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MaidstoneMaidstone EEastast EEditiondition & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE

January 2017 No. 237

News Store collection raises £4,000 Save our village shop KINDHEARTED customers at Tesco A RESCUE plan is needed if have raised more than £4,000 for charity. ’s village store is to Maidstone Riverside Rotary members were survive once the owner 4 joined by saxophonist and tutor Clive Frewer and retires. some of his students, who played Christmas songs during the club’s annual collection at the Hospice needs help store. The money will go to local good causes as well THE Heart of Hospice faces as emergency disaster relief charity ShelterBox. job cuts after suffering a 5 Club president Steve Elms said: “We are very drop in funding. pleased that we have been able to help several local charities and also ShelterBox. Also a big Tory ejection claim thank you to the generous people of Maidstone.” A COUNCILLOR says he was ejected from a Ramblin’  Man meeting. 10

Church makeover Villagers urged to Church gets an £82,000 refurbishment and the  clock has a facelift. 14 fight bank closure Leeds road closures BANNED HGVs are blamed after A PETITION has been launched against the planned closure of the road is closed by burst NatWest Bank branch in . water pipes. 14 The Bearsted and Thurnham Soci- tion by NatWest to use the post of- and Mid Kent, has written to ety hopes a significant proportion of fice next door for paying in and NatWest CEO, Ross Maxwell McE- MP’s M20 campaign the area’s 8,000 residents will back withdrawals. wan to express disappointment at MP Helen Whately is pressing for the campaign to save the branch. In her letter she states: “The alter- the loss of the branch. a new M20 surface to  The petition can be signed in Tay- native paying-in and withdrawal The NatWest branch in Staple- reduce noise levels. 20 lor’s newsagents on the Parade. service mentioned ... is all very well hurst, shut after a ram raid in the Comment 34 The society has already received but this post office counter is already summer, will not re-open. Other the support of MP Helen Whately very busy with queues being the branches that have been shut are  and Bearsted Parish Council. norm, and there is no guarantee that Marden, , , Snod- Obituaries 36 Mary Richards, the society secre- this service will continue.” land and .47 tary, wrote to the bank complaining The society has been banking at A bank spokesman blamed falling Parish Councils 46-47 of a “flagrant disregard for cus- NatWest in Bearsted for 30 years. transactions – Bearsted by 33% tomers’ needs”. Mrs Richards said that not every- –while online and phone banking Work on the war memorial at With the recent closure of the one was willing to bank online and had risen by 54%. would cost £8,000; Lenham branch, there is no NatWest wondered how the NatWest offer of  The closure of the branch at Lenham, neighbours of the between Ashford and Maidstone. a visiting “community banker” prompted a heated response from Ham Lane playpark had com- The nearest branch, without going could work in practice. Thurnham Parish council. plained about older youths using into town, is on the Sutton Road. She added: “This branch offers a Members said the decision had the equipment at night and caus- Mrs Richards said the elderly and good, personal and friendly service. been made in spite of it being a busy ing a nuisance; flytipping prob- those who do not drive will be “se- In short, it is a valuable community branch. They urged residents to lems in the road area verely disadvantaged”. asset. We urge you to reconsider.” write to NatWest and make their were reported at . She poured scorn on the sugges- Helen Whately, MP for Faversham feelings known. Crime Reports 47 Pub takeover A SUSPECT smashed the glass in BEARSTED’s Oak on The Green a patio door and ransacked the and the Fish on the Green, have property in The Landway, been bought by Kent brewer Shep- Bearsted, before stealing a num- BEST WISHES FOR 201 herd Neame. The venues belong to ber of items; parts were removed - a chain of five pub restaurants sold from a vehicle in Honey Lane, for £11.85m by owners Alex  ; animals were attacked and Helen Bensley. 6 and injured at a farm in Lenham. New Menu now being Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel served SPECIAL EVENTS Soak up the atmosphere in our contemporary 27th Jan '17 – Allo 'allo comedy dining experience restaurant at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. Choose from a diverse collection of mouth-watering 29th Jan '17 – Dreamboats and petticoats tribute lunch dishes prepared using fresh ingredients and locally- CALL TO BOOK A TABLE. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR sourced produce. Finally, indulge in one of our FORTHCOMING EVENTS delicious desserts before sitting back, relaxing and www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk allowing our experienced and helpful restaurant team TEL: 0844 815 9045 Hollingbourne, Nr Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RE to provide you with everything you need.

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2 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Cricket stories Driver demolishes wall A 34-YEAR-OLD motorist has been charged with fail- ing to stop after allegedly appeal to fans knocking down this garden wall in Bearsted. KENT’S association with cricket is Mr Lambert recalls how the suffra- The owner of the house in almost as long the game’s history. gette movement burnt down the Copsewood Way, Terence And few sports have had more cricket pavilion in Tunbridge Wells Lee, told Downs Mail the car books written on them than cricket. for excluding women. ploughed through his wall, Now another one, At Odds With A member said ladies were indeed completely demolishing it, Authority, written welcomed into the clubhouse – to at just after 8pm one by Bearsted’s Ian make the tea. evening. Lambert has cap- Mr Lambert said: “I don’t write Police say a man from tured in one place books for the money – I do it for the Bearsted was later arrested short stories, vi- fun and because it’s interesting. and has since been charged gnettes, jokes and “At Odds With Authority is a col- with a further offence of fail- recollections lection of light-hearted short stories ing to provide a specimen about the Kent of varying lengths which have a for analysis. game. Kent element to them. It’s not meant He has been bailed to at- The author – a to be an expose.” tend Maidstone Magis- fine club opening batsman with The book helps chart how the trates’ Court on January 6. Bearsted in his day – drew on county game was once played at sources far and wide for his material. eight or more towns in the season Mr Lambert, of Roseacre Lane, in- but is now just two or three. cludes the story of the former Kent It is not the first time that Mr Lam- Village panto Bluebell walk batsman-turned umpire Arthur bert has written a sporting book, TICKETS for The Pied Piper of WALKERS have been given a date Fagg who refused to retake the field having previously charted the highs Hamelin are on sale at the village by the Woodland Trust for their at Edgbaston after being on the end and lows of Bearsted Football Club. store in Hollingbourne. diaries this spring at the of abuse from West Indies captain He played a few games with the The panto, from Wednesday, Estate. Rohan Kanhai in 1973. Maidstone United reserves when the February 8 to Saturday, February A Bluebell Trail will be set out It followed a decision not to give club was based in London Road. 11, with performances at 7.45pm from Saturday, April 8 to Sunday, Geoffrey Boycott out and, subse- “A History of Bearsted Football and also at 2.15pm on Saturday is May 14. There is no charge and quently, for commentator John Ar- Club” charted the progress of the being held in the village hall. parking is free. Follow the sign- lott to observe wryly that "Arthur club since its formation in 1895. The tickets are on sale at Christo- posts for Hucking and St Mar- Fagg is better than none".  At Odds With Authority is avail- pher’s Village Shop in Eyhorne garet’s Church after turning off Former chartered civil engineer able to buy on Amazon for £14.99 Street. Hollingbourne Hill. 01622 738772      7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd Bearsted, Kent ME14 4ND www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk       

       



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Maidstone East January 2017 3 News downsmail.co.uk Pervert alert say they have no knowledge of incidents involving Call for ideas to keep schoolgirls being chased and fol- lowed around Maidstone. Invicta Grammar School sent an email to parents on December 13 saying that the force had been in- village shop going formed after a number of incidents involving an "individual". MOVING Hollingbourne shop to the village train station is one option being But a Kent Police spokesman de- nied knowledge of any incidents considered in a bid to keep the business going. which matched the description It follows news that the talks about commuters at the station other than given out by the school. the store’s future, which were ex- a ticket machine, so it could be ad- The IGS email said: "We have re- pected to see a change of ownership vantageous for a village store selling ceived a few recent reports regard- in the new year, appear to have newspapers, sweets and perhaps ing an individual chasing/ stalled. cups of coffee, that commuters following students in Maidstone Christopher Rudgard (pictured), would enjoy also. town centre. This has happened to who has run the Eyhorne Street shop “We are trying to promote the sta- students in a number of schools in for 12 years, told Downs Mail this tion as the closest rail connection to the area. The police have been in- week that while he had hoped to re- Leeds Castle, and more commuters formed and are investigating." tire, he accepts he will be behind the from the new homes at Langley Park Concern has been heightened counter at least until the end of on the Sutton Road are likely to opt after a woman was attacked in an March. However, a solution needs to for Hollingbourne where they can alleyway in the town centre, and be found. guarantee a seat, and there’s free another in Wallis Avenue by a Hollingbourne Parish Council parking. It is not difficult to see the stranger while a man was seriously chairman Mike Bedwell said coun- huge potential this would be for the sexually assaulted in Shepway. cillors were keen to hear from any- village shop.” one interested in taking on the shop, Cllr Bedwell said other sugges- Medals taken or with fresh ideas to help make it tions include relocating the business WORLD War II medals have been pay. He said the idea of moving the a short distance from its current ad- stolen by thieves in Senacre, Maid- He said: “The parish council wants shop to the station was just one sug- dress, but with parking, or keeping stone. to do what it can to keep a shop and gestion, adding: “This is an idea very it where it is and taking on the busi- Four military medals in a silver post office open in Hollingbourne, much in its early stages, with no ap- ness with some private investment frame were taken in Garden Close, especially in light of the closure of proaches made as yet.” from interested villagers. Senacre, on December 13. the NatWest bank in nearby However, he agreed – if South- Anyone interested to take on the Two other medals, a Silver Acorn Bearsted. If we were to lose the shop eastern was willing – there was merit shop or with ideas should email and Medal of Merit awarded by the and the post office it would make in the increased daily footfall for the parish clerk Vicki Smith at Scouts, are also reported to have getting money very difficult for vil- shop from commuters. www.hollingbournepc.kent- been taken. lagers, especially the elderly.” He added: “There’s nothing for parishes.gov.uk Anyone who believes they may have been offered these items for sale, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting YY/028171/16. Homes fears BEARSTED borough councillor Val Springett has written to MP Helen Whately to highlight the issue of “our disappearing bungalows”. She said many single-storey homes were being made larger by “remodelling” the loft space and Homes provider to boost air ambulance adding extensions, while others MAIDSTONE social housing provider events and challenges. Following a visit to Golding were demolished to make way for Golding Homes has chosen the air Chief executive Peter Stringer said: Homes’ head office in Allington, more properties. ambulance as its charity partner for “We’re delighted to be supporting Julie Clare, from the air ambulance, Cllr Springett told a recent meet- the next two years. this fantastic local charity that pro- said: “We are thrilled to have been ing of Bearsted Parish Council she Colleagues at Golding Homes vides vital life-saving support to the selected as the chosen charity by is concerned that there will be voted for the charity and are lining local community and is close to Golding Homes and we are looking fewer bungalows left for older peo- up a programme of fund-raising many people’s hearts.” forward to our charity partnership.” ple to retire to. Prime minister backs MP’s call for lorry parking PRIME Minister Theresa May has support my campaign for more lorry "I know My Right Honourable Mrs Whately said: "I’ve had hun- backed MP Helen Whately's cam- parking spaces, more effective en- Friend the roads minister is looking dreds of letters, emails and angry paign over anti-social and illegal forcement and, ultimately, a ban on at this issue very carefully indeed. tweets about it – that’s why I HGV parking that has blighted Kent lorries parking in unauthorised "I know the pressure on the roads launched my campaign to tackle fly- for years. places?” and villages and towns in Kent in re- parking. We need more places for The PM gave unequivocal backing The Prime Minister replied: “I lation to this. It’s something the Gov- lorries to park, and we need effective to the Mid Kent MP and said her recognise the concern my Hon- ernment is working on and we will enforcement.” roads minister was working to find ourable Friend has raised. Can I as- find a solution.” Ukip borough councillor Eddie suitable sites for parking in Kent. sure her that the Government shares Lorries parked up on laybys, grass Powell said: “We certainly need Speaking at the final Prime Minis- the desire to ensure that we don’t see verges, public land, industrial estates more effective enforcement for those ter’s Questions of the year, Helen this fly-parking of lorries and that and private roads bring with them irresponsible lorry drivers who Whately asked: “Will my Right Ho- we do provide suitable lorry parking litter, human waste and sometimes don’t want to pay for parking and nourable Friend, the Prime Minister, facilities in Kent. prostitution. pitch up wherever they feel like.”

4 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Hospice faces Professional Cleaning Company Experts in Cleaning Your Home jobs cut crisis Our truck mounted systems can clean… A HOSPICE which has helped Carpets... Driveways... Upholstery... Patios... thousands of families in their dark- Stone and Conservatory Decking & est hours is facing serious cutbacks Windows... after a drop in funding. Ceramic Floors.. Roofs.. Garden Furniture Heart of Kent Hospice has re- Happy with our work? vealed that up to 20 posts may be Add us to your status lost after a period of consultation. 07920 840972 on Facebook Donations through wills have fallen in the past two years while government funding has dropped in a will, which has always been a by about 9% in five years. vital source of funding, have been Although the charity has man- particularly low. aged to shave £420,000 off its costs “Funding from government is this year, it needs to find additional also down in real terms, contribut- savings of £575,000. ing 25% of our costs in 2011-12 and The hospice’s running costs stand just 16% in 2016-17. at £5.4m annually. “Our supporters are just not able A spokesman for Heart of Kent to give as much as they used to. Hospice acknowledged the serious- “This means we must now care- ness of its position but said there fully review the services we are able was “no panic” and there would be to offer in order to ensure the long- “no compromise to patient care”. term future of our core inpatient, Now the Aylesford-based charity community nursing, outpatient and has launched a campaign to raise emotional support services. £600,000 next year. “Regretfully, this means there are Chief executive Sarah Pugh said: likely to be redundancies. Our goal “For 25 years, Heart of Kent Hospice is to minimise the impact on patient has been caring for people with a care. terminal illness in our community. “We are appealing to our commu- “But the uncertain economic cli- nity to Get Behind Heart of Kent mate is hitting us hard as the de- Hospice, to help raise an additional mand for our help and costs rise, but £600,000 in 2017.” funding is increasingly difficult to  You can make a donation at secure. www.hokh.org/donate or text “Donations left to us through gifts “HOKH17 £5” to 70070. Surgery cuts go deep By Dennis Fowle nicotine replacement therapy. Food supplements will be reviewed. THE wide range of non-urgent sur- Making sure it all goes to plan  Injections – stopping hip injec- gery is to be seriously reduced until tions and spinal cord stimulation We recommend funeral plans from Golden Charter, April by the local Clinical Commis- unless under NHS criteria. sioning Group (CCG), which needs the UK's largest provider of plans to independent Outpatient services will also be re- to save about £4m before the end of funeral directors like us. With a Golden Charter viewed. the financial year in April. The CCG faces significant extra Funeral Plan you'll benefit from: This will also reduce pressure on costs in acute (hospital) care, mental • Fixing the cost of local hospitals, but the trust will not health as well as healthcare. It our services at be authorised to sub-contract to the wants to continue to develop serv- independent sector up to April. ices outside hospitals. today's prices In addition, all male and female Dr Bob Bowes, CCG chairman, • Reassurance for sterilisation and reversals are said if it overspent budget now, stopped to the end of 2017/18. your family - no more severe cuts would be needed uncertainty or difficult decisions The GP-led NHS West Kent CCG later. “We have looked carefully at is also looking at: ensuring least impact on patients.” • Complete flexibility to choose the  Cataract surgery - restricting ac- He added that health and social funeral you want cess depending on vision loss. care organisations across Kent and  Surgery restriction – new criteria Medway were now working to- The Family Funeral Service offering help to the overweight and gether to re-organise services so that smokers to avoid the need for sur- they support patients better, mostly 4 Cavendish Way, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW gery or to ensure better results from in their own home and communi- Call (01622) 260200 operations. This was in the pipeline ties. Key beneficiaries would be the for hip and knee replacements. frail and elderly.  IVF – funding just one round of  Dr Bowes called for wiser use of IVF with an age limit of 42. services, especially at A&E, where  Prescriptions – not prescribing 40% of patients left without treat- medicines that can be bought over ment. He recommends the website the counter, unless there is no other www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk to in- way to meet a clinical need eg vestigate symptoms and the nearest painkillers, hayfever treatments, place for help.

