New Air Ambulance To

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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling February 2016 No. 226

News New air ambulance to No to warehouses THE Waterside Park proposals to build an industrial estate off M20 Junction 8 have been re- ‘destroy quality of life’ fused at the High Court. 4 A PROPOSAL by Kent Air Ambulance to relocate to a rural base near Shopping boost Yalding has been met with a tide of opposition from local residents. WORK is to start on a major re- The air ambulance, which has Farm, including seven children, and pital and surrounded by single- vamp of the historic Royal been based in Marden since 2000, many others at similar farm and track or otherwise poorly main- Star Arcade, Maidstone. 5 wants to consolidate its operation country buildings and some static tained roads, is the ideal place for across Kent, Sussex and Surrey, caravans within a short radius. such a day and night flying opera- with a purpose-built HQ at Old “To state that the site is adjacent tion. Open space vision Hay Airfield, off Willow Lane. to a ‘solar farm’ when between the “The quality of life for us all liv- A NEW cafe and visitors centre is Although the application falls solar farm and the proposed site ing under the flight path will be se- the key part of a project to within the borough of Tunbridge there is arable farmland, six houses verely impacted by the excess noise boost Mote Park. 9 Wells, residents in Willow Lane are and a substantial apple orchard is of low-flying helicopter operations within Yalding parish and pay their misleading to the point of malevo- and the increased traffic this pro- Advert divides village council taxes to Maidstone. lence. There are also stables and a posed site will generate.” Most affected will be the 21 resi- riding school, which aren’t even Yalding Parish Council has raised TWO new signs have created a dents of Park Farm, in Queen Street, mentioned.” no objection. Maggie Drummond, split between a village which sits 800m from the proposed Tim Ornellas, who lives in Wil- who lives in Queen Street, said: “I school and parish council. 20 helicopter pad and 150m from the low Lane, said: “We all fully sup- am not happy that Yalding Parish helicopter’s westerly flight path. port the excellent work of the air Council have chosen to say nothing Obituaries 26-27 Paul Hawker, who lives in Park ambulance, now that it has become – many families on the Yalding Farm Barn, felt the application was part of the Sussex and Surrey air boundary will be impacted by POP icon David Bowie had an misleading in suggesting the site ambulance with all operations noise. How dare they not offer a de- interesting link to Maidstone. was remote and little short of being merged at one location, to re-locate fence against all this, after all the a wasteland. their existing bases to Willow Lane problems this area has encountered Comment 32-3346-47 He said: “Park Farm remains a in my view is highly inappropriate. in recent years? traditional and historical farmstead. “I find it hard to believe that such “I will never make a dona- Crime Reports 33 There are 21 of us living at Park a rural location, not close to a hos- tion to the air ambulance 6 Parish Councils 42-43 Pupils show their Young Voices Age UK faces DOORSTEP callers claiming to be ex-serviceman were at large in PUPILS from Yalding and budget cut Chart Sutton; a village sign was Laddingford schools trav- to be replaced in East Farleigh; elled to the 02 arena in CORE services for the elderly are youths switched on hockey club London to take part in under threat, Age UK Maidstone floodlights at 2am in Marden; Young Voices. has warned. Southeastern was asked to install The 16 children from St It follows a request to the organ- a noticeboard in Staplehurst; a Mary’s School, isation from KCC to cut its costs in toilet light was to be repaired in Laddingford, joined West Kent by £10,000 next year. Sutton Valence; a fourth defibril- almost 7,500 other Age UK says it has not received a lator was planned for Yalding. young voices from Britain real-term increase from KCC in six who performed at the years for the core services it pro- massive arena in front of vides Kent’s elderly residents and a packed audience of already receives less per pensioner parents and than anywhere else in the country. friends. 10 Age UK’s chief executive in Maidstone, Paul Coles said: “We have a good relationship with KCC’s adult services and understand it has difficult decisions to Clean-up weekend make to balance its budget, but we are already the poor relation to JOIN in a long weekend of litter- other voluntary service providers. picking activities between YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT “We are a lean organisation, so March 4 and 6. For more infor- this request to trim our mation see the Maidstone Coun- 01622 690290 [email protected] cil-sponsored 12-page Borough 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent funding needs further will 5 translate into the closure of Update in the centre pages.

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2 Maidstone South February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Pub wins local Mum trained to oﬀer hero award THE Chequers Inn, Laddingford, has been declared a community hero by Enterprise Inns. help to young parents The local hostelry, run by Charles and Tracey Leaver for the past 21 NEW mums are receiving the sup- “It was really important that I years, was chosen as South East report of an experienced “nanny” as had someone outside my family to gional winner in the pub chain’s an- part of a health service scheme to talk to and they were always there nual Community Heroes Awards. prepare them for the challenges of when I needed them.” As well as hosting numerous being a parent. Family nurse supervisor Carol fundraising events throughout the Jordan Greenway (20), from O’Malley said: “Being involved in year, the pub is the hub of the vil- Allington, is the first of 35 such this programme is a serious, long- lage. It holds a fun fruit and flower young mums from Maidstone and term commitment and all those tak- show each summer to support the Tunbridge Wells to graduate from ing part have shown how village school, hosts the school’s the Family Nurse Partnership pro- dedicated they are to improving Christmas fair and holds Christmas gramme in West Kent. their lives and being the best mums quizzes to raise funds for the Hos- The scheme – an American idea – they can be to their children.” pice in the Weald. is being run by the Kent Commu- Colleague Cathie Burton says the The Chequers Racers cycle team nity Health NHS Foundation, of- programmes are important as a set themselves an annual sporting fering the advice and support of way of getting support and guid- European challenge, raising funds specially-trained family nurses for ance to young families early on. for the Kent Cancer Trust – this two-and-a-half years to first-time She added: “We know early in- year they tackled a route through mums under the age of 20. tervention leads to much better Asturias in Northern Spain. Jordan, mum to two-year-old outcomes for our children, devel- Tracey said: “We have always Kayden, said: “It was a huge shock opmentally and socially, so it’s a been firm believers in supporting when I fell pregnant. I wasn’t pre- real pleasure to see this working so all aspects of the community and pared to be a mum – I had no expe- well in practice.” hope that we have been able to con- rience with babies and was worried The programme is being offered tribute to the village and the parish. I might break him! mation on the things to watch out in Maidstone and Malling. “However, without the support “My family nurses, Pippa and for, how to keep Kayden safe and Expectant mums can be referred and help of so many people this Helen, were amazing. They gave also places I could take him and the to the service by their school, mid- would not have been possible. We me so much confidence and infor- things we could do together. wife or GP. would like to thank everyone who helps and supports us, which has Read our archived editions FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk made winning this award possible.”

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Maidstone South February 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Waterside Park Lunch date with Friends FRIENDS of the Sutton Va- lence branch of the Royal British Legion enjoyed a lunch and good company at the appeal rejected Plough, Langley. Some 25 members attended the event, despite the THE High Court has thrown out upholds it, it shows that coura- cold winter weather. proposals to build an industrial geous decisions can win the day.” Chairman Mike FitzGerald estate on land south of the M20 In his summing up, the judge said: “It was great to see so near Junction 8. mentioned the large amount of op- many young and not so After last year’s public inquiry, in position to the applications. young people sharing a most which planning inspector Katie Mrs Richards said: “The inspec- enjoyable lunch served by Peerless upheld Maidstone Coun- tor hearing the Kent International friendly committed staff.” cil’s decisions to reject Gallagher Gateway appeal several years ago A free rafﬂe was held – a Properties’ two Waterside Park ap- also commented on the volume of most welcome addition, he plications, the company appealed. public opposition, so it is clearly said. However, High Court Judge Jus- worthwhile for the community to Their next event is a coffee morning on Friday February 19 in Chart Sut- tice Collins upheld the council’s de- make its views known in large ton Village Hall and all are welcome. cisions. Craig Howell-Williams, numbers in situations of this kind.” representng Gallagher, said being The judge ordered Gallaghers to near the motorway made the site pay £9,290 costs. The company had suitable for warehouses, despite 21 days to decide if it wished to Guides’ plea for volunteers one of the prospective occupants, issue a further appeal. HEADCORN guides have issued a on her own because of the rules ADL, finding alternative premises Mid Kent MP Helen Whately final plea for volunteers to help around lone working. for its relocation from Marden. said: “I have opposed this develop- keep the unit open. She said: “I only need one person Bearsted and Thurnham Soci- ment since I was elected [in May The guides meet at Headcorn on a permanent basis or a rota of ety’s Mary Richards said: “It is par- 2015] – speaking against it was my Methodist Church Hall from 7- volunteers.” ticularly heartening to see that first official engagement. 8.30pm on Thursdays. The unit re- She said: “It would be such a when MBC councillors have the “We need successful businesses formed in November 2013 after a shame to see the unit close due to a courage to reject planning applica- and jobs in Kent, but Junction 8 – so lapse of some years but is in jeop- shortage of adult help.” tions that their officers wish them close to Leeds Castle and the Kent ardy due to a shortage of helpers. If you are over 18 and can spare to grant, and when that decision is Downs Area of Outstanding Natu- Leader Jess King said: “We are 90 minutes a week – or even every appealed, the planning inspec- ral Beauty – is not the right place. desperate for someone to come for- other week – on a Thursday, Jess torate supports it. “Development around Junction 8 ward if we want to continue.” would like to hear from you on “When that decision is subject to will affect the landscape and par- There are 10 girls in the unit but 07772 390273 or send an email to judicial review and the High Court ticularly the AONB.” Jess is not allowed to run the unit [email protected]

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4 Maidstone South February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News

Arcade to get major revamp

MAIDSTONE is about to undergo case and redevelopment of the cen- some serious retail therapy. tral rotunda. Work is to start on a major revamp Mr Le Beau said: “In its place we of the Royal Star Arcade, which it is will have a large covered area that hoped will breathe new life into the will provide ample dining space, as High Street. well as the opportunity for seasonal The arcade, which stands on the events that are simply not possible site of the old Royal Star Hotel, has anywhere else in Maidstone at the enjoyed mixed fortunes, despite at- moment.” tracting top designer names because The original Star Hotel was a pop- of its prestigious location. ular overnight stop for those travel- Created as a shopping mall in ling between London and 1989, it retains much of the architec- Folkestone. The 19th century saw the tural splendour of the 16th-century hotel get the royal seal of approval, coaching inn. Manager Daniel Le and the ‘royal’ prefix, after a visit by Beau said: “The arcade will be trans- a young Queen Victoria. formed into a beautiful, classically- It is home to the Disraeli Balcony, styled shopping experience where Benjamin Disraeli made his unmatched in the area, with the parliamentary acceptance speech atrium, given its undoubted beauty, after being elected MP for Maidstone its crowning glory. We plan to focus in 1837. Mr Le Beau said the scheme on a high quality blend of independ- would draw on inspiration from the ent and niche retailers and comple- Burlington Arcade in London and mentary businesses for those who the Royal Arcade in Norwich. enjoy a little bit of luxury.” An announcement is expected The arcade has two levels, provid- soon on plans for land at Maidstone ing 28 retail units including a cafe, East railway station. The council has health food shop and other niche long been keen to see a supermarket outlets. The refurbishment includes and housing on the site but there the removal of the bandstand stair- have so far been no takers. Age UK set for cut Continued from page one UK fills a large number of gaps in some services or more costs the service provision for the eld- being passed to our clients – erly in West Kent and these talks neither of which we want.” will need to look at what KCC Mr Coles said negotiations are wants and what we can offer. continuing with KCC, with a de- “If there is no flexibility in the cision expected in the coming budget we will not be able to pro- weeks. vide the same level of service.” However, it is clear that there He said the organisation was will be no funding after July 2016 being forced to absorb the cost of to continue Age UK’s befriend- setting up staff pensions and the implications of the living wage. ing service that was started in KCC part funds voluntary West Kent with Maidstone Mind. groups to help in areas such as Mr Coles said: “This attracted a adult social care services, which couple of hundred volunteers to has a £9.5m budget. A spokesman befriend or accompany elderly said: “Due to well-publicised people and those with mental cuts to local authority budgets, health issues in their home or on we have had to look again at how day trips. Unfortunately, the suc- much we fund voluntary organi- cess of this pilot is not the issue sations and as a result have writ- here, but the county council’s re- ten to all 98, including Age UK. sources to continue funding it.” “We have asked if they could He said efforts were continuing reduce the amount of funding to fund the project from outside they require, and many have sources. Mr Coles added: “Age agreed to do this.”

Maidstone South February 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk Homes scheme Parish ambulance criticism ‘may cost us’ THE planning committee has am being unreasonable yet I am an turned down a proposal for six elected member. It is alright for an homes in Marden – despite being officer to attack us but we can’t say warned it could cost Maidstone anything to him. My position is ex- Continued from page one “If we are successful in this plan- Council money. actly the same as before.” service again.” ning application, we will see the James Bailey, development man- Councillors argued that more af- Maidstone borough councillor charity firmly established in the ager for the council, told members fordable housing in Marden was for Marden and Yalding ward, Cllr heart of the region with all its key that refusing a scheme for six af- unnecessary, given that in the pre- Annabelle Blackmore said there services closely co-located. This fordable houses on land adjacent to vious few years the council had al- were many people in Marden who will underpin and ensure the long- Highfield House in Maidstone ready granted permissions for 202 wanted the air ambulance to re- term resilience and sustainability of Road would put the council at a such homes. main in Pattenden Lane. the service … and allow us to plan “very strong risk of being liable for Cllr Tony Harwood said: “There She assured: “I live on the flight- an economically viable service. costs”. is an issue of principle. Maidstone path for the air ambulance and can “If we are unsuccessful in this ap- He said that, due to a planning Council has not allowed develop- confirm that the noise is no worse plication, the long-term viability of inspector backing the principle of ments north of the railway line in than passing cars. In addition it is this service will be compromised.” development on the land in July all Wealden villages and because of my understanding that the night Yalding Parish Council has con- last year, losing an appeal was not that it has maintained the Wealden flights take place from the Blue Bell firmed that its usual practice is to only highly likely but would be ac- feel of only sporadic developments, Hill area. make no comment on applications companied by a ruling of “unrea- and we should stick with that “I would prefer the air ambu- to which it does not wish to object. sonable grounds” that would incur “The great need for local needs lance to stay within Marden and it a financial penalty. housing stretches credulity.” is my understanding that there are Ukulele trial But councillors maintained that Despite strong warnings from Mr a considerable number of residents A NEW Wednesday morning Golding Homes’ proposal, which Bailey and planning committee of Marden village who feel the ukulele session for beginners is was backed by Maidstone Council, chairman Cllr Clive English, the same as I do.” being trialled at the house meeting would set an unwanted precedent committee voted to refuse. In his report “Securing the Fu- room in Headcorn Village Hall of housing development north of Cllr English said: “We could be ture,” KSSAAT chief executive from 10am to noon. the railway line and voted to re- hauled up before the local govern- Adrian Bell said: “We need to find For information, contact Mike fuse. Cllr John Perry said: “I am ment ombudsman for maladminis- a single base solution if we are to Larkin on 01622 891559 or visit new on this committee but I have tration, which could be a bigger maintain the full 24/7 service our www.headcornukulelegroup.com heard it all now. I am being told I cost than for the appeal.” patients need.

