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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling May 2016 No. 229

News Race to meet rising Ambulance site row OWLS and objections may scup- per plans to relocate the air ambulance service to a  demand for schools site in . 3 Wierton’s approval KENT County Council (KCC) is urgently looking at expanding schools CONSENT has been given for 22 in the borough to meet increasing demand, the Downs Mail can reveal. homes at the Wierton Place manor house. 10 A leading member of the KCC rul- an ex-school governor – believes de- and people moving out of London, ing cabinet, Gary Cooke, says hous- veloper’s financial contributions not foreign nationals settling here. ing should only be permitted where should enable “the expansion of ex- He writes: “, Marden Scouting help “adequate” service provision – in- isting schools, the establishment of and / have been MORE help is needed to keep the cluding schools – can be made. free schools and where appropriate identified for expansion. However ... Suttons Scout Group going due Developers must also “mitigate the development of academies. the expansion of existing primary to growing demand.  their educational impact through “Development proposals should schools would be difficult due to 14 …financial contributions”, he said. only be supported where adequate lack of space or planning constraints. In a letter to the Downs Mail, Cllr provision can be provided, which “Indigenous growth and inward Murder charge Cooke says that rural fringes of the clearly extends to wider aspects of migration will continue to present A MAN has been charged with borough are facing the same pres- infrastructure provision than just ed- challenges and speculative planning the murder of widower  sure on school places as urban areas. ucation.” applications will continue to be sub- Roy Blackman. 16 In this edition, we have high- Maidstone Borough Council is mitted.” lighted the plight of Laura Procter, committed to the building of over Cllr Cooke’s views were echoed whose daughter Amelia missed out 18,000 homes by 2031, which has by the head of a local infant school Giving heroes hope on all three preferred primary places raised worries about how schools, who told his parish council: “These ROYAL British Legion Industries in September and faces a five mile roads and GP services might cope. children live in our community and have forged a first-ever trek to Langley Park Primary. Cllr Cooke believes the pressure should come to our schools.” naval affiliation. 18 Cllr Cooke – formerly the deputy on school places is caused by in-  Education reports, pages 4, 5 & 6 cabinet member for education and creasing indigenous populations  Cllr Cooke’s letter, page 33 Obituaries 30 Comment 32-33 Vicar Fiona raises £1k Crime Reports 33 by shedding pounds Parish Councils 42-43 LITTER picking has been carried DIETING Headcorn vicar Fiona Haskett has not just lost out by members of the travelling pounds but gained some too. community in Lenham Road, For Rev Haskett, who set herself the challenge of losing Headcorn; the surface of the play 20lbs after over-indulging at Christmas, has also raised a cool area is wearing thin and in need £1,000, which will be split between St Peter and St Paul’s of attention in ; and organ fund and the Youth Centre. around £300 of electrical work is The mum-of-four cut out alcohol, cakes and other treats as required on the pavilion at Chart well as eating sensibly to shed the weight. Sutton. Her husband Graham and their beloved pet dog Hector, a (not so) miniature Schnauzer, also joined Rev Haskett in her quest. She said: “I had the incentive because of the many 42-43 people generously sponsoring me.” 14

Village shop re-opens on the Green Lock repairs WORK is to start soon on the reno- THE new Community Shop had its grand re-opening on New info panels Monday, May 2. There was music, merriment, refreshments and hot dogs vation of the crumbling East Far- for customers old and new when visitors were able to step inside the leigh lock. The lock has been in a A SERIES of information panels long-awaited replacement cabin, on the Green. poor state of repair for years and the has been unveiled as part of a Mike FitzGerald, who was instrumental in setting up the original shop, Environment Agency has secured Maidstone history trail. For more, said: “The shop looks amazing - very spacious and light. “ the £1.8m needed to fix it. see the Maidstone Council spon- Full story – page 21. sored 12-page Borough Update.

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2 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Air ambulance move objections OWLS and objections could scup- consider the planning application. helicopter’s westerly flight path. transpired there are families of owls per plans by the Kent, Sussex and There are almost 200 documents Mr Ornellas said: “TWBC, MBC less than 500m from the site. Air Ambulance to relocate to associated with the application – and Swale Borough Council are all Mr Ornellas said: “Helicopters a site on the fringes of Laddingford. many of them letters of objection meant to collaborate, especially on and owls do not go well together.” KSSAA wants to develop a site at from residents in the area, but whose cross-boundary issues. Clearly, this He added: “I find it hard to believe Old Hay, off Willow Lane, as its new homes fall within the Maidstone did not happen and when TWBC in- that such a rural location, not close headquarters, moving away from its borough boundary. formed MBC, MBC failed to act as to a hospital and surrounded by sin- current dual bases at nearby Marden No residents in Willow Lane re- they should have.” gle track or otherwise poorly-main- and Redhill. ceived notification from TWBC, de- The air ambulance states that one tained roads, is the ideal place for a Both Town Coun- spite the nearest residents living less of the main reasons to choose the day and night flying operation.” cil and Horsmonden Parish Council than 100 yards from the site and all Old Hay site is that it is an airfield. Leader of Maidstone’s Conserva- have now objected to the proposal in other residents living less than three But Mr Ornellas said: “This is tive group and ward member for the light of new information pre- quarters of a mile away. wrong. It is an agricultural site that Marden and , Cllr Annabelle sented, but Yalding and Ladding- Most affected would be the 21 res- may operate as a landing strip for up Blackmore said there were many ford PC has stuck with its original idents of Park Farm, in Queen Street, to 28 days in any given year.” people in Marden, including her, “no comment”. which is 800m from the proposed As well as the residents whose who wanted the air ambulance to re- Willow Lane resident Tim Ornel- helicopter pad and 150m from the lives would be disrupted, it has now main in Pattenden Lane. las, who has made an official com- plaint to Yalding and Laddingford Parish Council about its decision, MP’s dog steals the show at grooming salon said: “Yalding did not accept that any new information should change MAIDSTONE MP (pictured far their original view, which is quite right) and her Border terrier Charlie were amazing. guests of honour at the Grand Opening of “I have officially complained on Victoria Paws Dog Salon in . the grounds that, in the time it took Charlie, who was also Parliamentary Dog them to access, given the documents of the Year 2010, and her owner were that would be required to be both among 40 guests arriving throughout the read and fully understood, they did day with offerings of champagne, cakes not act in the best interests of all and party bags. Yalding PC residents, especially A successful raffle at the event raised those living in Willow Lane.” nearly £400 for The Dogs Trust. The application site is within the Victoria Parkin, proprietor of Victoria boundary of Tunbridge Wells Bor- Paws, provides one-to-one dog grooming ough Council (TWBC), which will services for dogs of all sizes.

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Maidstone South May 2016 3 News | Education downsmail.co.uk School blow for single mum A SINGLE mother might have to to buy an annual Maidstone Plus give up work simply so that she Zone pass, costing £800 each. can get her four-year-old daughter Although Laura has lodged an to and from school in September. appeal with Kent County Council Laura Procter (28) lives in Vinters and put Amelia’s name down on Park and had hoped her daughter the waiting list for East Borough, Amelia would go to nearby East she is not hopeful that the situation Borough Primary School. will change. However, when the primary She said: “The admissions team school places were allocated, not has been very helpful, but unless only did Amelia miss out on her Amelia was to be in foster care or Still room at first choice school – but on all three have special needs, the process is of her choices. pretty pointless. new primary The pair now face a 5.3 mile trek “As it is, she is a normal, healthy each way to a new school at Lang- child, who just wants to go to her EAST Borough Primary had 90 ley Park, on the other side of town. nearest school, along with her places available for September’s in- take, Sandling Primary had 60, and Laura put down East Borough, Laura Procter and Amelia friends from the pre-school.” Sandling and St Paul’s as her three Laura has worked out there are St Paul’s Primary had 90, but none preferred options, as they are less 07.17, arriving at Langley at 07.41. at least eight schools between her of them have unfilled places. The Langley Park Primary Acad- than 1.5 miles away from her home. There is then a 15-minute walk home and Langley Park, and many emy, next to the large housing de- She works part-time at a call cen- from Sutton Road down Edmett more which are closer. Out of the velopment being built on the tre in Maidstone and would have Way to the school at the lower end 60 places available there, only nine Sutton Road, opens in September been able to drop her daughter at of the new 615-house Taylor-Wim- people actually selected it – partly as part of the Leigh Academies school and still get to work on time. pey estate. Laura has to make the because the building isn’t yet fin- Trust. She had even considered returning return journey home – and then set ished, along with many of the Although there are 60 places in to full-time work, with the support off again to catch the 14.17 bus to houses on the Langley Park estate. its first full year, only nine “offered Langley and the bus back to Maid- of her childminder. Laura said: “I had hoped my preferences” were received from stone finally arriving home via the According to our research, Laura childminder would be able to col- parents. The local authority allo- 333 bus at about 5pm, assuming no and Amelia’s bus journey would lect Amelia from one of the three cated 13 places, leaving 38 unfilled. major congestion, severe weather involve catching the 06.34 333 serv- schools. Now, I have no idea what This prompted fears it will be- or Arriva problems. ice from Vinters (Emsworth Grove) I am going to do. come an “overflow” school for other Arriva bus company says the to Maidstone bus station. The Ar- “Amelia was so settled before, primaries which cannot meet the daily fares are £6 each per day and riva No 12 service to Sutton Va- this is going to be a real upheaval. I demand of their local residents. lence and departs at the most economic way would be am still in shock.” OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors conservatories

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4 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk Education | News Call 01622 755641 Swadelands to Maidstone 78 King Street, ME14 1BH www.maidstonedenturestudio.co.uk be taken over Eat, Smile and Talk with Confidence... THE Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) is set to take over struggling Swadelands School. • EXPRESS 1 Hour Denture Repair VIAT chief Dr Phil Limbert con- firmed the regional schools’ com- • New Bespoke Dentures missioner has requested the Lenham non-selective school becomes part of • FREE Initial Consultation the trust which includes Invicta Grammar School (IGS) and Valley Park. Swadelands was put into special December 2015 and Swadelands measures in February, after being was deemed “inadequate” in four of given the lowest possible Ofsted rat- the five key categories: teaching ing. quality; leadership; personal devel- Dr Limbert said: “The regional opment and pupil outcomes. Inade- schools’ commissioner has asked quate is the lowest rating on the that VIAT takes Swadelands School Ofsted scale. through to become a sponsored Study programmes for 16- to 19- academy under the trust.” year-olds require improvement, ac- He said parents had been in- cording to the Ofsted inspectors. formed. In a letter to parents in February, Parents of IGS pupils were told: the Swadelands management said: “Our academy status and outstand- “The key finding of the report is that ing Ofsted achievements have high- Swadelands School was judged in- lighted the excellent practice at adequate and requires special meas- Invicta. ures to enable it to provide an “As a result, Valley Invicta Acade- improved standard of education.” mies Trust (VIAT) has been asked to The Ofsted report said that at the sponsor Swadelands School in time of inspection, Swadelands’ Lenham. teaching did not motivate pupils “This is another exciting opportu- and expectations were low, even nity for the students and parents of among its brightest students. Maidstone...I look forward to in- Attendance was below average forming you of our developments in and the leadership had “not ensured building VIAT into a successful es- that assessments of pupils’ work tablished Multi Academy Trust and progress are accurate”. (MAT).” Low-level disruptive behaviour An interim executive head and was common and led to lessons head teacher have been appointed at being disturbed. the 650-pupil mixed school. The current Swadelands manage- Ofsted carried out an inspection in ment declined to comment. We have a passion for creating More pressure for places customised jewellery THE number of youngsters needing been given a school of their prefer- a place at primary schools in the ence and I would like to reassure area has leapt for the ninth consec- parents that a specialist KCC team utive year. is on hand to help.” But, while applications for places In February last year, it was an- in Kent rose by 591 to 18,006, the nounced KCC would receive an county council says 15,705 were of- extra £92m to help address de- fered their first choice of school – up mand for extra school places until 762 on last year. 2018. Roger Gough, the council’s cabi- The funding from the Depart- net member for education, ac- ment for Education is in addition to knowledges that local authorities £27m already allocated for the across face significant 2015-17 period. challenges because of a lack of pri- The cash boost was announced mary school places. However, he after the county experienced a “sig- said: “In Kent, the combination of nificant increase" in the demand for careful planning and close working primary school places. An esti- with schools means we are able to mated 15,000 extra primary school sustain a high proportion of chil- places will be needed by 2020. dren starting at a school of their New primary schools are being preference. We also continue to see built across Kent, including the Lan- improvements in the quality of Kent gley Park school. primary schools with 86.4% rated For details of how to appeal go to Kilburn Jewellers, 30 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone ME14 1JL as good or outstanding by Ofsted.” www.kent.gov.uk/primaryadmis- Telephone 01622 677841 He went on: “Unfortunately, a sions or call the admissions team on small minority of pupils have not 0300 412121. Email [email protected] Website www.kilburnjewellers.co.uk

Maidstone South May 2016 5 News | Education downsmail.co.uk Head warns as demand rises THE head of a leading Maidstone sufficient, he said. academies. “If a school is successful, KCC Gary Cooke (left) said: “I really infants’ school has spoken about “Three years ago, we were unable why change it?” he asked. don’t mind what you call a school – his fears for the future of children’s to satisfy the demand. We were split- There is some disquiet within grammar, faith, academy or what- education in the borough as the ting up communities. People who Kent County Coun- ever. What is important is the edu- council ploughs ahead with more live in this area were not getting the cil (KCC) about the cation the child receives. It shouldn’t house-building. school places. These children live in government’s acad- be about politics but all about the ed- Chris James (left) our community and should come to emisation pro- ucation of the children – that’s al- warned that com- our schools. gramme, as it will ways been my position.” munities were al- “We cannot keep building in take schools from But Cllr Cooke fears that the risk ready being Thurnham and – where are under its direct con- of losing parent governors from the divided as the bor- the children going to go?” trol. governing bodies of academies ough continues to Mr James also attacked the gov- Former deputy would “not be helpful”. grow. ernment’s plans to make all schools cabinet member for education at Mr Cooke writes, letters page 33 Maidstone Bor- ough Council is committed to build- ing more than 18,000 homes across the area, leading to fears about pres- Bus pass cost to go up £20 sure on schools, hospitals and roads. THE cost of the Young Person’s £270 a year, a daily rise from £1.31 In the latest round of primary Travel Pass is to rise by £20. to £1.42. The KCC subsidy represents school placements for this Septem- The county council says with fares £200-£230 per pass. ber, only a handful of places remain set to increase, it has to raise the However, an angry father-of-two unfilled – Langley Park on Sutton price of the ticket for 11-16-year-olds from Marden, now facing a bill of Road with the highest at 38, fol- to cover the cost to taxpayers. more than £500 a year, says he lowed by Marden with 14, , Matthew Balfour, KCC’s cabinet believes the cost of getting children five , and , four. member for transport, told Downs to school should be fully subsidised. Mr James, of Thurnham Infants Mail he still believes the pass He said: “People pay their taxes and School, told the annual meeting of represents excellent value and the then face even higher financial Bearsted Parish Council that his county council discount remains hurdles in trying to do the best for school and neighbouring Roseacre extremely generous. He said: “We their children.” Junior School were having to turn understand fares will rise by 3% on The county council says to help away local children. average. This means, without an families spread the cost, parents can An extra classroom had been than two children, subsequent increase, it would cost the taxpayer make two payments of £135. The added to St John’s at to passes are free. The cost of the 16+ over £400,000 a year.” cost for low income families remains accommodate more pupils from the pass will be kept at £400. Click onto The cost of the pass will rise to £100 and for families with more area, but even this was proving in- www.kent.gov.uk for details.

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6 Maidstone South May 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone South May 2016 7 downsmail.co.uk Advertisement feature

Bridge to cut commuting time THE Maidstone gyratory is a recognised congestion and air quality hotspot within Maidstone town centre. Located at the point where the A20, A26, A229 Borough Council. The scheme includes: Bishops Way towards Fairmeadow. and A249 routes meet and cross the River Med-  construction of two additional northbound This will allow vehicles to travel in a more direct way, the scheme aims to reduce journey distances lanes; route and not have to negotiate the bridges gyra- and travel times and help the regeneration of the  new junctions controlled by traffic signals; tory system. western riverside.  renewed directional signage; In conjunction with the traffic improvements, The gyratory system sees up to 5,800 vehicles  construction of re-aligned traffic islands; the lower High Street at its junction with Bishops in the morning peak period alone.  the clock to remain in its current position. Way will be enhanced to connect the river to the Kent County Council has developed plans that The total cost of the scheme is £5.74m and is shopping area to make it a more attractive envi- involve the construction of two additional north- expected to increase the capacity of the overall ronment for both visitors and residents. bound lanes on the eastern side of the River Med- junction by some 10-20% in both the morning Two existing subways will be permanently way, with new junctions controlled by traffic and evening peak periods. This will result in the re- closed, one at Bishops Way and the other at signals. duction of delay of some 25% to drivers using the Fairmeadow. This will help northbound traffic on the A229 to gyratory. This is to reduce the potential flooding of the avoid the existing gyratory system. The objective is to reduce congestion and im- adjacent businesses and properties. The scheme is supported by the South East prove journey time reliability by providing an ad- Visit www.kent.gov.uk/maidstonebridges for Local Growth Fund and £1.14m from Maidstone ditional two lanes in a northbound direction from more information.

Maidstone Bridges Roadworks Start June 2016 Work will be taking place to improve traffic flow through Maidstone via the A229

The Maidstone Bridges Gyratory is a recognised congestion and air quality hotspot within Maidstone Town Centre. We have KNOW YOUR developed plans that involve the construction of two additional northbound lanes on the eastern side of the River , TRAVEL with new junctions controlled by traffic signals. This will help OPTIONS northbound traffic on the A229 to avoid the existing gyratory system. This should reduce journey distances and travel times and PLAN help the regeneration of the western riverside. Delays are expected AHEAD during the works, so we advise that all residents, commuters and businesses that travel in or through Maidstone consider their travel options, plan ahead and allow extra time.

