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October 2017 Maidstone East Edition No.downsmail.co.uk 246 NewsMaidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper Panto ahoy! Kate, 107, dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- FREE people’s home in , stone, took to the River to has died aged 107, her son 3 Decemberlaunch this year's 2019 panto. No. 272 David has disclosed. On board The Kentish Lady were national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- NewsMP’s Local Plan bid fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- HELEN Whately asked the

beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig Newgovernment village to halt store the Over 300 sites listed THE new community-run shop Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, borough’s housing scheme. 4 Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- serving village aims to zone (Ugly Sisters) . be both convenient and They were greeted by pupils from green.Plans for Dr Nigelà3 South Borough Primary School and in development plan THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto Underwill walk pressurethe Grand runs from December 1-31. For tick- THE publication of a list of over 300 potential land sites for development VILLAGERSCanyon for say charity. they’re being 12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. in the borough has finally been published to a chorus of criticism. pressured to withdraw ob- jections to a road scheme. à6 From the town centre to the crat-run Maidstone Borough Coun- Langley would be engulfed by Jason Donovan date outer parishes, virtually no area cil (MBC) has come in for a hail of housing if all the schemes were ap- ElectionTHE former Neighbourslatest star brings emerges without some form of condemnation. proved, virtually joining the A20 to his show to the Hazlitt AS THE Brexit Party says they housing in the “call for sites” list. Its leader, Cllr Martin Cox, ad- the A274 when combined with Theatre next May. 18 Although a fraction will be de- mits there are up to 60,000 units in submissions for Leeds. will stand aside in Tory seats, we CCTVlivered, tens of thousands of pro- the 334 call submissions. inAn “eco a village” bid of 900 homes at survey the election posed homes were submitted, as Almost 500 hectares of largely Kingswood is seen in some quar- landscape. à8 well as three hotels and four gypsy arable farmland near or around ters as a “less intrusive” scheme plots. or Leeds village has with an emphasis on affordable Chemical leak at farm As the people’s protest starts to been submitted by the Rochester homes and local jobs. FOUR people were taken to hos- gather momentum, Liberal Demo- Bridge Trust. The authority, styling itself as a to stop fly-tipping pital and dozens more received “master developer”, is behind two treatment after a large schemes, including 5,000 CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a chemical leak at a farm. à homes at Heath. 10 country road have been made by the local boroughAnother councillor. 1,000 units in the town centre contained a plan for 280 Plea after dog theft Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- houses in a 14-storey block, which Broomfield, has been targeted by was dumped and set on fire. lieves the cost to small firms of dis- A BEARSTED family has made a would have meant building a road plea for the safe return of their waste dumpers for years, but in re- The church car park has also seen posing of construction waste at a Obituaries 32 over the War Memorial at The dog, believed to have cent months, the problem has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deter- Broadway. been stolen. à11 come more acute. But it is a problem in many rural rentSenior that council is costing officials councils removed more. Parish Councils 34-35 Construction waste, rubble, hard areas including Langley, Cllr Fort made her remarks as the memorial relocation from the ObituariesASH dieback has been discovered à32 in core, windows and household fur- and Kingswood. Water Lane in schemeone of the in borough’s the week closest before trans- Re- niture is left illegally – often strewn Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have fer stations at North Farm, Tun- Monks Meadow in Detling; Family’s £1.7k poppy boost membrance Sunday. But furious ParishesHollingbourne village à 34-35 fete stall- in the middle of the road. also been targeted recently. electedbridge Wells, members announced dumped it will the be A family raised Mr Clifford said: “They crossed the A holderRESIDENT co-ordinator has raised Jean concerns Duffy has Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month Last year, Maidstone Borough schemeclosed foron November 10 weeks. 5. £1,700 for charity at the Southamp- line together to a huge cheer as aboutresigned; the surface yellow oflines the are road needed at we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- MBCShe added: said: “No “If you decisions go along have the ton Poppy Run. they were carrying a giant poppy thefor A20 Buffkyn junction Way, with Otham Chruch, to allow construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 beenline oftaken increasing on the fines,submitted they havesites. to Bank worker James Clifford, his scarf. They received their runners’ Roadbuses in Harrietshamthrough Imperial; a plaque Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. Manybe enforced. will be deemed A reduction unsuitable. in the daughter Mia (8) and nephew Jay- medals plus a special medal for rais- onbish the war bins memorial in the sports in Holling- field in Lane, where we are now thinking The approaching darker evenings charge“We’re or keen offering to work it free with may thehave den Haynes (7) drove to the annual ing so much money. bourneKingswood has beenare to changed; be moved a over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. community,the desired similar especially effect.” with charity race on November 3. “The bank I work for is looking to crossingthe picnic at thearea primary and rear school exit. in land, to oversee the problem area.” Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia- landownersA three-monthly and developers, litter pick on to the The two Primary see if they will match it, which could Leeds has been ruled out by the SchoolA recent pupils event completed in Burberry the Lane5km meantive bya total the of Environment over £3,500.” Agency mapmile-long out potential stretch sites of roadand be through clear countyCrime council Reports because of traffic. 35 sawcourse a caravan in under burned an hour. out while a land Remembrance the Driver and Sunday Vehicle - p36 Stan- aboutLeeds what village development produces an average could torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on take32 black place sacks in the of future.” rubbish. CrimeVEHICLES Reports have been driven à35 over LabourCllr Fort, councillor who also serves Malcolm as a farmland in Lenham, causing McKayparish said: councillor, “We need says protection teaching A SAFEdamge was to stolen crops; from an a attemptedproperty fromchildren speculative about social developers, responsibility but I in break-inUpper Street, was reported Leeds; fuel in Detling was ; a wouldand the also issue say of that litter we in needschools pro- will stolenvehicle from was a lorryvandalised in Thurnham; in Bearsted tectionhelp take from the our issue own off planning the streets. de- thereRd, haveWeavering been thefts; pumpkins of oil from were a restaurant in ; the partment.”She believes with every household stolen fromDownswood an allotment in windcsreen of a Volvo car was lreceiving Call for a weeklysites list, refuse pages collection 18, 19 Lenham. YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT smashed in Lenham. &service, 22 there is no excuse for litter [email protected] l beingDennis thrown Fowle, from page vehicles 46 or CommentComment à 46-4746-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • ldumped Letters, in pagesthe road. 46-47 Home Alarms supplied and fitted webexpand.co.uk 01622 880840 In the the top top 1% of 1%UK web of designUKvisit companies www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 webwww.webexpand.co.uk design companies | [email protected] web design google promotion ecommerce THE BEST PLACE FOR TYRES IS WHILE YOU NOW OPEN! WAIT SERVICE EXHAUSTS TYRES FULL OR PART SYSTEM WHEELS BRAKES BATTERIES QUALITY ASSURED WHEEL TRACKING FULLY COMPUTERISED WITH PRINT OUT EXHAUSTS BEFORE AND AFTER ADJUSTMENT BRAKES PUNCTURE REPAIR

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2 Maidstone East December 2019 downsmail.co.uk News Homes protest Community store will be in town centre VILLAGERS appalled by Maid- stone Borough Council’s plans for ‘convenient and green’ 5,000 homes at Lenham Heath took their protest to the authority’s front DETLING’s new community store The 12m x 5m store, next to the door. aims be convenient and green. village hall, is likely to be popular Kate Hammond was among 19 Only paper bags will be used with walkers and cyclists using the protestors from the Save Our and a number of refillable items Pilgrims Way and will have a Heath Land (SOHL) group on will be on sale to reduce the use of water refilling point. November 4. plastic, including washing liquid, Louise said: “We have ideas in- She said: “We were chanting soap and shampoo. cluding ‘pop-up suppliers’.” ‘Save our Heath Land’ right out- Other stock will be sourced lo- Talks are also being held about side, but in spite of the fact that the cally where possible, including providing parking and allowing proposal comes from the council it- bread, which will be supplied by turning space for vehicles. self, we were ignored.” the Blackthorn Trust in Maidstone. Mr Finn added: “We have The group is opposed to the pro- It is a victory for the community worked hard to go through all the posal for a large-scale development – replacing the village store that necessary building procedures and for which the Lib Dem-led council closed seven years ago – and has applying for the necessary ap- will be the “master developer”. taken four years to complete. provals with the Post Office and Mrs Hammond said: “We know Steering group chairman we hope the store will become a that if this goes ahead, it won’t be Richard Finn (70) said: “At times, it destination for many people.” 5,000 houses … it would open the seemed the project might not hap- The parish council has sup- door to thousands more on either pen. But now we have two con- ported the project with a donation side and blight the whole area.” tainers to house the shop and Post from 7am-1pm on Sunday. She and loan and £8,000 has been given SOHL was preparing another Office and a manager appointed. lives in Harrietsham and has expe- by villagers and local businesses. demonstration at Lenham Heath We have also applied for a license rience of running shops. The project also received help from on November 17. to sell alcohol.” Shoppers will be able to sit down charities including The Prince’s Many accused the council of Manager Louise Reed, pictured, with a coffee, cake and sand- Countryside Trust. using tax-payers’ money to prep- will lead the team of volunteers wiches, and the shop will sell con- It is hoped the shop will open sare its scheme before the council’s that will keep the store open from fectionery, cigarettes, lottery tickets for Christmas, with the Post Of- ‘call for sites’ had officially opened. 7am-7pm six days a week, and and locally-produced food. fice being installed in January. l Call for sites, list - p18, 19 & 22. 01622 738772 www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk Directors 7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Road, Bearsted hair and beauty studio Late night We have Christmas Tues & all wrapped up Thurs with our range of festive gift packs

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Maidstone East December 2019 3 News downsmail.co.uk Cricket club builds for future THE cricket club in Leeds is looking to replace its “tired” clubhouse with a new facility which could have a wider community role. The committee at Leeds and we’re not using it.” Broomfield Cricket Club, which The work would be carried out has played in view of the castle during the closed season, from since its formation in 1762, says it October to March, in the hope needs new facilities to grow and that with all the necessary ap- to accommodate today’s mix of provals, this could be as early as players. next September. It wants to build a changing The club has said a series of block for its junior players, as events and sponsorship will be young as eight, on the same site needed to fund the project. as its two senior First XI and Sec- Mr Aitken said apart from the ond XI sides, the Sunday team new clubhouse, there were no and its female players. plans for extra facilities, such as Committee member Glenn floodlights. Aitken’s son Max is captain of the He said: “We have always had club’s First XI. the support of the castle and the He said: “The current facilities village and we are very aware of replaced a wooden hut that noise and traffic. We have no in- burned down in 1998 and are tention of souring this relation- now looking a bit tired. The committee has been given season. Mr Aitken said: “We can- ship. “We want to provide separate the full backing of Leeds Castle, not afford to be over-ambitious “We simply wish to provide the changing rooms for our seniors which owns the ground, and has because of the cost, but we want a facilities that a successful club and ladies teams and the young- started talks with the parish coun- building that will also be suitable needs to continue growing and sters we coach, who numbered 50 cil about how the building might for minor functions and meetings, rearing our own talent for years to this summer.” be put to community use out of or perhaps even a nursery when come.” Village gets Pub landlord joins pantomime cast festive spirit A VILLAGE am dram production of DETLING is once again decking Aladdin will be staged on February itself out for Christmas. 7 and 8, 2020. Last year, more than 200 people Leeds Amateur Dramatic Soci- viewed the village’s “Bringing ety’s production of the family Christmas to Detling” event, favourite will have a guest,onstage when windows and gardens in role for landlord of The George Inn, The Street were decorated to re- Jason Tharp. flect the Nativity story. This year’s production is directed This year, more homeowners by Lesley Finlay. will be joining in and the theme She said: “As ever, it will be a will be a Christmas carol or song. community production and we The public are invited to view hope that Jason’s presence will the displays and guess the tunes tempt a few regulars out of the on Saturday, December 21. pub and up the hill to the village Starting at 3pm at Detling Vil- hall.” lage Hall, small groups will be led to the homes taking part to see the displays, finishing at the church for free refreshments and carols. Fundraising for churches CCTV fitted Tickets are £2 per adult, and SURVEILLANCE cameras have free to children. If you buy your been fitted in a Leeds housing es- ticket in advance you can stipu- by ‘reading and riding’ tate in response to incidents of an- late the time you want to start. For CONGREGATIONS at Broom- provided by Chris and Debbie tisocial behaviour. details, call 07711 611550. field and Leeds have been help- Saunders, with a main course sup- The use of cameras, owned by ing to keep their churches alive plied by The George, and apple Maidstone Borough Council, was Choir tunes up with events and fundraisers. pie produced by local cooks. requested by the village PCSO The Great Leeds Book Sale in At Broomfield, Derek Siobhan Derose. The camera has KINGSWOOD Choir is getting been fitted in Farmer Close. the church raised £1,000, while made a beautiful show of donated back in tune after a break. A spokesman for both churches were beautifully The choir rehearses songs, in- produce to decorate the church. said: “This is timely and appro- cluding carols, at the Kingswood decorated for harvest festival ser- The service was joined by Peter priate, and follows incidents of School Hall, from 7pm on Mon- vices. Roberts on guitar. anti-social behaviour and a car days during term time for about The church at Leeds was draped Then there was the Ride and being damaged. This is a facility an hour. Entry is £1.50. in berries and autumn leaves, Stride fundraiser. The Broomfield available to PCSOs where they For details, call Sue Chambers thanks to Simon Brice, and the team oraised £1,220 with half re- feel it may prove an appropriate on 01622 843622. service was followed by lunch, turning to the local church. and effective deterrent.”

4 Maidstone East December 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Cricket club builds for future THE cricket club in Leeds is looking to replace its “tired” clubhouse with a new facility which could have a wider community role. The committee at Leeds and we’re not using it.” Broomfield Cricket Club, which The work would be carried out has played in view of the castle during the closed season, from since its formation in 1762, says it October to March, in the hope needs new facilities to grow and that with all the necessary ap- to accommodate today’s mix of provals, this could be as early as players. next September. Wins for the Warriors It wants to build a changing The club has said a series of Warriors RFC put out said: “We are regularly seeing 30 block for its junior players, as events and sponsorship will be two teams on the same day for plus players at training and the young as eight, on the same site needed to fund the project. the first time – and got off to a newly formed second XV just sta- as its two senior First XI and Sec- Mr Aitken said apart from the winning start. bilises the club even further within ond XI sides, the Sunday team new clubhouse, there were no The 1st XV beat Bexley 27-0 the community and surrounding and its female players. plans for extra facilities, such as while the 2nd XV scraped a 31-29 area. It’s a great time to be a War- Committee member Glenn floodlights. win against St Leonards Cinque rior.” Aitken’s son Max is captain of the He said: “We have always had Ports RFC on November 9. For details go to www.face- club’s First XI. the support of the castle and the Club spokesman Danny Bastone book.com/weaveringwarriors/. He said: “The current facilities village and we are very aware of replaced a wooden hut that noise and traffic. We have no in- burned down in 1998 and are tention of souring this relation- now looking a bit tired. The committee has been given season. Mr Aitken said: “We can- ship. “We want to provide separate the full backing of Leeds Castle, not afford to be over-ambitious “We simply wish to provide the Kent head takes changing rooms for our seniors which owns the ground, and has because of the cost, but we want a facilities that a successful club and ladies teams and the young- started talks with the parish coun- building that will also be suitable needs to continue growing and sters we coach, who numbered 50 cil about how the building might for minor functions and meetings, rearing our own talent for years to this summer.” be put to community use out of or perhaps even a nursery when come.” over RBL group Village gets THE county chairman has taken responsibility for the area’s Will, Estate or Pub landlord joins pantomime cast branch of the Royal British Le- festive spirit A VILLAGE am dram production of gion, following the resignation DETLING is once again decking Aladdin will be staged on February of its chief officers. Power of Attorney itself out for Christmas. 7 and 8, 2020. Derek Davison (pictured), Last year, more than 200 people Leeds Amateur Dramatic Soci- chairman of the amalgamated viewed the village’s “Bringing ety’s production of the family branch of Bearsted, Leeds, dispute? Christmas to Detling” event, favourite will have a guest,onstage Hollingbourne, Broomfield, and when windows and gardens in role for landlord of The George Inn, Thurnham, had made repeated Do you have a dispute regarding how a The Street were decorated to re- Jason Tharp. appeals for members to step up flect the Nativity story. This year’s production is directed and take a leading role, warning Will, Estate or Power of Attorney has This year, more homeowners by Lesley Finlay. that the branch could fold. been handled? will be joining in and the theme She said: “As ever, it will be a But the RBL’s county chairman He said the RBL aimed to keep will be a Christmas carol or song. community production and we Richard Cast says while he un- all branches open and, was hope- The public are invited to view hope that Jason’s presence will derstands the long-standing issue ful the branch would be able to Whitehead Monckton has considerable the displays and guess the tunes tempt a few regulars out of the of getting replacement officers, no recruit more members and offi- experience in helping clients to resolve on Saturday, December 21. pub and up the hill to the village branch officer has authority to re- cers from the district. It was pos- Starting at 3pm at Detling Vil- hall.” quest or order the closure of a sible another meeting place in a these difficult disagreements and in many lage Hall, small groups will be led branch. more central location might also cases achieving excellent financial results. to the homes taking part to see the Mr Cast said: “I am aware of the be considered. displays, finishing at the church situation at this branch and, in Mr Cast added: “I will, with my Call us today on for free refreshments and carols. Fundraising for churches CCTV fitted fact, last year, I appointed the county committee, take control of Tickets are £2 per adult, and SURVEILLANCE cameras have chairman of our online branch the branch and seek firstly to hold Canterbury 01227 643250 free to children. If you buy your been fitted in a Leeds housing es- ‘Invicta’ to assist as secretary for a special meeting which will be Maidstone 01622 698000 ticket in advance you can stipu- by ‘reading and riding’ tate in response to incidents of an- a year. Unfortunately, despite notified to all members to attend. late the time you want to start. For CONGREGATIONS at Broom- provided by Chris and Debbie tisocial behaviour. ideas on recruiting and extending “If no officers come forward, Tenterden 01580 765722 details, call 07711 611550. field and Leeds have been help- Saunders, with a main course sup- The use of cameras, owned by the branch into Leeds and we have procedures that have to ing to keep their churches alive plied by The George, and apple Maidstone Borough Council, was Bearsted as part of its district, no be followed to resuscitate the London 020 7531 2990 with events and fundraisers. pie produced by local cooks. requested by the village PCSO action was taken by the chairman branch, which has 39 members.” Choir tunes up and the members.” for an initial no obligation consultation by phone. The Great Leeds Book Sale in At Broomfield, Derek Hadlow Siobhan Derose. The camera has Downs Mail was unsuccessful KINGSWOOD Choir is getting been fitted in Farmer Close. While Mr Cast said he was in getting a comment from Mr the church raised £1,000, while made a beautiful show of donated E-mail [email protected] back in tune after a break. A spokesman for Kent Police waiting for a formal report of the Davison, who has been a key both churches were beautifully The choir rehearses songs, in- produce to decorate the church. said: “This is timely and appro- group’s AGM in Hollingbourne, member for many years. He www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk cluding carols, at the Kingswood decorated for harvest festival ser- The service was joined by Peter priate, and follows incidents of on November 5, he added: “I am helped the branch win the Le- School Hall, from 7pm on Mon- vices. Roberts on guitar. anti-social behaviour and a car privately aware that the branch gion’s Moore Trophy for work in- Whiteheadwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered days during term time for about The church at Leeds was draped Then there was the Ride and officers stood down, including cluding the P100 project in in & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, being damaged. This is a facility Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. an hour. Entry is £1.50. in berries and autumn leaves, Stride fundraiser. The Broomfield available to PCSOs where they the chairman, although the re- Hollingbourne and raising about Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority For details, call Sue Chambers thanks to Simon Brice, and the team oraised £1,220 with half re- feel it may prove an appropriate mainder of the committee are still £250,000 for the legion in the past under no. 608279. on 01622 843622. service was followed by lunch, turning to the local church. and effective deterrent.” prepared to stand.” 10 years. DM 07/19

Maidstone East December 2019 5 News downsmail.co.uk Panto build-up THE wait is over - the parts for Village ‘under pressure’ Hollingbourne panto, Dr Holling- stein of Frankenbourne, have been revealed. This take on the Frankenstein story has body parts, bit parts and over A249 roundabout more. Auditions for the 27 adult roles have been held, with those A PARISH council leader claims The parish council says it would for the children up for grabs at the his community is being pres- be happy to withdraw its objection, village hall on Sunday, November surised to withdraw objections to but villagers will need to be as- 10. a major infrastructure change to sured by Highways England and Performances of this year’s the A249 at . the Department for Transport that script, by Jonathan Barry, with Villagers concede a proposed a bridge or an underpass will be music from David Head, will run roundabout for the M2 is needed, part of the final scheme. He added: from February 12-15, at the vil- but worry the Highways England “This road is already treacherously lage hall. Rehearsals will be on project will split the village in two, dangerous at this point. We want Sunday nights. without providing any safe access the road improved, but as those to it and its businesses. bearing the brunt of these changes, Parish council chairman Phil Highways England must take the Festive lights Woods has received a letter from needs of the village into account. LENHAM will be transformed the government agency, suggest- “We do not want to stand in the into a winter wonderland for one ing if it does not drop its opposi- way of this road scheme, but we of the key events on the calendar. tion, the project may lose its also don’t want to be risking life Last year’s lights switch-on at- funding and development win- and limb to get into and out of tracted a thousand people. This dow. Stockbury. There needs to be a safe year’s event on Sunday, Novem- Cllr Phil Woods said: “It appears way we can reach both sides of the ber 24 will see huts set up on the Kent County Council and Maid- village.” square offering lucky dips and stone Borough Council have both Highways England said: “We craft sessions for children, as well been persuaded to withdraw their the whole project. understand the parish council’s de- as music and horse and carriage objections. Now Highways Eng- “As a parish council, we are used sire for a bridge or underpass at rides. Admission is free. land has written suggesting if we to taking such accusations, but a this location, but it is outside the The town crier will switch the do not withdraw ours, and a pub- resident whose home will be bull- scope of our project and, if in- lights on at 5pm, followed by fire- lic inquiry goes ahead, then we dozered by the project has received cluded, would make the scheme works. could be responsible for forfeiting a similar letter, and that’s not on.” unaffordable.”

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6 Maidstone East December 2019 News downsmail.co.uk Panto build-up THE wait is over - the parts for Village ‘under pressure’ Hollingbourne panto, Dr Holling- stein of Frankenbourne, have been revealed. This take on the Frankenstein story has body parts, bit parts and over A249 roundabout more. Auditions for the 27 adult roles have been held, with those A PARISH council leader claims The parish council says it would for the children up for grabs at the his community is being pres- be happy to withdraw its objection, village hall on Sunday, November surised to withdraw objections to but villagers will need to be as- 10. a major infrastructure change to sured by Highways England and Performances of this year’s the A249 at Stockbury. the Department for Transport that script, by Jonathan Barry, with Villagers concede a proposed a bridge or an underpass will be music from David Head, will run roundabout for the M2 is needed, part of the final scheme. He added: from February 12-15, at the vil- but worry the Highways England “This road is already treacherously lage hall. Rehearsals will be on project will split the village in two, dangerous at this point. We want Sunday nights. without providing any safe access the road improved, but as those to it and its businesses. bearing the brunt of these changes, Parish council chairman Phil Highways England must take the Festive lights Woods has received a letter from needs of the village into account. LENHAM will be transformed the government agency, suggest- “We do not want to stand in the into a winter wonderland for one ing if it does not drop its opposi- way of this road scheme, but we of the key events on the calendar. tion, the project may lose its also don’t want to be risking life Last year’s lights switch-on at- funding and development win- and limb to get into and out of tracted a thousand people. This dow. Stockbury. There needs to be a safe year’s event on Sunday, Novem- Cllr Phil Woods said: “It appears way we can reach both sides of the ber 24 will see huts set up on the Kent County Council and Maid- village.” square offering lucky dips and stone Borough Council have both Highways England said: “We craft sessions for children, as well been persuaded to withdraw their the whole project. understand the parish council’s de- as music and horse and carriage objections. Now Highways Eng- “As a parish council, we are used sire for a bridge or underpass at rides. Admission is free. land has written suggesting if we to taking such accusations, but a this location, but it is outside the The town crier will switch the do not withdraw ours, and a pub- resident whose home will be bull- scope of our project and, if in- lights on at 5pm, followed by fire- lic inquiry goes ahead, then we dozered by the project has received cluded, would make the scheme works. could be responsible for forfeiting a similar letter, and that’s not on.” unaffordable.”

