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Maidstone East Edition Maidstone & Malling’s No.downsmail.co.uk 1 newspaper SouthNorth Edition Maidstone & Malling’s FREENo. 1 newspaper October 2017 No.FREE 246 News March 2018 No. 251 Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATEN eHart,ws a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in Bearsted, stone, took to the River Medway to has died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. Relief road summit David has disclosed. On board The Kentish Lady were SQUABBLING council leaders have national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy agreed a truce over the future of a Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- MP’srelief rLocaload for s oPlanuth bid 5 fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELENMai dWhatelystone. asked the beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig government to halt the Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, borough’sTorie housings elec scheme.tion b at4tle Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- zone (Ugly Sisters) . TORIES face an uphill struggle to take back control of the ArtistThey’s im pwereressi ogreetedns of th bye n pupilsew Ma rfromks & Spencer store proposed for Eclipse Park, alongside NEXT Plans for Dr Nigel South Borough Primary School and borough council.  6 THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto will walk the Grand runs from December 1-31. For tick- Canyon for charity. 12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. Teen swallowed drugs MThe landma&rk chimneyS and listeds Ragt Rooom will remaein key feaptures orf theo Springpfield Moill redesvelopament ls A TEENAGER who swallowed 100 Jasonwraps oDonovanf heroin and date THEc rformerack ha Neighbourss been jail estard. brings 11 his show to the Hazlitt 18 Papermill’s legacy to TheatreSpe nextcia May.l school appeal iCCTVnclude call300 n inew a bidjobs A SPECIAL school needs to raise £250,000 to buy a PLANS to create a new Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park, near J7 of hydrotherapy pool.  18 theoM20w, havenbeen rfeveoaledrto thte phubliec for tfhe ufirst timue. re Change of direction toThe scheme w stopill be carried out with it fly-tippings plans following the grant- Food hall – 1,050m2 (11,300ft2) THE former Whatman paper mill in Maidstone town centre will be HOW one woman swapped the with Maidstone developers Gal- ing of planning permission by General merchandising (fashion United Nations for a laCALLSgher Prope forrties theand installationcould create M ofaid CCTVstone Bo camerasrough Cou toncil preventin and h fly-tippingousehold) – 4,413 onm2 ( a47,500ft2) turned into 300 homes, the borough council has decided. Loose funeral parlour.  32 300 full and part-time positions May 2017. 2 countryMost of the roadbuildi havengs wil beenl be de- madebuild s byome thething localout o boroughf the ordi- councillor.peHnosisvpeitwalhitiyte el(ecpahfea)nt.”– 297m when the store opens. Waitrose decided not to proceed 2 molished to make way for 218 nary for this historic site.” (3,H20e0fsta)id the scheme had been ABurberryt present, Lane,M&S nearhope Leedss to cre andate nearby,with its moreplans thanbeca aus yeare of afteradver itse unlicensed waste carriers, but be- apartments in four and five-storey The main focus for debate was woNrikcekdYoanndolvee,roaf nGuamllabgehreorfPyreoaprs- Obituaries 36 aBroomfield,large cloth hasing beenand targetedhouseho byld wasecon dumpedomic con andditi setons onan fire.d pledged lieves the cost to small firms of dis- blocks, with a further 77 houses of which of the three possible uses for earntdiews,assaiwdo: r“rTiehde tchoamt ibficnoautinocnilolofras Obituaries 32 spwasteace a dumperss well as fora years,food buthall ina re-nd toThecon churchcentrat care on parkits e hasxist alsoing s seentores. posing of construction waste at a twcento to months,four bed theroo problemms. has be- manythe Ra instancesg Room ofw illegalould b dumping.e chosen –transferMstaarrtkesd station&toSppiecnk iscie provingtrasptoarte “a atnh deter-de NwEhoXlTe Parish Councils café. It will be situated alongside According to a statement by the  37 comeThe moreSpring acute.field Mill site will re- fuButrthe itr isho au problemsing, com inm manyunity ruralor of-rentathti thatnEgclcio ispus costingeld Puanrrka councilsvwel”o.uld more.improve NEXT. retailer: “M&S requires a new store Parish Councils 34-35 tainConstructionthe Grade II waste,listed rubble,Rag Ro hardom – areasfices. including Langley, Otham MCllrCaildl FortrstoSnhe made’lslinraet herPairlen remarksodfefergr asats asstahide A SET of bollards are to be consid- The scheme is subject to planning that is the same footprint as the bcore,uilt in windows1805 – a andnd w householdill be used fur-for andCll Kingswood.r Tony Harw Waterood ar Lanegued inan-onecthoau oftnot theyfftioc borough’sewsnotnoabohtoh closestulsoicnagl rd trans-eesvideelonpts- ASHe rdiebacked in B uhasrial beenGrou discoverednd Lane to in deter approval from Maidstone Borough permitted food store, with a 300 cnitureommu isni leftty a illegallyctivities –. often strewn Bearstedother site andelse Pilgrimswhere in Waythe havewardferamn stationsedntpweoopul ateldf Northrboem“qauc Farm,irtoessinac Tun-owngidruer- Monkspav em Meadowent park ing in in DetlingTovil; it; has Council, although local observers space car park, including accessible inT thehe l middleandmar ofk's thefam road.ous chimney, alsowas beenearm targetedarked for recently.a community fa-bridgeaoruesa”.o Wells,f Kent announced. it will be Hollingbournebeen agreed tvillageo go ah e fetead w stall-ith the in- say it is unlikely there will be few and parent and child spaces”. holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has whCllrich Gillis v Fortisibl said:e to “Everydrivers monthalong ciLastlity an year,d wa Maidstones worried th Boroughe Spring-closed“TThhe foridse 10ivnev weeks.loepstemrsewntillboynlMy ahrakvse t&o stallation of a defibrillator in Loose objections. The application will be Developers claim the store will resigned; yellow lines are needed Jaweme ares Wh havingatman toilets,Way, w sinksill also andbe Councilfield Mi clearedll site w 911as casestoo fa ofr f fly-tip-rom the SpSheproevn added:icdeer w20o% “Ifulda youffaolsrdo goarbe alonglienfhoorcu theesitnhge, on a four-year contract; the dates and submitted towards the end of Feb- have a “striking design, incorpo- for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow rconstructionetained as a wastenod dumpedto the co inu thenty pingcomm anduni thisty it yearwoul mored serv thane. 163 lineacore ofmap increasingaarroeudndtoJ7th fines,aenudsui theytaslim3 have0p%o,rti toannacne details for this summer’s fete in Tovil ruary. rating high quality materials”, and buses through Imperial Park; rub- tovillage,wn's ind specificallyustrial past. in Burberry haveIt w beenould recordedbe better sinceused April.for anbet“oe enforced.xthcepbtoioronu” Agtho’ reductionsreucloenomf ty inh.e theLocal have been discussed and agreed; A public exhibition was sched- provide approximately 5,760m2 bish bins in the sports field in Lane,The wheresite wi well b aree d nowevelo thinkingped by Theemp approachingloyment site darker, he cla eveningsimed, andchargePl“aInt. orwo offeringuld sen itd freeout maya p haveositive there were complaints about incon- uled to be held at the Hilton Maid- (62,000ft2) of sales area”. Kingswood are to be moved over to Rofed installingrow Home camerass. on private willthat promptcounci all riseors inmu illegalst “b tipping.eware ofthem desiredeRsosbagJearam similarbaonu,ththe effect.”aedtoowf pnlans nainlogca-t siderate parking around the primary stone Hotel, on Bearsted Road, on Final decisions on the split have the picnic area and rear exit. land,Redr toow overseespok theesm probleman M area.”ichael unCllrinte Fortnde welcomedd conseque an jointces”. initia- tMAioa three-monthlynidfsotronbeusinBesos litterr,oaungd pickh we onCaor theuendciel-, school in Loose. February 22, from 2pm to 8pm. yet to be decided, however current HaArd recentware eventtold F ineb Burberryruary’s p Lanelan- tiveHe bywa therne Environmentd: “I would be Agencyworriedmile-longlcilgahimteeddt stretchothbeeswit ofeor roadwkiansg throughaaslsooncgiastidede The M&S proposals follow a de- thinking is that the store would Crime Reports 35 nsawing m a caravaneeting: “ burnedWe wou outld w whileant t ao andthat theit w Driverould en andd u Vehiclep being Stan-an ex-Leedsswuicth villagepaonllauttiio producesonnaallnydrepso anpses averageicbteledflcooomd- cision by Waitrose not to proceed offer: torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32pin blackagn,y.aWn sacksde wcoa ofuntld rubbish.tolleisatveen tdoetvhelvoipeewrs VEHICLESCrim ehave Re beenpor t drivens over 37 farmland in Lenham, causing owCllrfiltoh c Fort,eaxl trreas i whocdoesnts ts alsotaotbt he servesaerp. ub li asc e axhi- A GROUP of youths were seen damgeA GR O toU P crops; of y o anut h attempteds were seen parishbitAiocn o councillor,amnmduthneitnys fuo sayscbumsi wt teachingaaspdlaencnidinedg throwing stones at swans in Alling- children about social responsibility break-in was reported in Detling; a aupppolnicaftoironthine lRataegFeRboroumarya2n0d18t.hIef ton; a commercial milk float was and the issue of litter in schools will vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted tohveerparlol polasnalwisasgpraanssted bpylaannnianrg- stolen in Devon Road; two iPads help take the issue off the streets. Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were proewrmmisasriognin,.work would start on were stolen from a house in Sussex She believes with every household stolen from an allotment in sitTewinotchoeusnucmillmoresr –ofE2d0d1i8eaPnodwthelel Road; a car was set alight and se- receiving a weekly refuse collection LenhamRoad. YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT s(Utokreipw) oaunlddDopenenisiSnpaouotnuemrn(C2o01n9).”– verely damaged in Loose; a mobil- service, there is no excuse for litter verely damaged in Loose; a mobil- [email protected] weLroecaulnraebsliedetonttsackaenpfainrtdionutthme odree- ity ramp was taken in Milton Road. beingabbaoteu at thrownstthheeyplw a fromnerseolan tl vehicleseinfeoratthe wm orweewt-. Comment 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumped in the road. minga’rsksstarntdbsepcaeunsceeorf-mheaaivdystroanffeic. Comment  46-47 cino.Muka.idstone. Comment 46-47 Home Alarms supplied and fitted webexpand.co.uk 01622 880840 In the the top top 1% of 1%UK web of designUKvisit companies www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 webwww.webexpand.co.uk design companies | [email protected] web design google promotion ecommerce 2 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Sikh support HELEN Grant MP has given her Care home rated good backing to a campaign for a na- tional Sikh war memorial. The campaign, spearheaded by Labour MP Tan Dhesi, is to com- after CQC inspection memorate Sikh soldiers who fought for Great Britain in WWI HUGE problems at a Maidstone and WWII. nursing home have been tackled More than 83,000 Sikh soldiers by staff, according to the latest ob- died, with a further 100,000 injured. servations from the government’s The Maidstone and the Weald Care Quality Commission. MP said: “Sikhs fought bravely in In an unannounced follow-up the British Army in two world wars visit, an inspection team of seven which made an indispensable con- from the CQC reported that all but tribution that deserves to be recog- one area of service at Maidstone nised and remembered by all of Care Centre in Boxley Road was us”. She said a monument erected now rated as good. in their honour would be a fitting It follows a damning report in tribute to their sacrifice, courage 2016 which identified eight and martial spirit.” breaches in the care received by res- Mrs Grant also asked people to idents, many suffering with demen- sign a petition set up by Mr Dhesi tia, and declared all services at: http://bit.ly/2BTLR2G. required improvement. These con- cerns related to a lack of stimulation for patients, low staff numbers, es- Maidstone Care Home staff (from left) Sally Briggs, Mira Pun, Aruna Gurung, Paper history pecially at night, poor leadership, Cassidy Carreras, Amy Roberts and Paul Palmer with residents Margaret LEARN about the history of the and residents being deprived of Finey, Kathleen Hawkings and Joan Randall town’s paper-making industry food and water. ments could be made to include the backing of residents and their fami- through a talk at Maidstone Mu- In the latest inspection, the CQC bed-bound more to tackle the feel- lies, has paid off and has been recog- seum this month. reserved its “requires improve- ing of social isolation experienced nised by CQC with a Good grade. Maureen Barcham-Green, the ment” classification to safety levels, by some who spent many hours We have also devised more visual owner of one of the last production adding there was still inconsisten- alone in their rooms. stimulants and inclusive activities mills, will give the talk on Friday, cies in the recording of incidents Commenting on the report, man- for residents, so that they feel part of February 23, at 11am. and accidents. The nursing home ager Sally Briggs said: “All the hard the larger community even without Historic objects will also be on was also advised that improve- work of our support staff, with the having to leave their room.” display. Tickets are £5. COUNTY COBBLER COUNTY COBBLER

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www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK (5:00pm TILL 11:00pm) www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs Parking is available for picking up food ONLY County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, through DENTAL CENTRE on Knightrider Street County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, Chequers Centre • 01622 297600 WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CARDS Chequers Centre • 01622 297600 Maidstone March 2018 3 News downsmail.co.uk Mall makes Little Free Library box the shortlist STAFF at The Mall in Maidstone are celebrating being shortlisted for looking for new home two national awards. Describing the news as “a great start to 2018”, the shopping centre THE opportunity to run the third free library in Maidstone is up for grabs has been shortlisted in both the after the stewards of Penenden Heath’s facility expanded. community and individual ACE star categories in the Revo ACE John and Liz Viner (pictured) Awards. would like the new library to The Mall, one of three shopping serve an area of Maidstone or its centres shortlisted for customer ex- outlying villages after upgrading perience in the community award their own service, which started in category out of 114 entries, was vis- 2016. ited by mystery shoppers and The Penenden Heath Little Free judged on areas including its con- Library’s original box was hand- venience, low customer spend and made for its opening, but has now retail mix. Its new Baby Fresh been replaced by a bigger one changing and feeding facilities which holds more books. earned particular praise. The couple are hoping to help “I found The Mall very bright someone else have the same re- and attractive, and a pleasant place wards they have got out of running to shop and spend time,” reported the facility. the mystery shopper. “Our objective always has been As well as the community award to promote reading in the area,” nomination, receptionist Hollie Mr Viner said. “And so far, we’ve Jenner could be in line for an ACE never had to purchase a book. Star award, which recognises those “We’ve had a total of 525 books in customer-facing jobs within through the system, so far. shopping centres. “I’ve got no idea who all of the The winners will be named at the borrowers are, but it works and it’s Shopping Centre Management very rewarding.” Anyone can take a book, keep it, “As well as providing the box it- Conference in Brighton, in March. The worldwide Little Free Li- pass it on, return it or replace it, or self, we’re happy to provide the brary movement, which aims to they can simply leave a book. starting stock for someone else to Tribute to Vera promote reading and build com- There are books for adults, teens run a project like this.” AN AWARD-winning Dame Vera munity, began in 2006 when Todd and children and the stock is con- Anyone wishing to start a library Lynn tribute act is coming to the Bol built the first one in Hudson, stantly changing. Little Free Li- will have to sign up as a steward Maidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre. Wisconsin, as a tribute to his braries promote reading and build with Little Free Libraries. Lorrie Brown, originally from teacher mother. Today, there are community. For more details and informa- Rainham, will be part of ‘A Salute more than 50,000 worldwide, but Mr Viner added: “We have just tion, contact the couple via their to the 1940s’ at the venue on still just two in Maidstone – the grown and grown our library and Facebook page at www. Wednesday, March 7 at 2.30pm. other on Lenfield Road. it’s been great. facebook.com/PenendenHeathLFL. The show will also feature trib- utes to George Formby, the An- drews Sisters and Max Miller. Taste of Oxbridge for school’s ‘brilliant’ students Barn dance A BARN dance at Fant community hall, organised by the Maidstone Brilliant Club branch of the RNLI, on Friday, members from March 2 will feature music by John The Maplesden Sweeney. Noakes School The £10 admission includes a celebrate their ploughman’s suppe but take your success at Trin- own nibbles and drinks. Tickets ity Hall, Cam- from from John Ashbolt on 01622 bridge 725435 or Alan Cocks on 01622 761004. ‘BRILLIANT students’ from a sec- Dieter Declerq, from Kent University, current keystage through the Bril- ondary school in Maidstone are ac- since November. liant Club. We have been so im- quiring a taste for life – and studies Their project, What Can We Learn pressed with their resilience and Sea fort facts – at Oxbridge. From Cartoons, was submitted in determination and with the stan- THE Maidstone Historical Society Students aged 14 and 15, from January. dard of work they have produced. will be learning all about the The Maplesden Noakes School, trav- The Brilliant Club was launched in “Every student that submitted as- Maunsell Sea Forts at their meeting elled to Trinity Hall at Cambridge 2011 by two teachers looking to signments for the programme on Wednesday, February 21. University to celebrate their gradua- widen access to the country’s top passed, with a number earning 2.1 Frank Turner will be speaking at tion from the Brilliant Club’s schol- universities for outstanding pupils in grades, meaning that at just 14 or the Methodist Church Community ars’ programme. non-selective (non-grammar) state 15 they have produced work of a Centre in Brewer Street at 7.30pm. Lexi Bennett, Billy Dawkins, Harris schools. good A-level standard. On March 21, Rosemary Piddock Ahmed, Matt Elliot, Shristi Limbu, Richard Owen, head at the Buck- ”Sydney Mutter achieved a first on will discuss Agatha Christie - A Life Sydney Mutter, Mia Davies, Jasmine land Road school, said: “We are re- her assignment.” of Crime. Visitors are welcome at the Osbourne and Zoe Hunter (pictured) ally proud of our students and their More education news, pages sessions, paying £3 a meeting. For de- have all been working with PhD tutor involvement in learning above their 18&19 tails of the society visit http://bit.ly/DMhistorical

4 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Cancer care cash challenge FRIENDS are invited to pull to- ity’s support provides patients with gether to raise £1,000 for cancer the very best of treatment. care in Maidstone this month. She said: “With the technology to The challenge from Breast Cancer treat breast cancer galloping for- Kent will see the group raising the ward, the NHS can’t afford to keep most by June 30 presented with an up, so we fund state-of-the-art award at Leeds Castle. equipment and courses for after- Whether running a marathon, care to give patients the confidence selling cakes or holding a raffle, the to move forward after treatment.” cash collected will help train spe- The charity’s biggest fund-raising cialist nurses, fund equipment and event – Laura’s Ball – is at Leeds provide after-care support at Maid- Castle on Saturday, November 17. stone Hospital’s oncology unit. The black tie dinner, charity auction Helen Teare, the fund-raising co- and a band, aims to raise £30,000. ordinator for Breast Cancer Kent, re- For information on the £1,000 ceived successful treatment at challenge or tickets to the ball, con- Maidstone Hospital in 2013. She tact Helen Teare on 07736 649524 says the unit, its staff and the char- or email [email protected].

Relief at road progress: county council- lor Gary Cooke and WILLact pressure group campaigner Jenny Sutton

Leaders in truce Relationship at breake ingng pointoint? over relief road The breakdowne of any relationship can be SQUABBLING leaders of the welcome the expertise of MBC as very distressine g. county and borough authorities the planning authority in provid- claim to have buried their differ- ing that perspective. I would, how- Whitehead Monckton family lawyers can help you ences over the south Maidstone ever, hope that this will also mean through this stressful and painful time. relief road at a peace summit or- a real recognition of the difficulties ganised by MPs Helen Grant and that mitigation can present and We offerf sensitive, constructive and cost effective Helen Whately. consequently MBC will be more ac- legal advice. All our lawyersrs are expeexperriencenceded meembermbers Kent County Council (KCC) cepting of the need to apply plan- leader Paul Carter (Con) and Maid- ning constraints in south-east of Resolution, committed to a non-confrontational stone Borough Council (MBC) Maidstone.” approach to rese olving family problems. chief Fran Wilson (Lib Dem) met The meeting was delayed for on February 2. months as the pair exchanged An initial fixed cost meetinngg for just £11000 (inncc VAT)T with The leaders and officers from the frosty letters detailing their historic one of our lalawyers can help yyoouu seesee yyoourur wawayy forrwaward authorities agreed to co-operate on positions on the relief road. a feasibility study to identify Cllr Fran Wilson, leader of MBC, and understand yyoourur lelegagal positiioonn and ooptptioionsns. whether a Leeds-Langley by-pass said: “The differences of opinion would reduce congestion. arose primarily due to some mis- Our offices are in the centtre of Canterbury, MaMaidstone The study would be carried out understanding over the respective and Tenterdenden so, ifif yoyouu wantw toto ttakakee thatthat first stepstep to by external consultants, a point roles of KCC as highways author- seized on by relief road campaigner, ity and MBC as planning authority. findfindining ooutut your optioptioons siimmppllyy visit our websebsiteite atat: county councillor Gary Cooke. “Hopefully, these issues have Several months ago, he an- been resolved and we can move wwwwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk nounced the start of exploratory forward in an equal partnership for surveys with initial reports to be the benefit of all the people of this Canterbury 01227 643266 delivered to the parishes affected borough.” Maidstone 01622 698051 by the relief road when completed. Jenny Sutton, of relief road pres- Cllr Cooke said: “While I am sure group WILLact, said: “It is up Tenterentee rden 01580 767540 happy to see a spirit of co-opera- to us to ensure this remains on tion breaking, I am mindful that course. The feasibility studies wwwww.whitehead-mon-monckt-monckton.coc on.co.u.uk this only comes about after KCC… could go either way…too many are WWhiteheahitehead MoncMonckton Limitemited no. 08366029), registered in has already committed to under- watching and aware now.” EEnwwngllanandw & W.walehs. iRteheaegiisstered odffic-me 72 oKinnckton.cog Street, Maiidsdstone., uKeknt, taking the feasibility work and Helen Whately MP said: “I was ME14 1BL. Authorised and reggululated by the Solicitors Reggululation Authority under no. 608279. commissioned contractors to per- delighted that Helen and I brought form the works. We should also KCC and MBC together.” DM2016

