Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every month downsmail.co.uk

MaidstoneMaidstone SouthSouth EditionEdition Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling January 2016 No. 225

News Drinking ban plans to Recycling success THE amount of household waste recycled is now almost 50%, moving the borough up 16  ‘clean up town centre’ places to 62nd nationally. 6 A NEW order making it illegal to drink in the street, beg or sleep rough Passengers wanted could be introduced to “clean up” Maidstone town centre. TRAVELLERS are being encour- aged to car-share to cut  Maidstone Council says the Pub- crime and ASB data provided by the help and support in my book.” congestion in Maidstone. 8 lic Spaces Protection Order, which police and would extend from the He said the council had failed could be introduced as early as May, town centre along the river to homeless people in Maidstone, would help to cut crime and anti- Ringlestone, out to the Vinters Park where there are now seven times Tax office to shut social behaviour (ASB) in urban estate, to Rock Road towards Penen- more than in 2010, adding: “The HM Revenue and Customs is clos- Maidstone, where levels of ASB are den Heath, across to Mote Park, and council needs to focus its energy on ing its Maidstone office,  the fifth highest in the county. Waterloo Street and Campbell Road. providing shelter and support for which employs 200. 10 The order would include further Maidstone Green Party cam- homeless people.” measures to deter unauthorised col- paigner Stuart Jeffery said the plan A map of the proposed control lecting of money on the street, the to use the order to “criminalise the area can be viewed at www.maid- Congestion hope use of “legal highs” and rough sleep- homeless” was appalling. stone.gov.uk/consultations, where TWO sites off the M20 have ing on the street. Drinking alcohol in He said: “Homeless people need you can also have your say. been put forward to ease  public spaces, not including licensed support to get off the streets, support The consultation runs until Janu- Operation Stack chaos. 11 premises, would also be prohibited that will often include help with ary 25, after which the results will be where it affects the quality of life for other issues rather than just finding considered by Maidstone Council’s visitors and residents. a place to live. Criminalising them communities, housing and environ- New blood needed The proposed order is based on through a PSPO is the opposite of ment committee. VOLUNTEERS are required for the local Neighbourhood  £785 a day for Watch group. 24 town planner Comment 22-2346-47 MAIDSTONE Council’s town cen-  tre troubleshooter Paul Spooner is Obituaries 28 costing taxpayers £785 a day.  By the time his six-month con- Crime Reports 30 tract as interim director of regener- TURKEYS and peacocks were ation ends on February 23, 2016, stolen in Hunton; a table was more than £80,000 of public money damaged at a Yalding school. will have been spent on Mr Spooner, according to the council’s Parish Councils 38-39 response to a Downs Mail Freedom Praise for hospital staff of Information request. A ROAD closure was to take place Mr Spooner, who replaced Zena in Chart Sutton; a £6,000 loan HOSPITAL staff at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have been praised for was agreed for speed reductions “going the extra mile”. Cooke in August, works four days a week, so his services are costing in East Farleigh; a wasps’ nest Staff Star awards were presented to almost 30 team members following was removed from the village a poll of patients, visitors and colleagues. the annual equivalent of £163,280 – exceeding that of chief executive hall in East Sutton; flood Prizes were presented by the trust’s chief executive Glenn Douglas, defences were wanted in chairman Tony Jones and actress Cheryl Fergison, who played Heather Alison Broom, who earns up to £115,000 a year. Headcorn; young people were Trott in EastEnders. using catapults in Marden. Winners included the League of Friends (pictured), who received a Town planner Mr Spooner has special recognition award. worked on projects in Manchester, Birmingham and Portsmouth. In 2013 he was Croydon Council’s in- Road doubt terim executive director of plan- IT could be at least 15 years be- ning and environment, costing the fore Maidstone gets its long- equivalent of £242,666 a year in awaited south-east link road. wages and agency costs. Maidstone Council’s draft in- In Maidstone, Mr Spooner re- tegrated transport strategy says BEST WISHES FOR 2016 ceives £590 a day with the remain- the Leeds-Langley bypass may ing £195 going to an agency, who only be deliverable after 2031. will have pocketed more Full story – page three than £20,000 by the time he 17 HAMILTON KITCHENS

Discover our stunning range of contemporary & traditional designs

❚ Quality ❚ Design ❚ Imagination Free no obligation consultation & design. All building works undertaken. www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk 01622 844897 Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3LQ

2 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Village bypass ‘15 years away’ THE long-awaited Leeds-Langley Kent County Council leader Paul bypass, linking the A20 and A274 Carter told a recent meeting of the south of Maidstone, might not be town’s Joint Transportation Board built until after 2031. that he was hoping to find new ways Although councillors have of funding the relief road, expected pledged to seek funding for a relief to cost more than £50m. road to take traffic away from the The idea is to press ahead with a Haulage firm’s boost to team two villages and ease congestion on feasibility study to “develop the jus- AN AYLESFORD haulage company has given a group of Maidstone Sutton Road and Willington Street, tification for a relief road to allow youngsters a leg up on the ladder to sporting success. it could be another 15 years before testing with other strategic transport Castledene Transport, based at Millhall in Aylesford, gave £1,000 to the wheels are set in motion. options, develop a preferred route the Maidstone United Rangers U7s, allowing them to buy not only Maidstone Council’s draft inte- and identify sources of funding to home and away strips, but also footballs, tracksuits, cones, a first- aid grated transport strategy suggests it promote development of the road at kit and all the other bits and pieces they needed to get the team up could be feasible to build such a re- the earliest opportunity”. and running. Until then, the nine youngsters aged five to seven had lief road in south-east Maidstone – But Maidstone Council leader been playing in borrowed strip. but only after 2031. Fran Wilson said traffic modelling The team were formed for the start of the season in September and A report to the town’s policy and would need to be carried out, as well the boys play in the Saturday U7s Maidstone Invicta League. resources committee said: “Kent as research into the environmental County Council will establish the impact, and a full cost analysis. justification for and delivery of such The report says: “The borough Pub evacuated in fire drama a project. It is considered, that al- council will work with KCC to iden- FIRE crews attended a blaze at the Walnut Tree pub, in Yalding Hill, though further assessment is re- tify the potential, as well as possible after a coffee machine caught fire and triggered the smoke alarms. quired, delivery of such a project timescales for such a scheme at the The ground floor of the 15th-century pub was smoke-logged and may be feasible post-2031.” first review of the Maidstone Bor- flames attacked the old oak timbers. Firefighters used breathing ap- The council is in the final stages of ough Local Plan in 2022.” paratus and two hose reel jets to put out the fire which broke out in putting together its local plan for de- Leeds Parish Council has the bar behind the pub’s restaurant and dining room. velopment up until 2031 – of which launched an e-petition saying: “Kent Customers were evacuated as smoke poured into the bar area and the relief road is not a part. The first County Council must give priority diners planning their Christmas party had to be turned away. Land- review of the plan will not take place to the relief road and work with lord Barry Jenner, who lives on the premises, was forced to close the until 2022, when it might be consid- local partners to find the funding pub for 48 hours. ered for inclusion. necessary to build it.” COUNTY COBBLER Hair and Beauty SHOE REPAIRS LADIES MENS FEBRUARY OFFER Heels from £6.95 Heels from £12.95 Stick on Sole Stick on Sole from 1st - 29th + Heel from + Heel £14.95 £21.95 1/2 price foils Prices starting from £20.50 KEYS Yale type £5 Excludes cut and finish* Mortice £6 Most chipped car keys cut Watch Book your appointment now and replacement fobs batteries Engraving & straps 01622 817800 service replaced www.hairtraditionalmaidstone.co.uk

16 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1RN 1 Bow Road, Wateringbury, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5DD hairtraditionalmaidstone 01622 674855 *T&C’s apply

Maidstone South January 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Plan to boost traffic flow in town THE latest details of roadworks to ished by next Christmas and will High Street unaffected where pos- would be used on the M20 and “improve the Maidstone experi- reduce queues across the whole sible, to limit disruption. across Maidstone from March to di- ence” have been revealed to retail- junction by about 15% and 20% at However, town centre manage- rect traffic. ers and businesses. each end of the day. ment members were concerned The work is being paid for by Representatives from the Town The report was presented by Rus- about the benefits in light of ongo- South East Local Enterprise Part- Centre Management group heard sell Boorman, KCC’s project man- ing development in the area. The nership (£4.6m) and Maidstone that the £5.74m project to create the ager; Maidstone Council’s project team assured them that a Council (£1.14m). Maidstone bridges gyratory system economic development officer Abi 15% increase in traffic had been The public will get a chance to – creating a better flow of traffic to Lewis and James Pallett, from civil taken into account. The team also view the designs and ask questions all parts of town around the river – engineering firm Amey. addressed concerns about pedes- at a gazebo in Fremlin Walk on Jan- will start in May. Retailers heard that contractors trian access to the riverside and the uary 19. Work to upgrade the busy traffic would work extended hours and closure of some subways on the A dedicated website is also to be hub, serving a massive 5,800 vehi- seven days a week, where appro- High Street side. set up to receive any enquiries cles every morning and 5,700 in the priate. Road closures would be They were also assured that vari- about the work at www.maid- evening rush hour – should be fin- made overnight and access to the able and fixed message signs [email protected].

Charity quiz Lydia is world champion MAIDSTONE Macmillan LYDIA Kelley (11), from East Farleigh has brought a gold fundraising group is hosting a medal back from Germany where she represented England quiz night at the Grove Green in the World Tap Championships. Community Hall on Saturday, Lydia, who has been dancing at Hilton Hall Dance February 27. Academy in Maidstone since she was three, and her dance Doors open at 7pm for a partner Harvey Shulver, took the first place in the children’s 7.30pm start, and guests are in- duo tap class. The pair are pictured left. vited to bring their own drinks The pupil at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School was and nibbles. selected for the England team in September and has been Tickets are £5 per person, practising with Harvey since then. with up to eight people in a Her mum Bev said: “Lydia and Harvey raised their game team. To book a table call He- and performed out of their skins in the finals. To stand on lene Poursain on 07764 503484 the central podium, watch the English flag being raised or email hpoursain@macmil- and participate in our national anthem was an enormous lan.org.uk. experience. It has been an incredible few days for us all.”         SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS        Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of products are especially sourced to offer excellent value. Expert advice and installation service available

Visit our Warehouse - Showroom Unit 10, Integra ME, Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9GQ 01622 679157 www.thestonetilewarehouse.co.ukuk

4 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Sensory boost for special school SPECIALIST sensory equipment will be bought for pupils with profound, complex and severe learning difficulties and disabili- ties at a school in Maidstone. The Friends group of the special unit at Five Acre Wood School, in Boughton Lane, has received a cheque for £7,495 from the DM Thomas Foundation for Young Charlotte Pragassa (centre) receives People, a European grant-making the cheque from Leonardo Gagliano trust in London. and Jess Pollard Five Acre Wood School provides local community.” education for youngsters aged Jane Gardiner, from the school, from four to 19 including autistic said: “We are thrilled that DM spectrum disorders. Thomas Foundation for Young The money has been raised for People is supporting these costs for the foundation by companies in- the equipment, which will help us cluding the Hilton Maidstone continue to provide the best possi- hotel. Manager Leonardo Gagliano ble education and support for our visited the school and said: “I re- children.” ally enjoyed having a chance to Simon Sheehan, director of the meet the dedicated staff and won- foundation, said: “Our grants com- derful children. mittee was impressed by the spe- “I was pleased to hear more cialist support it provides to about their work and the equip- children with special needs and ment we are helping them to buy. I their families and was unani- am delighted that our hotel has mously in favour of awarding been able to contribute to this proj- funding to buy this new equip- ect, which will help children in our ment.” Planning service split A SHARED service between three maining two boroughs to share the FOR SALE councils – including Maidstone – costs of the service. designed to save costs and improve Officers at Tunbridge Wells EQUESTRIAN FACILITY, efficiency has hit the buffers. claimed 87% of its applications were The Mid Kent Planning Support registered within five days prior to Service, a joint venture between the merger, but only 34% of them HOCKERS LANE, DETLING, KENT Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and were registered within that time af- Swale, was set up in summer 2014. terwards. The shared service was supposed Maidstone’s applications consti- to improve efficiency but it immedi- tuted 37% of the shared workload, ately ran into trouble, with many but it only contributed 27% of the planning applications taking longer cost. than the statutory eight weeks to de- Maidstone officers believe the termine, with a huge backlog of service has now “bedded in” and work building up. works in the way it was originally A disgruntled Tunbridge Wells planned. The council’s share of the council has now decided to pull out cost will now rise by £56,000 to of the partnership, leaving the re- £283,239 a year. Barclays branch to close THE Sutton Road branch of Barclays in Maidstone is to close. Mid Kent MP Helen Whately is among those who have ex- pressed concern about the closure, which will take place on Feb- ruary 26, 2016. Customers will have to travel to Fremlin Walk to use the bank’s in-branch services. OFFERS INVITED IN THE REGION OF £250,000 Concert helps the homeless Stable Yard, Brick Built A PACKED house enjoyed a concert organised by the Friends of the Homeless Care Day Centre in Maidstone, featuring the Kent Police Male Loose Boxes, Tack Room, Voice Choir. Hay and Feed Storage The concert, at Coxheath Village Hall, comprised a programme of Plus Grazing Paddocks Christmas songs, sung by the 40-strong choir, supported by the Kent Youth Recorder Group. and Hay Field All proceeds went to support the homeless, hungry and vulnerable. A retiring collection was made for the Kent Air Ambulance. Curtilage of 12 Acres

Maidstone South January 2016 5 News q downsmail.co.uk Ex-police offer Recycling total goes up MAIDSTONE residents are recycling Cllr Marion Ring, chair of Maid- more and wasting less. stone Council’s environment com- The amount of rubbish that house- mittee, said: “It is excellent to see holds do not recycle has dropped by residents recycling more. We hope DIY service almost 20kg from 443kg in 2014 to the Big Maidstone Food Waste 424kg in 2015. This has moved the Challenge will improve this further.” RETIRED police officers with a council from 74th to 52nd place out The challenge is designed to cut passion for home maintenance of the 229 English councils responsi- down on the amount of food waste. and gardening are taking up tools ble for waste collection. Households who sign up will be en- to give peace of mind to residents The percentage of all household tered into a quarterly draw for shop- and businesses in Maidstone and recycling is up from 46.56% in 2014 ping vouchers and family swimming the surrounding villages. to 49.1% this year, moving the bor- vouchers. The Blue Local Handymen ough up 16 places from 78th to 62nd To sign up, go to www.maid- scheme has been operating in parts place in the country. stone.gov.uk/foodwastechallenge or of Kent for the past year and moves The annual amount of waste per send your name, address and phone into the Maidstone area in Febru- person in a household has reduced number to: The Big Maidstone Food ary. It is an attempt to combat the from 352.22kg in 2014 to 351.6kg Waste Challenge, Maidstone Council, problems caused by cowboy cers with many years working in which means the borough has gone Bircholt Road, Park Wood, Maidstone, builders and dodgy tradesmen, the community under their belt – from 81st to 75th place nationally. ME15 9XY. using the services of ex-policemen and they understand people’s con- The latest official figures come The scheme is funded by a grant and women who have skills in DIY. cerns better than anyone else." from the Government and relate to from the Department for Communi- Most police officers retire after 30 Handyman Dave Hogg said: "I the year ending March 31, 2015. ties and Local Government. years service and many are still was a police officer for 32 years and eager to continue playing an active there was rarely a day when I did- and productive role in their com- n't deal with, or hear about, mem- munities. bers of the local community being Town looking for adventure All of the Blue handymen have to ripped off by rogue tradesmen. prove themselves capable and ex- “Working with Blue gives me the A NEW survey suggests that peo- a visit to the Shard (35), skydiving perienced in home maintenance be- opportunity to redress the balance ple from Maidstone have an ad- at 23 and walking with wolves at fore joining the network and all are and provide local people with a venturous streak. 22. interviewed and DBS (CRB) service they know they can trust.” The highest number of views on At fifth – prompting 24 searches checked. For more details and and free day-trip website www.intothe- each – were driving days, gliding, Blue project MD Nick Orde- quotes go to www.trustinblue.com. blue.co.uk from 2012 to 2015 were photoshoots, wing-walking, and a Powlett, said: "Our vetting process Bookings can be made on 0800 255 for spa breaks (52), while tank session on a zip wire, with more is second to none. All of our handy- 0 255 or email helpdesk@trustin- driving came a close second with sedate choices, such as afternoon men are friendly retired police offi- blue.com 47, followed by Segway riding (43), tea, prompting 12. orchard o dental practice

