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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling October 2016 No. 234
News Town’s footpaths are Homes repairs anger TENANTS in a housing block are angry about the lack of mainte- nance carried out by land- ‘like a wall of death’ lords Golding Homes. 3 Invicta pupil on mend THE “poor condition” of pavements in Maidstone is condemning the dis- AN Invicta Grammar pupil who abled to a life behind closed doors, says a wheelchair user from the town. collapsed in a 10K race is now recovering. 3 Alan Prince (79) and his wife Josie for fear of what might happen.” say the perilous surfaces around Alan, wheelchair-bound since their home in Farleigh Lane are an 2010 following a brain bleed, now Rio-style carnival obstacle course of hazards. spends hours sitting at the end of A RIO-style carnival was staged They say they have to negotiate their drive to snatch a conversation to celebrate the success- uneven paving, grit, cambers, street with passers by. They claim Maid- ful Paralympics. 5 signs, limited dropped kerbs, drain stone’s poor pavements have worn covers and “pavement parkers”. out three wheelchairs in five years. They call the path outside their Josie added: “If the wheelchair Music fest ‘too loud’ home “The Rockies” and the other goes down a hole it will only go so THE Ramblin’ Man noise levels side of the road “The Wall of Death”. far before it tips and I can’t call on a breached licence guidlines The couple, who don’t have a car, huge amount of strength, particu- five times, we have learnt. 8 moved to Maidstone from London larly as I get older.” seven years ago to make life easier, Josie simply asks: “Please can the trading, as they put it, “the streets of council do more for the disabled and MP’s lorry battle London for pavements full of pot- let us get out. In winter you don’t ex- MP Helen Whately has called for- holes”. pect to get out so much, but on these mgovernment action on Josie (77), who has painful summer days, Alan sits on the drive illegal lorry parking. 16 spondylitis of the spine, is finding it for hours and that’s not healthy.” hard to push her husband even a Maidstone, its county town?” A Kent County Council short distance. They say a trip to get a rare treat of spokesman said the town centre New school head As a result they avoid Maidstone jellied eels from a stall a few hun- streets are inspected each month RICHARD Owen is the ne head of and travel to Tonbridge instead. dred yards away is like “dicing with with defects noted and pavement Maplesden Noakes Josie said: “The pavements there death”. Josie said: “The Tonbridge condition is a “high priority”. School in Maidstone. …are like walking on air by com- Road by Lloyds chemist gets so nar- Anyone with problems can con- 32 parison. Why is the county council row that I have to walk with Alan in tact KCC on its website at not doing more for the disabled in the road. I just don’t look behind me kent.gov.uk. Stones’s cancer cash MAIDSTONE United fans have raised money for the Council reveals £4.2m budget shortfall Bobby Moore charity. 46 CUTS of £4.2million are feared and “tough choices” are in- said: “The council’s income is Will the Mela move? in Maidstone residents’ services evitable. being cut by an increasing ORGANISERS of the Street Mela as the borough council looks to Local MP Helen Whately said amount over the next four hopeto return to Mote plug a massive hole in its budget. she is concerned by MBC’s an- years…the shortfall will mean Park next year. 47 Maidstone Borough Council nouncement, adding: “I’d hope services need to be cut or pro- (MBC) claims rate-payers will be the council can resolve its finan- vided in different ways.” Obituaries 34 fully involved in finding ways to cial troubles without cuts to MBC blames cuts in funding plug the shortfall in the light of frontline services. Are there effi- since 2010 and an austerity pro- changes to government funding, ciencies behind the scenes?” gramme which will acceler- Comment 36-37 but MBC has admitted that cuts A statement from the council ate in the next five years. 4 Crime Reports 47 Victory for Ukip A GPS system was stolen from a vehicle in Park Wood; tyres were UKIP’S John Barned (73) has won lets down on a Ford Focus in the Maidstone council Shepway Courtenay Road; an orange bi- south by-election, beating the Con- cyle was taken from an address servatives by more than 22%. in Surrey Road; bank card, ID YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT The seat was left free by the death and money were stolen from a [email protected] of Ukip Cllr Dave Sergeant in 01622 690290 store in Fremlin Walk. 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent May. 6
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2 Maidstone Town October 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Runner Sam Residents’ fury as flats recovering AN INVICTA Grammar School pupil whose body shut repairs are left undone down 200 yards from the finish line in a 10k race is out of in- TENANTS at Broadway Heights tensive care and back home. in Maidstone are concerned about Sam Bartholomew (18) was maintenance of the flats by land- rushed to lords Golding Homes, says hospital Labour councillor Paul Harper. after falling Cllr Harper says they have raised ill during issues about the basement, the run in drainage on the patio and electric- Gravesend ity meter cupboards at the block of on August 5. flats behind McDonalds on the His par- Tonbridge Road, but are not satis- ents were fied with the action taken. watching Cllr Harper, who represents Fant the race and Ward, said: “The meter cupboards saw Sam gave a thumbs up as are in the main entrance corridor he entered the final stretch of and have big doors with a sign on, the race, but then collapsed . which says they must be kept They realised the serious- locked, but the doors will not close ness of Sam’s condition as he and were open to anyone to inter- was rushed to Darent Valley fere with.” Cllr Paul Harper shows off the meter cupboard, which should be secured Hospital, Dartford, where his There are 58 flats in the block wildly beating heart and er- next to Maidstone West rail station. services at Golding Homes, added: dinating a programme of improve- ratic body temperature forced A spokesman for Golding Homes “We have experienced a number of ment work over the coming weeks. doctors to put him into a coma. said they appreciated work had repair problems at Broadway This includes communal patio Dad Terry, of West Malling, been delayed because of sub-con- Heights. drainage, upgrading the lighting to said: “We are pleased to say tracting issues. “Due to the complexity of some the communal areas with new LED Sam is out of intensive care It now plans to cover the cup- of these issues, progress has been fittings, as well as repairs to en- and progressing well at home.” boards in the main entrance with slower than we would have trance doors, glazing panels and Invicta sixth-former Sam mesh so that the meters are pro- wanted, and I recognise this has works to service areas in the base- suffered multiple organ failure tected but can still be read. been frustrating for our residents. ment, which we are trying to com- possibly due to dehydration. Chris Francis, head of property “To put this right, we are co-or- plete as quickly as possible.” Family Run 15% NEW DISCOUNT Business ON COLLECTED CASH ORDERS OVER £15
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Maidstone Borough Council some of the tough choices that will The statement added: “Council- (MBC) claims rate-payers will be have to be made.” lors and senior staff have been ‘Some services will fully involved in finding ways to MBC blames cuts in funding looking at ways to try to close the find the shortfall in the light of since 2010 and an austerity pro- remaining £1.3million gap. As part be reduced’ - leader changes to government funding. gramme which will accelerate in of this, each service was categorised CLLR Fran Wilson, leader of the But MBC has admitted cuts and the next five as essential, important, useful or council (pictured), said: “Since tough choices are inevitable. years. not essential. The standard of the 2010, we have been forced to Local MP Helen Whately (right) The state- service, both current and desired, make significant changes due to said she was concerned by the an- ment adds: was then classed as gold, silver or cuts in government funding. nouncement, adding: “Making cuts “The revenue bronze.” “We’ve shared would be of great concern. support Kent county councillor Gary services with other “I’d hope the council can resolve grant that the Cooke said: “I sympathise greatly councils to provide its financial troubles without cuts council re- with the situation the council is in value for money to frontline services. Are there effi- ceives from and as a member of the county and achieved sav- ciencies behind the scenes?” the govern- council I am well aware of the chal- ings with efficien- A statement from the council ment has al- lenges they face, but I am a little cies and changing said: “The council’s income is being ready fallen surprised that MBC finds itself the way we work cut by an increasing amount