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Maidstone South February 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Last call for housing views Local plan ‘is A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the future of housing in Maidstone is being held at the Maidstone Studios on Thursday February 11. The meeting, which starts at 7pm, coincides with the Regulation 19 public consultation, which is the last opportunity to comment, suggest, amend and make changes to the proposed local plan. a step closer’ The meeting is being organised by Cllr Paulina Stockell on behalf of the Maidstone and Mid Kent MPs, Helen Grant and Helen MAIDSTONE’S local plan has He accepted there were “some Whately, and will run on a ‘Question Time’ format with a panel moved a step closer to reality. residual issues” with the local plan, and roving microphones. Councillors have decided that the chiefly concerning the rural settle- Cllr Stockell said: “Residents are very worried about their quality latest draft should go out for the ment hierarchy – including whether of life in the future, with the A274 and A229 approach roads from the final public consultation, known as or not Coxheath should remain a south and south-east of the town already at gridlock – even before the Section 19. larger village or become a rural serv- 2,500 houses proposed on both sides of the Sutton Road out of Park- Following this phase of consulta- ice centre, which could increase the Wood are built – let alone the number of housing sites proposed in tion, the plan would go back to number of homes it takes. Headcorn, Sutton Valence, Staplehurst and Marden etc. Maidstone Council in April and then Former council leader Cllr Chris “Langley looks to become swallowed up in urban sprawl and talk on to the Government’s planning in- Garland (pictured) said he believed of a Leeds-Langley Bypass through farmland to the M20 will blight spectorate for approval. the latest draft to be the area and attract more traffic.” If approved, it would come into “sound in its current The meeting will be chaired by BBC's John Warnett and will be force in early 2017, giving the coun- format” and ready attended by the leader of Maidstone Council Cllr Fran Wilson, cil greater powers to defend itself to go through to S19 planning chief Rob Jarman, KCC’s cabinet member for growth and against planning applications for consultation. transport Matthew Balfour, CPRE Kent and the Joint Parishes sites deemed unsuitable. He said: “It is Group, Maidstone KALC and Paul Carter, leader of KCC. Head of planning Rob Jarman completely wrong said: “We have undertaken site visits to talk about ‘con- for every single site for housing, em- creting over Maidstone’. Only 0.6% Council tax facing bigger hike ployment and retail development. of land in the borough will be devel- THE cost of caring for elderly and such as education, social services The plan will enable us to direct oped in the next 20 years. vulnerable adults in Kent means and highways. growth to those areas where it is “Any attempts to use anecdotes, ratepayers will have a 4% increase in The extra 2% will raise about most appropriate.” hyperbole and emotion will not be their KCC council tax bill from April. £11m, but the county council spent Despite challenges to the “objec- accepted by an inspector.” KCC is taking advantage of new almost £350m on adult social care tively assessed housing need”, Cllr John Perry maintained the legislation allowing it to increase last year and says it needs a further Maidstone has set a target of 18,560 plan was “seriously flawed” but council tax by 2% to meet the costs £42m this year to keep social care at new homes between 2011 and 2031. council leader Cllr Fran Wilson said: of funding this sector. its current levels. Mr Jarman told the policy and re- “An imperfect local plan is far, far That’s in addition to the 1.99% The average bill for a Band D sources committee: “We believe the better than no local plan.” general increase already proposed to property will rise from £1,089.99 to borough can consume this.” help meet the costs of other services, £1,133.55 from April. WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. 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8 Maidstone South February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News New cafe boost to Mote Park

AN “iconic” cafe and visitors cen- for future events.” One option could be to install a tre is set to be built as part of a Also included in the plan is a skate park near the leisure centre. £3.96m bid to improve Maid- £790,000 adventure zone, new Officers believe the research stone’s Mote Park. maintenance area, new paths and behind the plan – entitled “A sus- Maidstone Council’s policy and formalised overspill parking areas tainable future for Mote Park” – resources committee agreed to the to accommodate up to 350 more ve- will “maximise operational and capital investment, which would hicles. There will be at least two commercial opportunities” at the see the new £2.5m cafe, managed separate toilet blocks. park. in-house and repositioned for However, the scheme will see the Councillors heard that progress views of the lake. The existing cafe, Skate park is set to be removed permanent removal of the skate had already been made by bringing which, as well as the public toilets, containing four times more floor- park, though officers are to investi- the management of the cafe back in was most criticised by a recent res- space than the existing cafe. gate an alternative site in the park. house and through the impending idents’ survey, would be removed. Cllr Annabelle Blackmore, leader Cllr John Perry said: “Skate parks introduction of parking charges. A design competition will be of the Conservative group, said: exist very happily in rural areas A consultant has been appointed held, with the council confident “To have a brand new iconic build- and are very popular. I would like to prepare and submit a planning that notable architects will be keen ing for a cafe really will help to put to keep a skate park somewhere be- application for the adventure zone to create a high-quality building Maidstone on the map, especially cause it is a well-used facility.” on the council’s behalf. Bid for ﬂag Firewalk to boost hospice fund Library plan MAIDSTONE is hoping to raise the KCC PLANS to save £150,000 by Purple flag for another year. THE Heart of Kent Hospice is inviting people to walk across hot reducing mobile library stops. The accreditation for the quality coals to raise money for the charity. The county council wants to cut of the twilight and night-time econ- The hospice has 100 places for budding firewalkers to take the five the least-used of the 651 stops omy was awarded to the town two meter stroll across coals that can reach up to 650 degrees Celsius. made by the 11 mobile libraries to years ago. Five major pubs and The fire walk takes place in Jubilee Square, Maidstone at 7pm on reduce its £367,000 annual outlay. clubs have since closed, but there Friday March 4, and is managed by a highly experienced team for Analysis showed that 368 stops are more restaurants. whom the safety of the walkers is the top priority. had an average of two visitors or Maidstone Town Centre change Entry is limited to those aged over 18 and the entry fee is £25, with fewer. The proposed routes will see co-ordinator Ilsa Butler said: a minimum sponsorship requirement of £100. more than half the stops increasing “There has been a growth in the To book a place, call fundraising on 01622 790195 or go to their stopping time and the service night-time economy but it reflects www.hokh.org. moving to a Tuesday-Saturday the change in tastes and demand.” schedule. The town was due to submit its www.downsmail.co.uk See how stops could affect youat application by the end of January. For more local news www.kent.gov.uk/consultations. MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND Have you got a large garden, or small plot of land? We are experts at working with home owners to maximise the full value of their land

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Maidstone South February 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Praise for prison facing closure EAST Sutton Park continues to be positive way they encourage the resulted in a lower than average in- a successful and effective women’s women to make the most of their cidence of self-harming, although prison – in spite of budget con- time at East Sutton Park. measures had been needed to deal straints and the threat of closure – “In spite of budget restraints, staff with bullying. according to the prison service’s In- cuts and the continued threat of clo- There was also special mention for dependent Monitoring Board. sure, the majority have continued to East Sutton Park’s farm and gardens, The IMB’s report for 2014/15 go the extra mile to ensure the wel- which it said was a valuable re- praises staff and the open prison’s fare of the women and to support source, providing revenue and a practices for “continuing to substan- their colleagues.” therapeutic opportunity for prison- tially reduce re-offending rates”. tion at the prison, including rotting There was praise for ESP’s per- ers, especially those from violent It follows the IMB’s criticism last window frames, the very poor con- sonal officer scheme and its pris- and abusive backgrounds. year of the Minister of Justice for the dition of showers and the prolifera- oner-led Vision team, which offers The IMB recommended a review delay in reaching a conclusion about tion of broken and cracked tiles, but help on issues such as debt and of those serving the old “indetermi- the closure of the prison – proposed makes it clear that staff continue to housing to inmates prior to release, nate sentences”. It found one inmate in 2014 – which, it said, was leaving “go the extra mile”. with the recommendation that it be sentenced to two years had served staff and inmates in a difficult posi- It reads: “ESP is a highly success- rolled out to all other establishments. nine. It also wants to see secure in- tion for planning their futures. ful and effective prison and staff are The report noted that policies and ternet access made available to in- The latest report notes deteriora- to be commended for the caring and staff and peer support at the prison mates in readiness for release. Caravan plan Head begins Children shine on trip to O2 PLANNING permission was A NEW headteacher has been ap- Continued from page one “We had all worked so hard learn- granted for a total of four cara- pointed at St Mary’s Primary The children had learnt 20 songs ing our words and it was totally vans to be sited in Nettlestead. School, Laddingford. in school – and a few dance moves amazing. The fact that I went with Maidstone Council’s plan- Gemma Brain joined the team at – to prepare for the day. all of my friends was great. The ning committee gave the go- the start of term, along with two A three-hour rehearsal preceded sensation of singing with thou- ahead for two permanent new members of staff – Richard the concert, in which the audience sands of other children was ab- caravans and two tourers on Martin and Chelsea Mellish. filled the ground floor of the solutely brilliant.” land at Ashtree Place, Hamp- Ms Brain grew up in Maidstone, venue, while the children packed English soprano Laura Wright stead Lane. attending Barming Primary School the tiered seating to unite in song. also led a rendition of ‘The World The parish council objected, and Maidstone Grammar School St Mary’s School office manager in Union’. claiming the land was a flood for Girls. Rachel West said: “The noise in the Katy said: “It was brilliant and risk, but there was no objection She returned to the area eight stadium was deafening but exhila- amazing. The light show was from the Environment Agency. years ago and this is her first head- rating.” lovely and the show was enter- ship. Laddingford pupil Isabella said: taining for everyone.”

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Maidstone South February 2016 11 News downsmail.co.uk Book ‘debut’ A FORMER lecturer and rugby player from Yalding has written his Sheltered flats plan first “proper” book at the age of 75. Martin Johnson, of Vicarage Road has produced many literary works, but most were educational texts. He has lived in Yalding for 16 years. He to replace offices spent five years as a lecturer at West Kent College and played rugby for A PLAN to demolish offices on a Tonbridge RFC. prominent site in the centre of His book, Robert Macfarlane’s Or- Maidstone to make way for a phans, was inspired by the writer “contemporary” apartment block and poet Robert Macfarlane, direc- for the elderly has been received tor of studies at Emmanuel College, by Maidstone Council. Cambridge. The proposal for 28 one- and Mr Johnson is a founder member two-bedroom self-contained flats at of Yalding Table Tennis Club, works Chaucer House – on the corner of as volunteer at the Kenward Trust Priory Road and Knightrider Street and is a trustee for the Yalding – suggests a three- or, possibly, Church Preservation Society. four- storey L-shape development. The book is available from book- Lewis and Hickey, the architect sellers and Amazon. for applicant McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles, says pro- An artist’s impression of the proposed flats at Chaucer House tected lime trees on the site would within the confines of the listed the All Saints’ Conservation Area Concert date need to be grubbed, but the listed wall and relates to the adjacent con- and the quality of the design A CONCERT of popular classical 8ft ragstone wall would remain. servation area,” adding: “It is our should be commensurate with this music will raise money for Heart of While recognising the site sits on intention that the scheme reflects location.” Kent Hospice at Invicta Grammar a busy junction, close to listed the key local characteristics in a Other materials proposed in- School on February 27. buildings such as All Saints’ C of E modern approach that is of its time, clude buff bricks, colour insets, a The Heart of Kent Orchestra’s pro- School, The College Gateway and avoiding the mistakes of some of contemporary flat roof and project- gramme starts at 7.30pm and in- parish church, it suggests access via the more modern developments ing gable ends. cludes the James Bond piano Priory Road would ease congestion that rely rather on a pastiche ap- The apartment block would have concerto, the Frank Sinatra piano and a contemporary style as the proach.” 21 parking spaces, landscaped concerto and the Serpent concerto. most appropriate design for the More ragstone has been intro- grounds, lifts to all floors, a guest Tickets are £12 (£8 for children). building. duced into the scheme following room and communal facilities for Go to www.hokh.org, call 01622 In a report to council planners, comments from the council’s case those aged over 60. The applicant 790195 or email fundrais- Lewis and Hickey says: “The aim is officer, who noted: “The site is in a also proposes closing off the cur- [email protected]. that the building sits comfortably prominent location and adjacent to rent entrance on Knightrider Street. All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231 Specialists in supplying aggregates Top Soil • Sand & Ballast Free Delivery

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12 Maidstone South February 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Bryony runs up £2,000 THEWINTERSALE NINE-year-old Bryony Dhanescha from Loose has been running to school every day to raise money for Macmillian Can- cer Support. But her efforts didn’t end there, after she bet her brother she could run 100 miles in a month – the equivalent of four marathons. Bryony (pictured) is now hoping to raise £2,500 for the charity, after her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mum Karen said: “My daughter is full of schemes and wacky ideas. Hypnos Stratus 150cm divan set Before this, she was making Pocket sprung mattress divan with luxury RRP £2179 origami and selling it to her run with her friends from the TMPPS[XST½RMWLJSVI\XVEGSQJSVX friends. Ocean Lake Tri Club, celebrating SALE £1479 “I didn’t think she would last a with some well-deserved sweets Drawers and other sizes also available. week running but I agreed that if and cakes afterwards. she had run a decent amount in the Bryony said: “My family didn't first week I would set up a Just think I would complete my chal- Giving page for her. It snowballed lenge but I've proved everyone from there.” Bryony, a member of wrong. I have raised over £2,000 a triathlon club, ran to and from which I never thought I could. This school every day as well as a daily just proves that if you think you three-mile run around Loose with can, you can.” her mum and dad. You can give on Bryony’s page at She finished her challenge at www.justgiving.com/Bryony- Leybourne Lakes with a 2.2-mile Dhanecha/

Show tickets on sale Harrison Sapphire 150cm divan set with 2 drawers TICKETS for the Kent County Lucy Hegarty, show manager, 2 drawer divan featuring layers of pocket RRP £3599 Show have gone on sale six said: “We have had a number of springs creating a supportive mattress with months ahead of the event. companies enquire about pur- HIIT½PPIHLERHWXMXGLIHWMHIWXSEHHWXEFMPMX] SALE £1999 The idea to launch the tickets chasing advance Kent County in November was to capitalise Show tickets for staff.” on pre-Christmas sales, after Multi-day tickets can only be visitors told organisers they purchased in advance, priced would like to give tickets as £50, with a second costing £35. gifts. Adult day tickets are £19.80 in The Kent County Agricultural advance and £22 on the day, Society, which organises the children £5.40 in advance and £6 event, has also introduced a at the gate. multi-day pass in response to The Kent County Show takes visitor feedback that they would place at the County Show- like to attend on more than one ground, Detling, from Friday, Huge selection of beds, day. July 8 to Sunday, July 10. mattresses, headboards & bedsteads. Experienced team offering Easter debut for choral work expert helpful advice MAIDSTONE Choral Union is set- The Crucifixion, with choruses for ting the scene for Easter with a a choir, soloists’ passages (for the special performance of Stainer’s risen Christ and for Mary Mag- Plus0% Up to 2 years “The Crucifixion”. dalen) and hymns for the audi- available on all orders over £1000* The performance, on Saturday ence. *Cash price £2000, deposit £500. 24 monthly payments of £62.50. Total payable £2000. March 12, at All Saints’ Church, It will be the first public per- Subject to status, quotation available on request. Credit provided by an external fi nance Maidstone will be followed by a formance of this interesting com- company determined by Clarkes. Subject to acceptance. new work by composer David position, which is 35 minutes Pennant, Stainer’s great-grand- long. son. The evening begins at 7.30pm www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk “The Resurrection” sits com- and tickets can be purchased at fortably in the same format as the door. 01622 753073 Read archived editions of the Downs Mail Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF ww.downsmail.co.uk FREE online at UPHOLSTERY | DINING | BEDS | BEDROOM | ACCESSORIES

Maidstone South February 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Club’s move Mental health unit idea A NEW netball group at Park Wood has proved so popular it A NEW mental health unit could Kent Medical Campus would be a has already outgrown its home. be the focal part of the Kent Med- significant step in addressing this ical Campus in Maidstone. for Kent and the South East, ensur- The Tuesday evening club, Cygnet Health Care, one of ing that local people are able to ac- which started out at Heather Britain’s largest independent cess services as and when they House, has now moved to providers of mental health care, has need them.” Cornwallis Academy, begin- submitted a planning application He said the Maidstone develop- ning at 7.30pm. to Maidstone Council to build a ment would bring an investment of The new term begins in Janu- hospital on the campus, next to the which would provide mental about £18 million to the area, creat- ary and the cost remains £1 a Kent Institute of Medicine and Sur- health services for the community. ing 150 permanent jobs. week. Ladies of all ages and gery (Kims) on Newnham Court The aim is for service users to be Mr Cole said recruitment would abilities are welcome. Way, off M20 Junction 7. treated closer to their homes, and primarily be local and Cygnet The sessions are funded by Outline planning permission for for the hospital to provide care would seek to build strong links Kent Sport, Maidstone Council the campus was granted in 2014 pathways as part of their progress with local authorities, local educa- and the Fusion Healthy Living and the site has since been adver- towards community living. tion institutions such as Mid Kent Centre. tised for sale or to let, as a “strategic David Cole, chief executive of College, and training providers. Qualified coach Stephanie Cygnet Health Care, said: “There location on the doorstep of London Cygnet is the largest outsourcing Edwards takes the sessions. For is a significant shortfall in mental and at the gateway to Europe”. provider to the NHS of acute and information contact Aimee health service provision across the The current application seeks de- intensive care mental health serv- Bartlett on 07872 933097. sign approval for the building, UK, and the proposed hospital at ices. Credit union’s £50K boost Warning after shed break-ins KENT Savers Credit Union has been awarded £50,000 by Lloyds Banking HOMEOWNERS are being reminded to keep garages and sheds se- Group to help it support more people in the local community. cure following a string of break-ins in Coxheath and Hunton. The credit union is a financial co-operative, run on a not-for-profit Padlocks were removed and items disturbed overnight in about 15 basis, which provides affordable financial services in the county. garages in a block at The Beacons, Coxheath. Martin Kingman, chairman of Kent Savers Credit Union said: "It will Meanwhile, a shed in the East Street area of Hunton was burgled and provide those, right here in Kent, with more affordable loans, especially two quad bikes were stolen. to those who may be worrying about debt after Christmas.” Chief Inspector Mick Gardner, district commander for Maidstone, Lloyds has committed to provide £1m each year for four years and this said: “Sheds, outbuildings and garages are often packed with tools, is the second wave of funding to be released. machinery and other valuable equipment, and are tempting for thieves. Kent Savers is among 21 credit unions benefitting from £1m in grants That is why it is important to take precautions to reduce the risk of from Lloyds and one of 11 to receive between £50,000 and £100,000. having property stolen, and to get it traced and returned if it’s taken.”

