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Maidstone East Edition & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper Maidstone East Edition FREEdownsmail.co.uk Maidstone & Malling’s October 2017 No.No. 246 1 newspaper

NewsFREE MarchPanto 2020 ahoy! Kate,No. 107,275 dies THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be KATE Hart, a resident at an old staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- people’s home in , stone, took to the River Medway to hasNews died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. David has disclosed. M20On board The Kentishlorry Lady were park plans scrapped DJ Radio 1 success national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Godmother),PLANS for a former lorry parkEastEnder off the Ste- Transport, has written to resi- had caused “a lot of uncer- MP’sA TEENAGE Local DJ from Plan Bearsted bid got his lucky break when his fanM20 Booth have (Prince been Charming), scrapped Eliza- by dents at Platts Heath, tainty”. HELEN Whately asked the debut track was played on bethGovernment, Bright (Cinderella), more than Craig 18 and ex- Others had feared the lorry government to halt the Andersonmonths after (Buttons) they and, were pictured, first plaining the 250-300 acre site is park would be morphed into a borough’sa national housing radio station. scheme. à43 Stephenmooted. Richards and Adam Bor- no longer required. 24-hour customs clearance zoneHighways (Ugly Sisters) , . acting on Resident Kathy Hales said house, post Brexit. Barrister was drunk behalfThey were of the greeted Department by pupils forfrom that the threat of a lorry park l See page 4 Plans for Dr Nigel South Borough Primary School and A BARRISTER’s dreams becoming THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto a judge is in ruins after will walk the Grand runs from December 1-31. For tick- being caught drink driving. à5 Canyon for charity. 12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. Police under fire after Insects in peril JasonINSECT lifeDonovan in is in date grave THEperil former with Neighboursevidence it star has brings hisdropped show to by the 50% Hazlitt in just 18 CCTVHGV wrecks call in property a bid Theatre15 years. next May. à10 Golding Homes probe POLICE are again under fire for not enforcing a lorry ban after a truck SOCIAL housing provider Golding ploughed into two properties causing damage worth thousands of pounds. Homes is in trouble for exposing tenants to danger be- toThe HGV wrecked stop part of a fly-tipping cause of electrical faults. à12 400-year-old wall of a property CALLSowned by a for woman the in installation her 80s and of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a Palace hotel plan countrynarrowly missedroad have damaging been a made by the local borough councillor. family home before driving off. THE Archbishop’s Palace may Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers,Malcolm but be- The lorry also took out a road become a boutique hotel when Broomfield, has been targeted by was dumped and set on fire. lieves the cost to smallGallihawk firms of dis- name sign and another banning Maidstone Borough waste dumpers for years, but in re- The church car park has also seen posing of construction(LorryWatch), waste at a ObituariesCouncil regains its lease. à3214 cent17T trucks months, using the the problem B2163 through has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is provingCllr Gill aFort deter- comeLeeds more village acute. towards Langley. But it is a problem in many rural rent that is costing councilsand resident more. Parish Councils 34-35 It happened at the junction of the Obituaries à32 Construction waste, rubble, hard areas including Langley, Cllr Fort made herTracie remarks Carlsund, as single-track Forge Lane and Upper ASH dieback has been discovered in core, windows and household fur- and Kingswood. Water Lane in one of the borough’swhose closest property trans- Parishes à34-35 nitureStreet isin leftLeeds illegally at around – often 6am strewn on Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have fer stations at North Farm, Tun- Monks Meadow in ; was damaged inFebruary the middle 23. The of theSpanish-registered road. also been targeted recently. bridge Wells, announced it will be HollingbournePARISH councillorsvillage at fete stall- HGVCllr was Gill Fortreversed said: into “Every the monthgarden Last year, Maidstone Borough closed for 10 weeks. holderwould co-ordinator not continue Jean with Duffy website has resigned; yellow lines are needed weof a arehome having at The toilets, Abbotts sinks narrowly and CouncilDespite cleared being 911 reported, cases of no fly-tip- Kent age.She Police added: should “If you be go here along dealing the hosting by Cantium and other for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow constructionmissing the building waste dumped but wrecked in the a pingPolice and officers this yearhad visited more thanthe crime 163 linewith of this.” increasing fines, they have to providers will be sought; tenders buses through Imperial Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry havescene been or interviewed recorded since witnesses April. as beLorry enforced. Watch A reductionco-ordinator in Mal- the for maintenance of open spaces picket fence. bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking Thewe wentapproaching to press. darker Leeds evenings borough chargecolm Gallihawk or offering itsaid: free “Police may have are in Detling will be looked for; salt It appears the driver then swung Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. thesimply desired not similarenforcing effect.” the lorry ban. around and backed into the wall. councillor Gill Fort said: “This is get- thebins picnic not toppedarea and up rear by exit.the county land,We understand to oversee theone problem resident area.” gave tingCllr beyond Fort welcomed a joke. The a joint property initia- AsA three-monthlyresidents, we are litter doing pick onour the bit council should be reported to the chaseA recent and a event driver in of Burberry a white hatch- Lane tiveowners by the should Environment not have to Agency worry mile-longbut they are stretch not doing of road theirs.” through Crimeclerk at Leeds.Reports 35 LorryWatch recently recorded 20 sawback awitnessed caravan burned the crime. out while a andabout the insurance Driver andpaying Vehicle for the Stan- dam- Leeds village produces an average torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32HGVs black using sacks the of rubbish.B2163 in a day. VEHICLESCrime haveReports been driven à over35 Cllr Parish Fort, councillor who also Lesley serves Martin as said: a farmland in , causing parish“Last year, councillor, the police saysasked teachingus to report damgeA LADDER to was crops; stolen an from attempted a prop- childrenany criminal about damage social causedresponsibility by illegal break-inerty at Leeds was reported; a Ford Fiestain Detling was; a andtrucks. the Hereissue itof is. litter It’s intime schools for them will to vehicledamaged was in vandalised Bearsted; in.a Bearstedbarrel of helpdo something.” take the issue off the streets. Rd,flowers was taken; pumpkinsfrom a home were in ShePolice believes recently with admittedevery household only two stolenBoxley ; froma fuel cap an was allotment taken from in YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT receivingtickets were a weekly handed refuse out collection to illegal Lenhama vehicle. in Detling; fence panels were taken in Kingswood. [email protected] service,truckers there in 2019 is no compared excuse for to litter 14 in being2018. Kent thrown Police from was vehiclesapproac hed or Comment 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumpedfor a comment. in the road. Comment à46-47

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2 Maidstone East March 2020 downsmail.co.uk News Junk concert DJ Fenn looks to future LEEDS Castle will be holding an Easter concert using only recycled bits of rubbish. Join the Junk Orchestra for daily after Radio 1 plays track musical sessions at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm on April 10 to 13. Visitors can create and play in- A TEENAGE DJ from Bearsted We Are House Records, said he has struments that have been con- has got his lucky break when his dreams of getting hired by label debut track was played on a na- owner and DJ Mark Wright, who structed using bits of old litter. tional radio station. owns Toolroom Records in Maid- Founded by former STOMP Canterbury College student stone. member Saul Eisenberg, the Junk Fenn Piper (18), of Spot Lane, says He added: “When I saw my song Orchestra uses a super-sonic recy- he was “completely gobsmacked” had been played on Radio 1, I cled collection of objects to create when Radio 1 played “Insepara- couldn’t believe it. I got a message music. The event is included in the ble” to millions of listeners. from my music manager Ian and price of admission. The former Bethany School we were completely gobsmacked. pupil, who started creating music “Another track I did actually Whist dates in his bedroom when he was 10 made it to number 45 on the dance years old, is known for composing music charts, and we kept refresh- FANCY your hand at a game of house and dance music. ing the page every day to see Whist? Players of this classic En- He told Downs Mail: “I was born where it was and it if it had got any glish trick-taking game are needed in 2000, so I didn’t get to experi- higher. for Whist afternoons the last Tues- ence the rave scene like my parents “It’s mad to me, because this all day of each month at Detling vil- did in the 80s, but I have always started from getting a small lage hall. taken a liking to that kind of music. speaker dock for my phone and a Widely played in the 18th and “I just love performing. I just few discs when I was 10 years old, 19th centuries, it was beloved by can’t concentrate at school or col- and the fact I have a few live per- author C.S. Forrester’s fictitious lege and that’s probably why I did- formances lined up this year is the Napoleonic hero, Horatio Horn- n’t get the best of grades, but music best feeling.” blower, who would play awhile is my escape from all of that and Fenn has performed at various plotting forays against the French. it’s the one thing I give my whole bars and clubs in Maidstone. His So if you fancy yourself a hero of attention to.” next gig will be on March 14 at The the modern age, call Brian on 01622 Fenn, who is currently signed to Source Bar. 738018.

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Maidstone East March 2020 3 News downsmail.co.uk M20 lorry park plan scrapped PLANS for a lorry park in a rural area off the M20 have been scrapped by the Government after nearly two years of uncertainty for residents. Highways England (HE), acting relief to those people who have on behalf of the Department for been living under this cloud for Transport, has written to local nearly two years. people in Sandway, Boughton “But I have to say that the - Malherbe and Platts Heath to ex- lic consultation was horribly han- plain a site is no longer required. dled by Highways England. The Downs Mail reported in July original notification was for per- 2018 how principal landowners mission to carry out ecological were approached by HE for per- surveys which, in reality, didn't mission to carry out ecological give people much choice. surveys with a view to building a “That was not well-received by 250-300 acre holding area. people who actually care about At the time, no Brexit deal had the environment they live in.” been signed and the M20 contra- The DfT said the search for a flow known as Operation Brock permanent lorry park had now had not been implemented, so the ended, five years after the Gov- Government was scrambling to ernment earmarked a £250m pot find a workable solution in the to find a way to hold thousands of HGVs in the event of prolonged longer term. MP Helen Whately at a site meeting in 2018 Now HE project director Carl cross-Channel disruption. Gomersall has written to local, people explaining that “off-road holding areas in Kent are no longer being pursued”. Moveable barrier plan revealed Resident Kathy Hales, a former A MOVEABLE barrier to replace Op- NHS occupational therapist who eration Brock and keep the M20 now works as a gardener, said: moving is set to be in place by De- “There has been a lot of uncer- cember 2020. tainty. People didn’t want a lorry The Department of Transport, on park on their doorstep.” February 7, announced plans for a Locals feared that the lorry fa- moveable concrete barrier that can cility may have had purposes be set up within hours to keep Kent’s other than a holding area away roads moving at times of cross- from the M20 when cross-Chan- channel disruption. nel services were disrupted, such This will be an improvement upon as a 24-hour customs clearance fa- Operation Brock, which required a month of overnight closures to de- cility. ploy the metal barrier required for They argued the roads were not the contraflow system. fit to carry vast numbers of HGVs, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps while others said property prices said: “After listening to frustrated cialist vehicles rolling out concrete limits in both directions. would plummet while the market residents and businesses, we’ve in- sections, is designed to ensure the The start date for the scheme is was blighted. vested in a new solution to keep M20 remains open at times of dis- summer, with completed integration Director of Campaign to Protect Kent’s vital road network moving.” ruption while retaining three lanes, into a full traffic management ca- Rural England (Kent), Hilary The new scheme, involving spe- a hard shoulder and 70mph speed pability by 2022. Newport, said: “It must be a great A249 inquiry Appeal after gunshots WI’s speaker A LONG-awaited public inquiry MADGINFORD Women’s Institute into proposed plans by Highways DETECTIVES have launched an “Patrols, including firearms offi- will enjoy a talk about Yellowstone England to build a flyover at the investigation after gunshots were cers, attended the scene where Park on March 12 when Chris Wade M2 junction with the A429 is now reportedly fired at a property in nobody had been injured. is the guest speaker. scheduled for April 28, 2020. Maidstone. “An investigation to establish The group, which is also finalis- villagers fear the Officers from the Kent and the full circumstances is under- ing its trip to Biggin Hill Museum, £100m flyover will split the com- Essex Serious Crime Directorate way including forensic examina- meets on the second Thursday of munity in two. With no bridge or are investigating a report that the tions at the scene and the review the month at Madginford hall. De- underpass, Stockbury residents shots were fired at a house in of CCTV in the area.” tailsfrom 01622 737500. say crossing the A429 to get from Massey Close, , at around Investigators are urging wit- one side of the village to the other, 7.55pm on Sunday, February 16. nesses or anyone with any infor- could be dangerous. It is not clear how many or mation to call on Gruffalo dates Stockbury Parish Council has what type of weapon might have 01622 604 100, quoting crime ref- THE Gruffalo is making a return to been trying to get a meeting with been used, but police said a win- erence 46/30075/20, or to contact in March. The beast will the Kent County Council cabinet dow was damaged by shots dis- Crimestoppers anonymously on be appearing on March 14 an 15. Go member for Highways to discuss charged outside the premises. 0800 555111 or reporting online at to kentlife.org.uk/event/see-the- the issue. A Kent Police spokesman said: www.crimestoppers-uk.org. gruffalo.

4 Maidstone East March 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News M20 lorry park plan scrapped Drink-driving PLANS for a lorry park in a rural area off the M20 have been scrapped by the Government after nearly two years of uncertainty for residents. barrister’s ban Highways England (HE), acting relief to those people who have A LEADING barrister’s dreams of been living under this cloud for on behalf of the Department for becoming a crown court judge lie nearly two years. Transport, has written to local in tatters today after being caught “But I have to say that the pub- people in Sandway, Boughton drunk at the wheel of his car. lic consultation was horribly han- Malherbe and Platts Heath to ex- Keith Yardy (54) of Blacksmith dled by Highways England. The plain a site is no longer required. Drive, , was more original notification was for per- Downs Mail reported in July than twice the limit when police mission to carry out ecological 2018 how principal landowners stopped him after an evening surveys which, in reality, didn't were approached by HE for per- drinking wine with friends. give people much choice. mission to carry out ecological The lawyer, who was called to “That was not well-received by surveys with a view to building a the Bar in 1988 and works at the people who actually care about 250-300 acre holding area. Maidstone Chambers, said his the environment they live in.” At the time, no Brexit deal had prospects of becoming a recorder The DfT said the search for a been signed and the M20 contra- or district judge are now over. permanent lorry park had now flow known as Operation Brock Remorseful Yardy told Maid- ended, five years after the Gov- had not been implemented, so the stone Magistrates Court: “That am- ernment earmarked a £250m pot Government was scrambling to bition is now in tatters. This didn’t to find a way to hold thousands of find a workable solution in the happen to me, I did it to myself.” HGVs in the event of prolonged longer term. Prosecuting, Ben Wild said: “On cross-Channel disruption. MP Helen Whately at a site meeting in 2018 Now HE project director Carl January 25 at around 9.15pm, offi- Gomersall has written to local, cers noticed the defendant’s car people explaining that “off-road driving over the speed limit, holding areas in Kent are no swerving across the road. He has longer being pursued”. Moveable barrier plan revealed no previous convictions and ad- of age with not even a parking Resident Kathy Hales, a former A MOVEABLE barrier to replace Op- mitted he had been drinking alco- ticket to my name, let alone a crim- NHS occupational therapist who eration Brock and keep the M20 hol to police.” inal offence. now works as a gardener, said: moving is set to be in place by De- Defending himself, Yardy said “I did this to myself. I won’t be “There has been a lot of uncer- cember 2020. he had been driving that way to able to take my dad, who is in his Where there’s a tainty. People didn’t want a lorry The Department of Transport, on “avoid a number of potholes” even 80s, to his cancer appointments.” park on their doorstep.” February 7, announced plans for a though it is “not an excuse”. The court heard Yardy has sea- Locals feared that the lorry fa- moveable concrete barrier that can Yardy said: “This is the most sonally affected disorder, which is Will there’s a way cility may have had purposes be set up within hours to keep Kent’s stupid, inexplicable thing I have sometimes known as "winter de- other than a holding area away roads moving at times of cross- ever done in my life. I went up to pression" because the symptoms Your Will can be a very powerful tool to help your from the M20 when cross-Chan- channel disruption. feed my horse and bumped into are usually more apparent and loved ones. It can: nel services were disrupted, such This will be an improvement upon some friends on the way back. We more severe during the winter. as a 24-hour customs clearance fa- Operation Brock, which required a had three or four glasses of wine Chairman of the bench, Jane Day • Ensure your assets are left to the people you choose month of overnight closures to de- said: “We can see you are deeply cility. together which I deeply regret, as I ploy the metal barrier required for remorseful about what happened, • Protect your family - appoint guardians for They argued the roads were not know the only safe alcohol limit is the contraflow system. and that you know the dangers of fit to carry vast numbers of HGVs, zero. your children Transport Secretary Grant Shapps drink driving.” while others said property prices “Sitting in police custody for 11 said: “After listening to frustrated cialist vehicles rolling out concrete limits in both directions. Yardy pleaded guilty to drink • Save your family tax would plummet while the market hours was a deeply isolating feel- residents and businesses, we’ve in- sections, is designed to ensure the The start date for the scheme is driving and was disqualified from was blighted. ing. No pun intended, but it was a • Give you peace of mind, a very valuable commodity vested in a new solution to keep M20 remains open at times of dis- summer, with completed integration truly sobering experience. Thirty- 18 months. He was also ordered to Director of Campaign to Protect Kent’s vital road network moving.” ruption while retaining three lanes, into a full traffic management ca- seven years of driving and 54 years pay £495 in court costs. Just as you take expert advice when buying a new Rural England (Kent), Hilary The new scheme, involving spe- a hard shoulder and 70mph speed pability by 2022. Newport, said: “It must be a great house or investment plan, it’s even more important to take expert advice regarding your Will. A249 inquiry Appeal after gunshots WI’s speaker Cannabis ‘for pain relief’ If you don’t have a Will – now is the time to discuss A LONG-awaited public inquiry MADGINFORD Women’s Institute A MAIDSTONE man admitted end of the day to help him your wishes. If you have a Will – does it still reflect your DETECTIVES have launched an “Patrols, including firearms offi- into proposed plans by Highways will enjoy a talk about Yellowstone he smokes a joint a day after a sleep. He is reluctant to go to wishes and in a tax efficient way? investigation after gunshots were cers, attended the scene where England to build a flyover at the Park on March 12 when Chris Wade car crash six years ago left him the GP for painkillers because reportedly fired at a property in nobody had been injured. M2 junction with the A429 is now is the guest speaker. with back pain. they give him an upset stom- To review your current Will at no charge contact Maidstone. “An investigation to establish scheduled for April 28, 2020. The group, which is also finalis- Lisle Ronald Aylett (29), of ach.” Officers from the Kent and the full circumstances is under- us today. Stockbury villagers fear the ing its trip to Biggin Hill Museum, Week Street, was found with 2 The court heard Aylett had Essex Serious Crime Directorate way including forensic examina- Canterbury 01227 643266 £100m flyover will split the com- meets on the second Thursday of grams of cannabis whilst being nine previous convictions and are investigating a report that the tions at the scene and the review munity in two. With no bridge or the month at Madginford hall. De- arrested for an unrelated mat- was currently looking for work Maidstone 01622 69801 shots were fired at a house in of CCTV in the area.” underpass, Stockbury residents tailsfrom 01622 737500. ter. in the building trade. Massey Close, Tovil, at around Investigators are urging wit- Tenterden 01580 7675 say crossing the A429 to get from Vicky Hart, defending, said: Maidstone Magistrates Court 7.55pm on Sunday, February 16. nesses or anyone with any infor- one side of the village to the other, ”It was a very small amount of heard Aylett suffers from de- It is not clear how many or mation to call Kent Police on Gruffalo dates www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk could be dangerous. cannabis, worth about £10. He pression, anxiety and ADHD. what type of weapon might have 01622 604 100, quoting crime ref- Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in Stockbury Parish Council has THE Gruffalo is making a return to was involved in a crash about Aylett pleaded guilty to the been used, but police said a win- erence 46/30075/20, or to contact England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne been trying to get a meeting with Kent Life in March. The beast will six years ago which still causes possession of a class A drug dow was damaged by shots dis- Crimestoppers anonymously on be appearing on March 14 an 15. Go Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Kent County Council cabinet him to have back and arm pain. and was given a conditional the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279. member for Highways to discuss charged outside the premises. 0800 555111 or reporting online at to kentlife.org.uk/event/see-the- “He usually has a joint at the discharge and £106 fine. DM2019 the issue. A Kent Police spokesman said: www.crimestoppers-uk.org. gruffalo.

Maidstone East March 2020 5 News downsmail.co.uk Pub reassures over hall plans FOLLOWING much speculation Mr Balfour Lynn told the Downs over the future of the village hall, Mail: “The pub is the heart of the the new landlords of The Wind- community and the village hall is mill Inn in , re- an integral part of that. The com- cently met villagers to address munity is important to us. They are their concerns. our customers, and we intend that Plans for the pub, including the the village hall will continue to be creation of 12 bedrooms, were dis- used for community purposes.” cussed at the February 17 meeting. borough council- There are plans for five bed- lor Patrik Garten added: “The vil- rooms in the main building with lage hall is a pre-fab 1960s building an additional seven “pods”, each which, as it stands, is coming to the with a bedroom and bathroom, end of a useful life. The committee next to the village hall. can’t get funding or a grant to ren- Jousting at the castle The hall will benefit from some ovate as they don’t own the lease.” refurbishment and will be used by “The Windmill Inn was formerly LEEDS Castle is holding a “golden land, each with their own horse the pub for private functions. part of Enterprise Inns, who were- joust” tournament this spring. and precious armour. Landlord Richard Balfour-Lynn, bought last summer by Stonegate. The event will take place on May Points will be accumulated owner of winery Hush “Hush Heath have secured a 25- 23, 24 and 25, and tickets are in- across all three days, with the cup Heath, assured those assembled year lease from Stonegate, and be- cluded with the price of admission being awarded to the highest scor- that the community would con- come landlords of the village hall. to the castle grounds. ing team. Competing over three days for The tournament consists of four tinue to use the hall for a nominal Cllr Garten added: “All commu- the coveted Leeds Castle Interna- difficult events, each demonstrat- charge to cover expenses. nity activities directly related to the tional Cup, a team of five skilled ing strength and ability. Event booking, currently man- village will be free and at the end fighters from France will battle To book visit www.leeds- aged by the hall committee, will be of the meeting the overall feeling against five competitors from Eng- castle.com/Jousting. taken over by the pub in July. was very positive.”