Emergency soft Appointments furnishings Free Parking Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Available to every budget Knitting wool and Pay Less haberdashery Dental Care Examination Introducing £18.80 Late evening & Independent Saturday appointments Dentistry To see how we can help call Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, Our prices are based on NHS charges 01622 741817 Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB 01622 744265 www.paylessdental.co.uk www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk 146 Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, ME17 4PL Email:[email protected]

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

01622 535115

Maidstone South January 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Drivers urged to Junction closure plan scrapped A CONTROVERSIAL plan to close the junction of Cranborne Avenue with Loose Road in Maidstone, has been vetoed at the 11th hour. Ward councillors have vowed to continue to fight it, should it rear its head share journeys at any time in the future. The proposal was among CAR-sharing initiatives are to be Some 84% of households in the ideas put forward by Kent encouraged in Maidstone to help borough have at least one car, com- County Council for inclusion reduce the volume of traffic on the pared with 80% across Kent and in the Maidstone Integrated roads. 74% across England. Transport Strategy. However, Maidstone has one of the highest The heavy reliance on a small it proved highly unpopular rates of single occupancy car use in number of key junctions – espe- with residents. Kent, with 52% of journeys made cially in the town centre – means Cllr Brian Clark, KCC mem- by the driver alone. Maidstone is vulnerable when acci- ber for Maidstone South, put Kent County Council already dents occur on the motorway or forward the results of his survey among residents and, as a result of his in- manages “kentjourneyshare”, a events such as Operation Stack tervention, Maidstone’s strategic planning committee agreed to take the free web-based service which links come into the equation. “improvement” out of the draft. drivers, passengers and taxi users Maidstone Council has two pool Cllr Clark said: "The decision to remove the Cranborne Avenue junction clo- who make similar journeys and en- cars and two pool bikes for use by sure from Maidstone's Integrated Transport Strategy is a great result. courages them to share their trips. its staff, but reports that usage is “Had it have been left in the strategy, closure would have been inevitable. It also manages the “New Ways 2 very low compared with similar If a closure plan resurfaces, as part of improvement plans for the Loose Road, Work” scheme to encourage sus- schemes elsewhere in the UK. my colleagues and I will oppose it vigorously." tainable travel choices. A number of KCC employees use Even so, figures obtained from Zipcar – a short-term car hire serv- the 2011 census revealed that ice – to get to and from work and 50,131 people – 44.3% of Maid- two cars are based at County Hall, Future of prison is unclear stone’s population – drove a car to with another located in Church work, 8% (9,023) walked and 4.6% Street, which are available to mem- THE Ministry of Justice says it is un- Maidstone meets this criteria, but (5,257) used the train. A further bers of the public who sign up to able to confirm whether Maidstone a Department of Justice spokesman 31% were not in work and 4.2% the Zipcar scheme. Prison will close under plans to shut said while nine new sites had been (4,705 people) worked from home. The 2011 census shows that 15% some of the country’s oldest jails. identified, only Reading had been Only 0.8% cycled to work, 0.5% of trips to work in Maidstone are The prison rebuilding programme announced for closure. rode a motorcycle or scooter and 2km or less – walkable for most announced by Chancellor George The area’s women’s prison, East 2.6% travelled by bus or coach. people – yet only 8% of people opt Osborne and Justice Secretary Sutton Park, is already set to close. Maidstone has very high levels of to walk. Michael Gove will “close Victorian He added: “I can’t comment on car ownership and usage compared “This offers great potential for in- relics of the past on prime sites in the situation in Maidstone because with other parts of the country, creasing walking, if the environ- city centres”, replacing them with what we close will depend on the says a report to the council. ment is right,” it concludes. nine detention centres. needs of the prison estate.” The Pepperbox Inn Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, ME17 1LP West End Tavern Visit our charming pub situated in beautiful countryside with outstanding views of the Weald of Kent Full á la carte menu and traditional pub food served lunchtimes and evenings

Sunday Lunches £11 per person Served 12noon – 3pm The West End Tavern is known for it’s well kept ales and traditional pub food, together with the warm friendly atmosphere. A bar menu and daily specials are available from Tuesday to Sunday between 12 to 2pm, and Monday to Saturday 7pm to 9pm. On Sundays a family style roast • Outside terrace lunch is served from 12 to 2pm. Booking is advisable. • Ample parking Originally built in the 18th century, the West End Tavern is located on the • Walkers & Riders welcome site of the Old Forge in Marden. The ‘Tavern’ quickly became the most • Warm & welcoming open popular “beer house” among the local Kent Hop Pickers in the 1940s to log fires. 1950s and today still retains the original low beams and an inglenook fireplace. Well behaved dogs and children are allowed, and the pretty beer garden is just the place to soak up the sun. It is only 8 miles from Opening Times: Daily from 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm Maidstone so why not pop-in or visit our website for more details. Food Served: Lunch 12noon – 2pm Evening 7pm – 9.30pm Sunday Lunches: 12noon –3pm Closed Sunday Evenings 01622 831956 01622 842558 Goudhurst Road, Marden, Kent, TN12 9JB www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk www.westendtavern.co.uk

8 Maidstone South January 2016 BUY NOW AT LOW SALE PRICES • PAY NOTHING FOR A YEAR • INTEREST FREE CREDIT

UP TO Winter Sale HALF PRICE ON NOW SAVINGS

Fixed sofas Chairs NOW FROM ONLY £599 Now from ONLY £399 was £939.99 was £599.99

The natural choice for comfort Luxury, hand made pocket sprung beds in our Somnus Sleep Studio

Free delivery on all orders 15 Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1JL 01622 296680 Fast delivery on all stock items Open Mon-Sat 9-5pm, Sun 11-4pm 0% Interest Free credit www.furnitureworldkent.com

Maidstone South January 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Town tax office Double success for James JAMES Hall (20), who performs for Tovil-based gymnastics club Pegasus, has made history in both Great Britain and Germany in the space of two weeks. Australian-born James was selected as part of the GB team to compete at set for closure the world championships in Glasgow, which claimed the silver medal. Great Britain has never achieved such a result and the team has now qual- ified for the 2016 Rio Olympics. HM Revenue and Customs skilled jobs and varied career paths After Glasgow, James began train- (HMRC) has confirmed its Maid- up to senior levels with less need to ing for the Bundesliga in Germany, stone office will close in 2020/21. move around the country.” where he joined the team represent- The office, at Medvale House in HMRC expects between 5,000 ing Monheim of Germany. Monheim Mote Road, Maidstone currently and 5,300 full-time equivalent em- won the competition for the first time. employs about 200 people. Those ployees to work in the Stratford re- James performed clean routines in- still working at the time of closure gional centre and 2,500 to 2,800 cluding high-level skills and new ele- will have the chance to relocate to full-time equivalent employees in ments and connections to carry the one of two new regional centres. the Croydon regional centre. team through the event to success. He The Government’s taxation de- There will also be specialist cen- and his team mates have been asked to take part again next year. partment is now mid-way through tres in Worthing and Dover. James first appeared for Team GB at the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic a 10-year modernisation pro- The reorganisation includes in- Festival in Sydney, winning floor gold. Born in Australia, he is a multiple gramme designed to create a tax vestment in online services, data medallist at the British and English Championships and made his senior team authority fit for the future. analytics, compliance techniques debut at the FIG World Cup in Glasgow in 2014. It plans to close 43 offices in the and new skills and ways of work- London, South East and East of ing to make it easier for the honest England by 2028, while creating re- majority of customers to pay their Crash driver dies before trial gional centres in Croydon and tax and harder for the dishonest A PENSIONER charged with driv- April. Stratford, East London. minority to cheat the system. ing offences following a serious Driver Rodney Spicer (70), of William Hague, chief people offi- Lin Homer, HMRC’s chief execu- accident at the East Farleigh level College Avenue, Maidstone, was cer, HMRC said: “HMRC’s work- tive, said: “HMRC has too many crossing died just days before his due to appear at Sevenoaks Mag- force in the area is currently spread expensive, isolated and out-dated trial. istrates’ Court charged with driv- throughout 43 offices, many of offices. This makes it difficult for us Railway signalman Doug Cadell ing without due care and attention which are a legacy of the 1960s and to collaborate, modernise our ways was seriously injured after being on December 9, but passed away 1970s, and range in size from about of working, and make the changes struck by a car at the crossing as he on November 29. 2,000 people to fewer than 10. By we need to clamp down on the mi- was closing the gates. He had denied the charge when bringing them together in large, nority who try to cheat the system.” Mr Cadell (62), from Hawkinge, he appeared at an earlier hearing modern offices, equipped with dig- The plans are designed to gener- sustained head injuries and frac- in October. ital infrastructure and training fa- ate estate savings of £100 million a tured vertebrae and was left un- Network Rail has offered its con- cilities, HMRC will support more year by 2025. conscious after the accident in dolences to Mr Spicer’s family. PART-TIME MEDIA EXECUTIVE Maternity Cover We are currently recruiting a part time telesales person to sell advertising across our successful Downs Mail and Mid Kent Living publications and associated online products. The role will involve: • Handling inbound and making outbound calls • Developing business from existing clients • Obtaining and growing new business • Canvassing from competitor publications and online products • Working to achieve challenging revenue targets and meeting strict deadlines on a weekly basis • Maintaining accurate and up to date records The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role and will: • Have experience of working to sales targets • Have a confident and outgoing personality • Be determined and persuasive • Be self-motivated and able to show initiative • Have excellent communication skills • Show commitment and be a team player This is a permanent part-time position of 22.5 hours per week to be worked Monday to Wednesday. Friendly, flexible, family owned business Basic salary + uncapped commission + bonus + 31 days (pro rata) annual leave Email applications to the sales manager. Include your CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience matches the job requirements and why you would be successful in the role. [email protected] Maidstone and Malling's No.1 Newspaper

10 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Space to help start-up firms Two sites earmarked to VACANT space above The Mall shopping centre is to be put to work helping start-up businesses. ease Operation Stack Initially more than 12,000sqft will be devoted to the Maidstone Enter- TWO sites have been put forward though it is expected that when in prise Centre, offering flexible work- by Highways England as con- use, a temporary 40mph-50mph space and offices. This will extend tenders to cope with lorries during speed limit would need to be im- the service offered by the Enterprise Operation Stack. posed on the coastbound carriage- Foundation at its centre in Medvale Both are on farmland which way of the M20 for safety reasons. House, on Mote Road, which it re- could be linked to the M20 to the Electronic signs would be dis- ported was almost full in less than north and west of Junction 11, played for lorries and other drivers 15 months after opening. about 300m either side of Stanford. on gantries along the coastbound The centre has been provided by Unlike Manston Airport, the sites carriageway, most likely from junc- a collaboration of Capital and Re- will service freight wishing to cross tion 10 to junction 11a. gional, which runs The Mall, and the Dover Straits from the port of The public has until midnight on the national Enterprise Foundation Dover and Eurotunnel. January 25 to comment by email to charity, which will run the service. Highways England suggests in [email protected] Keith Powney, the foundation’s its consultation that the park o.uk. chief executive, said: “There is a should hold at least 3,600 lorries, al-  Highways England has said though this number and the way it metal barriers will be installed at need for local businesses to have ac-  On average 10,800 freight vehi- cess to good quality workspace and would be used is open to public M20 Junction 8, near Holling- cles (5,400 each way) cross the offices in a supportive environment. opinion. bourne, to stop illegal parking by Dover Straits every day. “We look forward to the new cen- It makes clear that the exact loca- HGVs.  tre being a focus for ongoing entre- tion of the lorry park boundaries Meanwhile, changes at Dover The Port of Dover/Eurotunnel preneur and business support are still to be set, and its use could Docks are expected to ease traffic predict freight traffic will double in project work.” be for emergencies only or perhaps flows into the port, which has seen the next 10 years. Additional information can be to provide a 24-hour serviced truck the reconfiguration of transport  In 2015 Operation Stack was im- found on maidstone.enterprise- stop to alleviate fly-parking in Kent. lanes to accommodate 6km of plemented on a record 32 days – foundation.net. The Government allocated up to freight traffic within what is Eu- before that Operation Stack was Businesses interested in moving £250m for such a lorry park and a rope’s biggest ferry terminal. only instigated an average 8.5 to the new Enterprise Centre should solution to Operation Stack in No- New bays for border control in- times per year. email Roy Laming, general manager vember. spections and a new site entrance  KCC estimates Operation Stack of the Enterprise Foundation at It is understood a permanent have also been introduced as part costs the Kent economy about roy.laming@enterprisefounda- lorry park would mean Manston of the four-year £85m project, part- £1.45m per day. tion.net or by calling 01622 757590. Airport would not be required, al- funded by the European Union.

COUNTRY HOUSE DEVELOPMENTS MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND

Country House Developments is a Kent based company dedicated to working in partnership with land owners to maximise the value of their land. • We're experts in local planning policy • We have a great track record in achieving success • Most importantly - we cover all the costs - you don’t pay for anything

Whether you are the owner of a large garden, a commercial site or simply have some land you think might be of interest, we’d really like to hear from you. Email: [email protected] Call US TODAY: 0843 557 4080 Web: www.maximiseMYland.co.uk

Maidstone South January 2016 11 Established 1946 A company you can trust National & International Removals & Secure Storage

Short & long term storage CCTV & Redcare alarm protection 24/7 Fully insured Own storage warehouse Self storage available

We don’t just move houses...We move homes.... Local & long distance, full & part loads International removals and shipping Wrap & pack service available Domestic & commercial moving & storage Fleet of own vehicles All staff are British Association of Removers trained & CRB checked

Take a virtual tour of the warehouse with Google maps at Bray & Sons, Maidstone

“A very big thank you to yourself, your office staff and your removal team for a very helpful and efficient removal service which helped to ease the stress out of the day. We would certainly recommend your company to anyone B012 B.A.R who is considering a move. Trained Staff Mr & Mrs Underdown, Maidstone

Bray & Son “Just a note to commend the team who moved me last week. A third generation, They were all very courteous, careful with the packing and the moving, and continued to be cheeful in spite of the torrential rain.” family run Mr How, Bearsted company with 69 years experience of moving homes. Call 01622 670562/663350 Why trust your [email protected] possessions to www.brayandson.com anyone else! Unit 15 Heronden Road, Parkwood, Maidstone

12 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Trust looking for efficiency savings FINANCIAL challenges affecting rently unknown, the meeting was local health services were high- told the scale of challenge was con- lighted at a meeting of the GP-led siderable and would require strong NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- leadership and resolve from clini- sioning Group. cians and managers across the The group, which currently has whole West Kent health system. an annual budget of about £500m, Providers are to be alerted “so as is investigating how to save about not to shock”. £20m (4%) in 2016/17. An alloca- The group is concerned that tion from the Chancellor of the Ex- pressures on the national social chequer’s increased NHS budget in care budget will continue to affect his Autumn Statement would re- NHS services, especially relating to duce the level of cuts. unavailability of hospital beds, be- However, the group has identi- cause patients cannot be satisfacto- fied a £60m deficit in the West Kent rily discharged. The group says the health economy by 2018 if nothing health and social care systems is done, and it fears additional pres- need to come together in a differ- sures from an ageing population ent way and take responsibility for make that figure look optimistic. their own contributions. The group said: “Efficient deliv- One suggestion put to the meet- ery is vital if we are to catch up and ing is that the 2016/17 contract with deliver on our current financial the Maidstone and Tunbridge commitment and to avoid long- Wells Hospital Trust should spec- term decay of health services in ify a reduced level of elective ac- West Kent.” It calls for bold deci- tivity, which would reduce the sions in applying limited resources number of operations such as knee most effectively. and hip replacements. This is not Although many factors are cur- CCG policy. Patient care plans online MORE than 1,000 individual per- teams, acute pharmacists, hospices sonal care plans, previously re- and the ambulance service. stricted to GPs surgeries, are now The information, available on a available on the West Kent com- secure data network, informs ap- puterised management system. proved professionals of patients’ The patient information is now care plans, enabling urgent assess- available to complex care nurses ment of problems and needs. and adult social care, and West Patients must authorise transfer Kent NHS Clinical Commissioning of this data to the system and pro- Group (CCG) hopes to extend this fessionals require patient authority to such services as mental health, to access it on every occasion, un- hospital teams, care homes, urgent less it is not possible in an emer- care services, intensive support gency. 111 call failures Winter peaks THE quality of the NHS 111 tele- WEST Kent CCG is working phone service provided by South with the emergency care inten- East Coast Ambulance Service is sive support team to improve causing increased concerns. flow, safety and effectiveness Call-answering in 60 seconds per- of urgent and emergency care. formed at 79.2% (target 95%) in The CCG said: “The risk of September with a decline evident overcrowding in the two hos- since April. Call-back times were pitals and emergency depart- slower than at any time since Au- ments is high and this can have gust 2014. The CCG was told there a profound and detrimental was a shortage of clinical advisers. impact on patient outcomes and patient and staff experi- Food for thought ence.” MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells The priority is to increase ca- NHS Trust says it has identified an pacity in the two hospitals by increase in complaints about nutri- reducing length of stay for in- tion and hydration. It is auditing patients, providing additional notes and observations of meal ambulatory care function and times. increasing bed capacity. The report added: “Staff be- come weary of working in a Staff boost state of constant escalation and STOCKETT Lane Surgery in Cox- an environment of potential heath says taking on two full-time pharmacists has had a positive risk to patients.” impact on running the practice.