Kent.gov.uk/maidstonebridges @maidstonebridge

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Maidstone South May 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Plans ‘will save historic manor’ THE development of the Wierton Place Victorian manor house near will preserve it for generations to come, its architect claims. Guy Hollaway (right) said the conversion of the main building and parts of its grounds were nec- essary to finance the overall scheme. The proposal for 22 homes was approved by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC). The applicant orig- inally submitted plans in 2011 and have been subject to local chal- lenges and objections. Mr Hollaway said he was “de- lighted” at the outcome and joked: “It’s only taken five years!” Hythe-based Mr Hollaway told Maidstone council’s planning com- mittee: “I took on this project be- cause I thought I could save an A new future for nightclub historically-important building. I park site will provide much of the didn’t realise how complicated it cash needed to preserve original WIERTON Place was once a substantial family home with a terraced would turn out to be. features at Wierton Place. garden and ornate Victorian glasshouses. “At the heart of the scheme is the Mr Hollaway added: “These are Once a country club, it now exists as a nightclub with some preservation of this historical asset. extraordinary buildings and they accommodation. Despite its recent use, many of the original Victorian All these structures require a lot of are really expensive to restore, so features have survived. Wierton Place is thought to date back to the thought and a thoughtful re- much more expensive than a new 1760s but the main part which remains today is the result of sponse.” build, especially in order to get the remodelling, extension and alterations made a century later. It was The main house will contain craftsmanship you need. given grade II listed status in 2002. seven apartments and the “There is a lot of work and a lot glasshouses – which will be sym- of detail. The profit that comes away. “We want to bring these Boughton Monchelsea parish pathetically restored – will become from the enabling homes goes to- buildings back – not just for tomor- councillor Jonathan Gershon said a further four homes. wards the restoration of the listed row but for generation after gener- his group had raised concerns over The present bungalow and buildings.” ation after generation.” 25 years with the borough author- garage block – described by coun- He said the timber in the Local resident Lee Prebble told ity, which he claimed “represents a cil officers as “inappropriate” – and glasshouses, for instance, was “re- the council planning committee substantial period of neglect”. the ballroom will now make way coverable” but the glass was not. that 1,200 local people objected to The borough planning officers for six dwellings. “The materiality will be of the the plans as well as “serious objec- had recommended that the appli- Five “enabling” houses on the car highest quality,” said Mr Holl- tions” from the Victorian Society. cation made by Wierton Place Birthday peal Arts fair YALDING Art Group is staging its for Queen annual Arts and Crafts Fair in the THE bells will ring out over Village Hall, Lyngs Close, on Sun- to celebrate the Queen’s day, May 15. birthday in June. The fair is open from 11am until The church campanologists 4pm, when there will be artwork from members on display in the have been practising, ready to ring lobby, as well as a wide variety of between 10am and noon on Sun- craft stalls from around the county. day, June 12. The group will also have its work The bells at St Nicholas’s on display at the new Riverside Church were augmented from Pop-up Gallery, next to the Post Of- three to six in 2012 and a dedica- fice, during the month of August. tion board is to be erected. Details For further information, visit will include the weight of each Students Oliver Wood and Amelia Colechin taste sausages with Heck's www.yaldingartgroup.weebly.com bell, the founder and year of cast- Ellie Keeble and Ben Stones ing, ranging from 1400 to 2011. The bells were rung to mark St Homes plan George’s Day and in celebration Tasty lesson for pupils PLANS have been updated to de- of parishioners Dot and Clive THERE could be “wurst” ways to spend an afternoon than tasting a molish a disused business park and Hooker’s 50th wedding anniver- selection of sausages, as students at Cornwallis Academy can con- neighbouring bungalow – to make sary. The peal attempt also com- firm. way for six new homes. memorated the late Elizabeth A tasty selection of bangers were on offer in food technology les- The Valedene Industrial Park site on the Headcorn Road, near Sutton Marchant, the late wife of David, sons, thanks to a visit from British sausage farmers, Heck. Valence, has lain unused for several and donors of the treble bell. The family-run business delivered a presentation to year 9 students years. The scheme would see the The Queen’s 90th birthday cele- about their company, before challenging the group to come up with their own innovative recipes. removal of the sustainable homes bration on June 12 will be fol- Angela Broome, head of food technology at the school in Hubbards code which was scrapped last year. lowed by a barbecue. All the Lane, Linton, said: “It was great to welcome Heck to the academy. parish is invited but entrance is by They gave the students a real insight into the company, including its For more local news ticket only so that the catering can high standards when it comes to ingredients.” www.downsmail.co.uk be planned.

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Maidstone South May 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk BHS threat DOZENS of staff at the BHS store in Maidstone face an uncertain future Call for clearer signs after the troubled fashion and homeware retailer went into admin- istration. BHS has struggled to carve out a significant market share against dis- on spending penny count fashion rivals and shopping online. KENT County Council has been He said: “There is a sad lack of The store in The Mall is one of 164 accused of getting the public’s public conveniences anywhere in under threat of closure because of knickers in a twist over their right Kent, so you make a mental note of £1.3bn of debts and a £500m pen- to use the toilet in its country facilities like this and I have used it sion black hole. parks. often. The group aims to continue trad- It follows the introduction of “I appreciate the county council is ing while a buyer is sought accord- cameras at KCC-run country parks trying to make up a shortfall of ing to the administrators Duff & to ensure visitors pay and display. funding, but I do resent having to Phelps. But after introducing them at pay to use a park that is already Bridge Country Park, 72- owned by the community, worse year-old villager Ronald Henderson still, believing I should be paying Music tribute took issue with the fact that he reg- simply to use the toilets.” THE Proms in the Park 2016 will ularly popped in to the park to use He says a sign is needed so that feature a tribute to “Mr Music of the loo without needing to worry toilet users aren’t tempted to park Maidstone” Jeffrey Vaughan Mar- about his quick trip to the toilet illegally on double yellow lines out- tin, who died recently aged 78. landing him a ticket. side the park in an emergency and The event, staged at the Whatman He approached the parish coun- claims the county council is “com- Millennium Park Riverside on May cil to ask if motorists using the pub- mitting fraud” by failing to notify 28, aims to celebrate the contribu- lic toilets, but not the park, are those using the toilet that they do tion Jeffrey made to local music. given any grace and was told that in not have to pay for 15 minutes. Ronald Henderson at Teston A Maidstone Borough Council such cases, users are allowed 15 He has also asked for information period of grace, which was intro- spokesman said: “We haven’t minutes to spend a penny, without on how the rules apply in other duced primarily for people drop- worked out what form it will take, charge. KCC-managed country parks ping off children for parties etc., but there will be a fitting tribute to Mr Henderson has now asked if which offer toilets, of which there although we are aware that people Jeffrey and his legacy. He gave so the county council would be willing are nine. do pop in to use the toilets. much.” to put up a sign to that effect, but A spokesman for the county “This period of grace applies to  See obituary page 30 says it has refused. council said: “There is a 15-minute all those parks that have toilets.” Read all the latest editions of the Downs Mail at www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone South May 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk- Scouting plea MORE adult helpers are needed to keep the Suttons Scout Group Vicar Fiona gets into going. Due to growing numbers in the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, leaders are needed to help supervise and shape to raise £1,000 run the evening activities. The Beaver Colony (ages 6-8) is HEADCORN vicar Fiona Haskett the difference as together we have particularly in need of assistance. has lost a lot of surplus in her sur- helped each other to resist the No Scouting experience is neces- plice, having denounced treats temptations of a crafty bar of sary and volunteers are required to fill out an application form and and wine for months. chocolate or bottle of beer during pass an enhanced DBS (formerly Rev Haskett was alarmed by her the week. As the evenings become CRB) check. For details email sut- bulging waistline after over- lighter, we will be able to enjoy [email protected] or call indulging during the festive pe- more evening walks together too.” Clare Hampson for Beavers (01622 riod. So she cut out alcohol, choco- As well as eating smaller por- 862894), Linda Waring for Cubs late, biscuits, cakes and crisps and tions and not snacking between (ages 8-10) on 01622 843112 or Tim resolved to eat sensibly until she meals, the vicar has started taking Waring for Scouts (ages 10-14) on had lost 20lbs. more exercise and walks to church 01622 670987. It seems to have worked, as the instead of driving in the car. Feel- slimline priest has beaten her own ing much better for losing the target by 1.5lbs. weight, the pair now hope to carry Shop re-opens Better still, she has also raised on with their mission well into the THE new Chart Sutton Community £1,000, which will be split between summer. Shop has had its grand re-opening. St Peter and St Paul’s Church organ One member of the household is There was music, merriment, re- fund in Heacdorn and Sutton Va- less impressed with the new freshments and hot dogs for cus- lence Youth Centre. regime, however. tomers at the long-awaited The mother of four said: “I had The vicar’s dog Hector – a not-so- replacement cabin on the Green. the incentive I needed to stick to miniature Schnauzer – has now be- In the week leading up to the re- my regime because of the many Rev Fiona Haskett and Hector come a calorie-controlled canine! launch, there were two cabins on people generously sponsoring me. She said: “He has never been the Green – the old one still run- Although my aim is to continue Husband Graham also decided very miniature, so we have cut out ning as usual and the new one with my diet, I’m not sure whether to join her regime and has lost a his treats and put him on diet food being fitted out. I will manage it once these incen- stone and a half in the same period. and he’s looking much trimmer for The shop was closed over the tives are no longer there!” The vicar said: “It has made all it!” weekend of April 30 and May 1, so that stock could be moved over and www.downsmail.co.uk the finishing touches added. Read our archived editions FREE online at

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Maidstone South May 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Man charged with murder A STAPLEHURST man has been charged with the murder of pensioner Roy Blackman as his devastated family paid a heartfelt tribute to the “wise, kind and private” widower. Mr Blackman (73) was found been such a terrible shock. later became a motor mechanic spe- dead at his home in Headcorn “It is unthinkable to us that a vul- cialising in Audis and VWs. Road, Biddenden, on Monday, nerable 73-year-old alone in his He moved to the Heartsay March 21. home could be harmed. Garage more than 30 years ago. Mark Love (37), of Frittenden “We would like to thank every- The family statement added: “He Road, Staplehurst, appeared before one for their kind thoughts and of- had grafted all his life and was a Medway magistrates and was re- fers of help and support during the kind, wise and private man who manded in custody to appear be- past few dreadful weeks. We loved the countryside. fore Maidstone Crown Court on would also like to thank the police, “Roy will be sadly missed by his Friday, May 6. who we know have been working daughters and sons-in-law, his He is charged with murder and extremely hard to capture those re- grandchildren, his brother and sis- aggravated burglary. sponsible. ter, his brothers-in-law and all his The charge came as Mr Black- “Roy lived a simple life without other family, close friends and the man’s loved ones described him as extravagance; he desperately wider community. a man who “lived a simple life missed his wife (Eileen) who “We can’t believe that we won’t without extravagance”. passed away six years ago. see him again or hear his laughter Officers have also arrested a sixth Roy Blackman “This July it would have been and we will never come to terms person in connection with the case. ously arrested in connection with their golden wedding anniversary. with the manner of his death.” A 41-year-old man from the the case, remain on police bail. To keep himself busy he continued Police arrested a seventh man, Maidstone area was arrested but In a statement, the family said: to work and pursued his hobby of aged 52, who was stopped on the was released on police bail, pend- "We, Roy’s family, are devastated breeding rare wildfowl.” A28 near Tenterden on suspicion of ing inquiries, until Friday, July 1. by our loss and have been unable to Mr Blackman came from a farm- assisting an offender. He was Four others, who were previ- comment until now on what has ing background in Smarden, but bailed until June 15. Awards for New owner and a new era for village cricket Kent wines FOR 68 years cricket has been TWO wine producers from the re- played on one of the most gion were able to raise a glass to picturesque village grounds at their own success at the Taste of – but never on a Kent Awards. Sunday. Hush Heath at Staplehurst – pro- All that will change this summer now land ownership has ducer of the country’s most exclu- transferred with the death of sive pink fizz – took the Kent prominent farmer and adjacent Countryside Award after judges churchgoer Don Goodwin to his son praised the business for its “incred- Nigel. ible attention to detail and real care Cricket club stalwart Paul Baines for the landscape” at the black tie said the club had now entered a friendly fixtures had been arranged. supportive Day family in the early awards night at the Show- division of the new Kent 20/20 The small tree-lined ground off days of cricket on this land. ground. overs league and he hoped this Lower Road features a large For more details of the club, call Also picking up an award was would attract new players. Several thatched pavilion donated by the 01622 720810. Nick Hall, whose Herbert Hall Brut 2013 Traditional Method sparkling wine was runner-up in the Kent Wine of the Year category. The handmade sparkling wine, MP backs meningitis campaign which is on sale at retailers includ- MP HELEN Whately has wel- After Faye’s parents Neil and Jen- “Most people know to look out ing Harrods, Harvey Nichols and comed a campaign to raise aware- nifer Burdett published a picture of for a rash, but actually, by then it Fortnum and Mason, is produced ness of meningitis B. their daughter Faye gravely ill in may be too late. There’s a list of in Marden from estate-grown or- The member for and hospital, over 800,000 people signed other symptoms – including cold ganic chardonnay, pinot noir and Mid Kent (pictured) called on the a petition calling on the Govern- hands and feet when a child has a pinot meunier grapes. Government to ment to vaccinate older children. fever – that everyone needs to be The judges noted: “This is very do more to Jane Ellison also confirmed that aware of.” well balanced, with fresh bright make sure par- the Government is legally bound Britain is the first country in the notes and a touch of cobnut and ents, teachers by the decision of the Joint Com- world to routinely vaccinate honey. It is crisp and elegant and and health pro- mittee for Vaccination and Immu- against the B strain. better than a lot of champagnes I fessionals nisation [JCVI], which ruled that it Mrs Whately said: “Parents are have tasted.” recognise the would not be cost-effective to vac- desperate for small children to be Nick Hall said: “Kent is produc- symptoms of cinate older children against vaccinated, not just babies. The ing some world-class sparkling the disease. meningitis B. Government can only do that if it wines. I was surprised that we were She raised Helen said: “This campaign, led gets guidance from a committee of the only sparkling wine among the her concerns in a parliamentary de- so bravely by Neil and Jennifer experts that it’s ‘cost effective’.” three finalists. As winemakers we bate following the death in Febru- Burdett, has changed government Mrs Burdettt told ITV: “We do it were all pleased to receive some ary of two-year-old Faye Burdett policy. for others, and we also do it to local recognition and approval.” from Maidstone. “Jane Ellison, the public health make sure that her dying isn't in The other category finalist was Jane Ellison, the parliamentary minister announced a new public vain. However long that fight will Ortega, from Biddenden Vineyards under-secretary for health, an- awareness campaign to help par- be, we will make sure that other and the winner was Bacchus, pro- nounced a campaign to raise pub- ents spot the signs of meningitis children do not have to suffer, and duced by Chapel Down Vineyard, lic awareness of meningitis and and septicaemia, which will be as a family they do not have to be Tenterden. septicaemia. launched later this year. torn apart, like we have.”

16 Maidstone South May 2016 Dining Indian Restaurant & Takeaway Out Break up the week with our

You can expect a warm welcome Wednesday Buffet at the Krishna Indian Restaurant in Headcorn. Housed in a traditional Tudor building, the 6pm - 9pm low beams create a cosy £12.95 per person ambience. Spring Bank Holiday offer – Sunday 29th May and Whether you want a quick Monday 30th May – all Indian food served at the restaurant will dinner or a sociable evening be half price between 6pm-9pm. The George in Yalding is a Book soon to avoid beautiful, family run pub situated with friends, we offer a wide disappointment. on the . Offering a selection of starter and main good-sized, atmospheric restau- Teapot Island, Yalding with its rant, varying menus are offered huge collection of novelty teapots, course dishes to suit every throughout the week, including is still growing and currently traditional stone-baked pizzas stands at over 8,000! Teapot Island palate. It's a good opportunity and brunches as well as delicious started life in the 1950s as a tin Sunday roasts. OAP menus are shack which sold bait to for you to try something new available Monday to Wednesday. fishermen and served up tea. Since The George enjoys a Now the family run business whilst still enjoying familiar wonderful, picturesque garden, includes a café with a tranquil favourites. barbeques and hog roasts are garden and a wide variety of food available virtually all year round on the menu. It also offers the a: 41 High Street, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9NL as well as a large children’s play chance to paint your own pottery area to keep the children amused. from teddies to teapots. t: 01622 890665 w: www.krishna-restaurant.com

he Georg T YALDING e The family warmly welcome you to our pub. During the day Cream teas - Sunday Roasts - Restaurant Visit the amazing teapot exhibition with over 8,000 teapots, each with their own unique history and enjoy something homemade to eat and drink after!