over and will be axed altogether from short. rather than service cuts. We have the next four years, leading to the next year.” “You’d have to look at all those worked hard to protect front-line shortfall in the council’s ‘revenue The authority claims it can grow discretionary ‘nice to do’ services services as much as possible. budget’ which pays for services to revenues by creating extra house- and at the back office and support “This has become harder each year and it is now inevitable that residents. holds though its housebuilding roles. I am happy to work more some services will have to be re- “The shortfall will mean services programme but “scope for growth closely with the borough council duced over the next four years. It’s need to be cut or provided in dif- in the short term is limited”. with them in terms of those areas, essential that residents play an ac- ferent ways and standards. The council is unable to raise in order to minimise any impact on tive role in this process. We hope “Senior councillors and officers council tax above a certain govern- frontline service users.” ment-set threshold without a refer- that as many people as possible have already looked at what A series of roadshows led by will come along to the roadshows changes are possible. A series of endum. councillors will be held at venues MBC says potential budget cuts or take part in the online survey to roadshows are now being planned around the borough, starting this share their views.” so that residents can be involved in of £2.9million have been identified. month. Quick fix repairs no good, say residents RESIDENTS forced to wait more than 60 years for their road to be resurfaced claim the county council has met their protests with little more than a “quick fix”. Homeowners in Valentine Road and Hubble Drive complained bit- terly when temporary patching re- New location pairs left them walking in stone chippings, while weeds were left a hit for Social growing through the cracks. THE Social, a boutique festival ded- Residents agree county council icated to the best in electronic contractors did apply weed killer dance music, turned the Kent and sweep the road in response to Showground, Detling, into a nos- their concerns, but say both were in- talgic re-creation of the first gener- effectual and revealed the fragility of the temporary repairs – sparing ation of massive rave parties. Held on September 9-10, it head- their biggest criticism for the county Residents of Valentine Road insist that planned repairs are inadequate council’s pledge to resurface the cul lined Carl Cox, Goldie and Roni de sac after April 2017 with a new of the same” and probably not long- not be able to park elsewhere while Size. “speedier” surface. lasting. the work is carried out, because they The event catered to a young au- In a letter from residents, they “Given that very little, if any, will not be able to walk out to their dience, but also those old enough to say: “The consensus among resi- maintenance has been done on this vehicles easily. If the repairs were to recall the days when massive dance dents is that your proposal to use road since it was first laid in 1957, be done in the traditional way events in warehouses and fields micro asphalt to resurface this road surely the residents who have paid (using fine asphalt, wet rolled), half were at the cutting edge of popular in the next financial year commenc- their taxes all this time deserve the road could be done at a time, culture. ing April 2017 is the ‘least appropri- something better than a quick fix?” leaving access for residents during The September get-together at ate’ option.” They also complain that while the the process.” Detling replaces the staging of the They say the process requires traf- county council says micro asphalt They say a site meeting between same event last year in Mote Park – fic to “roll in” the finished surface, has been used elsewhere, they have residents, a KCC representative – a venue which attracted noise com- whereas they live in a no-through not been told where, which means with technical expertise and some plaints and allegations of drug use. road, adding: “You cite the premise they cannot view it or get any feed- authority to deliver agreed actions Fan Emily Bennett, pictured that this quicker process will mean back. – and an elected representative for above with sister Megan, said: “It less disruption to road users, resi- They say a more appropriate the ward should be held to resolve was really great. There were lots of dents, local businesses and the process for a residential road would the matter satisfactorily. different arenas to cater for differ- emergency services. In effect, the be wet-rolled fine asphalt, adding: KCC was approached for a com- ent music tastes. process means that it will be “more “Elderly and disabled residents will ment but did not respond. “For me Majistrate and High Contrast were the highlights.”
4 Maidstone Town October 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Love’s in the air Ugg Boots looking at music school tired? ROMANCE was in the air at this year’s Kent Music Summer School, with students providing a musical backdrop to a surprise marriage Give your Ugg Boots a proposal and a golden wedding anniversary celebration. Former student Matthew Rogers new lease of life proposed to his girlfriend Teresa We can clean, Salamonczyk in the grounds of Be- nenden School before the wind re-waterproof and freshen band concert. your boots ready for Autumn Oboe player Matthew, from West Malling, attended the summer school from 2003 to 2007 and be- Give us a call on came friends with flautist Teresa, from Maidstone, on the course in 01622 870111 2005, when they played in the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra. Now 27, Matthew Rogers and his fiancee to arrange they live in London and plan to marry in April next year. Teresa Salamonczyk FREE Matthew contacted the summer sembles but I don’t think anything school manager Phill Hyde to ask if will quite top playing in KYWO.” collection they could make a nostalgic return A week after the proposal, the to Benenden, where he popped the summer school’s tutor Alan Vincent question in the grounds before the had a second romantic surprise at a concert. Teresa, a teacher, accepted sell-out concert. He announced to and Phill announced their engage- the audience that he was celebrating ment to a packed concert hall where his 50th wedding anniversary that they were serenaded by the choir. week and the choir performed the Phill said: “Lifelong friendships 1966 hit, God Only Knows by the www.iron-maids.co.uk develop between those with similar Beach Boys. The piece received huge musical interests. We are delighted applause as flowers were presented for Matthew and Teresa and wish to Alan’s wife, Carole. them all the best in the future.” Kent Music Summer School is “When our new fence looks this good, Matthew said: “I have continued planning celebrations of its own to play music in a number of en- next summer at its 70th anniversary. is maintenance free and guaranteed for 25 years, it’s a no-brainer”
Maidstone gets into carnival mood Rio-style to celebrate Paralympics HUNDREDS of people from Maidstone got into the carnival spirit – Rio style – to celebrate the Paralympics and sport for the disabled. Drummers from community band the Old School Samba added to the carnival atmosphere Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose at the Market Hall with their infectious samba reggae music, while Maid- Colourfence, and were delighted with our stone Rebel Wheelchair Basketball Team showed off their skills. range of colours. They love that our fences are Representatives from Maidstone Swimming Club for the Disabled, Cross- tested to withstand merciless weather – even roads, the Centre for Independent Living Kent, Maidstone United Football wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it 25yr Club and British Guide Dogs were among those offering advice about what is maintenance free, and they love the peace of GUARANTEE they offer. mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For The Access for All event was organised by Golding Vision, which is the a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, community arm of Kent housing provider Golding Homes. make yours a Colourfence garden. It aims to support the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities, their carers, family and friends. Stallholder Jen Lane, Volunteer Services Co-ordinator for Crossroads, said: For a free no-obligation quote, please contact us now. “This was a lovely opportunity to inform people about our services and a lot 01622 233322 of people were interested in our volunteer roles.” www.colourfencemidkent.co.uk Pictured here are Maidstone’s mayor Cllr Derek Butler with Golding Homes’ Chief Executive Peter Stringer and the Old School Samba. *Terms & Conditions apply please ask for details
Maidstone Town October 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Ukip’s massive win for seat
