part in powerful reasons why Maidstone’s Barming Station in the south and meeting Government demands for targets must be reduced. Watch this Allington in the east. hugely increased housing. Our rebellion space. Maidstone council, many of Tonbridge grows. Don’t ruin county town were some of the first in in both wars. In I hope the paper will get a people’s WWI they lost thousands, and many in protest to gather momentum, and demand I SUPPORT your call to join the protest WWII. that some common sense, and sensible against the way the very important and It is concerning at this time of seeking planning back is the agenda. sensitive issue of planning is being more open government that there has Of course, housing has to be provided handled in the borough, and which could already been one proposed development but it wants to be done with sensitivity despoil our county town with housing. for about 5,000 houses at Lenham held in and in harmony with the town’s buildings. What lies ahead for the Archbishop’s secret. I think the Liberal Democrats, who are Palace and the Carriage Museum or any The council doesn’t deign to answer any in charge at Maidstone Borough Council, other historical buildings? request asking why. The Government seem aloof and, like their national leader, Your article in the December edition directive states all meetings should strive think they know best. Government should says it all. The attitude of Maidstone to be open except in defined exceptional be for the people by the people. Borough Council comes across as aloof circumstances. Will there be any more? Alan Wallace, via email and didactic. Freedom of information legislation To even consider moving the War should mean citizens have the right to Spend our cash wisely Memorial from its rightful place to the know why meetings were being held FIRST 5,000 houses in Lenham, then a obscurity of the proposed site, was secretly or why money is spent finding a proposal to knock down the War arrogant, insensitive, heartless and shows “mole” when there are leaks. I did have Memorial in the county town to make way ignorance of the feelings of their fellow one email saying papers get facts wrong. I for a tower block of flats and now a secret citizens. replied that I had only read one and that deal – using the guts of £20m in public The Queen’s Own Royal West Kents gets facts right. money – to buy the leasehold of the

46 Maidstone East January 2020 downsmail.co.uk

Lockmeadow complex. Maidstone and Ashford that is inadequate Western Europe. Comment None of this has been put to the public NOW and without being in place before The setting is complemented by the 19th in any meaningful way. People feel they any sod is cut, makes this project lunacy. century ragstone buildings of All Saints’ are being trampled on. The news filtering The proposed stations and link roads School and the adjacent Baptist Churches. through that there is to be a “mass rally” is will all eliminate more land, and the cost The Palace itself is an ideal setting for a to be encouraged and everyone who cares cannot be recouped unless the wedding venue. This could result in the about this place should be part of it. development is even bigger. transfer of the restaurant, currently on a The executive and political leadership of On many occasions, the William Harvey boat on the river, to the Palace. I am led to Maidstone Borough Council probably Hospital has no beds available for A&E believe that the internal layout of the themselves as clever clogs – wheeling and patients. Our local surgery, in common building may preclude alterations dealing in big numbers with the big boys. with many, is unable to recruit doctors necessary to change its use to a hotel. Easy to do when it is public money and and there are waits for appointments. The building is listed grade I by English it isn’t earned – just taken from the The A20/M20 is often gridlocked and Heritage, and they would need to be common herd on pain of imprisonment. although Highways England have spent consulted on any proposed alterations to There is nothing new in local authorities millions of pounds of public money to the interior of the building. becoming more commercially aware, turn the M20 into a smart motorway, it has The garden in front of the palace seems particularly as a means of generating the solved nothing and created another car to be used as a car park, which detracts revenues needed to deliver the services is park and a potential death trap. from the setting. There are other car parks legally obliged to provide. The railways are no better; Ashford to nearby. A few years back, local government was Victoria is not fit for purpose. Twenty The original proposal to divert the Hayle whining incessantly about cuts to funding. years ago, the journey time from Lenham Road to the east of the Carriage Museum We must congratulate this local authority to Victoria, 41 miles, was 1 hour 20 to create a pedestrian square between the for being so prudent as to be able to afford minutes. Today, the comparable train Palace and the stables has not the lavish spending needed to be a takes 1 hour 19 minutes (an average speed materialised. In the 60s land was “master developer” in the modern age. of 30mph, after the many millions compulsory purchased in Upper Stone Let’s hope it all goes well, but the initial Network Rail claim to have spent Street to provide for dual running into and signs are not encouraging. improving the service. However, Victoria out of the town. K Kennedy, via email is not a destination of choice for The stables contains the joint second commuters, it’s the City or Canary Wharf. best collection of carriages, after the Royal A blot on the landscape HS1 (which serves Canary Wharf with a Collection at Buckingham Palace Mews. H E Bates’ 1958 novel perhaps should be DLR connection) is already overcrowded These would have to be rehoused prior to renamed “The Dying Buds of May”. in the rush hour and additional services any redevelopment of the stables. The original phrase refers to the opening can only be provided with new rolling Whatever happens to these buildings, as buds that point towards the warm stock. In addition, a new HS1 station, reported in your newspaper, continuity of summer season and the may tree which would create additional traffic on the use must be a priority to prevent them flowers in spring, but this will, of course, narrow roads as commuters would head falling into disrepair. along with wildlife, all be gone. from Headcorn, Harrietsham and Albert Daniels, President Maidstone Why? Because Maidstone Borough surrounding villages to use the faster, but Historical Society Council’s proposal to allow 5,000 new overcrowded service. homes in open countryside is the height of This country cannot feed itself and any stupidity and shows that democracy is not destruction of agricultural land means we Respect is vital only dead in parliament, but in local are more reliant on food imports, which I DO enjoy reading your publications. government as well. the country cannot afford. However, I was disappointed to hear you If this is allowed to go ahead, it will be The Men of Kent (and women) should call Ann Widdecombe a “bit bonkers”. only a few years before Maidstone and rise up against this tyranny by Maidstone I looked up this word in the Oxford Ashford become one city blot on the Borough Council and stop it in its tracks. Dictionary and the word means “mad”. Garden of England. M R Ballard, Lenham Personally, I believe she is no such thing – This will soon be followed by greater in fact, in the current situation in our London spreading into Kent and having country, she seems very sane to me. continuous development from the Thames Town’s history at stake Please bear in mind that people, to the English Channel. THE Old Palace, Stables and All Saints’ especially those in the the public eye, need This is awful enough in itself but, more Church and College represent the finest our respect, whatever their views. importantly, it is the infrastructure in collection of Medieval buildings in Christine Miller, East Farleigh

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