Maidstone East January 2017 5 News downsmail.co.uk Local history is uncovered Shepherd Neame take on TODAY we look on Vinters, and Grove Green as an intensive modern residential area - village pub restaurants but dig deeper and a fascinating his- tory unfolds. A CHAIN of five upmarket pub That is just restaurants including the Oak on what local au- the Green and the Fish on the thor Robin Am- Green in Bearsted have been brose has done to bought by Kent brewer Shepherd produce his Neame for £11.85million. fourth fascinat- The Faversham-based beer and ing book on Box- pub company has acquired Village ley, Sandling and Green Restaurants Ltd from own- . ers Alex and Helen Bensley. As The 27 chap- well as the Bearsted Green venues, ters are illustrated with phots, paint- its new additions are the Old Mill ings, drawings and maps. in Kennington, the Chequers on the The story starts with Roger de Green in High Halden and the Vinter in the 1300s. He built the Swan and Dog in Great Chart. manor house in Vinters Park, bought Shepherd Neame said the pub in 1783 by James Whatman, who cre- restaurants, which are all freehold, ated attractive park land around it. will be operated under its managed His family made a fortune in paper- pubs division. making. access to bank finance to £105m. Alex and Helen and their team have The restaurants had a combined Jonathan Neame, chief executive of achieved and we look forward to con- So many are unaware of the his- annual turnover of £6.6m and an Shepherd Neame, said: “We are de- tinuing their great work.” tory of Walnut Tree Farm, Weaver- operating profit of £900,000 in the lighted to welcome the team from Vil- Alex Bensley, chief executive of Vil- ing School, the church at Grove year ending October 31, 2015. Green, the Fox & Goose, Vinters The brewer said the takeover is in lage Green Restaurants Ltd to Shepherd lage Green Restaurants, said: “Helen Farm and quarry, Newnham Court line with its strategy to acquire Neame. Over recent years we have and I are proud of the business we have Farm, the war years and how an era high-quality sites with unique char- transformed our pub profile, greatly de- built and delighted to pass the baton to changed as the houses were built. acter in landmark or high profile lo- veloped our food offer and enhanced a local, longstanding family business “Vinters, Weavering and Grove cations. the experience for our customers, and such as Shepherd Neame.” Green Memories” costs £8.50 and To fund the deal, it has extended this is another important development The announcement attracted social available at Waterstones, Maidstone. its revolving credit facility with the in our strategy. media criticism about a potential drop Review by Dennis Fowle bank by £25m to £45m, taking total “We are hugely impressed by what in food and service standards. The Taste of Bengal Bangladeshi Cuisine

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Maidstone East January 2017 7 News downsmail.co.uk Code word for safer nights Young triathlete raises A SAFE phrase is being introduced for those feeling threatened in Maid- stone. The announcement – by the Safer £1,500 to help hospice Maidstone Partnership – follows a series of sex attacks in the town. AN EIGHT-year-old boy has raised nearly £1,500 as a thank you to the The “Ask for Angela” code will allow anyone feeling threatened to “lovely people” who cared for his dying cousin. discreetly alert bar staff that they are faced with a difficult situation. Jack Hills, from Lenham Road in sisters Amy and Emily held the red Posters are being displayed in ven- Platts Heath, completed a triathlon tape at the finishing line. ues across the town in conjunction of swimming, cycling and running, He said: “I would have been with Maidstone Council, Kent Police and netted three times his target of quicker, but dad slowed me down.” and Maidstone Domestic Abuse £500. He was presented with a trophy Forum and training provided for The challenge was in memory of by staff at Demelza to mark his those within Maidstone’s Night his cousin Jessica Humphrey, who achievement when he visited with Time Economy Forum. was helped by Demelza Hospice mum Sarah and proud grandpar- The initiative has already been Care for Children for three years ents, Jane and David Humphrey successfully launched in Lin- prior to her death in 2013. from Lenham. colnshire. Jack, who visited her in the Sit- Demelza events co-ordinator Cllr Fran Wilson, the leader of tingbourne hospice several times, Emma Cox said: “We were delighted Maidstone Council, said: “Launch- said: “That’s when I learned what a to hear about Jack’s challenge. It was ing this in Maidstone is a big step to- wonderful place it is. I saw the so thoughtful of him and he raised wards reducing the fear some lovely people who work there care an incredible amount to help fund people might feel in a situation and for Jessica and all the other children the work we do in caring for chil- to prevent sexual violence.” and I think they are awesome. dren with life-limiting and life- Maidstone Council’s community “They have some cool toys and a threatening conditions.” partnerships and resilience manager great music room too. Jessica loved More than 90 people, including Matt Roberts said: “I would encour- her music therapy. I have decided I the lollipop lady at Jack’s school – age anyone who needs help to go to would like to raise some money for Egerton CE Primary – supported the bar and ask for Angela, and the Demelza to say thank you.” Jack through his Just Giving page. bar staff will know you need help Jack, who loves all kind of sport, Jack’s mum said: “We are grateful and will help you out discreetly.” set about getting sponsors and com- to everyone who supported him in Kent Police are also advising those pleted his 200m swim, 6k cycle race training two months earlier and fin- raising this great amount, which we heading for a night on the town to: and 3.3k run at Maidstone’s Mote ished his challenge, accompanied by were delighted to hand over to  Plan journeys to and from home Park and Leisure Centre. He began dad Chris, in 1hr 23m 27s. Jessica’s Demelza.” in advance. If you get a taxi or minicab, ensure it is licensed.  Tell someone where you are Restaurants going and when you will be back.  Tell a friend if you have arranged to meet someone new, who they site for sale are and where you will be. TWO Maidstone restaurants  Do not leave drinks unattended. face an uncertain future as the owner of their town centre building has placed the site on Rape charge the market. The distinctive property in man in court Union Street is occupied by an A 25-YEAR-OLD man charged Asian restaurant called The with five counts of rape has ap- Buffet House on the ground peared in court by video link. floor and La Taberna on the Mateusz Sura, of Tottenham, was floor above. arrested by officers investigating a Christie and Co has been ap- sex attack alleged to have taken pointed to handle the sale and place in Wallis Avenue, Maidstone the firm is seeking £849,995 for on Monday, December 12. the freehold or £70,000 for the All of the charges relate to the leasehold, with an annual rent same incident against one victim of £45,000. who is not known to Sura. The property agents said He was remanded in custody to Singers to fly flag at castle both businesses would vacate appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ THE Patriot Girls return to Leeds rousing Land of Hope and Glory, the site when it is sold, but Court on Monday, January 16. Castle for next summer’s classical which audiences have come to owners of La Taberna, the Officers are urging anyone with concert, after a three-year absence. associate with the event, but we’re Munoz family, say they hope information, who has not yet spoken They will feature in a Battle of also adding some Battle of Britain to stay put if a deal can be to the police, to get in touch. Britain musical celebration, themes to compliment what I’m sure reached with the new owners. This includes a slim white man, performing old favourites such as will be another breathtaking flying The current owner bought about 5ft 8ins tall and aged between White Cliffs of Dover; Long Way to display.” the property nine years ago 20 and 25. He was wearing black Tipperary and We’ll Meet Again, Audiences are invited to take their when it was known as the chino-type trousers and a black while war planes fly overhead. Union flags, candelabras and smiles Comedy Creek Club. hooded top and was standing on the The open air classical concert in the for the event, which will culminate in James Hughes, business corner of Bell Road and Wallis Av- castle ground on July 8 promises to a firework display. agent in the Maidstone office enue between 5.30pm and 7pm. be memorable, according to artistic He added: “We’re confident that of Christie and Co, said the site Call Kent Police on 01622 654863 director John Rigby. He said: “Next the 2017 event will exceed its is an “excellent opportunity” quoting 12-1162. Alternatively con- year’s concert will not only feature reputation as a firm favourite with to introduce “new offerings” to tact Kent Crimestoppers, anony- many popular classics such as the the people of Kent and beyond.” Maidstone. mously, on 0800 555111.

8 Maidstone East January 2017 Tailor makes a 6” Mistake

If you were measured to have varifocals they mark the lenses using something tailor made for you, would D ¿EUH WLS SHQ DYDLODEOH VLQFH   you expect to be delivered shoes WDNH PHDVXUHPHQWV ZLWK D UXOHU ¿UVW that are 2 sizes too small for you, or LQYHQWHG\HDUVDJR XVLQJWKHVDPH trousers 6 inches too big? Of course ruler measure the distance between not. Yet thousands of people wear your eyes. Buchanan Optometrists spectacle lenses that are incorrect by at abandoned this inaccurate method 10 least 17%. years ago, preferring instead to use a A recent European Optometry study computerised measuring system that showed that the average error by a not only measures your pupil position trained optician measuring a person to within 0.1mm but also takes into for varifocals was 5mm per eye. Even account several other measurements UK are off-the-shelf designs with your a 0.5mm error can cause eye-strain, such as how the spectacle frame sits on prescription added to it - a crazy idea KHDGDFKHVDQGUHGXFHG¿HOGRIYLHZ your face. We are all different, so any considering we all have different jobs, It’s no wonder so many people have frame you put on will sit differently. hobbies and lifestyles. Our varifocals tried and failed to comfortably wear :HPHDVXUH HOHFWURQLFDOO\QRUXOHUV  are not off-the-shelf designs tailor made varifocal spectacles. Thousands more the distance the frame sits from your and completely individualised for you MXVW WROHUDWH WKH SRRU ¿HOG RI YLHZ face, the angle of the frame, the curve taking into account what you want to and swimming vision that these mis- of the frame, how your eyes work do with your lenses, your work, your measurements can cause. But why binocularly together. The end result? lifestyle and leisure activities. Taking does this happen? The most comfortable vision possible into account your precise computerised You will probably remember that - or your money back. measurements and prescription. when most opticians measure you for 2YHURIYDULIRFDOOHQVHVVROGLQWKH ;feËkjl]]\in`k_gffi]`kk`e^c\ej\jXe[jlY$jkXe[Xi[m`j`fe 9ffbpfliXggf`ekd\ekkf[Xp :XccEfn$'(-)),*,((' 56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5NB

 

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Maidstone East January 2017 9 News downsmail.co.uk Concert policy to be reviewed Tory: ‘I was ejected from RAMBLIN’ Man and same-size music events will be permitted in the council’s town centre parks for up to eight days next summer. Ramblin’ Man meeting’ In ‘re-defining’ its Festival and Events Policy, the council’s Heritage, A MAIDSTONE councillor claims Culture and Leisure Committee he was “thrown out” of a meeting quantified Ramblin’ Man – at a max- to discuss this summer’s Ramblin’ imum of 65 decibels – as a category Man Festival in Mote Park. A event, two of which will be al- Tory Cllr Mike lowed over six days in Mote Park. Revell (left), who has Another such event will be allowed taken a stand over at Whatman Park over two days a the volume pro- year. duced by the festi- A statement from committee val, was planning to chairman Cllr David Pickett read: outline his concerns it was because I would be concerned to leave the meeting and they cer- “Large-scale events including Proms about the event to about the value of my home. tainly did not throw him out.” in the Park, Maidstone Mela and The the heritage, culture and leisure “I do live within earshot of the After further discussion, Cllr Rev- Ramblin’ Man Fair provide the op- committee on November 30. Ramblin’ Man concert, but so do ell made his statement but left the portunity for communities to enjoy But hours before the panel met, he thousands of other residents.” room, saying he was doing so on the open-air, high-quality, family events says he was told by the authority’s An MBC spokesman said Cllr advice of the MBC legal team. right on their doorstep. legal team he would be unable to Revell did not declare an interest at Cllr Revell has been pursuing the “We are aware that these events speak because he lives in a property the start of the meeting, despite council and the organisers of the may cause some disruption to resi- in the park and could be seen as a chairman Cllr David Pickett asking Ramblin’ Man event after com- dents but we are committed to look- having a vested interest. him specifically about the agenda plaints about noise levels. ing at ways to limit these impacts.” Maidstone Borough Council stren- item relating to Ramblin’ Man. The summer festival – headlined When pressed as to whether the uously denies Cllr Revell was ejected The Bearsted member was ad- by Whitesnake (above) – could be classification comprised a reduction or prevented from speaking. vised that he had a “significant in- clearly heard miles away in Cheg- in noise levels, a spokesman con- Cllr Revell said: “I was telephoned terest” as he lives within Mote Park. worth and Harrietsham. ceded that no substantive change on the afternoon of the meeting by The spokesman added: “The team Cllr Revell is determined to secure had been approved, adding: “We are the legal department and told I gave the advice that Cllr Revell more independent noise monitoring looking at other ways to reduce the should not take part in the discus- should make his representations and across the weekend, of filing com- escape of noise from the Mote Park sions of item 12 (Ramblin’ Man) be- then he should leave; however, this plaints during the event and a re-ex- bowl and are considering getting a cause I had an interest. was only advice. Legal made the amination of where the sound sound specialist in to assist.” “It took me 10 minutes to discover point that they could not force him system is placed in future. Mickey’s Café Diner

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Maidstone East January 2017 11 News downsmail.co.uk Jet wash theft KENT Police are investigating a re- ported theft of a commercial jet Lanes open on town’s washer from Oakwood Park in Maidstone. It is red and white and was stolen between 5pm on Friday, November new gyratory system 4, and 5pm on Monday, November 7. Police believe it may have been THE new north-bound lanes of the towed away and are keen to hear Maidstone bridges gyratory system from anybody who has seen it or have opened. been offered it for sale. The £6m project hopes to shave 74 Anyone with information is seconds from the average journey, asked to call Kent Police on 01622 and traffic travelling from Bishops 604100 quoting reference Way towards the M20 via YY/24924/16. Alternatively contact Fairmeadow will flow more freely Kent Crimestoppers, anony- with the extra capacity. mously, on 0800 555 111. Work on the lower High Street footway is not likely to be com- Flytip closure pleted until mid-January, due to a FLYTIPPERS who threw garden delay in obtaining granite slabs rubbish in a narrow lane at Stock- from a foreign supplier. bury forced its closure to other mo- Motorist Pat Corry (49) said: “Peo- ing: “What is new? Drivers not also additional traffic signals that torists for days. ple will get used to getting into the watching where they are going and drivers need to be aware of. Kent County Council was forced right lanes, which is the most con- failing to read clear road markings "For the first week after opening, to shut the road in early December fusing bit. and signs!” we will be assessing the traffic to prevent anyone driving into the “If you’re going north on Bishops Another wrote: “This is now a movements and optimising the traf- tree branches and garden waste left Way towards the gyratory you need complicated layout. Signage is to- fic signal settings to ensure that they in South Street, off the A249. to be in the left or middle lanes tally inadequate and was crying out work to their full potential and de- when heading for the bridges and in for an overhead gantry system giv- liver the maximum benefit. the middle or the right lanes if using ing clearer guidance.” "Works on the footway at the Assault arrest the new road. That’s the gist of it. When the system was introduced lower High Street will continue into FUGITIVE Burt Goble has been re- “I’ve been over a few times since it on December 1, a Kent County the New Year, but access for pedes- captured by Kent Police. opened and the traffic does seem to Council statement said: “Drivers trians will be maintained and all The 36-year-old, from Shepway, flow a little better.” travelling towards Chatham will traffic management will be removed was reported on the run after an as- But the new layout prompted a need to be in the centre and outside from the road for the Christmas pe- sault in Maidstone. mixed reaction online, with one say- lanes on Bishops Way. There are riod. 07711 798941

