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Maidstone East Edition & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE FREE& Fortnightly October 2017 No.Maidstone 246 & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper News st th AprilPanto 1 - April 14ahoy! downsmail.co.uk Kate,No. 107,292 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 to has died aged 107, her son 3 launch this year's panto. News David has disclosed. On board The Kentish Lady were national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Teen yobs ‘could end Rotarian inspired Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- MP’s Local Plan bid fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- AHELEN ROTARIAN Whately has asked been the inspired beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig bygovernment Captian Sir to haltTom the Moore to Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, raiseborough’s funds housing for charity scheme. by 4 upStephen Richards killing and Adam Bor- someone’ walking round his garden. à3 zone (Ugly Sisters) . They were greeted by pupils from Plans for Dr Nigel South Borough Primary School andMAIDSTONE villages are being “terrorised” No let up THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet members of the media. The panto by teenage tearaways, writes Jade Schopman. THEwill walk controversial the Grand council-led runs from December 1-31. For tick- Residents claim to have been housingCanyon forplan charity. for Lenham Heath12 ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. threatened while there are reports looks likely to progress to of rocks and golf balls being hurled the next stage. à4 at moving vehicles on the A20 in Jason Donovan date Bearsted. LeedsTHE former church Neighbours facelift star brings The youngsters have reportedly his show to the Hazlitt STTheatre Nicholas next May. church in Leeds 18 is hurled verbal sexual abuse at resi- being repointed after a CCTVdents call and trespassed on property. in a bid funding boost. à10 One woman claims she had a cat- apult with a stone aimed straight at her face. Radical action needed Community warden Leslie RADICAL action is required to to stopEtheridge fly-tipping said the situation is now prevent further crashes in “a matter of urgency”. - including build- CALLSBell’s for support the installation Cllr of CCTVGordon Newton, cameras who repre- to prevent fly-tipping on a outs near the Pilgrims Way junc- THE independent movement call- sents , said: “One of tion which has become countrying for potential road candidates have been to madethem threatened by the localto stab boroughme and councillor. a lockdown car park. à14 punch my teeth in when I asked standBurberry at the Lane,borough near council Leeds elec- and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but be- Broomfield,tions in Maidstone has been on May targeted 6 has by themwasdumped to stop setting and set fire on to fire. aerosol lieves the cost to small firms of dis- Obituaries à33 wastewon the dumpers endorsement for years, of the but for- in re- cansThe in churchMallards car Way. park has also seen posing of construction waste at a Obituaries 32 centmer months,BBC journalist the problem and MP, hasMar- be- many“My instanceswife also of illegal witnessed dumping. a Clltransfer Val Springett station iswith proving a golf aball deter- Parishes à44 cometin Bell. more acute. womanBut it who is a problem had a catapult in many aimed rural thatrent was that thrown is costing at councilstraffic more. Parish Councils 34-35 at her face and we called 999. They ConstructionThe white-suited waste, war rubble, corre- hard areas including Langley, CllrResident Fort Nicky made Clifford her remarks is setting as Comment à45-47 core, windows and household fur- areand an Kingswood. absolute nuisance Water and Lane they in ASH dieback has been discovered in spondent won a seat in parlia- upone a ofNeighbourhood the borough’s Watch closest Scheme trans- niture is left illegally – often strewn areBearsted going to and kill Pilgrimssomebody.” Way have fer stations at North Farm, Tun- Monks Meadow in ; ment by overturning Tory Neil with three other locals to cover parts in the middle of the road. alsoCllr been Val Springett targeted recently.said: “It has es- bridge Wells, announced it will be Hollingbourne village fete stall- Hamilton's 22,000 majority in of Downswood. Postmaster’s claim Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month calatedLast in year, the last Maidstone month and Borough things closed for 10 weeks. holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has Tatton in 1997 on an anti-sleaze Mrs Clifford (53), who has lived in resigned; yellow lines are needed we are having toilets, sinks and haveCouncil taken cleared a very 911 sinister cases and of fly-tip- dan- She added: “If you go along the A FORMER postmaster is ticket. Speaking exclusively to for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow construction waste dumped in the gerousping and turn. this I witnessed year more a group than 163of theline village of increasing for 28 years, fines, said: they “It's have like to pursuing a claim against the Downs Mail, Mr Bell said: "Local buses through Imperial Park; rub- village, specifically in Burberry boyshave launching been recorded golf balls since at moving April. we'rebe enforced. being terrorised. A reduction It has innever the Post Office for reputa- councils are not well-served by bish bins in the sports field in Lane, where we are now thinking carsThe on approaching the A20 in Bearsted. darker eveningsThey are beencharge this or bad offering before.” it free may have tional damage. à21 party politics. The right indepen- Kingswood are to be moved over to of installing cameras on private gettingwill prompt so brazen, a rise it in is illegalunbelievable. tipping. theChief desired Inspector similar Gary effect.” Woodward dent candidate in the right seat condemned the behaviour as “un- the picnic area and rear exit. land,could to do oversee very well the in problemMaidstone." area.” “NextCllr Fort time, welcomed I’ll be dialling a joint 999 initia- be- A three-monthly litter pick on the Trench-life recreated A recent event in Burberry Lane tive by the Environment Agency acceptable”mile-long stretch and said of officers road through are pa- For more see pages 22 & 45 cause someone could end up being CrimeAN HISTORIAN Reports will bring World 35 saw a caravan burned out while a killed.”and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- trollingLeeds village the area produces workingan to identify average torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on members32 black sacks of the of gang. rubbish. VEHICLESWar One to have life in been a special driven project over CllrHe said: Fort, “Officers who also intervened serves with as a farmlandstarting in Maidstone. in Lenham, causing twoparish young councillor, people who says were teaching throw- damge to crops; an attemptedà26 ingchildren stones about and socialthey received responsibility com- break-inFast link was reported hope in Detling; a munity resolutions in the presence vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted and the issue of litter in schools will County Council has ofhelp the take parents. the issue They off were the streets.told to Rd, ; pumpkins were “strengthened” its support for a changeShe believes their withbehaviour every orhousehold risk fur- stolen from an allotment in fast rail link service to Cam- YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT therreceiving police a action.”weekly refuse collection Lenham. service,Anyone there with is concerns no excuse should for litter call bridge via the capital and will [email protected] policebeing on thrown 101, or from 999 in vehicles an emer- or Commentcontinue to lobby the 46-47 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent gency.dumped in the road. government. à34

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2 downsmail.co.uk News Park ‘boom’ Tony, 80, to raise charity COBTREE Manor Park has boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the golf course and neighbouring have been closed and face financial chal- cash with great home run lenges as they plan to re-open. Maidstone Borough Council re- AN 80-year-old Maidstone Rotar- ports the park continues to be ian, often in pain after three hip busy and car park income to the replacement operations, is to walk end of February was £115,015, in the shadows of Britain’s most more than double the budget of famous charity fundraiser, the £53,119. late Captain Sir Tom Moore. Cobtree Café has remained Tony Hodges, pictured, a Rotar- open as a takeaway and has been ian for 35 years and a former Dis- busy. trict Governor, is to walk 100 yards During closure, the golf course to the end of his Pickering Street, has been maintained by Mytime Loose, garden no less than 50 times Active, with members tending in April. flower beds, varnishing benches, Like Captain Tom, Tony served and weeding bunkers. in the Royal Air Force as an acting sergeant and was awarded three national service medals. The father Pipe delays of two, who has lived in Maidstone MARDEN motorists face 18 for more than 50 years with his wife Rotarian Andy Brading said: far, ranging from Tony walking up weeks of disruption as a pipeline Carole, said: “I was inspired by “Tony’s sterling efforts are part of a and down his garden to another el- is installed to supply safe drink- Captain Tom to do something for larger event being run by the club. derly member doing the equivalent ing water. local charities. We are very limited “Physical and mental well-being of a run up Mount Everest. The water main will be laid to what we can do and this pan- have taken a real hit through the Tony, a part-time pharmaceutical along Lane, Battle Lane, demic has severely affected dona- pandemic and this is our way of en- consultant, has named his chal- Goudhurst Road and Thorn tions. I thought 50 times was a couraging people to be more active lenge the “great home run” and do- Road. Work starts on Tuesday, reasonable target for me, bearing in and helping to support some excel- nations can be made on April 13. mind I am not a youngster any- lent local charities.” www.justgiving.com/fundrais- Diversions will be signposted more.” The April event has 16 entries, so ing/greathomerun. for the duration of the works.