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Maidstone South February 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Dog dumped Supermarket idea for in tied-up bag THE RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a dog was found dumped in a tied-up bag in M20 park and ride site Yalding. A dog-walker A PLAN to build a Waitrose supermarket on Maidstone’s doomed park made the distressing find, in and ride site at Eclipse Park has been unveiled. a brook be- The £14m proposal would see a tween Lees 29,000sqft store developed close to Road and Ben- the new Next shop near M20 Junc- over Road, on tion 7, bringing an anticipated 200 Sunday January new jobs. The store would be more 31. than twice the size of the existing The dead 13,000sqft Waitrose in Allington adult Jack Rus- Park, which the retailer says it is sell terrier was committed to retaining. concealed in- Nick Yandle, chief executive of Mr Yandle outlined the vision, about traffic problems, Mr Yandle side a large Gallagher Group, the developer be- pictured, to Boxley parish council- said that vehicles visiting the store green and white Arkwrights dog hind the proposal, said Maidstone lors and residents ahead of a plan- would be spread throughout the food bag and tied up with twine. remains a key target for Waitrose, ning application due to be day, whereas the park and ride traf- The RSPCA fears the dog may who would have built a store in submitted to Maidstone Council in fic was condensed at peak times. have been alive when dumped, in nearby Newnham Court but for late February. He said the single- No new highways work would which case the animal suffered a Maidstone Council refusing Land storey building, next to the Tower- be required, with shoppers using distressing death by drowning. Securities’ application in June 2014. gate office block, would have a the existing access by the Chiltern Inspector Rosie Russon said: He said: “The investment in a simple and contemporary design, Hundreds pub or the new junction “There were no obvious signs of in- Waitrose store is a sign of confi- in keeping with the surrounding re- near the Next store. jury on this poor animal, and she dence in the borough. It will rein- tail and commercial units and The existing park and ride facility seemed to be in reasonable condi- force Junction 7’s importance as a would feature Kentish ragstone. was due to close on Saturday, Feb- tion. It is possible she may have gateway to the Maidstone economy The car park would provide 300 ruary 6. If the plan is approved, been alive when dumped in this bag and will attract further investment spaces, with two hours free parking building could start in late 2016 in the river, and then drowned. If and employment at Eclipse Park.” for customers. Replying to concerns with the store opening early in 2018. this is so, it would have been an in- credibly distressing and horrific way for her to die.” The RSPCA want anyone who Fringe benefits for six days knows where the tri-color dog may have come from – and how she may BANDS are in rehearsals for the dance all-nighters, as well as fam- Flawless Carbon, alongside estab- have died – to come forward, in con- sixth Maidstone Fringe Festival, ily-friendly entertainment at many lished favourites such as David fidence, and call 0300 123 8018. set to run for six days across the of the town centre’s cafes and cof- Migden & The Twisted Roots, May bank holiday weekend. fee shops. Funke & The 2 Tone Baby and MP demands Celebrating the diversity of new Much of the music will be open indie/alternative artists Theatre and original music in Kent and the to the public for free. Royal, We Are Bandicoot, Jody’s South East, the festival will feature Among the businesses support- Flat, Aux and Upcdownc. Flying rail action live performances at venues in- ing this year’s Fringe Festival, the flag for folk and acoustic music PASSENGER train services in Kent cluding The Style & Winch, Earls, from April 27 to May 2, is Clive will be The Dredgermen, Tobys are going off the rails, according to The Druids Arms, The Flowerpot, Emson Auctioneers, which has Starks & Friends and Vaughan local MP Helen Whately. The Source Bar, Drakes, The White come on board this year as the Batchelor, along with a huge ska After Southeastern scored the Horse, The Art Lounge, Pizza Ex- major sponsor. and reggae event at The Source country’s second-worst passenger press, The Royal Albion and The Artists confirmed so far include Bar, featuring Winston Francis, satisfaction rating, the Mid Kent Pilot. Coco And The Butterfields, Nick Dennis Bovell, and Carl St Clair. MP called on transport minister Incorporated within the festival Harper and Gentlemen Of Few, For details visit www.maid- Patrick McLoughlin to take action. are a number of all-day events and new blues acts Salvation Jayne and stonefringe.com. More than 15,000 people have signed a petition demanding the removal of the franchise from South- eastern and the MP wants to know Water staff lauded for 25 years’ service if the rail operator is in breach of its franchise agreement. TWO employees of Snodland-based plumber. He left in 1989 to become Speaking in a debate in the South East Water have received self-employed, but returned to the House of Commons, Mrs Whately awards after 25 years of working for company as an area inspector. Now said: “My constituents use the the company. a leakage technician, he recalls see- Southeastern network. Day after Mick Bryant and Mike Masters ing some spectacular burst water day their trains are being delayed, were among 17 staff presented with pipe fountains, including one in particularly at peak times. certificates and gifts for their long 1991, during KCC roadworks near “This morning all trains between service. Roydon Hall at Seven Mile Lane, Maidstone East and London be- After starting work as an appren- near East Peckham. tice garage mechanic, before mov- He said: “I remember, when driv- tween 6.30 am and 7.30 am were ing to a farm in East Farleigh, Mick Paul Butler (centre) presents the ing to the site, seeing a cartoon-like cancelled. These are unacceptable levels of service.” needed job security and applied for awards to Mike Masters (left) and scene of a column of water 100 foot In the Transport Focus survey, a labourer’s post at Mid Kent Water. Mick Bryant tall feathering out at the top and He has since worked in several de- flooding the entire site.” 67% of passengers were satisfied partments including on the first be with new technology converting South East Water managing di- with the punctuality of Southeast- household free water mains. our vans into mobile offices.” rector Paul Butler said: “The water in- ern trains, a fall from 72% in 2014. Now a distribution technician, Mike’s career with Mid Kent Water dustry has seen many changes in Overall satisfaction stayed at 75%. Mick said: “Things are much more started 32 years ago when he joined the last 25 years but they both have More passengers were happy customer focused than they used to from school as an apprentice taken it all in their stride.” with ticket-buying facilities after Southeastern got new machines.

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Maidstone South February 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Minister comes Reprieve for care home THE threatened Dorothy Lucy Cen- adult social care committee in Jan- tre in Shepway has gained a stay of uary. The decision will now be taken execution. at the March meeting. to Maidstone Kent County Council, which But Cllr Clark, who still wants KCC wanted to close the care home, to scrap the proposal in its entirety, AFTER growing up in Florida, husband Alfred in Florida. He was along with three others in the said: "I am very doubtful that KCC Bonni-Belle Pickard is putting born in India as the son of a county, has had to postpone its final will ever able to replace services like down roots as the minister of Methodist missionary and shared decision because of its inability to for like locally, in an area where de- three Methodist churches in the Bonni’s love for music, which they find alternative care for those using mand is increasing. Maidstone area. both studied at a Methodist univer- the centre. “Day care is a cornerstone of care Picking up from Rev Clifford sity. They married soon after they Although there are few perma- at the centre. In looking for alterna- Newman, who spent graduated. nent residents at the centre, it is tives in the private sector, KCC has five years in the min- The couple widely used for respite and by day received a lukewarm response to its istry, Bonni is getting worked in a church care patients. need to replace day care services used to her new home in Jacksonville be- Following a campaign by resi- provided at the Dorothy Lucy Cen- and responsibilities as fore moving to dents and the local Lib Dem county tre.” the minister for the India to teach music Cllr Brian Clark to save the centre in KCC says the care homes under churches in Union for 20 years. They Northumberland Avenue, KCC de- threat do not meet modern stan- Street, Tonbridge had a family of six ferred the vote scheduled for the dards and are not fit for purpose. Road and in Bearsted. children, including She is also co-super- one they adopted intendent of the North and two whom they Kent Methodist fostered. Supper party Appeal for gifts Church, which com- After leaving AGE UK is urging anyone with un- THE Friends of All Saints prises 27 churches, India in 1998 they wanted gifts to take them to its from Dartford, across to the Isle of returned to America for three years, Church, Ulcombe are holding a shop in Gabriels Hill, Maidstone. Sheppey and down to Maidstone, to Atlanta, Georgia, where Bonni 1920s supper party at Jubilee where her main office is in Union trained for ministry at Emory Uni- Barn at 7.30pm on Saturday, The shop accepts donations of Street. versity. The couple then moved to February 27. Tickets are £15 new and used items, all of which She will preach at Bearsted the UK, where Bonni served in from Molly Poulter on 01622 are re-sold to raise funds for the Church at least once a month, and Birmingham and on the north Lon- 842988 or Chris Parkinson on charity’s work for older people. will provide pastoral care and over- don circuit for six years, before be- 01580 388402. Manager Mary Kennett said: “It sight for the church, along with her coming the superintendent in can be difficult knowing what to colleagues. Kingston upon Thames. For more local news do with gifts you will never use. By Bonni, the eldest daughter of a She is now in Maidstone, where www.downsmail.co.uk donating them to our shop people United Methodist minister, met her her husband teaches music. are helping a great cause.”

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Maidstone South February 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk M20 cameras catch drivers School signs in DRIVERS need to take their feet off the gas when travelling on the M20 outside Maidstone. Speed cameras clicked a total of 3,367 motorists exceeding the 70mph limit coastbound between J4 near Leybourne and J7 near village dispute Bearsted in 2014, which helped make the borough the second most ticketed in Kent. With 1,160 tickets issued as a result of camera action TWO advertisement signs have southbound on the A249 Sittingbourne Road (Detling Hill), 933 south- put Hunton Primary School on a bound on Sutton Road towards Langley and 375 from cameras on the collision course with the parish A20 London Road, the total number of tickets issued in Maidstone council. during the year was 5,800 – 1,200 more than in the previous year. Maidstone Council’s planning The figures are inflated for Detling Hill as the southbound safety committee heard claims that the camera was repaired at the end of 2013, so the statistics for 2014 rep- school’s signs – installed on West resent a full year of operation and are not directly comparable with Street, and the corner of West Street the previous year. Similarly, during 2013 cameras on part of the Maid- and Bishop’s Lane – had created a stone section of the M20 were not fully operational. Kent and Med- road safety risk and harmed the way Safety Camera Partnership revealed the figures. quality of life for neighbours. Kent’s busiest speed camera was at the Dartford Tunnel approach, Objector Mr Nicholls, who has mounted signs are 3.19m above the which clocked 7,637 vehicles. The M20 cameras were second busiest. lived for 24 years in West Street op- ground. A spokesman for Hunton posite the school playing fields, Parish Council said the signs were said: “One of the signs is opposite pointless, adding: “They are only Praise for ﬂood community visible for cars 40m away, which is my home. Its surface area is 2.5sqm THE new chief executive of the En- There was praise, too for the vil- only three seconds if travelling – twice the size of my living-room vironment Agency, Sir James Bevan, lage’s efforts to avoid a similar dis- 30mph windows. has visited Yalding to assess the aster in the future. “It is opposite my driveway so we “The school should remove the flooding risks. Mrs Grant said: “The officers told can’t even plant a tree to obscure it. signs as soon as possible. They are Sir James met MP Helen Grant me that they felt the community in I don’t understand why the signs not fit for purpose. There is a big and residents to talk about the floods Yalding had never been as well pre- have to be so large and obtrusive negative impact that far outweighs in the village two years ago. He was pared as they are now and took their “It is more fitting for street furni- any positives.” accompanied by EA area strategic hats off to the residents for such a ture in a town than a small village. Stephen Munford, the local ward planning engineer Neil Gunn and sterling effort.” It is inappropriate for the setting councillor, said: “How sad that I EA area manager Andrew Pearce. The MP has written to every and not in scale and in keeping with have parish council and primary Mr Gunn said the agency’s mod- household affected by the floods in a rural area. If this is allowed, it school head to head.” elling consultants had been working Yalding and Laddingford, as well as should be moved a few metres east The committee voted to defer the extra hours to complete the project to other affected areas within her so it is not as visible by residents scheme for officers to negotiate a and were on track to have the design constituency giving links to useful opposite.” possible solution, such as reposi- completed by 2019 and construction websites and an update on the work At their highest point, the pole- tioning the signs. finished in 2022. that is being done. FREE FITTING ON SELECTED CARPETS 100’s of carpet Weekly FREE payment rolls to clear MEASURING scheme from £10 each SERVICE available

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Maidstone South February 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk Church all set New heart treatment for busy year YALDING Church Preservation So- ciety is planning a bumper year of fundraising to help preserve the has ‘saved my life’ historic fabric of St Peter and St Paul Church. A YALDING man has been given a new lease of life, thanks to a revolu- The YCPS holds its AGM in the church on Tuesday March 22 but tionary new treatment for heart failure. planning is already underway for Richard Reach (59), of the Little diac surgery at King’s, who led the several sizeable events. Venice marina, Hampstead Lane, team treating Mr Reach, said: “This There will be an alfresco produc- had advanced heart failure when new treatment gives new hope for tion of "Outside Edge" by Richard the procedure was carried out at patients with advanced heart fail- Harris in the gardens of YCPS King’s College Hospital in London. ure. Open-heart surgery is a very trustee and treasurer Rob Bird, Par- Mr Reach had a heart attack at the invasive procedure and not always sonage Farmhouse, on June 24, 25 beginning of last year and, on ad- suitable for very unwell patients. and 26. YCPS is confident the ticket mission to King’s, was found to “This device can remain in the pa- sales will go a long way to filling have two blocked heart vessels. tient indefinitely or it can be used to the coffers for the coming year. He underwent surgery to unblock strengthen the valve so that the After the success of a similar the vessels but his heart muscles heart has time to recover before un- event, the village’s secret chef Hari were severely impaired and the Prof Olaf Wendler and Richard Reach dergoing further surgery.” Covert is hosting a “Pop Up din- valves leaking, meaning further His condition improved signifi- Mr Reach said: “I was in hospital ner” at the top of the church tower. surgery was necessary. Conven- cantly and, by November, Mr Reach for more than three months follow- This takes place on July 2 and he tional treatments, such as open was deemed strong enough to have ing my heart attack and spent sev- will also be serving up a light sup- heart surgery and pacemaker inser- conventional surgery. eral weeks in the critical care unit. I per for lucky draw winners in the tion, were deemed too high-risk. The device was removed and a needed regular dialysis and felt churchyard. Details of how to bid The cardiac team at King’s was regular valve replacement opera- very weak. Just as it seemed the for a place will be announced. granted permission from the Medi- tion was performed. Mr Reach is medical team had run out of op- Another success which is going cines and Healthcare Products Reg- now recovering well at home. tions Professor Wendler suggested to be repeated in 2016 is the Teddy ulatory Agency to use a The cardiac team at King’s was the new treatment. Parachute Jump, launched for the Mitra-SpacerTM device, a balloon the first in the world to use the new “Now I’m walking around and first time at the September Church shaped instrument the size of a device to improve the strength of feeling better each day. What the Fete. This proved enormously pop- small chilli pepper, which was suc- the heart valve. team has done for me is nothing ular and great fun, so the YCPS is cessfully inserted via keyhole sur- Olaf Wendler, professor of car- short of a miracle. I owe my life to repeating the exercise, with prizes gery in June 2015. them.” for the best bears, costumes and calibre of jump. Anyone interested in the future of the church or who can assist with Villagers prevent expansion administration or fundraising is welcome to attend the AGM. Con- PEOPLE power in Coxheath has did not have a railway station and schools, a primary school and tact chair of trustees Peter Chapman saved the village from becoming a was unable to satisfactorily sup- Cornwallis Academy nearby. on 07973 839266 to confirm your at- rural service centre (RSC) in Maid- port major new housing develop- It has a recreation ground, foot- tendance for planning purposes. stone Council’s emerging local ments. Villages tend to serve only ball pitches and a scout hut, with plan. their own community, whereas convenience stores, shops, restau- Officers believed the village RSC’s serve a wider hinterland. rants and a post office. Officers say Bluewater bus should be upgraded from its Coxheath Parish Council has it has good transport links, with a “larger village” status to an RSC, been fighting against the change in regular bus service, and relatively to sit alongside Staplehurst, Head- its status since 2009 and there were easy access to the town centre. service back corn, Marden, Lenham and Harri- real fears it would be passed However, members voted to re- THE Maidstone to Bluewater bus etsham, based on the size of the through as part of the local plan. tain the status quo, which is now has been reprieved – by a new op- village and its public amenities. Officers maintained that Cox- out for the final round of public erator. However, residents and local heath fulfils the role of a rural consultation before it goes to a County Connect has taken on the councillors argued that the village service centre, with two pre- government planning inspector. risk of running the twice weekly service, on Wednesdays and Satur- days, after Arriva gave it up on Janu- Calendar hits new high Happy 95th ary 9 this year. THE Weald of Kent Bridge Club – The first bus (703 service) left SCOUTS and Guides in Staplehurst affectionately known as WOK – have reaped the rewards from sales Maidstone at 9.45am on Saturday which meets at Headcorn Village of this year’s village calendar. January 16, travelling via Allington, Hall, celebrated the birthdays of More than £1,704 was raised Larkfield, Snodland and Cuxton to two of its most senior members. from the sale of 404 calendars, di- Bluewater. Jane Bracher turned 95 in No- vided between the Staplehurst The route is the same, except that it vember, a few months behind Joy Scout Group and Staplehurst Dis- now serves the Snodland Estate at St Warner attaining the same age. The trict Guides, each receiving £852. Benedict Road, as other buses do. club was founded in 1992 and Joy Calendar illustrator Ken Collins The company has also introduced and Jane are two of its longest serv- presented the cheques at the Scout two additional journeys on Satur- HQ in Nicholson Walk to two of his ing members. They both still venture out in all days, giving people more choice on great-nieces – Madison Hicks, rep- how long they want to spend at the resenting the Guides and Emily weathers on a Monday evening to pit their card-playing wits against shopping centre. Sanders, representing the scouts. Ken Collins, centre, with local other members of the club, as well County Connect managing direc- This is the 12th calendar pro- Scouts and Guides tor Jordan Cousins said: “This serv- duced in the village and this year’s as the Wednesday and Friday af- ice will still be provided raised the most money so far. In Mr Collins thanked sponsors, the ternoon groups. total, the calendars have raised local shops who sold copies, all Members of the Monday evening commercially, meaning it will oper- more than £18,000 for charities and those who bought them and the bridge club threw a surprise party, ate without any direct funding from organisations in Staplehurst. Hop Press, Marden, for printing help. complete with celebration cake, for the council, which is why it is so im- the two ladies. portant that it is well used.”

22 Maidstone South February 2016 Maidstone Borough Council UpdateBorough South, February 2016

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www.maidstone.gov.uk 2 Maidstone Borough Council Did You Know?

