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Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE FREE& Fortnightly October 2017 No.Maidstone 246 & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper News December 3nd - December 17th downsmail.co.uk No. 286 Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to hasNews died aged 107, her son !3 launch this year's panto. David has disclosed. BOnr boarduc Thee Kentish is LadyBa werengkok-bound national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy See page 22 Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- MP’sElaina Local Mensa Plan joy bid fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELENAN INVICTA Whately Grammar asked the School stu- beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig governmentdent has been to haltassessed the as one of Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, borough’sthe brainiest housing people scheme. in the !4 Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- country. à3 zone (Ugly Sisters) . They were greeted by pupils from Plans for Dr Nigel South Borough Primary School and Nicholson not guilty THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto EAST Farleigh man Kieron will walk the Grand runs from December 1-31. For tick- Nicholson (29) has been cleared Canyon for charity. !12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. of killing devoted father Jamie Simmons - report. à4 Jason Donovan date THEOtham former Neighbours housing star brings hisSPECIAL show to thereport Hazlitt and analysis!18 Theatrefrom Dennis next May. Fowle at the CCTV call in a bid Otham housing inquiry. à8

Picture: Chris Lawson Bob heads off JUST months after the death of to stop fly-tipping his beloved wife Wendy, parish and borough councillor Bob Hin- CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a der has decided to move to the Reprieve for Hazlit? west to be nearer fam- country road have been made by the local borough councillor. ily. à15 Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- Broomfield,THE future has been of the targeted Hazlitt by was Theatre dumped and looks set on fire.a little brighterlieves the cost after to small Maidstone firms of dis- Obituaries à29 wasteBorough dumpers Council’s for years, but plan in re- toThe shut church it carand park sack has also the seen operatorposing of constructionwas overturned. waste at a Obituaries !32 cent months, the problem has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deter- Parishes à33 comeCouncillors more acute. reversed the MBC onlyBut a it reprieve is a problem until in January many rural 19. rent“The that is elected costing councilsmembers more. were Parish Councils !34-35 proposalConstruction to mothball waste, the rubble, venue hard in- areasMP including Helen Grant Langley, advised Otham all beingCllr Fortbounced made into her this remarks action asby Comment à45-47 core,definitely windows and and terminate household Park- fur- andparties Kingswood. to use the Watertime to Lane thrash in onethe ofofficers the borough’s and the closestleader trans-of the ASH dieback has been discovered in niturewood isTheatres' left illegally contract. – often strewn Bearstedout a plan and for Pilgrimsthe future. Way have fercouncil stations with at insufficiently-accu- North Farm, Tun- Monks Meadow in Detling; inA the motion middle ofasking the road. for a defer- alsoCllr been Purle targeted said: “The recently. COVID-19 bridgerate information.” Wells, announced it will be Hollingbourne village fete stall- holderA classical co-ordinator comeback Jean Duffy has mentCllr won Gill Fortby eight said: votes “Every to monthseven. situationLast year, may Maidstone look very Boroughdifferent closedThe forvote 10 was weeks. split down party resigned;LEEDS Castle yellow has lines announced are needed a we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- lines.Sheadded: The Liberal “If you Democrat go along and the MBC wants to shut the venue to in the new year. fordate Buffkyn for its Way, 2021 Otham summer, to classi-allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 lineLabour of increasing coalition, fines, which they have runs to save a subsidy of £243,000, but pay “Instead of jumping the gun by busescal concert, through after Imperial a Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. beMBC, enforced. voted against A reduction the deferment in the £100,000 per year to keep it shut. terminating the theatre operator’s bishyear bins of cancellations. in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking The approaching darker evenings chargeand in or favour offering of itmothballing freeL mayIG haveH theT EST MOBILITYà20Lift & Recline Chairs Many councillors felt there were contract and sacking skilled staff, Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. thetheatre desired and similar sacking effect.” Parkwood.SCOO TER IN THE WORLD unanswered questions regarding we now have a pause, and the Ultra lightweighthet c apicnicr load areaing and rear exit. 35 Models in our show room to try land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- Athree-monthlylitterpickontheBut the Conservatives, who led the contract and the council’s chance to discuss the best way of Radio gong in offing A recent event in Burberry Lane tive by the Environment Agency mile-longthe motion, stretch only oftriumphed road through withEE W e take aw ay your old furniture - plans to re-open the Hazlitt and securing the Hazlitt for years to AST FR CrimeMAIDSTONE Reports Radio, the commu- !35 saw a caravan burned out while a and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- Leedsthe supportvillage produces of rebel anF average LiberalRY DELIVE nity station for the county town torchedsought clarity. car remains The ondeferment a footpath is dardscome. Agency to clamp down on 32Democrat black sacks Nick of rubbish.de Wiggondene-TOCK VEHICLES have been driven over FREE OF CHARGE FROM S has been nominated for SheppardCllr Fort, and who independent also serves asGor- a farmland in Lenham, causing damgean industry to crops;award. an attemptedà22 parishdon Newton, councillor, after says a teaching meeting ON The ILLUSI break-in was reported in Detling; a childrenlasting about almost social four responsibility hoursus pe onns ion Full S vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted andNovember the issue 25. of litter in schools will E Vine Church appeal ANG help take the issue off the streets.G R CE Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were MBC’s senior managementLON RseesAN THE Vine Church in Shepway S NDU RY CHAIR She believes with every householdE TTE E stolen from an allotment in little point in paying ParkwoodBA ABL has appealed• Ptou rlocalple •people Blu e for elivery VAIL st FREE d receivingfor services a weekly it cannot refuse provide collectionA in a Lenham. • Grey • Red Fa ade YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT help in collecting suitable dona-from stock or m [email protected] service,building there which is no has excuse seenIS forY Ono UlitterR live EXI SITINtionsG SC OforO TitsER Christmas TOO HEAV Y? rder beingperformances thrown since from March. vehicles or Comment !46-47 to o 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent PART EXCHhamperANGE project.WELCOME à26 dumped in the road. 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2 downsmail.co.uk News Drugs charge Elaina, 11, scores top A SUSPECTED drug dealer has been charged after heroin and crack cocaine was seized at a Maid- stone address. Officers from Kent Police’s mark in Mensa IQ test County Line and Gang team also seized two phones from the prop- A SCHOOLGIRL has achieved was timed and there were ques- erty in Grove Road at about 6am the maximum score in a Mensa tions based on shapes and pat- on Wednesday, November 25. IQ test at just 11 years old. terns. Leon Wilson (36), of Grove Road, Elaina Jinu Paddy, a pupil at In- “I want to go to university to was charged and remanded in cus- victa Grammar School, travelled read law and one day go into tody to appear before Medway to London for two-and-a-half forensics.” Magistrates’ Court on Friday, hours of testing. Invicta Grammar School head- November 26. She is now one of the youngest teacher Julie Derrick said: “We are people to gain entry to the world extremely proud of Elaina. This is Road closed famous high-IQ society. a huge achievement and testament After gaining the maximum COURTENAY Road in Maidstone to her ongoing hard work and is closed until December 8 for UK score of 162, Elaina is in the top commitment to learning. 99.998 percentile of test takers in Power Network connection works. “Elaina is a lovely student and IQ across the world. The road is shut at the junction thoroughly deserves to do well. I Mum Swapna, a research scien- with B2010 Tovil Road. The alter- have no doubt that she will con- tist, said: “It was Elaina’s sister, native route is via Courtenay Road, Hannah, who initially encour- tinue to blossom throughout her Brenchley Road, B2010 Old Tovil aged her to take the Mensa test. journey at Invicta Grammar Road, Tovil Road and vice versa. “She wanted to do it as soon as School.” she turned 10 and a half, which is Mensa is the largest and oldest Cocaine case high IQ society in the world. It is a the minimum age, but her test got A BARMING man has been non-profit organisation open to postponed due to the pandemic.” charged with conspiring to supply people who score at the 98th per- Elaina said: “I kind of just did cocaine across Kent. the test for fun, I didn’t put a lot centile or higher in its intelligence Tom Ambler (25) of Glebe Lane of pressure on myself to pass or test. and Lewis Spratt (27) from Ash- anything. I just wanted to see The society has around 120,000 ford, remain in custody and are what I could do. The first section members world-wide. due back in court on December 16.

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3 News downsmail.co.uk New dad ’had Killing hunt continues minutes to live’ THE man stabbed to death in Shepway was engaged to be married and had just become a after suspect acquited father for a third time. Loving dad Jamie Simmons POLICE will continue to investigate the killing of devoted dad Jamie and Charlotte Muddiman (pic- Simmons after the man accused of his murder was acquitted. tured left) had been together for two and a half years when he After a six-week trial at Maid- Members of the Nicholson fam- was fatally stabbed through the stone Crown Court, a jury found ily cheered and hugged one an- heart in May this year. Kieron Nicholson (29), of Vicarage other in the public gallery as the The young couple had just Lane, East Farleigh, not guilty. verdict was given. Mr Nicholson, welcomed daughter Dolcie, who Mr Simmons (29) was stabbed to who appeared on video link, was 11 weeks old at the time of death with a kitchen knife on May slumped forward and buried his the attack, and were planning to 4, after a fight erupted with Jack head in his arms. have a small wedding ceremony McCann on the Shepway estate. Mr Simmons' loved ones wept or at the end of the month. The argument started after Mr stared in stunned silence. Miss Muddiman fought back McCann allegedly made a crude The trial faced multiple setbacks the tears and had to take a break remark about Mr Simmons’ fiancé, after four jurors and Mr Nichol- from her evidence as she relived Charlotte Muddiman. son’s cell-mate tested positive for the final moments of her fi- Mr Nicholson told detectives he COVID-19. nance’s life to a jury. She de- had only acted as a peacemaker be- As she tried to shield her partner A Kent Police spokesman said: scribed how the blood stain got tween the pair. from further harm, she suffered su- “On Friday, November 27 a jury larger and larger on Mr Sim- Miss Muddiman, who had given perficial cuts to her arm and finger. found the suspect not guilty, of ei- mons’ vest although he was still birth 11 weeks before the attack, The jury took just three hours to ther murder or manslaughter. The able to stand. The court heard wept as she recounted Mr Sim- reach its verdict to acquit Mr case remains open and officers will how Mr Simmons had just 15 mons’ final moments in Cam- Nicholson of murder and continue to act upon and investi- minutes to live due to blood loss. bridge Crescent. manslaughter. gate any information received.” Reporting by Jade Schopman Weapon haul ALMOST 40 weapons includ- Estate ‘sink hole’ a collapsed drain ing knives, a screwdriver and a WORKERS at the site of the latest catapult have been seized by land collapse in Barming insist the officers across Kent during the sudden void is not a sink hole. latest clampdown on knife It appeared on November 26 in a crime. residents’ parking area at Angelica Operation Sceptre, a na- Square, off Hermitage Lane, after tional campaign to raise aware- starting as a crack. ness of knife crime, was Workers from BT Environmental supported by Kent Police and and Thanet Drainage commenced ran from November 9 to 15. work on Friday and confirmed on Uniformed patrols in areas Monday morning that it was not an- “I’ve engaged a structural engi- tal said a geological survey would including Maidstone, Medway other sink hole but a collapsed drain. neer through my household insur- take place before several weeks of and Thanet arrested 13 people A resident whose home is closest ance, to assess the situation and repairs are completed. in connection with knife of- to the hole said: “We were worried thankfully, he confirmed there is no At least three voids have opened fences and carried out 242 ‘stop initially that it was a sink hole, but threat to my property.” up in recent months, prompting and searches’. we have been reassured it is not. An engineer from BT Environmen- fears about the ground stability.