Maidstone March 2018 5 News downsmail.co.uk News downsmail.co.uk Stones player’s £Another25k mum goal incursionWill Tories pay the price A FORMER Maidstone United academy player is aiming to raise more than £25,000 in memory of hatis late mu Larkfieldm. oveparkr Local Plan chance? Tom Mackelden had already rTRAVELLERSaised almost £2 have0,000 movedbefore h backost- TellersHE C simplyonserv movingatives ar one n toot takeconf upi- the council this time round. It’s not iontong a c ah populararity foot parkball m inat Larkfieldch at the dtemporaryent they ca residencen wrest b elsewhereack contro inl arithmetically possible but maybe Gforall theagh seconder Stadi timeum la inst sixwe months.ek. othef M area.aidstone Borough Council at it’s our fault. We just didn’t get the OThether familiesevents -lin ined fiveup caravansinclude a - MaHey’s said:local “Theyelectio justns. seem to be message out there that the Liberal 0pulled07-them oned d toinn Gighiller, and Greenthe Lon in- doingThey thehav rounds.e admit Theseted th incidentsey have Democrats pushed though the dLunsfordon and Bo Laneurne onmo Sundayuth mar Octoberathons. fhaveailed affectedto make Westsuffi Malling,cient cap forcingital at Local Plan for 17,600 more houses in ,,T releasingom, who dogslives onin S thetapl popularehurst, tthehe closureLiberal ofD theemo villagecrats’ hall,expen andse Maidstone without thinking about lpublicost his openmum spaceTania andto settingcancer upin oLeybourne,ver the im andplem nowenta theytion areof backthe the roads. The goal was wide open washing lines within hours. It is un- February 2017 and has been Linoc Larkfield.al Plan and Theits k policenock-o toldn eff resi-ects for a tap-in and we blazed it over derstood dents that this was a civil trespass fundraising for Cancer Research the fami- fwhenor roa theyds. T reportedhe Tories ith andad h thatoped theyto the bar.” eliesver sinc in-e. mcouldn’take som doe anythingheadway andinto obviouslythe five Ukip’s Shepway south member volvedTo donate visit https://www.just- stheeat councilmajority officesof the L wereibera closedl Demo be-c- John Barned, left, denied recent ru- ghaveiving. beencom/fundraising/tom-mack- rcauseat/inde itpe wasnden thet ru weekend.ling allianc Thesee. mours his party’s members would eofferinglden18 travellersIn public know, activi andsts h playave d theecla sys-red be standing as independents be- tree felling ttem.”hey are “having a real go” at Shep- ‘Spooktacular’ca atuse of theits recen farmt issues on the na- services to waThey n council’sorth (Uk legalip), teamBridg servede (LD an), MAKEConse therva mosttive c ofou thenty Octobercounci half-termllor tion holidayal stag ate. KentHe Lifesai Heritaged: “Neither Gresidentsroups meet Cevictionoxheath notice& H butunto itn took(LD a), weekHeat toh GFarmary C Park’sooke h Halloweenas been a Spooktaculardopted for inSi Maidstone.mon Ells nor I have actually de- TinW theO g area.roups continue to meet at (enforce.LD), Hig Cllrh S Thornewelltreet (LD) a heldnd So talksuth the BraveBoxley kidswa arerd invitedto repla toce thefor vintagemer c villagelared th toat knockwe w onill e doorsven b ande standing theParishSt Philip’s Church Centre each (withLD) w Laddingfordards. Engineering in an discover who – or what – is lurking behindand themif we fromdo it Octoberwill be 21-31.as Ukip. If I council mayor Cllr Derek Butler, who is week.. effortBut, topr increaseivately, th securityey recog furthernise th oney The award-winning attraction at Sandling,stand, nearI can Maidstone,see that m hasy m aa fewjority chairman stepping down. Coffee and chat is held on Tues- athere u publicnlikely land,to w nearin con thetro M20.l of the au- other tricks up its sleeve to turn its usualwo exhibitsuld pro intobabl frighteningy go down but I do David Thornewell says more has to Valdemar Kalinin (pictured), of Fellow Tory at County Hall, Paul days and St Philip’s Toddlers is on thority when May’s tranche of 18 farmhouses and horrifying homes. Youngstersthink tha cant I’ll trybe pumpkinable to h carving,ang on.” be done to stop the travelling com- the National Gypsy-Traveller-Roma Codressingoper, w upill andtake theon UglyUkip Bugper Ball.John Wednesdays. seats will be decided at the polls. Lib Dem Sue Grigg said the Local munity running circles around the Council said recently that local BarnOned Octoberin She 25,pw thereay so willuth bew morehile spooky goings-on with Kent Life Both groups are held between police and local councils. councilsWe und musterstan provided that Al designatedan Bartlett DAfteraniel Dark,Rose will fight for the Park Plan and transport issues were not 10aHem saysand thenoo jobn o ofn movingthe days onat trav-the htravelleras been siteschose orn b “toleratedy the Tor zone”ies in WooThisd w eventard. includes a spine-chilling tourlikel suitabley to dam forag under-eightse her party from’s vote Wellersaterl foroo aSt secondreet cen timetre. will run into Swhichhepwa gypsyy north convoysand whi canch w moveill be 5-6pmA Co and,nser forvat olderive visitors,insider fromtold 7-8pm.share. She added: “Everyone is to thousandsTo book, ofcon poundstact Pen Theny R lasteed inci-on tonto.he nu Hembe said:r one “Ittar comesget. Th downe sittin tog DowIfn yous M wouldail: “W likee’r toe r knowealist moreic tha aboutt bla anyme ofan thed e above,veryon calle is 01622the prob- 0dent,1622 7 in58 early191 o summer,r 07292 99 costing7383. the mracialembe prejudicer is Cllr Sim againston Ells this, of U com-kip. w763936.e’re not going to take control of lem.” parish council £1,200, with the trav- munity.” WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. 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He said: “Neither RIRI WKHWKH PRVWPRVW F FRPIRUWDEOHRPIIRRUWDEOH D DQGQG E EHDXWLIXOHDDXXWLIIXXO VVWDIIWDIIII FDQFDQ KHOSKHOS  \RX\RX FKRVHFKRVH  \RXU\RXU S SHUIHFWHUIIHHFW    DQGDQG WUHDWWUHDDWW  \RXU\RXU  IDFHIIDDFH  Groups meet Coxheath & Hunton (LD), Heath Gary Cooke has been adopted for Simon Ells nor I have actually de- WWKWKLQJVKLQJV\ \RXRX R RZQZQ \ \HWHW P PDQ\DDQQ\ S SHRSOHHRSOH  SXWSXW ORRN%XFKDQDQ2SWRPHWULVWVKDYHRQHORRN%XFKDQDDQQ 2SWRPHWWUULVWV KDYH RQH WRWR VSHFWDFOHVVSHFWDFOHV V VRR L LQFUHGLEO\QFUHGLEO\ OLJKWOLJKW DQGDQG TWO groups continue to meet at (LD), High Street (LD) and South the Boxley ward to replace former clared that we will even be standing XSZLWKXQQHFHVVDU\GLVFRPIRUW´:LWKXSZLWWKK XQQHFHVVDDUU\ GLVFRPIIRRUW´ ::LLWK RRIIWWK WKHKH O ODUJHVWDDUUJHVW  VHOHFWLRQVVHOHFWLRQV  RIRI /LQGEHUJ/LQGEHUJ FRPIRUWDEOHFRPIIRRUWDDEEOH \RX\RX FDQFDDQQ HYHQHYHQ  IRUJHWIIRRUJHW \ \RXRX the St Philip’s Church Centre each (LD) wards. mayor Cllr Derek Butler, who is and if we do it will be as Ukip. If I WWKWKLVLQPLQG'DQLVKGHVLJQHU/LQGEHUJKLVLQ PLQG 'DQLVK GHVLJQHU /LQGEHUJ  IIUIUDPHVUDPHVL LQQ W WKHKH 8 8.. DDQ DQGQG  RQO\RQO\ X XVHVH IIX IXOO\XOO\ DUHZHDULQJWKHPDDUUHZHDDUULQJ WWKKHP week.. But, privately, they recognise they stepping down. stand, I can see that my majority KDVFUHDWHGDUDQJHRIIUDPHVPRVWRIKDVFUHDDWWHG D UDDQQJH RI IIUUDDPPHV PRVW RI TXDOL¿HGRSWLFLDQVWRKHOS\RXFKRRVHTXDOL¿HGRSWLFLDQV WR KHOS \RX FKRRVH  Coffee and chat is held on Tues- are unlikely to win control of the au- Fellow Tory at County Hall, Paul would probably go down but I do 01622 677677 days and St Philip’s Toddlers is on thority when May’s tranche of 18 Cooper, will take on Ukipper John think that I’ll be able to hang on.” [email protected] Wednesdays. Unique LimitedLimited TimeTime Offer seats will be decided at the polls. Barned in Shepway south while Lib Dem Sue Grigg said the Local Guarantee yourr 20%ww discount,w.computermanu Callk.com Now Both groups are held between We understand that Alan Bartlett Daniel Rose will fight for the Park Plan and transport issues were not 20% OFF 10am and noon on the days at the has been chosen by the Tories in likely to damage her party’s vote Wood ward. Ends 31st October 2017 Unit 9, Spectrum Business Estate Waterloo Street centre. Shepway north and which will be A Conservative insider told share. She added: “Everyone is to 01622 535153511515 To book, contact Penny Reed on the number one target. The sitting Downs Mail: “We’re realistic that blame and everyone is the prob- 0DOOLQJ 5RDG 6QRGODQG .HQW 0( 1% Bircholt Road, Maidstone, ME15 9YP 01622 758191 or 07292 997383. member is Cllr Simon Ells, of Ukip. we’re not going to take control of lem.”

MaidstoneMaidstone Weald October March 20182017 77 News downsmail.co.uk Bishop’s hope A CELEBRATION of fostering and Campaigners forced to adoption is to be held by the Dio- cese of Rochester. The special child-friendly serv- ice, at Rochester Cathedral on Sat- urday, March 3, at 11.30am, will drop challenge to farm celebrate the dedication and love shown by fostering and adoptive THE Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has been forced to drop families. The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt a High Court challenge to the industrial development at Woodcut Farm, Rev James Langstaff, said: “This close to J8 of the M20. celebration is for everyone, as we The case was refused a judicial all have a role to play in ensuring review by Mrs Justice Lang and children fostered or adopted in our CPRE officials felt there was little community are fully welcomed. “I have found it hugely encour- chance of appeal at this stage. aging to see this work begin and to The CPRE had looked closely at sense the enthusiasm and interest the possibility of mounting a legal among people. It is my prayer that, bid to block the controversial as a result of this project, many vul- scheme, which is now in the bor- nerable children will find homes ough’s Local Plan. for good, where they experience CPRE Kent chairman Richard welcome, care and love.” Knox-Johnston (below left) said: “If Free tickets can be reserved at we can’t have a judicial review homeforgood.org.uk/rochester- there is nothing we can do to stop it cathedral on that basis until it gets into the Woodcut Farm development campaigners protest at Maidstone Town Hall detail, and there may well be a room for a challenge then.” development will have on attrac- Plastics pledge CPRE will wait to see the details tions such as Leeds Castle and the MAIDSTONE MP Helen Grant has of the plan and may challenge on impact housing numbers and traf- vowed to reduce the amount of the grounds of its area of outstand- fic will put on local communities. plastic her family uses. ing natural beauty (AONB) status, Planning chiefs at Liberal Demo- The government is committed to heritage concerns (Leeds Castle crat-controlled Maidstone Borough cutting the amount of plastic waste and Grade II listed Woodcut Farm) Council hope to mitigate against a across the country. So far, the num- and/or air quality. huge increase in traffic volumes ber of plastic bags in circulation has Long-time critic of the plan, bor- created by the Local Plan’s 17,600 reduced by 83% since the introduc- ough councillor Denis Spooner (far new dwellings by persuading resi- tion of a charge for them, mi- right) said: “It is very sad but that’s spaces between structures, as dents to take buses, ride bicycles or crobeads in cosmetic products the end of it, really. I cannot see would be required. walk in a controversial scheme have been banned and consulta- where another challenge might The Joint Parishes Group was known as “modal shift”. tions are taking place on a deposit come from, or on what grounds.” told earlier this month by Mr The popularity of the Local Plan, scheme for plastic bottles, to en- Cllr Spooner hoped there may Knox-Johnston that the body was which has been in discussion for 12 courage recycling. have been scope to challenge the not minded to fight on at this stage. years, will be put to the test when The key to a radical change lies plan’s ‘parkland setting’ as he was MP Helen Whately expressed re- the next tranche of borough elec- with individual household behav- not convinced there was sufficient peated concerns about the effect tions (for 18 seats) takes place in iours, she says. room on the site to create green that the Woodcut Farm industrial May. Mrs Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, said: “We can all do our bit to look after our marine en- Man jailed for hiding teen in flat Ta-Kush in 3D vironment, be that in parliament or MAIDSTONE Museum’s Ta-Kush, A MAN has been jailed for child In court, the in our homes”. the Egyptian woman brought to abduction after hiding a missing jury heard that life by 3D and other state-of-the-art teenager in a flat in Maidstone. officers had technology, proved a major attrac- Royal Mail site Thomas Ireland (49) was sen- found texts be- tion at a special viewing of the mu- MAIDSTONE Borough Council tenced to five years in prison after tween the girl seum’s new Ancient Lives Gallery. claims to be making progress on being found guilty of the offence and Ireland and The 2,700-year-old was one fea- plans to redevelop the former in the summer. how he had al- ture during a reception for Mu- The 15-year-old girl, who knew lowed her to Royal Mail sorting office. seum Friends in early February. the man, had been staying at the stay at the flat. Chief executive Alison Broom Fifty guests attended the event flat in Bower Lane after running He claimed if told a Built Environment Network- organised by Maidstone Museums away from home in July 2017. She he had known her true age he ing Conference that MBC had ap- Foundation (MMF). pointed a masterplanner to look at had been missing for two weeks would not have allowed her into the site, and that a report is set to when officers from Kent Police the flat. come back in June. found her inside the flat. Speaking after the sentencing at Scouting skills The site is being lined up for Officers spoke to Ireland several Maidstone Crown Court on Febru- THE Scout movement is to include hundreds of new homes, as well as times during the search and on ary 9, Detective Constable Chris badges for coping with the chal- shops and offices. each occasion he lied, saying he Spencer said: “Ireland knowingly lenges of modern life. Mrs Broom also revealed that had not seen the teenager and lied to officers. He knew a search Doorstep crime, managing masterplanning is also set to start had no idea where she could be. was taking place and that her fam- money, online scams and fire on the Ghurkas and Royal Engi- But during a search of his flat in ily were extremely worried. safety are included in 12 new mod- neer barracks at Invicta Park, Derwent Way, Rainham, they “He chose to keep her where- ules for Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and which has been identified as a lo- found paperwork relating to a flat abouts a secret and had officers Explorers to study. cation for 1,300 new homes, 500 of in Maidstone that was being refur- not found this second flat then the Once established in Kent, the aim which are due in Maidstone coun- bished, and subsequently found outcome may have been a very is to promote the Skills4Life scheme the girl at that address. different.” cil’s current Local Plan period. to Scout groups across the UK.

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Maidstone March 2018 9 News downsmail.co.uk Walking the war WALK back in time and celebrate Mondeo man rampage the part Maidstone people played during Word War One. That is the invitation for active fans of history taking on two com- memorative walks in town track- on M20 ends in prison ing the lives of everyday people in the Great War. A MAN who stole a car in Holling- Starting at the Kent History and bourne, stole petrol in Maidstone Library Centre in James Whatman and then drove dangerously along Way, download your map at the M20 has been jailed for 14 w w w . k e n t w w 1 . c o m / 1 0 0 - months. miles/maidstone-trail/ Michael Ward, who is from Tem- plar Drive, Thamesmead, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, taking Cricketing wait a car without consent, driving while COUNTY cricket is unlikely to re- banned and making off without turn to Mote Park any time soon. payment in the incidents on De- Kent last played a competitive cember 18, 2017. match in the county town in 2005, Ward stole the car, right, from Ey- when a poor pitch meant a points horne Street in Hollingbourne at deduction for the county side. around 1pm, taking the opportunity way of the M20 and they used their wards the M20, leaving the police A county spokesman said: “We to take the Ford Mondeo which was blue lights and sirens to tell him to patrol unable to continue, but a offered a 2nd XI match to Maid- parked with the keys in the ignition stop, but Ward refused to pull over member of the public gave one of stone last year and they felt the while its owner was distracted. and moved to the hard shoulder, the police officers a lift to the mo- ground was not ready.” The 35-year-old then drove to a travelling at speeds of up to 80mph. torway, where Ward had stopped petrol station on Ashford Road, The vehicle then left the motorway the car at the bottom of the slip Maidstone, and attempted to pay at junction 4 and headed towards road and was walking towards the Suffrage chat for £20 of fuel with a bank card that Kings Hill, and then turned against officer. FIND out how the campaign for was declined, before telling the the flow of traffic at a roundabout, at He was subsequently arrested on women’s suffrage was fought in cashier he would get another card which point there was a collision be- suspicion of theft and failing to stop. Kent with an illustrated talk at from the car, but instead drove tween the police car and the Mondeo PC William Purse said: “Ward is Maidstone Museum on Saturday, away without paying. as officers attempted to stop the ve- an opportunist criminal who did not March 3. The car was then spotted by offi- hicle to protect other road users. hesitate to steal the vehicle and then The talk starts at 11am. Tickets cers on the London-bound carriage- The Mondeo then turned back to- risk the safety of other road users.” are £5. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates • Top Soil • Turf Buy 5 Bags • Sand & Ballast of Topsoil Free Delivery GET All Bags £40 1 FREE Bulk Bag Waste Collection www.allloads.co.uk email:[email protected]

10 Maidstone March 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Walking the war WALK back in time and celebrate Mondeo man rampage the part Maidstone people played Shepway is now during Word War One. Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers That is the invitation for active fans of history taking on two com- • Free valuations • Regular fine & general auctions memorative walks in town track- on M20 ends in prison the one and only ing the lives of everyday people in • Probate & Insurance specialists • Home visits the Great War. A MAN who stole a car in Holling- JUST where is Shepway? For south, Eddie Powell, pictured Starting at the Kent History and bourne, stole petrol in Maidstone decades it has confused and con- below, said: “It has always been a Library Centre in James Whatman and then drove dangerously along founded strangers and local folk bit confusing to have the same Way, download your map at the M20 has been jailed for 14 alike. name as a place 25 miles down the w w w . k e n t w w 1 . c o m / 1 0 0 - months. To Maidstonians, it is a large area motorway from Maidstone, but our miles/maidstone-trail/ Michael Ward, who is from Tem- of housing off the A274 which is Shepway folk feel a great affinity to plar Drive, Thamesmead, pleaded home to several thousand people. the area and I’ve been proud to guilty to dangerous driving, taking But now the “other” Shepway – serve this area for the past couple of Cricketing wait a car without consent, driving while the one down on the coast – is ditch- years. COUNTY cricket is unlikely to re- banned and making off without ing its claim on the title, leaving the “As I understand it, the name turn to Mote Park any time soon. payment in the incidents on De- Maidstone district to nab it for itself. comes from Shepway Court, a large Kent last played a competitive cember 18, 2017. Arguably, the county town can country house match in the county town in 2005, Ward stole the car, right, from Ey- claim ownership as building work in the area.” when a poor pitch meant a points horne Street in Hollingbourne at started on the estate 80-odd years Before it was deduction for the county side. around 1pm, taking the opportunity way of the M20 and they used their wards the M20, leaving the police ago, while the local authority Shep- developed in the A county spokesman said: “We to take the Ford Mondeo which was blue lights and sirens to tell him to patrol unable to continue, but a way District Council – which takes 1930s, the large offered a 2nd XI match to Maid- parked with the keys in the ignition stop, but Ward refused to pull over member of the public gave one of in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney housing estate stone last year and they felt the while its owner was distracted. and moved to the hard shoulder, the police officers a lift to the mo- Marsh – only came to be in 1975. was farmland ground was not ready.” The 35-year-old then drove to a travelling at speeds of up to 80mph. torway, where Ward had stopped It took its name from an area near given over to or- petrol station on Ashford Road, The vehicle then left the motorway the car at the bottom of the slip Lympne in the 13th century. chards with Maidstone, and attempted to pay at junction 4 and headed towards road and was walking towards the Many people in the Folkestone Senacre Woods Speak to our specialists about selling your antiques Suffrage chat for £20 of fuel with a bank card that Kings Hill, and then turned against officer. area were implacably opposed to situated across Cllr Eddie Powell FIND out how the campaign for was declined, before telling the the flow of traffic at a roundabout, at He was subsequently arrested on the change at the time, claiming that the road. 0800 881 5691 women’s suffrage was fought in cashier he would get another card which point there was a collision be- suspicion of theft and failing to stop. none of its constituent parts were Cllr Powell added: “Although it is Kent with an illustrated talk at from the car, but instead drove tween the police car and the Mondeo PC William Purse said: “Ward is identifiable. a relatively modern housing estate, [email protected] Maidstone Museum on Saturday, away without paying. as officers attempted to stop the ve- an opportunist criminal who did not Local businesses and organisa- generations of local people have March 3. The car was then spotted by offi- hicle to protect other road users. hesitate to steal the vehicle and then tions with Shep- grown up here and that is why there 15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE www.gorringes.co.uk The talk starts at 11am. Tickets cers on the London-bound carriage- The Mondeo then turned back to- risk the safety of other road users.” way in their title is a close community feel about it.” are £5. take mistaken Folkestone artist and businessman calls from both Johnny Cotter (57), left, said: “I don’t areas. come from round here originally FREE Now the au- and I’ve never understood why the FREE GEORGIA TOILET & BASIN thority has name Folkestone is not in the title of with any bathroom installation. opted for Folke- the council. I don’t even think local Please present this advert at time of order. stone and Hythe people know what or where Shep- District Council. way is, or even care! So it is not a bad Ukip council- thing from our point of view. Let Johnny Cotter lor for Shepway Maidstone have it, I say.” Teen risks life to conceal drugs A TEENAGER who swallowed dealing. A search of the teenager almost 100 wraps of heroin and in custody led to suspicions he crack cocaine to hide the drugs in- has was concealing drugs inside side his body has been jailed. his body. Bathing a problem - we can help The boy, age 17, was arrested in He refused to accept any food Maidstone last year, after plain- and amid concerns for his welfare we design • we supply • we fit • we care clothed patrols spotted him acting he was taken to a hospital, where suspiciously in the town centre. a package containing 96 wraps Wet rooms • Walk in showers • Walk in baths The alert had been raised dur- was retrieved. • Product & installtion guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling ing the morning of July 26, when At Maidstone Crown Court the • Slip resitant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets officers reported a number of teenager pleaded guilty to counts • Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms known drug users congregating in of possessing heroin with intent the Brenchley Gardens area. to supply and possessing crack co- Discounts for over 60’s SSFA and Ex Service personnel The suspect, originally from caine with intent to supply. London, was seen to approach one He was sentenced on February 8 Call now to arrange a FREE survey & quote of them, who then handed over to one year at a young offenders’ cash before they headed in differ- institution, after which he will be Tel: 01622 738204 and 01622 611880 ent directions. subject to a supervision order last- [email protected] | www.ahminstallations.co.uk They met up again, before po- ing a further year. lice intercepted what appeared to Chief Inspector Mick Gardner Showroom Open 7 Days be a drug deal. The teenager was said: "My officers are continuing Unit 11, Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted ME14 5LH arrested and officers seized a mo- to robustly target anyone involved bile phone he had thrown into in the supply of drugs in our town bushes. and we are constantly gathering At the time of arrest no drugs intelligence on those whose activ- were recovered but analysis of the ities cause the associated misery phone later provided evidence of within our communities.