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12 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Steroid factory in Maidstone A MAN who used his Maidstone the accounts totalled around home to run a business selling an- £121,000. abolic steroids has been jailed for Wiltshire was charged in August, two years. 2016 with 11 offences of being con- Police seized tablets, powders cerned in the supply of Class C and vials of liquids containing drugs. banned substances including At Maidstone Crown Court on testosterone, during a search of Thursday, November 25 he was Brett Wiltshire’s Calder Road sentenced to 2 years in prison, hav- property last year. ing previously pleaded guilty to all During the search, on September the charges. 24, 2015, drugs recovered included Detective Constable Marc almost 3,000 tablets, which Wilt- Symonds, who led the investiga- shire had produced. tion, said: “Steroids remain a pro- He had embossed many of these hibited drug, which should only with a Superman logo. by legally purchased by medical Officers also discovered books prescription. on how to manufacture steroids “However, as this case has and files containing records of cus- shown, they are often illegally tomer orders. bought online or through other Kent Police found how Wiltshire, sources. NOW 41, had been purchasing the “Wiltshire was involved in the ON steroids from a number of suppli- sale of steroids on a commercial ers, many who were based in scale. His actions greatly increased China. the dangers to those who bought, Further checks highlighted sub- and ultimately used, these sub- stantial transactions into and from stances. his bank accounts. “The risks from misusing Between April, 2015 and April, steroids are more serious than 2016 Wiltshire made deposits of many people think and can include more than £122,000. During the heart attacks, strokes and other po- same period, payments out from tentially fatal conditions.”

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Maidstone East January 2017 13 News downsmail.co.uk HGVs blamed as road closed for a third time BANNED lorries have been pect it was not fixed properly. blamed for the closure of the road “After the sink hole a while back, through Leeds village for the third KCC did tests and it appears we time in just 11 days. have got something of ageing mains The latest blockage came on De- system that has not been coping cember 12 and 13 when repair work with the pressure being put upon it Boxley church on a burst main a few days earlier – and we’re talking about water. developed a large hole. “I can understand that people in makeover A South East Water engineer told want to believe that the utilities are AFTER many decades, Boxley Downs Mail the latest emergency Powell said: “We see lorries using breaking down because of the HGVs Church is undergoing an £82,000 was “likely” to have been caused by the back roads all the time. They rou- but I have asked advice from the make-over. vibrations and the weight of illegal tinely ignore the lorry ban through highways people at KCC and it’s not Its five-yearly building inspec- HGV trucks using the village as a rat Leeds and little or nothing is done to necessarily the case. We need a by- tion showed the casements around run. enforce it.” pass for the volume of traffic not the its stained glass windows were in The latest closure meant cars used Director of Warmlake Dance weight of it.” need of repair, as was the roof, back roads around Langley, Otham, Academy Lorraine Mason said on South East Water spokesman tower and – once the scaffolding Kingswood and Broomfield in an ef- Facebook: “Maybe if the dirty great David Winterburn said there was a was up – its ancient clock. fort to find alternative routes around trucks didn't keep going through the split in a four inch water main in Thanks to a £25,000 contribution Leeds. village it wouldn't destabilise the Upper Street, Leeds, on December 12 from the Friends of St Mary’s the Villager and Tory borough coun- ground and damage the pipes. I and the road had to be closed while work, which began in October, is cillor Gill Fort said: “It doesn’t sur- thought they'd been banned after the repairs were carried out. progressing well and it was hoped prise me at all. You can’t have very road collapsed last time!” He added: “We would like to apol- that the restoration project would large lorries using the village every But Kent county councillor Gary ogise to customers affected and re- be complete by Christmas, and the day on top of all the other traffic that Cooke said that the recent road clo- assure them our teams were quickly clock face removed for repair. comes through without it having an sures may have more to do with the on site to repair the burst pipe. We Work to the tower will see some effect. age of the pipes and the consumer are investigating the likely cause of of the stone work replaced with “The lorries aren’t even meant to pressure on the utilities. these two bursts and until this work local Kent ragstone, quarried by be using the village but they’ve been He said: “There are several ways is complete we cannot give a reason Gallagher’s in . ignoring the ban for years.” of looking at it. Given it broke down for why they happened in quick suc- The clock mechanism, which was Ukip borough councillor Eddie so soon after it was repaired, I sus- cession.” installed in 1828, continues to keep perfect time, but its face is showing the signs of time. It will be removed Drink-driver and its wooden seating replaced with a metal frame. Church warden Les Ellis said: left accident “Once the scaffolding went up we A 25-YEAR-OLD Maidstone could see that the clock face was in woman has been banned from a state of collapse. While modern driving for three years for fleeing materials will be used, it will be drunk from an road accident. painted and gilded to look exactly Jasmine Jade Grant was sen- as it does now.” tenced at Medway Magistrates’ Mr Ellis praised the strong con- Court on December 6 after she gregation, the use of the church and pleaded guilty to failing to surren- money from the sale of the church der to court bail, failing to stop hall about five years ago for mak- after a road accident and driving ing the work possible. A celebration for Primrose without insurance. DOZENS of friends and family Irvine, Primrose Meneses-Bautista, She pleaded not guilty to driving Curfew order gathered at St Nicholas Church in Jude Wenham, Aidan Wenham and otherwise than in accordance with A MAIDSTONE woman has been Leeds for the Christening of Primrose Emily Irvine. a licence and drink-driving but banned from driving and given a Meneses-Bautista. Behind them from left are Charles was convicted of the offences by Rev Steve Hughes was the minister. Wenham, Susan Wenham, Louise night curfew. magistrates. The family gathered in the new Meneses-Bautista, Andres Meneses- Linda Jackson was sentenced at In November last year, Grant, of Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court after function room of The George pub in Bautista and Luke Wenham.  Do you have a Christening photo Sutton Road, Maidstone, drove a she admitted driving otherwise Leeds for a buffet lunch. that you would like us to publish? Ford Fiesta in Heath Road, Maid- than in accordance with a licence Pictured here in the front row from Send a picture with a few words to stone, otherwise than in accor- and failing to take a breath test. left are Max Irvine, Otis Meneses- simon.fi[email protected] and dance with a licence and with no On May 14, Jackson (57), of Bautista, Evangeline Wenham, Ce- lestina Meneses-Bautista, Samantha we’ll do our best. insurance. Egerton Road, drove a Suzuki She failed to stop the vehicle Wagon R in Northumberland Road after a road accident and gave a otherwise than in accordance with breath test of 90 microgrammes of a licence and failed to cooperate Festive concert boosts Mencap alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. with a breath test. A CHRISTMAS concert by the Singers raised nearly £300 Magistrates banned her from The legal limit is 35 micro- for Maidstone Mencap. grammes. driving for 18 months and gave her The charity thanked everyone who helped towards the success of a two-month curfew between 9pm She then failed to surrender to the event at Cobtree Hall, Willington Street. bail at Mid Kent Magistrates’ and 7am. She must also pay £100 Fundraiser Ann Tutte said: “The Singers waived their fee to help Court without reasonable excuse. costs and an £85 victim surcharge. us and the Larkfield Active Retirement Association (LARA) gener- Magistrates banned Grant from Disqualification can be reduced ously supported the event with a donation which helped us to reach by 137 days if she completes a this total, and also made up the majority of the audience. A big driving for three years. She must course approved by the Secretary thanks goes to them.” also pay a £450 fine, £200 costs and of State. a £30 victim surcharge.

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Maidstone East January 2017 15 News downsmail.co.uk No let up on noisy freight Eclipse Park plan for EXTRA freight trains running through Maidstone will continue to be diverted until after Christmas. We reported residents’ complaints about the noise in our last edition, £14m store is agreed following Network Rail’s decision to switch trains to the line running A £14m Waitrose will be built at from Maidstone West to Farleigh Eclipse Park in Maidstone, near and beyond while bridge repairs are the M20. carried out in Lewisham. Members of Maidstone Borough At the time, Network Rail was Council's planning committee ap- criticised by Fant borough council- proved the new food store – lor Matt Boughton for not informing thought to be the biggest in the those living along the line of the dis- county – by 10 votes to one. ruption and a likely completion If work goes ahead according to date. plan, the new shop, near junction A spokesman said: “It is now esti- seven of the M20, is unlikely to mated that in order to take advan- open before spring 2018 but could tage of the planned closure of parts create more than 200 local jobs. build-ups in the area, but withdrew Hilton at Eclipse Park. of the route over the Christmas pe- Cllr David Burton, chairman of its concerns when pledges were Other sites considered included riod, work will not be completed MBC's Strategic Planning, Sustain- made to provide bus routes to and Baltic Wharf on St Peter’s Street until the end of the year. Unfortu- ability and Transport committee, from the store. and the empty Royal Mail sorting nately, this means that freight serv- sought to play down fears of traffic Arriva will operate the services to office site in central Maidstone, al- ices will still need to make use of the problems in an already busy road stops on the Bearsted Road on the though none was thought to offer Medway Valley line.” network. existing 333 and 334 services. the same as the site which is owned The member for Marden and Cllr Burton said that shoppers by Gallagher Properties. told Downs Mail: “You can tended to use the nearest and most A Waitrose spokesman said: balance an increase in movements convenient food store to where “The proposed food store serves a Call to players with the fact that the park and ride they live, but could see customers different catchment to Allington MONDAY Badminton Club, based is not there any more. coming from areas such as Vinters Park, and analysis suggests there at New Line Learning Academy, “Whilst the store will bring some Park, Penenden Heath and Grove would be limited overlap of trade Loose, is on the lookout for new more traffic, we have got some Green, which already has a large between the two locations.” members. The club meets from money to improve that junction.” and popular Tesco. It is estimated that construction 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Mondays. Call Kent County Council had offered The Waitrose will sit alongside will take nine months, plus a two- 0770 900244. some observations about traffic other chains such as Next and month internal fit-out. orchard o dental practice

Emergency TAKE ON A NEW Appointments CHALLENGE IN 2017 Free Parking Maidstone Duathlons take place on March 5th at Harrietsham Sprint race is 3k run/27k bike/3.5k run Standard race is 9.5k run/42k bike/3.5k run

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16 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Bus boss says: use it or lose it STARK warnings have been is- 11.30 and again at 1.30pm, making sued to passengers by two of request stops anywhere along Ey- Maidstone bus companies. horne Street. “Use it or lose it” was the mes- Meanwhile, Unite regional offi- sage to Hollingbourne residents cer Dave Weeks said Arriva serv- from bus operator Nu Venture this ices in Maidstone are still at risk week from owner Norman Kemp from strike action because of The year 2017 marks 40 years in in light of the drive for austerity moves by bosses to introduce mys- cuts by the county council. tery shoppers on services. estate agency for Tim Ferris. Mr Kemp welcomed an opportu- In spite of a vote for strike action, nity to talk to Hollingbourne talks have been continuing be- Parish Council, saying he had no tween the union and bus service passion to withdraw the village’s bosses. However, a solution still Number 13 service but it was op- seems some way off. portune to mention the risk facing Mr Weeks said services would all subsidised services. The num- not be affected over Christmas, but ber 13, between the village and would face a further review in the Maidstone, is one of only 3% of bus new year, adding: “After talks routes funded by KCC. under the auspices of the concilia- He said: “It is not that the bus tion service Acas, we have agreed isn’t used elsewhere that it calls, in- with the Arriva management to ex- cluding Leeds, Langley Heath, tend the 28-day period for taking Then Now Otham and the Sutton Road, but in action by a further 28 days and Hollingbourne there are often no postponed any planned action passengers at all. This puts the until January 20 to allow the service at risk in the eyes of the agreed changes to take effect.” county council and I would urge A spokesman for Arriva said During the last four decades, Tim has villagers to make use of it.” talks at Acas had been “fruitful” The number 13 leaves Holling- and that he was confident a solu- valued, listed and sold thousands of bourne church at 7.17am, 9.50, tion would be found. houses. His considerable experience is Danielle’s charity skydive at your disposal. If you would like to A WOMAN who suffered disfiguring burns when her family’s holiday car- know the value of your home and avan went up in flames has braved a freefall jump to raise £4,000 for the charity that supported her during her recovery. would like a free market appraisal, Seven months after being released from hospital, Danielle completed the then please call the office to book 12,000ft skydive at Headcorn, raising almost £1,000 more than her target of your appointment today. £3,000 for the Katie Piper Foundation which helped her through the toughest time of her life. Thanking supporters and sponsors, With low rates of just 1% plus VAT, she said: “It means so much to me and it’s for a fantastic charity.” Daniel was on holiday with her mum no tie-in contract and a dedicated Jan and stepfather, Gez Clark, at the Caravan Club park in Addington on team – we feel confident in providing New Year’s Eve 2016 when fire ripped through their caravan. you with a first class service. The blaze put her parents in hospital for a month and left Danielle in a coma with severe burns. The family, who live in Lenham where Gez is the town crier, set about raising money for the foundation. They are raffling 12 tickets for the Leeds Castle Classical Concert and holding a masked ball on June 24 in the Tithe Barn at Lenham. A TRUSTED LOCAL COMPANY Sponsor Danielle on the Just Giving website or for details of the ball, email [email protected]. Call us today Warnings follow burglaries Penenden Heath Office Maidstone ME14 2HN POLICE have issued burglary pre- Police officers are urging home- Te l: 01622 671200 vention advice after a string of owners to ensure that doors and thefts in Woods. gates are locked and boundaries A grey Mercedes was taken from are secure. Keys, cash and valu- Bearsted Office Bearsted ME14 4QZ a home in Hurst Hill on December ables should be kept out of view 6, along with jewellery and a lap and bikes, tools and garden items Te l: 01622 737800 top from the same street on No- should be locked away. vember 30. A VW Golf was taken Anyone with information about www.ferrisandco.net from an address in Tunbury Av- the thefts can call Kent Police on enue on December 6. 01622 604100 quoting YY/22279/16.