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4 mail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News minutes to live’ MPs’ anger at tier three plan LOCAL MPs have expressed their to put Kent into tier three was diffi- disappointment at the whole of cult. She added: “Most of Kent has Kent being plunged into tier three high or very high infection rates, and COVID-19 restrictions. some of the areas with lower rates are They were part of a growing back- unfortunately showing a worsening bench revolt by Conservative mem- trend. We cannot ignore the pressures bers at Downing Street’s decision to this is continuing to put on our local impose county-by-county rules, hospitals.” rather than by local authority. The NHS has continued to see a Tier three is the highest level of re- steady increase in the number of striction in the post-lockdown range COVID-19 cases in Maidstone – 500 of options. The MPs are concerned per week – and the hospital is under the blanket rules do not take into ac- pressure. Five operating theatres are count the local variations in a large closed and visits are massively re- county like Kent. stricted. Tracey Crouch (Chatham & Ayles- Shepherd Neame brewery and ford), Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge & pub chain chief executive Jonathan Malling) and Helen Grant (Maid- Neame said: “This is a very disap- stone & the Weald) were among pointing outcome for all of us that seven joint signatories. work in the hospitality industry and Their letter reads: “These restric- we feel it is unfair.” tions…risk undermining public sup- l TIER three means that pubs port for measures if they are seen not can stay open but for takeaway or- to be justified by the incidence of ders only; gyms are open and most COVID-19.” outdoor sports are allowed; no Mid Kent MP Helen Whately, the household mixing but rule of six social care minister, said the decision allowed outdoors and schools stay Will, Deputyship, or Power of Attorney dispute? Do you have a dispute regarding how a Will, Deputyship, Estate or Power of Attorney has been handled? Whitehead Monckton has considerable experience in helping clients to resolve these difficult disagreements and in many cases achieving excellent financial results. Call us today on Canterbury 01227 643250 New clerks in parish Maidstone 01622 698000 HEADCORN Parish Council has some new additions to its office team. Tenterden 01580 765722 As existing parish clerk Caroline Carmichael is moving on to new adven- London 020 7531 2990 tures in India, the council now has a new parish clerk and assistant clerk – Stefan Christodoulou and Susie Barkess (pictured). for an initial no obligation consultation by phone. The parish council wrote in its latest newsletter: “Caroline has been hand- ing over to Stefan for some months, and he has now taken over the clerk's E-mail [email protected] role. He values how varied and interesting the job is, whilst providing a real www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk sense of accomplishment. “Susie was born in Headcorn and has several family members here. With Whiteheadwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered many years’ experience of admin roles, she is really looking forward to her in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, new post and becoming part of the team.” Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority To get in touch, email [email protected] or assistantclerk@head- under no. 608279. cornpc.org.uk or telephone 01622 892496 or 07956 440713. DM 11/19

5 News downsmail.co.uk Robbery case A SUSPECTED armed robber has Friends’ festive cheer been arrested after a threatening a shop assistant with a knife. A man is reported to have en- tered a shop in Lower Stone Street at around 10.20pm on Wednesday, to care home residents November 18. It is alleged he stole cash from the till and a bottle of LONELY residents of Loose care whisky and threatened a shop as- homes will not be forgotten this sistant before leaving Christmas, thanks to community- A 31-year-old man from Maid- spirited locals Leah Iszard and stone was later arrested on suspi- Lyndsey Cooper. cion of robbery. The two working mums have got together and created a commu- Plan rejected nity Christmas Giving Tree. The tree, in Sainsbury’s in Loose AN APPLICATION to redevelop Road, has labels attached, each one land west of White Heath, Ashford representing a resident in Loose Road, Hollingbourne, with a three- Valley or Loose Court care homes. storey care home has been dis- Restrictions on visiting have missed on appeal. meant that many have gone with- The home would have catered out seeing family or friends for for residents needing nursing, de- turn it to Sainsbury’s by December Care Centre on Sutton Road. long periods. Some residents have mentia and residential care. 21. The gifts will be quarantined for The children at Tiger School had no visitors at all. 72 hours to ensure they comply to have all been busy creating Christ- Both Leah and Lyndsey have COVID-19 rules. We will then de- mas cards for residents which will Scam refund grandparents in care homes and liver them in time for the big day.” be delivered with the gifts, proba- HEADCORN florist Julia Archer, have seen first hand how difficult Lyndsey (42), a teaching assis- bly on Christmas Eve. featured recently in Downs Mail the year has been for both residents tant at Tiger Primary School, Leah added: “It’s been a tough after scammers stole £800 in a and staff. Loose, said: “The community have year, not just on the residents, but credit card fraud, has been re- Leah (42), who works at Bluewa- reacted fantastically to the idea. the staff at care homes, too. We funded her money. ter, said: “It’s very simple. People The first labels were gone within 24 want to spread some festive joy to The Foreman’s Walk trader still select a tag from the tree and pur- hours and we’re now doing labels these special people and the whole lost £150 in stock in the con. chase a simple gift, wrap it and re- for residents in Ashley Gardens community have got behind us.” Advertisement Feature Relationship on the Rocks The title of this article processes. If emotions are running high, taking • The person that leaves is often a co-owner of may conjure an image a step back can regain the ability to think more the family home. The absent person is still of cold, troubled waters clearly. Taking time to reflect and acting bound by their responsibilities to mortgage with potential dangers rationally can avoid lots of anguish. Many lenders and should ensure that the home and above and below the people regret actions/words spoken in the heat contents remain protected by insurance. The surface. If this is a of the moment but the damage done remains. leaving party continues to have rights to enter, prospect facingp6 you ideally on giving reasonable notice. • Think carefully about the consequences of then look to get acting irresponsibly, especially when it relates to • Analyse your financial resources to work out sensible support from how they can meet everyone’s needs. Drawing Daniel Bennett your children or to money. Children are very Head of Family team the outset to help you up a priority list of what you and your estranged vulnerable when parents separate, they need to manage the turmoil. partner/spouse need is important. Enquiring know both parents love them and will continue Below are some pointers to consider what help is available in the form of benefits will to be there. Financial pressures can lead to • It may not be too late to repair the damage. also assist in continuing to meet the family’s relationship problems. 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Joint items within the home should be preserved team at Whitehead Monckton who have a • Explore the alternative dispute resolution until an agreement can be reached on a fair wealth of experience in these matters. opportunities like mediation or collaborative distribution. Canterbury 01227 643266 Maidstone 01622 698051 Tenterden 01580 767540 www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

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7 News downsmail.co.uk Otham village awaits its fate THE long-awaited appeal by Bellway Homes over borough councillors’ refusal of an application for more than 400 houses finished on November 30. Dennis Fowle offers this overview… BELLWAY Homes have had their dents in the last 10 years. say at a tortuous six-day appeal in- The Council for the Preservation quiry. of Rural England is powerfully David Now we must wait a few weeks against the development, and for the inspector’s decision on Hatcher, of Richard Knox-Johnston said al- whether over 400 homes can be Chapman though the inspector at the 2017 built off the narrow country lane of Avenue Area Maidstone Local Plan inquiry ac- Church Road, Otham, next to the Residents’ cepted the site, he imposed seven admired grade one-listed church. Association, conditions for developments. Of Three times Maidstone council- at St these several had been fudged, oth- lors rejected Bellway’s planning Nicholas’ ers ignored - “there has been a cav- applications, objecting on grounds Church, alier attitude to interpreting these of safety in Church Road and con- conditions”. Otham gestion in neighbouring roads, His objections included the im- mainly Willlington Street. new households – would worsen junction with Deringwood Drive, pact on the church and nearby These rejections came in the face safety on this rural lane and, as it Downswood, would add to the im- grade II listed buildings. of recommendations and strong was unlit, driving judgements be- pact in a network under significant Malcolm McKay (Lab), council- warnings from the council’s senior came more difficult. stress. He thought drivers from lor for Shepway South, said officers, none selected to present He said KCC required a road Downswood would be exasper- Church Road was so narrow a bus, the council case at the inquiry. width of 5.5m for this development ated trying to enter Willington HGV or emergency vehicle could Instead, the council relied on the and it was as narrow as 3.9m in Street and this could lead to ag- not pass a car. Roads would need powerful evidence of Kent County parts and 4.2m on bends. The late gressive driving. He felt Bellway’s widening for any bus access and Council’s principal highways plan- Bellway proposals for limited road submissions, including assertions site access was unsuitable. ning officer for Maidstone, Bren- widening could help, but his many there would be no significant in- Duncan Edwards, of Maidstone dan Wright, and Robert concerns still included forward vis- crease in traffic, were not robust. Cycling Campaign Forum, fought McQuillan, a leading planning ibility and damage to ancient Counsel for Bellway pointed out for cyclists, who currently see consultant and formerly a chief woodland and road verges. three nearby substantial applica- Church Road as ‘hostile.’ planner with Bromley Council. Mr Wright explained KCC’s ob- tions had been approved and rejec- Maidstone Borough Council in- Both called on the inspector to jections due to cumulative traffic tion of this site meant Maidstone’s vested in defending this appeal, in- reject the proposal and were grilled congestion in the wider area, espe- housing needs would not be met. cluding engaging counsel and the at length by Bellway’s counsel, cially the Willington Street corridor He questioned KCC’s view of “se- expert planning witness. It would who left no stone unturned. and Spot Lane. Peak hour queues vere” congestion and pointed to be delighted and relieved to win, Mr Wright said additional traffic in Willington Street would grow previous planning cases. especially as its officers have esti- – estimated at just over one vehicle and vehicle jams of between 144 He looked at the current base- mated costs of £95,000 in addition a minute during rush hours and and 224 were quoted. line of safety in Church Road and to its own costs of £70,000. Bellway extra HGVs largely delivering to He said new traffic signals at the spoke of only two injury acci- estimates “considerably more”. Cancer support Jabs for mums STAPLEHURST Free Church has Youth decide on awards PREGNANT women in Kent and been supporting World Pancreatic Medway have been taking advan- Cancer Day, as part of the Purple YOUNG people have been given lighted by the success of this event tage of a free flu vaccination. Lights for pancreatic cancer cam- the opportunity to award more and hope that this is only the first Pregnancy weakens the body’s paign last month. than £10,000 to half a dozen pro- of events like this that engage and immune system, which means flu It involved the act of lighting jects aimed at helping local young- involve our young people.” can cause complications as expec- purple focal points in villages, sters. The meeting was held virtually tant mothers are less able to fight towns and cities all over the UK. County councillors Gary Cooke and took the form of a “Dragons off infections. Mums-to-be should Of the almost 10,000 people di- and Paul Cooper organised and Den”, whereby the supporters of contact their surgery or book their agnosed with pancreatic cancer, sponsored the You Decide event on the respective projects were in- jab with any pharmacy. less than 7% survive five years. November 14. vited to make a short presentation Paula Wilkins, chief nurse at Kate Minett, widow of Dr Nigel The financial awards came from to the panel of young people, NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Minett, a church Deacon who died the councillors' discretionary which was followed by a question Commissioning Group, said: “If of the disease in 2012, has raised grants. and answer session for each pro- you are pregnant, you are eligible £26,000 for research. Cllr Cooke said: “It was wonder- ject. for a free flu vaccination to protect ful to see young people really en- After the panel's deliberations, both you and your baby.” gage and have a say over funding they decided to make the following Junction plan for projects that directly concerned awards: A PUBLIC inquiry has started into them. Switch Cafe (£2,000); Project Team praised the upgrade of Stockbury round- "I’m pleased to sponsor regular Salus (£2,700); Maidstone Mind VOLUNTEERS at Leeds Castle about. Highways England wants to You Decide events, where residents (£3,500) and Infozone (£2,000) have been praised for keeping the build a fly-over at the junction of from my division vote on projects Peter Heckel, of Project Salus, historic treasure house open dur- the M2 and A249, at a cost of £80m. they want me to support, but this said: “It’s really refreshing that ing the pandemic. MP Helen Whately was expected was the first Youth Decides event Kent County Council is listening to Shane Guy, head of operations to tell the inquiry she wanted to see in Kent and our young people from young people and how maturely and tourism said: “The volunteers the junction improved but worried Maidstone responded brilliantly.” and seriously the young people we have at Leeds Castle are mag- about the effects on the village, Cllr Cooper added: “I was de- took the process.” nificent. 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9 News downsmail.co.uk Force ‘inaction’ on hate crimes Sanctuary needs help JUST 1% of hate crimes against the disabled community in Kent re- sulted in court action. The number of offences fell year after inux of goats on year from 622 to 504, according BUTTERCUPS Sanctuary for to new official figures, but resulted Goats is urgently appealing for in only six criminal actions. help after saving 14 extra goats. Kent Police said: “We will al- Founder Bob Hitch (pictured) ways listen to the victim and when said the imminent closure of an- it is not in their best interests to at- other shelter resulted in a number tend court, we will explore other of staff being made redundant and outcomes.” animals left homeless. The team at Buttercups hastily Sale success converted a hay barn into a tempo- THE annual Great Leeds Booksale rary home for the newcomers. raised the second highest total of Mr Hitch, who has been looking £1,071.66, despite the restrictions after mistreated or unwanted goats imposed by COVID-19. from across the UK since 2003, Attendances held steady and said: “When called upon by very foster homes to help look after any animals’ charities, and Buttercups many of those unable to go to St distraught staff members to find of the new arrivals. is no different. Nicholas Church in person sent new homes for their 14 goats, the Potential homes will need to “Earlier in the year, we had to donations instead. team at Buttercups went into emer- have adequate area for grazing ask for support and help when we gency mode to help rescue these with secure fencing and warm were in dire need of funds. unfortunate animals. shelter. All homes will be checked “The appeal was greatly sup- Council meets “They all arrived safely, very by staff at Buttercups. ported throughout the country. We LEEDS Parish Council meets vir- confused with the upheaval of Mr Hitch added: “We are always should be ok until the new year, tually at 7pm on January 12. De- moving, but have now all settled full to capacity as we look after 150 but we ask everyone to keep But- tails of how to join can be down nicely into their new home.” goats on site. tercups in mind this Christmas.” obtained from the parish clerk on The Boughton Monchelsea char- “Coronavirus has put great pres- For details go to www.butter- 01634 863719. ity is now urgently appealing for sures on the financial reserves of all cups.org.uk.