Jane Eyre Wed 15th & Thur 16th Jan

Maidstone East December 2019 7 News News| Elections | Elections downs mail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk VotersVoters won’t won’t be be fooled fooled again again DECEMBER’SDECEMBER’S general general election election is set is against set against the background the background of Brexit of Brexit and aand divided a divided country. country. DougDoug Kempster Kempster takes takes an overview an overview and offersand offers this assessment…this assessment… POLLSTERSPOLLSTERS are warning are warning that that Britain’sBritain’s third General third General Election Election in in just fourjust years four isyears a journey is a journey into into the unknown.the unknown. With traditionalWith traditional political political tribal tribal unity inunity meltdown in meltdown over Brexit, over Brexit, and votersand voters sickened sickened by a seem- by a seem- ingly endlessingly endless diet of inaction,diet of inaction, con- con- descension,descension, spin and spin evasion and evasion from Westminster,from Westminster, those those who who make make a living a living predicting predicting the the mood ofmood the nation of the arenation almost are almostat a at a loss. loss. Most punditsMost pundits agree the agree Decem- the Decem- ber 12 pollber 12could poll be could the mostbe the sig- most sig- nificantnificant since the since end the of end WWII. of WWII. Upon itUpon hangs it nothangs only not the only UK’s the UK’s future relationshipfuture relationship with the with Euro- the Euro-tical votingtical voting as the as reasons the reasons why whyMalling’s Malling’s Tom Tugendhat Tom Tugendhat faces a facesbut adisillusioned but disillusioned electorate electorate who, who, pean Unionpean Unionbut, potentially, but, potentially, an- reading an- reading the tea theleaves tea hasleaves become has become fall from fall 41.3% from to 41.3% 28.5%, to and28.5%, Mid and onMid a localon level,a local are level, wrestling are wrestling with with other other move move for Scottishfor Scottish so difficult. so difficult. Kent’s Kent’s Helen Helen Whately Whately is pre- is congested pre- congested roads, roads, over-develop- over-develop- independenceindependence and the and end the of endthe of theIn MaidstoneIn Maidstone and Malling, and Malling, tra- dicted tra- dictedto see ato drop see afrom drop 35% from to 35%ment, to andment, swelling and swelling GP waiting GP waiting WestminsterWestminster political political system system as ditional as ditional true-blue true-blue heartlands, heartlands, 28.8%. 28.8%. lists. Theselists. votersThese voterscan spot can spin spot spin we knowwe it. know it. however,however, even the even most the cautious most cautious Only Only ’s Aylesford’s Tracey Traceyand “cleverly-worded”and “cleverly-worded” non-an- non-an- Sir DavidSir David Butler, Butler, who has who 70 hascommentators 70 commentators predict predict the Con- the Con-CrouchCrouch is expected is expected to buck to the buck swers the andswers publicity and publicity stunts stuntsat 50 at 50 years’ years’ experience experience at the at polls, the polls,servatives servatives will hold will power. hold power. But trend, But seeingtrend, seeingher share her rise share from rise frompaces. Politicalpaces. Political observers observers in both in both could onlycould rejoice only rejoicethat he that was he no was respected no respected pollster pollster Martin Martin Baxter Baxter2017’s 2017’s 23.3% to23.3% 25.3% to this25.3% time this timeMaidstone Maidstone and Malling and Malling concede concede longer longerin the business in the business of forecast- of forecast-at Electoralat Electoral Calculus Calculus anticipates anticipates round. round.One party One insider party insidersuggests suggests that a that candidate a candidate of action, of action, who who ing the ingoutcome the outcome of elections of elections when whenthree ofthree our offour our MPs four will MPs get will a getit’s a noit’s coincidence no coincidence that she that is shecan is prioritise can prioritise the thoughts, the thoughts, fears fears the latestthe ballot latest was ballot announced. was announced. drubbing drubbing in terms in ofterms their of voter their voterwidely widely perceived perceived to be the to belocal the localand feelings and feelings of the average of the average person person And PhilipAnd PhilipCowley, Cowley, Professor Professor share. share. MP leastMP likely least to likely toe theto toe party the partyin the in street the above street abovethe political the political of Politicsof Politics at Queen at QueenMary Univer- Mary Univer-MaidstoneMaidstone and The and ’s The Weald’s line. line. machinationsmachinations of the Westminsterof the Westminster sity, sity, London, London, cited cited a Helen a GrantHelen (pictured Grant (pictured above with above withThe struggleThe struggle both incumbent both incumbent bubble, bubble, can count can oncount success on success in in “youthquake”,“youthquake”, collapse collapse of party of partysupporters) supporters) could seecould her see 34.2% her 34.2%and would-be and would-be MPs face MPs is gainingface is gaining the December the December election... election... regard- regard- loyalty,loyalty, broken broken promises promises and tac- andof tac- 2017of 2017 slashed slashed to 16.3%, to 16.3%,traction, traction, with a withpolitically-savvy a politically-savvy less of whatless of pollsters what pollsters predict. predict.

RESULTSRESULTS IN 2017 IN 2017 CandidatesCandidates set set out out stalls stallsMaidstoneMaidstone and The and Weald: The Weald: Con – 29,136Con – 29,136 MAIDSTONEMAIDSTONE and Malling and Malling can- can- who willwho campaign will campaign for a second for a second Lab – 11,432Lab – 11,432 didatesdidates were quick were toquick welcome to welcome referendumreferendum on Brexit. on Brexit. Jenny JennyLib – 8,455Lib – 8,455 news ofnews another of another poll. poll. ReevesReeves stands standsfor Labour. for Labour. UKIP – UKIP1,613 – 1,613 IncumbentIncumbent MPs Tracey MPs TraceyCrouch, Crouch, Mrs ParkinMrs Parkin said: “Thousands said: “Thousands Green –Green 888 – 888 Helen GrantHelen and Grant Tom and Tugendhat Tom Tugendhat of youngof youngpeople people who could who notcould notOther –Other 172 – 172 all supportedall supported the move the asmove the as the vote invote 2016 in should 2016 should be given be the given the FavershamFaversham and Mid and Kent: Mid Kent: only wayonly to waybreak to the break parliamen- the parliamen- chancechance to decide, to decide, and we and all we all Con – 30,390Con – 30,390 tary deadlocktary deadlock over Brexit. over Brexit. know muchknow more much now more about now theabout the Lab – 12,977Lab – 12,977 LabourLabour selected selected Dan Wilkin- Dan Wilkin- seriousserious damage damage leaving leaving the EU the EU Lib – 3,249Lib – 3,249 son (pictured)son (pictured) to fight to Maidstone fight Maidstone will dowill to the do to UK the economy. UK economy. A A UKIP – UKIP1,702 – 1,702 and theand Weald the Weald who will who be will up be up secondsecond referendum referendum is essential.” is essential.” Green –Green 1,431 – 1,431 againstagainst Lib Dem Lib James Dem Willis.James Willis. The GreenThe GreenParty’s Party’s April Clark April Clark FormerFormer Maidstone Maidstone Grammar Grammar will bewill challenging be challenging Mr Tugend- Mr Tugend-TonbridgeTonbridge and Malling: and Malling: School Schoolpupil Mr pupil Wilkinson, Mr Wilkinson, who who hat’s majorityhat’s majority in in Tonbridge and andCon – 36,218Con – 36,218 grew upgrew in Marden,up in Marden, said: “Our said: “Our Malling.Malling. Lab – 12,710Lab – 12,710 countrycountry is at a is crossroads, at a crossroads, and and She said:She “I said: am “Ifighting am fighting this thisLib - 3,787Lib - 3,787 this electionthis election presents presents us with us an with an electionelection for our for climate our climate – the – theGreen –Green 2,335 – 2,335 historichistoric opportunity opportunity to redress to redress great placegreat to place work to and work live, and and live, biggest and biggest emergency emergency we are wefacing. are facing.UKIP – UKIP1,857 – 1,857 the imbalancethe imbalance between between the many the manyI want toI want champion to champion that, not that, sim- not Oversim- halfOver of half voters of voterspolled polledsaid saidChatham Chatham and Aylesford: and Aylesford: and theand privileged the privileged few.” few.” ply as aply face as at a facethe odd at the photo odd op-photoclimate op- climate change change would would affect affectCon – 25,587Con – 25,587 The GreenThe GreenParty’s Party’s Stuart StuartJef- portunityJef- portunity but rolling but rolling my sleeves my sleeves how theyhow voted, they risingvoted, torising 74% toof 74% Lab of – 15,129Lab – 15,129 fery willfery also will contest also contest the seat. the seat.up and up getting and getting stuck in.” stuck in.” under -25s.”under -25s.” UKIP – UKIP2,225 – 2,225 The BrexitThe PartyBrexit has Party decided has decided not notIn FavershamIn Faversham and Mid and Kent, Mid Kent,Mrs WhatelyMrs Whately has recently has recently Lib – 1,116Lib – 1,116 contestcontest Tory-held Tory-held seats. seats. MP HelenMP Helen Whately Whately faces thefaces been the promotedbeen promoted to a junior to a juniormin- min-Green –Green 573 – 573 Mr WillisMr Willis told Downs told Downs Mail: Mail:Green Green Party’s Party’s Hannah Hannah Temple Temple ister inister Prime in Prime Minister Minister Boris BorisOther - Other260 - 260 “Maidstone“Maidstone and the and Weald the Wealdis a andis a Liband Dem Lib Hannah Dem Hannah Perkin, Perkin, Johnson’s Johnson’s government. government.

8 Maidstone East December 2019 News | Elections downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk Business Focus Voters won’t be fooled again DECEMBER’S general election is set against the background of Brexit and a divided country. Doug Kempster takes an overview and offers this assessment… POLLSTERS are warning that Britain’s third General Election in just four years is a journey into the unknown. With traditional political tribal unity in meltdown over Brexit, and voters sickened by a seem- ingly endless diet of inaction, con- descension, spin and evasion from Westminster, those who make a living predicting the mood of the nation are almost at a loss. Most pundits agree the Decem- ber 12 poll could be the most sig- nificant since the end of WWII. Upon it hangs not only the UK’s future relationship with the Euro- tical voting as the reasons why Malling’s Tom Tugendhat faces a but disillusioned electorate who, pean Union but, potentially, an- reading the tea leaves has become fall from 41.3% to 28.5%, and Mid on a local level, are wrestling with other move for Scottish so difficult. Kent’s Helen Whately is pre- congested roads, over-develop- independence and the end of the In Maidstone and Malling, tra- dicted to see a drop from 35% to ment, and swelling GP waiting Westminster political system as ditional true-blue heartlands, 28.8%. lists. These voters can spot spin we know it. however, even the most cautious Only Aylesford’s Tracey and “cleverly-worded” non-an- Sir David Butler, who has 70 commentators predict the Con- Crouch is expected to buck the swers and publicity stunts at 50 years’ experience at the polls, servatives will hold power. But trend, seeing her share rise from paces. Political observers in both could only rejoice that he was no respected pollster Martin Baxter 2017’s 23.3% to 25.3% this time Maidstone and Malling concede longer in the business of forecast- at Electoral Calculus anticipates round. One party insider suggests that a candidate of action, who ing the outcome of elections when three of our four MPs will get a it’s no coincidence that she is can prioritise the thoughts, fears the latest ballot was announced. drubbing in terms of their voter widely perceived to be the local and feelings of the average person And Philip Cowley, Professor share. MP least likely to toe the party in the street above the political of Politics at Queen Mary Univer- Maidstone and The Weald’s line. machinations of the Westminster sity, London, cited a (pictured above with The struggle both incumbent bubble, can count on success in “youthquake”, collapse of party supporters) could see her 34.2% and would-be MPs face is gaining the December election... regard- loyalty, broken promises and tac- of 2017 slashed to 16.3%, traction, with a politically-savvy less of what pollsters predict.

RESULTS IN 2017 Candidates set out stalls Maidstone and The Weald: Con – 29,136 MAIDSTONE and Malling can- who will campaign for a second Lab – 11,432 didates were quick to welcome referendum on Brexit. Jenny Lib – 8,455 news of another poll. Reeves stands for Labour. UKIP – 1,613 Incumbent MPs Tracey Crouch, Mrs Parkin said: “Thousands Green – 888 Helen Grant and Tom Tugendhat of young people who could not Other – 172 all supported the move as the vote in 2016 should be given the Faversham and Mid Kent: only way to break the parliamen- chance to decide, and we all Con – 30,390 tary deadlock over Brexit. know much more now about the Lab – 12,977 Labour selected Dan Wilkin- serious damage leaving the EU Lib – 3,249 son (pictured) to fight Maidstone will do to the UK economy. A UKIP – 1,702 and the Weald who will be up second referendum is essential.” Green – 1,431 against Lib Dem James Willis. The Green Party’s April Clark Former Maidstone Grammar will be challenging Mr Tugend- : School pupil Mr Wilkinson, who hat’s majority in Tonbridge and Con – 36,218 grew up in Marden, said: “Our Malling. Lab – 12,710 country is at a crossroads, and She said: “I am fighting this Lib - 3,787 this election presents us with an election for our climate – the Green – 2,335 historic opportunity to redress great place to work and live, and biggest emergency we are facing. UKIP – 1,857 the imbalance between the many I want to champion that, not sim- Over half of voters polled said Chatham and Aylesford: and the privileged few.” ply as a face at the odd photo op- climate change would affect Con – 25,587 The Green Party’s Stuart Jef- portunity but rolling my sleeves how they voted, rising to 74% of Lab – 15,129 fery will also contest the seat. up and getting stuck in.” under -25s.” UKIP – 2,225 The Brexit Party has decided not In Faversham and Mid Kent, Mrs Whately has recently Lib – 1,116 contest Tory-held seats. MP Helen Whately faces the been promoted to a junior min- Green – 573 Mr Willis told Downs Mail: Green Party’s Hannah Temple ister in Prime Minister Boris Other - 260 “Maidstone and the Weald is a and Lib Dem Hannah Perkin, Johnson’s government.

Maidstone East December 2019 9 News | Chemical leak downsmail.co.uk Rest centre MAIDSTONE Borough Council set Four treated for fruit up a temporary rest centre to ac- commodate 45 people evacuated from Rumwood Court Farm. A Maidstone Borough Council farm chemical leak spokesman said: “After an inci- dent meant people had to leave FOUR people were taken to hos- the area, we arranged mini buses pital following a suspected car- to take them to Maidstone Leisure bon monoxide leak at a fruit Centre. Accommodation was pro- farm in Langley. vided until midnight when we Emergency crews scrambled to were informed that it was safe for what appeared to be a major them to return.” emergency at the Rumwood Green Farm, off Sutton Road, at about 3pm on November 6. 999 response More than 50 people fell ill and CHRIS Stamp, the Strategic Com- were treated for breathing diffi- use the emergency department hospital re- mander of South East Coast Ambu- culties, whilst 40 firefighters for life threatening situations due sponded ex- lance Service, said: “This has been a worked with hazardous material to the high number of victims. tremely quickly protracted incident, involving large officers to make the site secure. Cllr Wendy Young (pictured) and had the numbers of patients. Cllr Gordon Newton said: “I said: “The situation is very con- tents erected “I would like to offer my sympa- imagine Rumwood Green Farm cerning. I expect it will be thor- outside ready, thy to those affected and to reassure will be taking action to check their oughly investigated by the Health so that was the public that the trust imple- equipment for the sake of the peo- and Safety Executive and that will good.” mented well-rehearsed plans in rela- ple who work there. give us some indication on where A fire service spokesman said: tion to this incident.” “But I think the leak would not we go from here. “The emergency services crews have disturbed residents unless “Measures must be put in place are continuing to work with the Family business they were very close to the scene.” as there are a lot of farm workers owner of the site to resolve the in- THE respected Charlton family runs A hazardous materials tent was who live in mobile caravans at the cident.” the fruit business, which grows ap- assembled outside the emergency site. A farm worker told Downs ples, strawberries and cherries on department at Maidstone Hospi- “These are vulnerable people Mail: “The truth of the matter is about 445 hectares across 11 sites tal to treat the patients. and they do not live in brick-built we don’t know what caused it yet, People were encouraged to only buildings. However, the police and but everyone is fine and safe. within a five-mile radius.

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10 Maidstone East December 2019 News | Chemical leak downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Rest centre Pharmacy raid MAIDSTONE Borough Council set Appeal for dog missing KENT Police were called to a raid Four treated for fruit up a temporary rest centre to ac- on a pharmacy in Lenham. commodate 45 people evacuated Officers were alerted at 3.10am from Rumwood Court Farm. on Thursday, October 31, to a bur- A Maidstone Borough Council glary at the shop in The Square. farm chemical leak spokesman said: “After an inci- after burglary at house A door was said to have been dent meant people had to leave forced and a medicines were stolen. FOUR people were taken to hos- the area, we arranged mini buses A FAMILY are desperately trying Primrose is a two-and-a-half- Officers and crime scene investi- pital following a suspected car- to take them to Maidstone Leisure to find their dog, Primrose, which year-old Cavapoo, a cross between gators attended the Saxon Warrior bon monoxide leak at a fruit Centre. Accommodation was pro- went missing after their house a poodle and a Cavalier King Pharmacy and inquiries are ongo- farm in Langley. vided until midnight when we was broken into in Bearsted. Charles Spaniel. ing. Emergency crews scrambled to were informed that it was safe for Mother of four, Tracey Reeder, In a Facebook post, Mrs Reeder Anyone with information is what appeared to be a major 50, of Hog Hill, told Downs Mail wrote: “We are distraught. She be- them to return.” asked to call Kent Police on 01622 emergency at the Rumwood the house is never usually empty, longs to my son who is autistic.” 604 100, quoting crime reference Green Farm, off Sutton Road, at 999 response and a car was sitting on the drive- The post so far has had more 46/208650/19, or Crimestoppers, about 3pm on November 6. way during the incident on than 3,700 comments and 111,000 anonymously, on 0800 555 111. More than 50 people fell ill and CHRIS Stamp, the Strategic Com- Wednesday, October 30. shares. were treated for breathing diffi- use the emergency department hospital re- mander of South East Coast Ambu- Mrs Reeder, who works as an ex- A spokesman said: “Kent Police culties, whilst 40 firefighters for life threatening situations due sponded ex- lance Service, said: “This has been a ecutive assistant to the chief execu- were called after a house in Hog Crash injury worked with hazardous material to the high number of victims. tremely quickly protracted incident, involving large tive at Maidstone Hospital said: “I Hill, Bearsted, was burgled be- A MOTORCYCLIST was hurt in a officers to make the site secure. Cllr Wendy Young (pictured) and had the numbers of patients. was at work and my boys had left tween noon and 2pm on Wednes- collision with a car in Cavendish Cllr Gordon Newton said: “I said: “The situation is very con- tents erected “I would like to offer my sympa- the house to go into town at day, October 30. Way, Bearsted. imagine Rumwood Green Farm cerning. I expect it will be thor- outside ready, thy to those affected and to reassure around lunchtime. “Items of jewellery are said to The incident happened at will be taking action to check their oughly investigated by the Health so that was the public that the trust imple- “When they came back the gate have been stolen and Primrose, a around 6.45pm on Monday, Octo- equipment for the sake of the peo- and Safety Executive and that will good.” mented well-rehearsed plans in rela- was wide open, and my bedroom ginger Cavapoo, was also discov- ber 14. Officers and ambulance ple who work there. give us some indication on where A fire service spokesman said: tion to this incident.” had been trashed. Every piece of ered to be missing. crews went to the scene where the “But I think the leak would not we go from here. “The emergency services crews jewellery I own has been stolen, in- ”Officers have completed a num- motorcyclist received medical at- have disturbed residents unless “Measures must be put in place are continuing to work with the Family business cluding some sentimental items I ber of enquiries and have searched asked to call tention. He was taken to hospital they were very close to the scene.” as there are a lot of farm workers owner of the site to resolve the in- for further treatment. THE respected Charlton family runs got for my 50th birthday in May. the area for the dog, which has not Kent Police A hazardous materials tent was who live in mobile caravans at the cident.” One witness said: “Lots of the fruit business, which grows ap- “But we just want Primrose back, been found at this stage.” on 01622 assembled outside the emergency site. A farm worker told Downs paramedics were working on ples, strawberries and cherries on no questions asked, even if she is Anyone with information that 604100, department at Maidstone Hospi- “These are vulnerable people Mail: “The truth of the matter is quoting ref- someone who was obviously in a about 445 hectares across 11 sites left at the vets or something. She is may help the investigation or who tal to treat the patients. and they do not live in brick-built we don’t know what caused it yet, microchipped. We are offering an thinks may have seen the missing erence 30- very bad way. I hope they are within a five-mile radius. People were encouraged to only buildings. However, the police and but everyone is fine and safe. £1,000 reward.” dog or knows where it might be, is 0763. okay.”

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Maidstone East December 2019 11 News downsmail.co.uk Festive fair to help church Panto star Jake wins THE community are being called on to help raise the roof at their church in Bearsted by supporting its Christmas Fayre. Hollyoaks soap role The Raise the Roof campaign was launched in 2017 after a rou- tine inspection found more than THE Hazlitt Theatre’s leading “My first day was yesterday £400,000 will need to be spent on man Jake Quickenden has and everyone was so lovely. The cast, the crew, the lot. the roof at Holy Cross Church. landed a role in a Channel 4 soap opera. “I’m excited to test myself again Undaunted, the parochial The winner of Dancing on Ice at something new. Don’t let peo- church council has been holding 2018 made his Hollyoaks debut ple tell you that you can’t do various fund-raising events and last month, playing a builder something. Work hard and good has so far collected £15,000. called Woody. things will happen.” They hope the rest of the village This is the first time Jake has Hazlitt general manager Martin will rally round by offering items dipped his toe into the world of Cleverley said: “With the ever to sell, by buying raffle tickets or soap opera, after appearing on popular and in demand Jake attending the third Christmas various popular reality TV shows Quickenden now appearing in Fayre for the roof in the church on including I’m A Celebrity and X the popular TV soap Hollyoaks, it Saturday, December 7. Factor. goes to prove that the Hazlitt The- Stalls will be selling jewellery, Jake, 30, is also set be the love atre is aiming at the elite celebrity bric-a-brac, cakes, biscuits, re- interest in the Hazlitt Theatre’s market when it comes to in-house freshments, books and toys, a rendition of Beauty and the Beast pantomimes.” tombola, prize raffle from 10am to launching this Christmas, The 350-seat venue stages its 2pm. Santa will also put in an ap- The singer turned reality televi- annual festival of Christmas fun pearance. sion personality shared a heartfelt from November 30 until Decem- Admission is £1 and free for post on social media about his lat- ber 31, with sales reportedly well children. Parking is available at est role. up on this time last year. the end of Church Lane. He wrote: “After doing a musi- Many of the dates have already To help, buy a raffle ticket, or cal tour for the past six months, I sold out or are nearly sold out. Go offer a prize, call the committee am now joining the amazing Hol- to www.hazlitttheatre.com to on 01622 630451. lyoaksVolunteer family. Coffee Morning A4 Posters_with_crops.pdf 1 30/09/2019 10:02book.

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12 Maidstone East December 2019 News downsmail.co.uk Festive fair to help church Panto star Jake wins THE community are being called NEW HOMES NOW AVAILABLE on to help raise the roof at their church in Bearsted by supporting its Christmas Fayre. Hollyoaks soap role The Raise the Roof campaign was launched in 2017 after a rou- THE SYCAMORES tine inspection found more than THE Hazlitt Theatre’s leading “My first day was yesterday £400,000 will need to be spent on man Jake Quickenden has and everyone was so lovely. The BEARSTED cast, the crew, the lot. the roof at Holy Cross Church. landed a role in a Channel 4 soap opera. “I’m excited to test myself again Undaunted, the parochial The winner of Dancing on Ice at something new. Don’t let peo- church council has been holding 2018 made his Hollyoaks debut ple tell you that you can’t do various fund-raising events and last month, playing a builder something. Work hard and good has so far collected £15,000. called Woody. things will happen.” They hope the rest of the village This is the first time Jake has Hazlitt general manager Martin will rally round by offering items dipped his toe into the world of Cleverley said: “With the ever to sell, by buying raffle tickets or soap opera, after appearing on popular and in demand Jake attending the third Christmas various popular reality TV shows Quickenden now appearing in Fayre for the roof in the church on including I’m A Celebrity and X the popular TV soap Hollyoaks, it Saturday, December 7. Factor. goes to prove that the Hazlitt The- Stalls will be selling jewellery, Jake, 30, is also set be the love atre is aiming at the elite celebrity bric-a-brac, cakes, biscuits, re- interest in the Hazlitt Theatre’s market when it comes to in-house freshments, books and toys, a rendition of Beauty and the Beast pantomimes.” tombola, prize raffle from 10am to launching this Christmas, The 350-seat venue stages its 2pm. Santa will also put in an ap- The singer turned reality televi- annual festival of Christmas fun pearance. sion personality shared a heartfelt from November 30 until Decem- Admission is £1 and free for post on social media about his lat- ber 31, with sales reportedly well children. Parking is available at est role. up on this time last year. the end of Church Lane. He wrote: “After doing a musi- Many of the dates have already To help, buy a raffle ticket, or cal tour for the past six months, I sold out or are nearly sold out. Go offer a prize, call the committee am now joining the amazing Hol- to www.hazlitttheatre.com to on 01622 630451. lyoaks family. book.