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6 Maidstone East March 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus Over 55? Release tax free cash to help fund retirement Pub reassures THEN YOU COULD CONS IDER A RETIREMENT MORTGAGE OR EQUITY RELEASE RETIREMENT LENDING AND EQUITY THE ADVISER – Raise money for; RELEASE CAN BE IN SEVERAL FORMS, Andrew has a wealth • Home improvements TYPICALLY FROM 55 YEARS OF AGE of experience as an • Holiday of a lifetime over hall plans • Retirement mortgage - Similar to a independent mortgage • Gifting family members a traditional mortgage where you repay the adviser, he is friendly, deposit towards a home purchase FOLLOWING much speculation Mr Balfour Lynn told the Downs capital and interest or solely the interest professional and cares or funding school fees over the future of the village hall, Mail: “The pub is the heart of the keeping monthly payments low, main about his clients. • Repay an existing mortgage the new landlords of The Wind- community and the village hall is difference is there is typically no end date Over 90% of Andrew’s • Repay unsecured debt mill Inn in Hollingbourne, re- an integral part of that. The com- with the interest only option. clients are returning Andrew McCrossan • Money for everyday living cently met villagers to address munity is important to us. They are - This is the most customers or referrals, highlighting his attitude Other reasons can include to their concerns. our customers, and we intend that • Lifetime mortgage and long term relationships with clients. purchase a holiday home, estate Plans for the pub, including the the village hall will continue to be common type of equity release, where you planning, to fund long term care or creation of 12 bedrooms, were dis- used for community purposes.” have the option to repay the interest, make Andrew has been established since 2003 cussed at the February 17 meeting. North Downs borough council- overpayments or let the interest roll up and is one of the few mortgage advisers to to pay for private medical costs. There are plans for five bed- lor Patrik Garten added: “The vil- without making any payment. With many have the prestigious high level DipMAP rooms in the main building with lage hall is a pre-fab 1960s building flexible products you can initially take enough mortgage qualification. HOW DO WE DISCUSS THIS? – an additional seven “pods”, each which, as it stands, is coming to the money for your immediate needs with a Andrew is happy to carry out Andrew is a member of the with a bedroom and bathroom, end of a useful life. The committee drawdown facility for future use or to provide meetings at the Maidstone office, Equity Release Council, next to the village hall. can’t get funding or a grant to ren- a regular income. in the comfort of your own home, Jousting at the castle committed to t h e highest The hall will benefit from some ovate as they don’t own the lease.” • Home reversion 65+ - You raise money by phone or video call. To start standards o f ad v ic e and refurbishment and will be used by “The Windmill Inn was formerly LEEDS Castle is holding a “golden land, each with their own horse by selling all or part of your home while with please call to see if it is worth safeguarding. the pub for private functions. part of Enterprise Inns, who were- joust” tournament this spring. and precious armour. continuing to live in it, this is the least while arranging a meeting. Landlord Richard Balfour-Lynn, bought last summer by Stonegate. The event will take place on May Points will be accumulated common and rarely features in current owner of Staplehurst winery Hush “Hush Heath have secured a 25- 23, 24 and 25, and tickets are in- across all three days, with the cup equity release. T: 01622 826150 cluded with the price of admission being awarded to the highest scor- Heath, assured those assembled year lease from Stonegate, and be- Borrowing is typically repaid from the sale of [email protected] that the community would con- come landlords of the village hall. to the castle grounds. ing team. Competing over three days for The tournament consists of four your home when you die or move permanently www.equitylifeuk.com tinue to use the hall for a nominal Cllr Garten added: “All commu- the coveted Leeds Castle Interna- difficult events, each demonstrat- into residential care. charge to cover expenses. nity activities directly related to the The Old Library, St Faiths Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH tional Cup, a team of five skilled ing strength and ability. Event booking, currently man- village will be free and at the end fighters from France will battle To book visit www.leeds- Equity Life UK is Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd. New Leaf Distribution Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Number 460421 aged by the hall committee, will be of the meeting the overall feeling against five competitors from Eng- castle.com/Jousting. For retirement mortgages your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage taken over by the pub in July. was very positive.” MORTGAGE - EQUITY RELEASE – WILLS - ESTATE PLANNING - LIFE ASSURANCE - CRITICAL ILLNESS - INCOME PROTECTION

Maidstone East March 2020 7 News | Wendy Hinder downsmail.co.uk ‘Enthusiastic and relaxed’ Colleagues pay tribute DENNIS Fowle, president of Mail Publications, writes: “Now and again, experienced local journal- ists work to busy Deputy Mayor with an elected local councillor TRIBUTES have been paid to Maidstone’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Wendy they get to Hinder, who has died after a short illness. know well and respect She was taken ill at the end of ough Council and such a lovely as very spe- January with a suspected stroke, lady. So many of us have fond cial. but we understand she took a turn memories.” “Wendy for the worse after a further com- Cllr Hinder will always be re- Hinder most certainly was one of plication was discovered in recent membered for her plain-speaking no more than about a dozen in days. and forthright manner, especially my 70-year career. She passed away on February 15 on causes she chose to champion. “Wendy was a relaxed, cheer- with her family around her. Recently, she bitterly opposed ful councillor who quickly put ev- Cllr Hinder (77) was the Conser- the siting of two new schools on eryone at ease, but that did not vative member for and also hide her enthusiasm and deter- served on the local parish council the edge of the Kent Medical Cam- mination to become involved for two decades. She was married pus and directly next to the con- whenever necessary and investi- to Cllr Bob Hinder, also a parish troversial Cygnet mental hospital. gate to reach the real truth. and borough councillor for Boxley. She even successfully campaigned “Politically, she was Conserva- They had two sons, Andrew and to remove an “electric blue” fence tive and a keen supporter of her Mark. she felt was out of keeping. party. But her politics never Mayor Cllr Marion Ring said she In one of her final acts shortly seemed to intervene when she regarded Wendy as a “dear friend before her illness set in, she had was trying to help someone or who was dedicated to the commu- fighting what she saw as a justi- paved the way for Weavering nity and will be greatly missed”. fiable cause. Heath to attain “village green” sta- Conservative group leader John “I was delighted when she was tus, thus protecting it from future Perry said: “She was one of our appointed Deputy Mayor of development. most experienced and influential Maidstone, a worthy reward. Cllr Malcolm McKay, leader of councillors who did a huge Sadly, we shall be unable now to the Labour Group said: “It was in- amount in public life. Cllr Martin Round, borough enjoy from May her mayoral credibly sad to hear the news of year and nor will her devoted “She was incredibly hard- councillor for , said: “To working and you’d never be in any a dear friend, Bob Hinder, so Wendy’s passing. She was a very councillor husband, Bob. Very kind and lovely lady who will be sad indeed.” doubt how she felt on an issue. She many of us give you the deepest was a real doer. “Wendy was al- sympathy and support at this truly greatly missed. Our thoughts and ways very kind to me and I know sad time. Wendy was probably condolences are with Bob and all ‘Sadly missed’ that I and a great many others will one of the most active and busy of the family.” CLLR Eddie Powell, leader of the miss her very, very much.” deputy mayors at Maidstone Bor- Boxley Parish Council, page 22 Independent Maidstone group, said: “I was so sorry to hear the tragic news about Wendy. “She was extremely helpful and totally dedicated to support- Comment: A people’s politician ing everybody in the community and I know she will be greatly IF ONLY there were more it came to campaigning – the Although she failed to stop ei- missed. Wendy Hinders in this world. people's side, usually. ther development, there was “You truly couldn’t wish to Wendy devoted two decades She was driven by a sense of one small victory – tearing meet a nicer couple, who always to the parish she loved and service to the public good. down a ghastly blue fence sym- made me feel so welcome – my cared for and 16 years to the bor- Wendy missed nothing. Sharp, bolic of the developer's appar- heart-felt condolences go to Bob ough council, lately as an effec- incisive, nobody's fool. ent disregard for local feeling. and all the family.” tive and hard-working Deputy Wendy appears to have been Recently, Wendy was part of Mayor. proven right about her intuitive the group which secured village ‘Devastating’ Kind and considerate, she in- opposition to the siting of the green status for Weavering CLLR Martin Cox, leader of the stantly read the public mood Cygnet mental hospital near Heath, protecting it from hous- Liberal Democrat-led council, and instinctively tapped into Bearsted, now being borne out ing development. said: “This is such devastating people’s concerns. by troubling events there. She also had her sights set news for Bob, his family, friends This was because, ultimately, She categorically rejected the firmly on another potential and Maidstone Borough Council. she was one of us. notion of placing primary and building scheme on the “We will only begin to realise Not a career politician or a special needs schools next door Bearsted Road roundabout. how much she will be truly grandstanding egotist – just one to Cygnet on a cheaply-acquired The list is long and littered missed as we talk to all those of the common herd who used strip of land meant to be set with notable successes and people whose lives she helped her voice to articulate her elec- aside as a nature reserve and some heroic failures. and made a difference to. tors’ hopes and fears. when Government expediency Most of all, Wendy Hinder “Our thoughts and prayers are Wendy was a Conservative by trampled all over common was a doer. And she liked to get with the family at this sad time.” party but, in truth, it was hard to sense. She felt it was wrong and things done. tell which side she was on when said so. Simon Finlay, editor

8 Maidstone East March 2020 News | Wendy Hinder downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus ‘Enthusiastic and relaxed’ Colleagues pay tribute DENNIS Fowle, president of Mail Publications, writes: “Now and again, experienced local journal- ists work to busy Deputy Mayor with an elected local councillor TRIBUTES have been paid to Maidstone’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Wendy they get to Hinder, who has died after a short illness. know well and respect She was taken ill at the end of ough Council and such a lovely as very spe- January with a suspected stroke, lady. So many of us have fond cial. but we understand she took a turn memories.” “Wendy for the worse after a further com- Cllr Hinder will always be re- Hinder most certainly was one of plication was discovered in recent membered for her plain-speaking no more than about a dozen in days. and forthright manner, especially my 70-year career. She passed away on February 15 on causes she chose to champion. “Wendy was a relaxed, cheer- with her family around her. Recently, she bitterly opposed ful councillor who quickly put ev- Cllr Hinder (77) was the Conser- the siting of two new schools on eryone at ease, but that did not vative member for Boxley and also hide her enthusiasm and deter- served on the local parish council the edge of the Kent Medical Cam- mination to become involved for two decades. She was married pus and directly next to the con- whenever necessary and investi- to Cllr Bob Hinder, also a parish troversial Cygnet mental hospital. gate to reach the real truth. and borough councillor for Boxley. She even successfully campaigned “Politically, she was Conserva- They had two sons, Andrew and to remove an “electric blue” fence tive and a keen supporter of her Mark. she felt was out of keeping. party. But her politics never Mayor Cllr Marion Ring said she In one of her final acts shortly seemed to intervene when she regarded Wendy as a “dear friend before her illness set in, she had was trying to help someone or who was dedicated to the commu- fighting what she saw as a justi- paved the way for Weavering nity and will be greatly missed”. fiable cause. Heath to attain “village green” sta- Conservative group leader John “I was delighted when she was tus, thus protecting it from future Perry said: “She was one of our appointed Deputy Mayor of development. most experienced and influential Maidstone, a worthy reward. Cllr Malcolm McKay, leader of councillors who did a huge Sadly, we shall be unable now to the Labour Group said: “It was in- amount in public life. Cllr Martin Round, borough enjoy from May her mayoral credibly sad to hear the news of year and nor will her devoted “She was incredibly hard- councillor for Headcorn, said: “To working and you’d never be in any a dear friend, Bob Hinder, so Wendy’s passing. She was a very councillor husband, Bob. Very kind and lovely lady who will be sad indeed.” doubt how she felt on an issue. She many of us give you the deepest was a real doer. “Wendy was al- sympathy and support at this truly greatly missed. Our thoughts and ways very kind to me and I know sad time. Wendy was probably condolences are with Bob and all ‘Sadly missed’ that I and a great many others will one of the most active and busy of the family.” CLLR Eddie Powell, leader of the miss her very, very much.” deputy mayors at Maidstone Bor- Boxley Parish Council, page 22 Independent Maidstone group, said: “I was so sorry to hear the tragic news about Wendy. “She was extremely helpful and totally dedicated to support- Comment: A people’s politician ing everybody in the community and I know she will be greatly IF ONLY there were more it came to campaigning – the Although she failed to stop ei- missed. Wendy Hinders in this world. people's side, usually. ther development, there was “You truly couldn’t wish to Wendy devoted two decades She was driven by a sense of one small victory – tearing meet a nicer couple, who always to the parish she loved and service to the public good. down a ghastly blue fence sym- made me feel so welcome – my cared for and 16 years to the bor- Wendy missed nothing. Sharp, bolic of the developer's appar- heart-felt condolences go to Bob ough council, lately as an effec- incisive, nobody's fool. ent disregard for local feeling. and all the family.” tive and hard-working Deputy Wendy appears to have been Recently, Wendy was part of Mayor. proven right about her intuitive the group which secured village ‘Devastating’ Kind and considerate, she in- opposition to the siting of the green status for Weavering CLLR Martin Cox, leader of the stantly read the public mood Cygnet mental hospital near Heath, protecting it from hous- Liberal Democrat-led council, and instinctively tapped into Bearsted, now being borne out ing development. said: “This is such devastating people’s concerns. by troubling events there. She also had her sights set news for Bob, his family, friends This was because, ultimately, She categorically rejected the firmly on another potential and Maidstone Borough Council. she was one of us. notion of placing primary and building scheme on the “We will only begin to realise Not a career politician or a special needs schools next door Bearsted Road roundabout. how much she will be truly grandstanding egotist – just one to Cygnet on a cheaply-acquired The list is long and littered missed as we talk to all those of the common herd who used strip of land meant to be set with notable successes and people whose lives she helped her voice to articulate her elec- aside as a nature reserve and some heroic failures. and made a difference to. tors’ hopes and fears. when Government expediency Most of all, Wendy Hinder “Our thoughts and prayers are Wendy was a Conservative by trampled all over common was a doer. And she liked to get with the family at this sad time.” party but, in truth, it was hard to sense. She felt it was wrong and things done. tell which side she was on when said so. Simon Finlay, editor

Maidstone East March 2020 9 News downsmail.co.uk History event MAIDSTONE Museum is hosting a local history day. Concerns as insects Meet history groups and dis- cover more about your area. Naomi Dickins will talk on the history of witchcraft in Kent. The fail to make a splat talk starts at 10.30am and tickets INSECT life in Kent is showing a are £5. For more information visit massive decline and it has conser- www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk. vationists worried. While some might welcome Plan big day fewer bugs, especially in the sum- mer months, wildlife experts warn A WEDDING show is coming to of catastrophic consequences. Maidstone. Insects comprise a huge part of Hen planners, venue stylists, the lower end of the food chain florists and jewellers will attend upon which other supporting Village Hotel Club on Sunday, species depend and are responsi- March 15 to help visitors. The ble for pollinating many foods. event is free and will run from Entire eco-systems are in danger fewer bugs. Fly-fishing clubs, have and the countryside we can help 10.30am to 2.30pm. There is no of collapse, say experts. been warning of steep declines in stop the decline.” need to book. Maidstone-based Kent Wildlife the number of ephemerids, such as Leeds-based conservationist Theo Trust used the ‘splatometer’ the mayfly, for decades. McCausland said: “When you method of recording the number of Agricultural chemicals, water ex- build houses and habitats are gone, Drugs arrest insects, by counting the number of traction, wash-off from roads and they're gone forever. A MAIDSTONE man was arrested ‘splats’ left on a number plate. motorways and climate shifts are “And when you see beehives Last year, people were asked to all thought to feed into the causes being shipped in to pollinate the after drugs, phones and cash were record the number of insects of fewer hatches of water-borne fly. apple orchards around here, you seized in the town centre. squashed against their number The trust reports: “The Wildlife know there's a problem. Kent Police confiscated the Class plates and this was compared to a Trusts around the UK are calling “But it’s not always terminal, be- A drugs following a stop and similar survey conducted in 2004 for action to reverse the decline. cause insects can regenerate search on Sunday, February 19. by the Royal Society for the Protec- “By reducing our use of pesti- quickly. If everyone sets aside a bit One male was held for possession tion of Birds (RSPB). cides and creating more insect- of garden to grow wild, for in- that with intent to supply class A drugs. This showed there were 50% friendly habitats in towns, cities stance, we can make a difference.” Slimming World COUNTY COBBLER fling!Slimmingthat World Shoe Repairs - Key Cutting Just moved? Need spare keys? We are here to help! DISCOUNTS on multiple BOUGHTONfling! MONCHELSEA key orders COMPETITIVELY priced PARKWOOD – Village Hall Maidstone Church Street Tree Tops Primary School Saturday 8am Brishing Lane • Gifts engraved by our engraving specialists Genna 07926 914021 Thursday 5.30pm & - jewellery, pens & Zippo's etc. Zippo fuel KEYS* BOUGHTON 7.30pm Yale type £5 MONCHELSEA Rachel 07590 118621 & flints available. 2 for £7.50 Boughton Monchelsea STAPLEHURST • Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced Social Club Staplehurst Primary 3 for £10!!! 86 Church Street School, • We specialise in men’s We also cut Wednesday 5.30pm & Gybbon Rise leather soles stitched on. 7.30pm Mortice, Wednesday 5.30pm & Chubb Thursday 9.30am 7.30pm • We can replace ZIPS on Genna 07926 914021 Ray 07747 114511 premises within 24 hours. Security & GROVE GREEN - TOVIL – Maidstone most car keys Bearsted Cornwallis Suite, • NEW SPECIALISED key cutting – i.e. St John’s CEP School, Masonic Centre tubular multi-lock security *from the same key Provender Way Courtenay Road Wednesday 7.30pm Wednesday 9.30am & • MOST car keys cut Julie 07770 937425 11.30am Engraving Service – we can also Prompt Sue 07724 185071 • Mercure Great Danes Hotel, VINTERS PARK – supply trophies & tankards While U Wait Hollingbourne Maidstone • Zippo Lighters service slimmingworld.co.uk Tuesday 5.30 pm & Vinters Park Community 7.30pm Centre • We can now copy electronic fobs available 0344 897 8000 Ray 07747 114511 Aldon Close / MAIDSTONE Hampton Road www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs slimmingworld.co.uk St. Martin’s Church Hall, Thursday 5.30pm & Northumberland Road 7.30pm 0344 897 8000 Tuesday 3.30pm & Julie 07770 937425 370, DukesWalk, The Mall 5.30pm & 7.30pm Sue 07724 185071 (Near Pizza Hut) • 01622 297600

10 Maidstone East March 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News History event MAIDSTONE Museum is hosting Cancer can’t stop a local history day. Concerns as insects MEMBERSHIPS Meet history groups and dis- cover more about your area. runner Victoria AVAILABLE FROM £350 Naomi Dickins will talk on the history of witchcraft in Kent. The fail to make a splat BEARSTED woman Victoria Mc- AFFORDABLE GOLF AT ‘THE BEST talk starts at 10.30am and tickets INSECT life in Kent is showing a Carthy has signed up to run a half NINE-HOLE COURSE IN ENGLAND’ are £5. For more information visit massive decline and it has conser- marathon in London in October. www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk. vationists worried. Nothing strange in that, you Complimentary 30 minute lesson or While some might welcome might think, until you understand £30 Pro shop voucher for new members Plan big day fewer bugs, especially in the sum- that this inspiring 50-year-old has mer months, wildlife experts warn twice been diagnosed with cancer. A WEDDING show is coming to of catastrophic consequences. The second diagnosis last Au- Maidstone. Insects comprise a huge part of gust, following surgery at East Hen planners, venue stylists, the lower end of the food chain Grinstead to remove a rare cancer florists and jewellers will attend upon which other supporting in her salivary gland, Victoria says Village Hotel Club on Sunday, species depend and are responsi- of the 13.1-mile run: “I was looking March 15 to help visitors. The ble for pollinating many foods. for a challenge!” event is free and will run from Entire eco-systems are in danger fewer bugs. Fly-fishing clubs, have and the countryside we can help Living with cancer, not dying of 10.30am to 2.30pm. There is no of collapse, say experts. been warning of steep declines in stop the decline.” the disease has been her mantra since being told the breast cancer need to book. Maidstone-based Kent Wildlife the number of ephemerids, such as Leeds-based conservationist Theo Trust used the ‘splatometer’ the mayfly, for decades. McCausland said: “When you she noticed last summer while method of recording the number of Agricultural chemicals, water ex- build houses and habitats are gone, showering on holiday in Spain has Now a liated to no current cure. Drugs arrest insects, by counting the number of traction, wash-off from roads and they're gone forever. England Golf and ‘splats’ left on a number plate. motorways and climate shifts are “And when you see beehives She said: “I understand a lot of A MAIDSTONE man was arrested the KGU and Last year, people were asked to all thought to feed into the causes being shipped in to pollinate the people would want to crawl under after drugs, phones and cash were operatingWhen O cialyou On takeaway record the number of insects of fewer hatches of water-borne fly. apple orchards around here, you a duvet and not come out.” seized in the town centre. squashed against their number The trust reports: “The Wildlife know there's a problem. In fact, after returning from hos- 20%CONGUo Handicaps.rder online 15% until the end of Kent Police confiscated the Class Trusts around the UK are calling “But it’s not always terminal, be- pital she told her partner Ray plates and this was compared to a DiscountJoin now, using visit code JAN20 Discount March 2020 A drugs following a stop and similar survey conducted in 2004 for action to reverse the decline. cause insects can regenerate Davies: “I need to take a walk.” Availableleeds-castle.com/golf for collection only On presentation of this advertisement search on Sunday, February 19. by the Royal Society for the Protec- “By reducing our use of pesti- quickly. If everyone sets aside a bit She got as far as the White Horse tion “feeling like I was lying in a One male was held for possession tion of Birds (RSPB). cides and creating more insect- of garden to grow wild, for in- pub opposite and ordered two bath of sweat and I cried for two Please mention this advert when making a booking. *Excludes Bank holidays. Terms & conditions apply. with intent to supply class A drugs. This showed there were 50% friendly habitats in towns, cities stance, we can make a difference.” martini cocktails and a bowl of weeks”. nuts, and got no further. But, surrounded by good friends She said: “It was such a shock. I at home and in Spain, the Cardiff really couldn’t believe that after girl says research is allowing her to five years clear, I was back on the stay well on just two tablets a day,29724 LC Golf 2020 86x121 AW.indd 1Looking for a Pre-school 17/02/2020 09:45 hamster wheel of appointments. thanks to reminders from Alexa. that goes the extra mile? This cancer had also spread to my Victoria is now training for her rib, so there was no going back.” first half-marathon for Breast Can- Victoria learned the medication cer Now. Looking for a Pre-school she needs to hold her condition at To sponsor Victoria, go to her bay meant being post-menopausal. Just Giving Page and key in Victo- with extended hours? She remembers after her first injec- ria McCarthy6.