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ColourFence_A4_Autumn_approved.indd 1 17/09/2019 11:59 11 News downsmail.co.uk Drunk mum banned in Covid chippie rumpus A DRUNK mum of four attacked An eyewitness told magistrates a customer at a fish and chip shop Farrer was “stumbling, shouting over a row about social distancing. and slurring her words” at Mr Claire Farrer (50), pictured, of Humphreys. Lambourne Drive, Kings Hill, Defending, Madeline Deasy told made the mile trip to Humphreys the court Farrer had been home- in Kings Hill after downing two schooling her children when she glasses of wine at a neighbour’s went to help her distressed neigh- house. bour who “was having a domes- Isla’s big clean-up Caroline Atkin, prosecuting, told tic”. A SIX-year-old litter picker has Maidstone Magistrates Court the Farrer told the court: “There is a raised more than £1,500 for the single mum became aggressive killer virus out there. I am in remis- charity Plastic Oceans UK. when Steven Humphreys (no rela- sion and I pointed the sign out to Isla Underdown embarked on a tion) entered the Queen Street Mr Humphreys, who told me he huge litter pick around her home village of Staplehurst after be- shop, due to there being a two-per- did not give a f***. I could not be- coming concerned about the son limit. Farrer, who was waiting lieve it. He grabbed my wrists and state of our oceans. for a sausage, denied she assaulted pushed me to the floor. She wrote on her JustGiving him and says she “politely asked “He was dragging me around page: “Litter makes me sad be- him to leave” due to her being in had tried to restrain her. like a rag doll.” cause turtles get stuck, so I want remission from a serious illness. “It was the first Friday of open- Farrer was found guilty of as- to collect as much litter as I can to Owner Chris Bramley said he ing the shop since lockdown and sault, drink-driving and being stop it going to the ocean.” saw Farrer “punching Mr the restrictions were still very new. drunk and disorderly in May. To support Isla's campaign, visit Humphreys in the arms” and could Like most businesses, we tried our Chairman of the bench Mark www.justgiving.com/fundrais- see he was “struggling a bit”. best to stick to the guidelines and Tucker gave Farrer a 12-month con- ing/islasbigclean He told the court: “Claire threw point it out to customers who were ditional discharge and banned her the first punch and Mr Humphreys perhaps unaware of them.” from driving for 12 months.

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13 Advertisement Feature downsmail.co.uk MAIDSTONE SOUTH & SOUTH EAST NEWS AND VIEWS For too many of our neighbours and friends, this Christmas circumstances. We recognise that county borders makes will be far from happy or anything we would normally the tiers easier to administer, but simply ask whether this associate with this time of the year. For many it will the is fair, and we suspect not. We both believe a more toughest and saddest Christmas in a lifetime. Toughest as localised borough wide approach would be much fairer and people fear for jobs and careers and saddest as they grieve not significantly more difficult to administer. Hopefully for loved ones lost to this pandemic or are grappling with Kent in Tier 3 will be short lived and we all have our fingers issues of isolation and despair. crossed for an effective vaccine and a return to normality. As County Councillors we do what we can to help our local Finally with Christmas also comes Panto - Oh Yes It Does! communities through these troubling times. We were both Well, maybe not this year with professional and amateur so proud to organise the Youth Decides event which gave a productions having to be cancelled because of the KCC Cllr Paul Cooper voice to Maidstone’s youth and resulted in over £10,000 pandemic, but hopefully to return when venues can reopen. being distributed to projects supporting the wellbeing of Young People in Maidstone. But that raised the possibility of Maidstone Borough Council closing the Hazlitt Theatre which is an incredibly As Christmas approaches Gary has partnered with local valuable community asset and as County Councillors we churches and other organisations to provide seasonal food were fully supportive of the SAVE THE HAZLITT campaign. hampers and hot meals for families facing particular hardship in Park Wood and Shepway. Families with young It is in no small measure thanks to the efforts of our children will also receive a small gift from Santa in the borough colleague, Jonathon Purle that this campaign was hamper and in this way, not even the Coronavirus will stop successful and a rethink will be undertaken. Santa Claus from making his rounds this Christmas! Finally we both wish you all the best possible Christmas But equally, we cannot help but comment and express and a New Year full of Hope, Health and Happiness. concern with Tier 3 measures being unilaterally imposed With all best wishes, Paul & Gary right across Kent irrespective of more localised KCC Cllr Gary Cooke

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17 News | Save the Hazlitt downsmail.co.uk The four options on the table MAIDSTONE Borough Council considered four options before deciding to shut the Hazlitt Theatre and sack the operator, Parkwood Theatres, at an earlier meeting on November 12. Confidential documents seen by effort to overturn the earlier dec- Daily Downs Mail show officers sion. were urging members strongly to MBC’s report, in section four, ac- take the option which saved the knowledges there are downsides most money and was least contrac- to the termination of the contract tually tying. with Parkwood. Maidstone Borough Council Section 4.2 states: “By terminat- (MBC) needs to find considerable ing the contract, the council will savings after losing revenues in the lose expertise of its theatre opera- COVID-19 crisis. tor and will need to re-tender the In section three of papers pre- contract for these services at a fu- pared for the economic, regenera- ture date.” tion and leisure committee (ERL), But the officers argue the re- unelected officers offered four op- tained expertise is not being used tions to elected cross-party mem- when the theatre is shut and Park- bers: wood “may not survive the pan- 1 Do nothing (not recommended demic” and “future circumstances by officers); may not support a theatre”. 2 Mothball The Hazlitt under the council from all future contract real cost saving was achieved in Cllr Gill Fort, member of the ERL Parkwood control with one mem- obligations. This will give the the Hazlitt Theatre budget. committee which voted for option ber of staff (not recommended by council the ability to be agile in the “Budgetary savings could be four, said: “It was done with a officers); future and pursue future options at achieved much sooner than that if heavy heart. No one wants to lose 3 Mothball The Hazlitt under the Hazlitt Theatre. the contract discussions with Park- the theatre.” council control, lose all staff, and “This option has a monthly cost wood Theatres are more Independent borough member retain Parkwood Theatres as fu- of £8,630 and under this option, the favourable." Cllr Eddie Powell said the council ture operator (not recommended council may be liable for redun- Elected members agreed to op- was spending public money like by officers); dancy costs and TUPE (worker) tion four, although some expressed “drunken sailors on shore leave” 4 Terminate the contract and re- transfer of Parkwood Theatres' em- grave reservations about making on luxury flats for commercial rent, turn the building to council con- ployees, depending on chosen the decision. the Lockmeadow leisure complex trol (recommended by officers). route of termination. Cross party members led by Cllr and its “pet" housing project for Option 4, says the paperwork, “If the council is liable for all re- Jonathan Purle “called in” the de- 4,000 houses in Lenham, for which “reduces the monthly outgoings to dundancy costs, the theatre would cision to the policy and resources it now styles itself as its “master the smallest amount and removes be closed for nine months before a committee on Novermber 25 in an developer”. Groups ‘faced move’ Issue could COMMUNITY groups and the hit the polls Hazlitt Youth Theatre faced hav- MORE than eight out of 10 ing to leave the Earl Street venue people say their voting inten- and housed elsewhere under tions have been influenced Maidstone Borough Council's by Maidstone Borough Coun- original closure programme. cil’s handling of the Hazlitt’s MBC, needing to save money closure, according to a Downs after a crash in revenues due to the Mail poll. COVID-19 crisis, wanted to take We asked online: “Maid- control of the Hazlitt and terminate stone Borough Council is the contract of the company which planning to permanently Making the case runs it day to day. INDEPENDENT borough council- shut the Hazlitt Theatre to But shutting the premises would save money after suffering lor Eddie Powell choose the Bible's mean an uncertain future for the book of Proverbs to sum up the falling revenues caused by smaller community groups. Centre in Marsham Street.” theatre’s benefits. the COVID-19 crisis. Confidential papers seen by Groups have been using the fa- Saying entertainment is good “Would the closure of the Daily Downs Mail showed one op- cilities at the Hazlitt since August, for people's mental health, he Hazlitt Theatre, despite the tion suggested by unelected coun- when Parkwood Theatres was quoted: “A joyful heart is good public outcry, influence the cil officers was to move them out. legally allowed to re-open. They medicine.” way that you vote at next Paragraph 1.27 of documents to Councillors were impressed by had to disband again after the sec- May's borough council elec- the economic regeneration and impassioned pleas from members ond lockdown was imposed in tion?” of the public who spoke on the leisure committee on November 12 early November. As we went to press, 86% night, among them Scott Raffle, read: “Officers have begun to Paragraph 1.26 does concede: “In said it would, 11% said it Fuschia Webb, Julie Hiutchings, search for alternative venues for any mothballing (Hazlitt Theatre) would not and 3% of respon- Nicholas Mowatt, David Finch, the dance groups and the Hazlitt scenario, the building could be dents were unsure. Becky Roberts, Chris Perrier, Dar- Youth Theatre. It may be possible used for other purposes, which Cast your vote online at ren Clark, Katie Penn (pictured) for these groups to move to the could include the continuation of www.downsmail.co.uk/views/ and Michelle Cleverley. Maidstone Leisure Centre or the the dance groups and youth the- 15/. Maidstone Community Support atre.”