Maidstone East January 2017 17 News downsmail.co.uk Street pastors need new recruits TWO Maidstone Street Pastors are leaving the team – leaving a shortage of volunteers on the ground. Claire Boxall, a prayer pastor, in the new year. and David Eberlein, a street pastor, Paul, who had back surgery this have decided to move on. year, has been away from the Maid- A spokesman said: “We thank stone Street Pastors team and wife both of these lovely people for their Ruth will be in charge of his wheel- time, love and commitment to chair. The Maidstone team is cur- street and prayer pastors over these rently short of prayer pastors who past years and send them our bless- are needed for duties one Saturday ings and love.” night/Sunday morning a month An appeal has been made to re- from 9.45pm to 3am. place the vacancies. The website explains: “The pas- The Maidstone Street Pastors tors have quickly established them- scheme was launched in January selves as an integral part of the Saturday night time economy. Ex- 2008 with the first set of Street Pas- More volunteers are need to keep the Street Pastors’ scheme going tors out on the streets of Maidstone cellent relationships have been in October that year. up to 10,000 party goers on a Satur- ioner at All Saints’ in Loose, is built up with door staff, police and They work with other bodies day night. training to be a street pastor. He the Saturday night revellers and the such as Kent Police to provide sup- “Street Pastors work closely has worked with the St John Am- pastors’ aim to be ‘lights in the port to the homeless as well as the alongside the police, paramedics bulance and NHS for a number of darkness’ has been warmly re- many thousands of revellers drawn and the Urban Blue bus project to years. He is currently establishing ceived.” to the county town each weekend. provide emotional, spiritual and a Christian Union in the ambulance If you would like to help out, call Its website states: “Maidstone is practical support to those in need.” service. Paul and Ruth Burchett are Nigel on 07817 250705 or email the clubbing capital of Kent with Tim Gosden, who is a parish- both returning to street pastor duty [email protected] Driver banned It’s all smiles A 28-YEAR-OLD who drove Child abuser jailed for through Maidstone without insur- at dentists ance, failed to give a breath test and offences in the 1970s A DENTISTRY team from Bearsted then assaulted a police officer has has earned top marks for their prac- A PAEDOPHILE who abused chil- year sentence he will also serve an been banned from the road for five tice from a Government inspector. years. dren at his Maidstone home in the additional 12 months on licence. In a report from the Care Quality Jamie Stafford admitted driving early 1970s has been jailed for six- Investigating officer Detective Commission, the New Tooth Com- his Renault Megane in Dickens and-a-half years. Constable Rebecca Saunders said: pany Implant Centre on the Ash- Road otherwise than in accordance Charles Rose (79) assaulted two "Charles Rose’s victims lived with ford Road earns top marks for with a licence, with no insurance, girls at his home in Loose when what had happened to them for providing industry standards of failing to provide a breath speci- they were both of primary school more than 40 years and I would service and staff who put patients at men and assaulting the officer at age. like to pay tribute to them for hav- ease. the town’s police station on April 4. The victims reported to police in ing the courage to speak up and The inspector who visited the Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court sen- 2010 that Rose committed multiple support the investigation. practice – run by Melanie and Gary tenced Stafford, from Rainham, to sex offences against them through- "They have demonstrated incred- Moynes – compiled the report after the driving ban and ordered him to out a 12-month period. ible bravery through what must checking protocols and talking to do 250 hours of unpaid work in the Rose, who had moved to Pen- have been a very difficult time for community. He must also pay a patients and staf. wortham, Lancashire, was charged them, including having to relive £200 fine, £50 compensation and an The CQC said this month that pa- by post in July 2015. their experiences during the trial. £85 victim surcharge. tients felt they received very good He denied four counts of inde- "I hope this case sends a clear care in a clean environment from a cent assault on a child and three message to other victims of historic helpful practice team. Assault arrest counts of gross indecency, but was sexual abuse that it is never too late The CQC plans to inspect 10% of POLICE have made an arrest fol- convicted following a trial in Sep- to report offences to us, and that England’s 10,000 dental practices. lowing an assault in Maidstone, tember 2016, and sentenced at you will receive all the necessary Unlike most sectors regulated by which put a man in the neurologi- Maidstone Crown Court. support should you wish to come the CQC, primary care dental serv- cal unit of a London hospital. In addition to his six-and-a-half forward.” ices do not receive a rating. The 23-year-old man, from Maid- stone, was arrested following the incident in King Street at 2.28am on Sunday, November 6. He was New Ukip leader welcomed bailed until December 9. A 26-year-old man from Maid- A LEADING Ukip figure has wel- at the end of October but were Cllr Powell would stand for par- stone was also arrested, but has comed the appointment of Paul forced to be put back when the liament, while and since been released without charge. Nuttall (pictured) as leader of the party’s then leader Diane James Otham’s independent-turned- The victim was taken to King’s party – and says it will force the resigned after 18 days. Ukipper Gordon Newton would College Hospital by road, although local branches Shepway Ukip borough coun- stand in the ultra-marginal Maid- the air ambulance was scrambled to announce cillor Eddie Powell said: “I’m de- stone south east KCC division. and landed nearby in Mote Park. their selections lighted that Paul Nuttall got the Cllr Powell said: “Nothing has for forthcoming job. Locally, the Labour Party is been decided. It sounds like the polls. finished, the Tories are in trouble Tories are a bit rattled. No one Drugs teenager Mr Nuttall’s and the Liberal Democrats aren’t wants the selections to be made A BOY aged 15 has been arrested appointment worth worrying about.” more than me but it’s a demo- on suspicion of dealing in heroin. has delayed the Although Cllr Powell said that cratic process.” There were three arrests in Lower announcement he would like to see the appoint- Cllr Cooke, the Tory Maidstone Stone Street. The 15-year-old is of local candida- ments made “sooner rather than south-east candidate, said he was from Croydon, a 19-year-old from cies for the Kent County Council later”, it may not be until after confident he can win the seat Maidstone and a 29-year-old from elections in May 2017. Christmas. back next May, no matter who Woolwich were bailed to January. These were meant to take place Rumours have been rife that Ukip chooses.

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Maidstone East January 2017 19 News downsmail.co.uk MP tackles M20 noise pollution

MID Kent and Faversham MP had promised to take action but Helen Whateley is pressing for had failed to do so. Mrs Whateley improvements between junctions had promised in her 2015 general 8 and 9 of the M20 to be included election address to pursue the mat- in the £1.1bn spending on roads ter. Allington Millennium Green Trust chairman Dr Brian White with Lions’ announced in the Chancellor’s Au- The MP called on the govern- president Malcolm Luxton and members Anita Crayford and Mike Williams tumn Statement. ment in January to improve noise Residents pollution on the M20 after com- from Holling- plaints from residents. She ob- Lions help to restore garden bourne and tained confirmation that the MAIDSTONE Lions group has given a much-needed face-lift to a sunken Harrietsham government was committed to garden in the town. have been resurfacing the M20 between junc- The group responded to a call from the Allington Millennium Green complaining tions 7 and 8 with noise-reducing Trust for help to restore the central feature at the Green, off the London about noise material, but that there were no Road (the former site of the old Sharpes Toffee sports ground). Not only levels from plans to resurface the road between did the team help with the work, but gave a £600 donation towards it. lorries on the junctions 8 and 9. The Trust will be placing a plaque in the green as a token of its thanks. concrete sur- This part would be retextured, face of this but Mrs Grant said this would im- stretch since it was built in 1991. prove safety, with little or no im- The M20 was the last motorway pact on noise. ZZ Top to play Ramblin’ Man in the country to be surfaced with She said that residents had told ZZ Top will headline next year's idents, who also complained about ribbed concrete which is louder her how “noise from HGVs thun- Ramblin' Man Fair in Maidstone poor organisation. than tarmac. Unlike other sections, dering down the M20 is blighting amid an ongoing row about noise British rockers Whitesnake were the one between junction 8 Maid- their lives” and it was getting levels. the headliners at the festival this stone East (Lenham) and junction 9 worse every year as freight traffic The two-day festival will be held year and in 2017 there will be four for Ashford and Faversham has still increases. in 450-acre Mote Park in July. stages over two days, including a not been resurfaced with material She said: “Just like Operation This summer's event attracted new Guest stage. which causes less noise. Stack, people have been putting up thousands of rock fans to Mote The Ramblin’ Man Fair is owned Hollingbourne Parish Council with this for years, and it is time to Park but also drew stinging com- by the music event company, said that successive governments get it sorted out.” plaints about noise levels from res- Spirit of Rock.

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Maidstone East January 2017 21 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Pauline Bowdery ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU

Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website Wallet thief says thanks Council to the rescue A CHEEKY thief stole from a parked van and left a note saying thank you on the dashboard, parish councillors were told. as hall heating fails The culprit took a wallet from the vehicle in Abigail Crescent, BOXLEY Parish Council has Walderslade, between 11.30pm on agreed to finance a new gas boiler November 15 and 8.30am the next at Grove Green Community Hall day. after a heating emergency at the Parish council chairman Bob Hin- premises. der said: “That was a bit of a The hall association’s chairman, cheek.” Monty Knight-Olds, attended the Kent Police said there had been meeting to seek urgent help. A reg- five reports of items stolen from ve- ular maintenance check had been hicles in the area between October carried out that morning and a leak 27 and November 28, and a car was had been detected which had re- taken from a driveway in Birch sulted in the two boilers at the hall Drive on November 12. being condemned. further costs would be incurred as once it had been The 2015 Mazda CX-5 was found The hall had no other heating four temporary heaters would need authorised. 19 days later by PCSO Matt Adling- and was used every day by com- to be hired at a cost of £18 each per Cllr Dennis ton near Westfield Sole Road. munity groups including a pre- week. Hollands (right) A spokesman warned owners to school on four mornings a week. Councillors were very concerned said: “I would ensure vehicles are locked He said that as boilers were now to hear of the problems and it was fully support a overnight and not to leave valuable more efficient, just one new one agreed that the council would pay grant for the hall items on display or car keys visible would be needed to replace the old the cost of a replacement boiler unit and the service it from outside their home. equipment, but he had been quoted and installation up to £3,500. Mr gives to the com- Anyone with information is £3,500 plus VAT for this, which the Knight-Olds said the fitting would munity. At this time of year, where asked to contact Kent Police on 101. hall was not in a position to pay. take about two days and could be there are children and it is an emer- Flytipping up Until the work could go ahead, done after the end of school term, gency, we should say yes.” COUNCILLORS expressed con- cern about an increase in flytipping in the parish, especially large Residents have say on homes plan amounts of builders’ rubble. FORTY residents attended the at Boxley Village to allow resi- going back to The Rochester A resident had emailed high- November environment commit- dents to hear a presentation by Bridge Trust and the parish coun- lighting the problem in Cookham tee meeting which heard details of three representatives from Savills cil objecting to the Willow Farm Wood. He said he cleared up rub- a pre-application presentation for on the Forge Lane scheme, also in- planning application. A big thank bish regularly but would like to see a development on land at the end volving two three-bedroom you to all the residents who at- more warning signs and CCTV. of Forge Lane. houses. tended and apologies for the delay Residents are advised to report The committee also dealt with a Environment committee chair- in getting to some of you.” flytipping to Maidstone Council on planning application for two man, Cllr Wendy Hinder said: The committee welcomes the its website. three-bedroom properties at Wil- “Some residents had to wait a public and developers to its meet- low Farm, Sandling. long time to be heard, but overall ings and a leaflet explaining the Alert service The meeting changed venues to it was a successful evening with parish council’s role within the the European Osteopathy School residents’ views and comments planning system is on its website. FOR news, planning applications or crime in your area join our com- munity alert service. Email en- [email protected] Register for power cut help Mayor praised THE Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr stating which area you are inter- UK POWER Networks has set up added: “While power cuts are less ested in: Grove Green & Weaver- a Priority Services Register to help frequent, when they do occur they Derek Butler, whose borough ing, Boxley Village, Sandling & it identify vulnerable people and can be very worrying, especially to ward includes Boxley, was praised Forstal or Lordswood & Walder- get help to them quickly in the older people and those with by the parish council for his devo- slade. event of a power cut. chronic medical conditions or par- tion to civic duties during his year The electricity provider has ents of very young children.” of office. Parish meeting asked councillors to encourage res- Find out more, including details Cllr Wendy Hinder said: “I THE next meeting of the parish idents who may be eligible for help of who can register, at ukpower- think we should be very proud. council will be at 7.30pm on Mon- to join the free register. networks.co.uk/en/power-cuts/pri- Derek is considered to be one of day, January 23 at Beechen Hall, The company said it had reduced ority-services-during-a-power-cut/ the most hardworking mayors that Wildfell Close, Walderslade. power cuts by 42% since 2010 but or call 0800 169 9970. Maidstone has ever had.” The chairman and staff at Boxley Parish Council wish residents a happy and prosperous new year

22 Maidstone East January 2017 News downsmail.co.uk Call for more £2,000 in Matt’s name CUSTOMERS at a Bearsted fish shop have chipped in to help raise £2,055 in memory of Matt Carapiet, who died in the Nepal earthquake in April 2015. Matt (23), of Peverel Drive, Bearsted, had been helping to build the school parking Self Help Community Centre in Siem Reap while travelling around Asia. HOMEOWNERS, parents and At Allington, residents say pupils Following his death, his family politicians have united to raise are being accepted from and raised more than £11,000 to awareness of traffic congestion out- beyond and parents pulling up out- help complete the school side schools. side the school block their drives and project and pay for furniture They say the situation is made their efforts to get to work. Similar and fittings. worse by the allocation of school reports have been received from res- Matt had been partial to a places miles from pupils’ homes. idents in Oakwood Park, Queens portion of fish and chips from Lorraine Harvey, from Snodland, Road, Hillary Road, Vinters Park Marino’s Fish Bar in Ashford walks her six-year-old to St Kather- and Hollingbourne. Road, whose owner Donda ine’s School, but has sympathy for Pupils who failed to get into their Michaelis donated a day’s those forced to drive in from areas parents’ preferred primary schools profits in November to help such as Larkfield. She is has written were allocated places at the brand- Matt’s work in Cambodia. to her MP highlighting parking re- new Langley Park on the A274, Donda was so delighted strictions outside St Katherine’s. which has meant long round trips. with the result of the charity Miss Harvey believes councils of- A KCC spokesman said with more day, which topped a similar fering out-of-area school places need parents choosing schools out of their one last year by £50, that he to give greater consideration to park- area, congestion is set to worsen. plans to make it an annual ing provision, adding: “It’s not the “The number of primary age event. school’s fault but staff and parents pupils in Kent is expected to con- He said: “I have good loyal end up in the firing line when chil- tinue rising significantly. Despite customers and a lot of people dren arrive late.” this, KCC continues to exceed its tar- know the Carapiet family. They all showed their support. Last year was a Tonbridge and Malling MP Tracy get for parental preference, with tough one to beat, but we did it. This was a fantastic result and the Crouch has now written to Ton- 87.2% of parents across the county money will be going to a very good cause.” bridge and Malling Council, and in securing their first preference pri- Donda thanked Roseacre School, which Matt attended, for helping to Maidstone, North ward borough mary school on offer day in 2016. spread the word about the special day. The total included £700 from a councillor Michelle Hastie is work- “KCC continues to work with collection pot for customers’ donations. ing with the county council to find a schools to ensure that every child The Marino’s family business also has a branch in London Road, solution after dozens of complaints. can access a good school place.” , which is run by Donda’s sister and brother-in-law, Flora She said: “I understand the frus- She said KCC has plans for two and George Matheou. They donated their shop’s profits on the same trations of residents and they are fre- new primary schools and the expan- day to Demelza children’s hospice, raising £1,500 for the charity. quently brought to my attention.” sion of other existing schools. Pick-up your Leaflet FREE copy NEW of the Distribution Now TAKE AWAY MENU available Local Indian Restaurant with FREE DELIVERY Maidstone Open until 11pm every day and Malling’s Free bottle of In addition to beer with every No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal delivering the newspaper All types of renovationbuilding and Downs Mail to gardening work over 82,500 FREEundertaken. ESTIMATES addresses every Brickwork•Carpentry • Tiling • • Patio’s month additional • Decking copies are now • Distribution area can be available to pick tailored to meet your needs up from: • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail Mace Stores - West St. Harriestsham • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month Len Valley News - High St. Lenham • Competitive rates & volume discounts Christophers - Eyhorne St. Hollingbourne Taylor’s Newsagent - The Green, Bearsted Grafty Green P.O. & Stores - Headcorn Rd, Grafty Green Call 01622 630330 for a quote, and see how easy it is to get White Horse Pub - Otham your leaflet delivered with the Downs Mail

