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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling November 2015 No. 223

News Bed-blocking crisis County departure KCC is planning to remove its services from Maidstone Gate- way in King Street to save  as care targets missed money. 4 BED-blocking in local hospitals has reached an “unprecedented level”, with Donations suffer KCC flouting care transfer targets by more than nine times. CHARITIES are missing out due In July 2015 there were 1,529 in- and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. gent Care Network – has been inef- to a loss of business car  stances – more than double the total The trust board was told that un- fective.” parks to housing. 6 a year earlier – where patients were less the issues were resolved the hos- During July in the Maidstone and stuck in beds in West hospitals pitals would struggle to cope with Tunbridge Wells hospitals there (covering Maidstone, Tonbridge, demand, even when a new ward were 250 patients waiting for trans- Objection promise Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells) opens at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. fer. The situation improved slightly A KCC vow could be tested by a without a suitable place of transfer. The problem is compromising in August, but there were still care proposal to build 250 24 Of these, 687 were due to a lack of standard four-hour A&E waiting transfer delays for 181 inpatients homes near Sutton Road. social care capacity – massively time targets, as well as care for pa- (7.1%) in the two hospitals. This ac- breaching the target of 77 – leading tients undergoing booked opera- counted for 1,400 lost bed days. to a threat from NHS bosses to sub- tions. Extra beds and temporary staff After a meeting of the trust, KCC Transport closure mit invoices to social services and have been deployed. and Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge THE park and ride facility at Sit- KCC. A report to the Maidstone and Wells and local government secre- tingbourne Road will  “The lack of engagement from Tunbridge Wells Trust board said: tary, the trust backed down on its close next year. 30 senior officials within social services “The local committee established to threat to invoice the county is regrettable,” said the Maidstone manage emergency care – the Ur- council. 12 Money worries FINANCIAL issues dominated en- Facts of life quiries to Maidstone Cit-  Call to protect cherry trees izens Advice Bureau. 34 in your area AUTUMN leaves and their Comment 26-2746-47 glorious red tinge create a CHILDREN born in one part of charm that makes this urban Maidstone can expect to live Obituaries 32-33 season the most special more than 13 fewer years than else- for many. where in the borough.  But residents in The typical life expectancy of a Parish Councils 42 Salisbury Road, Maidstone child born in Bridge ward, which AN allotment holder was allowed – including Pat Walsh, covers the London Road corridor to use his airgun to deal with nui- pictured – are berating the between The Broadway and Alling- sance woodpigeons in ; loss of some autumn ton, is 76.45 years – below the UK loud music was reported in the colour after two of their average of 81. By contrast, a child Loose valley. beloved cherry trees were born in the and Thurnham cut down by KCC. ward, east of town, has an ex- Crime Reports 43 They fear that more of pectancy of 89.52 years. The areas with the next lowest A NEWLY-DELIVERED tumble Salisbury Road’s trees, dryer was stolen in London Road. which produce a stunning life expectancy are the two wards spring blossom, could be abutting Bridge to the west: Fant for the chop unless the (78.84) and Heath (79.85). Loose road is designated a (79.29) was the only other of Maid- conservation area. stone’s 26 wards to have a life ex-  Full story – page three. pectancy below 80 years. The town wards with the highest life expectancy rates are Barming (86.16), Allington (85.42) and East (83.4). Park attraction In the Maidstone borough life ex- pectancy is 81.73 – identical to that THE new Cobtree Visitor Centre of Kent as a whole. and Cafe has opened to visitors. YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT The figures were released as part For more information see the [email protected] of Kent Public Health Observa- Maidstone Council-sponsored 01622 690290 tory’s Health and Social  12-page Borough Update in the 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent Care Maps. 16 centre pages. Frank’s Restaurant & Mussel Bar Steak Every Night! PROBABLY THE BEST ON YOUR DOORSTEP!

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2 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Care service must improve Call to protect road’s A MAIDSTONE service providing care for people in their own home- shas been told by a Government in- spector it needs to improve. cherry trees from axe Homecare Unique Ltd, at Brennan Mews, Buckland Road, received a RESIDENTS in Salisbury Road, Chittenden has funded the replace- routine inspection from the Care Maidstone want their street made ment of about 40 trees and is com- Quality Commission. The inspector part of a conservation area after mitted to replacing five more trees rated the service as good in terms of two cherry trees were chopped in Holland Road, Curzon Road, how caring and responsive it was to down without warning. Crayford Close and people’s needs, but said safety, its ef- Homeowner Pat Walsh was hor- Road before April next year. fectiveness and management rified when she woke one morning Although he suspects he has no needed further attention. to find KCC workmen taking down funds left in his devolved budget, The inspector noted that enough one of the trees outside her home – Residents of Salisbury Road enjoy he has offered to make re-planting while a dead one remained stand- in Salisbury Road a priority in the staff were employed to meet the views of cherry blossom in spring needs placed on the service, adding: ing at the far end of the street. next financial year. “People’s health was monitored and Pat and her husband Liam have “These types of defect are usually Mr and Mrs Walsh believed the health care professionals were in- lived in Salisbury Road for the past an indication that there is a problem tree outside their home was not dis- volved to make sure they remained 13 years and she said: “The tree was between the roots and the stem of eased, but Cllr Chittenden said he as healthy as possible. People also one of the reasons we bought the the tree, or root death. was satisfied, having seen photos told us staff stayed for the length of house. It was home to a whole host “The trees in Salisbury Road are and spoken to the arboriculturist, time allocated and were caring.” of birds – sparrows, starlings and neither covered by a tree preserva- that it was affected by die-back. Users received their medicines crows. We’ve even had a baby jay tion order, nor were they situated in Mrs Walsh said: “We try to do our safely and staff did everything they and a crested tit – birds which are a conservation area, so we will not bit for the environment – surely we could to protect residents’ privacy. on the RSPB’s conservation lists.” be planting any replacement trees.” should be preserving trees, not However, the inspector noted the KCC say the trees were inspected KCC’s remit for tree work only chopping them down?” provider’s safeguarding policy did and found to be diseased. They covers safety issues and removal of Erica Longdon, who now faces a not have up-to-date guidance on re- only inform residents if more than dead and dying trees which could stark-looking stump instead of a porting abuse; safe recruitment pro- three trees are due to be felled. put the public at risk. mature tree, said: “The cherry trees cedures had not always been A spokesman said: “The tree out- Residents hope they and neigh- are a feature of this area and one of followed and staff were not aware of side No 52 had a large dead section bours in Curzon Road and St the reasons people choose to live their responsibilities in relation to over the carriageway and severe Luke’s Road can create a conserva- here. They create a spectacular dis- the Mental Capacity Act 2005. crown dieback, while a second tree, tion area to protect the remaining play in the spring. We need to make The service was rated as requiring outside No 21, had major dead- trees. sure no more are axed without improvement. wood and 50% crown dieback. In the meantime, KCC Cllr Ian proper consultation.” no fix no fee pc repair All Windows machines fixed Computers & Laptops • Data Retrieval • Laptop screen repair • Upgrades/Repairs • Anti-Virus / Spyware • Broadband / Routers / Firewalls • Wireless / WiFi Network Solutions • Competitive Rates • DC power jack repair

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Maidstone Town November 2015 3 News downsmail.co.uk Teenagers help young minds Gateway’s future at risk A CHARITY has been fundraising to encourage positive attitudes to mental health among the young. as KCC considers move As part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) a group of young people, led by Mahria Hafiz, took KENT County Council is poised to chairman of Citizens Advice Maid- part in a cake sale at Cornwallis leave Maidstone Council in the stone, said the CAB service was Academy, a pub quiz at The Bell lurch with news it might pull out of well-used in the Gateway, being in pub in and a hand car the Maidstone Gateway. an ideal location. He feared the pro- wash at The Bell, raising a total of The Gateway, designed to offer a posed move would make the KCC £216.15. The Bearsted pub featured “one-stop shop” of services to the services less accessible. in the fundraising because one of community, including advice on He said: “Not every problem can the team is the daughter of the pub- housing, benefits and council tax, is set the unprecedented financial chal- be sorted on the telephone or lican. on King Street, close to the bus sta- lenge faced by the council. through a computer. Mahria said: “The NCS chal- tion and The Mall shopping centre. “If, following this consultation, we “The present Maidstone Gateway lenges young people from different KCC contributes half the property decide to relocate away from the is ideally situated being just above backgrounds to work together. I costs of the building – £162,000 per Gateway we will deliver our face-to- the bus station and next to extensive am involved with the Charlton Ath- year – and provides or commissions face services from other KCC build- parking. The alternatives being con- letic Community Trust, an organi- the Kent-supported employment ings in Maidstone. sidered, such as the Kent Library sation that delivers the NCS clinics, the health trainer service, an “We would ensure that those who and History Centre or County Hall, programme. Age UK helpdesk and a deaf serv- currently use the Gateway to meet are far less accessible.” “This team believed strongly that ices drop-in clinic. our staff for specific services and KCC will finalise its decision in the mental health issues among the However, KCC has decided that clinics will still be able to do so.” new year. young was an important cause and keeping its services in the Gateway KCC argues that of the 50,406 A spokesman for Maidstone raised money for YoungMinds, a does not represent best value for recorded visits to the Gateway in Council said: “We remain commit- charity providing helpline services money and is considering relocating 2014, only 4% (2,919) were for KCC ted to providing excellent customer and case workers for young people its services and withdrawing its services or those that it commissions services, including face-to-face facil- with issues like depression and funding. or funds. This equates to more than ities for people who need them. We anxiety. It has launched a 12-week consul- £55 for each visitor. are looking at options, including an- “Their efforts were impressive tation on the proposal to move its The remaining visits were for other public sector partnership, to and we had a lot of positive re- services to other public buildings in Maidstone Council services (88%) continue to provide services from sponses from local people.” Maidstone from October next year. and 8% for other partner organisa- the Gateway.” Bryan Sweetland, KCC’s cabinet tions, such as the Citizens Advice The online link to the consultation member for commercial services, can be found at http://consulta- Read the Downs Mail online Bureau, HMRC, Victim Support or at www.downsmail.co.uk said: “Relocating KCC services from the Royal British Legion. tions.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/maid- FREE Maidstone Gateway will help to off- County Cllr Rob Bird, who is also stonegateway/consultationHome

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4 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Christmas day crash conviction A DRIVER who caused a Christ- Debbie (46) and her mother Patricia mas Day crash, leaving three peo- Leach (67), who were heading home ple with life-threatening injuries, after Christmas celebrations with has been jailed for two and a half family in York Road, were all badly years. injured. Jason Peachey (22) crashed his car Mr Walter (54), who runs Head- into an oncoming vehicle in Sutton corn Gifts and Music, had a broken Road, Maid- breastbone, fractured ribs and frac- stone near the tures to his heel and ankle. Mrs Wal- police head- ter (46) had a fractured spine and quarters, on shoulder, cuts and bruising. December 25 Mrs Walter’s mother, 67-year-old last year. Pat Leach from Biddenden, had a His Vauxhall life-threatening head injury, broken Astra was on sternum, fractures to her spine, ribs the wrong side and pelvis, a severed artery and was of the road in hospital for seven weeks. when it hit a Peachey was also injured in the Peugeot 208 containing three peo- collision but managed to flee the ple. scene and throw away his car keys. Peachey, of Leesons Hill, Orping- He was discovered the following ton admitted three counts of caus- day at Maidstone hospital, being ing injury by dangerous driving and treated for a fractured spine and failing to stop at an accident. sternum. Peachey (pictured) was heading Peachey was jailed for two-and-a- towards Maidstone town centre half years by Maidstone Crown shortly after 10pm on Christmas Court and banned from driving for Day when he tried to overtake a car, four years and three months. which was travelling at about Investigating officer PC Guy 25mph. Ditcher, from ’s Serious Witnesses reported seeing him Collision Investigation Unit, said: travelling well over the 30mph “The impact of this crash, caused by speed limit shortly before the acci- Peachey’s reckless driving, was dent happened. huge and it’s fortunate that there As he crossed the white central were no fatalities. line to overtake, he lost control of “I would like to thank them for the car and hit a garden wall before their help in bringing this man to hitting the oncoming Peugeot. justice. The roads are safer with men The driver of the Peugeot, like this off them and I welcome the Tel 01622 296370296370 / 0707809809 556355634747 Christopher Walter (54), his wife driving ban on top of his prison sen- 447 TonbridgeTonbridge Road,Road, Barming,Barming, Maidstone,Maidstone, Kent.K ent. ME16 8N8NJJ OpenOpen Mon – FriFri – 7.30am7.30am – 5.00pm5.00pm & SSaturdayaturday – 88.00am.00am – 112.00pm2.00pm Welly walk to help hospice PULL on your boots and join The Welly Walk, a family event in association with Maidstone Riverside Rotary to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice on Sunday, November 29. Walkers can explore the footpaths of the North Downs Way on a three-, five- or six-mile circular route from the Kent Showground in Detling, where there will be refreshments and entertainment. Other features of the day include a treasure trail with a prize for every child, a best-dressed welly competition, welly-tossing and a hog roast. Tickets are £7 for adults and £3 for under 18s. Family tickets are available for £18 (two adults, two children) and £21 (two

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Maidstone Town November 2015 5 News downsmail.co.uk Car parks ‘lost to developers’ THE loss of business car parks to weekends leading up to Christmas development is changing the face by the Rotary Club of Maidstone, of town centre parking – and one whose loss could see donations re- worrying side effect is a reduction duce from £5,000 to £2,000 this sea- Water play gift for children in donations to local charities. son. WATER has taken on a new meaning for children at Five Acre Wood Developers are taking over Unless other parks belatedly be- Primary School in Maidstone, thanks to a donation from South East empty outdated office buildings come available, Rotary parking this Water’s Community Chest Fund. and gaining planning permissions year will be reduced to: The school for children with learning difficulties received a £2,000 grant for change of use, often to residen-  Victoria Court, opposite Haynes to buy a Niagara water tray. This helps to stimulate senses and promote tial flats or apartments. in Ashford Road. physical and social development. Many of these buildings have car  Whitehead Monckton, solicitors, Jane Gardiner, fundraiser for Friends of Five Acre Wood School, said: parking attached and much of this 74 King Street. “Not only does the water tray provide sensory experiences, it also teaches is disappearing to meet the heavy  Chaucer House, Knightrider children cause and effect as they are able to see how water reacts when it demand for residential or other Street – available for the first time. is moved through a series of dams. commercial uses. Rotary members and friends will “The tray is very popular, helping build social and relationship skills as the Most significant recent substan- man the three parks from 8.30am to children play and learn together.” tial losses have been at: 4pm on five days: December 5, 12, South East Water’s Community Chest Fund for 2015 is open and  Kent House, Romney Place – 13, 19 and 20 and parkers will be in- applications can be made through the website before midnight on October now to be converted to flats with vited to donate to local charities. 31. Info: www.southeastwater.co.uk/communitychest the car park off Mote Road Rotary co-ordinator and past contracted out to a commercial car president Robert Wicken (tele- park operator. phone 07976 360322), said: “The  The Corpus Christie town’s car park policy will cer- Training for homes advisers development at the junction of tainly damage our charitable col- NEIGHBOURHOOD advisers working for Golding Homes, who deal Pudding Lane and Earl Street. lections – and I fear the cumulative with the company’s tenancy issues, have completed their BTEC level Both these large car parks have impact will be harmful to town cen- 3 qualification in anti-social behaviour management. been used for charity parking in the tre Christmas trade.” The training coincided with the introduction of the Anti Social Crime and Policing Act 2014. Head of neighbourhoods Juliet Knott said: “Even experienced members of staff were able to learn new For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk things. It means our knowledge and skills are bang up to date.” 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. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced Window and door hinges Thank you for the excellent product and efficient installation of our front porch. and stays “ A large congratulations for the co-ordination of survey, floor laying, door ordering, Leak and draught repairs supplying & fixing is very much appreciated ” Mrs Jupp - Orpington We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering & Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating 22 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

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Maidstone Town November 2015 7 News downsmail.co.uk Young target of phone scams Pupils are rewarded UNDER 25s are being warned to beware of phone scams, after it was revealed that almost a sixth of young people would willingly au- for their dedication thorise false money transfers. Young adults are far more likely NEARLY a dozen youngsters from to fall prey to the fraudsters than Maidstone are through to the na- their parents or grandparents, it has tional finals of the coveted Try been revealed. Angle Awards, celebrating inspi- Nearly one in six of those aged rational achievement. 18-25 who have a bank account told The winners were announced at a survey that they would willingly a ceremony hosted by the young authorise a money transfer into a people and staff of West Kent safe account if someone they be- Early Help and Preventative Serv- lieved worked for their bank in- ices at The Hazlitt Theatre at- structed them to do so. tended by the mayors from The school council from Maplesden Noakes School with its award The terminology “safe account” is Maidstone, Tonbridge & Malling used by fraudsters and would and Tunbridge Wells. Music – Nelson Sinclair-Strong, mentor and supports other young never be used by a bank. Youngsters aged 11-18 were en- from Oakwood Park School, careers. A spokesman for Kent Trading tered in a variety of categories. gained grade 8 in clarinet and Personal development – Holly Standards said: “Often criminals, Nominees included the school piano. Anne Terry, has completed her In- posing as a bank, will instruct a cus- council at Maidstone's Maplesden Sport and outdoor – Alice Hill, dependent Travel Training to free tomer that their account is under Noakes School, which received a from Invicta Grammar School, her from her former dependence threat and will encourage you to Try Angle award for their com- plays squash for Kent and has on assisted transport. transfer money into a new safe ac- munity action work with its Grab competed and coached alongside Positive intervention – Infozone count which is actually the fraud- the Garbage initiative. Chair Tom her classical studies. Maidstone. Amelia Henderson sters’ account.” Judd said: “We felt honoured to Community action – Mia Denyer, and Jade Howlett help to run ses- “If you, or anyone you know, is receive this nomination and to be an active member of Maidstone sions for young people. contacted by someone claiming to noticed for what we have been Youth Forum and a volunteer at Courage – Stephanie Avraamides be from your bank, uses the term trying to do.” Switch Youth Cafe. has two serious medical condi- safe account and asks you to trans- Winners from Maidstone were: Young carers – Josie Skivington, a tions which mean she is in con- fer money into another account; it is Arts – Zoe Hossack (15), who was registered young carer since the stant pain. In spite of this, she likely to be a scam and you should diagnosed with autistic spectrum age of eight when she started car- attends Invicta Grammar School report it to KCC Trading Standards disorder but has worked to de- ing for her mum and brother Kyle. full time, her academic achieve- or the Citizens’ Advice consumer velop her skills in tapestry, cro- Josie is a trained first-aider, a vol- ment is excellent and she always service on 03454 040506.” chet, felt, model, and rag crafts. unteer on the Urban Bus, a peer wears a smile.