On 18 November, we joined councils across the country for #OurDay, a 24 hour tweetathon to showcase a day in the life of local government. The day was a chance to find out more about some of the dozens of services that we We sweep 20,000 miles deliver, from parks of road each year and planning to housing and recycling, and we had some great feedback from residents on the day. You can follow us on Twitter at @maidstonebc We dealt with 180 reports of fly-tipping Our rubbish trucks between July and visit more than September 2015 We collected 80 stray 60,000 properties dogs in 3 months over every week the summer - almost one a day There are more than 7000 visits to our website every day, and more than 700 calls to the contact centre

Introducing Digby! Dog Watch We've been working with residents to tackle dog fouling in Maidstone, and it's having a marked impact! Our Dog Watch campaign asks residents to report dog fouling to us so that we can spot patterns and target our resources most Our RK9 mascot finally effectively. We send enforcement has a name! We've been officers to hotspots to try and asking residents to catch the irresponsible few who submit their ideas, and don't pick up after their dogs, are delighted to using information from residents announce that Dawn about when and where dog fouling Ramsey's suggestion is happening - and sometimes "Digby" has been even descriptions of the culprits chosen! Digby will be out and about in the borough so that we know who to look out promoting and for. celebrating responsible Since we introduced Dog Watch, dog ownership, and you we've gone from issuing 3 fines in can keep up with him 2012/13 to issuing 10 since April and the RK9: 2015, which shows how important Responsible Canine the information you provide is. Ownership campaign, on the Facebook page at It's extremely hard to catch and www.facebook.com/ fine irresponsible dog owners - Responsiblek9s they're far more likely to pick up after their dogs if there are people around, and especially if they've seen an enforcement officer - but with your support, we're proving Changes to Dog Microchipping Law that there is a price to be paid! From 6 April 2016, the law is changing and you must have your dog Report dog fouling to us at microchipped. Get advice on microchipping from your vet, or from www.maidstone.gov.uk/report organisations including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA. Maidstone Borough Council 3

Threads looking bare? Use our textile recycling service! Did you know that you can recycle your clothes, textiles Please and shoes from home? remember, we To take part, simply follow these steps: will collect textile 1. Put your clothes and shoes into a standard sized items on your carrier bag RECYCLING collection day. 2. Tie up the bag 3. Place the bag NEXT to your green recycling bin or blackbox on your recycling collection day 4. Remember! Please do not put any clothes, textiles or shoes INSIDE your recycling bin or box — they must be kept separate in order to be recycled. We are unable to collect pillows and duvets, and we are unable to accept any items bagged in black sacks or charity bags. You can also take good quality items to local charity shops.

Councillor Marion Ring, Chairman of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, gets ready for The Big Love Maidstone Food Waste Challenge. Kent, Resolve to Hate reduce your Litter, waste! Each year, many of us resolve to lose 4 - 6 weight, floss more and better ourselves in some way but this year, March why not resolve to be kinder and gentler to our planet? You may find 2016 it’s much easier (and more sustainable) than other resolutions you might have made! If you aren’t already, why not try recycling your food waste with our Join us from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 March for special clean-up weekly food waste collection service? events, activities and competitions across the borough in Simply collect food waste scraps and dispose of them in your small kitchen conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy, ‘Love Kent, Hate Litter’ caddy then once full, empty it into and ‘Clean for the Queen’. your external food waste bin ready for weekly collection. The food will Keep Britain Tidy has recently launched a ‘Clean for The Queen’ campaign actually spend less time in your (www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk) to help celebrate Her Majesty's forthcoming kitchen compared to using a larger 90th birthday. The campaign encourages people to get involved with the UK’s kitchen bin! If you need a food waste biggest ever clean-up, designed to make the places we live more beautiful. bin, these can be ordered online at Food packaging, plastic bottles, takeaway meals and cigarette butts have all www.maidstone.gov.uk or by calling contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets and our customer contact centre on countryside. To coincide with the national project and to add to our civic pride, 01622 602600. Maidstone Borough Council is hoping to arrange a number of special clean up Don’t forget to sign up to The Big events, activities and competitions in conjunction with local community groups Maidstone Food Waste Challenge, over the special weekend in March. which promotes using the food waste We’re looking for community groups who would like to get involved by hosting bin rather than simply putting food their own events or providing a small army of volunteers. We will provide waste into the rubbish bin. Find out support and guidance to help organise the event and where possible, will more at provide equipment such as litter pickers and bags. We’re also looking for www.maidstone.gov.uk/foodwastechal businesses who can help in a number of ways including sponsoring an activity lenge including how you could win or donating a prize for our competitions. tickets to Maidstone Leisure Centre To get involved, contact Martyn Jeynes, Operations Manager, or a gift voucher for the Mall at [email protected] or on 01622 602110. Chequers shopping centre. 4 Maidstone Borough Council Our Plan for Maidstone Borough

Thousands commented on and helped develop the Maidstone Borough Local Plan - our plan for homes, jobs, shopping, leisure and the environment, as well as infrastructure such as roads, up to 2031. As we begin the final developments outside those that are not stage of consultation, this feature sets out the facts so far. suitable for our communities. Our Local Plan proposes that less than 1% of our countryside is allocated for development. We give priority to brownfield (previously developed) sites and have been very successful in developing them - in the six years to 2014/15, nearly 84% of housing development was on brownfield sites. This means that there aren't many left now available for development, but we will keep an eye on the situation to make sure that the Local Plan is kept up-to-date as new sites come up. Policies will protect and improve open spaces and the countryside and woodlands that we cherish, with their huge range of flora, fauna and other and required community infrastructure Homes and open space; any planning application would need to meet the We must plan for the housing needs of policy to be approved. current and future Maidstone residents, providing enough homes for The Plan includes policies to provide all ages, needs and incomes. affordable homes, and plans to provide 960 care and nursing bed spaces for Maidstone's objectively-assessed the elderly by 2031 - some of which housing need - the number of homes have already been provided. required for our future population as identified, reviewed and agreed by Countryside and Open independent experts - for the twenty years up to 2031 is 18,560 new homes. Spaces More than 9,000 of those have already The best way to protect our been built or have planning countryside is to allocate specific sites permission. A further 3,500 are in for development, so that we can fight broad locations in Maidstone town centre, Maidstone Barracks and wildlife. Developers will be expected to Lenham - these sites are for potential pay towards things like play areas, future development after 2026. public open spaces and sports pitches. The Local Plan identifies locations for The Environment Agency assesses the the remaining 6,000 homes needed for flood risk for all sites, and it has not residents by 2031. We refer to these objected to any of those that made it into locations as "allocated sites" and they the draft plan - many other sites were are where we would allow housing rejected. Before any houses are built, development. There is a policy for each there will be a full assessment and individual site which includes things schemes prepared to prevent flooding like the acceptable housing density on as part of the planning application the site, where access would be from, process. Maidstone Borough Council 5

Employment and Economic Development A strong local economy, with the opportunity for businesses to expand and develop, is important if we are to maintain and create jobs for Maidstone residents. We want to create 14,400 jobs by 2031 by helping new start-ups and encouraging existing businesses to expand. We will attract new firms to the area as well as stimulating the town centre economy, and have allocated sites for employment within the Plan to help support the growing population.

Infrastructure For certain major applications, developers are required to contribute to the cost of infrastructure improvements necessary to mitigate the impact of that particular development. These include: Roads - KCC Highways and MBC are working on a joint Integrated Transport Strategy to improve roads, public transport and walking and cycling provision.

February 2016 Consultation Nearly 3,000 people took part in our public consultations in 2014 and 2015 which focussed on getting the content of the plan right - from which sites should be allocated for development, to what the policies that guide planning applications should contain. The next consultation - "Regulation 19" - is to check the draft plan meets the Schools - we are working with Kent four tests required by government guidance: County Council to meet future demand, Have we planned for the borough's housing, employment and infrastructure including making sure policies for needs? particular sites include provision for Is the plan based on sound evidence? new or extended schools. Can it be delivered by 2031? Sewerage capacity - all new homes will Is it consistent with national policy, and does it enable sustainable need adequate water and sewerage development? capacity, and Southern Water has not objected to any of the sites in the draft This means the consultation will be checking that the plan is sound - rather plan to indicate that this wouldn't be than revisiting the site allocations or policies, which have been consulted on possible. Separately to this process, we and agreed. have been working with MPs, Southern The consultation will run for six weeks from 5 February and is open to everyone Water and other agencies to find - whether you've commented before or not. Visit solutions to existing problems. www.maidstone.gov.uk/consultation to take part. You can also view the documents at the Gateway on King Street and at all libraries, and send comments to [email protected] or to the Spatial Policy Team, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JQ. Next Steps The consultation responses will be considered by councillors in April and, if no major changes are needed, the Plan will be submitted for the Examination in Public. If the Planning Inspector agrees, after this process, that the Plan is sound and appropriate, it will be put before the Full Council of 55 Maidstone Borough Councillors for adoption. News from the MUSEUM The Magic of Masks and Puppets

If you haven’t yet visited our free exhibition, ‘The Magic of Masks and Puppets’, do come in and enjoy the range of puppets from around the world, and act out a nursery rhyme on our beautiful stage with the masks and props provided. The show closes on 20 February. Ever wanted to create your own puppet and bring it to life? Nationally renowned puppet company, Strangeface, will be at the museum on 30 January to help you do just that, in an all day workshop from 10:30-16:30 - ideal for those interested in puppetry and keen to discover new techniques and materials! Places are limited (£40.00 per person) and you must be 14 or over.

Woman of Genius Museum Lates From 5 March our new Our Museum Lates take place exhibition is on the last Thursday of every ‘Woman of Genius’. month (except February), Highlighting the female when we’re open till 9pm. In artists who have quietly March, our Museum Late is proved the quote "A ‘Material Girls’, when we’ll be woman of genius does looking at the women not exist; if she explorers, collectors and does, she must be donors who have contributed to the museum’s collections over a man” quite wrong, the last 150 years. In April, our curators will be taking visitors this exhibition features objects from the 16th Century on a journey through our internationally important Japanese onwards from the museum’s collections alongside collections. original artwork by Vicki Cooke. In celebration of this new exhibition and International Women's Day, costume historian Lee Ault will show and talk about how women’s garments have constrained them through time, on 12 March from 14:00-15:00. Tickets are £5/£4 concessions.

Easter Holidays Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt around February Half Term the museum - solve the clues, collect the answers, then collect Activities your prize! 50p per child. There are four one-hour sessions between 10:30 There will be colouring sheets and a and 15:00 each day — book your child’s place on the day! selection of The following cost £3 per child or 2 for £5: trails available around the Monday — Nature Wednesday — Superheroes museum, and Thursday — Mystery Friday — Japanese don't forget Tuesday is a special activity - be inspired by the our Spike iPad trail. museum and design a t-shirt to wear away with you! £3.50 per child or 2 for £6.

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Bookings via 01622 602838. Maidstone Borough Council 7 Universal Credit E-billing is on its way Council tax bills will be sent out in March — if you’d rather get yours by email than receive another Universal Credit is being rolled out in paper bill, sign up at Maidstone – you will be contacted when this www.maidstone.gov.uk/emailbilling. affects you, but it’s worth being prepared! This not only means you don’t have to store another hard copy bill somewhere, but it’s better Universal credit is the new benefit for all working age people – not pensioners - who are unemployed or on a low income. It for the environment, and it helps us to achieve will replace housing benefit, income support (IS), jobseeker’s some of the savings we have to make following allowance (JSA), employment and support allowance (ESA), further Government funding cuts. child tax credit and working tax credit. Universal credit will be updated automatically according to how much you have been paid, and new claimants have to Get Ready commit to finding work. 1. Universal Credit will be a single monthly payment – start planning your spending monthly, and get advice about Budgeting monthly paying outstanding bills or debts. 2. Money will be paid into a bank account – so make sure that Universal Credit will be paid monthly. For you have one. Try Kent Savers (www.kentsavers.co.uk or help on budgeting monthly and other free, 0333 321 9050) if you’ve struggled to get a bank account in independent money advice visit – the past. 3. Most people will make and manage their claim online – so www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. you will need an email address. Internet access is available in the Gateway on King Street, or in your local library. Boot Bank Launched to Help People Into Work Maidstone BorBoroughroough CouncilCoun Change in circumstance?circumstance? SaveSave time, rreporteport it online MakMakee our servicservicee suit yyou...ou... whereverwherever youyou areare and wheneverwhenever youyou want.want. It’s now quicker and easier to report a change which may affect how much benefit you get. Use your smart phone, tablet or other device to get in touch, 24 hours a day, at a time that suits you - not just when our offices are open. To help unemployed people back into work, we have launched a “boot bank” to loan people work boots that they can pay for later. We launched the scheme after we found ONLINE PROOFSPROOFS that some homeless people were being offered work, but 1 FORMS 2 REF. N0. 3 couldn’t afford the equipment needed to take on the job. 9 PROOFSPROOFS Construction company Faithdean kick-started the scheme with a donation of ten pairs of work boots, and now whenever someone gets into work and is able to pay us back for their boots, we’ll use that money to buy new boots ready to help someone else. Visit the website: Fill out the form: TTaake and upload Councillor Marion Ring, Chairman of our Communities, Visit www.maidstone. You’ll need your benefit a photo: Housing and Environment Committee, said: “Some of the govv..uk/benefits and reference number Use your smart phone barriers that people face to get back into work can be very choose the form you which is on the top right or device to take and simple to overcome with just a little innovative thinking, need. of the letters we send upload a photo of your and the Boot Bank has the potential to really help some of you. proofs - if you need those in most need in the borough. We’re particularly them. grateful to Faithdean for their support in launching the scheme.” AnAnyy place,place, anyany time that suits you...you... Those people using the scheme in the first instance will be those with a local connection who have been referred by 24hhrsrs local support agencies. /day//day If your company is able to donate boots or Personal Protective Equipment to the scheme, please contact [email protected] wwwwww.maidstone.gov.uk/benefits.maidstone.gov.uk/benefits 8 Maidstone Borough Council

Adventure Zone A survey of residents and visitors in 2014 found that people were interested in paid-for adventure activities in the park, so councillors agreed, in February 2015, to create an Adventure Zone! This will include high rope courses, climbing walls,

A Sustainable adventure golf and Segways, Future for Mote Park improving the offer at Mote Park by giving a wider range of activities at lower prices than many similar Maidstone council has been looking at ways to secure the future of facilities. The current playground will the borough's parks in the face of significant funding cuts. Our be upgraded with better free-to-use main grant from central Government has been cut by 59% since equipment at the same time. 2010, and the Government's recent funding announcement means A planning application will be submitted in February for the that not only will that grant be removed completely in 2 years, but construction of the Adventure Zone, a large proportion of our business rates will be taken away too. which will be placed near the current This means that to balance our budget, we have had to consider main play area and café. We're keen either cutting support for the services we're not legally obliged to provide (like parks), or raising income where we can to protect them, including through council tax and fees and charges.

We consider Mote Park to be one of the borough's greatest assets, so we made the decision to protect it, rather than risk seeing standards there decline. "A Sustainable Future for Mote Park" is a series of projects, outlined on this page, intended to raise money at the park to make sure that we can not only maintain and protect the park, but improve it too. Café Refurbishment to make sure that it doesn't have a When we surveyed detrimental impact on the landscape, visitors and residents so it will not take up more than about Mote Park in 0.38% of the park. We've also done a 2014, the message was lot of work to make sure that the clear - our café facilities proposed location has the minimum need improving! We impact on the heritage and ecology of have now brought the the park. management of the café in-house, which means we have more control about the introduction of parking to deter commuters from parking there. over it and can use the profits to help charges in Mote Park - and why we've We've previously kept the gates closed look after the park. We've given the café made that difficult decision. These until 9am to stop commuter parking, a complete makeover, extending and charges came into force on Monday 1 but this new charge means we'll now redecorating the interior, improving the February, and we hope that all of our open the gates at 8am. seating, and adding a new kitchen so residents understand why we've done The money raised through parking that we can offer a higher quality, more this. charges will help to maintain the park extensive menu. The charge starts at 10am, allowing and make vital improvements to protect time for people to walk dogs or go for a it for future generations, including Car Parking Charges run in the morning without having to looking after some of the oldest trees. It You will have seen information in pay, and is £1 for up to six hours. Stays will also go toward improvements to the previous editions of Borough Update of more than 6 hours are £12, which is toilets and café. There will be more improvements to come, so watch this space! Maidstone Borough Council 9

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Beacons Sittingbourne Road Park There is a long tradition in the UK of celebrating Royal jubilees, and Ride Closure weddings, coronations and special birthdays with the lighting of Despite recent improvements to the Park and Ride community beacons. Now there will be an opportunity for service, use of the Sittingbourne Road site has communities to organise and take part in their own celebrations continued to fall. The council has been faced with on Thursday 21 April 2016, when beacons will be lit throughout a significant increase in costs and regrettably the the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Sittingbourne Road Park and Ride site will close Overseas Territories in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s on Monday 8 February 2016 with the last service 90th Birthday. There are three types of beacons that can be used on Saturday 6 February. We are very sorry for any - the traditional bonfire beacon, a beacon brazier on top of a tall inconvenience caused by the closure, but wooden post that has been previously erected for similar unfortunately the cost to renew the lease was occasions and a gas-fuelled beacon. If you are interested in significantly higher than the council could justify to running a beacon event, you can find information and advice on make the service financially viable. Park and Ride www.brunopeek.co.uk including how to officially register your season tickets are valid at our other Park and Ride event with the Queen’s Pageantmaster. Once you have confirmed sites - Willington Street (M20 Junction 8) or London your event, you can promote it via the Visit Maidstone website at Road (M20 Junction 5) - or you can contact www.visitmaidstone.com/whats-on/add-your-event if it is open to [email protected] or 01622 602377 the public. for a refund on the remaining portion of your ticket.