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3 News downsmail.co.uk Lenham scheme moves ahead THE controversial 4,000-home development at has inched a step closer after Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) agreed to join forces with a housing provider. MBC will join forces with Gov- from MBC's plans have been "high stakes poker game" if they ernment-backed Homes England, obliged. are not on board. accelerating the likelihood of a The scheme could cost taxpayers Independent Cllr Fay Gooch planning application being sub- up to £3m, half of which may be praised Mr Cornall’s “determined mitted for the “garden” commu- met by MBC directly. approach” in making the council a nity. Pressure group Save Our SOHL spokesman Kate Ham- master planner. Heathland (SOHL) claims three of mond, pictured, said: “MBC has Author and journalist on hous- the landowners are implacably op- been told that landowners do not ing issues, Peter Bill, writes in this posed, but MBC’s officer in charge, wish to sell their land. edition of Downs Mail to call for an William Cornall, denies this. “The promised new motorway “early abandonment” of the MBC, the self-styled “master de- junction and high speed rail station Lenham Heath scheme. veloper”, was forced to redraw the has evaporated. Lenham is an in- He adds: “There are 49 ‘garden’ boundaries of the scheme after a herently unsustainable location towns and villages planned in torrent of opposition to the original and the existing infrastructure will England, with a capacity for 400, 5,000-house proposal. not be able to accommodate the would they be in talks on it?” 000 homes. Many have been on the But 18 smaller landowners, thousands of homes proposed." He said there are two land agents stocks for decades. No more than threatened by MBC lawyers with Mr Cornall told the policy and representing the landowners. 14,000 homes have been built.” compulsory purchase or demoli- resources committee on March 24: Labour member Cllr Malcolm l Read Mr Bill’s column on tion, who wished to be removed "If they weren't on board why McKay accused MBC of playing a page 47 Victim, 50s, tied Road to close ONE of Maidstone’s busiest roads up by robbers will close overnight for Southern A WOMAN was attacked by four Water works. masked robbers who broke into The A229 Loose Road will shut her home. from 7pm on April 15 to 6am. The victim, in her 50s, was tied Traffic will be diverted from the up before the men stole jewellery, Wheatsheaf junction, along the a watch, cash and mobile phones. A274 Sutton Road, along the B2163 The suspects are described as Plough Wents Road and Heath wearing dark clothing, bala- Road, and back to the A229 at the clavas, and black gloves. Linton Crossroads, and vice versa. A spokesman said: “The incident happened between M20 footbridge opens Train attack 8pm and 8.20pm on Tuesday, A NEW footbridge over the M20 is now officially open to the public. March 16, at a private address in The pedestrian bridge at Addington was partly demolished by an HGV A BOULDER was thrown at a Clapper Lane.” carrying a digger in August 2016. Two other lorries and a 73-year-old mo- moving train near Maidstone. Anyone with information is torcyclist were caught up in the drama, but no one was killed. Services between Ashford and urged to call Kent Police on 01622 The new 16-metre-long bridge was lifted into place in November last Maidstone East were disrupted for 604100, quoting crime reference year. A pedestrian access ramp was also fitted on the southern side. more than three hours and passen- 46/46418/21. Peter Philips, from Highways England, said: "I’m very grateful to every- gers were evacuated from the train. You can also contact the inde- one who has worked so hard to get this bridge open again and I’d like to A Tweet by Southeastern said: pendent charity Crimestoppers, thank everyone for their patience while the work took place.” "It’s suspected it was a deliberate anonymously, on 0800 555111. act, so the police are investigating."

The award­winning Downs Mail newspaper is delivered fortnightly door­to­door in selected areas, and is available to pick up from major supermarkets and local stores in the Maidstone and Malling boroughs. The papers are free to read online, as is the Daily Downs Mail news service. Find them at www.downsmail.co.uk. We can post the newspaper to you for an annual subscription of £25 for 24 editions. For details, email [email protected] or call a member of the team on 01622 630330.

Editorial Sales Editor Simon Finlay simon.fi[email protected] Manager Sara Henslow [email protected] Editorial team: Accounts: [email protected] Online news editor Jade Schopman Mail Publications Ltd [email protected] Forge House Chris Lawson [email protected] Bearsted Green Business Park Lindsay Roberts [email protected] Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT Obituaries Neil Nixon [email protected] Call us: 01622 630330

4 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Lenham scheme moves ahead Plan agreed for THE controversial 4,000-home development at Lenham Heath has inched a step closer after Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) agreed to join forces with a housing provider. Newsprint site MBC will join forces with Gov- from MBC's plans have been "high stakes poker game" if they ernment-backed Homes England, obliged. are not on board. A MASSIVE logistics and ware- accelerating the likelihood of a The scheme could cost taxpayers Independent Cllr Fay Gooch housing plant on the site of the planning application being sub- up to £3m, half of which may be praised Mr Cornall’s “determined old Aylesford Newsprint plant mitted for the “garden” commu- met by MBC directly. approach” in making the council a has been given the go-ahead. nity. Pressure group Save Our SOHL spokesman Kate Ham- master planner. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) approved plans Heathland (SOHL) claims three of mond, pictured, said: “MBC has Author and journalist on hous- for the £180m redevelopment of the landowners are implacably op- been told that landowners do not ing issues, Peter Bill, writes in this the site last month. posed, but MBC’s officer in charge, wish to sell their land. edition of Downs Mail to call for an Panattoni, the applicant, hopes William Cornall, denies this. “The promised new motorway “early abandonment” of the that over 5,000 jobs will be created, MBC, the self-styled “master de- junction and high speed rail station Lenham Heath scheme. both directly and indirectly. veloper”, was forced to redraw the has evaporated. Lenham is an in- He adds: “There are 49 ‘garden’ Work will start soon on the first boundaries of the scheme after a herently unsustainable location towns and villages planned in two units, but the final design of torrent of opposition to the original and the existing infrastructure will England, with a capacity for 400, the remaining space will depend 5,000-house proposal. not be able to accommodate the would they be in talks on it?” 000 homes. Many have been on the on tenants' needs. But 18 smaller landowners, thousands of homes proposed." He said there are two land agents stocks for decades. No more than Panattoni development director threatened by MBC lawyers with Mr Cornall told the policy and representing the landowners. 14,000 homes have been built.” Antony Watkins said: “Aylesford compulsory purchase or demoli- resources committee on March 24: Labour member Cllr Malcolm l Read Mr Bill’s column on will be our flagship development tion, who wished to be removed "If they weren't on board why McKay accused MBC of playing a page 47 in the UK and we are committed to Council leader Cllr Nicolas Heslop being a good neighbour to the local p5 Victim, 50s, tied community and environment, and ground on this exciting develop- Road to close strengthening the local economy. ment. ONE of Maidstone’s busiest roads “Since announcing our propos- “In the coming months, we will up by robbers will close overnight for Southern als … we have received very strong be working with Panattoni to en- A WOMAN was attacked by four Water works. levels of interest at this stage in the sure this development delivers the masked robbers who broke into The A229 Loose Road will shut project from potential tenants to maximum benefit to our borough her Staplehurst home. from 7pm on April 15 to 6am. take space here in Kent.” and residents in terms of jobs, in- The victim, in her 50s, was tied Traffic will be diverted from the A £7m public link road to con- vestment and local transport net- Will, Deputyship, up before the men stole jewellery, Wheatsheaf junction, along the nect Station Road and Bellingham works.” a watch, cash and mobile phones. A274 Sutton Road, along the B2163 Way is designed to keep HGVs out The construction is estimated to The suspects are described as Plough Wents Road and Heath of Aylesford village and reduce last around three years, with 450 or Power of wearing dark clothing, bala- Road, and back to the A229 at the congestion between junctions four staff on site and a similar number clavas, and black gloves. Linton Crossroads, and vice versa. and five of the M20. off site. A Kent Police spokesman said: TMBC leader Nicolas Heslop Distribution businesses will em- Attorney dispute? “The incident happened between M20 footbridge opens Train attack said: “This is a massive vote of con- ploy about 3,000 people, with an- 8pm and 8.20pm on Tuesday, A NEW footbridge over the M20 is now officially open to the public. fidence in our area and we can other 2,560 thought to be engaged Do you have a dispute regarding how a A BOULDER was thrown at a March 16, at a private address in The pedestrian bridge at Addington was partly demolished by an HGV now look forward to breaking in ancillary businesses. Will, Deputyship, Estate or Power of Attorney Clapper Lane.” carrying a digger in August 2016. Two other lorries and a 73-year-old mo- moving train near Maidstone. Anyone with information is torcyclist were caught up in the drama, but no one was killed. Services between Ashford and has been handled? urged to call Kent Police on 01622 The new 16-metre-long bridge was lifted into place in November last Maidstone East were disrupted for 604100, quoting crime reference year. A pedestrian access ramp was also fitted on the southern side. more than three hours and passen- Lucy’s COVID ward work Whitehead Monckton has considerable 46/46418/21. Peter Philips, from Highways England, said: "I’m very grateful to every- gers were evacuated from the train. A TEENAGE clinical support worker You can also contact the inde- one who has worked so hard to get this bridge open again and I’d like to A Tweet by Southeastern said: has told of her time working at experience in helping clients to resolve pendent charity Crimestoppers, thank everyone for their patience while the work took place.” "It’s suspected it was a deliberate Maidstone Hospital on a COVID these difficult disagreements and in many anonymously, on 0800 555111. act, so the police are investigating." ward. Lucy Shaw (18), of Aylesford, was cases achieving excellent financial results. The award­winning Downs Mail newspaper is delivered fortnightly door­to­door in selected areas, and is just 16 years old when she started her training in September 2019. Call us today on available to pick up from major supermarkets and local stores in the Maidstone and Malling boroughs. She lost her grandad and great The papers are free to read online, as is the Daily Downs Mail news service. aunt to the virus early last year and Canterbury 01227 643250 Find them at www.downsmail.co.uk. says without her family and team it Maidstone 01622 698000 could have been so much harder. We can post the newspaper to you for an annual subscription of £25 for 24 editions. She said: “I think it’s fair to say Tenterden 01580 765722 For details, email [email protected] or call a member of the team on 01622 630330. not many people my age have ex- perienced or seen the things I have 020 7531 2990 Editorial Sales seen. for an initial no obligation consultation by phone. Editor Simon Finlay simon.fi[email protected] Manager Sara Henslow [email protected] “One of the hardest things was limiting visitors to protect our pa- E-mail [email protected] Editorial team: Accounts: [email protected] tients. As a result, the nursing staff Online news editor Jade Schopman Mail Publications Ltd effectively became their family, www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk [email protected] Forge House often sitting with them and sup- porting them during what was the Whiteheadwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered Chris Lawson [email protected] Bearsted Green Business Park in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, hardest time of their life. But I love Lindsay Roberts [email protected] Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. my job and I wouldn’t change it for Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Obituaries Neil Nixon [email protected] Call us: 01622 630330 the world.” under no. 608279. DM 11/19