,UKIP retained the Shepway south housing and the environment. lief road, which he believes is crucial seat on Maidstone Borough Coun- “But I was very, very pleased to to easing traffic issues at Willington How you voted cil, hours after a leading independ- have done as well we did and it is Street, Senacre and Shepway. Shepway South (Maidstone) ent crossed the floor to the largely down to the hard work of Fellow Ukip councillor Eddie result: Eurosceptic party. the 20 or so people who worked on Powell said: “It was a very interest- Ukip: 432 votes 45.2% (+1.3) John Barned (73), of Lenham, the campaign with me.” ing result. Out on the doorstep we Con: 215 votes 22.5% (+0.2) swept in with a massive 45.2% of the The by-election was sparked by could tell which way people were Lab: 183 votes 19.2% (-8.3) vote, leaving the Tory candidate be- the sudden death of Dave Sergeant intending to vote. Ind: 88 votes 9.2% (+9.2) hind by almost 23%. The majority in May this year. “In some cases, they’re voting for Lib Dem: 41 votes 3.9% (-2.4) for Mr Barned was more than 200. Tory Bob Hinder fought on a plat- the person not the party, and that Turnout: 21.8% The election result on September form calling for a Leeds-Langley re- may have been the case here.” 8 came hours after respected Downswood and Otham member Gordon Newton announced he would be joining Ukip. ‘Homes plans persuaded me to switch’ Mr Barned (below), who is re- tired, defected AN independent borough councillor from the Tories has joined Ukip. last year, and has Gordon Newton, the respected served as a bor- member for Downswood and ough councillor. Otham, said he could no longer work He also with the independent group on the worked in local council because of planned housing government as a in his area. housing officer Cllr Newton, of Downswood, said: and later in a community role. “I have done a good job for the peo- He said: “We fought this cam- ple of Downswood and Otham and paign for six weeks and I must they voted for the candidate and not admit that in the last week of the the group. campaign I felt that we could do it. “I took some time thinking about the decision and I did not rush it.” ward to “oblivion”. Borough councillor Gordon “There was so much positive re- He added: “Ukip have stated Newton, left. who has left the action on the doorstep. I stood on He said that a proposed housing development at Bicknor Wood green policies and that was one of Independent group for Ukip, with local issues that I know something the reasons for crossing the floor.” about as a local person – roads, would condemn part of his Otham Cllr Eddie Powell HOMES FOR SALE IN MAIDSTONE THIS AUTUMN
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6 Maidstone Town October 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk
Maidstone Town October 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Ramblin’ Man ‘was too loud’ NOISE levels were exceeded during the Ramblin’ Man rock festival in Mote Park, it has been revealed.
Details acquired by Bearsted bor- ganisers of the Ramblin’ Man. ough councillor Mike Revell show “Unfortunately, this meant the that on the first day of the July onus was on residents to complain, weekender, the council’s own mon- rather than Maidstone Borough itor, at Mote House across the park, Council officers to intervene.” recorded breaches in the noise lev- In a response to Mrs Weston’s els laid down in the organiser’s li- complaints, Maidstone Borough cence five times. Council said: “We had … our own Cllr Revell says the public has a noise enforcement team monitor- right to know, particularly those ing sound levels. We are gathering who registered complaints with the … acoustic reports at present and council as far afield as will be working closely with the or- Downswood, Vinters Park, Grove ganiser.” Green and Bearsted. They were MBC’s officers found the venue told that lessons would be learned, to have been well run over the two but the results of noise testing were days of the festival and said the not yet known. Music fans enjoyed the Ramblin’ Man festival, but Cllr new event company organising it Sheila Weston, at Briar Fields, Mike Revell (inset) says noise levels were excessive were “keen to learn from the issues claims her complaint was met by that have arisen and a full debrief the council as little more than fines of the venue the noise did visit its contract, will be undertaken…”. “tough luck”, with a reminder that seem acceptable. However, he in- avoiding intermediaries, after the An MBC statement supplied to the event was well run, promoted sists the council now needs to set a event’s managing agent declared it- Downs Mail conceded “some diversity, attracted visitors and lower acceptable noise level to sat- self bankrupt in 2015. He says the minor breaches were recorded” but more than £1.5m to the town. She isfy not only those attending, but noise issue of neighbours must be the authority awaits independent said: “Is it any wonder no one com- also those forced to endure “the air- taken more seriously. The news corroboration. MBC enivironmen- plains about the noise levels from borne mix of four bands and their was that Maidstone Council was tal enforcement manager Martyn Mote Park?” heavy bass line playing at once”. ready to intervene, but that was not James added: “We always welcome Cllr Revell – one of the council- He has also called on the council the case. Yes, there was an inde- residents’ views on events taking lors who all received free tickets to to clarify exactly how the event pendent sound engineer on-site, place in the borough...” attend – says from within the con- benefits local taxpayers and to re- but he was being paid for by the or- Letters, pages 36&37 Police fund gift A CHARITY specialising in trauma Two jailed for violent attack in alley counselling and based in Maid- TWO thugs have been jailed after Swan Street in Tenterden, handed stone has become the latest organi- a vicious attack on a man in themselves in to the police a few sation to benefit from a donation Maidstone which left the victim days later. from Kent Police. with a fractured skull. Detective Sergeant Jason Booth, Detective Inspector Lee White- Jonathan Sills and Oliver the senior investigating officer for head from the Kent and Essex Seri- Bloomsmar both admitted this case, said: “The attack ous Crime Directorate presented a inflicting grievous bodily harm and Bloomsmar and Sills committed cheque for £500 to Sandie Turner were each sentenced to 15 months was cowardly and left the victim in from the Rubicon Cares charity. in prison at Maidstone Crown a considerable amount of pain. Rubicon Cares provides trauma Court. Jonathan Sills and Oliver Bloomsmar “It is fortunate that he has counselling for victims of serious The court heard that the assault managed to make a full recovery crime across Kent and Medway. happened after the victim and two repeatedly kicked. from this. The outcome could have The donation has been provided offenders became involved in a The victim was later found in the been much more severe. through the Kent Police property verbal dispute in Gabriel’s Hill. alley by passers-by, who called an “It is fit and proper that these fund. Money is raised through the The victim walked away ambulance. At hospital he was two men have received a custodial sale of items at auction that have however, as he was walking in an found to have a fractured skull and sentence for this assault.’ been seized during police opera- alleyway off Palace Avenue, he was bruising to his back. The pair were sentenced on tions and charities and local organ- hit over the back of the head and Bloomsmar (25), of Jubilee Field September 2 for the assault on July isations can apply for a donation. fell to the floor where he was in Tenterden, and Sills (25), of 13, 2014. Call to share care for young asylum seekers KENT County Council says the ferred to other placing huge pressure on the It has also called for clarity and Government must act to move local authorities area’s foster carers, social workers, amendments to other resettlement more asylum-seeking children on since the volun- school places, accommodation and programmes. to foster homes out of the county. tary scheme healthcare. Cllr Oakford said: “We do the In a critical statement, it says the came in – failing He added: “The voluntary best we can in Kent but such high National Transfer Scheme – intro- even to keep scheme is not working and Kent is numbers place huge pressures on duced two months ago on a vol- pace with new continuing to care for a hugely dis- our services. untary basis – is not being arrivals, which proportionate number of these “The transfer scheme must be honoured by other councils and topped 90 in the young people. made mandatory so that the num- needs to be made mandatory. same period. Peter Oakford “While we are very grateful to bers are shared fairly. This will im- Kent, which is caring for more The county those authorities who have signed prove the level of support offered than 1,400 unaccompanied mi- council’s Peter Oakford, cabinet up to this scheme, the vast major- to these vulnerable young people, grant young people, has seen just member for specialist children’s ity have not stepped up and ac- rather than placing unsustainable 48 under-18s permanently trans- services, says the failing system is cepted their responsibilities.” pressures on a few authorities.”