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10 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk News

MAIDSTONE’S PREMIER BED CENTRE

W D INN R I A N

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Sleeping out to SPRING-WITHIN-SPRING TECHNOLOGY help homeless

MEMBERS of 17 Maidstone people as well as offering advice churches slept out for a night to and support. raise awareness and funds for The sponsored sleepout raised in homeless people. excess of £5,000 which will be di- Volunteers bedded down with vided between the two charities. sleeping bags and cardboard as Archdeacon of Maidstone, The protection against a dry but cold Ven Stephen Taylor, who led the night to raise awareness of the event, said: “The sleepout was to churches’ Winter Shelter scheme, help launch the recruitment of vol- which offers safe, warm protection unteers for this year’s Maidstone Harrisons for rough sleepers during the Churches Winter Shelter. BED TAILOR range worst of the winter months. “The shelter has a strong Chris- The volunteers heard from peo- tian ethos with genuine compas- ple who had turned their lives sion and warm hospitality at its around with the support of the heart. While the churches provide HD AIRFLOW scheme and Homeless Care, which the venue, it is the volunteers who %MV¾S[HSIWI\EGXP][LEXMXWREQIWYKKIWXW operates the Maidstone Day Cen- provide the companionship and GLERRIPPMRKEMVXLVSYKLXLIQEXXVIWW½PPMRKW tre and meets the many practical help guests regain a sense of dig- needs of homeless and vulnerable nity and hope.” ERHHMVIGXMRKMXMRXSXLIWYVJEGI 8LMWEPSRK[MXLWTIGMEPEMVZIRXWLIPTWXLI QEXXVIWWXSFVIEXLIOIITMRKXLI½FVIWJVIWL Where you can offer help ERHHV][LEXIZIVXLIWIEWSR SEVEN churches will be participat- ing for more volunteers to ensure ing in the third year of Maidstone’s that 15 needy people can be helped Winter Shelter for the homeless, every night. Help is needed to set which runs between December 14 up the venues, prepare and serve and March 6. meals, welcome and engage with They will offer overnight accom- guests, serve breakfast and clear up %[EVH[MRRMRK7TVMRK[MXLMR modation, meals and company at at the end of the night. EWTVMRKWMQTP]TVSZMHIWHSYFPIXLIGSQJSVX St Luke’s in St Luke’s Road, Baptist “We also need some special vol- Church in Knightrider Street, unteers prepared to go the extra Quaker Meeting House in Union mile and give up some sleep to Street, Maidstone Family Church in man the shelter overnight,” say the Road, United Reformed in organisers. Week Street, Salvation Army in “In addition, we would be grate- Union Street and the Methodist ful for any donations of money, Church in Tonbridge Road. food and warm clothing to help us This year similar accommodation help these needy people.” will be provided on some days by Food and clothing can be taken to Maidstone Day Centre in the Salvation Army Citadel. Knightrider Street. If you can help call 01622 961616 The organisers at Maidstone or online or go to www.maid- Churches Winter Shelter are look- stoneshelter.org.uk. Huge selection of beds, mattresses, Banned driver back in court headboards & bedsteads A MAN who committed a string of motoring offences in Maidstone Experienced team offering expert has been told he will go to prison if he fails to keep a clean record for the next year. helpful advice Twenty-two-year-old Daniel Warnes admitted dangerous driv- Tailor made & bespoke options available ing, not having insurance and failing to provide a breath specimen at Junction 8 of the M20 in May last year. In September this year, he drove a VW Polo in Beauworth Park, Maidstone, while serving a driving ban and without insurance. www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk Warnes, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Mid Kent Magis- trates’ Court to 90 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, and or- 01622 753073 dered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work. Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF

Maidstone Town November 2015 11 News downsmail.co.uk Concern over plan to close home THE future provision of respite care for the elderly in Maidstone could be in jeopardy after a pro- posal to close a care home deemed “not fit for purpose”. KCC wants to hear the views of Paul Coles (pictured), chief execu- services. It is one of four similar “We are confident that there is suf- residents about its plan to close the tive of Age UK Maidstone, said: “We properties under the spotlight in the ficient alternative accommodation in Dorothy Lucy Centre in Northum- are obviously concerned about the consultation and KCC says it is the Maidstone and Faversham areas berland Road, Shepway, along with provision of services for the elderly working with providers and other for the residents of the Dorothy Lucy another home in Faversham. The in the borough but our major con- stakeholders to develop alternative Centre and Kiln Court. money saved would be ploughed cern is for the fu- services, which would offer flexible, “Respite care is critical and will back into improving care for service- ture of respite quality care and independence to continue to be offered. This will be users in their own homes. provision in the older people. either through the provision of KCC say there is just one perma- town. Graham Gibbens, KCC cabinet respite care beds or day care, which nent resident at the Dorothy Lucy “While improv- member for adult social care and is a form of respite care. Centre at present and that the home ing services at public health, said: “We propose to “During the consultation period is not fit-for-purpose in the long- home is laudable, close two of our homes because they we will be determining the viability term. this does not give are under-used and the buildings of block-booking beds in care homes However, the centre offers respite respite to families cannot provide quality care without for respite, and alternative provision care for dozens of families across the and carers facing significant investment. of day care and talking to our town – leaving a question mark over round-the-clock care for their de- “The buildings were not designed providers. Any provision can only the future of this valuable service. pendants.” to meet the current and future needs be secured for the Dorothy Lucy It also provides two day centres – The Dorothy Lucy Centre is a 28- of older people who continue to Centre replacement after the deci- for people with dementia and those bed unit built in 1985 for general present with complex needs requir- sion has been taken regarding the fu- with high-end needs. frailty and dementia respite and day ing more specialist modern facilities. ture of the service.” Moves to solve bed-blocking Celebrate the best in borough Continued from page one THE people of Maidstone are invited circumstances A trust spokesman said: “We are to nominate their good neighbours,  Star innovator – a company, confident of seeing further improve- friends and colleagues with the re- group or individual who has inno- ments that benefit patients at all turn of Celebrate Maidstone. vated within the town, bringing a stages of their care. The popular community initiative, new direction, idea or experience “Delayed transfers of care have to celebrate the town’s unsung he- with an impact for years to come risen steadily over the last six roes, is seeking nominations for its (vote open to elected councillors). months. It is important for our pa- Star of Maidstone awards, with the taken time to improve others Organiser Neil Pattison said: “This tients’ future well-being that they are winners attending a gala event in (sports, performing arts or busi- will be our fourth award ceremony able to leave hospital when they are March 2016. ness) and we’re looking forward to meet- medically fit and safe to do so. This year, new nomination cate-  Star community – outstanding ing and celebrating more of the peo- “We have met with Kent County gories include: contribution to your local Maid- ple who make our town a better Council and welcome their latest  Star visitor experience – out- stone community place to live.” and on-going efforts to rapidly meet standing place to visit in Maidstone  Star business contribution –a Online nominations are being any social care needs patients may  Star customer experience – business or person contributing to taken until January 11, 2016. If you have when they leave our hospitals. leaving you with a special con- Maidstone's health and wealth know someone who deserves an “We will not now as a conse- sumer experience (retail,  Star lionheart – 15-year-old, or award, go to www.celebratemaid- quence of these positive on-going restaurant, leisure) under, who has changed or stone.org.uk. Tickets for the gala moves be seeking reimbursement to  Star mentor – someone who has effected change, despite adverse evening, priced £35, are also on sale. support the on-going care needs of patients while they are in hospital waiting for different social care packages to be put in place.” A spokesman for KCC said: “In Rogue traders target vulnerable light of the pressures experienced in Maidstone we have been able to POLICE are urging homeowners in carried out, but settled on £600. carried out it is best to obtain a quote progress an additional service to Maidstone to be on their guard and A roofing expert later confirmed or get a second quote from a recog- support people in their own home. to keep a watchful eye out for vul- there was no problem with the nised firm. This is in the form of a recuperative nerable neighbours after rogue house or its roof. Sgt Stevens added: “Above all, do home care service. We will continue traders tried to charge an elderly Sergeant Tristan Stevens said: not pay anyone for work before it is to work with our health colleagues couple £28,000 for work to their roof. “Most people who call at our homes carried out, and certainly never go to to meet the needs of patients when Officers are investigating the inci- will be genuine, but sometimes they the bank to draw out cash if a lift is they are ready to leave hospital.” dent after a report that the Shepway turn up unannounced and try to ei- offered by the people who knock on couple had accepted an offer from ther trick their way inside to steal the door. Community day three men to clear their gutters for valuables and money, or offer serv- “Remember that traders must give £10. But after starting the work, they ices or goods that are nowhere near you written notice of your right to FANT Community Fair is at St informed the couple there was a acceptable. seven days’ cancellation when Michael’s Church Hall in Tonbridge problem with the roof that would “Rogue traders prey on the elderly agreeing to do work at your home, Road on Saturday, October 24. cost £1,000 to fix. and vulnerable so I would encour- including work gained from a cold There will be representatives The couple paid £200 upfront for age everyone to be good neighbours call.” from community organisations in- materials, but when the men re- and keep an eye on anyone you be-  Sign up to the Trading Standards cluding the Children’s Centre, turned the next day they warned lieve may be at risk.” email alert system at Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Congo that the roof was on the verge of col- Anyone in doubt about the cre- www.kent.gov.uk to receive up- Action, and Fant Wildlife Group. lapse and would cost £28,000 to re- dentials of a caller should contact dates on the latest scams. Entry is free and refreshments place. When the traders’ request for Trading Standards with the vehicle  Call the Citizens Advice con- will be available, with proceeds a £5,000 deposit was refused, one of details, company name, contact de- sumer service on 03454 040506 to going to local charities. There is free the men is reported to have de- tails and any other information. report problems involving sus- parking for up to two hours. manded £1,000 for the work already Before allowing any work to be pected rogue traders.

12 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Clamp down on scammers Selling homes in Maidstone since 1982 A HIGH-profile campaign is 30,000 scam letters were removed being launched in Maidstone to from her home. alert residents to the dangers of “Her family tried to make her scammers. understand she was being Recent research has revealed that scammed but the psychology the scammers are making more than criminals used was so powerful £10 billion per year from a variety that she refused to believe it,” said of scams, tricking unsuspecting Martin. householders out of their savings Although scammers tend to tar- and hard-earned cash. get the elderly and vulnerable, no- The youngest known victim in body is immune, he said. In one SELLING Maidstone is 47 and the eldest aged part of the country, a 17-year-old 98 – but many victims are so em- was tricked into parting with barrassed at having been duped, money. they are unwilling to admit it. Kent County Council and the YOUR HOME? Martin Sherwood (pictured), Trading Standards Institute have community joined forces with Action Fraud in There’s a reason why we sell our warden for the “Think Jessica” campaign and Bearsted, Har- Martin, along with other commu- properties faster than the rietsham and nity wardens, has advisory leaflets , spent on the differing types of scam. competition and it’s not just to two hours with These include advice scams in- one elderly volving lottery and prize draws, do with the price. lady who said clairvoyancy, catalogue and she had been brochures, couriers, banks and too afraid and building societies, PPI, parcel de- Every one of our viewings is embarrassed to tell her family what livery and prize-holding. had happened. If you have been caught out once, conducted by an experienced He said: “It’s important that the dangers intensify as scammers these things are talked about make lists of the people they have member of our team who are all openly in families so everyone is tricked – called “suckers lists” – aware of what is going on and which they then sell to other scam- conversant with your home. what kind of tricks are out there. A mers worldwide, resulting in more reluctance to discuss it is one sure mail and fake phone calls. They sign that something is going on even create convincing websites. WE MAKE EVERY and people need to be aware of Martin said: “You do not have to that.” get into any discussions over the Information packs, including a phone with anyone – and never VIEWING COUNT DVD, are available as part of a na- give out personal information. tionwide alert “Think Jessica”, Keep your business your busi- based on the story of one elderly ness.” No tie in contract lady who was conned out of cash. The Maidstone community war- Plus Jessica was repeatedly tricked dens are happy to spend time ex- No extra charges into sending cash and making plaining the types of scams to money transfers to criminals in the concerned residents. Details of space of five years. When she died, your local warden can be found on We charge just 1% + VAT aged 83, she was still waiting for the KCC website, her promised prizes – and almost www.kent.gov.uk. Free EPC’s for new instructions received by Motorcyclist killed on M25 A MAIDSTONE motorcyclist was killed in a collision on the M25 in December 2015 Essex, near the Dartford crossing. Paul Garner (53) was involved in an accident with an HGV. Stana Caltun (35) from Romania was charged with causing death by dan- Call us today gerous driving and remanded to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 23. Office Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN Road closed for gas works Tel: 01622 671200 BOWER Lane will be closed from Upper Fant Road to outside numbers 46-48 and Upper Fant Road will be closed from Bower Lane to outside the Bearsted Office Spar store for up to 10 days from October 30 for work on gas mains. Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ The one-way order on Bower Lane will also be reversed to allow for ac- cess. The alternative route for Bower Lane southbound traffic is via Bower Place and Bower Lane, and for northbound traffic is via Florence Road, Tel: 01622 737800 Charles Street, Westree Road, A26 Tonbridge Road, St Michael’s Road and Upper Fant Road. www.ferrisandco.net The alternative route for Upper Fant Road is via St Michael’s Road, A26 Tonbridge Road, A20 Terrace Road/London Road, A26 Tonbridge Road, Westree Road, Charles Street, Florence Road and Bower Lane.

Maidstone Town November 2015 13 News downsmail.co.uk Work order for serial thief Stones’ turnover up as A HABITUAL thief was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after being sentenced at Mid Kent Magistrates Court. they look to expand Aaron Jones (19) from Square Hill Road, Maidstone, admitted seven TURNOVER at Maidstone United counts of theft from a vehicle and a FC during their third season back count of fraud by false representa- in the county town was up, tion. although profits were slightly He stole a sat nav system from a down. vehicle in Brogden Crescent, Maid- Maidstone United Holdings Ltd, stone and items worth £800 from a which groups together all of the vehicle in Green Lane, Boughton club’s business activities, reported a Monchelsea. He stole a saw and ash- turnover of £1.36m – up from £1.26m tray worth £150 from a vehicle in in the previous period. Gross profit Wykeham Grove, Leeds, and a dash ignoring tax, interest and amortisa- third season's trading. We will con- stadium to comply with league re- cam, a hands-free kit and an MP3 tion was £245,000, slightly down on tinue to be prudent in order to en- quirements is likely to be an on- player worth £175 from a vehicle in the £289,000 achieved in the previ- sure the club is secure and going challenge as the club seek to the same road. In Grasslands, Lang- ous period. sustainable. We see in these figures fulfil their medium-term ambition to ley, he stole a wallet, CDs, a drill and More than 1,000 season tickets further evidence of the success of the return to the Football League, ac- a sat nav worth £280 from a vehicle were sold last season and atten- 3G model in building an attractive cording to fellow co-owner Terry and items including CDs and keys, dances for league matches went up a sat nav, and cash from two others. football and social facility, which is Casey, who said: “We are very for- more than 10% on the previous year, appreciated by thousands of local tunate to have a growing supporter He then spent £18.14 at a restaurant but the increased turnover was in Maidstone on a stolen card. people. base, with plenty of enthusiastic mainly due to additional income “We now need to build up cash re- youngsters, who feel a real attach- He was ordered to carry out 200 from the FA Cup run, which in- hours of unpaid work, pay £562 sources even faster if we are to de- ment to their club. cluded two televised matches. velop the stadium further. It will be “We can look back with satisfac- compensation, a £180 courts charge, Player wages were higher last sea- £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. a hugely expensive project. In par- tion at what has been achieved and son, as the club sought promotion to ticular we now need more local com- the sound base that we have to move the National League South, knowing panies to come on board together this club on to the next level.” Elves needed this could bring significant grants for with our existing business partners All spare cashflow from profits SANTA arrives at The Mall on Sat- stadium improvements. and share the benefits from the pos- and reserves has been reinvested in urday, November 21 but he has a Announcing the financial results, itive image we now have as a club the extension project, which has shortage of elves. Send applications club co-owner Oliver Ash said: “We and business.” achieved the 3,000 capacity neces- (with CV) to [email protected]. are pleased with the results of our The need to keep expanding the sary should the club gain promotion. Soccer tribute to Paul Bag thief posed A CHARITY match will be held in memory of Paul Gallihawk (34) who died at Leybourne Lakes, Larkfield while competing in his as police officer first triathlon. The family event has been organ- A COLD-caller posing as a police the garden but after he left she re- ised by Whitehawks FC, which officer is reported to have stolen a alised her bag had gone. Paul (pictured) set up two years ago handbag from a woman in her 90s The second, almost identical in- and friends including Maidstone in Maidstone. cident, involving a woman in her United manager, Jay Saunders. Kent Police is now warning 80s, happened after 9am on Sun- The Legacy of Paul Gallihawk people to be aware of the scam day, October 4 and may be linked. Testimonial Match will kick off at following the incident in Valley Investigating officer Detective the Gallagher Stadium on Friday, Drive and another in Tonbridge. Constable Andy Julier said: “If November 13 at 7.30pm, with pro- The incident in Maidstone is re- you are in any doubt as to a per- ceeds going to King’s College Hos- ported to have taken place shortly son’s credentials, close the door pital, London and Epilepsy UK. after 12.30pm on Wednesday, Sep- and contact the police immedi- Paul, of Postmill Drive, Tovil, tember 30. ately.” who had epilepsy, drowned during The elderly woman opened her Anyone with information is the 750m swimming leg of the donated by local firms and a silent door to a man claiming to be a po- asked to call 01622 604100 or email triathlon in August, while raising auction where people can bid on lice officer, who told her a neigh- west.division.media.appeals@ken money for King’s College Hospital, soccer memorabilia such as signed bour’s house had been burgled t.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference where his father was treated. shirts and footballs and a donation and that he wanted to see if the YY/19687/15 for the Maidstone in- The football evening will include from Tottenham Hostspur. Tickets suspect could have got in via her cident or YY/19940/15 for that in a bar, disco and raffle with prizes are £5 and gates open at 6.30pm. garden. Tonbridge. Alternatively, call The elderly woman invited him Kent Crimestoppers anony- Work order after theft spree inside to show him the layout of mously on 0800 555111. AMAIDSTONE manhasbeen banned from driving for almost four years Childminder’s care assessed after pleading guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. Jack McCann (24), from Parkwood Parade, Maidstone, was stopped while A SHEPWAY childminder pro- bust” risk assessment procedures. driving a Vauxhall Corsa in Sutton Road, Maidstone, with no insurance on vides a happy environment where He was said to be enthusiastic and May 28 this year. He gave a breath test of 60mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. children receive good quality educa- understood how children learn The legal limit is 35mg. tion and care, according to an Ofsted through play. He appeared at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court where he was banned from inspector. The inspector said Mr Hill could driving for 46 months and given a six-month curfew to remain at home be- Kevin Hill, of Cornwall Close, was improve his provision by making tween 9pm and 5am daily. He must also pay a £150 criminal courts charge, said to have a good understanding the most of the outside learning en- £100 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. of safeguarding and followed “ro- vironment.

14 Maidstone Town November 2015 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk The ESO Clinic - Kent’s Largest Osteopathic Practice

The European School Osteopathic Council about regulation of the Patients attending of Osteopathy (ESO) (GOsC), who regulate profession is available the teaching and post operates a fully the profession. RQ on the GOsC website graduate clinics benefit ESO regulated healthcare status means the www.osteopathy.org.uk. from a full consultation teaching and post academic and clinical and appraisal of their Clinic The ESO Clinic, based presenting problem; graduate clinic, teaching services on Tonbridge Road, offering osteopathy for operate according to a staff and osteopathic has been providing low students alike focus on Offering a full range of osteopathic patients in and around defined set of cost osteopathic treatments, with specialist clinics for: Maidstone. The standards and all ESO providing the highest treatments to the quality patient oriented osteopathic tutors and osteopathic Maidstone community care for people suffering programme at the ESO staff are fully • Maternity since 1978; on average, with a wide range of has ‘RQ’ Status from registered with the 20,000 treatments are problems and • Children the General GOsC. Information provided each year. conditions. We aim to • Sports get patients to help themselves as well as • MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound working alongside other healthcare NEW: Postgraduate Visceral Clinic professions where necessary to ensure To book call 01622 685989 or for more patients receive the information visit www.eso.ac.uk/clinic right approach for them as an individual. Please call 01622 685989 to discuss whether osteopathy can help and visit our facebook page ‘ESOClinic’ for regular updates about the Clinic, osteopathy and how it can help you.