The nursery is situated in the hub Pollution level warning of Grove Green and is located in the large spacious Grove Green AIR pollution in Maidstone is so Community Hall. bad it exceeds World Health Or- ganisation (WHO) guidelines. Residents in the borough now The nursery is open term time only live in the fourth most polluted and welcomes children aged 2 area in the county with a particu- years to school age. late reading of 10.1 micrograms per metre. The WHO pegs the dangerous Fledgelings Nursery were awarded an Ofsted level above 10. Dartford topped the Kent list grading of Good in all areas. with a reading of 11.6 followed by Medway with 11.5, according to figures compiled by the British For more information Heart Foundation. please call Alison on 07783 573885 Traffic build ups caused by the Green Party activist Stuart Jef- housing explosion in the borough fery said: "Pollution can affect any part of the body in terms of how it will have contributed to the rising Fledgelings Nursery, Grove Green Community Hall, pollution levels. causes the damage, so they are Across Kent, 936,000 people are particularly toxic. They're invisible, Penhurst Close, Grove Green, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5BT exposed to dangerous levels of air they don't smell at all and we e-mail:fl[email protected] pollution. don't know they're there." www.fledgelingsnursery.com

Maidstone East March 2020 11 News downsmail.co.uk Sex assaults claim at club Homes group told to TWO women were sexually as- saulted at a nightclub in Maidstone A man is alleged to have com- mitted the offences at Fever & Bou- sort fire safety risks tique in Bank Street, between 1.30am and 3am on Sunday, February 9. MAIDSTONE'S biggest social housing provider, Golding Homes, has A 24-year-old man from Canter- been served a regulatory notice for “high risk” electrical failings. bury was arrested the same day in connection with the incidents. The landlord did not complete of serious harm is demonstrated He has been bailed to return to a more than 100 actions arising because of the large number of police station on February 28. from fire risk assessments, with tenants potentially exposed to Kent Police are urging witnesses the work left undone for a “num- danger from fire or faulty electri- or anybody with information that ber of months”. cal installations over a significant may assist their investigation to Golding Homes, which owns period of time.” call the appeal line on 01622 604 and manages around 7,000 Golding Homes’ current top 100, quoting crime reference dwellings, identified a large num- governance rating is now under 46/24999/20. ber of “potentially dangerous” review because of the breach, but overdue actions, says the Regula- the RSH said it will work with the tor of Social Housing (RSH). association to address issues Choral date The RSH said the failings could going forward. BEARSTED Choral Society, the cause serious and detrimental Chris Cheeseman, pictured, popular four-part amateur choir, harm to tenants and breach the chairman of Golding Homes, will present their spring concert at Home Standard, which requires said: “We wish to apologise to our The Friars, Aylesford on Saturday social landlords to meet all “statu- residents and reassure them that March 28. safety non-compliance, princi- tory requirements which provide their safety remains our top pri- Directed byAndrew Lowen, the pally in respect of the fire and for the health and safety of ten- ority, now and always, and we choir will perform Stabat Mater, electrical safety, of some of their the 2008 piece by Welsh composer ants in their homes”. homes. will be working to deliver on our Karl Jenkins. Maidstone Borough Council's “Their chair has assured the action plan as swiftly as possible. The piece incorporates tradi- head of regeneration, William council that they are working “We have completed fire risk tional Western music with ethnic Cornall, wrote to key MBC per- swiftly through an action plan to assessments for all the blocks that instruments and vocals. Tickets sonnel to say: “We have been ad- remedy the situation, and our two require them and are committed cost £10 on the door or online at vised by the chairman of Golding organisations will remain in reg- to addressing the priority fire ac- www.bearstedchoral.org.uk. Homes that they have received a ular contact on the matter.” tions by the end of March. We can regulatory notice from the RSH in The RSH notice said: “The reg- confirm none of the outstanding Claims rise respect of areas of health and ulator has concluded that the risk actions are related to cladding.” UNEMPLOYMENT figures in Kent have risen for the 18th con- KCC vows to secutive month, with benefit claimants soaring by more than work with EU 7,000 in the last 12 months. While Medway had the largest KENT County Council has vowed increase, Maidstone saw 100 more to strengthen and build its rela- people claiming than in December tionships with our near Continen- 2019, and a rise of 880 since Jan- tal neighbours now Britain has left uary 2019. the European Union. The Office of National Statistics The authority has firm ties with says there are various reasons why French and Belgian local govern- benefit claims fluctuate. ment counterparts. A spokesman said: “As the uni- As the gateway to Europe, the versal credit full service is rolled M20 corridor will feel the full ef- out the number of people on the fects of withdrawal from the EU claimant count is likely to rise.” when the transition period ends at Mela back at the Mote the start of 2021. MAIDSTONE Mela will return to ganisers Cohesion Plus, said: “The Conservative KCC leader Roger Cars at castle Mote Park this summer. first Mela took place in Mote Park Gough said: “I was pleased to wel- MOTORS by the Moat returns to The celebration of music and in 2003 and it remained there come representatives from our Leeds Castle on May 9-10. dance from around the world has until 2015. neighbouring authorities to Vintage, high-performance and been based at Whatman Park for The last five years have been County Hall in October for our Eu- classic cars return to the grounds the last three years. tough, but we have persevered ropean Regional Summit, days with rare, limited editions, modi- The festival was thrown into and the feedback from those who after becoming leader of the coun- fied, kit and American cars. grave doubt after Maidstone Bor- attended on the whole was to cil. We agree that we need to work International stunt driver Terry ough Council withdrew vital fund- take it back to Mote Park. together while no longer within the Grant will show some of his world ing from the project. But after “Now that we have accom- common framework of the EU and record stunts and the DJR Jet Ski public pressure, MBC decided or- plished this, all that remains is to the Single Market. team will perform on the castle ganisers would be given a grant raise the balance of the funds.” “I will continue to give a high moat. A WWII military section will for £5,000 per annum for three The Maidstone Mela is on Sun- level of importance to maintaining commemorate the 75th anniver- years. Gurvinder Sandher, of or- day, September 13. and developing those relation- sary of VE Day. ships.”

12 Maidstone East March 2020 News downsmail.co.uk Sex assaults claim at club Homes group told to TWO women were sexually as- saulted at a nightclub in Maidstone A man is alleged to have com- TRANSFORM YOUR HOME mitted the offences at Fever & Bou- sort fire safety risks tique in Bank Street, between with a conservatory that’s usable all year round 1.30am and 3am on Sunday, February 9. MAIDSTONE'S biggest social housing provider, Golding Homes, has A 24-year-old man from Canter- been served a regulatory notice for “high risk” electrical failings. bury was arrested the same day in connection with the incidents. The landlord did not complete of serious harm is demonstrated He has been bailed to return to a more than 100 actions arising because of the large number of police station on February 28. from fire risk assessments, with tenants potentially exposed to Kent Police are urging witnesses the work left undone for a “num- danger from fire or faulty electri- or anybody with information that ber of months”. cal installations over a significant may assist their investigation to Golding Homes, which owns period of time.” call the appeal line on 01622 604 and manages around 7,000 Golding Homes’ current top 100, quoting crime reference dwellings, identified a large num- governance rating is now under We provide: 46/24999/20. ber of “potentially dangerous” review because of the breach, but overdue actions, says the Regula- the RSH said it will work with the Choral date tor of Social Housing (RSH). association to address issues The RSH said the failings could going forward. Windows BEARSTED Choral Society, the cause serious and detrimental Chris Cheeseman, pictured, popular four-part amateur choir, harm to tenants and breach the chairman of Golding Homes, will present their spring concert at Home Standard, which requires said: “We wish to apologise to our The Friars, Aylesford on Saturday social landlords to meet all “statu- residents and reassure them that March 28. safety non-compliance, princi- Fascias Soffits tory requirements which provide their safety remains our top pri- Directed byAndrew Lowen, the pally in respect of the fire and for the health and safety of ten- ority, now and always, and we choir will perform Stabat Mater, electrical safety, of some of their the 2008 piece by Welsh composer ants in their homes”. homes. will be working to deliver on our & Guttering Karl Jenkins. Maidstone Borough Council's “Their chair has assured the action plan as swiftly as possible. The piece incorporates tradi- head of regeneration, William council that they are working “We have completed fire risk tional Western music with ethnic Cornall, wrote to key MBC per- swiftly through an action plan to assessments for all the blocks that instruments and vocals. Tickets sonnel to say: “We have been ad- remedy the situation, and our two require them and are committed Doors cost £10 on the door or online at vised by the chairman of Golding organisations will remain in reg- to addressing the priority fire ac- www.bearstedchoral.org.uk. Homes that they have received a ular contact on the matter.” tions by the end of March. We can regulatory notice from the RSH in The RSH notice said: “The reg- confirm none of the outstanding Claims rise respect of areas of health and ulator has concluded that the risk actions are related to cladding.” Conservatories & UNEMPLOYMENT figures in Kent have risen for the 18th con- KCC vows to Lightweight Tiled Roofs secutive month, with benefit claimants soaring by more than work with EU 7,000 in the last 12 months. While Medway had the largest KENT County Council has vowed Imprinted Concrete increase, Maidstone saw 100 more to strengthen and build its rela- people claiming than in December tionships with our near Continen- 2019, and a rise of 880 since Jan- tal neighbours now Britain has left uary 2019. the European Union. The Office of National Statistics The authority has firm ties with says there are various reasons why French and Belgian local govern- benefit claims fluctuate. ment counterparts. A spokesman said: “As the uni- As the gateway to Europe, the Contact us today for a free versal credit full service is rolled M20 corridor will feel the full ef- out the number of people on the fects of withdrawal from the EU quote or for more information claimant count is likely to rise.” when the transition period ends at Mela back at the Mote the start of 2021. on our products. MAIDSTONE Mela will return to ganisers Cohesion Plus, said: “The Conservative KCC leader Roger Cars at castle Mote Park this summer. first Mela took place in Mote Park Gough said: “I was pleased to wel- MOTORS by the Moat returns to The celebration of music and in 2003 and it remained there come representatives from our Quality Products Leeds Castle on May 9-10. dance from around the world has until 2015. neighbouring authorities to Vintage, high-performance and been based at Whatman Park for The last five years have been County Hall in October for our Eu- Outstanding Service classic cars return to the grounds the last three years. tough, but we have persevered ropean Regional Summit, days 01622 435644 with rare, limited editions, modi- The festival was thrown into and the feedback from those who after becoming leader of the coun- 5 Star Google Reviews fied, kit and American cars. grave doubt after Maidstone Bor- attended on the whole was to cil. We agree that we need to work International stunt driver Terry ough Council withdrew vital fund- take it back to Mote Park. together while no longer within the Family run business with Grant will show some of his world ing from the project. But after “Now that we have accom- common framework of the EU and [email protected] 20 years’ experience record stunts and the DJR Jet Ski public pressure, MBC decided or- plished this, all that remains is to the Single Market. team will perform on the castle ganisers would be given a grant raise the balance of the funds.” “I will continue to give a high moat. A WWII military section will for £5,000 per annum for three The Maidstone Mela is on Sun- level of importance to maintaining Maidstone, Kent commemorate the 75th anniver- years. Gurvinder Sandher, of or- day, September 13. and developing those relation- sary of VE Day. ships.” *10 years insurance backed guarantee

Maidstone East March 2020 13 News downsmail.co.uk Palace’s future in balance THE Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone could be turned into a boutique hotel, Downs Mail has learnt. The idea was one option once Cllr Eddie Powell said: “It seems the Maidstone Borough Council reclaims elected members are not being con- the site from Kent County Council sulted as we should. It seems the offi- next year. cers run the show, not the elected Already, the authority has commis- members.” sioned a firm of London architects to Members were told by MBC on come up with a set of proposals, one January 27: “The brief for the study of which would be a swish, modern asked that the Palace be considered in hotel overlooking the River Medway, its local context, including All Saints’ possibly in the style of Malmaison. Church and the Carriage Museum, Other options are to exploit its fea- with a view to ensuring that these as- tures for weddings, offices or a con- sets can be integrated with each other ference and training centre. and the town centre.” The 13th century grade one listed Last year, Cllr Clive English (pictured), building, currently let as Kent County chairman of the planning committee, Council’s registry office, will revert to said: “My view is the venue as a place for MBC in 2021. The site takes in the been broken, but do not offer any ex- £25,000, so the information has not weddings is a runaway success and de- palace, All Saints’ Church and the planation as to how they came to their been published. Notwithstanding, mand is growing - so why re-invent the Carriage Museum. Innes Associates decision. the council’s commitment to open wheel.?” was chosen, but Liberal Democrat-led The authority has faced accusations government, it would not be a good The council sparked a furore last MBC has refused to disclose how of being “officer-led” rather than use of taxpayers’ money to publish year when the authority promoted a many bidders were invited to tender being run by the democratically- details of every transaction that it un- plan to tear down the War Memorial or how much the firm will be paid. elected members. A statement said: dertakes, therefore the council has set at the Broadway to make way for 14- MBC officers claim no rules have “…this contract was worth less than a cut-off point.” storey block of flats. Retirement Young carers ‘need more support’ village work TWO thirds of Kent schoolchildren who schoolteachers about their caring re- FUTURE residents of Ledian are the main person looking after a sick sponsibilities because they may be em- Gardens were on site to see or disabled parent may not be getting barrassed, or simply don’t know that building commence on the the support they need. they can get extra help. later living community they Lib Dem Councillor Trudy Dean will be “Young carers often have time off will move into next year. proposing an additional £250,000 to school, and have difficulty finding time KCC’s budget to train teachers to spot for homework, or after school activities. The site in Leeds will con- young carers, and then provide the “The illness of their parent may also sist of 116 one-and two-bed- youngsters with support and advice. mean that there is less money coming room homes for over 65s, with Cllr Dean said: “We know of 8,500 into the family. These things can lead to a village centre, including a children in Kent who are young carers. less success at school and in later life. swimming pool, spa, gym, But the charity Carers First has advised “These children deserve every support restaurant and shop. that the numbers are likely to be much we can give them so they can enjoy David and Sonja Hoxey and higher, possibly as many as 30,000. school and time with their own friends Robert and Maria Hunsperger “Children often do not tell their too.” from Bearsted, along with Brian Massey and Jasmine Letchford, from Loose, are among those who have al- ready reserved apartments in Police appeal after car thefts the village off-plan. DETECTIVES are investigating They joined Inspired Vil- During the incident a woman The Honda Jazz was found lages’ chief executive, Jamie two reported car thefts in Maid- was robbed of a black Audi TT by abandoned in a field in Stile- Bunce, in watching work get stone. an unknown man. bridge Lane later on January 25. underway in Upper Street. At around 10.30am on Wednes- The victim reported being fol- Police are keen to obtain dash Mr Hoxey said: “We already day, January 22, a woman is re- lowed by an orange Honda Jazz cam that captures either of the ve- lead very active lives and this ported to have been robbed of her while she travelled in Plain Road hicles being driven in the Plain community offers everything car keys by an unknown man and Albion Road, Marden, before Road and Albion Road area of we are looking for in order to while she walked in a hotel car the offence took place. Marden between midday and make the most of our later park in Ashford Road, Bearsted. No serious injuries were sus- 1pm on January 25. years, along with new friends An orange Honda Jazz was also tained from either incident. Anyone with information is and excellent facilities.” stolen. About 30 minutes after the Audi asked to call on 01622 604100 At the ground-breaking, Mr The second offence is reported TT was stolen, it was involved in a quoting 46/15584/20. Hoxey, joked: “I wasn’t ex- to have taken place in the Bluebell collision with a police car in Lin- You can also contact the inde- pecting to be digging the Drive/ Campion Way area of Mar- ton Hill. The occupants of the car pendent charity Crimestoppers foundations myself.” den at around 1pm on Saturday, ran off and enquiries to locate anonymously by calling 0800 555 January 25. them are ongoing. 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.

14 Maidstone East March 2020 News downsmail.co.uk

No obligation advice at your convenience Make a Will Access to exclusive rates not available on the High Street Palace’s future in balance 2020 Jenny Whittle THE Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone could be turned into a boutique hotel, Downs Mail has Make your Will learnt. Mortgage Advice The idea was one option once Cllr Eddie Powell said: “It seems the Local mortgage and protection adviser this April and Maidstone Borough Council reclaims elected members are not being con- let your legacy the site from Kent County Council sulted as we should. It seems the offi- • First Time Buyers Friendly and next year. cers run the show, not the elected • Remortgages Reliable live on. Already, the authority has commis- members.” • Buy to let mortgages Service sioned a firm of London architects to Members were told by MBC on come up with a set of proposals, one January 27: “The brief for the study • Debt consolidation mortgages Making a Will protects your loved ones when you die, but nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK have not made of which would be a swish, modern asked that the Palace be considered in • Life Insurance one. A Will ensures that your wishes are carried out hotel overlooking the River Medway, its local context, including All Saints’ and that your money and possessions go to the people • Critical Illness / Income Protection and causes your care about. possibly in the style of Malmaison. Church and the Carriage Museum, • Building / Contents Cover If you need to update an existing Will or don’t know Other options are to exploit its fea- with a view to ensuring that these as- where to start with a new Will, why not arrange an appointment with one of our eight participating Solicitors tures for weddings, offices or a con- sets can be integrated with each other this April? You’ll be getting your affairs in order and ference and training centre. and the town centre.” For a no obligation chat, helping support our vital work at the same time. The 13th century grade one listed Last year, Cllr Clive English (pictured), please call me on 07855 767968 building, currently let as Kent County chairman of the planning committee, To book an appointment please call Council’s registry office, will revert to said: “My view is the venue as a place for [email protected] your chosen solicitor quoting ‘Heart of MBC in 2021. The site takes in the been broken, but do not offer any ex- £25,000, so the information has not weddings is a runaway success and de- Kent Hospice Make a Will month’. palace, All Saints’ Church and the planation as to how they came to their been published. Notwithstanding, mand is growing - so why re-invent the Argo Life and Legacy Gullands Solicitors Carriage Museum. Innes Associates decision. the council’s commitment to open wheel.?” 01622 843729 01622 678341 was chosen, but Liberal Democrat-led The authority has faced accusations government, it would not be a good The council sparked a furore last Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up ASB Law Manak Solicitors MBC has refused to disclose how of being “officer-led” rather than use of taxpayers’ money to publish year when the authority promoted a repayments on your mortgage. Some buy to let mortgages are 01622 656586 01474 324529 Daniel Francis Solicitors Morlings Solicitors many bidders were invited to tender being run by the democratically- details of every transaction that it un- plan to tear down the War Memorial not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 01622 669460 01622 673081 or how much the firm will be paid. elected members. A statement said: dertakes, therefore the council has set at the Broadway to make way for 14- EMD Law Whitehead Monckton 01580 890600 01622 698040 MBC officers claim no rules have “…this contract was worth less than a cut-off point.” storey block of flats. Jenny Whittle is an appointed representative of Openwork

Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial 01622 790195 [email protected] www.hokh.org Conduct Authority Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7PU Retirement Young carers ‘need more support’ village work TWO thirds of Kent schoolchildren who schoolteachers about their caring re- FUTURE residents of Ledian are the main person looking after a sick sponsibilities because they may be em- Gardens were on site to see or disabled parent may not be getting barrassed, or simply don’t know that building commence on the the support they need. they can get extra help. later living community they Lib Dem Councillor Trudy Dean will be “Young carers often have time off will move into next year. proposing an additional £250,000 to school, and have difficulty finding time KCC’s budget to train teachers to spot for homework, or after school activities. The site in Leeds will con- young carers, and then provide the “The illness of their parent may also sist of 116 one-and two-bed- youngsters with support and advice. mean that there is less money coming Our next event at Invicta Court room homes for over 65s, with Cllr Dean said: “We know of 8,500 into the family. These things can lead to a village centre, including a children in Kent who are young carers. less success at school and in later life. swimming pool, spa, gym, But the charity Carers First has advised “These children deserve every support Open weekend restaurant and shop. that the numbers are likely to be much we can give them so they can enjoy David and Sonja Hoxey and higher, possibly as many as 30,000. school and time with their own friends Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April 2020, 10am - 4pm Robert and Maria Hunsperger “Children often do not tell their too.” from Bearsted, along with Join us at Invicta Court and experience our beautiful new care home for Brian Massey and Jasmine yourself. Explore our stunning facilities and learn more about the superb Letchford, from Loose, are care and luxury lifestyle we will offer. among those who have al- ready reserved apartments in Police appeal after car thefts To find out more about living at Invicta Court, call us on the village off-plan. 01622 806256 or email [email protected] DETECTIVES are investigating They joined Inspired Vil- During the incident a woman The Honda Jazz was found lages’ chief executive, Jamie two reported car thefts in Maid- was robbed of a black Audi TT by abandoned in a field in Stile- Bunce, in watching work get stone. an unknown man. bridge Lane later on January 25. underway in Upper Street. At around 10.30am on Wednes- The victim reported being fol- Police are keen to obtain dash Mr Hoxey said: “We already day, January 22, a woman is re- lowed by an orange Honda Jazz cam that captures either of the ve- Marketing Suite lead very active lives and this ported to have been robbed of her while she travelled in Plain Road hicles being driven in the Plain now open community offers everything car keys by an unknown man and Albion Road, Marden, before Road and Albion Road area of Fulfilling lives we are looking for in order to while she walked in a hotel car the offence took place. Marden between midday and make the most of our later park in Ashford Road, Bearsted. No serious injuries were sus- 1pm on January 25. years, along with new friends An orange Honda Jazz was also tained from either incident. Anyone with information is and excellent facilities.” stolen. About 30 minutes after the Audi asked to call on 01622 604100 Invicta Court care home At the ground-breaking, Mr The second offence is reported TT was stolen, it was involved in a quoting 46/15584/20. to have taken place in the Bluebell collision with a police car in Lin- You can also contact the inde- Gidds Pond Way, Off Newnham Ct Way, Weavering ME14 5FY Hoxey, joked: “I wasn’t ex- (for SatNav use ME14 5FT - next to the KIMS Hospital) pecting to be digging the Drive/ Campion Way area of Mar- ton Hill. The occupants of the car pendent charity Crimestoppers foundations myself.” den at around 1pm on Saturday, ran off and enquiries to locate anonymously by calling 0800 555 careuk.com/invicta-court January 25. them are ongoing. 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.

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Maidstone East March 2020 17 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk Walk-out at call for sites meeting A SECRET meeting to discuss the council’s decision to delay its “call for sites” (CFS) exercise, which may see 28,000 homes built in the borough, descended into near chaos, we can reveal. Officers called members in to ex- claimed that it was “really danger- plain they needed time to work ous” to rule out any sites at this through the 330-plus submissions stage. for 550 plots of land in line for hous- Later, Cllr Springett asked the ing development and to find solu- planning officers how many units tions to infrastructure issues. had been submitted in the CFS. The Liberal Democrat-led author- She said: “I was told around ity is committed to 17,600 houses in 60,000. So, your policy is not to rule the Local Plan, passed in 2017, but a any of them out? If we’re not ruling review could bring another 10,500. them out, is the policy to put 60,000 Members agreed before Christ- units into the Local Plan?” mas to the Conservative opposition Conservatives Nick De Wig- leader John Perry's motion to call on gondene-Shepherd, Lottie Parfitt- Government to reconsider its housing policy, including its own included for consideration. Reid, pictured left, and Jonathan method of calculating housing plan for 5,000 homes in Lenham, in Conservative Bearsted councillor Purle walked out of the meeting. numbers and retain the right to a difficult position because he and Val Springett, pictured right, said: Cllr Purle said: “The Lib Dem dump unwanted or speculative sub- his party colleagues voted for the “If you live next to one of those sites, members are meant to be running missions. At the closed town hall resolution. your life has just become hell. Can this council but, in fact, this exercise meeting on February 5, Conserva- Now critics claim the officers we not please eliminate the obvious appears to show it is the officers to tive councillors demanded to know openly defy the elected leadership, no-nos …to give a little bit of peace be running it for them. why the agreement to weed out the leading to damaging claims the au- of mind for some people?” The Labour group leader Mal- unsuitable proposals was “ignored” thority is now “officer-led”. A senior planning officer replied: colm McKay said: “Councillors by the authority's unelected officers. Some members are concerned “The problem is that there aren’t asked repeatedly for the sites that It places the council’s Lib Dem that parishes will be blighted be- that many no-hopers.” have no prospect of being accepted leader Cllr Martin Cox, who has de- cause the “no-hope” and specula- The new officer in charge of the to be announced ASAP, but this fended and promoted the council's tive submissions continue to be Local Plan review, Philip Coyne, was rejected by officers.“ Traffic plan aims to get borough moving KENT County Council has carried costing the tax-payer an estimated out a series of consultation exer- £100,000 in legal costs to both par- cises designed to get traffic flowing ties. in the borough. If the Liberal Democrats lose The Conservative-run authority control of the borough council to announced the Maidstone Inte- the Conservatives at May’s elec- Save Our Heath Lands organiser Kate Hammond and MP Helen Whately grated Transport Package (MITP), tions, relations would probably be intended to reduce traffic conges- more friendly, say observers. tion, could be built in the next few Supporters of a Leeds to Langley Protesters sign petition years. relief road, as the first step to a Massive house-building by major ring road, would be hopeful THE campaign group opposing , especially in Maidstone Borough Council puts a that improved relations would 5,000 houses on Lenham Heath has places like Lenham Heath, Marden huge strain on the roads. hasten progress. launched a petition. and Langley. Liberal Democrat-run MBC KCC Cabinet Member for High- It follows a stormy meeting on l Not accept new house-building must deliver 17,600 homes in the ways and Transport Michael Payne January 25, when residents chal- levels that are unsustainable for the 2017 Local Plan. Although barely said: “To do nothing is realistically lenged the scheme’s "master devel- Borough of Maidstone. 7,000 have been delivered, virtu- not an option and our aim is to re- oper", Maidstone Borough Council. l Complete a full infrastructure as- ally no road improvements have duce congestion, provide addi- Campaigners from Save Our sessment before the Local Plan Re- been made. tional capacity, improve air quality Heath Lands hopes to garner at view and ensure all historical Another 10,000 plus homes may and deliver wider benefits to our least 6,500 signatures to be able to infrastructure issues are rectified be on track as MBC becomes a self- local businesses and communities.” advance the protest. across the borough before projects styled “master developer” as the If agreed, KCC proposes: The petition says: “We the under- commence. Local Plan is reviewed. l Phase one to start in May with signed request our Elected Repre- l Be transparent and engage Relations between the two au- work on the A20 Coldharbour sentatives in Maidstone Borough to: parish councils and local communi- thorities have not always been cor- roundabout; l Challenge and campaign against ties before any final decisions are dial. This newspaper revealed how l Phase two would start in the central Government’s house-build- made with regards to planning and MBC secretly took KCC to the summer on the A229 Loose Road; ing targets. new developments in the area." High Court in an attempt to win a l Phase three would be the Will- l Rethink the building of garden The petition can be found at judicial review over developer con- ington Street junction with the A20 communities. They are not an ap- www.saveourheathlands.co.uk/sign- tributions. Ashford Road in early 2021 and the propriate planning policy for the this-petition. MBC eventually backed down, A274 Sutton Road in spring 2022.