Maidstone East January 2017 23 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Trust looking When to see to the future Vision for beer your doctor MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells DR BOB Bowes, chairman of West NHS Trust and Medway NHS Kent Clinical Commissioning Foundation Trust are involved in community care Group, told the Downs Mail in the significant strategic discussions. right setting, phone calls, emails or Between them they operate three THE draft plan to transform physi- Skype/Facetime work well. major hospitals – at Gillingham, cal and mental health and social care Sudden or serious illness would Pembury and Maidstone. services in Maidstone and Malling, not usually be safe without a doc- They have agreed to announce: together with the rest of Kent, has tor examining a patient, whereas  A strategy for development of control of long-term illnesses could been revealed. acute (main) hospital services. be. It sets out a vision for better health,  A strategy for planned (elective) Some patients were able to gather well-being and standards of care by surgery and care. This could in- their own clinical data (blood pres- achieving more both from staff and volve creating specialist centres for sure, blood/sugar readings, weight funding available, encouraging tar- etc) and conveying this by, say, planned surgery such as hip and geted voluntary support from com- email to their GP. knee replacements. munities and advising on self-help. He added: “I would say about Evidence suggests this can lead A key aim is “joined-up services” 60% of my patients who contact the to improved care for patients, in- to provide more treatment and care “Timely appointments with the surgery for an appointment that cluding faster appointments and at home and in the community, es- right professional at the right time” day can be treated without a face- reduced risk of cancellations. pecially to enable patients to leave is another target, as is regular moni- to-face meeting. hospital when medically fit. “Your toring. “A telephone conversation can own bed is the best bed,” the plan KIMS changes The NHS wants the public to take help to decide if an appointment is says. WEST Kent CCG has been moni- greater responsibility in managing needed. Many patients value the Significantly, health and social toring KIMS Hospital, Maidstone, their own health (especially weight convenience of not having to visit since a September report that it re- care professionals will work as a sin- control, exercise and smoking) and the surgery.” quires improvements and says it is gle team in their areas and have im- will provide better access to advice assured by measures put in place. mediate access online to patient and services to reduce the risk of se- records (if consent is given). rious illnesses. Avoidable deaths Much greater use will be made of Information will help patients ac- ABOUT 4,000 people a year die Boundary plan computer technology, from booking cess support from voluntary, chari- early in Kent from diseases which MARDEN GP Surgery has applied appointments online, patients get- table and local community groups are “mostly preventable” and to reduce its boundary towards Sta- ting help without visiting a GP or and services. 240,000 of over-50s live with long- plehurst and Coxheath and West clinic (see right), assessment and di- Hospital care is very expensive to term disability which could be po- Kent CCG says consultations take agnostic systems to advice on apps the NHS – but the promise is to pro- tentially delayed or avoided. place. to monitor health. vide high quality care when needed. West Malling Garage Limited

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Maidstone East January 2017 27 News downsmail.co.uk Bypass ‘increasingly urgent’ A PROMINENT county councillor has told the inquiry into Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan that the authority is “determined to deliver housing regardless of the consequences”. Cllr Gary Cooke, who represents “Subsequent planning decisions of Leeds, has needed a bypass for south east Maidstone, said Maid- taken by the borough council in the years. KCC has been working on a stone’s proposed 18,000 homes by face of strong objections from KCC scheme since the early 1990s. 2031 is “disproportionate and ex- as local highway authority and “Originally, the strategic link was cessive”. local parish councils have caused intended to support an urban ex- The pressure on infrastructure many to conclude that the borough tension of the town out and into the has caused the issue of a relief road council is simply determined to de- more rural areas. Sadly this did not linking the A274 and the M20 to be- liver housing, regardless of the con- happen, and what residents are fac- come ever more urgent. sequences for the residents of the ing is effectively the urban exten- In a highly-critical written state- borough. sion but without the appropriate ment to inspector Robert Mellor, “Many question the council’s de- mitigating highways improve- Cllr Cooke said: “We find it utterly cision to hire its own consultants to ments. unacceptable that a disproportion- justify private development and to “On behalf of all my residents, I ate and excessive amount of hous- contradict the views of the highway urge you to ensure that the Local ing is being crammed into the most authority.” Plan contains whatever policies severely congested part of the Cllr Cooke – who sits on the Joint and reviews are needed to bring urban area of Maidstone, namely Transportation Board (JTB) made forward this desperately-needed the south and south east area. up of parish, borough and county piece of infrastructure at the earli- “This has now been the case for a council members – refers to the re- est possible opportunity. number of years but most unjustifi- lief road as a “desperately-needed “Please restore some confidence ably since July 2015, when evidence piece of infrastructure” which is in the planning system in this part became available to the borough needed at the “earliest opportu- of the south-east and stop this plan council that highway capacity was nity”. perpetuating decades of poor deci- a constraint to be applied to growth He wrote: “South-east Maid- sions by a planning authority that in this particular area. stone, and in particular the village is failing its residents.” Cllr Gary Cooke Frustrated villagers London air is cleaner ‘ramp up pressure’ than in Maidstone FED-UP villagers in Leeds will be AIR pollution levels in Maid- faces. I was able access public “ramping up” the pressure in the stone are as bad as those in cen- health figures quite easily to il- New Year to highlight “worsening” tral London, according to new lustrate the problems relating traffic problems. claims. 1,300 new houses on the Sutton Gill Fort (pictured), the Conser- Maidstone Green Party set up Road and they were quite shock- vative member on the borough its own nitrogen dioxide stations, ing. council for the area, has already in- with four of the five locations “I hoped that the pollution fig- dicated residents are ready to be- tested breaching the 40mg/m3 ures would come more militant if progress is limits. help in hav- not made for a relief road. The Greens said Upper Stone ing the ap- Street was more polluted than plications She told Downs Mail: “It seems Leicester Square, Oxford Circus rejected but to be getting worse in Leeds by the and Regent Street with 85mg/m3. I was in a day. It’s not just the sheer volume The gyratory system around minority of of the traffic coming through but Council elections in May 2017. Maidstone’s Medway bridges one. The re- the way that people drive. Downs Mail revealed in October measured 70mg/m3. sponse “They go too fast, are aggressive the three routes that are currently Spokesman Stuart Jeffrey said seems to be and shouting matches between on the table. his group placed five diffusion to plant lime drivers are all too common, I am The issue is set to be one of the tubes at different locations to trees. afraid. HGVs roll through here major issues in the forthcoming monitor levels which they claim “It’s pretty simple: the more every single day, despite the lorry polls, paricularly in the divisions are breaching EU guidelines. houses you build, the more peo- ban, and few non-local people take affected by house-building in south He added: “We know that there ple you get and the more cars they any notice of the 20mph speed Maidstone . is very little air pollution moni- drive mean more emissions.” limit, particularly around the At the public inquiry in to Maid- toring in Kent, indeed across the A statement for Maidstone Bor- school and the church. stone’s Local Plan, placard-waving UK, so we decided that if the ough Council said: “We are com- “You’ll see a ramping up of pres- protestors from Kingswood and council doesn't want to check the mitted to working with our sure in the new year, that’s for sure. Broomfield were reported to be in amount of pollution that we col- partners to improve air quality in People round here and in Langley, in FAVOUR of more house-build- lectively breathe in then we will the town while also balancing Sutton Road, Sutton Valence, Shep- ing. They want 900 homes on do it ourselves.” commitments to support busi- way and Otham are all saying the Broomfield Park, as a proportion Ukip borough councillor Eddie nesses and provide the housing same thing. They’re fed up.” would be affordable to local young Powell (pictured), who has raised that our residents need going into The Joint Transportation Board people priced off the housing lad- serious concerns about pollution the future. (JTB) – made up of parish, borough der. levels related to Maidstone’s pro- “There is an existing Air Qual- and county council members – is A Broomfield Park development gramme of house-building, said: ity Action Plan that was agreed currently sitting on three possible has not been included in the Local “We’ll all end up choking to some time ago and is being im- by-pass options but have yet to re- Plan, despite a reported £20m con- death. We could end up like plemented. Air quality is not an veal any detail publicly. It has led tribution by the developers to- China with people walking down issue that can be readily resolved to accusations the proposals will wards the estimated £50m cost of a the street with masks on their by a district council alone.” not be revealed until after the Kent relief road.

28 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk News Castle’s stand against Jct 8’s industrial zone THE chief executive of Leeds Castle has said his organisation will stand against large industrial development of the area around M20 junction 8. The charity running the “loveli- the wider tourism industry to jus- est castle in the world” remains un- tify such development.” convinced the economic benefits of The castle’s estates and projects building industrial units off the director, Bill Lash, spoke at the Under scrutiny A20 near Bearsted will outweigh Local Plan inquiry in relation to LOCAL Plan project manager the community. junction eight development. Cheryl Parks said: “Maidstone’s Although rejected by Maidstone He told the inspector Robert Mel- Local Plan is currently being ex- Borough Council’s planning com- lor that junction eight provides a amined by an independent plan- mittee, a plan for a large industrial rural gateway to the borough and ning inspector. Any sites included site still remains in the Local Plan. is currently not “cramped” with in it would still need to be assessed The scheme is part of the coun- commercial industrial develop- and agreed once a planning appli- cil’s drive to provide employment ment. cation is submitted. The Local Plan opportunities in the area. Sir David added: “From our per- has identified locations where de- Castle chief Sir David Steel (pic- spective, (it) provides the scenic ap- velopment could take place but it tured right) is concerned that such proach to Leeds Castle that we is not a guarantee.” a development would be to the consider to be important, not just detriment of one of the country’s for us but for the borough and Kent here recognise the responsibility Leeds’ borough councillor Gill best-loved visitor attractions. as a whole.” that therefore falls to us to maintain Fort said: “The scheme hasn’t gone Sir David writes in the latest edi- He said tourism generates £3.3bn this attraction for the benefit of the away. I am totally against it. tion of the Leeds and Broomfield for the county and provides 65,000 borough and that means standing “After the Kent International parish newsletter: “While we sup- related jobs, 9,000 of which are in against development that may un- Gateway (KIG) was seen off , this is port any commercial activity which the Maidstone borough. dermine such a contribution to the just KIG2 on a smaller scale but I do promotes employment and eco- Leeds Castle is the “principal local area.” not blelieve it is appropriate for the nomic benefit in the area, we are heritage and tourist asset” in the The castle currently employs 300 area. not convinced that development at Maidstone area with 600,000 visi- staff with a wage bill of more than “We can’t imagine that there junction eight will bring the bene- tors annually, the third highest for £4m and events at the castle pro- would not be a traffic impact on fits necessary to outweigh the detri- a venue of its kind in the country, vides secondary employment to Leeds village and surrounding vil- mental effects on the local Sir David said. local hotels, B&Bs, stallholders, lages which they simply cannot community, the environment and He added: “All of us working land agents and other firms. take.” Party leader praises council Road repairs cause chaos A COLLAPSED manhole in the for taking action on housing centre of Leeds village caused traf- fic chaos for about two hours on LIBERAL Democrat leader Tim Church Street. December 1. Farron has praised the Maidstone The Lib Dems are gearing The road through the village was Borough Council Local Plan, cur- prospective parliamentary candi- shut near the George pub and rently under scrutiny by the gov- dates for a possible snap spring Upper Street while the problem ernment inspector Robert Mellor. election next year. was repaired. Cars were forced to Mr Farron (pictured) heaped The party has eyed up Maidstone use George Lane, Forge Lane, Car- praise on the Lib Dem-led coalition and the Weald as a possible scalp ing Lane, Old Mill Road and Back for taking real action on housing. with local candidate, Coxheath’s Street to avoid the works. There On a visit to Maidstone, he said: Emily Fermor, a 23-year-old former was a build-up of traffic on the sin- “It (Local Plan) goes further than Invicta Grammar School pupil and gle track Burberry Lane where it most. The plan is quite ambitious, Oxford graduate. meets George Lane and a staff en- but half of it has been built already. The sitting MP Helen Grant had trance to Leeds Castle. “Maidstone ranks towards the made representations to the Local Cars travelling towards the M20 top end of councils taking action.” Plan Inquiry last month in which having left the B2163 Leeds Road He said the nationwide lack of af- she said traffic in the county town found the lane blocked with traffic. fordable housing could not be al- was at “breaking point” and resi- South East Water spent several lowed to go on and the Lib Dems dents had lost faith in the council’s hours reinforcing the affected area have committed themselves to planning policy. and resurfacing it before the road building 10 “garden cities” to ease sites, as building on these areas Mrs Grant identified 16 areas was reopened. pressure on housing. protects the environment . worst affected by traffic congestion One villager said: “One minute Mr Farron said that building on Mr Farron, whose party was left and said pollution levels already the road was open, the next it was greenfield sites would have to be with just eight MPs after last year’s exceeded limits. These would con- shut. There was no warning, so we tolerated and developers should general election, visited Make a tinue to worsen if new develop- can only assume the problem was not be allowed to sit on brownfield Difference Maidstone’s shop in ments are allowed to go ahead. significant.”

Maidstone East January 2017 29 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Thurnham Parish News Garden plan objections THURNHAM Parish Council has light of the parking problems in equestrian land behind her property. added its objections to a plan for Ware Street and Hockers Lane. They County councillor Jenny Whittle “back garden” development in say it will change the “character of agreed to support the parish coun- Ware Street. the area” if approved. The parish cil’s objections. Members heard that numerous council has also raised concerns Ward councillor Nick de Wig- complaints have been received from about the size of the access road to gondene also objected and asked neighbours opposing the building of the development. Maidstone Council to put the pro- seven detached homes behind Apple Cllr John Horne said he felt this posal to its full planning committee Tree House. was larger than warranted and for determination. Councillors have now written to raised concerns about the intentions A previous application for 10 Maidstone Council, calling the pro- for the site and overall size of the de- houses was rejected by Maidstone posal unsustainable, given the short- velopment. Members also heard that Council in April. It is understood an Meetings normally held on the third Monday of each month at the Marriott comings in infrastructure, school the applicant and owner of Apple appeal has been lodged for this ear- Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. places and health services, and in Tree House had also bought the lier application. CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner CLERK: Sherrie Babington 01634 867173 Parking issue discussed Land purchase COUNCILLORS have offered to contribute to the cost, even if it is a RESIDENTS are invited to contribute cash to safety improve- flyer to residents asking them to be give their thoughts on creating Meeting date ments on Ware Street if a scheme can more considerate about parking.” a public open space in Aver- be agreed. Vice-chairman Richard Smith was THE public are invited to the next enches Road. meeting of Thurnham Parish Coun- Parish council chairman Daniel angry at the lack of action by police, Councillors say the county cil at the Marriott Hotel on the Ash- Skinner said that in spite of the road the borough and county councils on ford Road at Bearsted from 7.30pm being in Bearsted, such was the con- what appeared to be financial council-owned strip of land on January 16. It is hoped Quinn cern about the risk to walkers and grounds. He said: “I don’t see why next to the play area has be- Estates’ application for Binbury drivers by on-street parking near the we should wait until someone is come a “nuisance car park for Park at Detling will be one of the Sandy Lane junction that he had at- hurt before this is taken seriously. youths and lorry drivers”. items on the agenda. tended a site meeting that morning. “Society is encouraging people to It says if support for the idea He said the issue related to two ve- walk to school and the station, and is strong enough it would con- Precept rise hicles parked near the junction that we should not be presenting pedes- sider buying the land. obscured pedestrians’ vision at an trians with more hazards.” Email your view to the parish A TWO percent increase in the pre- important crossing point. He spoke at a meeting of clerk Sherrie Babington at cept paid to the parish council has He said: “This is going to be dis- Bearsted Parish Council, whose been agreed by councillors for the thurnhamparishcouncil@sher- cussed further by Bearsted Parish members agreed to send letters to riebabington.co.uk. next financial year. Council and we have said we will the car owners.