Maidstone March 2018 11 NNeewwss ddoowwnnssmmaaiill..ccoo..uukk OOlldd eennoouugghh ttoo vvoottee ddeebbaattee P30a0pejrombsills’estnfeoxrt scthoarpeteifr YYOOUUNNGGSSTTEERRSSwwiillllggOUReettaacchhaanncceettoo REPUTATION THE former Whatman paper mill cchhaalllleennggeetthheeiirrppoolliittiiccaalllleeaaddeerrssaattaa Work gets under in Maidstone town centre will be VVootteess ffoorr 1166 ddeebbaattee iinn MMaaiiddssttoonnee way at Spring- turned into 300 homes, the bor- tthhiissmmoonntthh.. M&S plfieald Minll, whicsh approved ough council has decided OOnn tthhee gguueesstt ppaaSPEAKSnneell wwiillll bbee FORwill be home to ITSELF PLMAoNstSotfothcerebautieldainngeswwMillabreksde&- Artist’s im- ccoouunnttyyccoouunncciilllloorrss,,iinncclluuddiinnggGGaarryy 218 apartments mSpoelinscheerdstotoremataEkcelipwsaeyPafrokr, n2e1a8r CCooookkee aanndd RRoobb BBiirrdd,, tthhee lleeaaddeerr ooff pressions of aJp7aorftmtheenMts2i0n, fhoauvreabnedenfivuen-svtioerleyd and 77 houses, tthhee LLiibb DDeemm ppaarrttyy oonn tthhee ccoouunnwindowsttyy : doors th:e pconservatoriesroposed btolotchkes,pwuibthlica. further 77 houses of developed by ccoouunncciill,, pplluuss YYoouutthh PPaarrlliiaammeenntt Marks & twTohteo sfocuhermbeed–roboeminsg. brought to Redrow Homes mmeemmbbeerr DDaammii SSaallaakkoo aanndd JJaammeess Spencer store lifTehebySpGrinalglfaigehlderMPilrlospiterwtieilsl re–- CCaatthhccaarrtt,, tthhee ddiirreeccttoorr ooff YYoouunngg twaionutlhde, GifraapdperIoIvliesdtedbyRMagaRidosotmon–e at Eclipse VVooiicceess HHeeaarrdd aanndd ffoorrmmeerr CCEEOO ooff bBuoirlot uingh180C5o–unancidl,wcrilelabte u3s0e0dffuolrl Park tthheeBBrriittiisshhYYoouutthhCCoouunncciill.. caonmdmpuarnti-ttyimacetipvoitsiietsio. ns when the TThhee eevveenntt,, aatt MMaaiiddssttoonnee GGrraamm-- 2 2 stoTrheeolapnednms. ark's famous chimney, cmiliattyelayn5d,7w6a0smw(o6r2r,i0e0d0tfht e) Sopf rsianlge-s paroeaviadreou2n0d%J7afafonrddiatbsliemhpoourtsaingce, mmaarr SScchhooooll ffoorr GGiirrllss,, iinn BBuucckkllaanndd Sorry no buywhA iconephuibslicviesxibh ligetebitioondrwi vaoneesrssetatlonbge free.faierelda.MFiilnlasl itdeNoewciassiotono s 70%foanr ftrhoemspthliet offctomtpha erlistedbotorotuh gepricehu’ssuaelco3n0%om, iyn. anIt Rooaadd,,rruunnssffrroom 44ppm ttoo55..3300ppm oonn JtaombeeshWelhdaatmt tahne WHialyto,nwMilal iadlsotobnee choamvemyuentittoybitewdoecuilddesde,rbvue.t current “weoxuceldptsieonnd” otuot aruploesiotfivtehme eLssoacgael 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Malling October 2017 23 12 Maidstone March 2018 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Old enough to vote debate 300 jobs set for store if Bats restrict club night matches YOUNGSTERS will get a chance to challenge their political leaders at a THE plight of moth-eating bats liv- and Thursdays during the season. the ecological study as “absolute Votes for 16 debate in Maidstone ing in woodland near the A274 be- A previous hearing was deferred nonsense”. He protested: “Bats will this month. M&S plans approved came the focus of an impassioned so that an ecological survey could be affected by what is going on here.” On the guest panel will be planning debate recently. be completed into the state of the PLANS to create a new Marks & Bearsted Football Club was look- bat population and whether it Fellow Ukip member Eddie Pow- county councillors, including Gary Artist’s im- Spencer store at Eclipse Park, near ing to increase the hours floodlights might be affected by an increase in ell mentioned he had been the chair- Cooke and Rob Bird, the leader of pressions of J7 of the M20, have been unvieled can be used at its ground near floodlighting at the site. man of a club of a similar size to the Lib Dem party on the county the proposed to the public. Otham, but it was not sport that The study found there would be Bearsted FC. He said the chances of council, plus Youth Parliament Marks & The scheme – being brought to shaped the outcome but wildlife. no discernible impact on the local playing Manchester United on a member Dami Salako and James life by Gallagher Properties – Spencer store The club, which is now playing in bats. Tuesday night in an FA cup replay Cathcart, the director of Young would, if approved by Maidstone at Eclipse the Southern Counties East Football The Liberal Democrat’s Cllr Tony were “extremely unlikely” so the re- Voices Heard and former CEO of Borough Council, create 300 full Park League, needs to increase its light Harwood said the area around the action to the application was “going the British Youth Council. and part-time positions when the capacity to enable it to compete in A274 Sutton Road and Otham was are the prey species of the bats.” over the top”. However, he bowed The event, at Maidstone Gram- store opens. mately 5,760m2 (62,000ft2) of sales area around J7 and its importance cup competitions that might go to undergoing “urban sprawl” with Ukip’s Cllr Gordon Newton, un- to Cllr Harwood’s “superior knowl- mar School for Girls, in Buckland A public exhibition was set to be area. Final decisions on the split to the borough’s economy. It extra time. house-building. He told fellow happy at the possibility of residents edge” of British bats. Road, runs from 4pm to 5.30pm on to be held at the Hilton Maidstone have yet to be decided, but current would send out a positive message The club, in Honey Lane, Otham, members of Maidstone Borough being disturbed by extra lighting The committee resolved to limit Tuesday, February 27, and has Hotel, on Bearsted Road, on Thurs- thinking is that the store would about the town as a location for wanted to be allowed to extend its Council’s planning committee: time, said that of the nine species of the number of 10.30pm extensions been organised by Kent Youth Par- day, February 22, between 2pm offer: business, and we are delighted to floodlight time by an hour to “Lighting has an absolutely disas- bat found in the UK five of them to four per season and only in offi- liament and county council mem- and 8pm. Food hall – 1,050m2 (11,300ft2) be working alongside such a na- 10.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays trous impact on the moths which were present locally and dismissed cial FA trophy competitions. ber Elena Ewence. For more details The Marks & Spencer (M&S) pro- General merchandising (fashion tionally respected company. email [email protected]. posals follow a decision by Wait- and household) – 4,413m2 (47,500ft2) “We want to listen to the views of rose not to proceed with its plans Hospitality (cafe) – 297m2 local residents at the public exhibi- Hire car alert leads to three arrests Two arrested on drugs charges Bee friendly following the granting of planning (3,200ft2) tion and then submit a planning THREE people have been arrested in were taken to Maidstone police sta- TWO men were arrested after Plain clothes officers took LEARN more about beekeeping in permission by Maidstone Borough Nick Yandle, of Gallagher Prop- application in late February 2018. connection with the supply of con- tion for a drug search. cash and suspected heroin were them to Maidstone police sta- Maidstone this month. Council in May 2017. erties, said: “The combination of a “If the proposal is granted plan- trolled drugs after police stopped a A 21-year-old man from Sutton seized in a Maidstone entertain- tion for a drug search where the Derek March’s talk entitled “Bee M&S requires a new store that is Marks & Spencer and NEXT at ning permission, work would start hire car. Valence was arrested on suspicion younger man was arrested on keeping and encouraging bees into the same footprint as the permitted Eclipse Park would improve Maid- on site in the summer of 2018 and The vehicle had been reported as of possession of class A drugs with ment complex. the garden” is at the Baptist church foodstore, with a 300 space car stone’s retail offer as the county the store would open in autumn not having been returned, and was intent to supply alongside another The men, aged 34 and 62 and suspicion of possession of a con- hall in Knightrider Street, from park, including accessible and par- town to both local residents and 2019. spotted by officers travelling from man, 21, and a 39-year-old woman, from the Maidstone area, were trolled drug, and the 62-year-old 7.30pm on Thursday, March 1. ent and child spaces. people from across a wider area of Local residents can find out more Bredhurst into Boxley. It was who both come from Dartford. spotted acting suspiciously in on suspicion of supplying con- The event is hosted by Maidstone The store will have striking de- Kent. about the plans by visiting: www. stopped in Styles Lane at around Drugs believed to be cocaine were the Lockmeadow Complex at trolled drugs. Horticultural Society and tickets sign, incorporating high quality “This investment by Marks & marksandspencer-maidstone.co. 1.45am on February 1, when suspi- seized and all three remain in cus- around 2.30pm on Thursday, The pair were later released are £2 for non-members. materials, and provide approxi- Spencer would also reinforce the uk. cions were raised and the three tody under investigation. February 8. under investigation.

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Maidstone March 2018 13 Nancys Tea rooms Themed afternoon tea including Mrs Potts and Chips Included is: A selection of finger sandwiches Homemade scones with fresh cream and jam A selection of cakes Unlimited tea and coffee (specialist teas available) Prices starting from £15 per adult, £7 per child. Phone : 01732 668055

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14 Maidstone March 2018 THE WALNUT TREE

Your traditional, family run, local pub.

Kent’s longest running comedy club Every Thursday – Come and see the future stars of comedy live!

Live Music - every Friday (visit website for details) Jam Night - First Monday of the month

Dogs welcome on their leads Lovely beer garden and car park. Varied bar menu served every day 12noon-8.30pm. Come try our famous ‘Build a Burger’ meals! Find us opposite the entrance to Oakwood Park Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SR 01622 727260 email : [email protected] web : www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com

You are invited to join us for: LAST NIGHT AT THE PROMS #HOKHbreakfast

on Saturday 10th March 2018 Have breakfast with at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army family, friends, 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone (ME14 1ED). colleagues or your social group The evening will feature: this February to celebrate the Shorncliffe Military Wives Choir outstanding care Ira Thomas (Soprano Soloist) that Heart of Kent Hospice provides. Liam Boyd (Cornet Soloist)

Sponsored by Maidstone Salvation Army band 12th – 26th February 2018 (Bandmaster: Nigel Yalden) To request your fundraising pack, make a donation or WR¿QGRXWPRUHHPDLO[email protected], call 01622 790195 or visit www.hokh.org/breakfast

Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7PU T: 01622 790195 E: [email protected] W: www.hokh.org

@Heartofkenthosp Heart of Kent Hospice Registered charity number: 298164

Maidstone March 2018 15 News downsmail.co.uk Burglary charges POLICE investigating a burglary in the Shepway area of Maidstone Speculation rife over have charged two women. Patrols were called to the area at around 11.30am on January 26 after two women were reported plan for valley homes asking for charity donations on the doorstep. Lacramioara Stan (18), A SOCIAL housing provider has stone Borough Council has recently and Manuells Paun (19), of Gilling- sought to play down increasing adopted its Local Plan and is there- ham, were arrested in Plains Av- speculation that a hugely contro- fore not currently deciding on fresh enue. The arrest was in connection versial plan for 5,000 affordable options for future growth. with a reported burglary at an ad- homes in the Otham valley is on “The council has a target date of dress in Sussex Road. They were the table once more. April 2021 for completing a Local later charged with burglary and re- A so-called “garden suburb” was Plan review and this may need to manded to a later date. threatened some years ago but address...a review of housing and failed to make it into Maidstone’s other needs. Law changes Local Plan. “The strategy for accommodating EMPLOYMENT law topics, in- But now the Government has growth to meet housing and other cluding the General Data Protec- forced an additional 7,000 homes on needs would be contained within tion Regulations (GDPR), which top of the borough’s 17,600 housing the Local Plan review, which would come into force later this year, will allocation, fears are growing that be supported by a robust evidence be placed under the microscope at such a development could now be base and be subject to various stages workshops in Maidstone held by revisited. of public consultation.” Kent law firm Furley Page. Golding Homes denied it has As well as the Otham valley site, They will be run with Kent In- held any recent meetings with Otham: potential site for new homes large tracts of land around Lenham victa Chamber of Commerce in Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) are being earmarked for large-scale April and May. but has not ruled out that the plan we have had no further discussions development, as is Detling. They are open to Chamber mem- could be put forward as part of the with the council regarding this A borough council source told bers and non-members. Workshop scheduled review of the Local Plan, scheme, nor are any meetings Downs Mail: “Otham valley is one costs, including bacon rolls and due by 2021. planned. of the better alternatives we’ve got, coffee, are £75 (inc VAT) to Kent In- Golding Homes chief executive “That is not to say, though, that if we have to accept the extra 7,000 victa Chamber members and £95 Gary Clark said: “The SE Maidstone should it be considered within a re- homes, and would give us the (inc VAT) to non-members. Garden Suburb we originally pro- view of the Local Plan, we would wherewithal to build a Leeds-Lan- Call the booking hotline on 01233 posed was not included in MBC’s not revisit the scheme again.” gley relief road. Clearly, this can’t be 503838. Local Plan, and since it was adopted An MBC spokesman said: “Maid- allowed to drift much longer.”

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Contact us for more details [email protected] 01634 261 735

16 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Denture care to make you smile SB Denture Design Ltd (formerly known as SB repairs and adjustments through to new sets we Dental Laboratory) are now pleased to offer our can offer a complete denture care service. SB Denture Design Ltd offer services directly to the public. SB was founded in Although the work is done ‘in house’ with FREE consultations and can 1989, producing quality denture work for dentists partial dentures and other more complex cases advise you on the best in Maidstone and the surrounding areas. we work closely with the dentist. It is essential denture options available. Since then Steve, the founder of SB Denture that the health of any remaining teeth are Design has been clinically trained so we are able checked out before denture construction. This is to provide our services directly to you. He gained necessary to ensure the prosthesis is a long term further clinical qualifications at the University of solution. We can accept referrals from you own Central Lancashire (with merit) and this enables dentist or we can arrange an appointment with him to treat patients directly thus alleviating the one of our dental colleagues at your first need to visit the dentist for the impressions, appointment. denture try in and the fitting of the dentures. Any Having the laboratory on the premises reduces necessary after care would be provided by us as the waiting time for some services, some services well. With over 25 years of experience in like repairs can even be done while you wait. It is manufacturing all styles of dental appliances, we also an advantage as some larger adjustments can now hand craft your dentures for you from can be done in house start to finish. By dealing directly with the We pride ourselves in making sure everyone we technician who will make your dentures we can treat is happy with the product we produce and tailor your prosthesis to your own personal want our patients to have the confidence that individual requirements. their denture has been constructed with the Using only the highest quality materials and all utmost care and using only quality materials. Our the latest technologies you are guaranteed a aim is to make people comfortable with our product of the very highest standard. From treatment and confident with our product.

T: 01622 766077 SB Denture Design Lt d 2 Wallis Avenue E: [email protected] Maidstone, W: www.sbdentures.co.uk Kent ME15 9DX

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Maidstone March 2018 17 News | Education round-up downsmail.co.uk Students’ trip a capital idea THIS group of year 11 art and pho- tography students from Invicta Grammar School were certainly in- spired by their trip to London on February 6 if this picture is any- thing to go by. The students were in the capital to visit the Tate Modern. Make a splash for school pool A SPECIAL school in Maidstone from all around the county. is hoping people will ‘create a rip- Staff themselves are helping the ple and make a splash’ as it looks initiative – they were all given a to raise funds for a vital hy- tube of Smarties, courtesy of Sains- drotherapy pool. bury’s, and once they have eaten The pool at Five Acre Wood the treats, they have been charged School will cost £850,000, and the with filling the tube with 20p school has managed to raise pieces. £600,000 through applications to Mrs Meaders added: “The staff trusts and charitable foundations. costs are all funded as they would Five Acre And rather than one large be in any school, but for all of the Wood School fundraising event, it is hoped that extra things we need, we have to is looking to lots of smaller endeavours will find the funds. find the final bring in the £250,000 to finish fund- “This is things like the sensory funds for their ing the project. room and iPads for children who much-needed School fundraiser Alex Meaders are unable to speak but can use hydrotherapy said: “I am seeking support from technology to communicate, as local businesses, schools, societies, well as toys for them to play with. pool organisations and individuals to “Every penny really does count – do what they can. our needs are endless.” “Whether you throw a small Among the initiatives planned for Invicta Grammar is top in Maidstone pebble or a large stone into a pool 2018 are a London to Paris bike ride, MAIDSTONE has the best and the worst performing schools in Kent, says of water, the ripple effect created is with a team of 15 riders – including new data released by the Department for Education. felt onwards and outwards. Simi- staff, parents and supporters – set to The new leagues measure performance on different criteria, with class- larly, whether someone raises £50 undertake the trip in July. room standards ranked against new indicators. These are called progress or £5,000, the effect will be felt.” But although the riders them- 8 and attainment 8, and are considered a better assessment of pupil per- The school, which is on the same selves are all committed to raising formance across ability ranges. campus as New Line Learning, has at least £300 each, the school is Invicta Grammar School is rated sixth, Maidstone Girls’ Grammar more than 390 pupils aged from seeking a corporate sponsor to School ninth and St Simon Stock 14th in the top 14 best-performing two to 19, all with a variety of spe- cover costs. schools. These are rated “well above average”. The top two are Tonbridge cial educational needs. Anyone who can help the school, Grammar School and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School. The costs for the school are phe- either with the London to Paris Those falling short of expectations and which could receive special at- nomenal, with more than 270 staff jaunt or with any other idea to help tention from Oftsed are The Holmesdale School, Snodland, Aylesford needed to provide the right educa- raise funds is asked to email School – Sports College and Cornwallis Academy. tion for the children, who attend [email protected]. Pupils lesson in democracy as they head to the polls to vote MAIDSTONE primary pupils got local councillors Brian Clark, the vote when they elected mem- Derek Mortimer and Marion bers to their new school council. Ring, and the successful candi- Youngsters at Tiger Primary dates (pictured) will enjoy a trip School did it completely by the to the town hall, where they will book, thanks to the team from hold a meeting, talk to councillors Maidstone Borough Council’s and have a tour. electoral services’ officers, who set Tiger teacher Sarah Newman up polling booths and posters in said: “The aim of the day was to the school sports hall – just like a show children at an early age the real election. importance of voting and how the MBC’s Nicola Russell and Caro- electoral system works. line Matthews explained the vot- “They all entered into the spirit ing system to the children in with enthusiasm – and some even assembly before they each chose had the chance to be poll clerks!” been teaching the children in class. Boughton Lane, Loose, is part of two from the eight candidates Head teacher Hayley Liddon Today, they had the chance to see Future Schools Trust, which also who had put their names forward. said: “Democracy is a fundamental democracy in action.” manages New Line Learning and The results were announced by British value and something we’ve Tiger Primary School, in Cornwallis Academies.

18 Maidstone March 2018 News | Education round-up downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Education round-up | News Students’ trip a capital idea Bigger Jubilee will make THIS group of year 11 art and pho- tography students from Invicta Grammar School were certainly in- parking problems worse spired by their trip to London on February 6 if this picture is any- RESIDENTS fear that problems with parking close to a primary school thing to go by. The students were in the capital will get even worse if it is allowed to double in size. to visit the Tate Modern. People living on Ridgway and Cowdrey Close, near to Jubilee Pri- mary School, are already finding themselves inconvenienced – and it Pictured are Cornwallis Academy is not just by parents dropping off Make a splash for school pool children. students George Watts, Tayla Barry, Last month, Maidstone Borough A SPECIAL school in Maidstone from all around the county. Stacey Wright and Mason Dadson Council and Kent County Coun- is hoping people will ‘create a rip- Staff themselves are helping the cil’s Joint Transportation Board ple and make a splash’ as it looks initiative – they were all given a agreed to put single yellow lines in to raise funds for a vital hy- tube of Smarties, courtesy of Sains- Best year yet place near to the school to cover drotherapy pool. bury’s, and once they have eaten The pool at Five Acre Wood the treats, they have been charged for Academy drop-off and pick-up times for par- ents. While Cllr Paul Harper, who School will cost £850,000, and the with filling the tube with 20p Concerned residents and local councillors fear an extended primary school school has managed to raise pieces. represents Fant ward, backed that sixth formers plan, there are still issues for resi- will cause further parking problems in local roads. From left, Gareth Owen, £600,000 through applications to Mrs Meaders added: “The staff Cllr Paul Harper, Cllr Keith Adkinson, Brian Skinner and Barbara Skinner trusts and charitable foundations. costs are all funded as they would Five Acre A RECORD number of Cornwallis dents because of teacher parking. And rather than one large be in any school, but for all of the Wood School Academy students have applied to “There are regular problems in cision to the Planning Inspectorate. who may have concerns. It was al- Ridgway and Cowdrey Close,” he fundraising event, it is hoped that extra things we need, we have to is looking to universities in 2018. Cllr Harper believes it is vital ways our aim within the trust for A total of 62 applications have said. “One resident who lives there that the plans stay off the agenda. Jubilee School to be a two-form lots of smaller endeavours will find the funds. find the final bring in the £250,000 to finish fund- “This is things like the sensory been made to universities, around needs regular visits from a carer “No-one has an issue with a one- entry. We have plans to expand funds for their half of the total year group. and often they are unable to park form entry on that site,” he added. and become a multi-academy trust ing the project. room and iPads for children who much-needed School fundraiser Alex Meaders are unable to speak but can use The news comes hard on the anywhere near his house. “But it’s a very small site and I – the government doesn’t want hydrotherapy said: “I am seeking support from technology to communicate, as heels of the school’s latest Ofsted “Once, he needed an ambulance don’t think it’s doable to have people to just have one school, they local businesses, schools, societies, well as toys for them to play with. pool report, which declared the acad- and it was a real struggle for them twice as many pupils there.” prefer trusts to run multiple organisations and individuals to “Every penny really does count – emy ‘good’ in all areas, but made to get down the road to treat him. School trust member Neil Patti- schools. do what they can. our needs are endless.” specific reference to the sixth form. “This is an area which suffers son insists that the school is always “When we set up this school we “Whether you throw a small Among the initiatives planned for Invicta Grammar is top in Maidstone The inspection report said cur- chronically from a lack of parking. willing to work with local residents went through 30 different locations rent pupils were doing well across There are spaces in the school for to iron out any issues. but of them this site was the only pebble or a large stone into a pool 2018 are a London to Paris bike ride, MAIDSTONE has the best and the worst performing schools in Kent, says the whole school but singled out the teachers but they park on the “We have worked very closely one deemed suitable for a school. of water, the ripple effect created is with a team of 15 riders – including new data released by the Department for Education. the upper years, where students street instead.” with residents on parking outside We are thrilled with how things are felt onwards and outwards. Simi- staff, parents and supporters – set to The new leagues measure performance on different criteria, with class- are now making more progress The school, which opened in the school,” he said. “If residents going at the school – people want larly, whether someone raises £50 undertake the trip in July. room standards ranked against new indicators. These are called progress than other schools nationally. 2014, had a planning application to do have any problems, they should their children to go to a school or £5,000, the effect will be felt.” But although the riders them- 8 and attainment 8, and are considered a better assessment of pupil per- This means greater numbers go extend to a two-form entry rejected come and talk to us – we have an which is performing well and so far The school, which is on the same selves are all committed to raising formance across ability ranges. on to higher education, employ- by MBC, but has appealed that de- open-door policy for local residents we’re doing that.” campus as New Line Learning, has at least £300 each, the school is Invicta Grammar School is rated sixth, Maidstone Girls’ Grammar ment or apprenticeships. more than 390 pupils aged from seeking a corporate sponsor to School ninth and St Simon Stock 14th in the top 14 best-performing Joe Sutton, director of sixth form two to 19, all with a variety of spe- cover costs. schools. These are rated “well above average”. The top two are Tonbridge said: “I am delighted that the hard cial educational needs. Anyone who can help the school, Grammar School and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School. Shernold motto mirrors MP’s advice to pupils work and dedication of our sixth The costs for the school are phe- either with the London to Paris Those falling short of expectations and which could receive special at- MAIDSTONE MP Helen Grant en- form students and staff was recog- nomenal, with more than 270 staff jaunt or with any other idea to help tention from Oftsed are The Holmesdale School, Snodland, Aylesford joyed a grilling from youngsters at a nised in our recent Ofsted report.” needed to provide the right educa- raise funds is asked to email School – Sports College and Cornwallis Academy. local school. tion for the children, who attend [email protected]. The report states: “Students Mrs Grant met 17 year five stu- speak highly of the careers infor- dents at Shernold School in Queen’s mation, advice and guidance they Avenue, and was faced with ques- Pupils lesson in democracy as receive.” tions including: had she met the Students are coached through Queen, how did she become an MP, they head to the polls to vote the application process and guided which cabinet role would she like by the sixth form management and what does she do each day? MAIDSTONE primary pupils got local councillors Brian Clark, team, form tutors, external speak- She then turned the tables on the the vote when they elected mem- Derek Mortimer and Marion ers and the academy’s partners class and asked each of them what bers to their new school council. Ring, and the successful candi- from Kent University and Canter- they wanted to do when they got Youngsters at Tiger Primary dates (pictured) will enjoy a trip bury Christ Church University. older, with responses including play- School did it completely by the to the town hall, where they will Some notable successes include ing football for Spurs and Barcelona, book, thanks to the team from hold a meeting, talk to councillors head boy George Watts, who has becoming a lawyer, a doctor, an ac- Maidstone Borough Council’s and have a tour. received a conditional offer to tress, a dancer and an Olympic runner. electoral services’ officers, who set Tiger teacher Sarah Newman Year 5 pupils at Shernold School quizzed Helen Grant about life as an MP study physiotherapy at Southamp- Mrs Grant, MP for Maidstone and up polling booths and posters in said: “The aim of the day was to when she paid them a visit ton. Stacey Wright has an inter- the Weald, said: “My advice to them the school sports hall – just like a show children at an early age the view at the Royal Veterinary was believe in yourself and don’t let other people put many questions which ultimately furthered their un- real election. importance of voting and how the College while Loughborough Uni- you off. derstanding of British values and rules of law.” MBC’s Nicola Russell and Caro- electoral system works. versity has offered places to Brad “Set your goals, work hard and you will achieve. They The visit was also enjoyed by deputy head Gemma line Matthews explained the vot- “They all entered into the spirit Smith on its sports and exercise de- then told me what their school motto was: ‘Believe and Myers, who said it was a treat to have Mrs Grant visit. ing system to the children in with enthusiasm – and some even gree course and Reece Winter on its you will achieve’. Perfect, I thought.” She added: “It really brought the subject alive and assembly before they each chose had the chance to be poll clerks!” been teaching the children in class. Boughton Lane, Loose, is part of electrical engineering programme. Head teacher Sandra Dinsmore added: “To meet a helped them understand the role of our local MP. two from the eight candidates Head teacher Hayley Liddon Today, they had the chance to see Future Schools Trust, which also Aby Gibbins has a conditional real- life MP was an amazing opportunity for our chil- “Mrs Grant was warm and really interested in the chil- who had put their names forward. said: “Democracy is a fundamental democracy in action.” manages New Line Learning and place at the University of Kent to dren. They were really inspired and asked Mrs Grant dren themselves, which they thoroughly appreciated.” The results were announced by British value and something we’ve Tiger Primary School, in Cornwallis Academies. study English and history.