18 Maidstone East March 2020 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Housing | News Walk-out at call for sites meeting MP ‘out of loop on homes plan’ A SECRET meeting to discuss the council’s decision to delay its “call for sites” (CFS) exercise, MP HELEN Whately laid into the Lib Dem leadership of Maidstone Borough Council at a meet- which may see 28,000 homes built in the borough, descended into near chaos, we can reveal. ing about plans for 5,000 homes on Lenham Heath. Officers called members in to ex- claimed that it was “really danger- Mrs Whately, the member for on the heath, with a motorway the land, which is about 10% of the plain they needed time to work ous” to rule out any sites at this Faversham and Mid-Kent, told 300 junction and a high-speed rail stop. commercial value to a developer. through the 330-plus submissions stage. angry residents she was cut out of MBC’s plans were revealed as One landowner, John Arthur- for 550 plots of land in line for hous- Later, Cllr Springett asked the the loop in the early stages of the part of the “call for sites” last year, Boyd, who has a 50% stake in a ing development and to find solu- planning officers how many units scheme. It would normally be a where landowners put forward landholding of about 20 acres, told tions to infrastructure issues. had been submitted in the CFS. courtesy to keep affected members areas they believed could be suit- the meeting that he and the other The Liberal Democrat-led author- She said: “I was told around of parliament informed. able for development, as part of a owners were merely “custodians”. Instead, the MP learned about review of the 2017 Local Plan. He is opposed to selling his plot. ity is committed to 17,600 houses in 60,000. So, your policy is not to rule MBC’s decision to become a self- Mr Cornall said government was We have also learned that up to the Local Plan, passed in 2017, but a any of them out? If we’re not ruling styled “master developer” through demanding the council increased six key landowners may also be review could bring another 10,500. them out, is the policy to put 60,000 the local media. its annual delivery from 883 to unwilling to sell, raising the spec- Members agreed before Christ- units into the Local Plan?” Mrs Whately was on stage at 1,236, and that “garden commu- tre again of the land being taken mas to the Conservative opposition Conservatives Nick De Wig- Lenham community centre with nity” projects were identified by the through compulsory purchase. leader John Perry's motion to call on gondene-Shepherd, Lottie Parfitt- Lib Dem MBC leader Cllr Martin council’s executive as an effective Cllr Cox told the meeting that if Government to reconsider its housing policy, including its own included for consideration. Reid, pictured left, and Jonathan Cox, his deputy Cllr Fay Gooch, means of hitting targets and pro- deals could not be secured, the method of calculating housing plan for 5,000 homes in Lenham, in Conservative Bearsted councillor Purle walked out of the meeting. and director of regeneration and tecting land supply arrangements. council would have “backed off”. numbers and retain the right to a difficult position because he and Val Springett, pictured right, said: Cllr Purle said: “The Lib Dem place William Cornall, who will The meeting heard there were Cllr Cox said: “Not everybody is dump unwanted or speculative sub- his party colleagues voted for the “If you live next to one of those sites, members are meant to be running oversee the Lenham project. eight principal landowners, but Mr behind this, but we have very few missions. At the closed town hall resolution. your life has just become hell. Can this council but, in fact, this exercise Mr Cornall told the audience on Cornall admitted there were no options. We didn’t pick (Lenham meeting on February 5, Conserva- Now critics claim the officers we not please eliminate the obvious appears to show it is the officers to January 24 about the authority builds it, and infrastructure.” agreements in place to secure the Heath) and say ‘That’s where we tive councillors demanded to know openly defy the elected leadership, no-nos …to give a little bit of peace be running it for them. having to meet the housing targets She later said she was 100% op- land needed for the development. are going to cause havoc’.” why the agreement to weed out the leading to damaging claims the au- of mind for some people?” The Labour group leader Mal- set down by central government. posed to the development, which Downs Mail understands there His deputy, Cllr Gooch, said the unsuitable proposals was “ignored” thority is now “officer-led”. A senior planning officer replied: colm McKay said: “Councillors Mrs Whately said: “The MP is “feels like it’s gone on behind are more than 25 property owners government targets MBC had been by the authority's unelected officers. Some members are concerned “The problem is that there aren’t asked repeatedly for the sites that usually involved in consultation, closed doors”. in the footprint of the proposed set were “almost unachievable”. It places the council’s Lib Dem that parishes will be blighted be- that many no-hopers.” have no prospect of being accepted but the first time I saw this was in MBC leader Cllr Martin Cox and site, which borders Charing Heath Lenham Heath resident Mark leader Cllr Martin Cox, who has de- cause the “no-hope” and specula- The new officer in charge of the to be announced ASAP, but this the local media – that’s not the way top officers have been accused of on the edge of Ashford Borough Street said local people were fended and promoted the council's tive submissions continue to be Local Plan review, Philip Coyne, was rejected by officers.“ the process should work.” secrecy in attempts to secure land, Council. These have small but sig- shareholders in the council’s busi- She added: “I have heard a lot of using agents Barton Willmore, nificant holdings and there may be ness and public money must not blame levelled at government. The from the owners and using non- up to 150 householders, too. be spent in this way. council has choices it can make disclosure agreements. Landowners have been offered The meeting was organised by Traffic plan aims to about where housing goes, how it The council plans 5,000 houses 10 times the agricultural value of the Save Our Heath Lands group. get borough moving Housing rebels All eyes are now on Sevenoaks KENT County Council has carried costing the tax-payer an estimated have their say ALL eyes in the planning world out a series of consultation exer- £100,000 in legal costs to both par- MORE than 2,000 Downs Mail are on Sevenoaks District Council cises designed to get traffic flowing ties. readers have voted in our online (SDC) which has, effectively, re- in the borough. If the Liberal Democrats lose poll which asks if Maidstone Bor- fused to accept the Government’s The Conservative-run authority control of the borough council to ough Council should seek a sus- housing targets. announced the Maidstone Inte- the Conservatives at May’s elec- pension to future house-building The authority was required to Save Our Heath Lands organiser Kate Hammond and MP Helen Whately grated Transport Package (MITP), tions, relations would probably be while roads and services lag be- deliver 11,312 in its Local Plan intended to reduce traffic conges- more friendly, say observers. hind. but instead submitted 9,996 citing tion, could be built in the next few Supporters of a Leeds to Langley Around 95% of those who have the fact that 93% of the area is Protesters sign petition years. relief road, as the first step to a so far responded have said yes. classified Green Belt. Massive house-building by major ring road, would be hopeful The poll remains open and we The matter is now in the hands THE campaign group opposing Borough of Maidstone, especially in Maidstone Borough Council puts a that improved relations would would like to know your views. of a planning inspector who set a 5,000 houses on Lenham Heath has places like Lenham Heath, Marden huge strain on the roads. hasten progress. The online poll is at www.downs- deadline of January 17 for SDC to launched a petition. and Langley. Liberal Democrat-run MBC KCC Cabinet Member for High- mail.co.uk/views/14/. withdraw the plan. The council It follows a stormy meeting on l Not accept new house-building must deliver 17,600 homes in the ways and Transport Michael Payne A survey conducted by MP did not comply. January 25, when residents chal- levels that are unsustainable for the 2017 Local Plan. Although barely said: “To do nothing is realistically Helen Whately revealed almost It is a tense stand-off and the lenged the scheme’s "master devel- Borough of Maidstone. spector’s misguided conclusions its draft Local Plan. 7,000 have been delivered, virtu- not an option and our aim is to re- overwhelming opposition to Maid- outcome will be determined if the oper", Maidstone Borough Council. l Complete a full infrastructure as- are implemented. This cannot be However, before and during ally no road improvements have duce congestion, provide addi- stone Borough Council's plan for inspector rules the authority Campaigners from Save Our sessment before the Local Plan Re- right. the examination, the council been made. tional capacity, improve air quality 5,000 home "garden community" at failed in its “duty to cooperate”. Heath Lands hopes to garner at view and ensure all historical “Bringing this issue to the at- claimed it was able to prove that it Another 10,000 plus homes may and deliver wider benefits to our Lenham Heath. The survey shows The leader Cllr Peter Fleming least 6,500 signatures to be able to infrastructure issues are rectified tention of the Secretary of State had worked closely with neigh- be on track as MBC becomes a self- local businesses and communities.” 96% of responders believe that the wrote to the secretary of state for advance the protest. across the borough before projects now is the right thing to do. We bouring councils since starting styled “master developer” as the If agreed, KCC proposes: location is wrong for such a large housing challenging the inspec- The petition says: “We the under- commence. have asked to meet with him at work on the new plan in 2015. Local Plan is reviewed. l Phase one to start in May with number of homes, while 2% sup- tor's conclusion that SDC failed to signed request our Elected Repre- l Be transparent and engage his earliest convenience to discuss It tees up the politically tantilis- Relations between the two au- work on the A20 Coldharbour port it. Mrs Whately's survey had work with its neighbours to find sentatives in Maidstone Borough to: parish councils and local communi- the points raised in our letter.” ing prospect of the truest of true thorities have not always been cor- roundabout; 1,051 responses. sites for new homes. l Challenge and campaign against ties before any final decisions are Last October, the inspector, blue Tory councils taking on a dial. This newspaper revealed how l Phase two would start in the Kate Hammond from the Save Cllr Peter Fleming said: “We are central Government’s house-build- made with regards to planning and Karen Baker, cancelled SDC’s Conservative Government with a MBC secretly took KCC to the summer on the A229 Loose Road; Our Heath Lands campaign says: not an anti-development council. ing targets. new developments in the area." Local Plan hearings after two massive majority. High Court in an attempt to win a l Phase three would be the Will- “Maidstone Borough Council need In our draft Local Plan, we have l Rethink the building of garden The petition can be found at weeks due to a perceived lack of A Maidstone councillor said: judicial review over developer con- ington Street junction with the A20 to start to listen to their voting resi- brought forward innovative solu- communities. They are not an ap- www.saveourheathlands.co.uk/sign- constructive engagement with “Perhaps we’d not be in this tributions. Ashford Road in early 2021 and the dents. Maidstone Borough Council tions to deliver new homes in the propriate planning policy for the this-petition. neighbouring authorities to re- pickle if the executive had taken MBC eventually backed down, A274 Sutton Road in spring 2022. need to stop being secretive.” district, which will stall if the In- solve the unmet housing need in a similar stance.”

Maidstone East March 2020 19 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk Parish council fights housing THE farming community of East down the areas for possible devel- Farleigh, whose country lanes are opment. The offers causing most overrun with traffic by-passing concern are close to the heart of the Maidstone, is being backed by its village and the planned road ac- parish council in a fight against cesses significantly impact on traf- Villagers oppose plans massive housing development. fic blackspots such as single-lane A FRESH housing rebellion has 31, hosted by Labour activist and About 650 houses are spread Farleigh Bridge (listed), Station erupted in Fant after three submis- borough councillor Paul Harper, 100 over the parish, but now 16 land Hill, Lower Road, Forge Lane and sions for more than 900 homes on residents opposed three proposals. offers have been made to Maid- Vicarage Lane. 130 acres of land . One is for the 116-acre Fant Farm stone Borough Council (MBC) to- These include the biggest pro- Two years ago, people power de- site for up to 750 units, 75 dwellings talling up to 1,386 extra homes. posals: Bydews Farm (500 houses) feated a bid to build on Fant Farm on 5.4 acres at Halfe Yorke on the Villagers crowded a meeting to and Court Lodge Farm (up to 274 after a long battle. corner of Gatland Lane and Farleigh protest and the parish council com- houses with five road accesses) as This time, three substantial plots Lane and 9.3 acres at Homewood missioned a professional planning well as the junction of Lower Road have come to light in Liberal Demo- Orchard Garden centre for 90 evaluation to look at all 16 sites. and Vicarage Lane. crat-led Maidstone Borough Coun- houses. Another 500 units are pro- MBC has been told not one is ap- Consultants ASP conclude: “The cil’s “call for sites” (CFS) exercise last posed for a farm in on propriate for development. key is the rural character of the year. the other side of the River Medway. Most offers are proposed on top- parish, the inadequacy of public CFS invited landowners to offer The meeting agreed to revive the quality agricultural land and many transport connections, the severe up sites for potential development Save Fant Farm group with Gareth impact Loose Valley and Medway limitations of the local road net- as the council may have to find Owen as the chairman. Valley landscape areas. work coupled with levels of traffic 10,000 houses, on top of the 17,600 A decision by MBC’s officers to Many do not meet planning re- and lack of community facilities.” agreed in the 2017 Local Plan. delay decisions on the 330 plus sub- quirements to avoid coalescence They see development of By- Many people are concerned that missions in the CFS has angered with neighbouring urbanised dews Farm, Court Lodge Farm roads and local services, such as local people who feel their homes areas. and at the junction of Vicarage health, cannot cope with so many. are blighted while some speculative MBC has advised the parish Lane/Lower Road as “especially At a public meeting on January proposals remain. council that East Farleigh is well harmful”.

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20 Maidstone East March 2020 News | Housing downsmail.co.uk Parish council fights housing THE farming community of East down the areas for possible devel- Farleigh, whose country lanes are opment. The offers causing most overrun with traffic by-passing concern are close to the heart of the Maidstone, is being backed by its village and the planned road ac- parish council in a fight against cesses significantly impact on traf- Villagers oppose plans massive housing development. fic blackspots such as single-lane A FRESH housing rebellion has 31, hosted by Labour activist and About 650 houses are spread Farleigh Bridge (listed), Station erupted in Fant after three submis- borough councillor Paul Harper, 100 over the parish, but now 16 land Hill, Lower Road, Forge Lane and sions for more than 900 homes on residents opposed three proposals. offers have been made to Maid- Vicarage Lane. 130 acres of land . One is for the 116-acre Fant Farm stone Borough Council (MBC) to- These include the biggest pro- Two years ago, people power de- site for up to 750 units, 75 dwellings talling up to 1,386 extra homes. posals: Bydews Farm (500 houses) feated a bid to build on Fant Farm on 5.4 acres at Halfe Yorke on the Villagers crowded a meeting to and Court Lodge Farm (up to 274 after a long battle. corner of Gatland Lane and Farleigh protest and the parish council com- houses with five road accesses) as This time, three substantial plots Lane and 9.3 acres at Homewood missioned a professional planning well as the junction of Lower Road have come to light in Liberal Demo- Orchard Garden centre for 90 evaluation to look at all 16 sites. and Vicarage Lane. crat-led Maidstone Borough Coun- houses. Another 500 units are pro- MBC has been told not one is ap- Consultants ASP conclude: “The cil’s “call for sites” (CFS) exercise last posed for a farm in East Farleigh on propriate for development. key is the rural character of the year. the other side of the River Medway. Most offers are proposed on top- parish, the inadequacy of public CFS invited landowners to offer The meeting agreed to revive the quality agricultural land and many transport connections, the severe up sites for potential development Save Fant Farm group with Gareth impact Loose Valley and Medway limitations of the local road net- as the council may have to find Owen as the chairman. Valley landscape areas. work coupled with levels of traffic 10,000 houses, on top of the 17,600 A decision by MBC’s officers to Many do not meet planning re- and lack of community facilities.” agreed in the 2017 Local Plan. delay decisions on the 330 plus sub- quirements to avoid coalescence They see development of By- Many people are concerned that missions in the CFS has angered with neighbouring urbanised dews Farm, Court Lodge Farm roads and local services, such as local people who feel their homes areas. and at the junction of Vicarage health, cannot cope with so many. are blighted while some speculative MBC has advised the parish Lane/Lower Road as “especially At a public meeting on January proposals remain. council that East Farleigh is well harmful”.

Maidstone East March 2020 21 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Boxley Parish Mail CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Daniela Baylis ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, , ME5 9RU Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website M2 noise up THE parish office has received complaints from residents about Sadness at death of increased noise from the M2. Enquiries have been made with Highways England, who say they have no plans to install noise re- ducing fencing. BPC is trying to get another noise assessment ‘tireless’ councillor done by KCC or Highways Eng- land. Anyone who has noticed an BOXLEY Parish Council would like to express its great sadness at the increase in noise is asked to con- tact the parish office so that we death of Cllr Wendy Hinder, who died peacefully on February 15. can collate the information into a report. Wendy was a parish councillor land that is there. for Boxley for 20 years and a She was instrumental in the Maidstone Borough Councillor measures installed on Old Land appeal for 16 years, as well as Deputy Chatham Road in Sandling to pre- AN area of land is required in Mayor of Maidstone for the cur- vent the nuisance caused by lorry Weavering for the construction of rent year. parking. a bike track by local youths. During her time on the borough She campaigned with Paul Anyone who can help is asked council she served on numerous Carter to get the pedestrian cross- to contact the parish office. committees, most recently licenc- ing outside St John’s School in ing, on which she had been both Provender Way. chair and vice-chair. She was also She was involved in the cre- Photographs the chair of the parish council’s ation of the Weavering Diamond WE ARE currently updating the environment committee. Jubilee Orchard community open Parish Council website. If anyone She worked tirelessly for her space. has any nice pictures taken within community with drive, enthusi- She leaves behind her husband the parish that we could use, asm and kindness, and will be of 58 years, Cllr Bob Hinder, their could you please send them to the greatly missed by all who worked two sons and their families. Parish Office. with her and the residents she Bob and his family would like represented. to express how grateful they are Wendy was instrumental in get- for the care and kindness they re- Elections ting the lease for the Franklin ceived from Maidstone Hospital against excessive development in Anyone interested in standing at Drive play area transferred to during Wendy’s illness. the Parish Council Elections on BPC and we are now about to in- the parish, particularly the Popes Bob believes Maidstone is very May 7 should contact the Parish stall some new play equipment Field Schools and the Gleaming fortunate in having such a hospi- Office for more information. and signs. Wood Drive development that tal and wishes this to be widely She campaigned relentlessly will fragment the Ancient Wood- known. Antisocial behaviour on meeting agenda A PUBLIC meeting was held at frequent incidents of egg and dog of incidents reported, so resi- bility of an area in Mote Park, but Grove Green Community Hall on mess throwing at particular dents are encouraged to report all they were put off by the prospect the evening of February 13 to dis- houses in Weavering and the bike incidents however trivial, as they of rules and regulations and cuss recent antisocial behaviour. track constructed on Weavering will all add weight to the case. adult supervision. It was ex- It was attended by the parish’s Heath . Once caught, offenders can be plained that this is inevitable in PCSO, Matthew Addlington; It was agreed that the bike issued with community protec- the society we live in today, but James Walker from MBC’s Com- track had been built in the wrong tion orders which, if breached, re- they would really just like an area munity Protection Team; Pastor place and BPC IS looking for a sults in a fine of £100 every time. they can build a track on by Craig from Liberty Church, piece of land where the youths If offenders are aged under 16 the themselves. which runs a youth group and could construct another one. parents receive the fine. This ap- Vinters Valley Trust and Boxley Parish councillors. The The Community Protection Of- proach has proved very effective Friends of Weavering Heath meeting was led by Cllr Vic ficer, James Walker ,explained in other areas. might try and look into attracting Davies, vice-chairman of the that they have some CCTV cam- Several youths had also come some youth volunteers. It was council. eras that can be installed to catch to the meeting and they were suggested that putting up big Several things were discussed, frequent offenders. To get one very keen on building another signs advertising work days including the Halloween trouble, installed depends on the number bike track. There was the possi- would attract attendees.