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Maidstone Town November 2015 15 News | Health downsmail.co.uk

Smoking breaks YOU are most likely to smoke if Your health according you live in the High Street, North, East, Shepway South or Park Wood wards. The five areas of urban Maid- to where you live ... stone contain parts in which more than 35% of over 15s smoke. By contrast, Allington, Barming ADULTS over 65 are more likely to seek help for mental health issues in and Loose had a smoking preva- lence of less than 20%, along with west Maidstone than any other part of the borough. , Coxheath, During 2014, more than 16% of highest number of over 65s with  Almost one in three (30%) of , Nettlestead, , elderly residents from Bridge ward elective – booked – hospital admis- year 6 children in the borough are , , were in contact with mental health sions (54%), while Fant and North obese or overweight. Bearsted, , Harriet- services, compared to the Kent and Downs wards (30%) had the  Maidstone has some of the sham, Lenham and . Maidstone average of 7.5%. lowest. highest nitrogen oxide concentra- The next highest were those in  High Street and Shepway tions in Kent – particularly on Watching weight Fant (10%), Shepway North (9.3%), North (27%) had the highest routes from the town centre to SHEPWAY has the highest levels of High Street (9.2%) and Shepway emergency admission rates for over Tovil and the Tonbridge Road obesity in the Maidstone borough. South (9%) 65s, with Detling and Thurnham crossroads at Wateringbury. Its north and south wards had Those wards with the lowest (14%) the lowest.  Uptake of young people’s obesity rates of 28%, matched number were North Downs (4%)  Bridge (1%) had the highest preventative sexual health services only by parts of High Street and and Sutton Valence and Langley emergency admission rates for falls, is higher in Maidstone than else- Park Wood wards. These wards (4.1%). with North Downs (0.5%) lowest. where in West Kent. Maidstone has have a low consumption of fruit Other key findings for the period  Loose (1.1%) had the highest a higher chlamydia rate than Kent; and vegetables. 2012-2015 were: rate of hip or knee replacements, gonorrhoea has increased by 2.51% The areas with the lowest levels  Loose and Park Wood had the with East (0.03%) lowest. in West Kent. of obesity, less than 20%, were Bearsted and parts of Bridge and Fant wards. Fundamental needs should be addressed Drinking levels Continued from page one fore they can contemplate ad- West Kent is expected to see an BINGE drinking is most prevalent A report before the GP-led West dressing associated lifestyles such increase of 22.4% (2,848 individu- in five urban wards. Kent NHS Clinical Commission- as diet, smoking and alcohol con- als) in those aged over 85 in the More than 20% of people in ing Group (CCG) highlights areas sumption. next five years and an increase of North, East, High Street, Fant and requiring collaborative working “The importance of education, 59.4% in those aged over 65 dur- South wards were said to be binge among partners “through joined- accessible information and serv- ing the next 20 years. drinkers, compared to 8%-12% in up commissioning and integrated ices to improve young people’s The CCG says there is a need to Barming, Loose, Yalding, Net- care”. outcomes still vary across the area. focus on the early 40-plus popula- tlestead, Laddingford, Coxheath, It states: “Those in more de- “A high number of people are tion now to prevent ill health Sutton Valence and Headcorn. prived communities often need a estimated to be living with undi- through addressing lifestyles, multi-agency approach to address agnosed conditions such as hy- early identification and pro-active All the above figures were fundamental needs such as hous- pertension, diabetes, COPD, self-management of diagnosed estimates from the Office for ing, clean air and employment be- depression and dementia.” conditions National Statistics (ONS). SECamb to Life-saving gift to ward CORNWALLIS Ward, at Maidstone Hospital has re- bring in GPs ceived a new ECG machine, paid for by the Maidstone UNDER-fire South East Coast Am- Hospital League of Friends. bulance Service has appointed a GP The equipment, which cost £3,375, will allow staff as medical director and West Kent to quickly monitor patients on the ward. CCG has been told this was likely Ward manager Karen Dixon said: “This ECG ma- to lead to a “culture change” in chine will be a vital asset to our ward, which we will services. be able to access quickly and easily from within our SECamb has also acknowledged own unit.” the benefit of having GPs in the Joyce Langton with ward co-ordinator Ann Carek, ward Joyce Langton, chairman of Maidstone Hospital NHS 111 control room and has manager Karen Dixon and volunteers Margaret League of Friends, said: “We are very pleased to pro- been encouraged to fund this dur- Tunbridge and Helen Newman vide the ECG machine to Cornwallis Ward.” ing the winter months. GP-led CCGs in the South East have been expressing concerns Help floods in for refugee children about the quality and management of ambulance services. OFFERS of help and donations have vide volunteers or items young peo- been in touch with us.” The service will be “disaggre- been flooding in for the unaccompa- ple might need, individuals have ap- For anyone still keen to donate gated” with separate services for nied asylum-seeking children who proached us offering items or even items, KCC suggests sports equip- Kent, Sussex and Surrey. have arrived in Kent. offering a room.” ment, easy-reading books to help More than 170 offers of help have As a result of offers from teachers with English lessons, board games, been received by the county council, to provide lessons, KCC is putting DVDs and, for younger refugee Crisis clinics ranging from foster care to football together a programme of learning in children, crayons and colouring CRISIS clinics could be established coaching and teaching, sports equip- its reception centres. books. for a six-month pilot scheme in ment, DVDs and children’s toys. Cllr Oakford said: “It is hum- At least 28 families living in Kent Maidstone and Tonbridge by West Cllr Peter Oakford, cabinet mem- bling to know there are so many have approached KCC to help with Kent CCG offering out-of-hours ber for specialist children’s services kind people and organisations will- fostering, plus many from outside. community-based resources for said: “We have been overwhelmed ing to help these young people who However, KCC cannot process ap- people aged 18 and over with seri- with the amazing generosity from arrive in our country seeking plications from outside the county ous mental health problems. The people all around the UK. Many refuge. I would like to say a big so these families have been given decision will be taken later this year. churches have called offering to pro- thank you to everyone who has details of their local authority.

16 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk Health | News Trusts’ trouble CHIEF executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Glenn Birthing song wins global Douglas expressed concern at the annual meeting that it was now surrounded by three trusts tackling severe problems after Care Quality audience for singer Clea Commission reports – Medway, East Kent and now East Sussex LOCAL singer-songwriter Clea Midwifery Practice, asked me to have been rated as inadequate and Llewellyn had an unlikely hit when a provide some unusual entertainment recommended for special meas- video starring her and a midwife by performing a song with her at the ures. went viral. conference I agreed, because the “This presents us with challenges The video gained 100,000 hits in issue is personal to me. and opportunities we have to 24 hours after being placed online. “We wrote new lyrics to the tune meet,” he said Clea – who has lived in Snodland of the Amy Winehouse hit ‘Rehab’, and worked in Maidstone – is known which turned it into a song about GP services locally for her albums and gigs, the birthing process and once a including running an open mic night video of this appeared online it got WEST Kent CCG is seeking to in Chatham, but she did not expect rapid shares in the birthing share with NHS England commis- worldwide attention when she community around the world. sioning (including the budget) of agreed to brighten up a conference “The message has resonated with primary care services (which in- for trainee midwives at the William mums around the world and clude GP practices) in Maidstone and the rest of West Kent. It be- Harvey Hospital. midwives, especially independent lieves this will lead to improve- Clea said: “Being a mum of two, organisations like Kent Midwifery ments in services to the local who has experienced both sides of Practice. audience.” public. the coin in terms of birth (natural “I never expected this attention The video can be seen on: birth and Caesarean), this subject is and the number of hits is still https://www.facebook.com/sophie.m close to my heart. So when Virginia growing, but I think it’s great that .harrell/videos/1015320128645587 SOS for staff Howes, of the independent Kent this message has found such an 5/?__mref=message_bubble A FREEDOM to Speak Up guardian has been appointed by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Over 5,000 babies born at centre Practice nurses NHS Trust to ensure all hospital TUNBRIDGE Wells Hospital and ing birth in a birth centre is as safe CONCERNS grow about re- staff are confident and encouraged Maidstone Hospital Birth Centre for women with an uncomplicated cruitment of GP practice nurses. to raise concerns. saw 5,625 babies born in 2014 – the pregnancy as in hospital. Since the West Kent CCG has been told The trust says it wants to pro- trust says “that is about 187 school [Maidstone] centre opened three there is a need to create an edu- mote highest standards of patient classes”. years ago more than 1,300 babies cational resource. care and business practices It added: “Research shows giv- have been born there. MirandaMirandaMiranda DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS SECOND HAND OPEN SPECIALIST REPAIRER FOR OVER 20 YEARS &VINTAGE MON-SAT ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED STORE 10-5PM Misted / Broken Glass Units, WE BUY & SELL Door & Window Handles, 07500 936088 Locks & Hinges 112a Week St, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1RH Down alleyway next to Mu Mu’s Restaurant Patio Door Wheels & Tracks SPARE PARTS SHOP

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Maidstone Town November 2015 17 Learning for life • Learning for life • Learning for life • Learning for life • Learning for life

Sixth Form open evening Tuesday 10th November 6pm - 9pm Talks by Head of Sixth Form at 7pm & 8pm “an exceptional learning experience” - 30 A Level & Pre U courses ([WHQGHGSURMHFWTXDOLʏFDWLRQ

“Outstanding personal OFSTED development” New Building Opening 2016

Oakwood Park Grammar School Oakwood Park Maidstone Kent ME16 8AH

01622 726683 [email protected] scan for directions www.opgs.org

Is your child due to start school in September 2016?

St Paul’s Infant School St Michael's C of E Infant School, Douglas Road, Hillary Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BS Maidstone Kent ME16 8ER Invites you to attend an Tel no: 01622 751398 Open Morning Open afternoon Friday 6th November 1.30pm until 2.45pm. For parents of children for September 2016 intake. "This is a good school." "The secure start in Reception classes helps them to develop good social and physical skills." St Michael’s CofE Infant School is outstanding. "Pupils achieve well before moving on to their next school." Ofsted May 2012 The school provides an extremely stimulating, caring and supportive environment where pupils thrive Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th and develop an enthusiasm for learning. November 2015 9.30 – 10.30 a.m. Our values of Friendship, Respect, Perseverance and Happiness creates a loving learning environment If you would like to book a visit please where the children are encouraged to live up to our Contact Mrs Webster on 01622 753322 E-mail [email protected] motto ‘Be the best you can be’

18 Maidstone Town November 2015 Learning for life • Learning for life • Learning for life • Learning for life • Learning for life

Archbishop Courtenay Primary School, Eccleston Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6QN Telephone: 01622 754666

OPEN AFTERNOON OPEN

THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2015 MORNINGS .org.uk 1.30 pm until 3.00 pm FOR 2016/17 INTAKE For parents of children for September 2016 intake To book your place A place to contact us: Archbishop Courtenay Primary School provides a T: 01622 808873 safe, secure and stimulating learning environment grow & excel for all children. The ‘State of the Art’ building and All our pupils have made exceptional progress in their first year with us. extensive school grounds allows for exciting and real ANNE ALLEN, HEADTEACHER life learning experiences to take place to enable all The school offers a warm and friendly environment. All staff are focused and

dedicated to ensure the children receive the best education possible. jubileeprimaryschool pupils to reach their potential. In June 2015 the We highly recommend Jubilee Primary School and are so pleased that we SIAMS Inspection Report concluded that Archbishop made the choice for our son to attend here. PARENT Courtenay Primary School was a “good” school and www. Ofsted in March 2014 reported that OPEN MORNING DATES Come to see our school at work and play. “Senior Leaders have improved teaching and 26th November 10:00am accelerated pupils’ progress at an impressive rate” 27th November 10:00am 10th December 10:00am 11th December 10:00am E: [email protected]

Maidstone Town November 2015 19 News downsmail.co.uk Driver banned ASHEPWAY mancaught driving with more than twice the legal New owner ready to amount of alcohol in his body has been banned for 22 months. Jay Stubberfield (24), of Hamp- shire Drive, was stopped in his Re- take over at nault Clio on the A26 at Hadlow on September 20. A breath test showed THE award-winning Kent Life kets and address other needs such he had 87mg of alcohol in 100ml of visitor attraction in Lock Lane, as education, lifelong learning and breath. The legal limit is 35mg. Sandling is poised to go under healthy living.” Stubberfield was also ordered by new management. A spokesman for Maidstone Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court to pay “Restrictive” conditions imposed Council said: “We have had an ex- a £110 fine, £150 criminal court by Maidstone Council during its cellent relationship with Contin- charges, £85 costs and a £20 victim tendering process mean Contin- uum, which has operated the site surcharge. uum, which has managed the park very successfully over the past few since 2008, has pulled out of its years. We have been through a contract as of November 30. competitive tendering process for Berry theft A new company – Hampshire- the contract to ensure best value A PARK Wood man has been given based Planning Solutions Ltd – for money.” a suspended prison sentence after which operates similar attractions The council said Planning Solu- stealing strawberries from a farm in in the UK and Europe, was due to tions would honour all wedding Boughton Monchelsea. be signed up to manage the park as bookings and annual passes, and Shane Dawkins (54), from Beau- the Downs Mail went to press. Conkers, a £16 million visitor at- the attraction would continue to fort Walk, admitted the theft from Maidstone Council says no jobs are traction in the New Forest and The operate as normal, with new in- the farm in Brishing Lane. at risk, with staff being transferred National Brewery Centre, formerly vestment and activities. Dawkins was sentenced at Mid to the new operator. the Bass Museum in Burton upon Continuum’s contract ends on Kent Magistrates’ Court to 42 days However, animals and livestock Trent. November 30 and the site will be in in prison, suspended for 12 brought in by Continuum to en- It also manages the Harry Rams- a transitional period in preparation months. He must also pay a £180 hance the experience are in the den’s franchise in Brighton and a for the hand-over from November criminal courts charge and an £80 process of being rehomed, along bakery on the Isle of Wight. 15. victim surcharge. with some of the leisure attrac- A spokesman said: “We under- Kent Life members will be con- tion’s equipment. A planned No- stand the challenges faced by the tacted regarding membership va- vember fireworks extravaganza visitor attraction, heritage and lidity from November 30 onwards. Log blaze has been cancelled. leisure sectors and how to create Continuum Attractions operates FIREMEN were called to a large log Planning Solutions Ltd has in- and cost-effectively promote visi- seven visitor experiences across the fire at Foords Wharf, Allington. A vested in, developed and managed tor experiences which are commer- UK, including The Coronation water shuttle had to be put in oper- a number of tourism and leisure cially viable, meet the needs of the Street Tour and The Canterbury ation to tackle the blaze. businesses for 20 years including community and tourist and mar- Tales. Mote House cycling challenge County’s efforts MAIDSTONE printer Mark Bidewell smashed his way through a nationwide charity cycling challenge during a weekend of wellbeing at Audley Mote House. The retirement village on to help refugees the edge of Maidstone’s Mote Park was one of five Audley premises taking part COUNCIL officers in Maidstone children under 18 who are asylum in the ARCO Wellbeing are working with statutory services seekers arriving through the chan- Weekend, to raise money for in the county to help asylum seek- nel ports are the responsibility of the British Heart Foundation. ers and refugees coming to Kent. KCC. Allington man Mark (37), The council’s housing and com- There are currently about 730 un- from Bison Print in Tovil, was munities team is liaising with KCC, accompanied children in KCC’s one of a number of other district councils, the police care, of which about 75% are aged residents, staff and Bison team: Matt Barnes, Jenna and Mark and other services to achieve a 16-17. A significant portion come suppliers who between Bidewell with Harriet Dunstan of Mote House “joined up” approach. from Eritrea, Afghanistan and them cycled the equivalent Although accommodating chil- Africa. of the 603 miles between Land’s End and John O’Groats. dren and young people is the re- Mrs Broom said: “There is clearly Audley is about to launch the final phase of its Mote House develop- sponsibility of KCC, Maidstone considerable cost in providing ap- ment, which will see 35 new apartments in Alexander Court, named as a councillors were told that residents propriate accommodation, care and tribute to the architect of Mote House, Daniel Asher Alexander. might like to consider helping this support to these looked after chil- priority group. dren. There is likely to be an in- The council has already begun creased service need for over 18s contacting housing associations and and this in turn will have an impact Enterprise plan for campus private landlords who might have for district councils if care leavers properties available for adults and become homeless.” A NEW business enterprise zone giving an upfront cash flow benefit. families. Asylum seekers who cannot sup- could be coming to Kent – incorpo- Local business rate retention Chief executive Alison Broom port themselves are supported by rating the new Maidstone Medical means councils can help fund fur- told members: “There is consider- the government – the only ones di- Campus. ther development within the enter- able public interest in the arrange- rectly supported by local authorities The campus, in Bearsted, has prise zone. ments that councils are making to are the unaccompanied children. linked up with the Rochester Airport Enterprise zones were introduced ensure a constructive and effective The council is waiting to hear Innovation Park and Ebbsfleet Gar- by the Government in 2011 to help response to the current refugee cri- what its responsibilities will be in den City to bid for funding as a new create the conditions for strong, sus- sis..” relation to Syrian refugees but Mrs North Kent Innovation Zone. tainable and balanced growth. There are now three reception Broom said: “The key services im- As well as attracting business rate Existing zones have attracted hun- centres in Kent and a national sys- pacted will be housing, health, edu- discounts, companies working dreds of new start-up firms, with tem for “distributing” adults and cation, policing and community within the new enterprise zones are simplified planning rules, super-fast families. However, unaccompanied services.” able to get enhanced capital al- broadband and millions of pounds lowances for plant and machinery, in tax breaks for new businesses.

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Maidstone Town November 2015 21 News downsmail.co.uk Family centres show improvement MAIDSTONE’S children’s centres courses provided for parents, in- The centres’ priorities are chil- served by the Sunshine and have received a pat on the back spectors found there was still room dren and families living in less af- Meadow children’s centres, are from Government inspectors after for improvement if the centres fluent areas, teenage and young deemed to be among the most dis- responding to calls to clean up wanted to be rated outstanding. parents, children known to be sup- advantaged areas of the country. their act. The inspectors visited three stay- ported by social care and military Targeted work in the Park Wood Ofsted inspectors deemed the and-play sessions, including one at families. area had doubled the numbers of town cluster of six centres inade- Maidstone barracks, the young par- There are 8,391 children aged families accessing services. quate at an inspection in June last ents’ group, a community café, a under five years living in the com- The report said: “Centre staff year, but say a raft of improve- childminding group, adult learning munity served by the centres and have worked tirelessly to promote ments now justify them being re- sessions, health clinics and a Baby about 11% of the families are from the centres’ services across the area. classified as good. Bumpkins session at The Meadows minority ethnic backgrounds. As a result, the centres are now re- Five inspectors looked at the six Centre. Parts of Tovil and Park Wood, garded as hubs of the community.” children’s centres – East Borough, Greenfields, Howard de Walden, Sunshine, The Meadow and West Borough – over four days. National award for railway supporter They found significant progress had been made to improve the RAIL enthusiast and former Mayor of Community Rail Partnerships’ an- which we promote. I am delighted quality and range of services pro- Maidstone Mike FitzGerald has been nual awards in Torquay, for his 10 that he has achieved national recog- vided for families. recognised for his outstanding work years’ service to the group. nition.” Services had a consistently posi- with community rail in Kent. Guy Schofield, project officer for Sarah Deakin, engagement officer tive impact on families who used Mr FitzGerald (74), who has begun KCRP, said: achieved second prize in the small the centres and there were highly to wind down much of his charitable “Thanks to his pojects category for the Champions effective working arrangements activity in Maidstone, is chairman of energy, enthusi- action day she organised, while Guy with other services and organisa- the Kent Community Rail Partnership asm and expert- himself had two images placed tions, meaning families received (KCRP) and also the Medway Valley ise Mike has led among the top eight photographs, professional help quickly. Line Partnership. the partnership on the theme: “The Essence of Com- The Ofsted report said: “Centre The KCRP brings together local through a munity Rail”. leaders and staff are highly moti- community groups to support im- decade of suc- The Kent Community Rail Partner- vated and dedicated to their role. provements to rail links and facilities, cess and built ship includes Sustrans, KCC, Swale They praise the new management organises railway trails and even strong founda- Council, Medway Council, Maidstone structure and take full responsibil- music events aboard the trains. tions for the Council, Tonbridge & Malling Council, ity for the quality of their work.” Mike is pictured with his third prize long-term fu- Southeastern Railway, parish and Although there had been an in- in the outstanding volunteer contri- ture of the partnership and the town councils along the lines, Nu- crease in the range of training bution category at the Association of SwaleRail and Medway Valley Lines Venture Coaches and others. Credit union’s School house blaze POLICE investigating a fire at a spread.” Anyone with information derelict building in Maidstone are can contact 01622 604100 or email appealing for information. west.division.media.appeals@kent. The blaze, at the former school pnn.police.uk quoting reference £2m milestone house in Brewer Street, is believed YY/019335/15. to have started between 1pm and In a separate incident, Adam Sta- LENDING by Kent Savers Credit banks are being more selective 2.30pm on Saturday, September 26 jer (21), of Lower Stone Street, de- Union, which has its base in when agreeing loans and many and is being treated as suspicious. nied deliberately starting a fire at Maidstone, passed the £2million people such as those on benefits Officers have been carrying out The Works bookshop in Week mark in September. with small in- house-to-house enquiries, speak- Street, Maidstone in June. Loans of nearly £74,000 were is- comes requir- ing to local businesses and investi- The Slovakian pleaded not guilty sued in the month, from a loan for ing small sums gating possible CCTV evidence. to arson with intent to endanger life vehicle repairs to several for debt for a short pe- Maidstone district commander and an alternative charge of arson consolidation. Other popular rea- riod find it hard Chief Inspector Mick Gardner said: being reckless as to whether life sons included home improvement, to access bor- “This was a fire believed to have was endangered. A trial date has furnishings, holidays and cars. rowing. Kent been started deliberately in a built- been set for November 30. Nearly 1,500 loans have been is- Savers have a up area of the town, with thou- The blaze caused damage to sued by the organisation that was range of loans sands of pounds’ worth of damage Thomson travel agents, Hotter shoe launched in 2010 to provide a and works with caused. Fortunately our partners at shop, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, cheaper, safer option for those with its members to Kent Fire and Rescue Service were M&S Women's Fashion and Thorn- poor credit histories facing loan help them save able to put the blaze out before it tons. sharks and pay-day lenders. and break the Kent Savers Credit Union – a cycle of debt." partnership with the Church of As well as helping those strug- Restaurant at housing scheme England – has seen a number of gling to pay debts, the credit union church and community-based relies on savers and those with RESIDENTS in Shepway have a new be open to residents as well as their branches created. good credit histories to offset the place to eat out without venturing far visitors and customers from the Martin Kingman (pictured), higher risk it takes in helping those from home. neighbouring community. chairman of Kent Savers Credit less well off. Social housing provider Golding The appointment of Medway Union, said: "In the past year there Mr Kingman said: “Our main Homes has teamed up with Medway Norse follows a consultation with has been a kick back against the aims are to promote saving and Norse, the Gillingham-based catering restaurant users and their families, very high interest rates charged by provide our members with loans at and facilities provider, to create a and a full tender process. pay-day lenders and some banks reasonable rates, so that they feel in new restaurant – Café Focus. The restaurant will offer a choice of and credit card companies. Also, control of their own money.” Based in Hardwick House sheltered hot, nutritious meals at a reasonable housing scheme in Northumberland price and is open seven days a week, Road, Maidstone, the restaurant will 365 days a year. For more local news go to www.downsmail.co.uk