18 News | Save the Hazlitt downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Save The Hazlitt | News We’re still The four options on the table Members back call to open, says MAIDSTONE Borough Council considered four options before deciding to shut the Hazlitt Theatre and sack the operator, Parkwood Theatres, at an earlier meeting on November 12. defer contract decision theatre Confidential documents seen by effort to overturn the earlier dec- DESPITE confusion over whether Daily Downs Mail show officers sion. Continued from page 1 Maidstone Borough Council has were urging members strongly to MBC’s report, in section four, ac- Some observers were left puz- terminated the contract with oper- take the option which saved the knowledges there are downsides zled by the policy and resources ator Parkwood Theatres, the Ha- most money and was least contrac- to the termination of the contract chairman and MBC leader Cllr zlitt’s management issued a tually tying. with Parkwood. Martin Cox’s claim that the con- statement to its supporters and Maidstone Borough Council Section 4.2 states: “By terminat- tract with Parkwood Theatres had customers. (MBC) needs to find considerable ing the contract, the council will not been terminated. A spokesman said: “We would savings after losing revenues in the lose expertise of its theatre opera- Yet in an MBC press release, on like to reassure all customers that November 16, Cllr Cox was quoted COVID-19 crisis. tor and will need to re-tender the currently, Parkwood Theatres con- as arguing “termination option In section three of papers pre- contract for these services at a fu- tinue to operate the Hazlitt The- was unfortunately the conclusion”. pared for the economic, regenera- ture date.” atre. The same statement introduction tion and leisure committee (ERL), But the officers argue the re- “Contrary to some reports sug- unelected officers offered four op- tained expertise is not being used said that MBC had taken the “dif- ficult decision to end the contract gesting closure since March, our tions to elected cross-party mem- when the theatre is shut and Park- doors have actually been open, bers: wood “may not survive the pan- with Parkwood Theatres”. We asked MBC for clarification. since they were allowed to be by 1 Do nothing (not recommended demic” and “future circumstances law, back in August. by officers); may not support a theatre”. Economic development chief . John Foster said “ideally” the “Whilst there have been no per- 2 Mothball The Hazlitt under the council from all future contract real cost saving was achieved in Cllr Gill Fort, member of the ERL council would like to “negotiate” formances, as is the case in virtu- Parkwood control with one mem- obligations. This will give the the Hazlitt Theatre budget. committee which voted for option the termination of the Parkwood ally every theatre in the country, ber of staff (not recommended by council the ability to be agile in the “Budgetary savings could be four, said: “It was done with a we have been running a full pro- officers); future and pursue future options at achieved much sooner than that if heavy heart. No one wants to lose contract, there are elements in it which do not require negotiation. Resolution that won the day gramme of classes, the foundation 3 Mothball The Hazlitt under the Hazlitt Theatre. the contract discussions with Park- the theatre.” on which The Hazlitt as a great council control, lose all staff, and “This option has a monthly cost wood Theatres are more Independent borough member Cllr Cox claimed Parkwood had CLLR Jonathan Purle (pictured above) penned the successful reso- “made it clear they require their community theatre has always retain Parkwood Theatres as fu- of £8,630 and under this option, the favourable." Cllr Eddie Powell said the council lution which was worded as follows: thrived. ture operator (not recommended council may be liable for redun- Elected members agreed to op- was spending public money like full subsidy”, despite staging no “The four resolutions…on 12 November concerning the Hazlitt shows. “As you can see from our What’s by officers); dancy costs and TUPE (worker) tion four, although some expressed “drunken sailors on shore leave” Theatre, be substituted with a resolution: that the matter be de- On section, we have a full pro- on luxury flats for commercial rent, Cllr Paul Harper, chairman of 4 Terminate the contract and re- transfer of Parkwood Theatres' em- grave reservations about making ferred until the ERL Committee meets on 19 January 2021 so as to gramme on sale for 2021 and plan turn the building to council con- the Lockmeadow leisure complex the committee which voted to shut ployees, depending on chosen the decision. allow greater clarity on issues such as external funding and Covid- to restart dance, drama and choir trol (recommended by officers). route of termination. and its “pet" housing project for the Hazlitt, said the operator asked Cross party members led by Cllr related developments and to facilitate further member and stake- workshops when government Option 4, says the paperwork, “If the council is liable for all re- Jonathan Purle “called in” the de- 4,000 houses in Lenham, for which for a disclaimer saying they did not holder engagement in determining the best method of retaining the guidelines allow. “reduces the monthly outgoings to dundancy costs, the theatre would cision to the policy and resources it now styles itself as its “master have to put on any activities or Hazlitt for years to come.” “The young people of Maidstone the smallest amount and removes be closed for nine months before a committee on Novermber 25 in an developer”. show until March 2021. An MBC statement read: “The council understands the important have had a miserable year, like no Cllr Cox and Harper spoke of the role the Hazlitt plays in providing a venue for local community other in living memory and Park- theatre being rebranded as the Ha- groups to use, and will continue to look at all opportunities for the wood Theatres will not be depriv- zlitt Arts Centre, but a five-part theatre to do that again when it is safe and viable for the venue to ing them of a chance for some relief Groups ‘faced move’ Issue could amendment was scrapped when re-open.” Cllr Purle’s resolution succeeded. from the pandemic torment. COMMUNITY groups and the hit the polls Under questioning, MBC fi- “We continue to refund tickets Hazlitt Youth Theatre faced hav- nance chief Mark Green conceded HOW THEY VOTED for all cancelled shows. Please be MORE than eight out of 10 ing to leave the Earl Street venue if the council decided to carry on reassured that if the Hazlitt The- people say their voting inten- and housed elsewhere under with its Parkwood subsidy, the Cllr Jonathan Purle led a resolution to defer any decision on the Hazlitt’s fu- atre is forced to close, as recent tions have been influenced Maidstone Borough Council's saving would have to be found ture until mid-January. media reports suggest, then all by Maidstone Borough Coun- original closure programme. elsewhere. FOR: Cllrs Louise Brice (Conservative, Con); Karen Chappell-Tay (Con); Gor- tickets will be fully refunded.” cil’s handling of the Hazlitt’s MBC, needing to save money Cllr de Wiggondene-Sheppard don Newton (Independent, Ind); John Perry (Con); Jonathan Purle (Con); MBC feared the venue might closure, according to a Downs after a crash in revenues due to the said he would “never” make a de- Martin Round (Con); Val Springett (Con); Nick de Wiggondene-Sheppard only be able to hold 100 people, Mail poll. COVID-19 crisis, wanted to take cision based on officers’ legal ad- (Liberal Democrat, Lib Dem). less than third of its full capacity. We asked online: “Maid- control of the Hazlitt and terminate vice he was not able to see. AGAINST: Cllrs Martin Cox (Lib Dem); Fay Gooch (Ind); Derek Mortimer (Lib stone Borough Council is the contract of the company which He added: “That is non-nego- Dem); Malcolm McKay (Labour); Denise Joy (Lib Dem); Georgia Harvey (Lib planning to permanently Making the case tiable. Full stop.” Dem); Brian Clark (Lib Dem). Empty HQ runs it day to day. shut the Hazlitt Theatre to INDEPENDENT borough council- Cllr Louise Brice said she strug- VICTORIOUS councillor Jonathan But shutting the premises would save money after suffering lor Eddie Powell choose the Bible's gled with MBC’s desire to save a Purle advised council senior man- mean an uncertain future for the falling revenues caused by book of Proverbs to sum up the chunk of the Parkwood subsidy, agement to look closer to home. smaller community groups. Centre in Marsham Street.” the COVID-19 crisis. theatre’s benefits. but remained concerned the coun- The Hazlitt’s main auditorium Confidential papers seen by Groups have been using the fa- “Would the closure of the MP applauds plan Saying entertainment is good cil had not costed its re-opening. has lain silent since March, when Daily Downs Mail showed one op- cilities at the Hazlitt since August, Hazlitt Theatre, despite the for people's mental health, he Parkwood Theatres managing di- MP Helen Grant welcomed the “The Hazlitt Theatre is a crucial the COVID-19 pandemic struck, tion suggested by unelected coun- when Parkwood Theatres was public outcry, influence the quoted: “A joyful heart is good rector Tony Doherty welcomed Hazlitt victory. cultural asset for our town and and is one of the main reasons offi- cil officers was to move them out. legally allowed to re-open. They way that you vote at next medicine.” the reversal and added: “We will She said: “I very much welcome we must do everything possible cers advised its closure, sacking the Paragraph 1.27 of documents to had to disband again after the sec- May's borough council elec- Councillors were impressed by look forward to working with the the decision made by Maidstone to prevent it from closure. operator and laying off staff. the economic regeneration and ond lockdown was imposed in tion?” impassioned pleas from members council in the future.” Borough Council’s Policy and Re- “Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr Purle said MBC’s headquar- leisure committee on November 12 early November. As we went to press, 86% of the public who spoke on the A paper regarding the future of sources Committee…to pause Parkwood Leisure, the Arts ters at Maidstone House has been read: “Officers have begun to Paragraph 1.26 does concede: “In said it would, 11% said it night, among them Scott Raffle, the Hazlitt Theatre will now be plans to mothball the Hazlitt the- Council and others now need to “virtually deserted” since the search for alternative venues for any mothballing (Hazlitt Theatre) would not and 3% of respon- Fuschia Webb, Julie Hiutchings, presented at the MBC economic, atre. use the time this pause allows to spring, with most staff working the dance groups and the Hazlitt scenario, the building could be dents were unsure. Nicholas Mowatt, David Finch, regeneration and leisure commit- “I would like to thank council- put their heads together and iden- from home, “yet costs the taxpayer Becky Roberts, Chris Perrier, Dar- Youth Theatre. It may be possible used for other purposes, which Cast your vote online at tee meeting at 6.30pm on Tues- lors for their diligence in coming tify a plan to allow the Hazlitt to £100,000 a month”. ren Clark, Katie Penn (pictured) for these groups to move to the could include the continuation of www.downsmail.co.uk/views/ day, January 19, 2021. to this position. However, we re-open in full, as soon as COVID- He added: “I hope the irony is and Michelle Cleverley. Maidstone Leisure Centre or the the dance groups and youth the- 15/. Maidstone Community Support atre.” Letters & comment, p45-47 now have no time to waste. 19 restrictions allow.” not lost on them.”

19 News downsmail.co.uk Christmas fun at farm Castle making plans KENT Life is putting on a Christmas experience for chil- dren this month. for summer concert The event includes a visit from Father Christmas in his LEEDS Castle, which has seen its to ensure we bring you another magical grotto. There is also the programme of events decimated spectacular outdoor music event, opportunity to decorate ginger- this year, is set to welcome the re- but above all, a safe one.” bread, and adults can enjoy a turn of its signature summer Leeds Castle has secured the mince pie and a sampling of open-air concert in 2021. “We’re Good To Go” COVID-19 cider. This performance, where the au- consumer mark created by Visit Each child will receive a per- dience is encouraged to enjoy pic- Britain, the national tourism sonalised letter in the post nics and dancing against the agency. from Father Christmas, ahead backdrop of the historic castle, will The mark recognises organisa- of their visit (subject to booking again feature classical music per- tions which have met government early enough in advance). formed by The Royal Philharmonic and industry COVID-19 guidelines All ticket prices include all Orchestra, led by one of its finest and provides a “ring of confi- day access to Kent Life. conductors, artistic director John dence” for businesses, attractions Rigby. and destinations, as well as reas- For more information on The date is set for Saturday, July surance to residents and visitors dates and ticket prices, visit 10, 2021. that clear processes are in place. www.kentlife.org.uk/event/me In addition to crowd pleasing The spokesman added: “We et-santa. classical pieces, the “Down for the harmonic, while musical theatre were so sad to cancel this year’s Count” swing band will also per- stars Louise Dearman, Emma concert, but overwhelmed by the Village pond form, and there will be a flypast by Williams and Canadian Tim support we received. We would WORK on the village pond in a Spitfire from the Aero Legends Howar, as well as co-lead singer like to thank our loyal audience Bearsted is complete. stable at Headcorn airfield. The with rock band Mike and the Me- who were happy to carry over their Visitors are asked to keep evening will conclude with a fire- chanics, will bring a repertoire of tickets.” two metres from the ponds work extravaganza. West End and Broadway For tickets to this highlight of the edge to allow the ground to re- Top tenor Nicky Spence and fel- favourites. summer season, now in its 41st juvenate. low opera singer Felix Kemp are in A spokesman said: “Behind the year, call 0845 656 6262 or visit line to perform with the Royal Phil- scenes we have been working hard www.leedscastleconcert.co.uk.

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Shernold School A5 Flyer 2020_LIVE_AW.indd 1 29/07/2020 09:24 News downsmail.co.uk Rotary Club’s car park plan Suton Valence head MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Maidstone will be operating two town centre car parks for shoppers over three weekends in the run up moves on to Thailand to Christmas. They have permission to use the former Rootes site in Palace Av- THE headmaster of Sutton Valence School for the past 11 years is leav- enue, opposite the police station (now owned by Classicus Estates) ing the award-winning independent school. and the usual Mote Road site Bruce Grindlay will take on the (owned by London & Cambridge role of principal at the new Rugby Properties Management). School Thailand, a private co-edu- They will be available from cational international school in 8.30am until 5pm on Saturdays De- Chonburi, near Bangkok Next cember 5, 12, 19 and 09.30am to year. It is linked to the 453-year-old 4pm on Sundays December 6, 13, Rugby School in Warwickshire. 20. Shoppers will be invited to Mr Grindlay (53) said: “I love make a donation to local charities. this school, but 12 years is a long Organiser and past president time to be headmaster and it’s al- Robert Wicken said: “We expect ways good to have a fresh pair of the town to be bustling after the eyes to look at respected institu- COVID-19 lockdown. With so tions like Sutton Valence. I shall be many car parks being built on we very sad to leave, but now is the wonder how long this service will right time. This is a fantastic school survive.” and is in an exciting phase now.” ment. The school is increasingly Looking forward to new chal- A well-travelled man with two recognised for its sporting prowess lenges, he added: “I’m going to a School visits children at university, he spent his and creative arts. His belief in the brand new, purpose-built school. WATERINGBURY C of E Primary own formative years living in Van- importance of community has un- The challenge is to make it work. School is inviting prospective 2021 couver, and admits to Thailand derpinned everything he has To make it a functional institution school starters to visit before sub- being a favourite location. achieved at Sutton Valence, and as an educational model.” mitting applications. Mr Grindlay said: “I believe you this is evident in the way pupils, Mr Grindlay’s successor is yet to Ofsted rates it as good in all learn most by living in different cul- staff and parents work together be announced. areas, and parents are assured that tures.” every day. The school said: “The school’s all visits will be conducted in a Under his guidance, Sutton Va- Mr Grindlay said: “Sutton Va- governing body has commenced a COVID-19 safe way. lence has seen pupil numbers rise, lence is a special community and a rigorous recruitment process to ap- After-school appointments can with impressive year-on-year im- wonderful school. It has been an point an outstanding, high-calibre, be booked by calling on 01622- provements in academic attain- honour and privilege to lead it.” new head.” 812199 or email office@watering- bury.kent.sch.uk Applications for primary places Bridge work should be submitted to WORK on refurbishing the foot- kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions bridge at Snodland railway sta- before January 15, 2021. tion will be complete this month. Marden plan It is part of a £500k improve- PROPOSALS for a new holiday ment package that is also seeing park in a paddock at Stilebridge concrete paving installed along Lane, Marden, are still undecided both platforms to help visually by Maidstone Council after it was impaired passengers. ordered by a judge to pay £18,000 Fiona Taylor, Kent route direc- to a neighbour for approving in tor for Network Rail, said: “It’s 2019 a previous application after great to be able to provide pas- officers incorrectly advised it could sengers and our neighbours at not refuse permission based on de- Station’s award hope Snodland with a brighter bridge sign matters. MAIDSTONE Radio, the online community station which launched a year and better platforms, and our Now the committee has been ago, has been nominated for an award. It is line for a gong in the best dig- new mural also really lifts the asked to reconsider the application ital radio category of this year’s Community Radio Awards. station.” for 18 holiday homes and there is The awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the work volunteers put an officer recommendation for ap- into their local stations, shows and communities . proval. But members have de- Broadcasting from Maidstone Community Centre in Marsham Street, Dementia help ferred a decision so they can Maidstone Radio focuses on the borough’s people, business and charities. WHILE Age UK’s Dementia Day receive more information about Co-founder Jason McCrossan said: “This is a special achievement and Care remains closed, the charity is design of the buildings. recognition of a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom have never offering an outreach service. Mrs Patricia Shave (69), the been involved with radio before, who have come together to create a com- neighbour, took the initial decision Trained staff will work with munity radio station for Kent’s county town.” families to support people in their to judicial review and won on one Steve Marks (pictured), head of music and presenter of the daily show own homes with daily activities. of her three grounds. It cost her Maidstone Mornings, said: “It’s great to be recognised by your peers, and The service is charged at £16.50 £37,000 in legal fees and she was it’s testimony to the vision of the directors and the efforts of all the team.” awarded less than half that sum. Listen to Maidstone Radio online at www.wearemaidstone.com. per hour. Call 01622 736966 to find out more. 22 mail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus on Valence head A new breakthrough moves on to Thailand treatment for dry eyes Dry eye is a condition that silence with but now that can be quickly remedied. Award- winning opticians Buchanan a revolutionary new treatment to eradicate the discomfort of dry eyes or meibomian gland dysfunction. 2017-2018) is understandably eyesight is one of your body’s The treatment is non-invasive most precious functions and your and painless and can be revolutionary new treatment eyes should be an area that you to his clients and explained the protect as well as you can. Just providing lasting relief from impact it is having: “Treating putting up with symptoms of dry dry eyes has always meant or watery eyes. Buchanan using drops or other at-home Optometrists decided to invest regimes. The amazing new eye health. in this innovative solution as an increasing number of dry eye no more time-consuming daily through to the more severe giving amazing results and relief relief from their symptoms in to our clients.” book a consultation at Buchanan other traditional treatments like The statistics behind the could be the right solution for reduce or even stop your drops treatment shows that Buchanan you. Don’t let dry eyes dictate and at home dry eye treatments. Optometrists have probably what you do. Fix your dry eye found the best dry eye treatment problem at its source. Find in the market. Research founded by Alisdair and shows that 85-90% of people from dry eye by booking an appointment on 01622 535115. improvement to both the clinical measurements of dry eye and to deliver much better results Book your E-Eye 95.7% of people recommend appointment today Dementia help of cases showing improvement Call Now The quick and easy procedure after just 3 treatments. uses light to trigger the nerves attached to the meibomian Leaving dry eye untreated is 01622 535115 glands to stimulate secretions more harmful than many people and contraction of the gland. realise with long-term dryness Alisdair Buchanan (voted sometimes leads to ulceration on best Optometrist in the UK your cornea and scarring. Your