Maidstone South January 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Pumptrack plan makes progress MORE than 500 people are now work on fundraising and making it backing a campaign for a cycling a reality.” pumptrack in Maidstone or Mid Mike has approached a number of Kent. developers in a bid to convince Mountain biker Mike Jordan reg- them to incorporate a pumptrack Agent offers moving gesture ularly travels to a track at Hawkinge into future housing plans, as part of LOCAL estate agent Ferris & Co is celebrating 35 years of buying, selling and believes something nearer the their requirement to provide green and letting property in Maidstone by giving away a luxury hamper filled county town would be a great boon space and recreational areas. with treats to all new tenants and buyers. for stunt cyclists. He said: “Several of them have The team at Ferris & Co aims to ensure that the moving experience is Pumptracks allow bikers of all shown interest and said they will as smooth and stress-free as possible for all its clients. kinds to put their wits and skills to discuss incorporating them into fu- Owner Tim Ferris said: “I believe our continued success is down to our the test on a purpose-built track. It ture projects, so that’s good news.” professional, experienced and loyal team.” can cost between £40,000 and He is still waiting to hear from the £60,000 to build a pumptrack – plus Cobtree Trust about whether there the cost of the land. is a suitable space at Cobtree Manor Mike (27), from Tovil, initially ap- Park, but in the meantime he has set Bid to save church organ proached Maidstone Council but up an informal mountain bike club AN APPEAL has been launched to save one of “Headcorn’s faithful ser- was told no land is available, so he called Invicta Gravity Riders, with vants” – its church organ. has widened the scope to look at the intention of becoming a regis- The musical instrument, which has provided the backing for nearly sites within 10 miles of the county tered sports club. 5,000 Sundays as well as dozens of weddings and funerals, finally needs town. The club has been given steward- an £18,000 overhaul. He said: “Having a track near the ship of the old Red Bull Track that Churchwarden Anne-Marie Trustram said: “We are keen to hear from town is a big improvement over the was built in Mote Park in 2010, and anyone interested in helping us preserve this faithful servant of Head- nearest track being 40 miles away. has been authorised by Maidstone corn Church.” Consequently, we will be contacting Council to carry out repairs. With £6,000 in the kitty, a series of fundraising events is planned and Ashford Council and Tonbridge Mike said: “This is a positive step villagers are invited to sponsor an organ pipe. and Malling Council to put forward and hopefully we'll be able to work The church is already facing tough financial pressures. In a newsletter, the proposals and enquire whether on improving mountain-biking op- the Rev Fiona Haskett warned reserves at St Peter’s and St Paul’s are run- they have suitable sites.” tions and facilities across the county, ning out, with savings likely to be exhausted within three years. He said: “Allwe need is a patch of improving Kent's appeal as a cy- She has called on villagers to give £10 a year to keep the church in good land about 30m by 30m and we can cling destination.” repair. PLANT & VERANDAS & CARPORTS EQUIPMENT HIRE All weather covers for year round protection Diggers/Dumpers & Rollers Towers & Ladders Lighting & Heating Breakers & Wackers Mixers & Sanders Powered Access & Cherry Pickers All other building tools & equipment HYDRAULIC including garden & HOSES landscaping equipment 01580 891234 FLO Lodge Road, Staplehurst GAS www.acornhire.com Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm & Sat 7.30 - 1.00pm

•Carpentry Made to measure fixed or retractable canopies, walkway •Fencing •Painting covers, carports with built in spotlights for your home. •Tiling •Plastering •Roofing Call today for a free home consultation. •Doors & Window •Locks & Screen •Repairs •Maintenance •Renovations •Plus More DIY & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE EXPERTS www.hireahubbygroup.com Call Bruce 07584 056821 or 0800 111 4664 0800 0742 721SBIPRODUCTS.CO.UK

14 Maidstone South January 2016 Business Focus downsmail.co.uk WDA celebrates a successful year went to the BDO Street Dance Championships placing 5th in their first competition. DANCE CLASSES Then on the 29th the Ballroom and Latin dancers went to the UKA competition at Canvey Island TO SUIT ALL where they competed individually and as couples. AGES & ABILITIES In total 17 dancers managed to bring home 37 trophies! For the majority this was their first • Latin & Ballroom competition too. • Street Dance • Pilates The ballroom children have also taken exams and • Zumba & Fitsteps all passed with flying colours, so a well deserved Christmas rest before the hard work in January! • Cheerleading • Yoga • Ballet • Tap • Core Conditioning WDA have been very busy since returning from their summer break. NEW On October 31st WDA cheerleading team went to their first competition. The children loved the COMPETITIVE experience and are working hard towards the BALLROOM next one! Then on November 1st the Street team CLASSES Visit our website for further details New www.warmlakedanceacademy.com Term Classes Tel: 01622 840054 Mobile: 07973 473357 Starting Now Warmlake Business Centre, FREE Off-Street Parking Sutton Valence, Maidstone ME17 3LQ

Open Morning

Preparatory School (Nursery to age 11) Friday 4th March 2016 T: 01622 842117 | E: [email protected]

www.svs.org.uk

Maidstone South January 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Two jailed for nightclub aack A MAN and a teenager have been the offenders ran down Gabriel’s jailed for a total of more than three Hill. years after they violently assaulted Officers were called to the scene staff outside a Maidstone night and the teenager was stopped and club. arrested. Treeby was then stopped Arran Treeby by members of the public and also (right) and a 17- taken into custody. THINKING OF year-old male The pair were sentenced at Maid- set upon vic- stone Crown Court, having both tims who had previously pleaded guilty to four finished a shift counts of assault. Arran Treeby, of SELLING OR LETTING at Strawberry Sunderland Drive, Rainham, was Moons, in sentenced to two years and three Gabriel's Hill. months in prison. The teenager was YOUR HOME? The attack oc- jailed for a year. curred at about Detective Craig Malthouse said: 3.30am, after “This was a completely unprovoked Then think of us. one of the victims had tried to stop and mindless attack on a group of the pair stealing his bicycle. When people relaxing after they had fin- Put your trust in us, we have he asked them to leave the bike ished work. Their attackers were alone the pair grew increasingly ag- looking for an excuse to fight and set 35 years experience in selling gressive, before the victim was vio- upon the first people they could lently attacked. He was punched to find. They struck one of the victims & letting homes in your area the ground by them both, with so hard that he had to have a tita- enough force to leave him suffering nium plate inserted into his jaw. including: a broken jaw. “I’m grateful to the victims, who A woman who pleaded with his have shown the courage to give ev- Loose, Sutton Valence, attackers to stop was also beaten idence and help us ensure these two and knocked to the floor, then left have faced justice. I would also like Staplehurst, Coxheath and bleeding heavily from a broken to thank the members of the public nose. Two other men were assaulted who bravely assisted us in detaining throughout the Weald. when they tried to intervene, before these violent offenders.” Birthing care improves WOMEN are increasingly likely to stone Birth Centre, both run by Plus we offer: have a good overall experience of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells maternity services in Maidstone NHS Trust (MTW), are also helping and Tunbridge Wells, according to partners be involved as much as 1% + VAT with no extra a national patient survey. they want to. Ninety-eight per cent charges Women have a high regard for of women said their partner was the teams caring for them, with 82% able to be involved in their care dur- reporting that they definitely have ing labour and birth as much as they No tie in contract confidence and trust in local mater- wanted to be, and 90% were able to nity services – up 12% since the last stay with them as long as they survey in 2013. wanted. Accompanied viewings by Equally high numbers of women Once in labour, women reported reported having a range of birth being offered a wide range of pain experienced staff choices, having enough time to ask relief options, questions or discuss their preg- Jenny Cleary, head of midwifery nancy, receiving the help they and clinical director for women’s Online sales tracking 24/7 needed and being treated with re- services, said: “Our aim is to con- spect and dignity. tinue to build on the clear improve- The staff and facilities at Tun- ments that have occurred since Call us today bridge Wells Hospital and Maid- 2013.” Bearsted Office Taking Kangaroo care to China Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ MIDWIVES at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) have been sharing their skills and knowledge with staff from hospitals in China. Their visit was designed to encourage Kangaroo care, which promotes Tel: 01622 737800 skin to skin contact between the baby and parents. Consultant midwife Sarah Gregson said: “Kangaroo care is globally Penenden Heath Office recognised as reducing mortality and improving health outcomes for Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN babies. However, this had not previously been recognised in China. During the visit, organised by the charity Save the Children, the Tel: 01622 671200 midwifery team trained teams from eight hospitals in China. The practice will be rolled out across the country over the next four years. The team, made up of Sarah, Jean Meadows and Marian Adams, had www.ferrisandco.net nothing but praise for their Chinese counterparts.

16 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Higher fines for dog mess Rugby club feature in MAIDSTONE Council is to impose the toughest fines the law will allow on irresponsible dog owners and litter bugs. proposal for 452 homes Councillors have approved a £5 rise in fixed penalty fines for those MAIDSTONE Council has fired a shot across the bows of a landowner caught dropping litter, not clearing up after their dogs and letting them hoping to develop two sites in Tovil for 452 homes. run in gated parks reserved for Farmland stretching from Dean cil or local residents when other his late father Alan played rugby children. Street to Stockett Lane – with room local sites have. I am very pleased for Kent. The council says the increase in for 452 homes, new headquarters that the committee endorsed my Although based at The Mote for fines to £80 – the maximum per- for Maidstone Rugby Club and a call for removal.” more than 50 years, the club believe mitted under the Clean Neigh- GPs’ surgery – was placed on a list Alan Firmin Ltd wants to de- the new site will secure their long- bourhood and Environment Act of potential housing sites as well as velop 28.4 hectares of land that term future. 2005 – will further reduce litter and two fields near Bydews Place, would include a sports field for the The cricket club have been work- fouling in the borough’s parks and which could contain 50 houses. rugby club, whose lease at The ing with Maidstone Council on a open spaces. Following protests from local res- Mote Cricket Club comes up for re- proposal for an “enabling residen- A report to the council’s commu- idents, Tovil Parish Council and newal in May 2016. tial development” on the upper nities, housing and environment Lib Dem councillors Clive English Company director Paul Firmin is rugby pitch at Mote Park to find the committee, said: “Our Dog Watch vice-president of the rugby club – £4m needed to improve its ground. campaign has assisted with the en- and Derek Mortimer, the borough’s forcement of dog fouling within the strategic planning committee re- borough. The introduction of moved the land, which included a higher fines, we believe, will fur- former tip, from its draft local plan. The committee felt the sites ‘Village’ plan submitted ther deter those current offenders COUNTRYSIDE Properties has submitted a planning application to build a who form a small irresponsible mi- would cause traffic problems, un- dermine the protection of the coun- mini-village off Sutton Road, Maidstone amid hundreds of other homes nority of dog-owners in the bor- already under construction to the south of the town. ough.” tryside, would not deliver the community facilities needed in The proposal for 800 homes, a primary school, community hall, nursery, Private company Kingdom has creche, pub, restaurant, allotments, play area and a 60-bed care home has held the contract to enforce litter Tovil and had not been the subject of proper consultation with the been lodged with Maidstone Council. controls in the borough since 2011 The village would be called Rumwood Green and includes open land to and since then has issued nearly local community. Cllr Mortimer said: “If we had ac- the south of Sutton Road, next to the Langley Park housing development, 19,000 fixed penalty fines. The new currently under construction. £80 fines will come into force from cepted the recommendation, this would have allowed the sites to by- The developer likens the layout – off a main street, with a green – to vil- April 1. lages such as Tenterden in the Weald of Kent and Marlborough in Wilt- pass the regulation 18 public con- shire, adding: “The village centre is intended to be the heart of this sultation process, and move community. It does not aim to be a major shopping centre but will pro- Pavement call straight to the next stage (regula- vide a range of community services, well-located for the residential neigh- RESIDENTS in Headcorn have ex- tion 19). bourhoods. Any services provided here will complement those planned for pressed their concern over the dan- “These proposed sites are very Langley Park.” ger posed to pedestrians by the lack controversial locally and I could It says talks have already been held with KCC. A development of 800 of a pavement in Oak Lane. not accept that these should pass It follows the building of more homes, on land allocated in the council’s draft local plan, would surround directly to regulation 19 without the home of KCC leader Paul Carter. homes, a children’s nursery and a any input from Tovil Parish Coun- GP surgery in Grigg Lane, which is off Oak Lane. The lack of any pavement in Oak £80k officer Lane has been taken up by the Continued from page one parish council with Maidstone leaves his role. A council council, Kent Highways and the spokesman said: “The agency fees various builders that have devel- are similar to the on-costs (Na- oped the site. tional Insurance, A spokesman for the parish pension etc) that council said: “The amount of traffic the council incurs along Oak Lane has increased for members of tremendously since this develop- staff that it em- ment. The provision of a pavement ploys directly.” in Oak Lane was one of the condi- Mr Spooner has tions of this plan winning approval. pledged to create It is just a shame this condition did a “square mile” in not state that this needed to be be- Opera boost for hospice Maidstone, in- fore the development rather than A FESTIVAL concert featuring one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular cluding the rede- after.” comic operas raised £11,000 for Heart of Kent Hospice. velopment of land at Maidstone A choir of 150 singers, led by Maidstone Choral Union, sang HMS Pinafore East station. Fewer deaths at Maidstone’s Mote Hall to a packed and appreciative audience. He also hopes to influence man- A SIGNIFICANT improvement in The choir’s music director, Martin Hindmarsh, led the choir and orchestra agement of The Mall to bring for- mortality rates has been reported while Dr Colin Morris directed the 10 performers who sang the individual ward its improvement plans. by NHS West Kent Clinical Com- parts. Dr Morris, a distinguished Gilbert and Sullivan performer, also played The council spokesman added: missioning Group. This could be the part of Sir Joseph Porter. “Mr Spooner is also responsible for due to management of long-term An audience of more than 500 watched the performance, including the planning, development and man- conditions such as cardiovascular Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Daniel Moriarty and Cllr David Pickett, Maidstone agement of Maidstone borough in- disease and breathing difficulties Choral Union’s new president. cluding leading the delivery of (COPD). The concert was part of Voices for Hospices, a world-wide event held every multi-million pound projects to two years to raise funds for hospices. improve the whole borough and For more local news Maidstone Choral Union has led the event for Heart of Kent Hospice since the quality of life for all residents, www.downsmail.co.uk Voices for Hospices began in 1991. not only in the town centre.”