5 News downsmail.co.uk A club tribute to dad Robin Waste left a month ‘is A YOUTH football club is taking on a virtual fundraising challenge in memory of a player’s father who died from COVID-19. a breach of contract’ K-Sports Colts under 10s club in Ditton have already walked FURIOUS residents have accused thousands of miles to raise money Maidstone Borough Council in memory of Robin Barnes, (MBC) of “breaching its contract” which will go to children’s char- after their bags of rubbish were not collected for over a month. ity UNICEF. Residents Accompanied by a parent, the Retired Marguerite Abbott (68) Marguerite players will clock up as many claims she has contacted the coun- Abbott, miles as they can by taking walks cil “endless times” to no avail. Michael locally. The residents, who live at the So far, they have covered 1,200 edge of a buffer zone serviced by a Pantony miles. small road which links top and and Lesley bottom with the main Willington Club manager Anthony White Pantony Street carriageway, want an expla- said: “Robin was a truly lovely with Cllr nation as to why the service has man who would do anything for Eddie Powell worsened over the last 15 months. anyone and we would love to Cllr Eddie Powell says it is most might be a car parked towards the people work from home. complete this challenge in mem- unfair that taxpayers are not get- end of the road, but a lorry can still The spokesman added: “Where ory of him. ting their rubbish collected due to get past or stop on the main road.” the waste collection contractor is “UNICEF was close to Robin’s the “utter selfishness of others”. Neighbour Ann-Marie Palmer unable to gain access they are re- heart and we would like to thank Mrs Abbott, who has lived in (49) said: “This has been ongoing quired to photograph and record everyone for your kind support Willington Street for 47 years, says for at least 15 months. It just seems any issues on the electronic system. for such a great cause. Your dona- she keeps getting told by MBC the like our local council is in breach of “They are required to retry the tions are greatly appreciated.” road has “no access”, despite a their contract to us residents.” waste collection later the same day To donate go to www.justgiv- refuse lorry being able to collect An MBC spokesman said incon- or early the next. If that fails our ing.com/fundraising/k- garden waste on time fortnightly. siderate parking had increased contractor will task a smaller vehi- sportscoltsu10. She said: “Occasionally there over the last 12 months as more cle to make the collection.”

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6 News downsmail.co.uk A club tribute to dad Robin Waste left a month ‘is A YOUTH football club is taking on a virtual fundraising challenge in memory of a player’s father who died from COVID-19. a breach of contract’ K-Sports Colts under 10s club in Ditton have already walked FURIOUS residents have accused thousands of miles to raise money Maidstone Borough Council in memory of Robin Barnes, (MBC) of “breaching its contract” which will go to children’s char- after their bags of rubbish were not collected for over a month. ity UNICEF. Residents Accompanied by a parent, the Retired Marguerite Abbott (68) Marguerite players will clock up as many claims she has contacted the coun- Abbott, miles as they can by taking walks cil “endless times” to no avail. Michael locally. The residents, who live at the So far, they have covered 1,200 edge of a buffer zone serviced by a Pantony miles. small road which links top and and Lesley bottom with the main Willington Club manager Anthony White Pantony Street carriageway, want an expla- said: “Robin was a truly lovely with Cllr nation as to why the service has man who would do anything for Eddie Powell worsened over the last 15 months. anyone and we would love to Cllr Eddie Powell says it is most might be a car parked towards the people work from home. complete this challenge in mem- unfair that taxpayers are not get- end of the road, but a lorry can still The spokesman added: “Where ory of him. ting their rubbish collected due to get past or stop on the main road.” the waste collection contractor is “UNICEF was close to Robin’s the “utter selfishness of others”. Neighbour Ann-Marie Palmer unable to gain access they are re- heart and we would like to thank Mrs Abbott, who has lived in (49) said: “This has been ongoing quired to photograph and record everyone for your kind support Willington Street for 47 years, says for at least 15 months. It just seems any issues on the electronic system. for such a great cause. Your dona- she keeps getting told by MBC the like our local council is in breach of “They are required to retry the tions are greatly appreciated.” road has “no access”, despite a their contract to us residents.” waste collection later the same day To donate go to www.justgiv- refuse lorry being able to collect An MBC spokesman said incon- or early the next. If that fails our ing.com/fundraising/k- garden waste on time fortnightly. siderate parking had increased contractor will task a smaller vehi- sportscoltsu10. She said: “Occasionally there over the last 12 months as more cle to make the collection.”