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25 News downsmail.co.uk Appealing for hamper help Partners plan to THE Vine Church in Shep- way, Maidstone, has appealed for donations for its Christmas improve health hamper project. The food parcels will be dis- BIG improvements to bring high- (ICP), taking over many duties tributed to needy families as quality health and social care to performed by the former GP-led the festive season approaches. Maidstone and the rest of West NHS Kent Clinical Commission- The church, in Northumber- Kent should result from setting ing Group, which closed land Road, is asking for dona- up a new partnership of 11 signif- a year ago when Kent and Med- tions of festive items which icant organisations. way CCG was formed. will then be given to those It will bring together hospitals, The budget-holding Kent CCG is Parish position most in need. GPs, community care, mental currently responsible for NHS ser- HEADCORN Parish Council has Its aim is to create 100 health and social care, and the first vices in the Maidstone area, but its welcomed its new lengthsman to Christmas hampers including benefits should be seen by the work in establishing itself allied to the village. items such as mince pies, bis- spring. major challenges from the COVID- Resident Jason Trimming is cuits and hot chocolate, that Two key aims will be to increase 19 epidemic have severely limited working alongside Malcolm Hitch- they can then hand out to diagnosis of dementia and reduce its progress on important duties cock and Peter Beacon. homes in the area. falls by the elderly. passing to the ICP. Chairman of open spaces, Caro- Vine church spokesman The organisations involved are: The new ICP covers a population line James ,said: “We are delighted Angie Crowe said: “It's an Maidstone and Tunbridge Hospi- of 464,000 and includes some of the to welcome Jason Trimming, as our amazing privilege to bring a tal Trust, West Kent Primary Care most deprived areas in England. head lengthsman. He has only bit of joy to those who have networks (including GPs), Maid- The number of over 85s will dou- been with us a few weeks, but vil- struggled over the past year. stone, Tonbridge and Malling, ble by 2035, and the number of 66- lagers are already getting to know “If you would like to get in- Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks to 84-year-olds will increase by him as he goes about his work. volved, we would very much councils, KCC, Healthwatch Kent, about one-third. “Jason is no stranger to us, as appreciate any donations of Kent and Medway NHS and Social The average life span for the area during lockdown when he was fur- Christmas goodies.” Care Partnership Trust, Kent Com- is 84 years and five months, against loughed from his previous job, he To donate to The Vine’s munity Health NHS Foundation a national average of 81 years and volunteered to help out.” Christmas hamper project, call Trust and West Kent Health. two months. A ‘lengthsman’ is a traditional Angie on 07724 473796. It will be known as the West Fifty-eight per cent are over- title for a maintenance person. Kent Integrated Care Partnership weight or obese and 12% smoke. p26

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27 News downsmail.co.uk Spiting charge A WOMAN has been charged after allegedly spitting in a super- Pest control contract market worker’s face in Maidstone. Christine Brown (38), of Gilling- ham, reportedly stole a number of items from Aldi in Well Road on with gunmen ended Tuesday, November 17. As she left the premises, she was A MEETING of Kings Hill Parish challenged by staff and it is alleged Council has resolved to terminate she spat in the face of an employee. a pest control contract with sports- She was arrested and charged men who had been shooting theft and assault. Christine Brown foxes, deer and rabbits at Kings was later bailed to Maidstone Hill sports ground. Crown Court on January 20, 2021. The meeting followed an inci- dent in October, when five youths feared they were being shot at on a Road closure public footpath. They ran off but BEARSTED Road will close for five later returned to the main gate and days for South East Water works. spoke to huntsmen who admitted The closure will take place from they had shot three foxes. December 14 to the extent indi- The incident created a public cated by signs and barriers on site. furore as it transpired the parish Picture: Chris Perkin The alternative route is via council had been using shooting as legedly without their knowledge. imals. People need to be held ac- Bearsted Road, New Cut Road, a means of pest control since 2014. Cllr Shakira Falzon-Thomas ques- countable.” A20 Ashford Road, Roundwell, Cllr Tony Petty, demanded to tioned the validity of any contract Chairman Cllr Sarah Barker was The Street and Ware Street. know when the pest control was and asked for evidence of firearms unable to answer the many ques- discussed and contracts signed. As certificates, safety assessments, and tions, saying the information was a former chairman of the sports licences for use of high velocity ri- not at hand. All questions were Market date park committee, he said: “Never fles. She said: “These people are minuted for further investigation AYLESFORD Farmers’ Market will have I seen any agreement dis- hobby shootists. They are not reg- and report. be on December 20. cussed, or signed, or minuted.” istered pest controllers.” The motion to immediately ter- The market, at The Friars, Ayles- Councillors were also angry that Cllr Raja Zahida questioned the minate any agreement with the ford, is held on the third Sunday of the latest agreement with contrac- legality of any agreement, saying; shootists was proposed by Cllr the month from 9.30am to 1.30pm. tors was signed in June 2020, al- “Nothing justifies the killing of an- Petty and supported unanimously.

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Graham Cowdrey at Maidstone Post Office as postman and Cornwallis School. She was the very Obituaries manager, before taking work delivering active Secretary of Loose Footpaths FORMER Kent batsman Graham newspapers at Maidstone Hospital, a role Group and also the Maidstone Antique Pest control contract Cowdrey (56), who has died in Yorkshire he held for 15 years. Collectors’ Club. after a short illness, scored over 14,000 He leaves his wife June and daughter Sally was widowed in 2003, but runs in 450 rst-class Bridget. remained in the area for some time appearances across before moving to Cheshire. 14 seasons for his Len Carey Her cremation took place in Cheshire, county. THE home of Len Carey (75) on Suffolk but her ashes will be interred in Loose Graham was born Road, Shepway, was well known locally churchyard, next to those of her husband. into a cricketing because of his passion for ying ags, Donations are being collected in Sally’s family – his father either the Union ag memory for the Alzheimer’s Society. Colin captained or the Cross of St England and was George. Edna Durrant created Baron Len, who worked EDNA Durrant (92) moved to this area in Cowdrey of as a lorry driver, had 2014, setling in a retirement community Tonbridge for his services to the game. personal reasons for in West Malling to be closer to her son His brother Chris played for the county ying with the and his family. side. Union ag. It was in It was the last stop A statement from Kent Cricket said: honour of his late in a remarkable and “Graham will be remembered for the father Frederick, varied life in which way he played the game, his vibrant who had survived she followed a personality at the wicket or in the eld, the batle of Ypres in teaching career with his sense of fun as clear as his WWI, but suffered after the war from specialising in competitive passion.” having been gassed and wounded with English, French and A sociable character, he was famous for shrapnel. needlework. his jokes and stories. Assessing his own Having heard vivid accounts of Edna was married career he once said: “My only regret as I batleeld horrors from his father Len to Chris and mother ride off into the sunset is that I never visited the conict scenes; an experience to Merril and played for England. But cricket has given that conrmed his desire to Michael. She moved with Chris’s career me a wonderful, wonderful life. If I commemorate the sacrices of his father’s in the re service, setling over the years hadn’t become a cricketer, I’d never have generation by ying a ag at his home. in Essex, Surrey, Devon and Oxfordshire. met so many fascinating people.” His father lived until 1972, but Len’s The couple enjoyed an active Graham’s many friends included desire to keep the experiences and retirement, with walking holidays and Northern Irish singer Van Morrison and suffering of those who served their visits as far away as Canada and China, comedian Rory Bremner. country lasted for the rest of his own life. until Chris’s sudden death in 1995. Edna More recently, business failures meant An inquest reported that Len died of remained active and visited Australia he endured nancial ruin, a marriage natural causes on October 7, after having and California on her own before setling break-up and homelessness. He was been diagnosed with a brain tumour . locally. helped back into the game as a cricket He leaves his family. Her eulogy noted: “She was often out liaison officer for the ECB in 2015. and about, a keen member of the His plight prompted the founding of Sally Carss residents’ association and quickly made the charity Reposm, which is dedicated THE death has been announced in friends. She loved strolling the local to building sheltered housing for former Crewe, Cheshire, of Sally Carss (82), footpaths, tending to her garden and professional sportspeople who have formerly a long-term resident of Loose. atending get-togethers in the communal fallen on hard times. Sally’s family announced: “It is with lounge.” Graham leaves his children Michael, great sadness we report that Sally Carss Edna leaves her children, and twins Alexander and Grace. died of Alzheimer’s disease at a nursing grandchildren Amy, Leo, Sophie and home in Crewe on November 16, aged Mathew and great-grandchildren Toby, Ron Simmonds 82, in the presence of her son Meikle and Clara and Felix. THE death has been announced at Suton her daughter Mary.” Valence Care Home of Ronald “Ron” Sally and her daughter had moved to Jean Tresilian Simmonds (84). Nantwich in Cheshire to be near Meikle. THE death has been announced of Jean Ron was well known from his 43 years She had lived with her husband, John, in Tresilian (88), who taught for many years of service to the Post Office. He worked Loose since 1962 and taught at at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School. Jean, who died at home on November 3, was described as “a dearly loved mother and grandmother and a much loved teacher.”

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31 News downsmail.co.uk CALL THE EXPERTS Concerns over CALL US… 07739 879906 medical centre A WATCHDOG report has un- practice during the pandemic) re- covered a series of failings at Al- duced capacity for them to carry all your cleaning needs bion Place Medical Practice in out other work in a timely manner. Our cleaners will not clean because they have too, they will clean to the Maidstone. “Staff told us that the practice highest standards as if they were cleaning their own house! Inspectors from the Care Qual- did not operate a named GP sys- ity Commission (CQC) concluded tem, as insufficient GPs were em- Services “significant events and complaints ployed in order to do so. Regular cleans, deep cleans, end of tenancy, ironing, oven cleaning were not always managed in a “This meant patients, including timely manner” at the practice. vulnerable patients, did not have a facebook.com/cinderellascleaning11 They also discovered approxi- named GP to oversee their care mately 50% of all telephone calls to and support them in whatever set- the surgery were going unan- ting they lived, whether it was at swered, and some vulnerable pa- home or in a care home or sup- tients had not been assigned a ported living scheme.” COMPUTERS named GP. Vacancies for the role of a NO FIX NO FEE, NO CALL OUT FEE! Surgery operator DMC Health- salaried GP, an advanced nurse care says there has “never been a practitioner, prescribing pharma- • Data backupp32 & recovery • Great deals on new pc’s more difficult time to deliver cist and mental health practitioner • Over 20 years experience • Computer repairs & upgrades healthcare” than right now with were all recently advertised, but no the COVID-19 pandemic. suitable applications have been re- • Laptop repairs & screen replacements The report says: “Staff told us ceived. that there were currently insuffi- Chief executive at DMC Health- Call Ben on 01622 297262 cient staff employed to cover when care, Dr Nadeem Moghal said: “It staff were on annual leave or off has never been more difficult to or 07772 843544 sick. deliver healthcare. In addition to “They said that because there national healthcare workforce were currently insufficient recep- challenges, the pandemic contin- www.bl-it-solutions.co.uk tion staff employed, the practice ues to have a massive negative im- was missing approximately 50% of pact on the physical and mental incoming telephone calls and that health of everyone, patients, and staff answering the door (current staff.” Light up a life online JOIN the Heart of Kent Hospice in its Light up a Life campaign this Christ- mas. The annual appeal helps people remember their loved ones by dedi- cating a star and donating in their memory to the Hospice. Due to current restrictions, the usual Light up a Life remembrance ser- vices at the Hospice and The Friars, Aylesford, cannot be held this year. In- stead, a virtual service is being held at 4.30pm on Sunday, De- cember 6. The public can tune into a livestream on the Hos- pice’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. Sarah Pugh, chief executive of the hospice said: “Our Light TOM HOPE offers the following services: up a Life appeal is truly a spe- cial occasion. It creates an op- Most types of fencing undertaken portunity to remember and Fields rolled, harrowed and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) celebrate those who are sadly Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) no longer with us. This has Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. been a strange and challenging Horse manure loaded and taken away. 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker year, in which many of us have Circular saw for overgrown hedges – other services available (anything considered). lost someone we love. REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. “Our celebration is an oppor- FOR SALE: tunity for the community to Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. come together and remember.” All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. To request a star or find out Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered. more, contact Claire Ashby on All above subject to availability. [email protected] or call 01622 792200 ext 242. Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783