22 Maidstone Town November 2015 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough Town, November 2015

Cobtree Manor Park Visitor Centre and Café Turn to page 2 to find out about Maidstone’s newest attraction

www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council New Cobtree Visitor Centre and Café The new Cobtree Visitor Centre and Café at Cobtree Manor Park in Forstal Road, Aylesford has opened its doors to the public. The Centre is officially named the ‘Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake Visitor Centre’ in honour of the founder of Cobtree Zoo, which was based at the park until 1959. The Centre is open from 8.30am to 4pm seven days a week, offering guests a full hot and cold menu featuring locally-sourced produce (including breakfast served from 8.30am — 11am daily). The park itself continues to be open from 7am to dusk every day. Chef Neil Smith welcomes the first customers, Dee Laird and grandson Sonny The Centre was funded by a £300,000 grant from the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited, and follows a raft of recent improvements, including new play equipment, a running route and sculpture trail. Those improvements saw the park receive the coveted national Green Flag Award for the first time in 2014, recognising its high standards and excellent facilities. Cobtree Manor Park is run by the Cobtree Manor Estate Trust charity, and is managed by Maidstone Borough Council on the Trust’s behalf. The Trust is financially independent from Maidstone Borough Council, with all money raised through the café and parking charges being reinvested in the park to maintain its current high standards.

Applications now open for the Warm homes grants no matter what you earn! £25,000 Cobtree Charitable Prize As the weather gets colder, you may Registered charities and community How to apply: Please send an be interested in heavily subsidised loft organisations in the borough of outline of your project, including a and/or cavity wall insulation to help Maidstone are invited to apply for the detailed description of the aims and reduce your heating bills by up to £320 Cobtree Charitable Prize of £25,000, objectives, how you intend to spend a year! The funding is based on the type generously donated by the Cobtree the money and an estimated timeline of house you live in — not on household Charity Trust. by post to: The Cobtree Charity Trust, income — and is open to anyone who Registered Office, MHA MacIntyre owns or privately rents their home. The prize of £25,000 will be awarded Hudson, Cornwallis House, Pudding The first stage is to book a free to a new, major, stand-alone project Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1NH assessment with Aran Services, which which benefits the local community will see what improvements could be such as the construction of a new hut When to apply: Closing date for made to your home to save you money for a community group or the applications: Sunday 31 January and make your home more comfortable. restoration of a local landmark. The 2016 (Funds issued Friday 1 April You'll then be advised how much you'd project must be scheduled 2016) need to pay and, if you would like to go to start in 2016. Please note that the The decision of the Cobtree Charity ahead, how you can do so. Book your Trust is unable to consider Trust is final and projects which do assessment by calling 0800 1701174 or applications for funds to top up an not fit the criteria outlined above will filling in the enquiry form at existing project. not be eligible for consideration. www.kent.gov.uk/warmhomes

Our paid for bulky collection service includes Saturday collections - Bulky refuse book online or by calling 01622 602600. But if your items are still usable you could help one of the many local charities which collect for free or a small donation. Many residents are finding this a better solution to get rid of items they no longer need. Alternatively the local household waste recycling centre at Burial Ground Lane, Tovil accepts many materials from cooking oil to white goods and recycles more than 65% of the rubbish taken there. It is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4.30pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9am to 4pm. The council also operates a Saturday freighter service but all the rubbish goes to landfill so please only use it for items that cannot be re-used or recycled. The freighter cannot accept cardboard, small electrical items, textiles or garden waste which can be recycled with the household waste collection service. And it doesn’t accept large bulky items, building rubble, commercial waste, electrical items or hazardous material. For more information about bulky rubbish services, including paid for doorstep collections and the freighter, visit maidstone.gov.uk or call the cleansing hotline on 01622 602162. Maidstone Borough Council 3 Fant by-election News in brief Councillor Matt Boughton (Conservative) was elected as councillor for Fant ward at the by-election on 10 September. Christmas Opening Hours You can contact him at [email protected] or on Maidstone council’s offices, 07795 192042. Gateway reception and telephone The political make-up of the council remains Conservative 25, contact centre will close at 12pm Liberal Democrat 20, Independent 6, Labour 2 and UKIP 2. on Thursday 24 December for the Christmas break. They will be open as normal on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December 2015 Appeal success and will be closed on Friday 1 Maidstone council’s planning and legal Lane, Sutton Valence and 4 at Back January 2016. teams have won some important Lane, Boughton Monchelsea. In each planning appeals in recent months case the inspector supported the Easy health rides for all defending Maidstone’s countryside council’s policies to protect the Cycling can make a positive from harmful development. countryside, finding that the harm to change to your health. it would outweigh the need for more Community Cycleworks offers In the six months up to the end of housing in the borough. guided rides with supportive, September the council won 83% of all encouraging and friendly leaders The inspector also upheld the council’s appeals against its decisions to refuse for new and returning cyclists. decision to refuse a 56,000 square applications. Short, gentle-paced rides, free metres application for a warehousing bike checks and loan bikes Most notable were 22 dwellings at and industrial complex at Waterside available on application. George Street, , 12 at South Park, Hollingbourne. To register and for more information contact Community Cycleworks - 01622 804524, Council tax and services [email protected], Did you know Maidstone Borough Council services cost www.communitycycleworks.co.uk an average, band D, taxpayer £4.53 week! Waste success And out of every council tax pound - 71p goes to Kent Maidstone council’s Commercial County Council, 15p goes to Maidstone Borough Council, Waste service has signed up its 9p to Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, and 5p to three hundredth customer. Kent Fire and Rescue (excluding parish council precepts). Maidstone Borough Commercial Waste Solutions supports small and medium sized businesses with a bespoke waste collection service. It provides waste management services for events such as the World Custard Pie Championships and the Bearsted Village Faye. Visit the commercial waste pages on www.maidstone.gov.uk for more Solar panels information or to get a quote. We’re pleased to report that the solar Lockmeadow Market Hall, Vinters Park Christmas Lights panels installed at our depot in March Crematorium and Magnolia House in Maidstone’s Christmas lights have been a great success, generating Cripple Street. This will save the switch on event will be on more energy – and therefore saving council around £16,000 each year. We Thursday 19 November. more money – than expected. We’ve are also looking at whether solar therefore extended the project to the panels can be installed at Maidstone Christmas at Cobtree other buildings that we own – Leisure Centre. All the family will enjoy making Christmas decorations from traditional materials at Cobtree Peter Pan Manor Park, Aylesford on Monday Join the Hazlitt Theatre for this year's amazing pantomime 21 December, 10am - 12pm. production of Peter Pan! Call 01622 602788 to book, £3 per person. Fly to Neverland where you'll join Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys - not to mention Captain Hook! Christmas market If you believe in magic then you won’t be disappointed, with Father Christmas will visit family fun, laughter, plenty of slap-stick and a star-studdded Maidstone Market on Tuesday 22 cast that will have you up on your feet - and don't forget to boo, December. Don’t be late for turkey will you! sales! The market will be open as You can't beat this family treat so book up for your ride to usual on Tuesdays and Saturdays Neverland today! during the festive period except on Saturday 26 December when Tickets from £12 – call the Box Office on 01622 758611 or visit it will be closed. www.hazlitttheatre.com 4 Maidstone Borough Council Flooding

What you should do One in six UK properties is at risk from flooding, but there are things you can do to in an emergency help protect yourself and your property. Be prepared No matter how careful you are, there are some things you can’t Find out if you’re at risk from river control. Any one of them could hit you and your family, damage flooding, and sign up for alerts, by visiting your home, or harm your business, but it isn’t hard to make sure www.environment-agency.gov.uk or calling that you’re properly prepared for an emergency. Thinking about the Agency’s Floodline on 0345 9881188. what you’d need to do in an emergency will mean that you’re ready Prepare a household flood plan so that you should they ever happen. know how to protect pets, cars, furniture and electrical equipment – you can You can find lots of information in the “What Should I Do in an Emergency?” download a template at handbook on our website – search “Emergency Planning” at www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood www.maidstone.gov.uk If you’re at risk, buy flood protection In case of bad weather, you can find updates on our services at equipment in advance. Find out what www.maidstone.gov.uk/winter options are available at www.floodforum.org.uk. Winter Weather You are allowed to clear snow and ice from your driveway and pavements If flooding happens outside your house – despite rumours to the contrary, there are no health Call Floodline for updates. and safety regulations that stop this! The best way to do this is to use rock If it’s safe to do so, turn off the gas, salt, which will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing. You can electricity and water before water enters also use sand if you don’t have enough salt – this will provide grip your home. underfoot. If any local salt bins for roads and footpaths near your home need refilling, Move your family and pets to a higher please let KCC Highways know on 03000 418181. position with a means of escape. If you have elderly or vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours, please Don’t touch sources of electricity when check on them during periods of very cold weather, if you can. Cold standing in water. weather is especially dangerous to older people or those with serious If there’s raw sewage in your property, illnesses. keep out. See if you can stay elsewhere Driving in snow and ice: until it’s been properly cleaned. Never drive through flood water — even if Only make your journey if it is essential you think it looks safe. Just one foot Make sure all snow and ice is cleared from your windows; lights and (30cm) of flowing water can move a family mirrors are clean; and the number plates are visible and legible car, and according to the AA, 32% of Keep well back from the car in front – stopping distances can be ten flood-related deaths are by drowning in a times greater than on dry roads vehicle. On icy roads, drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; Avoid walking in flood water. Fast moving accelerate and brake very gently water is dangerous and you will be unable to see hazards such as missing manhole Drive particularly slowly on bends and avoid sudden actions. covers. Always take de-icer and an ice scraper with you, as well as a torch, warm clothing, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, plus a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down. Sandbags

We keep a limited stock of sandbags, Power Cuts which are used in the first instance to If electricity is crucial for any medical equipment, contact UK Power protect key infrastructure identified by Networks on 0800 169 9970 to join their Priority Register so that you the emergency services, or as a barrier receive extra support during a power cut. This is also available for those to divert water away from numbers of with disabilities, elderly residents or those with young babies in the properties at a time. We will always help household. where we can, but there is no duty on the council to provide sandbags to During a power cut, to receive updates via text message, text POWER communities, individual homes or and your postcode to 80876. You will not be charged to receive messages. businesses. If you think sandbags will be You will need to register for this service each time there’s a power cut. useful for your home, you can buy them For advice about what to do during a power cut visit from builders merchants to store at home www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut ready to react quickly if there’s a problem. Maidstone Borough Council 5 Give a dog a name WIN Enter our RK9 competition and you could WIN a £50 gift voucher for a local pet supplies store. Our new a RK9 husky mascot is already busy £50 gift voucher promoting Responsible Canine Ownership throughout Maidstone Information provided by our residents but our furry friend still needs a really increases the chances of our name! It’s easy to enter… simply officers catching the culprits. If you like our Facebook page at have witnessed dog fouling in your www.facebook.com/Responsiblek9s area or have any helpful then send us a private message with information please contact your suggestion before Friday 20 Environmental Enforcement on November 2015. The winning 01622 602202 or email name*, chosen by our RK9 team, [email protected] will receive a £50 gift voucher to spend in a local pet supplies store. The RK9 campaign is part of the council’s * The judges decision is final. If the winning name is suggested by more than one person, a winner will be chosen from those people at random. The ‘Dog Watch’ scheme which uses information provided by winning name will be announced on the RK9 Facebook page after 20 residents to help catch irresponsible dog owners. November. Competition not open to Maidstone Borough Council staff. Maidstone borough tomorrow… Have your say today The latest consultation on the Maidstone borough’s constraints. Additional 4.30pm Tuesday-Friday. Borough Local Plan – which will set out housing sites are being proposed in the The council will consider all of the how Maidstone will develop up to 2031 – built up area of Maidstone and at some issues raised during the consultation is now underway. of the borough’s larger rural villages to with the aim of publishing a full, revised Councillor David Burton, Chairman of help meet this need. The proposed open version of the local plan for further the Strategic Planning, Sustainability space policies will help make sure that public consultation early next year. The and Transport Committee, said: “The valuable open space is delivered as part plan will then be submitted to the Maidstone Borough Local Plan will show of new housing developments. Secretary of State for Communities and how we will meet the needs of the The consultation document and Local Government. An independent people of Maidstone up until 2031, and supporting background material can be planning inspector will be appointed by how we will protect our countryside and found at the Secretary of State to conduct an open spaces. I urge everyone to take www.maidstone.gov.uk/consultation. ‘Examination in Public’ towards the end part in the consultation so that we can Comments can be made on the website, of 2016, before the plan is finally make sure that everyone has an or sent to [email protected], or adopted the following year. opportunity to contribute to its success.” Spatial Policy Team, Maidstone Borough Councillor Burton said: “Once the Plan Residents will be asked for their views Council, Maidstone House, King Street, is in place we will be able to defend on a variety of issues, from potential Maidstone ME15 6JQ. against inappropriate applications for housing sites and proposed employment The deadline for comments is 5pm on further development. It’s important that site locations, to candidate sites for Friday 30 October. we achieve the 2016 deadline, otherwise gypsies and travellers and the removal Copies of the document will be available we run the risk of needing to extend the of the proposed Park and Ride site at to view at all libraries in the borough, plan period, and the possibility of losing Linton Crossroads. A proposal for a new and at the Gateway on King Street from control of the process to Central planning policy for care homes is also 9am until 5.30pm on Mondays, and until Government.” included. Councillor Burton said: “The protection of open space and precious landscapes is an essential part of the Local Plan. Maidstone remembers Everyone will have a chance in this Maidstone will remember those who consultation to have their say on a have been killed in conflict fighting for proposed policy for public open spaces, their country on Remembrance Day, the allocation of specific sites for use as Sunday 8 November. public open space, and the council’s More than 500 people are expected to approach to protecting our most highly take part at this year’s event. The valued local landscapes.” parade will step off at 10.30am from The objectively-assessed housing need Week Street and march along the High for the borough – the number of homes Street, past the Town Hall, across the The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Daniel needed for the population from 2011- Bridge Gyratory and to the Memorial Moriarty, will lay the first wreath on 2031 – is 18,560 additional homes. Of on The Broadway for the Service of behalf of the council and the people of these, 2,341 have already been built, and Remembrance. Maidstone. a further 5,508 are in the pipeline. In The Service will include the national After the Service, the parade will order for the Local Plan to be approved two minute silence at 11am and the march back into Maidstone where the by the Planning Inspector, it must show laying of wreaths in memory of those Mayor will take the salute outside the how the borough will meet as much of lost in wars both past and present. Town Hall at 11.25am. the housing need as possible, within the 6 Maidstone Borough Council Bin it to Win it!

Sign up to The Big Maidstone Food Waste Challenge and you could win a £30 gift voucher for The Mall Chequers Shopping Centre or family swimming vouchers for Maidstone Leisure Centre.

Maidstone residents are being asked to promise their support to a new food waste incentive scheme designed to cut down on the amount of food waste thrown straight into the rubbish bin. 7 million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away from homes in the UK every year and more than half of this is food and drink we could have eaten. Wasting this food costs the average household £470 a year, rising to £700 for a family with children! (source: www.lovefoodhastewaste.com)

To take the challenge, follow these simple steps 1) Sign up for the challenge and promise your support at The Win Bin www.surveymonkey.com/r/maidstonefoodwastechallenge or by sending your name, address and phone number by The food waste that we collect is post to: The Big Maidstone Food Waste Challenge, composted on an industrial scale Maidstone Borough Council, Bircholt Road, Parkwood, using a specialised technique to Maidstone ME15 9XY produce a nutrient rich compost which is used locally on Kent farms. 2) Reduce your avoidable food waste as much as As a thank you for your possible by planning your meals in advance, using commitment to tackling food leftovers in tasty recipes or adding scraps to your waste and to helping the compost heap if you have one environment, all households who 3) Put ALL your unavoidable food waste (such as take the challenge and put their vegetable peelings, teabags or bones) straight into your food waste out for collection will be food waste recycling bin, NOT into your rubbish bin entered into a quarterly 4) Leave your food waste bin out for collection on your competition to win great prizes. Every rubbish and recycling collection days quarter, 50 family swimming vouchers for Maidstone Leisure Centre (to be used within three months) and 20 Mall Chequers shopping centre gift vouchers worth £30 Please put these items each will be awarded to households chosen at random. in yoyour rreeecyyccling bin For more information, frequently asked questions and terms and conditions please visit www.maidstone.gov.uk, email [email protected] or call 01622 602600. This scheme is being paid for by funding from the Plastic meat Glass bottles Plastic fruit & Food & drink Department for Government and Local Communities. trays and jarrs vegetable punnets cartons Pumpkin Power Two in five Halloween fans are expected to buy a pumpkin this October but research shows that nearly two thirds of Newspaper(s) Leaflets, envelopes, Phone bookkss Cardboarrdd people throw their pumpkins away once the celebrations & magazines paper & junk mail & yellow pages packkaaging are over. Worse still, a quarter of those people throw edible pumpkin flesh straight in the rubbish bin. An estimated 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin was sent to landfill sites in the UK last Halloween — that’s the same weight as 1,500 double decker buses!* This year, make a pledge to squash pumpkin waste by using the edible insides to Flattened Plastic bottles YYooghurt pots & Food & drinkkss cans make tasty meals that all the family can enjoy. Visit cardboard & containerrss plastic tubs & tins www.hubbub.org.uk for tips, ideas and recipes from celebrity chefs or search #PumpkinRescue on Twitter. If you do have any leftovers, keep them for another day, recycle them by putting them in your food waste bin or put them on your compost heap.