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7 News downsmail.co.uk Lost carving ‘part of family’ PERHAPS tucked away in someone’s loft or a dusty cellar, the mystery of a missing of a wood carving lovingly created by her late mother has plagued Catherine Piekos for years. Mrs Piekos (48) is desperate to be reunited with an impressive sculpture her mum, Audrey Jenk- ins, created in the 1950s. She said having the wood carv- ing back would be like having a piece of her mum back. The mother of two added: “It feels like it’s a long-lost brother or sister, since we have the rest of her collection here. It’s like it’s being excluded from the family.” Audrey carved the sculpture whilst studying at The Royal Col- lege of Art (RCA) during the 1950s and it stood in a corridor of the Kent County Council Invicta House building in Maidstone. The last known sighting of the piece, named “The Visitation”, was in the late 1980s. Audrey grew up in Catford and Bromley during the war and went on to study sculpture at the RCA. There she met a Nigerian art Catherine Piekos with one of her mother’s carvings, the missing sculpture and right, her mother Audrey Jenkins student and fell pregnant towards the end of her degree course. such a problem in this day and way and she never got to collect an “appropriate” image for today Mrs Piekos, of Silver Tree Close, age, but I can imagine how hard it, but it obviously meant a lot to considering recent sad events. , said: “It was a tough it must have been. her.” If you have any information on time for her – having a child out “This piece, to me, represents a The mahogany statue depicts the whereabouts of the carving, of wedlock in the 1950s would time where she had complete con- two women embracing face to please call Downs Mail on 01622 have been very difficult. It’s not trol over her life. Life got in the face, an image Mrs Piekos says is 630330. Flood action Syngenta plan approved Flats scheme A FLOOD barrier is to be built in the centre of Maidstone to protect OUTLINE permission has been boarded up for the past 13 years. It for car park the High Street. granted for a former agrochemicals is crying out for help and there is PERMISSION has been granted for Properties suffered water dam- site in to be converted into so much in favour of this site.” a large development of Mote Road age when the River Medway a business park, despite flooding Cllr David Burton was con- burst its banks in 2013/14. and traffic concerns. cerned about the traffic issues since car park. Two subways under the new The previous Syngenta plant, it is “completely impossible for Shandon House will be demol- bridges "gyratory" system have which took five years to decon- two HGVs to pass” in Hampstead ished to make way for 172 apart- already been filled in, but the taminate, will be turned into a Lane, which is just 5.2m wide. ments and office space. Medway Street subway acts as a 500,000sqft business park with He said: “There are going to be Planning officer Austin Mackie conduit for flood water. two access points, parking spaces hundreds of HGVs passing said the site was under-utilised Council papers say the barrier and infrastructure works. through the lane every day, it is and the mix of uses proposed will on the town side of the underpass Cllr Denis Spooner said: “We are going to be a 24-hour operation.” contribute positively towards the should be completed this year. where we are. I think that is a The application was agreed sub- vitality of the town centre. phrase we all need to accept. It is ject to conditions and a legal agree- The site off Mote Road and will very sad that this site has been ment. provide 47 parking spaces. Health role Cllr Tony Harwood said the cur- FUSION Maidstone Healthy Liv- rent site was an eyesore, and resi- ing Centre’s deputy chief officer dents could look forward to Sue Maidens has qualified as a Aerodrome is taking off “high-quality accommodation in a FEARS for the future of Aerodrome have been allayed. Kent “public health champion”. very sustainable location”. Borough councillor Martin Round had warned the airfield needed For more information or to get Cllr John Perry said: “The fact more COVID-19 business assistance and was “close to the brink”. involved with public health cam- there are only 47 parking spaces But owner Jamie Freeman said after a very difficult period fly- paigns, call Sue on 01622 320134 worries me. This is not London. ing activities were restarting and he hoped it would be business as or send her an email at suemaid- Just because you live in the centre usual by June 21. [email protected]. of a county town doesn’t mean you Sky-diving is the first to return as well as private flying, followed Fusion Maidstone, a charity won’t have a car. We’re not all based in Park Wood since 2003, by Sptfire flights by mid-April. He added: “We are among so many businesses which suffered going to get on bikes or go chug- provides health and wellbeing ging around on buses.” services along with social sup- seriously in the last year. But confidence grows and the flightpath looks much more encouraging.” The application was unani- port. mously agreed with conditions. 8 News downsmail.co.uk Lost carving ‘part of family’ PERHAPS tucked away in someone’s loft or a dusty cellar, the mystery of a missing of a wood carving lovingly created by her late mother has plagued Catherine Piekos for years. Mrs Piekos (48) is desperate to be reunited with an impressive sculpture her mum, Audrey Jenk- ins, created in the 1950s. Your Local Timber & Builders Merchant She said having the wood carv- ing back would be like having a piece of her mum back. www.homeleighgroup.co.uk The mother of two added: “It feels like it’s a long-lost brother or sister, since we have the rest of Supplying high quality timber, building materials, gardening her collection here. It’s like it’s being excluded from the family.” and DIY products available in your local Aylesford depot Audrey carved the sculpture whilst studying at The Royal Col- lege of Art (RCA) during the 1950s and it stood in a corridor of the Kent County Council Invicta House building in Maidstone. The last known sighting of the piece, named “The Visitation”, was in the late 1980s. Audrey grew up in Catford and Bromley during the war and went on to study sculpture at the RCA. There she met a Nigerian art Catherine Piekos with one of her mother’s carvings, the missing sculpture and right, her mother Audrey Jenkins student and fell pregnant towards the end of her degree course. such a problem in this day and way and she never got to collect an “appropriate” image for today Mrs Piekos, of Silver Tree Close, age, but I can imagine how hard it, but it obviously meant a lot to considering recent sad events. Building Materials, Bricks & Blocks Timber & Sheet Materials DIY, Aggregates & Gardening Walderslade, said: “It was a tough it must have been. her.” If you have any information on time for her – having a child out “This piece, to me, represents a The mahogany statue depicts the whereabouts of the carving, of wedlock in the 1950s would time where she had complete con- two women embracing face to please call Downs Mail on 01622 have been very difficult. It’s not trol over her life. Life got in the face, an image Mrs Piekos says is 630330. Flood action Syngenta plan approved Flats scheme A FLOOD barrier is to be built in the centre of Maidstone to protect OUTLINE permission has been boarded up for the past 13 years. It for car park the High Street. granted for a former agrochemicals is crying out for help and there is PERMISSION has been granted for Properties suffered water dam- site in Yalding to be converted into so much in favour of this site.” a business park, despite flooding Cllr David Burton was con- a large development of Mote Road age when the River Medway New To Homeleigh burst its banks in 2013/14. and traffic concerns. cerned about the traffic issues since car park. Two subways under the new The previous Syngenta plant, it is “completely impossible for Shandon House will be demol- bridges "gyratory" system have which took five years to decon- two HGVs to pass” in Hampstead ished to make way for 172 apart- Painting and Decorating Fencing & Landscaping Composite Decking already been filled in, but the taminate, will be turned into a Lane, which is just 5.2m wide. ments and office space. Medway Street subway acts as a 500,000sqft business park with He said: “There are going to be Planning officer Austin Mackie conduit for flood water. two access points, parking spaces hundreds of HGVs passing said the site was under-utilised Council papers say the barrier and infrastructure works. through the lane every day, it is and the mix of uses proposed will on the town side of the underpass Cllr Denis Spooner said: “We are going to be a 24-hour operation.” contribute positively towards the should be completed this year. where we are. I think that is a The application was agreed sub- vitality of the town centre. phrase we all need to accept. It is ject to conditions and a legal agree- The site off Mote Road and will JUST CALL FOR DELIVERY / OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK very sad that this site has been ment. provide 47 parking spaces. Health role Cllr Tony Harwood said the cur- FUSION Maidstone Healthy Liv- rent site was an eyesore, and resi- ing Centre’s deputy chief officer Aerodrome is taking off dents could look forward to Sue Maidens has qualified as a “high-quality accommodation in a Tel. 01622 791111 FEARS for the future of Headcorn Aerodrome have been allayed. Kent “public health champion”. very sustainable location”. Borough councillor Martin Round had warned the airfield needed For more information or to get Cllr John Perry said: “The fact more COVID-19 business assistance and was “close to the brink”. Hall Road, Aylesford, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 7QZ involved with public health cam- there are only 47 parking spaces But owner Jamie Freeman said after a very difficult period fly- paigns, call Sue on 01622 320134 worries me. This is not London. ing activities were restarting and he hoped it would be business as or send her an email at suemaid- Just because you live in the centre usual by June 21. [email protected]. of a county town doesn’t mean you Sky-diving is the first to return as well as private flying, followed Fusion Maidstone, a charity won’t have a car. We’re not all based in Park Wood since 2003, by Sptfire flights by mid-April. He added: “We are among so many businesses which suffered going to get on bikes or go chug- provides health and wellbeing ging around on buses.” services along with social sup- seriously in the last year. But confidence grows and the flightpath looks much more encouraging.” The application was unani- port. mously agreed with conditions. 9 News downsmail.co.uk Grant for Leeds church work

LEEDS Church is under scaffold- tunity to re-gild the face of the ing for the next few weeks while clock; this is another desperately- repointing work and repairs are needed ‘stitch-in-time’ item of carried out on the tower. work, but it was not covered by Historic England (HE) invited the scope of the HE project and the church council at St Nicholas was not eligible for their grant." to bid for a grant from the £157bn Leeds Parish Council stepped in Culture Recovery Fund to help with another £3,000 to help with pay for repairs during lockdown. the overall costs. Award for test volunteers The church was awarded Mr Hardy added: "This current SIX Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) volunteers have been nominated to £23,656 towards essential repair exercise deals with some urgent receive a Deputy Chief Constable's Award in recognition of the work work costing £30,000 to the church repair items, but unfortunately carried out in Operation Barton. clock and for urgent work to stop there are other even more expen- Operation Barton was to deliver 10,000 COVID home-testing kits in the most dangerous aspects of the sive repairs that will be needed on Maidstone after a strain of the South African variant was detected in deterioration on the stonework of this ancient building in the future." the area. the tower. As well as a replacement for the The agencies successfully delivered 9,633 home testing kits, of which Churchwarden Brian Hardy failing heating system in the 84 per cent were returned at the doorstep with the rest returned to a said: "As well as rescuing precious church, the wooden tiles or “shin- mobile testing unit. heritage buildings in need, the in- gles” of the spire and the internal KSAR Operations Officer, Stewart Baird said: “We delivered over 9,600 jection of cash will protect liveli- structural gutters of the tower are home testing units within 72 hours – a mammoth task, but one that hoods for some of the most in need of renewal. was successfully delivered and indeed with over 84% of tests returned vulnerable heritage specialists and Contractor Steve Hill, of Pinna- immediately, the success exceeded our expectations. contractors working in the sector. cle Stonemasonry, of , “To be recognised by the Deputy Chief Constable is a great honour "While we have scaffolding up said: “There is quite a lot of work for our volunteers and represents the great relationship between Kent and repairs are being done to the to be done. Like all these old build- Police and KSAR.” clock, we will be taking the oppor- ings, it takes time.”