22 Maidstone East March 2020 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Hospice race Landlord Jason is star THE Heart of Kent Hospice’s an- nual Maidstone Road Run is re- Boxley Parish Mail turning this month. The event offers three distances CHAIRMAN: Bob Hinder CLERK: Daniela Baylis ASST CLERK: Melanie Fooks - a chip timed half marathon, 10k Parish Office, Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU turn at village panto run and 5k run, with all routes de- parting from Cornwallis THE annual pantomime staged Academy at 8am on March 8. Tel: 01634 861237 email: [email protected] Website: www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk by Leeds Amateur Dramatic Soci- This year organisers are also of- Contact details for parish councillors can be obtained from the parish office, the Useful Contact Details leaflet or the website ety (LADS) enjoyed another bumper turnout this year. fering Elmer's Family Fun Race – All three performances of Al- a 1K family run with an opportu- M2 noise up addin were sold out, or nearly sold nity to dress in bright colours or out, on February 7 and 8. to come dressed as Elmer. THE parish office has received Go to www.hokh.org/support- complaints from residents about A guest appearance of the land- Sadness at death of lord of The George pub in Leeds, us/events/maidstone-road-run- increased noise from the M2. 2020/ or call 01622 790195. Enquiries have been made with Jason Tharp, as Empress Satsuma Highways England, who say they drew a rowdier than usual crowd have no plans to install noise re- for the final performance. Medium date ducing fencing. BPC is trying to Co-director Lesley Finlay said: Lesley added: “We always wel- Wallis, Alyssa Aujard, Tammy “Ticket sales were the best in years. come new blood for panto, which Coles, Hrisi Gyuretova, Boris Dim- PSYCHIC Sally is coming to get another noise assessment ‘tireless’ councillor Maidstone. Having Jason on board was a great involves set design, painting, itrova, Kieren Wallace and Primrose done by KCC or Highways Eng- The nation’s favourite psychic land. Anyone who has noticed an move as he attracted regulars at lights, sound and costume making Menenes-Bautista. CREW: Katelyn BOXLEY Parish Council would like to express its great sadness at the The George who might otherwise as well as the performers.” Wallis, Jane Steele, Astrid Finlay, will be appearing at the Hazlitt increase in noise is asked to con- Theatre at 7.30pm on March 5. tact the parish office so that we have been having a pint. Contact LADS on Facebook at Bernie Hughes, Carole Burton, Sue death of Cllr Wendy Hinder, who died peacefully on February 15. A Hazlitt spokesman said: can collate the information into a “We had three enthusiastic and @Ladsamdram or Instagram at Sinclair, Scott Lagden, Paul Cordier, “Wowing audiences young and report. Wendy was a parish councillor land that is there. welcoming audiences who didn’t LADS_amdram Jake Wallis, Eve Poulter, Jane Hop- for Boxley for 20 years and a She was instrumental in the mind a bit when we slip up or fluff CAST: Angus Poulter, Katelyn good-Cowen, Celia Wynne, Sue old across the country for over 10 Maidstone Borough Councillor measures installed on Old the odd line. It’s all part of the fun Wallis, Paul Cordier, Otis Mene- Finnis, Mel Comins, Lewis Killick, years, Sally’s show will have you Land appeal for 16 years, as well as Deputy Chatham Road in Sandling to pre- of being in a community show.” nens-Bautista, Megan Wallace, Jake Alice Dyer, Celestina and Louise on the edge of your seat, as she AN area of land is required in Mayor of Maidstone for the cur- vent the nuisance caused by lorry LADS produces two shows a Wallis, Bella Lagden, Sue Finnis, Jen Menenes-Bautista, Gemma Wallace, brings mediumship into the 21st Weavering for the construction of rent year. parking. year, with Plays and Picnics back Wallis, Georgia Wallace, Killian Gle- Helen Apps, Jane Newsome and century. a bike track by local youths. During her time on the borough She campaigned with Paul again in the summer, probably in mas, Lesley Finlay, Jane Hopgood- Gloria Irvine. Directed by Felicity “This show is a unique evening Anyone who can help is asked council she served on numerous Carter to get the pedestrian cross- the grounds of the Old Vicarage. Cowen, Chanel Hattingh, Megan Poulter and Lesley Finlay. not to be missed.” to contact the parish office. committees, most recently licenc- ing outside St John’s School in ing, on which she had been both Provender Way. chair and vice-chair. She was also She was involved in the cre- Photographs the chair of the parish council’s ation of the Weavering Diamond WE ARE currently updating the environment committee. Jubilee Orchard community open Parish Council website. If anyone She worked tirelessly for her space. has any nice pictures taken within community with drive, enthusi- She leaves behind her husband the parish that we could use, asm and kindness, and will be of 58 years, Cllr Bob Hinder, their could you please send them to the greatly missed by all who worked two sons and their families. Parish Office. with her and the residents she Bob and his family would like represented. to express how grateful they are Wendy was instrumental in get- for the care and kindness they re- Elections ting the lease for the Franklin ceived from Maidstone Hospital against excessive development in Anyone interested in standing at Drive play area transferred to during Wendy’s illness. the Parish Council Elections on BPC and we are now about to in- the parish, particularly the Popes Bob believes Maidstone is very May 7 should contact the Parish stall some new play equipment Field Schools and the Gleaming fortunate in having such a hospi- Office for more information. and signs. Wood Drive development that tal and wishes this to be widely She campaigned relentlessly will fragment the Ancient Wood- known. Antisocial behaviour on meeting agenda A PUBLIC meeting was held at frequent incidents of egg and dog of incidents reported, so resi- bility of an area in Mote Park, but Grove Green Community Hall on mess throwing at particular dents are encouraged to report all they were put off by the prospect the evening of February 13 to dis- houses in Weavering and the bike incidents however trivial, as they of rules and regulations and • Distribution area can cuss recent antisocial behaviour. track constructed on Weavering will all add weight to the case. adult supervision. It was ex- be tailored to meet your needs It was attended by the parish’s Heath . Once caught, offenders can be plained that this is inevitable in • All deliveries are GPS tracked PCSO, Matthew Addlington; It was agreed that the bike issued with community protec- the society we live in today, but James Walker from MBC’s Com- track had been built in the wrong tion orders which, if breached, re- they would really just like an area • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail munity Protection Team; Pastor place and BPC IS looking for a sults in a fine of £100 every time. they can build a track on by • From 2000-88,000 addresses per month Craig from Liberty Church, piece of land where the youths If offenders are aged under 16 the themselves. • Choose the areas that you want which runs a youth group and could construct another one. parents receive the fine. This ap- Vinters Valley Trust and • Competitve rates & volume discounts Boxley Parish councillors. The The Community Protection Of- proach has proved very effective Friends of Weavering Heath meeting was led by Cllr Vic ficer, James Walker ,explained in other areas. might try and look into attracting Davies, vice-chairman of the that they have some CCTV cam- Several youths had also come some youth volunteers. It was council. eras that can be installed to catch to the meeting and they were suggested that putting up big Several things were discussed, frequent offenders. To get one very keen on building another signs advertising work days including the Halloween trouble, installed depends on the number bike track. There was the possi- would attract attendees.

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Maidstone East March 2020 25 News downsmail.co.uk M20 delays A JACKKNIFED van sparked major delays on the M20 near A planning reprieve Maidstone. A Ford Transit van and a trailer overturned on the motorway at around 9am on Tuesday, February 18. The vehicle blocked two lanes for goat sanctuary between Junction 4 (A228 Snod- NEWS the council appears to be- wanted animals from across the land) and Junction 5 (A20 Cold- backing down from a threat to country since it first formed as a harbour roundabout). close a popular goat sanctuary has charity in 2003 in Wierton Road, A Kent Fire and Rescue Service been welcomed by a supporter Boughton Monchelsea. spokesman said: “Three fire en- and “foster” carer. As part of Mr Hitch’s application gines were sent to the scene and Lorraine Powell, of , process, the sanctuary 300 repre- crews used short extension ladders was horrified when Maidstone sentations of support, including to access and release a person out Borough Council went after But- backing from MP Helen Whately, of the vehicle. tercups Goat Sanctuary, claiming it and former MP Ann Widdecombe, “Kent Police and South East did not have planning permission who is still a patron of the charity. Coast Ambulance (SECAmb) were and told it could be shut down. There were some complaints of also in attendance.” Founder Robert Hitch made ret- smell, noise and traffic movements. rospective planning applications Now the planning committee for stable blocks, a tea room, and has recommended it be given plan- Wing walking three sheds on the five-acre site, ning permission, subject to some HEART of Kent Hospice is organ- along with its 45-space car park. conditions. ising a bespoke Wing Walk day at He always believed that as a An MBC report states: “The de- Headcorn Aerodrome. commercial agricultural enterprise, velopment does not cause unac- The event will take place on Sun- it did not need consents. erage will mean more donations, ceptable harm to the character and day, June 7, from 9am. Participants Now it appears that MBC has re- more support and more foster appearance of the countryside ... will receive training and a briefing lented and Mr Hitch and his staff places for the animals. and policy/guidance seeks to sup- on the day before the flight. and volunteers may hear good “The sanctuary will never turn port small scale businesses, that fall For details or a sponsorship form news in the coming days. an animal in need away and that’s outside recognised settlements, to contact Emma Greenwood on Mrs Powell, who fosters three why it needs regular volunteers benefit the rural economy." 01622 790195 or visit animals from Buttercups, said: “It’s and foster homes like mine.” l To find out how you can help www.hokh.org/support- good news and a victory for com- Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats Buttercups, go to http://www.but- us/events/wing-walk. mon sense. I hope the media cov- has taken in mistreated or un- tercups.org.uk.

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26 Maidstone East March 2020 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Business Focus M20 delays A JACKKNIFED van sparked major delays on the M20 near A planning reprieve Denture care to make you smile Maidstone. SB Denture Design Ltd (formerly known as SB repairs and adjustments through to new sets we A Ford Transit van and a trailer Dental Laboratory) are now pleased to offer our can offer a complete denture care service. SB Denture Design Ltd offer overturned on the motorway at services directly to the public. SB was founded in Although the work is done ‘in house’ with around 9am on Tuesday, February 1989, producing quality denture work for dentists partial dentures and other more complex cases FREE consultations and can 18. The vehicle blocked two lanes for goat sanctuary in Maidstone and the surrounding areas. we work closely with the dentist. It is essential advise you on the best between Junction 4 (A228 Snod- NEWS the council appears to be- wanted animals from across the Since then Steve, the founder of SB Denture that the health of any remaining teeth are denture options available. country since it first formed as a land) and Junction 5 (A20 Cold- backing down from a threat to Design has been clinically trained so we are able checked out before denture construction. This is charity in 2003 in Wierton Road, harbour roundabout). close a popular goat sanctuary has to provide our services directly to you. He gained necessary to ensure the prosthesis is a long term Boughton Monchelsea. A Kent Fire and Rescue Service been welcomed by a supporter further clinical qualifications at the University of solution. We can accept referrals from you own As part of Mr Hitch’s application spokesman said: “Three fire en- and “foster” carer. Central Lancashire (with merit) and this enables dentist or we can arrange an appointment with Lorraine Powell, of Chegworth, process, the sanctuary 300 repre- him to treat patients directly thus alleviating the gines were sent to the scene and one of our dental colleagues at your first was horrified when Maidstone sentations of support, including need to visit the dentist for the impressions, crews used short extension ladders appointment. Borough Council went after But- backing from MP Helen Whately, denture try in and the fitting of the dentures. Any to access and release a person out Having the laboratory on the premises reduces tercups Goat Sanctuary, claiming it and former MP Ann Widdecombe, necessary after care would be provided by us as of the vehicle. the waiting time for some services, some services did not have planning permission who is still a patron of the charity. well. “Kent Police and South East like repairs can even be done while you wait. It is and told it could be shut down. There were some complaints of With over 25 years of experience in Coast Ambulance (SECAmb) were also an advantage as some larger adjustments Founder Robert Hitch made ret- smell, noise and traffic movements. manufacturing all styles of dental appliances, we also in attendance.” can be done in house rospective planning applications Now the planning committee can now hand craft your dentures for you from We pride ourselves in making sure everyone we for stable blocks, a tea room, and has recommended it be given plan- start to finish. By dealing directly with the treat is happy with the product we produce and Wing walking three sheds on the five-acre site, ning permission, subject to some technician who will make your dentures we can want our patients to have the confidence that HEART of Kent Hospice is organ- along with its 45-space car park. conditions. tailor your prosthesis to your own personal their denture has been constructed with the ising a bespoke Wing Walk day at He always believed that as a An MBC report states: “The de- individual requirements. utmost care and using only quality materials. Our Headcorn Aerodrome. commercial agricultural enterprise, velopment does not cause unac- Using only the highest quality materials and all the latest technologies you are guaranteed a aim is to make people comfortable with our The event will take place on Sun- it did not need consents. erage will mean more donations, ceptable harm to the character and product of the very highest standard. From treatment and confident with our product. day, June 7, from 9am. Participants Now it appears that MBC has re- more support and more foster appearance of the countryside ... will receive training and a briefing lented and Mr Hitch and his staff places for the animals. and policy/guidance seeks to sup- on the day before the flight. and volunteers may hear good “The sanctuary will never turn port small scale businesses, that fall For details or a sponsorship form news in the coming days. an animal in need away and that’s outside recognised settlements, to T: 01622 766077 SB Denture Design Ltd contact Emma Greenwood on why it needs regular volunteers benefit the rural economy." Mrs Powell, who fosters three E: [email protected] 2 Wallis Avenue 01622 790195 or visit animals from Buttercups, said: “It’s and foster homes like mine.” l To find out how you can help Maidstone, www.hokh.org/support- good news and a victory for com- Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats Buttercups, go to http://www.but- W: www.sbdentures.co.uk Kent ME15 9DX us/events/wing-walk. mon sense. I hope the media cov- has taken in mistreated or un- tercups.org.uk.

01622 963587

"Caring is what we do best"

At Homecare Unique, our philosophy is to treat every client as a unique individual, treating everyone with respect irrespective of age, nationality, culture or sexuality.

We provide care to individuals needing assistance to meet their social and personal care needs. Our Primary aim is to deliver care in a professional, timely, and efficient manner.

We pride ourselves on our consistency with staff, only employing well trained and responsible care workers, we understand how uncomfortable people feel about inconsistency and the fear of not knowing who is turning up at their door, therefore following your assessment, our client and their relatives will be introduced to their allocated care worker, who will manage clients’ needs accordingly. We will provide this support in your own home at times that is suitable and convenient to you.

[email protected] www.Homecareunique.co.uk

Maidstone East March 2020 27 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk

This page is written and edited by: Office: Madginford Hall, Bearsted, ME14 8LH 01622 630165 Emails: [email protected] Geo - please copy over the [email protected] Bearsted Parish Council Chair: Michael Bollom Acting Clerk: Erin Sugden Bearstedwww.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk masthead from dec 2019 Join us for parish meet Plans for picnic to OUR Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 6, at Madginford Hall. Cllr Michael Bollom will recap on the year’s activities as well as celebrate VE Day what the parish council has THE parish council is searching vintage vehicles will take us back achieved during the last 12 Bearsted for a piper to perform a to the 1940s, with period dress op- months. The council’s plan for pivotal role in this year’s VE Day tional. 2020-21 will also be presented, celebration. Tables will be laid out and dec- and there will be guest speakers. The commemoration, on Fri- orated, and residents are invited We hope that parishioners can day, May 8, will mark 75 years to bring along chairs and food to join us for a glass of wine and since the end of World War II in join us for a village picnic. some canapés, as this is a great Europe. All are welcome, but we would way of celebrating achievements In line with a national timetable particularly like to hear from any within the village. of events, the parish’s celebration veterans or their descendants in Please advise the parish office on the Green will see The Last the community. of your attendance, for catering Post and Reveille being played at We would also love to hear purposes. Doors will open at 2.55pm, followed, we hope, by a from local businesses interested 6.15pm and the meeting starts at bagpipe performance of Battle’s in sponsoring or being involved 7pm. O’er and a newly-composed mu- with any part of this event. The sical piece for this year’s com- Oak on the Green has kindly of- memoration. fered to help, and will be hosting Homes plan The parish will raise a glass to live music on their patio in the THE parish council has lodged an the heroes of WWII in a nation- evening following this event. objection to 421 dwellings at wide toast at 3pm, and this will be If there are any Bearsted pipers Church Road. followed by the unveiling of a out there who would be available We are concerned they will lead Cllr Joanna Tribley and Anil Gurung, Tommy silhouette soldier, which on the day, please get in touch to an increase in traffic along Spot a veteran with the Gurkha Rifles has been purchased by Bearsted with the parish council at Lane, Roseacre Lane and Ware who is manufacturing the Tommy at Parish Council, on the Green. [email protected] Street. the Royal British Legion Music, a singalong and some v.uk. The council’s planning commit- tee felt there is a lack of infras- tructure and local services to Parish booklet support such a large develop- Last chance to nominate WE ARE now gathering informa- ment. IT’S the final call for this year’s tion for the second parish booklet, However, the committee agreed Mynn Award nominations. which is distributed to every house- Parishioners have until March 30 that if the application does get ap- hold in Bearsted. to propose the names of those who proval, the parish council should If you would like your business apply for Community Infrastruc- should be honoured for going the listed in the directory, please email ture Levy (CIL) for highway im- extra mile for Bearsted and the com- michael.bollom@bearstedparish- provements as soon as possible. munity. Nominations can be sent by email council.gov.uk. to nominations@bearstedparish- For those featured in the previous Council seats council.gov.uk or by post to Parish edition, it would be helpful if you WE HAVE two parish councillor Office, Madginford Hall, Egremont could advise us of any changes to vacancies and are looking for Road, Bearsted ME15 8LH. Please your details. local people who are passionate supply your name, address and tele- about keeping Bearsted a lovely phone number when nominating. place to live and an active com- Yellow lines munity. THE parish council has closed its in- If you have a few hours a formal public consultation on the in- month to spare or would like to Community Payback ideas troduction of yellow lines at 13 offer a special skill, please con- THE Community Payback Service continues to assist the parish sider joining us to help keep our council in keeping the village tidy. locations within the Bearsted parish. village running. Many of Bearsted’s footpaths and communal areas are being We are now liaising with Kent Please send an email to swept, cleared and painted every Sunday. If you are aware of County Council over recommenda- [email protected] areas that need attention, please email . tions before the formal consultation v.uk for more information. takes place.

28 Maidstone East March 2020 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Flytipper case A MAIDSTONE flytipper has Hospice ‘neighbours’ been prosecuted for dumping Geo - please copy over the rubbish, including chairs and a glass table, on a private driveway. He pleaded guilty at Medway to help terminally ill Magistrates Court on February 13, to illegally depositing house- Bearsted masthead from dec 2019 HEART of Kent Hospice (HOKH) hold waste at a property in Lon- has launched a scheme to provide don Road, Maidstone in May support to the lonely and ill in 2019. plain sight – those living in their Join us for community. In a case brought by the bor- Compassionate Neighbours are ough council, the defendant was parish meet Plans for picnic to trained volunteers who can call on given a 12-month community vulnerable people as they ap- order and will complete 80 hours OUR Annual Parish Meeting will proach the end of their lives. of unpaid work, undertake take place on Wednesday, May 6, HOKH chief executive Sarah mandatory rehabilitation activi- at Madginford Hall. Pugh launched a funded one-year ties and pay costs of £1,310. Cllr Michael Bollom will recap pilot project to get the scheme on the year’s activities as well as celebrate VE Day started in the Maidstone, Ton- Marathon call what the parish council has THE parish council is searching vintage vehicles will take us back bridge and Malling areas. out, which enrich their final days. Pugh, only 54% of the patient list KENT MS Therapy Centre is achieved during the last 12 Bearsted for a piper to perform a to the 1940s, with period dress op- The Aylesford-based charity, like Mrs Pugh said: “The idea is that have cancer, while the rest may be seeking runners from Maidstone months. The council’s plan for pivotal role in this year’s VE Day tional. many in its sector, is now under in- someone who is coming to the end suffering from other life-shorten- to take six charity places in the 2020-21 will also be presented, celebration. Tables will be laid out and dec- creasing pressure to provide hos- of their lives is matched with a ing illnesses. Brighton Marathon in April. and there will be guest speakers. The commemoration, on Fri- orated, and residents are invited pice care to an ever-growing trained Compassionate Neighbour Only £1 in every five is funded We hope that parishioners can day, May 8, will mark 75 years to bring along chairs and food to number of people. volunteer who can call on them.” by the National Health Service, so Runners need to raise a mini- join us for a glass of wine and since the end of World War II in join us for a village picnic. The hospice has just 10 in-patient She hopes that over time, an most of the cash has to come from mum of £500 for the charity, with some canapés, as this is a great Europe. All are welcome, but we would beds, meaning around 840 regis- “army” of volunteers will be re- fundraising and donations. The all proceeds funding vital services way of celebrating achievements In line with a national timetable particularly like to hear from any tered patients are supported at cruited and trained, which will hospice also generates revenues needed by people suffering with within the village. of events, the parish’s celebration veterans or their descendants in home. But those numbers have help ease the burden on hospice though its charity shops. Multiple Sclerosis. Please advise the parish office on the Green will see The Last the community. doubled in the past five years. staff and services. l Contact Heart of Kent Hospice The deadline to register is Fri- of your attendance, for catering Post and Reveille being played at We would also love to hear Most of these can be helped A common misconception is that Compassionate Neighbours on day, March 6. Contact Moira at purposes. Doors will open at 2.55pm, followed, we hope, by a from local businesses interested through emotional and compas- HOKH looks after only terminal 01622 792200 or email Kent MSTC 01227 200793 or email 6.15pm and the meeting starts at bagpipe performance of Battle’s in sponsoring or being involved sionate support, on visits or trips cancer sufferers. In fact, says Mrs [email protected]. [email protected]. 7pm. O’er and a newly-composed mu- with any part of this event. The sical piece for this year’s com- Oak on the Green has kindly of- memoration. fered to help, and will be hosting Homes plan The parish will raise a glass to live music on their patio in the THE parish council has lodged an the heroes of WWII in a nation- evening following this event. objection to 421 dwellings at wide toast at 3pm, and this will be If there are any Bearsted pipers Church Road. followed by the unveiling of a out there who would be available We are concerned they will lead Cllr Joanna Tribley and Anil Gurung, Tommy silhouette soldier, which on the day, please get in touch to an increase in traffic along Spot a veteran with the Gurkha Rifles has been purchased by Bearsted with the parish council at Lane, Roseacre Lane and Ware who is manufacturing the Tommy at Parish Council, on the Green. [email protected] Street. the Royal British Legion Music, a singalong and some v.uk. The council’s planning commit- Quality & Design At The Right Price tee felt there is a lack of infras- tructure and local services to Parish booklet support such a large develop- Last chance to nominate WE ARE now gathering informa- ment. IT’S the final call for this year’s tion for the second parish booklet, However, the committee agreed Mynn Award nominations. which is distributed to every house- Parishioners have until March 30 that if the application does get ap- hold in Bearsted. to propose the names of those who proval, the parish council should If you would like your business Discover our stunning range of apply for Community Infrastruc- should be honoured for going the listed in the directory, please email contemporary & traditional designs ture Levy (CIL) for highway im- extra mile for Bearsted and the com- michael.bollom@bearstedparish- provements as soon as possible. munity. Nominations can be sent by email council.gov.uk. Quality, Design & Imagination to nominations@bearstedparish- For those featured in the previous Free no obligation design & quotation Council seats council.gov.uk or by post to Parish edition, it would be helpful if you All building works undertaken. WE HAVE two parish councillor Office, Madginford Hall, Egremont could advise us of any changes to vacancies and are looking for Road, Bearsted ME15 8LH. Please your details. Better and at the right price local people who are passionate supply your name, address and tele- about keeping Bearsted a lovely phone number when nominating. place to live and an active com- Yellow lines munity. THE parish council has closed its in- 01622 844897 If you have a few hours a formal public consultation on the in- month to spare or would like to Community Payback ideas troduction of yellow lines at 13 www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk offer a special skill, please con- THE Community Payback Service continues to assist the parish sider joining us to help keep our council in keeping the village tidy. locations within the Bearsted parish. [email protected] village running. Many of Bearsted’s footpaths and communal areas are being We are now liaising with Kent Please send an email to swept, cleared and painted every Sunday. If you are aware of County Council over recommenda- [email protected] areas that need attention, please email . tions before the formal consultation Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, , Kent ME17 3LQ v.uk for more information. takes place.