Maidstone March 2018 19 News downsmail.co.uk Speed shame as drivers rack ‘Night Watcher’ stakes up the tickets DRIVERS in Kent racked up the out prey before a acks fourth highest number of speeding tickets in England in 2017. A FORMER soldier with special- A total of 53,590 speeding of- ist surveillance skills is suspected fences were recorded in the county of being behind a series of terrify- last year, including one driver who ing and violent burglaries, which was clocked at 150mph, which was has earned him the nickname the second-fastest in the whole UK. “Night Watcher”. Motorists often fall foul of speed One of his seven targets was in cameras on the M20 through Maid- Maidstone a year ago and he is be- stone, which contributes heavily to lieved to have already stolen £1m the total in the county, not least in worth of property. the variable speed limit area be- A major police operation is now tween J6 and J7 on the coastbound under way to apprehend the pow- stretch. erfully-built man, who used a sawn- The statistics were revealed by off shotgun in each of the seven car leasing specialists UK Carline, raids across the south east. to other forces and realised there “We have evidence that he was who submitted requests under The detective heading the hunt had been similar offences across the watching several of the houses prior freedom of information legislation told BBC’s Radio 4 that the assailant country. Each is being individually to the burglaries, sometimes for to the UK’s police forces. appears to have military training investigated by the forces.” weeks at a time.” Kent’s total of tickets is almost a and advanced surveillance skills What might give him away is the He is described as white with a third less than the biggest speeding where he can watch his victims for fact he is away from home for pro- stocky build and around 6ft tall. He hotspot in the country, with more days, if not weeks, before launching tracted periods and has an income has a southern accent. than 142,000 offences recorded by his attack. that does not match his circum- He has also struck in Sevenoaks, West Yorkshire Police last year, Operation Prometheus is being stances. Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire. with Surrey (62,623) and West Mer- led by Surrey Police, but Detective DI Fielding added: “He has People who think they may know cia (62,503) the only higher ones in Inspector Dee Fielding, leading the worked quickly and appears to the man can call 101, mentioning England, although Dundee with investigation, said officers at Kent have a knowledge of who is in the Operation Prometheus, email Op- 60,465 and North Wales with Police first linked the raids. home at the time of each attack, the [email protected] 57,224 pushing the county down to She said: “It was Kent Police that location of safes, and the layout of or contact Crimestoppers, anony- sixth overall in the UK. had put out the original information the property. mously, on 0800 555 111. Thinking of renting, selling or changing agent this winter? Contact us today.

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20 Maidstone March 2018 Maidstone March 2018 21 News downsmail.co.uk Plan is refused A SCHEME to build a two-storey Jobs uncertainty as food detached house on the site of a dis- used garage in Glebe Lane, Maid- stone, has been turned down. Members of the borough coun- cil’s planning committee were con- stores cut manager roles cerned the building was out of keeping with the other homes in THREE major supermarket chains the street, off Tonbridge Road. have announced they are to cut a One objector – a neighbour to the number of senior roles. rear – complained the rear of the Staff at Tesco, Morrisons and new building would overlook his Sainsbury’s are facing an uncertain gardens and bedrooms. future after the announcements in Cllr Tony Harwood said he January. could see no grounds for refusal. Tesco, which has supermarkets at Grove Green in Maidstone and in Larkfield, announced that it is to cut Choral work 1,700 shop floor jobs nationwide, MUSIC fans have the chance to with the roles of people manager, hear Brahms Requiem in Bearsted. compliance manager and customer The London version, Tragic experience manager all to be axed, Overture, Four Serious Songs, will although their responsibilities will be performed by Bearsted Choral be shifted to 900 new roles across the Society at the parish church of business. Holy Cross on Saturday, March 10. That announcement was followed Morrisons supermarket in Sutton Road is facing stiff competition from the Andrew Lowen, conductor of the by news from Sainsbury’s of a simi- newly-opened Aldi store 60-strong choral society, said: “We lar restructure, which will see a have a committed approach to our number of senior in-store posts ding around 1,500 store manage- changing shopping habits. It is not singing, but our primary aim is to slimmed down and replaced by ment roles nationwide. known whether the opening last enjoy making music together. The fewer management roles as they try It is understood that there are year of the cut-price, no-frills Aldi choir is known for its friendliness, to “meet the challenges of today's re- around 800 current management va- supermarket on the A274 Sutton something which is highly valued tail environment”. Sainsbury’s su- cancies, which those affected could Road has been affecting Morrisons’ by members.” permarkets in the area are in apply for, but that could mean some trade. The new store was built to The concert starts at 7.30pm. Maidstone town centre and at 700 other staff face redundancy or a serve the massive housing develop- Tickets, £10, are available by email Aylesford. lower-paid role. ment at Langley Park and other at [email protected] or Now Morrisons is to cut manage- The company will, however, be large-scale house-building schemes by calling 01634 666730. ment roles, meaning more jobs in creating 1,700 more junior jobs. in south Maidstone, such as Bicknor Maidstone are at risk. The changes across the super- Farm, which form part of Maidstone Charity roles The chain, which has a store off market sector come as the compa- Borough Council’s plan for 17,600 Sutton Road in the town, is shed- nies try to adapt to the public’s nw dwellings. THE charity Unlock, which aims to find jobs for former criminals, is looking for new trustees. Applications are welcome from Thanks for rubbish clear up Bewl Water’s those who have experiences of dis- advantage from having a criminal river top-up record. A DROUGHT order has been For information or to apply, issued to Southern Water, al- email the Marsham Street charity lowing it to top up its Bewl at [email protected]. Water reservoir from the River Medway. Will donations In spite of recent wet weather, IF YOU make a will or update your the licence has been issued by existing one, you could help Heart the Environment Agency as a of Kent Hospice. temporary measure. Six local solicitors will give their The water company made the time free of charge in return for a application on January 5 after donation to the hospice. reporting the area’s reservoir Book before March 16 at was less than half full (42%) and www.hokh.org/makeawill. more will be needed to serve its VOLUNTEERS who pick up rubbish from Maidstone Council to show our 2.5m south-east users this sum- Drugs factory left by others in Maidstone have appreciation for the hard work car- mer. been given a tasty treat. ried out by the various groups.” It says in spite of a wet De- MORE than 40 cannabis plants Maidstone Borough Council or- He added: “It’s a thankless task cember, autumn was very dry were discovered when police ganised a litter pickers’ lunch to say that requires a lot of dedication and and, coupled with lower than raided a house in Harrietsham. thank you to more than 40 groups tenacity. We are very grateful to average rainfall here last winter, Kent Police carried out a search that help keep the borough tidy, anyone who gives up their precious many groundwater supplies warrant at an address in West alongside events including the Au- free time to help keep the borough and some reservoirs are low. Street and found the cannabis fac- tumn clean-up and the Great Big looking clean and tidy.” Southern Water routinely tory, which included growing Spring Clean, taking place this year. The lunch, which was organised equipment. takes water from the Medway James Gibson, the council’s envi- by the council’s waste team, was to fill Bewl Water, the largest A 47-year-old local man was ar- ronmental improvement manager, joined by Maidstone deputy mayor rested on suspicion of cannabis reservoir in the south-east, but said: “The annual volunteer litter David Naghi, who praised the work this permit will allow it to take cultivation. He was subsequently pickers’ lunch is a small gesture of volunteers. released under investigation. more until the end of March.

22 Maidstone March 2018 Collectors Corner

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Maidstone March 2018 23 downsmail.co.uk News New firemen MAIDSTONE has two new fire- Tributes to Paul Alcock fighters after the first batch of full- time recruits at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) in more than ten years completed their training. who has died aged 64 Jonny Bell, a 24-year-old former outdoor activities instructor and TRIBUTES have poured in for the was always good to see him around former security officer Mark God- former Premier League referee because we don’t have a lot of high- frey have completed an intensive and Maidstone shopping centre level referees in our area. 15-week training course where manager, Paul Alcock, who has “He came to the Maidstone Refer- they learned about the challenges, died aged 64. ees’ Association in August and he techniques and risks faced by Mr Alcock, who refereed top- was so honest and open about both today’s fire service. flight matches from 1995 to 2000, refereeing and his illness. The can- They also learned the skills and died after a long battle against can- cer changed how he looked, but he knowledge they will need to deal cer. was still sharp and was happy to with the wide range of emergency The father, who lived in talk about anything.” incidents that firefighters respond Boughton Monchelsea, was as well He was manager at the Mall for 17 to. known locally as the manager of years and was also involved in a A total of 22 people were chosen The Mall shopping centre in the number of projects which helped the town. Unlike the professional refer- from more than 5,000 applicants town centre as a whole. ees of today, Mr Alcock held down a for the roles and they underwent a Ilsa Butler, the town centre co-or- full-time job away from football. number of tests before joining the dinator at One Maidstone, said he course. Suzie Brindle, the Mall’s market- ing manager, worked with him at was “very loyal” to his team. the centre, and said: “We are all She added: “Paul was a key figure NHS boss goes deeply saddened by his passing. He refereeing at the age of 47, he kept within Maidstone’s business com- AFTER seven years at the heart of will be greatly missed by us all here. his hand in by becoming a referee’s munity and he achieved so much in the NHS in West Kent, David Grif- “A number of us worked closely assessor, and also became an athlet- that time. He was also someone who fiths is stepping down as chairman with Paul and still remained good ics official. was loyal to his team whether that of Kent Community Health NHS friends through his battle with can- Stuart Butler, a Football League was within Town Centre Manage- Foundation Trust . cer, often meeting for coffee to laugh assistant referee who lives in Cox- ment, The Mall, Urban Blue or his Mr Griffiths oversaw the incep- about the old times.” heath, said Mr Alcock was a “gen- friends throughout Maidstone. His tion of the trust, created in 2011 as The referee’s most famous mo- uinely nice bloke. He used to assess energy levels were extraordinary, part of the merger of Eastern and ment came in 1998 when he was me quite a lot. his contribution significant and his Coastal Kent Community Services pushed over by Sheffield Wednes- “And he was always really courage in the face of his illness was NHS Trust and West Kent Com- day’s Paolo Di Canio after sending friendly. He always gave such good awe inspiring. He was a force of na- munity Health, to provide care for the Italian off during a game with advice and even when it was nega- ture and will be sorely missed.” patients in the community. Prior to Arsenal. tive, everything he said was re- Mr Alcock was married with two this, he was chair of West Kent Pri- After he was forced to retire from spected. When I was starting out, it children. mary Care Trust. Playing a major part in maintain- ing the quality of care provided by Charles swaps Bond Street PO tax change the trust and its financial stability, SMALL businesses in the Maid- the trust became the first NHS or- stone area have hit a stumbling ganisation in Kent and Medway to for auction firm in Sussex block as they are now no longer achieve a ‘good’ rating from the able to pay tax at the Post Of- Care Quality Commission, which it fice. has retained, and one of the first Since December, a change has sole community trusts in the coun- meant that all UK taxpayers are try to achieve foundation trust sta- now unable to pay their taxes in tus. person at the Post Office. Mr Griffiths, of Westerham, said: HM Revenues and Customs “I feel very privileged to have been withdrew the use of the Tran- part of the leadership team and to scash service, meaning that tax have worked with some truly ex- bills have to be paid either on- ceptional colleagues.” line, by phone or at banks or building societies. Plan charges Mike Cherry, national chair- THE cost of building or extending man of The Federation for a home in Maidstone has gone up Small Businesses, said: “More by an inflation-busting 20%. than 90 per cent of members The increase relates to the fees for A SUTTON Valence man has joined young son, attended Sutton Va- use online banking and many advice and applying for planning a top auction and valuation house lence School and then Leicester Uni- of those will choose to pay their permission, which became effec- after years at the London giant versity where he read history of art. taxes online. However...there tive on January 17. Bonham’s. He said: “The antiques business are likely to be business owners Maidstone Borough Council Charles Crisford, 45, will be the has so many disciplines and areas still wishing to have the option claimed: “The recent change to go-to man for antique clocks at of expertise. to settle with HMRC at the Post planning application fees is some- Lewes-based Gorringe’s. “With clocks you have to know Office.” thing that has been decided by cen- While the company is based in about the case, the movement and The Post Office said: “We’re tral government. We have no Sussex, valuers will travel anywhere, the dial and then you have to find if sorry to our customers that we power to change this structure and particularly in the south-east, to they belong to each other!” are no longer able to offer this so must implement the new legis- seek out a gem. Call Mr Crisford on 01273 472503 service, and customers should lation as set out.” Mr Crisford, who is married with a or email [email protected]. contact HMRC directly.”

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Maidstone March 2018 25 News downsmail.co.uk Club calls for stadium help Leeds Castle’s ancient MAIDSTONE United has turned a healthy profit for the fifth consecu- tive year. woodlands are sold off The club’s accounting profit up to June 30, 2017 was £211,736, with A HUGE tract of woodland around lands for sale.” turnover up to £1,718,355 from Leeds Castle has been sold, Downs The land – which includes most, £1,535, 598 the previous year. Mail has learnt. if not all, of the King’s Wood from The club plays on an artificial 3G Ten lots totalling 453 acres have Broomfield to Chegworth and be- pitch and hires it out as an extra been sold to multiple purchasers via yond, as well as the Abbey Wood revenue stream. a firm of Buckinghamshire land which lies from Langley through to Co-owner Oliver Ash said: “We agents. The combined asking price Kingswood – is protected from see in these figures further evi- was close to £2m, with individual building development by law. dence of the success of the 3G pieces costing up to £490,000. Woodland normally appreciates model, which has enabled the club Heather Harris, of John Clegg & in value but the only viable indus- to maintain an attractive football Co, confirmed that “six or seven” Now sold: woodland at Leeds Castle try allowed on the land is coppicing and social facility. Our disadvan- buyers had taken all 10 lots and that to sell wood, the income from tage…is that our stadium has been there was a mixture of local and – who spent a large portion of her which is free of taxation. built from scratch over six years. It outside interest. inherited fortune on the restoration Within days of the land going on is too small every time we push for The sales are in process of being of the castle and its associated build- the market, a large “Woodland For promotion. We need to build up completed and are subject to sur- ings – left the re- Sale” sign appeared, together with cash resources even faster if we are veyors’ reports. Mrs Harris said it mainder of the others stating the land to be private. to develop the stadium further.” was not her company’s policy to land to her fam- In reality, the sale board was Fellow co-owner Terry Casey comment on the prices paid. ily. ripped down weeks later and users added: “Match day attendances The woodland – hugely popular Last Septem- of the King’s Wood routinely ignore and season tickets sales are up with walkers, horse riders and dog ber, when the demands to keep out of the areas year-on-year and we thank the fans owners – belongs to the family of land was put up not designated as public footpaths. for their loyal support. Leeds Castle’s former owner, Amer- for sale, the The woodland has become a “The next challenge is never far ican heiress Lady Olive Baillie (pic- agents said: “The haven for many wildlife species in- away but we must ensure the club tured right). On her death in 1974, property and 500 acres of grounds cluding the return of a small num- continues to be in good shape and Lady Baillie bequeathed Leeds Cas- were bequeathed to the Leeds Cas- ber of roe deer. Buzzards and red find ways to generate the funding tle and its grounds to a charitable tle Foundation, while the rest of the kites are also seen regularly and needed to move on to the next trust to enable it to be enjoyed by estate remained in the Baillie fam- walkers have reported evidence of level.” members of the public. The owner ily, which is now offering the wood- wild boar close to the castle.

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26 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Signs of wild boar in the woods? THERE is growing evidence of a Wild boar are the prints sometimes turn out to be settling wild boar population in roaming the roe deer. the woods and farmland around countryside, but “So there is a bit of misidentifica- this part of Kent. tion going on. I also know of people Phil Brown is The animals – persecuted to ex- who hunt them in the wild, but not tinction hundreds of years ago – uncertain if around Maidstone.” have started to leave some tell-tale they are breed- It is thought the wild boar now signs in woodland and arable pas- ing in this area roaming parts of rural southern ture. England are the result of escapes Boar – a close relative of the pig – from commercial farms. have been disturbing the ground in The Wild Boar In Britain website search of worms, grubs and insects states: “After an absence of approx- which make up much of its diet. imately 700 years, wild boar are They are present in some num- roaming and breeding in the British bers in East Sussex and one local they have “Down in Gloucestershire, they countryside once again! wildlife expert says that a small been around have reached large numbers. They “For such a large mammal to be- number may be roaming the coun- in numbers have virtually no natural predators come accidentally reintroduced into tryside. is quite un- and can cause some problems to Britain in this day and age is a re- Tree surgeon and naturalist Theo mistakable. people’s properties.” markable event that is fascinating to McCausland, of Langley, said: “I My guess is Phil Brown, who runs the follow.” haven’t met anyone yet who has that there are a few roaming over Egerton-based Badger Bushcraft The group says the mild climate seen one, but I do hear of the evi- quite large territories around Maid- wildlife education workshops, said: should ensure the boar’s survival in dence being found. stone, West Malling and up towards “I know of people who swear they the longer term, despite pressures “The disruption to earth when Medway. have seen them or their tracks, but on habitat. Coldplay tribute at Hazlitt Pair arrested on drugs suspicion A TWO people have been arrested were arrested at 1pm on Friday Jan- THE Hazlitt Theatre in Earl Street, thems and a remarkable resem- in Maidstone on suspicion of per- uary 19. Two mobile phones were Maidstone, will host leading Cold- blance to the real thing are prom- mitting premises to be used for the seized by officers as part of the in- play tribute band Coldplace as part ised in the Maidstone stage show supply of class A drugs. A 53-year- vestigation. They were released of a UK-wide tour. on Saturday, March 17. Tickets old man and a 43-year-old woman under investigation. Lasers, confetti, Coldplay an- start at £20. Call 01622 758611 Homes & Ns Flooring Gardens Exceeding expectations, but never your budget! Carpets Laminate Vinyl Rugs Remnants FREE measuring and estimating service

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MaidstoneMaidstone East December March 2018 2017 29 27 News downsmail.co.uk Pipped at post FORMER Maidstone MP Ann Wid- Quick thinking by staff decombe finished second in this year’s Celebrity Big Brother series. She failed get more public votes than drag queen Shane Jenek, also known as Courtney Act. helps put robber in jail Despite airing controversial views on gay marriage and speak- THE public has helped put behind tinguishers to break the glass and ing her mind about royal bride-to- bars a masked raider who threat- eventually managed to leave be Meghan Markle, Miss ened staff at a service station near through a small gap. Widdecombe polled almost 40% of Maidstone. Once outside, a number of people the final vote. In spite of the attack occurring in helped to detain him before police the early hours, Maidstone Crown officers arrived and he was taken Court heard how a van driver and into custody. Plan on hold several members of the public came Hadley, of no fixed address, ad- A PLAN to redevelop JB Garage to the aid of two staff at Farthing mitted one charge of robbery and Doors in Straw Mill Hill, Tovil, into Corner services, on the M2. one charge of criminal damage after 18 flats in a three-storey block has The prosecution case went on to targeting the petrol station and was been deferred. reveal how Russell Hadley (32) jailed on February 6 to three years. The borough council’s planning went into the shop at the petrol sta- Investigating officer Detective committee – concerned that it is tion at around 5.40am on Wednes- Constable Daniel Bister said: not included in the Local Plan – has day, January 3 and demanded staff “Hadley tried his very best to es- asked the applicant to improve the hand over cash. cape the shop following this rob- plan. Councillors were worried the With his face covered and holding bery but the quick thinking of the site had spaces for only 18 cars. a screwdriver, Hadley went behind staff prevented him from doing this. the till to help himself to money be- “Various people using the service Festival bill fore filling a bag with cigarettes Three-year prison sentence for station also helped to keep him at from the kiosk. the scene before officers arrived. FORMER X-factor winner Alexan- masked raider Russell Hadley While he was distracted, two “I hope his sentence and the ac- dra Burke will headline this year’s members of staff got away and moved his van in front of the door tions of those involved act as a de- Big Day Out festival in Mote Park. locked the front door, preventing to prevent him getting out. terrent to anyone else who may be The singer will headline the Hadley from leaving the shop. However, Hadley kicked the thinking of committing a similar main stage in July and she will be A member of the public also glass door and used several fire ex- crime.” joined by fellow X-Factor finalists Grace Davies and Kevin Davy Place your community news for free at www.downsmail.co.uk/information_hub/ White.