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10 News downsmail.co.uk Grant for Leeds Safe, secure & very, very strong - the revolutionary church work COLOUR FENCE LEEDS Church is under scaffold- tunity to re-gild the face of the ing for the next few weeks while clock; this is another desperately- repointing work and repairs are needed ‘stitch-in-time’ item of The only garden fence you will ever need carried out on the tower. work, but it was not covered by Historic England (HE) invited the scope of the HE project and the church council at St Nicholas was not eligible for their grant." to bid for a grant from the £157bn Leeds Parish Council stepped in In detail: Culture Recovery Fund to help with another £3,000 to help with pay for repairs during lockdown. the overall costs. Award for test volunteers Virtually maintenance-free. COLOUR The church was awarded Mr Hardy added: "This current F E N C E SIX Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) volunteers have been nominated to Save time & money - £23,656 towards essential repair exercise deals with some urgent receive a Deputy Chief Constable's Award in recognition of the work work costing £30,000 to the church repair items, but unfortunately carried out in Operation Barton. no treating required. clock and for urgent work to stop there are other even more expen- Operation Barton was to deliver 10,000 COVID home-testing kits in † the most dangerous aspects of the sive repairs that will be needed on Guaranteed not to rot, warp Maidstone after a strain of the South African variant was detected in ANCE or peel for up to 25 years. INTEN deterioration on the stonework of this ancient building in the future." the area. LOW MA the tower. As well as a replacement for the The agencies successfully delivered 9,633 home testing kits, of which Costs in line with far inferior Churchwarden Brian Hardy failing heating system in the 84 per cent were returned at the doorstep with the rest returned to a timber systems said: "As well as rescuing precious church, the wooden tiles or “shin- mobile testing unit. heritage buildings in need, the in- gles” of the spire and the internal KSAR Operations Officer, Stewart Baird said: “We delivered over 9,600 Variety of colours & sizes jection of cash will protect liveli- structural gutters of the tower are home testing units within 72 hours – a mammoth task, but one that hoods for some of the most in need of renewal. was successfully delivered and indeed with over 84% of tests returned Professionally installed by DITED vulnerable heritage specialists and Contractor Steve Hill, of Pinna- immediately, the success exceeded our expectations. accredited Franchisees ACCRE contractors working in the sector. cle Stonemasonry, of Folkestone, PROFESSIONAL “To be recognised by the Deputy Chief Constable is a great honour INSTALLATION "While we have scaffolding up said: “There is quite a lot of work for our volunteers and represents the great relationship between Kent and repairs are being done to the to be done. Like all these old build- Police and KSAR.” clock, we will be taking the oppor- ings, it takes time.”

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11 News downsmail.co.uk Health boss set to retire Engine shed plan ‘is KENT County Council's public health director is to retire as the country is due to come out of lockdown. nally progressing’ Andrew Scott-Clark has de- cided to step down from his high- MOVES to secure a grade II-listed profile role after eight years at property in Bearsted for commu- County Hall. nity use are advancing. The former NHS worker said: Conservative county councillor Sir "It has been a pleasure to work Paul Carter says negotiations be- here. I think we have come a long tween the parish council and Net- way in a short time and I wish ev- work Rail are progressing well. erybody the best for the future." Bearsted Parish council has been During the pandemic he has be- trying to secure the disused engine come a familiar face in the Press shed and coal yard, which date back and television as he provided re- to the 1870s for community use. It assuring guidance on the COVID- 19 crisis. could be converted into amenities and provide a permanent home for Street building's roof had been re- which was discussed in closed ses- Bearsted Library, which is currently paired, and is no longer causing sion with public and Press excluded Run for Rob housed in temporary space at the rail damage to the rafters. in February, referred to the coal yard. MORE than £5,000 has been station. The Downs Mail reported on the At an extraordinary meeting of the raised by Sam Wheeler in mem- Cllr Carter told Downs Mail: parish council's ambitions almost full council, it was agreed to set aside ory of Maidstone man Rob Payne. "We’ve found someone at Network two years ago, but there were con- £5,000 for a feasibility study, survey Mr Payne (61) died of COVID- Rail who is more receptive to the cerns that Network Rail may need to and outline plans. 19 at Maidstone Hospital in idea. We're getting things moving. maintain access through the site. The The council refused to confirm February. "We have spent a long time getting parish council has made clear its in- what ‘project A’ is but it was dis- Now Miss Wheeler, a friend of nowhere on this project, but it ap- tention to buy the site. cussed in January in closed session, his step-daughter, Kat, has de- pears the parish council is now in According to Bearsted parish with no details in the minutes. A cided to run 100 miles to raise more meaningful discussions, so it's council minutes, there are two major contract was awarded to Tonbridge- money for the intensive care unit looking encouraging." projects in progress. based landscaping business, Purple at the Hermitage Lane Hospital. Cllr Carter added that the Ware A spokesman said one, ‘project C’, Arbour.

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12 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Advertisement Feature Health boss set to retire Engine shed plan ‘is KENT County Council's public health director is to retire as the Equity Release: Good or Bad? country is due to come out of lockdown. nally progressing’ Sarah Ferrell, local Equity Release immediately lost. Whilst there are still benefits to Equity Release in the right Andrew Scott-Clark has de- Adviser, spends much of her time some schemes of this nature available circumstances, however there can be cided to step down from his high- MOVES to secure a grade II-listed talking to people who are retired, today, most people opt for schemes long term implications that clients profile role after eight years at property in Bearsted for commu- or approaching retirement, and are where you retain the ownership of the need to be aware of. It is important County Hall. nity use are advancing. considering their financial options. property, with the lender having a first to be clear about all the factors so Despite lots of television advertising charge - just like any other mortgage. we can choose the RIGHT option The former NHS worker said: Conservative county councillor Sir and newspaper coverage there is for them.” "It has been a pleasure to work Paul Carter says negotiations be- here. I think we have come a long still confusion as to whether Equity I have heard I could lose my house or “I am a great advocate of Equity tween the parish council and Net- way in a short time and I wish ev- Release is a “good thing” or not. leave a debt to my children Release as it has changed people’s work Rail are progressing well. erybody the best for the future." Over the years there has been a With the “no negative equity” lives when they have been able pay Bearsted Parish council has been With 27 years’ experience in finance During the pandemic he has be- significant amount of bad press on guarantees available today, there is for Home Improvements that would trying to secure the disused engine the subject, yet now adverts are no fear of any onward debt. Equally, have been otherwise unaffordable. It and over 6 years specialising in come a familiar face in the Press shed and coal yard, which date back encouraging people to use the equity as you still own the property, there is has kept people in their homes when Equity Release, Sarah takes pride and television as he provided re- to the 1870s for community use. It in their homes to help finance their no fear of losing your home. they felt the only option was to sell in the time and care she takes with assuring guidance on the COVID- could be converted into amenities retirement… so which is right? and I have also helped parents release her clients. She is happy to visit your 19 crisis. home and she is not just available and provide a permanent home for Street building's roof had been re- which was discussed in closed ses- What if I want to move house? equity to help their children buy homes Why do so many people still think Most of todays’ scheme are or help family in other ways.” 9-5, but will offer flexible times to Bearsted Library, which is currently paired, and is no longer causing sion with public and Press excluded Equity Release is a “bad thing” “portable” so they can be transferred. In Sarah’s opinion, somebody suit her clients. Run for Rob housed in temporary space at the rail damage to the rafters. in February, referred to the coal yard. The schemes of 40+ years ago were There are a number of factors, and considering Equity Release needs For more information or a MORE than £5,000 has been station. The Downs Mail reported on the At an extraordinary meeting of the predominantly “Home Reversion” potential costs, if somebody is advice, guidance and information that Cllr Carter told Downs Mail: parish council's ambitions almost full council, it was agreed to set aside free initial consultation, please raised by Sam Wheeler in mem- schemes which involved selling the considering moving. However, most is relevant to their particular situation. call Sarah on 01622 631372, ory of Maidstone man Rob Payne. "We’ve found someone at Network two years ago, but there were con- £5,000 for a feasibility study, survey property to the finance company in schemes are flexible and can be “There are so many different schemes 07789 007447 or e-mail her at Mr Payne (61) died of COVID- Rail who is more receptive to the cerns that Network Rail may need to and outline plans. return for a lump sum. This meant moved to another property. available that it can be confusing [email protected] 19 at Maidstone Hospital in idea. We're getting things moving. maintain access through the site. The The council refused to confirm that any potential inheritance was Sarah says, “There are massive without the right advice”. February. "We have spent a long time getting parish council has made clear its in- what ‘project A’ is but it was dis- Now Miss Wheeler, a friend of nowhere on this project, but it ap- tention to buy the site. cussed in January in closed session, MORTGAGES EQUITY RELEASE RE-MORTGAGE BUY-TO-LET FIRST TIME BUYERS his step-daughter, Kat, has de- pears the parish council is now in According to Bearsted parish with no details in the minutes. A cided to run 100 miles to raise more meaningful discussions, so it's council minutes, there are two major contract was awarded to Tonbridge- Equity Release can reduce the value of your estate and can affect your eligibility for means tested benefits. money for the intensive care unit looking encouraging." projects in progress. based landscaping business, Purple at the Hermitage Lane Hospital. Cllr Carter added that the Ware A spokesman said one, ‘project C’, Arbour. Any window Any Size... p12