Friday Fish Nights Atmospheric family friendly pub, large garden for at Teapot Island! many uses including fishing facilities and live music. Homemade Fish dishes Outside barbeque area, hog roast also available for the family to enjoy. • OAP days Monday to Wednesday 12-8pm Friday 6pm till 10pm • Sky & BT Sports • Sunday Roasts Please call to reserve your Live entertainment coming up: table as spaces are limited. • May 14th – Fox Force 5 – 8.30-11pm Hampstead Lane, Yalding, Maidstone, ME18 6HG Follow • May 21st – SKA Night – Ocean Blue – 8.30-11pm us on 01622 814541 www.thegeorgeyalding.co.uk Exhibition entry. Adults £2.50, O.A.P's and kids £1.50 01622 814376 Opening times mon-fri 10am-4pm Sat-Sun 9am-5pm. Road, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6EJ

Maidstone South May 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Giving hope to forces’ heroes

ROYAL British Legion Industries, RBLI’s new Base Camp café, built by based in , has marked its a grant from the People’s Millions first ever naval affiliation with a Lottery Award in 2015. visit by the Commander of HMS The tour culminated in a visit to Kent, Daniel Thomas, and some of RBLI’s Garden of Honour where his crew. time was given over to reflection be- RBLI’s Chief Executive, Steve fore a wreath was laid at the na- A moving business for Bray Sherry CMG OBE, welcomed the tional memorial. visitors with a presentation about BRAY and Son sent in these then and now photos of its removal lorries and Since 1919 Royal British Legion In- the charity’s history - from its very the company’s founder to celebrate the family firm’s 70th birthday. dustries has been supporting ex- beginnings caring for WW1 veter- The business was formed in 1946 at premises in Maidstone town centre ans diagnosed with tuberculosis, to Armed Forces personnel by training by Frank Bray (right) after the many services RBLI provides them in employability skills to en- his release from a prisoner- those leaving the forces today, in- sure they have the best opportuni- of-war camp in Germany. Since then, it has had cluding housing, social care, train- ties to enter the civilian workforce. offices in Staplehurst and ing and employment. Demand for RBLI’s skill and ex- Bearsted and has been at pertise is undiminished among this The Commander and his crew Parkwood for 19 years. generation’s Service leavers, as is the were then treated to a tour of RBLI’s Simon Bray estimates the need for its high dependency nurs- social enterprises which offer a business has moved more ing home care, supported accom- range of products and services to than a million families, with private and public sector organisa- modation, and welfare advice and 3,000 furniture relocations tions across the UK. The visitors guidance. at home and overseas in the were even presented with their very According to the RBLI, the organ- last year alone. own manufactured road sign to take isation not only provides employ- He said: “I still love being out on the road. While some say moving is a back to the frigate. ment and training to armed forces, stressful time, that usually means the paperwork involved in the sale, but They were shown around the it supports an increasing number of moving day remains exciting, offering a new property and a new start.” Royal British Legion Village in disabled, disadvantaged and vul- One of the strangest things the company has had to move was a which over 300 ex-service personnel nerable people in finding and re- Polynesian war canoe from to the town’s barracks. and their families live and visited taining work. T. 01622 201078 J.L.B M.07854 529434 Property Maintenance [email protected] Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices New Tiled Roofs UPVC Fascias, General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering Moss Removal Felt Flat Roofing Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs Broken Brackets Undertaken..... Leaking Gutter Joints Down Pipes So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Prices Start From As Little As £20.00 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

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Maidstone South May 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Triathlon death ‘a tragic accident’ FIT young man Paul Gallihawk drowned taking part in Ocean Lake charity event, a Maidstone inquest heard. The 34-year-old was a keen for 10 years and took daily medica- an experienced open water swim- sportsman who regularly played tion to keep the condition at bay, mer, the water was not cold enough football. He had taken part in a half the inquest heard. He also suffered to cause hypothermia and he was marathon and other running from Crohn’s disease but this was wearing a wet suit. events. unlikely to have contributed to his Dr Rouse said: “Unfortunately, He had been training for his first death, said Dr Rouse. the post mortem only gives us pos- triathlon at Leybourne Lakes on The inquest heard that there were sibilities, rather than probabilities.” August bank holiday weekend last seven kayakers watching the group Mr Gallihawk’s parents Malcolm year and, although nervous, was of 108 swimmers, as well as a safety and Linda, who attended the in- looking forward to taking part. boat with a crew of two on board. quest, were concerned at the Mr Gallihawk, who lived with One man was pulled from the amount of weed in the lake, but his partner Hayley Wright in Post- water after getting into difficulties, coroner Patricia Harding assured mill Drive, , wanted to raise but nobody saw Mr Gallihawk, them the weeds were well below money for King’s College Hospital, who was swimming with the less- the level of the swimmers, with six where his father Malcolm had been confident contingent, disappear. metres of clear water above. treated the previous year. Paul Gallihawk He had been suffering from Following the inquest, Mr Galli- Hayley raised the alarm when hawk’s body was discovered by a dizzy spells and, a few weeks be- hawk Snr, from Leeds, said he felt Mr Gallihawk failed to emerge dive team brought in from Norfolk. fore the triathlon, consultant neu- questions remained unanswered. from the water at the end of the Mr Gallihawk’s body was found rologist Dr Jonathan Chan found “It’s not the outcome we were 750-metre swim in the Ocean Lake seven metres deep in the lake, 87 Mr Gallihawk may have suffered a hoping for,” he said. Triathlon on August 29, 2015. metres from the start of the race. vasovagal (fainting) episode and The coroner said she was unable A search of the lake with boats Pathologist Dr David Rouse advised him to increase his salt and to determine how exactly Mr Galli- and scuba divers failed to find Mr found the cause of death to be im- water intake, particularly while he hawk had drowned but recorded a Gallihawk, who worked for a sales mersion. There were no marks or was in training. verdict of accidental death. recruitment company. signs of injury on Mr Gallihawk’s Dr Rouse told the inquest: “If Mr She said: “The death of this The Kent Fire and Rescue Service body and there was nothing to sug- Gallihawk had suffered a fainting young, fit man was a tragic acci- joined the search, along with vol- gest he had been injured or suf- episode, it would not be evident dent. However, I do not have con- unteers from Kent Search and Res- fered a fit. from the post mortem examina- cerns that any further deaths may cue, but it was not until 9.30am on Mr Gallihawk did suffer from tion.” occur. It was a very great tragedy Monday, August 31, that Mr Galli- epilepsy, but had not had a seizure Although Mr Gallihawk was not that he died the way that he did.” FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available

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20 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Builders fight on for homes DEVELOPERS who had hoped to BDW could, in theory, submit a build 220 homes on Boughton new application for the site. Lane in Loose have not given up However, the North Loose Resi- their fight. dents Association (NLRA) believe BDW Trading Ltd has filed a it should have little chance of being claim in the High Court against the approved. Secretary of State, who last month Mr Carter said: “If the judge backed a planning inspector’s de- agrees with BDW, as we under- cision to refuse the appeal, disput- stand it, it opens an opportunity ing a complex point of law. for them to put in a new planning BDW is disputing the interpreta- application. tion of ENV32, in the council’s “However, we believe that the saved policies of 2000, which was vastly increased volumes of traffic one of the four grounds for refus- since July 2015 will justify the in- ing the appeal. spector’s decision on traffic even Following the recent ruling, it more.” would be very difficult for Maid- If the High Court judge agrees stone planners to push this site with the Secretary of State’s deci- through for development. sion when the matter comes to North Loose Planning Forum court, again in theory, there should chairman Sean Carter said: “It is be no further building in Boughton hard to envisage how anyone Lane. could overrule the Secretary of The NLRA would then expect State’s decision.” this parcel of land, together with The council introduced saved two other sites in Boughton Lane policy ENV32 for the southern earmarked for 100 houses, to be re- anti-coalescence belt in 2000 – a moved from the local plan. belt extending broadly from Cox- BDW Trading Limited, which in- heath to Langley – to protect the corporates both Ward and Barrett rural environment. Homes, is no stranger to litigation. WhWhereere there’stherree’s a It agreed not to permit develop- On this occasion, the company ment which significantly extended has hired John Baird, a partner in the urban area or permit infilling if the real estate section of London it would lead to coalescence. lawyers Osbourne Clarke, to take WWillill tthere’shere’saws a waywawaayy If it succeeds in its challenge, up its case. YourYYoour Will can be a very powerful tool to help your loved ones. It can: Work starts on lock • Ensurree your assets are left to the people you choose WORK is to start on the renovation of the crumbling lock. The lock has been in a bad state of disrepair for a long time but the En- • Prrotect your family - appappoint guardians for vironment Agency has been struggling to find the funds for a total refit. your childrren Now, after many months of effort, it has managed to secure the £1.8m to bring the lock up to the • Save your family tax same standard as Teston • Give you peace of mind, a very valuable commodity Lock and work will start at the end of this year’s boat- Just as you take expert advice when buying a new ing season. There are still a number house or investment plan, it’s even more important to of logistical issues to be re- take expert advice regarding your Will. solved, but it is hoped the work can start at the end If you don’t have a Will – now is the time to discuss of September. your wishes. If you have a Will – does it still reflect your The river will need to be closed to navigation and, wishes and in a tax efficient way? although this will be a short-term inconvenience to some, it will be for the long-term benefit of ToTo rreviewreeview your currcurrentreent Will at no charge contact the river users, according to the Medway River Users Association (MRUA). us today.todayy.. Spokesman Mark Smurthwaite said: “It is great news that the EA has secured funding for this project. We were not expecting this for the fore- 01227 643266 seeable future, so all the credit has to go to Phil Munslow who has done an amazing job in getting this funding for the Medway.” Maidstone 01622 698051 Contractors are hoping to keep a portage route open around the works TenterdenTTeenterden 01580 767540 for most of the time, but there may be some working days during the week when it is completely closed. A footpath closure will be in place but again contractors say they will do their best to keep a route open when www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monc.whitehead-monckton.co.uk possible. WhiteheadWhitehead MoncktonMonckton LLimitedimited (no.(no. 008366029),8366029), rregisteredegistered iinn The work is expected to take about five months. EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. RRegisteredegistered oofficeffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, Kent,KKeent, The MRUA and Medway Valley Conservation Partnership (MVCP) have MEME14www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk14 11BL.BL. AAuthoriseduthorised aandnd rregulatedegulated bbyy tthehe SSolicitorsolicitors RRegulationegulation also begun spraying the giant hog weed along the river bank. AAuthorityuthority uundernder nno.o. 6608279.08279. DM2016

Maidstone South May 2016 21 22 Maidstone South May 2016 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough South, May 2016 IN THIS ISSUE: š Proms in the Park š Fun Dog Show š Mote Park Photo Competition š Civic Parade š Maidstone Mela š and more!

www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council Maidstone’s Civic and Freedom Parade Maidstone residents will have the chance to welcome the borough’s new Mayor, Councillor Derek Butler, and show their support for the ’s troops at Maidstone’s Civic Day in the town centre on Saturday 21 May. The Civic and Freedom Parade will step off from Week Street at Saints Church for a civic service at 12noon. 11:40am with 36 Engineer Regiment exercising their Roads closures will be in place between 10.30am and rights as Honorary Freemen of the Borough to march 12.30pm using rolling closures where possible and roads through the town with bayonets fixed and colours flying. will be reopened once the procession has passed. The parade will then turn into the High Street where the Residents, visitors and motorists passing through the salute will be taken by the Mayor outside the Town Hall at town centre will be delayed on the morning and we 11:45am. Union Jack flags will be handed out to the public apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. It is to wave along the route of the parade. Once the parade hoped that delays are kept to a minimum but please try has passed the Town Hall, the Mayor and Mayoress will and plan your journey outside of these times if possible. lead the mayoral procession in a horse and carriage to All Road closures will be listed on www.maidstone.gov.uk Maidstone Mela to move to town centre

Maidstone’s popular Mela will be moving from Mote Park to the town centre this year, with a new format which will help it reach out to new and wider audiences. 2016 Mote The Mela was introduced in 2002 to contribute to building a better understanding between local communities and celebrate Park Photo the diversity of Maidstone’s residents. Featuring music, dance and food from Competition around the globe, it quickly became a successful, well-respected and culturally WINa£250 diverse celebration. Love Mote Park? Handy with a camera? Gift Voucher Then enter the 2016 Mote Park Photo competition which runs every month from 1 March to 31 August 2016 and you could win a £250 gift voucher for the Mall / Chequers shopping centre! Send your photos via email to [email protected] with your name and contact telephone number by the last day of each month - entries are limited to two photos per person per month and will be available to view and vote for on the Mote Park Facebook page - www.facebook.com/motepark. Every month, two winners (one chosen by our guest judge and the other being the ‘most liked’ photo on Facebook) will But with the town’s changing population – go through to the Grand Final with the overall victor winning the gift and the need to make the Mela financially voucher. self-sustaining – it’s now planned to take All photos must be taken in Mote Park (we the event to the masses. The Maidstone must be able to verify this) and all photos Street Mela will be a celebration of culturally must be your own work. For more details diverse arts, with street performances and and T&Cs please visit the facebook page interactive arts workshops taking place on or email moteparkphotos@ Sunday September 11. maidstone.gov.uk. By emailing your We will be consulting with the local photos, you give permission for Maidstone communities who have been engaged Borough Council and through the Maidstone Mela Advisory Group. Shopping Centre to reproduce your We also aim to meet with those communities images in publicity, promotional and that never have been, or are no longer, advertising material. engaged and ask them for their input. We We would like to thank The Mall will again be working closely with Cohesion Maidstone for once again sponsoring the Plus Kent who have been involved with the photo competition. Mela since its inception. More details will be published on www.maidstone.gov.uk and in Top: 2015 Winning Image © Stewart Nicolaou the next Borough Update. Above: 2015 2nd place Image © Denise Tate Maidstone Borough Council 3 End of the Saturday Freighter Service Our Saturday Freighter Service which collects household waste from 99 pick-up points around the borough once every ten weeks is to be discontinued. The last service will be on Saturday 14 May. The service was introduced in 1991 but since then more environmentally-friendly ways to dispose of the borough’s rubbish – such as the kerbside recycling and Thank you to our garden waste services – have been introduced and the number of people using it has fallen dramatically. volunteers Posters are on display at each site confirming the last collection date and giving alternative ways you can A series of special clean dispose of items. up events took place across the borough at the These include beginning of March in • Our Bulky Collection Service for larger items like TVs conjunction with Keep and furniture. It's chargeable but households on low Britain Tidy, ‘Clean for incomes will be offered one subsidised collection a the Queen’ and ‘Love Kent, year. Prices for other residents will be frozen for the Hate Litter’. Over 300 next 12 months. volunteers from community groups and local schools • Some charities will collect goods which they can then showed their civic pride by sell to raise funds. litter picking in areas including Tovil, Boughton Monchelsea, • Items can be taken to the Tovil Recycling Centre. , Hunton, Allington, Marden and Chart Sutton. A You can find out more about these alternatives by huge thank you to everyone who gave up their time to show visiting www.maidstone.gov.uk. that they ‘Love Kent, Hate Litter’ and for helping to keep Maidstone a beautiful place to live. Only 4% per cent of residents now use the service and are effectively being subsidised by the vast majority of people who don’t. Ending the service will save £40,000 a year. There were also other compelling reasons for ending the service; the 300 tonnes of waste a year collected by the freighter is mixed together and cannot be separated for recycling so all of it has to go to landfill and although the freighter was intended for domestic rubbish, it has often been abused by commercial organisations seeking to cut costs. We appreciate that some people will be disappointed that the freighter service is being discontinued but we hope that they will understand that there are overwhelming reasons for doing this.

Food Waste Challenge

There’s still time to sign up to The Big Maidstone Food Waste Challenge to be in with a chance of winning a £30 gift voucher for The Mall Chequers Shopping Centre or family swimming vouchers for Maidstone Leisure Centre Maidstone. The scheme is designed to cut down on the amount of food waste thrown straight into the rubbish bin. Sign up for the challenge and promise your support at www.maidstone.gov.uk/foodwastechallenge or by sending your name, address and phone number by post to: The Big Maidstone Food Waste Challenge, Maidstone Borough Council, Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone ME15 9XY. 4 Maidstone Borough Council Council tax facts, 2016 -2017 Council tax bands The total annual charge for Kent Maidstone Borough Council is asking residents to pay an extra 2% for its County Council, Maidstone Borough services, such as planning, waste and recycling collections, and street Council, Police and Crime cleaning, for the year April 2016 to March 2017. Commissioner for Kent, and Kent and Band D is used as an example in this article. Medway Fire and Rescue Authority • The cost of Maidstone Borough Council’s services for the year will rise by for every band for 2016/2017 is: £4.95 a year from £235.71 to £240.66 for Band D taxpayers. • Kent County Council has increased its council tax by 1.99% and the cost of A £1,065.57 E £1,953.55 its services will rise from £1,089.99 to £1,111.77 for Band D taxpayers. B £1,243.17 F £2,308.74 There is also an an additional 2% increase (£21.78 charge for Band D taxpayers) for Kent County C £1,420.76 G £2,663.93 Council Social Care, bringing the total amount D £1,598.36 H £3,196.72 payable to KCC to £1,133.55. This charge for KCC Social Care is new for 2016/17. KCC also provides Excluding parish council precepts. services such as education and transport. • The Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority has increased its council tax by 1.9% and the cost of its services will rise from £70.65 to £72 for Band D taxpayers. • The bill for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent will rise by 3.4% from £147.15 to £152.15 for Band D taxpayers. • That means that the total bill for a band D taxpayer, excluding parish council precepts, will rise by 3.6% How every council tax pound is split from £1,543.50 to £1,598.36. Parish precepts Council Tax bills for most rural areas include an additional parish council annual precept. These range from £24 for to £90.78 for Leeds for a Band D taxpayer. More information can be found on www.maidstone.gov.uk/council/finance-and-performance Single person Changes to Housing Benefit Rules council tax discount for Working Age claimants The Government has made a number of Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related review changes to Housing Benefit rules for Employment and Support Allowance or guarantee element of Pension Credit) will We are currently undertaking claimants who are of working age. continue to be entitled to the family a review of single person Backdating council tax discount awards. From 1 April 2016 the maximum period for premium if they cease to claim the Every resident who receives which Housing Benefit claims may be passporting benefit and are still entitled to the single person’s discount backdated has been reduced to one month. Housing Benefit only. will be contacted by letter to Claimants still need to demonstrate ‘good Claimants who are not on a passporting make sure that the cause’ or reason why they are requesting benefit will retain the family premium if they reductions are being correctly backdating. were entitled to it on 30 April 2016 until: claimed. The backdating period for anyone who has • they make a new claim for Housing The letter will come from reached the qualifying age for state pension Benefit; or Capita Local Government credit will continue to be three months. • they no longer have responsibility for any Services, who we have asked Backdating for Council Tax Support claims children or young people. to carry out the review. If you remains at a maximum of 6 months receive one of these letters, it The Family Premium will remain in the Family Premium will explain what you need to calculation of Council Tax Support claims From 1 May 2016 the family premium is no do. There will be a form, National Living Wage which you must fill in and longer included for new Housing Benefit The hourly minimum pay rate for those over return. claims or for any existing claimants who 25 years of age increased on 1 April 2016. have a child or become responsible for a This will affect the Housing Benefit and The single person discount child (under 16) or young person (under 20). can be claimed when only one Council Tax Support that you are receiving. If a current claimant stops having adult lives in a property and is Please report changes to your earned responsibility for children or young people, worth at least £250 a year. income to us promptly to prevent then they will not be able to regain the The checks form part of our overpayments. measures to prevent and family premium in the future. You can tell us about these changes online detect error and fraud to Claimants who receive a ‘passporting’ at: www.maidstone.gov.uk/benefitsproof or protect the public purse. benefit (Income Support, income-based www.maidstone.gov.uk/benefitchangeofcircs Maidstone Borough Council 5

One lucky Maidstone resident could scoop £5,000 Pay your council after Maidstone Borough Council signed-up to a national council tax campaign launched by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), the not-for-profit tax by Direct organisation behind Direct Debit in the UK. To be in with a chance of winning the £5,000 prize, Debit and you Maidstone residents must register to pay their council tax bill by Direct Debit, either by returning a completed Direct Debit Instruction form by post or could win signing-up to Direct Debit online at www.maidstone.gov.uk/paydd. Direct Debit is a simple, safe and secure way to pay £5,000! which is also more convenient for residents than other payment methods. It is also a much cheaper way for us to process payments and the money we save can be used for the benefit of local residents. Thanks to the prize on offer from Bacs, there is an attractive incentive for residents to switch payment methods and we’d love to see someone from Maidstone win the £5,000. Council tax bills have recently been sent out and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to look out for the prize draw information included, switch to Direct Debit, and be in with the chance of winning. Residents who already pay this way will go into the draw automatically. Direct debit is by far the most popular method of payment with approx. 75% of all residents already enjoying the benefit of knowing that their council tax payments are taken care off, with the “direct debit guarantee” providing total peace, safe in the knowledge that they remain in control.