For more information, visit Explore Maidstone’s Parks www.maidstone.gov.uk/parks Brenchley Gardens (Town Centre) Mote Park St Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH Mote Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7SU Brenchley Gardens were opened in 1871 as Maidstone’s first With more than a million visitors a year, Mote Park is one public park. Situated in the town centre, this picturesque of the biggest parks in the South East. Visitors can enjoy green space provides an oasis of calm in contrast to picturesque lake-side views, outstanding access to nature, Maidstone’s bustling shopping streets. Features include a the Mote Park Water Sports Centre, the Mote Park Café, Victorian band stand, the Royal Engineers statue and the walking routes, children’s play areas and special events Cenotaph War Memorial designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, throughout the year. Voted the third best park in the UK in where remembrance services are held. the national Green Flag awards, it offers fantastic days out Clare Park for all the family. Car parking charges apply from 1 Feb. Tonbridge Road, Fant, Maidstone ME16 8SR Penenden Heath Clare Park has been awarded Green Flag status which Penenden Heath Rd, Penenden Heath, recognises the best green spaces in England and Wales. Maidstone ME14 2DQ It boasts numerous facilities including a children’s play Penenden Heath is a large, open space offering football area, a multi-use games court for football, basketball and pitches with changing rooms and tennis courts available netball, tennis courts and a memorial fountain. The park to hire. Other facilities include a children’s play area and is also home to a bowls club, open between May and a large recreation ground. The heath also boasts a rich, September, and a Friends group. colourful history – it acted as an execution site for several hundred years and was a gathering point for Wat Tyler’s Cobtree Park mob during the Peasants’ revolt of 1381. Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7AE Cobtree Manor Park is a landscape of diverse character; South Park part open country park, part woodland and part parkland (North and South Side) Armstrong Road, garden, all set on a gently sloping hillside with wonderful Maidstone ME15 6AZ views of the North Downs. The park has undergone South Park is a park of two halves – the north side and extensive improvement works in recent years; highlights the south side - divided in the middle by Armstrong Road. include a new visitor centre and café serving hot and cold The north side is home to the elegant formal gardens, a food, innovative play areas for children, a sculpture trail, pavilion and a lily pond as well as two tennis courts, a skate events and picnic tables. Car parking charges apply. park and all weather floodlit hockey and five-a-side football pitches (leased to Maidstone Hockey Club). On the south Millennium River Park side you’ll find a children’s play area and football pitches. Along the banks of the River Medway, The Friends of South Park volunteer group helps maintain between Teston & Allington and improve the park. Maidstone’s Millennium River Park was one of the largest projects in the South East to mark the new Millennium. It Whatman Park transformed pedestrian access to the River Medway with Main entrance: next to the health club at Mill Meadow, a 10-km path running from Teston Country Park, through St Peters Street, Maidstone ME16 0SX Maidstone’s historic town centre and on to Allington Lock – Around half a mile from the town centre, the Green Flag perfect for spotting wildlife in and around the river. Award winning Whatman Park is at the heart of the Millennium River Park which runs along the River Medway. MAKE IT MAIDSTONE MAKE IT PROSPEROUS Everything you need to get your business off the ground Our Economic Development Unit has launched a new Start-Up programme, backed by new online resources and more on-site advisors at its Business Terrace in the town centre. If you’re looking to set up a new business, or are just getting started, visit www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk/starting for all the advice you need. Nearly 50 new businesses have already received advice in the Business Terrace since it opened in September last year. Our onsite advisors also have direct links to the Government's Start Up Loans and other finance. No appointment is needed easy-out’ terms with no long-term contracts. Desks are to talk to any of our advisors - just drop in for a chat between available by the hour to help home-based businesses spend 9am and 4.30pm. We can also arrange appointments outside some time networking and chatting with like-minded people, of those times if that suits you better. Call us on 01622 239300 or if you just need a quiet space to work, while meeting rooms or email [email protected] can be booked for a professional space to meet clients. A The Business Terrace on King Street has been so successful meeting room for up to four people costs £6 per hour, while that four more offices have been opened, taking the total a room for up to eight is £15 per hour. Visit number to ten. These are all available on flexible, ‘easy-in, www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk to find out more or to book. Business Advisors Enterprise Zone Let’s Do Business Group The prospect of 9,900 new jobs in Kent Once complete, the campus will Business advice, training and access to and Medway is now much closer after create more than 2,000 new jobs finance to help businesses start-up and the North Kent Innovation Zone (NKIZ) and provide 98,000m2 of flexible grow - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday was granted Enterprise Zone status accommodation for medical and life by the Government. This means that science companies, specialist Gullands Solicitors and any business that locates within the residential and rehabilitation care, RIFT Accounting Zone by 31 March 2022 will receive as well as higher education training Legal and Accounting clinics - business rates discounts for five facilities for the medical and Thursday afternoons years, helping to attract inward healthcare professions. The campus investment and create new jobs for has already attracted interest from The Kent Foundation residents. biotech and medtech start-up Specialising in helping people aged up The NKIZ includes the Kent Medical businesses, as well as major to 30 years old - Friday Campus at Junction 7 of the M20. healthcare investors. Maidstone Bridges Gyratory Scheme Site clearance work on the scheme will take place in the summer holidays work for the when there is less traffic, and more daylight hours in which Maidstone to complete the work. Businesses and residents in the town Bridges Gyratory centre will be consulted ahead of the works to minimise Scheme will take disruption. place during the The scheme is expected to deliver a reduction in peak February half-term (13-21 February), when there is a 20% journey times of around 25% by increasing overall junction reduction in traffic volume. We’re sorry for any delays caused by this work, but engineers will be working hard to keep capacity by 15%. There will also be improvements to these to a minimum. pedestrian areas in the Lower High Street, redesigning of surface level crossings and landscaping in the area, including We’re working in partnership with Kent County Council on tree planting. The flood gate to the Medway Street subway the scheme, which will see the construction of two additional will be fixed, and the drainage of the Fairmeadow subway will northbound lanes (from Tovil in the direction of Junction 6 of be improved. Two subways at the bottom of the Lower High the M20) on the eastern (High Street) side of the River Medway, with new junctions controlled by traffic signals. This Street (near Seekers and Drakes pub) will be blocked up, and means that northbound traffic on the A229 will avoid the capacity at the surface level crossings will be improved. This gyratory system, and no longer have to cross the river twice is to help protect businesses in the Lower High Street from to reach their destination. The scheme will be funded by the flooding like that seen in 2013. South East Local Growth Fund, with a £1.14 million If you have any questions about the scheme, please email contribution from Maidstone Borough Council. Most of the [email protected] or call 03000 414141. Maidstone Borough Council 11 MaidSafe Our Community Safety Unit has been working closely with the MaidSafe Business Crime Partnership, a not for profit organisation that also works in partnership with Kent Police, Town Centre Management, traders and the CCTV centre to help protect our residents, visitors and businesses. Over the festive period, the Town Centre Management team coordinated a new initiative designed to highlight how easy it is for people to fall victim to pickpockets – all with the help of a little magic! Magician Paul Fowler was hired to raise awareness of how easy it is to get close to people and potentially pick their pockets. He slipped card templates of everyday items such as An easy way to prevent purse theft is to helping to deter crime and prevent anti smartphones, wallets and tablets into use a purse chain that connects to your social behaviour in the town. Other people’s pockets each bearing bag, and to ensure that your bag is projects that MaidSafe is involved with messages warning people ‘If securely done up. You can also record contribute to a presence in the town someone can get this into your your mobile IMEI number by keying centre on Saturday nights, including pocket, they can also get it out’. *#06# to get your 15 digit number, and the Urban Blue Bus on Jubilee Square keeping the number safe. More helpful Being pick pocketted is something which provides medical help, dedicated tips on keeping your belongings safe that can happen to anybody. Taxi Marshals at the Hackney Taxi are available on MaidSafe’s Peter Cackett said: “At Rank at the top of Gabriels Hill from 2- www.kent.police.uk/advice/home/detb this time of year, people are 4am and the Street Pastors who are preoccupied and don’t pay attention to ur.html. available to provide emotional support their belongings as they should. MaidSafe provides support to throughout the town. For more Hopefully this will make them aware businesses via a radio scheme that is information, visit of how vulnerable they are.” linked to CCTV cameras and the police, www.maidsafe.org.uk.

Government finance settlement Maidstone council always predicted, and will be plans extremely carefully eliminated the following for its financial future and year – two years earlier manages its resources well than expected. The so that we can continue to Government will also take provide the services and away a huge proportion of deliver projects that matter the business rate that is most to our communities. currently retained locally. In response to Government £7.4 million of savings will cuts – our main grant has need to be found by 2021. reduced by 59% since 2010 Councillors and officers are Register to vote – we have saved millions of doing everything they can to pounds by being innovative generate income and make There are two elections this May – one for a third of the and working with our further savings while seats on Maidstone Borough Council, and another for the partners and the protecting not only those Kent Police and Crime Commissioner. The EU Referendum community. services that we have to is also expected later in 2016. Make sure you can vote by However, the most recent provide, but also those that registering at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You’ll need your Government funding make the borough such an National Insurance number (if you have one) and about 5 announcement is set to put attractive place to live and minutes. even more pressure on our where businesses can It’s especially important to do this if you’ve moved house budget, with Maidstone thrive and grow. Maidstone since the last election, as you’ll still be registered at your council receiving one of the council has a strong record last address! worst settlements in the of innovation and will work country. Our main grant for hard to minimise the The deadline for registering to vote for the elections in May 2016/17 has been impact of the budget cuts is Monday 18 April, while the deadline to request a postal substantially cut from that on its residents. vote is Tuesday 19 April. 12 Maidstone Borough Council Working

Will Myers for you Since December 2013, Will has been on secondment to Maidstone Borough Council from the homelessness charity Porchlight (www.porchlight.org.uk). His role at the council involves helping to reduce homelessness amongst rough sleepers, offering support to help people into accommodation and leading on the Maidstone Assertive Outreach project.

What attracted you to the job? agencies, spotting the gaps in support and filling them My experience is in teaching, working with clients and as best we can. A little creative thinking can make all carrying out support work in hostels but my own the difference to just a single individual or a whole background and vast amount of ‘Life Experience’ has group. allowed me to not only sympathise but empathise with What does good customer service mean to you? the people that I work with. This job allows me to work Keeping my promises, no matter how long it takes, with a client base that I already knew but from a and being honest with the people I support. I don’t different approach. The work I do now supports those have a magic wand to make the things happen that who, without help, would never even get as far as a people want but I will support and empower them to hostel on their own. move forward under their own steam. What do you like most about your job? I get a real buzz when I work with someone who is Singing Stars from the street or living in a tent and who might be You may have seen (and heard!) the council’s staff choir giving up on life, then helping them get into their own singing carols in the Mall Chequers shopping centre home. Sometimes it’s a quick fix but on numerous just before Christmas to raise money for charity. A huge occasions it’s a long, hard, drawn-out process. thank you to all the residents and shoppers who made Everyone is an individual with their own unique set of donations in aid of Maidstone Day Centre Homeless circumstances and issues to solve. I love thinking Care (www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk) — we raised outside the box and trying new things with partner over £180 for this very worthwhile cause.

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

What’s On! To find out what’s on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com News downsmail.co.uk Royal honours announced LOCAL people have been celebrating being named in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

Of this year’s 1,196 recipients, 76% have undertaken “outstanding work in their communities”. In the Maidstone area they are: Joan Buller, who receives a BEM for services to the community in Staplehurst. A parish councillor for more than 30 years, Joan has headed the Speed Watch road safety campaign, been a treasurer of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and worked on the village’s neighbourhood plan. George Batts (90), from Barming, will be made an MBE for his vol- Joan Buller, Craig Vidler, George Batts and Venessa Willms have all been honoured untary service to war veterans. A veteran of the Normandy Land- Cameron in 2014. Craig Vidler receives a BEM for back and help some of its people ings, George became the national Venessa Willms, from Maid- services to charity. The 69-year-old, who have fallen on hard times.” secretary and treasurer of the now- stone, will be awarded an OBE for who lived near Mote Park in Maid- Craig, who met and married his disbanded Normandy Veterans’ services to education. The director stone throughout his early years, wife of 46 years while working in Association and spent many years of primary education for Ark has raised money for charities such South Africa, returned with Mar- organising pilgrimages to France to Schools said: “Over the past nine as the Royal Marsden and more jorie and their daughter Claire to remember The Fallen in the D-Day years at Ark, including seven as the than £500,000 for the Retail Trust Maidstone in 1971 and lived in conflict. founding principal at King with an annual fly-fishing event Loose and for a short time in Leeds His voluntary work has also in- Solomon Academy, I have worked over the last 28 years. village. cluded compiling an archive of eye- with talented teachers and senior The former Maidstone Grammar The couple now live near Ash- witness accounts from the leaders to provide every child with schoolboy, who built a hugely suc- ford but are regular visitors to the battlefields and assisting with civic the tools they need to go to univer- cessful career in retailing and re- area, particularly Bearsted. Craig visits, for which he received an sity or pursue a career of their cruitment, said: “I’m delighted to remains a founding partner of a award from Prime Minister David choice.” have been able to give something mentoring service for the over-55s. Rowing bale SEA Scouts from Yalding will be Revised gypsy site plan agreed competing against the village’s Ex- plorer Scouts when they take on the A PROPOSED gypsy site in But in the latest scheme a sta- mobile homes in this same half- challenge to “row across the Chan- Chart Sutton has been given the ble block has been removed and kilometre. Gypsy sites have nel” to raise funds for Sport Relief. go-ahead – less than a year after a mobile home relocated; there is started to dominate the area.” The attempt will be land-based, a similar scheme was refused. evidence of the applicant’s gypsy But the committee granted con- and will take place during the In March 2015, Maidstone status and their children attend- sent because it felt the previous monthly farmers’ market in Yald- Council turned down a planning ing a local school; and additional reasons for refusal had been ing High Street, but it should guar- application for one static and one landscaping is proposed on all overcome. Cllr Tony Harwood antee a good crowd of spectators. touring caravan at Peas Place in three boundaries of the applica- said: “If this is done right we The gruelling 22-mile (35.4 km) Green Lane because it felt it tion site. could rehabilitate the field pat- challenge is expected take the would have a detrimental effect Objections were raised by four tern that has subjugated to wood- whole morning on Saturday, on the appearance of the coun- individuals as well as Chart Sut- land.” March 19, with teams working in tryside; the applicant had given ton Parish Council, for whom However, he raised concern relays to cover the distance. no exceptional circumstances Cllr Robin Jull told the planning about the size of a fence on the The crews – and spectators – will that would override rural protec- committee: “A mobile home site. be fuelled by the popular bacon tion policies; and insufficient would detract from the rural na- “I imagine you can see that and sausage sandwiches from the landscaping details had been ture of the area. This would from the International Space Sta- tea stall. The event starts at 10am provided. mean there would be a total of 11 tion,” he said. and will finish at about 1pm. Yalding Sea Scouts comprises two troops with a total of 36 mem- Borough facing cuts as grant is slashed bers. The Explorer Scouts, aged 14 to 18, have 25 members. SWINGEING Government cuts Cllr Richard Ash said: “We were precedented pressure on our budget have left Maidstone Council facing a told the grant would be phased out. for at least four years.” financial dilemma. My understanding of ‘phased’ is The council is challenging the gov- Recycle gifts Chancellor George Osborne an- gradual – not a reduction this year, ernment ruling but in the meantime WONDERING what to do with nounced in his Autumn Statement then nothing at all the next. it is looking at other ways of making those unwanted Christmas gifts? that he would be phasing out the “We were left with just three savings and increasing income. The Heart of Kent Hospice revenue support grant (RSG). The months to make another £628,000 of It has already introduced parking would be grateful for any dona- aim is for local authorities to be self- savings. By 20/21, we will need to be charges at Mote Park. The creation tions that can be used as raffle financing by the end of the decade saving £1,319,000.” and leasing of its business terrace at prizes or sold in its shops. rather than relying on central gov- Cllr Ash said the council would, the Maidstone Gateway is another Donations should be marked ernment grants. for the first time in many years, have new way of raising revenue. “Re-gifted” and dropped off at a However, it was recently an- to consider borrowing. The policy and resources commit- hospice shop or reception at Pre- nounced that the grant was to be cut Council leader Fran Wilson said: tee will look more closely at where ston Hall, Aylesford, between 10am this year and axed in 2016/17. “This announcement has put un- savings can be made. and 4pm, Monday to Saturday. For details of locations go to www.hokh.org. Catch up with the Downs Mail FREE at www.downsmail.co.uk