30 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk News Fun starts now as a
raction 999 – call back later if reveals evOURents REPUTATION KENT LIFE is promising a fun- filled programme throughout 2018. the patient gets worse As well as old favourites, the SPEAKSTHE ambulance servi ce inFORKent ITSELFongoing advice prior to the arrival Sandling-based attraction has a has been asking some emergency of ambulance clinicians, we will re- number of new family events, such callers to assess the condition of a main on the line with them. as a hops and harvest festival windowsin patient and to call b:a ckdoorsif there is a : conservatories“When a call is triaged, the caller September, and a zombie takeover deterioration in their condition. will be told the outcome and which in the build-up to Halloween. The responsibility this puts on un- priority of call they have been as- The fun kicks off during the Feb- qualified relatives and friends is signed. ruary half-term, with lambing days being taken up by the GP-led West “When concluding a call, the and a number of shows in the big Kent Clinical Commissioning caller will be given advice and told top. Group. to call back if the patient’s condition BugsSorryand grubs co mnoe into fobuycus T honee chief ex ecgetutive of Soneouth East free. No 70% offworse nslist. price on March 17 and 18, with the op- Coast Ambulance Service (SE- “We recognise there is a lot more portunity to visit the creepy critter CAmb) has been asked to attend work to be done, both here and in cuddle corner and learn about the Just theand repo rt tkeenesto the group’s governing Con cerpricesns are being looked into ovarounder less serious calls, to further improve work of a local beekeeper. body. our response time performance. The Easter bunny will be visiting The group is concerned about the changes to SECAmb priorities “We are committed to improving from March 30 to April 2, before impact on west Kent patients, ‘par- Picture: SECAmb the time it takes for us to answer the qwww.southernglassmaidstone.co.ukuintessential May Day tradi- ticularly around life threatening in- which have led to it being placed in calls and have an ongoing recruit- tions come to life from May 5 to 7. cidents’. special measures by the national ment campaign to increase the Farmyard fairytales are the A report to the group also ques- Care Quality Commission (CQC). number of emergency medical ad- theme for the May half-term, with tioned the “openness and trans- A spokesman for SECAmb told visers in our emergency operations the family dog show on June 24. parency” of SECAmb to callers Downs Mail: “Along with all ambu- centres. Kent Life goes to the seaside around waiting times. Patients were lance serNEWvices we haSHOWROOMve been and re- “We exNOWpect over alOPENl performan ce throughout the summer holidays, being asked if “they have exhausted main very busy. to improve from this encouraging with an ice cream festival on Au- all options and advice and to ring All caMonlls are t rtoiage dFriba s e8amd on th e- 5pm,start as wSate fu r9amther re f-in 1pme our fleet gust bank holiday. back when there is a deterioration in informa1ation Brunswickprovided by Streetthe calle rEastan dMaidstoneoperational ME15model, 7UXworking For admission prices and more condition”. and we prioritise our response to with commissioners as part of our details visit www.kentlife.org.uk WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmenThis is onthe commission.latest episod eWEin a DOlon gemployour m ourost ownserio ufitters.sly-ill or life-threat- ‘joint demand and capacity re- or call 01622 763936. series of problems for SECAmb, ened patients. Where callers need view’.” WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone. 01622 686732 Sell your unwanted items

Include an image with your free ad. Just take a photo with your mobile phone or digital camera and save it online to your computer. Click on select an image straight after selecting the red button to Free Ad upload your free ad. Make sure your heading clearly Image, full description, states what you have to sell This will bring up a window contact details, easy to upload Type in a description of the item you containing the files on your are selling. Put as little or as much Include as many options as you wish computer. information as you like but the more in the contact details eg. telephone, Locate the required photo on your www.downsmail.co.uk details you can include the more mobile, email. Specify times to call if computer, double click on the file likely you are to find a potential appropriate - weekends only, and the image you have selected Connecting with buyer. anytime, after 6pm etc. will appear. local people

Malling October 2017 23 Maidstone March 2018 31 News downsmail.co.uk Tasty awards A NUMBER of Maidstone and Weald companies have made the Jo’s career path takes shortlist for the Taste of Kent Awards. The annual prizes will be handed out at a black-tie event at the Kent a change of direction Events Centre, Detling, on Thurs- day, March 8. HALF a lifetime ago, Jo Loveridge was a bi-lingual secretary working for The shortlists for nine awards voted by the public have been an- the United Nations in Rome. nounced, and there is a nod to our During her four years at the UN, area. Rockin’ Robin Brewery, Jo helped to organise a World Food based in Boughton Monchelsea, is one of the nominees for Kent Beer Summit at which the late Cuban of the Year with its Reliant Robin, dictator Fidel Castro attended, while Turners Cider in Marden has whose personal charisma she ad- made the list for Kent Cider or mits was breath-taking. Perry of the Year for its Elderflower “I gasped when he walked in the Cider. room,” she recalls, “We all did. He Chegworth Valley’s Apple & just had something about him.” Cherry Juice is in the running for Back then, in the mid 1990s, she Tastiest Juice, and The Mulberry had little idea where life would Tree at Boughton Monchelsea is lead her – certainly not to her pres- one of four nominees for the ent job running a funeral directors Restaurant of the Year, with a tie in in Loose. the public vote meaning there is an A marriage break-up nearly five extra option for the judges in that years ago saw her buy out her ex’s The Albany team: l-r, Peter Sedgwick, Jo Loveridge, Sam Paterson, Aine category. share in Albany Funerals – where Rawlinson, Donna Hayes and Tim Holloway she had worked since 2009 – and with it, the kind of confidence own- the cost of a traditional one. Arrest in Tovil ing and running a successful busi- Now Jo – who is engaged to po- A 34-year-old man has been ness can bring. lice driving instructor Tim charged with eight offences after In fact, Jo (49) is one of a handful Williamson (48) – is opening a new police investigated a number of of women in such a position in a branch at Great Chart, near Ash- burglaries and thefts near Maid- male-dominated industry – and ford. stone. one of a very, very few where the A previous attempt to get a George Dunn, of Stilebridge majority of staff are female. foothold in the town failed, partly Lane, was arrested in the Tovil area “I never thought, in a million because of parking and traffic con- of Maidstone at 1.10pm on Mon- years, I’d end up running a funeral gestion. day February 5. directors, but I absolutely love it,” She adds: “I think it put people Mr Dunn was charged with two admits the mother of two off. Now, with more of a village lo- burglaries in Marden last month, teenagers. Jo Loveridge offers tea and sympathy cation and parking outside, people vehicle theft and shopflifting in “I suppose it was just a set of cir- that gives her considerable satis- will feel more comfortable. January. cumstances that made it happen. faction. “In our area of Maidstone, four He was remanded in custody to “Of course, it is massively differ- She said: “It’s so easy to help new funeral directors have opened appear via video link before Med- ent to working for the UN, but it’s people and it makes such a differ- up recently, so we looked at Ash- way Magistrates at a later date. also very similar – it all comes ence.” ford, which is growing fast. The A 17-year-old arrested alongside down to organisation.” Jo says Albany has established one independent in the area was Dunn was released under investi- Assisting people, often in their something of reputation for mod- bought out by a bigger group, so gation. darkest hour, is clearly something ern funerals, at often a fraction of we thought now was the time.” Investigation call after accident hot spot deaths A CALL has been made for a full who represents Marden and Yald- it’s more a case of 50mph rather a blue Mercedes left the road and investigation into a notorious ing on Maidstone Borough Council than 70mph. hit a tree. The driver, who was 36, stretch of road after three more (MBC), says now is the time for a “I think it’s down to more than and his 37-year-old passenger – deaths in December – including proper look at the issues on the just speed, though, and that’s why who were both from East Sussex – two on New Year’s Eve. stretch of we need a full investigation. It died at the scene. The A229 through Linton is a road. could be down to the road surface, Cllr Burton added: “It is so diffi- common spot for accidents, and the “The whole because in a number of the acci- cult to hear about these sort of ac- fatalities in December have added stretch, from dents cars seem to have slid off the cidents. Many people who I work weight to concerns about safety on the bottom of road into the hedges or trees.” with have been directly or indi- the road. Linton Hill up The 22-year-old who died on rectly affected by crashes on that The first incident happened on past Stile- Monday, December 4, was driving road. Kent Highways always look December 4 when a 22-year-old bridge Lane, is a Ford Fiesta when it collided with at the number of incidents – so man died following a head-on col- a concern,” he a red Citroen C4 at around 9.15pm. surely now there have been lision, while late on New Year’s said. “There The two cars were travelling in op- enough incidents along the A229 Eve two men in their 30s died have been so posite directions at the time of the for that to be a priority – and I will when their Mercedes crashed into many acci- incident; the Citroen driver was be asking them to look at the road.” a tree. dents there over the years. taken to hospital with minor in- Kent Police are appealing for wit- Both incidents took place near to “I drive down that stretch of road juries. nesses to both incidents. Call 01622 the Stilebridge Lane junction. twice most days and I see cars driv- The second tragedy occurred at 798538 or alternatively email Cllr David Burton (pictured), ing quickly down there – although 10.40pm on New Year’s Eve, when [email protected].

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She said: Cesspool & septic tank services FOR SALE: Crossroads offers young carers like Megan, Keira, Lauren and Freya, above, management G FOR SALE: Upholstery “These young carers are hidden be- management G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. support and advice Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. 3 piece suite £94 £47 cause there is no affective system to Time out makes a company in G All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. company in G Pollution & flooding solutions KentAll type and businessshapes of forage.Pollution Clean owner? brick & andflooding block hardcore, solutions also plannings. Leather 3 piece suite £156 £78 identify them and many don’t see arriving late or demonstrating be- However, for those lucky the UK Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered.50% difference to Amy the UK G Waste disposal & recycling We Largecan quantityhandle of farmyardallG your Waste manure Trade disposal any sizeWaste load, & recycling collectedneeds or delivered. Discount themselves as carers, but simply havioural problems. enough, advice, day trips, sign All above subject to availability. Curtains All above subject to availability. helping out after school. As a result Jan said: “These children often posting, respite care and youth AMY Riordan (pictured below) is Full length £84 £42 we are only aware of around a feel alone and many come with is- clubs are making huge inroads 13 and helps her mum look after www.mtscleansing.co.uk www.mtscleansing.co.uk 0344Telephone/Fax: 8807700 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 HalfTelephone/Fax: Length 01233 756673£52Mobile: 07890£26 818783 quarter of youngsters caring for a sues such as eating disorders, anx- when it comes to bridging the gap her two autistic brothers. She said: No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT family member unsupported.” iety, panic attacks and self-harming between isolation and support. “It’s great to meet up with carers Currently, most young carers because they have no outlet to dis- of my age and just have some are referred to Crossroads by their cuss their circumstances and are Reporting by Dawn Kingsford time out.” 01233 840624 TOM HOPE offers the following services: school, often as a result of absence, unaware we are here to help.” Matt, whose father has had sev- Most types of fencing undertaken eral strokes, keeps home with his [email protected] Brand New BrandFields rolled, harrowed New and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) brother. Now training to be a me- 24• hourDriveways service locks opened •Tar & Grit •Driveways •Tar & Grit Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) From a carer to chanic, he also plans to become a Straight Stairlifts Straight Stairlifts new locks fitted security checks Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. volunteer. •Tarmacadam •Footpaths •TheTarmacadam largest G Blocked drain • Footpathsclearance Horse manure loaded and taken away. a youth leader He said: “I’ve made so many emergency work undertaken Reconditioned Reconditioned independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker JAMES Marshall (pictured), from friends because we all share some- •Block Paving•Car Parks •Block Paving•Car Parks UPVC door & window repairs owned liquidStairliftsG Circular saw for overgrownStairlifts hedges – other services available (anything considered). Barming, spent his teens looking thing in common and there is a Drain & sewer cleaning Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. after his mum, who had lupus. On great sense of understanding Your Maidstone Locksmith Tel No: 01622waste 756128G Cesspool & septicNext tank services Tel No: 01622 756128FOR SALE: Next bad days, before and after school, among us. WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES Mobile:management 07905 182363G day WE BEAT ANYTankering GENUINE including ADR QUOTES (hazchem) Mobile:Oak offcut’s 07905ideal woodburner 182363 (large loads). Halfday tonne apple bin’s – used once. she needed help to the bathroom, “Crossroads has given me so www.stairliftstoday.co.uk 01622 741183 company in G Pollution & floodinginstallation solutions www.stairliftstoday.co.ukAll type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and blockinstallation hardcore, also plannings. with cooking and domestic chores. much, I want to give something T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 [email protected] 741183 Now, aged back.” the UK G Waste disposal & recycling [email protected] quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered. 01622 862035 / 07771 523799 All above subject to availability. 26, James has 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent 49 01622West Park Road, 862035 Maidstone, Kent, ME15/ 07771 7AF 523799 www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF turned again www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. to Cross- www.mtscleansing.co.uk Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 roads, which Access saw him DO YOU NEED PLANNINGComputer PERMISSION OR Access through this Crossroads youth team leader Jan Hall, right, wth young carers Sam, ComputerDenied Denied difficult time, Katrina, Alfie, Keira and Ellie BUILDING REGULProblems???ATIONS FOR AN to become a Problems??? youth leader. Funding is key to rolling out a EXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION OR •Driveways •Tar & Grit Brand New We met up Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contact Double Glazing Repairs Straight Stairlifts with him at the young carers’ club service throughout the county EVEN A BRAND NEW HOME? Any•Tarmacadam IT related issues, do not • hesitateFootpaths to contact Double Glazing Repairs in Shepway, where more than 40 Dean: & Locksmith Services Reconditioned carers enjoy the freedom to play CROSSROADS Care Kent is in exploratory talks to extend its youth serv- Dean: & Locksmith Services ice model programme to other parts of Kent – but funding will be cru- CALL US ONMob: 01622 07722 812868293187 OR GO TO • Locks• repairedBlock or replaced Paving • Doors that•Car are difficult Parks to close & lock pool, use the gym and socialise • Hinges & windowMob: handles 07722 • Broken 293187 glass & misted units • Locks repairedStairlifts or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock twice a month. cial. The organisation receives no statutory support and relies on Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units He said: “My experience means volunteers, grants, donations, fundraising and Children in Need to Facebook: Warford Computers Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk Tel No: 01622 756128 Next www.johnchilds.com • Patio doors, runners & rollers • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes I’m pretty approachable and while meet its annual running costs of around £85,000. Anyone interested WE BEATFacebook: ANY Warford GENUINE Computers QUOTES Mobile: 07905 182363 day £25 per hour • Patio doors, runners & rollers some choose to talk, most are in finding out more about the service can contact Jan Hall on for our best prices EVER! www.stairliftstoday.co.uk [email protected] or on 01622 817114. £25 per hour installation happy just to be with others in the NO Fix NO Fee 01622 61110701622 / 741183 07967 625 447 [email protected] same situation.” No Call out Charge 01622 862035QuoteNO ‘The Fix Downs/NO 07771 Fee Mail’ 523799 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 No Call out Charge 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE,Quote no obligation, ‘The Downs home survey. Mail’ 34 Maidstone March 2018 MaidstoneMaidstone Weald October March 20182017 3535 Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 Access Computer Denied Problems???

Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contact Double Glazing Repairs Dean: & Locksmith Services Mob: 07722 293187 • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units Facebook: Warford Computers • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes • Patio doors, runners & rollers £25 per hour NO Fix NO Fee 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 No Call out Charge Quote ‘The Downs Mail’

Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 News | Young carers downsmail.co.uk Young carers, hidden heroes Freephone 0800 6942024 TALKS are being held to extend a helping hand to the growing army of young carers looking after Freephone 0800 6942024 HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East loved ones at home. HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER Crossroads Care Kent, in Maid- CARPETToday's & UPHOLSTERY Stalifts At Affdable CLEANING Prices OFFER Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate stone, set up a division 15 years ago Carpets01622 (Average)756128 Normal rate Special rate Single Room (12’ x 12’) £52 £26 specifically to support young car- Single Room (12’ x 12’) £52 £26 Through Room (12’ x 18’) £66 £33 ers in the area – some as young as Through07905-182363 Room (12’ x 18’) £66 £33 Hall, Stairs & Landing £66 £33 five. Hall,www.stairliftstoday.co.uk Stairs & Landing £66 £33 Known within the care system as Upholstery the country’s “hidden heroes” – [email protected] 3 piece suite £94 £47 facing the physical and emotional 3Kent Straightpiece suite New business & Reconditioned Stairlifts owner?£94 £47 Leather 3 piece suite £156 £78 Kent business owner? WeWith can Free handle Next Day all Installation, your Trade From £995 Waste needs 50% challenge of caring for a family Leather 3 piece suite £156 £78 50% Curtains Discount member at home – that number is We can handle all your Trade Waste needs Reconditioned, Brand New From £1595 Curtains Discount Full length £84 £42 now as high as 10,000 in Kent but Curved Stairlifts From £3500 Reconditioned, Full length £84 £42 that number may, in reality, be 0344Brand New 8807700 From £4200, Installed within 7-14 Days Half Length £52 £26 Half Length £52 £26 No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT much higher. 0344 8807700 Sales - Servicing - RepairsNo hidden- Removals extras - All prices inclusive of VAT The national figure is estimated at 700,000 with the average age of 01233 840624 TOM HOPE offers the following services: a carer being 13. 01233 840624 TOM HOPE offers the following services: Freephone 0800 6942024 In west Kent, Crossroads Care of- [email protected] HOMEFRESHMost types of fencing undertakenThroughout the South East fers respite and support to 170 [email protected] Most types of fencing undertaken Fields rolled, harrowed and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) youngsters, and has a waiting list Fields rolled, harrowed and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) CARPET & UPHOLSTERYFlail mowing (untidy field CLEANING to a lawn) OFFER of nearly 60. Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. HavingThe (whole largest or part job) baleG wrapping,Blocked baling,drain clearanceround, quadrant and conventional. (Average) Normal rate Special rate Jan Hall leads the youth team The largest G Blocked drain clearance Carpets Horse manure loaded and taken away. Horse manure loaded and taken away. from the charity’s headquarters in independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys Single13 tonne Room 360 with (12’ experience x 12’) operator, £52 full range of bucket’s concrete£26 breaker independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker Wateringbury, operating six youth owned liquid G Drain & sewer cleaning CircularThrough saw Roomfor overgrown (12’ x hedges 18’) – other £66 services available (anything£33 considered). owned liquid G Drain & sewer cleaning Circular saw for overgrown hedges – other services available (anything considered). clubs for young carers at centres in Hall, Stairs & LandingREQUIRED: Fields for £66 haying and grazing. £33 waste G wasteREQUIRED:G CesspoolFields for &haying septic and tank grazing. services Shepway and Senacre. She said: Cesspool & septic tank services FOR SALE: Crossroads offers young carers like Megan, Keira, Lauren and Freya, above, management G FOR SALE: Upholstery “These young carers are hidden be- management G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. support and advice Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. 3 piece suite £94 £47 cause there is no affective system to Time out makes a company in G All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. company in G Pollution & flooding solutions KentAll type and businessshapes of forage.Pollution Clean owner? brick & andflooding block hardcore, solutions also plannings. Leather 3 piece suite £156 £78 identify them and many don’t see arriving late or demonstrating be- However, for those lucky the UK Large quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered.50% difference to Amy the UK G Waste disposal & recycling We Largecan quantityhandle of farmyardallG your Waste manure Trade disposal any sizeWaste load, & recycling collectedneeds or delivered. Discount themselves as carers, but simply havioural problems. enough, advice, day trips, sign All above subject to availability. Curtains All above subject to availability. helping out after school. As a result Jan said: “These children often posting, respite care and youth AMY Riordan (pictured below) is Full length £84 £42 we are only aware of around a feel alone and many come with is- clubs are making huge inroads 13 and helps her mum look after www.mtscleansing.co.uk www.mtscleansing.co.uk 0344Telephone/Fax: 8807700 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 HalfTelephone/Fax: Length 01233 756673£52Mobile: 07890£26 818783 quarter of youngsters caring for a sues such as eating disorders, anx- when it comes to bridging the gap her two autistic brothers. She said: No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT family member unsupported.” iety, panic attacks and self-harming between isolation and support. “It’s great to meet up with carers Currently, most young carers because they have no outlet to dis- of my age and just have some are referred to Crossroads by their cuss their circumstances and are Reporting by Dawn Kingsford time out.” 01233 840624 TOM HOPE offers the following services: school, often as a result of absence, unaware we are here to help.” Matt, whose father has had sev- Most types of fencing undertaken eral strokes, keeps home with his [email protected] Brand New BrandFields rolled, harrowed New and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) brother. Now training to be a me- 24• hourDriveways service locks opened •Tar & Grit •Driveways •Tar & Grit Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) From a carer to chanic, he also plans to become a Straight Stairlifts Straight Stairlifts new locks fitted security checks Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. volunteer. •Tarmacadam •Footpaths •TheTarmacadam largest G Blocked drain • Footpathsclearance Horse manure loaded and taken away. a youth leader He said: “I’ve made so many emergency work undertaken Reconditioned Reconditioned independently G CCTV drain & sewer surveys 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker JAMES Marshall (pictured), from friends because we all share some- •Block Paving•Car Parks •Block Paving•Car Parks UPVC door & window repairs owned liquidStairliftsG Circular saw for overgrownStairlifts hedges – other services available (anything considered). Barming, spent his teens looking thing in common and there is a Drain & sewer cleaning Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. after his mum, who had lupus. On great sense of understanding Your Maidstone Locksmith Tel No: 01622waste 756128G Cesspool & septicNext tank services Tel No: 01622 756128FOR SALE: Next bad days, before and after school, among us. WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES Mobile:management 07905 182363G day WE BEAT ANYTankering GENUINE including ADR QUOTES (hazchem) Mobile:Oak offcut’s 07905ideal woodburner 182363 (large loads). Halfday tonne apple bin’s – used once. she needed help to the bathroom, “Crossroads has given me so www.stairliftstoday.co.uk 01622 741183 company in G Pollution & floodinginstallation solutions www.stairliftstoday.co.ukAll type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and blockinstallation hardcore, also plannings. with cooking and domestic chores. much, I want to give something T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 [email protected] 741183 Now, aged back.” the UK G Waste disposal & recycling [email protected] quantity of farmyard manure any size load, collected or delivered. 01622 862035 / 07771 523799 All above subject to availability. 26, James has 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent 49 01622West Park Road, 862035 Maidstone, Kent, ME15/ 07771 7AF 523799 www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF turned again www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. to Cross- www.mtscleansing.co.uk Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 roads, which Access saw him DO YOU NEED PLANNINGComputer PERMISSION OR Access through this Crossroads youth team leader Jan Hall, right, wth young carers Sam, ComputerDenied Denied difficult time, Katrina, Alfie, Keira and Ellie BUILDING REGULProblems???ATIONS FOR AN to become a Problems??? youth leader. Funding is key to rolling out a EXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION OR •Driveways •Tar & Grit Brand New We met up Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contact Double Glazing Repairs Straight Stairlifts with him at the young carers’ club service throughout the county EVEN A BRAND NEW HOME? Any•Tarmacadam IT related issues, do not • hesitateFootpaths to contact Double Glazing Repairs in Shepway, where more than 40 Dean: & Locksmith Services Reconditioned carers enjoy the freedom to play CROSSROADS Care Kent is in exploratory talks to extend its youth serv- Dean: & Locksmith Services ice model programme to other parts of Kent – but funding will be cru- CALL US ONMob: 01622 07722 812868293187 OR GO TO • Locks• repairedBlock or replaced Paving • Doors that•Car are difficult Parks to close & lock pool, use the gym and socialise • Hinges & windowMob: handles 07722 • Broken 293187 glass & misted units • Locks repairedStairlifts or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock twice a month. cial. The organisation receives no statutory support and relies on Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units He said: “My experience means volunteers, grants, donations, fundraising and Children in Need to Facebook: Warford Computers Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk Tel No: 01622 756128 Next www.johnchilds.com • Patio doors, runners & rollers • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes I’m pretty approachable and while meet its annual running costs of around £85,000. Anyone interested WE BEATFacebook: ANY Warford GENUINE Computers QUOTES Mobile: 07905 182363 day £25 per hour • Patio doors, runners & rollers some choose to talk, most are in finding out more about the service can contact Jan Hall on for our best prices EVER! www.stairliftstoday.co.uk [email protected] or on 01622 817114. £25 per hour installation happy just to be with others in the NO Fix NO Fee 01622 61110701622 / 741183 07967 625 447 [email protected] same situation.” No Call out Charge 01622 862035QuoteNO ‘The Fix Downs/NO 07771 Fee Mail’ 523799 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 No Call out Charge 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF www.rssurfacing.com Call us today to request your FREE,Quote no obligation, ‘The Downs home survey. Mail’ MaidstoneMaidstone Weald October March 20182017 3535 Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 Access Computer Denied Problems???