Maidstone BoroughBorough Council

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ForFor moremore informationinformation on these servicesservices please visit our website wwwwww.maidstone.gov.uk/housing.maidstone.gov.uk/housing or email [email protected]@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 602750 www.maidstone.gov.uk 6 Maidstone Borough Council Explore Maidstone’s rich history A series of new information panels has been unveiled as part of a Maidstone history trail in the town centre. The twelve panels feature specially commissioned artwork and explain the town’s rich history to visitors and residents. The boards can be found at locations including Week Street, Sessions House, Archbishop’s Palace, and Fairmeadow. For more information visit www.visitmaidstone.com and click on the ‘Plan Your Trip’ tab and select ‘Maps and Publications’.

Bearsted Fun Dog Show Waggy tail? Check. Shiny coat? Check. All round gorgeous dog? Check! Bring your canine friends and have some fun at the Bearsted Fun Dog Show at the Bearsted Woodland Trust (ME14 4NE) from 10.00am - 4pm on Sunday 5 June. Entry to the event is free. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times. Dog Show: Enter your dog into fun competition classes: £1 per dog, per class entered and proceeds will go to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. No Kennel club rules — it’s just for fun! Registration begins at 10:00am with the first class commencing at 11:30am Classes: • Most Handsome Fella Proms in the Park • Loveliest Lady • Best Trick There’s a special treat in store over the late May bank • Most Gorgeous Golden holiday weekend as Proms in the Park returns to Oldie Whatman Park, Maidstone on Saturday 28 May. It will • Cutest Puppy feature an exciting schedule of events including a • Most Awesome Eyes performance by the Maidstone Wind Symphony who will • Most Fantastic Family be celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday with a host of • Scruffiest Mutt classic tracks from each decade of Her Majesty’s life. Performances from the Hazlitt Youth Theatre and the • Best Biscuit Catcher chance for children to try out some instruments will also • Best Dressed help ensure this is a wonderful day for all the family. • Reserve Best in Show • Best in Show This year’s event will have an earlier start and finish time meaning a warmer evening of entertainment, and no Plus… fireworks display into the cooler night. Full details will be • Free microchipping • Have-a-go agility posted on www.visitmaidstone.com and on twitter • Dog tags • Raffle @Maidstoneinfo • Ice cream • BBQ • Refreshments • Face painting

Love dogs and want to know what’s happening Microchipping change in law locally? Follow our RK9 Facebook page- The law changed on the 6 April and it is now a legal requirement to have www.facebook.com/responsiblek9s your dog microchipped. Get advice on microchipping from your vet or from organisations including the Dogs Trust and RSPCA. News from the MUSEUM Change to opening hours

Maidstone Museum is no longer open to the public on Mondays. This is in order to best preserve the collections in the safest manner Keep in touch possible and to ensure that the museum's 600,000 artefacts remain The museum has recently undergone a free for all visitors to discover. Monday closures will also enable us to maximise the revenue generated by the museum while limiting the programme of improvement works. Keep cost of operations during one of the quieter days of the week. in touch and find news and information at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk, on From 28 March to 31 October 2016 the Museum will be open on Tuesday – Saturday from 10am - 5pm and on Sundays from 12pm - twitter @MaidstoneMuseum or by emailing 4pm. [email protected] Forthcoming Events and Exhibitions Kathy Keefe Originals (a Café Gallery exhibition): 29 April - 22 May Meet the Artist - Kathy Keefe: Saturday 30 April, 10am - 4pm Time: Making Art Work (exhibition): 14 May - 25 June Museum Late – Romance: Thursday 26 May, 6pm - 9pm

Half Term DINO Week: Tuesday 31 May – Friday 3 June (4 x 1hr sessions throughout the day, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.00pm & 2.00pm) A week of fun-filled, dinosaur-themed activities to keep the kids entertained. Suggested age 4-11 years. £3 per child, 2 for £5, MMF concessions available • Tuesday - make a dino headdress • Wednesday - make a dino body costume • Thursday - make dino feet and claws • Friday - make a volcano Dino Day: Saturday 4 June Meet Rex! Here for one day only, he’s big, he’s fast and he’s scary!! Rex is free to see - check the museum’s website for Rex’s appearance times. There will also be other activities taking place through the day including face painting (£2), dino masks (£1.50) and dino dig and colouring sheets (free) Dad & Me - Get Ready for Father’s Day!: Saturday 18 June (10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.00pm – 3.00pm) Museum Late: Cheese & Beer: Thursday 30 June, 6pm - 9pm

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings via 01622 602838. 8 Maidstone Borough Council Tackling homelessness and offering people housing choices is a top priority

John Littlemore, our Head of Housing and Maidstone Borough Council Community Services, looks at how we will meet the Maidstone Housing Strategy 2016 - 2020 borough’s housing needs over the next five years.

Poor housing or lack of a home has an impact on many areas of people’s lives, including employment, crime, education, homelessness and health. That’s why our top priorities include tackling homelessness and making sure the borough has enough homes – and homes of the right type, quality and tenure – for future generations. We’ve recently updated our Housing Strategy, setting out how we will meet residents’ housing needs over the next five years. It identifies the main housing issues and key challenges that the council and our partners need to address and how we will do this. Here are the highlights - you can read the strategy in full on our website.

Our achievements since 2011 MA928 In the past five years we’ve been able offering a new HomeFinder Bond www.maidstone.gov.uk to make a real difference to people’s scheme to help homeless people lives. Successes include: gain access to privately rented Priority 1: Enable and support the properties. Delivering 871 affordable homes, of delivery of quality homes across the which 63 were on rural exception Introducing a new allocations policy housing market to develop sustainable sites for local needs housing. with new eligibility criteria and communities. Securing grant funding of almost £7 ‘banding’ to offer a fairer distribution We plan to: million from the Homes and of social housing properties. Communities Agency (HCA). Buying and refurbishing Aylesbury A. Enable the delivery of homes with the mix, tenure and range of housing to House and Magnolia House to Bringing 12 long term empty meet the need identified in the emerging properties back into use as provide temporary accommodation Local Plan. for 20 homeless households as a affordable housing. B. Deliver a mix of homes of different better alternative to expensive bed Hosting Landlord forums and types, tenure and size, via direct and breakfast accommodation. provision and in partnership with private developers, housing associations and The challenges we all face other key partners. C. Deliver new affordable homes that are An aging population children aged under 16 live in poverty. designed to a high standard, energy By 2031 a greater proportion of the Homelessness efficient, accessible and respond to population will be aged 60 and over - The number of homelessness decisions people’s changing needs. the oldest age group (85+) will increase made by the council each year has D. Seek innovative funding and delivery by 142%. Homes will need to be adapted increased by 655% from 80 to 604 since options. for people’s needs and disabilities, and 2011. The cost of placing people in We will: care provided. There is an estimated temporary accommodation has risen Create a Local Housing Company to total need for 3,620 specialist homes for from £118,620 to £584,055. build/acquire new affordable and private older people. homes. Rent reduction forcing shift to shared Ensure the emerging Local Plan The need for more homes ownership provides an appropriate policy We need an additional 5,800 affordable The Government is reducing rents in framework for affordable housing. households from 2013 to 2031. Across social housing by 1% a year for four Promote home ownership products the Borough it is estimated that around years, cutting the income of registered such as Help to Buy, Starter Homes, and 43% of households can’t afford to providers (housing associations). This Shared Ownership. access the market housing. may lead them to a switch away from Look at demand for self and custom build homes and identify land to meet Social depravation and inequality affordable rent homes to building shared ownership ones. this demand. The difference in life expectancy in the Respond to the changing social most affluent wards compared to our More 1 and 2 bed homes needed housing market. most deprived is 8.9 years. While More than 53% of applicants on the Enable the creation of new affordable deprivation in the borough is lower than housing register have a 1-bed need and housing, particularly 1 and 2 bedroom the national average, 15% (4,300) of 24% have a 2-bed need. homes. Maidstone Borough Council 9 Eviction crisis had a happy ending Security guard Davinson Nmadueke burst into tears when he received an eviction notice for him and his 14-year-old son Ugo. Mr Nmadueke had been a good tenant in his privately rented flat in Maidstone but the landlord decided he wanted the flat back and successfully applied to the court for an eviction order. That’s when he turned to the council for help. We were able to arrange temporary accommodation and guide Mr Nmadueke through the process of applying for social housing. Now father and son are happily living in an MHS Homes flat. “I cried when the letter from the court came,” said Mr Nmadueke. “I called the council and Holly helped me with what I needed to do. She made me very relaxed. If it hadn’t been for her I don’t know what I would have done. I couldn’t afford to rent privately and Holly helped me. The council saved my life. I am really happy and Ugo is doing much better at school.”

Explore opportunities for funding landlords. C. Support independent living and investment with a range of partners Address the needs of the ageing reduce risk of repeat homelessness for including the Local Enterprise population, in particular the 85+ age vulnerable residents by offering a Partnership, HCA and institutional group, including support needs such as range of housing options, advice. investors. adapting properties, provision of care in We will: Work with planning, the local and the home, providing specialist Deliver our Homelessness Strategy Gypsy Traveller and travelling accommodation and care/nursing Action Plan communities to identify potential homes. Expand on the success of Aylesbury housing sites. Review the Disabled Facilities Grant House by investing in additional Deliver a quality housing scheme on to help disabled residents remain in temporary accommodation. the Brunswick Street car park. their home. Support private sector landlords and Support Parish Councils in delivering Initiate projects such as the tenants to maintain their tenancies by local needs housing. Roseholme Healthy Homes Pilot, which offering pre-tenancy training. Promote the development of good will improve the health and well-being Provide information and advice that quality homes that are energy efficient, of residents. will enable people to improve their own meet space standards and embrace the Work with NHS Health Trainers to housing and health circumstances, concept of Lifetime Homes. support residents to achieve healthier prevent homelessness and make best lifestyle choices with issues such as use of resources. Priority 2: Ensure that existing healthy eating, quitting smoking, housing in the Maidstone Borough is exercise and emotional well-being. Support residents to manage welfare reform changes. safe, desirable and promotes good Work with owners of long term empty health and well-being. properties to bring them back in to use. Ensure homeless households have access to volunteering, training and We plan to: Deliver the affordable warmth employment opportunities. strategy. A. Raise housing quality and standards Secure shared housing for single across all tenures and improve the Priority 3: Prevent homelessness, homeless people aged under-35. condition of existing homes. secure provision of appropriate Work with supported housing B. Improve health outcomes for accommodation for homeless providers to understand and address residents by reducing health inequality. households and supporting vulnerable the potential impact of the Housing C. Promote ways for residents to tackle people Benefit cap on supported fuel poverty, energy efficiency advice accommodation tenants. We plan to: and managing domestic bills. Expand the HomeFinder bond D.Bring empty homes back into use. A. Prevent and relieve homelessness by scheme. offering residents timely, expert advice. We will: B. Increase the availability of New empty homes initiative Improve accommodation within the accommodation for homeless private rental sector by engaging with households. In the last two year, we have brought 175 empty homes back into use. During the coming year we will be Are you threatened with being homeless? expanding our work with the launch Our housing and support teams provide essential help to enable people to of a new initiative to help families achieve increased independence and health and well-being outcomes at who need housing by effectively times of difficulty, and can prevent difficulties becoming a crisis. matching them with elderly people If you’re homeless or at risk of being homeless call 01622 602440 or come whose homes are empty because into the Maidstone Gateway in King Street. It’s important that you seek advice, they need to go into care or nursing and you can see one of our housing advisors to discuss your housing options. homes. It means that people who go into care will have a regular income Our website www.maidstone.gov.uk gives advice if you are: to help meet their care costs, which Being evicted by your landlord would otherwise be offset against Being harassed by your landlord the capital value of their home. This preserves the value of the home for Having problems paying your mortgage whoever they bequeath it to and, in The website also gives guidance on renting privately, social housing, shared the meantime, provides a home for ownership and help to buy. families which need one. 10 Maidstone Borough Council News in brief Ramblin Man Festival The Ramblin Man Festival returns to Mote Park on 23 and 24 July with musical acts including Procol Harum, Thin Lizzie and The Zombies. Visit www.ramblinmanfair.com for more information. Mote Park Website You can keep up to date with the work of the Mote Park Fellowship volunteers by visiting their website www.moteparkfellowship.org.uk for news, events and details of how to become a volunteer. Forthcoming events in the park include ‘Bat evenings’ and ‘History of Mote Park’ walks. Online permit renewals Did you know that you can renew your parking permit online at www.maidstone.gov .uk/permitrenewal? It’s a quick and straightforward process and nearly 70% of permits are now being renewed via the website.

Market News You can now pay by debit or credit card at the butcher and the fruit and vegetable stalls at Maidstone Market. The market is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 7.30am – 1.30pm at Barker Road, Our golden bins promotion has Lockmeadow. Browse fresh local produce including flowers, meat, Maidstone residents all atwitter! fish and bread as well as toys, As part of our ‘Love Kent, Hate Litter’ in a golden bin. clothes & other stalls. campaign, we’re challenging residents Here are just some of the photos that Promote your event to find one of the two Golden Bins have been tweeted to us so far. All the which have been placed at various photos will be entered into a draw to If you’re running an event in the locations around the borough. win shopping vouchers for The Mall borough you can promote if for And, as an added incentive, residents shopping centre, as a thank you for free on www.visitmaidstone.com. are in with the chance of a prize if they helping to keep the borough a beautiful Select the ‘What’s On’ tab and tweet us a photo of themselves, a place to live in. Tweet to @maidstonebc. click on ‘Add Your Event’. friend or a family member placing litter The deadline is Friday 20 May. MAKE IT MAIDSTONE MAKE IT PROSPEROUS The Maidstone Bridges Gyratory Improvement Scheme starts in June

The £5.74m scheme will see the pedestrian crossings, closure of construction of two additional two subways, the fixing of a flood northbound lanes on the eastern side of door to Medway Street subway, the , with new junctions improvements to drainage and controlled by traffic signals, reducing aesthetics of the Broadway be completed by mid-November 2016. travel times across the Gyratory system. subway, and new planting. To keep updated on progress and for It is being funded through contributions Day time working will be completed more information on planned road from Maidstone Borough Council and the under lane closures, with road closures closures visit www.kent.gov.uk/roads- South East Local Enterprise Partnership. reserved for night time working as far as and-travel/what-we-look- The scheme also includes enhanced possible. It is hoped that the scheme will after/roads/road-projects “How to Start a Business” workshops In May, a series of new modular workshops on “How to Start a Business” will be launched at Maidstone’s Business Terrace. The Modules will form one complete introduction to business or a progressive ‘journey’. And you can choose which modules to attend and when. The complete set of workshops will be offered six times a year and will cover a range of business skills: Module One: Why start? What's involved? How to generate ideas. Module Two: Registering a business. Work alongside some Business planning. Tax. Module Three: Marketing and Promotion of your of Kent’s most business. Sales. Module Four: Presenting your idea. Verbal innovative start-ups Communication. Business Pitch. Each module will be 1½ hours duration. Course dates are The Business Terrace is certainly proving popular with the 6, 13, 20 and 27 May. county’s emerging business talent. 10% of the finalists in the KM Group’s recent ‘30 Under 30 list’, which celebrates the For full details and to book please visit most exciting young business people in Kent aged under 30, www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk and click on ‘Events’ or are based here. email [email protected] Each entrant was judged based on their achievements to date, influence and potential to change the course of company Pentascape with her husband Chris. It specialises commerce in the future, both nationally and in Kent. in making user-friendly websites for start-ups. Ben Towers set up his first business aged 11, creating Read all about them at www.KentBusiness.co.uk. websites for friends and family, and today employs more than The Business Terrace hosted a reception to celebrate the 15 people at his firm Towers Design, which has worked with launch of the 30 Under 30 list. over 700 companies. With its business-lounge atmosphere and 100MB Wi-Fi Ahmed Nuaman, of Firestarter Media and Scout Solutions, throughout, The Business Terrace provides a dynamic, is a web developer who has developed software which has inspiring and highly supportive environment where you can caught the eye of retailers including Topman and Specsavers. chat, connect and collaborate comfortably in a relaxed, Liz Wilmott co-founded website design and consultancy professional environment over a great cup of coffee. 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working for you

Joanna Denny Joanna is the Senior Benefits Officer for the shared service of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils and was named Maidstone council’s ‘Employee of the year’ in our recent staff awards.

help improve their lives, it also used the financial experience I had gained from the private sector. It seemed the perfect match. What does your job involve? What do you like most about your job? I provide support, training and guidance to the I like the achievement when I can make a difference assessment officers and oversee the department in and when you I can see that I am helping people to the absence of the Benefit Manager. Most recently I improve their situation. I like developing new have developed and implemented the online services processes and procedures to make the service more for the Benefits department. This means customers accessible to the public such as the implementation of are now able to provide their information using our the new online services. I like helping the members of online services, saving them time and money by not my team to make decisions and increase their having to visit the Gateway, and giving them a more knowledge while working within the regulations of accessible service. We have also increased the use of benefits. I like interacting with other departments to email and electronic communication to provide a more ensure a seamless and full service for the customer, efficient service for the customer. You can access including process mapping and procedural changes – these services at often the part the customer never gets to see – so the www.maidstone.gov.uk/benefitchangeofcircs. I work contact for the customer is minimal. closely with the Housing Department to provide help, What does good customer service mean to you? support and housing to those in need and provide Doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right financial assistance where appropriate. reason. Customer Service is about providing the What attracted you to the job? correct service for the customer. Unfortunately we I don’t think anyone can say they sat in a school sometimes have to deliver news that the customer classroom and dreamed of working in the Benefits doesn’t want to hear, but we are governed by Department. I started my working life with the Inland regulations that we must adhere to. Customer Service Revenue before moving to be a Tax Advisor in an is therefore about providing a service that is clear and accountants. It was only after the move to the private understandable to the customer, letting them sector that I realised my heart was with helping understand why a decision has been made or why we people and working in the public sector. Not only did require certain information whilst ensuring the the job at MBC combine my desire to help people, and customer is receiving the correct information.