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Maidstone East January 2017 31 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Mynn awards given to community heroes FOUR unsung heroes of Bearsted had their hard work and community spirit rewarded at the annual Mynn Awards.

They were given their trophies at an awards ceremony at Madgin- Consultation ford Hall on December 13 in front of an invited audience. on village plan The vetting panel comprised Bar- UP to 40 people attended the pres- bara Dunford, Brian Clifford and entation of Bearsted’s Neighbour- Bearsted parish councillor Pat Mar- hood Plan and offered a wide range shall. of views. Since the award’s creation 12 The event was co-ordinated by years ago, there have been 55 re- Cllr Paul Young, who said he had cipients. It is named after the for- fielded questions from the floor mer cricketer Alfred Mynn, who and that “quite a few” people came lived in the Bearsted area and up afterwards to offer help taking whose image appears on the vil- the plan forward. lage’s sign. Cllr Young plans to follow up the Mynn was a first class sportsman November 30 presentation with an- who played the English summer other meeting. game for Kent, Sussex and Hamp- He hopes to invite a representa- shire, so it was fitting that two of tive of another local parish council the recipients were involved in – such as – which has local sport. From left, Tony Kettle, Peter Hart, Alan Wilkins and Jim Sheehy already adopted its plan. Jim Sheehy has coached young calm demeanour have always been tends up to 50 such calls each The Bearsted proposals, once re- athletes for many years, and is now acknowledged as a guiding light, month. fined and agreed, would be put to part of the Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club. especially in promoting the interest Nominee Peter Hart has been a the public in referendum, possibly of junior tennis players.” “lynchpin in the life of Holy Cross by the end of 2017. He coaches disabled athletes each Saturday as well as coaching Les Etheridge paid tribute to Church” for 40 years as the organ- in a variety of Paralympic disci- nominee Tony Kettle, a local com- ist and assistant director of music. New member plines. munity first aid responder who has Helen Judges said Peter makes a BEARSTED Parish Council has co- Nominating Jim, Bearsted parish saved the lives of many Bearsted huge contribution to the choir, opted Terry O’Sullivan onto the au- councillor Paul Young said: “Jim’s residents. plays at festivals and funerals and thority. theory is that if he can encourage Les said: “Tony mainly deals offers his service to the wider com- Mr O’Sullivan, a married health young people to take up sport and with calls under the general head- munity. and safety compliance officer, was gain confidence in doing well in ing of breathing difficulties and Helen added: “So often unseen, proposed by Cllr Graham Farrow sport, not only does their fitness chest pain. Living locally, he can re- and even overlooked in compari- and seconded by Cllr Tony Ryan. improve but their confidence in all spond to such incidents often be- son to the choir that is up at the The council now has 14 of the 15 areas of their life will, including fore the ambulance service arrives. front, Peter is someone who has it requires and applications are their academic work.” “Many of the incidents he has at- contributed so much. It is this ded- welcome for co-option. Bearsted and Thurnham Tennis tended have been witnessed car- icated and unassuming service to Club stalwart Alan Wilkins was diac arrests, a good proportion of the church, and through it to the nominated by Derce Mercer for his which have been successfully re- wider community, that makes Scam warning 30 years of “unstinting service”. suscitated.” Peter so deserving of a Mynn COMMUNITY warden Sally Derce said: “His knowledge and Tony, an unpaid volunteer, at- award.” Williams reported that fliers tout- ing for gold and medals had been posted around the village. She suspects an individual who 5,000 flock to festive fair on Green has targeted the area with other scams in recent months might be THE Christmas Fair on Bearsted village in 2017. available area to avoid crowding. responsible. Green became the victim of its The volume of cars with such a Visitors also experienced long The warden also said there had own success – with a huge turnout large turnout meant that parking queues for food. been two attempted break-ins at causing unexpected problems. became an issue, and 200 vehicles Cllr Paul Young said the event garages in Merton Road. An estimated 5,000 people at- had to be parked on Bearsted overall was “absolutely excellent”. tended the event, organised by Green to avoid a potentially dan- Cllr Redman told a meeting of Bearsted Parish Council and a gerous situation developing. the parish council: “If we live to Poppy total small army of volunteers. A parish council spokesman fight another day it will be done A POPPY Appeal collection carried Parish council chair Fiona Red- said the decision to park on the differently.” out at the recent Victorian Music man said the festive fair was Green was for safety reasons and Staging the event made a small Hall afternoon at the WI Hall in “hugely successful” but that les- “was not taken lightly”. loss of about £175, which was seen Bearsted raised £123, Cllr Tony sons had to be learned if there is In future, stalls would have to as a price worth paying to stage a Ryan reported. to be another similar event in the be spread more evenly across the successful community event.

This page is sponsored and edited by: Council Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted Telephone: 01622 630165 E-Mail: [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Fiona Redman MEETINGS HELD SECOND TUESDAY OF MONTH (7.30PM) www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk AND THE PUBLIC IS VERY WELCOME

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Maidstone East January 2017 33 downsmail.co.uk Comment A camera on worrying times I AM sad and worried that Maidstone very fond memories of all the tremendous Council is now looking at another major fi- MailMarks support given as the finishing point for the nancial saving by cutting back seriously on massive Kent Messenger 50-mile overnight the number of CCTV cameras covering the DENNIS FOWLE President walks in the 1960s. In so many ways they will town centre. [email protected] be missed. Theywerealongtimecoming–notwith- But their departure will open new opportu- out controversy over ‘spying’ – and their sub- nities for valuable land so close to the town sequent expansion and operation were chequer left the note that the country’s money centre and I suspect this will lead to a more carefully considered. had run out. I will never forgive Gordon prosperous and socially-cohesive Maidstone. But they were quickly accepted, especially Brown and his Labour government for finan- Maidstone Council has had its eye on this after several early successes. cial mismanagement. site for some time as a development area. Now the council, faced with having to make The pain for some is still growing and for That wish will come true. yet more savings as Government support con- most there is a fall in quality of life. I increas- tinues to diminish, is targeting many of the ingly feel this in and around Maidstone and it Thank you Tony is getting tougher. Very worrying times. cameras. Some may produce less results than Our thanks are due to Tony Jones who others – but it is impossible to judge which Soldiers’ farewell took over the really hot seat as chairman of ones will really hit the jackpots. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS hospital I feel Maidstone is a much more secure I have very mixed emotions about the trust not too long after the C-difficile infection place by day and night with these cameras news Maidstone will lose our military pres- scandal saw the death of around 100 patients watching over us. ence in about 10 years. and the demise of the former chairman and It is yet another sad episode in the long There is a long and proud history (229 chief executive Rose Gibb. He led the team story of financial difficulties and severe cuts years) including more recently the Royal West which restored faith in our local hospitals - no since the last Labour Chancellor of the Ex- Kents, Royal Engineers and Gurkhas. I have easy task.

Roads just can’t cope How long will it be before the last two further in all directions and will come under park and rides are closed for housing increasing pressure with every new house FURTHER to the articles on pages 8 and 38 developments? that is built along Hermitage Lane. of the November 2016 Downs Mail, can I Is it not time that Maidstone Borough The horrors of Hermitage Lane are point out that KCC Highways have created a Council took their heads out of the sand and becoming all the more apparent with very Leeds & Langley bypass by upgrading looked at the overall picture and realised new brick that is laid on any one of the Willington Street road surface, from C road that the town’s infrastructure can't cope with building sites there. The seemingly status to an A road status and placing a all the proposed housing developments? uncontrolled development is a mistake in weight restriction on the B2163 – a cheap fix Rob Leach, via email the making. in comparison to a full bypass. Peter Farr, Wateringbury The increase in traffic between the A20 and Why not bypass the town? the A274 in both directions has risen dramatically since completion of the REFERENCE the Leeds-Langley bypass – Rail service is appalling upgrade. why stop there? Go all the way, past At rush hour, it is not unusual for the Coxheath and re-join the M20 somewhere. MAIDSTONE’S Labour councillors are tailback of traffic to stretch from the This may (no, would) upset a lot of people, campaigning with party colleagues in Kent, Madginford traffic lights back to the A274. as would Maidstone with a mono-rail Surrey and Sussex to get Govia, which owns I asked KCC Highways when they were network with sufficient park and rides and Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink upgrading Willington Street, if they were no bus lanes. stripped of their rail franchise. proposing to alter the road layout at the I’ve just found a book of Maidstone 1949, On November 4, three out of four peak Madginford/Mote House traffic lights, by and a celebration of its town charter. It spoke time trains on the St Pancras line were introducing a second lane northbound to of an 18-hole golf course and an open-air cancelled. Passengers travelling home on release the traffic queuing behind traffic swimming pool for Mote Park – we didn’t Tuesday and Wednesday evenings that week turning right into Madginford and was told get either of these. faced having to stand. There is no heated there have been no accidents at this location David Green, Eddington Close, Maidstone waiting room at Maidstone West. to justify alterations. This level of service is appalling. It can take 20 minutes to get from It is not infrequent that high speed trains Northumberland Road to the A20 Ashford Retail park traffic a disaster are delayed or cancelled. We pay £44 return Road in the morning or afternoon rush I READ with uer dismay in the Downs to use a poor service which takes at best 51 hours, a journey that takes approximately Mail (No 235, page 4) that the traffic lights minutes to cover 40 miles, and pay a four minutes in normal circumstances. installed for the retail park at the north end premium fare. Govia should have these With the two housing developments on of Hermitage Lane are not synchronised services taken away and returned to public the A274 at Park Wood, and there are other with those at its junction with the A20. ownership. Our services in Kent and Sussex developments to follow which will link It’s no wonder that, during the rush hour, are a national scandal. Langley to Maidstone, the traffic flow can this already congested junction now has Cllrs Paul Harper and Keith Adkinson, only increase. almost stationary traffic spreading ever Maidstone Labour Party

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Maidstone East January 2017 35 downsmail.co.uk June Ingram for several years. As a young woman she spent several years Obituaries Originally from the north east of England, involved in the local branch of the Salvation THE death has been announced of June a number of Philip’s longest standing friends Army. Ingram. could recall the days when his accent from Whilst working in International Stores she The long-time member of West Malling Ro- that area was very pronounced. met Ray Hensby, who was to be her tary Club died in Pembury Hospital after a Philip completed his national service in the husband of 41 years, and the couple seled very short illness. RAF, undertaking pilot training and on St Andrew’s Road in the house Ray had June was widely known through her con- remaining part of the auxiliary air force at grown up in. nections with the Rotary Club, her work in the the end of this period. He said: “Pam very much liked being with local area and her work with SERV Kent (Ser- His professional career took him to the other people and she was close to her family, vice by Emergency Response Volunteers) an highest levels of banking. Having joined especially her nieces and nephews. organisation specialising in activities like Barclays Bank in 1948, he remained within “She loved walking and music; especially rapid delivery of blood supplies for emer- the bank for forty years. His work took in a singers including Michael Ball, Cliff Richard, gency use. range of assignments including time spent in Celine Dion and Russell Watson. When we Fellow Rotary Club member Pat Thomas Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. were both retired we took a major trip to said; “June’s happy smiling face will be Philip’s financial career allowed him to hold Canada visiting places like Vancouver Island greatly missed by all her knew her.” many leers after his name and his later before flying to the United States where we working years included a number of non- saw Celine Dion perform in Las Vegas, and executive positions in financial and property to Hawaii.” Flora Jenner concerns. Pam leaves Ray and her many friends and THE death on November 1 has been Philip was married to Sue and had one family. announced of Florence “Flora” Jenner. son, one daughter and a step-son. He leaves Flora, who lived in Bexhill-on-Sea, was born his wife, children, grandchildren and great- Florence Piper in Maid- grandchildren. Robin Stafford stone, the daughter of GOUDHURST’S Robin Stafford (86) was a local headmaster renowned journalist with an impressive list Henry Piper. Ron Lickfold of credits. Her death announce- Ronald “Ron” Lickfold (81) lived locally, He served as foreign correspondent for the ment stated she “lived spending the last 45 years in Park Wood. Daily Mail for about 20 years, before taking and learned at The He was born in Maidstone and grew up on the post as spokesman for Lord Carrington Elms, London Road.” the Foster Clark Estate. He aended (at that time serving as Secretary General of Flora was the wife of Southborough School, where he loved art. Nato). He worked around the world, always Ian who served in the On leaving school, he worked at Harne’s being ready to leave immediately for a RAF, and mother to Rose Nursery in Bearsted and completed his foreign story whilst working as a journalist. David, Colin and Elizabeth. A death an- National Service in the RAF in Yorkshire. He Born in Wimbledon, Robin grew up the nouncement in the Daily Telegraph noted she loved nature and the natural world, Mote son of an artistic director in theatre and was was: “an ardent independence campaigner Park and Bedgebury Pinetum being among educated at the University of Cambridge. He who fulfilled her dream at the end”. his favourite places. chose to do military service before working Flora – who was widowed – leaves her two Ron was an avid reader and dabbled in as a journalist. younger children, son David having pre-de- poetry, followed a variety of sports and even Robin was married twice, and had a ceased her, and her grandchildren Alice, Iso- took up boxing in the RAF, but his first love daughter, Lina. He seled in Goudhurst with bel, Olivia and Jessica. was always fishing. his second wife Barbara, who survives him. In 1958, Ron married Maisie, who he met on holiday. Cec Harris He later worked for Express Dairies, Sandra Young CECIL “Cec” Harris (90) lived locally almost receiving an award for long service, until ill THE tragic death of Vinters Park woman all of his life, initially in Marden and, for health forced him to retire. He recovered Sandra Young (42) made local headlines. most of his life, in Coxheath. enough to help at the original Monk Lakes in The married mother, who recently became After starting work locally and Marden and when they relocated he moved a grandmother undertaking war service at the very end of to run the tackle shop. collapsed and died hostilities in Italy and Egypt, Cec returned to Ron leaves Maisie and son Anthony. whilst out shopping in spend most of his working life as an the The Mall, agricultural welder with Drake and Fletcher. Maidstone, on He briefly moved away from his employer in Carl Miners December 2. the mid-1970s, seing up with a partner as THE death has been announced of Carl Just a week before makers of air-conditioning systems for Miners, of Snodland. her death, she had commercial buildings, but decided to return Carl worked for the gas board for many posted a thanks on to Drake’s where he ended his working life. years and for the firm of Hickmo and Facebook to Cec was married to Maureen for more Miners plumbers and gas installers. paramedics who she than 50 years. She worked in a clerical He leaves his many friends and family said had saved her life at Tesco Grove Green, capacity for HMP Maidstone. locally. on that occasion. She wrote: “I have so many Her cousin David Elms said: “Cec was a people to thank for last night the ambulance down-to-earth man who could socialise service ,Kent air ambulance, police , Tesco easily with others. He might seem quiet at Pam Hensby and most of all my husband and wonderful first, but once you got to know him he was family have so much to thank you all for.” easy to get on with. He was a long-time PAMELA “Pam” Hensby lived for 41 years regular at the Bird in Hand pub in Coxheath. on St Andrew’s Road and lived locally her “When Maureen suffered a stroke he cared whole life. The Stone Shop Born Pamela Turk and raised in Tovil, Pam for her until her death six years ago.” Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, Cec leaves his many local friends. worked in the milk bar at the back of the current site of the Mall Chequers, in a lettered and installed anywhere. laundry on the Loose Road and at Inscriptions added to existing memorials Philip Cockburn International Stores on Week Street and Renovations and memorial Pricerite on the current site of Argos on cleaning THE death of Wateringbury’s Philip Maidstone High Street. The Stone Shop Cockburn (84) has drawn a range of tributes. Pam’s last jobs were as a staff canteen Station Hill, , Kent. Philip was a village resident for many cashier in local hospitals, working at years and long-time servant of the local Oakwood Hospital until that closed and then 01622 726633 parish council, holding the post of chairman at Maidstone Hospital.