Any IT related issues, do not hesitate to contact Double Glazing Repairs Dean: & Locksmith Services Mob: 07722 293187 • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock Email: info@warford­computers.co.uk • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units Facebook: Warford Computers • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Letterboxes • Patio doors, runners & rollers £25 per hour NO Fix NO Fee 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 No Call out Charge Quote ‘The Downs Mail’

Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 downsmail.co.uk

O b i t u a r e s Shirley Lowry He played competitive table tennis for the All Saints in Boxley, where his funeral company and continued into his took place. SHIRLEY Lowry (53), was well known in retirement. He played for Barming in the Maidstone area as a life celebrant. Kent League, really enjoying his matches She was ordained a minister with for veterans. He was also involved with Hilda Nelson Maidstone Independent Christian the twinning of Maidstone and Beauvais THE death has been announced in Dorset Spiritualist Church eight years ago, for more than 40 years.” following 25 years of Hilda Nelson (96), a former head with Lloyds Bank. teacher who worked in the local area. She conducted Jean Adams Educated at Lord Digby School in weddings, blessings, Sherborne, Dorset, baby namings and JEAN Adams won many top prizes at Hilda trained as a many local funerals. Chelsea Flower Show and Kent County teacher at St Gabriel’s Shirley married Show for the high quality pansies she and in London, starting local funeral director her husband Wally grew in their garden at her teaching career in Michael Lawrence at Hazeldene, Dean Street, East Farleigh. 1941. She moved to Boughton Monchelsea When they retired from the business Kent in the early 50s, Church in April last they moved to Headcorn. living in Sevenoaks, year after consultants discovered she had Jean was a long-standing member of Cranbrook and untreatable cancers. East Farleigh Parish Council and included around Maidstone. At that time, Michael was president of in her duties planting the horse trough Hilda taught history the Rotary Club of the Weald and Shirley a outside the church with flowers and and needlework and rose to become head member of the Rotary Club of Maidstone. arranging li�er picking days. She was also teacher at the Mary Sheafe School for Girls Current president Velia LeQuelenec said: a village allotment trustee. in Cranbrook. After the school was “She was a lovely, happy person who amalgamated in 1971, going on to become greeted everyone warmly with a smile.” a noted sports college, Hilda joined KCC’s Shirley lived for many years in Reg Sharp bank staff of head teachers, working on a Egremont Road, Bearsted, but recently she THE death has been reported in Stoke on relief basis around the Maidstone area. and Michael moved to Headcorn. Trent of Reg Sharp (91), formerly of Nephew Michael Nelson said: “My aunt Her funeral is at Boughton Monchelsea Headcorn and Ulcombe and husband of was very much a lady and teacher of the Church on Wednesday, February 21, 12pm. the late Joy. old school. She held traditional values very dear but was also capable of reaching out to others. She was a prison visitor at Tony Craig Geoff Smith Maidstone Prison and did braille transcription work, turning published ANTHONY Charles “Tony” Craig (81), BOXLEY Parish Council has paid tribute works into braille editions. She was originally from London, lived locally from to local councillor Geoff Smith (84), who dedicated in her service to the Royal 1965, after he queued up to buy a house in served from 1998 to 2016. British Legion – earning a 20-year badge in Holtwood. Bob Hinder, current council chairman, recognition for her efforts. She was a He lived there for said Geoff was “a kind, gentle and regular worshipper at St Margaret’s 28 years with Joan, hardworking man who gave a lot of his Church in Addington, where her his wife of 52 years, time and energy to the various needlework skills included an altar cloth.” before moving to East communities he lived and served in.” Hilda moved back to Dorset 10 years ago. Malling. After the Geoff’s council work was notable for his move, Tony took up interest in the natural environment, an an accountancy role interest he brought with him from New Deborah Draper with Kimberley Zealand, where he had a smallholding. Clark. He spent 25 His work locally ensured that issues like THE death has been announced at home years there, moving tree planting and maintaining rights of in Folkestone of Deborah Elizabeth Draper from their accounts way were always high on the Boxley (68), formerly of Bearsted. department to become a car fleet manager. Parish Council agenda. Deborah worked as a home carer locally He then moved to Reed’s paper group, He had taken a particular pride of local and was often seen on her bicycle. retiring from the company after it became developments of allotments and the She was married to Rupert and mother SCA. He returned to SCA part-time as a Weavering Diamond Jubilee Orchard. to Giles, James and Ben. consultant dealing with its car fleet. Prince Edward, Duke of Wessex, was Her death announcement said: “She Tony was father to Andrea and Nicola. welcomed by Geoff to the opening of the spent her life caring for others, working as Wife Joan said: “Tony loved his sport and orchard. He had strong connections to St a home carer in Maidstone for many Kimberley Clark had a great sports club. William’s church in Walderslade and to years…Deborah was the most beautiful lady inside and out, the most amazing mum and nan.” Deborah leaves her husband, children Camrass Wills and grandchildren. Advice you can trust THE STONE SHOP Do you need help with probate? EAST FARLEIGH Do you want to buy a funeral plan? • MEMORIALS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed • ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTIONS DipPFS MSWW • CLEANING AND REFURBISHMENT 01622 720985 01622 726633 www.camrasswills.co.uk FREE CAR PARK NEXT TO SHOP

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

36 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk

necessary. The clerk was to contact the fire which, in a separate agenda item, it was P

Barming a r i s h service for advice. One of the wash basins agreed would be held on April 25. KALC Award A member of the public at the pavilion was reported as hanging off suggested that Sy and Rachel Ca�el be the wall, but Cllr Gooch confirmed it was considered for the Kent Association of sufficiently secured, although the bracket Tovil C Local Councils (KALC) Community Award o u n c i l s could use tightening. Cllr Manser Lane parking It was suggested the council for all of their hard work and commitment reminded members that the door of the hall to the local youth club. Members thanked apply to KCC for permission to install a still needed a pull handle, which Cllr Doe scheme, possibly bollards, along Burial him for his suggestion but felt that as the was to install. The clerk was also to chase youth club had shut down and the award is Ground Lane to deter pavement parking. It the contractors regarding the exterior was agreed to discuss this at the next for current work in the community, the perimeter clean of the hall and pavilion. nomination was not suitable, and members meeting. decided not to nominate anyone. Nature reserve The chairman reported that Draft budget The draft budget was Loose the planning application for the new discussed and an increase of 7p per building at the Hayle Park Nature Reserve household (0.19%) for the precept was School parking PSCO Martin Chivers had is due to go before MBC’s planning agreed. The precept amount will be emailed to advise that he was aware of the commi�ee. There had been no significant £27,460. The paperwork was signed and complaints regarding parking around tree damage over the winter, and there had was to be submi�ed by the clerk. Loose Primary School and was actively been occasional quad bike activity. Railway funds Cllr Vizzard said looking into ways of dealing with the Shed painting The shed painting project Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) was concerns. will take place after Easter. continuing to support the work of the Kent Bin update The issue of a waste bin in Bray Planning It was agreed that all councillors Community Railway Partnership, who do Gardens was to be discussed at the next present at the January meeting be members outreach work in schools, promote the use environment meeting. MBC councillor Sue of the planning commi�ee. This was agreed of trains, supply fare information and keep Grigg hoped the council would be able to and councillors were encouraged to a�end the local stations clean and decorated. The purchase the bin and MBC would adopt the planning training provided by MBC. council agreed to continue with the annual and empty it. Cllr Paulina Stockell said she Maintenance The window panel in the bus donation of £75. would assist. shelter at Millstock Terrace was due to be Pavilion works Members were all happy Scout shortfall The Swiss Loose Scouts had replaced in January. It was noted that Dean with the final results of the decorating by a shortfall of £115 for the safety work on Street between Lower Road and Farleigh Michael Cavanagh. It was agreed to accept the Salts Lane railings. The council had Heights could benefit from concentrated the quote from Kent Flooring for the works helped with a donation of £100 and Cllr li�er picking, although it was understood to the floor in the main hall. So far only one Stockell was to help with the shortfall. that this would require suitable health and company had made a quote for the work at Speedwatch Kent County Council (KCC) safety and traffic management. the hardstanding area despite four being and the police were to fund a third of the Fete It was agreed this year’s fete would be approached. It will be discussed at the Speedwatch equipment each, leaving about held on Saturday, July 14, at Archbishop March meeting. £800 for South Maidstone Action for Roads Courtenay Primary School, subject to the Car park A resident had managed to get an and Transport (SMART) to find. Eight agreement of the school. Cllr Wooding was approximate cost for the resurfacing of the members of the team had completed the to arrange a meeting with the school as Parish Field car park. Cllr Gooch had online theory test and the next stage was soon as possible. arranged a meeting with a contractor. Cllr practical training, which the council agreed Noticeboard It was agreed to position the Doe suggested that all previous companies could be carried out in the pavilion free of new noticeboard at the junction of Postley who had given a quote be given the chance charge. Road and Redstart Avenue. Pearson’s had to resubmit following the new specification Shed update There was an issue with the been asked some time ago to install the sheet. access to the gate in Brooks Field and the board once the position had been agreed Hall issues Councillors had tied up the Loose Amenities Association (LAA) were and the costs of installation were to be pull cords on the heaters to stop them seeking a solution. The commi�ee agreed checked. A colour logo for the top corner of being used, so that the heaters will be to chase the LAA as the deadline for the the board was to be printed. operated by the control panel only. A shed project was just three months away. Car park After discussion, it was agreed safety report had recommended the Defibrillator It was agreed to go ahead not to extend the waiting time in the installation of smoke alarms, but with no with the installation of the defibrillator on a Church Street car park to three hours, with ovens or microwaves at either the parish four-year contract, and to demonstrate it to a discussion on the reduction in waiting hall or the pavilion, it was felt this was not the residents at the annual parish meeting, time to be discussed at the next meeting.

A GROUP of youths were seen throwing stones at swans on the river from Gibraltar Lane, Allington. A boat was hit by one of Neighbourhood Watch the stones. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A vehicle that had been involved in an accident in Chatham Road was stolen from seen throwing stones at it. An iPod, a coffee machine and other items the roadside whilst awaiting recovery. Two iPads and a tablet were stolen from a were stolen from a Mercedes C220 parked A pet cat was found dead in a park area house in Sussex Road. on a driveway in The Hedges. on Recreation Close. The animal had been A safe containing cash was stolen from an A Specialise H/Rock Disc 29 Cycle was mutilated. outbuilding in Mote Park. stolen from near to the library in James A commercial milk float parked on a A HP laptop, an iPad and some jewellery Whatman Way. driveway in Devon Road was stolen. were stolen from a home in Copper Tree A Citroen C3 parked in Wallis Avenue, A youth was seen using a catapult to Court, Loose. Loose, was seriously damaged when it was shoot something at a window in Beaumont A Samsung laptop computer, an XBox set alight. Street. Also in Beaumont Street, a window and jewellery were stolen in a break-in at a Jewellery was stolen in a distraction at a home was broken, possibly by a pellet house in Linton Road, Loose. burglary in Sussex Road. fired at it. The steering wheel and centre console Fishing gear and camping equipment A metal ramp used for mobility access were stolen from a BMW X5 parked on a were stolen from a home in Oxford Road. was removed from a home in Milton Street. driveway in Bannister Road. It was the An iPhone and jewellery were stolen from A home in Loose Road was damaged by same story with a BMW 420 parked in a home in Surrey Road. having potatoes thrown at it. Hillary Road, while a BMW 520 parked on a Kitchen goods, drinks and jewellery were A window on a home in Tonbridge Road driveway in Boxley Road had its steering stolen in a break-in at a house in Loose was cracked after a group of children were wheel stolen. Road.

Maidstone March 2018 37 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk Classified downsmail.co.uk

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Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Telesales Manager Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 01622 630ext. 224 330 Reachext. 227 up to 80,000 householdsext. every 234 month

Appliance Repairs CarpentersCarpenters continued

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BuildingBuilders Services Clean Sweep MD BUILDING & SERVICES Brush & vacuum A J GRANT MD Building & Services AUL EST www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Wood burners and flues • GeneralP builder B Looking to extendSpecialists or improve in your home, • All general building work •we Extensions can help. From • Refurbishments driveways to supplied and fitted Brickwork extentions,• Plastering plastering (All to lighting,aspects) MD • Extensions renovations • Electrics • Modernisations O Building Services can supply all aspects of • Patios pavingExtensions • Kitchenbuilding & works Bathroom you require. Installations All work insured O General Builder • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Rag stone and brick walls Electrics,• Fencing Extensions, & Blockpaving Kitchen & O 25 years Experience Bathroom Fitting, Plastering, Plumbing, All work certified to cover insurance http://www.andy-grant.co.uk/ DeckingFULLY Systems, INSUREDFencing, Patios & Computing Services Paving, Brickwork Pest control available 0797171586601622 • 01622891960 685198 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 [email protected] Contacte: [email protected] Mark for a Free No Obligation Quote on: 07841 409061 Camera inspections available 07748 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Carpenters Weddings attended Building Plans Member of the ICS HETAS approved Contact Kevin Bovis 01622 844385

38 Maidstone March 2018 07885 651578 [email protected]

38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

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Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Telesales Manager Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive downsmail.co.uk E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott Classified downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234 Driveway Services Fencing continued KentAppliance & Suss Repairsex Dri ves Carpenters Specialists in Block Paving, Resin ALLbonded DOMESTIC surfaces. AlsoAPPLIANCE red or black Find your local tarmac.REPAIR Hot tar chippings. SERVICE Pea Shingle. trades people Wood Works A.H.B.S Allwith new fully work qualified guaranteed engineer for 10 years. Carpentry All makes of washing machines, Businesses & Services FULL CARPENTRY fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, All aspects of CARPENTRY Free Estimates. SERVICE FROM t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. on the Downs Mail DECKING TO DOORS, Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and  All work guaranteed directory fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, Tel: Free 01622 estimates 809105 /and 01580 call 891668 out KITCHENS & FLOORS. Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, Mobile:01622 07789 673113 360748 downsmail.co.uk ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. Plastering and Tiling wwAnytime:w.kentandsussexdrives.com 07831 557677 All work guaranteed. MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES Bathrooms Family business established 21 years CALL Cliff on 01622 743648 07940 854927 Garden ServicesMob: 07711 291921 The complete Bathroom 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone Maintenance Company Chimney Maintenance NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES

Supply • Install • Repair H & G Chimney Services Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected] 01622 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED Electricians Builders Clean Sweep Brush & vacuum MD Building & Services PAUL BEST Specialists in Wood burners and flues • Extensions • Refurbishments Brickwork • Plastering (All aspects) supplied and fitted • Electrics • Modernisations O Extensions • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations All work insured O • Driveways, Patios & Repointing General Builder • Fencing & Blockpaving O 25 years Experience All work certified to cover insurance FULLY INSURED Pest control available 01622 891960 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 e: [email protected] Camera inspections available 07748 630747 Fencing www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Weddings attended Building Plans Member of the ICS HETAS approved Contact Kevin Bovis 01622 844385 07885 651578 [email protected]

A local friendly family run 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 business providing you with all your fencing needs! For a free quotation call us on 01622 236474 www.RangeFencing.co.uk [email protected]

Maidstone March 2018 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk

Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Heating

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Chris• FootpathsBourne Plumbing • ServicesBlock Paving•Car Parks Handyman Locksmith Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates Kent S.Eastern Topography Pleasemaking call water for work your free quotation • Quality Decorating at a WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES LOCAL NEWS ExpertHeating advice and quality service, offering exceptional value for money fair & competitive& Local price History etc listsUPDATED issued. DAILY Wall & Floor To advertise here • Dulux approved over Plumbing Tiling01622 741183 Your local Maidstone Locksmith EVENTS - SERVICES & and reach over 88,000 30 years experience01622 762581 Complete01622 25yrs862035 experience / 07771 523799 • Emergency call out Pest Control INFORMATION - ITEMS FOR SALE 01622 809794 07785 180605 • Fully insuredEmail:[email protected] Bathroomswww.rssurfacing.comhomes every month • Lock repairs Call our dedicated • Lock Replacements Tel: 01622 737225 www.downsmail.co.uk 01622 747272Skip / Hire Your community website classified team on Contact Harry on Mobile: 07816 149502 07885 950959 T: 01622 910045 M: 07467 534227 www.sr-interiors.com Larkrise, Green Lane, 01622 630330 email: [email protected] Boughton Monchelsea. [email protected] BMP SKIP HIRE Find out more at MALCOLMWANTED ROBERTS www.cuttingedgelocksmith.co.uk Over 25 years’MODEL experience ofR maintainingAILWAYS people’s homes. A friendly,Any age reliable or condition service. 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Central Heating Installations ex British• SAME Gas DAY SERVICE CALLRichard MALCOLM 07780 - FOR A681405 FREE QUOTATION • New E.A.Boilers REG • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE Plastering ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 Private collector • Noisy Boilers and repairs • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE • Burst pipes & leaks [email protected] •01622 Bathroom 858887& shower installations 07870 680Your 979 local plumber Rathbone Decorating Services • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 Painting & Decorating & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, No job too small 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH PropertyInterior Clearance & Exterior with special rates NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] Works Undertaken for pensioners Plastering • Free EstimatesD. • Friendly PersonalBODY Services LTD • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman NO CALL OUT CHARGE Contact Branden for a Sales Free no obligation quote on: & FREE QUOTES Painting & Decorating - 01622 222034 Tel 01622 721491 orWaste Mobile:Services 07753 487796 Collection - 07908201588 & For all your plumbing needs ALL ASPECTS OF PLASTERING: Pest Control PLASTERING/ RENDERING/ SCREEDING General Repairs • New Taps PLUMBING Cesspool Emptying / MONOCOUCHE RENDER M.O.T. and Clutch Centre • Toilet & Cistern Repairs www.acebuildingservice.co.uk ACE  Septic Tanks [email protected] Est 1990 Open FULLY INSURED Vehicle • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted Bath & Shower Installation Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30  Drain Clearing Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Maintenance, • Broken belt damaged repaired • Leaks & Fault Finding (M.O.T. only • All makes,Property petrol Maintenance & diesel  Sludge Removal Ian TerSunr 9:00y – 12:00) Service & M.O.T. Call Gary 07738 902116  Treatment Plants Plastering736 Se Londonrvices Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Flat Roof Specialists Tel:| Felt & Single 01732 Ply 870368 Property Maintenance 01622 736266 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE Fibre glass and Liquid Roofs  Gulleys & Forecourts Quote ‘Mid Kent Living’ 07855 529283 Access  High Pressure Jetting Flat Roof Specialists | Felt & Single Ply Property Clearance [email protected] Denied07957903638Fibre glass andproperty Liquid Roofs maintenance services www.sabrekent.co.ukSouth East London Get properlyDouble plastered GlazingEst 1980 Repairs01622 891812 & Kentdunn areas & cole Domestic & CommercialHouse & Property Clearance & Locksmith Services Furniture Clearance & Disposal • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock property maintenance services • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units • Letterboxes 07957903638 ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSEDCommercial Property CARRIERS Clearance • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Patio doors, runners & rollers Plastering Services Building Waste Disposal 01622 891812 Garden Waste Disposal 42 Maidstone01622 Weald January 611107 2018 / 07967 625 447 South East London & Kent areas D K PLASTERING I B Plastering Rubbish Clearance & Junk Removals 24Hr - 7 DaysLandline: 01622A Week 910043 40 Maidstone March 2018 All plastering work carried out Free No Obligation Quote Maidstone March 2018 4141 40 Mobile:07931889543 • Excellent01622 Work • Excellent Prices • Reliable631688 Service, No Job To Small, Fully Insured [email protected] & Friendly Service HERBERT HAWKES FREE Quotes Call Ian on: www.clarity-property-clearance.co.uk Full service digital agency www.dbody.co.ukRathbone Decorating Services The Paddock, Detling Hill, Maidstone, Kent Email: [email protected] Mob 07752175135 Contact us today for a quote Call David 01622Painting 728494 & Decorating No job too small 66 Mid Kent Living Tel:01622 843530 on your next project Mobile: 07974Interior 891795 & ExteriorEmail: [email protected] with special rates Roofing Services [email protected] Works Undertaken for pensioners 07809 404255 • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services COMPLETE herberthawkes.com A.P.S Ltd Ian• Domestic Terry and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman ROOFING Helping companies succeed in the digital world SERVICE Roofing & Chimney Services VIDEO | WEB DESIGN | DIRECT MAIL | PRINT | EVENTS PlasteringTel 01622 721491 Services or Mobile: 07753 487796 •Full Roof Installation •Tiling & Slate Roofing • New roofs & repairs •uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Slating/Tiling/Lead work 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE •Chimney Repointing or Removal • Chimney rebuild/repairs •Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Pointing www.apolloroofing.co.uk • Guttering Services 07855 24 hour529283 service  locks opened Free estimates & all works guaranteed  new locks fitted  security checks 07808 414965 0800 0232665/01622 729600 Get properly emergency work plastered undertaken or 01622 853601 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh Est 1980 for a free, no obligation quote [email protected]  UPVC door & window repairs 40 MaidstoneYour Maidstone Weald Locksmith October 2017 T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent [email protected] www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk www.assuredphs.co.uk Monumental Stonemasons 01622 961989 / 07830508369 Est. 1973 BOILER REPAIRS NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered BOILER INSTALLATIONS New Memorials Tablets, Plaques & Vases Cleaning, LANDLORDS GAS SAFETY CERTS Renovation & Restoration SERVICING Safety Inspections Memorial Insurance Arranged PLUMBING Free Brochures SYSTEM FLUSHING Telephone 01622 762482 HEATING UPGRADES 01233 636500 *FREE QUOTATIONS* 01795 436178 2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH 68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP

62 Mid Kent Living Sales Services downsmail.co.uk Classified&

Plumbing & Heating MoTProperty Testing Maintenance continued Free re-test and minor adjustments Service & repairs carried out to all makes & models • Covering All Aspects ofAuto’s Plumbing Tilyard& Heating • Power Flushing Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking Tel: 01622• Toilets,Taps, 663662 Cylinders Unit 5, Bridge• Landlord Industrial Certificates Estate, • All Work Wharf Road, FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY Insured & Guaranteed KD & SON Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS 578573 NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL ClassifiedTelephone Mark: • All roof repairs undertaken & repaired • Fencing downsmail.co.uk 01622 210861 or 07858 021142 WEALDEN BOOKS • UPVC soffits & fascias • Brickwork & driveways Painting & Decorating • Moss removal Plumbing & Heating• Pressure cleaning Antiquarian, second-hand •• GutterDriveways cleaning & repairs •Tar & Grit •• SmallTarmacadam tree & garden • Painting & decorating works undertaken and out of print books. Chris• FootpathsBourne Plumbing • ServicesBlock Paving•Car Parks Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates Kent S.Eastern Topography Pleasemaking call water for work your free quotation • Quality Decorating at a WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES LOCAL NEWS ExpertHeating advice and quality service, offering exceptional value for money fair & competitive& Local price History etc listsUPDATED issued. DAILY Wall & Floor To advertise here • Dulux approved over Plumbing Tiling01622 741183 EVENTS - SERVICES & and reach over 88,000 30 years experience01622 762581 Complete01622 25yrs862035 experience / 07771 523799 INFORMATION - ITEMS FOR SALE 01622 809794 07785 180605 • Fully insuredEmail:[email protected] Bathroomswww.rssurfacing.comhomes every month Tel: 01622 737225 www.downsmail.co.uk 01622 747272Skip / Hire Call our dedicated Your community website Mobile: 07816 149502 07885 950959 classified team on www.sr-interiors.com Larkrise, Green Lane, 01622 630330 email: [email protected] BMPBoughton Monchelsea.SKIP HIRE MALCOLMWANTED ROBERTS Over 25 years’MODEL experience ofR maintainingAILWAYS people’s homes. A friendly,Any age reliable or condition service. Gavin2/3/4 & 6 YARD Francis Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. Central Heating Installations ex British• SAME Gas DAY SERVICE CALLRichard MALCOLM 07780 - FOR A681405 FREE QUOTATION • New E.A.Boilers REG • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 Private collector • Noisy Boilers and repairs • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE • Burst pipes & leaks [email protected] •01622 Bathroom 858887& shower installations 07870 680Your 979 local plumber Rathbone Decorating Services • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 Painting & Decorating & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, No job too small 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH Interior & Exterior with special rates NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] Works Undertaken for pensioners • Free EstimatesD. • Friendly PersonalBODY Services LTD • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman NO CALL OUT CHARGE Sales & FREE QUOTES Tel 01622 721491 orWaste Mobile:Services 07753 487796 Collection & For all your plumbing needs Pest Control General Repairs • New Taps PLUMBING Cesspool Emptying M.O.T. and Clutch Centre • Toilet & Cistern Repairs ACE  Septic Tanks Open Vehicle • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted Bath & Shower Installation Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30  Drain Clearing Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Maintenance, • Broken belt damaged repaired • Leaks & Fault Finding (M.O.T. only • All makes, petrol & diesel  Sludge Removal Sun 9:00 – 12:00) Service & M.O.T. Call Gary 07738 902116 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Tel: 01732 870368  Treatment01622 Plants736266 Property Maintenance  Gulleys & Forecourts Quote ‘Mid Kent Living’ Access  High Pressure Jetting Flat Roof Specialists | Felt & Single Ply Property Clearance Denied Fibre glass and Liquid Roofs Double Glazing Repairs www.sabrekent.co.uk dunn & cole Domestic & CommercialHouse & Property Clearance & Locksmith Services Furniture Clearance & Disposal • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock property maintenance services • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units • Letterboxes 07957903638 ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSEDCommercial Property CARRIERS Clearance • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Patio doors, runners & rollers Plastering Services Building Waste Disposal 01622 891812 Garden Waste Disposal 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 South East London & Kent areas D K PLASTERING I B Plastering Rubbish Clearance & Junk Removals 24Hr - 7 DaysLandline: 01622A Week 910043 All plastering work carried out Free No Obligation Quote Maidstone March 2018 4141 Mobile:07931889543 • Excellent01622 Work • Excellent Prices • Reliable631688 Service, No Job To Small, Fully Insured [email protected] & Friendly Service HERBERT HAWKES FREE Quotes Call Ian on: www.clarity-property-clearance.co.uk Full service digital agency www.dbody.co.ukRathbone Decorating Services The Paddock, Detling Hill, Maidstone, Kent Email: [email protected] Mob 07752175135 Contact us today for a quote Call David 01622Painting 728494 & Decorating No job too small 66 Mid Kent Living Tel:01622 843530 on your next project Mobile: 07974Interior 891795 & ExteriorEmail: [email protected] with special rates Roofing Services [email protected] Works Undertaken for pensioners 07809 404255 • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services COMPLETE herberthawkes.com A.P.S Ltd Ian• Domestic Terry and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman ROOFING Helping companies succeed in the digital world SERVICE Roofing & Chimney Services VIDEO | WEB DESIGN | DIRECT MAIL | PRINT | EVENTS PlasteringTel 01622 721491 Services or Mobile: 07753 487796 •Full Roof Installation •Tiling & Slate Roofing • New roofs & repairs •uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Slating/Tiling/Lead work 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE •Chimney Repointing or Removal • Chimney rebuild/repairs •Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Pointing www.apolloroofing.co.uk • Guttering Services 07855 24 hour529283 service  locks opened Free estimates & all works guaranteed  new locks fitted  security checks 07808 414965 0800 0232665/01622 729600 Get properly emergency work plastered undertaken or 01622 853601 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh Est 1980 for a free, no obligation quote [email protected]  UPVC door & window repairs 40 MaidstoneYour Maidstone Weald Locksmith October 2017 T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent [email protected] www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk www.assuredphs.co.uk Monumental Stonemasons 01622 961989 / 07830508369 Est. 1973 BOILER REPAIRS NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered BOILER INSTALLATIONS New Memorials Tablets, Plaques & Vases Cleaning, LANDLORDS GAS SAFETY CERTS Renovation & Restoration SERVICING Safety Inspections Memorial Insurance Arranged PLUMBING Free Brochures SYSTEM FLUSHING Telephone 01622 762482 HEATING UPGRADES 01233 636500 *FREE QUOTATIONS* 01795 436178 2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH 68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP

62 Mid Kent Living Classified downsmail.co.uk

Skip Hire continued Waste Services

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Maidstone East October 2017 41 downsmail.co.uk Classified downsmail.co.uk Recruitment continued Classified Web Design

downsmail.co.uk nth ery mo g’s 00 homes ev ne & Mallin Come and join our friendly sales over 88,0 Maidsto per No. 1 newspa Four editions delivered to FREE Edition 31 Malling 6 No. 2 July 201 team and share in our success. | Malling s ne South New call | Maidsto to get ast er buses action one E Bett rging om EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS Maidst TS are u vices fr | PAREN ser own er school bus bett and West 3 Maidstone T Kings Hill n- . Show e Malling County d E Kent her an ed TH weat - v d fine e show xes sa joye ds at th p with mail.co.uk er crow Phone bo e come u downs ump g. hav Classified b etlin GERS r n D hei We are currently recruiting a ounds i 0 VILLA ining t 4 gr 80,00 reta re than on ways of . Mo ,000 up boxes , over 3 of red phone visitors ded one r, atten ents. last yea gest ev mas ty’s big ers he coun tallhold eworth t titors, s An early Ch irni sMter Web Design Compe me from istors ses ca LD chor of fes- busines ut had CHI g a CD 5 and untry b ecordin . s the co esence. are r tober acros local pr in Oc sual big Jo tive songs the u se were • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion ong tho nd Am hurst, a anger f Staple rd, d Shan, o Aylesfo ygroun y they lton, of Pla ts sa Ken She ho Hill residen ured, w nt KINGS oth pict Mid Ke sled about a 6 b ed the It ere mi y area. resent n said: “ w new pla rep roup. Ke uchsia G erful planned Recruitment continued F a wond m n y has bee ainst g Field Sales/ .” e n ag e show res, se titio ybourn re pictu Pe in Le Mo gym AN outdoor sed as 12 age 16 mis  p been dis y. has f mone a waste o or cash ks set • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting Joe’s dash ftton loo n Di Web Design st pub i THE la e of life as Bridging the gap to a a new leas 28 ith for za w ce block. onan an offi for a b ng- 32 eading eks, bri Key Account Executive d are h thin we ies n i Snodla open w Obituar 34 ers in set to e businessown prosperityway e bridg t e h en hom ed ness. T se and River M n busi s I cho Comm ERS he my ow reason n 43 RAD cross t start e main s. It’s a  T ge a n. d to a ne of th barber’ . brid tow forwar was o pen a g area eports road o the king flow- nd to o comin Crime R new ity t are loo c starts Snodla up and going were sper eople n traffi ng and ouses d. pro usi- p m whe pandi f new h once and copper ylesfor .uk new local b de boo ge. lex ex lots o , and OOF lead se in A co ing tion of ay tra the brid esser A ere are e area t of R a hou predic who s across hairdr c- Th und th ink a lo from • Email • Web Site Maintenance t is the cillors ing em is sh (pi all aro ge, I th e stolen a n e h to d id Th nd cou 8 on th ong t ackin o up the bri that s downsmail. eople a e A22 Am M ft) wh finish er from ry ness p ing th d new ed le they ome ov be ve te link n an tur s salon e will c it will the rou he tow k will ned hi peopl ecause l really s of t te ban ope in the river b . It wil to sell advertising across our utskirt pposi and nder’s of the them o the o iness Alexa gh t for .” es on in bus Hi venien he map ld- hom rease wn’s n con nd on t o Wou an inc , to seve nodla ving t o ,000 homes every month mean bridge eet put S tly mo x is als 88 Maidstone & Malling’s rices. road Str o be- r recen ie, Ale ouse p llion mber, ths ag Afte e, Kat open- Come and join our friendly sales over h 19 mi Septe mon antic- ith wif bridge The £ pen in ren- of the am w to the : No. 1 newspaper ue to o oper T cause of h orward work dition ich is d devel , a influx oking f s daily 8 this e for wh uilt by Village ipated lo rten hi nside oposals been b Peters e to sho I ng pr Ton- has ey to y on th uters. r- ing buildi n up as s the k munit comm g a ba ute. NEW g draw rks Four editions delivered to port, a w com ers and anagin comm are bein ncil wo me ne am. shopp was m ted to alling g Cou ,000 ho ouldh g the id: “I t I wan M d Mallin See the 1 near W y feelin He sa ge bu pulpit- dge an al Plan. FREE st bank alread ink, onbrid to olice of bri ing Loc alling publicationson and online products. ea odland rail l r’s in T litan P s emerg nt by M ith Sn -speed ess be Police etropo t East on it pleme orts 31 W a high busin ER M icar a age sup ich supp No. 2 fit of r ago, FORM ew v bury. four-p hip, wh in Malling Editi 6 bene d a yea A the n tering artners events starte er is nd Wa ried ction P es and . which fic eston a is mar A usiness ng area July 201 ing, T who w ople, b e Malli Mall illiams, his ne pe hes in th Nick W l start in 11 paris Rev ns, wil in the Malling two so d live 5 with ber an g.  team and share in our success. in Octo Mallin News PERT post n East Y EX .com arage i all OPERT tinco the vic AL PR ar • Kent ast | Maidstone South | er buses c n to get LOC ne@m aidstone ne E YOUR maidsto ane • M Bett ging actio om ding L EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS are ur vices fr 23 Pud owYoun | Maidsto will be workingPARENTS ol onbus ser the best publications 90290 ne T er scho bett West 3 01622 6 Maidsto Kings Hill and n- ling. Kent’s Most Awarded.co.uk Optician Show e Mal etrists County d ww.optom E Kent her an ed Book Noww 01732 617557 TH weat - sav d fine e show xes h joye ds at th it er crow serving the local communityPhone bo e come up w and enjoy a ump g. S hav b n Detlin AGER heir We are currently recruiting a ounds i 0 VILL ining t 4 gr n 80,00 of reta ore tha up on ways Autumn 2015 M r 3,000 boxes. ors, ove ne of red phone visit ended o ear, att events. as last y biggest ounty’s olders rth the c s,workingstallh environment thatrewo provides you with FRE tor Me ompeti e from An early Chs irnistm E C ses cam choristor of fes- busines ut had CHILD g a CD 5 and untry b ecordin . s the co sence. are r ber Onacros ocal pre Octo the Road l sual big Jo tive songs in the u se were • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion ong tho nd m t, a A plehurs , o f Statheford, freedom and flexibilityound anger y to use your initiative Shan f Ayles ygr say the elton, o Pla ts On the pumpkin Ken Sh who l residen ctured, ent KINGS Hil ut a both pi e Mid K d abo 6 ted th : “It were misle ay area. trail at epresen Ken said w pl r Group. planned ne Fuchsia derful n a won ym has bee while working within a supportive team. Field Sales/ .” e n against g ne Emmetts show res, se io ybour re pictu Petit in Le Mo door gym AN out 12 age 16 dismissed as  p y. Gard has been f mone a waste o en or cash • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting The role will involve:Joe’s dash f looks set E last pub in Dift tliofen as Ashley TH lease o Bridging the gap to a r a new 28 o za w ith f block. Jackson onan an office for a b ring- 32 eading eks, b s Kent’s hockey Key Account Executive d are h thin we uarie odlan en wi Obit • Handlingrs in Sn inboundet to op and making34 outbound calls e s e businessown prosperityway e bridg t superstar ome ed ss. Th en nd h iver M busine I chose Comm RS a e R y own easons ADE ross th start m main r It’s an 43 TR e ac to a of the rber’s. ridg own. ward as one n a ba area. eports oad b the t ng for w- w to ope oming ew r to looki tarts flo dland and c ing Crime R e n perity le are raffic s Sno and up ses go er pros peop hen t nding w hou ce pper w ford. ew al busi- boom w . expa ts of ne nd on lead and co Ayles in•g n Developingn of loc trade bridge er A lexbusinessare lo area, a f RO OFfromse in existing clients tio ay the ess ere e t o a hou predic who s across hairdr c- Th und th ink a lo len from • Email • Web Site Maintenance t is the cillors ing em is sh (pi all aro ge, I th de sto a n e o Th nd cou on th ong th ackint o up he brid that si eople a e A228 Am M t) wh finish t er from y 01622 880840 ness p ing th new ed lef they me ov be ver d o te link n an tur s salon e will c it will the rou he tow k will ned hi peopl ecause l really s of t te ban ope in the river b . It wil to sell advertising across our utskirt pposi and nder’s of the them o the o siness Alexa igh nt for p.” es on in bu H nvenie the ma uld- hom crease own’s en co nd on to Wo • anObtainingin , t andsev Snod lagrowingoving lso new business an ge ut m a me es. d brid Street be- p cently lex is se pric n roa er, ago fter re atie, A en- hou millio ptemb onths c- A wife, K idge op £19 n in Se - m he anti with the br The to ope r Tren use of t f ham ard to rk ion: is due velope ca flux o ng forw ily wo 8 s edit for which by de lage, a ed in looki his da de thi sals n built ers Vil ipat shorten Insi propo - as bee to Pet n the ers. ing to uilding p as Ton h he key unity o mmut bar- te. W b rawn u rt, as t comm and co ging a ommu NE being d l works po e new . oppers s mana d to c ing are Counci • 0 Workinghom uldham the sh : “I towa waachievente revenueMall alling e the targets. ,00 o g id t I d M Se 1 near W y feelin He sa ge bu pulpit- dge an al Plan. st bank alread ink, onbrid to olice of bri ing Loc alling publications and online products. ea odland rail l r’s in T litan P s emerg nt by M Sn ed be po st n it e With igh-spe iness PoliceMetro at Ea o supplem upports f a h o, bus RMER vicar . r-page which s nefit o year ag A FO new gbury fou ership, nts in be rted a is the Waterin n Partn nd eve ich sta ficer n and arried Actio esses a rea. wh , Testo ho is m , busin alling a alling ms, w new people in the M M Willia in his arishes v Nick ill start he 11 p Window Services Re sons, w e in t two d liv 5 with ber an g.  The ideal candidatein Octo Malli n will have previous PERT post n East Y EX .com arage i OPERT tinco the vic AL PR • Kent R LOC aidstone YOU maidstonea@nem • Mar WIN A time for udding L 290 23 P A Christmas You will be working on the best publications 90 turkey & all sharing this the experience1622 6 in a similar role and will: trim 0 mings Kent’s Most Awarded.uk Optician CHRISTMAS etrists.co Days ou Book Nowwww.op 01732tom 617557 t • Thea tre • H om serving the local community and enjoy a es & G ard • Have worked to personal sales targets ens • MB WINDOW CLEANING Autumn 2015 Walks working environment that provides you with • Have a confident and outgoingFRE personality • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning E • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Gutter, Fasciathe & Conservatory freedom and• Professional flexibility & Reliable to use Service your initiative On the pumpkin Window Services •trail Have at excellent communication skills while working within a supportive team. Emmetts 01622 863502 07950 211 507 GThisarde nis a part-time position of 24 to 32 hours per www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.ukThe role will [email protected] involve: Ashley week to be worked overJa ck3/4son days (there will be • Handling inbound and making outbound calls Kent’s hockey some flexibility in the hours/dayssuperstar to be worked 01622 880840 Quote ‘The Downs Mail’• Developing business fromAccess existing clients for the right candidate). • Obtaining and growing new business You will require the use of your own car • Working to achieve revenueDenied targets. and have a full driving licence. Window Services The ideal candidate will have previous Basic salary + uncapped commission Double Glazing Repairs WIN A time for A Christmas + bonus. OTE (based on 32 hour week) £18000 pa turkey & all the sharing this experience in a similar role and will: trim mings CHRISTMAS Days ou t • Thea & Locksmith Services Mileagetre • Hallowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) Friendly, flexible, omes & Gard • Have worked to personal sales targets ens • • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lock family owned business. Walks MB WINDOW CLEANING • Have a confident and outgoing personality • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning• Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units • Letterboxes Email applications, including your CV to the sales manager, Bill Brett. • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service • Lost key replaced• Be& doors self-motivated opened • Patio and doors, able runners to show & rollers initiative [email protected] 01622 611107• Have excellent / 07967 communication 625 skills447 01622 863502 07950 211 507 This is a part-time position of 24 to 32 hours per Four editio ns deliv ered to over 88,00 0 homes e www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] Malling Edi very m We are currently recruiting a tion onth week to be worked over 3/4 days (there will be downsmail.co.uk Maidstone T Maidst own | one & Mall Maidstone E No. 1 newspa ing’s THE K ent Co ast | joyed unty S Maidstone South | per fine how e bum weat n- per cro her a grou wds at nd FREE nds in the sho Malling M Detling w- ore tha . visit n 80,00 ors, ove 0 July 2 last r 3,00 016 year, a 0 up on some flexibility in the hours/days to be worked the ttende No. d 23 county one o 1 C ’s bigg f ompe est eve News an titors, s nts. d busin tallhold ac esses c ers ross th ame fr Bett th e coun om e usua try but er buses c l big lo had PARE Amo cal pre NTS a all ng tho sence. bett re urging action Shan, se were er scho of Stap Jo Kin ol bus se to g Ken S lehurs gs H rvic et helton t, and ill and W es fr bot , of A y Malling. est om h pictu lesford rep red, wh , resente o Deputy Editor Fu d the M 3 c hsia G id Ken Phone bo Quote ‘The Downs Mail’ ha roup. K t for the right candidate). s be en s en ai s a won d: “It VILLA xes sa how.” derful GERS ved wa have c Mo ys of ret ome up re pic red aining t with page tures, phone heir Access 16 see boxes. Access 4 Recruitment An early Christmas CHILD choris ar tors in M e reco tiv rding a ereworth B e songs CD of f r in Oc es- id tober g . 5 in Pla g yground anger th KING You will require the use of your own car S Hi e wer ll residents sa e m b g isled ab y the u plan out a y Looking for a change? a ne p d ne s w i play ar n to ea. TRAD es  ERS s P 6 n and h p etition against gym ew om r A roa e o o N outdo d brid wner s or gym in ge s in p has b in Le g n ew acro Sno e een dism ybourn p ss th dlan r a wast isse e ros e R d a i e of d as T peri iv re ty m h e h on Denied at is th ty to r M e ead ey. n e p t d in ess pe redicti he to way g for a b 12 ople a on of l wn. set to o Denied the ro nd cou ocal bu op nan Joe’s dash f and have a full driving licence. ute li ncillo si- p en za w out nkin rs wh eopl with ith skirts g the o say e are in w a THE last pub in D or c ho of th A228 trade looki eek ash Downs Mail, Maidstone and mes o e tow on th boom ng fo s, b for a itton lo n t n e in wh rwa rin new mean he op and g acr en tra rd to g- an offic lease o oks se an i posite new oss the ffic st a st f life as t hou ncreas bank Am bridg arts flo art my e bloc se pri e in b will ong th e. w- own k. ces. usine em is was on busin The £ ss and haird e of th ess. T  w 19 m resser Snodl e mai he bri Obitu 28 hich illion Mack Alex and to n reas dge aries is due road intos expa open ons I c has b to op brid ture h (pic nding a bar hose een bu en in S ge, d lef - The and u ber’s.  port ilt by eptem op t) wh re are p and It’s an Com 32 , as th deve ber, ened o up lots o comin men 1,0 e key loper A his sa all a f new g are t 00 hom to Pet Tren- lexan lon t roun hous a. ea e new ers Vi der’s i hey fi d the es goi  st ban com llage, town’ n the nish th area, ng 34 k near munit a s peopl e brid and o Crime R Malling’s number one newspaper With Woul y on t Stree High e will ge, I th nce Sno dha he t of come ink eports ben dland m. m sev the riv over a lot o efit of alread onths en co er be from t f R wh a hig y feeli c ago nven cause hat sid OOF le 43 ich sta h-spe ng the ause o be- p ient fo it wil e ad an rted a ed ra shop f the a ut Sn r them l be ve stolen f d copper WANTED year il link pers a ipated ntic- odlan . It w ry rom a wer , d e ago, b H nd com influ Afte on th ill rea house Basic salary + uncapped commission usines e said mute x of r rece e map lly in Ayl s : rs h nt .” esf ber’s “I was . am w ly mo ord. in To mana ith w ving t nbrid ging lookin ife, K o Wou ge bu a bar- g forw atie, A ld- t I wa ing t ard t lex is nted t o shor o the b also o com ten hi ridge mute s dail open and its quarterly sister publication . y work - 8 YOUR Police LOCA Double Glazing Repairs 0 L PR A FOR to pulpit Insid 1622 690290 OPE MER e th RTY ficer Metr is edi mai EXP is t opolit NEW tion: ds ERT Ma he ne an Pol build tone@m lling, w vi ice of- Malli ing p HGV DRIVER,+ bonus. FOR OTE A (based SKIP on 32COMPANY hour week) £18000 pa 23 Puddin Re Teston car a ng are ropos a v a t b a g La rtinco Nick nd W East bridg eing dr ls for ne • M .com wi Willia aterin e and awn up aidstone th two ms, w gbury on i Mallin as To • K p sons ho is . ts eme g Coun n- ent ost in , will marrie fou rging L cil wo Octo start in d r-pag ocal Pl rks the vica ber an his n A e supp an. See Mid Kent Living, is looking for an rage d live ew ction P lemen the Kent’s Most Awarded inOpticiani a t b East n pe rtnersh y Mall Mallin ople, ip, whi ing g. 5 t busine ch sup he 11 sses a ports parishe nd eve s in the nts in Book Now 01732 617557 Mallin g area. IN ASHFORD w ww .optom etrists & Locksmith Services Mileage allowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata)experienced, Friendly, flexible,all-round journalist .co.uk to be Deputy Editor. • Locks repaired or replaced • Doors that are difficult to close & lockCONTACT family owned business. FREE D.T Autumn 2015 • Hinges & window handles • Broken glass & misted units • LetterboxesMARK ON Email applications, includingD.T your CV to the sales manager, Bill Brett. SKIP HIRE The role entails all aspects of newspaper • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Patio doors, runners & [email protected] HIRE work so a sound knowledge of news