Borough Update Follow us on Twitter This is your council newsletter, Your comments and suggestions @maidstonebc produced up to four times a year are always welcome. It is in the Downs Mail newspaper. It typeset by AW design and printed Like us on Facebook – is written, edited and designed by Newbury News. www.facebook.com/ by the council's communications If you are visually impaired and maidstoneboroughcouncil team, Maidstone House, King would like the newsletter text in Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 large print, please call us on Watch us on YouTube – 6JQ. Email: 01622 602176, and we will be www.youtube.com/ [email protected]. happy to send you a copy. user/maidstonecouncil

What’s On! To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com downsmail.co.uk Health | News KIMS ‘misleading patients’ MAIDSTONE’s newest hospital – the Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery (KIMS) at Bearsted – has been given a rap on the knuckles for misleading patients on its website. It has also been accused of put- April 2014 and March 2015. ting patients’ safety at risk and More than a quarter (26%) of all boasting of services it is not able to patients were NHS funded. provide. A statement from the hospital’s KIMS’ chief executive Simon chief executive and chief nurse, James was brought in at the end of Jackie Groom, said: “Requires im- last year to get the £85m state of the provement as an overall rating is a art hospital back on track, follow- realistic and fair judgement, given ing the departure of hospital direc- the relative immaturity of our sys- tor Jayne Cassidy. KIMS (left) and tems and processes. When inspectors from the Care chief executive “We are pleased the hospital has Quality Commission (CQC) visited Simon James been rated good across several of in September, they found the hos- the key domains, and recognise this pital had a “lack of robust gover- with cancer. There is a single On one occasion, a patient suf- inspection and report has provided nance” and was not “well led”. haematologist with practising priv- fered a burn as a result of a surgeon us with further expert guidance to A need for improvement in sur- ileges. The hospital is not resourced being unfamiliar with equipment. support our ongoing improvement gery, outpatients, medical care and to provide chemotherapy safely,” It concluded that the underuse of plans as the business continues to services for children and young says the report. the hospital posed significant risks grow. people led to inspectors finding the KIMS boasts an impressive list of to patients, but admitted: “We saw “Patient safety is our number one hospital in overall need of im- quality consultants, but most do some very good care being pro- priority, and we work with out- provement, according to a report. not work regularly at the hospital. vided by staff and people were standing and highly experienced The CQC found the hospital’s Although the consultants had an generally happy with the treatment consultants, physicians and clinical website guilty of offering a huge initial look around the premises, they were receiving.” staff. range of services and treatments they were unfamiliar with the poli- It was marked good for being ef- “We are passionate about deliv- that it could not safely provide. cies and practices and would not fective, caring and responsive. ering high-quality care, and we are “The site talks about a dedicated necessarily be familiar with the The hospital admitted 771 inpa- naturally disappointed with some cancer care suite and chemother- equipment, which could pose a risk tients, 1,812 day patients and car- of the regulator’s findings and took apy service for people diagnosed to patient safety, said the CQC. ried out 2,486 operations between immediate steps to address these.” Priorities set out for bale against cancer A MAJOR campaign to improve the local battle against cancer has been Information centre approved by the GP-led budget- MACMILLAN Cancer Support and Call for hospice changes holding NHS West Kent Clinical Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Commissioning Group. NHS Trust are negotiating about A HEALTH watchdog has praised The A hospice spokesman said the hos- One in two people is likely to face building and resourcing a cancer Heart of Kent Hospice for its care but pice was “delighted to have been cancer. If the NHS reached stan- information centre at Maidstone criticised its practices in other areas. given an outstanding rating for the dards achieved in Europe, 30,000 Hospital by 2018/19. The Care Quality Commission re- level of caring provided, with the in- people a year in the UK would sur- port highlights four out of five areas, spector commenting ‘staff go above vive for at least 10 years of more, including leadership, safety record and beyond the call of duty; they are equating to 250 in West Kent. radiotherapy review, changes in and recruitment practices at the so dedicated and passionate about After a period of deteriorating drugs funding and increased re- Aylesford hospice, which it says all re- what they do and provide outstand- waiting time standards locally, the search. quire improvement. ing end-of-life care during which peo- group is supporting the aim to There will be patient recovery The hospice said it was disap- ple experience a comfortable, achieve “world class cancer out- packages with a pathway of care to pointed with the findings. It says be- dignified and pain-free death’. comes” with six priorities over the assist self-management. fore the inspection both the charity “The CQC reported that staff were next four years. The group says it will know if it is and the CQC were aware and sup- attentive and kind, demonstrating One emphasis will be on early di- successful by 2020 if it increases di- portive of the improvements needed dignity and respect at all times. The agnosis. Other priorities include pre- agnosis at stage 1 or 2 from 50% to and being introduced, but that they CQC spoke to patients, relatives, visi- vention through smoking cessation 62%; if it reduces smoking preva- would need time to embed. tors and healthcare professionals and obesity reduction; and im- lence from 17% to 13%; if 95% of pa- The hospice says it is proud of its who were all ‘overwhelmingly posi- proved patient experiences though tients referred by a GP for testing excellent reputation, adding: “We tive’ about the hospice’s service. two-week referrals, development of have their results within four weeks; take our responsibilities very seriously “Our outstanding rating for provid- a cancer patient partnership group 57% of patients survive 10 years or and we are confident that our ongo- ing a caring service demonstrates the and a cancer information centre. more; one-year survival is 75% for all ing improvement plan, which has commitment of Heart of Kent Hos- The group also plans to modernise patients; and mandated waiting been approved by the board of pice staff and volunteers to providing cancer services with recovery plans, times are consistently met. trustees, will resolve the issues.” the very best care for our patients The CQC report noted that while and their families.” there were sufficient trained staff on The spokesman added that the Ambulance targets missed duty, the system for monitoring their work to adapt its procedures to meet AMBULANCE waiting times in SECAMB also operates the 111 training was not effective. There was a raft of changes in regulations, such West Kent continue to deteriorate. telephone service and reports serv- concern about a lack of recruitment as employment, would continue, as South East Coast Ambulance Serv- ice deterioration and failure to meet procedures, as well as those for stor- would the development of a process ice (SECAMB) says it will not meet the majority of its targets in March, ing and administering medicines and to evidence these changes suffi- the 75% year-end targets for two key due to high volume of calls, staffing checking staff competency. ciently to the CQC. priorities due to a heavy workload issues and patients frustrated by fail- and hospital handover delays. ures in the GP out-of-hours service.

Maidstone South May 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Village gardens are re-opened

THE new owners of a former or- ganic garden in Yalding are hop- ing it is going to be a case of third time lucky. Rod and Nikki Clark bought Yalding Organic Gardens in 2013, and have been working behind the scenes ever since to restore the gar- dens to their former glory. The Gardens in Benover Road, were opened by Amanda Cottrell OBE, patron of Visit Kent and will be available for weddings and events but open to the public only on certain dates. Mr Clark, who runs the Hadlow building company Marpaul, and his wife hope to run the gardens as a wedding and events venue, so it covered and reclaimed the garden, will only be open to the public on we have been discovering many selected open days. plants and bulbs which have sur- The 12.5-acre gardens were cre- vived the wilderness years, so we ated by the Henry Doubleday Re- want to take our time to ensure we search Association – now Garden give everything a chance to fully Organic – following a gift of land recover.” and money by Donald and Pixie The new owners hope the busi- Cooper, who had farmed organi- ness will provide not only jobs but cally at Yalding for many years. also a sustainable business model Garden Organic was forced to to ensure the long-term survival of leave in 2008. Since then, the site’s the gardens. owners – the Congelow Organic They are also hoping to organise Educational Trust – have twice training courses in conjunction leased the site to local businesses. with local schools and colleges so Pick-up your Both were unable to make the that young people can get hands- businesses profitable. on experience. Although the gardens’ certifica- A spokesperson for the Friends FREE copy tion as organic has long since ex- of Yalding Organic Gardens said: pired, the new owners say they “We do hope the owners will not of the hope that the growing will be as forget the obligation that attaches sustainable and chemical-free as to the stewardship of the site...to possible. promote and educate the public Mr Clark said: “Some of the cur- about organic farming and grow- rent planting is not from the origi- ing. nal scheme and was added at a “That was the reason for the later date, so over time we may re- original bequest of the site by Don- In addition to move some of this. As we have un- ald Cooper.” delivering the Downs Mail to over 82,500 addresses every month additional copies are now available to pick up from: MP hears growers’ concerns FRUIT growing and farming in the Garden of England is under threat, with- out major changes within the industry, growers have warned. New Avenue Stores – Charlesford Ave, Kingswood Farmers from Maidstone and the met MP Helen Grant, representatives of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and senior officials Haven Farm Shop – North Street, Sutton Valence. from Defra in Westminster to discuss the dangers to the rural community. Stanley's of Marden – Albion Road, Marden Mrs Grant called the meeting to discuss a range of issues including packaging costs required by UK supermarkets, pesticide regulations, the Post Office – High Street, Yalding ME18 6HS escalation in the cost of seasonal workers and export barriers. Station Newsagents – Station Road, Staplehurst She said: “These are conspiring to prevent our farmers from making a fair and reasonable profit. I will not see them face ruin, when they are very Headcorn Post Office – High Street, Headcorn good and viable commercial entities being thwarted by nonsense.” Shop on the Green – Chart Sutton NFU member Clive Baxter, of Westerhill Farm, Linton, said: “With our The Cock Inn – Boughton Monchelsea MP behind us we’re hoping we’ll see more in the way of action.”

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Maidstone South May 2016 25 News downsmail.co.uk Cash for child victims of MP Whately wades in sexual abuse RETIRING Police and Crime Com- over our ‘woeful’ trains missioner Ann Barnes has awarded almost £100,000 to three charities providing support for victims of MP Helen Whately has expressed surprise at claims that Southeastern is child sexual assault in the county. Juvenile Justice International, Ru- meeting performance and customer satisfaction targets. bicon Cares and Rising Sun Kent are the first groups in Kent to be al- The MP for Mid Kent and Faver- commuters, with news that addi- located cash from a fund set aside sham wrote to the Department of tional carriages are going to be Transport after passengers using added to some trains in the coming specifically for child sexual assault Southeastern trains were hit by in- weeks and the rail minister has victims. creased delays and cancellations to said she is working with South- They will share £96,866 and are ask whether the train operator was eastern to introduce additional expected to help 1,000 victims this breaking its franchise agreement. rolling stock to alleviate crowding year. Rail Minister Claire Perry re- on the network. Mrs Barnes said: “I was very sponded saying that Southeastern The PPM (Public Performance pleased when the Ministry of Jus- was not currently in breach of any breaching its franchise agreement.” figures) have just been released tice gave Kent £146,000 specifically of its performance targets, despite Southeastern repeatedly comes both for the last period of 2015/16 to help victims of child sexual as- continual complaints from passen- close to the bottom of national cus- and the overall figures for last year. sault, because it’s a sickening crime gers in the region. tomer satisfaction and perform- For period 13, the target for the with increasing numbers of victims Mrs Whately, who uses the net- ance surveys. Bearsted line was 92.4% but the re- coming forward to seek our help.” work herself, said: “Service on Mrs Whately said: “When the ality was 90.51%. The difference Rubicon Cares, based in Mar- Southeastern trains is woeful. I franchise comes up for renewal in was -1.9% and year on year for this sham Street, Maidstone, was wrote to the Department of Trans- 2018 I want to see much more ro- period is down 3.4%. awarded £40,300 to provide coun- port to ask if the train operator was bust performance standards. For the year as a whole, the aver- selling and therapeutic sessions for breaking its performance targets “It’s particularly baffling that it’s age target for the line was 90.18%, victims aged 13 to 18. with endless delays and cancella- meeting customer satisfaction tar- but the reality was 86.91%. The dif- The charity’s CEO Sandie Turner tions. gets, as I hear so many complaints ference was -3.28%. said: “We are extremely pleased to “I’m disappointed and some- about Southeastern from my con- The only SET line that had a pos- receive this funding from the PCC’s what surprised to learn that South- stituents.” itive annual figure was the line fund for victims of child sexual as- eastern is not, apparently, There is some good news for from to . sault. “The work we have been doing for the last two years has shown us Golding’s repairs award PO to consult that there is a high demand in this MAIDSTONE’S main Post Office specialist area. This money will en- MAIDSTONE-based Golding The partnership delivered 66,000 may go the way of many across the able us to ensure that the people Homes won this year’s National repairs, improved customer satis- country and become part of across Kent and Medway who re- Award for Outstanding Approach faction rates to 98.8%, and provided newsagents WH Smith. Post Office ally need this service get it to Repairs and Maintenance at the £2.6m of planned maintenance im- management is considering a move quickly.” 2016 UK Housing Awards (UKHA). provements in its first three years. to the retail chain’s Week Street Juvenile Justice International, The association was presented The partnership also achieved store with staff moving across to based in , received with the award at the Lancaster annual savings of over £240,000. the new premises. Similar moves in £39,900 to provide four clinics a London Hotel at an event hosted by Peter Stringer, chief executive of Kent – such as the one in Folke- month, plus an emergency out-of- comedian Rory Bremner. Golding Homes, said: “Our repairs stone – proved controversial. Users hours service, for child victims and Golding Homes is working in service is vitally important to our are being consulted on the proposal adult survivors of historical child partnership with Mitie Property customers and therefore to us all. which would see offer five serving sexual assault. Services as part of a 10-year repairs “The partnership between Mitie, hatches and three self-service posi- Rising Sun Kent was awarded and maintenance contract for the our residents and our community tions in the new store.The consul- £16,666 to work with girls aged 11 housing association’s 7,000 proper- partners is at the heart of our serv- tation ends on June 1 and to 17 in Canterbury, Ashford and ties across Kent, under the brand ice delivery and it is great for that submissions can be made to com- Swale. Golding Services. to be recognised.” [email protected] Workshops aim to boost your confidence DO you suffer from glossophobia? speech – and produce a professional personal success, You might not know what it means - performance. She said: “Nerves aren’t a bad thing but it’s highly likely you have if if She said: “Around 75% of people – it’s about learning to manage them. you’re one of the world’s 75% who suffer from some degree of fear when The way you present speaks volumes would prefer to do anything rather it comes to public speaking, from mild about your confidence – and there than stand up in public and speak. anxiety to full blown phobias. But are simple trickswhich will make you Academic, author and copywriter whether you’re looking for a new job, appear full of confidence.” Liz Norton will try to cure profession- want to grow your brand or simply The workshops at Heart of Flavour als of their fears when she takes over stand out from the crowd, it’s essen- run from 8.45am to noon, with re- the hospitality suite at Heart of tial that you learn to present yourself, freshments provided by Scott FitzGer- Flavour in King Street, Maidstone. especially as video will make up more ald and his team. Heart of Flavour is Heart of Kent than 70% of all online content within Upcoming dates are Wednesday Hospice’s coffee shop and 100% of the next few years.” May 18 and Wednesday June 8. Liz its profits go to help the charity. Liz, author of “Step Back, Move For- holds sessions around the region, but In a three-hour workshop, Liz (34) ward: How changing your perspective can also take her tuition into the believes she can help most people can change your life”, was diagnosed workplace, for businesses who prefer manage their anxiety and overcome with cystic fibrosis at six weeks old, to have their training on-site. For de- their nerves, write an ear-catching but has gone on to professional and tails, visit www.liznortonpresents.com.