Maidstone South February 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Leaﬂet NEWDistribution Leing train Now TAKE AWAY take the strain MENU available Local Indian FIGURES show a significant rise estimates. with Restaurant in the number of people using Figures for other stations in our FREE DELIVERY trains across the region. region (with the previous year’s Maidstone Open until 11pm Latest statistics from the Office of figure in brackets) include: every day and Malling’s Free bottle of Rail and Road show sharp in- Aylesford 115,906 (112,666) beer with every creases in journeys to and from all Barming 129,926 (127,656) No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal of the area’s stations for the year to Bearsted 396,840 (391,478) March 2015, with only Yalding Beltring 13,502 (11,890) newspaper All types of showing a dip in rail passengers. renovationbuilding and Headcorn 612,206 (607,386) gardening work The data offers no suggestions Hollingbourne 46,554 (42,854) undertaken. for the rise in rail use in our region, FREE ESTIMATES Lenham 108,194 (103,782) indicating only “local event traffic” Brickwork•Carpentry • Tiling • Maidstone East 1,358,356 as the possible reason for reversing (1,339,752) • Patio’s the previous year’s decline at Bel- • Decking Maidstone West 843,268 (831,718) tring station – still the least used Maidstone Barracks 270,645 station in the area, with an average • Distribution area can be (266,938) 37 commuters a day. Marden tailored to meet your needs In spite of the combined in- 480,498 (459,402) Staplehurst 888,016 (848,158) • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail creases across Maidstone’s three town centre stations and at West West Malling 782,090 (760,292) • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month Malling, the number of rail users Yalding 21,604 (22,542) still falls nearly a million short of The estimates of station usage • Competitive rates & volume discounts Tonbridge station, which remains consist of the total numbers of peo- the busiest in the region, with more ple travelling to or from the station than four million users a year. (entries and exits); and interchang- The Estimates of Station Usage, ing at the station. Call 01622 630330 for all stations in Great Britain, is The figures are based on ticket for a quote, and see how easy it is to get available on the ORR website at sales. Single and return tickets your leaﬂet delivered with the Downs Mail www.orr.gov.uk/statistics/pub- translate into one and two journeys lished-stats/station-usage- respectively. A roaring trade in cakes Online DARCY Armstrong (12), from Headcorn, has put her talent for baking to good use by raising more than £40 for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. The Invicta Grammar School COMMUNITY INFORMATION pupil developed her skills by providing sweet treats for training AT YOUR FINGERTIPS sessions at her local judo club. Darcy’s brother Fraser works at The Downs Mail community notice board is a facility, the big cat conservation charity which can be found on our website, for local residents Wildlife Heritage Foundation in and organisations to use. nearby Smarden, so she decided Search for information or promote to raise funds for the charity at a your organisation and its services Christmas craft fair. absolutely free. She said: “I have visited the big cats at WHF and felt I should do ➢ what I can to support the work they do. They’re beautiful animals and I Employment & want to do my bit to help look after them.” Training openings ➢ Events ➢ Charities/Fundraising Beetroot trial Charity quiz PATIENTS suffering from lung A QUIZ is being held at Cox- ➢ Schools & Colleges disease at Maidstone Hospital are heath Village Hall in Stockett ➢ Local Authority taking part in a ground-breaking Lane on Saturday, February 27 to trial into the potential benefits of raise money for Hi Kent, the char- Services beetroot. ity for people in the county with ➢ Health & Wellbeing The trial is being led by Lon- hearing loss. don’s Royal Brompton Hospital. Doors open at 6.45pm for a ➢ Support Groups & PROMOTE YOUR Evidence seems to suggest that 7.15pm start and tickets are £8 per Helplines VOLUNTEERING, drinking beetroot juice, with its person, for teams of up to six. A ➢ high levels of nitrates, can enhance ploughman’s supper will be Clubs & Organisations EMPLOYMENT AND blood oxygenation levels, reduc- served. ➢ Groups & Societies TRAINING OPENINGS ing breathlessness and fatigue. Proceeds will go towards help- About 150 patients are being ing people in Coxheath and the Visit the community given 140ml of beetroot juice once surrounding area. FREE a week for two months to assess Call Liz Clayton on 01622 691151 notice board at: the impact. Dr Syed Husain is or email [email protected] leading the trials for the Maid- for a booking form or to book on www.downsmail.co.uk stone and Tunbridge Wells Trust. the phone.

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Maidstone South February 2016 25 downsmail.co.uk David Bowie Parish Council. management systems. Obituaries He lived locally Colin was father to Debbie and Penny AMONG the flood of tributes, stories and from 1953, moving and stepfather to Jonathan and Vanessa. Jo lile known facts which have emerged from Welling. His said: “Colin was outgoing and sociable. He since David Bowie’s death is his Maidstone homes included had many friends and was very well connection. Luckhurst Farm from known in and around Bearsted. From 1964 to 1965 1963 and Court “Many of the tributes we have received the then unknown Lodge Farm, West have spoken of how popular he was with David Jones was a Farleigh from 1967. everyone. He loved vegetable gardening member of the Don had previously and made his own pickled onions, which Manish Boys, a group aended the Kent were given to a lot of people. who lived and Farm Institute in Siingbourne in 1946. “He also loved following sport and the rehearsed locally in With wife Patricia “Pat”, Don raised family once travelled to the West Indies to cramped conditions. children Nigel and Jane. see England play a test match. Its main rehearsal His working life included years of fruit “Colin adored his grandchildren and space was a living farming and he was closely involved in its taught them to fish – the song Gone Fishin’ room in Coxheath. organisation and management across the was played at his funeral.” Colin leaves his The band played locally, including county. Don was chairman of Kentish wife, children, stepchildren and performances at the Royal Star Hotel in Garden from 1972 and also worked with grandchildren Catherine and James. Maidstone. the National Farmers Union (NFU). Bowie’s memories of the county town He served on the NFU’s soft fruit were coloured by an incident in which a commiee and was involved in dealings Phil Edbrooke-Childs local man aacked him after seeing him on between the local industry and national PHIL Edbrooke-Childs (36) died in a road the street, knocking him down and kicking government. He was awarded an MBE for him. Long hair on young men was still a accident in Hermitage Lane, Maidstone. his services to horticulture and the soft fruit Phil, who lived in Dover, was managing controversial subject at the time and Bowie industry in 1983. and his band mates suffered some director of Kent and Medway Health Son Nigel said: “My father’s involvement Infomatics, which prejudice. in farming started with a smallholding. But Bowie would later talk about his dreams provided information he was enthusiastic about a number of and technology to become “their Mick Jagger” with regard things: he loved motorcycling and football; to his time in The Manish Boys. He left to services for the health he watched Charlton as a boy and went industry. He had join another band, The Lower Third, before with me to Chelsea games and saw many finding stardom as a solo artist. previously worked of their celebrated players. for various NHS “He loved classical music and learned to trusts and the BBC. Anne Stout play the organ, playing occasionally in Phil’s family said church.” he was “a devoted HOLLINGBOURNE’S Anne Stout (82) Don – who was widowed – leaves a son; husband, son, lived locally for 20 years at the end of an daughter Jane pre-deceased him. He also brother, uncle and friend... His constant eventful life that took her all over the leaves grandchildren Amy, Laura, Alan, smile, infectious happiness, laughter and world. Katie, Sophie and Oliver. outgoing personality will live forever in our Born Anne Carr in the Oxford area she hearts and minds. was the youngest of “He always enjoyed trying new things three sisters and had Jack White and had a great sense of adventure in living worked as a PA at THE death of Jack White, from Leeds life to the full. He would do anything for Harwell atomic village, has been reported widely. anyone and will be greatly missed by all research Jack and his wife Audrey arrived in the who were fortunate enough to have been a establishment and in village in 1983, when Jack retired from part of his life.” Iran and Iraq before working in Portugal. He became known for On social media, former workmates moving to Jamaica. his community involvement, which praised Phil’s abilities as a professional and She moved to Kent included work with the local branch of his personal qualities. Bryson Kelso said: from Jamaica with her the Royal British Legion, where he served “Such a kind-hearted warm wonderful husband Robert, an as president, treasurer, chairman and person – RIP Phil.” Cherilea Lomas said: “I anaesthetist, and the couple lived in secretary. can't believe the sad news I've just heard Rainham and Newnham. They adopted The parish magazine praised Jack’s about Phil Edbrooke-Childs. He was a daughter Hilary “Jo” and established a club “technical skills and immense common fantastic guy and a pleasure to work with.” for families with one child and also a sense” which made him a valuable country dancing club. presence at community events. Jack was Anne moved to Hollinbourne and lived also involved with St Nicholas’s Church, Daphne Wallace with her older sister Pat in Tilefields. She Leeds, where his funeral service took place. remained active, learning Karate in her 70s DAPHNE Daisy Wallace (92) lived in The parish magazine summed up: “Our Collier Street for more than 65 years, and regularly aended dancing classes. Her community has so much to remain thankful involvement in causes and local life becoming well known in the area and for and Jack was one of the people for belonging to a number of local included fundraising and active whom most thanks are due.” involvement with the Kent Air Ambulance, organisations. She worked locally as a Jack’s autobiography, An Ordinary Man, caretaker at Collier Street School and on Kent Association for the Blind and a range remains on sale locally. Jack – who was of appeals linked to major disasters. local farms. widowed – leaves daughter Patricia and Born Daphne Slack in Ashford, she She was an active member of the grandchildren Geoff and Caroline. Hollingbourne Meadows Trust and had moved locally with husband Frederick been involved in raising funds for a bench she regularly used while walking her dogs. Colin Tuck Anne was also a regular fundraiser for the The Stone Shop Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. COLIN Tuck (83) lived locally for many years, most recently in St Faith’s Lane, Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, Pat died in November. Anne leaves her lettered and installed anywhere. daughter and grandchildren Vicki and Bearsted. Gemma He previously lived at 1 Spot Lane from Inscriptions added to existing memorials the mid 1970s with wife Jo. Renovations and memorial Born in Cambridgeshire, Colin trained for cleaning Don Goodwin a medical career in the Navy and served nine years, rising to the rank of pey The Stone Shop DONALD “Don” Goodwin MBE (87) was officer. He followed this with a career in Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. well known in the farming community as sales, including working for Marley Foam 01622 726633 well as being chairman of West Farleigh of Lenham and Cleanaway, selling waste

26 Maidstone South February 2016 downsmail.co.uk Tenants facing ‘hidden’ fees A DAMNING report has found a agents were not willing or able to plethora of problems for residen- give information on their fees and tial renters in Maidstone. charges over the telephone. What the agents charge Citizens Advice Maidstone (Cam) Cam’s report, Letting in the Light, A STRAW poll of Maidstone’s letting Seventy per cent of Century 21’s found bewildering fees and charges found that information on fees and agents revealed most charged a set- business in Maidstone is residential were passed on to prospective ten- charges was often hard to find on up fee of about £300 – in one case as lettings. Mr Wiek said: “Our fee of ants, with a lack of basic informa- websites and, in some cases, was much as £425 – for referencing a ten- £150 includes referencing, checks, the tion, when it carried out a mystery non-existent – contrary to the Ad- ant (which includes running a credit contracts, inventory and the tenancy shop of some of the town’s top let- vertising Standards Authority re- check), with additional fees of £60 to agreement and is one of the cheapest ting agents. quirements. £150 for each additional tenant. in Maidstone.” The research, which followed a Bonny Malhotra, chief executive “Hidden” fees included renewal Stewart Carroll, senior branch man- web survey, revealed not only big of Citizens Advice Maidstone, said: charges, early release charges, pet de- ager for Simon Miller and Company in differences between agents’ fees “The market in letting fees and posits, express move-in and tenancy Maidstone, said: “We are not the and charges, but high bills for credit charges is not working.” amendments. cheapest – nor are we the most ex- checks and registration fees. Upfront fees and charges to Some were as low as £125 per ap- pensive. We have had no complaints Some customers had to pay be- prospective tenants, other than rent plicant for referencing and a £55 from tenants with regard to our fees, tween £150 and £360 for a credit and a refundable deposit, are check-in fee – with no renewal fees which I think is a compliment to the check (although an extensive credit banned in Scotland and Mr Malho- after completion of the initial ﬁxed fact we have done our research. We check can be obtained for £49.99). tra would like to see the same sys- term tenancy. ensure tenants pre-qualify before ar- Other fees included were for ap- tem in England. plication, registration, documenta- He added: “If there are going to One major chain explained the fees ranging a viewing. tion, inventory, set-up, check-in, be upfront fees and charges, many and charges but failed to give any “All our fees are on display in the of- check-out, admin and tenancy de- residential letting agents are going prices, arguing they varied from prop- ﬁce and contained in the tenants’ posit fee insurance. Some agencies to have to be more open and trans- erty to property and branch to branch property list, which is given to every- offered “all-in-one” fees, which parent about them.” – yet the total would easily add £750 one who registers with us.” could not be broken down further. Mr Malhotra said he had referred to the fees of renting a family home. The company does not charge a There was also a lack of upfront the Maidstone report to the national Another town centre agency dis- check-in fee but the check-out fee of information on refunds, such as body of Citizens Advice. played no details about charges on its £100 plus Vat is payable at the start which fees and charges could be re- In the meantime, Cam is working website apart from the monthly of a tenancy to encourage the tenant funded should the tenancy not go with Trading Standards on a fol- rental, although it did compare the to attend the inventory check-out ap- ahead, and under which circum- low-up. Mr Malhotra said: “We amount of rent to other properties in pointment. stances any refund would be given. hope to carry out another exercise the area. He said: “That way, there is an in- There was a shortage of upfront in- later in the year in the hope the Louis Wiek, director of Century 21 in centive for them to be present for the formation regarding deposit pro- agents will have taken on board our Maidstone, said: “We try to make appointment – and it also means we tection and redress schemes. findings and made the necessary things as straightforward as possible can ensure they get any deposit back Cam also found some letting improvements to their services.” and keep costs to the minimum.” quickly.”

“Fred”. Widowed in her early 40s, she Donna Wozny said: “An amazing woman and gave birth to her son Freddie. When raised children Susan, Jayne, Kevin and and teacher,” and Jean’s granddaughter Jo Freddie was four months old Hayley Obituaries David. Daphne continued living and McCallion added: “Thank you everyone received the news that her cancer had working locally. Daughter Jayne said: “She for your lovely comments about our returned in an was hard working Nanna; our family really appreciate. inoperable form. and determined and “She loved this school and always told us Her energy and taught us all right how she never had a bad day at work. selflessness in raising from wrong. She was “She'd be so touched that you all awareness and living also a strong member remember her and would hold you all dear the remainder of her of the community in her heart.” life positively have and was involved prompted an with the WI and the outpouring of church. Dave Currer tributes and “She was proud of DAVE Currer (50), of Shortlands Green, memories. her work with the Park Wood was known locally as a Hayley’s achievements include helping WAAF in the war and kept that connection motorcyclist and a volunteer with to raise thousands of pounds for the throughout her life. She lived life to the rehabilitation groups. Charles Dickens ward at Maidstone full, travelled as far as Hong Kong when He was also involved in organising the Hospital, where she received treatment, her sister was living out there and enjoyed annual Green Fair in Mote Park in support and becoming the face of the charity Hair gardening and foreign holidays. My of environmental causes. and Beauty Benevolent. The charity’s mother was really well-known in Collier Many of Dave’s friends in the local website includes a video of “Hayley’s Street and lots of people will miss her.” motorcycling community have paid tribute story”, chronicling her cancer bale. Daphne leaves her four children, seven to his genial nature and valued friendship. grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren He died in an accident on the A274 near and one great-great-grandson. Biddenden. Jordana Carr JORDANA Carr (35), of Pla, was a special needs co-ordinator and teacher for KCC. Jean Austin Hayley Martin She worked at the Cedars pupil referral THE Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood MOTHER-OF-ONE Hayley Martin (31), of unit in Bower Mount Road, Maidstone. has announced the death of Jean Austin Loose Road, was known for her Jordana – a mother – was pronounced (88), a long serving teaching at the school fundraising for cancer treatment and for dead after emergency services were called who taught PE and English from the 1950s helping to establish a cancer charity – to her home by someone concerned for her until 1988 and rose to become deputy head Freddie’s Friends – dedicated to welfare. of the school. supporting young adults with cancer. Having recently completed a year of The school – based in Maidstone Road – Hayley worked as a L’Oreal technician teacher training, she had distinguished also posted a photograph of Jean. Tributes and was first diagnosed with bowel cancer herself as a passionate teacher with a flair poured in from those who knew her. in 2011; she was later given the all clear for inspiring youngsters and a consistent