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Maidstone East December 2019 15 News downsmail.co.uk Quiz night PUT your thinking caps on for a Wine and Wisdom evening in ‘Children at risk’ from Leeds village. Teams of four to six can join the competition at the memorial hall from 7.15pm on Saturday, Novem- homes plan at church ber 23. Supper and wine is pro- vided, but please bring glasses. CHILDREN will die if a scheme Cllr John Perry said he regret- Tickets are £8, with money for 440 houses is approved in ted the site going in the Local Plan raised going to hall funds. Otham, a councillor has warned. and described it as a “mistake”. Call Adrian on 07737 959983. Councillor Gordon Newton Cllr Robert Eves said anyone (pictured) urged the council’s who believes surrounding roads, planning committee to consider such as Spot Lane, where he used Whist drive the “children who will lose their to live, would receive minimal KINGSWOOD Whist Group is lives” due to the hazardous loca- impact from the development is looking for new players. tion of the development in a “ignorant, naive and stupid”. The group meets from 2pm until country lane. Kent County Council objected 4.15pm on Tuesdays, with a break Bellway Homes has applied for to the application on the grounds for tea and cakes. permission for 440 houses on land of “severe worsening” of conges- A spokesman said: “We wel- next to the 11th century St tion to the local road network. come players young and old, be- Nicholas Church in Church Lane. A spokesman for Bellway ginners or experts to our whist Cllr Newton said: “To put a car Cllr Malcolm McKay said: Homes told the committee: drive.” park there is actually a criminal “One car can pass at a time, but “There has been extensive consul- The group meets at Kingswood act. What is destroying the setting not a car and ambulance, not a car tation with highways officers village hall. Details from Mike on of that church is 440 houses.” and a bus and certainly not a car about the application. 01622 844272, or simply turn up. “Cyclists, children and mo- and a fire engine or an HGV.” “We have been honest and open torists are in danger. It never Chairman of the planning com- throughout the entire process. We should have been considered.” mittee, Cllr Clive English said the are making improvements to local Festive market Sue Skipp, of Chapman Av- meeting was to decide upon the issues such as improving the junc- BEARSTED’s Market On The enue, said the development is application for access points to tions and adding a car park for Green will host a Christmas Mar- “not appropriate for its location”. the site and not the site itself. the church.” ket on December 1. She said traffic would get worse The scheme is already included Councillors agreed to defer the The market runs from 10am to and the church estate would be in Maidstone Borough Council’s matter for another time to “bot- 2.30pm. “swamped”. controversial Local Plan. tom out” remaining issues.

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16 Maidstone East December 2019 News downsmail.co.uk Quiz night PUT your thinking caps on for a ENTERTAINING THE FAMILY Wine and Wisdom evening in ‘Children at risk’ from Leeds village. THIS CHRISTMAS? Teams of four to six can join the competition at the memorial hall from 7.15pm on Saturday, Novem- homes plan at church ber 23. Supper and wine is pro- Get your dream kitchen by replacing the worktops, doors and drawer vided, but please bring glasses. CHILDREN will die if a scheme Cllr John Perry said he regret- fronts for a whole new look in time for Christmas! Tickets are £8, with money for 440 houses is approved in ted the site going in the Local Plan raised going to hall funds. Otham, a councillor has warned. and described it as a “mistake”. Call Adrian on 07737 959983. Councillor Gordon Newton Cllr Robert Eves said anyone (pictured) urged the council’s who believes surrounding roads, planning committee to consider such as Spot Lane, where he used Whist drive the “children who will lose their to live, would receive minimal KINGSWOOD Whist Group is lives” due to the hazardous loca- impact from the development is looking for new players. tion of the development in a “ignorant, naive and stupid”. The group meets from 2pm until country lane. Kent County Council objected 4.15pm on Tuesdays, with a break Bellway Homes has applied for to the application on the grounds for tea and cakes. permission for 440 houses on land of “severe worsening” of conges- A spokesman said: “We wel- next to the 11th century St tion to the local road network. come players young and old, be- Nicholas Church in Church Lane. A spokesman for Bellway ginners or experts to our whist Cllr Newton said: “To put a car Cllr Malcolm McKay said: Homes told the committee: drive.” park there is actually a criminal “One car can pass at a time, but “There has been extensive consul- The group meets at Kingswood act. What is destroying the setting not a car and ambulance, not a car tation with highways officers village hall. Details from Mike on of that church is 440 houses.” and a bus and certainly not a car about the application. 01622 844272, or simply turn up. “Cyclists, children and mo- and a fire engine or an HGV.” “We have been honest and open torists are in danger. It never Chairman of the planning com- throughout the entire process. We should have been considered.” mittee, Cllr Clive English said the are making improvements to local Festive market Sue Skipp, of Chapman Av- meeting was to decide upon the issues such as improving the junc- BEARSTED’s Market On The enue, said the development is application for access points to tions and adding a car park for Green will host a Christmas Mar- “not appropriate for its location”. the site and not the site itself. the church.” ket on December 1. She said traffic would get worse The scheme is already included Councillors agreed to defer the The market runs from 10am to and the church estate would be in Maidstone Borough Council’s matter for another time to “bot- 2.30pm. “swamped”. controversial Local Plan. tom out” remaining issues.

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Maidstone East December 2019 17 News | Call for sites downsmail.co.uk Full call for sites list revealed THE “call for sites” list has been released after months of secrecy by the borough council. We have obtained a summary of increased residents’ anxiety. Maidstone, in places like at Marden that seems so prevalent, and come plots put forward by owners to Lib The senior leadership team at the and , are a case in point: up with a plan for better roads, Democrat-run Maidstone Borough council has already agreed to deliver transport infrastructure is so obvi- cleaner air, more school places and Council. 17,600 houses contained in the Local ously lacking and some of these sites more GP surgeries.” The authority has come in for in- Plan. Fewer than 6,500 have been have already been refused planning Independent Maidstone council- tense criticism, in its guise as a ‘mas- built, so far. permission multiple times. It is dis- lor Eddie Powell accused the coun- ter developer’, for spending But the call for sites submissions appointing that five months have cil of “predetermining” its own tax-payers’ money on its develop- will satisfy the need for another passed since the call for sites closed, proposals ahead of the other 300+ in ment plan for 5,000 homes on 10,500 in the Local Plan review. but MBC have done little in that the summary below. A senior build- Lenham Heath. It is also promoting MBC's leaders have ruled out time to reject the really bad ones. A ing expert, who asked not to be a scattering of town centre “oppor- cross-party pleas for a halt to all lot of people will suffer anxiety as a named, claimed that the construc- tunity’ sites for 1,000 homes. The lat- house-building while infrastructure result.” tion industry had “gone berserk” ter would have meant a 14-storey associated with its plans lags be- Cllr Jonathan Purle (Bridge Ward) over MBC's handling of the call for tower block and the removal of the hind. said: “There are few surprises for sites process. War Memorial at The Broadway. Leader of the Opposition Conser- Maidstone town because the council The council said MBC “takes a These plans have been rejected in vative Group, John Perry (Staple- itself has been leading with some pro-active approach to place-shap- the face of a massive public outcry hurst) said: “I’ve always thought a pretty bad ideas – like 14-storeys on ing, engaging with landowners and and community opposition. The op- ‘call for sites’ would be a bad idea as the site of Lidl and Matalan. We developers to give clarity as to what position Conservative group it encourages every speculator to need this council to stop any more development it would be open to, doubted the whole process, claim- put forward any and every daft high-rise buildings, reject the sorts rather than simply responding to ing it encouraged speculation and plan.Some of the sites south of of the awful modernist architecture developer-led proposals.”

Here is a summary of the sites submit- 24 Land next to St Margaret's School, 48 Land south of Forge Lane, greenfield: Lane, brownfield: 10 units ted to MBC: Collier St, greenfield: 10-20 units 10 houses 71 Marley Road, Harrietsham 1 Land adj Brehmar Garage, Rd 25 Land next to the Village Hall, Collier St, 49 Land off B2163 (South), greenfield: greenfield: 10-15 units brownfield: Health centre with 30-35 1 greenfield: 20-40 units four houses 72 Garden Close, brownfield: 2 houses, 2 bed units for elderly 26 Land north of Green Lane, Collier St, 50 Army Hut Farm Stables, Stockett units 2 The Homestead, Headcorn Rd, brown- greenfield: 20-40 units Lane, brownfield: 50-75 units 73 Bearsted Golf Course, greenfield: 28 field; 12 homes 27 Land at George Street, Staplehurst, 51 Pinkhorn Farm, Headcorn, greenfield units 3 Mid Kent Roofing Yard, Forstal Lane greenfield: 80 units (Original proposal was 100 residential units, also 6000sqm ear- 74 Land to the South of Little Cornwells, brownfield: 12-16 units for 80 extra care units) marked for office space Goudhurst Rd, greenfield: six units 4 Land Adj Penn Court, Manor Lane 28 Land rear of 2 Mays Cottage, East 52 Weald of Kent Golf Course, Maid- 75 Land North of Wheelers Lane, Linton greenfield: 24-30 units Farleigh, greenfield: 14 small semi-de- stone Rd, greenfield: includes hotel, golf Hill, greenfield: 13 units 5 Land Adj Dingly Dell, Heath Road, tached homes, or 4 large family homes course, further sporting facilities 76 Couchman Green Lane, Staplehurst, brownfield, 20-24 units 29 Court Lodge Farm, Lenham, greenfield: 53 12-14 Week Street, Maidstone, brown- greenfield, Children’s nursery proposed 6 Land at Lenham Road, greenfield: ap- Housing is proposed, not quantified field: Proposed hotel with minimum of 140 77 Teiside Nurseries, Lees Road, brown- prox. 20 units 30 Land at junction of New Cut Rd & rooms field: 7-30 homes, 10 business units, 12 7 The Paddocks, Staplehurst, greenfield: 48 Bearsted Rd, greenfield c.63 beds, nurs- 54 Field on Dairy Lane, , shepherd huts houses, 17 affordable ing/care home proposed greenfield: proposal includes housing 78 Haven Farm, , brown- 8 Land south-east of Bassetts Bungalow, 31 The Old Cherry Orchard, Maidstone and office space, though not quantified field: 50-55 units Staplehurst Rd, greenfield: 5 houses Road, greenfield: 3-9 units 55 Victoria's Cabaret Club, Ashford Rd, 79 Land South of Heath Road, Boughton 9 116-120 Week St, Maidstone, brown- 32 Hawthorn Farm, , greenfield: brownfield: six detached houses Monchelsea, brownfield: 10 units field: three gypsy pitches 56 Clapper Lane, Staplehurst, brown- 80 Land West of Loder Close and West- 2 Retail units, 9 Residential 33 Land at Knowlesden Farm, Chart Sut- field: 40 units wood Close, Ham Lane, greenfield: 53 10 Bydews Place (1), Dean St, Mixture of ton, greenfield: Not stated 57 Land off Oak Farm Gardens, Headcorn units, 40% social housing both: 20 units 34 George Street, Staplehurst, green- greenfield: Housing proposed, though not 81 Lenham Road, Headcorn: greenfield 11 Bydews Place (2), Dean St, greenfield field: housing is proposed, not quantified quantified 56 units 4 units 35 The Alpines, Detling, brownfield: six 58 Green Lane Farm, greenfield: 35-50 82 Land rear of Firenze, Headcorn Rd, 12 Land at Forsham house, Forsham units, units greenfield: 27-30 units Lane, greenfield, 5 units 36 Premier Inn, Forstall Road, brown- 59 Fellinpits, , greenfield, 35-45 83 Hartley Dene, Harrietsham, greenfield: 13 Land between Chartway St & Maid- field: Hotel annex building proposed units per hectare, 40 hectares 50 units stone Rd, SV, greenfield: Housing is pro- 37 Rear of the Gables, Staplehurst, green- 60 Rush Farm, Couchman Green Lane, 84 Land off Heath Road, , posed, not quantified field, 20-40 units greenfield, 20-30 units greenfield: 35 units 14 Land at Puddledock, Caring Lane, 38 Peacock Farm, Chart Hill, greenfield: 61 Kettle Lane, East Farleigh, greenfield: 5 85 The Builders Yard, Leeds Village, brown- greenfield: 12 detached units 40 houses units field: not specified 15 The Kia Site, Ashford Rd, mixture of 39 Land East of Stilebridge Lane: brown- 62 243-245 Queens Rd, brownfield: It 86 Elsfield Cottages, Ashford Rd, brown- both: 90-100 units field: 100 houses appears to relate to provision of a road field: housing proposed, not quantified 16 Fir Tree Farm & Norton Lea, Plough 40 Land at corner of Dean Street, green- 63 10-15 Caring Lane, Bearsted, green- 87 Milsted's Field, Hampstead Lane, Wents Rd, greenfield: 1,000 units field, six houses field: five detached houses greenfield: five units 17 Land West of Headcorn Road, Maid- 41 Backland Plot off Peens Lane, green- 64 Land South of Marden Rd, Staple- 88 Land South of Ashford Road, green- stone: greenfield, 65 units field: 10 houses hurst, greenfield: 126 units field: 7 Bungalows 18 Land Rear of Beech house, North St: 42 Backland Plot off Church Lane, 65 The Finches Caravan Park, Chartway 89 Enterprise Park, Hampstead greenfield, 5 units brownfield: 7-10 houses Street, brownfield: 30 units Road, mixture of both: Business space and 19 Land North of Lenham Road, Headcorn 43 Plot off Peens Lane (South), greenfield: 66 Land east of Lodge Road, Staplehurst, caravan park greenfield: 24 units two houses, allied land for horses greenfield: 90-105 residential units 90 Land next to Bridgehurst Oast, How- 20 Land adjoining the Limes, Heath Rd, 44 Land off Long Lane (West), green- (65,000sq ft earmarked for business) land Road, greenfield: 40 Homes Mixture of both: 15-20 units field: nine houses, allied land for horses 67 Cliff House, Cliff Hill, brownfield: No in- 91 Field, greenfield: Housing 21 Land adj Southways, Sutton Valence 45 West of Boughton Lodge, brownfield: formation amongst other developments proposed, greenfield: 10-20 units one house, Allied land for horses 68 MAP Depot and next land, Lower though not quantified 22 Land rear of Chart View, Chart Hill Rd 46 Land off Church Hill Rd, brownfield: Road, Mixture of both: 30-40 units 92 Land adjoining Cleavesland and St greenfield: two gypsy pitches, Site 1 of 2 60 houses 69 Homelands Farm, Dean Street, green- Mary's Close, , greenfield, 23 Land rear of Chart View, Chart Hill Rd, 47 Land off East Hall Hill, greenfield: seven field: 167 units 250 units greenfield: Gypsy Pitches, site 2 of 2 detached houses 70 Land next to Willow Wood, Vicarage 93 Linden Farm Barn, , green-

18 Maidstone East December 2019 News | Call for sites downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk Call for sites | News Full call for sites list revealed THE “call for sites” list has been released after months of secrecy by the borough council. We have obtained a summary of increased residents’ anxiety. Maidstone, in places like at Marden that seems so prevalent, and come plots put forward by owners to Lib The senior leadership team at the and Staplehurst, are a case in point: up with a plan for better roads, Democrat-run Maidstone Borough council has already agreed to deliver transport infrastructure is so obvi- cleaner air, more school places and Council. 17,600 houses contained in the Local ously lacking and some of these sites more GP surgeries.” The authority has come in for in- Plan. Fewer than 6,500 have been have already been refused planning Independent Maidstone council- tense criticism, in its guise as a ‘mas- built, so far. permission multiple times. It is dis- lor Eddie Powell accused the coun- ter developer’, for spending But the call for sites submissions appointing that five months have cil of “predetermining” its own tax-payers’ money on its develop- will satisfy the need for another passed since the call for sites closed, proposals ahead of the other 300+ in ment plan for 5,000 homes on 10,500 in the Local Plan review. but MBC have done little in that the summary below. A senior build- Lenham Heath. It is also promoting MBC's leaders have ruled out time to reject the really bad ones. A ing expert, who asked not to be a scattering of town centre “oppor- cross-party pleas for a halt to all lot of people will suffer anxiety as a named, claimed that the construc- tunity’ sites for 1,000 homes. The lat- house-building while infrastructure result.” tion industry had “gone berserk” ter would have meant a 14-storey associated with its plans lags be- Cllr Jonathan Purle (Bridge Ward) over MBC's handling of the call for tower block and the removal of the hind. said: “There are few surprises for sites process. War Memorial at The Broadway. Leader of the Opposition Conser- Maidstone town because the council The council said MBC “takes a These plans have been rejected in vative Group, John Perry (Staple- itself has been leading with some pro-active approach to place-shap- the face of a massive public outcry hurst) said: “I’ve always thought a pretty bad ideas – like 14-storeys on ing, engaging with landowners and and community opposition. The op- ‘call for sites’ would be a bad idea as the site of Lidl and Matalan. We developers to give clarity as to what position Conservative group it encourages every speculator to need this council to stop any more development it would be open to, doubted the whole process, claim- put forward any and every daft high-rise buildings, reject the sorts rather than simply responding to ing it encouraged speculation and plan.Some of the sites south of of the awful modernist architecture developer-led proposals.”