Maidstone East March 2020 29 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Flu jab fear MORE than 1,000 medical staff at the Maidstone and Tunbridge GP shortage ‘driving Wells Trust have not had a flu jab. Public Health England says about 1,400 of 4,600 staff have not had the vaccination. patients to use A&E’ The Society for Acute Medicine says it is concerning how few INCREASING problems and pressures facing NHS services in Maidstone have been immunised, although the trust's uptake was a little are evident in reports before the budget-holding NHS West Kent Clinical higher than the national average. Commissioning Group. Medical staff are encouraged to have the jab and NHS trusts are Most worrying for patients is the covered by middle-grade doctors. lays when patients are taken to financially rewarded for hitting lack of GPs, with Maidstone now The CCG reports emergency at- hospital, with some topping 60 80% targets. suffering among the most serious tendances to Maidstone A&E last minutes due to pressures in hospi- shortages in the UK. November totalled 6,456, up 12% tal. Improvements are being made Readers increasingly express on 2019. It believes challenged pa- and the CCG is monitoring an ac- School plans concerns to the Downs Mail about tients see this as “the faster alter- tion plan. THE CCG is recommending its difficulties making appointments native”. l STROKE SERVICES: Concerns primary care team works more at GP practices. Hospital bed occupancy in over delivery of best stroke practice closely with GP practices to in- Some are forced to join early- November was 95.3% at Maid- at Maidstone Hospital have grown. crease school provision for under morning queues in winter weather stone and 95.7% at Tunbridge Due to shortages on the consul- 18s. to access surgeries and book ap- Wells against the NHS-recom- tants’ rota, not all patients are seen One idea is to arrange drop-in pointments. mended 85%. quickly enough and “compliance sessions with paramedics. The CCG, which has identified Emergency department perfor- seems to be on a downward Engagement with schools and the need for an additional surgery mance has suffered and has been trend”. A new action plan is in public health authorities is also in central Maidstone due to rapid below plan for four months. But it place. recommended “to discourage un- population growth, has taken var- is still in the top 25% trusts nation- Dr Bob Bowes, CCG chairman, necessary recommendations for ious steps to reduce pressure on ally, and performs significantly told the Downs Mail: “NHS ser- A&E attendances”. GPs, including building up profes- better than most. vices across the country are under sional help in surgeries. The CCG is organising quality increasing pressure due to rising The problem is driving more pa- assurance visits “as a matter of ur- demand, partly because of our age- Clinic review tients directly to hospital A&E, and gency to investigate concerns” and ing population with people living VASCULAR services (including it is revealed that these depart- says it will work with the hospital with conditions such as diabetes, aortic aneurisms) in Medway and ments are now facing a doctor trust to provide an efficient service. COPD and heart disease. More live east Kent are being reviewed. shortage in their own internal GP- l AMBULANCES: The CCG also with dementia. The move is necessary due to a streaming services. reports continuing problems with “We work closely with local shortage of specialist consultants This service is required to have ambulances still missing national providers to ensure services meet at Medway Hospital. at least one GP on duty at both hos- targets for reaching patients. One changing needs and high quality There is a plan for a temporary pitals. A large number of shifts are cause is ambulance handover de- care.” inpatient hub at Kent and Canter- bury Hospital. Non-arterial care will also be delivered at Medway Maritime Hospital to ensure, Cash for youth mental health where possible, patients receive A MENTAL health charity has been care close to home. given a donation to help deliver support and guidance for young Head of CCG people at risk of turning to criminal- SENIOR officer of the new Kent ity. and Medway Clinical Commis- The new programme at Maid- sioning Group when it is formed stone and Mid-Kent Mind aims to tackle the relationships between in April from the existing eight gang affiliation, knife crime and Kent CCGs will be Wilf Williams, poor mental health. currently Director of National Over the course of a five-week pro- Health and Human Services prac- gramme, funded by the Office of the tice KPMG in Australia. Kent Police Crime Commissioner and He has previously held two the Home Office, participants will chief executive NHS roles in Can- look at how to better cope with and CEO Julie Blackmore (centre) with members of the Mind youth team terbury. process feelings of anger. The scheme has been designed programmes which all tackle differ- schools, so we are eager to see how Acute unit with young people who are of sec- ent problem areas. taking the project to Open Access THE new Acute Assessment Unit ondary school age. “The time has come, we feel, to may benefit even more young peo- The course has been rolled out at Maidstone Hospital now nears broaden the impact of these pro- ple.” within a number of Kent schools, but completion and should open grammes and that is where working Two free five-week courses are MMK Mind are now looking at open- soon. with partners like Youth Resilience open to young people in the Maid- ing these courses up to the wider UK comes in, enabling us to tackle stone area. Both courses will begin This will enable further assess- public. specific areas of need within the on the February 25. ment and monitoring of patients Julie Blackmore, CEO, said: “Maid- local community. For more details, visit www.maid- with urgent conditions who have stone and Mid-Kent Mind has devel- “We’ve already seen a great re- stonemind.org/mind-knife-knife- been referred by a GP or the oped a wealth of youth support sponse for this programme within crime-course-kent. emergency department.

30 Maidstone East March 2020 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Flu jab fear MORE than 1,000 medical staff at Call for the the Maidstone and Tunbridge GP shortage ‘driving Wells Trust have not had a flu jab. Public Health England says about 1,400 of 4,600 staff have not had the vaccination. patients to use A&E’ The Society for Acute Medicine says it is concerning how few INCREASING problems and pressures facing NHS services in Maidstone have been immunised, although the trust's uptake was a little are evident in reports before the budget-holding NHS West Kent Clinical higher than the national average. Commissioning Group. Medical staff are encouraged to We can transform YOUR lawn! 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Maidstone East March 2020 31 downsmail.co.uk

Obituaries Lilian Rootes she met and married 1970 until 2019, running the company with David, to whom she his brother Paul after their father stood LILIAN Rootes (96) lived in Loose for 30 was married for 30 down in 1990. years after a lengthy period inthe of years. Paul said: “Ian was a parish councillor in Kent as a child and young woman. Violet’s Linton for around 20 years. He had a long Born Lilian Agnes granddaughter, Rose, sporting career, playing hockey as a Kilner to said; “Nan was a winger for Marden and a trial for Kent in farmworking parents very proud woman, that sport; and turning out for Mote she moved with her she was a very Cricket Club’s Champagne XI. He was family, living in glamorous nanny. also a keen golfer.” Ryarsh, , She had a strong Nephew Michael added: “My uncle had Collier Street and independent streak and enjoyed a good a strong sense of humour. He enjoyed trips Nettlestead. She social life with her friends. to London for good food and drink, and began work in “She doted on her grandchildren and time in including the Three Chimneys service to the great-grandchildren and we’ll all and Lord Raglan. He was also a motoring Chambers family of remember her as loving and very funny.” enthusiast and owned some fine cars.” Collier Street with Violet lost her eldest daughter in 2018 duties which included babysitting their and her husband in 2019. She leaves her young daughters (one of whom attended two youngest children, five grandchildren Jean Brown Lilian’s funeral) and delivering meat on and nine great-grandchildren. her bicycle. JEAN Margaret Brown (94) died 17 days Lilian married farmworker Donald short of her 95th birthday. Rootes, and the couple became parents to Geoffrey Figgett MBE She lived in the Shepway and Senacre Lyn and Sheila. Lilian did farmwork and areas of Maidstone from 1948 until her worked as a housekeeper for the Vinson GEOFFREY Figgett MBE (90) spent his death. Born Jean family. Later, she was employed as a carer whole life in the family home on the Margaret Medhurst at the Greensted Care Home in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. in Trottiscliffe, she Wateringbury. Her husband worked as a The eldest of nine siblings, he grew up was one of nine bakery delivery man and as a drayman. with his grandparents. After national siblings. Sheila said: “My mother was kind and service with the RAF in Malta Geoffrey She sang in the generous and would help whoever she worked for Tilling-Stevens on St Peter’s local church choir in could. After she retired, she worked for 18 Street. He later joined Kent County the 1930s and years as volunteer in the Heart of Kent Council where he became head porter. He worked in domestic Hospice coffee shop. She left at the age of received the MBE in 1994. service in the village 92, by which time she had earned a few Geoffrey leaves one sister, Carol Price. until taking up long service medals. She loved gardening, munitions work during the war at Tilling knitting and reading.” Stevens. Jean later married Bernard Lilian,who was widowed in 1996, leaves Ian Firmin Brown. The couple were married for 67 her daughters, grandchildren: Stephen, IAN Maurice Firmin (72), from Linton, years, but in the early years, Bernard’s Mark and Sarah and great-grandchildren was a director of local haulage and Army duties kept him away from home. Josh, Tom, Ben and Sam. property firm, Firmins. Jean and Bernard were parents to Born in Linton and educated at Kings Malcolm, Andrew and Denise. School, Rochester, where his prowess as a Jean took on various jobs after raising Violet Barnes bowler earned him a mention in Wisden her children, working at The Bull on Gabriel’s Hill, as a receptionist at Mote VIOLET Elsie Barnes (83) lived in Cricketers’ Almanac, Ian spent a gap year Park Leisure Centre and cleaning work. for over 20 years, having in Australia before Malcolm said: “My mother was very previously lived for decades in Minster on joining the family the Isle of Sheppey. firm at Wares Farm. sociable . Born Violet Hobbs and raised in London His early days “She and Bernard travelled widely, she began working in the printing trade. were spent in a range making five trips to see me in Canada” Violet married John Easterbrook in 1956 of jobs, but he Jean, who was widowed in 2012, leaves and became mother to Deborah, John and gradually took a her children, grandchildren Claire, Darran Dawn. They moved to Sheppey in 1965 leading role in the and Francesca and great-grandchildren and Maidstone in 1973. business. Ian served Sofia and Joshua. Violet and John divorced in 1984 and as a director from Craig Vidler CRAIG Vidler (73) a recruitment boss known for his charity work, died on January 10. He received the British Empire Medal in 2016 for his charitable work. For 30 years, Craig Vidler ran Star Executives before heading up HR Go. Wills | Probate | Powers of attorney | Funeral plans Richard Boland, chief executive of RetailTRUST – a charity supporting those • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed who worked in the industry – described him as: “A truly philanthropic man and a DipPFS MSWW legend in retail circles.” Mr Vidler, who had moved from the 01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk local area to Surrey, leaves wife Marjorie, three children and two grandchildren.

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Maidstone East March 2020 33 downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils Bredhurst to co-opt Chris Pink on to the parish from hallways and steal cars. He said he council. had a small supply of light timers for older Community barn The working party had Policing Two shed break-ins were reported or vulnerable people. discussed bookings, access arrangements, and fence panels were removed from a Open spaces The tenders for maintenance utilities and the budget. Expenditure on property in Gravelly Bottom Road. of Monks Meadow, Horish Wood, the war cleaning materials and a key safe had been Coffee morning Issues raised included memorial and other open spaces had been agreed. A fortnightly waste collection roads; soil on a bench in the Sports Field; put out. could be arranged for £9 per collection but flooding at Ridge Golf Course and dog Energy supplier Following investigations, it was agreed to wait and see if this was mess. Two younger members of the Cllr Finn said there was a possibility to do necessary. There had been a high number community felt a skate park would be this in the village. A volunteer was needed of enquiries about hiring the barn, and beneficial. It was agreed to look at the to compare quotes from companies and there were eight regular bookings, totalling Lenham skate park and the clerk would organise a meeting with villagers to 11 hours a week. It was agreed that a key investigate putting a skate park in the explain the savings from the scheme. Once safe would be the best way to manage this. Sports Field. There was also concern about a supplier had been identified, a village The caretaker would make spot checks and the overgrown hedge on the corner of coordinator would be sought. deep clean the barn twice a week. Whitehall Drive and Charlesford Avenue. Neighbourhood plan There was a Tree work It was agreed to continue with Bus service The new service had started on discussion about the process and the the current contractor and to engage him February 17, and timetables were due to be benefits it could have. Two residents had for one day’s work to deal with the most delivered to residents. They were also offered to help with the air pollution data pressing issues. available in the post office. The pilot would and one had offered to help with the Maintenance it was agreed to continue last for one year and the future of the bus neighbourhood plan. with the current contractor for grass service could depend on the success of this. Emergency plan Cllr Finn said the draft cutting, footpath strimming and Buses will stop at the Potting Shed, Aldi risk assessment and emergency plan weedkilling and to ask for a quote to add and Morrisons. It was suggested that a document had been circulated to members. grass cutting at the Barn. “flag it down” service might be useful on Cllr Finn had taken pertinent points from Website It was agreed not to continue Chartway Street. the Brexit Planning Document and the website hosting with Cantium but to Events Party in the Park would take place Kent Resilience Document and drawn up a continue investigating other providers. on June 20. Enquiries would be made list of agreed risks for Detling. It was Spring clean It was agreed to hold a village about hiring a marquee. The VE Day party agreed to have meetings with the tidy-up day on March 14, at 10am. would be on May 8 at the village hall. emergency services to establish their Litter pick The next event would be from procedures. 2-5pm on Sunday, March 15. Fire hydrants A member of the public Broomfield and Kingswood Sports Field It was agreed that the gates spoke of the inadequate state of the fire Chartway Street There were concerns that would need to remain open. The thinning hydrants in the parish. It was agreed that a the road is dangerous, particularly as there of the trees between the car park and the list of the hydrants would be supplied to were no white lines. Members said the road would be investigated and a height ensure the locations could be identified. lines were remarked regularly. The parish barrier would be put in place. An email council would report this, but residents had been received about aggressive dogs in also needed to report it online at the field. It was agreed that something www.kent.gov.uk. would be put in the Parish News, on Police report PCSOs Daisy Roberts and Flooding There was concern about Facebook, the website and emailed to Zac Budde would be taking over from flooding outside the Ridge Golf course. residents to say the field was for everyone – PCSO Zoe Turner. No crimes had been Members said the water had been pumped dogs should be kept under control and reported in Downswood. PCSO Roberts out and the golf course had complained mess cleared up. said it should be possible to have a police about it. Grass cutting It was agreed to continue presence at Mallards to monitor parking Gravelly Bottom Road Residents using the current company for grass during MPE matches. Vehicles parked complained about potholes and flooding cutting in the sports field and around the dangerously or causing an obstruction on the road. They were advised to report it village. should be reported to 101. online. Cart shed After discussion, it was agreed Spires shops Following a communication Bypass Cllr Gill Fort was lobbying for that Cllr Hoy would draft a letter to Leeds from Noble One, it was agreed that their something about the Leeds/Langley relief Castle about the deteriorating cart shed at area was kept clean and tidy. An road to be put in the Local Plan. Park Barn Farm. improvement in the other units had been Lenham Road Kent Highways had given noted. This would continue to be the go-ahead for the 30mph speed limit on monitored. the road, from Wents Service Station to the Detling Football club It was agreed that No existing 30mph limit in Kingswood. The Sir Richard Alexander Cllr Irene Bowie Waiting cones would be bought and loaned cost was estimated to be about £4k. Cllr informed the meeting of the sad death of to MPE in the hope that they prove more Prendergast was happy to fund the cost of Sir Richard Alexander. He was chairperson effective than the ones currently used. The the TRO from her members grant. of the village hall committee and president club would be warned that they might be Councillors agreed to contribute £250 of the Bentley club. He had also been editor required for the Olympicnic. The club towards the remaining costs. of the Detling News and had achieved a would be asked for dates and times of Precept flyer Regarding feedback from the great deal for the village. A minute’s fixtures so that police could plan flyer, members agreed that this was the silence was held. attendance. first time a flyer had been produced on the Bus service Despite writing to Arriva about Highways Improvement plan The precept, and comments would be taken on the bus service, the clerk had still not gateway features and the new nameplate board for future years. An abridged version received a reply. had been ordered by Highways. This was of the budget would be put on the website. Vacancy No applications had been likely to take three months. The footway Maternity cover Members discussed how received for the vacancy on the parish extension was still to be reviewed. The to cover the RFO when she goes on council. corner protection did not score highly maternity leave. It was agreed to place an Police report PCSO Matt Adlington said enough to be successful. advert in the Parish News and local clerks there had been the usual spike in Roundabout maintenance It was agreed would be asked if they would like to take burglaries for the time of year. Residents that the contractor would be asked to make up the temporary role. were reminded to deadlock front doors as more visits as the roundabout got very Co-option Councillors voted unanimously many burglars used them to take keys overgrown between visits. The remaining

34 Maidstone East March 2020 downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk

Parish Councils hollies would be removed and five new Annual Parish Meeting this would be held cabinets with guides to carrying out CPR. Bredhurst to co-opt Chris Pink on to the parish from hallways and steal cars. He said he Parish Councils council. had a small supply of light timers for older self-pollination hollies would be planted. at 8pm on April 29, in St John the Baptist’s The parish clerk or a councillor should be Community barn The working party had Policing Two shed break-ins were reported or vulnerable people. Church. Cllrs T and J Sams confirmed that notified if the defibrillator is used. discussed bookings, access arrangements, and fence panels were removed from a Open spaces The tenders for maintenance they were happy to arrange refreshments. Trees The clerk had received an email utilities and the budget. Expenditure on property in Gravelly Bottom Road. of Monks Meadow, Horish Wood, the war Harrietsham The clerk asked for ideas for a speaker. about the purchase of trees from a cleaning materials and a key safe had been Coffee morning Issues raised included memorial and other open spaces had been Community warden Martin Sherwood nationwide conservation charity. However, agreed. A fortnightly waste collection roads; soil on a bench in the Sports Field; put out. said Lenham Library would be closed from councillors did not feel the size and price of could be arranged for £9 per collection but flooding at Ridge Golf Course and dog Energy supplier Following investigations, February 1 for approximately 6-8 weeks for Hollingbourne trees to be a sound investment. The council it was agreed to wait and see if this was mess. Two younger members of the Cllr Finn said there was a possibility to do refurbishment. He would be unable to hold Speedwatch Police were aware of parking had been in touch with another charity necessary. There had been a high number community felt a skate park would be this in the village. A volunteer was needed his weekly surgeries until it reopened. issues around the Upper Street area and offering free trees to all landowners. The of enquiries about hiring the barn, and beneficial. It was agreed to look at the to compare quotes from companies and Police report Since the last meeting in were working to relieve the problem. The clerk would forward the information to the there were eight regular bookings, totalling Lenham skate park and the clerk would organise a meeting with villagers to November, there had been 16 crimes. These PCSO said there were several ways of Hollingbourne Meadows Trust. 11 hours a week. It was agreed that a key investigate putting a skate park in the explain the savings from the scheme. Once included five thefts from the Co-op, three setting up Speedwatch. The clerk would Finance There was £30,163 in the safe would be the best way to manage this. Sports Field. There was also concern about a supplier had been identified, a village public order offences including contact the Speedwatch organisation for combined bank accounts as of January 2. The caretaker would make spot checks and the overgrown hedge on the corner of coordinator would be sought. assault/criminal damage, two burglaries, prices of equipment etc. deep clean the barn twice a week. Whitehall Drive and Charlesford Avenue. Neighbourhood plan There was a and three attempted burglary/thefts, one Crime report Five crimes had been Tree work It was agreed to continue with Bus service The new service had started on discussion about the process and the road accident with assault, one theft of reported: A caravan had been taken from Leeds the current contractor and to engage him February 17, and timetables were due to be benefits it could have. Two residents had number plates and an attempted cash the M20 services; a number plate was Burberry Lane A resident asked why the for one day’s work to deal with the most delivered to residents. They were also offered to help with the air pollution data machine theft at the Co-op. removed from a vehicle in Hadley lane could not be made a one-way road so pressing issues. available in the post office. The pilot would and one had offered to help with the Height warning A resident raised concerns Gardens; a wreath was damaged on a door that traffic coming up Penfold Hill could Maintenance it was agreed to continue last for one year and the future of the bus neighbourhood plan. about the flashing lorry height warning in Eyhorne Street; there was an attempt to divert up Burberry Lane and exit where the with the current contractor for grass service could depend on the success of this. Emergency plan Cllr Finn said the draft sign on the A20. The clerk said Highways break into a vehicle in Eyhorne Street. road joins the B2163 at the boundary of cutting, footpath strimming and Buses will stop at the Potting Shed, Aldi risk assessment and emergency plan were aware of this. Nuisance bikers There are regular reports Leeds. The section of the lane between Park weedkilling and to ask for a quote to add and Morrisons. It was suggested that a document had been circulated to members. Verges A resident queried the reseeding of of motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4s being Barn Road and the B2163 would be grass cutting at the Barn. “flag it down” service might be useful on Cllr Finn had taken pertinent points from the verges. Cllr Dean said Bellway was in driven over private land and fields. retained as two-way traffic with restrictions Website It was agreed not to continue Chartway Street. the Brexit Planning Document and the discussion with KHS to reinstate the verge Residents had contacted the owners of the for oversized vehicles. This would give website hosting with Cantium but to Events Party in the Park would take place Kent Resilience Document and drawn up a and would plant bulbs if required. land but unless police are contacted, rush hour traffic an option when travelling continue investigating other providers. on June 20. Enquiries would be made list of agreed risks for Detling. It was Garden of remembrance A new hardwood nothing can be done to stop the activity. south, relieving traffic travelling north on Spring clean It was agreed to hold a village about hiring a marquee. The VE Day party agreed to have meetings with the seat had been bought to replace the Cllr Michael Gray Cllr Ward reported on the B2163. tidy-up day on March 14, at 10am. would be on May 8 at the village hall. emergency services to establish their damaged one, at a cost of £950 plus Vat. the sad death of Cllr Gray, following a Relief Road KCC Cllr Gary Cooke said