Maidstone South January 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Salary error School agreed, but to be repaid A MAIDSTONE woman who continued to accept a salary from the NHS despite quitting pupil numbers cut her course has been ordered to pay back more than £9,000. Natalie Davidson (41), of THE Jubilee Primary School has been allowed to remain at Gatland House, Hadlow Close, enrolled on a Fant after Maidstone Council said pupil numbers should be halved to 210. community nursing pro- gramme in September 2012 but The planning committee origi- mittee members to vote against the seven members. left four months later for an- nally deferred an application for up scheme, said that 61 of the school’s Cllr Stephen Paine said the pro- other job. She continued to be to 420 pupils at the school, which 90 pupils were from the Maidstone posal had caused a rift in the com- paid by Kent Community has been operating since September area, with 22 of these from Fant, the munity in Fant, which he Healthcare NHS Trust for a 2014 with a temporary consent ward he represents. “This is a very represents. He said: “As a council- year – about £18,000 – but given to Government free schools. small number,” he said. “Even if lor I now preside over a broken, failed to point out the mistake. A meeting in March heard there this goes ahead we will still need split and sore community. I have The trust learned of David- were 80 public objections and com- another primary school in the Her- parents writing to me worried their son’s dishonesty in January mittee members had concerns mitage Lane area.” children will not have a school and 2014, and in November was about parking and traffic, lack of Joe Mayatt, a local resident for 52 I have dozens, dozens and dozens given an eight-month sus- amenities and the faith ethos. years, said: “Gatland House was of parents writing to me saying they pended jail term after admitting But councillors have now sup- previously a short-term home for do not want the school. retaining a wrongful credit. ported the proposal after officers vulnerable people who needed res- “It is an unenviable situation and She has now been ordered to emphasised that the site, with its idential care and had only limited we have to work to patch the com- pay back £9,092.75 to the NHS limited amenity space, could only parking requirements. munity back together and fix this.” after Kent Police applied for a cater for a one-form entry per year. “This will cause parking disrup- Neil Pattison, of Jubilee Primary confiscation order under the The full capacity should be reached tion and pressure on spaces only school, said: “Decisions concerning Proceeds of Crime Act. by September 2022. solved by parking on nearby roads. the final size of the school will be Financial investigator Jackie Cllr Dan Daley, a KCC member, The school must ensure on-site made in conjunction with Maid- Lowdon, of Kent Police, said: said: “The compromise offered is parking is provided for staff and stone Council, KCC and the De- “Natalie Davidson’s dishonesty just and fair, both to the school and residents.” KCC did not object on partment for Education. caught up with her in the end to a degree, to the residents – by the highways grounds, meaning the “We will build on the foundation and she must now return a sig- reduction in traffic associated with committee could not use this as a of an excellent education for our nificant portion of the salary she the lower numbers of pupils.” reason to vote against the scheme. children and aim at nothing less had no right to claim.” Cllr Paul Harper, one of two com- It was granted due to the support of than an outstanding Ofsted rating.” Gill is top volunteer Pub given new lease of life REGULARS have toasted A RETIRED teacher from the success of the new Kingswood who has spent 12 years landlord at The White supporting people affected by brain Hart in Claygate. injury has won a national award. The Shepherd Neame Gill Leandro (65) beat off two pub, near Collier Street, other finalists to win the brain injury had been closed over the association Headway’s Volunteer of entire Christmas and the Year award. New Year period, with Maths teacher Gill first started Terry Horton taking over working for Headway West Kent behind the bar on Janu- when she was asked to help a person ary 5. rebuild their numeracy skills after a Terry (54), who is originally from London, has been a publican for 37 years brain injury. After she retired in and has lived in Ashford for the last 15 years. His son Nicky will be working 2002, she became a volunteer. host woodwork classes at their with him as head chef. One of her key roles is delivering home, which helps six members of literacy and numeracy support to Headway West Kent redevelop mo- people who are struggling to relearn bility, craft and social skills. lost skills. One service user, whose Gill has also participated in the Top rating for school kitchens brain injury cost him his job as an ac- charity's annual “Host for Head- countant, was helped by Gill to pass FUTURE Schools Trust has been served with a clean bill of health way” event, preparing a five-course at all four of its schools. his GCSE mathematics exam. meal for 16 people, raising more In 2013, Gill walked 25 miles The Maidstone-based education provider hosted several unan- than £300 for Headway. nounced visits from Environmental Health and is delighted to an- around Leeds Castle and in Mote She also takes part in weekend Park, raising £2,500 for Headway nounce that each of its kitchens achieved a five-star rating. breaks for Headway to give service The most recent inspection took place at the trust's campus in West Kent. She was also one of the users a break from their routine. first to sign up to the charity's Buddy Boughton Lane, Loose, where it runs New Line Learning Academy, Gill was named Volunteer of the which also caters for Little Learners Nursery, and Tiger Primary service. Once a week, she and her Year at a ceremony at The Dorch- husband Stephen Beavis (pictured) School. Cornwallis Academy, in Hubbards Lane, Linton, had al- ester Hotel, in London. ready been awarded the top mark at the start of November. Unpaid order for officer offences A KINGSWOOD man smashed a window, hit another drinker in a Maid- Man rescued Assault work stone High Street pub and two police officers. FIREMEN had to use hydraulic JIMMY Williams (28) was ordered Nathan Vallis (24) was ordered by court to do 180 hours of unpaid cutting gear to free a man trapped to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months. He admitted causing criminal damage, as- in his car following an accident at work after he admitted assaulting sault and two counts of assaulting officers at Maidstone Police Station. just after 10am in Cambridge another man in Yalding’s Hamp- Vallis, from Gravelly Bottom Road, must also pay £425 compensation, Crescent, Shepway, on Saturday, stead Lane, the road on which he a £150 criminal courts charge and a £60 victim surcharge. November 28. lives. He was billed £860 in costs.

18 Maidstone South January 2016 Advertisement feature Powers of attorney – can you Do you want help afford not to have them? writing your Will? Do you need powers With house or car in John’s name so Margaret could not access of attorney? insurance you hope never to them. Even joint accounts can be frozen in such make a claim but you still cases. Margaret thought she needed a lasting Do you need help take out a policy. power of attorney but, because John was unable with probate? to communicate, it was too late to set up an LPA. It is the same with lasting The only option was to apply to the Court of powers of attorney (LPAs). If Do you want to buy a Protection so that she and the children could act you do not have them in as court deputies on John’s behalf. funeral plan? place and cannot deal with your own affairs, the impact It cost Margaret £1,555 to apply to the court on your family is huge. The following story is true and it took seven months for them to be and shows what can happen. appointed as deputies. They have to pay £30 a year for a court insurance bond and £300 a year • We offer help & advice • *Margaret’s husband John was only 64 when for the court to ‘supervise’ them. They also have he had a severe stroke and was rushed to to submit accounts every year showing how they • Home visits • hospital. He came home after five months but are dealing with John’s money. They were lucky. could not walk, talk or make himself understood. In many cases, it takes much longer for a court With help from Social Services and her grown­up • All fees agreed before decision and the insurance bond can be hundreds children, Margaret was able to cope with her new of pounds a year. All of this could have been full time job of looking after her husband – but you proceed • avoided if they had existing LPAs. money was a problem. Most of the savings were *Names have been changed to protect identities.

For help with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate & Funeral Plans Contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW Call: 01622 720985 or go online: www.camrasswills.co.uk Albany Funerals

They are bright, normal, “ businesslike, kind and absolutely genuine. We think they’ll look after you well, in the way you’d like to be looked after. You’ll be able to create a fine and appropriate send-off at a price that will reflect good value for money.

They are a class act. Good Funeral Guide” 669 Loose Road, Maidstone ME15 9UX (off-street parking) 01622 746 688 (24 Hours) www. Albany-funerals.co.uk

Maidstone South January 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Charities share Putting the boots in UNEMPLOYED residents may be able to get a helping hand to put their best feet forward. Maidstone Council has opened a “boot bank” which will enable people £22k from walk to take on manual work by giving them free work boots, which can be paid for at a later date. TWO Kent businessmen have health in East Africa. The money will then walked 150 miles along the Grand David and Desmond met 10 years be used to buy more Union Canal, raising more than ago in their roles as colts’ managers boots to keep the £22,000 for five different charities. at Bearsted and Linton Park cricket scheme going. Bearsted residents David Bracey clubs. The idea for the and Desmond High walked the David said: “This was the hardest scheme came about route from Birmingham to London thing I've ever done. However, my when a group of in just five days. body will recover eventually and agencies working to- Co-founder of The Fountain there are many people in the world gether to support Workshop, David pledged to do suffering from illnesses from which homeless people in something to raise awareness of tes- they will never recover. the town found that ticular cancer after receiving treat- “It is for them that we have raised some people had ment for the disease. awareness and money. Thanks go to been offered work, They finished the walk at King’s all our sponsors for all the generous but could not afford Cross, where they were greeted by support they've shown. the boots they friends, family and representatives “After five days of gruelling slog needed to take on Damien South presents boots to Cllr Marion Ring from their chosen charities. from Birmingham to London it was the job. Each day of the walk was dedi- fantastic to be welcomed back by Lordswood-based construction company Faithdean has agreed to kick- cated to a different charity: representatives from the charities start the scheme with a donation of 10 pairs of work boots. Director  Orchid – working on behalf of and from friends and families when Damien South said: “I hope that providing some of the equipment needed anyone affected by male cancer; we arrived at King's Cross.” to take on work will make a real difference.”  The Primary Club – a cricketers’ Desmond said: “Doing one 30- Cllr Marion Ring, chairman of Maidstone Council’s communities, hous- charity that helps to provide sports mile walk would have been fine but ing and environment committee, said: “Some of the barriers that people and recreational facilities for the vi- to be getting up the following morn- face to get back into work can be very simple to overcome with just a lit- sually impaired; ing for four days to do the same tle innovative thinking, and the boot bank has the potential to help some  The Quest School in Paddock again was the real challenge. We of those in most need.” Wood – for children with autism; have had great support from family, Those using the scheme initially will be those with a local connection  Lupus (UK), which supports re- friends and business colleagues and who have been referred by local support agencies. search into this incurable illness; are delighted that we have already Any companies able to donate boots or protective equipment to the  Fields of Life – a Kent charity pro- raised more than £4,000 for each of scheme, can email [email protected]. moting clean water, education and the five deserving causes.” FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100’s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available

Vinyl's Carpets

Laminates Artificial grass in stock

www.carpetnextday.co.uk MON - SAT 9.00-5.30pm New store Now Open Landlords Developers Maidstone Tonbridge Gillingham Letting Agents Tovil Hill 5 Tannery Road Beechings Way Trade Discounts Maidstone Tonbridge Gillingham (Opposite Call for details ME15 6QS TN9 1RF ME8 6PF McDonalds) Find 01622 677787 01732 362332 01634 366444 us on

20 Maidstone South January 2016 Maidstone South January 2016 21 downsmail.co.uk Comment Local tax to support our NHS WE cherish our “free” NHS health service Wobbly welfare – but know it is far from totally free, becomes Mail less free and will cost us more in future. Marks What a pity MP for Chatham and Ayles- We have long accepted most opticians’ and DENNIS FOWLE President ford (also minister of sport) Tracey Crouch dentists’ work is charged … heavy costs of was advised to apologise for saying the cost parking at hospitals … payment for prescrip- [email protected] of subscription television should not be tion drugs… counted when considering the level of state Government is now authorising a 2% in- support our local hospitals or to finance im- benefits. crease in council tax if ring-fenced to social provements in our seriously under-perform- That should have been the starter for a care. This is closely driven by pressures on the ing local ambulance service? very long list. I believe it should include NHS, especially hospital bed-blocking, a Is the time close when Government will overseas holidays, cars, mobile phones and shortage of nursing home places and care in want us to pay a fee for GP appointments, a iPads etc … friends suggest many more. the community. contribution towards surgery we elect to un- In Britain today, welfare ensures a fairer After watching Government and the local dertake (eg replacement knees or hips), hear- and more compassionate society. Govern- NHS and social care economies and councils ing aids, preventive care and hospital meals? ment now has a responsibility to try to struggle through desperately difficult finan- It is political dynamite, of course, but politi- achieve a living standard below which no re- cial years I have no serious problem with cians know the financial truth and at some sponsible people should fall. these charges if they truly protect the health stage they will have to reveal courage to sus- The world has moved on since I experi- service and social care. tain a health service under such pressure from enced my parents and other members of the One advantage of charging through coun- increasing demands and costs and a rapidly- family having to consider so carefully how cil tax is that generally, the heavier cost will growing and ageing population. every penny was spent to avoid the despair fall on those best able to pay. As a Band G Calls on the Government purse are im- of poverty. council tax payer I expect I need to find about mense. One way or another we are going to I recall how my new pair of school shoes another £5 a month. have to pay more to retain a high-quality was considered an exciting luxury. But I still Now Government is taking this council tax health service. Just look at what residents of look back on mostly very happy days. route I anticipate other charges will follow. most other countries pay – and grit your Many are convinced that Tracey Crouch For instance, could another 1% be added to teeth! got it spot on.

Badgers were there first Whether the construction of Fremlin recently stated by a government inspector Walk was actually necessary is a maer of as one of the reasons for allowing housing Dear Sir – I think Dennis Fowle (Mail conjecture, but entry into the car park off Cripple Street (overlooking the Loose Marks, December) is being unfair to could have been made available from Faith Valley), despite this area of south badgers. Street via Station Road, an area which is Maidstone suffering from appalling traffic Does he not think it is he who is now virtually disused by vehicles. congestion. encroaching on their land? It is always the A similarly barren area is the top end of If Cllr Carter really thinks that housing human that is right and all the wild the High Street which supports few shops development in Maidstone should slow animals that are wrong. and a vast expanse of expensive paving, down, he should exercise proper control You only have to look around to see how presumably designed mainly for the over his own officers and also push for the much countryside is being used up for congregation of late-night revellers who construction of the long-awaited Leeds- housing to know why he is being invaded. appear to be the main category of Langley bypass. I know it is annoying, but what about individuals the county town has sought to Malcolm Luxton, Chestnut Street, Borden cats? A lot of people where I live go off to aract for the past 20 years. work and put their cats out and it is they In view of the limited number of major who ruin gardens. shops and stores in this area of the town, Road news such a relief P Durant, Flood Hatch, Tovil surely it would also make sense to reopen Dear Sir – I recently aended the the High Street to all vehicles in order to Maidstone JTB meeting, witnessing politics Re-open High Street alleviate the congestion caused by as it should be. channeling traffic around peripheral roads There was a mix of tough talking, factual Dear Sir – With reference to your article on that are unable to cope with it. statistics and people power. But most the proposed new traffic system the Ron Carr, by email welcoming of all was a unanimous vote to comments and proposals of Carlo Aubato proceed without delay, work on the long- are entirely correct. promised, long-overdue Leeds-Langley Every main road leading out of Push for a bypass relief road. There was a unanimous vote to Maidstone has a set or sets of traffic lights Dear Sir – I read with disbelief comments work together and source the funds to which inhibit the flow of traffic out of the made by KCC leader Paul Carter, who build it – this, after over 30 years of town and which could be eliminated by the complains that Maidstone is one of the campaigning, is wonderful news for all provision of footbridges or, in other cases most congested towns in the South East, who have suffered, residents and road- such as The Wheatsheaf, a roundabout. and is building too many houses and states users alike. An example of inconceivable planning that it sometimes takes him 15 minutes to KCC and Maidstone Council have was the construction of the Fremlin Walk get off his drive! proved it is possible to work together for car park next to the dual carriageway along Is this the same Cllr Paul Carter who is their shareholders, the electorate. Now we Fairmeadow. The carriageway was supposed to have Kent Highway Services must all continue to ensure these promises originally developed to ease traffic flow but under his control? materialise with our planning and highway is now restricted by numerous traffic lights KHS never seems to object to any authorities working in union. The residents and is often congested by traffic queuing to planning application for housing in of our county town deserve nothing less. enter the car park. Maidstone and its lack of objection was Jenny Suon, Willington Street Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

22 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk You have your say on nursery Ofsted report Comment Many readers have written in response to our Although my son Ben has had some difficult My granddaughter attends Cherubs Pre-school story in the December edition of Downs Mail re- mornings, Cindy Fox and her staff sent me a re- in Linton and sending photos to parents is an garding the inadequate Ofsted rating given to assuring photo giving me peace of mind. excellent idea. Cherubs Pre-School in Linton, run by Cindy Fox, Asih Barnett S Lumbard which was blamed on the setting’s policy of tex- I am a mother of four who also works in safe- Cindy and her team are not taking photos just ting photos of children to their parents. guarding. The photos offer parents the reassur- for the sake of it, they are doing it on the rare We do not have space to publish all of the let- ance that their child is happy and capture the occasions when our children may be having an ters, but here are some extracts from them: moments we would otherwise miss. off day. As a parent, leaving an upset child is My son attended Cherubs from April 2007-July Samantha Mercer one of the toughest things to do but Cherubs 2008. Cindy would send me texts and photos has made this experience so much easier. The protection of children must be paramount. Nicola Lumbard of my son playing, happy and settled. I can't Misuse of images of children has taken place in believe that such a well organised, caring, lov- other settings and was widely publicised. I re- I contacted a local nursery and a colleague at ing place and manager can have their reputa- alise that every playgroup/school thinks that another pre-school since learning of this injus- tion so inexcusably defiled. tice. The nursery says it is happy to email par- Mel Hawkins would not happen in their organisation but to ignore the possibility is not an adequate re- ents pictures of their children. My pre-school Both of my children attended Cherubs from 22 sponse. I fully support Ofsted for taking such a colleague thought that parental consent alone months. I had visited other settings where a we- stand, and think that all schools should have a made the judgment a sham. I hope that the Of- bcam or Facebook page/group was used and policy of no photography on their premises. sted inspector concerned is held accountable for found these to be too open for my liking. The Paul Bartup her actions. Christina Harris fact that Cherubs offered me visual reassurance Both my children attended Cherubs Pre-school of my child (never with others in view), was one and adored Cindy and her lovely staff. When I The reassurance I received from the occasional of the main reasons I chose it. photograph sent by the manager Cindy Fox was Hayley Embleton received the odd photo of my children I found it extremely comforting. second to none. It is a total outrage if this rat- I found the photos policy very comforting as my Emma Piles ing is not overturned. Jill Thorn son had never been to a nursery before. Ofsted I never had any issues with being sent the pic- needs to look at other nurseries, some of which tures. It puts the parents’ minds at rest as they  have webcam and Facebook pages for all to see. can see their children have settled. To see more reader views on the Ofsted re- Jacquie Stoddart S Fiddes port, go to www.downsmail.co.uk