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13 SeniorNews Living downsdownsmail.co.ukmail.co.uk Arrested man in assault case Villagers call for action A MAN was arrested in Maidstone after allegedly assaulting several police officers. Police were called to reports of a at ‘dangerous junction’ disturbance at a property in San- dling Road on Friday, March 19. Harold Andrews (25) was ar- RADICAL action is needed to prevent crashes in Hollingbourne, rested on suspicion of criminal residents have claimed. damage and allegedly assaulted two officers. It is also reported he High volumes of traffic, speed- damaged a police vehicle and an ing, inconsiderate parking and ambulance and, while in custody, crashes have become a way of life assaulted three more officers and for villagers. racially abused another. The problems stem from the Mr Andrews was charged with junction at which Pilgrims Way five counts of assaulting an emer- meets Hollingbourne Hill through gency worker, three counts of which a huge number of cars travel criminal damage and one count of each day, many using it as a short- racially-aggravated harassment. cut to Maidstone. He was remanded in custody. The latest lockdown has meant cars parking around the junction, Bank clean making it difficult for residents to enter the junction. When they do, A BANK in Maidstone was forced they are often unsighted from a to shut for a deep clean. bend in the uphill stretch. Staff members at HSBC in Week borough council- through the village is totally unac- require enforcement by Kent Police Street had to self-isolate as a pre- lor Patrik Garten has asked high- cautionary measure. ceptable. It is used by lorries and and Maidstone Borough Council. ways authority Kent County A spokesman said: "Customers Council to put in double yellow by people needing a shortcut to “There are also risks involved can continue to use our mobile, lines below The Dirty Habit pub Maidstone or up to Sittingbourne. with physical barriers such as chi- video and telephone banking ser- and build out the pavement to re- “Residents have complained canes within rural areas where vices. We are working to get our duce the width of the road. about their walls being crashed there is no streetlighting – not to branch open as soon as possible.” He is also arguing for better into, parked vehicles being dam- mention the sensitivities of local signs to warn motorists of the dan- aged and too many cars speeding. residents with the use of ‘urban’ Attack report gers ahead. Residents gathered to “During lockdown people park features in what is a rural village.” A MAN was threatened with a express their frustrations eight at the Pilgrims Way junction, leav- She added that speed surveys screwdriver outside a supermarket days after a crash on March 11, ing other road users unable to get a would be carried out to “inform in Maidstone. when a school bus overturned in a proper line of sight. It is dangerous any future safety proposals”. Police are investigating the inci- front garden. The cause of the inci- and people have had enough now. Cllr Garten (right) is pictured dent which took place outside dent, in which no one was hurt, has KCC member Shellina Prender- with Lisa Cooper, Tania Shilling- Sainsbury's in Romney Place at yet to be determined. gast said: “Any restrictions, ford, John Holley, Karen and around 9.45am on March 15. No Cllr Garten said: “The traffic whether speed or parking, will also Richard Fielding and Toni Webb. one was injured. Anybody who saw the incident or who can assist the investigation should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference Sweet treats for young ‘heroes’ 46/42182/21, or call Crimestoppers A MAIDSTONE ice cream business spent a anonymously on 0800 555111. weekend handing out free treats to little lock- down heroes. Lottie’s Lollies owner Charlotte Watson (32) Green savings said she wanted to give some recognition to RESIDENTS could save up to £600 the children who have remained resilient on their energy bills by signing up throughout the pandemic. to a government green initiative. She was inundated with nominations for The Green Homes Grant scheme well-deserving youngsters across the borough runs until March 2022 and aims to and spent March 6 touring the town to hand cover the costs of making houses out the treats. more energy-efficient. She said: “I think we visited 60 households The maximum value of the help and the kids were so appreciative to have their is £5,000. Go to the Simple Energy own ice cream van show up at their door. We Service website for more details. created more than 150 desserts in the end. It was a very emotional day but so worth it. “We chose the Williams family because little Pie-inging Luna was born in lockdown and hasn’t been A DATE has been set for this year’s able to see all her family members yet, and the World Custard Pie Champi- girls have worked hard with home schooling.” onships in . Olivia (9), Melissa (6), Kyler-Louise (7), and The unique event will go ahead 10-month-old Luna-Rose are pictured with at Coxheath Village Hall from mum Rachel Williams. noon on September 4. Entry is free. 14 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Senior Living Arrested man in assault case Villagers call for action A MAN was arrested in Maidstone after allegedly assaulting several police officers. Police were called to reports of a at ‘dangerous junction’ disturbance at a property in San- dling Road on Friday, March 19. Harold Andrews (25) was ar- RADICAL action is needed to prevent crashes in Hollingbourne, rested on suspicion of criminal residents have claimed. damage and allegedly assaulted two officers. It is also reported he High volumes of traffic, speed- damaged a police vehicle and an ing, inconsiderate parking and ambulance and, while in custody, crashes have become a way of life assaulted three more officers and for villagers. racially abused another. The problems stem from the Mr Andrews was charged with junction at which Pilgrims Way five counts of assaulting an emer- meets Hollingbourne Hill through gency worker, three counts of which a huge number of cars travel criminal damage and one count of each day, many using it as a short- racially-aggravated harassment. cut to Maidstone. He was remanded in custody. The latest lockdown has meant cars parking around the junction, Bank clean making it difficult for residents to enter the junction. When they do, A BANK in Maidstone was forced they are often unsighted from a to shut for a deep clean. bend in the uphill stretch. Staff members at HSBC in Week North Downs borough council- through the village is totally unac- require enforcement by Kent Police Street had to self-isolate as a pre- lor Patrik Garten has asked high- cautionary measure. ceptable. It is used by lorries and and Maidstone Borough Council. ways authority Kent County A spokesman said: "Customers Council to put in double yellow by people needing a shortcut to “There are also risks involved can continue to use our mobile, lines below The Dirty Habit pub Maidstone or up to Sittingbourne. with physical barriers such as chi- video and telephone banking ser- and build out the pavement to re- “Residents have complained canes within rural areas where vices. We are working to get our about their walls being crashed there is no streetlighting – not to Reiremn livng duce the width of the road. branch open as soon as possible.” He is also arguing for better into, parked vehicles being dam- mention the sensitivities of local signs to warn motorists of the dan- aged and too many cars speeding. residents with the use of ‘urban’ Attack report gers ahead. Residents gathered to “During lockdown people park features in what is a rural village.” A MAN was threatened with a express their frustrations eight at the Pilgrims Way junction, leav- She added that speed surveys a is bes... screwdriver outside a supermarket days after a crash on March 11, ing other road users unable to get a would be carried out to “inform in Maidstone. when a school bus overturned in a proper line of sight. It is dangerous any future safety proposals”. Police are investigating the inci- front garden. The cause of the inci- and people have had enough now. Cllr Garten (right) is pictured Our Ledian Gardens retirement village in Kent dent which took place outside dent, in which no one was hurt, has KCC member Shellina Prender- with Lisa Cooper, Tania Shilling- Sainsbury's in Romney Place at yet to be determined. gast said: “Any restrictions, ford, John Holley, Karen and boasts a range of one and two-bedroom properties, around 9.45am on March 15. No Cllr Garten said: “The traffic whether speed or parking, will also Richard Fielding and Toni Webb. one was injured. with wellness spa, café, bistro restaurant, Anybody who saw the incident or who can assist the investigation cinema and more. should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference Sweet treats for young ‘heroes’ 46/42182/21, or call Crimestoppers A MAIDSTONE ice cream business spent a Sales office now open anonymously on 0800 555111. weekend handing out free treats to little lock- down heroes. Monday – Friday, 10am-5pm. Lottie’s Lollies owner Charlotte Watson (32) Green savings said she wanted to give some recognition to RESIDENTS could save up to £600 the children who have remained resilient Speak to our friendly village advisers for more information. on their energy bills by signing up throughout the pandemic. to a government green initiative. She was inundated with nominations for The Green Homes Grant scheme well-deserving youngsters across the borough runs until March 2022 and aims to and spent March 6 touring the town to hand cover the costs of making houses out the treats. more energy-efficient. She said: “I think we visited 60 households The maximum value of the help and the kids were so appreciative to have their Visit safely, to book an appointment is £5,000. Go to the Simple Energy own ice cream van show up at their door. We Service website for more details. created more than 150 desserts in the end. It please call 01622 805 898 was a very emotional day but so worth it. or visit lediangardens.co.uk “We chose the Williams family because little Pie-inging Luna was born in lockdown and hasn’t been A DATE has been set for this year’s able to see all her family members yet, and the Upper Street, Leeds, near Maidstone, World Custard Pie Champi- girls have worked hard with home schooling.” Kent, ME17 1RZ onships in Coxheath. Olivia (9), Melissa (6), Kyler-Louise (7), and The unique event will go ahead 10-month-old Luna-Rose are pictured with at Coxheath Village Hall from mum Rachel Williams. noon on September 4. Entry is free.