Litter pick The next event would be from procedures. The contractor overseeing the area (MBC) heart attack. Condolences were sent to his KCC had agreed on four possible routes for 2-5pm on Sunday, March 15. Fire hydrants A member of the public had quoted £450 to install the seat. It was family. a relief road but were not yet able to Broomfield and Kingswood Sports Field It was agreed that the gates spoke of the inadequate state of the fire agreed to accept both quotes. Resignation The council’s cleaning disclose them. The planned public meeting Chartway Street There were concerns that would need to remain open. The thinning hydrants in the parish. It was agreed that a Tree packs It was agreed to buy two tree contractor, Pat Price, had resigned for about the road was on hold. the road is dangerous, particularly as there of the trees between the car park and the list of the hydrants would be supplied to packs and some supplementary trees from health reasons. She was thanked for her Salt bins Bins should have been topped up were no white lines. Members said the road would be investigated and a height ensure the locations could be identified. The Woodland Trust for the Kent Downs reliability and flexibility in working by KCC – any that were not full should be lines were remarked regularly. The parish barrier would be put in place. An email AONB, and to set aside the sum of £500. unsocial hours. The weekly clean would reported to the clerk. KCC had provided a council would report this, but residents had been received about aggressive dogs in Cattle grazing Mike Phillips had spoke to a now be carried out by the lady who had bag of grit for residents to use in the church also needed to report it online at the field. It was agreed that something Downswood lady who was happy to graze four to six been carrying out the deep cleans. car park. www.kent.gov.uk. would be put in the Parish News, on Police report PCSOs Daisy Roberts and cattle on Teers Meadow from August to Co-option Maidstone Borough Council Flytipping Two cars were reported Flooding There was concern about Facebook, the website and emailed to Zac Budde would be taking over from November. She would pay a peppercorn had advised that the council vacancy could dumped in Burberry Lane. Any flytipping flooding outside the Ridge Golf course. residents to say the field was for everyone – PCSO Zoe Turner. No crimes had been rent and supply her own water. It was be filled by co-option. Craig Gooding had should be reported via the MNC website. It Members said the water had been pumped dogs should be kept under control and reported in Downswood. PCSO Roberts resolved to sign the agreement. accepted the role. was understood a Leeds resident had been out and the golf course had complained mess cleared up. said it should be possible to have a police Doctors surgery A fixed wire test of the Waste collection The commercial waste fined for tipping rubbish in Burberry Lane. about it. Grass cutting It was agreed to continue presence at Mallards to monitor parking electrical circuits was required at the collectors had said the bins at the Cardwell Parking Residents complained that drivers Gravelly Bottom Road Residents using the current company for grass during MPE matches. Vehicles parked surgery and the Parish Council was asked were too heavy for fortnightly collections parking in Farmers Close was getting out complained about potholes and flooding cutting in the sports field and around the dangerously or causing an obstruction if it could pay half. This could be around so would have to be done weekly, which of hand. Owners were asked to use the area on the road. They were advised to report it village. should be reported to 101. £500. It was agreed to contribute half. would double the cost. However, the allocated for visitor parking. online. Cart shed After discussion, it was agreed Spires shops Following a communication Church Road footpath Cllr T Sams contractors would recommend that three Maintenance Flooding had been reported Bypass Cllr Gill Fort was lobbying for that Cllr Hoy would draft a letter to Leeds from Noble One, it was agreed that their reported that KHS need to undertake a bins were sufficient, rather than four. during and after heavy rain at the bridge something about the Leeds/Langley relief Castle about the deteriorating cart shed at area was kept clean and tidy. An feasibility study for the footpath. The fee Defibrillators Cllr Marshall had checked next to Leeds Castle entrance. The clerk road to be put in the Local Plan. Park Barn Farm. improvement in the other units had been for this will be £2,815. It was agreed that the machines in the village hall and they would ask KCC Highways to investigate Lenham Road Kent Highways had given noted. This would continue to be this should be undertaken. were good. Spare pads were also in the and resolve the issue. the go-ahead for the 30mph speed limit on monitored. the road, from Wents Service Station to the Detling Football club It was agreed that No Crime reports SOMEBODY broke a window at a house existing 30mph limit in Kingswood. The Sir Richard Alexander Cllr Irene Bowie Waiting cones would be bought and loaned in Sharsted Way, Bearsted, allegedly cost was estimated to be about £4k. Cllr informed the meeting of the sad death of to MPE in the hope that they prove more using a pellet gun. Neighbourhood Watch Prendergast was happy to fund the cost of Sir Richard Alexander. He was chairperson effective than the ones currently used. The Thieves attempted to break into a house the TRO from her members grant. of the village hall committee and president club would be warned that they might be Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police in Old Ashford Road, Lenham, by Councillors agreed to contribute £250 of the Bentley club. He had also been editor required for the Olympicnic. The club ramming down the gates . towards the remaining costs. of the Detling News and had achieved a would be asked for dates and times of in Broomfield Road, Leeds. A child's A large barrel of flowers was stolen A house was broken into in Ashford Precept flyer Regarding feedback from the great deal for the village. A minute’s fixtures so that police could plan motorbike, hand-mower and tools were from a house in Styles Lane, Boxley. Road, Bearsted. flyer, members agreed that this was the silence was held. attendance. stolen. A fuel cap was stolen from a vehicle in first time a flyer had been produced on the Bus service Despite writing to Arriva about Highways Improvement plan The A ladder was stolen from a house in A Ford Fiesta was damaged in Merton Detling Hill, Thurnham. precept, and comments would be taken on the bus service, the clerk had still not gateway features and the new nameplate Upper Street, Leeds. Road, Bearsted. The owner of a property returned home board for future years. An abridged version received a reply. had been ordered by Highways. This was All four tyres on a silver Ford Fiesta Thieves attempted to steal fuel from to find that their garage door was of the budget would be put on the website. Vacancy No applications had been likely to take three months. The footway parked on a driveway were slashed in vehicles parked at a business premises in damaged in Scragged Oak Road, Detling. Maternity cover Members discussed how received for the vacancy on the parish extension was still to be reviewed. The Madginford Road, Bearsted. Revenge Road, Boxley but were unable to Somebody stole a statue in Ashford to cover the RFO when she goes on council. corner protection did not score highly Somebody smashed two windows and remove the fuel caps so they took the Road, Thurnham. maternity leave. It was agreed to place an Police report PCSO Matt Adlington said enough to be successful. damaged the door of a container in a batteries. Somebody stole batteries from an advert in the Parish News and local clerks there had been the usual spike in Roundabout maintenance It was agreed public park in Forstal Road, Boxley. Somebody slashed the tyres of a Ford excavator and diesel was syphoned out in would be asked if they would like to take burglaries for the time of year. Residents that the contractor would be asked to make Somebody stole a vehicle parked on the Transit in Larchwood Close, Boxley, and Old Ashford Road, Lenham. up the temporary role. were reminded to deadlock front doors as more visits as the roundabout got very driveway in Plantation Lane, Bearsted. smashed both wing mirrors and ripped Fence panels were stolen from a house Co-option Councillors voted unanimously many burglars used them to take keys overgrown between visits. The remaining Somebody broke into a shed at a house off the aerial. in Gravelly Bottom Road,Kingswood .

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INMAKING AND AROUND THE BEST THE OF HOME WOOD Family business established 21 years BathroomBathrooms Installers IN AND AROUND THE HOME FREE ESTIMATES Bathrooms CALL Cliff on 01622Family business 743648 established 21 years 07940 854927 Mob:01622 07711 743648 291921 CALL Cliff on 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone The complete Bathroom Sales 07940 854927 Mob: 07711 291921 TheMaintenance complete CompanyBathroomServices 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone & Chimney Maintenance Maintenance Company NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Chimney Maintenance NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES The complete Bathroom MaintenanceSupply • Install Company • Repair H & G Chimney Services Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Supply • Install • Repair Chimney sweeping service • LongH established & G Chimney • ICS registered Services NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Call Gary 07738 902116 CompleteChimney re-builds sweeping • Re-pointing service • Long • Guttering, established roof • & ICS valley registered repairs Supply • Install • Repair • Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services 01622 739439All types 07860 of flu 318166 • All pots-cowls [email protected] supplied & fitted 01622 736266 Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 739439 07860 318166 [email protected] Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 ALLALL WORK01622 WORK GUARANTEED GUARANTEED 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED Carpenters BuildersBuilders Clean Sweep Builders BrushClean & vacuum Sweep AUL EST MD Building & Services PPAUL BBEST BrickworkSpecialists in WoodBrush burners& vacuum and flues MD• Extensions Building • Refurbishments & Services BrickworkO Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) supplied and fitted H & G Chimney Services PAUL BEST • ElectricsSpecialists • Modernisations in Wood burners and flues OO Extensions • •Kitchen Extensions & Bathroom • Refurbishments Installations All work insured Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered General Builder • Plastering (All aspects) supplied and fitted BrickworkO General Builder • Driveways, Patios & Repointing All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted • Complete O •• Electrics Fencing •& Modernisations Blockpaving O 25Extensions years Experience • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations All work certified to cover insurance re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs 25 years Experience FULLY INSURED All work insured O General Builder • Driveways, Patios & Repointing [email protected] Tel:• Mark Fencing 07841 & Blockpaving 409061 Pest control available 01622O 25 years 891960 Experience All work certified to cover insurance 01622 739439 07860 318166 01622 891960 07748e: [email protected] 630747 INSURED Camera inspections available 07748 630747 www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk Pest control available 01622 891960 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 e: [email protected] WeddingsCamera inspections attended available 07748TOM 630747 HOPE offers the www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukfollowing services: Most types of fencing undertaken Building• Fields rolled, harrowedPlans and fertilised (ATV spread if wet) Member of the ICS Flail mowing (untidy field to a lawn) Weddings attended Having (whole or part job) bale wrapping, baling, round, quadrant and conventional. HETAS approved Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Horse manureBuilding loaded and Plans taken away. Member of the ICS 13 tonne 360 with experience operator, full range of bucket’s concrete breaker Kent Trailers CircularLoft saw Conversions for overgrown hedges • – Extensions other services available • Kitchens (anything considered). Contact Kevin Bovis Indespension Agent REQUIRED: Fields for haying and grazing. HETAS approved Bathrooms • All HouseholdFOR SALE: Refurbishments Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Oak offcut’s ideal woodburner (large loads). Half tonne apple bin’s – used once. 01622 844385 Trailers in stock, New & Used All type and shapes of forage. Clean brick and block hardcore, also plannings. Contact Kevin Bovis Large quantity01622 of farmyard 737499 manure •any 07984 size load, collected575807 or delivered. Detling All above subject to availability. 07885 651578 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166 01622 844385 Telephone/Fax: 01233 756673 Mobile: 07890 818783 [email protected] 36 Maidstone East March 2020 07885 651578 Please call 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 [email protected] H²0 Plumbusters for winter special PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS price and a 38 Maidstone Weald October 2017 FREE quote We are a well established family run company with over 25 years experience based in Maidstone Tel: covering Kent, we can help you with your 01622 672743 bathroom or kitchen design and install, we Mobile specialise in central heating repairs and 07703 442025 upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe www.plumbusters.co.uk No 521635

MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service 01622 863502 07950 211 507 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected]

07808 414965 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance www.apolloroofing.co.uk

Mid Kent Living 65 Sales Services& MoT Testing Free re-test and minor adjustments Auto’s Service & repairs carried out to all makes & models Tilyard Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking Tel: 01622 663662 downsUnit 5,mail.co.uk Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY Classified Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS Carpenters continued Chimney Maintenance Driveway Services continued

P J BrookerWEALDEN BOOKS CarpentrAntiquarian, Service second-hand •Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam and out of print books. •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks 20yrKent perienc S.Eastern Topography Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES Cit & Guil Local Qualifie History etc lists issued. Fre Quotation 01622 741183 01622 762581 01622 862035 / 07771 523799 Email:[email protected] www.rssurfacing.com 01622 662110 / 07738974302 Education Advertise in our Cleaning Services BMP SKIP HIRE WANTED MATHEMATICS TUITION online business MODEL RAILWAYS Domestic Any age or condition 2/3/4Experienced & G r6ammar YARD School directory for as teach o ers Mathematics coaching • SAME DAY SERVICE CleanerRichard 07780 681405 up tE.A.o GCSE REG and A-level • FASTlittle FRIENDLY as £4 SERVICE per Leave the sparkle Private collector • WEmonth RECYCLE YOUR+ Vat WASTE and shine to me! [email protected] 01622Please contact Bru 858887ce Malcolm on 07870 680 979 Contact Lynn to arrange 01622 734658 or 07710 994391 YOUR cleaning requirements 01622 630330 07881 812 555 lynnantcliff[email protected]. BODY LTDElectricians Computer Services Waste Collection

• V2rus/ 2w r D t cti & R v 2  Cesspool Emptying • PC/ pt p R p 2rs, Upgr d s & I st 22 ti • W2r 2 ss & Br d d Issu s & C figur ti (min 1 hour)  Septic Tanks • N tw rk2 g • … d uc r Over 30 Years IT  Drain Clearing Contact Mark on... Experience T 2 01622 859969 07867 905522  Sludge Removal 222222 [email protected] @  Treatment Plants Driveway Services  Gulleys & Forecourts L W Landway Surfacing Ltd.  High Pressure Jetting S ‘’ RESIN’’ BOUND & BONDED DRIVEWAYS, & PATIOS. Tarmac, Shingle & DomesticBlock Paving & Commercial Fencing Services Council Approved Vehicle Crossovers. Mobile: 07795ENVIRONMENTAL 471196 / 07799 867524 LICENSED CARRIERS Office: 01622 734817 Email: [email protected] Website: www.landwaysurfacing.co.uk 100 The Landway Bearsted Maidstone ME14 4LB B.G Electrical Contractors est.24Hr 1997 - 7 Days A Week 01622 631688Domestic-Commercial-Industrial Any Electrical work undertakenPrompt & Friendly Service To See Our Full RangeThe Paddock,visit Detling Hill, Maidstone, Kent www.dbody.co.uk bgelectrical-maidstone.co.uk All Work Guaranteed, 66 Mid Kent Living SURFACING CONTRACTORS Free Advice & Quotations NICEIC Part P registered Based in Bearsted 01622 725328 • 07778 156314 01622 737750 [email protected] 07768 957 456 www.arnoldandarnoldltd.com

Maidstone East March 2020 37 Sales Sales&Services Services&

All servicing work undertaken, Ltd diagnostics, mechanical and bodywork repairs, MOT preparation BMW & BMW “At your service” and winter checks. Cherry Tree Business Estate, Plough Wents Road, , Maidstone, ME17 3RY Over 25 years experience. Mini Specialist

Prompt D.T Collection J Merchant PlumbingFreephone & Heating 0800 6942024 AFast J GRANT HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East Local plumber and heating engineerCarpets with 39+(Average) years Normal rate Special rate • DGeneralelivery builderSKIP HIRE CARPET & • All general building work in the job, who strives to provide professionalSingle Room (12’ service. x 12’) £42 £21 Over 20 Years Experience UPHOLSTERY Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 • Extensions renovations T Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 I am a long-time member of the charteredHall, Stairs institute & Landing of £56 £28 & 12 Yard Bins • PatiosPrices paving from £110+VAT plumbingCLEANING and heating engineers and have been gas T Covering Maidstone Upholstery • Rag stone and brick walls & The Weald safe registered (formally Corgi) since3 piece 1990. suite £84 £42 01622 843511 OFFER 50% Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 http://www.andy-grant.co.uk/ T EA Registered Discount Mr Jamie Merchant Curtains 0797171586601233 •623721 01622 685198 T Fast & Prompt Service No hidden extras - All Classified Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, T Commercialdowns mail.co.uk 01622prices inclusive 751475 of VAT 07971 886949Full length £74 £37 Half Length £42 £21 [email protected] Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic [email protected] Garden Services Garden Services ContinuedSales Services 01474& Southeastgroundworks Driveways, patios, councilA approved.P.S Ltd 812005 for drop crossings,Roofing all types & Chimney Services P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFINGALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS of •ground New worksroofs & repairs • Slating/Tiling/Lead work SERVICED • Brickwork • SALES • SERVICE • FILTERS• & REVERSE OSMOSIS undertaken• Chimney rebuild/repairs • Pointing Extensions, renovations, roofing, loft conversions • • &FREE alterations SURVEY PROMPT • INSTALLATIONSDecking/Patios • Guttering Services Call Paul on • Water Features • Fencing E: [email protected] • DrivewaysBARNSIDE, WROTHAM •ROAD, Treework MEOPHAM Free estimates & all works guaranteed 01634 865213 W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.ukwww.softwaterservices.co.uk 01580 890624 k BLOCK SALT Experienced Reliable Fully Insured SOFTENER [email protected] • • 07712 07944163167 367320www.southeastgroundworks.co.uk / 01622 729600 All work carries an Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh [email protected] 07748185920 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill TChatham,el: 01622 527106 Kent Mob:07788 ME5 9RD 532926 Email:Insurance [email protected] Backed Guarantee

Handyman Services FOR ALL ASPECTS OF MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING Turf Laying Specialists One-off or Ongoing Maintenance Planting Commercial & Domestic Alpha Property Maintenance SouthSHAUN East Handymen ELLEN Fencing Grass Cutting & Treatments BRICKWORK SPECIALIST & GENERAL BUILDER GREG LAURENSONPaving & Patios Hedge Cutting & Reductions 30 years experience in Fully Insured & Qualified • Bathroom & kitchen installations • EXTENSIONS • PORCHES • GARDEN WALLS • PATIOS • RE-POINTING PAINTING & DECORATINGRaised Beds PROPERTYPaddock SERVICES Maintenance Painting & decorating / Electrics & plumbing Tel: 01580 438004 Garden & Site Clearance Pressure Washing • Painting & decorating • CHIMNEY REPAIRS • CONSERVATORY BASES • STONE WALLS e: [email protected] Extensions & loft conversions Interior & Exterior Workwww.lucaslandscapemaintenance.co.ukCommercial & Domestic • Plastering • Plumbing • CONCRETING • DRAINAGE • BLOCK PAVING • ROOFING All•RESTORATION handyman jobs WORK covered • PROPERTY no matter MAINTENANCE how small. Free Quotes Reliable Quality Service Free Quotations GardeningCITY & GUILDS and small OVER trees. 25 Outside YEARS guttering EXPERIENCE & UPVC Call Bob on fascia's plusFREE small ESTIMATES roofs and the & ADVICEerecting of sheds. [email protected] PHONEGeorge SHAUN: 07740 01622 347 679618 596 /• MOB:07957 07889 103 903590 203 01622 762164 07941 703193 FOR A RELIABLE & FRIENDLY SERVICE 07870 271 077 MD Building & Services @ Spindlebush Farm, HomeSpecialists Improveme innts and Logs • Extensions S•u Plasteringpplies Ltd (All aspects) MARSHALLS Hill, ME18 6AL • RefurbishmentsKitchens / Be• drElectricsooms/ Bath • Modernisationsrooms / T SeasonedQualitree logs Services suitableComplete for tree services • KitchenKarndean & F Bathroomlooring (suppl Installationsy / supply BrandSeasoned New Ha Straightrdwood L Stairliftsogs Next day • Driveways, Patios &an Repointingd install / insta •ll onFencingly) & Blockpaving open fires & wood stoves installation see www.installationgallery.co.uk to see T ry Reconditioned Stairlifts FULLY INSURED T Bulk bags from £55 a gallery of our previous installations. T Call Tel No: 01622 756128 Mobile: 07905 182363 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 T Loose loads: £100 delivered Logman Energy Very competitively priced against Today for www.stairliftstoday.co.uk email: [email protected] Suppliers V or £125 Your Free [email protected] kindling with every double load www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukMobile No: 07855 466438 Quotation 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF Tel No: 0800 1804590 01622 812005V 07970 647334 Calllogmanene us today to request yourrgy@yahoo. FREE, no obligation,c homeom survey. Based in Maidstone www.logmanenergy.co.uk For all makes of 01622 208426 www.qualitree-services.co.uk Wood burning Stoves Rolin Cleaning Services Mob 0773468MD Building 0671 & Servicesand Open Fires • Wood Floor Sanding Marchant Garden Services Specialists in CALL US ON: Est. in 1993 Painting & Decorating and Oiling services Adrian Marchant • Full• Roof Extensions Installation • Plastering • Tiling (All & Slateaspects) Roofing 01622 920642 • Refurbishments• UPVC • Fascias Electrics & Soffits• Modernisations • Family run business • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations [email protected] Allll ttypes of- Tree Hard Surgeon & Sofftt Landscapes • Chimney Re pointing or Removal • Fully insured • DecoratorDriveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving 01732 872199 www.landlcreativespaces.co.uk •• Patiotioss,, PavingN.P.T.C. Roads Qualified& Drriives •• C•onc Fullyrre ttInsurede Bases & Stabletable BasesBases • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • Trained Technicians • Fencing & Gates • • Jungles Cleared D.STEWARTFULLY INSURED • Fencing• &Hedgecutting Gates • & Fencing• Jungles Cleared All decorating 07860• DECKING 100295 • FENCINGby • PallmannARTIFICIAL GRASS • HARD Tel:www.apolloroofing.co.uk Mark 07841 409061 Offham Nr West Malling interior & exterior [email protected] • FIRST rolincleaningservices.co.uk FIX PROJECTS • SPECIALIST IN email: [email protected] or PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT • BESPOKE GARDEN RING PAUL ON FREE07808 ESTIMATES 414965 01622 853601 07932 492897RING P A UL01732 ON 841041 www.mdbuildingservices.co.ukCall for a free no obligation quote PROJECTS • SAFETY SURFACING 01622 844605 or 07767 683747 01622 730541 Mid Kent Living 59 ffor frreeee estimestimaattee.. 07890 982430 LAZING REP 66 Mid Kent Living BLE G AIR M A1AlphaRoofing Property Services Maintenance DOU BEARSTED AN Misted Sealed Units Door Handles Broken Glass • Bathroom• TILED ROOFING & kitchen • FLAT installations ROOFING MKL_Winter_2019 CLASSIFIED.indd 66 14/03/2019 11:14 Door Locks Window Handles Letter Boxes • LEAD FLASHING• Painting • &PVC decorating FASCIA / SOFFITS Broken Hinges New Doors New Windows • •PlasteringFULL REPAIR • SERVICEPlumbing FREE ESTIMATES Free Quotations OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Tel: 01622 296011 For a prompt reliable service Call Bob on Mob: 07884 180595 Email: [email protected] 07808 849432 or 01622 738683 01622 762164 07941 703193 B M Travel (Kent) Ian Terry Private Hire Airports-London-Seaports-Days Out-Events 38Plastering Maidstone East Services March 2020 Ditton based, our locally established drivers are friendly, helpful and courteous. 31 Roseacre Lane, Bearsted ME14 4JE Competitive rates (airports from £40). 24 hour service. 07855 529283 For enquiries contact Bob Matthews on: 07904 492819 or Get properly plastered Est 1980 [email protected]

Mid Kent Living 63 downsmail.co.uk Classified Painting & Decorating continued Plumbing & Heating

HH Decoration & Local Experienced Refurbishment Decorator Fully insured, DBS checked Affordable painting & & Free estimates Decorating Services No call All aspects of home decoration to a Honest, Reliable, Trustworthy Plumbing maintenance out charge high standard & Experienced New bathroom suites Painting, Wallpaper, Plastering, Carpentry Free no Call now for a free Central heating systems Kitchen & bathroom refurbishments obligation no obligation quote Water leak repairs Friendly service, 30+ years experience. Quotation Tel: 07973406447 Contact Ray on: E mail: [email protected] Call Luke on 07961533324 07934 832345

• All plumbing work undertaken • Complete bathrooms • Power flushing of heating systems Power BLAIZE SERVICES LTD • Full central heating systemsflushing of PLUMBING I HEATING I BATHROOMS and upgrades heating systems For an immediate • Free estimates response Call James • All work carried out 07581 154499 by qualified tradesman [email protected] 616517 Gavin Francis Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • Combi Boilers Fitted £1600 • New Boiler Heat Only Fitted £1500 • A Rated 5 year warranty Your local plumber • All Servicing £55 07860 174959 • FULLY INSURED 01622 721779 • ALL WORK GUARANTEED Forge Lane, East Farleigh, 199173 Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH Pest Control NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES E:[email protected]

E: [email protected]

Plastering

All Aspects of Plastering undertaken, by a reliable local experienced tradesman

Free No Obligation Quote Call Nick on 07828248065

Maidstone East March 2020 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk Roofing Services Rubbish Clearance

ALL RUBBISH CLEARED You Name it..... We Clear It.... • Full Roof Installation Household, Garage, Factory,Garden, • Tiling & Slate Roofing Builders, Shop, Office Waste. • UPVC Fascias & Soffits • Chimney Re pointing or Removal ANYTHING,ANYWHERE, CHEAPER THAN A SKIP....AND WE LOAD • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance • All Demolition work large or small undertaken • Wait & Load Service Available 7 days a week www.apolloroofing.co.uk • Private & Commercial welcome • Free Consultation & Site Survey, No obligation quotes 07808 414965 • Environment Agency Registered Waste Carriers or 01622 853601 Please Call on 07801 706 732 Call for a free no obligation quote Skip Hire Allington Roofing EST 1979 Fascias, Soffits & Gu ering 01233 660 099 Roof Cleaning Felt Flat Roofing www.gboxkent.com Moss Removal Roof Repairs Free Estimates 01622 861564 07889255813 SKIP HIRE info@allingtonroofing.co.uk Commercial & Domestic www.allingtonroofing.co.uk Recycling Services

Book Online Order your skip via secure Skip Hire 24hr online book facility Roll On/Offs 4 Yard Skip £200 inc Vat Road Permits Arranged 6 Yard Skip £240 inc Vat Waste Recycling Facility 8 Yard Skip £280 inc Vat 12 Yard Skip £360 inc Vat