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Maidstone Town October 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Assault case THREE men have been charged with an assault which took place in Hospice lo ery comes Maidstone on Tuesday, September 6. A man reportedly sustained a bro- ken jaw when he was assaulted by three men in Upper Stone Street. up trumps for David David Ademiju (26), of Brewer Street, Maidstone; Samuel Grief (23), A FORMER postman from Maid- of Lucerne Street, Maidstone and stone nearly missed out on a Joseph Jabatie (28), of Thackeray £25,000 prize after failing to pro- Road Larkfield have been arrested vide his forwarding address. and charged with assault. Fortunately for 57-year-old David Mr Jabatie was charged with as- Stuart, when the organiser’s of saulting a police officer. All were re- Demelza’s monthly lotto and super- manded in custody. draw arrived at his old address in Pauth Booth, of Vinters Park to hand over his Demelza, with cheque, they persevered and in six Traveller camps Maria, Stuart and weeks tracked him down. TRAVELLERS setupcampbeside And for David, who took early re- Myrtle and the the Lockmeadow complex in the tirement from his job as a postman new camper van third incursion of its kind in a week. in Maidstone after being seriously A group caused disruption when lottery and gaming, said: “A neigh- running out of ideas. If a prize re- injured in a motorcycle accident in they parked at Tesco in Grove Green bour told me that Mr Stuart had mains unclaimed after six months, Grove Green in 2010, knew just how on September 3, and another group moved – possibly to east Kent, but it goes back into the lottery fund.” he would spend the money: a new descended on Medway Street car they didn’t have a forwarding ad- Mr Stuart’s mother Myrtle, who park. At Lockmeadow, a number of camper van so that he and partner dress. I discovered he had worked lives in Weavering Street, Maid- motor homes were parked behind Maria can tour Britain and Europe. for the Post Office, so we tried con- stone, has been a member of the the building, a stone's throw from David, who signed up to the tacting them, but to no avail. We Demelza lottery for many years and the crown court, on September 9. Demelza Lotto while recovering also tried 192, Facebook and BT di- joined David and Maria for a tour from his accident at Maidstone Hos- rectory enquiries, but drew a of the hospice near Sittingbourne – pital, said: “I have always felt pas- blank.” Kent’s only children’s hospice – Thefts from cars sionately about the work Demelza Mr Stuart paid his lottery mem- when he visited to show off his new SEVEN cars were targeted by does with children and decided my bership by direct debit and it was a “prize”. thieves in the Maidstone area over monthly contributions would go letter from Demelza forwarded by He now plans to spread the word two days with satnavs, tools and an some way to help. I never really ex- his bank that finally revealed his about Demelza’s lottery when he is mp3 player taken. Kent Police are pected to win anything – I’ve never whereabouts. Mr Booth said: “We out and about in the van. He said: warning car owners to take steps to won anything before in my life!” were so relieved. We’ve never had a “I’m so thrilled by the win, I want guard their belongings. Paul Booth, Demelza’s head of situation like this before and were to give something back.”
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10 Maidstone Town October 2016 downsmail.co.uk News £6k bill for fraud case PE teacher A FORMER PE teacher who spent fee for the use of its football pitches. £6,000 from school funds on his In February 2014, equipment private coaching business has been bearing the name of his business ordered to pay the money back was discovered in a disused chang- after being convicted of fraud. ing room on school premises. It was Steve Restarick (44), of Sutton also stored in a school pavilion in Road, Maidstone, worked as the boxes to which only Restarick had head of PE at Maidstone Grammar access. School between 2009 and 2014, but An assessment of department in- during this time used school money voices found purchases for the Pre- to fund a private sports coaching mier Football School going through business. the school’s PE budget. He denied the offence but a jury As well as the charge of fraud, found him guilty at Inner London Restarick was charged with three Crown Court where he was later counts of witness intimidation and given an 18 month sentence. He was one count of theft by an employee. also ordered to complete 200 hours A jury acquitted him of these of unpaid work. charges. The court heard that Restarick Investigating officer DC Simon joined the Barton Road school as a Powell said: “Restarick was un- teacher in 2002. In 2005 he set up a doubtedly a very talented, popular football training school, called Pre- and respected teacher, but he took mier Football School, in partnership advantage of his position to grow with the establishment. his own business over a number of It was agreed that Restarick could years. run the business on school grounds, “Restarick’s actions meant a with the profits evenly divided. school which was funded by the tax- However this agreement ended in payer was deprived of money that the next generation 2009. should have gone to its pupils. From this point on Restarick was “The investigation into this was instructed to fund the venture him- lengthy and complex and it and the self, with the only income received sentence he has received are entirely by the school being an agreed rental appropriate.” Spa hotel plan agreed A PLAN for a lavish spa hotel has been approved by councillors, in spite of concerns by conservationists. Ciaran O’Quigley (48), the owner of Mu Mu’s in Week Street and the mastermind behind the hotel concept, thanked Maidstone Council for tak- ing the brave decision. Ahead of the meeting he said that while tourism played a big part in the future plans for Maidstone, there was no high-end accommodation in the town centre. He is pictured at the site. However, Maid- stone Council’s plan- ning committee has agreed that the 36- bedroom, luxury spa hotel can be built at the lower end of new ranges Brewer Street, behind St Francis’ Roman Catholic Church. It new exciting styling will include treat- ment rooms, a retro cinema, Roman bath and a 100-cover restaurant, pro- new viding an estimated 20 jobs. dynamic store layout The work will involve the demolition of St Francis’ School building, which Historic England and the council’s conservation officer expressed concerns about. Money will be donated to St Francis’ Church for a new hall. The proposed 1930s-style Hotel Mu Mu was recommended for approval by planning officers and was met with positive feedback from councillors and others keen to see the £6m investment in the county town. Cllr Naghi said: “The scheme will give a ‘wow’ factor and a much-needed point of interest to visitors stepping off the train to walk into town.” Before the proposal went to committee, parish priest Canon Luke Smith www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk said he supported the plan, saying he believed it will be an asset to the town, with an agreement in place between Mr O’Quigley and the diocese that would be “beneficial to all concerned”. It is understood the building will take 18 months to complete and Mr Upholstery | Dining | Beds O’Quigley hopes that work will begin in early January. Bedroom | Accessories