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19 News downsmail.co.uk Drivers facing diversion as Village welcomes new road is closed A PHASED two-part road clo- sure is taking place in Lenham store after 10-year wait for work by Southern Water. Headcorn Road shut on March THE new Sainsbury's supermar- 29, and both phases are due for ket has finally opened its doors in completion by April 18. Staplehurst. In phase one, which is due to Construction of the 18,000sq ft be completed by April 7, the superstore took more than 10 years road will be closed 100 metres to get started and about seven south of the development site months to complete. entrance as far as the junction The store was officially opened with Station Approach. by Cllr Paddy Riordan, chairman The works during this phase of Staplehurst Parish Council, who will be undertaken by Walker cut a ribbon in the car park on Construction, Triconnex and March 24. Southern Water. The supermarket, which re- The second phase is due to placed several industrial properties start on April 8, with estimated in Station Approach, includes a said he was especially proud that a nication with the parish council on completion by April 18. Work bakery, pizza counter, a homeware number of young people from the this store has been excellent and will be undertaken by Kier. section, stationery products and an village were entering the work- helped us keep residents informed The alternative route for any Argos counter. force for the first time. throughout the build.” through traffic is via High Street, It is the first store opened by the Mr Dunne said: “We’re very Local borough and parish coun- Faversham Road, A20 Ashford retail chain this year. pleased to share this much-antici- cillor John Perry said: “I’ve always Road, Willington Street, A274 Store manager Kwadwo Osei pated store with the community. supported this new Sainsbury’s Sutton Road, Maidstone Road, greeted the first customers through "Thank you, Staplehurst, for store and eagerly awaited this day. North Street, the doors, handing out commemo- your support and patience as we “I’m pleased to see this level of Hill, Headcorn Road, Mill Bank, rative bags designed by six-year- delivered this store safely and effi- investment made in our village Kings Road, Lenham Road, Liv- old Eden Beevor to eager shoppers. ciently.” and know it will make a difference erton Hill and vice versa. Property director Patrick Dunne Cllr Riordan said: “The commu- to so many in our community.”

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20 News downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk News Drivers facing diversion as Village welcomes new Postmaster claim road is closed A PHASED two-part road clo- ‘should be more’ sure is taking place in Lenham store after 10-year wait for work by Southern Water. LAWYERS for a former sub-post- judge called for mediation and the Headcorn Road shut on March THE new Sainsbury's supermar- master are now working on a Post Office agreed a £57.8m settle- 29, and both phases are due for ket has finally opened its doors in claim against the Post Office (PO) ment, but £45m went in postmas- completion by April 18. Staplehurst. for malicious prosecution and ters’ legal costs. In phase one, which is due to Construction of the 18,000sq ft damage to his reputation. The PO faces a massive compen- be completed by April 7, the superstore took more than 10 years But Kanagasundaram Prince (68) sation bill in the biggest legal and road will be closed 100 metres to get started and about seven is angry the claim for the huge fi- financial scandal of its type and south of the development site months to complete. nancial losses he sustained is not there are suggestions Government entrance as far as the junction The store was officially opened much more. should now pay. with Station Approach. by Cllr Paddy Riordan, chairman Mr Prince worked at Tovil for Mr Prince said: “I have lost so The works during this phase of Staplehurst Parish Council, who seven years and was accused by much through the fine, legal costs, Sarah’s killing sparks will be undertaken by Walker cut a ribbon in the car park on the Post Office of stealing £43,000. my job, career and more. I have re- Construction, Triconnex and March 24. His legal representatives ulti- ceived so little to date. It has been village demonstration Southern Water. The supermarket, which re- mately advised him to plead guilty an awful time. The second phase is due to placed several industrial properties MEMBERS of Leeds Women’s Institute and villagers held a demonstra- said he was especially proud that a nication with the parish council on and pay £43,000 to avoid a six- “Unfortunately, our High Court tion highlighting the issue of violence against women. start on April 8, with estimated in Station Approach, includes a month prison sentence, which the solicitors struck a rotten deal with completion by April 18. Work bakery, pizza counter, a homeware number of young people from the this store has been excellent and It was sparked by the recent alleged murder of Sarah Everard, whose village were entering the work- helped us keep residents informed judge suspended. Family loans the PO, whereby all our loss of remains were discovered near Ashford, Kent. will be undertaken by Kier. section, stationery products and an saved him. business was included in the set- force for the first time. throughout the build.” Men and children joined the women on the short march through the The alternative route for any Argos counter. The trained accountant was re- tlement.” Mr Dunne said: “We’re very Local borough and parish coun- village on March 19. through traffic is via High Street, It is the first store opened by the moved from the branch, which Mr Prince estimates his losses to pleased to share this much-antici- cillor John Perry said: “I’ve always WI President Louise Menenes-Bautista said: “I think a lot of people Faversham Road, A20 Ashford retail chain this year. went on the market and sold at a be in the hundreds of thousands of pated store with the community. supported this new Sainsbury’s were affected by the killing of Sarah Everard and we wanted to high- Road, Willington Street, A274 Store manager Kwadwo Osei £50,000 loss when the PO threat- pounds. "Thank you, Staplehurst, for store and eagerly awaited this day. light the dangers faced by women on the streets.” Sutton Road, Maidstone Road, greeted the first customers through ened to withdraw their part of the He and his wife Theresa, who North Street, Sutton Valence the doors, handing out commemo- your support and patience as we “I’m pleased to see this level of Pictured here are Jane Newsome, Samantha Irvine, Emily Irvine, Pri- business. worked with him at Tovil, still mose Menenes-Bautista, Andres Menenes-Bautista, Celestina Menenes- Hill, Headcorn Road, Mill Bank, rative bags designed by six-year- delivered this store safely and effi- investment made in our village It was later found a faulty new have many friends and supporters Kings Road, Lenham Road, Liv- old Eden Beevor to eager shoppers. ciently.” and know it will make a difference Baustista, Humphrey, Valentino Menenes-Baustista, Lesley Finlay, computer system had bugs and in Maidstone, who were shocked Louise Menenes-Bautista, Otis Menenes-Bautista, Lois and Paul Hirst. erton Hill and vice versa. Property director Patrick Dunne Cllr Riordan said: “The commu- to so many in our community.” produced incorrect figures. The by accusations against him.