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

Maidstone South February 2016 27 News downsmail.co.uk Parish call to review plan Firm tracks your phone HEADCORN Parish Council is seeking a judicial review of a plan passed by Maidstone Council, to analyse how you shop claiming proper procedures were not followed. In July Maidstone’s planning BUSINESSES in Maidstone town centre are being urged to embrace committee approved building at Hazelpits in July, next to the village mobile phone tracking to keep pace with online shopping. primary school, a scheme which Tracking software is now avail- bile phone activity and also detect and usage. Analysing the data en- would add 220 homes to the village able which can monitor shoppers’ how many shoppers logged into ables the company to eliminate and increase its size by a fifth. movements and habits. Google, Facebook, Amazon and multiple signals – so the 3,135 Residents who already endure The data gathered can be used by Twitter to potentially compare shoppers were individuals and not regular flooding claim the village is retailers to counter shoppers’ drift prices of goods for sale in shops. the same people identified in dif- already over-developed and unable away from town centre stores to the Town centre retailers could soon ferent locations. to cope with sewage flows – a situ- comfort of their computer. take up the service to retain their Mr Hotchkiss said: “Data scien- ation which will be exacerbated if The system was trialled in Maid- market share. tists understand in minute detail the proposed development goes stone on Black Friday in November Scout Solu- how people use websites. We need ahead. – supposedly the busiest day for tions director to obtain insights into how people After several “in camera” meet- bargains prior to Christmas – on Pete Hotchkiss behave if we are to remain compet- ings and seeking legal advice, the behalf of Maidstone Council and (pictured) said: itive. Data such as this can be used parish council has decided to seek Maidstone Town Centre Manage- “Increasing to reveal what are the busiest times, the judicial review, which could ment. numbers of how often shoppers return to a par- land both sides in the High Court. By tracking shoppers’ mobile people are ticular location and how long they Parish council chair Lyn Selby phones, a company, Scout Solu- making their spend in that environment. said: “We aren’t happy about the tions Ltd, was able to discover that purchases on- “We can also find out how many way the application was dealt with. 3,135 people visited the area be- line. If high people are simply browsing, then We think the scenic, drainage and tween McDonalds in Week Street, street shops are to retain their share ordering online via their phones – economic issues should have been the bottom of Gabriel’s Hill, the of the market, we need to encour- or possibly shopping later at looked at. We also feel the council High Street and King Street be- age people to buy in the high home.” did not take into account the her- tween November 25 and December street.” November 2015 was the eighth itage and transport issues.” 8. The busiest days for unique visi- The company can track shoppers month in a row that shopkeepers The parish council claims the vil- tors were November 28, December whose mobile phones are switched had noted a decline in footfall and lage does not have the infrastruc- 2, 6 and 8. on. However, they cannot identify Black Friday shoppers were 3.4% ture to support more development The busiest times were at about individuals nor any of the content down on the previous month. and the cumulative effect of this noon and between 4pm and 7pm. on their phones – just their location Tracking services can be com- and other recent building would be The highest footfall was in the area bined with Google analytics and disastrous for the community. around The Mall and Gabriels Hill. How do you feel about your mo- other software, such as weather The cost of the review will be met A series of six nodes positioned bile phone being tracked? Email forecasts, to more accurately pre- from parish council reserves. in the town was able to capture mo- [email protected] dict and monitor trends. If the judicial review succeeds, the planning consent given by MBC will become invalid. Charity cycle Kent faces police bill RESIDENTS in Headcorn dug deep to support the charity efforts of sen- for Operation Stack ior cyclist Brian Ledger. Brian (72) decided to cycle 160 KENT taxpayers are likely to ing, Fire, Criminal Justice and miles visiting 21 churches – all have to foot the bill for the polic- Victims, on November 17 last called St Peter and St Paul – in ing of Operation Stack. year, seeking funding under the memory of his friend Trevor Hill- Home Secretary Theresa May Home Office Special Grant man, who was found beaten to was asked to use her discre- Process. death in the porch of Headcorn tionary powers to reimburse Mrs Barnes said: “I need to church. Kent Police for the additional discuss with the Home Office, as Brian’s tour of the churches in the costs incurred in 2015 – more a matter of urgency, about how Canterbury diocese raised more than £570,000 – but the answer we can take things forward from than £1,100 for the homeless char- was a definite no. here to make sure that Kent Po- ity Porchlight. The county’s independent Po- lice is not left carrying the can in As a former village postman, lice and Crime Commissioner, the future. Landlords quit Brian was used to getting on his Ann Barnes, has spoken of her “It would seem from the A COUPLE from Boughton bike, but said he was overwhelmed surprise and dismay at the deci- Home Secretary’s decision that Monchelsea – branded Britain’s by the support and generosity of sion. She said: “‘Operation Stack should Operation Stack be biggest buy-to-let landlords – have local people. is acknowledged as a national called again the taxpayers of Ruslan Piktorov was found problem, and yet policing serv- Kent will be unfairly expected to moved out of the property market. guilty of killing Mr Hillman, his ices in Kent have been put under pay for policing it. This misery It is understood that Fergus and 57-year-old drinking chum and is strain to deal with it. Local tax- has been going on for years and Judith Wilson, from Heath Road, serving a life sentence for murder. payers should not have to pick will continue until we get a have sold their portfolio of rental up the bill for the inability of long-term solution. properties – thought to number others to solve the problem.” “It is simply not acceptable to nearly 1,000 – for more than £250 Castle boost The request for the “reason- have to routinely divert police million to a foreign consortium. FRESH investment is being made able, additional costs” of resources to cover Stack and for Mr and Mrs Wilson indicated last at Leeds Castle. £576,925.59 was sent to Mike those extra costs to be borne by year that they intended selling up Improvements are being made to Penning MP, Minister for Polic- the taxpayers in Kent.” and Fergus revealed he hoped to the kitchen that serves the visitor retire to write children’s books. restaurant, and its education centre – an increasingly busy facility – will www.downsmail.co.uk be doubled in size. For more local news

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Maidstone South February 2016 29 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Hospital sue threat over death THE family of a young mother who died following an emergency caesarean operation are expected to sue Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Offham Primary School teacher However, Mr Justice Peter Coul- family are expected to seek a civil Frances Cappuccini (30) died of a son QC ruled that, while the trust settlement, accusing the trust of heart attack within hours of giving had admitted its care fell short of being liable for her death. birth to her second son, Giacomo, expected standards, mistakes did A spokesman for London-based in October 2012. not constitute crime. lawyers Kingsley Napley, which is Criminal charges against the The trust made legal history representing the Cappuccini fam- trust and against its consultant when it became the first NHS Trust ily, said: "The family has no further anaesthetist Dr Errol Cornish were to face a charge of corporate comment to make at this sensitive dismissed by the Crown Court in manslaughter. But Mr Justice Coul- time.” London last month. son dismissed the trial at the Inner Mrs Cappuccini, pictured, suf- However, the family is now free London Crown Court and also the fered severe bleeding and never re- to take civil action for damages charges against Dr Cornish. gained consciousness after the against the trust, which they be- Dr Nadeem Azeez, another doc- operation to deliver her son. lieve is responsible for her death. had been admitted by the Maid- tor involved in the case, was not on The trust was accused of failing A pre-inquest review, held in No- stone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trial as he was no longer in the to check that the doctors were vember 2013 heard that liability Trust. country. Now Mrs Cappuccini’s properly qualified. Another look New scheme to tackle diabetes at cancer ﬁght MAJOR changes in diabetes care proach with support for self-care The CCG would like to see a THE CCG is considering setting up a are planned by the CCG – a ‘key and care in the community as key comprehensive obesity strategy, specialist committee to improve the priority’ due to the predicted rise in elements.” improved early detection and local battle against cancer after a re- prevalence. It proposes a new model should greater capacity and capability in port of a gap in outcomes compared It says the current pathway for be provided by both current local primary care. The aims include re- with other EU countries. care is fragmented with services secondary and primary care duction in average years of life lost Some key needs already identi- provided by different organisations providers to maximise local knowl- due to type two diabetes from six fied include more endoscopy and – hospitals, GP practices and in the edge; ensure access to complete pa- to four within 10 years and from 15 imaging provision and better GP community with no over-arching tient records and minimise delays; to 12 years in type one diabetes. education. care planning. reduction in prescribed drugs; and Diabetes patients are more One concern is late diagnosis due “Successful management of pa- to reduce duplication of time, tests likely to have a heart attack or to patients presenting late with tients requires a whole-system ap- and information. stroke. symptoms. One change under consideration Stroke fears is that nurse practitioners should When things go wrong... THE CCG is to meet the local NHS be authorised to request patient ra- MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells hospital trust reported a specimen col- diology tests in addition to GPs. lection bag had been left inside a patient undergoing surgery – and later trust to discuss under-achievement Cancer waiting times in the removed back in the theatre. in its stroke service, which “has area now exceed the standard 62- made significant improvements re- A BABY admitted with non-accidental injuries was sent home from hos- day waits. cently but, in common with many pital prior to receipt of results of an expert opinion. This revealed multiple fractures that could only have been sustained through excessive force. The similar services across the country, baby and twin sibling are now in foster care and the parents were arrested. still struggles to meet all the recog- KCC concern nised quality standards”. THE GP-led NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group G4S transport (CCG) is seeking closer consul- Radiotherapy staff awards tation with the county council NON-emergency NHS transport after KCC proposals for will be provided in Kent and Med- changes in funding health serv- way by a different operator – G4S – ices such as health visitors and from July 1. It was given the contract nicotine replacement. after “consistently showing a great The CCG is concerned that understanding for the needs of the the new health visitor specifica- customer.” It will take over from tion is “much narrower in NSL, which had difficulties in the scope, with some omissions.” early stages of the current contract. The CCG is seeking clarification from KCC about the specifica- New surgery? tion and says “it should not be THE CCG is considering the case to assumed the CCG would be move the Stockett Lane surgery in able to fund elements omitted RADIOTHERAPY staff in the Kent Oncology Centre, divided between the Coxheath to a purpose-built GP from the specification.” hospitals in Maidstone and Canterbury, have won two awards. premises. The practice has out- Christine Richards, head of radiotherapy services for Maidstone and Tun- grown the current building and bridge Wells NHS Trust, was named South East Radiographer of the Year Nurse shortage problems are expected to escalate by the Society of Radiographers (SoR) and the radiotherapy treatment de- with the rise in population. partment as a whole won South East Radiography Team of the Year. LATEST figures show a worsening Christine’s award noted her tireless ﬁght to promote the therapeutic ra- picture of nurse vacancies across The have nots diographer profession both at a local level and nationally, as well as her en- the Maidstone and Tunbridge thusiasm and innovative approach. RESIDENTS of West Kent live Wells hospital trust, up from 7.6% One comment from a patient was included in the team’s award cita- longer than in the rest of Kent. But to 10.7%, equating to 482 full- tion. It read: “The reception staff were friendly, helpful and professional. those in deprived areas – mainly in timers. There is still a reliance on Radiographers – professional, extremely helpful and liaised with doctors to Maidstone – can live about 13 years agency and locum staff. Staff present a seamless service. Excellent.” turnover runs at more than 10%. less than in more affluent areas.

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Maidstone South February 2016 31 downsmail.co.uk Comment Mote Park – best in Britain? WE should be very proud Mote Park is in levelling and well-planned layout would be now regularly voted among the best three Mail very welcome by our sporting community. parks in the country – and it could rise to the Marks There is a strong demand from various sports top. – and the council knows it under-provides for Improvements to pathways, parking and DENNIS FOWLE President sport in the borough. views over the last two years have seen visi- [email protected] It should be protected for quality sport use tors numbers swell. Now Maidstone Council – but routes left for walkers and dogs to ac- has announced plans for the next big steps – a to the cricket club. cess other more popular areas of the park. major, larger, re-built restaurant with mag- With the park attracting a million visitors a Those I questioned have little appetite for nificent vistas down to the scenic lake, up- year – and this will grow – parking problems walking over the current sports pitches. graded toilets and a charged adventure and will increase, despite the new £1-a-day activity feature next to the free children’s play charge. I believe one of the next areas for Changing rooms and showers are available area towards the leisure centre. council consideration should be the large in the leisure centre – but sports clubs would We often take our grandchildren for an grassed area lined with lovely trees between like to see these upgraded. I know some will hour or so. These new attractions will make the entrance and exit roads. In winter it is see my thoughts as harmful to their image of most stays a lot longer – perhaps for three often a quagmire. parts of the park. But no one should now hours if the restaurant and eating experiences I think its main value will be as a surfaced doubt the popularity of recent changes – it has hit the right buttons. I would like to see the car park – but recommend greater ambition. I become a park of even greater beauty and fun. magnificent scenery and fascinating history of think the end closest to the park entrance Let’s keep that ball rolling. the park imaginatively displayed around the would be a very popular location for two or What do you think? The Downs Mail wel- restaurant to excite visitors and encourage three quality restaurants. I think dining in the comes reader letters on Mote Park. wider exploration of the 440-acre park. park would be a very exciting addition. This How many know the enthralling story of area could be a good earner, too, for our cash- former park owner Lord Bearsted, founder of strapped council. Fax frustrations Some 20 years ago a business abused my Shell oil company? He named it after his fam- I would also like the council to upgrade the ily business which traded worldwide in orna- sports take in the park. There is a little-used fax machine by sending unsolicited adverts. mental sea shells. He was an amazing man area close to the leisure centre and bowls club Ten years ago I removed the machine – but who died in 1927. His heirs sold Mote Park to large enough for high-quality football, rugby still these unwanted nuisance phone calls ar- Maidstone Corporation for £50,000 in 1929 etc pitches. At the moment, much of this land rive almost daily, causing great inconven- and The Mote Cricket Ground was left in trust undulates all over the place but an investment ience. Any advice please? Highways before homes its money where its mouth is and to positive in tackling our serious traffic respond to the latest Reg 19 local plan problems – and I see just negativity. Dear Sir – Here is a quote from a KCC report so that those sites with severe Richard Maryan, by email internal report to Mathew Balfour, cabinet infrastructure constraints can be removed member. from the list, therefore reducing the “The housing target can only be reached housing target. Quashing NHS myths once proper It is no good Mr Carter assuring the planning policy Dear Sir – Dennis Fowle repeats some old parish councils that KCC will in future myths about the NHS that need squashing. constraints are object to planning applications on applied to the need Recycled regularly, especially by those highways grounds – that will be too late. who want to convince us that we can no figure, ie If Maidstone grinds to a halt in the future environmental, longer afford an NHS and we should be because of serious traffic problems, it will thinking of charges, an insurance system or infrastructure etc.” be due to KCC not standing up and doing As can be seen, privatisation, they include: its duty, as an infrastructure provider – it Charging would help: No it wouldn’t. the “need” figure, holds the power to reduce numbers, not which is 18,560 It just shifts the costs to the poor and the Maidstone Borough Council! elderly who are less houses, is accepted Cllr John A Wilson, Maidstone Council, as it has been by healthy than other Coxheath and Hunton ward groups. The Cllr John Wilson most partners, but that it can be Germans gave this reduced if the necessary infrastructure Wrong on park and ride up after the failure cannot be provided, ie highways, schools of a six-year etc. Dear Sir – The Mail Mark on the very experiment. The What has not been highlighted by worrying future for traffic flows in and evidence is that it anyone in the current local plan debate is around Maidstone makes me question encourages the that Maidstone Borough Council is not Maidstone Council's decision to collapse to “worries well” but responsible for providing this local pressure and drop completely the deters the poor sick, which costs infrastructure, and therefore cannot reduce Linton park-and-ride proposal. Dr Paul Hobday the housing target without input from Kent It was in the wrong position and should more in the long County Council. be placed at the foot of Linton Hill on the run. The US Commonwealth Fund rates We have been asking for and waiting for approaches to Marden. Perhaps some the UK NHS as the most cost-effective businesses could benefit – certainly the healthcare system in the world. this input for many months and all we get from KCC leader Paul Carter is rhetoric local pub but does it not make sense to Ageing population: Exaggerated. Most and the promise of a public meeting in offer an element of services such as car money is spent in the last six months of cleaning, servicing, MOTs etc? life, irrespective of how old you are. February. The time has now come for KCC to put This could also reduce traffic needing to Costs too much: Wrong. We spend less enter the town centre. The council must be on health than the other G7 nations and in Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

32 Maidstone South February 2016 downsmail.co.uk

A CHICKEN was stolen and a shed and reports Crime greenhouses were damaged at allotments in Tumblers Hill, Suon Valence. Neighbourhood Watch Two padlocks were cut on gates at a property in Church Hill, Boughton Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Monchelsea. Nothing appeared to have been taken. Tools, including a Bell cement mixer and Number plates were removed from a property in Marden High Street, causing a Honda generator, were stolen from a vehicle parked on a driveway in damage. farmyard in Clapper Lane, Staplehurst. Bankfields, Headcorn. CCTV footage is Laptops were stolen from a building in Three chickens were also stolen. being obtained. Headcorn Road, Staplehurst. There was an unsuccessful aempt to A home in Southernden Road, Boughton An Ipod was stolen from a car parked in break in to an outbuilding in New Barn Malherbe was broken into. Items including Goudhurst Road, Marden. Road, Suon Valence. a television, a music system and a Several bags of logs and kindling were Graffiti was painted on walls and other Nintendo games console were stolen. stolen from the yard of a company in damage caused in the basement of a block A property in Kings Road, Headcorn Chickenden Lane, Staplehurst. of flats in The Quarries, Boughton was broken into but nothing was stolen. A shed was damaged on allotments in Monchelsea. A shed at an allotment in Old Loose Hill, Tumblers Hill, Suon Valence. The number plates were stolen from a car Loose was broken into but nothing A blue Honda motocross motorbike was parked on a driveway of a home in Chart appeared to have been taken. stolen from a commercial premises in Hill Road, Chart Suon. A chained bike was removed from the Headcorn Road, Staplehurst. A home in Westerhill Road, Coxheath garden of a property in Burston Road, A copper lightning conductor was stolen was broken into and jewellery was stolen. Coxheath; this would have required a from the side of a church in Green Lane, A shed of a propertynon a farm in East couple of people because the handlebars Collier Street. Street, Hunton was broken into and quad were locked. A property in Greenhill, Staplehurst was bikes were stolen. These were: a blue Animals escaped when fencing was broken into and items were stolen. Apache 100cc quad bike, a white Apache damaged in Well Street, Loose. A window was smashed at a pub in High 100cc quad bike and a white Atala North A windscreen wiper of a car parked in Street, Suon Valence. Black road bike. The bikes were later Oak Lane, Headcorn was damaged. An unsecured Ford Transit van parked recovered. Items were stolen from a property in in a driveway in The Street, Ulcombe was A garage in a block in The Beacons, Loose Road, Loose. entered and items were taken. Coxheath was broken into and items were A quad bike was stolen from an An orange Ford Ranger pick-up car was stolen. outbuilding in Goudhurst Road, Marden, stolen from Fletcher Road, Staplehurst. A vehicle had its number plates removed A marquee was damaged outside a A black Mitsubishi L200 pick-up was while left parked in the street overnight in property in Boughton Lane, Loose. stolen from a garage in Darman Lane, Well Street, Loose. A hedge trimmer and a Stihl saw were Yalding. A vehicle was taken from Redwall Lane, stolen from the front garden of a property Hunton without the owner’s consent. in Hunton Road, Marden. Two vehicles on a driveway in Wilsons There was a break-in at an outbuilding in ALARM NOT WORKING? Lane, East Farleigh were deliberately Yalding but nothing was taken. WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS damaged. A Mercedes vehicle was set alight in a Telephone cables were cut in Bow Hill, layby in Church Green, Marden. CALL 01622 880751 West Farleigh – enquiries are ongoing. Two Makita drills were among items About 80 hay bales were set alight, stolen from a shed in Maidstone Road, causing extensive damage to a makeshift Nelestead. ALARMS & SECURITY LTD barn in a field in East Farleigh. Eggs were thrown at the window of a