26 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Town tops road danger league ROAD accidents are still the biggest killer in Kent – and Maidstone is the worst place to be on the road for the fifth year in a row. There were 709 collisions , and High Although Shepway recorded a number of road traffic casualties recorded on the borough’s roads be- Street, while the lowest number of 10.8% increase in the year, the total there were no KSI incidents for the tween July 2014 and June 2015 – up recorded incidents were in Loose, number of casualties there was still third year in succession. 2.3% on the previous year. Downswood and Otham and only 390, placing it in 10th place in Research shows that three-quar- This was the second highest in- Allington. Young people aged be- Kent – just over half the number ters of injury crashes occur as a re- crease in the county after Shepway, tween five and 25 are most at risk. recorded in Maidstone. sult of the choices people make, and above Kent averages where a The M20 passes through Boxley Maidstone has the third highest such as driving under the influence reduction of 3.2% was achieved. The and North Downs, where there rate of killed or seriously injured of drink or drugs, distractions such majority of casualties were car occu- were 113 and 79 casualties recorded, (KSI) casualties in Kent, the worst as using a phone or speeding. pants (69%), followed by pedestri- respectively. High Street ward re- affected wards being Detling and Overall, 95% of crashes include ans (10%) and motorcyclists (9%). turned a figure of 78, while the fig- Thurnham (again affected by the some element of poor road user be- The wards with the highest inci- ures for Allington, Downswood and M20), Fant, Heath and Bearsted. Al- haviour in the cause, according to dents of road traffic accidents were Otham and Loose were 2, 3 and 6. though Boxley had the highest Highways England. Aled presents More variety at town’s Fringe festival castle concert MAIDSTONE’S sixth annual Fringe celebrate was the scale of the six SINGER Aled Jones will be the nar- Festival proved a larger and more day event and the number of those rator at this summer’s popular diverse affair than its predecessors, taking part both on and off the Leeds Castle classical concert on with 14 venues hosting live music stage there were some stand-out July 9. around the first May bank holiday. events. Organisers say they are thrilled The focus was on local acts with David Migden and Twisted Roots that the star of stage and screen will most performers and fans coming and Clea Llewellyn performed host this year’s event. from the area around Maidstone. separate sets in the Pizza Express Aled, a household name since the Those acts from further afield – Music Room in a night that 1980s when he shot to fame as a such as London’s Jah Wobble and showcased two exceptional local boy soprano, will narrate the or- Canterbury prog rock legends vocalists backed by superb chestral programme from the Royal Caravan – had a strong South East musicians, all of whom played with Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted connection. inspiration. by John Rigby. There was also a dance all- Both acts performed sets of He will be part of the concert, to nighter and more focus on family largely self-penned material, be joined by soloists Frances Mc- friendly events, including live music showcasing recent and forthcoming Cafferty and Anthony Flaum with in town centre cafes. albums. Such a night made for a special guests The Definitive Rat The Downs Mail was out and complete celebration of all that is Pack and P&O Ferries Choir. about enjoying the entertainment best about local and live music. Clea Llewellyn Neil Nixon The Daybreak presenter, who is and whilst the main thing to now 45, said: “I am so looking for- ward to the concert at this most wonderful castle in the Garden of CAB benefits England.” Mink warning to boaters Aled has continued to combine a BOAT owners on the Medway are being advised to be on the alert from quiz broadcasting, acting and singing for small, furry fiends. A QUIZ hosted by Maidstone Cit- career and has toured the UK and The mink population is on the increase – and its breeding season Australia in the last six months. izens Advice raised £1,624. is right now. More than 100 people took part Mink mums-to-be are on the in the quiz to raise funds for the look-out for a safe place to Charity events charity. have their babies, and boats Supporters of the event included A CHARITY meal is to be held next which have been tied up and the Maidstone Lions, Maidstone month in aid of Macmillan Cancer left empty for the winter are an Day Centre and Citizens’ Rights for Support at the highly-rated Fred- ideal spot. Older People. eric Bistro in Maidstone. Mink may look cute but they Chairman Bonny Malhotra said: A three-course meal on June 21 can cause untold damage to will cost £25 at the restaurant in the boats, according to the Med- “As funding from government and Market Buildings. way River Users Association. local authority sources has been To book a table contact Helene They have been spotted in cut, financial support from other Poursain on 07764 503484 or hpour- Wateringbury and around the sources becomes more important.” [email protected]. Guests disused Stoneham Lock, be- Last year Maidstone Citizens Ad- will need to pre-order and the tween Yalding and Bran- vice helped 8,934 clients. A team of event starts at 7.30pm. bridges, East Peckham. 44 volunteers plus paid supervi- A Macmillan Mammoth Quiz is Mark Smurthwaite of the sory staff see clients every weekday being held at the Grove Green MRUA said: “Please advise fellow boat owners of any sightings, so at Maidstone Gateway and at their Community Hall, Penshurst Close, they can be aware – and if you have not been on your boat in a head office on Tonbridge Road, at 7pm (for a 7.30pm while, check it out very soon.” and provide advice on the phone. start) on July 2. As well as being voracious fish-eaters and largely responsible for Citizens Advice welcomes volun- There will be tables of eight con- the decline of the water vole population in England, mink have teers. Part-time roles are available testants with tickets costing £6 per been caught gnawing through decking and boat hulls, as well as as client advisers, receptionists and person. devouring property kept on boats. clerical workers. For details go to Participants are advised to bring www.maidstonecab.org.uk. their own drinks and nibbles. A raf- For personal advice go to fle and an auction will also be held For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk www.citizensadvice.org.uk or ring on the night. our AdviceLine on 01622 752420.

Maidstone South May 2016 27 News downsmail.co.uk Paulina’s help to community ELEVEN organisations in Maidstone Rural West have benefited from grants from Kent county councillor Paulina Stockell. Cllr Stockell (pictured) had a working on the Yalding Nature £300 went towards the printing of Street and has earmarked £500 each combined member grant of £25,000 Trail. Yalding’s parish magazine and an- for investigations into traffic calm- to spend in her area, enhanced by Yalding and Laddingford FC re- other £200 to Yalding Parish Coun- ing in Lower Road, East Farleigh, more than £9,800 carried over from ceived £600 to- cil to support its 70th anniversary and West Street, Hunton, on ap- the previous year. wards work of VE Day celebrations. proach to the crossroads. In the area of community spend, with its new Nettlestead parish council also Projects that are already under- Nettlestead Village Hall received junior teams, received £250 towards its parish way for 2016/17 include £700 for the largest single sum (£2,500) to- Marden Me- magazine. the KGV Field in Nettlestead, £500 wards the refurbishment of the morial Hall re- On highways, Cllr Stockell con- for wicket covers at Hunton Cricket hall, with a further £2,000 going to ceived £657 for tributed £3,000 towards a speed re- Club and a sum towards work at Linton Cricket Club to help with a cooker and duction project on Lower Road, Linton Village Hall. the replacement of the artificial Teston Village West Farleigh, £2,000 on speed sig- Cllr Stockell has also agreed to wicket. Hall received nage near Marden Primary School help fund traffic investigation work Another £1,000 went to Coxheath £472 to buy a and £1,945 towards the Speedwatch in and Marden and the Primary School to help improve its boiler. project in Coxheath. possibility of installing a 20mph outside play space and to the Med- A further £500 is going to sup- She also assigned £650 to an ad- school sign in Vicarage Road, Yald- way Countryside Partnership port this year’s Marden in Bloom, visory 20mph school sign in Collier ing. Charity walk THIS year’s Rotary Club North Seeds experiment out of this world Downs Walk takes place on Sunday, June 19. STUDENTS at Five Acre Wood have now planted to grow alongside The walk, which raises money for School in Loose are preparing to similar seeds which haven’t been to Cancer Research as well as walkers’ become space biologists by growing space, to measure the differences individual chosen causes, starts and seeds that have been into orbit. over a period of seven weeks. ends at Harrietsham Village Hall in In September last year, 2kg of The students won’t know which Church Road, Harrietsham. rocket seeds were flown to the seed packet contains which seeds Registration starts from 8am and International Space Station (ISS) on until all results have been collected ends promptly at 11am. Walkers can Soyuz 44S where they spent several by the RHS Campaign for School choose between a three, six or nine- months in microgravity before Gardening and analysed by mile course. returning to Earth in March. professional bio-statisticians. You can register online or on the The seeds have been sent to the Kirsty Oudot, senior teacher at Five day for a minimum donation of £15. school as part of Rocket Science, an Acre Wood School, said: “The out-of- Fifty per cent of sponsorship goes educational project launched by the this-world, nationwide science to Cancer Research and the other RHS Campaign for School Gardening experiment will enable the students half to the charity of your choice. and the UK Space Agency. to think about how we could On completion, all walkers receive Five Acre Wood, a district special preserve human life on another a free ploughman’s lunch and a pun- school for children and young people planet, what astronauts need to net of strawberries and will be en- with profound, severe and complex survive long-term missions and the tertained by a local jazz band. learning difficulties, received a difficulties surrounding growing packed of 100 seeds which they fresh food in challenging climates.” History display THERE will be a display of local his- tory in St Michael’s Church, Chart Police pitch in Sutton, on May 28. Birthing help for mums OFFICERS from the Kent and Essex The exhibition is courtesy of EXPECTANT mums fearing the more comfortable birth.” Serious Crime Directorate (SCD) Michael Beaman, whose collection pain and potential problems of A free taster session takes have taken to the football pitch at which is often shown at Sutton Va- having a baby are being offered place at the Maidstone South Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium to lence Church. a free taster session in hypno- Cote Clinic, 3 Sittingbourne help families of officers who have There will be cream teas, a raffle birthing – a concept devised in Road, Maidstone, on Sunday died in the line of duty. and a bookstall. If you have any- Staplehurst to encourage stress- May 15 from 10.30-11.30am. Two teams, one from the serious thing of local interest, please bring it free labour and birth. Barbara said: “Whether organised crime unit and another along on the day – old photos, scrap Mum-of-three Barbara Seal, prospective parents plan to have from the SCD support team, took books, maps – anything which who lives in the village, said: a home or hospital birth or even each other on in a match refereed might fascinate your friends! “Women are designed to give a planned Caesarean, hypno- by Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, The day is one of a series of fund- birth naturally, and hypno- birthing has something to offer assisted by Deputy Chief Constable raisers to help pay for rewiring at the birthing teaches you HOW you everyone.” Paul Brandon. SCD won 4-3 thanks church. can birth your baby into the Barbara spent more than 10 to a last minute goal. world calmly in any situation – years working in the health serv- A total of £2,326 was raised for Village fete sometimes even painlessly.” ice and trained in hypnotherapy Care of Police Survivors. She added: “Hypnobirthing is for two years before setting up Chief Constable Alan Pughsley EAST Farleigh Village Fete takes more than just hypnotherapy HypnoBambinos 18 months ago. said: “There were no doubt a few place this year on Saturday, June 25. and is perfect for nervous par- She recently won the 2016 aching legs in the office the next The fete committee recently pre- ents, first-time parents and scep- Mumpreneur Kent Women in day, but I’m proud of the effort that sented a cheque for £200 raised at tical dads. Business Award. my officers put in during their own last year’s fete to Dandelion Time, in “It is a complete antenatal ed- For more details of forthcom- time to organise such a successful Charlton Lane. ucation programme, designed to ing free taster sessions, visit event.” Committee members Barbara give nervous parents the knowl- www.hypnobambinos.co.uk or Dagger and Sue Morris spent the af- edge and tools they need to telephone Barbara on 07889 For more local news ternoon with Anyes Reading, part of achieve a calmer, easier and 025958. the fundraising team. www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone South May 2016 29 downsmail.co.uk Jeffrey Vaughan Martin many years, being the architect and chairman David Folb how to bat in the nets Obituaries instigator of many significant beneficial at Vinters Park.” JEFFREY Vaughan Martin (78) of Arran changes. Keith will be particularly Road, Maidstone, has been described by remembered for his work in adult social care David Picke, president of the Maidstone and the introduction of direct payments for Katie Whistler Choral Union, as “Mr Music of Maidstone”. clients.” KATIE Whistler (26), of Maidstone, died After moving to the town in 1968 Jeffrey Keith met his wife Lynn at Leeds after collapsing at home in front of her trained and conducted many of the town's University where he met his wife Lynn. boyfriend after feeling unwell. musical institutions They have two sons and a granddaughter. Tributes have been paid to the colourful and remained a Lynn is a local GP with a surgery in character dubbed “crazy” by boyfriend driving force behind Rainham. Chris Dredge. Katie local music. His interest in politics began at university was known as Pinky He studied maths where he first became a member of the because of her pink and music at the Conservative Party. Over the years he held hair. She and Chris University College of many offices in the party, spending eight lived on the Wales, Aberystwyth years as a constituency association chairman. Tonbridge Road and and education at He became a member of Gillingham Katie had worked for University, Borough Council in 1975 and was elected to four years as a care going on to win a KCC in 1977. He was also a member of the assistant and a chef at scholarship to study conducting on the Community Health Council and Medway Eastfield Care Home. Gulbenkian Conducting Course at the District Health Authority. In 1988, he was Katie’s friends and Guildhall School of Music. awarded the MBE for political and public family packed her funeral service at Vinters He worked as a music teacher and spent service. Park Crematorium on April 20 and tributes the final 21 years of his working life as a Keith leaves his wife, two sons and four praised her love of life and creative spirit. specialist music inspector in Kent. grandchildren. Katie studied animal care at Hadlow His local work included founding and College and was a volunteer at Smarden’s directing a number of significant musical Big Cat Sanctuary. ventures. In 1978 he founded the Kent Bertha Pullar Katie leaves partner Chris, parents Rachel School Symphonic Wind Band, renamed BERTHA Pullar (87) grew up in Lenham and Mark and siblings Simon, Hilary and the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra in 1985 and later lived near Headcorn and in Charloe. Donations can be made in her after its numbers grew. Coxheath. name to the Neuro Foundation at Jeffrey set up the Maidstone Youth Music Born Bertha Honess she trained as a tinyurl.com/KWhistler, a cause relevant to Society, led the Maidstone Choral Union school teacher and worked at Oldborough Katie, who suffered from neurofibromatosis. from 1974 to 2008 and set up The Manor School. She married farmer James Maidstone Singers in 1991. “Jim” Pullar and the couple raised sons In the final week of his life he was still James, Duncan and Alistair. She returned Tony Hyde active, working with the West Malling to teaching in the early 70s, teaching in PC Tony Hyde (64) covered the Farleighs Community Choir. Cranbrook before becoming a part-time when allocated policemen to the Jeffrey was treasurer of the Methodist junior teacher in Suon Valence. rural parishes and was very popular. Church on Union Street – a location used James said: “My mother was involved in After retirement he moved abroad and as a venue in the Maidstone Jazz Festival, the dairy farm we ran from 1960 to 1984 on was subsequently diagnosed with pancreatic which he helped found and promote. cancer. He is survived by wife Jackie, Many of those who worked with Jeffrey the site now occupied by the Weald of Kent Golf Course. She was also a member of her daughter Charloe, mother Joan and sister have paid fulsome tributes. Maidstone Joanne. Wind Symphony’s Facebook page stated: local WI. She was active and keen to get “It is difficult to understate Jeffrey's out of doors, dog-walking and enjoying contribution to youth and community country pursuits. Both my parents were Elsie Percival music in Maidstone.” involved in the Mid-Kent Fuchsia Group. Bertha, who was widowed in 1994, leaves AN ACTIVE member of Farleigh WI for Many individuals who knew and worked more than 50 years, Elsie Percival of River with Jeffrey have also paid tributes. her sons, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Close, East Farleigh, has died. She and her Drum Major David Cox of the Royal Air late husband Eric were prominent in many Force said: “Jeffrey Vaughan Martin parts of village life, especially in the bale to inspired and helped countless young John Steer open the village shop on Station Hill. musicians to achieve excellence … many of JOHN Steer (80), who lived in Tovil and whom are still involved in music on a professional basis.” Fant, will be remembered as a keen Sarah May Wishart Jeffrey leaves his wife of 49 years Jean, sportsman and the first secretary of Lashings Cricket Club. THE death has been announced of Sutton children Jonathan and Debbie and Valence’s Sarah May Wishart (55). grandchildren Christopher and Chloe. He showed exceptional talent in cricket, football and cycling. His only lengthy period A celebration of her life was held at St away from Maidstone Mary’s Church, Sutton Valence on May 6. Keith Ferrin came with RAF Mourners were invited to make donations to service that took him Camphill Village Trust; an organisation THE funeral has been held of Keith Ferrin supporting people with learning difficulties, MBE (71), a Conservative member of Kent all over the UK and Europe. John returned mental health problems and other special County Council for 36 years. needs which Sarah supported. Mr Ferrin was to work at Sharp’s deputy leader from sweet factory on St 1997 to 2001. He was Peter’s Street. The Stone Shop also cabinet member He aended for environment, Lashings’ first match Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, highways and waste in 1984, an lettered and installed anywhere. and supporting ignominious defeat when the team were Inscriptions added to existing memorials bowled out for 29 after agreeing the fixture independence, policy, Renovations and memorial the previous night. performance and best cleaning value. John kept faith in the club and saw them Leader of Kent improve. Lashings’ website notes: “John The Stone Shop County Council Paul watched as Lashings grew from a hapless Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. Carter said: “Keith made a massive pub team into a world XI and amongst his 01622 726633 contribution to the running of KCC over many claims to fame is that he taught

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Maidstone South May 2016 31 downsmail.co.uk Comment Your views on Brexit campaign TWO months ago I explained in this col- as I suspect do most of the 10m who umn why I shall be voting for Brexit. It in- Mail watch BBC’s Countryfile every week. I spired an unprecedented number of Marks think we are the heart of Britain – and will responses from readers and I will highlight be voting LEAVE. – Brenda Jones, a few. DENNIS FOWLE President Maidstone.  I encourage generations in my family to [email protected]  We know we cannot win a vote against discuss the EU and with help from your other EU nations – so let’s get out and do article we all agreed the dark hand of the speaking English in my own town centre. our own thing. We will still have a seat at EU will cause increasing damage to our Britain MUST CONTROL ITS OWN many highly significant international lives. The younger generations, all in BORDERS. D Webb, email. tables and our Commonwealth seems small businesses, welcome the  The EU has so many intractable and more stable than ever. TDJ, West Malling. opportunities and challenges sovereignty growing problems that member nations  Brexit wins two-and-a-half to a half in will bring. PD, Bearsted. will be expected to increase very high my book. The key issues are: controlling  I’m out. Immigration is ruining our subscriptions to this troublesome, our own borders and limiting overcrowded country – a month for a GP expensive club whose accounts are never immigration (one point); regaining appointment; hospitals under great certificated at audit. Let us get value for sovereignty to make our own decisions pressure; granddaughter cannot get her our precious money in Britain through (one point); the immediate economic preferred school place; Maidstone traffic sovereign control. Ex-pat Michael Raine, welfare of Britain, a controversy still to be problems grow every year; the country’s Athens. decided (half point). Lionel Martin, welfare bill is crippling so many of our  I cannot accept that if we vote for Brexit Tunbridge Wells. vital services (elderly care, road the rest of Europe will not wish to trade  After we have voted to Leave, let’s make maintenance etc). I love Europe – not the with us on sensible terms. I anticipate June 23 Britain’s Independence Day – with EU. J Taylor, email. close co-operation still with our European an annual public holiday to replace one of  Increasingly I do not recognise my friends – those are the messages reaching the two on the colder May days. Future lovely old Maidstone. Just travel along the me from my many European contacts. I generations will have good cause to Suon Road and gaze at the massive and have always supported David Cameron – celebrate. Emily French, Maidstone. intensive development. The local plan but the current vibes are not good. His being enforced on us nationally means it stance is losing him so many friends. I And one to Remain will get much worse. think he is in for a devastating shock – he  As a farmer my employer survives This is all down to population growth should now be preparing Britain for just through grants from EU. Unless our fired by the huge number of immigrants. that. RJT, Maidstone. Government assures farmers we will In off-peak times I used to drive around  I love our countryside and nature – but receive replacement support I must vote the town with few delays. Now I question so much is set to be destroyed by the to remain. I am surprised so many of my if I want to face these slow journeys at any demands of immigration and population farming friends tell me they will vote to time. I am relieved when I hear people growth. So many friends see it this way – leave. Michael J, Maidstone.