Maidstone Town October 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk Wartime art AN EXHIBITION based on two paintings in Maidstone Museum’s collection goes on show this month. Mystery over car key Coming Home: Conflict and Care in 1916 is a First World War exhibi- tion featuring two works by the artist Frank Hyde. The paintings are Trones Wood failure in Maidstone and Wounded Soldiers Arriving at Maidstone East. A MASS failure of key fobs across found interference from a resident's They are accompanied by items, Maidstone has left motorists faulty device which transmits a TV sounds and other images from the scratching their heads in bewilder- signal to other sets in the home was conflict. ment. to blame. The device was switched The exhibition opens on Satur- No one seems to know why the off and the key fobs worked. day, September 24 and runs until devices have failed, despite having The Timpson’s branch inside the the new year. previously been in working order. Aylesford Sainsbury store report- The issue was first reported earlier edly did a roaring trade in replace- this month at Quarry Wood Indus- ment key fob batteries. Driving ban trial Estate in Aylesford, when mo- Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch A MAIDSTONE woman who torists visiting stores such as PC (below), a regular failed to give a breath test has been World, Halfords and Sainsbury shopper at banned from driving for three were unable to lock their cars. But Quarry Wood, years and given a community serv- there were other reports of fob fail- said she had not ice order. ure in Romney Place, Maidstone, been contacted Frankie Jo Schock (29), from St and Alexander Grove in Kings Hill, by any con- Peter’s Street, denied failing to pro- according to police. stituents. She vide a breath specimen but was A Kent Police spokesman said: “It strange one and I have never come added: “I shop convicted at West Kent Magis- doesn’t appear that the Aylesford across it before. there fairly often trates’ Court. Retail Park was reported to us. We “I wouldn’t have thought the big and it hasn’t hap- Magistrates imposed the ban and received two calls on September 1 retailers would be very happy if pened to me.” ordered her to carry out 79 hours of reporting issues with car keys not their customers were using the car An RAC spokesman said: “Some- unpaid work in the community. working in Romney Place, Maid- park and not being able to lock their times our engineers will be called to She was also ordered to pay £85 stone, and in Alexander Grove, cars. It’s bound to knock their busi- reports like this and when they tow costs and a £60 victim surcharge. Kings Hill. However, no offences ness.” the car a little way up the road, the have been reported.” In recent years, householders ex- fob starts working again.” For more local news The key fob failure was news to perienced a similar problem in a res- Ofcom has investigated the Maid- www.downsmail.co.uk Kerry Heard, of Pat Heard Garage idential area of Southampton. In that stoneincidents, but has been unable Service in Bearsted, who said: “It’s a case, the government agency Ofcom to find a direct cause of the problem. Sim3 Mobile Service
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12 Maidstone Town October 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Library stops CONCERNS about changes to Motorcyclist, 73, tells Kent’s mobile library service have been taken on board, according to the county council. It says changes have been made of M20 bridge drama to the service following its first month in operation. INJURED biker Jim Shaw has de- Launching the revised service, scribed how he threw himself off Mike Hill, the county council’s cab- his bike to avoid the impact when inet member for community serv- a footbridge crashed in front of ices, says mobile libraries will call him on the M20. at more than 300 locations a month, The 73-year-old had an amazing with extended stopping times, and, escape with only minor injuries for the first time, on Saturdays. when the structure was hit by a Cllr Hill said: “Each stop is now lorry carrying a digger near junc- visited fortnightly from convenient tion 4 for Leybourne on Saturday, locations such as community cen- August 27. tres, village halls, post offices, He was heading from Maidstone shops and schools. Some stops are towards London at about 70mph now on Saturdays, and we have ex- when “chaos broke loose” and “bits tended our stopping times in many were flying everywhere”. The M20 bridge collapse as captured by the BBC and locations to give people more time Mr Shaw said he slid along the left, motorcyclist Jim Shaw, who was injured and flexibility. If people can’t get to road alongside his Yamaha motor- erupted be- 2pm. Highways England and emer- their local library, the library can cycle, narrowly missing the col- tween junc- gency teams worked to clear the come to them.” lapsed bridge. He was rescued by tion four for debris as the motorway remained emergency crews and taken to Tun- Leybourne closed overnight. bridge Wells Hospital where he and junction The road eventually re-opened at Police donate was treated for three broken ribs 3 for Borough Green. No-one was 5pm next day, but closed again A NEW community centre is £500 and released after four days. seriously injured. throughout the following weekend better off, thanks to a police sale of The Thamesmead resident had Police declared a major incident, so that the remaining part of the seized and lost property. The Tovil been to a bikers’ café in Maidstone closing the road in both directions footbridge overhanging the motor- Community Centre, recently and was planning to return home and leading to a 15-mile tailback of way could be dismantled. opened and run by the YMCA in via Wrotham when the crash show- bank holiday weekend traffic. The work was completed ahead Barfreston Close, received the do- ered 170 tonnes of concrete on to Officers began turning round ve- of schedule by 100 staff working nation from the Kent Police prop- the London-bound carriageway at hicles on the London-bound car- around the clock and the road re- erty fund. about noon. Two lorries were riageway about an hour after the opened 14 hours earlier than It will be used to buy new equip- crushed in the chaos, which incident, and the queues cleared by planned. ment for youth dance and football.