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

36 Maidstone East January 2017 Classifieds downsmail.co.uk Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Contact our sales team…

Natasha Bastone Teresa Jeffery Rebecca Abbott Telesales Team Leader Classified Sales Executive Classified Sales Executive E: natasha@ E: teresa@ E: rebecca.abbott downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk @downsmail.co.uk T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 T. 01622 630330 ext. 224 ext. 227 ext. 234

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Bathrooms

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Maidstone East January 2017 37 Classified downsmail.co.uk Carpenters Cleaning Services continued A.H.B.S Carpentry Brian’s Carpentry All aspects of CARPENTRY Service Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and • Windows • Doors • Frames fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, Locks fitted, Skirting, small alterations, • Skirting • Fences Plastering and Tiling All work guaranteed. • Gates FREE ESTIMATES No Job Too Small Family business established 21 years 01622 752205 01622 743648 0793 920 6067 Mob: 07711 291921 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone 01622 880028 or 07595 008782 Reliable, Local Carpenter FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL GERRY 01622 631149 / 07929 522990 Email: [email protected] Computer Services Bedrooms - Wardrobes Wooden flooring custom made & fitted Kitchens custom made & fitted Door framing & hanging Internal alteration Security Lock fitting service Fences & Gates Windows including sash Repairs & Velux Staircase Renovation & repair Architraves & Skirting Property Renovation Wood Works Chimney Maintenance FULL CARPENTRY SERVICE FROM DECKING TO DOORS,

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A STEP IN TIME Driveway services Stove installations & Chimney Sweep Services Landway Surfacing Driveways, Block Paving, Tarmac & Shingle, We offer a wide range of Chimney Sweep services, including: Council Approved Drop Kerbs, Resin bonded Drives • Chimneys Swept and Vacuumed With No Dust Or Mess Left Behind All work fully insured and guaranteed • Chimney Lining• Bird Guards/Cowls, Supplied and Fitted For free advice and quotation call:- • Fully Trained, ICS Registered Member Tel/Fax - 01622 734817 • All Sweeps Are Certificated Mobile - 07795 471 196 or 07799 867 524 • Friendly Reliable Service • Fully Insured Email - [email protected] Website - www.landwaysurfacing.co.uk LEE GOODYER 100 The Landway, Bearsted, KENT ME14 4LB M: 07944510742 T: 01622 432597 www.astepintime.co.uk E: [email protected]

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38 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk Classified Electricians Fencing Fencing cont Garden Services cont L.W Electrical I.WALLOND FENCING Part P Registered ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW All electrical work undertaken Est. 25 YEARS FREE ESTIMATES 24hr Call Out • Free Estimates Fully Qualified & insured 01580 890649 07931 368710 OAP Discounts www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Ring Lee 01622 737016 07906 517599 Fence me in & alot more Email: [email protected] All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs TOTAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, www.wrightsfencing.co.uk BEARSTED • MAIDSTONE Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Tel. 07763 613451 Hedge Cutting etc. For all your domestic electrical requirements. Call Colin on 07521 No1 Locally Since 1996 •Full rewires 377306 or 01622 853978 ARBOUR •New fuse boards TREE SURGERY Garden Services ‘Trust your local experts’ •Sockets, Lighting CLOVER All Aspects of Tree Work •NICEIC Part P registered Felling • Pruning •Competitive rates (no vat) FENCING Hedge Cutting •For free quotes and advice call Neil Stump Grinding All Types of Fencing including Fully Insured and Qualified Storm Damage & Repairs, Free No Obligation Written Quotation Electric Rewired Concrete Bases, Sheds & Decking 01622 759119 07771 970570 The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk We are Part P Certificated Greystones Road, Bearsted, Maidstone For all your Electrical needs Tel: 01622 736910 Mobile: From extra sockets to house rewiring 07753 487833 [email protected] Replace old light fittings with new fittings EPIC Call Alf for your free quote LANDSCAPES Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 NO JOB TOO www.electricrewired.co.uk. [email protected] David Matthews BIG OR SMALL Fencing • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Free estimates & friendly advice • Decking• Levelling Ground ELECTRICIAN • All types of fencing at ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL competitive prices • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Fencing supplied and erected • Water Features • Patios For all your electrical needs • You talk directly to David at all Fuseboards, Re-wires, Certificates stages for your fencing • Clearance • Driveways NICEIC Part P registered • Go on, give him a call on For a free site survey call: Free Estimates, Friendly Service Phone: 01622 755342 01622 527106 Fully insured, 25yrs Experience Mobile: 07749 202140 Call Steve 01622 747257 07788 532926 Mobile 07985 474176 Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA Tree Surgery FENCING S COPPER Stump ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION LANDSCAPING TREE CARE Maintenance and Servicing Est 1993 Grinding Garden Maintenance General repairs, maintenance and restoration. & Contractors Contact Tom Hedge ALL WORK CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED Cutting CITY & GUILDS ELECTRICIAN Free quotation services — No call out fees T: 01622 206431 Pruning For friendly advice call Simon Copper on M: 07812 921748 Fencing 07564 209437 01622 765761 (Evenings) Free Bark E:[email protected] Mulsh CRB checked, Checkatrade approved • Decking ADVENT • Patios 0$,'6721( 20% ELECTRICAL SERVICES (Kent) LTD • Clearance /$1'6&$3(6 discount* For all your electrical • Gates on production of this advert requirements from an extra * not to be used in • Pergolas conjunction with any other socket to a full rewire. 3523(57< offers For a friendly local service call Jon Hughes • Concrete bases 6(59,&(6/WG • Retaining walls 01622 630585 LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, Mobile:0771 2653355 • All types of fencing Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance, 56 Ware Street undertaken Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etc BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, Bearsted Tel: 01622 631941 Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc Qualified to 07876 540250 FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE 17th edition Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES Part P Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 Reg’d We accept payment by E: [email protected] www.maidstonelandscapes.com LOOK: Please check our reviews and other companies you may use at www.uktc.org Established 1990 Director: M Potter

Maidstone East January 2017 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk Handyman Services Painting & Decorating Handyman HANDYMAN Decorator LADY INTERIOR No job too small No job too big or too small. D. STEWART DECORATOR Competitive prices Painting & decorating, All decorating NO JOB TOO SMALL •Painting & Decorating • Plastering all roofing works & repairs, interior & exterior FREE ESTIMATES • Tiling • Fencing chimney’s, guttering & gutter • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing Call Lynda Daniel cleaning, pressure cleaning, FREE ESTIMATES General Household Maintenance. on 07733 354617 Any odd jobs considered fencing & brickwork & driveways Bearsted 730541 Phone Lee for quotes 07554 267087 07894 138224 01622 204491 Day Evenings or to leave a message LEE Hughes Fully insured 01622 807860 PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES • Quality Decorating at a MIKE LEWIS fair & competitive price Locksmith Interior & Exterior Work • Dulux approved over PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Undertaken • HOME & GARDEN 30 years experience OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS • Fully insured • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING City & Guild Qualified & DECORATING Tel: 01622 759040 Tel: 01622 737225 • WALLPAPER HANGING Maidstone & Kent Mobile: 07816 149502 • GARDEN MAINTENANCE T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 www.sr-interiors.com • DECKING & PERGOLAS 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT email: [email protected] •FREE QUOTATIONS www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk • SMALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN 24 hour service locks opened MALCOLM ROBERTS MIKE LEWIS new locks fitted security checks Over 25 years’ experience of TEL: 01622 663192 maintaining people’s homes. MOB: 07810 486146 emergency work undertaken Ray Cox A friendly, reliable service. Painting & decorating, Painting & Logs Wall Papering, Tiling Decorating and all aspects of DIY. Interior & Exterior CHRISTMAS CALL MALCOLM Private or commercial ON 01634 308067 30+ years experience • Fully Insured Mob: 07788 142576 • FREE No Obligation Quote SPECIAL FOR A FREE QUOTATION Business Directory Contact Ray SEASONED DRY LOGS Advertise from as little as 07733072389/01622 205625 £3.00 per month RING JOSH Call 01622 630330 or visit Professional Painting & Decorating 07939 935149 our website for more details Interior Decorator Services www.downsmail.co.uk • Interior & exterior painting Not just a decorator, • Wall papering • Plastering but one with over • Fully insured 40 years experience • Friendly & reliable service Waghorn Logs now semi retired, Call Nick for a so can offer a cheaper price free quotation Bulk bags £39.99 07921 193298 01622 687200 01622 206702 Seasoned mixed hard wood [email protected] £70 a load Seasoned wood for •Plastering wood burners £60 a load •Painting & Decorating Free Delivery • Free Stacking •Laminate Flooring •Home Improvements Mobile: 07854 615687 Office: 01622 813750 FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 07804 927680

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suppliers of seasoned, dry hardwood logs Painting & Decorating No job too small ...cut to order for woodburning stoves and open fires Interior & Exterior with special rates Works Undertaken for pensioners Now is the time to stock up with the • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services best cut to order Kentish seasoned • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman hardwood logs at discount prices. Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 Call ROBBIE on 07802 625125 www.logmanenergy.co.uk We accept payment by

40 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk Classified Plastering Plumbing & Heating continued

MID KENT D K PLASTERING PLASTERING Gavin Francis 01622 631915 Central Heating Installations ex British Gas All plastering work carried out 0781 392 7162 / 0791 994 6328 • New Boilers • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • • Noisy Boilers and repairs Plastering, Rendering & Screeding FREE Quotes • Burst pipes & leaks New Ceilings & Repairs Your local plumber Email: [email protected] • Bathroom & shower installations Coving & Stud Walls • FULLY INSURED 07860 174959 Call David 01622 728494 Tyrolean & monocouche rendering • ALL WORK GUARANTEED 01622 721779 Mobile: 07974 891795 FULLY INSURED & AT COMPETITIVE RATES Forge Lane, East Farleigh, Commercial & Domestic 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH www.midkentplastering.co.uk NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]

Plumbing & Heating A B MOYLER PLUMBING & HEATING IRELAND PLUMBING Family Business Est. 1973 All domestic plumbing & To place your • Bathroom & Tiling heating work undertaken • All plumbing work boiler installations, NO JOB advertisement in our • Power flushing TOO SMALL servicing and landlord classified pages please certificates • Additional Radiators call our dedicated • Hot water cylinders classified team on 07912 892341 NO CALL OUT CHARGE • FREE ESTIMATE 512663 01622 630330 [email protected] 07976 298296 Chris Bourne Plumbing Services 01622 863771 Telsons Plumbing making water work Heating Wall & Floor No call Plumbing maintenance Plumbing Tiling out Charge New bathroom suites Complete 25yrs experience Free no Central heating systems Bathrooms obligation Quotation Water leak repairs 01622 747272 / 07885 950959 Call Luke on 07934 832345/ Larkrise, Green Lane, M&E SERVICES 01622 757513 . Local, Experienced, Gas Safe Engineers. NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES Gas Boiler Servicing For all your plumbing needs Specialised Warm Air Servicing General Repairs • New Taps PLUMBING Landlord Safety Certification • Toilet & Cistern Repairs Breakdown Repairs Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding New Installations Call Gary 07738 902116 Gas, Oil & LPG Boilers 01622 736266 Call Roxanne now on R. WEBSTER PLUMBING & HEATING 01622 720888 EST 24 YEARS www.advancefm.net E: [email protected] HEATING AND PLUMBING ENGINEERS Roofing Services High efficiency boilers and heating systems installed, existing systems updated, all gas appliances repaired and serviced. HIGH TOP ROOFING Fault finding. All plumbing work undertaken. SERVICES New bathrooms, en-suites, showers etc. ALL TYPES OF ROOFING WORK & REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Free estimates. Reg No. 185889 TILING • SLATING • FLAT ROOF • LEADWORK All work guranteed. No call out charge. COMPETITIVE RATES Proudly advertising in the Downs Mail Bearsted edition for 16 years. • All Work Guaranteed • FREE Advice & Estimates • Tel: 01622 208621 Mobile: 07949 241982 Tel: Maidstone (01622) 736130 Mobile: 07946 085259 www.rwebsterheatingandplumbingltd.co.uk [email protected] STEVE JARRETT

Maidstone East January 2017 41 Classified downsmail.co.uk Roofing Services continued Skip Hire continued

COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE • Full Roof Installation To place your • Tiling & Slate Roofing • uPVC Fascias & Soffits advertisement in our • Chimney Repointing or Removal classified pages please • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance call our dedicated www.apolloroofing.co.uk classified team on 07808 414965 01622 630330 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFING Extensions, renovations, roofing, loft conversions & alterations Call Paul on 01634 865213 07748185920 All work carries an Insurance Backed Guarantee E: [email protected] W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.uk 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill Chatham, Kent ME5 9RD

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42 Maidstone East January 2017 downsmail.co.uk Classified Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs TV Aerials, Satellites & Repairs Web Design R & P Aerial Service 01622 631717 or 078069 12345 EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Email: [email protected] Kent Trailers Aerials • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion Indespension Agent Digital Freeview Livestock, Plant, Recovery, FM Radio DAB Radio • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting Satellite Van, General Purpose • Email • Web Site Maintenance Trailers in stock Freesat SKY HD New & Used Detling TV Wall Mounting 01622 730063 07860 318166 From a standard install to hidden cables [email protected] Free initial visit PAUL MILL Television Ltd Bower Place Est. 1981 Maidstone ME16 8BG 01622 751000 01622 880840 • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Freeview play • Catch Up & On Demand BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD Water Services • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial, dish installation service TV wall mounting service. 01233 840624 Please phone us for free friendly advice today [email protected] www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service The largest ● Blocked drain clearance Upholstery and Furnishings independently ● CCTV drain & sewer surveys BEARSTED UPHOLSTERERS owned liquid ● Drain & sewer cleaning •3 piece suites, sofas & chairs re-upholstered & repaired waste ● Cesspool & septic tank services •3 piece suites individually made to order •100’s of fabrics to choose from •DIY supplies •Collection & delivery •Antique restoration management ● Tankering including ADR (hazchem) (01622) 863069 company in ● Pollution & flooding solutions Unit 3, Little Caring Farm, Caring Lane, Leeds, Maidstone the UK ● Waste disposal & recycling STYLES AVAILABLE: ROLLER CLASSIC VERTICALS ALI VENETIAN www.mtscleansing.co.uk ROMAN WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS Window Services Simple. Easy. Classic FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE, FREE QUOTES, MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning HIGH QUALITY, WIDE RANGE, EXCELLENT VALUE, • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service ALL WINDOW BLINDS FULLY GUARANTEED 01622 863502 07950 211 507 www.ClassicsBlindsAshford.co.uk 01622 730572 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] Waste Collection D. BODY LTD