Here is a summary of the sites submit- 24 Land next to St Margaret's School, 48 Land south of Forge Lane, greenfield: Lane, brownfield: 10 units ted to MBC: Collier St, greenfield: 10-20 units 10 houses 71 Marley Road, Harrietsham For full details of the 1 Land adj Brehmar Garage, Headcorn Rd 25 Land next to the Village Hall, Collier St, 49 Land off B2163 (South), greenfield: greenfield: 10-15 units brownfield: Health centre with 30-35 1 greenfield: 20-40 units four houses 72 Garden Close, brownfield: 2 houses, 2 map, go online at bed units for elderly 26 Land north of Green Lane, Collier St, 50 Army Hut Farm Stables, Stockett units 2 The Homestead, Headcorn Rd, brown- greenfield: 20-40 units Lane, brownfield: 50-75 units 73 Bearsted Golf Course, greenfield: 28 maidstone.gov.uk field; 12 homes 27 Land at George Street, Staplehurst, 51 Pinkhorn Farm, Headcorn, greenfield units 3 Mid Kent Roofing Yard, Forstal Lane greenfield: 80 units (Original proposal was 100 residential units, also 6000sqm ear- 74 Land to the South of Little Cornwells, Residential brownfield: 12-16 units for 80 extra care units) marked for office space Goudhurst Rd, greenfield: six units 4 Land Adj Penn Court, Manor Lane 28 Land rear of 2 Mays Cottage, East 52 Weald of Kent Golf Course, Maid- 75 Land North of Wheelers Lane, Linton Non-residential greenfield: 24-30 units Farleigh, greenfield: 14 small semi-de- stone Rd, greenfield: includes hotel, golf Hill, greenfield: 13 units 5 Land Adj Dingly Dell, Heath Road, tached homes, or 4 large family homes course, further sporting facilities 76 Couchman Green Lane, Staplehurst, brownfield, 20-24 units 29 Court Lodge Farm, Lenham, greenfield: 53 12-14 Week Street, Maidstone, brown- greenfield, Children’s nursery proposed 6 Land at Lenham Road, greenfield: ap- Housing is proposed, not quantified field: Proposed hotel with minimum of 140 77 Teiside Nurseries, Lees Road, brown- field: 5-9 units 112 Sutton Valence Surgery, brownfield: field: 20-25 units tail, 4-5000sqm office space prox. 20 units 30 Land at junction of New Cut Rd & rooms field: 7-30 homes, 10 business units, 12 94 South of Tumblers Hill, Sutton Va- Housing proposed, not quantified 129 Rear of Ashford Road, Bearsted, 147 Gala Bingo and Granada House, 7 The Paddocks, Staplehurst, greenfield: 48 Bearsted Rd, greenfield c.63 beds, nurs- 54 Field on Dairy Lane, Chainhurst, shepherd huts lence, brownfield: 5 units 113 Detling Quarry, Hermitage Lane, greenfield: 50 units Gabriels Hill, brownfield: 50-60 residential houses, 17 affordable ing/care home proposed greenfield: proposal includes housing 78 Haven Farm, Sutton Valence, brown- 95 Land at Half Yoke, Farleigh Lane, green- greenfield: 2 units or 9 gypsy pitches 130 Land next to Ivans Field, Chart Sut- units, 1000sqm retail 8 Land south-east of Bassetts Bungalow, 31 The Old Cherry Orchard, Maidstone and office space, though not quantified field: 50-55 units field: 75 units 114 Land at Home Farm, Staplehurst (1), ton, greenfield, 64 units 148 Maidstone Riverside, brownfield, Staplehurst Rd, greenfield: 5 houses Road, greenfield: 3-9 units 55 Victoria's Cabaret Club, Ashford Rd, 79 Land South of Heath Road, Boughton 96 East of Hunton Road, Marden, green- brownfield: 60 units, 40% affordable 131 Land East of Headcorn Road, 550-650 residential units - retail, leisure 9 116-120 Week St, Maidstone, brown- 32 Hawthorn Farm, Ulcombe, greenfield: brownfield: six detached houses Monchelsea, brownfield: 10 units field: 7 units 114 Land at Home Farm, Staplehurst (2), Ulcombe, greenfield: 27 units and community use field: three gypsy pitches 56 Clapper Lane, Staplehurst, brown- 80 Land West of Loder Close and West- 97 West of Hunton Road, Marden, green- greenfield: 16 units, 40% affordable 132 Knoll House and Tower House, Sta- 149 Maidstone West Station, brownfield: 2 Retail units, 9 Residential 33 Land at Knowlesden Farm, Chart Sut- field: 40 units wood Close, Ham Lane, greenfield: 53 field: 10 units 115 Boughton Mount farm and yard, Mix- plehurst, greenfield: 48 units 450-500 units 10 Bydews Place (1), Dean St, Mixture of ton, greenfield: Not stated 57 Land off Oak Farm Gardens, Headcorn units, 40% social housing 98 South of Ashford Road, Harrietsham, ture of both: 120 units 133 Land North East of Old Belringham 150 Mill Street Car park, Maidstone, both: 20 units 34 George Street, Staplehurst, green- greenfield: Housing proposed, though not 81 Lenham Road, Headcorn: greenfield brownfield: 128 units 116 Arkas Ltd, Headcorn Rd, brownfield: Hall, Sutton Valence, greenfield: 10 units brownfield: 40-60 units 11 Bydews Place (2), Dean St, greenfield field: housing is proposed, not quantified quantified 56 units 99 Mill Place Barn, Yalding, greenfield: 2 8 units 134 Baldwins Farm, Staplehurst, green- 151 Car Park at Mote Road, Maidstone 4 units 35 The Alpines, Detling, brownfield: six 58 Green Lane Farm, greenfield: 35-50 82 Land rear of Firenze, Headcorn Rd, semi-detached houses 117 Loose Court Farm Cottage, brown- field: 120 units brownfield: 100-110 units 12 Land at Forsham house, Forsham units, units greenfield: 27-30 units 100 Mill Place Farmhouse, Yalding, field: 138 units 135 Rear of Ashford Road, Bearsted, 152 Former Royal British Legion Club, Lane, greenfield, 5 units 36 Premier Inn, Forstall Road, brown- 59 Fellinpits, Beltring, greenfield, 35-45 83 Hartley Dene, Harrietsham, greenfield: greenfield: 5 houses 118 Gibbs Hill Farm, Headcorn, brown- greenfield: 20-40 units Road, brownfield: 35-40 units 13 Land between Chartway St & Maid- field: Hotel annex building proposed units per hectare, 40 hectares 50 units 101 Land south of A20, Harrietsham, field: 16 units 136 Trong Meadow, Harrietsham, green- 153 Mount Farm, Harrietsham, brownfield: stone Rd, SV, greenfield: Housing is pro- 37 Rear of the Gables, Staplehurst, green- 60 Rush Farm, Couchman Green Lane, 84 Land off Heath Road, East Farleigh, greenfield: 50-95 units 119 Park house Field, Marden, greenfield: field: 50 units 17-18 units posed, not quantified field, 20-40 units greenfield, 20-30 units greenfield: 35 units 102 Ringles Nursery, Ringles Gate, Head- Housing proposed, though not quantified 137 South of Marden Road, Staplehurst, 154 Duckhurst Farm, Staplehurst, 14 Land at Puddledock, Caring Lane, 38 Peacock Farm, Chart Hill, greenfield: 61 Kettle Lane, East Farleigh, greenfield: 5 85 The Builders Yard, Leeds Village, brown- corn, mixture of both: 180-250 units 120 Rowan House Farm & Fairview, greenfield: Housing proposed, though not brownfield: 50 units greenfield: 12 detached units 40 houses units field: not specified 103 58 The Quarries, Boughton Kingswood, mixture of both: 900 units, quantified 155 Field next to Weavers, Marden, green- 15 The Kia Site, Ashford Rd, mixture of 39 Land East of Stilebridge Lane: brown- 62 243-245 Queens Rd, brownfield: It 86 Elsfield Cottages, Ashford Rd, brown- Monchelsea, TBC: 8-10 units 100 employment units, shop, primary 138 Abbots Court Farm, , field: Housing proposed, not quantified both: 90-100 units field: 100 houses appears to relate to provision of a road field: housing proposed, not quantified 104 Gowan Park, Kingswood, greenfield: school and doctor surgery proposed brownfield: 1200sqm for commercial use 156 Danesbury, College Road, brown- 16 Fir Tree Farm & Norton Lea, Plough 40 Land at corner of Dean Street, green- 63 10-15 Caring Lane, Bearsted, green- 87 Milsted's Field, Hampstead Lane, 20 units 121 Redwood Glade Land, Bredhurst 139 Greenway Forstal, Hollingbourne, field: 12 flats or 5 houses Wents Rd, greenfield: 1,000 units field, six houses field: five detached houses greenfield: five units 105 Junction of Vicarage Lane and Lower brownfield, 4-7 units greenfield: 16 units 157 Harrietsham Rectory, brownfield: 7 17 Land West of Headcorn Road, Maid- 41 Backland Plot off Peens Lane, green- 64 Land South of Marden Rd, Staple- 88 Land South of Ashford Road, green- Rd, East Farleigh, greenfield: 60 houses 122 The Orchard, Boughton 140 Land at Squerries Oast, Otham, units stone: greenfield, 65 units field: 10 houses hurst, greenfield: 126 units field: 7 Bungalows 106 Swanton Farm, , brownfield: Monchelsea, Mixture of both: 24 units brownfield: 6 units 158 Land next to Headcorn Road and 18 Land Rear of Beech house, North St: 42 Backland Plot off Church Lane, 65 The Finches Caravan Park, Chartway 89 Yalding Enterprise Park, Hampstead 10 houses 123 Land off Hunton Road, Chainhurst, 141 Rear South of Eastwood Road, Ul- Heniker Lane, greenfield: 150 units plus greenfield, 5 units brownfield: 7-10 houses Street, brownfield: 30 units Road, mixture of both: Business space and 107 Land next to Westholme, Sutton Va- greenfield: 10 houses combe, greenfield: 20-25 units office space, doctors surgery 19 Land North of Lenham Road, Headcorn 43 Plot off Peens Lane (South), greenfield: 66 Land east of Lodge Road, Staplehurst, caravan park lence, Mixture of both: 14 units 124 Old Goods Yard Phase 2, greenfield: 142 The Acre, Ulcombe, brownfield: 5 159 Hill Farm house, Yalding, brownfield: greenfield: 24 units two houses, allied land for horses greenfield: 90-105 residential units 90 Land next to Bridgehurst Oast, How- 108 Land at South Lane, Sutton Va- 80 units units 20-60 units 20 Land adjoining the Limes, Heath Rd, 44 Land off Long Lane (West), green- (65,000sq ft earmarked for business) land Road, greenfield: 40 Homes lence, greenfield: Proposed housing and 125 Old Goods Yard Phase 3, greenfield, 143 Land South of Heath Road, Langley 160 Land at Thurnham, brownfield, 20 Mixture of both: 15-20 units field: nine houses, allied land for horses 67 Cliff House, Cliff Hill, brownfield: No in- 91 Teston Field, greenfield: Housing doctor surgery, housing not quantified 100 units Heath, greenfield: 27 units units 21 Land adj Southways, Sutton Valence 45 West of Boughton Lodge, brownfield: formation amongst other developments proposed, 109 Land south of Orchard End, Sutton 126 Abbots Court Farm, Bredhurst, 144 34-35 High Street, Maidstone, 161 Bell Farm, Harrietsham, brownfield: greenfield: 10-20 units one house, Allied land for horses 68 MAP Depot and next land, Lower though not quantified Valence, greenfield: 40-50 units brownfield: 85-90 houses brownfield: 5-10 units 140-150 units 22 Land rear of Chart View, Chart Hill Rd 46 Land off Church Hill Rd, brownfield: Road, Mixture of both: 30-40 units 92 Land adjoining Cleavesland and St 110 Land next to Barham Court, Teston, 127 The Paddock, Detling, greenfield: 15 145 Len House, Mill Street; brownfield: 50- 162 Land North of Headcorn, greenfield: greenfield: two gypsy pitches, Site 1 of 2 60 houses 69 Homelands Farm, Dean Street, green- Mary's Close, Laddingford, greenfield, greenfield: 125 units one bed flats, 18 two bed flats, Proposal 70 residential units, 5,500sqm commercial 250 houses, relief road 23 Land rear of Chart View, Chart Hill Rd, 47 Land off East Hall Hill, greenfield: seven field: 167 units 250 units 111 Moatlands Farm, Marden, brownfield: also includes a shop 146 Maidstone East Station, brownfield: 163 Land Opposite Dingley Dell, East Far greenfield: Gypsy Pitches, site 2 of 2 detached houses 70 Land next to Willow Wood, Vicarage 93 Linden Farm Barn, Coxheath, green- 10 units: 128 Land at Westfield Sole Road, brown- 400-500 residential units - 1000sqm re- Continued on page 22

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Maidstone East December 2019 21 News | Call for sites downsmail.co.uk Continued from page 19 203 Land at Bydews Place, , greenfield: 244 North of Iden Park, Staplehurst, 60 units leigh, greenfield: 137 units 60 units greenfield: housing proposed, not quan- 292 Land south of Old Ashford Road, 164 Land north of Church Lane, Detling, 204 Land South East of Eyhorne Street, tified Lenham, greenfield: 330 units greenfield: 150-200 units greenfield, 10-15 units 245 North of M2, greenfield: 1600 units 293 Between A229 and Old Chatham 165 Land south of Church Lane, Detling, 205 Land South West of Greenway Court 246 Land rear of Appletree house, Road, Sandling, greenfield: 10 units greenfield: 360 units Road, greenfield: 10 units Bearsted, brownfield: 20 units 294 East of Jubilee Cottages, Sutton Va- 166 Land east of Old Chatham Farm, 206 Summer Place, Bearsted, greenfield: 247 South of Court Lodge Road, Harriet- lence, greenfield: 25 units per hectare Sandling, greenfield: 30 units Housing proposed, not quantified sham, greenfield: 75 units 295 Land north of Copper Lane, Marden, 167 North, south and east of Leeds, green- 207 Land North of Ledian Farm, Leeds, 248 Land North and South of Kenward greenfield: 100 units field: Housing and further development pro- greenfield: 40 units Road, Yalding, greenfield: 165 units 296 Former Astor of Hever Land, brown- posed, though not quantified 208 Land next to Kent House B&B, Leeds, 249 Land at Hockers Lane, Maidstone, field: 90 units 168 Land East and West of Forge Lane, greenfield: 9 units greenfield: 10-12 units 297 Former Schoolmaster's house and Li- Leeds, greenfield: 140 units 209 Rectory Fields, Staplehurst, greenfield: 250 Land at Butlers Farm, Langley, brary, Bearsted, brownfield: 6 units 169 Land next to Long Oast, Paddock 80 units greenfield: 40-50 units 298 Dorothy Lucy Centre, Shepway, Wood, greenfield: Housing proposed, 210 Newlyn's Farm, Sutton Valence, Mix- 251Land south of Heath Road, Maidstone, brownfield: 40 units though not quantified ture of both: 36 units brownfield: 6-8 units 299 Adult Education Centre, Maidstone, 170 Dean Street, Tovil, brownfield: Not 211 Land at Wheeler's Lane, Maidstone, 252 Land at rear of Lavender Cottage, brownfield: 20 units stated greenfield: 6-8 units Langley, greenfield: 10 units 300 Land to North East of Hockers Lane, 171 Land adj Homewell House fronting 212 Land at The Grange, Staplehurst, 253 Land east of Road, Yalding, Detling, greenfield: Housing proposed, Maidstone Rd, greenfield: 5-7 units Mixture of both: 92 units greenfield: 14 units per hectare though not quantified 172 Land at Sutton Road, Maidstone, 213 Prospect House, Chainhurst, greenfield: 254 South of Cotuams Hall, Holling- 302 Overflow carpark, Oakwood House, greenfield: 120-150 Housing proposed, though not quantified bourne, greenfield: 22 units per hectare brownfield: 9 units 173 Durrants Farm, Hunton, greenfield: 80 214 Brattle Farm, Staplehurst, brownfield: 255 Land to east of Yew Tree house, Leeds, 303 EIS Oxford Road, brownfield: 40 units units 3 units, proposal includes office space greenfield: 26 units per hectare 304 Land East of Hunton Road, Chain- 174 Land south of Sutton Road, Maid- 215 Woodford Yard Depot, Staplehurst, 256 Stede Row Woodland, Harrietsham, hurst, greenfield: 9 units stone, greenfield: 120-130 units Mixture of both: Housing proposed, though greenfield: Housing proposed, though 305, Maidstone East Station, brownfield: 175 Land at Vicarage Road, Yalding, green- not quantified not quantified 350 units, commercial use field: 6-8 units 216 Rochester Meadow, Sandling, green- 257 Land at junction of Heath Road/Dean 306 Land south of Gore Court, Otham, 176 Land north and south of Ashford field: 20-25 units Street, greenfield: 20-25 units greenfield: 12 units per hectare Road, greenfield: 500 units 217 The Former Poundstop, Bearsted, 258 Little Paddock, Linton, brownfield: 307 North of Marden Road, east of Clap- 177 Land between Lower Street and brownfield: 5 units Housing proposed, not quantified per Lane, greenfield: 30 units per hectare George Street, Leeds, greenfield: 50 units 218 Land at Wheeler's Lane, Maidstone 259 Land at Hockers Farm, Detling, green- 308 58 Church Street, Boughton 178 Land south of Warmlake Road and (2), greenfield: 6-8 units field: 430-500 units Monchelsea, greenfield: 27 units East of Chart Hill Rd, greenfield: 200-300 219 Land at Forstal Lane, Coxheath, green- 260 Ashford Road, Lenham, greenfield: 309 Land at Marden, greenfield: 2000 units field: Van rental business commercial use units 179 Westerhill Road, Coxheath, greenfield: 220 Land at Bydews Farm, Maidstone, 261Oak Tree Farm, Headcorn, brownfield: 310 Land nth of Moat Rd, Headcorn, Housing proposed, not quantified greenfield: 500 units Traveller Site greenfield: 150 units 180 Land west of Otham Street, green- 221 Land rear of Appletree house, 262 Fant Farm, Maidstone, greenfield: 311 Court Lodge Farm, East Farleigh, field: 215 units Bearsted, brownfield: 5 Detached houses 190-750 units green/brownfield: 226-274 units 181 Land west of Otham Street, greenfield: 222 Land at Henhurst Farm, Staplehurst, 263 Land West of Ledian Farm, Leeds 312 Land north of Heath Road, Coxheath, 20 units greenfield: 275-325 units greenfield: 70 units greenfield: 212 housing units 182 Invicta Park Barracks, Maidstone, 223 Land South of Ashford Road, Maid- 264 Kent Police HQ, Sutton Road, brown- 313 Lenham Sand Pit, Mixture of both: brownfield: 1300 units stone, greenfield: Housing proposed, field: 112 units 15 units 183 Kent Medical Campus & Newnham though not quantified 265 Land at Abbey Farm, Tovil, greenfield: 314 East of Albion Rd, Marden, green- Court Shopping Village, mixture of both: 224 Land west of Old Ham Lane, 400-450 units, GP surgery proposed field, 2 hectares: up to 60 units. Housing proposed, though not quantified Lenham, greenfield: 360 units 266 Land at Ware Street, Bearsted, 315 Homewood Orchard Garden Centre, 184 Brickfields Farm, Staplehurst, Mix- 225 Tanglewood, Loose, greenfield: housing greenfield: 100 units Farleigh Lane, Mixture of both: 90 units ture of both, 430 houses proposed, not quantified 267, Spenny Farm, Marden, Mixture of 316 Binbury Park, Detling, Mixture of 185 Otham Glebe, greenfield: 50 units 226, Land North of Staplehurst, Maid- both: 640 units both, housing proposed, not quantified 186 Land at Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, stone Road, greenfield: 1800 houses 268 Mount Farm, Harrietsham, brown- 317 Land at Langley Heath, Maidstone, greenfield: Housing proposed, though not 227 Land south of Green Lane, Boughton field: 35-40 units greenfield: 24 units quantified Monchelsea, greenfield: 85 units 269 Copper Lane Pasture, Marden, brown- 318 Pagehurst Farm, brownfield: Not 187 Land at Junction of Penfold Hill and 228 Land next to West View, Staplehurst, field: 100 units stated Ashford Road, Leeds, greenfield: 150 units greenfield: 4-5 units 270 Pested Bars Road, Boughton 319 Beaux Aires Farm, Stockbury, green- 188 Land at East Lenham Farm, green- 229, Land at Stanley Farm, Staplehurst Monchelsea, greenfield: 600 units field: 1200 units field: 350 units greenfield, 100-120 units 272 Peugeot Garage, Maidstone, brown- 320 Land to the West of Well Street, 189 Land North of Ashford Road, Harriet- 230, Plots 1-5 Land Rear of The Mead- field: 154 units plus commercial, parking greenfield: 240 units sham, greenfield: 30 units ows, Lenham, brownfield: traveller site 273 Land between Maidstone Road and 321 Land at Norton Lea Farm, Chart Sut- 190 Iden Manor Farm, Staplehurst, 231 Lested Farm, Maidstone, brownfield: Whetstead Road, mixture: 280 units ton, greenfield: 225 units brownfield, 10-15 units 750 units 279 Land at Langley Heath, Maidstone, 322 Lughorse Lane, Yalding, greenfield: 191 Land next to South Lane, Sutton Va- 232 Land west of Firs Lane, greenfield: 50 greenfield: 2000-2500 units 30 units lence, greenfield: 4 units units 280 Land at Forstal Lane, Coxheath, 323 Lenham Court, Maidstone, brownfield: 192 Land next to Headcorn Road, Sutton 233 Land west of Chart Corner/Plough greenfield: 80-90 units 50-90 units Valence, greenfield: 6-10 units Wents Rd Junction, greenfield: 24 units 281 Pattenden Farm, Marden, greenfield: 324 The Grange, Ashford Road, brown- 193 Land East of Upper Street, Langley 234 Land west of North Street, , Housing proposed, though not quantified field: 5 houses greenfield: 150 units greenfield: 200 units 282 Land rear of Police Training School, 325 Land at Stockett Lane, Coxheath, 194 Land south of Claygate, Marden, 235 Land at Boughton Lane, Maidstone, Maidstone, greenfield: 90 units greenfield: Mobile home caravan park greenfield: Business space greenfield: 75-95 units 283 Land north of Victoria PH, East Far- 326 Land at Amsbury Wood, Hunton, 195 Waterside Park, Maidstone, greenfield: 236 Fairview Farm North Parcel, green- leigh, greenfield: 32 units hectare greenfield: 90 units Housing proposed, not quantified field: 320-375 units 284 Wares Farm, Maidstone, greenfield: 327 Land at Hockers Farm, Detling, green- 196 Land at Willow Farm, Sandling, 237 Land rear of The Meadows, Headcorn, Housing proposed, not quantified field: 31 units greenfield: 40 units brownfield: Traveller Site 285 Land at Dickley Court, Lenham, brown- 328 59 Linton Road, brownfield: 9 units 197 Car Park at former golf course, brown- 238 Blossoms, Rear of The Meadows, field: 13-32 units 329 Land at Sapphire Kennels, Sutton Va- field: 10 units Headcorn, brownfield: Traveller Site 286 Underlyn Lane, Maidstone, green- lence, brownfield: 10 units 198 Golf course, Staplehurst, brownfield: 239 Shangri-La, Langley, greenfield: 5-9 field: Not stated 330 Seeburg, Bredhurst, brownfield: 9 240-340 houses units 287 Little Gaynes, Lenham, brownfield: 26 units 199 The Old Cricket Ground, Loose, green- 240 Banky Meadow, Bearstead, green- units per hectacre 331 Land south of The Lodge, Yalding, Mix- field: 8-10 units field: 30 units per hectare 288 Land at Hill Farm, Linton, greenfield: ture of both: 117 units 200 The Old Cricket Field, Loose, green- 241Fox Pitt, , greenfield: 12 130-170 332 Fariview Farm South Parcel, green- field: 20-25 units five-bedroom houses 289 Heathlands Garden Community, field: 315-365 units 201 Inkstand Cattery, Headcorn Road, 242, Court Lodge Mews, West Farleigh, Lenham Heath, greenfield: 4800 units 333 Kilnwood Meadow, Lenham, green- brownfield: 20-25 units greenfield: 35 houses 290 The Lodge, Thurnham, brownfield: field: 230 units 202 Land at Forstal Lane, Coxheath, Mix- 243 Three Acres, Nettlestead, greenfield: 60 units 334 Old Goods Yard, Lenham, brown- ture of both: 140-150 units traveller site 291 Bridge Farm, Thurnham, brownfield: field: 20 units