Coming Home: Conflict and Care in 1916
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‘Arrival‘Arrival of a ConvoyConvoy of WoWWoundedounded SolSoldiersdiers at MaidstMaidstoneone EastEast’,’, byby FrankFrank HydeHyde newly qualified or experienced. Saturday 24 September 2016 to Saturday 7 January 2017 An eexhibitionxhibition eexploringxploring the experiencesexperiences
of the peoplpeoplee in two paintingspaintings of 1916 ‘Trones‘Trones Wood’,WWoood’, bbyy FFrankrank HyHydede Hours and rate of pay to be in the MuseumMuseum’s’s collectionscollections - ‘Trones‘Trones Wood’,Wood’d’’’,, a battlebbattl ttle scene fromfrom the Somme ‘If the Kaiser Should Come’ and ‘Arrival‘A‘Arrival of a ConvoyConvoy of WWoundedounded negotiated Saturday 8 October, 14:00 - 15:00 SolSoldiersdiers at MaidstoneMaidstone EastEast’.’. Hear a fascinating illustrated talk by military FREE historian Victor Smith on the land, sea and air defences across Kent in the First World War. SupportSupporteded by:by: Please call 01732 617 177 £5 per person, £4 concessions and MMF members. Booking essential. or email your CV to and the Queen’sQueen’s Own RoyalRoyal WestWest KentKent RegimentRegiment Museum TrustTrust [email protected] TuesdayTTuuesday - SaturSaturdayday 10:00 - 17:00, SundaSundayy 12:00 - 16:00, MondaMondayy Closed Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery,Gallery, St FFaith’saith’s Street,Street, Maidstone, Kent,Kent, ME14 1LH facebook.com/MaidstoneMuseumfacebook.com/MaidstoneMuseum @MaidstoneMuseum p 01622 602838 wwwwww.maidstonemuseum.org.maidstonemuseum.org
Maidstone Town October 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Vandals put lives at risk on river
MINDLESS vandals are putting them. They don’t seem to realise seem to realise that someone could lives at risk by taking essential that they are essential pieces of life- lose their life if these vital pieces of safety equipment from river and saving equipment. It’s vital that equipment are not there.” parks in Maidstone. they are available if It is also a criminal offence to re- Since April last year Maidstone someone’s life is in move such items. Council has had to replace more danger.” Maidstone Council provides than 200 lifebuoys, throw bags and Her comments equipment at 55 lifebuoy stations lifelines in the area, at a cost of more have been echoed along the banks of the River Med- than £7,000. by Maidstone busi- way from Tovil to The Malta Inn at The water aids have been a life- nessman Ben Lon- Allington Lock, near Aylesford, and saver on numerous occasions – and don, who risked his popular stretches of water at The were used in five rescues from the life to dive into the Lees, Yalding, Teston Bridge, Mote River Medway in 2015 alone. Medway on August 10 to save a Park and the lake at Mallards Way. Borough councillor Marion Ring drowning man and then went back Items that have had to be re- (pictured) said: “Some people seem into the river to retrieve the life ring. placed since April last year include to think that these are toys or that He said: “These people are 48 lifebuoys, 87 throw bags and 72 it’s a game to mess about with thoughtless. They simply don’t lifelines. KFC seeks drive-thru Get fit to stay healthy FINGER-lickin' fast food chain plenty of residential accommoda- COUCH potatoes are reminded that meet the two-hours-and-30-minute KFC is looking for eight new tion. There are two formats - 82 something as simple as a 30-minute target, doing the things they enjoy. places to sell "So Good" chicken seater and 114 seater restaurant walk a week will reduce your A spokesman said: “Try breaking in Kent - and one is in Maidstone. with 30-40 parking spaces. In chances of getting cancer. it up into smaller chunks of time KFC, once known as Kentucky town centres, they want units of A local health centre says those from 10 minutes onwards. Fried Chicken, wants to open a up to 2,000 square feet. KFC who exercise the least have the most “Activitiescan range from an exer- restaurant in 59 locations across wants new sites in Maidstone, to gain both physically and mentally cise class, to swimming or working the south east and is looking for a Seveoaks, Bluewater, Swanley, from increasing their activity. out in the gym or going for a brisk possible drive-thru location in Ashford, Lee Green, Chatham The advice comes in the wake of walk, jogging in the park or playing town close to an A road. South and Gravesend. KFC was the government’s latest guideline of a round of golf.” KFC says it wants drive thru founded by business entrepre- 150 minutes of moderate activity a Tmactive, which runs Larkfield sites of almost half an acre, on re- neur Harland Sanders who set up week. Leisure Centre, is also offering a tail parks or the roadside with his franchise model in 1952. Tmactive is running a keep-fit chance to win a fitness tracking de- campaign in August to help people vice and membership.
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14 Maidstone Town October 2016 Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk SEEING beyond the offers Staying focused isn’t just about keeping your who will monitor the eye on the ball . . . caring for your sight is so health of their eyes much more – it’s the window to your inner and take the time to health. discuss an individual’s That’s the message from the team at Kings needs, ensuring they Hill Opticians, whose two full-time optometrists receive the best pride themselves on providing a thorough solution to correct investigation with their vision.” a bespoke optical solution for all your visual As an independent – needs. or “freehold” - practice The practice is led by Mr Satvinder Shoker, that includes access to who is also the lead optometrist at Maidstone any make of spectacle Hospital, where he works alongside lens, frame or contact ophthalmologists in glaucoma, diabetes and lens from around the wet macula degeneration services. Mr Shoker globe. Staff are also happy to advise on the a limited ‘own brand’ choice of lenses, when, in also specialises in fitting complex contact implications and benefits of refractive laser fact, there are over 100 types lenses, helping partially sighted patients with surgery and other sight solutions you may not of varifocals to choose from. alternative ways of seeing, and looking after have heard about, such as EyeDream contact “Here, patients don’t see a different young one’s visual requirements. lenses: these are lenses that you wear overnight optometrist every time, but a qualified Now in practice for over 10 years – at and remove in the morning, leaving you free optometrist who will monitor their vision and purpose-built premises in Liberty Square, Kings from spectacles or contacts for the whole day. visual health each time they visit. This Hill – his practice is one of just three in Kent Mr Shoker said: “For many new patients it is a continuity ensures accuracy, which can help in capable of monitoring treated wet macula real eye-opener to learn that there are many the early detection of conditions and degeneration, which once robbed patients of more solutions than those offered on the high treatment.” their sight. This is just one of the cutting-edge, street, which may better fit their particular The practice offers free sight tests to the hospital-standard services offered at this visual needs. So often, patients will say they over-60s, under-16s and those on benefits. practice, but not on the high street. have struggled with varifocals or don’t want to For details visit www.kingshillopticians.co.uk, Mr Shoker said: “All clients are given try them. Most of the time, this is because they or to make an eye appointment call 01732 a 40-minute examination with our optometrists have only been offered 875544.