Truckers’ parking must stop lift is broken and the roof needs to be fixed. Andrew Wells, the charity’s president, Dear Sir – With regard to your article on told me the repairs will cost about lorry parks for HGVs, Paul Carter’s £100,000. I’ll be supporting the charity in its statement about truckers having nowhere campaign and I encourage you to get to go when their tacho time runs out is involved too. Visit maidstonemencap.org totally unacceptable and misses the point. to find out how you can help. These people should be planning their Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and journey so their time doesn’t run out when Mid Kent they are on a motorway or trunk road and then just simply stop on the emergency hard shoulder for overnight parking. Traffic choking town These people are not stupid, as no action Pleasure to support Mencap is taken. It has become all too easy for them Dear Sir – Maidstone was at one time a to just pull up in this way. Kent is then a Dear Sir – One of the pleasures of being an relatively easy place to access, park, shop very convenient jumping-off point for their MP is that I get the chance to see for myself and travel through. You could virtually onward cross-channel journey. the work of local charities, and when guarantee to reach a destination on the I have had communication with the Chief needed, lend support. other side of town from the south with Constable of Kent Police and was told they Recently, I visited Maidstone Mencap, reasonable accuracy at most times of day. are turning a blind eye to this illegal which supports people with learning People could commute into and out of the parking. How can that be right? It is disabilities and is itself in need of support town without the fear of being late for work, widely recognised by various authorities from the community. and kids could get to school on time in a safe, that the emergency hard shoulder is a I was invited to join a card-making clean environment. dangerous place to be and yet this practice session. Squeezing into a lile nursery Now I can only say I have watched this isspiralling out of control. chairs, I helped an enthusiastic three-year- town slowly diminish in terms of quality of On a journey late yesterday evening I old with her card. There were felt-tip pens, life. It is a town that is fast becoming a jungle counted 34 HGVs parked nose to tail on the fluff, glue and googly eyes, but like my of new housing estates, without any real hard shoulder and this did not include daughter, her favourite thing was glier. thinking about the effect on the quality of life. others parked on the slip road. Maidstone Mencap provides services for The list of decisions which affect quality of It doesn’t leave much imagination to individuals of all ages who have special life is endless. Loss of park and ride facilities work out what they do with all their waste needs. There’s also a youth club with table has led to the town becoming choked with in the morning before they set off – football, pool and a summer barbecue for traffic. Increased use of traffic lights leads to imagine the build-up night after night. teenagers; and regular bingo nights, more rat runs, and it is very noticeable how I shudder to think what would happen in quizzes and outings for seniors. many people are jumping the lights. There is a cases like this if there was a major multi- They have special equipment including a lack of leadership at all levels when it comes lane accident – how would the emergency sensory room and expert staff, as well as to getting a south to north bypass (I suspect services get through? commied volunteers. self-interested Nimbys are preventing that). Many of you will recall a few years ago, The service gives carers a much-needed Worst of all is the building of housing es- in the Midlands, a lady stopped on the break. One mother told me her child had tates on greenfield sites. There is no thought hard shoulder to read her map. The police loved the playgroup when she was about providing the required infrastructure prosecuted her because they deemed it younger and had thrived as a result. such as schools, GP surgeries and transport. wasn’t an emergency. Although her child is now at a mainstream Maidstone is not a town of the future but How can the authorities square that school, she now volunteers for the charity. one of a lost quality of life. Ask anyone in incident with the illegal HGV hard Mencap’s building, Cobtree Hall, is an Maidstone about their quality of life in terms shoulder overnight parking currently old church on the edge of Mote Park. It’s a of the above, and I suspect the answers would widespread in Kent? lovely spot, particularly in summer when be an overwhelming agreement that it has Eric Pennington, Whitchurch Close, the children can play outside, but the been badly affected and is to get worse. Maidstone building is in desperate need of repair. The Nick Kelly, Loose

Maidstone South January 2016 23 New downsmail.co.uk Watch ‘needs more volunteers’ MAIDSTONE and District Neighbourhood Watch Association could be disbanded if more volun- teers do not come forward. The scheme, which has been run- proper dialogue, discussions and to close, it would be likely to amalga- and anti-social behaviour at regu- ning since the 1980s, provides agree on strategy.” mate with West Kent Neighbour- lar meetings. crime and safety awareness and ad- Jim (pictured) says the organisa- hood Watch and thus lose its “The coordinator receives crime vice throughout the borough. tion will grind to a halt in its cur- independence. Jim said: “By keep- messages covering a particular area There are currently 485 coordina- rent form because there is not ing it local we know the area, from police on a regular basis. It tors who disseminate information enough man- where the problems are and what brings people together and rein- to 14,000 households – yet the power to needs more attention. forces the need to help vulnerable group’s committee is consistently monitor coor- “We are trawling the same pool people. unable to make decisions on strat- dinators’ de- for the same fish; the same person “In many places you have elderly egy because of too few members. tails or for the who volunteers joins a lot of the people living by themselves, and if Due to departures in late 2014 the authority to same organisations. Unfortunately they know there is a system where committee has spent the past year target areas, they are getting old and less mo- people will look in and help them with a total of five members, the many urban, bile. We are not getting young peo- it will give peace of mind – espe- minimum needed for meetings to not yet cov- ple interested. Society has changed cially as there are more and more be quorate. Despite the best efforts ered by and people’s time is much more frauds and scams taking place at of chairman Jim Wilson, no one has Neighbour- limited.” the moment.” come forward to sit on the commit- hood Watch. Neighbourhood Watch is strug- Supt Phil Hibben, deputy com- tee. He needs at gling to become established in mander for West Kent Police, told He said: “We can’t be sure that all least six people: a treasurer, secre- some urban areas in Maidstone. the Neighbourhood Watch AGM five members will turn up for meet- tary, database manager, products Jim added: “In the past we used to that coordinators are the eyes and ings; when they don’t, we cannot manager (dealing with purchasing have residents’ associations, but we ears of the community, providing make decisions, which causes prob- and selling), website manager and have very few of them now. vital communication, community lems with the police because we are anyone else prepared to give up “Neighbourhood Watch brings reassurance and support. not being represented properly. two hours for meetings on the last the community together; neigh- Anyone who would like to join “We are like a ship without a Wednesday of every month. bours get to know each other as the committee should call Jim on rudder. You need numbers to have Should the group be forced to well as problems such as burglaries 01622 693346. Online crime ‘needs new approach’ Annual award A BARMING woman who pro- POLICE in West Kent are evolving may have been victims of phone business if their goods are stolen duced her own guidance docu- their approach to deal with increases scams and some struggle to get insurance ment for local Neighbourhood in online fraud, phone scams and “Everyone has to take responsibil- because of the risks.” Watch coordinators has won an rogue traders. ity for protecting vulnerable people.  Theft of cars There was a partic- annual award. Supt Phil Hibben, deputy com- “Please continue with what you ular spike in thefts of Land Rover Heather Coppock, of South mander for West Kent Police, told are doing as an association and Defender vehicles due to them no Street, was named Neighbour- the Maidstone and District Neigh- evolve as we are trying to evolve.” longer being in production. Stolen hood Watch Co- bourhood Watch annual meeting: Supt Hibben said there were four vehicles are sold off in Britain and ordinator of the “We have traditionally dealt with main areas in which crime was caus- abroad. Year. The free- crimes such as burglaries but the ing a concern in Maidstone:  Theft of mobile phones The new lance manage- new challenge is the online criminal.  Seasonal burglaries From Octo- Iphone 6 is a particular target. ment trainer “For many generations we have ber to the New Year burglaries are Those who are out socialising were created a book- focused on the same crime types but higher than the rest of the year. warned to be vigilant. let to help coor- now we are having to look at evolv- Several arrests have taken place as Supt Hibben also announced that dinators in their ing crime types. part of Operation Castle. the borough of Ashford would join duties and encourage them to net- “We need to identify vulnerable  Theft of tools from vans “This the West Kent Division in 2016. work. She hopes to attract funding victims and work with trading stan- has been going on for a while now. “I get more staff and more responsi- to run training sessions using the dards. We need to get the message It is about protecting tradespeople’s bility to deal with criminality,” he principles of the document. out to families and the elderly who livelihoods; they might go out of said. Driver banned Wilsons sell No to homes scheme AN East Farleigh man has been A PROPOSAL to build 10 homes “If it was one or two houses – and banned from driving for two-and-a- off property on the site of a commercial estate we have had conversions of one half years and ordered to do 120 A COUPLE from Boughton near Staplehurst has been refused. house here or there – then it would hours of community work. Monchelsea, who have been Officers from Maidstone Council be a different matter. But this Matthew Gentile (41), from Dean branded Britain’s biggest buy- urged the planning committee to would introduce a new settlement Street, was sentenced at Mid Kent to-let landlords, have moved accept a scheme that included a re- of a scale and intensity out of keep- Magistrates’ Court for failing to pro- out of the property market. placement home for Woodford ing with the landscape character of vide a breath test after being stopped It is understood that Fergus Coach House in Maidstone Road. the surroundings of the Maidstone in Maidstone. He must also pay £150 and Judith Wilson, from Heath But councillors thought other- Road and would create an incon- criminal courts charges, £85 costs Road, have sold their entire wise, refusing the scheme to pro- gruous and jarring feature.” and a £60 victim surcharge. portfolio of rental properties – tect the rural land north of the Staplehurst Parish Council also thought to number nearly 1,000 railway line from development and raised an objection due to the site’s Kissing gate gift – for more than £250 million to retain employment use. They also omission from its neighbourhood WALKERS and the parish council in a foreign consortium. cited a lack of sustainability due to plan. Headcorn have farmer William Day Mr and Mrs Wilson indi- inadequate footpath access to the Officers felt the scheme should to thank for making it easier to ac- cated last year that they in- village centre. have been accepted due to the land cess Parsonage Meadow from the tended selling up and Fergus Cllr Tony Harwood said: “We being brownfield, as it contained a church. Headcorn Parish Council, revealed he hoped to retire to have sought to prevent intensifica- builders’ yard, car showroom and which owns the community open write children’s books. tion of development north of Sta- business selling double-glazed space, thanked Mr Day, of Tong plehurst. windows. Farm, for providing a kissing gate.

24 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Anger at bid to Shelter opens to homeless THE Maidstone churches winter shelter has once again opened its doors. For 12 weeks until March 6, the shelter offers warm hospitality and safe beds at a different church each night of the week for up to 15 of the most vul- nerable rough sleepers in the town. close day centre Just before cutting the ribbon to open the shelter, the chairman of the charity’s trustees, Rev Bill Miller thanked all the volunteers who ensure the A CALL by KCC for the public’s alternative service provision. Those guests feel safe and view on its plan to close a care at the meeting supported the forma- comfortable. home in Maidstone has met a wave tion of a committee to save the centre He said: “Volunteers of opposition. and marched to County Hall. get involved in so many The closure of the Dorothy Lucy Mrs Black, from Boughton different ways, some Centre in Northumberland Road, Monchelsea, said: “The most impor- preparing the meal, oth- Shepway has caused anger among tant thing for our old people is that ers acting as hosts, oth- those worried about losing a perma- they have safe, secure care with ex- ers baking or laundering nent home for the elderly and the cellent staff, but of course we already sleeping bags. Every con- dozens of families who use its have this in Dorothy Lucy. tribution makes a differ- respite services, as well as those who “My mother, who has dementia, ence to the experience of visit its dementia day centres. has shown improvement in her con- the guests and we are The county council, which says dition and communication. She also grateful to each one.” the centre is not fit for purpose, says appears much happier since she has Some volunteers also it wants to use the money saved by been attending there. give up their own sleep closing it to improve care for service “This consultation has the appear- to care for the guests users in their own homes. However, ance of choosing a vulnerable sec- overnight, and on open- a public meeting called by the Kent tion of society who are unable to ing night one of these was the Archdeacon of Maidstone, the Venerable Stephen Taylor: County Anti-Austerity Alliance at St give their opinion. The timing, over He said: “Homelessness is very much part of the Christmas story. I was keen Faith’s Church in Maidstone to save Christmas, also suggests that it was to give my one night’s sleep, knowing that it will make a difference to the lives the 28-bed unit from closure at- hoped to keep opposition to a mini- of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.” tracted more than 50 supporters. mum.” The shelter’s operations manager, Jayne Hendy, has been involved in the Guest speakers Paul Hobday, A petition was handed to KCC’s project since its pilot in 2013-14, and is determined to help guests find long- from the National Health Action full council meeting by Cllr Brian term solutions. She hopes that this year at least 30 guests will be housed by party, and Unison’s Jacqui Berry Clark, who said: “As the petition is the end of the project. claimed the closure of Maidstone’s beyond the 2,500-threshold of names If you would like to get involved with the Maidstone Churches Winter Shel- dementia respite care centres was an I expect to see it debated in January’s ter, call 07713 706665 or 01622 961616, email mcwsoffi[email protected] or excuse for further privatisation. Sue adult social care cabinet committee go to the website, maidstoneshelter.org.uk. Donations can be made at vir- Black, the daughter of a service user, when the decision on closure will be ginmoneygiving.com or mydonate.bt.com. also spoke about the lack of any real made.”