Sweet & biscuit Metal bottle tops Kitchen foil & Empty tins & jar lids foil food trraays aerosol cans No carrier bags or black sacks TToo rreecyyccle textiles, place them next to yyoour bin in a standarrdd sized plastic carrier bag (tied up) on yyoour RRECYCLING collection dayy..

* Source: Populus Survey Christmas and NewNew YearYYeear RecyclingRecycling and Rubbish CollectionsCollections 2015 – 2016 IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT: Some Christmas and NewNew YearYear collectionscollections wilwilll be differdifferentent to to usual usual so please check youryour collectioncollection daysdays carefully.carefully. BIN COLLECTIONCOLLECTION DATESDAATTES If youryour collectioncollection is due on It willwill be collectedcollected on Friday 25 Decembere Monday 28 DecDe ember Monday 28 December Tuesday 29 Deceember Tuesday 29 December Wednesday3y 30 December Wednesday 30 Decembermber Thursday 31 December Thursdaay 31 December Saturday 2 January Friday 1 Januaryy Monday 4 January Monday 4 January Tuesday 5 January Tuesdasday 5 JanuJanuary Wednesday 6 January Wednesday 6 JaJanuary Thursday 7 January Thurhursdaday 7 JanJanuary Friday 8 January Friday 8 January Saturday 9 January

Garden Wast Freighter service and Bulky Waste Garden waste TThehe SSaturday freighter service is suspended on collections will be 2266 DecDe ember, 2 January and 9 January. suspended for one TThehe bulkb y waste collection, from Frida collection service 25 December until iss suspendedsus Friday 8 January. rom Monday 28 Collections will resum December until on Saturday 9 Januar SSaturaturday 9 January.

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For more information or Museum Events to book, call 01622 602838 Maiden Distillery Did you know that Maidstone once exported over 3000 gallons of gin a week The Magic of Masks to the rest of the country? The owner of Maiden Distillery, a new gin producer in the town, will give a talk on 24 October about the historic and and Puppets modern production, with tasting to compare products! (2.30-3.30pm, £6). From 21 November, this exhibition will delight the whole family! Objects from Fright Night! around the world — from traditional Look out for Fright Night! Our October Punch and Judy puppets to Rajasthani ‘Late’ on 29 October will be dedicated to marionettes, and Commedia Dell’Arte an evening of creepy happenings, leather masks to animatronics from film including a performance to chill the and TV — are brought together in this spine from the Anaconda Dance Troupe wonderful free exhibition. Younger and a talk by our curators on the more visitors will even be able to have fun weird and spooky objects in our acting out their own play in costumes collections. Dare you come along..? and masks on our specially built stage. October Manga Workshops On Saturday 7 November, Half Term budding artists will have October half term is a chance to find out always busy with plenty about this unique style of Halloween-themed and create their own arts and crafts! Come characters on a storyboard. along to the Museum Under 16s from 11am- from 26-30 October to 1pm, and over 16s from take part. We’ll be 2pm-4pm. pumpkin-carving on 31 October – places for this special Get Stuffed! event must be booked in advance on For those fascinated by taxidermy, there’s an 01622 602838. opportunity to create your own ethically sourced stuffed bird on 5 December! Christmas Led by two practising taxidermists, this all day Opening Hours workshop will guide you through the process of We will be closed 24-28 December preparing and stuffing the inclusive for Christmas. We’ll then provided specimen. Early close early at 3pm on New Year’s Eve, booking is advised. and will be closed on New Year’s Day.

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings via 01622 602838. 10 Maidstone Borough Council Get Involved and Have Your Say

Consultations Petition View our current consultations and Comments, Set up a petition and give your comments online at present it to council or a complaints and committee for consideration www.maidstone.gov.uk/haveyoursay compliments Send us your comments, Attend Meetings complaints and compliments. If you’ve got something to say, Attend council or committee good or bad, get in touch meetings at the Town Hall Watch our webcasts You can watch our council and Speak to your local committee meetings online at Councillor www.maidstone.gov.uk/council Your local councillor can look into things for you, raise an issue with Facebook the appropriate body, or help you Get in touch with us on find out who you need to talk to facebook: Apply to be a www.facebook.com/ Councillor maidstoneboroughcouncil Ask a question Find details at Twitter Ask questions to the leader www.maidstone.gov.uk/ or committee chairmen at council Join the conversation and council and committee tweet us - @maidstonebc meetings.

For more information visit: www.maidstone.gov.uk/haveyoursay or email [email protected]

Residents’ survey

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to providing value for money services and wants to know New! Womens’ Netball Sessions what residents think about them. This year’s residents’ survey will be Play netball, make friends and get fit! If you are aged 16 or over, asking what it is like to live in come along to our new netball sessions (term time only) on Tuesday Maidstone borough and how evenings, 7.30 — 8.30pm at Heather House, Park Wood, Maidstone. satisfied people are with borough There’s no need to book — just come along and join in! For women council services. aged 16+, £1 per person per session. All abilities welcome, no experience necessary. For more information please contact Aimee The findings from our survey will be on 07872933097 or email: [email protected] used to see how well we are delivering the services that matter to you and to decide what needs doing differently in the future. Healthy Living Programmes Surveys are carried out every two years. This year’s includes We offer a range of programmes questions to find out the services helping you to lead a healthier life, from and facilities which are most weight management and exercise referral important and which are most in to falls prevention and health walks. We also need of improvement. The answers run programmes helping men to become will help us set next year’s council more active and lose a few pounds. If you’re budget. interested in losing weight or getting more Please take part if you are asked active please visit and help us to improve the local www.maidstone.gov.uk/healthyliving, email area and the services that we [email protected] or call provide in ways that matter to you. 01622 602222. MAKE IT MAIDSTONE MAKE IT PROSPEROUS

Maidstone Bridges Gyratory Scheme The ring road system across the river in have to cross the river twice to reach their working days and weekend working, Maidstone town centre is a congestion destination. The scheme will be funded making the most of increased daylight and air quality hotspot – especially at by the South East Local Growth Fund, hours and running through the school rush hour, so a new scheme has been with a £1.14 million contribution from holidays to get the work done as quickly developed to help improve things. Maidstone Borough Council. as possible, limiting the inevitable impact The scheme will see the construction of This will reduce congestion, and improve on road users. two additional northbound lanes (from journey times by 15-20% at peak times. For more information as the scheme Tovil in the direction of Junction 6 of the The scheme will also see improved M20) on the eastern (High Street) side of progresses, keep an eye on future the , with new junctions pedestrian and cycle routes, and the editions of Borough Update, the controlled by traffic signals. This means introduction of landscaping schemes. Maidstone Borough and Kent County that northbound traffic on the A229 will The main works will run for 4 months Council websites and social media pages, avoid the gyratory system, and no longer from June 2016. This will include 12 hour and local media.

Business Terrace

The Business Terrace is now open! If you are thinking of starting a business or newly started and need free advice and want to network with like- minded people — we can help. Visit www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk to find out more or just pop into The Business Terrace in King Street, Maidstone anytime between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Or call 01622 239309, or email [email protected]. Let’s Do Business — the Government’s delivery partner for start-up loans — are on site Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while the Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs are on site every Friday. Barclays’ local business manager is on site every other Wednesday. We also offer desks by the hour, flexible starter office space and meeting rooms for home-based businesses needing a professional front; somewhere to meet with clients and superfast Wi-Fi. 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working

Liz Hazell has for you worked in the waste industry for more than five years and as Waste Management Officer for Maidstone Borough Council for the past 18 months. Her team promotes residential recycling services and works to increase the amount of waste that is recycled or composted. She also looks after the council’s commercial waste service. What attracted you to the job? I have a passion for the environment and think that recycling valuable resources and re- using items when possible is very important. I had What do you like most about worked in the waste services your job? department at the council before and jumped at the opportunity to I enjoy the variety of work on both return to help Maidstone achieve the residential and commercial its ambitious target to increase waste services. The role has recycling to 60% over the next 4 enabled me to work on some years. exciting projects including an incentive scheme which is being implemented to promote the use of the food waste Facts about the service collection service. What does good Last year we: customer service �Completed 7 million mean to you? household collections. Ensuring that we �Disposed of 55,915 tonnes listen to our of household waste. customers and �Including 27,501 tonnes of provide excellent recycling and compost. services and value for money.

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

What’s On! To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com downsmail.co.uk News Care home told to improve A GOVERNMENT inspector who made an unannounced visit to a care home for the elderly in Maidstone has told the owner it requires improvements. The Care Quality Commission tion procedures were not clearly es- The inspector wrote: “Staff up- service, which the CQC felt re- reported that the Pilgrims Way tablished and recorded. held people’s right to choose who quired improvement. It also ad- Care Home with Nursing in Bower The report said: “Managers en- was involved in their care and peo- vised that the service was not Mount Road was looking after 40 sured that they had planned for ple’s right to do things for them- always responsive and leadership people when the inspection took foreseeable emergencies, but the selves was respected, but care plans could be improved, although the place on June 16. plans in place were not detailed did not always record that there level of caring was good. In spite of residents having ac- enough to ensure that, should an had been a change in a person’s It concluded: “Staff had received cess to qualified nursing staff, emergency occur, evacuation of the needs and were not always indi- training about protecting people trained to administer medicines premises would be efficient.” vidualised.” from abuse and showed a good un- safely, and relatives describing the The report added that while An inspection of audit proce- derstanding of what their roles and home as welcoming and friendly there were sufficient nursing and dures also showed some areas were responsibilities were in preventing and staff compassionate and sup- care staff to meet people’s needs, being missed and staff did not re- abuse. If people complained they portive, the inspector said areas the provider could not provide ev- ceive supervisions or appraisals in were listened to and the manager still required improvement. idence that safe recruitment proce- line with the provider’s policy. made changes or suggested solu- The report noted the provider dures had been followed. Advice has been given to the tions that people were happy with. was not following published guid- People’s care was responsive and home regarding shortfalls relating “People told us that managers ance to assess and manage the risk recorded but there was room for to safety, which was deemed inad- were approachable and listened to of infection and emergency evacua- improvement. equate and the effectiveness of the their views.” Plenty of interest in growing group MORE than 200 men and women The club has more than 40 inter- cently a visit to the war graves in have now joined the Maidstone est groups, including short and France and Belgium. U3A. long walks groups, bird watching, A monthly film evening is very Since moving to its new meeting butterflies and geology. popular, as is the screening of centre in the Salvation Army hall, One group arranges trips to opera and ballet. Union Street, the group has grown places of interest across the county, The whole group gets together rapidly, but there is still room for making good use of the senior citi- once a month at the Union Street more. zens’ bus pass, and several times a centre, where a guest speaker is in- U3A caters for the retired or year there are outings to places of vited to give a talk to members. Park rocks to semi-retired who have lively minds interest further afield. Further details are available on and would like to take part in out- This year, the group had a week- www.u3asites/maidstone.org.uk. Social event ings and activities with similar like- end trip to Portsmouth Dockyard For more information, contact minded people. and the Isle of Wight and more re- 01622 734298. MOTE Park’s final major music event of the year, the Social, at- tracted more than 10,000 people £500m to ease to a day-long party. Fitness challenge for hospice Revellers were reported to have Stack pain STAFF at Golding Homes have taken on a mammoth exercise chal- travelled for the best club music, A STRATEGY costing nearly lenge to raise funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice. both old-school and new. Among £500m for handling Operation The 150-strong staff the DJs playing were Jackmaster, Stack in Kent has been submitted to team was invited to Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed and the Government. walk, run, cycle or row event organiser Nic Fanciulli. The plan – put together by KCC, as far as they could in a As with the recent debate over the Highways Agency, the police set time limit, with an the Ramblin’ Man festival, local and others – includes a lorry park overall aim to com- opinion was sharply divided, with off the M20, improvements to the plete 300km as an or- some businesses such as hotels A20 and better signposting, but ganisation – the and supermarkets benefitting would still mean hold-ups on the equivalent of travel- while those nearest Mote Park re- M20 and the surrounding area. ling from Maidstone to ported traffic and noise problems. County councillor Jenny Whittle Bruges, in Belgium. In all, 23 complaints were made said it was now up to the Govern- The team smashed to Maidstone Council, eight of ment to come up with the funding. its target and travelled them specifically about noise. En- She said: “Lorries driving through 333km, raising £500 in the process. The event was the launch of a vironmental officers confirmed the rural villages is a number one issue programme of wellbeing activities, which will run to spring 2016. music remained within the legal for me. I am being asked for ‘no limits. A few arrests were made for HGV’ signs and weight limits at drugs offences. various locations. I understand The site was cleared of traffic even [people in] Willington Street Police to wear video cameras before midnight and 400 residents is calling for a weight limit. As well FRONTLINE police officers in Mrs Barnes said: “This stops mali- were reported to have taken up of- as having these extra signs and re- Kent will wear video cameras next cious complaints against officers and fers of free tickets. With another strictions, we then need enough po- year, after a £1.8m scheme was ap- it stops officers being hurt.” event planned in the park next lice to enforce them.” proved by Kent’s Crime Commis- She cited other benefits including year, the organisers have vowed to Thurnham Parish Cllr Ted Den- sioner Ann Barnes. improved evidence gathering, a re- reduce its impact on local people. ham said the signs indicating the Kent Police began piloting 400 of duction in bureaucracy and an in- The organisers have confirmed a low railway bridge in Ware Street the cameras in Maidstone, Medway crease in guilty pleas from offenders. winter Social event at Kent County were still being ignored by lorry and Thanet in late 2014, which en- The initial cost of providing 1,600 Showground, Detling on February drivers. He said: “Two lorries, with abled officers to record interactions more cameras will be £1.4million – 6, 2016. UK drivers, spent hours turning with suspects just like mobile CCTV. which includes set-up costs as well as around at Averenches Road be- It was found that suspects routinely the cameras themselves – with a fur- For more local news cause they had ignored the signs modified their behaviour because ther £400,000 set aside to cover ongo- and couldn’t get under the bridge.” they knew they were being recorded. ing costs for the next three years. www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone Town November 2015 23 News downsmail.co.uk Drugs offences Homes plan could put A 32-YEAR old man found in pos- session of drugs in Maidstone was sentenced to almost a year in jail when he appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court. KCC pledge to the test Christopher Blaber admitted pos- session of cannabis, possession of A PLAN to build another 250 needed, but Maidstone Council amphetamine and four counts of homes along the Sutton Road cor- seems intent on ignoring residents shoplifting. Between July and Sep- ridor is expected to be submitted to pursue a housing need that sat- tember, Blaber stole DVDs and Blu- to Maidstone Council shortly. isfies its bank balance, rather than rays worth £2,434.76 from a shop in It will be the fifth large housing actual demand.” Fremlin Walk, Maidstone, in three development proposed for the area Cllr Taylor-Maggio (left) ex- separate cases of shoplifting. He after approval for 600 homes at pressed concern not just for Lang- stole more DVDs and Blu-rays Langley Park; 186 homes north of ley, but surrounding parishes such worth £66.98 from a shop in Green- Sutton Road and 100 homes west of as Boughton Monchelsea, hithe. Road. All three schemes and Sutton Valence, which she said Blaber, of Canterbury Street, are now under construction. would be “impacted massively” by Gillingham, had cannabis in his In August, Countryside Proper- the extra housing that would possession in Maidstone in May ties also hosted an exhibition out- shortly come on the market. this year and, in September, was lining its plan to build 850 homes at She added: “It is only as the de- found with amphetamine in his Langley Park Farm, south of Sutton velopments take shape that one can possession. really appreciate the scale of these He was sentenced to 364 days in Road, which has been allocated for impact the A229/A274 Wheatsheaf estates and the speed at which they prison. housing in Maidstone Council’s junction south of Maidstone. are being delivered and the impact draft local plan. As reported in Downs Mail last they will have on our already over- month, strategic planner Brendan The latest plan for Bicknor Green subscribed hospital, surgeries and Beddy-byes – off Gore Court Road, Otham – Wright said: “Our position as high- roads. The brutal truth is that our HUNDREDS of people across the comes from Bellway Homes, which ways authority is that no further services are unable to cope with area have a couple in Allington to has completed its online public development beyond that commit- even our current population.” thank for a good night’s sleep. consultation and looks set to sub- ted within the planning system can Bellway Homes says its housing But after 34 years in business, Liz mit an outline application for 250 be accommodated on these routes.” scheme – to the north of Bicknor and Chris Gammon are looking homes, even though the draft local Langley Parish Council chairman Wood and south of White Horse forward to taking it easy. plan allocates just 190 for the land. Cheryl Taylor-Maggio said that Lane, Otham – will provide market The couple, who run the Chris The 14-hectare proposal could with the population of her parish and affordable homes, with one Gammon Bed Centre, will retire as test KCC’s pledge to object to any set to double, “enough is enough”. and two-bedroom apartments and the lease on their shop at Mid Kent more sizeable developments along She said: “We are not Nimbys, up to five-bedroom family homes, Shopping Centre in Castle Road the Sutton Road corridor that could we recognise new homes are built around a village green. comes to an end in October. Opera night HMS Pinafore, Gilbert and Sulli- It’s time for me to go, van’s much-loved comic opera, will be performed to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice at Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre, at says charity chairman 7.30pm on Saturday, October 31. The Hospice Festival Choir and THE popular chairman of Maid- “I have made a huge commit- Orchestra, led by Maidstone Choral stone Homeless Care is to retire. ment of my time supporting the Union, will semi-stage the opera as Mike FitzGerald, a former coun- work we do and attracting support part of the 11th international Voices cillor and Mayor of Maidstone, has for the work we do.” for Hospices event. Tickets are been the charity’s frontman for Changes in service delivery mean available from the box office on more than 13 years, being instru- the charity now needs a new drive 01622 790195. mental in its move to Knightrider and commitment over a period of Maidstone Choral Union’s latest Street, its merger with Goodsell up to five years, he said. concert was 400 miles away in the House and its rebranding from A spokesman for Homeless Care medieval cathedral city of Bourges Maidstone Christian Care. said: “We want to say a huge thank in France, where a small group of He was in at the start of the com- you to Mike for everything he has members performed religious munity food share scheme Food done. Also to his wife Maureen pieces including Faure’s Requiem. for Thought, which delivers food who has worked quietly and tire- to the needy and has seen the lessly in the background to make it Christmas food appeal reach a all happen.” Centre awards record level.  A soup run in 1986 organised by THE Vine Medical Centre in Ton- At the age of 74, Mr FitzGerald – teachers and pupils from Maid- bridge Road, Maidstone is cele- whose other claims to fame include stone Girls Grammar School was brating after receiving two Mike FitzGerald starting the World Custard Pie the beginning of what has now be- accolades. Throwing Championship in 1967, “I have much to sort out in my come Homeless Care, the town’s The centre has been recognised founding MAPS which brings to- life while I am still fit enough and I leading charity for homeless and by Imperial College as an out- gether the community in Park have come to the decision that the vulnerable men and women. standing medical practice and Dr Wood and helping set up the Chart time is right.” Maidstone Christian Care, as it Sugina Hesketh secured the year Sutton village shop – has decided In the three years since stepping was, merged with Goodsell House six Global Teacher Award. it’s time to take his foot off the gas. down as a councillor for Maidstone Trust in 2013 to become Homeless The practice is planning a quiz He said: “Life is full of tough de- Council, Mr FitzGerald has helped Care, the umbrella organisation for night at Fant Community Hall cisions and they come no tougher to strengthen the several charities the Maidstone Day Centre, Food from 7pm on November 13 to raise than when one is committed and he is involved in. for Thought, the 10-bed hostel at money for an ECG machine. Tick- passionate about the work of a He said: “I believe Homeless Goodsell House and Maidstone ets are £5 per person for teams of charity that you have supported Care is in a really strong position. Christian Care, and its link with the up to eight. Participants should for many years, and have been It has had a fulfilling and inspiring churches who continue to help the bring their own drinks and snacks. striving to make a difference. year.” cause. For details call 01622 755644.