22 Maidstone East December 2019 News | Call for sites downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Continued from page 19 203 Land at Bydews Place, Tovil, greenfield: 244 North of Iden Park, Staplehurst, 60 units leigh, greenfield: 137 units 60 units greenfield: housing proposed, not quan- 292 Land south of Old Ashford Road, 164 Land north of Church Lane, Detling, 204 Land South East of Eyhorne Street, tified Lenham, greenfield: 330 units Warning after greenfield: 150-200 units greenfield, 10-15 units 245 North of M2, greenfield: 1600 units 293 Between A229 and Old Chatham 165 Land south of Church Lane, Detling, 205 Land South West of Greenway Court 246 Land rear of Appletree house, Road, Sandling, greenfield: 10 units measles cases KCC leader Carter’s greenfield: 360 units Road, greenfield: 10 units Bearsted, brownfield: 20 units 294 East of Jubilee Cottages, Sutton Va- 166 Land east of Old Chatham Farm, 206 Summer Place, Bearsted, greenfield: 247 South of Court Lodge Road, Harriet- lence, greenfield: 25 units per hectare HEALTH service teams are warn- Sandling, greenfield: 30 units Housing proposed, not quantified sham, greenfield: 75 units 295 Land north of Copper Lane, Marden, ing people to ensure they are pro- 167 North, south and east of Leeds, green- 207 Land North of Ledian Farm, Leeds, 248 Land North and South of Kenward greenfield: 100 units tected against measles, with five field: Housing and further development pro- greenfield: 40 units Road, Yalding, greenfield: 165 units 296 Former Astor of Hever Land, brown- more confirmed cases in Kent. emotional goodbye posed, though not quantified 208 Land next to Kent House B&B, Leeds, 249 Land at Hockers Lane, Maidstone, field: 90 units The illness, with cold-like early KENT County Council’s leader not to be named, said: “Paul 168 Land East and West of Forge Lane, greenfield: 9 units greenfield: 10-12 units 297 Former Schoolmaster's house and Li- symptoms, affects any age and Leeds, greenfield: 140 units 209 Rectory Fields, Staplehurst, greenfield: 250 Land at Butlers Farm, Langley, brary, Bearsted, brownfield: 6 units Paul Carter bid a tearful farewell steered the council through some 169 Land next to Long Oast, Paddock 80 units greenfield: 40-50 units 298 Dorothy Lucy Centre, Shepway, can have serious complications. when he stepped down as leader pretty choppy waters in the auster- Wood, greenfield: Housing proposed, 210 Newlyn's Farm, Sutton Valence, Mix- 251Land south of Heath Road, Maidstone, brownfield: 40 units Public Health England (PHE) after 14 years. ity years, when the budgets were though not quantified ture of both: 36 units brownfield: 6-8 units 299 Adult Education Centre, Maidstone, South East says everyone needs to Cllr Carter (pictured), who lives slashed, but all things have to come 170 Dean Street, Tovil, brownfield: Not 211 Land at Wheeler's Lane, Maidstone, 252 Land at rear of Lavender Cottage, brownfield: 20 units check they are up to date with in Langley, broke down after giv- to an end. stated greenfield: 6-8 units Langley, greenfield: 10 units 300 Land to North East of Hockers Lane, two doses of MMR vaccine. Any- ing his final address to county hall “They say it’s better to leave 171 Land adj Homewell House fronting 212 Land at The Grange, Staplehurst, 253 Land east of Benover Road, Yalding, Detling, greenfield: Housing proposed, one concerned they have the con- earlier this month. when you are part of the solution Maidstone Rd, greenfield: 5-7 units Mixture of both: 92 units greenfield: 14 units per hectare though not quantified dition should stay away from 172 Land at Sutton Road, Maidstone, 213 Prospect House, Chainhurst, greenfield: 254 South of Cotuams Hall, Holling- 302 Overflow carpark, Oakwood House, Colleagues from across the polit- not the problem. Paul is right to greenfield: 120-150 Housing proposed, though not quantified bourne, greenfield: 22 units per hectare brownfield: 9 units others. ical spectrum have paid tribute to a have gone when he did. 173 Durrants Farm, Hunton, greenfield: 80 214 Brattle Farm, Staplehurst, brownfield: 255 Land to east of Yew Tree house, Leeds, 303 EIS Oxford Road, brownfield: 40 units PHE’s Dr Rachel Pudney says: man who led the authority “His job was not for the faint- units 3 units, proposal includes office space greenfield: 26 units per hectare 304 Land East of Hunton Road, Chain- “Measles is extremely infectious, through hard times and who, they hearted. The opposition might 174 Land south of Sutton Road, Maid- 215 Woodford Yard Depot, Staplehurst, 256 Stede Row Woodland, Harrietsham, hurst, greenfield: 9 units can strike anyone and can have said, had shown courage. have railed against him at times stone, greenfield: 120-130 units Mixture of both: Housing proposed, though greenfield: Housing proposed, though 305, Maidstone East Station, brownfield: life-changing consequences. The outgoing leader was unable and called him all sorts, but se- 175 Land at Vicarage Road, Yalding, green- not quantified not quantified 350 units, commercial use “It is important that anyone to finish his prepared speech, cretly, they admired his guts and field: 6-8 units 216 Rochester Meadow, Sandling, green- 257 Land at junction of Heath Road/Dean 306 Land south of Gore Court, Otham, who hasn’t already had two doses 176 Land north and south of Ashford field: 20-25 units Street, greenfield: 20-25 units greenfield: 12 units per hectare slumping into his chair as he said: determination. Although not al- Road, greenfield: 500 units 217 The Former Poundstop, Bearsted, 258 Little Paddock, Linton, brownfield: 307 North of Marden Road, east of Clap- of the MMR vaccine contacts their “I hereby formally resign as leader ways popular, I think that most 177 Land between Lower Street and brownfield: 5 units Housing proposed, not quantified per Lane, greenfield: 30 units per hectare GP surgery for an appointment.” of Kent.” been replaced by Roger Gough, a agree that history will be kind to George Street, Leeds, greenfield: 50 units 218 Land at Wheeler's Lane, Maidstone 259 Land at Hockers Farm, Detling, green- 308 58 Church Street, Boughton Symptoms include: He wiped his eyes and face with fellow Conservative. Paul Carter.” 178 Land south of Warmlake Road and (2), greenfield: 6-8 units field: 430-500 units Monchelsea, greenfield: 27 units l high fever (temperature of a handkerchief. As we revealed earlier this year, KCC Lib Dem group leader Cllr East of Chart Hill Rd, greenfield: 200-300 219 Land at Forstal Lane, Coxheath, green- 260 Ashford Road, Lenham, greenfield: 309 Land at Marden, greenfield: 2000 39°C or higher); Earlier, Cllr Carter had said: “I Cllr Carter would most likely have Rob Bird said: “Whilst we may not units field: Van rental business commercial use units l sore, red, watery eyes; said 14 years ago I would do my faced a coup from within his own agree on all policy matters, I will be 179 Westerhill Road, Coxheath, greenfield: 220 Land at Bydews Farm, Maidstone, 261Oak Tree Farm, Headcorn, brownfield: 310 Land nth of Moat Rd, Headcorn, l coughing; Housing proposed, not quantified absolute best to serve the people of ranks, had he stayed on. one of the first to acknowledge greenfield: 500 units Traveller Site greenfield: 150 units l 180 Land west of Otham Street, green- 221 Land rear of Appletree house, 262 Fant Farm, Maidstone, greenfield: 311 Court Lodge Farm, East Farleigh, aching and feeling unwell; Kent and this council. It has been Many Tories felt it was time for a Paul Carter’s commitment to the field: 215 units Bearsted, brownfield: 5 Detached houses 190-750 units green/brownfield: 226-274 units l a blotchy red brown rash, full throttle all the way.” change and Cllr Gough appears to people of Kent and Kent Council 181 Land west of Otham Street, greenfield: 222 Land at Henhurst Farm, Staplehurst, 263 Land West of Ledian Farm, Leeds 312 Land north of Heath Road, Coxheath, which usually appears 2-4 days Cllr Carter has been a county have been a well-received choice. Council. His successor will have a 20 units greenfield: 275-325 units greenfield: 70 units greenfield: 212 housing units after the initial symptoms. councillor for 22 years and has One KCC member, who asked very hard act to follow." 182 Invicta Park Barracks, Maidstone, 223 Land South of Ashford Road, Maid- 264 Kent Police HQ, Sutton Road, brown- 313 Lenham Sand Pit, Mixture of both: brownfield: 1300 units stone, greenfield: Housing proposed, field: 112 units 15 units 183 Kent Medical Campus & Newnham though not quantified 265 Land at Abbey Farm, Tovil, greenfield: 314 East of Albion Rd, Marden, green- Court Shopping Village, mixture of both: 224 Land west of Old Ham Lane, 400-450 units, GP surgery proposed field, 2 hectares: up to 60 units. Housing proposed, though not quantified Lenham, greenfield: 360 units 266 Land at Ware Street, Bearsted, 315 Homewood Orchard Garden Centre, 184 Brickfields Farm, Staplehurst, Mix- 225 Tanglewood, Loose, greenfield: housing greenfield: 100 units Farleigh Lane, Mixture of both: 90 units ture of both, 430 houses proposed, not quantified 267, Spenny Farm, Marden, Mixture of 316 Binbury Park, Detling, Mixture of 185 Otham Glebe, greenfield: 50 units 226, Land North of Staplehurst, Maid- both: 640 units both, housing proposed, not quantified 186 Land at Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, stone Road, greenfield: 1800 houses 268 Mount Farm, Harrietsham, brown- 317 Land at Langley Heath, Maidstone, greenfield: Housing proposed, though not 227 Land south of Green Lane, Boughton field: 35-40 units greenfield: 24 units quantified Monchelsea, greenfield: 85 units 269 Copper Lane Pasture, Marden, brown- 318 Pagehurst Farm, brownfield: Not NEW GROUP OPENING BRINGING THAT LONDON VIBE TO KENT 187 Land at Junction of Penfold Hill and 228 Land next to West View, Staplehurst, field: 100 units stated 4TH JANUARY 2020 Ashford Road, Leeds, greenfield: 150 units greenfield: 4-5 units 270 Pested Bars Road, Boughton 319 Beaux Aires Farm, Stockbury, green- BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA PARKWOOD – Maidstone 188 Land at East Lenham Farm, green- 229, Land at Stanley Farm, Staplehurst Monchelsea, greenfield: 600 units field: 1200 units Boughton Monchelsea Boughton Monchelsea Tree Tops Primary School field: 350 units greenfield, 100-120 units 272 Peugeot Garage, Maidstone, brown- 320 Land to the West of Well Street, Village Hall Social Club Brishing Lane 189 Land North of Ashford Road, Harriet- 230, Plots 1-5 Land Rear of The Mead- field: 154 units plus commercial, parking greenfield: 240 units Church Street 86 Church Street Thursday 5.30pm & sham, greenfield: 30 units ows, Lenham, brownfield: traveller site 273 Land between Maidstone Road and 321 Land at Norton Lea Farm, Chart Sut- Saturday 8am Wednesday 5.30pm 7.30pm 190 Iden Manor Farm, Staplehurst, 231 Lested Farm, Maidstone, brownfield: Whetstead Road, mixture: 280 units ton, greenfield: 225 units brownfield, 10-15 units 750 units 279 Land at Langley Heath, Maidstone, 322 Lughorse Lane, Yalding, greenfield: Genna 07926 914021 & 7.30pm Rachel 07590 118621 191 Land next to South Lane, Sutton Va- 232 Land west of Firs Lane, greenfield: 50 greenfield: 2000-2500 units 30 units Genna 07926 914021 lence, greenfield: 4 units units 280 Land at Forstal Lane, Coxheath, 323 Lenham Court, Maidstone, brownfield: BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA TOVIL – Maidstone BLOWDRY BAR 192 Land next to Headcorn Road, Sutton 233 Land west of Chart Corner/Plough greenfield: 80-90 units 50-90 units Boughton Monchelsea - Bearsted Cornwallis Suite, MAKE UP Valence, greenfield: 6-10 units Wents Rd Junction, greenfield: 24 units 281 Pattenden Farm, Marden, greenfield: 324 The Grange, Ashford Road, brown- Social Club St John’s CEP School, Masonic Centre HAIR UP 193 Land East of Upper Street, Langley 234 Land west of North Street, Barming, Housing proposed, though not quantified field: 5 houses 86 Church Street Provender Way Courtenay Road BALAYAGE SPECIALISTS greenfield: 150 units greenfield: 200 units 282 Land rear of Police Training School, 325 Land at Stockett Lane, Coxheath, Thursday 9.30am Wednesday 7.30pm Wednesday 9.30am BRIDAL PACKAGES 194 Land south of Claygate, Marden, 235 Land at Boughton Lane, Maidstone, Maidstone, greenfield: 90 units greenfield: Mobile home caravan park Genna 07926 914021 Julie 07770 937425 & 11.30am greenfield: Business space greenfield: 75-95 units 283 Land north of Victoria PH, East Far- 326 Land at Amsbury Wood, Hunton, Sue 07724 185071 EASILOCKS EXTENSIONS 195 Waterside Park, Maidstone, greenfield: 236 Fairview Farm North Parcel, green- leigh, greenfield: 32 units hectare greenfield: 90 units COLOUR CORRECTION SPECIALISTS Housing proposed, not quantified field: 320-375 units 284 Wares Farm, Maidstone, greenfield: 327 Land at Hockers Farm, Detling, green- MAIDSTONE COMPLIMENTARY PROSECCO 196 Land at Willow Farm, Sandling, 237 Land rear of The Meadows, Headcorn, Housing proposed, not quantified field: 31 units St. Martin’s Church Hall, VINTERS PARK – Maidstone brownfield: Traveller Site Northumberland Road Vinters Park Community greenfield: 40 units 285 Land at Dickley Court, Lenham, brown- 328 59 Linton Road, brownfield: 9 units GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR THAT PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT 197 Car Park at former golf course, brown- 238 Blossoms, Rear of The Meadows, field: 13-32 units 329 Land at Sapphire Kennels, Sutton Va- Tuesday 3.30pm & 5.30pm Centre field: 10 units Headcorn, brownfield: Traveller Site 286 Underlyn Lane, Maidstone, green- lence, brownfield: 10 units & 7.30pm Aldon Close / Hampton Road 10% OFF ALL HAIR SERVICES THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 198 Golf course, Staplehurst, brownfield: 239 Shangri-La, Langley, greenfield: 5-9 field: Not stated 330 Seeburg, Bredhurst, brownfield: 9 Sue 07724 185071 Thursday 5.30pm 240-340 houses units 287 Little Gaynes, Lenham, brownfield: 26 units & 7.30pm 01622 735 483 199 The Old Cricket Ground, Loose, green- 240 Banky Meadow, Bearstead, green- units per hectacre 331 Land south of The Lodge, Yalding, Mix- Julie 07770 937425 field: 8-10 units field: 30 units per hectare 288 Land at Hill Farm, Linton, greenfield: ture of both: 117 units WWW.BLOWANDBLUSH.UK 200 The Old Cricket Field, Loose, green- 241Fox Pitt, West Farleigh, greenfield: 12 130-170 332 Fariview Farm South Parcel, green- field: 20-25 units five-bedroom houses 289 Heathlands Garden Community, field: 315-365 units 201 Inkstand Cattery, Headcorn Road, 242, Court Lodge Mews, West Farleigh, Lenham Heath, greenfield: 4800 units 333 Kilnwood Meadow, Lenham, green- brownfield: 20-25 units greenfield: 35 houses 290 The Lodge, Thurnham, brownfield: field: 230 units slimmingworld.co.uk 202 Land at Forstal Lane, Coxheath, Mix- 243 Three Acres, Nettlestead, greenfield: 60 units 334 Old Goods Yard, Lenham, brown- 0344 897 8000 130C ASHFORD ROAD, BEARSTED, MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 4LX ture of both: 140-150 units traveller site 291 Bridge Farm, Thurnham, brownfield: field: 20 units

Maidstone East December 2019 23 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, , ME5 9RU Tel: 01634 861237 Email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk BOXLEY PARISH COUNCILLORS AND STAFF WISH ALL OUR PARISHIONERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR Pond clean-up A REQUEST has been made to help fund the emptying of silts traps on the stream at the Vinters Valley Trust Parish acts after a wildlife reserve. The traps ensure silt and toxins do not reach the lake, but have not been cleaned out for 15 years, said VVT representative Chris Jones. Halloween ‘horror’ The water quality is being made worse from increased traffic causing BOXLEY Parish Council is to try to youths ran amok in the area, with chemicals to be washed through, ex- set up a meeting of key agencies minimal police intervention. traction from the aquifers and run-off after a night of Halloween antiso- Cllr Wendy Hinder (pictured) from the M20, Cllr Tony Harwood cial behaviour. said: “Anyone who intervened was told members. Members related stories of young verbally abused by these youngsters. The likely bill for the silt trap emp- people in the Grove Green and By all accounts, it was horrendous.” tying will be about £2,800. Weavering Heath areas throwing A resident asked the parish council The parish council resolved to missiles at cars, uprooting plants and to organise a meeting to thrash out the send the matter to its finance com- mittee for further examination. causing criminal damage on October issues with the relevant agencies. Members thanked the volunteers of 31. Councillors generally agreed that the VVT for their work. Residents reported being spat at, authority has limited powers, but pelted with ketchup, flour and eggs should try to be the conduit. One member said the police should and having bins tipped onto the BOXLEY Parish Council would like Traffic talk street. The council has heard reports be compelled to attend and explain to give a warm welcome to Jane Den- A MEETING was held with KCC’s of houses being targeted, as well as their position. The county and bor- Jennie Watson to discuss traffic is- fireworks being set off in inappro- ough councils have experts in the ham, pictured above, who has joined sues and a Highway Improvement priate locations. Porch displays were fields of community safety and youth the team at the ParishCouncil office Plan (HIP) has been set up. destroyed and fencing pulled up as services, said Cllr Tony Harwood. in Walderslade. Walderslade Woods A speed reduc- tion to 50mph would be supported, with improvements to the islands. Traffic surveys would be carried out to identify other solutions and fund- Council opposes care home plan ing sought. A PROPOSED application for a the intended complex. Highways to this application. Provender Way A site visit will be care home on a busy roundabout MBC considered that Weavering Cllr Hinder said: “When asked carried out and recommendations near the Kent Medical Campus site Heath is an integral part of the by the developers team whether made. Ideas suggested part-time has been opposed by Boxley Parish landscape buffer south of the KCC would undertake another 20mph zone, flashing speed indica- Council. Bearsted Road. This development public consultation regarding the tor signs and extended school no The scheme would have access would have the potential for re- proposed road improvements for parking areas. to Bearsted Road and there would moval of this buffer and is one of that area, the answer again from Harp Farm Road “Unsuitable for be landscaping, parking and asso- the grounds for objection. KCC was an emphatic no.” HGV”(except for access) signs to be ciated works. There is still a “live” objection Parish councillors pointed out installed. Flooding problem should Chairman Bob Hinder raised the from KCC regarding the proposed how close the site is to Weavering be done within the next couple of council’s concerns, such as visibil- access from Bearsted Road and Heath and the Vinters valley Na- months ity when travelling east and that there have been substantive and ture Reserve, ongoing concerns Weavering Street Additional the site is too small for the size of ongoing arguments from KCC about traffic flows and pollution. “slow” markings and existing ones refreshed. Grange Lane To be monitored, but not a priority. Work day on Lease agreed allotments THE parish council has agreed THE team had another very suc- to sign the lease on the Franklin cessful day on the allotments at Drive play area. Dove Hill, installing paving slabs The Environment Committee under the water troughs to sta- confirmed Network Rail had no bilise them. record of having right of way A huge thank you goes to the over the land and wanted to get councillors and volunteers who the lease signed so that the play equipment could be installed. took part.

24 Maidstone East December 2019 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk News Bazaar date New blow to campaign THE Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Marion Ring, will open the Christ- mas Bazaar being held in aid of Otham and Langley Churches on Saturday, November 30. for village bypass plan Father Christmas, gifts, food and raffle prizes are promised at BELEAGUERED villagers pray- leadership, KCC leader and the Community Centre ing for a relief road to ease traffic two local MPs all backed the idea. from 2pm. pressures on south Maidstone’s A planning consultancy docu- Entry is free. villages have suffered a setback. ment for the MBC-proposed 5,000- Kent County Council’s long- home Lenham Heath project Pond clean-up awaited feasibility studies suggest shows a willingness to progress the Rugby appeal A REQUEST has been made to help a by-pass linking Leeds and Lang- idea. A four-page leaflet dis- ENGLAND may have lost the fund the emptying of silts traps on ley would not pass the cost/benefit tributed to landowners cites “fu- Rugby world cup, but the com- the stream at the Vinters Valley Trust Parish acts after a test threshold. ture wider road improvements to petion has inspired a fresh appeal wildlife reserve. Even with the expected growth connect the areas to the south of for players from the Weavering The traps ensure silt and toxins do in traffic due to house-building, it Maidstone”. Warriors RFC. not reach the lake, but have not been might not deliver wider benefits to Asked if a relief road could be in- The club is looking for players of cleaned out for 15 years, said VVT other communities. cluded in the Local Plan review, all abilities and positions. Training representative Chris Jones. Halloween ‘horror’ Relief road campaigner Cllr “choc-a-bloc” Willington Street if chairman of MBC’s planning com- is from 7pm on Thursday nights at The water quality is being made Gary Cooke says Maidstone Bor- an HGV weight restriction was im- mittee Cllr Clive English said: “It The Pavilion, in Bicknor Road, worse from increased traffic causing BOXLEY Parish Council is to try to youths ran amok in the area, with ough Council, controlled by the posed there, he said. depends if KCC has done its Maidstone. chemicals to be washed through, ex- set up a meeting of key agencies minimal police intervention. Liberal Democrats, must seize the Vehicles which once used the preparatory work. If it has, we can traction from the aquifers and run-off after a night of Halloween antiso- Cllr Wendy Hinder (pictured) opportunity to include a by-pass in B2163 Leeds to Langley cut- put it in – but that’s the easy part!” from the M20, Cllr Tony Harwood cial behaviour. said: “Anyone who intervened was the Local Plan review, currently in through from the A20 to A274 now When asked if the Lenham Crafty chats told members. Members related stories of young verbally abused by these youngsters. its preparatory stages. head for single-track back roads Heath housing scheme could pay FANCY a natter and learning The likely bill for the silt trap emp- people in the Grove Green and By all accounts, it was horrendous.” KCC Conservative Cllr Cooke through Broomfield, Kingswood, for a relief road, Cllr English said: something new? tying will be about £2,800. , Langley, Otham and Leeds Craft and Natter Group Weavering Heath areas throwing A resident asked the parish council added: “I believe there’s support “It could, potentially, yes.” The parish council resolved to Downswood, often causing havoc. meets at the village hall on missiles at cars, uprooting plants and to organise a meeting to thrash out the for a relief road at MBC across all The council is committed to send the matter to its finance com- the parties, but we need MBC to Two years ago, when Cllr Cooke 17,600 homes in the Local Plan, Wednesday, November 20. causing criminal damage on October issues with the relevant agencies. mittee for further examination. grasp the opportunity and support held a public meeting to demon- passed in autumn 2017, and up to The group gathers from 11am to 31. Councillors generally agreed that the Members thanked the volunteers of it in the review of the Local Plan.” strate support for a relief road link- 10,500 more in the review. So far, 1pm. More details from Jane New- VVT for their work. Residents reported being spat at, authority has limited powers, but The by-pass could alleviate ing the A274 and the A20, the MBC only 6,400 have been delivered. some on 01622 862558. pelted with ketchup, flour and eggs should try to be the conduit. One member said the police should and having bins tipped onto the BOXLEY Parish Council would like Traffic talk street. The council has heard reports be compelled to attend and explain to give a warm welcome to Jane Den- A MEETING was held with KCC’s of houses being targeted, as well as their position. The county and bor- Jennie Watson to discuss traffic is- fireworks being set off in inappro- ough councils have experts in the ham, pictured above, who has joined sues and a Highway Improvement priate locations. Porch displays were fields of community safety and youth the team at the ParishCouncil office Plan (HIP) has been set up. destroyed and fencing pulled up as services, said Cllr Tony Harwood. in Walderslade. Walderslade Woods A speed reduc- tion to 50mph would be supported, with improvements to the islands. Traffic surveys would be carried out to identify other solutions and fund- Council opposes care home plan ing sought. A PROPOSED application for a the intended complex. Highways to this application. Provender Way A site visit will be care home on a busy roundabout MBC considered that Weavering Cllr Hinder said: “When asked carried out and recommendations near the Kent Medical Campus site Heath is an integral part of the by the developers team whether made. Ideas suggested part-time has been opposed by Boxley Parish landscape buffer south of the KCC would undertake another 20mph zone, flashing speed indica- Council. Bearsted Road. This development public consultation regarding the tor signs and extended school no The scheme would have access would have the potential for re- proposed road improvements for parking areas. to Bearsted Road and there would moval of this buffer and is one of that area, the answer again from Harp Farm Road “Unsuitable for be landscaping, parking and asso- the grounds for objection. KCC was an emphatic no.” HGV”(except for access) signs to be ciated works. There is still a “live” objection Parish councillors pointed out installed. Flooding problem should Chairman Bob Hinder raised the from KCC regarding the proposed how close the site is to Weavering be done within the next couple of council’s concerns, such as visibil- access from Bearsted Road and Heath and the Vinters valley Na- months ity when travelling east and that there have been substantive and ture Reserve, ongoing concerns Weavering Street Additional the site is too small for the size of ongoing arguments from KCC about traffic flows and pollution. “slow” markings and existing ones refreshed. Grange Lane To be monitored, but Work day on not a priority. Lease agreed allotments Independent Award-winning Forward thinking Affordable THE parish council has agreed THE team had another very suc- to sign the lease on the Franklin cessful day on the allotments at Drive play area. Dove Hill, installing paving slabs The Environment Committee under the water troughs to sta- confirmed Network Rail had no bilise them. record of having right of way A huge thank you goes to the over the land and wanted to get councillors and volunteers who the lease signed so that the play equipment could be installed. took part.

Maidstone East December 2019 25 News downsmail.co.uk Extra help at GP surgeries MAJOR expansion in services offered by local GP surgeries means patients will receive much more help and advice under one roof – and reduce pressure on over-stretched doctors. Maidstone and the rest of West tions, mostly voluntary, which Kent is a forerunner and is receiv- could interest a patient. We also ing Government funds to appoint hope individuals will volunteer in More on offer specialist professionals to small this system to provide more per- GP PRACTICES in Maidstone and groups of four to six surgeries, to sonal help, such as driving, shop- the rest of West Kent will also operate in collaboration as new Pri- ping, befriending or through peer now provide or arrange addi- mary Care Networks (PCN). support and social groups.” tional services. In the first year, each network – Surgery receptionists, practice These include blood testing, there are five across Maidstone and nurses, and pharmacists are being heart and blood pressure moni- Malling – will have a social pre- trained to offer more advice and toring, ear syringing, women’s scribing link worker and a quali- help to patients, and these addi- services and complex wound fied pharmacist. In year two a tional appointments are also seen care such as leg ulcers. physiotherapist and a physician as- as very significant in reducing This follows a financial agree- sociate will be added. In the final pressure on GPs so they have more ment which brings surgeries in year, every PCN will have a time to offer key diagnostic skills this area in line with most other paramedic. caring, especially among isolated and work only they can do. areas and helps sustainability of “Appointment of social link patients, but previously had no sat- “We need patients to understand general practice. workers to surgeries is ground isfactory resources to offer. Now there are many more specialists in breaking,” said Dr Tony Jones (pic- they can call on a team member to surgeries who should be their first On their own tured), senior partner at the Vine assess the patient and offer help. port of call,” said Dr Jones. “The THE majority of patients with Surgery, Tonbridge Road, Maid- “Often the help is already avail- GP is always there when needed, isolation social problems are in stone, and a governing body mem- able in the community, but links but other well-qualified profes- the 30-60 age group and two- ber of the NHS West Kent Clinical have to be established. Involve sionals may be able to offer help thirds are women. Commissioning Group, for whom (previously Voluntary Action just as expertly. Getting this mes- One-third of Maidstone resi- he is leading this work. Maidstone) have helped us set up a sage to patients is vital to help effi- dents live alone, according to “GPs frequently identify the local website (Connect Well West cient running and sustainability of NHS figures, and could benefit. need for mental/social help and Kent) listing 700 or so organisa- our patients.”