Waste Collection Glaze-Tech Services Ltd A family run business with over 40 years experience Free survey & quotations Installers of top quality double glazing

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Maidstone East January 2017 43 Health & Beauty Recruitment

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Maidstone East January 2017 45 downsmail.co.uk

Deringwood Drive as it would stop children War memorial The work would be

aihCouncils Parish from going down there. Cllr Gary Cooke completed in two phases costing in the Speedwatch Fourteen offenders had gone offered to sponsor some of the planting from region of £8,000. The parish council would on the police register. Of these, two were his KCC community grant. commission the work and receive any grants third offenders and two were second-timers from the History Society and then pay for so would have received leers. the work, as the memorial was owned by the Liverton Hill A vehicle going up Liverton Harrietsham parish council. Cllr Moore proposed that the Hill had crashed into Ivy House Farmhouse, parish council gave permission for the partly demolishing the porch and garden Police report The clerk said there had been seven crimes since the last meeting: two History Society to arrange completion of the wall. Police were investigating. work and for them to take the necessary step Street name After discussion, councillors thefts from vehicles; two cases of criminal damage to vehicles; two burglaries other to raise funds. This was agreed. concluded they were happy for Mrs Savage Medical centre Cllrs Stanley and Allardyce to pursue the registration of Coach Road. than a dwelling; and a dog-related crime. Salt bin Cllr Allardyce said the work had offered to oversee the expansion project The clerk would write to her and to following the resignation of Gary Trussler. Maidstone Council. been agreed to replace the hedge in the village hall car park following the damage West Street parking MBC and Kent Police Bin It was resolved to buy a circular slaed would not take any action over congestion in lier bin at a cost of £144.99, excluding VAT, last winter. The hall now needed salt bins for access so they did not lose revenue in the West Street unless a serious incident and delivery from The Bin Shop. occurred. The scaffolding company was Vacancy The parish clerk vacancy would be case of snow. Purchasing these was said to be the responsibility of the trust. The parish moving to Hampshire and the unit would be advertised in Malherbe Monthly in January used by a neighbouring business with and February. council would accept a tonne bag of salt if offered by KCC, for the benefit of the village. smaller vehicles. Cllr Allardyce asked the Grounds maintenance Cllr Dean said the RFO for details of the station car park Broomfield and Kingswood contractor Contract 5 had asked to discuss operators as the car park stood empty outstanding work to bring the contract areas during the day. Cllr Moore said the parish Borough Councillor’s report Cllr Gill Fort up to standard. It was noted that the far side council had tried to speak to them in the said a resident had reported fly-tipping and of the stream required major clearance past, but had not got anywhere. The RFO lier on Pi Road. She had arranged for (£300). The cornus and ribes on the village said that if the charge of £2.30 was reduced, Maidstone Borough Council to remove most green had only been receiving a light trim commuters from other areas might come to of the rubbish, but some remained as it was rather than the 50% reduction required each Harrietsham, making congestion worse. on private land. The enforcement officer year (£300). The company had cut back the Christmas tree festival The Friends of St would contact the landowner. other hedges on the A20 as a goodwill John’s held the Christmas Tree festival on Website provision Cllr Friend had reviewed gesture. The clerk had received information December 3 and 4. The tree could be bought the KCC website provision and said it was on the community payback scheme and had for £25 or £35 if a stand was needed, or £25 extremely difficult to navigate. The clerk was contacted the company to see whether they could be donated for a tree to be left in the aending another website training session in would be able to complete the work. A church until Christmas. It was agreed to do a final aempt to understand the meeting was to be arranged. Cllr Dean the laer. Councillors would arrange for the requirements of the site. If the next session proposed that if this was not possible, £600 tree to be decorated. proved unhelpful the parish council would be spent clearing the stream bank on the Mayor of Maidstone The mayor would be have to look for an alternative provision. green and cuing back the cornus and ribes. invited to the January meeting and Sports field The clerk had wrien to the This was agreed. refreshments would be arranged. Scout group about the decision to go with no Burial ground gate Cllr Dean had met with broadband CCTV, but had not received a a gate company to see what could be done reply. An email from MBC confirmed that about the access gates on Marley Road. The Hollingbourne the strategy for match-funding for company had suggested lifting the right gate Welfare PCSO Dave Rowley had visited a strategically important play areas was still in at a cost of £195. Cllr Dean had also asked pensioner who had not been seen for some the proposal stage, so it was not anticipated for a quote to replace a fence post in time by neighbours and he was found to be that adoption of the proposal would happen Woodlands Walk. He quoted £175 but said if living with a carer and in good spirits. until the new financial year. The clerk was both jobs were done together he would Remembrance The Remembrance Day trip asked to write to Rob Reader and request a charge £270. Cllr Stanley had found two to Templeuve was a great success and 18 meeting to discuss the lack of information on gates vandalised by the garden of French visitors came to Hollingbourne for its work carried out to date. remembrance. The company had quoted for memorial service. The school held a Parish council office Councillors accepted a 10ft and a 5ft gate including the cost of memorial service on November 11, aended that there were no facilities available to transferring all the metalwork across from by members of the WI and parents. establish a parish council office. They asked the damaged ones. The price for replacing Crime report There had been three reports – the clerk to write to the village hall both would be £525, but this sum could be thefts from Eyhorne Street and Culpeper commiee to ask for an opportunity to reduced if work was completed with the Close and a burglary in Greenway Court discuss the provision of a parish council other jobs. It was agreed that all work be Road. Two cases of antisocial behaviour office at the village hall. completed together at a cost of £745. were reported – poaching on Hollingbourne Highways Cllr J Sams reported on the hole Hill and a nuisance vehicle in Hospital Road. in West Street which was still awaiting Poaching The PCSOs said an operation Downswood repair. She would get an update from the targeting rural crime had been carried out in Police report There had been two crimes Highways steward. A resident had the North Downs and some vehicle believed since the last meeting: a theft from a van in complained about speeding in Church Road. to be involved in poaching were dealt with Murrain Drive and criminal damage in Playscheme 2017 Cllr Sams said the parish on that day. Four arrests relating to Ravens Dane Close. Play equipment had council should still provide a playscheme. poaching had been made at . been vandalised in Mallards Way. A report All policies had to be in place to apply for a Nuisance vehicles There had been issues on of drug-dealing was being checked. MBC grant. Cllr Sams offered to proceed the byways around Hollingbourne including Community centre Cllr Greenhead was with the grant application but said Drakes Lane which runs through Saywell accepted as the parish council’s management of the scheme would need to Farm. The PCSOs had issued Section 59 representative on the Downswood be arranged. She said the additional hours warnings and were issuing two more to Community Association. Energy efficiency offered by the fun club would be welcome. vehicles which had been driving onto leads had been followed up and double The RFO said if a playscheme was run, no private land. glazing was being considered. Plans were grant could be offered to the fun club. It was Village buses Norman Kemp of NuVenture being drawn up for a storage area. agreed that Cllr Sams should contact MBC Coaches Ltd said that the number 13 had Alternatively, an area behind the bins had regarding the grant. served Hollingbourne for 14 years but had a been identified for a possible DPC/DCA VHT music event The Village Hall Trust very low number of passengers. Unlike his shed or garage. The DCA had made a ruling was to run the music event again on July 22, competitors, which the schoolchildren use, that there could be no more big fireworks at 2017, and had asked to use the Glebe field NuVenture did not run entirely for profit the centre. for parking. It was agreed that permission be and Kent County Council funded the Deringwood Drive Mixed hedging would granted, but that the grass should be service. Every four years KCC puts the bus be considered in the dip area on reinstated if damaged. services out to tender and supported

46 Maidstone East January 2017 Parish Councils Crime reports 47 mail.co.uk downs . Four January 2017

Kingswood

01622 880751 01622 ALARMS & SECURITY LTD SECURITY & ALARMS It was noted that Dawn A leer had been received Maidstone East The MBC road sweeper had A resident raised the issue of Cllr Shellina Prendergast Members discussed the re- The council wished to see an Neighbours of the Ham Lane The alarm had been serviced and A site meeting had been arranged Watch +VAT YOUR HOME PROTECT ALARMS FROM £495 mas trees stolen fromGravelly a commercial Bottom yard Road, in men were seen in suspiciousThey circumstances. left the areavan. in a white Ford Transit Ulcombe Public forum speeding vehicles along the LenhamFour Road Wents at and the damage causedproperty to when accidents happen. Community warden Riach-Brown continued to carry outvisits welfare and had recently reportedflytipping more in the Chegworth RoadPavilion area. new key fobs had beenDitches coded ready for use. with Kent Highways to discussclearance ditch near Neverend Farm. Planning application refused for a steel-framedstore grain at Tong Farm, Headcorn.to This the was large due scale ofopen the countryside building and siing there in wasdemonstrated a need lack and of ecological survey. Community tasks from Kent, Surrey and SussexCompany Rehabilitation regarding their services in providing help such tasks asdecorating, painting grounds and maintenance, lier picking and footpath clearance. Itresolved was to make contact towork discuss required cleaning on the pavilionpicking. and with lier Highways opening of an old entranceHill. onto Ulcombe Fly-tipping reported on a positive meetingand with ighways MBC England regarding fly-tipping and general rubbish accumulation inChegworth the Road area with aaction number points of being agreed. Playpark playpark were still complaining aboutyouths older using the playpark atcausing night nuisance. and The equipment wasdanger in of being damaged ifto this continue. was allowed Environment been around the square andsweeping past leaves the from schools the guers.was He wrong said that it this hadannounced not in been advance, so thatcould the be cones put out toconsequence stop the parking. sweep As of a thebeen square ineffective. had It was notedon that the the pavement leaves would soonguers. re-fill The the tree-cuing in theHam cemetery Lane and was approved. . . Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Lenham This had been wound . Cllr Walmsley said he . Harrietsham . Cllr Osborne outlined the Otham . There had been two cases of fly- The solicitors for St John It was resolved to invite Eleanor The village had experienced a The system installed at the William Bearsted Green Parts were removed from aAnimals vehicle were attacked in and injured at a A vehicle body part was taken from blue Fencing was damaged and several Christ- Windows were broken at a house in A BMW X1 was keyed while it was parked Deliberate damage was done to items be- Neighbourhood Working to reduce crime. at Volvo XC60 parked on aLane, driveway in Forge Honey Lane, farm in Forstal Road, Walderslade Church Crescent, longing to another person in Orbit Close, upgrading. Enhancement society up and the balance oflocal funds charities. distributed Cllr to Greenwood wasa meeting potential coordinator to tryvolunteers to who organise had the offered toplanters. take over the Break-ins series of outbuilding break-ins. Itsuggested was that CCTV could haveidentify helped the culprit, had itFly-tipping been available. tipping. Maidstone Council had removed the rubbish in the secondinvestigating instance the and source. was Co-option Gee to join the council.number This of brings councillors the to 12,vacancy with remaining one for south ward. Allotments Ambulance were progressing their endCllrs and Greenwood and Ballard wouldthe meet site at when the landout. was The being question measured of jointresidents access and for the the allotment new societywas members still unresolved. Lenbus report now defunct arrangements whereby residents of Lenham Heath wereinto transported Maidstone. With dwindling numbers this eventually became transport into Lenham. Since the accident itpossible had to not replace been the vehicle.had The paid insurance out some money,had £10k to of be which repaid tovehicle. KCC, However, which this funded left the Lenbus withwhich £5.5k would be transferred tocouncil. the It parish was agreed thatreceipt, this would money, be on forwarded tocharity. the Hatch Ham Lane junction and Cllr Scrivens had metHighways with consultant a who KCC would generate an initial assessment in regardthe to junction improving with the Highviewpoint Street of from pedestrians, the to slowdown traffic and improve the sightwould lines. cost This about £750. Anychanges proposed would have to beleaflet the drop subject to of nearby a residents.was If to the go project ahead itby would the have parish to council. be It funded ahead was with agreed the to report. go CCTV Pi field seemed to beCulver working was well confident and that Cllr thecompany same should be used elsewherevillage. in the Cobtree , a suspect was broken into Bearsted Neither the surface was broken into and Lenham, and stole power tools, a petrol The team was said to be down It was noted that street lights There was a vacancy for a County Cllr Jenny While was broken into. Nothing ap- Carole Findlay would be the new Leers had been received from a Walderslade, Complaints had been received The 2017 fete would be on June 10. The In The Landway, A Peugeot 206 parked in Ragstone Road, A van parked in the road in Abigail Cres- Someone gained access to the Sir Garrard socket set and other items. Theyaccess also to gained the office, damagingframe and the attempted door to and steal a safe. items stolen. Bearsted, peared to have been taken. Manor Park, leaf blower, two petrol strimmers, fuel, a Tyrwhitt-Drake Visitor Centre, at and red and green bars. cent, smashed the glass in a rear patio doornumber and of items. and a bowser pressure washer was stolen. It ransacked the property before stealing a is a large piece of plant with a white tank Lenham Street lights A HOUSING development buildingAshford site in Road, were not working near theplaypark. Cherry Cllr Estate Sams said sheeight had lights reported to Maidstone BoroughSpeedWatch Council. to three members and neededvolunteers more to continue. If volunteersforthcoming, were the equipment would need services are reviewed. Parking resident of Culpeper Close andHadley another Gardens of about inconsiderate parking at the entrance toand Culpeper a Close request for doubleParish yellow councillors lines. were in favourtraffic but regulation a order would costand £3,000 be subject to publicclerk consultation. would The write to theparents school to to park ask more sensiblyPCSOs and would the be asked toSpeed patrol limit more often. requested that parish councillors decide where in the village they20mph would limit. like This a will beKCC. progressed by Mud regarding the quagmire of leavesat and the mud entrance to thestation. old Pedestrians, goods including yard at the schoolchildren, had to walk input the themselves road at and risk ofvehicle being to hit avoid by slipping a over.had This now problem been aended to. Fete races would no longer beWI organised and by the the clerk wouldto approach see the if school it couldthe help. WI Councillors members thanked for theirwas hard much work appreciated. which Some ofTempleuve the visitors would like to bringclassic their cars to the fete,of which fun. would be a lot Sewerage inspection drainage problem nor the sewerage backflow appeared to have beenThe resolved. Wealden Homes houses’ foul water would go into an enormouswould tank be which pumped into the3am. main Residents sewerage were at concerned about surface water drainage from theResignation site. parish councillor following the resignation of Cllr Ann Benne Magazine editor of the Village Magazine. Drives, Patios, Walls, Fences, Design etc. Sim3 Mobile Service FREE ESTIMATES (01622) 738933 SCREEN PHONES IPOD • IPHONE BOUGHT Est. 1984 REPAIRS 30, Copsewood Way, Bearsted BLUETOOTH HEADSETS FOR CASH CAR CHARGERS • FASCIAS • PHONE BATTERIES BODY GLOVES • CHARGES • SIM CARDS

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