the last few years, the percentage of GDP fifth was returned, so that would indicate at Kent County Council, a scheme to Comment spent has fallen from 11% to a lile over fewer than 200 responses. If we use the bypass the area was designed, approved 7%. This is a political choice, not figure 200 to be fair, then 69% of the 200 and a government grant was lined up. It economics. We are 27th out of 29 EU respondents were against (138), 22% were was justified to meet the transport needs of countries in the number of doctors per for (44), and 9% (18) were undecided. the time some 40 years ago. However, there head of population. The NHS is not Of any population you will always get was local opposition and politicians unaffordable or unsustainable but those most vehemently for or against to decided to abandon it. underfunded. The cost of your GP per year respond, but mostly those most Further aempts to resurrect a scheme per head is £74 in West Kent. Try insuring vehemently against. Those who really met with a similar fate. Now, after a huge you cat or car for that. don’t care either way are the least likely to increase in road traffic generally and large- It’s abused: Greatly exaggerated, vote at all. This is true of the general scale development in the area, a new according to the evidence. This is not the election, whereby 25% of the electorate generation of politicians is bemoaning cause of the NHS’s problems. Contrast that voted Conservative and thus we have a having to wait for a scheme. with the private US system that the Conservative government. Over decades our town has suffered Government is so keen on: waste $690 If we correct the figures over the 1,000 from the lack of positive decision-making billion , overcharging $750bn , fraud $98bn. then 13.8% were against 4.4% were for and by politicians. We could have had a good The USA spend three times as much per 1.8% were undecided, with the remaining rail link to London in the Victorian era. head with worse results. 80% not responding. There could have been a station on High It’s time the subtle but relentless Mr A Rout, by email Speed 1 in recent years to serve our area, campaign by the media and politicians to instead of which we see the trains roaring undermine our health service stopped. past with the commuters from more Correcting some of the anti-NHS Bypass well overdue positive neighbouring towns, as well as the propaganda is a start. Dear Sir – I read with some bemusement Leeds-Langley bypass. Dr Paul J Hobday, Churn Lane, the continued references in your Now we have the large-scale Horsmonden newspaper to the “long-awaited Leeds- development, which should have paid for Langley bypass”. the bypass, and all the traffic from it will The concern over its absence is have to be accommodated on existing Solar farm data flawed understandable, especially in view of the roads which are already congested. Dear Sir – I read with interest your article approved large-scale housing construction In many ways it is a lile late, but let's entitled “MP fights rural solar farm plan”. taking place in the Suon Road area of see our politicians pro-actively addressing Again I see the use of flawed data when Maidstone, with totally inadequate the combined issues of planning people publish results of questionnaires. I transport access. However, why is there development and transport improvements would like to address some of the issues. not a bypass there already? together. Of the 1,000 questionnaires, less than a In the late 1970s at the start of my career T J Payne, by email

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Maidstone South February 2016 41 downsmail.co.uk

co-option.

aihCouncils Parish Chart Suon East Farleigh Highways A meeting with Kent Highway Crime update Community warden Liz Police report PCSO Matthew Judges Services was still pending due to awaiting Lovatt advised that doorstep callers, reported there had been criminal damage a replacement for steward Gemma Catt, claiming to be ex-servicemen, had been (fence cut) in Gallants Lane; attempted who was taking maternity leave. reported. She was also considering joining burglary (non dwelling) in Forge Lane; non Green Lane A meeting with DHA the warden at Coxheath to run a dwelling burglary in Wilsons Lane; a planning consultants was to be considered community alcohol project. burglary and theft of a water butt, both in regarding land at Green Lane. Caretaking Members discussed the Parish Forge Lane. Planning The council agreed in principle to Caretaker Scheme, but noted Boughton Budget Council approved the final budget part fund up to £1,000, along with other Monchelsea was not interested in taking for the next financial year. The precept Maidstone parishes, a report to be written part and Langley had concerns about would be increased by £7,652 on the by Kent Association of Local Councils finding enough work for a caretaker. current financial year, representing an (Kalc) on housing numbers. Councillors decided not to progress but increase of £10.65 on the band D charge. Finance It was resolved to have a precept would contact Sutton Valence council to Highways The signs and road markings for 2016/17 of £17,340.04. Combined with see if it would have an interest. The clerk for the new 30mph speed limit on Lower the LCTS grant of £1,274, the parish would was asked to contact Highways to see if the Road from the border with West Farleigh receive total funding of £18,614.04, an parish council could claim back costs if it to the foot of Gallants Lane had now been increase of £115.37. There would be no undertook roadwork in the parish. installed, following the campaign by St change in the parish element of the council Play area A sample of the Ecobound Helen’s Montessori and a group from West tax for each resident. recycled rubber play surface would be Farleigh with support of the parish council. Parish caretaker Les Apps, who emptied obtained. Efforts would be made to see The limit on Lower Road in West Farleigh the litter bins each week in the village, had where it was used locally so that had also been reduced to 40mph. resigned. It was agreed to contact councillors could see it in-situ; further Bridge working party The council Maidstone Council to seek a quote. An investigations would be made to determine explained the feasibility study and the fact email had been received from Chart Sutton the cost and requirements of its that it had been halted until council had Parish Council regarding setting up a maintenance. confirmation from network rail that using parish caretaker scheme. Computer repair Councillors agreed to pay traffic lights at this location to control Tim Waring £50 for fixing the parish traffic flow was or wasn’t feasible. There computer. was also concern about the safety of the Loose current lights and the act that they show Spring clean Councillors will hold a Southern Water It was reported by a green both ways. The council would village clean-up on Saturday March 5 to member of the public that the area had continue to pursue these issues. coincide with the Clean for the Queen been looked at by Southern Water with a Maintenance Council had received a project, marking HRH’s 90th birthday in camera and that tree roots could be causing quotation from Maidstone Signs for further April. Anyone wishing to help should meet sewerage problems. The clerk was asked to work on the village signs and agreed to ask at the village hall car park at 10am. write to Southern Water requesting two the firm to go ahead with replacing the Defibrillator Members have written a updates: what had been planned for sign at the bridge (£1,226.80 plus VAT), cheque to cover the cost of a defibrillator, updating the pumping station and when, carrying out maintenance on the one at the of £935, plus vat, and a cabinet, with alarm and what had been done to eradicate bad and heater, for £435, plus vat. Heath Road end of Dean Street (£640.75 odours from the pumping station? Lighting Councillors have agreed to pay plus VAT) and to carry out an annual clean Footpath KM52 Colin Finch of KCC public £31.70, plus vat, for a set of Christmas and inspection of all five (£360 plus VAT). rights of way was considering revealing the lights for the tree on the village green. Play areas The council was still awaiting a 1952 historic path surface. Loose Amenities Helping hand The chairman reported that quote for remedial work to the play areas, Association had rejected this and the six people had received financial help but there was some discussion as to how chairman had wrien to Mr Finch stating amounting to £360 from the Joan Johnson much the Gallants Lane one was used, and that the association did not give consent for Trust. Anyone wishing to nominate a the difficulties council faced in carrying out contractors to enter its land. Stone was person in need from Chart Sutton is invited weekly inspections. It was agreed to make already visible and the vegetation was not to contact the trustees. the play areas an agenda item for the intrusive on the path, which was just over Peas Place Cllr R Jull reported that he had February meeting. Meanwhile, council 6ft wide in places. The path was within a attended the borough planning meeting to would value some feedback on the use of conservation area and any removal of complain about the plan for Green Lane. It the Gallants Lane play area in particular. If hedging would require planning was felt the application had been approved you feel strongly that this area should or permission. This area was important for by the planning committee without due should not be retained, please send your wildlife and migratory routes for small regard to some Government policies. feedback to Sarah O’Callaghan, the clerk, mammals. An online petition with 187 However, the planning committee had at [email protected]. signatures had been raised. It was agreed made it a condition that the caravan should to place the maer on the next agenda. be re-sited within three months, to make it Emails The main email address had less visible. East Suon changed to: oﬃ[email protected]. All old Shop open Cllr C Webb advised that the Near miss Following a report of a near addressed emails were being redirected to Shop AGM will be on April 4 and that a miss on the country lanes, the clerk would the new address. New email addresses had new cabin should be in place in May, with write to Goathams, Winterwood and been set up for the clerk on: clerk@loose- a grand re-opening planned. Oakdene Farms regarding their workers pc.gov.uk and deputy clerk on: Fly tipping Concern was expressed by Cllr walking in unlit country lanes in dark [email protected]. S Waring over the dumping of rubbish in clothing. Norton Road and Church Road and the Neighbourhood plan The clerk would time taken by the borough council to clear draft a letter to the parishioners on the Marden it. It was noted that the litter problem in principle of completing a neighbourhood Roof Work on Marden Memorial Hall roof the village seemed to be getting worse. The plan. was completed and final invoices awaited. councillor had re-edged the path and tidied Highways The sign at the top of Charlton Police report Five crimes were reported in the area in front of the noticeboard Lane had been hit and needed re-setting. the past month: two thefts, two thefts from opposite Lilypie and cut back the hedge on Potholes were reported in East Sutton motor vehicles and one criminal damage. the village green between the shop and the Road, Heniker lane and Brick Kiln Lane. Police had received a call about youths garage. Play area report The surface was very thin climbing over the hockey pitch fence, Meetings The parish council next meets on with holes in the Tarmac. switching on floodlights and playing Monday March 14 at Chart Sutton Village football at 2am. Neighbours had been Hall. Yasmin Gordine, the borough advised to ring 101 so the police could council’s new parish liaison officer, will Langley attend and establish who the culprits were. attend the council meeting on May 9, and Co-option Maidstone Council had Reports were also received of a motocross CPRE Kent has agreed to give a confirmed that following the resignation of bike on the playing field. presentation at the annual parish meeting. Cllr Palmese, the vacancy could be filled by Liaison officer Yasmine Gordine had taken

42 Maidstone South February 2016 Parish Councils 43 mail.co.uk 2016 downs ebruary F

A dead horse South

Feria Urbanism had The parish council had Maidstone Yalding had 32 wardens There had been one crime Two defibrillators were now There had been a number of The parish council confirmed it Barriers had been erected by Councillors were thanked for Adam McKinley was introduced The precept was set at £17,250, an There had been a reasonable Cllr Martin had cleared the ivy which Country Planning Act. Maidstone Council would administer the diversion application and KCC were simply consulted.would The contact clerk Maidstone Council toif confirm a diversion application hadensure been the made parish to council is consulted. Inspections of council land been awarded £935 to helpthe with requirements meeting of the code.been This to had set up thethe website purchase (clerk’s of hours), a laptoppackage with and the part Office of the cost of the printer. Yalding was in the field nextCouncillors to were The concerned Kintons. and disappointed that no one wasresponsibility. taking any Local plan would contribute £1,000 towards hiringconsultant a to review the Maidstone Council housing numbers. Neighbourhood plan West Farleigh Police matters reported – the theft ofWarden a trailer. as the new community wardenand for West East Farleigh, Linton, HuntonCoxheath. and Highways Kent Highway Services on Smithsto Hill a due collapsed drain. Thesebend were where on the the road wasforcing narrow vehicles and into oncoming traffic. There were no warning signshad and already and been there one accidentnear and misses. several PCSO Judges offeredthe to area visit after the meeting. Ivy was spreading across the footpaththe close Tickled to Trout. Play area installing the new bench inThe the clerk play had area. spoken tohad Park supplied Leisure the who roundabout. Itquoted had £4,754 to install anto inspection give hatch access to thebe bearings greased so regularly. they Cllr could Merrittwas said a there design fault andshould that pay the half company the costaccess of point. installing The the clerk wouldCoffee contact. turnout at the recent coffeethe morning new with community warden attending. Flytipping flytipping issues in West Farleighcommunity and warden the was able toreporting help these with if needed. Budget annual rise of £5.10 perper band year. D household Transparency code been appointed and was preparingdetailed a costed fee proposal andexpected an timeline of work. Flood wardens and five co-ordinators and itsbeen scheme accepted had and registered withResilience Kent Team. Defibrillators in place and registered andorder. two One were had on been paidChurch for Cleaves by Fund, the with thepurchased cabinet by the parish council.would The be other purchased by thewith parish the council cabinet funded byLittle the Venice. residents of Dawn Riach-Brown The parish council agreed Members agreed it was not The clerk was asked to write The public are able to attend a Twelve calls had been received The clerk was to arrange for Members heard in January that There had been a preservation The appointment of Andrew An email from Katie Cullen at The clerk had ordered a An event had been organised to A car was stolen from North Street A new camera had been installed on celebrate the installation of the plaque in the village hall to honour theFootpaths Tassels. KCC had been received regardingright the of public way next todevelopers the planned school. to The build onof the the legal path, line which meant they were able to apply directly to Maidstone Councildivert to the footpath under the Town and trees looked in the ageCCTV of the dinosaurs. the pavilion. Plaque Tree works order on the metasequoia tree in the agreed they would like therestored order as to the be tree wasschool planted 40 by years the ago to show children how its support. Web question necessary to record their meetings,on to the share web – atwas the discussed present following time. the The news issue is that being this done by Harrietshamcouncil. parish Parish clinic parish clinic at the parishThursday office from every 11am-3pm as partthree-month of trial, a from December, agreed by councillors. Housing pledge to offer up to £250independent to report KALC into towards the an ‘housingsuggested need’ in Maidstone Council’s local plan. Members also accepted Leedscouncil’s parish call for support forLeeds/Langley a relief road. Councillors said that while they accepted therelief need road, for they a do notfurther support development the to idea fund of it. Play area replacement for the deteriorating strapthe on toddlers’ swing and askedcontractor the to cut back theWalking trees. bus to KCC regarding a planschool by for the a primary “walking bus”hall from in the the village morning, urgingteacher the to head first consider usingCrime KCC land. and another from the Highmotorist Street, made while off a from BraemarStation Service without paying. Caretaker Usher as caretaker/cleaner of thewas pavilion agreed by councillors inheard January. Mr They Usher is willingminor to repairs. undertake Allotments several allotments were broken intoBowhalls at and some poultry wasThey stolen. were also informed thatbe notice served would on an allotmentHarbour holder with at two The years’ rentToilet outstanding. light the light outside the publicfixed, toilets following to reports be that itpossible was to not switch it off. Ulcombe Police report during the previous month, includingfrom theft a van, criminal damage and theft of a reported on damage to aPye resident’s Corner. grass She at had informedadvised the the PCSO resident and to report it to the police. building plot next to the school. Councillors motorbike. Four arrests were madeMartins at Gardens. Community warden The parish Two new The parish council agreed A request had been Councillors discussed the Quotes for removal of the A presentation was given by The Christmas fayre, which Southeastern would be asked The caretaker was undertaking It was agreed to increase the The parish precept for 2016/17 was When the B2079 was resurfaced, part The grounds maintenance Knoxbridge highway project council allocated £1,000 towards theproposed cost gateway of and 50mph speed limit maintenance budget by £500 Suon Valence Water slide Lyndon Davies and John Starnesof on QHOF behalf about a proposedinvolving village a fun giant day, water slide,Councillors in heard mid-July. the event wouldsome raise money for charity and an approach stalls and events. The parish council gave Staplehurst Fishers Farm proposed 185-home development and raised many concerns including design, housing mix, transport, drainage and community contributions. The council recommended refusal of the application and requested it be referredCouncil’s to planning Maidstone committee. Budget set at £126,700, equating tofor £55 a per band annum D property,Caretaker an increase of 2p. weekly litter collections and inspections. Transport when it would be installingnoticeboard a at community the station. Recentfailures service had been reported toBell Arriva. Lane toilets to enter into the newMaidstone lease Council, proposed noting by it wouldin expire 2028 but that themonths parish notice could of give early six termination. measures on the A229. Frittenden Parish Nelestead Chatterbox was also a fundraising event,attended. was very well Village hall CCTV electrics for £75 andmast removal and of repair the to thewere brickwork accepted. for £200 Field specification for 2016 for theV King field George was discussed andcuts the was number amended. of Three companies would be asked to quoteHighways for and the footpaths contract. footpath signs had been installed.owner The of Old School Housecontacted had regarding been the hedge. Finance precept for by 8.5% from£14,939.58 £13,769.19 and to to also increase the grounds on the role with Maidstonewould Council. be She invited to aSouthons full Field council meeting. received for the use ofthe the renewal field of in vows. 2016 Councillors for the agreed event to and as theexclusive hirer use did of not the wish field,no there charge. would be Lines of the single yellow linereplaced had outside not the been Vestry hall.Thewas clerk asked to contact KentServices Highway to rectify. about parking at the schoolbeen had made. already The fun day would include Council had been asked for a similar Eric Hotson’s member’s fund. contribution. The remaining balance ofto up the £5,000 would come from KCC Cllr ‘Our reputation speaks for itself’ windows : doors : conservatories We are a local business that believe the key to success is “reputation”; that is why we like to distance ourselves from other companies in our sector and the way they work. 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