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26 Maidstone East December 2019 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Health | News Extra help at GP surgeries Trust hits cancer targets MAJOR expansion in services offered by local GP surgeries means patients will receive much MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells hospital trust has celebrated hitting the national 62-day more help and advice under one roof – and reduce pressure on over-stretched doctors. target (85%) for cancer treatments in August and September. After many months of under- within 24 hours of admission”. Maidstone and the rest of West tions, mostly voluntary, which Kent is a forerunner and is receiv- could interest a patient. We also performance, the latest figures The trust believes this should ing Government funds to appoint hope individuals will volunteer in More on offer now put it in the top 30 per cent of support an improved picture for specialist professionals to small this system to provide more per- GP PRACTICES in Maidstone and trusts, a turnaround from the po- the three national standards, groups of four to six surgeries, to sonal help, such as driving, shop- the rest of West Kent will also sition for 2018. which at present remain below ex- operate in collaboration as new Pri- ping, befriending or through peer now provide or arrange addi- NHS West Kent CCG says it is pectation, and that it will “‘reduce mary Care Networks (PCN). support and social groups.” tional services. encouraged by the results and the risk of harm to patients and In the first year, each network – Surgery receptionists, practice These include blood testing, looks forward to sustained im- improve outcomes”. there are five across Maidstone and nurses, and pharmacists are being heart and blood pressure moni- provement, so that all patients are Ophthalmology - The backlog Malling – will have a social pre- trained to offer more advice and toring, ear syringing, women’s seen within 62 days. of patients requiring follow-up scribing link worker and a quali- help to patients, and these addi- services and complex wound Staff recruitment is proving a continues to be an issue for the fied pharmacist. In year two a tional appointments are also seen care such as leg ulcers. challenge for the hospital trust in trust. physiotherapist and a physician as- as very significant in reducing This follows a financial agree- all areas. In September and Au- New guidelines that require pa- sociate will be added. In the final pressure on GPs so they have more ment which brings surgeries in gust, bank and agency availability tients taking some medication for year, every PCN will have a time to offer key diagnostic skills this area in line with most other was limited and sickness rose. This rheumatic conditions to have eye paramedic. caring, especially among isolated and work only they can do. areas and helps sustainability of put increased pressures on al- check-ups mean that an extra 20- “Appointment of social link patients, but previously had no sat- “We need patients to understand general practice. ready-stretched staff and con- 40 new patients a month will re- workers to surgeries is ground isfactory resources to offer. Now there are many more specialists in tributed to serious incidents quire this service, along with breaking,” said Dr Tony Jones (pic- they can call on a team member to surgeries who should be their first On their own increasing in August. work independently on ward and the hospital trust is reporting yearly follow-ups. With the back- Overseas recruitment is well areas. “the service is now much safer, log already standing at about 4,000 tured), senior partner at the Vine assess the patient and offer help. port of call,” said Dr Jones. “The THE majority of patients with Stroke services for Maidstone with patients receiving an end-to- patients, this will have a signifi- Surgery, Tonbridge Road, Maid- “Often the help is already avail- GP is always there when needed, isolation social problems are in underway, and the first group of stone, and a governing body mem- able in the community, but links but other well-qualified profes- nurses are completing examina- and Tunbridge Wells hospitals are end service and improvements in cant impact on the already- the 30-60 age group and two- now centred entirely at Maidstone, seeing a specialist consultant ber of the NHS West Kent Clinical have to be established. Involve sionals may be able to offer help thirds are women. tions which will support them to stretched service. Commissioning Group, for whom (previously Voluntary Action just as expertly. Getting this mes- One-third of Maidstone resi- he is leading this work. Maidstone) have helped us set up a sage to patients is vital to help effi- dents live alone, according to “GPs frequently identify the local website (Connect Well West cient running and sustainability of NHS figures, and could benefit. Good rating Encouraging need for mental/social help and Kent) listing 700 or so organisa- our patients.” Boost for mental health for 999 care FOUR additional qualified more talking THE local ambulance service has nurses are to be employed by WORLD Mental Health Day was improved, especially in timely the CCG in west Kent to pro- marked on October 10 and, in Kent, handling of highest-risk emer- vide a programme of 12 phys- health organisations are backing gencies. ical health checks for patients Public Health England’s national SECAmb has now been rated with serious mental health Every Mind Matters campaign. “good” by the Care Quality Com- problems. Britain has been urged to talk mission. They will work with the cur- more about the issue of mental But although there have been rent mental health local team health and landmarks across Kent improvements in categories 1 and and liaise with GPs, practice were lit up to boost awareness. 2, West Kent CCG says SECAmb and district nurses. Even TV shows got in on the act, has still some way to go improv- This supports NHS Eng- with Britain’s Got Talent falling ing category 3 and 4 calls. land’s approach to increase silent during a recording to encour- Patients experiencing longer early detection of physical age viewers to talk to each other. than four-hour waits will now be health problems, which are Maidstone and Mid Kent Mind individually reviewed for harm causing patients to die 15-20 has launched a youth mental and reported to the CCG quality years, on average, earlier health programme, Mindfulness team. than the general population. and Me. Delays in ambulance handover of patients to hospitals within the 30-minute standard continue to cause concern and the two trusts Vasectomy funding under review are working to meet the target. THE future of NHS-funded va- for vasectomies and vasectomy sectomies and reversals locally is reversals with immediate effect. Surgery merger under review. The group recommended this A MERGER has now taken NHS West Kent Clinical Com- option, but it was recognised that place between Northumberland missioning Group (CCG) there was a risk. Court surgery, Shepway, Maid- stopped paying for the proce- l Review the decision to rein- stone, and the single-handed dures three years ago. state funding once the Kent and Grove Park surgery, in Sutton The CCG received a report es- Medway decision was taken. Road, Maidstone. timating £307,000 had been An impact assessment on va- The majority of patients saved in the three years. If the sectomy funding will be carried (about 2,000) are moving to CCG elects to re-fund these pro- consideration: out to enable a decision to be Northumberland Court, which cedures, a saving elsewhere l The CCG continues not to made. One factor is the cost of has closed its patient list for 12 would need to be found. fund vasectomies health problems for women tak- months to allow a “bedding-in” There are three options under l Reinstatement of NHS funding ing oral contraceptives. period.

Maidstone East December 2019 27 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk

This page is written and edited by: Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted, ME14 8LH 01622 630165 Emails: [email protected] Geo - please put bearsted [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Michael Bollom Acting Clerk: Erin Sugden mastheadwww.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk on here. Thanks! Vacant seats WE ARE still looking for appli- cants to fill four spaces on the Tackling traffic and parish council. If you are local and can spare some time, we would re- ally appreciate your help. To increase the diversity of the council, we are looking for new ini- over-development tiatives from people with the skills to make them a reality. For details, THE parish council is working on stance, was vehemently opposed road. The feasibility of these is cur- please come to the next full council multiple fronts to prevent in- by us, and letters of objection have rently being discussed with KCC. meeting or contact the clerk. creasing traffic and development also been put into MBC against The plan also highlights the need We are also inviting residents to in the borough from blighting further development at Bicknor for traffic-calming measures along help the council with next year’s Bearsted. Farm, Otham, and the application Ware Street, Roseacre Lane and public events. If you can help with We have identified that vehicles for a further 440 houses at Church Yeoman Lane. Monitoring and organising and volunteering, are increasingly using Spot Lane, Road, Otham. Both developments speed surveys have been carried please contact the clerk. Roseacre Lane, Yeoman Lane and would have a serious traffic impact out at both Roseacre and Yeoman Ware Street as cut-throughs to the on Spot Lane. Lane as a prerequisite to gain M20 J7, to avoid queues on the Sut- A particular concern is the pro- KCC’s commitment to introducing Trees lit up ton Road, Willington Street, Ash- posed A249/Bearsted Road Im- measures. The plan also calls for re- ONE of the parish’s Christmas ford Road and New Cut Road. provement Scheme between the strictions on dangerous parking on trees will be lit at December’s Mar- As a result, we have formed a Notcutts and KIMS roundabouts corners of roads around the parish. ket on the Green to the sounds of joint traffic group with Boxley which, if successful, will improve A consultation on speeding and The Kent Police Band. Parish Council to find ways of mit- traffic flow on this limited stretch pedestrian safety has been con- A second has come to life on igating these issues. Our findings of road, but simply move conges- cluded with the residents on a sec- Egremont Road, and snowflakes will be put to both the county and tion to the adjacent junctions. tion of Ware Street, and a proposal have been installed at the Madgin- borough councils. A meeting with KCC’s project for double yellow lines and some ford shops. Thanks to Cllrs Jon and Much of the increased traffic is manager and traffic modelling ex- limited parking is currently being Fabienne Hughes for decorating due to development along the pert has been arranged, so the per- finalised with KCC. the trees. We had to buy and install A274 Sutton Road corridor. ceived benefits and consequences Finally, Bearsted Parish Council a second set of lights this year, as In recognition of this, Bearsted’s of the scheme can be discussed. has responded to MBC’s Local Plan the tree on the Green has grown. planning committee is also keep- Within the parish, the recently Review about growth in the bor- The carol service around the tree ing a close eye on future develop- formulated Highways Improve- ough. We feel the effects of devel- on the Green is on Wednesday, De- ments outside the parish which ment Plan identifies the need for opments on road and infrastructure cember 18. Please bring a torch. may impact our roads. crossings along Ware Street, where must be considered before planning The development of the Popes discontinuous pavements force applications are agreed, to ensure Office closure Field schools in Boxley, for in- pedestrians to frequently cross the growth is sustainable. THE parish office will be closed during Christmas from 4pm on Firework success December 18 and 9.30am on Jan- MORE than 3,500 people enjoyed uary 6. our firework display in the Eliza- Emails will be monitored, but beth Harvie field on November 8, any emergencies relating to local with the Best of British music. services should be reported to the The fireworks were exceptional, relevant contact numbers in the and lasted over 20 minutes. We Bearsted Parish Booklet. hope everyone who attended was able to enjoy hot food and drinks supplied by the Scouts, Girl Call for sites Guides, Cuppa and Ibi’s Kitchen. THERE were six proposals for Thanks go to volunteers who Bearsted in the borough’s Call for helped steward and scan every- Sites development document pub- Bearsted in winter bloom one in, along with our councillors lished earlier this month. THE parish planters are ablaze with the colour of winter/spring pansies. who assisted on the evening. Since then, BPC’s planning com- Our thanks go to Cllr Hughes and Cllr Michael Bollom for planting them. A big thank you to our acting mittee has considered these and The geraniums have been placed in a greenhouse for a return next clerk Erin Sugden who organised will take action to oppose further year. Bulbs will also come through in the spring. this fantastic event on behalf of development within the parish. BPC.

BEARSTED PARISH COUNCILLORS AND STAFF WISH ALL OUR RESIDENTS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

28 Maidstone East December 2019 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Geo - please put bearsted Park dam plan ‘a year’s work’ masthead on here. Thanks! WORK to protect thousands of that involves working with the homes and businesses near Mote emergency services and other part- Park and Turkey Mill from a po- ner agencies to respond to and Vacant seats tential 12ft wave of flood water work on recovery actions follow- will not start until December. ing all flood incidents. There is also WE ARE still looking for appli- Repairs needed to the ancient a separate on-site plan for reservoir cants to fill four spaces on the Tackling traffic and dam in Mote Park – revealed by and dam incidents in Mote Park. parish council. If you are local and Downs Mail – will reinstate the de- “The works scheduled to be car- can spare some time, we would re- teriorating flood protection mea- ried out are part of our plans to en- ally appreciate your help. sure and provide a “wave wall”. sure the safety of the dam and To increase the diversity of the However, the work, which was improved flood management sys- council, we are looking for new ini- over-development described as essential during an in- tems. They will incorporate a risk Year 9 pupil Rachel at Invicta’s MacMillan coffee morning tiatives from people with the skills dependent inspection, is expected management strategy that ad- to make them a reality. For details, THE parish council is working on stance, was vehemently opposed road. The feasibility of these is cur- to take a year to complete. dresses the risk of flood incidents please come to the next full council multiple fronts to prevent in- by us, and letters of objection have rently being discussed with KCC. In spite of torrential rain, concern whilst works are in progress.” meeting or contact the clerk. creasing traffic and development also been put into MBC against The plan also highlights the need about the delay, Maidstone Bor- Work to fell 300 trees between Cake break raises £900 We are also inviting residents to in the borough from blighting further development at Bicknor for traffic-calming measures along ough Council claimed a flood plan the park and Turkey Mill Lake will GIRLS at Invicta Grammar raised Curie, which raised £146.63, with help the council with next year’s Bearsted. Farm, Otham, and the application Ware Street, Roseacre Lane and is in place. be carried out in November. Lost an incredible £900 in 40 minutes, Roddick House in second place, public events. If you can help with We have identified that vehicles for a further 440 houses at Church Yeoman Lane. Monitoring and This comes, even though its own trees will be replaced. with the help of coffee and cake. with £128.09, and Nightingale in organising and volunteering, are increasingly using Spot Lane, Road, Otham. Both developments speed surveys have been carried officers report that if the dam were Council leader Martin Cox said Thanks went to year 7 pupils for third with £116.25. please contact the clerk. Roseacre Lane, Yeoman Lane and would have a serious traffic impact out at both Roseacre and Yeoman to fail, flood water would “rapidly the project had been in the plan- providing the food, and form char- Teacher Mrs Bridget Le Sbirel Ware Street as cut-throughs to the on Spot Lane. Lane as a prerequisite to gain cover over 40 acres of land, includ- ning stage for some time. He ity reps, house reps and the senior congratulated students on raising M20 J7, to avoid queues on the Sut- A particular concern is the pro- KCC’s commitment to introducing ing Turkey Mill, Mote Park and added: “We are saddened to have and house prefects for setting up such a large amount over the Trees lit up ton Road, Willington Street, Ash- posed A249/Bearsted Road Im- measures. The plan also calls for re- surrounding areas to an estimated to cut down trees, but the safety of and the clean-up operation. break-time period – £60 more than ONE of the parish’s Christmas ford Road and New Cut Road. provement Scheme between the strictions on dangerous parking on depth of 12 feet”. residents is our top priority and we The house raising the most last year – with the Macmillan Cof- trees will be lit at December’s Mar- As a result, we have formed a Notcutts and KIMS roundabouts corners of roads around the parish. An MBC spokesman said: “We cannot risk the integrity of the money (and 50 house points) was fee Morning. ket on the Green to the sounds of joint traffic group with Boxley which, if successful, will improve A consultation on speeding and have a multi-agency flood plan dam.” The Kent Police Band. Parish Council to find ways of mit- traffic flow on this limited stretch pedestrian safety has been con- A second has come to life on igating these issues. Our findings of road, but simply move conges- cluded with the residents on a sec- Egremont Road, and snowflakes will be put to both the county and tion to the adjacent junctions. tion of Ware Street, and a proposal have been installed at the Madgin- borough councils. A meeting with KCC’s project for double yellow lines and some ford shops. Thanks to Cllrs Jon and Much of the increased traffic is manager and traffic modelling ex- limited parking is currently being Fabienne Hughes for decorating due to development along the pert has been arranged, so the per- finalised with KCC. BUSINESS DIRECTORY the trees. We had to buy and install Local A274 Sutton Road corridor. ceived benefits and consequences Finally, Bearsted Parish Council a second set of lights this year, as In recognition of this, Bearsted’s of the scheme can be discussed. has responded to MBC’s Local Plan the tree on the Green has grown. planning committee is also keep- Within the parish, the recently Review about growth in the bor- On our website’s Business Directory you can find reliable, local The carol service around the tree ing a close eye on future develop- formulated Highways Improve- ough. We feel the effects of devel- Trades tradespeople and service providers who are able to help with any on the Green is on Wednesday, De- ments outside the parish which ment Plan identifies the need for opments on road and infrastructure repairs, alterations and improvements around your home or office. cember 18. Please bring a torch. may impact our roads. crossings along Ware Street, where must be considered before planning The development of the Popes discontinuous pavements force applications are agreed, to ensure Office closure Field schools in Boxley, for in- pedestrians to frequently cross the growth is sustainable. Find a skilled plumber, carpenter, plasterer, electrician, decorator, THE parish office will be closed landscaper, builder and other service providers – all at your fingertips during Christmas from 4pm on Firework success wherever you happen to be, at home, work or out and about. December 18 and 9.30am on Jan- MORE than 3,500 people enjoyed uary 6. our firework display in the Eliza- Emails will be monitored, but beth Harvie field on November 8, any emergencies relating to local with the Best of British music. services should be reported to the The fireworks were exceptional, relevant contact numbers in the and lasted over 20 minutes. We Bearsted Parish Booklet. hope everyone who attended was able to enjoy hot food and drinks supplied by the Scouts, Girl Call for sites Guides, Cuppa and Ibi’s Kitchen. THERE were six proposals for Thanks go to volunteers who Bearsted in the borough’s Call for helped steward and scan every- Sites development document pub- Bearsted in winter bloom one in, along with our councillors lished earlier this month. THE parish planters are ablaze with the colour of winter/spring pansies. who assisted on the evening. Since then, BPC’s planning com- Our thanks go to Cllr Hughes and Cllr Michael Bollom for planting them. A big thank you to our acting Your Community mittee has considered these and The geraniums have been placed in a greenhouse for a return next clerk Erin Sugden who organised will take action to oppose further year. Bulbs will also come through in the spring. this fantastic event on behalf of Website development within the parish. BPC. BEARSTED PARISH COUNCILLORS AND STAFF WISH ALL OUR www.downsmail.co.uk RESIDENTS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Maidstone Weald October 2017 35 downsmail.co.uk

Obituaries Patrick Whelan Grammar School. Harry Garrett He spent time in the merchant navy and PATRICK Whelan (83), also known as Pat, drove lorries for local firms before taking HARRY Garret (101) lived in Sevenoaks lived in East Malling from 1976. on the boatyard, which had been owned but was known locally from years spent Brought up in Fife, Scotland, he came by his father. David built up the business, travelling as a millinery seller. from a mining family and was determined allowing himself to adopt a range of roles, He was also highly active with the local not to follow his using the full range of his talents. Poppy Appeal, having helped to raise over father down the local David – an accomplished mechanic – £60,000 in his branch pit. He started work was known for his inventive approach. His of the local Royal in the RAF as a cook children said: “Many of his creations are British Legion. before a working life still going, including a very fast speedboat Harry was known that took him (which he retro-fitted with a V12 Jaguar to those who keep southwards until he car engine) and a car which had the track of surviving reached East Malling. bodywork of a Land Rover, but a powerful WWII veterans and At various points, Cherokee engine. He built a motorbike earned the nickname Patrick worked as a from scratch using a Rover car engine . “Lucky Harry” roustabout in a “He was always intrigued by people because of his near circus, as a kitchen porter in various with interesting stories, many of whom he misses with death. London hotels and as a labourer. In the met in bars, pubs and marinas. His ‘local’ He was rescued 1980s, he worked as a groundsman at was the Victory Inn in Farleigh Lane. during the Dunkirk evacuation and met Castle and as a porter at “Our father once transported a huge Prince Harry as one of a small band of Oakwood Park Hospital. crane over East Farleigh bridge, with survivors brought to an event in the wake Patrick lived with his partner Maureen centimetres to spare on each side. He had of the 2017 film Dunkirk. for many years, until her death in 2004. crossed the English Channel a few times in Harry was honoured by Sevenoaks Patrick was a parish councillor and a his boats, darting between ferries and Town Council with a tree planting on his founding trustee of the East Malling other vessels and he enjoyed turning 100th birthday. Centre. In 2010, his local contributions heads with his controversial loud were marked with an award for services to creations, fast affordable cars, and smoky the community. Patrick was also a member boats. He said he was proud of the way he Patrick Cash of Larkfield Community Church, where he had lived his life – doing and experiencing PATRICK “Paddy” Cash (31), from worshipped for over 10 years. things that other people hadn’t.” Headcorn, died after developing a rare Amongst the many people he had met David leaves his three children – neurological condition. and befriended over the years was Stephen, Christine and Louise. The former bricklayer spent his final EastEnders actor John Altman, who he months in and out of medical care as knew well enough to ask his advice on doctors looked for an explanation for his some big life decisions. Bob Walters condition. Patrick leaves a niece in Scotland and TRIBUTES have been paid to Robert Patrick was living in Poole, Dorset, one cousin in Newcastle. “Bob” Walters (54), a well-known local when he developed the first symptoms of landlord who ran a number of his illness and subsequently went to establishments in and around Maidstone, hospital in London, Maidstone and David Paine most recently the Papermakers Arms in Canterbury. DAVID Paine (60), who has died in Upper Stone Street. Gibraltar, was a well-known member of A father of four, Bob grew up in the river community. Allington and was employed as an David Mertens He owned and ran electrician at Aylesford Paper Mills before FORMER local journalist David Mertens the boatyard in East becoming a pub landlord. His work took (73) has died at his home after a battle Farleigh for 23 years in many Maidstone watering holes, with cancer. before moving to including The Cooper’s Cask, The Druids Known to colleagues as “Merts,” David Gibraltar in 2012. Arms and The Rose in Tovil. was a seasoned reporter with a track Born in Maidstone He worked for 10 years at Maidstone record of significant stories. His career and brought up in Snooker Club, Buckland Hill, before started as an £8 a week junior reporter Medway House, East moving to the Style and Winch in Union for the Kent Messenger and progressed Farleigh, David Street, and later buying the lease at the to covering major news stories like The attended Maidstone Papermakers Arms Falklands War. A notable exclusive involved David getting details of the relationship between Prince Andrew and actress Koo Stark by placing a glass against a wall and overhearing the details as Stark’s mother held a phone conversation in the next room. David was night editor on The Sun and Wills | Probate | Powers of attorney | Funeral plans earned a reputation as an excellent manager of others. He also became • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed known for a catchphrase he uttered at the end of every shift; “another great day for DipPFS MSWW British journalism.” His former Sun colleague said: “David was the ultimate professional, a perfect 01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk gentleman and the best boss you could ever hope for.”

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

32 Maidstone East December 2019 Call for the

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Maidstone East December 2019 33 downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils Bredhurst expensive. The clerk would put an article resolved. Additional 30mph repeater in the Parish News and put up notices signs would be installed and a speed Community barn A revised lease had asking for a volunteer. One of the football survey completed. been received. The contract was for 15 nets was tattered and it was agreed to ask Church Road The light in Church Road, years at a peppercorn rent of £1 per the handyman to remove it. nearest to the bridge, was said to be annum and included the barn, car park, Litter picking The finance officer had faulty. The contractor had suggested land surrounding the property and the sourced more quotes for litter picking installing an LED lantern, at a cost of road outside the barn. The landlord will signs, which were shared with £325 plus VAT. After consideration, it pay BPC £3,000 per annum for the first councillors. It was agreed to buy four was agreed to change all three lights in five years to help with running costs. The cone signs. the road, at a cost of £975 plus VAT. lease was agreed and signed. It was Cherry picker The finance officer said the Parish office The handyman had quoted agreed to set a budget when running cherry picker for the CCTV pole would £736 for boarding out the loft to create costs were available. A number of groups be delivered on December 1, and relevant more storage space. This would also had enquired about hiring the barn. councillors would meet at the Sports include making a larger access and Field at 9am the next day. installing a ladder. Emails The clerk had received two emails, Glebe Field The parish council had Broomfield & Kingswood one querying the surface that would be obtained a SIPA grant of £10,000 from Speed reduction Cllr Shellina used on roads and another expressing MBC to put with the S106 money Prendergast had met Highways officers concern at work being undertaken to a towards play equipment. Five pieces of and Ulcombe Parish Council to discuss bungalow in Cayser Drive. Unfortunately equipment were on order and it was the Lenham Road speed reduction and the latter was anonymous, so the council hoped to install them in November. The footpath issue. Officers would be was unable to respond. clerk suggested that any money left over carrying out a speed survey ahead of any Christmas drinks Invitations needed to could be spend on safety flooring around traffic regulation order. The footpath be sent out for the event on December 16. the roundabout and additional seating. issue was complex, with issues including It was agreed to invite all residents but to ownership and costs. make it a ticketed event, on a first-come Drainage There was a discussion first-served basis, due to the capacity of regarding KCC’s suggestion that a the village hall. holding ditch be created along the Parish office Following the survey of carriageway side of the Lenham Road residents, it was agreed that a potential near the sports field. KCC drainage solution would be to build a community engineer Gracie Sladden had been unable building on the sports field. It was agreed to locate the soakaways and felt the best that it should be environmentally solution would be to install three curbed friendly and self-sufficient. Cllr Hoy slipways into the hedgerow, which might would investigate building costs and involve pruning the hedges at the Cllrs Darling and Clark would look at bottom. The road would need to be grants. It was agreed to set up a working closed to undertake the work. It was group to take this work forward. agreed that the works could take place. Footpath Members considered the KCC response about a pavement on Lenham Harrietsham Road. The clerk would contact KCC to Warden’s report Police had received find out how much land would be reports of homes being marked with needed for the path and the cost of the black tape, possibly to identify deeds of dedication. households where there was a dog. Co-option Councillors voted Anyone concerned that their home had Hollingbourne unanimously to co-opt Aimee Parker on been marked should inform the police or to the parish council. the community warden. HMRC scams Village shop The meeting heard that the Police report Doors had been damaged circulating, as well as one claiming to be village shop would be taken over by at Broomfield Lodge; there had been a from Thomas Cook. Two youths had residents of Hollingbourne, Martin and burglary at Chapman Wood; a burglary been touting for work in the area, and at Julie Wood (pictured). It will focus on the and arson at Acorns in Gravelly Bottom one house, pins were later found to have sale of fresh local produce and organic Road; and a burglary at the Old Forge in been removed from the patio doors. food, but will also sell a small range of Chartway Street. There had been no Youth club Katie Bishop, from Maidstone everyday essentials. Opening hours will reports of antisocial behaviour. There Youth Hub, spoke about the youth club be longer, the shop will sell alcohol and had been regular foot patrols in the area, in the village hall. There had been eight have cash card payment facility. The shop and in popular flytipping areas. Speed sessions, with 15-23 children attending opened in early November monitoring had taken place in Chapman each week. War memorial The plaque had been Way. The introduction of a boxing club in Road surface A resident raised concern changed to show the correct name for the village had been discussed with the about action on the road surface on the Harry Barling. Thechange was funded by clerk, and there were ongoing A20, at the junction with Church Road. borough Cllr Patrik Garten, via a discussions regarding clubs and activities The clerk had not received an update and Community Grant (£50), Mr Barling’s for teenagers. would contact Kent Highways. family, and the parish council. Play equipment A quote had been Bus stops The clerk said bus companies Neighbourhood Watch Pria Webster, received for the parts to repair the fun had been consulted as part of the A20 Volunteers & Neighbourhood Watch buggy, but the clerk was querying Improvement Scheme and had requested Liaison Officer, spoke of the importance whether it had been correctly installed in these locations. The areas would have of having a Neighbourhood Watch Group the first place. It was agreed to accept the had to be approved as part of the scheme. in Hollingbourne. The parish council quote if appropriate. It was agreed to Highways The build-outs had been agreed it would be beneficial. Anyone accept the quote for replacing the swing removed due to safety concerns after who wanted to get involved was invited seats and chains, and the handyman they were hit by vehicles. They would be to contact the clerk on would be asked to install them. replaced by “ghost” islands. Funding had [email protected] or call 07856 Sports field It was agreed that the quote been secured for lighting and there were 180003. The clerk will contact Pria about for opening and closing the gates was too some surfacing and lining issues to be promotion leaflets.