32 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk raised with Cllr Cooke. escalated before the project could be Downswood Parish Councils Highways Cllr China said the additional moved forward. Crime report There had been three crimes: CCTV camera had been approved by The Tat Access would be closed off for at Concerns over power tools stolen from a vehicle in Willow members and would be erected to face the least 24 hours to conrm rights of access. Rise; a phone stolen from Deringwood highway. Cllr Govet asked if the council Only Tat Cotage and Bramling House shops and a theft from a vehicle in wished to consider having signs erected on have official access. Deringwood Drive. Calls were still being the lamp columns to inform drivers that Village green parking Twenty bollards received about speeding on Willington there was CCTV in the village. It was had been requested. The cost of these was medical centre Street at the junction of Deringwood Drive. agreed to consider this. now £150, more than had been expected. It The PCSO would try to organise speed Maintenance Cllr China spoke about the was agreed to go ahead anyway. A WATCHDOG report has un- practice during the pandemic) re- checks. damage to the signs at Forge Lane, caused School trees It was agreed to fund the covered a series of failings at Al- duced capacity for them to carry Christmas carols Cllr Weeks said it was by the Spanish lorry. He said to date KCC replacement of two silver birch trees with a bion Place Medical Practice in out other work in a timely manner. unlikely that the event on December 5 had not taken any action to have the rare tree suggested by Kent Men of Trees. Maidstone. “Staff told us that the practice would proceed as in previous years. It was illuminated sign replaced. The clerk would Administration support It was agreed to Inspectors from the Care Qual- did not operate a named GP sys- suggested that residents should be contact KCC about this. employ a temporary administration person ity Commission (CQC) concluded tem, as insufficient GPs were em- encouraged to turn on their Christmas Village hall Cllr Martin said the light from for a few hours per week, to give the clerk “significant events and complaints ployed in order to do so. lighting simultaneously at 5pm, with the lamppost from the church car park to time to complete the Society of Local were not always managed in a “This meant patients, including neighbours asked to nominate the best the village hall was obscured by Council Clerk qualication. timely manner” at the practice. vulnerable patients, did not have a decorated house. There would be two overgrown vegetation. Cllr China would The Street The clerk had contacted MBC They also discovered approxi- named GP to oversee their care prizes. St Nicholas Choir would like to contact Steven Waring about this. about making The Street an official name. mately 50% of all telephone calls to and support them in whatever set- have socially-distanced carol singing. This Pavilion Cllr China said there was an issue MBC needs all the residents to agree before the surgery were going unan- ting they lived, whether it was at could be carried out by groups of six on with the toilets at the pavilion, and it was they can go ahead with registering an swered, and some vulnerable pa- home or in a care home or sup- major roads in the parish, with Father agreed he could arrange for a contractor to official street name. There is a fee of £100. tients had not been assigned a ported living scheme.” Christmas and elves. Cllr Weeks was repair them. Tree planting The neighbourhood plan named GP. Vacancies for the role of a liaising with Rev Pavey and will provide Street lighting Cllr China had reported a contains a reference to maintaining the Surgery operator DMC Health- salaried GP, an advanced nurse an update. number of streetlights to the contractor for trees and hedgerows. It was agreed to care says there has “never been a practitioner, prescribing pharma- Olympicnic It was agreed that this would repair. produce a ve-year planting plan. p32 more difficult time to deliver cist and mental health practitioner take place on Saturday, July 17, 2021. The Abbey Farm Following a site meeting Fowle Hall Green The ditch had had to be healthcare” than right now with were all recently advertised, but no plan is to make next year’s event bigger between Cllr China, Cllr Fort and two of lled in to allow access to the land. It was the COVID-19 pandemic. suitable applications have been re- and beter than ever. The clerk would the developer’s representatives, they were agreed to spend up to £1,000 piping the The report says: “Staff told us ceived. investigate the cost of hiring inatables. advised that whilst they had planning ditch and adding a locked gate. that there were currently insuffi- Chief executive at DMC Health- Orchard Spot roundabout The clerk had permission to renovate the two existing Resignation Cllr Steve Mcloughlin had cient staff employed to cover when care, Dr Nadeem Moghal said: “It emailed the Public Rights of Way officer tiled-roof buildings into new living resigned due to family commitments. staff were on annual leave or off has never been more difficult to prior to going on holiday and returned to accommodation, they were now to seek Village signs The posts and the ngers had sick. deliver healthcare. In addition to nd that steps had been installed. A very planning permission to demolish the barn been ted, awaiting the names to be put “They said that because there national healthcare workforce good job has been carried out by KCC’s and replace it with a single dwelling. If on the posts. Work was needed on the were currently insufficient recep- challenges, the pandemic contin- contractor, although a possible trip hazard successful, the wooded area behind the heritage village name plates. Quotes would tion staff employed, the practice ues to have a massive negative im- had been reported to PROW. sports eld would form part of the land be obtained. was missing approximately 50% of pact on the physical and mental Traffic issue An email had been received owned by the purchaser of the new and Women’s Institute It seemed Yalding WI incoming telephone calls and that health of everyone, patients, and regarding the traffic in Mallards Way, refurbished buildings. Cllrs China and Fort was to close and convert to a ladies’ social staff answering the door (current staff.” claiming drivers were not giving way. The advised the developer’s representatives group. This was because the national WI clerk was requested to pass the concerns to that many residents had used the paths had suspended them due to them not the PCSO. within the wooded area behind the sports having any officers. It was felt that the eld to exercise and walk their dogs for opportunity should be given to residents to many years, and were looking to the parish save it before a nal decision. An article Light up a life online Leeds council to apply for a public right of way JOIN the Heart of Kent Hospice in its Light up a Life campaign this Christ- would be placed in the parish magazine within the area. The developer’s mas. The annual appeal helps people remember their loved ones by dedi- Relief road Cllr Govet asked members for and sent out on Parish News. representatives were sympathetic to the cating a star and donating in their memory to the Hospice. their views on a relief road, if this was Kinton play area An inspection showed proposal and would look favourably Due to current restrictions, the usual Light up a Life remembrance ser- nanced by development. Cllr Greeff said graffiti needed removing and a baby swing towards a public right of way. Cllr China vices at the Hospice and The Friars, Aylesford, cannot be held this year. In- the housing numbers in the Local Plan needed to be replaced. There was a crack in said applying to KCC for a PROW could stead, a virtual service is being would inevitably mean more traffic would the spiral slide. take up to four years. Cllr Greeff suggested held at 4.30pm on Sunday, De- end up on the B2163. Cllr Springford Christmas lights These would be erected cember 6. The public can tune thought development was needed to the council applying for a licence to use the by a team of volunteers, who would be into a livestream on the Hos- nance the relief road. Cllr China was land might be a speedier process. The clerk asked to socially distance. They would be pice’s Facebook page or concerned about housing numbers and felt would seek legal advice. provided with gloves and masks. YouTube channel. the infrastructure was needed before the Resignation Cllr Govet said he would be Flooding The chairman would advertise Sarah Pugh, chief executive development. Cllrs Martin and Ingram moving from the parish and therefore for new ood wardens to replace those of the hospice said: “Our Light agreed. Members agreed that a relief road tendering his resignation from the parish who had moved. All sites were being up a Life appeal is truly a spe- was needed, but further details were council. He thanked the parish council for tested. cial occasion. It creates an op- needed about proposed routes and the its support and wished it luck for the Highway issues Jenny Watson was portunity to remember and location of new houses. future. He was thanked for his work. progressing with the safety barrier and celebrate those who are sadly Penfold Hill drainage Cllr China stated road markings outside Laddingford no longer with us. This has that KCC Councillor Cooke was meeting School. The Traffic Order had been been a strange and challenging with the drainage officer on site to discuss Yalding processed. A request for double yellow year, in which many of us have the ooding issues. Cllr Springford felt Catle on Fen Network Rail had still not lines outside Blumer Lock had been made lost someone we love. there was a need for a more sustainable repaired its fence. Yalding Enterprise Park to KCC. “Our celebration is an oppor- drainage system to be installed at the would be asked to chase this. Community Noticeboards These were all said to be in a tunity for the community to botom of the hill. Payback had started puting in posts and poor state of repair and need replacing. It come together and remember.” HGV signs The clerk was asked to clarify work would restart shortly. was agreed to have separate noticeboards To request a star or find out the wording of the HGV signs with Cllr Community centre It was agreed that an for parish council notices and general more, contact Claire Ashby on Cooke. outline planning application be submited notices so that members of the public do [email protected] or call Road closures Cllr China said the closures for the new facilities at The Kintons.The not have access to the legal notices. A 01622 792200 ext 242. would be discussed in a Zoom meeting. It reconstitution of Yalding and Laddingford recommendation with costs would be put was agreed that this mater would also be Sports Association (YALSA) needed to be together for discussion.

33 News downsmail.co.uk Victims beaten with torch A VIOLENT thug has been jailed for five years after beating his victims with a heavy-duty torch in Maidstone. William Saunders (35), of Camp in a public place. Appearing be- Way, kicked, punched, and beat fore Maidstone Crown Court, his three victims after targeting Saunders admitted all offences and A history of them at Mangravet recreation was sentenced to five years and ground. three months in prison, as well as knife crime He shone a heavy-duty torch in an extended licence period of three LAST year, Downs Mail reported their eyes and threatened to cause years. that Saunders, a prolific offender, them further harm if they got up. Detective Constable Toby was sent to prison for three Saunders then marched one of Hawkins, of Maidstone CID, said: months after police caught him the victims to their own home, “Saunders is a prolific and violent carrying a 3cm blade. which was nearby, where he offender who subjected his victims Maidstone Magistrates Court threatened to kill him unless rela- to what must have been a truly ter- heard Saunders was living in a tives handed money over. rifying ordeal. tent at Maidstone cemetery at After stealing £24, he returned to “His actions were entirely un- the time, and officers discovered the field, where he had left the provoked and left these young the lockable craft knife in a other victims with an associate. men fearing for their lives and with shoulder bag. They had also been warned they appalling injuries. Saunders has The court heard Saunders was would be killed if they moved. now received a significant custo- unmarried and brought up in A struggle then took place as the Saunders was arrested at his dial sentence and I hope this will home the following morning and East Malling. men attempted to resist Saunders’ act as a reminder to people that we He has had various jobs as a actions, during which he kicked later charged with two counts of will not tolerate such gratuitous vi- robbery and attempted robbery. labourer and ground worker but one of them in the back and head olence within our communities.” has not been employed since last and used the torch to brutally beat He was further charged with An investigation is ongoing to year. another in the face. possessing an offensive weapon identity the second suspect. Stabbing case A MAN has been charged with at- Police seize cannabis harvest tempted murder following a stab- MORE than three kilos of har- stone’s Community Safety Unit ties. Other indicators include com- bing in Lordswood. vested cannabis has been seized said: “We are keen to hear from post bags and other gardening Police were called to Fir Tree from a property in East Farleigh. anyone who suspects that a equipment in the garden or close to Grove shortly after 10pm on Tues- A 60-year-old man was arrested cannabis factory may be operating the back door without any clear in- day, November 3. and released, pending further in- in their area. dication of normal gardening ac- Jamie Dunn (31), of Sitting- vestigation, following the discov- “Signs can include windows tivity, and people calling at the bourne, was arrested at the scene ery of drying nets containing being permanently covered from address daily or weekly, but only and has been charged with at- harvested buds in Gallants Lane. the inside and vents protruding for short periods of time.” tempted murder and unlawful A search warrant was executed from the roof tiles. Anybody who suspects cannabis wounding with intent to cause at the address at about 7.45am on “Often a strong smell can be de- is being cultivated at an address in grievous bodily harm. Tuesday, November 10, by the tected coming from the building, their neighbourhood is urged to The victim was taken to hospi- town’s community policing team. and on occasions this can seep call police on 101, or contact tal but was later discharged. Inspector Stephen Kent of Maid- through walls to adjacent proper- Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Crime reports BOTH number plates were stolen from a Nissan Juke parked in Ware Street, Bearsted. Neighbourhood Watch Two tyres were deflated in Saltings Road, Snodland. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Thieves stole two yellow JCB micro dig- gers from a compound in Forstal Road, A Ford Escort was sprayed with silver Eggs were thrown at a vehicle in Nurs- Boxley. paint in Lower Road. ery Road, Ditton. Fuel was stolen from a vehicle in Sit- Extensive damage was caused to fenc- Two pumpkins were stolen in Regent tingbourne Road, Detling. ing at a building site in Upper Street. Way, Kings Hill. Fuel was stolen from the fuel tank of a A garden wall was hit by a vehicle and Plants were stolen from outside a house parked Scania lorry in Detling Hill, knocked down in Plains Avenue, Shep- in Lodge Close, Wateringbury. Thurnham. way. A rope was cut and two poles were Somebody, possibly using an air rifle, A group of people were seen smashing stolen from a cricket pitch in Rocfort Road, damaged the side of a Mercedes truck in the back window of a vehicle in Bargrove Snodland. Sittingbourne Road, Detling. Road, Boxley. A vehicle was damaged in in Forstal A toolbox, car-cleaning equipment and A house in Durham Close, Shepway, Road, Boxley. a ladder were stolen from a garage in Mil- was broken into. A Ford Fiesta was hit several times, pos- stead Close. Two artificial spiralled conifers were sibly with a bat, in Cranbrook Road, Sta- There was an attempt to steal a motor- stolen in Pennefather Close, Staplehurst. plehurst. cycle in Forge Meadows, Headcorn. A black Sinnis JS 125 motorbike, regis- A group of young people tried to steal A parking bollard was damaged at a tration GU14 ***, was stolen from Hawkes some children’s bicycles from a back gar- house in Lower Stone Street. Road, Aylesford. den in Holborough Road, Snodland. 34 Call for the