Maidstone South January 2016 25 News downsmail.co.uk Sports clubs Operator saves 28 bus face price hike STUDENTS living south of Maidstone have learnt that their threatened SPORTS clubs face higher Maid- stone Council charges in 2016/17 school bus route will be reinstated, while others will get an extra service. with football, rugby, tennis and bowls all needing to find about The number 28 bus, serving Mar- comed by Mrs Grant, who has den and the surrounding villages chaired a bus committee attended 5% more. will be run by a new operator, after by service providers and users A single let for a football pitch Nu Venture “reluctantly” quit the since 2014. will increase from £57.60 to £60.50, route. Julie Derrick, a committee mem- reduced to £50.50 for 10 or more The decision by KCC follows a ber and head of Invicta Grammar, lets (£20 for juniors). public outcry by parents, represen- said: “The changes to the services Rugby increases £5 to £65.50 for tations from Invicta and Maidstone will be instrumental in helping a single lets and £53 for 10 or more grammar schools and local MP significant number of students and lets. Adult single court hire of a Helen Grant. their parents. tennis court goes up 40p to £8.40 KCC, who re-issued the tender, “We will now have much happier an hour. Bowls costs also increase says it will now be operated by the students; they travel long distances by about 5%. Use of changing 1st Bus Stop bus company, based in to get to school and it is important rooms/showers will increase by al- Gravesend. The service – often that their journey is as easy as pos- most 12% to £20 a time. packed – will operate, says KCC, as The No 28 bus is popular with pupils sible, if they are to have the right Charges also increase for book- per the current route and timetable, cope with demand. mindset for learning when they ar- ings in council parks and Jubilee serving Hunton, Chainhurst and Commenting on the new 28 bus rive.“ Square and for cemetery costs – Marden Railway Station at 7.07am, service, a KCC spokesman said: Marden mum Jemma Finch said but cremation increases are re- 7.13am and 7.31am respectively, “To respond to feedback from she was pleased by the decision, stricted. reaching the town at 8.04am and schools and parents from Oak- but added that it remained to be Oakwood Park at 8.14am. wood, the bus will continue via seen how the company would fare. Charity drop-in The move is good news for Queen’s Road to serve the Somer- She had feared her two children HEADWAY, the charity for those pupils at Maidstone Girls’ and would be left with no alternative field Hospital stop for Maidstone who affected by a brain injury, runs Oakwood Park grammar schools other than to take the train, change Girls’ grammar. In the afternoon, weekly drop-in sessions at the who have also heard that as well as the service will depart Oakwood at at Paddock Wood, and walk two Maidstone Community Support the bus stopping closer to their 15.50, serving the Somerfield stop miles to and from Invicta Grammar schools, Arriva will provide an at 16.02.” school or face a three-mile hike to Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm. extra service, No 5X, calling at The moves to save the No 28 and Staplehurst, along country lanes, in Contact Kate on 07481 922534 or Loose, Linton and Staplehurst, to introduce the 5X service were wel- the hope of getting on another bus. email [email protected]. Ex-mayor A vintage year for sloe gin Homes plan HEADCORN Parish Council is tak- steps down THE poor British summer has champion for the second year run- ing advice as to whether it can do brought an unexpected winter ning. Demijohn, which also has anything after approval for a plan FORMER mayor of Maidstone, Cllr windfall for an artisan sloe gin outlets in Glasgow, York and Ox- for 220 homes in the village was Richard Thick has announced that maker from Marden. ford and took the award in the given by Maidstone council. he will not be standing for re-elec- Sloe gin makers from across the professional class, ships its The parish objected to the devel- tion to the borough council in May. opment, on farmland on the other The senior Conservative, who world gathered at the George Inn, liqueurs worldwide through its Frant, on the the Kent/Sussex bor- mail order operation. side of the school playing field, be- represents Head- cause of its size and on sustainabil- corn, was first der near Tunbridge Wells, to vie The silver medal went to Master for the title of Sloe Ginster World of Malt’s Bath Tub Gin, which is ity grounds. elected to Maid- The parish council, which de- stone Council in Champion 2015. made in Tunbridge Wells, while The poor summer provided Curiously Kentish, based in Birch- scribed the plan as “the largest ever 1998. He served as proposed for the village,” had ideal growing conditions for sloes ington, won the award for best mayor in 2014/15. hoped it would be called in by the – the bitter fruit of the blackthorn liqueur with its sloe vodka. Cllr Thick (left) Secretary of State. However, this has served on var- bush – and Marden-based Sloe Se- The homemade category, which did not happen and, subsequently, ious borough council committees duction came third in the contest, attracted a record number of more the proposal has been approved by including planning and has also taking the bronze trophy in this, than 20 entries, was won by Kevin the borough council. been involved in volunteer work in the seventh year of the annual Wadley of Dartford. A parish council spokesman said: Headcorn. He is a member of contest. Last year’s winner of this cate- “We are seeking advice and look- Headcorn church choir and for- Edinburgh-based Liquid Deli’s gory, Grace Winey, returned to ing to explore any avenue that merly sang with Sutton Valence Demijohn was crowned world present the awards. might be open to us.” Choral Society, along with his wife Rosanne. He won his seat at the last elec- tion with 1,001 votes, with his Charity to help young families bond Green Party rival Penny Kemp FARLEIGH-based charity Dande- our work, as very often referred and feel more confident in their trailing with 584. lion Time has received a three-year young people have struggled to de- parenting and in themselves.” Cllr Thick told Boughton Mal- grant to help it set up a ground- velop strong attachments to a par- The work has been made possi- herbe Parish Council of his decision breaking project. ent or carer in early life, severely ble by a grant from the Colyer-Fer- and thanked all for their support. The charity, which helps families limiting their emotional wellbeing gusson Charitable Trust, which and children struggling with and resilience as they have moved supports charitable activity in Kent, Bank to close trauma, often arising from physical through childhood.” particularly helping those who are LLOYDS Bank has announced its or emotional abuse, neglect and do- The project allows young people most disadvantaged, with match branch in Loose is to close from mestic violence, has started a proj- who might have otherwise at- funding from Dandelion Time’s April 18. ect for young parents, many of tended the core programme to at- supporters and fundraisers. Branch manager Adam Keeling whom have experienced poor early tend sessions with their babies. Dandelion Time provides practi- has written to customers to indicate attachment themselves. Carol said: “This project sits well cal farm-based activities and thera- the nearest branches will then be in Lead child and family practi- with our core programmes and will peutic services to help children Maidstone (Week Street), Larkfield tioner Carol Bridges said: “Work- help the young person develop a overcome past suffering, develop and Rainham. ing across generations is central to healthy attachment to their child confidence and self-esteem.

26 Maidstone South January 2016 G&I Streeter Est. - 1971 Local family plumbers Call Ian 01622 753618 07860 293732 All plumbing and Heating Work Undertaken All Work Guaranteed Gas Safe Approved Engineer Professional, Reliable Service

01622 737803 Email: [email protected]

ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS SERVICED • SALES & SERVICE • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS •FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS ALL OTHER MAKES SERVICED

BLOCK SALT SOFTENER

01474 812005 BARNSIDE, WROTHAM ROAD, MEOPHAM www.softwaterservices.co.uk [email protected]

Maidstone South January 2016 27 downsmail.co.uk Elsie May Gurr Ken Welch studied computing with the Open Obituaries University when it was still a fledgling field, THE death has been announced in Loose of KENNETH “Ken” Welch (81) lived locally learned scuba diving, how to play the Elsie May Gurr, who celebrated her 100th for most of his life, moving to the Maidstone clarinet, and how to navigate a boat. birthday in November. area as a boy after being born in Birchington. “But more than this he was kind, caring, a Elsie May had been living at the Loose He spent about 30 years in Bannister quiet sort of man who remained fiercely Court Care Home since March 2015. She Road, Penenden Heath and 20 years in independent. He always thought of Derby leaves one daughter, two sons, four Vinters Park before moving to Norfolk in as his home, keeping an eye on the fortunes grandchildren and three great- 2012 to be near his daughter Gillian. of Derby County. He watched them win the grandchildren. After national service in the RAF, Ken FA Cup in 1946, though he also became a spent his career with the treasurer’s Spurs supporter whilst he was in London.” department of Kent County Council based Keith leaves two daughters, two Gordon Shaw in County Hall. He and wife Jean had son grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. HEADCORN’S Gordon Shaw (90) moved to Chris and daughter Gillian. the village as a young boy, having been born Gillian said: “My father was a keen within sight of the Cadbury’s chocolate sportsman, who spent years playing cricket Bryan Baughan for the Corinthians Cricket Club. He also factory in Birmingham. BRYAN Baughan (74) was a popular, He was captured and held prisoner by the played table tennis for the working men’s club in Brewer Street. He will be successful and generous chairman of Japanese during the war before returning governors of Suon Valence School for the locally to marry wife of over 60 years, remembered as a jovial man who liked a cigaree and a brandy and had a lot of last 13 years. Twink, in 1947. His involvement in the local Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: “Suon community included many years with St friends, with whom he really enjoyed spending time. He loved travelling and Valence School was Peter and St Paul’s Church. He was an fortunate to have an original member of Headcorn Players, holidays and had been abroad supporting the England cricket team in the West incredibly shrewd, played cricket for the village team and was a focused and founder member of Headcorn Bowls Club Indies.” Ken leaves his children, one surviving commied chairman on its opening in 1986. and the school is He served the bowls club in various sister and grandchildren Frances and Rebecca. where it is today positions, including those of steering because of him and commiee member, captain and chairman. his vision. Over his Gordon also spent 10 years – from 1962 to Dave Currer years much was 1972 – on Headcorn Parish Council. achieved with DAVE Currer (50), of Shortlands Green, Park facilities and educational provision. Wood was known locally as a motorcyclist “During Bryan’s tenure major building Wendy Taylor and a volunteer with rehabilitation groups. work took place including a new theatre, THE death has been announced of Wendy He was also involved in organising the swimming pool, athletics track, maths and Taylor of Austen House, Headcorn. annual Green Fair in Mote Park in support ICT classrooms, new dining hall and pre- Wendy spent most of her life in the village, of environmental causes. prep buildings. The school roll has increased aending the local school and playing Many of Dave’s friends in the local and the academic achievement of both hockey for nearby Suon Valence. She will motorcycling community have paid tribute schools has improved beyond recognition. be remembered locally from her years of to his genial nature and valued friendship. “His humour and manner belied extreme running Hawkes of Headcorn’s electrical He died in an accident on the A274 near business acumen and forensic eye for detail. shop, a business founded by her father on Biddenden. All at the school were impressed by his the site now occupied by Peppercorn. She intelligence, culture and undisputable love was still helping out the business until a for the prep and senior schools.” couple of years ago. Dr Keith Carter Bryan, who died in a London hospital The local parish magazine noted: “Wendy Dr KEITH Carter (89), who lived in Barming after a short illness, was a past president of was an extremely kind, generous and from 1962, was well known locally from the Rotary Club of Maidstone Riverside and selfless woman who was proud to call years of work in local hospitals. for many years helped raise substantial Headcorn her home.” Raised in Lileover, Derby, Keith went on sums for charity by staging annual summer to study medicine at Kings College, where pop concerts in the riverside field of his his wartime duties included firewatching home in East Farleigh. He also ran dragon Doris Abne from the roof. He also joined the college races from his pontoon for the Rotary DORIS Abne (88) lived in Allington, swimming team, following a passion he charity. Wateringbury and Barming. pursued into his 70s. For many years he served as treasurer of Born Doris Turner in Hackney, London, she After completing his degree, Keith gained St William’s Church, Walderslade and was moved to Kent with her parents, relocating registrar experience in a variety of posts, instrumental in joining it with the local to Royal British meeting wife of 62 years, June, who worked Methodist church. He helped raise funds to Legion Village where as a lab technician at Ashford Hospital in build a new church for the area. He also she married mechanic Middlesex. served on the deanery, diocesan and general Tom Abne, from Keith completed national service with the synods. Larkfield, in 1947. RAF in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and He was a successful London stockbroker The couple raised returned to Redhill, Surrey, where and was proud of 50 years in the City. He is children Graham, daughters Heather and Jill were born. survived by his wife Jo, children Kathryn Christine and Julie. After several different postings, he was and Michael and five grandchildren. Tom worked for Fine then appointed to a permanent post at Fair on Hall Road, Preston Hall Hospital, and the family moved Aylesford and Doris’s to Maidstone in 1962. The Stone Shop work included employment in the Carlton Keith was promoted to consultant and Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, Cafe – on the current site of a British Heart was involved in the design of the pathology lettered and installed anywhere. department at the new Maidstone Hospital. Foundation shop in the centre of Maidstone Inscriptions added to existing memorials – and at cake shop Icing on the Cake in When there was a gap in expertise, he stepped in and performed postmortem Renovations and memorial Allington. cleaning Daughter Julie said: “My mother loved examinations for the coroner’s court. animals, her home and making and eating Heather said: “My father’s hobbies The Stone Shop cakes, she was really loving and devoted to included building electronic equipment, Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. her children and grandchildren.” photography and car maintenance. He continued learning throughout his life – he 01622 726633

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

28 Maidstone South January 2016 Freephone 0800 6942024 HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East SAVESAAVVVEE £££s ONON SKIPSKIP HIRE ACROSS KENT CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER 4, 6, 8 & 12yd Skips Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate DomesticDomestic & CommercialCommercial Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 Reliable Service Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 PermitsPermits ArrangedArranged Upholstery CompetitiveCompetitive RatesRates 3 piece suite £84 £42 Fully recycledrecycled aatt our ownown ffacilitiesacilities Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 50% Curtains Discount Full length £74 £37 01622 804427 Half Length £42 £21 countrystylerecycling.co.ukcountrystylerecycling.co.uk No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT LTJ SURFACING Family run Business for over 27 years Brand New Straight Specialists in: • Tarmac • Block Paving • Concrete Stairlifts • Bonded Tar and Gravel • Resin Bounded • Brickwork Reconditioned • All other Groundwork undertaken private and commercial £1395 • Driveways • Patios • Footways • Alterations and Repairs Stairlifts • Carparks and Roads • Pressure Washing £895 We offer Machine and Hand Lay Tarmac Teams Both include next day installation For a Free Site Survey Tel No: 01622 756128 Mobile: 07905 182363 and Advice please call www.stairliftstoday.co.uk 07799 351299 or 01622 436933 [email protected] 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF Or visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey.

CollectionPrompt

Fast Delivery D.TD.T Plumbusters SKIPSKIP HIREHIRE PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS We are a well established family run company with over 25years experience Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 based in maidstone covering Kent, we Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins can help you with your bathroom or kitchen design and install, we specialise Covering Maidstone in central heating repairs and upgrades & The Weald including boiler replacements. 01622 EA Registered 843511 Fast & Prompt Service Please call for a FREE quote Commercial Tel: 01622 672743 Mobile 07703 442025 Sunny Bridge Farm, Watery Lane, & Domestic West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ Gas safe No 521635 www.plumbusters.co.uk

24 hour service locks opened new locks fitted security checks emergency work undertaken UPVC door & window repairs Your Maidstone Locksmith T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Maidstone & Kent www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Maidstone South January 2016 29 downsmail.co.uk News Cashpoint theft ploers jailed THREE members of an organised crime gang who plotted to steal a cash machine have been jailed for a total of more than 13 years. Stephen Davenport, of Fair- months for conspiracy to burgle bourne Lane, Harrietsham; An- and three months for two charges thony Pemberthy, of Green Lane, related to a separate aggravated ve- Langley and Michael Turner, of hicle-taking case. An eight-month Tilden Close, High Halden also suspended sentence for a previous conspired to steal safes from post offence was activated, giving a total offices in Biddenden and Sutton of four years and five months in Valence. prison. They were arrested on Monday, Turner (59) was sentenced to March 30 last year when officers three years imprisonment. from the Kent and Essex Serious Senior investigating officer In- Crime Directorate caught wind of spector Adam Ball said: “I’m very Anthony Pemberthy, Michael Turner and Stephen Davenport were jailed their plans and intervened before proud of the fact that as a result of the offences could be committed. stolen three vehicles for use in the searched following their arrests the hard work of these officers that All three subsequently admitted planned raid, which were being and a set of keys was seized from they were able to prevent three se- conspiracy to burgle and were sen- stored at a garage block near Pemberthy’s house. One of these rious offences from being commit- tenced at Maidstone Crown Court. Turner’s home address. was later found to have been ted. Faced with such compelling The court heard that police spent Davenport (54) and Pemberthy bought online and could be used to evidence compiled against them, several weeks building evidence (37) made two attempts to steal the start the digger that by this point the defendants had little option but against the gang as they planned to digger. The first attempt failed had been returned to the hire com- to plead guilty and will all now steal an ATM from a supermarket when they were unable to cut the pany. face a significant length of time be- in Peasmarsh, East Sussex, using a chains from the machinery, and the Davenport was sentenced to 45 hind bars. digger stored at a nearby building second was abandoned when one months for conspiracy to burgle “I hope the outcome of this case site. of their getaway vehicles got a and 27 months for production of sends a clear message to others that On several occasions between puncture. cannabis, giving a total of six years we simply will not tolerate such of- February and March 2015 the three Officers also observed the men imprisonment. He had pleaded fences on the streets of Kent, nor men were observed acting suspi- acting suspiciously outside the post guilty to producing cannabis after will we wait for them to be com- ciously in and around the Peas- offices in Biddenden and Sutton being linked to a drugs factory dis- mitted before we take action marsh area. Police discovered that Valence. covered at a farm in Ulcombe. against the criminals plotting to Davenport and Pemberthy had The homes of all three men were Pemberthy was sentenced to 42 carry them out.’’