34 Maidstone East December 2019 downsmail.co.uk downs mail.co.uk Parish Councils Parish Councils Bredhurst expensive. The clerk would put an article resolved. Additional 30mph repeater Quad bikes A noise complaint has been development, had been narrowed. This Lorry watch The session organised for in the Parish News and put up notices signs would be installed and a speed reported to MBC, who had written to the was inspected by the KCC, together with October 18 had been cancelled. Cllr Community barn A revised lease had asking for a volunteer. One of the football survey completed. event organisers. Cllr Garten said that the bollards which had been damaged. Lesley Martin had stepped down and a been received. The contract was for 15 nets was tattered and it was agreed to ask Church Road The light in Church Road, there are two issues raised by the quad Cllr Mrs Prendergast suggested it might new organiser would be announced. years at a peppercorn rent of £1 per the handyman to remove it. nearest to the bridge, was said to be bike meetings – noise pollution and the be prudent to await the response from the Traffic There was concern about an annum and included the barn, car park, Litter picking The finance officer had faulty. The contractor had suggested usage of the land. MBC said residents District Highways Manager following her increase in traffic and driver behaviour. land surrounding the property and the sourced more quotes for litter picking installing an LED lantern, at a cost of affected by the events should keep a diary visit to the development. Cllr Ardley had KCC Cllr Gary Cooke suggested asking road outside the barn. The landlord will signs, which were shared with £325 plus VAT. After consideration, it of the intensity and length of time of the measured the width of the Eyhorne Street for a meeting with police and the police pay BPC £3,000 per annum for the first councillors. It was agreed to buy four was agreed to change all three lights in noise and contact the clerk for details of in this area and it appeared to be about 20 commissioner – this would be five years to help with running costs. The cone signs. the road, at a cost of £975 plus VAT. the MBC co-ordinator so that they could cm narrower than the rest of the Street. investigated. lease was agreed and signed. It was Cherry picker The finance officer said the Parish office The handyman had quoted send these in. Bench MBC was installing a new bench Cricket pavilion Glenn Aitken from the agreed to set a budget when running cherry picker for the CCTV pole would £736 for boarding out the loft to create Cardwell Pavilion Cllr Ward and the on the green next to the side gate of the cricket club spoke on the proposals for a costs were available. A number of groups be delivered on December 1, and relevant more storage space. This would also Clerk had met with the cleaner and school. It is thought that this is a good new pavilion and asked for suggestions had enquired about hiring the barn. include making a larger access and councillors would meet at the Sports agreed that additional assistance would position for walkers. to be submitted prior to plans being installing a ladder. Field at 9am the next day. be brought in for a deep clean once a Hedges Cllr Dr S Bauer enquired whether drawn up, so that they could be included. Glebe Field The parish council had Emails The clerk had received two emails, month. A review of this arrangement Cllr Ardley had received a response from Pedestrian crossing Cllr Cooke said KCC Broomfield & Kingswood one querying the surface that would be obtained a SIPA grant of £10,000 from would take place within the next three KCC Highways about trimming back MBC to put with the S106 money had looked into the suggestion of a Speed reduction Cllr Shellina used on roads and another expressing months. hedges and the disruption contractors crossing by the school and had reported concern at work being undertaken to a towards play equipment. Five pieces of had caused to nesting birds. Cllr Ardley Prendergast had met Highways officers Signs The sign-writing had been back that it was not possible due to traffic bungalow in Cayser Drive. Unfortunately equipment were on order and it was said the Highways department would and Ulcombe Parish Council to discuss corrected on the blue noticeboard outside constraints. the latter was anonymous, so the council hoped to install them in November. The consult with the contractors about when the Lenham Road speed reduction and the pavilion and the two signs at the Good causes Cllr Cooke was looking for was unable to respond. clerk suggested that any money left over they trim back the hedges so as to cause footpath issue. Officers would be entrance of the Millennium Green. good causes who could potentially Christmas drinks Invitations needed to could be spend on safety flooring around the minimal interference to the wildlife. carrying out a speed survey ahead of any S106 money The £22,000 S106 money recieve donations from his fund, from traffic regulation order. The footpath be sent out for the event on December 16. the roundabout and additional seating. from the Fernham Homes development Play equipment Cllr Ward would get a £300 to a maximum of £1,500. issue was complex, with issues including It was agreed to invite all residents but to was being held by MBC for the parish safety sign for the zip wire in the PCSO report Two cars had been ownership and costs. make it a ticketed event, on a first-come council. This had been designated for playground. The seat of the toddler swing damaged in Farmers Close and police Drainage There was a discussion first-served basis, due to the capacity of new equipment on the playground and was cracked and would need replacing. were planning to install a camera as a regarding KCC’s suggestion that a the village hall. Cardwell Pavilion areas. Cllr Ward was to Pond work Three quotations had been result. Antisocial behaviour in Brogden holding ditch be created along the Parish office Following the survey of obtain quotations. obtained for the works to the Millennium Close was being investigated. carriageway side of the Lenham Road residents, it was agreed that a potential Defibrillators Cllr Marshall had Green pond. Funding was being sought. Faulty light The contractor would near the sports field. KCC drainage solution would be to build a community developed a form to record the Speeding Cllr Shellina Prendergast engineer Gracie Sladden had been unable building on the sports field. It was agreed defibrillator and inspected the two stressed the need for a Highways investigate the faulty light in Forge Lane. to locate the soakaways and felt the best that it should be environmentally machines in the village with the clerk. Improvement Plan for Hollingbourne Christmas tree It was agreed to buy solution would be to install three curbed friendly and self-sufficient. Cllr Hoy The clerk had enclosed additional first aid because she had received emails about warm white lights for the tree at the slipways into the hedgerow, which might would investigate building costs and accessory packs, but Cllr Marshall had speeding in the area. This was an ongoing entrance to Wykeham Grove, which involve pruning the hedges at the Cllrs Darling and Clark would look at recommended additional items to keep in issue, particularly in the Upper Street would be installed by the end of bottom. The road would need to be grants. It was agreed to set up a working the cabinets which the clerk would area, with an incident of verbal abuse November. closed to undertake the work. It was group to take this work forward. obtain. Additional signage had been from a driver to a resident. The Police Maintenance KCC said they would agreed that the works could take place. placed near the Village Hall defibrillator Enforcement Officers said it was supply one bag of rock salt free to Footpath Members considered the KCC and the clerk would check whether signs dangerous for them to stand in the area to Maidstone villages. Leeds would have response about a pavement on Lenham Harrietsham could be placed at the school. register speeding, which explained why it one placed at the far end of the church Road. The clerk would contact KCC to Warden’s report Police had received Finger post Cllr Prendergast was pleased was so risky for pedestrians in the area. car park for use by residents. KCC would find out how much land would be reports of homes being marked with that the white finger post had been Highways Improvement Plan Cllr Ardley also replace any existing salt bins which needed for the path and the cost of the black tape, possibly to identify replaced at the top of the Hollingbourne had made a good start on the document, were damaged, and to top them up if deeds of dedication. households where there was a dog. Hill. which was distributed at the meeting. needed. Co-option Councillors voted Anyone concerned that their home had Hollingbourne Bus scheme The delays to the 12-month Any comments should be forwarded to Complaint A resident had complained unanimously to co-opt Aimee Parker on been marked should inform the police or pilot scheme, which would affect services Cllr Ardley for inclusion. about lack of maintenance on Leeds Village shop The meeting heard that the to the parish council. the community warden. HMRC scams between Hollingbourne and Maidstone, footpaths, overgrown vegetation and a village shop would be taken over by Police report Doors had been damaged circulating, as well as one claiming to be the delays in providing the system, were stone wall in need of attention. The clerk residents of Hollingbourne, Martin and at Broomfield Lodge; there had been a from Thomas Cook. Two youths had being resolved. An update for the Leeds would deal with these. Julie Wood (pictured). It will focus on the burglary at Chapman Wood; a burglary been touting for work in the area, and at residents will be available within the next Flytipping The meeting heard that a sale of fresh local produce and organic Wood clearing There was concern about and arson at Acorns in Gravelly Bottom one house, pins were later found to have few weeks. resident from the village had been fined food, but will also sell a small range of work being carried out in the wooded Road; and a burglary at the Old Forge in been removed from the patio doors. Pavement The pavement in Eyhorne for flytipping a load of rubbish in everyday essentials. Opening hours will area behind the sports field. The clerk Chartway Street. There had been no Youth club Katie Bishop, from Maidstone Street, outside the Fernham Home would ask the landowner for details. Burberry Lane. reports of antisocial behaviour. There Youth Hub, spoke about the youth club be longer, the shop will sell alcohol and have cash card payment facility. The shop had been regular foot patrols in the area, in the village hall. There had been eight SOMEBODY broke into a house in Crime reports and in popular flytipping areas. Speed sessions, with 15-23 children attending opened in early November War memorial The plaque had been Roseacre Lane, Bearsted and a dog was monitoring had taken place in Chapman each week. stolen. Neighbourhood Watch Way. The introduction of a boxing club in Road surface A resident raised concern changed to show the correct name for Harry Barling. Thechange was funded by A safe was stolen from a house in Upper Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police the village had been discussed with the about action on the road surface on the Street, Leeds. clerk, and there were ongoing borough Cllr Patrik Garten, via a A20, at the junction with Church Road. A vehicle parked in a car park was discussions regarding clubs and activities The clerk had not received an update and Community Grant (£50), Mr Barling’s £500 cash and a bag of 20p coins in weeks in Deringwood Drive, keyed in Grovewood Drive North, Boxley. for teenagers. would contact Kent Highways. family, and the parish council. Goldstone Walk, Boxley. Downswood. Somebody stole both number plates Play equipment A quote had been Bus stops The clerk said bus companies Neighbourhood Watch Pria Webster, Somebody cut the curtains of an HGV in The windscreen of a Volvo XC90 parked from a VW Golf parked in Bearsted Road, received for the parts to repair the fun had been consulted as part of the A20 Volunteers & Neighbourhood Watch , Thurnham. A box was in the road was smashed in Lenham Road, buggy, but the clerk was querying Improvement Scheme and had requested Liaison Officer, spoke of the importance Boxley. damaged, but nothing was taken. Lenham. whether it had been correctly installed in these locations. The areas would have of having a Neighbourhood Watch Group Somebody stole a black Ifor Williams Thieves riding micro motorcycles The door of a Ford Fiesta parked in a the first place. It was agreed to accept the had to be approved as part of the scheme. in Hollingbourne. The parish council trailer horse box from a stable in Water jumped over a fence at a warehouse and hotel car park was damaged in Forstal quote if appropriate. It was agreed to Highways The build-outs had been agreed it would be beneficial. Anyone Lane, Thurnham. stole building materials in Gleaming Road, Boxley. accept the quote for replacing the swing removed due to safety concerns after who wanted to get involved was invited Damage was caused to a vehicle parked Wood Drive, Boxley. Somebody smashed a window of a seats and chains, and the handyman they were hit by vehicles. They would be to contact the clerk on in Tyland Lane, Boxley. Around 1,000 litres of fuel was stolen Mercedes C180 parked in Headcorn Road, would be asked to install them. replaced by “ghost” islands. Funding had [email protected] or call 07856 Fuel was stolen from a Scania HGV in from an HGV in Detling Hill, Thurnham. Lenham. Sports field It was agreed that the quote been secured for lighting and there were 180003. The clerk will contact Pria about Detling Hill, Thurnham. Somebody has been stealing oil from a A shed was broken into at a house in for opening and closing the gates was too some surfacing and lining issues to be promotion leaflets. Somebody broke into a house taking fish restaurant over the past couple of Back Street, Leeds.

Maidstone East December 2019 35 News | Remembrance Day downsmail.co.uk We will remember them THOUSANDS of Maidstone residents from across the borough turned out for Remembrance Sunday at the War Memorial in the town centre on November 10. It was as big a crowd as many could remember, a poignant statement of the significance of the day and the place. For a town which offered so many of its young sons in the first great conflict and witnessed the Battle of Britain in the skies di- rectly above, Maidstone recog- nises its place in history. In the 30 minutes before the start the service at The Broadway, people streamed down the High Street, across the bridge; emerged from Rocky Hill, Tonbridge Road and side streets all around. They gathered around the steps and railings at the shopping cen- tre, boys perched on walls and ledges, while others strained for a view from the pavements. A Salvation Army trumpeter on proceedings, it is impossible to sounded the Last Post faultlessly, know, but observers thought the before a two-minute silence was turnout matched last year’s cente- impeccably observed, save for the nary service and perhaps ex- occasional cough, cry of a child or ceeded it. a gull squawking in the distance. And as the service personnel of The War Memorial was, until a all ages and ranks made their way few days before, threatened with back to be saluted at the town relocation in a council-led bid to hall, they did so to genuine and build a large block of flats. heartfelt applause. Whether that had any bearing Simon Finlay

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Seasoned HardwoodFOR ALL ASPECTS Logs OF MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING Est. in 1993 Turf Laying Specialists One-off or Ongoing Maintenance Planting Commercial & Domestic Alpha Property Maintenance SouthSHAUN East Handymen ELLEN Fencing Grass Cutting & Treatments BRICKWORK SPECIALIST & GENERAL BUILDER GREG LAURENSONPaving & Patios Hedge Cutting & Reductions Allll ttyp30es ofyears Hard experience & Sofftt Lands incapes Fully Insured & Qualified • Bathroom & kitchen installations • EXTENSIONS • PORCHES • GARDEN WALLS • PATIOS • RE-POINTING LogmanPAINTING & EneDECORATINGRaisedr Bedsgy PROPERTYPaddock SERVICES Maintenance •• PaintingPatiotioss,, Paving & Rdecoratingoads & Drriives •• / C oncElectricsrrette Bases & & plumbingStabletable BasesBases Tel: 01580 438004 Garden & Site Clearance Pressure Washing • Painting & decorating • CHIMNEY• Fencing REPAIRS & Ga t• esCONSERVATORY • • JunglesBASES • STONE Clear WALLSed e: [email protected] • FencingExtensions & Gates •& loft conversions• Jungles Cleared FreeInterior kindling & with Exterior every Workdoublewww.lucaslandscapemaintenance.co.uk loadCommercial & Domestic • Plastering • Plumbing • CONCRETING • DRAINAGE • BLOCK PAVING • ROOFING All•RESTORATION handyman jobs WORK covered • PROPERTY no matter MAINTENANCE how small. logmaneneFreergy@yahoo. Quotes cReliableom Quality Service Free Quotations Gardening and small trees. Outside guttering & UPVC For all makes of CITY & GUILDS RINGOVER P A25UL YEARS ON EXPERIENCE [email protected] Call Bob on 01622fascia's plus 844605FREE small ESTIMATES roofs or and 07767 the & ADVICEerecting 683747 of sheds. Wood burning Stoves PHONE01622 SHAUN: 844605 01622 679618or 07767 • MOB: 683747 07889 903590 Mob 0773468 0671 and Open Fires George 07740ff or347 frreeee estim596estimaa t/tee ..07957 103 203 01622 762164 07941 703193 FOR A RELIABLE & FRIENDLY SERVICE 07870 271 077 MD PaintingBuilding & Decorating & Services @ Spindlebush Farm, HomeSpecialists Improveme innts and Decorator Supplies Ltd Yalding Hill, ME18 6AL • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) MARSHALLS D.STEWART• RefurbishmentsKitchens / Be• drElectricsooms/ Bath • Modernisationsrooms / T Seasoned logs suitable for All decorating• KitchenKarn dean & F Bathroomlooring (suppl Installationsy / supply Brand New Straight Stairlifts Next day • Driveways, Patios &an Repointingd install / insta •ll onFencingly) & Blockpaving open fires & wood stoves installation interior & exterior Reconditioned Stairlifts see www.installationgallery.co.ukFULLY INSURED to see FREE ESTIMATESa gallery of our previous installations. T Bulk bags from £55 Tel No: 01622 756128 Mobile: 07905 182363 01622Tel: 730541 MarkVery competitively 07841 priced against409061 T Loose loads: £100 delivered www.stairliftstoday.co.uk email:07890 [email protected] 982430 all Suppliers or £125 [email protected] www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukMobile No: 07855 466438 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF Tel No: 0800 1804590 01622 812005 07970 647334 Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. Based in Maidstone Rolin Cleaning Services MD Building & Services • Wood Floor Sanding Marchant Garden Services Specialists in CALL US ON: and Oiling services Adrian Marchant • Full• Roof Extensions Installation • Plastering • Tiling (All & Slateaspects) Roofing 01622 920642 • Refurbishments• UPVC • Fascias Electrics & Soffits• Modernisations • Family run business • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations [email protected] - Tree Surgeon • Chimney Re pointing or Removal • Fully insured • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving 01732 872199 www.landlcreativespaces.co.uk N.P.T.C. Qualified • Fully Insured • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Trained Technicians FULLY INSURED • Hedgecutting & Fencing 07860• DECKING 100295 • FENCINGby • PallmannARTIFICIAL GRASS • HARD Tel:www.apolloroofing.co.uk Mark 07841 409061 Offham Nr [email protected] • FIRST rolincleaningservices.co.uk FIX PROJECTS • SPECIALIST IN 07808email: [email protected] 414965 or 01622 853601 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT • BESPOKE GARDEN 07932 492897 01732 841041 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk PROJECTS • SAFETY SURFACING Call for a free no obligation quote Mid Kent Living 59

LAZING REP 66 Mid Kent Living BLE G AIR M A1RoofingHandyman Services Services DOU BEARSTED AN Misted Sealed Units Door Handles Broken Glass • TILED ROOFING • FLAT ROOFING MKL_Winter_2019 CLASSIFIED.indd 66 14/03/2019 11:14 Door Locks Window Handles Letter Boxes • LEAD FLASHING • PVC FASCIA / SOFFITS Broken Hinges New Doors New Windows • FULL REPAIR SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Tel: 01622 296011 For a prompt reliable service 07808 849432 or 01622 738683 Mob: 07884 180595 Email: [email protected]

B M Travel (Kent) Ian Terry Private Hire Airports-London-Seaports-Days Out-Events Plastering Services Ditton based, our locally established drivers Maidstone East December 2019 39 are friendly, helpful and courteous. 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE Competitive rates (airports from £40). 24 hour service. 07855 529283 For enquiries contact Bob Matthews on: 07904 492819 or Get properly plastered Est 1980 [email protected]

Mid Kent Living 63 Classified downsmail.co.uk

Pest Control Plumbing & Heating continued

Classified E: [email protected] downsmail.co.uk

PaintingPlastering & Decorating Plumbing & Heating

Chris Bourne Plumbing Services All plumbing & heating work undertaken. Boiler installation making water work • Quality Decorating at a LOCAL NEWS Heating& Servicing, vented/unvented cylinder installation fair & competitive price UPDATED DAILY Wall & Floor To advertise here • Dulux approved over Plumbing....ForTiling much more call Gino on EVENTS - SERVICES & and reach over 88,000 30 years experience Complete 0162225yrs experience766385 or 07521 061867 • Fully insured INFORMATION - ITEMS FOR SALE Bathrooms Fully insured / No call outhomes Charge every month Tel: 01622 737225 www.downsmail.co.uk [email protected] 747272 / Call our dedicated Your community website Mobile: 07816 149502 City07885 & Guilds 950959 Quali ed Gas Safe Registeredclassified team on www.sr-interiors.com Larkrise, Green Lane, 01622 630330 email: [email protected] Boughton Monchelsea. MALCOLMPlumbing & HeatingROBERTS Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service. Gavin Francis Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. Central Heating Installations ex British Gas CALL MALCOLM - FOR A FREE QUOTATION • New Boilers ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Burst pipes & leaks No call Plumbing maintenance • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber Rathbone Decoratingout charge NewServices bathroom suites • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Free no Central heating systems • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 obligation & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, Painting & Decorating WaterNo job leak too repairs small 199173 Quotation Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH Interior & Exterior with special rates NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] for pensioners Works Undertaken Call Luke on 07934 832345 • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services Roofing Services • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman NO CALL OUT CHARGE • All plumbing work undertaken & FREE QUOTES Tel 01622 721491 or •Mobile: Complete bathroom 07753s 487796 • Power flushing of heating systems For all your plumbing needs Pest Control Power • Full Roof Installation BLAIZE SERVICES LTD • Full central heating systemsflushing of • Tiling & Slate Roofing PLUMBING I HEATING I BATHROOMS and upgrades heating • UPVC Fascias & SoffitsGeneral Repairs • New Taps systems PLUMBING For an immediate • Free estimates • Chimney Re pointing or Removal• Toilet & Cistern Repairs response Call James • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Local Jobs • All work carried out 07581 154499 by qualified tradesman www.apolloroofing.co.ukBath & Shower Installationfor local people [email protected] 616517 07808 414965• Leaks & Faultwww.downsmail.co.uk Finding or 01622 853601 Gavin Francis CallCall for a free no obligationGary quote 07738 902116 Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • Combi Boilers Fitted £1600 01622 736266 • New Boiler Heat Only Fitted £1500 • A Rated 5 year warranty Your local plumber • All Servicing £55 07860 174959 Property Clearance • FULLY INSURED 01622 721779 www.sabrekent.co.uk • ALL WORK GUARANTEED Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected] House & Property Clearance Furniture Clearance & Disposal 40 Maidstone East December 2019 Commercial Property Clearance Plastering Services Building Waste Disposal Garden Waste Disposal D K PLASTERING I B Plastering Rubbish Clearance & Junk Removals Landline: 01622 910043 All plastering work carried out Free No Obligation Quote Mobile:07931889543 • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Reliable Service, No Job To Small, Fully Insured [email protected] FREE Quotes Call Ian on: www.clarity-property-clearance.co.uk Email: [email protected] Mob 07752175135 Call David 01622 728494 Tel:01622 843530 Mobile: 07974 891795 Email: [email protected] Roofing Services

COMPLETE Ian Terry ROOFING A.P.S Ltd SERVICE Roofing & Chimney Services Plastering Services •Full Roof Installation •Tiling & Slate Roofing • New roofs & repairs •uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Slating/Tiling/Lead work 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE •Chimney Repointing or Removal • Chimney rebuild/repairs •Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Pointing www.apolloroofing.co.uk • Guttering Services 07855 529283 Free estimates & all works guaranteed 07808 414965 0800 0232665/01622 729600 Get properly plastered or 01622 853601 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh Est 1980 for a free, no obligation quote [email protected]

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Freephone 0800 6942024 Plumbing & Tiling HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East Bathroom Installation Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate CARPET & Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 & refurbishment, UPHOLSTERY Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 DAVID COX Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 CLEANING Upholstery Mobile: 07701024078 3 piece suite £84 £42 Home: 01622 730960 OFFER 50% Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 Discount E: [email protected] No hidden extras - All Curtains prices inclusive of VAT Full length £74 £37 Half Length £42 £21 # FREE ESTIMATES # EPIC NO JOB TOO Fence me in & alot more LANDSCAPES BIG OR SMALL All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, • Patios • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Water Features Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. • Clearance • Driveways downsmail.co.uk For a free site survey call: Call Colin on 07521 377306Classified 01622 527106 07788 532926 or 01622 853978 Roofing Services Continued Skip Hire Continued