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Maidstone Town November 2015 25 downsmail.co.uk Comment Kig victory is no guarantee I BELIEVE campaigners against devel- tions every few miles. opment are wrong to consider Maidstone’s Mail I believe too that M20 Junction 8 is the right great victory against the Kent International Marks place for significant business development to Gateway (Kig) proposal is now a defensive DENNIS FOWLE President boost Maidstone’s economy. The attraction to wig against new and very different planning [email protected] businesses with such easy access to the M20 proposals for parts of that land. for the Channel ports and linked motorway Maidstone Council spent about £1.7m de- infrastructure to the rest of Britain is undeni- fending the borough from a proposal which Each new application must now be consid- able. Workforces will value the M20 access. included a strategic rail freight interchange ered on its individual merits and a significant But I am not comfortable that the Woodcut (up to 13 freight trains a day) with massive factor will be the Len Valley Landscape of Farm site between the M20 and A20 between warehousing and other commercial develop- Local Value which runs from Bearsted, south Bearsted and Hollingbourne is preferable to ment running for miles close to the M20 from of the M20 to Lenham, as now included in the the more hidden Waterside Park site south of Hollingbourne to Bearsted. draft local plan. But this landscape area is not the A20. That debate has not ended. Most of the money was spent fighting the a total ban on developments and cases can be long and vigorous appeal against its planning made for it to be overridden. Caring for the aged decision to reject the Axa application. Local An often expressed fear is that development I become very concerned about care for parishes teamed up well and financed their in this area will see Bearsted merge with our aged sick. Increasingly they block vital own separate battle against Kig. Hollingbourne and then through to Harriet- beds in our hospitals because of problems ac- Maidstone rejoiced five years ago when the sham and Lenham. This is a nightmare sce- commodating them. inspector threw out the massive and un- nario almost on a parallel with Kig. The hospital trust is highly critical of social sightly development for 290 acres, so damag- I believe this is scaremongering and there services management and had threatened to ing to this rural area and the borough as a are no intentions for this. The landscaping invoice the service and KCC for costs. whole. designation will play a major role in this. Now we hear of KCC making further cut- Maidstone Council, whose vital work on However, Maidstone Council faces massive backs and closing some of its homes. evolving Maidstone’s local plan was seriously challenges meeting Government demands for How many can afford to fund their own delayed, won scant praise for the way it new housing, especially with our infrastruc- residential or nursing home care? A friend fronted this success. And nowadays it receives ture difficulties, and it must look at the at- who moved in to a residential home is having brickbats when it handles new, unrelated tractive transport advantages of this area – the to find the best part of £40,000 a year. planning applications for parts of the land. M20, A20 and the mainline rail link with sta- As our population ages this problem will

Town at saturation point hundred yards of their children’s school, belief that Maidstone will welcome its who take them by car. Not only does it share of Syrian refugees, people I have Dear Sir – I wonder how long it will take add to the traffic on the roads, but then spoken to are utterly sick of hearing that those who represent us in local they cause obstruction to traffic by these people will be allowed into Kent. government to recognise that Maidstone inconsiderate parking as near as possible We have taken in more than 700 reached saturation point years ago, as far to the school. Walking would also have unaccompanied youngsters, yet the as house building is concerned? some health benefits. Government is going to cut Kent County The existing infrastructure is creaking If KCC and Maidstone Council cannot Council’s budget. everywhere you look. Strains exist on afford to spend money on the Kent faces the biggest housing shortfall healthcare, education, water and public infrastructure, what else can be done to in the South East, leaving more people services. Unless and until housing reduce traffic in the town? homeless. We are building so many development is halted while long overdue I would suggest two measures, used houses, yet the road structure remains the attention is given to the infrastructure together. First would be a peak same. Maidstone at rush hour will be a problems, the town will surely grind to an hour/school time congestion charge and nightmare. inevitable halt. the second would be an improvement in We have enough homeless, children and Traffic problems, particularly in the public transport. The first would not be elderly who need care. Are you putting rush hours and school leaving periods, are popular, but trying to persuade people the lives of the immigrants before our chronic, with traffic stuck in jams, out of their cars does not seem to work. own? polluting the atmosphere for those who There needs to be an alternative, with the Diane Collins, by email live anywhere near main roads and rat congestion charge being used to help pay runs. for the cost of setting it up and to No room for incomers We know there are no road subsidise bus services to outlying areas. improvements in the pipeline apart from Dear Sir – At the moment we see every If we cannot provide more road space available space being filled with houses tinkering. as there is no money available. outside the town for through traffic, we For as long as through traffic, particularly and new estates springing up, while roads need to reduce the level of traffic trying to seize up, services are stretched and our from the south, has no option other than use what is there now. In that respect, it is to go through the town centre, we will be National Debt continues to rise past just as important to consider the health of £1,500,000,000,000, the interest being more saddled with the problem. those who live in the town, particularly There are ways to alleviate matters. We than we spend on defence. towards its centre, who have to breathe in Strangely, some of the people who all know that during school holiday unhealthy levels of traffic fumes three periods, many traffic problems disappear. believe we should take more than the times a day during the working week. current 640,000 immigrants a year (330,000 Many schools in the town serve a David Hackett, Park Way, Maidstone catchment area which is probably within a net) also believe in keeping this country one-mile radius of them. Is it too much to green, reducing pollution etc. This tiny ask that children walk to and from school, Put us before immigrants island has more people than Australia, rather than be taken by car? I know of New Zealand and Scandinavia all put several parents who live within a few Dear Sir – Contrary to your Mail Marks together and still those not having to Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

26 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk

endure the problems of overcrowding call back the many local park users would be to Farm for mixed business uses – offices, Comment for more immigration. keep the existing open space largely intact at warehousing and industrial. Woodcut There's a saying "Those whom the Gods all other times. Farm is part of the former Kig site; is well wish to destroy, they first make mad". Response by Stephen within the Landscape of Local Value that The Government pretends all is well, the council approved only the previous but a close look at the reality shows our evening; is close to Junction 8 of the M20; continued subservience to the EU and No to Woodcut Farm plan and is just across the road from Waterside refusal to address the very serious CPRE Kent is dismayed and horrified by Park, which only last month was rejected problems facing this country will take us the report to the Strategic Planning, as an industrial site by a government down at the next down-turn. Sustainability and Transport Committee inspector following a costly planning Then we'll be no good to ourselves, let promoting Woodcut Farm as an inquiry lasting eight weeks. alone immigrants. employment site (agenda item 85 – The inconsistency of the Woodcut Farm Phil Granger, Alma Rd, West Malling appendix B), and more so as it appears to allocation within the Landscape of Local have been accepted by the committee. Value beggars belief. The report states: “There is a unique Far from protecting the local landscape, Leave Mote Park alone opportunity in the borough to provide a a 65-acre employment site at Woodcut Dear Sir – I read with some abhorrence prestigious business park at junction 8 of Farm will massively denigrate wider that a pump track is being proposed, M20…” landscape interests and severely possibly for Mote Park. CPRE Kent disagrees entirely. compromise surrounding countryside for What? I have been using the park every Woodcut Farm is just a field (although yet more industrial development around day for more than 35 years and in that sub-divided) in an uninterrupted length Junction 8 of the M20. time have spoken to many people. The of agricultural land south of the M20 These are exactly the same planning topics that are always first to be spoken running from Bearsted on past Junction 8 arguments that were used successfully by about are building and entertainment towards , a length of more Maidstone Council to oppose Kig and areas. than three kilometres. Waterside Park at major planning At the outset we have all said that any There is nothing unique about the field, inquiries. housing built in the park would be the except perhaps that it is the most visible Public consultation on the local plan is thin end of the wedge and boy, have we area from all viewpoints. expected later this year and yet again local been proved right. As for a unique opportunity, does people and organisations to the east of First, the houses built right opposite anybody seriously believe that no other Maidstone will be compelled to voice their Madginford, then the Audley Retirement development applications would be made strong objections to development at Village and now houses proposed for in along this length of agricultural land? junction 8 – this time specifically to and around the cricket club. One begins to This site was part of the Kig application Woodcut Farm. wonder where next? refused at inquiry, as was the recent Should Maidstone Council be successful Then we read of a proposal for a crazy Waterside Park application, which was in its attempt to secure industrial golf and entertainment area. And now for further from the AONB boundary. These development at Woodcut Farm, it would a pump track. inquiry results were not mentioned in the show contempt for the compelling We just do not understand where the report. planning reasons set out by the Secretary council is coming from. Mote Park entices This field is adjacent to the AONB, and of State and the Inspector for rejecting Kig many thousands of visitors a year and consequent policy restrictions should in 2010 and Waterside Park in July of this that is fantastic, but the vast majority of apply, but this is also barely noted in the year. visitors come to the park for its peace, report. As it is “undulating” considerable It would also confirm that the council tranquility and walks, we bet. remodeling and degradation of the had wasted £1.5m of tax payers’ money in With the housing, pump track, BMX landscape will be required. opposing these proposals; and be a track and crazy golf, the park is in danger The report ignores many requirements vicious betrayal of all those people and of becoming like Hastings sea front (that's of the National Planning Policy organisations who have consistently fine for Hastings, but not a good idea for Framework. It is unsustainable, degrading opposed development proposals in this Mote Park). the highly visible landscape very sensitive area for almost 10 years. So let Audley be the very last housing (environmental loss), has no social benefit, Denis Spooner, former vice-chairman, built in the park, scrap the crazy golf idea and questionable economic benefit as a Bearsted Parish Council altogether and put the pump track in speculative development. Cobtree, where it will be less obtrusive The need for a prestigious business park and far less invasive. It could go right at should have been met by Eclipse Park. Election correction the back of Cobtree up against the However that failed to attract suitable Dear Sir – May I please add a correction to industrial park fencing. This would be a operations, and eventually a hotel and your article “Lib Dems retain influence” great place as hills and hummocks are retail were allowed. in June’s edition of the Downs Mail. already in place, paths are marked out This report is unbalanced, This suggests that Eddie Powell was and few trees would need to be chopped unprofessional and naïve, and also raises prevented from defending his seat in down. the question whether an officer should be Harrietsham and Lenham in view of his To the council - please leave Mote Park promoting a commercial operation in this success last year. basically as it is. way. Eddie, however, advised us that he Brian Blake, Hayle Road, Maidstone Gary Thomas, CPRE Maidstone branch preferred to devote all of his energies to contesting the parliamentary seat in Brian, I would like to reassure you that the Council must save Kig site Maidstone, which would take up all of his story you refer to in last month’s edition – Dear Sir – Maidstone Council recently time. “Bikers welcome pump track plan” – states made a very welcome and fully justified In view of this, Mike Williams, who that the pump track is only a request at this decision to designate the countryside to stood alongside Eddie in last year’s local stage. As a possible location, Mote Park was a the east of Maidstone as “Landscape of election, agreed to stand again this year in mere suggestion; no proposal has been Local Value”. Harrietsham and Lenham. Like Eddie, submitted. This was done to protect the Len Valley Mike also lives in Harrietsham and has That said, I share your concerns about the and the setting of the Kent Downs Area of been active in local politics, is a member creeping urbanisation of Mote Park. In Outstanding Natural Beauty. of Harrietsham against Reckless August, Maidstone Council gave a premises This designation will be embodied in Development and a parish councillor. licence to Social Events Worldwide to host the local plan that Maidstone Council is I’ve spoken to Eddie Powell and he eight major events in a 12-month period. This producing and includes all the land advises me that he subsequently allowed is in addition to other events, such as previously proposed for Kent our Maidstone branch to nominate him as Ramblin’ Man, which attracted 20,000 people International Gateway (Kig). the Ukip candidate for Allington ward in to the park at the end of July and may return Then, quite incredulously, on the the absence of a better qualified in 2016 – finances permitting. following evening the council also candidate. Understandably, this provides valuable decided to allocate in the local plan 65 Mike Wardle, branch secretary Ukip income to the council, but a nice way to pay acres of open countryside at Woodcut Faversham and Mid Kent branch.

Maidstone Town November 2015 27 News downsmail.co.uk Call for views on borough plan THE latest consultation on the Maidstone Borough Local Plan – which will set out how Maidstone will develop up to 2031 – is now under way. Residents are being asked for their The objectively-assessed housing plan. Everyone will have a chance in The council will consider all of the views on a variety of issues, from po- need for the borough – the number this consultation to have their say on issues raised during the consultation tential housing sites and proposed of homes needed for the population a proposed policy for public open with the aim of publishing a full, re- employment site locations, to candi- from 2011-2031 – is 18,560 additional spaces, the allocation of specific sites vised version of the local plan for date sites for gyp- homes. Of these, 2,341 have already for use as public open space, and the further public consultation early sies and been built, and a further 5,508 are in council’s approach to protecting our next year. The plan will then be sub- travellers and the the pipeline. highly valued local landscapes.” mitted to the Secretary of State for removal of the For the local plan to be approved The consultation document and Communities and Local Govern- proposed park by the planning inspector, it must supporting background material can ment. An independent planning in- and ride site at show how the borough will meet as be found at the website www.maid- spector will be appointed by the Linton Cross- much of the housing need as possi- stone.gov.uk/consultation. Com- Secretary of State to conduct an “ex- roads. A proposal ble, within the borough’s con- ments can be made on the website, amination in public” towards the for a new plan- straints. Additional housing sites are or sent to [email protected], or end of 2016, before the plan is finally ning policy for being proposed in the built-up area Spatial Policy Team, Maidstone Bor- adopted the following year. care homes is also included. of Maidstone and at some of the bor- ough Council, Maidstone House, Cllr Burton said: “Once the plan is Cllr David Burton (pictured), ough’s larger rural villages to help King Street, Maidstone ME15 6JQ. in place we will be able to defend chairman of the strategic planning, meet this need. The deadline for comments is 5pm against inappropriate applications sustainability and transport commit- The proposed open space policies on Friday, October 30. for further development. It’s impor- tee, said: “The local plan will show will help make sure that valuable Copies of the document will be tant that we achieve the 2016 dead- how we will meet the needs of the open space is delivered as part of available to view at all libraries in the line, otherwise we run the risk of people of Maidstone until 2031, and new housing developments. borough, and at the Gateway on needing to extend the plan period, how we will protect our countryside Cllr Burton said: “The protection King Street from 9am until 5.30pm and the possibility of losing control and open spaces. I urge everyone to of open space and precious land- on Mondays, and until 4.30pm from of the process to central govern- take part in the consultation.” scapes is an essential part of the local Tuesday to Friday. ment.” Sharon excels Refurbished pub shows off new look in finance THE Duke of Edinburgh at Barming A SIXTH-FORM student at has had a £130,000 make-over. Maplesden Noakes School, Maid- The four-week refurbishment has stone has excelled in the IFS Uni- opened up the main bar, introducing versity College Certificate in wooden floors and carpet in a new Financial Studies (CeFS), coming snug. The washrooms have been within the top one per cent of all upgraded, while outside the pub, students taking the qualification which dates back to 1868, has been nationwide. painted and new seats have been A spokesperson for the school fitted on the terrace. Licensee Adam Phillips (45), who said this was a great achievement Shepherd Neame chief executive took on the pub 10 years ago, is for Sharon Hayre as well as for the Jonathan Neame attended the delighted with the results. school, head of business and fi- launch party and presented £500 to The father-of-one said: “We have nance Ms Noble and Sharon’s Demelza, the county’s children’s much more space and the decor has teachers last year, Mrs Forghani hospice, to mark the occasion. been given a contemporary feel.” and Mr Bosanko. Mr Neame said: “The Duke of Brian Tree, a regular at the pub for Assistant head teacher Mrs Edinburgh is a characterful pub in a more than 40 years, was given the Forghani said: “As a business and great location, and we are delighted honour of pulling the first pint. enterprise specialist school, with the results of the makeover.” Maplesden Noakes has longstand- ing expertise and considerable commitment to developing stu- dents' broader business under- Focus on town’s heritage Bathroom fire standing and financial capability. MAIDSTONE is on a mission to and leisure department recently FIREFIGHTERS werecalled “We want to contribute to en- make more of its heritage. launched its Destination Manage- to reports of a fire in the bath- hancing the financial well-being of Research carried out by the Royal ment Plan – the blueprint for mar- room of a ground floor flat in future generations, beginning with Society of Arts placed the county keting the borough to visitors in the Coombe Road, Maidstone. our own students. The IFS Level 3 town 20th out of 326 destinations future – and Cllr Wilson said she Crews quickly established certificate and diploma courses for the quality of its heritage – but hoped this was the start of a new provided by the IFS University Col- the location of the fire and ex- only in 275th place for activities re- era of progress. tinguished it. A thermal imag- lege are the perfect medium.” lating to it. Officers from the RSA are due to Sharon has been awarded a £750 ing camera was then used to Council leader Fran Wilson said: visit Maidstone in a few weeks’ ensure there were no remain- scholarship, should she decide to “Considering the importance of the time and Cllr Wilson said she ing hot spots and a fan was continue her studies with IFS Uni- visitor economy to the borough, hoped this too would give the used to clear smoke and fumes versity College. this is a major lost opportunity to council some ideas as to how it from the property. Sharon said: “Before doing the use one of our biggest assets.” could better exploit its heritage as- course I was thinking of a career in The council’s heritage, tourism sets. A woman was given oxygen hospitality management. However for the effects of breathing in doing the IFS course has increased smoke before being treated by my understanding of opportunities Read all the latest editions of paramedics. There were no in the finance field and widened the Downs Mail at other reported injuries and the my options, especially as a result of FREE www.downsmail.co.uk cause of the fire was not the scholarship offer to take my known. studies further with the IFS.”

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Maidstone Town November 2015 29 News downsmail.co.uk Traffic fears as park and ride axed FEARS of a traffic influx on to Maidstone’s already-overstretched roads have been expressed follow- ing news the town is to lose one of its park and ride facilities. Maidstone’s planning and trans- But the council already sub- Through New Cut? Up London stream, the model is unviable.” portation committee agreed it had sidises the park and rideby more Road? I have serious concerns The committee agreed to seek a no choice but to close the Sitting- than £554,000 a year and the price about this.” three-month extension to the lease bourne Road park and ride car hike would add to this burden, Committee chairman Cllr David with Gallagher, from November to park in February next year, as a re- members heard. Burton said current usage meant February 2016, which would give sult of rising costs and poor uptake. Cllr Ian Chittenden said he was council tax payers were heavily the council time to tell customers But the closure could force more sad at the decision, but agreed it subsidising each park and ride about the changes and provide mo- than 300 vehicles a day on to was the only option. user. torists with alternative travel and nearby roads, as drivers seek alter- He said: “Over the years we have He said: “This has come about parking information. native places to park. had the opportunity to look at and not through want of trying. We The council has already agreed to Landowner Gallagher Properties negotiate something in the area have put on more modern buses look at providing additional bus Ltd wants to increase the lease fee and we have missed that opportu- but usage continues to decline.” services on the radial routes into of the site at Eclipse Park, off M20 nity. There is no alternative but to Cllr Clive English said: “Park and town, particularly in the north Junction 7, to reflect the location of support the closure – but I don’t Ride in Maidstone is broken. Un- (Newnham Court area) and from the site and its proximity to the mo- like it. Where are all the vehicles less we have significantly larger the south (Sutton Road and Loose torway. going to go? Through town? sites and an increased revenue Road). Abuse charge A MAN who upset pupils at a Castle blooms during festival school in Maidstone with his threatening and abusive behaviour LEEDS Castle was the setting for has appeared in court. thousands of blooms at this year’s Philip Michael Jack Hunt (25), Festival of Flowers. from Egerton Road, Maidstone, ad- An incredible 12,000 people at- mitted using threatening, insulting tended the six-day extravaganza, or abusive words or behaviour to with displays from internationally cause harassment, alarm and dis- acclaimed arrangers such as Heidi tress at the school in Great Buck- Lawley, from West Malling Flowers, land, Maidstone, on September 8. Caroline Miller, from Hadlow College He also had a kitchen knife in his and Headcorn’s Hazel Brickles fea- possession in Lesley Place, Maid- turing alongside the work of the cas- stone. tle’s own floristry team and Chelsea Hunt was sentenced at Mid Kent Flower Show award winners. Magistrates’ Court to 90 days in The preview was opened by TV prison, suspended for 18 months, gardener Diarmuid Gavin, who and ordered to carry out 200 hours named Holland’s Dennis Kneepkens’ of unpaid work. gold tipped lilies as the rose bowl He must also pay a £180 criminal winner. Next year’s event is on Sep- courts charge, £85 costs and an £80 tember 17-25. Rose bowl winner Dennis Kneepkens with TV gardener Diarmuid Gavin victim surcharge. Country park dropped

Guiders, in revised homes plan helpers and A PLAN to create a country park as The council concluded the site was Rainbows part of a larger development in Fant unsuitable for development because mark the Farm, Fant has been dropped. of the potential impact on the Med- Following public consultation, de- way Valley. But it was also con- unit’s 10th veloper Gleeson has reduced the cerned at the amount of traffic which anniversary number of planned homes on the could be generated by the inclusion with a controversial site from 270 to 225. It of a country park. photocall has also removed a plan to turn ad- Gleeson says its scheme, which jacent farmland into a country park. has revised boundaries to reflect the Rainbows celebrate birthday Despite Maidstone Council taking historic field patterns, will “har- the area out of its draft local plan for monise” with the historic orchard YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a party to celebrate the 10th birthday of housing, Gleeson Developments pattern and leave a large area of Vinters Rainbow unit. pressed ahead with a proposal for an open space at the centre of the de- On arrival, the Rainbows made their own party hats and played estate on historic open farmland. velopment, while retaining views of party games. They then tried to identify Guiders from the black and Despite the reduction in housing the open countryside. white photographs of them as children. The party ended with food numbers, local councillors say they The development would mean the and a birthday cake. Each Rainbow took home a celebration badge. 1st Vinters Rainbows has 23 Rainbows aged between five and will continue to oppose any devel- loss of grade two land, classified as seven. The three Guiders are helped by two Guides and a senior opment, along with the Save Fant “best and most versatile agricultural section member, all of whom were Rainbows at the unit, and four Farm Community Group. land”, but Gleeson says that “the other helpers. Cllr Matt Boughton said: “This is proposed development site is not lo- Three of the original Guiders are still there – unit leader Jacquie still not acceptable and we will con- cated in a sensitive area and it is not Beadle and assistant Guiders Donella McGill and Stella Simmons. tinue to fight it. There are major in- considered it will result in significant Another founding leader of the unit, Margaret Brook, returned for frastructure problems in this part of environmental effects”. the party. town and the access from Gatland An amended planning application Lane is totally unsuitable.” is expected to be submitted.