rm reports Crime TURKEYS and peacocks were taken from a smallholding in Lughorse Lane, Hunton. The number plates of a car parked on the Neighbourhood Watch driveway of a property in Chart Hill, Chart Sutton were stolen. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A poster was taken from outside a property in Peens Lane, Boughton Monchelsea.Thisis a repeat crime. erty in Thatch Barn Road, Headcorn. was damaged with paint stripper. A window was broken at a property in A property in Bankfields, Headcorn was A gate was damaged in an attempt to take Cobfields, Chart Sutton. broken into and jewellery was stolen. property from a farm in Clapper Lane, Sta- A vehicle was damaged in Mercer Way, Items were stolen from a vehicle in Lodge plehurst. Chart Sutton. Gardens, Ulcombe. A home in Maidstone Road, Nettlestead Six water butts were stolen from a field in Cash was stolen from a jet wash at a petrol was broken into and cash was stolen. Forge Lane, East Farleigh. station in Cranbrook Road, Staplehurst. A vehicle was deliberately damaged in Cor- A trailer was stolen from a building site in Power tools were taken from a vehicle in ner Farm Road, Staplehurst. Ewell Lane, West Farleigh. Oak Lane, Headcorn. Copper cable was stolen from a power pole Items were stolen from an outbuilding in Diesel was siphoned from the tank of a in Kenward Road, Yalding. Lughorse Lane, Hunton. lorry parked in a yard in Maidstone Road, A bird bath was stolen from the front gar- A home in Forge Lane, East Farleigh was Staplehurst. den of a property in Maidstone Road, Staple- broken into and searched, but nothing was A silver and red Ifor Williams horse trailer hurst. taken. was stolen from a property in Boarden Lane, A motorbike was stolen from a driveway in A property in Amsbury Road, Coxheath Headcorn. Ulcombe Road, Langley. was broken into and items were stolen. A Honda Civic parked in Haffenden Close, A large trailer containing paving slabs was Items were stolen from a property in Stock- Marden had its rear bumper damaged. stolen from a driveway in South Lane, Sutton ett Lane, Coxheath. AhomeinCollier Street was broken into Valence. A Welsh cob pony wearing a rug covered and cash was stolen. A door was damaged at a property in Clap- with purple circles was stolen from a field in An 07-registered gold-coloured Renault per Lane, Staplehurst. Gallants Lane, East Farleigh. was stolen from Poyntell Road, Staplehurst. A property in Heathfield, Langley was bro- A Stihl chainsaw was stolen during a A picnic table was damaged at a school in ken into and items were stolen. break-in at a shed at a property in Stockett Vicarage Road, Yalding. The number plates were taken from a vehi- Lane, Coxheath. Logs and clothing were among items taken cle parked in Clapper Lane, Staplehurst. A vehicle was taken from Gallants Lane, from a barn in Chickenden Lane, East Farleigh. Staplehurst. A white Bailey caravan was taken from a A van parked in Howland Road, Marden field in Headcorn Road, Boughton Malherbe. was broken into and tools stolen. PROTECT The wall of a property was damaged in Equipment was stolen from a van parked in North Street, Headcorn. Barnes Walk, Marden. YOUR HOME A vehicle was damaged while it was There was an attempt to break into garages ALARMS FROM parked in Chestnut Close, Ulcombe. behind shops in The Parade, Staplehurst. £495+VAT Both number plates were stolen from a Cit- However, the intruders were disturbed when roen car parked in Moat Road, Headcorn. the alarm went off. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD A lock was damaged on a shed at a prop- A Citroen parked in Maynards, Marden 01622 880751

30 Maidstone South January 2016 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Contact our sales team…

Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Amy Bonney Lara Alexander Telesales Team Leader Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: amy.bonney E: lara.alexander downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234 ext. 223

Appliance Repairs Builders continued ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE To place your KINGSGATE CONSTRUCTION LTD with fully qualified engineer All makes of washing machines, advertisement in our Extensions & Conversions Specialist fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens. classified pages please No upfront costs - No deposit taken All work guaranteed call our dedicated • Conservatories • Kitchens • Bathrooms Free estimates and call out classified team on • Driveways • Landscaping 01622 673113 Anytime: 07831 557677 01622 630330 ALL BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN Fully Insured. References Available. Bathroom Installers Call Mark 07976 264231 The complete Bathroom 01622 736127 [email protected] Maintenance Company NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Building Plans Supply • Install • Repair Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED

BATHING A PROBLEM? Carpenters Specialists in walk in baths, showers and wet rooms. • Free Survey & Quote • Door Widening 50% OFF • Easy Access Showers/Baths • Stairlifts All wall panelling Wood Works with any walk-in • Care Home Adaptations • Full Installation bath/shower* FULL CARPENTRY SERVICE Family Run Business *Offer expires 31st January 2016 FROM DECKING TO DOORS, Discounts for OAPs, Co-op members, ex-service personnel, SSAFA & British Legion members KITCHENS & FLOORS. Please visit our showroom at Unit 11, Newnham Shopping ALL JOBS BIG & SMALL. Village, Bearsted, Maidstone Kent MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD IN AND AROUND THE HOME Showroom 01622 738204 Office 01622 611880 [email protected] www.ahminstallations.co.uk CALL Cliff on 07940 854927 or 01622 729092 All aspects of Chimney Maintenance Builders CARPENTRY Doors, Windows, Kitchens MD Building & Services supplied and fitted, Loft Specialists in PAUL BEST Conversions, Doors hung, • Extensions • Refurbishments Locks fitted, Skirting, H & G Chimney Services • Plastering (All aspects) Brickwork small alterations, Chimney sweeping service • Electrics • Modernisations Long established Extensions Plastering and Tiling • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations All work guaranteed. ICS registered • All types of flu • Driveways, Patios & Repointing General Builder • Fencing & Blockpaving FREE ESTIMATES All pots-cowls supplied & fitted 25 years Experience Complete re-builds FULLY INSURED Family business established 21 years 01622 743648 Re-pointing Tel: Mark 07841 409061 01622 891960 Guttering, roof & valley repairs e: [email protected] Mob: 07711 291921 01622 739439 07860 318166 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk 07748 630747 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone [email protected]

Maidstone South January 2016 31 Classified downsmail.co.uk Cleaning Services Drives Garden Services continued "WE CLEAN BUTLER Forestry First Ltd ARBOUR OVENS!" DRIVEWAYS TREE SURGERY Using van mounted cleaning tanks, Block Paving Tree Surgeons & Landscapers in Kent ‘Trust your local experts’ your oven hob and extractor is Patterned Concrete All arboricultural tree works All Aspects of Tree Work cleaned to showroom shine without Tarmac Driveways undertaken. Fully insured. Felling • Pruning smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of Shingle Drives Patios www.forestryfirst.co.uk delighted local customers. Hedge Cutting 01622 850491 Stump Grinding Oven cleaning from just £49 01622 616133 Mobile: 07885 253623 Fully Insured and Qualified Please call James on Free No Obligation Written Quotation 01622 616168 Warren House Headcorn Road 01622 759119 07771 970570 www.ovenwizards.com Sandway Maidstone FAIRVIEW FARM www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES for a helping hand with:- Electricians TREE SURGERY: CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, PRUNING, HEDGE & SHRUB - Electric Rewired J Norris Electrical Contractor TRIMMING, CLEARANCE The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED, All aspects of • Part P MOWING (lawns) We are Part P Certificated domestic electrical certification FULLY INSURED work undertaken (City & Guilds provided NPTC qualified) For all your Electrical needs by a trusted and For a friendly & From extra sockets to house rewiring qualified • All work NIC professional service & advice electrician with 20 approved and Please call:- 01622 743428 Replace old light fittings with new fittings years experience. certified Mob:- 07817 517 733 Call Alf for your free quote - Free no obligation quotes Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 - No job too large or small www.electricrewired.co.uk. Tel: 07966 511408 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Landscaping JBJBLandscapingLandscaping Drives, Paths, Patios, Fencing, Turfing, Shed Bases, Decking All aspects of treework & garden clearance Fully Insured For a free estimate or advice please call Jim Tel: 01622 828036 Fencing Mob: 07763 905464

Fence me in & alot more I.WALLOND FENCING All types of Fencing & Gates ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Installed & Repairs Est. 25 YEARS MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, FREE ESTIMATES Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. 01580 890649 07931 368710 Professional Tree Services Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Hedge Cutting etc. Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978 Tel: 01622 815347 Mobile 07590 408482 David Matthews Fencing [email protected] www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk • Free estimates & friendly advice • All types of fencing at ad ad ad ad ad competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected TANTONS • You talk directly to David at all EPIC stages for your fencing Tree Surgeons LANDSCAPES • Go on, give him a call on Maidstone Medway Surrounding Areas www.wrightsfencing.co.uk TREE FELLING CHIPPING No job too big or small Phone: 01622 755342 CONIFER TOPPING • Fencing • Treework Mobile: 07749 202140 CLIMBING/DISMANTLING No1 Locally Since 1996 SITE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS • Turfing • Decking HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS • Levelling Ground Garden Services POLLARDING FREE ADVICE • Jet Washing Service STUMP GRINDING SPECIALISTS • Water Features Clean & Tidy Friendly Service Guaranteed Public Liability Insured/ • Astroturf • Patios TONY YOULES GARDENING SERVICES • Clearance • Driveways Do you long for a beautiful and well maintained garden? Approved Contractor Don’t have the time or know-how? I DO! For a free site survey call: • Fully qualified, at C&G & NVQ levels I & II - FULLY INSURED 01622 630312 All grass, shrub & general maintenance - also planting and landscaping. www.tantonstreesurgeons.co.uk 01622 527106

Organics a Special Interest ad ad ad adand ad ad ad find us on www.yell.com ad ad ad ad ad ad ad Call Tony on Maidstone 01622 891328 ad ad ad ad ad 07788 532926

32 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified Garden Services continued Painting & Decorating

z Fencing z Treework MALCOLM ROBERTS Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. L.W.LANDSCAPING z Turfing z Decking A friendly, reliable service. z Levelling Ground Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. Fully Insured & Reliable CALL MALCOLM - FOR A FREE QUOTATION z Jet Washing Service ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 Tel: 01622 260149 z Astroturf z Patios z Clearance z Driveways Mob:07772 231419 LEE Hughes Groundworks Handyman • Quality Decorating at a PAINTING & DECORATING fair & competitive price SERVICES • Fully insured & references available Interior & Exterior Work • Dulux approved Undertaken HANDYMAN OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Tel/Fax: 01622 737225 No job too big or too small. City & Guild Qualified Painting & decorating, Mobile: 07816 149502 Tel: 01622 759040 all roofing works & repairs, www.sr-interiors.com chimney’s, guttering & gutter email: [email protected] cleaning, pressure cleaning, fencing & brickwork & driveways 07554 267087 0800 4748750 Rathbone Decorating Services Free from landlines Painting & Decorating No job too small Interior & Exterior with special rates Works Undertaken for pensioners Locksmith • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman 24 hour service locks opened new locks fitted security checks Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 emergency work undertaken UPVC door & window repairs T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 Maidstone & Kent 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk Plastering Logs R K Plastering D K PLASTERING @ Spindlebush Farm, All Aspects of Plastering All plastering work carried out MARSHALLS Yalding Hill, ME18 6AL Internal / External • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • Plastering Over Artex Seasoned logs suitable for Coving FREE Quotes Free Estimates Email: [email protected] open fires & wood stoves Clean & Reliable Call David 01622 727534 Bulk bags from £50 Call Rob on: 07984 609133 www.rkplastering.co.uk Mobile: 07974 891795 Loose loads: £100 delivered or £125 Plumbing & Heating 01622 812005 07970 647334 LOGS LOGS LOGS Chris Bourne Plumbing Services M B Plumbing and making water work Heating Heating Seasoned Logs Wall & Floor Boiler repairs and installs Plumbing Suitable for Wood Burners and Open Front Tiling Leaking taps Fires at Credit Crunch Prices. Complete 25yrs experience No Job too small, No call out fee, Bathrooms Full loads now only £100 Free estimates 01622 747272 / All types of plumbing work. Half loads now only £60 07885 950959 Please call Matthew on Bulk bag was £60 NOW £50 Larkrise, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea. 07929 544 856 Free Delivery • Free Stacking Mobile: 07854 615687 Office: 01622 813750 Gavin Francis Central Heating Installations ex British Gas Business • New Boilers Directory • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Burst pipes & leaks Advertise from as little as £3.00 • Bathroom & shower installations Your local plumber per month • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Call 01622 630330 or visit our website for more details • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH www.downsmail.co.uk NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]

Maidstone South January 2016 33 Classified downsmail.co.uk Plumbing & Heating continued Skip Hire

Prompt NO CALL OUT CHARGE D.T Collection Fast SKIP HIRE & FREE QUOTES Delivery SKIP HIRE Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 For all your plumbing needs Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone 01622 & The Weald General Repairs • New Taps EA Registered PLUMBING 843511 Fast & Prompt Service • Toilet & Cistern Repairs South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD & Domestic Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266

Roofing Services A.P.S Ltd ALL ROOF Roofing & Chimney Services • New roofs & repairs REPAIRS • Slating/Tiling/Lead work Tiled roofing, flat roofing, lead • Chimney rebuild/repairs flashing, PVC Fascia/Soffit • Pointing All chimney work • Guttering Services Moss removal, gutters cleared Free estimates & all works guaranteed No job too big or too small 0800 0232665/01622 729600 07554 267087 Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh [email protected] 0800 474 8750

COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE Flat Roof Firestone • Full Roof Installation EPDM Systems I Piece Rubber - • Tiling & Slate Roofing No joins, No Leaks Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Traditional Roofing & Leadwork • Chimney Repointing or Removal • All Roof Repairs • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Chimney Capping • Repointing & Rendering www.apolloroofing.co.uk • Upvc Soffits, Fascias & Guttering PINBINS All Work Guaranteed 07808 414965 Free Quotations Commercial and domestic or 01622 853601 Te l : 01233 330146 1-14 day hire Council approved for a free, no obligation quote Mob: 07702 863505 Same day delivery Tipped at our site Security Systems 2-4 yard mini skips 70% waste recycled 6-20 yard skips Crushed concrete Double Glazing Repairs Roll-on, roll-offs Top soil Grab hire also available & Locksmith Services • Locks repaired or replaced • Letterboxes Access NEW SITE • Hinges & window handles NOW OPEN Denied Detling • Broken glass & misted units Aerodrome • Lost key replaced & doors opened Maidstone • Patio doors, runners & rollers • Doors that are difficult to close and lock Freephone 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 0800 028 49 00 34 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk Classified

Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs TV Aerials, Satellites Health MIKE PRIOR & Beauty Leisure T.V.`s, recorders & surround sound Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair systems installed and set up. Foot Care Dance Kent Trailers T.V. wall mounting service. Indespension Agent All aerial work including digital CHIROPODIST Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Freeview upgrades. Mrs Linda Abnett HPC Registered. Lenham Van, General Purpose Freesat satellite dishes installed • HOME VISITS • Trailers in stock and upgraded. 01622 891333 Ballet School New & Used Estimates given, Mobile 07787 838645 R.A.D. Ballet Detling Maidstone trusted trader. I.S.T.D. Tap & Modern 01622 730063 07860 318166 3 years to senior level [email protected] 01622 844393 Adult Tap & Street Dance Foot Health Professional Katherine Morton MCFHP MAFHP Spring Term just starting Waste Collection Registered member of The British Association of Foot Health Professionals 01622 850329 Visiting Practice more than a ballet school Nail cutting and filing, corn D. BODY LTD Waste Collection and callus removal, fungal www.lenhamballetschool.co.uk nail infections, verrucas and ingrowing toe nails Mobile: 07960 072999 Follow Home: 01732 875447 us on [email protected]

Cesspool Emptying Treatment Plants Septic Tanks Gulleys & Forecourts Public Notice Drain Clearing High Pressure Jetting Licensing Act 2003 Sludge Removal Notice of application for a Premises Licence Domestic & Commercial An application has been made by: Shamsher S Bains for the premises at: Fareways, ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS 103 Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, ME17 4EH on the date of 6th January 2016. 01622 631688 24Hr - 7 Days A Week Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening are: Monday to Sunday 06:00 to 23:00 for the sale by retail of alcohol. D.BODY www.dbody.co.uk Prompt & Friendly Service Any person wishing to view details of the application may contact the Licencing The Paddock, Detling Hill, Maidstone, Kent Partnership on 01732 227004. Any person wishing to make a representation about the application should make them in writing on or before 5 February 2016 to: Licensing Partnership, PO BOX Window Services 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP. [email protected] http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary Miranda conviction for the offence is £5000 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

Business Directory Connect with local people Advertise from as little as £3.00 per month www.downsmail.co.uk Headline, image, full description and contact details plus a hyperlink to your website.