Hope article sways votes Crossing will affect traffic By all means support the Lower Thames Crossing, but the council should be Dear Sir – I was so pleased to read Dennis Dear Sir – I note from your recent edition campaigning for improvements to the Fowle’s article regarding the EU, and that that Maidstone Council has given a view junctions I describe to avoid imposing he plans to vote to leave. on the Lower Thames Crossing, secure in delay and danger on residents. It is good that people who have not made the knowledge that it "will not affect the John Payne their minds up will read his view and it borough in any way". could help them make their choice. I’m like May I suggest that this is totally naive. him; I really want to leave the EU but I am The scheme is being located in such a Dispute over blood tests sad when I see so many lies from people on position to cater for traffic from the south Dear Sir – I recently called the Stocke the news, saying we need to vote to stay in. east – in this case mainly Europe – Lane surgery in Coxheath for a blood test, It’s the only chance we will get to vote travelling to the north and being able to requested by the hospital, and for another out, and it would be fantastic if we do get avoid the congested Crossing. in connection with my diabetes. out. I’m so disappointed that David This will mean a substantial volume of I was told by the receptionist that the Cameron is trying to keep us in the EU. He traffic including large lorries using junction surgery no longer co-operated with the is on the wrong side. 6 of the M20 to leave the motorway via a hospital in taking blood. I pointed out that I’m sure the Queen, if she could say, tight slip road, queue to enter and then use I was a patient of the surgery and that they would want out. We can close our borders, Running Horse Roundabout, travel under had been taking tests for the hospital to we will save so much money, we can the motorway then up to the next monitor my condition every three months choose who we let in we can stop roundabout before joining the A229 to for over a year. After some argument the importing other countries’ criminals, and climb up Blue Bell Hill. receptionist agreed that the surgery would the money we save can be used to make At the top these vehicles have to join the take my blood on this occasion but not in Britain great again. M2 via an even more complicated junction, future. Australia and America don’t let in where there is already regular congestion. On aending the surgery, I enquired as criminals, so why should we? We won’t Although the return journeys are a lile to the reason and was told that a lady with have so many people using our NHS that less complicated, the changed traffic suspected scarlet fever had aended the we pay into and they don’t, so thank you paerns will still affect the local highway surgery, but as the blood for the for his article. system, much of which is within the laboratories had already been collected she John Maplesden, by email borough of Maidstone. was directed to the hospital as it was Contact our team ... Simon Finlay Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist simon.fi[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

32 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk

considered that the maer was urgent. The As a special educational needs teacher homes; this compares against a revised Comment hospital refused to take the lady’s blood for and twin to a brother with cerebral palsy, I housing need of 18,560 dwellings through analysis and so the Coxheath surgery and am aware that individuals with mobility until 2035. possibly others had decided not to co- difficulties can miss opportunities in many It is of prime importance that new operate with the hospital. aspects of life because of their needs. housing developments mitigate their Two elements of the same NHS service However, I do not feel that something as educational impact through developer’s seem to be at loggerheads with each other. simple as going to the beach should be one financial contributions, enabling the What is the point of having a single health of these. expansion of existing schools, the service if they behave like this. Can it really Poor access can be a problem during establishment of new free schools and, be a question of cost? If so, surely it is family holidays as it can split up the family where appropriate, the development of cheaper for the surgery to carry out the group when it is time to go to the beach. I new academies. taking of blood rather than have two don't feel that someone should have to Hence, development proposals should appointments. miss out of this because of a mobility need. only be supported where adequate Why should patients be inconvenienced Many locations abroad are beginning to provision can be provided, which clearly because a surgery and the hospital are in provide these services and I feel that in extends to wider aspects of infrastructure dispute? England they should become a more provision than just education. The results of the blood tests are regular feature. It is not just the densely-populated areas recorded at the surgery and are also As the petition stands at present, just of urban Maidstone, but the rural fringes received by the hospital doctor, so why is it under 2,000 signatures have been gained too which are facing similar pressure on necessary to have a blood test at the since the end of February when it was primary places. Headcorn, Marden and hospital when it can easily be taken by the started. However, a further 8,000 Harrietsham/Lenham have been identified visiting phlebotomist? signatures are required by the end of for expansion. Colin Trelfer, by email August in order to make the government However, in a number of these locations, respond to the petition. There is still a long the expansion of existing primary schools GP practices in west Kent do not routinely way to go. would be extremely difficult due to lack of carry out blood tests ordered by the hospital To sign the petition, please go to space on the school site or planning and never have. In Maidstone and Malling, petition.parliament.uk/petitions/122392 constraints. practices have a visiting phlebotomist to come Leanne Burgess, Maidstone KCC is currently exploring a number of in and take blood test samples that the GPs options for school expansions right across require. The person ordering the test is the district, together with the new school at responsible for interpreting the result – so, in Schools under pressure Langley Park due to open in September the case of a test ordered by the hospital, it will MAIDSTONE has recently witnessed huge 2016. be the hospital doctor who needs to see the changes in its population growth and This will support capacity for the large result and communicate with the patient and forecasts indicate this will continue due to amount of housing already being built in the area, together with potential further GP. ongoing trends for inward migration and expansion subject to planning consent. Response by Dr Andrew Roxburgh, an increasing local birth rate. However, the continued indigenous diagnostics, pathology and phlebotomy As a result, the growth in demand for growth and inward migration will clinical lead for NHS West Kent Clinical primary school places will continue to put continue to present challenges and Commissioning Group pressure on all our local schools. speculative planning applications will Over the last three years, KCC has seen continue to be submied, which as we are significant demand for school places witnessing, can be challenging and require Beach access for all arising from new housing developments in solutions not only in education but in the I AM the founder of the disability Maidstone. In the absence of a revised provision of wider infrastructure needs. awareness campaign Changing Local Plan, it is difficult for county to Gary Cooke, Kent County Council, Impressions and have started a petition to adequately plan for additional school (Maidstone South East) enable disabled access to the beach and sea places that might be required. at a minimum of one beach per coastal Maidstone’s previous Local Plan, See our education coverage on pages 4, 5 county in England. adopted in 2000, identified 7,400 new and 6 of this edition.

A LARGE metal frame holding six water reports Crime pumps was stolen from a commercial premises in Lodge Road, Staplehurst. Neighbourhood Watch Some scrap metal was also stolen from a container and a light unit was stolen from Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police the roof of a Mercedes van. A vehicle was taken from a yard in Lenham Road, Headcorn. property in Pickering Street, Loose. Benover Road, Yalding. A fence was damaged in Corner Farm A strimmer was stolen from a farm in An ornament was taken from a garden in Road, Staplehurst, when someone climbed Heath Road, Coxheath. West End, Marden. over it. Three men and a Vauxhall Frontera were A garage at a home in High Street, Baeries were stolen from temporary seen at the scene of a burglary in Linton Yalding was broken into. A black traffic lights in Lenham Road, Headcorn. Hill, Linton. Boardman carbon fibre bicycle, a black Intruders cut through a fence in Ulcombe An iPhone and a purse were stolen from Carrera bicycle and two Stihl chain saws Hill, Ulcombe to get to an outbuilding, an unlocked car parked in New Road, were stolen. before stealing items from inside. Langley. Items were stolen from a vehicle parked Items were stolen from a property on A shed was broken into at a property in in Green Lane, . The Green, Boughton Monchelsea. Westerhill Road, Linton and a red Honda Three lawn mowers were stolen from a A trailer was taken from behind a lawn mower was stolen. barn at a farm in Sheephurst Lane, property in Plough Wents Road, Chart A home was broken into in Priory Close, Marden. Suon. East Farleigh. A garden ornament was stolen from the A vehicle was broken into in Dickens garden of a property in The Quarries, Close, Langley. Boughton Monchelsea. Garden equipment was stolen in a break- Stones were thrown at a Vauxhall Viva in at the garage of a property in Tilden ALARM NOT WORKING? being driven along Loose Road, Loose, Lane, Marden. WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS damaging the car. An object hit a window, damaging it, at a A shed was broken into at a home in property in Heath Road, Langley. CALL 01622 880751 Heath Road, Boughton Monchelsea, and a A home was broken into in Marden lawn mower, a strimmer, a chain saw and Thorn, Marden. A garden fence was damaged by some copper scrap was stolen. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD Plant machinery was taken from a someone being drunk and disorderly in

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MD Building & Services Specialists in • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) • Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving FULLY INSURED BATHING A PROBLEM? Tel: Mark 07841 409061 Specialists in walk in baths, showers and wet rooms. email: [email protected] www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk • Free Survey & Quote FREE Georgia basin & • Easy Access toilet with every Building Plans Shower/Bathroom walk-in shower/ • Door Widening bath order* • Stairlifts • Care Home Adaptations • Full Installation • Open by appointment *Ordered by 30th April 2016 DO YOU QUALIFY FOR OUR DISCOUNT? Discounts for OAPs, Co-op members, ex-service personnel, SSAFA & British Legion members Discount for Medway WRENS Carpenters Unit 11, Newnham Shopping Village All aspects of Bearsted, Maidstone Kent Brian’s Carpentry CARPENTRY Showroom: 01622 738204 Office: 01622 611880 Doors, Windows, Kitchens Service supplied and fitted, Loft www.ahminstallations.co.uk • Windows • Doors • Frames Conversions, Doors hung, Locks fitted, Skirting, • Skirting • Fences small alterations, • Gates Plastering and Tiling All work guaranteed. The complete Bathroom No Job Too Small FREE ESTIMATES Maintenance Company 01622 752205 Family business established 21 years 0793 920 6067 01622 743648 NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Mob: 07711 291921 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone

Supply • Install • Repair FULL CARPENTRY SERVICE FROM DECKING TO DOORS, Wood Works KITCHENS & FLOORS. ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD IN AND Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 AROUND THE HOME ALL WORK GUARANTEED CALL Cliff on 07940 854927 or 01622 729092

34 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Chimney Maintenance Cleaning Services Electricians cont. "WE CLEAN OVENS!" H & G Chimney Services Using van mounted cleaning tanks, Chimney sweeping service your oven hob and extractor is Long established cleaned to showroom shine without ICS registered • All types of flu smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of All pots-cowls supplied & fitted delighted local customers. Complete re-builds Oven cleaning from just £49 Re-pointing Guttering, roof & valley repairs Please call James on 01622 739439 07860 318166 01622 616168 [email protected] www.ovenwizards.com Fencing Computer Services Fence me in & alot more I.WALLOND FENCING All types of Fencing & Gates ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Installed & Repairs Est. 25 YEARS All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, FREE ESTIMATES Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. 01580 890649 07931 368710 Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Hedge Cutting etc. Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978 David Matthews Fencing Drives • Free estimates & friendly advice • All types of fencing at competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected • You talk directly to David at all BUTLER stages for your fencing DRIVEWAYS • Go on, give him a call on Block Paving www.wrightsfencing.co.uk Phone: 01622 755342 Patterned Concrete Mobile: 07749 202140 Tarmac Driveways No1 Locally Since 1996 Shingle Drives Patios 01622 850491 Garden Services Mobile: 07885 253623

Warren House Headcorn Road INVICTA Maidstone GREEN LAWNS Artificial Grass Business Directory Advertise from as little as Electricians Specialists £3.00 per month We Supply and install J Norris Electrical Contractor Artificial Grass Call 01622 630330 or visit our website for more details All aspects of • Part P L.W Electrical Please call for a free site domestic electrical certification Part P Registered survey – 07493 140330 www.downsmail.co.uk work undertaken provided by a trusted and All electrical work undertaken qualified • All work NIC 24hr Call Out • Free Estimates electrician with 20 approved and Fully Qualified & insured years experience. certified OAP Discounts - Free no obligation quotes Ring Lee - No job too large or small 01622 737016 07906 517599 Tel: 07966 511408 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Electric Rewired ELECTRICIAN The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL We are Part P Certificated For all your electrical needs For all your Electrical needs Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates From extra sockets to house rewiring NICEIC Part P registered MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES Replace old light fittings with new fittings Free Estimates, Friendly Service Call Alf for your free quote Fully insured, 25yrs Experience Professional Tree Services Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 Call Steve 01622 747257 www.electricrewired.co.uk. Mobile 07985 474176 [email protected] Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA Tel: 0800 567 7175 We accept payment by [email protected] www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk

Maidstone South May 2016 35 Classified downsmail.co.uk Garden Services continued Garden Services continued z Fencing z Treework L.W.LANDSCAPING z Turfing z Decking Fully Insured & Reliable z Levelling Ground z Jet Washing Service Tel: 01622 260149 z Astroturf z Patios Mob:07772 231419 z Clearance z Driveways TONY YOULES GARDENING SERVICES Do you long for a beautiful and well maintained garden? FAIRVIEW FARM Don’t have the time or know-how? I DO! TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES • Fully qualified, at C&G & NVQ levels I & II - FULLY INSURED for a helping hand with:- All grass, shrub & general maintenance - also planting and landscaping. TREE SURGERY: All Aspects of Landscape Organics a Special Interest CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, Gardening & Fencing PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB - Call Tony on Maidstone 01622 891328 TRIMMING, CLEARANCE Decking Fencing SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED, Patios Driveways Complete Garden MOWING (lawns) and much more! FULLY INSURED (City & Guilds Call for a free estimate! Maintenance NPTC qualified) For a friendly & 07464856603/07493468502 • Grass cutting, from field to a garden professional service & advice Fully Insured •Hedge cutting • Weed control Please call:- 01622 743428 Fully Insured Free Quotes Mob:- 07817 517 733 [email protected] • Japenese Knotweed treatment Tel 01622 206431 • Fencing • Rubbish removal Mob 07932 752875 • Hedge & tree reduction • Turfing ARBOUR www.boatmanlandscapes.com • CRB Checked TREE SURGERY ‘Trust your local experts’ Handyman Services All Aspects of Tree Work Felling • Pruning HANDYMAN Hedge Cutting PRACTICAL PHIL THE HANDY MAN No job too big or too small. Stump Grinding Sheds constructed & repaired Painting & decorating, Fully Insured and Qualified Door hanging • Flat Pack Furniture all roofing works & repairs, Free No Obligation Written Quotation Interior & Exterior Decorating chimney’s, guttering & gutter 01622 759119 07771 970570 Many small jobs undertaken cleaning, pressure cleaning, www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk Please phone with your requirements fencing & brickwork & driveways 01622 755898 Mobile 07834 601428 07554 267087 DAVID WYNN 0800 4748750 GREEN MAN Free from landlines Tree & Garden Services Locksmith Weald Garden Care Hedge cutting Mowing, Weeding, Hedge Traditional trimming. Fence and Shed Hedge laying 24 hour service locks opened new locks fitted security checks emergency work undertaken UPVC door & window repairs painting and repairs. Fencing T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 Maidstone & Kent Patios and drives cleaned. Landscaping Written quotes. 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Free estimates & advice - Fully insured Phone Neil Painting & Decorating Tel: 01622 892244 07753 328366 Mobile: 07732 768331 C. TAYLOR ad ad ad ad ad LEE Hughes INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & PAINTING & DECORATING DECORATING SPECIALISTS TANTONS SERVICES PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT Tree Surgeons EPIC COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENTS Interior & Exterior Work Painting LANDSCAPES Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas Undertaken Paperhanging TREE FELLING CHIPPING Partitioning No job too big or small OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONIFER TOPPING Carpentry City & Guild Qualified Coving CLIMBING/DISMANTLING • Fencing • Treework Tel: 01622 759040 Wood & Laminate SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS • Turfing • Decking Floors HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS • Levelling Ground FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE • FULLY INSURED POLLARDING FREE ADVICE • Jet Washing Service CALL CHRIS ON 07970 980611 STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS • Water Features Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed MALCOLM ROBERTS Public Liability Insured/ • Astroturf • Patios Over 25 years’ experience of Approved Contractor • Clearance • Driveways maintaining people’s homes. • Quality Decorating at a fair & competitive price For a free site survey call: A friendly, reliable service. 01622 630312 Painting & decorating, • Dulux approved over www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk 01622 527106 Wall Papering, Tiling 30 years experience ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad ad ad ad ad ad 07788 532926 and all aspects of DIY. • Fully insured CALL MALCOLM Tel: 01622 737225 ON 01634 308067 Mobile: 07816 149502 We accept payment by Mob: 07788 142576 www.sr-interiors.com FOR A FREE QUOTATION email: [email protected]