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35 News downsmail.co.uk Cancer ght MP’s ally at No 10 CONSERVATIVE MP Tracey Crouch has revealed her secret weapon in her war against breast cancer – the Prime Minister’s fiancée Carrie Symonds. The 45-year-old said her friend- ows on her liver. The MP feared ship with Miss Symonds had the worst – that she would die helped her through a year which within a year and miss four-year- threw more at her than two old son Freddie’s fifth birthday. COVID-19 lockdowns. An MRI scan revealed the shad- In June, the MP for Chatham ows to be harmless cysts. Aylesford, was diagnosed with She started treatment shortly stage 2B breast cancer. Two oper- before Freddie started school. ations and five months later, she “I told him the medicine is undergoing chemotherapy, has Mummy has to take to get better no hair, but remains buoyant. makes my hair fall out.” Miss Crouch said: “She’s in my When she cut her hair short to phone as ‘Carrie Spad’ as my sis- prepare for further hair loss, ter is Carrie too. So, at home, I al- Freddie took the first snip. ways say Carrie Spad or Carrie As a working mother, Miss sister. She’s in constant touch. Crouch thought she knew what “I have a cancer that is incredi- tiredness was all about, but bly well-researched, the treat- chemotherapy has left her ex- ment is phenomenal, and MP Tracey Crouch shows off the “eyes in the back of her head” hausted. With hundreds of thou- outcomes are very good.” sands of people suffering from Miss Crouch, the former minis- was a special adviser, and they Crouch, who she describes as “in- cancer, Miss Crouch said: “My ter for sport, civil society and lone- struck up an instant friendship. spirational”. mission is to use my platform to liness, met Miss Symonds at the Symonds has publicly ex- The darkest hour was in Au- encourage others to get anything culture ministry where Symonds pressed her admiration for Miss gust, when a scan showed shad- unusual checked out.” New Subway Appeal for witnesses Sharing hope opens at Mall A SUSPECTED thief allegedly damaged several items at accommodation at Christmas A NEW Subway store has opened run by a Maidstone charity. THE Salvation Army is looking for at The Mall in Maidstone in spite The man, who did not live at the property in Randall Street, set off a fire donations to its Christmas appeal. of the uncertainty caused to retail- extinguisher, pulled a payphone off The Christian charity wants to ers in the COVID-19 pandemic. the wall and damaged a staircase help local families who may have The franchise, which will start and other items. After he left, occu- faced job losses and reduced in- on a takeaway basis only to com- pants found a cycle had been stolen. comes due to Coronavirus ply with Government guidelines, The incident is said to have hap- Last year, the charity helped 632 pened between 11.50pm on Octo- is next to McDonald’s and Hays children and has already received ber 10 and 12.45am on October 11. Travel on the bus station level. requests for support this year. Police would like to identify the per- Suzie Brindle, marketing man- Captain Marion Rouffet said: son pictured in CCTV images, who ager for the Mall Maidstone, said: “We are determined to continue to they believe can help with enquiries. “Subway is a fantastic addition to share hope and joy this Christmas.” Anyone with information is asked our growing food court. “ to call on 01622 604100, quoting Donations can be made at Senthooran Mathavarajah, reference 46/184825/20. www.justgiving.com/fundrais- owner of the restaurant, said: “We You can also contact Kent ing/maidstone-salvation-army are delighted to open our restau- Crimestoppers anonymously on People wishing to buy and do- rant at the Mall Maidstone. 0800 555111, or by completing an nate a gift voucher can make dona- “Our team has pushed ahead to online form at www.crimestoppers- tions at The Salvation Army base in be ready for the scheduled open- uk.org. Union Street between 9:30am and ing on December 2.” 1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Greens’ plea to ban use of weedkiller MAIDSTONE Green Party has and is potentially toxic to hu- control weeds across the county. and amenity areas and we follow launched a petition calling for the mans. “Glyphosate is known to harm the guidelines of the HSE when county council to stop using a KCC defended its decision to bees, and the World Health Orga- treating weeds. toxic weedkiller. use the weedkiller and confirmed nization has stated that it is prob- “Weeds have a negative impact The group sent the petition, it is currently the most “cost ef- ably carcinogenic to people. on many KCC assets and if left which has more than 1,000 signa- fective and efficient way of con- “There are alternatives to unchecked, can cause safety is- tures, to Kent County Council’s trolling weeds”. glyphosate, and some councils sues, access problems and costly (KCC) environment chief, Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Maidstone Green have banned its use already.” repairs. Susan Carey, calling for an end to Party campaigner, said: “Despite A KCC spokesman said: “In the “Glyphosate is currently the the use of glyphosate. the rhetoric of KCC’s Pollinator UK, glyphosate is approved by most cost-effective and efficient According to the Greens, Action Plan, they continue to use the Health and Safety Executive way of controlling weeds within glyphosate is harmful to animals one of the nastiest chemicals to (HSE) for use on hard surfaces KCC highways.” 36 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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PUBLIC NOTICE - Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence FME Biomass Ltd of Friningham Manor Farm, Recruitment Detling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3JD is applying for a licence to use Friningham Manor Farm, Detling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 To advertise any 3JD as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers. I,000’s of great jobs. public notices Owners and occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who Local and nationwide. believe that their use or enjoyment of the land Sign up for free please call would be affected should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at job alerts. Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representators must at the same time Find it here at send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this 01622 630330 notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioners office. www.downsmail.co.uk/jobs Dated: November 27, 2020

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43 News downsmail.co.uk Skips stolen KENT Police are investigating a Appeal after string of skip thefts from addresses in Maidstone. Two skips were stolen in Ash- ford Road, Harrietsham and crash arrests Coombe Road, Maidstone, on November 15. TWO Maidstone men have been vestigation. Anyone with information that arrested after allegedly running a Officers also interviewed a 21- could help the investigation is red light and causing three colli- year-old man from Maidstone asked to call 01622 604111, quoting sions in the town centre. under caution. He remains under crime reference 46/204956/20, or Police have appealed for wit- investigation. Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. nesses to come forward. Investigating officer, PC Lucy The offences are reported to Edworthy said: “Whilst we have

have happened at 5.50pm on Sat- arrested two suspects and are in- A20 closures urday, October 3, after a black terviewing a third, we are appeal- THE A20 in East Malling is shut for BMW 520 failed to stop for offi- ing for witnesses to contact us. road surface improvement works. cers in Royal Engineers’ Road. This includes two pedestrians It will re-open on December 10 The BMW is alleged to have who were walking close to the after a series of overnight closures. travelled through a red traffic sig- scene of the collision in Forstal The primary diversion is via A20 nal, where it was involved in a Road. London Road/A228 Ashton collision with two other cars, be- “In addition, motorists with Way/A228 Leybourne bypass/M20 fore driving at speed towards dashcam who were in the area at J4/M20 J5/A20 Coldharbour Aylesford. the time are asked to check for Lane/A20 London Road and vice Prize pumpkin Turning into Forstal Road, the footage that may assist the inves- versa. A PRIMARY school pupil discov- BMW left the carriageway and tigation.” ered a huge pumpkin in response collided with a sign and a fence at Anyone with information who to the Downs Mail’s appeal to the junction with Lock Lane. The has not yet spoken to the police Road block find the biggest one in Maid- occupants ran off before police ar- should call 01622 604100, quoting A TRAILER overturned on the stone. rived. reference 3-1015. A228 in Snodland, obstructiing the Henry Dineen (5) visited grand- Two men from Maidstone, aged You can also contact Kent southbound carriageway. mother Val Allan last month at 21 and 22, were arrested in con- Crimestoppers anonymously on Police were called to the incident Loose allotments, where he was nection with the incident and 0800 555111, or by using the on- at 9.53am on November 14. No in- snapped with this whopper. later released, pending further in- line form. juries were reported. p44

44 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk

Skips stolen Comment KENT Police are investigating a Appeal after string of skip thefts from addresses Hazlitt worth more than its cost in Maidstone. Two skips were stolen in Ash- IT WAS Oscar Wilde who declared that year, he says, it might scrape into the ford Road, Harrietsham and a cynic is a man who knows the price of SimonSays black. But mostly Parkwood’s umbrella crash arrests Coombe Road, Maidstone, on everything, and the value of nothing. shelters the theatre from the worst of the November 15. Today, in the aftermath of the COVID- storm’s constant batering. SIMON FINLAY Editor TWO Maidstone men have been vestigation. Anyone with information that 19 pandemic, our beloved Hazlit He says that, in the second half of the simon.[email protected] arrested after allegedly running a Officers also interviewed a 21- could help the investigation is Theatre stands like a symbol of 15-year agreement, it can become Twitter @Simonnlay6500 red light and causing three colli- year-old man from Maidstone asked to call 01622 604111, quoting something of great value yet no intrinsic protable through judicious sions in the town centre. under caution. He remains under crime reference 46/204956/20, or housekeeping and overall increased worth. comfort and testament to the work of Police have appealed for wit- investigation. Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. turnover (annual ticket sales are up 7,000 In the face of cutbacks caused by the officers running a local authority with nesses to come forward. Investigating officer, PC Lucy in three years to 75,000). virus's impact on Maidstone Borough reserves to dip into. (But, as Brian The offences are reported to Edworthy said: “Whilst we have The actual proportion of the annual Council's income streams (tumbling Clough remarked about goalkeepers have happened at 5.50pm on Sat- arrested two suspects and are in- A20 closures £284,000 Hazlit allocation to Parkwood business rates and parking charges), the who make saves, that’s what they’re paid urday, October 3, after a black terviewing a third, we are appeal- THE A20 in East Malling is shut for is £243,000, but the cost of the council authority considered the Hazlit’s price to do.) BMW 520 failed to stop for offi- ing for witnesses to contact us. road surface improvement works. running the theatre was previously tag before concluding that it was greater By law, MBC must present a balanced cers in Royal Engineers’ Road. This includes two pedestrians It will re-open on December 10 £650,000, which was already a massive than its value. budget, so at the time of writing, the The BMW is alleged to have who were walking close to the after a series of overnight closures. saving, argued Mr Doherty. The public outcry has been heartfelt, closure of the Hazlit remains a very real travelled through a red traffic sig- scene of the collision in Forstal The primary diversion is via A20 visceral and intense. MBC was clearly Frankly, most of us do not care who nal, where it was involved in a Road. London Road/A228 Ashton unprepared for the furore that followed runs it, so long as it stays open, but collision with two other cars, be- “In addition, motorists with Way/A228 Leybourne bypass/M20 a four-line press release timed 4.05pm Be warned, when beter it be Parkwood than any untried dashcam who were in the area at fore driving at speed towards J4/M20 J5/A20 Coldharbour on Friday, November 13. entity which might fail. Aylesford. the time are asked to check for Lane/A20 London Road and vice For those of us who have laughed and theatres shut, Council tax-payers may question how Prize pumpkin Turning into Forstal Road, the footage that may assist the inves- versa. cried in that auditorium or watched our an authority which has just spent £5m on A PRIMARY school pupil discov- BMW left the carriageway and tigation.” kids perform on a “big stage” for the they shut – they luxury ats for commercial rent, paid ered a huge pumpkin in response collided with a sign and a fence at Anyone with information who rst time in their lives, the news came out £19.1m on the Lockmeadow complex to the Downs Mail’s appeal to the junction with Lock Lane. The has not yet spoken to the police Road block through like an impending death in the don’t come back and set aside a £1.5m budget for its own find the biggest one in Maid- occupants ran off before police ar- should call 01622 604100, quoting A TRAILER overturned on the family. “ Lenham Heath housing project (of which stone. rived. reference 3-1015. A228 in Snodland, obstructiing the £305,000 has already been used) could Now that there is a temporary reprieve threat. The man in charge of overseeing Henry Dineen (5) visited grand- Two men from Maidstone, aged You can also contact Kent southbound carriageway. get itself into such a scal pickle, virus or from imminent “mothballing”, there is the Hazlit, Tony Doherty, MD of mother Val Allan last month at 21 and 22, were arrested in con- Crimestoppers anonymously on Police were called to the incident not. time to explore meaningful options for Parkwood Theatres, which has been Loose allotments, where he was nection with the incident and 0800 555111, or by using the on- at 9.53am on November 14. No in- The argument is always that the big- snapped with this whopper. later released, pending further in- line form. juries were reported. the future, nding other funding streams running it for MBC, said: “Be ”warned, or even a new operator. In fairness, there when theatres shut, they shut – they ticket purchases are acquired by seems litle point in ditching Parkwood don’t come back. The Hazlit may not be drawing from different types of public Theatres, its staff, their skillsets and the a big theatre or a glamourous theatre but money pots or low-cost borrowing integrated administration and booking it is loved by Maidstone.” underwriten by the Government. systems at this stage. But MBC does There you have it. The ip side of the But if one says that it appears the appear to be in a tearing hurry to save price/value argument. authority has skewed its priorities in money. Like every other authority in the Effectively, says Mr Doherty, it costs favour of housing and big acquisitions, country, revenues have collapsed and Parkwood to run the Hazlit, dependent there may be accusations of not there is a £2m shortfall here. Council on its own prudence in keeping costs understanding the complexities of local leader Martin Cox told members of the low and minimising losses through government spending and future policy and resources commitee the other economies of scale. A good panto season planning. evening that compared to some others in brings in enough to put on the other One might also be accused of being the country, Maidstone’s predicament is loss-making events and community cynical. And what do cynics know? p44 far from the worst. It’s a crumb of activity at the Hazlit’s core. In a good Still, it’s only money. Our money.