Maidstone South January 2016 35 On the Road

Farleigh Forge Garage Granville Garage SILVERBACK RECOVERY MoTs Granville Road, Maidstone Servicing and general Car recovery and transportation repairs to all makes MOT Testing Light commercial Tyres and tracking Free local collection and General Vehicle Cars for scrap removed delivery by arrangement Repairs Competitive rates Air Conditioning Established since 1985 01622 761571 CALL ROGER ON: Tel: 01622 726473 www.granvillegarage.com Lower Road, East Farleigh 01622 813733 07740 123495

At GMS we only use genuine parts Specialising in VW Audi SKODA SEAT Mechanical Repairs & Maitenance • Servicing • Tuning • Air Con • Pre-MOT • Accessories fitting DIY Car Parts • Vehicle modifications • Electric diagnostic and Accessories Main dealer trained • Independently priced Maidstone’s Best Kept Secret 01622 891777 Now come and find us Unit 2 Gibralter Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2NG PS Autoparts, Headcorn, TN27 9SH 01622 686824 www.gmskent.co.uk www.psautoparts.co.uk

AUTOSPRAY SOLUTIONS MOBILE BODY REPAIRS For the ultimate paint finish! • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED MOBILE BODY REPAIRS FREE SCUFFS, SCRATCHES, DENTS etc ESTIMATES SAVINGS UP TO 50% COMPARED TO BODYSHOPS Fully guaranteed to main dealer standard Fully insured 15 years experience Before Before Insurance work welcome Call now for your free quotation on 01622 727263 / 07773 340049 or email After After [email protected]

Proud • 6 day operation Follow us on sponsors of • Around 1/4 of body shop price Bearsted • Reliable, professional and flexible Cricket Club Winner of Call: 07771 621 769 tradesperson of [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk the year 2013

36 Maidstone South January 2016 On the Road

All MOT’s ACE £40.00 M.O.T. and TilyardAuto’s Clutch Centre MoT Testing Vehicle Maintenance, Free re-test and minor adjustments Service & M.O.T. Service and repairs carried out to all makes and models Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 Local recovery service now available Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY • Broken belt damaged repaired SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS • All makes, petrol & diesel Tel: 01622 663662 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Tel: 01732 870368 Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd.

Independent BMW & Mercedes Specialists Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment Free Courtesy Car by Appointment Air Conditioning Specialists Why pay main dealer prices? Convertible Hood Specialists Affordable, advanced technology servicing Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited training with local main dealers 01622 752364 We service all makes & models www.handcmotors.co.uk 19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT Approved by Trading Standards

Maidstone South January 2016 37 downsmail.co.uk

£64,050, resulting in an increase of £2.20

aihCouncils Parish Chart Suon Headcorn per band D property per annum. Crime report PCSO Ed Money reported Carousel The parish council was to replace Fly a flag A potential site had been there had been two crimes in the last the carousel in the village hall children’s identified for the flagpole and the clerk had month – criminal damage in Cobfields and play area. received a quote for its installation. The in Mercer Way. The theft of a wheelie bin Beacon Field Quotes had been accepted for open spaces commiee would discuss this. was also reported. Chairman Cllr Peter the installation of pathways through the Neighbourhood plan The plan had been Forknall was having problems with people nature area in the Beacon Field, to make submied as agreed but the next steps had with dogs walking across his fields at night access easier for pedestrians, including been delayed by Maidstone Council. It was and leaving gates open, allowing cows to those pushing prams and buggies. agreed to send a formal leer to its chief escape. Cllr Underdown asked about the Planting Quotes were accepted for the executive, Alison Broom. damaged phone box/broken glass on the planting and maintenance of next year’s Clerk It was agreed to appoint the clerk as village green and PCSO Money said he ground planters and hanging baskets as responsible finance officer. would report this to BT. The stolen Land well as grass-cuing of the village green Budget Ideas for inclusion in the 2016/17 Rover that was abandoned in Green Lane and the village hall playing field. budget included flood defences, the had been sent for forensic analysis. PCSO lighting replacement programme and Money urged owners of old Land Rover contingency fund for legal advice. Defenders to be extra careful as these were East Farleigh Vehicle restriction signs The council a target for thieves. There was a dead horse agreed to support Boughton Malherbe in found in Green Lane a couple of weeks Budget There was some discussion about the project and would fund four signs for ago. Cllr Waring reported that a car had funding for speed reduction measures, Headcorn to be placed at Kings Road crashed into a fence at Chart Place, Church whether buildouts or cameras. It was (A274 junction); Forge Lane junction with Road and had been recovered by the agreed that £6,000, needed as a loan for this Lenham Road; Oak Lane junction with police. purpose, would be added to the budget as Wheeler Street and Forge Lane junction Chart Hill Road KCC Cllr Eric Hotson had highway improvements. with High Street. agreed to partially fund (£2,000) the traffic Crime report There had been a non- Defibrillators The parish council agreed in regulation orders for the new 30mph zone dwelling burglary in Forge Lane, criminal principle with the idea of a defibrillator for along Chart Hill Road and the yellow lines damage (scratched car) in Kele Lane, an Headcorn and three councillors would at the junction of Chart Hill Road, Chart aempted burglary (non-dwelling) in meet with a parishioner to take it forward. Corner and Warmlake Road. The total cost Kele Lane, theft of a motor vehicle (later of the orders was £2,720 and members recovered) in Gallants Lane and a burglary agreed to fund the £720 balance. other than dwelling in Stocke Lane. Hunton Village car park The council had received Parish caretaker Suon Valence and Pavilion Work on the new cricket pavilion Boughton Monchelsea parish councils no response or payment from TripleM to its second invoice, so agreed to pursue the had continued and all that remained was would be contacted to see if they had any some final internal fiing and decoration interest in undertaking the parish caretaker maer as a small claim. Maintenance The council agreed to offer and the provision of decking at the front. A scheme as a joint venture. formal grand opening would take place at Plough Wents Road HVMS Power the contract to Pearsons Landscapes again as it fulfilled the necessary criteria and was the start of the 2016 season. Engineering (on behalf of EDF Energy) Plants The parish council had purchased intended to install a small substation in the most competitive. Maidstone Signs had surveyed the five village signs and 100 saplings to fill the gaps in the hedge on Cllr Forknall’s field, along Plough Wents the road side of the playing field and these Road, as well as a concrete plinth and reported back. The one at The Bridge had been declared unsafe, as the post was would be planted by the community cable, meaning that the road would be orchard working group in January. closed from New House Farm to St Ives for roing from the base and so Maidstone Signs had removed it. It was agreed to get Repairs A number of minor repairs had 15 days from February 22. The clerk was been carried out to the play equipment on asked to write to Kent Highway Services to a quote for cleaning and replacing the damaged sign and for cleaning another. the King George V field and work was see why this had been scheduled after the ongoing to ensure the safety of users. road had been resurfaced, bearing in mind Play areas The annual inspection report on the two play areas had shown some non- Moles were again becoming a problem on it was originally mooted by EDF in 2008. the field and there was also an increase in Textile bank The collection company was critical faults. The company would be asked to quote for fixing these. rabbits in the area. The playing field reducing the price of textiles from the bank commiee would address these issues. The at the village hall from £300 to £200 a tonne. Speed Watch During the course of the last rota, 291 vehicles had been added, 22 broken gateway between the field and the Parish computer The parish computer had car park was to be repaired. recently developed a problem accessing the leers had been sent for second detection and one for a third offence. Eighty-one Speed Watch Three leers had been sent to internet and Tim Waring had kindly given drivers who had been recorded at speeds up a couple of hours of his time to fix it. people had been noted driving at speeds 50% or more above the limit. of more than 45mph outside the school. Members agreed they should compensate Flooding A second newsleer dealing with him for his time. East Farleigh booklet The production of a small book on East Farleigh was flooding was scheduled from the Lilypie Cafe Members noted that the clerk Environment Agency. The parish council had been chasing payment for an progressing well. More information and particularly photographs were still needed would study this carefully and continue to outstanding invoice from August 2015 for lobby the agency to ensure any work £20 in respect of delivering pamphlets with on the following: (Beatrice) Margaret Maconochie nee Ellis; the war years; proposed for alleviating flooding issues in the village newsleer, to no avail. Lilypie Yalding also benefited Hunton. Cafe was now under new ownership. The Donald Maxwell and shops and council agreed to write off the debt of £20. businesses. Call David Hussein on 07768 Budget It was agreed to set the precept at 455079 or email him at Loose £20,500 for 2016/17, resulting in no rise. [email protected]. Neighbourhood plan A strapline had been agreed – “Loose…a Place Apart”. Coxheath East Suon North Loose It was noted that the Spar shop Police report There were no crimes but had planning permission for a being shop, Neighbourhood plan A revised version of a Domino’s pizza franchise and another the neighbourhood plan was agreed. The three incidents were reported including a loose dog in Church Lane takeaway. The Loose neighbourhood plan document would be passed to Maidstone steering group supported the North Loose Council for a regulation 16 consultation Signs The clerk was to ask KCC Cllr Jenny While if signs marking the roads as neighbourhood plan. before independent examination and then Local plan consultation A member of the public referendum. unsuitable for HGVs at both ends of Friday Street could go in next year’s budget. public spoke regarding the inclusion of a Heathfield Regular meetings would be proposed development of 75 houses on land held with Countryside Properties to ensure Quiz The Bale of Britain quiz night at the village hall raised £800. south of Leonard Gould Way and to the rear that issues arising from the development of of houses on Pickering Street. It was located the Heathfield site at the eastern approach Wasps A parishioner was thanked for removing a wasps’ nest from the village in the local landscape value area, so the to Coxheath were actioned. scheme contravened policy guidelines. The Budget The annual precept would be hall.

38 Maidstone South January 2016 downsmail.co.uk parish council rejected the draft plan and a to send Ms Grant a copy of the parish was proposed to contact the manufacturer. aihCouncils Parish response would be submied to the council’s response and to ask that she Village hall fund The clerk had heard borough council. contacts the parish council when writing from NatWest that the bank account could Speed Watch Cllr Peter Rigby had aended on any issues relevant to Marden. be closed due to inactivity. The trustees, a meeting regarding Speed Watch and who are all councillors, would look for a found it beneficial in potentially tackling the beer return and would be interested to speeding traffic problem in Loose. The Nelestead hear ideas for using the money in the worst areas were along the viaduct and by Resigned It was noted that Cllr Rodd account (about £14,000). There had been Loose Primary School. Information on Nelson-Gracie had formally resigned. initial discussions with the sports club seing up Speed Watch would be obtained. Neighbourhood Watch A dead horse had about the possibility of an extension of the HGVs A complaint had been received been left in Gibbs Hill. club’s new facilities on Charlton Lane. regarding the number of HGVs using the Police report A vehicle had been stolen Extra space would give provision for an Beggars Roost site. The road had been left from Bishops Close and a trailer had been element of community use, perhaps by the very muddy and damage to the sides was taken from Gibbs Hill. There had been a parish council. The funds would not evident. This had been reported to the burglary at a dwelling in Maidstone Road. stretch far into financing such a project. borough planning department. Community Village hall The village hall commiee Bridges Traffic problems seemed to be warden Liz Lova had visited the site and was applying for a grant for repairs. Part of worse than ever. Vehicle owners were spoken to the developer. A sweeper lorry the application was to ask the parish reportedly confronting each other. had been ordered urgently. The PCSO council for its support. This would be Road salt This had been delivered, would investigate parking that was discussed under the budget for 2016/17. although a bus route, Charlton Lane, was blocking the access and creating a risk. Highways A lier pick was needed in not on the KCC’s griing schedule. The Station Road. The clerk was to ask the clerk would take this up. owner of the Old School House regarding Home plan There was consternation about Marden when the hedge would be cut. the approval by Maidstone Council of a Police report There had been one crime home in the orchard to the south of Ewell since the last meeting – the theft of heating Lane. It was thought some planning oil. Police had received reports of young Staplehurst loophole might have been exploited. Memorial tree The tree on the green was to people with catapults and the youths and Neighbourhood plan Maidstone Council parents had been spoken to. There had also be replaced with an acer, while an oak had advised that the requested examiner would be planted to replace the present, been reports of quad bikes on the field. would be available at the end of January to PCSO Nicola Morris had been liaising with increasingly decrepit tree. undertake the examination of the Defibrillator The council agreed to provide British Transport Police as youths had been regulation 16 neighbourhood plan and seen running along the station platforms a sign of instructions for the defibrillator related consultation documents. outside the Good Intent. The sessions on its and banging on windows of moving trains. Councillors agreed that this would be an They had also been on tracks and the use were praised by aendees. acceptable timescale but they would not Coffee morning The sponsored event at shelter had been damaged. PCSO Morris wish to see delay beyond this time. was viewing CCTV footage to find them. the Good Intent had gone well with a high Traffic flow Councillors agreed to ask Kent aendance. Homemade cakes had been Memorial Hall The tiling had been Highway Services to undertake a survey of completed on the roof and the finishing enjoyed and the funds raised would be traffic at Hawkenbury Bridge. Cllr Peter ploughed back into other events. touches were being made to the guering. Spearink said there had been recent The flat roof over the kitchen remained to accidents and that traffic would increase be done and a snagging meeting would be with new housing developments. Yalding arranged once all work had been Carnival and fete The commiee was completed. thanked for the jazz concert. Village green Aspen had been asked to Napoleon Drive The legal documents for Public forum A resident spoke about the carry out the work on the plane and beech the transfer had been incorporated into the importance of opposing the proposed tree. Work to other trees had been divided draft document and recirculated. closure of the Dorothy Lucy Care Home. between Community Payback and CCTV On confirmation that the order had contractors. been cancelled, a new order would be High Street Regarding the replanting of submied with a different company. Suon Valence the tree, a malus toringo Scarle had been Footpath diversion Cllr Richard Adam selected. It would only grow to about 12ft summarised that KM275 was the path that Co-option Edward Robinson was co-opted so should not impact on the coages. connects Howland Road to Park Road. and welcomed as a parish councillor. Syngenta The chairman had wrien to St Following reponses from Marden Parish Car park A decision was to be postponed Modwen to complain about the untidy Council, Marden footpath and walking and a meeting called with the parishioners. state of the former Syngenta site, the groups and Maidstone Ramblers saying Two leers had been received from fencing and the playing field. It had the footpath should remain, KCC was now parents, one suggesting the car park be concurred and the parish council was looking to divert it a lile further south. extended to facilitate parents’ parking. The awaiting proposed improvements. Councillors agreed this was acceptable. footway was now completed. The barrier Clock An application had been lodged Paenden Lane flooding This subject had had been hit again and was still unusable. with Maidstone Council for work on the been brought up at the surface water Pavilion A complaint had been received trees obscuring the Yalding church clock. management plan group. The gulley was about the condition the pavilion had been Training A training policy is required by said to be cleared regularly but a pipe on left in following Sunday’s matches. The all parish councils seeking accreditation to Network Rail land got blocked and water clerk was to tell the two teams involved quality status. A policy was approved by backed up. Responsibility was with KCC that if the situation did not improve the councillors for adoption. and Network Rail, not Southern Water. renewal of their contract next season Neighbourhood plan It was agreed to Clapper Farm There had been a couple of would be reviewed. prepare a plan and to appoint Richard issues with horse riders but these had been Tennis A quote had been obtained from a Eastham of Feria-Urbanism after an initial reported to police and Kent Highway fencing company to repair the tennis-court meeting to discuss its recommendations. Services and had been dealt with. fencing for £490. The repair would be This would involve everyone in the parish Finger posts A neighbour of Cllr Turner organised and the tennis commiee would who wished to contribute. The cost of the was interested in the refurbishment work. be informed that the cost would come from first stage of the plan would be about Public transport After a request for more the money ring-fenced for tennis. £12,500, which would be spread over two carriages on the 16.21 train from financial years. Tonbridge, Richard Dean of SouthEastern Dates for 2016 Annual parish meeting, Railway had confirmed that seven coaches West Farleigh May 17; parish picnic, September 11; parish would form this service. Potholes had been Playground The council spent £1,200 on clean-up, October 16; Christmas lights up, repaired at Station Approach. the play area flooring after an inspection November 20. Solar farm Some parisioners had received recommended it. The tiles were replaced Footpath The path behind Yalding Village a leer from MP Helen Grant about with soft bark. It was widely felt that the Hall was very overgrown and the clerk Widehurst Solar Farm. The clerk was asked roundabout was not fit for purpose and it would report this to Golding Homes.

Maidstone South January 2016 39 Champagne Cocktail & 2 Course Lunch just £19

The Who’d a Thought It is a lovingly restored sixteenth-century Champagne Bar with rooms set in the delightful Kentish countryside and is the perfect setting for any meal. Come and enjoy a sumptuous 2-course lunch with Champagne Cocktail for just £19, choose from classic peach or strawberry Bellini or Kir Royale. Served Monday to Friday throughout January.

Headcorn Road, Grafty Green, Nr Lenham, Kent ME17 2AR www.whodathoughtit.com

Who’d A Thought It. To book your table, please call Champagne & Oyster Bar & Rooms 01622 858951

Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Stephen Eighteen, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Newbury News.