36 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Painting & Decorating continued Plumbing & Heating continued

IRELAND PLUMBING Rathbone Decorating Services All domestic plumbing & Painting & Decorating heating work undertaken To place your No job too small boiler installations, Interior & Exterior with special rates advertisement in our Works Undertaken for pensioners servicing and landlord certificates classified pages please • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services call our dedicated • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman 07912 892341 classified team630330 on 512663 01622 Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 [email protected]

Dunkley Painting and Decorating Roofing Services • Experience in all aspects of painting and decorating • Professional and reliable COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE Flat Roof Firestone EPDM Systems • No job to small • Free quote I Piece Rubber - No joins, No Leaks • Full Roof Installation • Traditional Roofing & Leadwork • Tiling & Slate Roofing • All Roof Repairs • Chimney Follow us • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Capping • Repointing & Rendering 07712 580493 • Upvc Soffits, Fascias & Guttering @Dunkley painting • Chimney Repointing or Removal E: [email protected] and decorating All Work Guaranteed • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Free Quotations www.apolloroofing.co.uk Te l : 01233 330146 Plastering Plumbing & Heating 07808 414965 Mob: 07702 863505 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote Kingswood R K Plastering Chris Bourne Plumbing Services Roofing All Aspects of Plastering making water work ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING Internal / External Heating A.P.S Ltd FLAT ROOFING SPECIALIST Plastering Over Artex Wall & Floor • 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE Plumbing Roofing & Chimney Services Coving Tiling • FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES Free Estimates • New roofs & repairs Complete • UNBEATABLE QUOTES Clean & Reliable 25yrs experience • Slating/Tiling/Lead work Bathrooms • ALL WORK GUARANTEED Call Rob on: 07984 609133 • Chimney rebuild/repairs • AS RECOMMENDED BY KCC TRADING www.rkplastering.co.uk • Pointing 01622 747272 / STANDARDS & WHICH LOCAL • Guttering Services 07885 950959 CALL: 01622 743741 Larkrise, Green Lane, Free estimates & all works guaranteed Boughton Monchelsea. 0800 0232665/01622 729600 07885 750066 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh [email protected] [email protected] WWW.KINGSWOODROOFING.COM NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES Security Systems •Plastering •Painting & Decorating PLUMBING For all your •Laminate Flooring•Home Improvements plumbing needs FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE New Taps • Toilet & Cistern Repairs Bath & Shower Installation 07804 927680 Leaks & Fault Finding • General Repairs Call Gary 07738 902116 / 01622 736266 D K PLASTERING All plastering work carried out GILBY PLUMBING • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • All small plumbing FREE Quotes jobs undertaken Email: [email protected] Tel: 01622 674276 Call David 01622 727534 Mobile: 07974 891795 Mobile: 07973 171450 INTRUDER ALARMS 30 years experience t tCCTV SYSTEMS tACCESSACCESS CONTROL Gavin Francis Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Burst pipes & leaks • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH Security.ImprovedSecurity.Improved NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]

Maidstone South May 2016 37 Classified downsmail.co.uk Security Systems continued Skip Hire continued Double Glazing Repairs Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive & Locksmith Services PINBINS • Locks repaired or replaced Commercial and domestic • Letterboxes Access Access 1-14 day hire Council approved • Hinges & window handles Denied Same day delivery Tipped at our site • Broken glass & misted units • Lost key replaced & doors opened 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled • Patio doors, runners & rollers 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete • Doors that are difficult to close and lock Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil Grab hire also available 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447

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38 Maidstone South May 2016 downsmail.co.uk News

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BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS Window Cleaning • 3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired • 3 piece suites individually made to order MB WINDOW CLEANING • 100’s of fabrics to choose from • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service • DIY supplies • Collection & delivery • Power washing available for block paving & patios • Antique restoration 01622 863502 07950 211 507 (01622) 863069 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone Window Services Waste Collection

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Maidstone South May 2016 41 downsmail.co.uk

purchase order. This was probably why only seven vehicles

aihCouncils Parish Chart Suon Shop on the Green This was due to reopen were recorded as speeding. Another was Police report A three-tonne tipper was been on May 2. The new cabin would be clad in planned on April 10 in the morning. stolen from Wierton Hill and an Ifor green plastic covered steel and would be Williams trailer was stolen from Warmlake placed on railway sleepers. Cllr Munford Road. Padlocks were stolen and a was to ask the mayor if he was free to East Suon wheelbarrow planter was damaged at perform the opening. Cobfields. An increase in fly-tipping was Lighting The light outside 6 Court Broomes reported and parishioner Peter McLoughlin was not working and had been reported. reported the theft of food from his food Coxheath Play area The surface was very thin and recycling bin. there were holes in the Tarmac. The trees Annual meeting It was noted that Mary email him at [email protected]. had been checked. Underdown had agreed to provide and Local plan The parish council has Police report There had been a theft from a serve the refreshments. Speakers would be responded in detail to the public vehicle asked to stand at the side or front so that consultation on the Maidstone Local Plan Annual meeting The annual parish they could be heard by all. The annual and had indicated that it would make direct meeting will be held on May 25. report was noted. representations to the planning inspector Planning Regarding a part retrospective Play area Cllr Steven Waring said that the when the plan was submied for application for the erection of polytunnels, surface sample provided would be softer in independent examination. drainage works and landscaping, the situ. He arranged for members to visit Park Primary school The parish council had Maidstone Council officer had Way School to see the product. agreed in principle to give financial support recommended this for approval but a Pavilion Members considered the quote to Coxheath Primary School in respect of councillor had called it in to a planning from BG Electrical contractors for electrical equipment for the development of a meeting. The parish council had work at the pavilion and agreed to the cost refurbished outside work and recreation recommended approval but did not wish it of £297 plus VAT. area. to go to commiee so would not be Christmas lights Cllr Val Underdown had Pre-school The council would give a grant aending. three unused boxes of Christmas lights of £1,500 to the pre-school to assist with which were donated to the amenities ongoing expenses in the summer term. commiee. It was suggested that they were Football club The clerk was to meet with Headcorn checked to make sure they were in working representatives of Coxheath and Farleigh Crime report The total of incidents had order before Christmas. Junior Football Club to discuss their increased, with 17 since the last report. Lilypie Lesley from Lilypie told members arrangements for their prospective use of These included an aempt to steal a trailer, they had been served notice to leave the site the Beacon Field football pitch in 2016/17. cars scratched in Oak Lane, an assault and proposed to use the village green as a Pedestrian crossings Kent Highways (pushing) in Kings Road outside the school temporary pop-up café serving meals and Services would be asked to refresh the and several shoplifting incidents from coffees, alongside the re-opening of the markings on both crossings in the village Sainsbury’s. Four road accidents were also Shop on the Green until they move to their centre. reported plus poaching from Great Tong new premises in Boughton Monchelsea in Play area All outstanding repairs had been Farm. The PCSO said three youths had the summer. They would use a small completed to equipment in the Coxheath been causing disruption on the railway line. catering pod. Members were concerned Village Hall play area. Lier Cllr Dungey noted the lier-picking about parking, especially if Lilypie Café Accounts The parish council accounts for work carried out by the group from the was still open. There was also concern 2015/16 would be subject to internal audit traveller selement in Lenham Road. A about potential damage to the green. The with a view to their formal presentation leer of thanks would be sent. Positive clerk was asked to investigate any and approval at the next parish council comments had been noted from the regulations. Lesley’s second proposal was meeting. community after information was posted one-off events, which seemed a more on Facebook. feasible idea, but there were still concerns Play area A resident was keen to help with over parking. East Farleigh revamping the play area on Days Green. Chairman’s report The defibrillator had PCSO’s report PCSO Mahew Judges was This would be discussed further at the next been delivered and it was brought to the unable to aend but reported four crimes open spaces meeting. meeting for inspection prior to being for March: theft of horse riding tack from Finance Banking details were not available installed at Lilypie. Dean Street, aempted burglary other than due to the satellite being down at the Individual reports Lyndon Davis had dwelling in Lower Road, and two mobile bank. taken the subtle growth off around the burglaries of garden equipment in Dean Communications group The group had playing field. The clerk had received an Street. met and had two very able volunteers email thanking Cllr Waring for mowing the Car park A councillor had found someone trying to sort out a new website at very churchyard. who would be prepared, for a small fee, to lile expense. Dog mess Cllr Waring had sourced some open and close the car park gates every dog waste bags on a roll but had been day. Council agreed in principle to add him unable to find a suitable dispenser. He to the payroll and would negotiate with Langley would keep looking. The clerk had asked him around a figure of £20 a week and ask Annual meeting Parish Council chairman Maidstone Council for Dog Watch signs at him to monitor his hours. Cheryl Taylor Maggio gave a report at the the playing field. Bridge working party A meeting had been annual parish meeting on the council’s Football Cllr Waring said the football was set up with Helen Grant MP and progress throughout the year. She outlined running alright and an extra team from representatives from Network Rail and the council’s to-do list for next year which Coxheath had played five matches, Kent Highway Services to discuss whether included refurbishment of the climbing providing extra income following the lack traffic lights were a feasible way of frame in the play area, repainting street of matches played by Three Suons. controlling the flow of traffic at the bridge lighting columns and flower and tree Traffic Cllr Underdown said SpeedWatch and level crossing. Representatives from planting on the Leeds Road and Horseshoe had been cancelled on several occasions Council would aend. Lane as well as addressing the lier issue. due to bad weather. It was noted that there History booklet It was reported that the Langley FC Glenn Allan reported that the had been a serious accident on the Chart history pamphlet had now been proofread men’s team continued to do well and Corner/Warmlake Road junction and the and edited and that a meeting with the thanked the parish council for its recent clerk was to request that the lines on the designer was planned soon, so it was donation of £5,000 to the changing room exit from Chart Corner were repainted. progressing well. Council agreed that an extension at the village hall. Consideration AllCars It was noted that the planning additional section on the present day was was being given to running a youth team application had been refused by Maidstone not necessary, as it would immediately date but trained volunteers would be needed to Council and members agreed the best the booklet. come forward. option, should the council wish to buy the Speedwatch There had been a session on Open forum Residents talked in detail land, would be to contact the owner March 24 from noon to 1.30pm. It had been about housing development, the planning directly, rather than registering it as a planned for the evening, but the weather process and the need to protect the village village asset or obtaining a compulsory forecast was bad so it was moved forward. environment. A resident expressed concern

42 Maidstone South May 2016 Parish Councils 43 May 2016 May

South

The clerk was to Maidstone Andrew Watson reported Four crimes had been The clerk had reported an The board on the A274 at the A sum of £2,800 had been ring- It was proposed that an A former councillor, Eve Poulter, The changeover to LED would Cllr Eileen Riden reported that the A proposal that these be kept open An email had been received from £10,000 from the village centrefund contingency held by the parishout council immediate “to safety, carry security, health and the details of the fund which was a Suon Valence Co-option had shown an interest onback being on co-opted to the council.War This memorial was play agreed. area get quotes for rabbit fencing.report The was play not area available. Cllrreported Lorraine on Cook the pavilion refurbishment.copy A of the tennis clubsigned accounts agreement and was the received. Open spaces overgrown area on the A274to by KCC The but Plough had receivedWaring a for quote £200 from to P clearchase this. up She KCC. would Allotments allotment holder from each ofbe the approached two to sites act asthe a parish representative council of and tocommiee. join The the clerk allotment had approachedpeople two who were willing toAn come allotment forward. at Bowhalls hadout been following rented the advert inparish’s a newsleer. neighbouring All allotment holders had paid, with the exceptionArriva of one. the bus company confirming thatwould there be no changes tobus the timetables. No 12 and 59 Lighting cost £229 per lamp. Theresaving would on be power a plus 60% savingsNoticeboard on repairs. north end of the parishA had leer been had damaged. been receivedlandowner. from the Jubilee seniors’ lunch would be aQueen’s celebraton 90th of birthday. the crimes in the same period last year. amenity improvements”. The clerk outlined minimum £12,000 to be retainedparish by council the to be maderequest available by on the trustees fornecessary substantive works, not day tocosts, day and running would normally bebe expected replenished to by the trusteesagreed within period. an After some discussion,was it agreed that the amountcondition be that released subsequently on the trust formally advise the parish councilrepayment of plans. its Flood warden that, as Staplehurst flood warden,aended he a had meeting organised byabout KCC its Staplehurst surface water management plan. A report wouldissued be in May and wouldof include flooding comment at the northernLane. end Overall, of the Clapper general conclusionthat was Staplehurst was not atin risk the of severe flooding sense ofwas the recognised word for but some a kind need aenuation of measures to protect theBeult. River Crime figures reported – one of makingpayment off from without Suon Valence service station; a theft in Northinterference Street; on vehicle the A274 andvehicle a in theft South from Lane. a There had been four Village hall fenced for the car park. Toilets all year round was approved. Staplehurst Village A report had been Following heavy rain The developer had It was noted with regret Residents had raised issues Regarding consultation on Lier and other flytipping Cllr Anita Van Hersbergen It was resolved to give a The youth club was still an The clerk reported on the hedge been done and a responsePublic was forum awaited. was reported on private landdownline next at to Marden the station. Reflectors were missing on the roadMilebush between Lane and St Anne’s Green Lane. that the proposed service changesStaplehurst affected in that the eveningservice number to 5 and from Maidstonediverted would via be Coxheath.They observed that Staplehurst Caretaker’s report many areas of the playing fields were KCC funded bus services, councillors noted the proposal appeared reasonable and council thanked the firm andrespond would after taking advice about the about parking at Jubilee Field,proposed also development the at Stanley Farmland and offered by Croudace Homes. Contingency fund Nelestead Village hall ambition but was on holdPlaying at field the moment. had carried out her normalthe inspection King on George V fieldnice. and It it was was noted looking thatplace five to cuts date had on taken thespeak field. to The the clerk dog asked warden to fouling regarding in dog Nelestead. The clerkreported then on the damage tothat the a plaque quote and had beenStone received Shop, from which The was £450£250 for for repairs cleaning. and The clerkfunding would and check would on contact KCCPaulina Cllr Stockell to see ifwas a available. member grant Station signal box received from Ted Bates ofWateringbury the History Society who had aended a meeting, along withWateringbury members Parish of Council, with the Community Rail partnership on theof future the station signal boxparish in council Nelestead. would The like tosupport offer to its Wateringbury Parish Council and the history society and would like to be particularly sodden. Bus proposals agreed not to comment further. Croudace Homes offered to transfer a stripA229 of High land Street between and Chestnutthe Avenue to parish council without charge. The proposed documentation. Parish surgery kept informed on any futureFreighter developments. service that the freighter service offeredMaidstone by Council would be ceasingend at of the April. Footpaths which borders Old School House.owner The of the property hadthe confirmed hedge that had been cut,the but parish it council was that felt it by back had enough not and been therefore cut wouldreported be to KCC. The clerkcontact would the also managing agents forproperty the as the clock hadwas stopped the and responsibility it of thekeep resident the to clock to thePlay correct scheme time. donation of £50 to thescheme. Yalding summer play Centre Trust had requested the release of Calls were being The clerk had reported the No chairman had been There had been four crimes Councillors thanked borough A leer had been received from Silt and debris were still being The benefits of Twier and its use Councillors agreed to enter this mail.co.uk There was a large boulder at the top of Marden station manager was employed to run it. potholes and faded white linesasked and to was provide photographs. This had until another location was found or a that the post office wasclerk to had close, spoken but to the thewas postmaster not and the this case. He would remain in post residents concerned over the futureMarden of post office. There were rumours to pay the £10 subscriptionPost fee. office Trees year’s Kent Men of Trees competition and youths were currently around the village who they were. Memorial Hall elected at the annual meetingcommiee so would the continue to electchairman a at each meeting. Marden Lier pick Cllr Burton for his helppick. at It the had village been lier veryvolunteers successful turning with up. 70 Police report since the last meeting –damage, two vehicle criminal interference and burglary other than dwelling. There hadreports been of several nuisance youths andA motorbikes. meeting had been heldregarding at anti-social Rookery behaviour Court and crime prevention measures. Work was continuing with British Transport Police overcausing youths trouble at the railwere station. being Surgeries held at themeetings station were and held regular with residentsGolding and Homes. Councillors asked thatissue the with 101 not beingraised answered at was the next PoliceCommunity Forum warden meeting. received regarding anti-social behaviour involving footballs being kicked intoThe roads. warden had visited theyouths location had but moved the on. Several groups of and the community warden wasgroups visiting and working evenings to ascertain downs about ongoing parking issues atjunction the of Grasslands. A resident volunteered a vote of thanksof in the recognition hard work carriedchairman. out by the Loose Drainage washed down Well Street fromproposed the development area off Forstall Lane, and was also reportedinto to the be waterways going and Loosedrain Stream. had The been unblocked inKent Well Highway Street Services. by The parishwould council continue to monitor theTwier issue. in geing to harder-to-reach groupsdiscussed. was It was agreed toagenda place for this the on next the meeting. Risk the bank above the ragstoneallotment wall site next and to it the appearedanimal that had an been digging around.feared It this was could make theThe boulder site unsafe. was rather highso from a the full pavement assessment hadwas not agreed been to made. alert It Kentand Highway to Services ask landscapers toarboricultural inspect report it. had An been supplied covering all the trees ownedcouncil by but the none parish needed aention. Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Simon Finlay, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Newbury News.