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Maidstone Town October 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk MP tackles lorry ‘fly-parking’ MID Kent MP Helen Whately is calling on the government to act over the “annoying and dangerous” scourge of lorries parking illegally in Maidstone and surrounding villages. Local people are fed up with in- the M20. convenience, noise, litter and mess Mrs Whately added: “As people left behind by truckers – many of living in my area of Kent know, them foreign – using public spaces lorries fill every lay-by, line up on to park up. the hard shoulder of slip roads, In a House of crawl onto the verges of country Commons de- lanes and tuck themselves away in bate she had housing estates. called, Mrs “None of these places have facil- Whately urged ities for drivers, so as well as the the Department problem of huge HGVs parked on of Transport to the roadside, there’s also littering take action over and fouling of verges and hedges HGVs parking with human waste. in inappropri- “Residents nearby are under- ate places. standably upset, and it’s pretty bad She also asked roads minister for the drivers themselves. John Hayes to make the new lorry “I’m delighted that the minister area planned for Stanford west has committed to looking into how available for overnight parking – MP Helen Whately is calling for action on illegally-parked lorries many more lorry parking spaces not just when Operation Stack is in He will also consider improving problem has got steadily worse, are needed and how they can be force. enforcement and steps to tackle lit- and the time has come for a clamp- made available. Mr Hayes said a “fresh look” ter on roadsides. down.” “This was a really productive de- was needed at lorry parking and Mrs Whately said: “Fly-parking She cited the death last year of bate and I’m confident that fixing committed to undertake a study of – when lorries park outside of Susan Mellor (74), from Maidstone, fly-parking is now firmly on the the provision of lorry parking proper parking areas – is not just who crashed into a lorry parked on Department of Transport’s to-do spaces across the country. annoying, it’s dangerous. The the hard shoulder at Junction 7 of list.” Driving ban A DRIVER from Maidstone has £1.2m spent on blitzing potholes been banned from the road and AN incredible 997 potholes have fined more than £1,000 for a series of had to be filled on the county’s driving offences. roads since June, according to Kent Jason Boreham (32) admitted County Council. drink-driving, driving without in- The highways authority says it surance and using a vehicle without has spent £1.2m patching craters on an MOT certificate in Maidstone. Kent roads, alongside 22.4 miles of Boreham, from Bramble Close, larger road repairs. was stopped in his Kia Sportage on The council says it will spend an January 24. A breath test showed extra £3 million on pothole repairs that he had 45mg of alcohol in this year, with £1.4 million coming 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35. from the Government. West Kent Magistrates banned KCC says it has aimed to make him from driving for three years permanent repairs by cutting a and fined him £1,050. He must also small section of the road around the It also says pothole repairs, where It has called on the members of pay £170 in costs and a £50 victim hole, and filling it with Tarmac, possible, will then be protected by the public to report any potholes on- surcharge. something that has cost more than “surface dressing the whole road in line at www.kent.gov.uk/pothole- Soccer signing £1.2 million since June. the near future”. blitz. CHELSEA footballer Kerry Dixon will sign copies of his autobiogra- phy, Up Front, at Lashings sports Dismay at ducks’ death Charity ball bar in Maidstone from 7pm on A PARISH council chairman has the men set their dogs on them, A CHARITY Winter Ball is Wednesday, September 28. appealed for information after wild killing a vast amount. It appears being held at the Tudor Park Dixon will talk about his life on birds were killed in a sickening at- there is possibly only one mallard Hotel near Maidstone in aid of and off the pitch. The forward, who tack at a village duck pond. and one moorhen with chicks left.” Action on Hearing Loss on No- scored 193 goals in nine years at Cllr Vianne Gibbons, of Loose, She said: “I was appalled and vember 19. Chelsea, has previously spoken described the shocking devastation shocked to hear this news. The A drinks reception will be fol- about drug and gambling problems. at Brooks Field pond, caused by “a ducks have always been a lovely lowed by a three-course meal, group of men dressed in camou- feature in Loose. For them to be auction and raffle. There will be Crash chaos flage outfits with dogs.” killed in this way is very shocking.” live music from Sound Casters In a recent edition of the parish The millpond is looked after by and a disco until midnight. A CRASH between a car and a lorry council’s latest newsletter, Loose volunteers after being taken over Tickets cost £50 per person for caused traffic jams on the A229 Bish- Views, she said that the men threw with the adjacent Brooks Field in tables of 10. Telephone 07801 ops Way in Maidstone on Thursday, rocks and stones at the bulrushes. 2000 by the parish council. 971692 or send an email to September 8. It said: “As the ducks and their Kent police said they could not [email protected]. The road was partly blocked with chicks came out of the bulrushes, trace a report of the incident. heavy traffic northbound between the A20 at Broadway junction and Read the latest editons of the Downs Mail FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk the White Rabbit roundabout.
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Maidstone Town October 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Store and pub trouble as travellers move in
MP supports TESCO in Grove Green was forced to shut early and police were new traders called to the Early Bird public MAIDSTONE and the Weald MP house after a disturbance report- Helen Grant visited Harpers Gift edly caused by members of the and Coffee Shop in the Market travelling community. Buildings, Maidstone. Locals reported caravans and She was invited by new owners other vehicles parked up in the car Frank Goodhind and Serena Parker. park near the staff entrance to the The couple come from diverse store on September 3 and, accord- backgrounds in the music industry ing to sources, flooded the toilets in- and interior design, with Frank side. being a composer for many years. Residents reported mess and Together they have big plans for human waste in the area. proached for a comment. filth everywhere. Harpers and hope to extend their Police confirmed they were called A Tesco spokesman said: “The “So the decision was made to love of artisan breads and cakes to to the popular Early Bird public store manager informed me that shut the store at 10pm which is a their coffee shop menu. house in the square next to Tesco travellers arrived on the site on Sat- couple of hours early for a Satur- Mrs Grant chatted to Frank, with and the nearby parade of shops. urday, stayed the night and were day.” whom she is pictured about his A spokesman said: "We re- gone by Sunday lunch time. Reports emerged the following plans for the business and bought sponded at 11.41pm on Saturday, “The store and local pub worked day that travellers had set up camp one of the unique greeting cards in September 3, to a report that a with the police to encourage them in the Medway Street car park in the shop. group of people entered the pub to move on, and they have not re- the town centre. They later moved The MP added: "It’s fantastic that and damaged a number of glasses. turned since.” on. Frank and Serena have continued "Officers attended and dispersed But a member of staff said: "They About nine caravans and motor to provide a platform for local the group. There were no injuries." made a right nuisance of them- homes moved on to the short-stay artists and craftspeople, which An Early Bird staff member con- selves, flooding the toilets and site overnight on September 5. Harpers has always been well firmed there had been trouble but thieving stock from the store. They Police were called out at 6.40pm known for. I wish them the best of the pub had reopened for business. just arrived in the car park and but no crimes were found to have luck with their future plans.” The pub's manager was ap- made a total mess of it. There was taken place.