RICHARDS ROOFING & Many more services available. See website for details BUILDING SERVICES LTD Lead Work and Tiling Specialists New tiled roofs, repairs & replacements Slate and lead roofs & repairs PVCu guttering, fascias & soffits Cladding & bargeboards Repointing & chimney repairs Brickwork and carpentry Plastering and decoration Loft, cellar & garage conversions Design support & advice Qualified plumbers, electricians & heating engineers

Tel: (01622) 734377 Direct: 07885 241666 www.richardsroofing.co.uk email: [email protected]

40 Maidstone East March 2020 Sales Services& MAIDSTONE AUTOCENTRE LTD Kents Leading Mazda MX-5 Stockists OVER 40 2 & 4 SEATER CONVERTIBLES IN STOCK View our full range of stock online www.maidstoneautocentre.co.uk Maidstone Autocentre Ltd • 20 Bow Road • Wateringbury • Maidstone • Kent • ME18 5DD Tel: 01622 812234

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

For a free site survey call: Call Colin on 07521 377306 downsmail.co.uk Classified 01622 527106 07788 532926 or 01622 853978 Skip Hire Continued Waste Services Continued

P 01233 840624 Collectionrompt 01233 840624 D.T [email protected] [email protected] Fast Delivery SKIP HIRE G Blocked drain clearance G CCTV drain & sewer surveys The largest Over 20 Years Experience G Drain & sewer cleaning G Cesspool & septic tank services T Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 independently owned & 12 Yard Bins G Prices from £110+VAT liquid waste Tankering including ADR (hazchem) T Covering Maidstone management G Pollution & flooding solutions 01622 843511 & The Weald company in the UK G Waste disposal & recycling T EA Registered 01233 623721 T Fast & Prompt Service www.mtscleansing.co.uk Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, T Commercial West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic The largest independently owned liquid waste management company in the UK TV, Aerials + Satellites Garage Door Free Quotation www.mtscleansing.co.uk Specialists Site Survey GDS • Blocked drain clearance • CCTV drain & sewer surveys • Kent based business and specialize in the • At GDS we offer a range of designs, colours and Installation, supply and repair of garage doors accessories to personalise your garage door. • Drain & sewer cleaning • Cesspool & septic tank services across the South East of England. • Tankering including ADR (hazchem) • Pollution & flooding solutions • Not only do we supply and install garage doors, • Waste disposal & recycling • Years of experience in the garage door industry we can also repair any door from any and we are proud to have received many glowing manufacturer to a top standard. customer recommendations for us. Web Services 6pm 24 01634 786129onwards 07540 224938 hour www.garagedoorspecialistskent.co.uk [email protected]

Dr. Tiles I B PlasteringUpholstery Tiling & Building Maintenance Free No Obligation Quote FREE •Plastering •Friendly, reliable, Reliable Service, No Job To Small, Fully Insured Window Services NO OBLIGATION •Painting & Decorating clean & tidy worker. QUOTE •Laminate Flooring •City & Guilds Call Ian on: 07804 •Home Improvements qualified Mob 07752175135 Tel:01622 843530 927680 •Tiling •Fully insured Call Danny on 07450 876363 or email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

64 Mid Kent Living Maidstone Glass Co Ltd Waste Services Est. Over 50 years

A Rated UPVC Windows Doors & Conservatories Fascias, Soffits & Guttering

Please Contact us for a free quotation 01622 758728 [email protected] www.maidstoneglass.co.uk

Maidstone East March 2020 41 Classified downsmail.co.uk Window Services continued Leisure

GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS Hatha Yoga with Jeanette DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES Venue: Downswood Community Centre downs5mail.co.uk WINDOWS £1510 FITTED Day/Time: Monday 10am-11:30am News (Term Time Only) 01622 761571 Ability:Granville Mixed (Beginners Garage welcome) Waste Service Continued GranvilleBooking Road, only Maidstone www.granvillegarage.com (Free Taster Session available)MOT Testing - On the Road OnPlease contactGeneral theme on: Vehicle Road Repairs 07593656982 Or [email protected] SILVERBACK RECOVERY Car recovery and transportation WANTED Ltd WithMODEL more than 30 RAILWAYS years' experience in the Light commercial Any age or condition Cars for scrap removed motor industry, Motor Co is an independentlyRichard run 07780 used car 681405 specialists based Competitive£600 rates “At yourPrivate collector service” Cherryon Hartnup Tree Business Street, Estate, Plough Maidstone. Wents Road, CALL ROGER£660Window ON: Services [email protected] Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY 01622 813733£960 07740 123495 All servicing work undertaken, diagnostics, £980 barmingmotorcompany.co.ukmechanical and bodywork repairs, A QUALITY SERVICE YOU CAN RELY ON! Pet MOTServices preparation and winter checks. [email protected] have been servicing, repairing, and restoring BMWs for CALL US FOR A FREE,ACE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE & ADVICE: overTel: 30 01622 years, our 728712 staff have orover 07864 50 years combined393785 Pawsitiveexperience, and Grooming all have more than 25 years of working M.O.T.0800 and 7839661 Clutch Centre with BMWs behind them. Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T.      Car’s & Commercial vehicles HealthOpen Mon –& Fri 8:00 &Beauty - 5:30 Beauty Sat 9:00 – 12:00    Over 25 vehicles in stock M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00     Wide range of vehicles • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted        Servicing & MOT’s STEPHEN• Broken GR AbeltY damagedLeisure repaired 07588 763 426 BSc Hons HCPC Registered      Competitive Rate • All makes, petrol & diesel Bearsted Chiropody & FinanceWe available specialise in Classic BMWs of ALL ages Podiatry Practice     736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG 111 Madginford Road Bearsted BMW & BMW Mini Specialist 01622Tel: 630 39301732 870368 Home visits and evening and weekend appointments available Your ideal job?

Autospray SOLUTIONS

I,000’s of great jobs. Sign up for free Local and nationwide. job alerts. RecruitmentSarah Willsey MCFHP MAFHP Foot Health Professional Find it here at 07500 041535 | [email protected] Mid | www.yourhealthyfeet.co.uk Kent College People are at the heart www.downsmail.co.uk/jobs Mobile Foot Health Professional service in the comfort of your own home of everything we do TREATMENTS PRICES That's why we're looking to add to our team of expert teaching sta , whoCorns will & Calluses help us – Harddevelop Skin and– Cracked deliver Heels programmes £38 first to appointment prepare our studentsToe Nail Cutting to thrive and incare their - Ingrown careers. Toe Nails £35 follow up IfThickened you're an Fungal experienced Nails- Verrucas Lecturer, Assessor or£33 Industry over 65 Specialist, first appointment providingDiabetic and you High hold Risk at Foot least Care a Leveland Advice 3 qualication£30 over in your65 follow chosen up profession and share our passion for learning, then we'd like to talk to you about our full and part time opportunities in :- 42 Maidstone East March 2020 Electrial Installation Come and meet the team for an informal Engineering CAD / CAM conversation at one of our recruitment Mechanical Engineering evenings to discover why you should join us on our exciting journey to excellence Health & Social Care Plumbing MEDWAY CAMPUS - Wednesday 22 November Electronic Engineering 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00 01622 919122 Media MAIDSTONE CAMPUS - Wednesday 6 Childcare December 2017 from 17.00 to 20.00

Maidstone October 2017 45 Maidstone December 2017 43 downsmail.co.uk Volunteer Advert - Downs Mail_Layout 1 21/02/2017 15:36Classified Page 1 Recruitment Mechanic Wanted for a small independent garage in Maidstone For more information contact Bob on: 01622 751258 Volunteer at Leeds Castle

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44 Maidstone East April 2019 Maidstone East March 2020 45 downsmail.co.uk Comment Houses nightmare is killing us r THE crises caused by massive needing to make decisions, especially housing development in and around buying or selling a house? Maidstone are killing us – both literally MailMarks Could this unwelcome latest policy change be linked to opposition and and metaphorically. DENNIS FOWLE President The huge rise in population and challenges it faces creating its own 5,000- [email protected] serious shortage of NHS staff not now houses garden village at Lenham Heath? attracted to Maidstone (see separate story It is an appalling situation for residents in our news pages) increasingly threatens whose quality of life has been so very the health of our worried population. and demand cannot sensibly be met seriously harmed in many ways and who Many, unable to make an urgent GP without causing immense further damage now face a bleak and uncertain future. appointment, are going to A&E as the and dangers. Maidstone’s ancient road I hear of long-term Maidstone residents “faster alternative”. This increases structure presents huge problems for giving up and moving to other parts of pressures on already-overstretched major improvements – but Government the country for a happier life and future. hospitals also facing serious staff figures seem to suggest one size fits all. YES – MAIDSTONE IS BEING KILLED. shortages, at a time of 12% growth in The council is supported by MP Helen emergency attendances (6,456) in Grant, who says housing targets must be Who’s in charge? DO you think decisions on Maidstone November. Emergency department fair, balanced and achievable – “and at r Council are made by your elected performance has been below target for the moment they are not”. She needs councillors or unelected officers? Several four months. strong support from all MPs for angry top councillors now say the council is The NHS will not readily admit patient South East constituencies to force Government to listen and act when it increasingly officer-led. I fear they are harm, but it is inconceivable this is not wants to ignore us – and now bullying to right. occurring with so many problems. strip unco-operative councils of planning In almost 70 years in journalism, I have Maidstone suffers among the most powers. This is not really a party worked very closely with three Kent local serious shortage of GPs in the country, political issue. The strong drive for many authorities and became personal friends leaving some remaining practices very more houses is policy for Conservatives, with many superb, dedicated councillors. overworked as they struggle to meet Labour and Liberal Democrats. Criticism I knew how vital they were to proper growing demands. GP appointments of Government policy is aimed at how it operation of their council and gave them may be offered weeks ahead and then the determines the number of houses as much editorial backing as possible. 10-minute or so appointment can leave demanded on a town-by-town basis. In They needed support of good officers – doctors short of time for proper full Maidstone, criticism of the ruling Lib but had to lead and control them. investigation and consideration. Dems is based on where and how I felt confident about Maidstone a few Patients happy with regular housing is being planned to meet years back, especially when the cabinet medications serving them well for years outrageous national demands. system was introduced. The council find they are changed without notice due It has become a political very hot leader appointed four or five councillors to national shortages, and now there may potato, especially with local elections to his cabinet with specific portfolios. All be no adequate follow-up assessments. planned for May and the Tories pressing significant council decisions were made There is strong local NHS determination to regain control. But who would now at formal meetings by the full cabinet or to improve – but challenges are too great. want to handle this potato? individual members – and if other The other growing risk to our health is There are very angry councillors, councillors did not like a decision they increasing traffic chaos across Maidstone. especially in some hard-hit rural wards, could call it in for further consideration at In parts of the town, notably in Upper and as protests grow, Maidstone a meeting all interested councillors could Stone Street (fifth highest in UK outside Council’s strategies now seem to be attend. Final decision rested with cabinet. of London), toxic air from vehicle fumes getting into a real mess. When Lib Dems last regained council still exceeds World Health Organisation The council’s last call for local land control, they sadly reverted to council guidelines. The biggest health danger is offers for around 10,500 houses attracted committee meetings so all councillors had blood clots. many hopeful speculators, totalling greater involvement to speak and vote. All this is arising with just about a 60,000 houses. These offers caused These meetings are not held with quarter built of the 28,000 new houses widespread alarm in the borough and, to anything like the frequency of cabinet demanded by Government in our Local end appalling uncertainties, the council meetings and it becomes more likely Plan up to 2037. The people’s rebellion said it would quickly dismiss no hopers. officers will provide the urgency council has grown, forcing Maidstone borough Now it has added to fervent anger by work often needs. councillors and our MPs really to listen. saying it must fully assess all 334 offers From these seeds, officer power and Our council is challenging Government, and decisions may not be announced for control grow. IT IS THE WRONG WAY saying Maidstone calculations are wrong a year. What will that do for residents ROUND. Residents sick of speeding driveway to execute a three-point turn. have resulted in a huge increase in traffic We have suffered abuse from motorists using Roseacre Lane as a shortcut to and I REFER to your recent coverage of traffic if we remonstrate with them for using our from the motorway. These motorists have issues in Roseacre Lane in Bearsted. private land. We have even been abused little regard for residents and pedestrians. If the speed limit signs and large 20mph by motorists for slowing down to drive on Roseacre Lane does not have a footpath notices painted on the road are failing to slow traffic, I suggest stickers on wheelie to our own driveways. and is only wide enough for one car. bins are unlikely to have any effect. Without access to driveways, the traffic Bearsted Parish Council is powerless to As a resident of the lane, I and many would be unable to flow. do anything. It would appear that neighbours, now find that our wheelie A recent survey in Roseacre Lane Maidstone Borough Council is also unable bins are moved by motorists who cannot revealed that a large percentage of traffic is or unwilling to listen to our concerns. pass each other and resort to using our speeding in excess of 20mph. Kent County Council has indicated that driveways as a lay-by or passing place. The enormous number of houses being it will need a serious accident or a death I have experienced lorries using my built in the Sutton Road area seems to before something can be done to slow or

46 Maidstone East March 2020 downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Comment Comment stop the traffic. I think the time has now impossible. We are completely dependent Government wants to encourage more people come to close Roseacre Lane at the Hog on imports to sustain our population. to settle in the South East (which it should Houses nightmare is killing us Hill end. There is ample room at this end The housing problem, like so many of not), then it must fund fully-resourced new to allow for a turnaround. A barrier or our problems, is due to the population towns. r THE crises caused by massive needing to make decisions, especially bollard could be installed to which pressure in this country, which continues You must not underestimate the popular housing development in and around buying or selling a house? emergency vehicles could have access if to increase inexorably. reaction that will meet a hesitant or half- Maidstone are killing us – both literally MailMarks Could this unwelcome latest policy the need arose. Like Chris Packham, I am not sanguine hearted attempt to correct the problems that change be linked to opposition and Roseacre Lane is crumbling away. It was about our future prospects, but let’s hope have been created in our daily lives here in and metaphorically. DENNIS FOWLE President The huge rise in population and challenges it faces creating its own 5,000- never designed to take the amount of that something positive comes about from Maidstone. We need and expect radical change [email protected] serious shortage of NHS staff not now houses garden village at Lenham Heath? traffic which is now using it. There are no Maidstone Borough Council’s approach to now. attracted to Maidstone (see separate story It is an appalling situation for residents pavements to ensure pedestrian safety on parliament. Michael Marriott, Maidstone a route used by children and the elderly. in our news pages) increasingly threatens whose quality of life has been so very Ray Town, via email Why should we wait for our property to the health of our worried population. and demand cannot sensibly be met seriously harmed in many ways and who Building blow to village be damaged, for an accident to occur or for Many, unable to make an urgent GP without causing immense further damage now face a bleak and uncertain future. Resources, not homes THE MBC Call for Land has generated 16 someone to be injured before common appointment, are going to A&E as the and dangers. Maidstone’s ancient road I hear of long-term Maidstone residents THIS is a letter sent to Maidstone and the sites in East Farleigh with 1,399 houses sense prevails and the traffic is stopped? “faster alternative”. This increases structure presents huge problems for giving up and moving to other parts of Weald MP Helen Grant about the joint proposed. Development in East Farleigh Jane Evans, via email pressures on already-overstretched major improvements – but Government the country for a happier life and future. action about the borough’s housing would be catastrophic. The East Farleigh hospitals also facing serious staff figures seem to suggest one size fits all. YES – MAIDSTONE IS BEING KILLED. numbers instigated by the Conservative Village Plan does not identify significant shortages, at a time of 12% growth in The council is supported by MP Helen opposition at Maidstone Borough Council. demand for housing in the area. emergency attendances (6,456) in Grant, who says housing targets must be Who’s in charge? Action on homes a bit late Dear Mrs Grant, Excessive targets for housing in the DO you think decisions on Maidstone November. Emergency department fair, balanced and achievable – “and at r REFERENCE your front-page article in the You will have read in this week’s press of South East far exceed what local people Council are made by your elected performance has been below target for the moment they are not”. She needs February edition, “Battle to stop building voters’ loss of faith in the democratic process need or infrastructure can sustain. councillors or unelected officers? Several four months. strong support from all MPs for angry will go to Westminster”. and, closer to home, of the public frustration There is little long-term planning top councillors now say the council is The NHS will not readily admit patient South East constituencies to force I am amazed it has taken so long for that Maidstone is being destroyed by regarding the town centre, transport or Government to listen and act when it increasingly officer-led. I fear they are harm, but it is inconceivable this is not Maidstone borough councillors to come to overpopulation and under-provision brought housing and therefore current planning wants to ignore us – and now bullying to right. occurring with so many problems. the conclusion that this action is needed. about by a failure of national Government to developments adjacent to East Farleigh strip unco-operative councils of planning In almost 70 years in journalism, I have Maidstone suffers among the most For at least a decade, anyone with assist in planning for an increasing already impact the village and through powers. This is not really a party worked very closely with three Kent local serious shortage of GPs in the country, common sense could see where the large population. traffic. political issue. The strong drive for many authorities and became personal friends leaving some remaining practices very housing target was likely to lead us. I am delighted to read that you are joining Congestion does not just affect local more houses is policy for Conservatives, with many superb, dedicated councillors. overworked as they struggle to meet At least the Conservative opposition with local councillors to present a case to residents but others going through the Labour and Liberal Democrats. Criticism I knew how vital they were to proper growing demands. GP appointments leader Cllr John Perry has set the ball government for a cessation of house-building village using the main route across the of Government policy is aimed at how it operation of their council and gave them rolling, although his comment that in our town. You must not underestimate the river. It is estimated that if each proposed may be offered weeks ahead and then the determines the number of houses as much editorial backing as possible. 10-minute or so appointment can leave housing targets cannot be met “without strength of feeling here about the way our daily house made just four single journeys a demanded on a town-by-town basis. In They needed support of good officers – adversely affecting the residents”, might lives have been diminished by this mindless day additional traffic volume of 39,172 a doctors short of time for proper full Maidstone, criticism of the ruling Lib but had to lead and control them. investigation and consideration. have been better expressed as “without expansion. week would occur. Rural roads already Dems is based on where and how I felt confident about Maidstone a few adversely affecting the environment”. It will not be sufficient merely to stop all struggle with significant congestion. Patients happy with regular housing is being planned to meet years back, especially when the cabinet medications serving them well for years The environment impinges on residents, building activity here. The process needs to be The grade I listed bridge is narrow with outrageous national demands. system was introduced. The council but also affects wildlife. Even the present reversed and, in addition, we need substantial no pavement. Road safety and pedestrian find they are changed without notice due It has become a political very hot leader appointed four or five councillors to national shortages, and now there may building level is causing serious traffic Government investment to recover the loss of / cyclist safety are compromised by potato, especially with local elections to his cabinet with specific portfolios. All gridlock and increased air pollution. resources in terms of our hospital, GP unsuitable of roads and lack of footpaths. be no adequate follow-up assessments. significant council decisions were made planned for May and the Tories pressing The current wheeze is the plea to plant surgeries, roads, green spaces and other There are inadequate local facilities, There is strong local NHS determination at formal meetings by the full cabinet or to regain control. But who would now more trees. In Kent, all we are doing is facilities which have been swamped by amenities, services and infrastructure to to improve – but challenges are too great. individual members – and if other want to handle this potato? planting houses. Where the land is to unplanned migration, both internal and provide for a substantially bigger The other growing risk to our health is councillors did not like a decision they There are very angry councillors, come from to plant more trees eludes me, international. community. increasing traffic chaos across Maidstone. could call it in for further consideration at especially in some hard-hit rural wards, and the loss of agricultural land in the As Dennis Fowle puts it in the Downs Mail: The National Planning Policy In parts of the town, notably in Upper a meeting all interested councillors could and as protests grow, Maidstone county is already dire. “Maidstone has become an awful example of a Framework states fundamental aims to Stone Street (fifth highest in UK outside attend. Final decision rested with cabinet. Council’s strategies now seem to be In the early 1970s, Kenneth Mellanby, major town being destroyed by unbelievable prevent unrestricted sprawl of built-up of London), toxic air from vehicle fumes When Lib Dems last regained council getting into a real mess. director of the Monk’s Wood Research housing targets, now very seriously impacting areas and neighbouring towns merging still exceeds World Health Organisation control, they sadly reverted to council The council’s last call for local land Station, wrote a small book entitled “Can on quality of life in so many ways for residents. to safeguard countryside, preserve guidelines. The biggest health danger is committee meetings so all councillors had offers for around 10,500 houses attracted Britain Feed Itself?” The conclusion then There is now an opportunity for the new special character and historic areas and to blood clots. greater involvement to speak and vote. many hopeful speculators, totalling was that it was unlikely without some Government to set the country on a positive support sustainable development. All this is arising with just about a These meetings are not held with 60,000 houses. These offers caused pain, but to do so now is utterly and creative course for the future. If the Hilary Whibley, East Farleigh quarter built of the 28,000 new houses widespread alarm in the borough and, to anything like the frequency of cabinet demanded by Government in our Local end appalling uncertainties, the council meetings and it becomes more likely Plan up to 2037. The people’s rebellion said it would quickly dismiss no hopers. officers will provide the urgency council has grown, forcing Maidstone borough Now it has added to fervent anger by work often needs. The five editions of the Downs Mail are delivered to 90% of households in the Maidstone and Malling area, councillors and our MPs really to listen. saying it must fully assess all 334 offers From these seeds, officer power and reaching over 190, 000 readers every month. Our council is challenging Government, and decisions may not be announced for control grow. IT IS THE WRONG WAY saying Maidstone calculations are wrong a year. What will that do for residents ROUND. Maidstone North Maidstone South Maidstone East Maidstone Weald Malling Residents sick of speeding driveway to execute a three-point turn. have resulted in a huge increase in traffic Current and archived editions are also free to read online at We have suffered abuse from motorists using Roseacre Lane as a shortcut to and www.downsmail.co.uk I REFER to your recent coverage of traffic if we remonstrate with them for using our from the motorway. These motorists have issues in Roseacre Lane in Bearsted. private land. We have even been abused little regard for residents and pedestrians. If the speed limit signs and large 20mph Contact our teams…. by motorists for slowing down to drive on Roseacre Lane does not have a footpath notices painted on the road are failing to Editorial to our own driveways. and is only wide enough for one car. Sales Accounts Dept. slow traffic, I suggest stickers on wheelie Editor: Simon Finlay [email protected] Without access to driveways, the traffic Bearsted Parish Council is powerless to Sales Manager: Bill Brett bins are unlikely to have any effect. Simon.fi[email protected] 01622 630330 ext 229 As a resident of the lane, I and many would be unable to flow. do anything. It would appear that 01622 734735 [email protected] A recent survey in Roseacre Lane Maidstone Borough Council is also unable 01622 630330 ext. 221 Mail Publications Ltd neighbours, now find that our wheelie Deputy editor: Doug Kempster revealed that a large percentage of traffic is or unwilling to listen to our concerns. Forge House bins are moved by motorists who cannot [email protected] Advertising Sales Enquiry: pass each other and resort to using our speeding in excess of 20mph. Kent County Council has indicated that Bearsted Green Business Park 01622 734735 01622 630330 option 1 driveways as a lay-by or passing place. The enormous number of houses being it will need a serious accident or a death Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT I have experienced lorries using my built in the Sutton Road area seems to before something can be done to slow or

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