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Maidstone Town November 2015 31 downsmail.co.uk Fred Ridgway finally at Reed Transport, where he retired and lived in Walton-on-Thames before Obituaries in 1987. moving to Maidstone, then on to Dover and FREDERICK “Fred” Ridgway (92) lived in “Dad was always active; he played darts, returned to live in Bearsted. Barming for 60 years and forged a national billiards and golf. He could turn his hand Marjorie was mother to Alan. She worked and international reputation as a fast to most things and play it well. He was in a as a lollipop lady at Tovil School and in a bowler, playing for Kent, England and a darts team called the Old Folks Four who secretarial job at Hayle Mill. Commonwealth touring side. played against local pub teams to raise Alan said: “My mother was friendly, Born in Stockport, Cheshire, Fred’s money for elderly people. He was very intelligent, energetic and very giving. She sporting skills sociable, never forgot his Cheshire roots volunteered with the Red Cross for 50 years included a spell as a and always enjoyed a beer and a chat.” including work in the Maidstone area. My teenage footballer Fred leaves his wife of 71 years, Kathleen, father got involved in that organisation signed to Stockport daughters, grandchildren Chris, Robbie, with her. County before Laura and Kate and great-grandchildren “My mother’s many other activities enlistment in the Leo and Gabriel. A third great-grandchild included being a school governor in Royal Marines is expected in December. Madginford, worshipping regularly at brought him to Deal, Otham Church, being a member of where he served as a Bearsted Women’s Institute and the local PT instructor in the Justin Newi Townswomen’s Guild and helping out with war. Age Concern. Fred married Kathleen, and settled FATHER-of-one Justin Newitt (38), of Maidstone, died after falling in an accident “She remained active in these areas long locally in Deal and Ramsgate. He played into her old age. She was 75 when she for and at times captained a strong Tovil while working at Maidstone Studios. Facebook tributes accidently broke her leg while carrying and Bridge Mills team when he was still a some jam for her “old ladies” at Age talented fast swing bowler and later mostly poured in, with sympathies expressed Concern and she remained active in the batted for St Luke’s CC, Maidstone, and Red Cross until she was 85.” kept wicket. to Justin’s partner Jemma Webb and his Marjorie – who was widowed in 1996 – He played for Kent Cricket Club for 16 leaves her son, grandchildren Helen and years, between 1946 and 1962. In total Fred son from a previous relationship, 17-year- Robert and great-grandchildren Charlotte took 1,069 first-class wickets at an average and Freddie. of 23.74. old George Phillips. He was one of the few cricketers to His friends – many of achieve the feat of taking four wickets in whom knew him as Sheila “Lee” Field four successive balls, playing away for Kent Slim – have praised at Derbyshire in 1951. He was also a useful his sense of humour and love of life and SHEILA “Lee” Field (59) – formerly O‘Shea lower order batsman and excellent fielder. expressed shock at his sudden death. – lived in Saltings Road Snodland. He made his England debut in 1951, She was born Sheila Jones in Lewisham, eventually taking seven wickets in five tests London moving to Taylor Road, Snodland whilst touring India and Pakistan. He also Marjorie Grosse in 1963 and attending St. Katherine’s and toured the same two countries with a MARJORIE Grosse (90) lived in Bramley Holmesdale schools. Commonwealth side. Crescent, Bearsted from 1990 to 2012. She had various Fred was also a skilled footballer and Before that she lived in The Landway and jobs prior to her played for Ramsgate in the Kent League. in Old Tovil Road. marriage: as an au He was father to Barbara and Linda. Born Marjorie Bignall in Clapham, pair in Tunbridge Daughter Linda said: “We moved to London, she was educated in London and Wells, at Medway Maidstone in 1955 where Dad went on to began work as a typist with the South Bonding in Maidstone work locally in the paper industry. He Metropolitan Gas Company. It was there and Reed’s in New worked at Aylesford Paper Mill, Tovil and that she met husband of 51 years Doug. Hythe. Bridge Mill as a production planner and Marjorie and Doug moved with his work Lee had three children from her first marriage: Jason and twins Kym and Aaron. After her divorce she worked at Night Freight delivering parcels, where she met Camrass Wills her second husband Steve, a vehicle Advice you can trust recovery driver who literally pulled her out of a ditch. Before her final illness Lee worked for Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? Volvo, delivering new cars throughout the Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? country. Her friend Beryl Jones said: “Lee was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed and a good friend to many.” She leaves her husband, children, three For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW stepchildren and six grandchildren. 01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk Christine Watson CHRISTINE “Chris” Watson (69) lived in Barming from 1972. Before that she lived in Shepway’s Plains Avenue, Ashford

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32 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk

Road, Park Wood and Queens Road. lieutenant with the Royal Signals he was Alan in 1944.

She was born in Lancashire, living in awarded the Military Cross for bravery at They were married for 38 years and had Obituaries Darwen until her Maidstone-born father Oedenrode, Holland in 1944. As two children, Jane and Paul. brought the family to his home town. Regimental Signals The couple moved to the Maidstone area Chris had a number of jobs in the area Officer he dashed to in the early 1960s including office work, spending 17 years a post hit by German when Irene returned in one job with a local firm of chartered shells and extricated to work as a surveyors. the wireless set to re- community midwife, Her brother David said: “Chris was establish vital living first in breezy, fun-loving and liked by everyone. communications so Sandling and later in Her love of life extended to her later years that fire power could Fairbourne Heath, when she took part in performances by be maintained during Harrietsham. Spare Parts, a group of singers who a critical period. Paul said: “Mum performed all over Kent, often for old Later he gained a returned to work as a people. law degree and served with four local part-time and later “Chris did this in spite of ill health authorities before moving to Maidstone. full-time midwife in the Maidstone area, herself. She also spent years performing He held top posts in professional bodies. graduating from a bicycle during the war and helping at performances of Trevor, a bachelor, joined the Rotary years to an Austin Mini to do her visits.” Chandeliers, an amateur dramatic group Club of Maidstone in 1958 and his 50 In retirement she moved first to Loose who put on productions at the Hazlitt years’ service were marked with a dinner and later to Hythe, remaining very active, Theatre. and presentations. He was awarded enjoying music, travel and local history. “She was a wonderful auntie and really Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship for She learned to play the piano, joined close to her nieces Karen, Suzanne and services to the community in 2010. choirs and travelled all over the world Nicola. She was also very close to other including visits to family in Africa, South members of her family. She lived with our America and New Zealand. She was mother until she passed away and was Brian Gibbons described as a capable and giving person very caring to her.” ARTHUR Brian Gibbons (89), who was with strong ideas of what was right. Chris leaves her brother, sister-in-law, known as Brian, lived in Loose for 30 Irene, who was widowed in 1982, leaves nieces and all her other family members. years and was previously a resident of her children, grandchildren Clare, Ross, Penenden Heath from 1967 to 1985. Bradley, Nick and Richard and six great- Born in Upminster, Essex, Brian trained grandchildren. Keith Gearing as a quantity KEITH Gearing (82) who lived the final 17 surveyor and spent a years of his life in East Malling, was raised substantial part of his Paul Garner locally, living in Maidstone, Birling and working life with FATHER-of-two Paul Garner (53), from Stangate. KCC. His previous Maidstone, was killed when a lorry Keith was evacuated to Wales during the appointments collided with his war. He joined the merchant navy in his included spells with motorcycle on the teens and spent most Bracknell M25. of his working life Development Friends and family sailing the world on Corporation and paid tribute to Paul, a variety of ships. His work with a private recalling his love of early work included company in Bath. cars and motorcycles, employment on Brian was married to Lotte for 53 years his abilities in the passenger liners and was father to Barbara, Peter and kitchen and his love travelling to Helen. Peter said: “My father was a of reading. They also Australia. He gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of remembered his subsequently worked the word. He was reserved, polite and wicked sense of humour. on cargo boats and cared about doing things properly. Paul, who worked all over Kent, leaves oil tankers, travelling between the UK and “He was also active in local life. He was his wife and two children. Canada on boats carrying wood pulp and a member of Maidstone Sailing Club from worked on BP tankers. He later moved to 1971 to 1989, serving as secretary for three Folkestone and worked on cross-channel years. He was active in the Loose Ronald Godden ferries. Amenities Association and was a church RONALD Frank Godden (80) of Langley was One of six children, Keith was close to warden in Loose from 1990 to 1994, where well known from more than 50 years as a self- his family. Niece Faye Jeffrey said: “Keith he used his professional skills to help with employed engineer. was a wonderful uncle; fun-loving, the re-roofing of the church. Prior to living 31 years in Langley he had cheeky, always up for a laugh and a joke “He loved walking and he and my lived in Brooklands in Chatham Road, Ayles- and sentimental. He was very loving, mother had covered lots of local footpaths. ford and Sandling. cared a lot about his family and was really He also travelled abroad and to Scotland Ronald learned his trade in the Army dur- happy when he took trips to Canada to and the Lake District. ing national service and returned home to es- stay with his sisters.” “He was very loving and close to all his tablish a noted local business in which his Keith leaves sisters Wendy, Sylvia and family.” talents extended to machining and making Sue, his many nieces and nephews and his Brian, who was widowed in 2003, leaves car parts when the manufacturer’s own parts wider family. His two brothers pre- children Barbara and Peter; daughter were unavailable. deceased him. Helen pre-deceased him. He also leaves With wife of more than 60 years – Rosemary granddaughters Michelle and Natalie and – Ronald raised children Marion and Paul. great-grandchildren Louis and Grace. Daughter Marion said: “My father was a very Trevor Scholes giving person who would do anything for TREVOR Scholes (94) was Maidstone’s last anybody. His love of his work meant he never town clerk, from 1958 to 1974. He took Irene Milton wanted to stop and he was involved in every- early retirement at 53 and was made a IRENE Milton (91), who died in Hythe thing from towing, spraying, welding, pro- Freeman of the Borough. Since then four days before her 92nd birthday, was viding MOTs and the engineering work that Maidstone Council has appointed chief known for many years as a community allowed him to sort out all kinds of prob- executives. midwife in the Maidstone area. lems.” Trevor, of Sportsfield, Maidstone passed Born Irene Mallery in Battersea, London Ronald was still working in his 80th year. legal exams in 1941 but was called up for she trained as a midwife in Hackney He leaves his widow, children, five grand- wartime service in the Army. As a during the war years and met and married children and 16 great-grandchildren.

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

Maidstone Town November 2015 33 News downsmail.co.uk Money heads list of concerns FINANCIAL issues continue to dominate the list of problems for Maidstone residents who seek help from Citizens Advice Bureau. Advice on benefits and tax cred- happy with the service they re- to recruit more. Operating from its base in Bower its topped the list of enquiries in ceived and the main cause of criti- Chief executive Bonny Malhotra Terrace and at Maidstone Gateway, 2014/15, with 25% of clients need- cism was long waiting times for said: “I never cease to be surprised advisers now help those migrating ing help in this area, with a further advice. by the level of commitment given from benefits to Universal Credit. It 19% needing advice on dealing Addressing the annual meeting, by our volunteers in Maidstone. has also become the delivery centre with debt. chairman, Sir Michael Buckley said: Colleagues, both paid and unpaid, for PensionWise in Kent and Med- Employment (12%), housing “To some extent, they are the in- are this organisation’s powerhouse way. (11%) and relationships and family evitable consequence of the time re- and events bear witness to the fact Mr Malhotra said: “Often pro- (9%) followed. quired to explore the problems of that even under extreme pressures viding a bespoke service at both The bureau dealt with 7,300 clients and to give them full advice. we have continued to provide an venues has been difficult to man- clients during the year, creating a “I am proud that the bureau has excellent service.” age but volunteers rally to our cry total of 24,893 points of contact, of gone from strength to strength in He said the bureau had suffered of help and give us additional days which almost half (46%) were face the difficult financial climate of the from austerity – cuts in local au- above their duty days.” to face appointments and 25% tele- past few years, but very conscious thority funding and funding for do- The bureau provides outreach phone calls. that the credit for this rests with the mestic abuse, along with support services at Parkwood, Marden and The bureau secured £300,681 for staff and management and my fel- from the legal aid agency and other Headcorn as well as home visits its clients and had a further low trustees.” small funding streams – but a num- and also provides an advice service £334,319 in debts written off. The bureau has 31 paid staff and ber of new opportunities had in Maidstone jail for prisoners, Almost all clients (95%) were 76 volunteers, but is always looking opened up. their families and prison staff. Business as usual, says castle chief Apple pie quiz

THE new chief executive of Leeds to working with the local commu- for Mencap Castle arrived in Kent to a baptism nity. He admitted his knowledge of MAIDSTONE Mencap members of fire. Kent was sparse, having spent most will be holding their annual apple Formal Naval officer Sir David of his working life at sea and three pie quiz on Saturday, November Steel arrived in Kent to find himself years in command of the Naval 14 at Cobtree Hall, School Lane caught up in Operation Stack and base at Portsmouth. (off Willington Street), Maidstone. the aftermath of the planning en- But he said: “The site was not dis- The fun event takes its name quiry on Waterside Park. similar to Leeds Castle, with a com- from a tradition that the quizmas- Sir David, who spent 37 years plicated mix of heritage, ter asks for a slice of apple pie and with the Royal Navy, expressed his accommodation, business and land cream as his fee, and the sweet is delight that the planning inspector to administer.” also provided to everyone else who rejected the appeal regarding the He paid tribute to the work of the goes along. land at J8 of the M20 – and that the existing team who, he said had Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm Government has finally taken on been both welcoming and under- and tickets are £6 each which in- board the problems caused by lorry when Operation Stack is in place. standing. He said he was delighted cludes the apple pie. Teams are six congestion on the motorway. “It is business as usual here at to learn the outcome of the contro- to eight people. He said: “Operation Stack has Leeds Castle and visitors can still versial Waterside Park planning in- Contact Rita on 07790 643218. had a marked effect on the percep- get to us quite easily with a bit of quiry, which had cast a cloud over tion of what is accessible in Kent careful planning – even when Op- the castle in recent months. and I am particularly delighted that eration Stack is on.” He said: “Any development is this has now become a national Sir David is looking forward to likely to add to the volume of traf- Fish and chips issue to resolve, with the Govern- getting to know his neighbours in fic in this area and recent events ment clearly asking for a solution Leeds, Broomfield and Holling- have shown what congestion can day for Ma that will ease traffic congestion bourne and said he was committed do to us.” A FAMILY who organised a fish and chip feast as a fundraiser in memory of their lost son have raised £1,800 for a self-help community centre in PCSOs rewarded for their bravery Cambodia. TWO community support officers while visiting a detainee. Matt Carapiet (23), from Bearsted, who seized a firearm from a man in Victoria Hicks (38), of Sunning- died in the Nepalese earthquake ear- Headcorn were among 60 police of- dale Court, Maidstone, was jailed lier this year. His family have con- ficers, civilian staff and members of for 21 months after admitting pos- tinued to help the community the public to receive awards at the sessing a class A drug with intent centre, where Matt volunteered dur- West Division area commander’s to supply. ing his travels, in his memory. ceremony. West Division commander Chief Marino Fish Bar in Ashford Road Maidstone PCSOs Dave Rowley Superintendent Steve Corbishley offered to make a donation for each and John Boyd wrestled the gun said: “Kent Police officers are called fish and chip supper sold on one day from the 64-year-old man, who had admitted the farm yielded about to difficult and potentially danger- to support the centre. reported nuisance youths near his £100,000 a year, was jailed for three ous situations every day, and risk There were people queuing out of home. They are pictured with years. their own safety to protect the pub- the door to support the cause and a mayor Cllr Daniel Moriarty. Also honoured was detention of- lic. family spokesman said: “It was Two officers who discovered a ficer Danielle Finlay, based at “It is right they get the recogni- touching to see so many familiar cannabis farm in Maidstone police station, who was tion they deserve, and I am very faces. Thanks to Marino's for kindly were also recognised. recognised for her outstanding ob- proud of everything they do. I offering to run the event.” Sergeant Joe Breen and PC James servation skills after finding a would also like to congratulate There is a collection box in the O’Gorman seized £50,000 worth of quantity of the class A drug fen- those members of the public who shop for those who want to donate. cannabis and arrested the man re- tanyl hidden in a secret pocket showed tremendous courage in dif- sponsible in October 2014. Of- within a newspaper, which a ficult situations, whose awards are For more local news fender David Hill, who later woman had tried to smuggle in also well-deserved.” www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone Town November 2015 35 Classified downsmail.co.uk Cleaning Services continued Fencing

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36 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk Classified Garden Services continued Painting & Decorating continued

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Maidstone Town November 2015 37 Classified downsmail.co.uk Plumbing & Heating continued Skip Hire continued

Prompt Gavin Francis D.T Collection Central Heating Installations ex British Gas Fast • New Boilers Delivery SKIP HIRE • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Burst pipes & leaks Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Covering Maidstone • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 & The Weald 01622 721779 EA Registered & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Fast & Prompt Service Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH 843511 NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD & Domestic Property Maintenance Roofing Services Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive TNC Property & Landscapes Driveways and Paving COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE PINBINS Block paving refurbishment • Full Roof Installation (level sunken areas, clean & sand) Commercial and domestic • Tiling & Slate Roofing Lawn construction 1-14 day hire Council approved • uPVC Fascias & Soffits Fencing new and repairs Same day delivery Tipped at our site Brickwork/patios re-pointed • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Call Tremayne Fully Insured 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled 01622 758221 www.apolloroofing.co.uk Find us on 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete 07748004252 07808 414965 Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote Grab hire also available