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20 Maidstone Town October 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Conman told to repay £68k CALLING ALL A HEARTLESS conman who in- ders’ companies, including Berkeley timidated people in Maidstone Driveways, based in Upchurch. into paying for shoddy workman- Saunders has 14 days to pay the ship on their driveways has been compensation to his victims or face ordered to repay £68,330. another 21 months’ imprisonment. LANDLORDS An investigation by Kent County He was also ordered to pay £63,000 Council’s (KCC) Trading Standards in costs in 14 day. Do you have a began in 2013 and led to 12 months’ Trading Standards operations imprisonment manager Clive Phillips said: “Where property in Maidstone? for Owen Saun- we can show that criminals have fi- ders (left) in June nancially benefited from their 2015. crimes, our financial investigators The case in- will track down assets and present volved four vic- their findings to the court. LET tims from “The Proceeds of Crime Act gives • We are currently Whitstable, who courts powers to make compensa- letting properties were conned out tion and confiscation orders and we of £28,500 by will ensure we use this legislation to faster than our Saunders, trading as Berkeley the full effect where criminals target competitors Driveways, for work which was so the residents of Kent. shoddy that an independent expert “We recommend that residents al- IN 8 estimated the value to be just £271. ways seek at least three quotes for DAYS However, KCC Trading Stan- work that you know needs to be car- dards continued its investigation ried out and do not be pressured to • On average our into Saunders’ activities and identi- sign a contract until you are ready fied other potential victims. and willing to do so. For a list of LET properties are let More than 50 were contacted and, companies approved by KCC, you within 2 weeks of these, 12 more victims came for- can contact checkatrade.com online ward with details of work carried or call 0333 0146 190.” out on their driveways. Mr Phillips described this as one A Proceeds of Crime process con- of the worst cases KCC Trading cluded at Canterbury Crown Court Standards had investigated. • 95% of our on Monday (12 September). He added: “Saunders used ag- IN 4 properties are let Victims from Whitstable, Broad- gressive tactics to get work, and DAYS stairs, Bearsted, Sevenoaks, Pad- then ignored customers' rights by at the asking dock Wood and Coxheath provided increasing charges partway through price evidence of aggressive trading, a contract, restricting customers' shoddy workmanship and mislead- rights to cancel, and carrying out LET ing actions with regards to Saun- poor workmanship.” • Our tenants stay 1 on average 2 /2 years
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“IF YOUR CURRENT AGENT IS STRUGGLING TO LET YOUR PROPERTY THEN CALL ME TODAY” Justine Dale Hungry for food festival Lettings Manager THE county’s appetite for food was tries, and sweets. in evidence as queues formed on A castle spokesman said the Bearsted Office the roads to Leeds Castle for its Fan- event – run in conjunction with The Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ tastic British Food Festival. Great British Food Festival – contin- Crowds were up by 2,000 for the ues to be a success and is due to be- third event of its kind at the castle, come a fixed event on the castle’s Tel: 01622 737800 with 11,800 visitors over the three calendar. days. She added: “Crowds were greatly Penenden Heath Office They were there for the cookery helped by the wonderful weather Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN demonstrations, talks, and 40 food on Sunday and, according to social stands selling speciality liqueurs, media, people seem to have had a wine, veg boxes, cheeses, chilli jams, lovely time, with some coming more Tel: 01622 671200 fudge, artisan breads, cakes, pas- than once.” www.ferrisandco.net
Maidstone Town October 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk Hostel for the Thrills at model air show AN estimated 5,000 visitors turned out in the sun to sample some of the country’s most amazing scale models at Headcorn Aerodrome at the weekend. Spectacular stunts and dozens of breathtaking displays by model air- homeless plan craft filled the air, flying over trade stalls and exhibitions. Mini-racing cars competed MAIDSTONE Residents’ Against in the depths of winter when the on a track and there were Homeless (MRAH) is planning a Maidstone Churches’ Winter Shel- some explosive pyrotechnics major housing conference in the ter scheme opens. to set the scene. This year’s town, in a bid to open a hostel. “People complain about the Southern Model Show, held in MRAH – which works alongside homeless on the streets, but there association with Maidstone Making a Difference Maidstone is no alternative for them as ac- Flying Club, also included an (MADM) – commodation is so scarce.” arts and craft village. was set up Having attended the launch of A spokesman said: “It was a last year by the Manchester Homelessness fantastic, fun-packed two Picture: Richard Foord 54-year-old Charter in May, MRAH hopes to days. It was great to see enthusiasts both novice and experienced, plus Amanda Sid- bring a similar event to Maidstone families enjoying the displays, including a stunning firework and night- well (left), in November, endorsed by Maid- time model air show.” from Penen- stone Council. den Heath. Amanda is also vocal about the After run- need for a Maidstone hostel for the ning two homeless, adding: “Maidstone Drugs charge Police assault charity shops people want to stay in Maidstone A MAN who supplied class A A 33-YEAR-OLD woman has ap- in Spain, she and we need to help make this drugs in Maidstone has been peared in court for being drunk is helping to run a charity shop for happen for the 40 or so people jailed for a year. and disorderly and assaulting a po- the town’s homeless at 49 Church sleeping rough on our streets, plus Shane James Henderson Myles lice officer in Maidstone. Street – opposite the M&S car park. the hundreds in temporary accom- admitted being concerned in the Alina Korosteliova was sen- She said: “People should not modation or ‘sofa surfing’ with supply of heroin and cocaine in tenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ have to live on the streets in the friends and family.” the town on November 1, 2014. Court after admitting assaulting 21st century. Many organisations Anyone able to assist, provide Myles (26), from Richmond the officer in Bishops Way on July are doing sterling work, but there accommodation or storage for the Road in Gillingham, was sen- 11 and being drunk and disorderly is still more to be done as the num- shop should call Amanda on 01622 tenced to 12 months behind bars the following day. bers grow and services are 687414, 07769 268962, email at Medway Magistrates’ Court. She was sentenced to 90 days in stretched. There is nowhere for [email protected] or call He was also ordered to pay an prison, suspended for 18 months these people to go at night, except into the shop. £80 victim surcharge. with a £115 victim surcharge. ARTIFICIAL UPTO 20% GRASS SALE OFF
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Maidstone Town October 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Charity day is childs’ play WORKERS at Maidstone Town on the last day to raise money for Post Office made their last day it. We had a good laugh and quite a child’s play before moving to a lot of people were putting money new site. in the bucket so the fund must have Staff at the Bank Street store done well.” grabbed dummies and nappies and For some longer-serving col- dressed up as under-fives to help leagues, the post office move is counter clerk Jeanette Cooper raise their second as they worked at the money for the Oliver Fisher Special previous site in King Street, which Care Unit at Medway Maritime closed nearly 10 years ago. Hospital. Jeanette Cooper (second from right) with colleagues in fancy dress The Bank Street branch closed on The unit saved the life of her 17- mum Nicki, along with her mum, The fancy dress day marked the week premature grandson, Henry Sharon Terry. post office’s move to new premises Wednesday, August 17 with its suc- Cooper, of Downswood, whose Jeanette said: “Henry is doing within the WH Smith store on cessor opening next day. No jobs story touched Downs Mail readers’ fantastically well. He’s a happy lit- Week Street, less than 250m away. have been lost in the transfer. hearts. Jeanette and her family have tle boy and we get beautiful smiles Jeanette said: “It is a sad occa- The new opening hours are from been fundraising for the charity from him.” Since he was born sion, but we have decided to go out 9am to 5.30pm Monday, Wednes- and their next event will be a 5k weighing just 1lb 2oz last Decem- with a bang. We had a collecting tin day, Thursday and Friday; 9.30am run at Capstone Park, Medway. ber, the youngster has progressed in the post office for the baby unit to 5.30pm on Tuesday and 9am to Jeanette will run with Henry’s to a healthy 10lb. and the staff suggested dressing up 12.30pm on Saturday. Baroque night Hunt for suspect after burglary THE Pepusch Consort is to perform an evening of baroque chamber POLICE have issued a picture of volved in what police described house in Marley Road in a silver music in aid of the Baptist church a man they want as an aggravated burglary. vehicle. Two mobile phones are in Harrietsham. to question The computer-generated pic- reported to have been stolen dur- Tickets for the concert at the about a raid by a ture builds on the details already ing the incident at about 5pm on church, which starts at 7.30pm on gang of four at a held by police of a slim man, Thursday, July 14. Saturday, September 24, are £8. home in Harriet- about 5ft 11in tall, who spoke Anyone with information is To reserve yours call Pat King on sham. with a local accent. asked to call Kent Police on 01622 01622 851843 or Stephen Morris The man, who The residents were threatened 604100 quoting YY/015480/16 or on 850948 or send an email to was wearing a by the suspects. No one was hurt. Kent Crimestoppers, anony- [email protected]. hoodie, was in- The gang drove off from the mously, on 0800 555111.