Re-open our theatre desperate for its doors to re-open. Beginning of the end But now we hear that the council wants THE Hazlit Theatre in Maidstone has to mothball the Hazlit! Closing the MAIDSTONE Borough Council (MBC) been a popular entertainment venue in Hazlit is not a “return to normal” for might think it will make a modest saving the town for many years, catering for all townspeople. It is not going to help by severing the contract with Parkwood ages and tastes. And people cannot wait restore their health, well-being and Theatres, which runs the Hazlit Theatre. for it to re-open post COVID-19. livelihoods in any way. And it is a slap in The sum is around £150,000, once you Amongst those eager to return is the the face for a Government that, on our take into account the cost of keeping it 50-strong Hazlit Community Choir. Its behalf, has dug so deep to fund many of mothballed. Every local authority in the choir masters, Tom and Laurie, cannot these businesses and staff through the country will be looking to make savings wait to pick up their careers once more. difficult times. and it is understandable, almost inevitable, And the children (and parents) of the We applaud the council for wanting to that MBC’s officers will pluck the lowest dance and musical theatre groups, plus keep its nancial arrangements for the hanging fruit. the local musical drama and am-dram theatre under review, but the timing of a It shows a lamentable lack of groups, the lm society and many, many review now could not be worse! Do it, imagination. Offering the council tax- more who use the theatre and its studios please, when the theatre is open and payers a vague assurance that MBC has must be just as eager. There must be when there can be a seamless hand-over taken control of the building is no hundreds waiting. between operating regimes. assurance at all. That sounds distressingly Theatre audiences have been denied By any measure, the Hazlit Theatre is un-reassuring. their entertainment for such a long time. a success and the council owes it to the This is nothing more than short-term Furloughed theatre staff must be fearing people of Maidstone to re-open the expediency because this is the easiest to for their jobs, and the businesses in theatre as soon as COVID-19 restrictions cut. On paper. What MBC’s leadership Maidstone town centre that rely on are lifted. team did not reckon on was the people. custom from the Hazlit must be Friends of the Hazlit, Maidstone And how they spoke.

45 downsmail.co.uk I write this before the November 25 popping up more regularly. Comment Mega lorries a mega risk meeting and have few hopes for Hazlit’s Maidstone and the rest of the county are future in the hands of the alliance who being ruined, and who are we to criticise REFERENCE recent reports about HGVs currently run this show. The public the vandalism of Brazilian rainforests wrecking property, I have some very bad outpouring of anger and dismay at the loss when this government has destroyed so news for the readers of this newspaper, of the theatre has been mind-blowing. much greenery. especially those living in the Willington Be in no doubt. If the council’s Jason Day, Hospital Radio Maidstone Street area, where lorries are continually leadership does eventually decide to shut demolishing the railings at the top. it, it will never re-open in its present form Now a new generation of “mega lorries” again. If it was to be done properly, then Call for drainage action is coming. They would be two metres longer than the biggest truck currently on one would imagine the theatre would cost IN RECENT weeks, residents along the considerably more than it does presently. the road, which could cut overall vehicle Marden Road, including those in the new omissions. To give one an idea, one of This is the beginning of the end for the houses near the roundabout at the Hen Hazlit, I fear. And what a terrible, terrible these beasts will be the same as eight and Duckhurst development, have been African elephants in terms of weight. shame. badly affected by foul and surface water C Paterson, via email According to a recent edition of the The ooding. Times: “Ministers are preparing to outline Town will miss revenue The parish council takes no pleasure in proposals that would allow heavier and saying to Maidstone Borough Council, longer HGVs to operate, enabling them to I VOLUNTEER with a group which puts Southern Water and David Wilson Homes: carry more freight. The Department for on shows twice a year at the Hazlit. I “We told you so”. We have long pressed Transport (DfT) plans are aimed at cuting probably spend on average about £100 on for action to address the shortcomings of down the number of journeys needed to food, parking etc during this week. the existing drainage infrastructure on transport goods.” With cast and backstage staff, we Marden Road and of the drainage plans What this means is that trucks, which probably total about 100 people. That’s a for Hen & Duckhurst Farm (Dickens Gate). currently destroy the railings at the top of lot of revenue to lose in the local economy. The initial outline planning application Willington Street, would probably be able Will the high street survive the removal of for Hen & Duckhurst Farm (14/502010) to take people with them as well. this revenue? envisaged foul water being taken Don Wright, via email Helen Kennet, via Facebook northwards away from the site, ie away from Marden Road. The application stated: ‘No connections Be a good neighbour More traffic, more danger from the foul or surface water from the AS WE enter tier three restrictions in Kent, I AND a fellow Collier Street resident have proposed development will be made to let us not forget our neighbours, the set up Collier Street Traffic Action Group either the existing sewers in Marden Road vulnerable and the old. (CSTAG). or the residential development to the East Popping your (masked) head around the We are sick to death of our Kent County of the site’ (DHA Transport Drainage door to offer a hand or a quick, reassuring Council passing the buck to Maidstone Technical Note 13/01/15). chat can go a long way to improving Borough Council who, in turn, pass the Since the initial application, contrary to morale or mental wellbeing. Go on, it’s not buck to Kent Police who take 3% of our recommendations by the parish council, as if we have anything else to do! council tax. For what? Maidstone Borough Council has James MacFarlane, via email Housing increases in Marden have successively approved DWH’s proposals

created a huge hike in traffic and much of for drainage solutions for up to 192 of the that is illegal, being over 7.5t in weight. 250 homes to be built on the site, all of Kent police see speeding and overweight which discharge or will discharge into Age UK needs your help vehicles as a burden on their nances. Marden Road and exacerbate the existing WITH the imposition of another national The B2162 Benover Road from Yalding problem. When approving the proposals, lockdown, Age UK has sadly had to close to Horsmonden is extremely dangerous. MBC has acted on advice from Southern the doors of its 250 charity shops across From my home office I daily see near Water, which has an obligation to deliver the country for a second time. misses and pedestrians with no footpaths the approved infrastructure. But some good news is there’s still a way almost geting hit by trucks using the road Unfortunately, all too frequently, delivery for locals in the South East to bag illegally. of such infrastructure lags behind themselves a bargain and support older I have now started to photograph the construction of the homes. people most in need whilst their nearest lorries, mostly eight-wheel tippers, and It is a source of great frustration to the Age UK shop is closed. received some hand signals from drivers parish council that decision-makers have Age UK’s eBay shop sells a wide range that aren’t in the Highway Code. ignored its considered opinions and of new and good quality items, including The various speed limits add to the proposed solutions based on its local Christmas cards and decorations, confusion and danger, the lack of double knowledge, leaving villagers to suffer the homeware, toys and gifts. white lines on dangerous sections of consequences. Older people need us now more than Benover Road, very very poor or no The parish council has been engaging ever, and the money raised through eBay junction signage warning of pedestrians in with MP Helen Grant, who is pressing the will help to fund the charity’s vital work, the road all add up to a death waiting to responsible parties for action. including its information and advice and happen. The parish council is aware of friendship services, which have been a My 76-year-old father nearly got hit by a disappointing comments suggesting that it lifeline for older people during the delivery van driver as he rounded a long may somehow be blocking solutions, lockdowns and the Coronavirus crisis. blind bend with a 7.5t truck coming the which it entirely refutes. To be clear, it has We are so grateful for all the support our other way. I’ve been hit and run twice on no jurisdiction in drainage maters, but it shops in the South East have received from Benover Road, thankfully not injured. would like to assure all residents that it is our customers throughout this challenging I am sick of telling the authorities the actively seeking a solution with all time, and we look forward to welcoming increased number of near misses will interested parties. you back to our stores as soon as we can. result in a death. More houses and more We invite residents who have been You can visit Age UK’s eBay page at: vehicle movements equal more risk. affected by the recent ooding to send us www.ebay.co.uk/str/ageukwarrington. The South East is under assault and at evidence, particularly photographs, to Our shops are also in need of volunteers risk of becoming either a hotbed for help us make the case for action. Please for when we re-open. To nd out how you rebellion or sunk under the weight of email them to [email protected]. can help, please visit ageuk.org.uk/shops. housing. Small wonder sink holes are Staplehurst Parish Council, via email Nick Smith, head of retail at Age UK

46 downsmail.co.uk Opinion Let’s work to get the virus under control O SORRY to hear Cllr Bob Hinder, Swho recently lost his wife Wendy, FOR many people, this time of year would has decided to move to the West Country usually be spent planning Christmas parties, By Helen to be near his family. He tells me how carol services, winter fairs, and all the other his grammar school headmaster went things we enjoy. Whately “nuts” when he announced, aged 15, he This year feels very different. Plans for MP for was going to join the Royal Navy. Ten years later, when Bob was in a teacher Christmas have been thrown up in the air by a Faversham and virus that has already brought so much training college in Cheltenham, he ran hardship and frustration to our lives. Mid-Kent into his old head in the street. When Bob While I’m glad that more shops, sports explained why he was there, his former facilities and places of worship are opening paedagogus blustered: “Good, good. I this week as national lockdown comes to an knew you’d come good in the end.” infection rates are puting on our local end, clearly there is frustration that the whole NOTHER departure is Bruce hospitals and other NHS services. of Kent is going into tier three. Grindlay, from Suton Valence The Prime Minister has been clear that these A These have been hugely difficult decisions. tier allocations are not set in stone. They will School, as headmaster. Mr Grindlay, who Like other Kent MPs, I’ve been making the be reviewed regularly, meaning Kent will be is off to a private school in Thailand, is a case for what’s best for our community. able to move to a lower tier as soon as it’s safe man of many talents. A Cambridge music The Government has tried to keep to do so. graduate, he once studied with Peter restrictions on people’s lives to a minimum. Our focus now must be on bringing down Hurford, the celebrated organist and Throughout this pandemic, decisions have the rates of infection in our community so we global recording artist. been based on the best possible evidence can lift more restrictions and get more parts of AZLITT news. Should Maidstone along with local opinion. our lives back to some form of normality. HBorough Council ever have to stage Sadly, most of Kent has high or very high Regular testing should help with this, so I’m a pantomime, a particularly waggish infection rates, and some of the areas with pleased that NHS Test and Trace will be suggestion comes to me from an elected lower rates are, unfortunately, showing a opening a local test site at Shepway Youth member as to who might play the worsening trend. While cases in Maidstone Centre (in the car park), making it easier for wicked witch, villain, buffoon and dame. are not as high as other parts of Kent, they are more people in Maidstone to get a test. Now, really. still far higher than the national average in In the meantime, I’ll continue to do England. everything I can both locally and in ORY Jonathan Purle’s jubilation in I know going into tier three is parliament to support people and businesses Tvictory after overturning the Hazlit’s disappointing, not least for our pubs, through this difficult time. closure (for now) meant he forgot to mute restaurants and other hospitality businesses. It’s more important than ever that we work his computer when the vote result was But we cannot ignore the pressures these high together to get this virus under control. read out. For a few seconds whoops of joy unconned could be heard chez Purle, who declared: “I’m going to have a drink tonight!” The losing council leader Cllr There is a light that never goes out Martin Cox, downcast, mutered: “That’s completely unsorted. Brilliant.” THE Hazlitt Theatre is more than its walls. I un- ONGRATULATIONS to derstand this decision isn’t about the theatre it- By Amy Riley CConservative Shellina Prendergast self and is more a comment on the state of our for defeating her rival for the right to local and national finances due to the pandemic. Campaigner to ght the Maidstone rural east county But the theatre is not an opportunity to make Save The Hazlitt council seat next May. On the day of the a quick saving. Its existence is a lifeline for many. members’ poll, a colleague ran an article On our darkest days, the Hazlitt has helped online to say it was taking place, only to Maidstone find laughter, magic and hope. receive a hasty texted rebuke from La The local council will always have to prioritise COVID-19 has managed to take so much from Prendergast which seethed: “You need to us all already. something “more important” In mothballing the building, you will never be able to give it what it stop publishing stories that are blatantly Over 300 young people alone enter the Ha- untrue!” When asked to elaborate on the zlitt’s doors every week. This doesn’t include its needs when COVID-19 allows the theatre to bloom once more. Even more so, there are staff alleged inaccuracies, a reply there came pre-COVID-19 audiences or any of its user none. groups. This is just the young people. who not only have had to live on a furloughed Young people, who according to Article 31 of wage this year, but you would also be making UST a few months into his job as leader the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, them redundant at Christmas time. Jof Kent County Council, I hear the have the right to have access to rest and leisure, In theatres, when the audience leaves and the knives are already being sharpened for to engage in play and recreational activities ap- technical crew lock up, one light is left on centre Cllr Roger Gough post-May’s election. As propriate to their age and to participate freely in stage – the “ghost light”. This theatre tradition one member succinctly put it: “When (Sir) cultural life and the arts. Do not take this away means that even in the dead of night a theatre Paul (Carter) was in charge, decisions from them. never loses its magic. All the laughter, tears and were swift and conclusive. Roger has an In breaking the contract with Parkwood The- happiness generated by the audience and on the entirely different approach, I’m afraid.” stage are not swallowed by the darkness. atre, the council has seen the benefit of “moth- OLITICAL gag. Q. What are the ve Please don’t be the person who helps to turn balling” the building. Having worked in the arts most feared words in British politics? off that light. Keep this building’s past, present P for many years, I can tell you that this isn’t an op- A. Michael Crick is in reception. tion if you want to open the Hazlitt’s doors again. and future alive. A version of this article appeared on Facebook Chin chin!

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