Recruitment pkin gathering, news editing, subbing and Ashley On the pum Jackson trail at Kent’s hockeyr proofing is needed to fit into a busy office. Emmetts supersta 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 Garden The successful candidate will help to

Four editio managens deliv a small, dedicated team and ered to over 88,000 h omes e Malling Edition very m We are currently recruiting a deputise for the editor.onth downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone T Theown | deputy editor will Malsoaidstone & Mdrivealling’s content to Maidstone E No. 1 newspaper T HE Ken jo t Coun ast | yed fi ty Sho Maidstone South | b ne w w en- umper eather A time for g crowd and FREE round s at the s in De show- Malling Mor ourtling. expanding daily news website. The role e than 8 sharing this visitors 0,000 , over 3 July 2016 last ye ,000 u ar, a tt p on No. 231 the c ended ounty’ one of Co s bigge mpetit st even News and ors, sta ts. CHRISTMAS busine llholde acro srequiresses ca rs creative input into our popular ss me the cou from Bett the usu ntry bu er buses al big lo t had PARE c Amon cal pre NTS a all s g tho sence. bett re urgin alk Shan, se were er school bus segrv aiccetiso fn to g • W of Stap Jo Kin ens Ken S lehurs gs H et ard Glaze-Tech Services Ltd helton t, and ill and W r & G bo , of A Malling. est om es th pict ylesfo om r ured, wmagazinerd, Mid Kent Living. as • H ep h WINtm e resente o eatr Deputy Editor Fu d the M 3 A Chris ll the Th c hsia G id Ken & a ut • ha roup. K t Phone bo key ys o s been en sai tur mings Da s a won d: “It VILLAG xes sa m how.” derful ERS ha ved tri ways of r ve com More p etaini e up w pa ictu red phone ng thei ith ge 16 res, see boxes r This is a full time position.  based at our Recruitment An early Christ 4 CHILD choristors in M mas are recor tiv ding a C ereworth B e song D of f r s in Octob es- id er. friendlyg offices in Bearsted.5 in Pla g yground anger Distributors wanted to deliver the Downs Mail th KINGS Hill r e wer esidents s e m b g isled ab ay the u plan out a y Looking for a change? ap ned ne s w i play ar n to ea. TRAD es  ERS s P 6 n and h p etition against gym ew om r A roa e o o N outdo d brid wner s or gym in ge s in p has b in Le Double Glazing Specialists g n ac Sn een dism ew ro o e ybourne p ss th dlan r a wast isse ros e R d a i e of m d as T peri iv re h ty hat i ty er M e oney. n s the p to t ed adin ess pe redicti he to way g for a b 12 ople a on of l wn set to the ro nd cou ocal b . op onan Joe’s dash f ute li ncillo usi- p en w za w outsk nking rs who eople ithin ith a THE irts o the A2 Salarysay t are lo £28,000we last pub in Dittonr loco pa ho f th 28 rade oki ek ash Downs Mail, Maidstone and mes o e tow on th boom ng fo s, b for a n in Headcorn, Staplehurst, Coxheath n th n a e in wh rwar ring ew mean e op nd g acr en tra d to - an offic lease of l ks set an i posite new oss the ffic st a st ife as hou ncreas bank Am bridg arts flo art my e block. se pri e in b will ong th e. w- own ces. usine em is was on busin The £ ss and haird e of th ess. T  w 19 m resser Snodl e mai he bri Obituaries 28 hich i illion Mack Alex and to n reas dge s due road intosh expa open ons I c has be to ope brid ture (pic nding a barb hose en bu n in S ge, d lef - The and u er’s. I  port, ilt by eptem op t) wh re are p and t’s an Com 32 as the devel ber, ened h o up lots o comin men 1,00 key t oper A is sal all a f new g area t 0 hom o Pete Tren- lexand on th round house . eas e new rs Vil 32dayst er’s in ey fin thannuale a s goin  leave t ban com lage, own’ the ish th rea, g 34 k near munit a s peopl e brid and o Crime R Malling’s number one newspaper With Woul y on t Stree High e will ge, I th nce S d h t c i Full Time Window Fitter / Glazier. b nodla ham. e of th ome o nk a lo eports en nd m sev e riv ver t o efit of alread onths en co er be from t f R wh a hig y feeli c ago nveni cause hat sid OOF lea 43 ich sta h-spe ng the ause o be- p ent fo it wil e d an rted a ed ra shop f the a ut Sn r them l be ve stolen f d copper w WANTED year il link pers a ipated ntic- odlan . It w ry rom a er d e Flexible working hours, small and large rounds available, ago, b , H nd com influ Afte on th ill rea house in usin e sa mu x o r re e ma lly A ess b id: “I ters. f ham cently p.” ylesfor er’s in was m with movin d. Tonb anagin loo wife, g to W ridge g a b king f Katie ould- but I w ar- in orwar , Alex ante g to sh d to th is als d to c orten e brid o If you wouldomm his da likege ope a new challenge or are keen ute il n and its quarterly sister publication . y work -  Y Police 8 OUR L OCA A to 01622 690290L PRO FOR pulpit Insid good rates of pay. 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4444 MaidstoneMaidstone MarchMarch 20182018 News News downsmail.co.ukdownsmail.co.uk

XNews FactorX Factor date date downsmail.co.uk X FACTORX star FACTOR Louisa Johnson star Louisa Johnson has been lined-up to headline the Princess Royal meets hasX been Factor lined-up to headline date the Princess Royal meets Big Day OutBig to be Day held Out in to Maid- be held in Maid- X FACTORstone star in July. Louisa Johnson stonehas inbeen July. lined-up to headline the Princess Royal meets The singer, best known for the hit TheBig singer, Day Outbest knownto be held for the in Maid- hit Best Behaviour, will take the stage Beststone Behaviour, in July. will take the stage charitycharity shop shop workers workers at MoteThe Park singer, onat Mote July best 1.known Park on for July the 1. hit SheBest announced Behaviour,She the announced will gig take on the Twit- the stage gigTHE oncharity PRINCESS Twit- THE Royal PRINCESS received Royal a received shop a workers ter, saying:at Mote “Big Parkter, news!on saying: July I’ll 1. “Big be head- news! I’llwarm be head- welcomewarm from welcome charity from vol- charity vol- liningShe the @BigDayOutUKannouncedlining the the @BigDayOutUK gig Festival on Twit-unteersTHE Festival whenPRINCESSunteers she visited Royal when the received she Save visited a the Save in Maidstoneter, saying:in this “Big Maidstone July! news! Can’t I’ll this be wait July! head-The Can’twarm Children wait welcomeThe shop Children from in Maidstone. charity shopvol- in Maidstone. to seelining you the allto there.” @BigDayOutUK see you all there.” Festival Aunteers crowd whenof onlookersA she crowd visited waited of onlookers the out- Save waited out- Alsoin Maidstone on theAlso bill this are on July! Diversity,the Can’t bill waitareside Diversity,The the Children storeside in Union shop the store in Street Maidstone. in to Union see Street to see whoto won see youBritain’swho all there.” won Got Britain’sTalent, and GotPrincess Talent,A crowd and Anne.Princess of She onlookers was Anne. greeted waited She byout- was greeted by girl bandAlso Atomic ongirl the bandKitten, bill Atomic are who Diversity, have Kitten,dignitaries whoside have the store includingdignitaries in Union the including Street Mayor to of see the Mayor of Kerrywho Katona wonKerry Britain’sin their Katona line-up. Got Talent, in their and line-up.MaidstonePrincess Anne. CllrMaidstone Derek She was Butler, Cllr greeted Derek the by Butler, the Louisagirl band (19) Atomic wonLouisa the Kitten, (19) X Factor won who inthe have Xcharity’s Factordignitaries in retailcharity’s including manager retailthe Mayor Cheryl manager of Cheryl 2015,Kerry after Katonasinging2015, in with after their mentor singing line-up. Rita with mentorAdamsMaidstone Rita and voluntaryAdams Cllr Derek and shop voluntary Butler, leader, the shop leader, Ora inLouisa the final.Ora (19) inwon the the final. X Factor inKarencharity’s Elphick, retailKaren before manager Elphick, going insidebefore Cheryl going inside 2015, after singing with mentor Ritato meetAdams shop and workers.to voluntary meet shop shop workers. leader, Ora in the final. TheKaren Princess, Elphick, whoThe before Princess, has been going who presi- inside has been presi- AssaultAssault case casedentto ofmeet the shop charitydent workers. of since the thecharity 1970s, since the 1970s, A MAIDSTONEA MAIDSTONE woman has been womanspoke hasThe of been her Princess, appreciationspoke who of her has of appreciation been the con- presi- of the con- chargedAssault withcharged wounding with case after wounding an al- tribution afterdent an of al- the thetribution charity shop makes since the the shop to 1970s, the makes to the The Princess Royal is greeted by Cheryl Adams, the mayor and Karen Elphick A MAIDSTONE woman has been The Princess Royal is greeted by Cheryl Adams, the mayor and Karen Elphick leged stabbingleged in Shepway. stabbing in Shepway.workspoke of of the herwork charity appreciation of at the home charityof the and con- at home and charged with wounding after an al- tribution the shop makes to the Nicola GoslitskiNicola (40), Goslitski of Sutton (40),abroad. of Sutton abroad. lovedThe Princess animals.loved Royal is animals. greeted by Cherylraised Adams, £40,000 the mayorraised for and the £40,000 Karen charity Elphick for last the charity last leged stabbing in Shepway. work of the charity at home and Road, was arrestedRoad, after was policearrested were after policeShe alsowere presentedShe also certificates presented to certificatesAmong to the dozensAmong of the onlookers dozens ofyear. onlookers year. Nicola Goslitski (40), of Sutton abroad. called to a reportcalled of to an a assaultreport of in anDennis assault Foad, in Dennis Brenda Foad, Harris Brenda and Harriswholoved watched andanimals.who the watchedPrincess departthe PrincessraisedMore depart £40,000 donationsMore for the and donations charity customers last and customers Road, was arrested after police were She also presented certificates to Among the dozens of onlookers year. WestmorlandWestmorland Road on Sunday, Road onSylvia Sunday, ThomasSylvia in honour Thomas of in their honourwas of 88-year-old their was Betty 88-year-old Warren Betty who Warrenare always who welcomeare always at the welcome tiny shop at the tiny shop downsmail.co.uk called to a report of an assault in Dennis Foad, Brenda Harris and who watched the Princess depart More donations and customers Classified April 30. OfficersApril were 30. Officerstold that were two toldlong that service two tolong the servicecharity. to the charity.had waited forhad nearly waited an hour for nearly to see anwhich hour to is seepackedwhich with is goods packed ranging with goods ranging Westmorland Road on Sunday, Sylvia Thomas in honour of their was 88-year-old Betty Warren who are always welcome at the tiny shop women had madewomen their had way made to hos- their waySeven-year-old to hos- Seven-year-old Daisy, the daugh- Daisy, the daugh- her and was given a chair and a cup from clothing, children’s items, April 30. Officers were told that two long service to the charity. herhad and waited was given for nearly a chair an hourand a to cup see fromwhich clothing,is packed with children’s goods ranging items, pital with armpital injuries. with They arm injuries. are be- Theyter of are shop be- volunteerter of shop Lora volunteer Maxwell, Loraof Maxwell,tea outsideof the tea shop. outside the shop. kitchen warekitchen and a collector’s ware and cor- a collector’s cor- women hadlieved made to their have way known to hos- the suspect.Seven-year-oldpresented Daisy, the the Princess daugh- Anneher withand was a givenThe acharity chair and shop a cupopenedfrom in Union clothing,ner. children’s There is also items, a “wanted board” lievedpital to havewith arm known injuries. the suspect. They are be-presentedter of shop the volunteer Princess Anne Lora Maxwell, with a The charity shop opened in Union ner. There is also a “wanted board” Goslitski has been charged with posy and a card she had made.of tea outsideThe Street the shop. in 1980 when thekitchen building warefor and people a collector’s who cor- are looking for DrGoslitskilievedivin to has have beeng known chargedLesso the suspect. with posypresentedn ands a card theI shePrincessn had made. Anne with The aStreetThe in charity 1980 shop when opened the building in Union forner. people There is who also a are “wanted looking board” for two counts of wounding with in- card had a picture of a horse be- was bought for £12,000. Thirty- something in particular and the vol- two countsGoslitski of woundinghas been charged with in- withcardposy had and a picturea card she of had a horse made. be- ThewasStreet bought in 1980 for when £12,000. the building Thirty- somethingfor people in who particular are looking and the vol- for tent and one of possessing a knife cause Daisy had researched on the seven years later, its success contin- unteers will keep an eye out for tenttwo and counts one of of possessing wounding a knifewith in-causecard Daisy had hada picture researched of a horse on the be-sevenwas years bought later, for its £12,000. success contin- Thirty- unteerssomething will in particularkeep an eyeand the out vol- for in a public place. internet and found that the Princess ues, with the volunteers having them. inM atent publica andi place.d ones ofto possessingne a knife, internetKecause and Daisyn foundt had that researched the Princess on theues,Onseven with years the later, volunteers its success the having contin- them.unteers will keepRoad an eye out for in a public place. internet and found that the Princess ues, with the volunteers having them. 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16 16 Maidstone16Maidstone JuneMaidstone June 2017 2017 June 2017

Maidstone March 2018 4545 downsmail.co.uk C o m e n What is future for churches? MANY Anglican churches around churchyards are treasured by local t Maidstone face crippling financial communities. challenges and we must consider what There are huge emotional barriers will happen to them. MailMarks against demolition and using the land for The priest in charge of Otham, Langley, DENNIS FOWLE President other purposes. But can an empty, Leeds, Broomfield and Kingswood has [email protected] unused church and churchyard just be warned in his newsle�er of continuing left to deteriorate and rot? Big questions declining finances and fears Otham and face society. Langley (losing £1,000 a month) could be Costs of running a church and parish I believe we shall see major changes bankrupt in three years. ‘Thin air will not are heavy and maintaining ancient over the next 20 years or so. Many will finance our churches,’ he says. church buildings is very challenging. not like them. But they seem inevitable. A worrying newsle�er from the priest The borough of Maidstone has about 40 in charge of the benefice covering parishes, most with their own church, Cars are a habit Coxheath, East and West Farleigh, Linton and neighbouring Malling area increases  I S UPPORT the philosophy of park- and Hunton includes a plan for a reduced that total to more than 50. In addition, and-ride in an endeavour to reduce traffic schedule of services. there are the churches of urban congestion in Maidstone – but is it a For very many years we have seen the Maidstone, with large and central All dream that will not come true? Church in decline. Parishes which had Saints the most prominent. The big problem is that most of us their own priest now so often share in a There is wide admiration or love of enjoy the speed, comfort, door-to-door benefice of five or more parishes. these churches but, if so many of their availability and passenger-/luggage- But, very significantly, the size of true and dedicated supporters and carrying ability of our cars and see congregations has mostly continued to financiers are fading away, how can they park-and-ride as an inferior alternative, fall. Churches which a few years ago survive? We now have our first warning unless right on our doorstep. worried that congregations were as low of potential bankruptcies and must It is a political hot potato again for as 30 or 40 now see them reduced to a expect more in the next few years. Maidstone Borough Council. Many handful. Will anyone be able to finance and save Conservatives point to an annual loss to Much fund-raising and organisation these buildings? I do not think the we taxpayers of around £250,000 and now depends on the generosity and Church of England, government, local believe this money can be best spent to enthusiasm of ‘The Few’. Obviously, authorities and parish councils, the improve traffic flows. The majority of there is a limit to what they can do. lo�eries, charitable institutions and others councillors want to give it another try by So many organisations now suffer from will be able to take on this massive cost. making a £2.50 charge to park, but with a lack of volunteers as our lives become I believe we shall soon see the closure all passengers in that vehicle then using busier and horizons widen. This problem of churches, perhaps many, with only the the bus free. Will this incentive make us certainly impacts on churches, too. strongest surviving. The strong will need switch to park-and-ride? With increased Religion no longer features strongly in to welcome their less fortunate parking charges in town and growing most people’s lives and more now neighbours. congestion problems it is worth the trial profess to having no faith. But many still If a church closes, does the building run. claim their religion is Church of England, still have a future? Who will take on the The council needs to see it succeed. It is respect the Christmas and Easter festivals responsibility for its future and long-term an important feature of our new Local and wish for church christenings, upkeep? Some would be valuable to Plan to tackle Maidstone’s horrendous weddings and funerals. But they do not benefit the local community in any traffic problems. It has been a long and see themselves as church members or number of ways. But the costs of difficult campaign by the council, and I a�ending regular church services or achieving this could be immense. fear the worst. Our cars are an ingrained prayer meetings. Churches are memorials and their habit – and we love them.

System just not working commi�ee, won praise from members. many of your readers know, I wonder, that Sadly, the same cannot be said of the acorns are poisonous to most animals, I HAVE great respect for Maidstone approved housing development scheme except pigs? Last September and October, I Hospital’s caring services but when things on the neighbouring Springfield site, lost three dearly loved horses through go wrong patient/carer anxieties can be which features an 18-storey residential acorn poisoning. One was found dead in immense. tower block. Such a tower block would be the field, another was so ill we had to have My wife received a le�er in the post at twice the height of Maidstone’s current him put to sleep the next day. The third 11.31am for an appointment at 11.45am the tallest building, Miller House, and more fought and fought to survive. He had same day. I phoned the stated number than twice the height of the Old about six weeks in hospital and was immediately. It was engaged. I managed to Springfield library tower. If built, this nursed at home before he finally got leave a message with the department’s u�erly incongruous building will peritonitis and was put to sleep. team. I phoned ‘appointments’ again, dominate the landscape of the county I now hate the oak tree and will never received a message to wait and 15 minutes town. have one on any property I own. later was told I was ninth in the queue. There is a need for more new housing in Linda Savage, via email This call took a total of 29 minutes – and Maidstone, but surely we should expect the operator doubted she could pass on be�er than the incoherent and Stand up and be counted our apology to the consultant. unsatisfactory combined developments No wonder patients miss so many approved or currently proposed for the RE Woodcut Farm: I am afraid Cllr Tony appointments. This system needs sorting. Springfield area of Maidstone? Harwood is not being entirely clear when Tim Harris, Weavering, Maidstone Rob Illingworth, Moncktons Lane, he indicates that he had misgivings over Maidstone the Local Plan. Indeed, he never appeared Tower block out of keeping to vote for the Local Plan for the simple reason that he never turned up to the THE Redrow housing development on the Bountiful, but poisonous council meetings when decisions over the Springfield Mill site, recently approved by I HAVE just read the articles and le�er on future of the plan were being taken. Maidstone Borough Council’s planning the amount of acorns last autumn. How This was in stark contrast to those

46 Maidstone March 2018 downsmail.co.uk

members who had similar misgivings and raise £12,000 to pay for the fob key system, congestion throughout west Kent, C

were prepared to stand up and be counted and initial chestnut fencing for the dog particularly on the busy A25 through Pla�, o m e n for what they believed in by actually path. Borough Green and Ightham. voting against the plan. The two schools and Kent County Building much-needed slip roads at J5 of Cllr John Perry, ward member for Council have agreed that plans to put in the M25 would help substantially reduce Staplehurst at Maidstone Borough Council place protective covenants over the playing congestion along the A25 through Pla� and fields for the freeholders of properties in Borough Green. It would also improve air t Park playing field proposals Oakwood Road, will provide a long-term quality and enjoyment of the environment. guarantee that the fields will not be .That is why I am encouraging everyone to ON Thursday, January 25, the Oakwood developed for housing; they will be respond to this important government Park Community Group held a public designated for education use only. consultation. It gives us the opportunity to meeting at Oakwood Park Grammar The meeting unanimously voted to make the Department for Transport aware School to present outline proposals to support the community group trustees to of the positive impact this could have on restore community access to the Oakwood continue working up the solution with the all our lives and environment. Park playing fields. schools. You can email your response to The meeting was very well a�ended by Cllr Paul Harper and Brian Flinders, [email protected], residents and the school hall was full with Oakwood Park Community Group write to SRN Initial Report Consultation, about 100 people present. Department for Transport, 3/24 Minister Over the last six months, the group has The big homes squeeze House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P been talking to the Oakwood Park 4DR, or complete the online survey at Grammar School and St Augustine I READ with interest an article in your h�p://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UFY77/ Academy about restoring community edition regarding the future of the Otham Tom Tugendhat MP, Tonbridge & Malling access to the Oakwood Park playing fields. valley and a possible 5,000 social homes The Oakwood Park Community Group being placed there as part of the increased and Oakwood Grammar and St Augustine housing allocation imposed on Maidstone Geing priorities right Schools have now reached an outline by central government, over and above the AS a Bearsted resident, I read with interest proposal, which was presented to the ridiculous 17,600 we’re trying to shoehorn the article regarding Virgin Media's meeting by Oakwood Park Community into this crowded borough. contractors having to remedy the Group trustees Brian Flinders and Cllr Paul I was amused and alarmed by the subtle (allegedly) poor reinstatement to ‘our’ Harper. sophistry of the language employed by roads. However, there is another side to The proposal in outline is: Golding Homes and Maidstone Borough this story. The fence around the playing fields will Council in trying to play down the When KCC inspectors came to our road remain. likelihood of such a major development, to examine the work done by the There will be access for the community yet saying it might very well happen! contractors, they marked several areas for out of school hours, including spring and As opposed as I was to such a high level 'improvement. Myself and another resident summer evenings, weekends and school of housing without the local authorities approached these inspectors and holidays. sorting out the roads that will be needed to commented that it seemed very odd that Access will be through the gates (which cope with the traffic, we are where we are they were making these assessments to will be self-closing) in the fence nearest to with the whole ro�en business. areas that were actually now be�er than Oakwood Road and Queen’s Road. One fears that this type of story with the condition of the rest of the road surface Access will be by an electronic key fob similar statements is likely to be more and already in place. system, fobs obtainable from the Oakwood more commonplace as the council tries to We were told that a report would be Park Community Group on payment of a find the space to put all the extra homes made to the appropriate people. annual subscription, possibly £20, with government has foisted on us. Anyone using Roseacre Lane or Yeoman trustees’ discretion for any household in K Kennedy, via email Lane will testify to the absolutely appalling financial stress. condition of these roads and the A dog walking path will be created Improving the environment surrounding ones are no be�er. around the periphery of the site which will It seems highly inappropriate that the initially be demarcated by chestnut rail I AM encouraging residents to respond to a relevant authorities are criticising the work fencing, and a wildlife hedge, once it government consultation to push for new being done by the contractors (even if some grows up. slip roads at J5 of the M25. of it is sub-standard), when they do The community group will encourage At the moment, the 18 miles between J2a nothing to improve the totally awful residents to take part in wildlife activities of the M26 and J6 of the M25 is the longest condition they have allowed their roads in and other activities such as li�er picking. distance in the country without an exit. this area to get to. The community group will now work to Building slip roads here would ease Edward Paul, via email

The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Current and archived editions are also free to read online at www.downsmail.co.uk Contact our teams…. Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. Editor: Simon Finlay Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] Simon.fi[email protected] [email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 01622 734735 01622 630330 ext. 221 Mail Publications Ltd Assistant Editor: Jon Phipps Forge House Advertising Sales Enquiry [email protected] : Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 630330 ext. 232 01622 630330 option 1 Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT

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