A1Roofing Services NEW SITE NOW OPEN • TILED ROOFING • FLAT ROOFING Detling • LEAD FLASHING • PVC FASCIA / SOFFITS Aerodrome • FULL REPAIR SERVICE Maidstone Tel: 01622 296011 For a prompt reliable service Freephone Mob: 07884 180595 Email: [email protected] 0800 028 49 00 Skip Hire Skip Hire Save ££££ On Your Skip Hire Domestic and Commercial 3,4,6,8,12, & 16yd Sizes Screened soil delivered by the load, ideal for turfing, borders and building up ground. • Permits arranged • Best Prices We can do same day delivery Call us for a competitive quote 01622-200800 or 01634 201104

38 Maidstone Town November 2015 downsmail.co.uk Classified Skip Hire continued Window Cleaning MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service BMP MINI SKIP HIRE • Power washing available for block paving & patios 01622 863502 07950 211 507 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] 4/3/2 YARD Window Repairs • SAME DAY SERVICE E.A. REG • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE MirandaMiranda • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS 01622 858887 07870 680 979 SPECIALIST REPAIRER FOR OVER 20 YEARS ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs TV Aerials, Satellites Misted / Broken Glass Units, & Repairs Door & Window Handles, Locks & Hinges Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Patio Door Wheels & Tracks Kent Trailers MIKE PRIOR Indespension Agent T.V.`s, recorders & surround sound systems installed and set up. SPARE PARTS SHOP Livestock, Plant, Recovery, T.V. wall mounting service. Van, General Purpose All aerial work including digital Units 15-16 Dickens Court Trailers in stock Freeview upgrades. New & Used Freesat satellite dishes installed Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate Detling and upgraded. Kent ME2 4LY 01622 730063 07860 318166 Estimates given, [email protected] Maidstone trusted trader. 01634 717400 01622 844393 www.mdgrepairs.co.uk PAUL MILL Television Ltd 01622 751000 Est. 1981 • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Youview Record, Pause, & Rewind TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial and dish installation service Public Notice Please phone us for free friendly advice today

www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk Licensing Act 2003 We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service Notice of application for a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Mr A & Mrs K. Patel have applied to Maidstone Borough Council on 6 October 2015 for the grant of a premises licence to use the premises at Corner Supermarket, 94 Plains Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME15 7AU in respect of the hours, for the sale of alcohol. Namely Waste Collection Monday to Sunday between the hours of 06.00 to 21.00. Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by 3rd November 2015 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Maidstone Borough D. BODY LTD Waste Collection Council Licensing Office, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ. The Register Cesspool Emptying of Record of Application can be viewed by members of the public during office hours at Maidstone Septic Tanks Borough Council Licensing Office, or accessed online by visiting http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online- Drain Clearing licensing/ Representation shall be made in writing. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make Sludge Removal a false statement in connection with an application for a premises licence. The maximum fine for Treatment Plants which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000. Gulleys & Forecourts High Pressure Jetting Domestic & Commercial Licensing Act 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS Notice of application to vary a Premises Licence 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week An application has been made by: Anna Troilo for the premises La Dolce Vita, Prompt & Friendly Service 8 Pudding Lane, Maidstone ME14 1LN. On the date of: submitted on 5th October D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent 2015. Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: - sale alcohol - recorded music - varying opening hours Mon - 8:00 - 22:00; Tue - 8:00 - 22:00; Wed - 8:00 - 22:00; Thur - 8:00 - 23:00; Fri - 8:00 - 23:00; Sat - Web Design 8:00 - 23:00; Sun - 11:00 - 23:00. Any Person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004. Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS in writing on or before - 2nd November 2015. • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion Licensing Partnership, PO Box 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting [email protected] http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing. • Email • Web Site Maintenance It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of 01732 842454 conviction for the offence is £5000.

Maidstone Town November 2015 39 Recruitment On the Road

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We are currently recruiting a part time telesales person to sell advertising across our successful Downs Mail and Mid DIY Car Parts Kent Living publications and associated online products. The role will involve: and Accessories • Handling inbound and making outbound calls • Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business 01622 891777 • Canvassing from competitor publications and online products • Working to achieve challenging revenue targets and meeting strict PS Autoparts, Headcorn, TN27 9SH deadlines on a weekly basis www.psautoparts.co.uk • Maintaining accurate and up to date records The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role and will: • Have experience of working to sales targets • Have a confident and outgoing personality AUTOSPRAY • Be determined and persuasive • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative SOLUTIONS • Have excellent communication skills For the ultimate paint finish! • Show commitment and be a team player This is a permanent part-time position of 22.5 hours per week to be worked Monday to Wednesday. MOBILE BODY REPAIRS Friendly, flexible, family owned business SCUFFS, SCRATCHES, DENTS etc Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + 31 days (pro rata) annual leave SAVINGS UP TO 50% Email applications to the sales manager. Include your CV and a COMPARED TO BODYSHOPS covering letter explaining how your experience matches the job requirements and why you would be successful in the role. Fully guaranteed to main dealer standard [email protected] Fully insured 15 years experience Online NEW EMPLOYMENT SECTION Insurance work welcome within our websites Community Notice Board Call now for your free quotation on Jobs, Apprenticeships, graduate programmes, work experience plus help and support to find work and develop your career. 01622 727263 / 07773 340049 or email www.downsmail.co.uk [email protected] Follow Leisure To place your Public us on Notices and job Bouncy Castle Winner of vacancies here please tradesperson of PENFOLDS AMUSEMENTS Bouncy castles and children’s carousels call 01622 630330 01634 365427 | 07710 772597 the year 2013

40 Maidstone Town November 2015 MOT On the Vans & Campers Class 4 & 7, all £48 Road JVM Ltd Unit 1F, Deacon Trading Est., Aylesford ME20 7SP 01622 715845 All MOT’s Please bring this advert with you for offer. £40.00 At GMS we only use genuine parts TilyardAuto’s Specialising in VW Audi SKODA SEAT Mechanical Repairs & Maitenance MoT Testing • Servicing • Tuning • Air Con • Pre-MOT • Accessories fitting Free re-test and minor adjustments • Vehicle modifications • Electric diagnostic Service and repairs carried out to all Main dealer trained • Independently priced makes and models Maidstone’s Best Kept Secret Local recovery service now available Now come and find us Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking Unit 2 Gibralter Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2NG FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY 01622 686824 www.gmskent.co.uk SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, ACE Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR M.O.T. and Clutch Centre Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted • Broken belt damaged repaired • All makes, petrol & diesel MOBILE BODY REPAIRS 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING Tel: 01732 870368 • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES Maidstone Exhaust Centre & Bower Lane Tyres Bower Lane, Maidstone, Kent Exhausts: 01622 672798 Tyres: 01622 687466 www.maidstone-exhaustcentre.co.uk

Before Before

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Maidstone Town November 2015 41 k u . o c . mail.co.uk l i a online at downs m s n FREE w The clerk reported that o d . w Read our archived our archived Read It was agreed to pay the cost of w Mike Evans, the new chairman of On the previous inspection, Al- inspection, On the previous this time there was However, “Con- The inspector added: “Children thoroughly enjoy editions w A NURSERY in Maidstone is cele- A NURSERY raising its Ofsted brating after grade to outstanding. Road, phabets Nursery in Hillary told by a Heath, was Penenden it required inspector government improvement. Jo only praise, with inspector as describing teaching Caswell and her outstanding, the manager their at- deputy inspirational, and chil-tention to detail in supporting exceptional. dren’s well-being taken since certed action has been the the last inspection to improve should be quality of teaching. Staff commended for the dedication shown in accessing they have training and external support to their practice so quickly. improve their day at nursery.” Nursery staff Nursery ‘inspirational’ A gazebo would be purchased for a It was agreed that proprietors of the Tovil South Park the Friends of South Park, introducedto himself councillors and gave a briefcommunity insight group, into which the has takenrole an active in looking afterbers the the park. group’s He profile-raising told initiativeseen mem- had its membership rise to 100,ried who now out car- improvements suchconjunction as with the weeding borough in first council Monday on of the the month. Mrfriends’ Evans said the groupmoney was for further improvements, also beyond that provided looking by section to 106tions. developer raise He contribu- said: “Wepassion exist for the as park a and acceptnot group that going parks with to are get a more moneyducing from budget. an We ever-re- need not tothe be borough moaning council at but working withthe it to best get for thejoin park.” the For friends details group, of seethe how the to noticeboard park in [email protected]. send an email to the address noise was in the earlypolice hours could or go persistent, out the if neededAward and if available. post office should be encouragedin to the take part Kent Ruralparticularly Retailer in 2015 view competition, of itmunity-based being local a business. crucial com- Gazebo maximum £500 for outdoor events heldparish by the council. Roy’s Wood urgent essential works recently carriedBrooksfield out in Community Wood,cally known as Roy’s lo- Wood. Community awards an award received for theunder late the Cllr Kalc Roy (Kent Association Hood ofthorities) Local Au- to denote hismunity services for many to years, his waswife com- passed and family on who to were his extremely touched. Do you agree with Carlo’s traffic He also believes work could be Carlo said: “I went in to the Gate-  vision for Maidstone town centre? KCC’s gyratory scheme ad- Will dress congestion in the town? Con- tact [email protected]. replacing it with aproviding a footbridge, right and turn into OldRoad, Tovil with trafficRoad, would lights keep traffic at moving. Hayle done in stages, avoidingmum four the months of mini- delays itdicted is pre- the gyratory work willnext cause year. way to look at therely on plans county and councillor had Dan Daley to to give me a copy. Thission, is only but my vi- trying toimpossible. That’s be why I’m heard using seems my local paper to addfind my a voice proper and solution to crisis.” to the traffic The chairman had been asked A complaint had been made PCSO Doug Muir had received Cllr Greenwood said he would be Cllr Dow reported that the parking Loose Cold callers complaints of cold-callers mainlyLane. A at warning would Lancet be placed on the web- should contact their own recommended com- panies independently. Loud music about loud music coming fromPCSO Loose Muir Valley. stated that noise complaintsnot could be dealt with bythrough the police Maidstone and Council. should However, go if the and gate. The chairmanplanning and had enforcement written officers but toseen it as the was low priority. Woodpigeons by Mrholder, Curd, whether he acouncil’s permission could to long-standing use have hiswith the airgun allotment to the parish deal woodpigeon problemlanding as on they the kept netting, flatteningbles. the A vegeta- map which heculated, had showing prepared the was cir- zone perimeter that the area/safety airgun wouldbe not be used allowed to in, along with alowing legal discussion, advice members agreed note Mr to Curd permission give and to keepcarefully the situation monitored. Cllr Manserthat requested the minutes clearly state hertion total to opposi- the use ofPavements any firearm. complaining to Kentgarding Highway Services the re- stateparish. of He the wouldCouncil pavements regarding also in overflowing rubbish the contact bins Maidstone site that if people want work done, they about the scope for the use of air guns. Fol- outside the shops as the amount of litter had been reported to police as residents were strewn about was unacceptable. Parking issue on Maryland Drive and Barned Court not leaving enough room for emergencyices serv- to get through. “The gyratory will just be another He wants to see traffic lights re- He says if the gyratory plan was As part of his plan, Carlo believes people from getting towant to where go. they ‘car park’ trapping motoriststown, in the rather thanwith providing a speedy them passage out.” moved from the A229Rabbit at the roundabout White to speedtowards traffic Blue Bell Hill and Boxley. scrapped there wouldmoney be to create enough the a pub footbridge and near awould one-way allow system Boxley-bound traffic that to travel up HardyStreet, thus Street freeing andend up of John Boxley the Road, which bottom wouldone-way be for those travelling towards Maidstone. easing traffic to the south bying remov- traffic lights on Palace Avenue, It was agreed that the clerk November 2015 November Cllr Sandra Manser asked why The chairman reported that the It was agreed to excavate and repair PCSO Matthew Adlington reported But motorist Carlo BroadwayFairmeadowthe and to bound, A229 without the need north- to cross either of the two bridges. Attubato (79), who has lived in Tovil planning permission, work was stilling continu- with the installation of a new driveway at Hoppers Field, even though there was no The quote of £1,175 from Drain King was ac- hirers regarding this. Other issuesing were leak- guttering, concreteback breaking door, up a by rottenthe post the bench in that the had been play replacedloose. area had become and Cllr Andrew Doe would tighten the yearly inspection was also suggested. Police that parking at the school seemed to be get- Barming Pavilion the drainage pipe instead of a lining repair. cepted. Some of the claddinghad on started the to pavilion slipbroken down away. and It was one felt piece thatby had the the broken undercroft piece couldand be the due other to rough slatssuspected use may have misuse, slipped possibly duekicked to footballs against it. being The clerk would write to all bench with new boltspost. and The remove clerk the would contact rotten Primeto Building discuss all thepavilion points and raised the regarding durability of the the cladding. A monitor the area. Football club occur for the next twoFiling years. cabinet ting better. Concerns regarding the speedsome that parents drivepick-up at school times drop-off wereagreed and discussed that the and PCSOs it would was continue to should replace the filing cabinetof and dispose the damaged£147.60 including Vat. one. TheHoppers Field cost would be meeting had gone well with Barming Youth chased. The club hadand accepted it the rent was rise agreed that no increase would Football Club. It was agreed thatcreate blinds would the best formwould of install privacy any and blinds that the the club council pur- Maidstone Town Maidstone Town

Work is due to begin in spring He said: “The engineers have Parish Councils News system traffic £5.7m gridlock’ ease ‘won’t system for the centre of has told KCC its new gyratory A PENSIONER gridlock crisis. do nothing to ease the town’s Maidstone will 2016 on a £5.7m trafficsystem, management which will see two lanesated cre- to take traffic directly from since 1964, says the plan failsthe to fundamental solve issue of traffic leav- ing the town to the north and south. come up with somethingmy which, in view, missesWhat the they entire need point. toagain and do address the is real look issuethat and at is it the numberand pinch of points traffic that lights are delaying 42 downsmail.co.uk

A BLACK wheelie bin was stolen from a reports Crime home in Bodkins Close. Both number plates were stolen from a Neighbourhood Watch Volkswagen van parked in Lyndhurst Road, Shepway. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A yellow and black Muddy Fox bicycle was stolen from outside a property in Kingfisher Meadow, Fant. A silver BMW 335 was stolen from a Boxley Close. Nothing appeared to have The garage of a home in Lincoln Road, driveway in Halfpenny Close. been taken. Shepway was broken into and frozen food The wing mirror was smashed on a A vehicle was taken from South Park was stolen. Renault Megane in a car park in Barker Road, Shepway. Items were stolen from a shed at a Road, Fant. The garden gate to a home in Calder property in Wheatsheaf Close. The passenger side window was Road, was damaged. A parked vehicle had its tyres damaged smashed on a Vauxhall Corsa in Old Tovil A brick was thrown at the window of a in Cambridge Way, Shepway. Road. property in Wallis Avenue, Park Wood A play house was stolen from the An electric bicycle was stolen from smashing it. grounds of a school in Eccleston Road, where it was chained up in Barker Road, The wing mirrors were taken from a Tovil. Fant. Renault Clio in Devon Road, Shepway. Some lights and a lantern were taken The bathroom window was smashed at a Tools were among items stolen from an from outside a property in Greenborough home in Blythe Road. CCTV footage was outbuilding in Suon Road, Boughton Close, Shepway. being viewed. Monchelsea. A garage at a home in Chipstead Close, Graffiti was scratched into a wall in a Paint was thrown over a Vauxhall Corsa Allington was broken into and garden communal corridor at a block of flats in parked in Greenfields, Shepway. tools, including a Stihl strimmer, a Stihl Hart Street, Fant. A car was damaged in a car park in chainsaw and a Stihl hedger cuer, were A set of keys was stolen from the door of Bicknor Road. stolen. a home in Upper Stone Street. A parcel was stolen from a driveway in A door was damaged at a property in A window was damaged at a property in Suon Road, Shepway. London Road. Fant Lane, Fant. Fuel was siphoned from a car in Bircholt There was a break-in at a home in The rear light units were stolen from a Road, Boughton Monchelsea. Stansted Close, Allington. Vauxhall truck parked in Old Tovil Road. Cash and a mobile phone were stolen Glass panels were found to have been The windscreen of a parked vehicle was from a home in Suon Road, Shepway. damaged at a property in Buckland Road. broken in Quarry Road. Plants were taken from outside a Equipment was damaged in a yard in The bonnet of a Renault parked in property in Suon Road. Beaver Road, Allington. Melville Road was dented. A bicycle was stolen from the driveway A red Honda CBF motorcycle was taken A window was damaged at a property in of a home in Essex Road, Shepway where from outside a property in The Malthouse, Gabriels Hill. it had been locked to a vehicle. Barming. A bin was stolen from outside a property Items were stolen from a vehicle in A door was damaged in an aempted in Lower Stone Street. Wallis Avenue, Park Wood. break-in at a flat in Buckland Road. A wallet containing cards and other Two light units were stolen from the roof A newly-delivered tumble dryer was items was stolen from a home in Hayle bar of a Ford Mondeo parked in Suon stolen from the communal laundry room of Road. Road, Shepway. a block of flats in London Road. A bicycle was stolen from outside a Both nearside tyres were punctured on a A 63-registration black Honda moped property in Bank Street. Ford Fiesta parked in Eddington Close. was stolen from a parking area in Scotney A garden in Cranbourne Avenue, The waste disposal container for a shop Gardens. Shepway was damaged. in Northumberland Road, Shepway was A Peugot 206 was scratched all over in Two bay trees were stolen from their pots cut open. the car park of a block of flats in St Peter’s in a garden in Hastings Road. A sign was stolen from the garden of a Street. The number plates were stolen from a car home in The Tail Race, Tovil. CCTV A bicycle was taken from the garden of a in St Philip’s Avenue. footage was being viewed. property in County Road. A handbag was stolen when a man A property in Cambridge Crescent, A VW Passat parked in Mostyn Road tricked his way into the home of a Shepway was burgled. was keyed. vulnerable person in Valley Drive, Loose. A buggy was damaged in the communal He was described as about 35 years old, 5ft area of a block of flats in Union Street. 10ins, of medium build with light blond SECURE YOUR HOME A window of a property in Allen Street hair which was neat and combed back. He ALARMS FROM £495+VAT was smashed but nothing was taken. was clean shaven and wore a fawn- CALL 01622 880751 A Ford Focus parked on a driveway in coloured tweed jacket, trousers and a tie. Bedgebury Close was damaged when A car was damaged in Peel Street. stones were thrown at it. The back door of a home in Finch Court A Hyundai parked in Sidney Street, Fant was damaged in an aempt to break in. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD was keyed. The side curtain of a lorry was slashed in Pre-school told to improve teaching Poems inspire A MAIDSTONE pensioner is to A GOVERNMENT inspector has communication and language care and concern for each other, but launch her first book at 86. advised a Maidstone pre-school skills, particularly during story advised the pre-school to improve Muriel Garcia, from Sandling, that it must improve the quality of time.” She suggested efforts should the arrangements for assessing worked from the age of 16 to her its teaching. be made to ensure all children were children’s learning by asking par- late 70s in a variety of jobs: in the The inspector rated Little Mon- involved and given time to re- ents about what children knew and Women’s Royal Naval Service, as a sters Pre-School at the Howard de spond to questions. could do, before joining. PE teacher, a lab technician, a li- Walden Centre in Bluett Street as The inspector noted that staff Trudy Glenister, who owns the brarian and a church verger. requiring improvement after a pre- had a clear understanding of their pre-school, said: “We were sad- The book, “A man of many parts vious “good” rating. responsibilities to safeguard chil- dened and disappointed with the and other verses”, is a compilation Inspector Elizabeth Mackey re- dren, were familiar with the set- outcome. However, since the in- of poems inspired by both people ported: “The quality of teaching is ting's policy and knew the spection we have been working and places she has known. not consistently good. At times, procedures to follow should they closely with the improvements Her book is being published by staff do not make the most of op- have any concerns about a child’s team at KCC and are confident we Austin McCauley and will be portunities to extend conversations welfare. Ms Mackey agreed young- will return to ‘good’ within 12 launched at Maidstone Library at with children to encourage their sters behaved well and showed months.” 2pm on Saturday, November 28.

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