P Allington Roofing Collectionrompt EST 197901233 840624 D.T F D.T Roof Repairs Gu[email protected] ast Roof Cleaning Felt Flat Roofing Delivery SKIP HIRE G Blocked drain clearance G CCTV drain & sewer surveys Moss RemovalThe largest Fascias & soffits Over 20 Years Experience G Drain & sewer cleaning G Cesspool & septic tank services T Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 independentlyFree owned Estimates & 12 Yard Bins G Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Prices from £110+VAT 01622 liquid861564 waste 07889255813 T Covering Maidstone management G Pollution & flooding solutions 01622 843511 & The Weald info@allingtonroofing.co.ukcompany in the UK G Waste disposal & recycling T EA Registered www.allingtonroofing.co.uk 01233 623721 T Fast & Prompt Service Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, T Commercial www.mtscleansing.co.uk West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic RICHARDS ROOFING & Garage Door01233Free 66 Quotation0 099 BUILDING SERVICES LTD GDS Specialistswww.gboxSiteken Surveyt.com Lead Work and Tiling Specialists • Kent based business and specialize in the • At GDS we offer a range of designs, colours and Installation, supply and repair of garage doors accessories to personalise your garage door. New tiled roofs, repairs & replacements across the South SEast of England.KIP HIRE Slate and lead roofs & repairs Commercial •& NotD onlyome do westi supplyc and install garage doors, • Years of experience in the garage door industry we can also repair any door from any PVCu guttering, fascias & soffits and we are proud to have receivedRe manycycling glowing Smanufacturerervice sto a top standard. Cladding & bargeboards customer recommendations for us. Repointing & chimney repairs 6pm 24 onwards hour Brickwork and carpentry 01634 786129 07540 224938 www.garagedoorspecialistskent.co.uk [email protected] Plastering and decoration Loft, cellar & garage conversions Design support & advice QualifiedDr. plumbers, Tiles electricians & heating engineers I BB oPlasteringok Online Tiling & Building Maintenance Order your skip via secure Tel: (01622) 734377 Free No Obligation Quote Skip Hire 24hr online book facility Roll On/Offs •PlasteringDirect: 07885 241666•Friendly, reliable, FREE 4Reliable Yard Sk Service,ip £200 No inc Job V aTot Small, FullyRoad Insured Permits Arranged NO OBLIGATION •Painting & Decorating clean & tidy worker. www.richardsroofing.co.uk 6 Yard Skip £240 inc Vat Waste Recycling Facility QUOTE •Laminate Flooring •City & Guilds Call Ian on: email: [email protected] 8 Yard Skip £280 inc Vat 07804 •Home Improvements qualified 12Mob Yard 07752175135 Skip £360 inc VTel:01622at 843530 927680 •Tiling •Fully insured Skip Hire Many more services available. See website for details Call Danny on 07450 876363 or email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] TV, Aerials + Satellites 64 Mid Kent Living

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Maidstone East December 2019 41 Classified downsmail.co.uk

Waste Services Window Services Continued

01233 840624 [email protected]

downsmail.co.uk News Granville Garage 01622 761571 Waste Service Continued Granville Road, Maidstone www.granvillegarage.com MOT Testing - On the Road OnGeneral the Vehicle Road Repairs The largest independently owned liquid waste management company in the UK

www.mtscleansing.co.uk SILVERBACK RECOVERY Car recovery and transportation Ltd • Blocked drain clearance • CCTV drain & sewer surveys Light commercial With more than 30 years' experience in the • Drain & sewer cleaning • Cesspool & septic tank services motor industry, Barming Motor Co is an • Tankering including ADR (hazchem) • Pollution & flooding solutions Cars for scrap removed • Waste disposal & recycling Competitive rates independently“At your run used service”car specialists based Cherryon Hartnup Tree Business Street, Estate, Plough Maidstone. Wents Road, CALL ROGERWindow ON: Services Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY 01622 813733 07740 123495 All servicing work undertaken, diagnostics, barmingmotorcompany.co.ukmechanical and bodywork repairs, MOT preparation and winter checks. [email protected] have been servicing, repairing, and restoring BMWs for ACE overTel: 30 01622 years, our 728712 staff have orover 07864 50 years combined393785 experience, and all have more than 25 years of working M.O.T. and Clutch Centre with BMWs behind them. Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. Car’s & Commercial vehicles HealthOpen Mon –& Fri 8:00 &Beauty - 5:30 Beauty Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Over 25 vehicles in stock M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 Wide range of vehicles • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted Servicing & MOT’s STEPHEN• Broken GR AbeltY damagedLeisure repaired BSc Hons HCPC Registered Competitive Rate • All makes, petrol & diesel Bearsted Chiropody & FinanceWe available specialise in Classic BMWs of ALL ages Podiatry Practice 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG 111 Madginford Road Bearsted BMW & BMW Mini Specialist 01622Tel: 630 39301732 870368 Home visits and evening and weekend appointments available Recruitment

Hatha Yoga with Jeanette Venue: DownswoodAutospray Web Services Community CentreSOLUTIONS Day/Time: Monday 10am-11:30am (Term Time Only) Ability: Mixed (Beginners welcome) Booking only (Free Taster Session available) Please contact me on: 07593656982 Or [email protected]

At Mid Kent College WANTEDPeople are at the heart Window Services MODEL RAILWAYSof everything we do That's why we're lookingAny ageto add orto our condition team of expert teaching sta , who will help us develop and deliver programmes to prepare our students toRichard thrive in their careers. 07780 681405 If you're an experiencedPrivate Lecturer, Assessorcollector or Industry Specialist, providing you hold at least a Level 3 qualication in your chosen profession and [email protected] our passion for learning, then we'd like to talk to you about our full and part time opportunities in :-

42 Maidstone East December 2019 Electrial Installation Come and meet the team for an informal Engineering CAD / CAM conversation at one of our recruitment Mechanical Engineering evenings to discover why you should join us on our exciting journey to excellence Health & Social Care Plumbing MEDWAY CAMPUS - Wednesday 22 November Electronic Engineering 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00 01622 919122 Media MAIDSTONE CAMPUS - Wednesday 6 Childcare December 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00

Maidstone October 2017 45 Maidstone December 2017 43 downsmail.co.uk Classified Media Sales Recruitment

Come and join our friendly sales team Part Time Drivers and share in our success. We Move It Limited have a fleet of brand new Isuzu Double-Cab tow vehicles arriving soon which need reliable, Field Sales/Key friendly and customer focused drivers to operate them. Due to growth, we are looking for both Trailer and Trade Plate Account Executive part time drivers for our Maidstone o ce. So if having the An experienced media sales person is required to freedom to work on your own and on your own initiative sell advertising across our publications, online appeals then please get in touch by emailing products and work on special projects. [email protected] This is a part time position 26 - 32 hours per week over 4 or 5 days

You will be representing the best publications serving Connecting with local people the local community and enjoy a working environment that provides you with the freedom and flexibility to use Senior Journalist/ your initiative while working within a supportive team. Deputy Editor required

Mail Publications, publishers of the Downs Mail, Maidstone and Malling's number one newspaper and its quarterly sister publication, Mid Kent Living, is looking for an experienced, all-round senior journalist.

The role entails all aspects of newspaper work, so a sound knowledge of reporting, news gathering, news editing, sub-editing and proof-reading is needed. The successful candidate will also drive content to our expanding daily news website and contribute features into our popular magazine, Mid Kent Living, and have the necessary skills to help manage a small dedicated team and deputise for the Editor. The role will involve: Some evening and weekend working will be required. Local knowledge is an advantage but not essential. A sense for strong campaigning, community • Handling inbound and making outbound calls journalism is a must.

• Developing business from existing clients Ideally, the successful candidate will have a full NCTJ qualification or equivalent • Obtaining and growing new business and a minimum of five years’ experience in a news media environment. • Working to achieve revenue targets If you would like a new challenge, we'd love to hear The ideal candidate will have previous experience from you. in a similar role and will: To apply contact the Editor, Simon Finlay with your CV and a covering letter outlining why you would be our ideal candidate. • Have worked to personal sales targets Simon.fi[email protected] • Have a confident and outgoing personality Tel: 01622 630330 • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Have excellent communication skills You will require the use of your own car and have a full On the Road driving license Friendly, flexible, family owned business. MOTORCYCLES WANTED Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + mileage allowance + 32 days annual leave (pro-rata) Spares/Repairs Non runners To apply please send your CV and covering letter, MOT failures etc explaining why you should be considered for this All bikes considered appointment, to: Bill Brett, Sales Manager Will collect and pay cash [email protected] John - 07901 767 925 - 01303 627021

Maidstone East December 2019 43 On the Road

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We buy cars for cash (best price paid) • MOT • Servicing • Repairs • Cambelts • Clutches • Springs and Shocks • Diagnostics • Air Conditioning MOTs £35 Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking or Free MOT with Every Major service FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS Quote Downs Mail

Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, Tel:01622 890933 | www.pymans.co.uk Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR 37 Station Road, Headcorn, Kent, TN27 9SB

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Maidstone East December 2019 45 downsmail.co.uk Comment Rebel against homes plans r ALMOST 80 years ago, Hitler was I remember several occasions when I blitzing houses and trying to destruct needed to pull on to the hard shoulder of towns and villages. Now our Members of MailMarks a motorway. My new Vauxhall had a Parliament are destroying them in a DENNIS FOWLE President serious design fault in its early days reverse way by enforcing the build of so [email protected] which caused a complete loss of power many houses and imposing massive and there was the day the front unstructured totals seriously windscreen smashed on the M20. undermining quality of life for hopeful, fortune-seeking land owners. They were big problems – but I never increasingly-rebellious residents. But for worried residents, this is no felt we were in real danger of loss of life. I am grateful to so many readers for time to relax. The objections, the cases Now such breakdowns are a much more their support of last edition’s Mail Marks against, need to be made by the February frightening experience for drivers and when I encouraged the many Maidstone deadline. passengers. area rebellions against all the new The awful experiences of so many building in our borough. That was even areas of Maidstone – indeed for much of Cards for charity IT is Christmas card buying time before I saw on November 4 more than the south-east of England – are a a again and I hope readers will support the 300 land offers in response to Maidstone warning. The time to fight and rebel is seasonal charity shop held annually in Council’s appeal for sites for the next NOW. the Methodist Church, Union Street, 10,000-plus houses. I sympathise with the national need to Maidstone. My sympathy was for residents and build many more houses. We in They display cards supplied by many users of totally-overcrowded urban Maidstone must take a share. But I local and national charities and I always Maidstone and villages whose life and strongly oppose the way this is being enjoy the wide choice, value for money done – and the despoiling of towns, character are being completely changed and friendly volunteers who run this villages and lifestyles which Hitler failed as populations more than double in a relaxed shop. two or three years. to achieve in my boyhood days. On November 4, this landed on my How’s that! own doorstep, with so many major land Un-Smart motorways As a life-long cricket buff I am I could never live with the description a offers in East Farleigh off Lower r delighted England’s successes are firing “Smart Motorways”. The danger of Road/Forge Lane/Vicarage Lane for young people in Maidstone. losing the hard shoulder inside lane for around 900 houses, more than doubling The Mote Cricket Club had to work emergencies seemed very un-smart to the size of this lovely farming village hard to field a couple of colts teams but me. Now coroners of fatal accidents seem which dates back to the Domesday Book. the playing number has risen to 150 and to be forcing a change in this policy. We will now be joining the rebellion. there is no stopping the super-keen I cannot drive on motorways Maidstone Council needs comments on under-11s winning trophies. undergoing this work – we have a very these land offers by February. It will Now it looks as though there will be a major example on the M20 – without approve a very small percentage of the girls’ team playing at The Mote too next feeling very ill at ease. 300 or so, many purely speculative by season. Who said cricket was dead! No more carbuncles that your publication might set up a the money; they are simply given it. For people protest against the suggestion that many, it seems strange that they can’t find I AM concerned and somewhat depressed Maidstone Borough Council is even money for this, but they can money for by all the development proposals being thinking of moving the War Memorial that. bandied about, relating to Maidstone. from its present position, to that of But there are no pressures as such – Our planners continue to despoil the relocation to Brenchley Gardens. apart from picking up the bins, overseeing borough and this behaviour shows no sign Who are these fat cat developers? They a few car parks, running a mayor, holding of abatement. are obviously not from Maidstone, nor do a couple of elections and paying Their atrocious disfigurements in the they have any respect for those brave themselves. town since WWII are too numerous to list. people of the town who gave their lives in And, of course, planning. The Travelodge in the prime position by both world wars. This is where all councils can come the river, does not even deserve Prince Please show some respect and leave the unstuck. Poor policy-making, blinkered Charles’ appellation of “carbuncle”—it is memorial where it is. planning officers, a lack of strategy, too outrageous for that. If this council, and or developers, want panicked or rushed decision-making, A much earlier planning decision led to to build more homes in this town there is prevarication, endless squabbles with the period public house, the Blue Door, on plenty of room on the Tonbridge Road. other authorities, political point-scoring, the corner of Willington Street and the Neville Butteriss, via email hubris, arrogance, far-fetched ambitions, Sutton Road, being demolished and laziness, unworkable resolutions and, replaced by an ugly, modern building, The planning challenge needless to say, pitiable incompetence, will complete with a felt roof. IT IS easy to be critical of local councils. By soon be exposed. Isn’t it time that Maidstone Borough and large, they do their best to provide the Who said that a good local council is one Council told the Government that enough services that we pay for. that doesn’t draw attention to itself? QED. is enough with regard to the ridiculous But sometimes we are left feeling it is M Gibson, via email housing target that it has been set? not really our money and that the local Perhaps, if Brexit ever happens, there authority can spend it on whatever it Labour’s strong women might be an exodus of European citizens pleases, whenever it pleases and without IN HIS attempt to take me to task Mike that will free up some homes. consulting the very people who provide it Wardle (“Labour not backing women”, Ray Town, OAP in the first place. October 2019), he overlooks the 1997 It is in the nature of these organisations election which saw well over 100 women Leave memorial alone to have a rather laissez-faire approach to elected to Westminster, a real political I FEEL I had to write this message of total how they conduct their financial dealings. breakthrough as well as a Blairite indignation, and disgust, and in the hope After all, they don’t have to earn or make initiative.

46 Maidstone East December 2019 downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk

That does not make them anti-Semites, Comment Comment In the following decade or so, Harriet sinned against even want to forgive? In Harman, Jacqui Smith, Yvette Cooper, at least not in my view. Margaret Hodge the coming weeks, months and years, we Clare Short, Estelle Morris and Ruth Kelly, or Louise Ellman may take a different will need to pray first for the desire to Rebel against homes plans among others, enjoyed high office, so it is view. forgive and then the power, through the not unreasonable to suggest that, at some Holocaust denial, Jew-hating or wanting grace of God, to do so. r ALMOST 80 years ago, Hitler was I remember several occasions when I point, perhaps sooner rather than later, a to wipe any Israeli state off the map is Rev John Corbyn, Vicar of Bearsted, Holy blitzing houses and trying to destruct needed to pull on to the hard shoulder of woman will make the next step and another matter entirely. I do not know Cross Church, Bearsted towns and villages. Now our Members of MailMarks a motorway. My new Vauxhall had a become party leader. how many people in the Labour party Parliament are destroying them in a DENNIS FOWLE President serious design fault in its early days One might add that in the late 1920s, hold such views, but they ought not to be Bring cricket home reverse way by enforcing the build of so which caused a complete loss of power [email protected] Margaret Bondfield, Ramsay MacDonald’s tolerated in any decent movement. I WELCOME the letter (October) calling many houses and imposing massive and there was the day the front Minister of Labour, was the first woman The Labour Party today may be a source on Maidstone to support The Mote Cricket unstructured totals seriously windscreen smashed on the M20. ever to reach the cabinet. of dismay to many, but then the governing Ground through the cricket club. undermining quality of life for They were big problems – but I never hopeful, fortune-seeking land owners. David Cameron, inspired by Blair who Conservative Party is not exactly a model Like so many in Maidstone I long for the increasingly-rebellious residents. felt we were in real danger of loss of life. But for worried residents, this is no he and George Osbourne dubbed “The of tolerance, civility and good humour, is day when Kent cricket considers the I am grateful to so many readers for Now such breakdowns are a much more it? Their brightest hope for the future, time to relax. The objections, the cases Master”, tried to change all this, although facilities good enough again to return to their support of last edition’s Mail Marks frightening experience for drivers and Rory Stewart, like Shirley Williams, has against, need to be made by the February it is questionable how deep his “top- this magnificent and beautiful ground. when I encouraged the many Maidstone passengers. decided that he has had enough and deadline. down” modernisation went in a party still Malcolm Brown, Shepway area rebellions against all the new The awful experiences of so many in thrall to those educated in all-male elite chucked in the towel. building in our borough. That was even areas of Maidstone – indeed for much of Cards for charity schools. K G Banks, Maidstone IT is Christmas card buying time Making change happen before I saw on November 4 more than the south-east of England – are a a Barbara Castle and Shirley Williams again and I hope readers will support the 300 land offers in response to Maidstone warning. The time to fight and rebel is were both significant political figures in Forgive and move forward OVER the last 100 years, the issues we’ve seasonal charity shop held annually in tackled have evolved and changed, but Council’s appeal for sites for the next NOW. their day. Had Barbara Castle’s 1969 Bill OUR country is called The United the Methodist Church, Union Street, our young people’s drive to make a 10,000-plus houses. I sympathise with the national need to “In place of strife”, an attempt to bring Kingdom. It has, however, rarely been so Maidstone. positive impact remains as strong as ever. My sympathy was for residents and build many more houses. We in order to industrial relations, not been disunited. They display cards supplied by many As Scouts, we strive to leave the world a users of totally-overcrowded urban Maidstone must take a share. But I undermined by the trade union-based In 2014, in the Scottish independence local and national charities and I always little better than we found it. Scouts are Maidstone and villages whose life and strongly oppose the way this is being opposition, the Winter of Discontent may referendum there was just a small majority enjoy the wide choice, value for money not bystanders. We play our part to create character are being completely changed done – and the despoiling of towns, never have happened. in favour of the union. In 2016, there was and friendly volunteers who run this a better society and a better future for our as populations more than double in a villages and lifestyles which Hitler failed That said, I agree that there ought to an even narrower vote in favour of the relaxed shop. precious planet. We don’t wait for change two or three years. to achieve in my boyhood days. have been some female candidates among leaving the European to happen. We make it happen. On November 4, this landed on my those seeking to be Castle’s successor in Union. How’s that! To each and every Scout and volunteer own doorstep, with so many major land Un-Smart motorways As a life-long cricket buff I am Blackburn. However, that was 40 years I write at a point when whether we will I could never live with the description a in Maidstone, I say thank you for playing offers in East Farleigh off Lower r delighted England’s successes are firing ago. Times change. leave the EU and if so, when we will do “Smart Motorways”. The danger of your part. If you’re not involved yet, Road/Forge Lane/Vicarage Lane for young people in Maidstone. Shirley Williams, a much-respected so, is still unclear. In recent days we have losing the hard shoulder inside lane for please join us. You’ll gain valuable skills around 900 houses, more than doubling The Mote Cricket Club had to work intellectual and former minister, made the heard it said that we need to get Brexit emergencies seemed very un-smart to for life and make all the difference. the size of this lovely farming village hard to field a couple of colts teams but regrettable decision not to fight her corner, done so we can put that behind us and me. Now coroners of fatal accidents seem Tim Peake, Scout Ambassador which dates back to the Domesday Book. the playing number has risen to 150 and however difficult, and help keep Labour a move forward together. This is, I fear, to be forcing a change in this policy. We will now be joining the rebellion. there is no stopping the super-keen broader church. I cannot drive on motorways easier said than done. Our divisions will Maidstone Council needs comments on under-11s winning trophies. Her leaving the party was a real loss, Yobs spoiling lock delights undergoing this work – we have a very not evaporate like the morning dew. these land offers by February. It will Now it looks as though there will be a depriving it of a political future leader. I AM glad your paper has highlighted the major example on the M20 – without If there is no Brexit, those in favour of it approve a very small percentage of the girls’ team playing at The Mote too next The SDP was the road to nowhere. problems at Hampstead Lock, Yalding. feeling very ill at ease. will be feel betrayed and disaffected. If we 300 or so, many purely speculative by season. Who said cricket was dead! It is very difficult to reach the truth do leave and Remainers’ fears are justified Having this year walked the length of about the extent of anti-Semitism in they will feel vindicated and angry, the River Medway from Allington to the No more carbuncles that your publication might set up a the money; they are simply given it. For Labour constituency parties today, given especially if jobs are lost and retirements Leigh Barrier at Tonbridge, I have been people protest against the suggestion that many, it seems strange that they can’t find the plethora of claims and counter claims able to enjoy the delights of it. It is a I AM concerned and somewhat depressed blighted. Maidstone Borough Council is even money for this, but they can money for one hears. The issue is currently under shame a few youths have to spoil the by all the development proposals being We are and we will be in the wake of thinking of moving the War Memorial that. investigation I believe. enjoyment of such a lovely river. bandied about, relating to Maidstone. Brexit or no Brexit, a divided country to from its present position, to that of But there are no pressures as such – My impression is that many Labour I am sure Mark Smurthwaite, Our planners continue to despoil the which the words of Jesus, “A kingdom relocation to Brenchley Gardens. apart from picking up the bins, overseeing activists as well as plenty of people in Commodore of the Medway Boat Users' borough and this behaviour shows no sign divided against itself cannot stand” speaks Who are these fat cat developers? They a few car parks, running a mayor, holding other parties or in none are unhappy starkly and ominously. The Brexit process Association is pleased you have of abatement. are obviously not from Maidstone, nor do a couple of elections and paying about Israeli government policies towards has poisoned our common life. We teeter highlighted these incidents but not so Their atrocious disfigurements in the they have any respect for those brave themselves. Palestinians and in favour of the so-called on the edge of national sepsis. pleased that in your article you aged him town since WWII are too numerous to list. people of the town who gave their lives in And, of course, planning. “Two State” solution to the problems of The path forward is through forgiveness by 10 years as he is only 59! The Travelodge in the prime position by both world wars. This is where all councils can come that deeply troubled region. to reconciliation. But will those who feel Maureen Chandler, via email the river, does not even deserve Prince Please show some respect and leave the unstuck. Poor policy-making, blinkered Charles’ appellation of “carbuncle”—it is memorial where it is. planning officers, a lack of strategy, too outrageous for that. If this council, and or developers, want panicked or rushed decision-making, The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, A much earlier planning decision led to to build more homes in this town there is prevarication, endless squabbles with the period public house, the Blue Door, on plenty of room on the Tonbridge Road. other authorities, political point-scoring, reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. the corner of Willington Street and the Neville Butteriss, via email hubris, arrogance, far-fetched ambitions, Sutton Road, being demolished and laziness, unworkable resolutions and, Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling replaced by an ugly, modern building, The planning challenge needless to say, pitiable incompetence, will complete with a felt roof. Current and archived editions are also free to read online at IT IS easy to be critical of local councils. By soon be exposed. Isn’t it time that Maidstone Borough and large, they do their best to provide the Who said that a good local council is one www.downsmail.co.uk Council told the Government that enough services that we pay for. that doesn’t draw attention to itself? QED. is enough with regard to the ridiculous But sometimes we are left feeling it is M Gibson, via email Contact our teams…. housing target that it has been set? not really our money and that the local Editorial Sales Accounts Dept. Perhaps, if Brexit ever happens, there authority can spend it on whatever it Labour’s strong women Editor: Simon Finlay might be an exodus of European citizens Sales Manager: Bill Brett [email protected] pleases, whenever it pleases and without IN HIS attempt to take me to task Mike Simon.fi[email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 that will free up some homes. consulting the very people who provide it Wardle (“Labour not backing women”, 01622 734735 [email protected] Mail Publications Ltd Ray Town, OAP in the first place. October 2019), he overlooks the 1997 01622 630330 ext. 221 Deputy editor: Doug Kempster Forge House It is in the nature of these organisations election which saw well over 100 women [email protected] Advertising Sales Enquiry: Leave memorial alone to have a rather laissez-faire approach to elected to Westminster, a real political Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 734735 01622 630330 option 1 I FEEL I had to write this message of total how they conduct their financial dealings. breakthrough as well as a Blairite Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT indignation, and disgust, and in the hope After all, they don’t have to earn or make initiative.

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