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21 News | Local elections downsmail.co.uk Bell backs indie movement THE fledgling independent movement in Maidstone has received backing from the highest profile indie of them all – the white-suited, former BBC war correspondent, Martin Bell. Mr Bell, who overturned Tory Neil Hamilton’s 22,000 majority in THE KEY DATES Tatton on an anti-sleaze ticket in ELECTIONS will take place in 19 1997, said this is a “good time” for borough council wards. The notice candidates to emerge in borough of election is due to be displayed councillor Tom and Janetta Sams’ on March 19, with nominations to drive to offer an alternative to be completed by April 8. party politics at the local elections The Electoral Commission will on May 6. be updating the paperwork due to News of Mr Bell’s support came recent legislative changes and as it became clear one seat on the these will be reflected in nomina- indies’ target list is that of Lib Dem tion packs from MBC’s electoral leader of Maidstone Borough services team. Postal vote applica- Council (MBC), Cllr Martin Cox. tions can also be obtained from Mr Bell, a UNICEF ambassador, the team. said: “It’s a very good time to do it. Information for prospective I understand the need for the party candidates and agents will be system nationally, but not at bor- available via the MBC website. ough council level. There are more possibilities locally and this is VOTING BY POST going to be a campaign like no other, because of COVID-19. TO GET your postal vote, call MBC “My advice to the independents on 01622 602000, and ask for registration services. When con- is to choose your battleground Martin Bell and right, MBC leader Cllr Martin Cox carefully, because the right candi- nected choose option 2 for postal date fighting the right seat could and proxy voting. Your borough or grabs this year. He sits on a com- The Sams are committed to pro- county councillor can assist. do very well in Maidstone. fortable 24% majority and is popu- viding help and advice to potential “Avoid Punch and Judy fights lar and well-respected. candidates, but are not keen on and don’t speak ill of opponents is Cllr Janetta Sams has ruled noth- naming the movement for fear of BOROUGH SEATS also sound advice, as is having a ing out in the run-up to the elec- being branded a party. THE current state of the Liberal good understanding with the local tion. She said: "We’ve had Lib Dems relied on the Sams’ Democrat-led borough council, Press and presence on social expressions of interest and we’re votes to form an administration in with 55 seats, is as follows: media.” keen to back people who wish to 2019 with Labour and two other in- CONSERVATIVE 22 The Sams husband-and-wife stand in their own communities, so dependents, Cllr Steve Munford LIBERAL DEMOCRAT 21 team announced last month they if someone in the east ward is in- and Cllr Fay Gooch. But the MBC- LABOUR 4 are seeking candidates without po- terested, we'll talk. But if someone led development of Lenham Heath INDEPENDENTS 4 litical ties prepared to stand for is available who doesn't have an with 4,000 units, saw the Sams MAIDSTONE INDEPENDENTS 2 election in their communities. election in their area, they might withdraw that support. SEATS VACANT 2 Cllr Cox's east ward is up for want to stand somewhere else." Comment, page 45 Parish call for poll Playing safe candidates in May Hotson row continues THE Liberal Democrats have ad- mitted the omission of three candi- Parish Council has THE de-selection of Conserva- opposition leader John Perry, dates in key seats they need to written to householders seeking tive Eric Hotson as a candidate Cllr Garland says he will not retain to form a new administra- candidates to become parish coun- in the truest of true blue seats resign and will fight the seat tion was "strategic". cillors at the May elections. on May 6 continues to rumble "as a Tory". Only five of the current eight No Lib Dems will be offered in on. He writes: "I am well aware and (Ind), Fant councillors are seeking re-elec- Former Conservative bor- that he [Cllr Hotson] has been (Lab) and tion. ough council leader Chris Gar- unceremoniously dumped as (Ind). Departing chairman Glyn land, who is still a serving the Tory candidate, after 20 The party needs the support of Charlton said: “I have been privi- member, has agreed to become years of dedicated service to leged to see many ideas come to Mr Hotson's election agent. his division and his party." Labour and two independents to fruition. There is an opportunity In supporting an indepen- Cllr Garland, who stands have a chance of gaining enough now for new ideas.” dent, Cllr Garland says he has down from borough duties in seats to out-number the Tories. The parish is setting up a Lorry been told he must resign, but May, describes his rival as a Watch to restrict heavy vehicles in has refused to do so. "relatively unknown and inex- No knocking Dean Street and Lower Road. It is Cllr Hotson is fighting the perienced individual". renewing the campaign to prevent Maidstone rural south division Cllr Perry said: "I won't say POLITICAL parties have decided speeding and will pay for police on Kent County Council as an anything. I can't say anything." not to knock on voters' doors dur- time to carry out enforcement. independent against Lottie A spokesman for the local ing the run-up to May 6. Go to www.eastfarleigh- Parfitt-Reid, the Tory can di- Conservative association said: They will deliver leaflets via pri- pc.org.uk or call the clerk on date. In a defiant letter to Con- "The constitution is quite vate delivery firms or by activists 07999 414712 for further details servative borough council clear." observing social-distancing and on how to become a candidate. sanitising. 22 downsmail.co.uk Business Focus COVID-19 & Your Eyes Ask The Expert

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23 News | Sponsored parish council downsmail.co.uk Thurnham Tribute paid Garden village CLLR John Horne advised the Parish News council that Gary Thomas, chair- man of Maidstone Joint Parish Group, had recently died. Cllr Horne said Mr Thomas was plan ‘a travesty’ well-respected as a campaigner who did much to protect Kent PLANNING proposals for a gar- Phil Woods said: “Once you start from the effects of unconstrained den village at Binbury Park, on building in an AONB, you have a development. He said: “He was a Detling Hill, dominated discus- serious problem.” thoroughly decent person. We sions at Thurnham’s online parish Cllr Daniel Skinner recognised the council meeting on Monday, need for additional housing in the will all miss him enormously.” March 15. south east, but accepted all argu- Meetings normally held on the third The proposals for 1,750 houses, ments against the proposals. Quieter lanes submitted by Quinn Estates, are in Cllr Michael Stark said: “There Monday of each month at the Marriott CLLR Richard Smith is still trying Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. an Area of Outstanding Natural have been many objections, includ- CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner Beauty (AONB), but could help ing from Kent Downs AONB, His- to boost public backing for an ap- plication for a Quiet Lanes CLERK: Sherrie Babington Maidstone Borough Council meet toric England, Campaign to protect scheme, to encourage considerate 01634 867173 Government housing targets. Rural England and the Woodland Gary Bryant and Phil Woods, rep- Trust. I am against it.” shared use of local lanes. resentatives from Detling and Stock- Cllr John Horne feared that the Residents are encouraged to Keep in touch bury parish councils, put forward proposed development means email the parish clerk to register CHAIRMAN Daniel Skinner ex- passionate arguments for objection building on the water catchment their support at thurnhamparish- pressed concerns about the lack of to the plans. area of the local aquifer. [email protected] public communication with the They said any development He said: “It’s a travesty. All the parish council. would have a “disastrous impact” reasons are against this application.” Census data He was concerned the difficulty on traffic flow and that current in- Cllrs Geeta Dunlop and Ian Shel- getting public feedback suggested frastructure struggles to cope and a ley agreed traffic and development THE parish clerk reported that all the public didn’t have enough development of the proposed num- of the AONB were the vital issues. available information concerning knowledge of what is happening bers would bring the A249 and sur- A rejection of the proposals was the 2021 census had been made in the parish. Cllr Dunlop said rounding lanes to gridlock. voted for and it was agreed to make available to residents on the people had enough on their plates The overriding objection was de- individual and joint written objec- parish website at www.thurn- with the pandemic to worry about velopment in an Area of Outstand- tions from Thurnham and neigh- ham.org.uk/community/thurn- local council participation. ing Natural Beauty. bouring parish councils. ham-parish-council-18453/home. HAMILTON KITCHENS Quality & Design At Thep24 Right Price

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Cllr Horne said Mr Thomas was Nellie-Rose (4), of Vinters Park, plan ‘a travesty’ well-respected as a campaigner ‘let down by council’ is being treated for stage four neu- who did much to protect Kent roblastoma. Her family want to MOST people get annoyed when PLANNING proposals for a gar- Phil Woods said: “Once you start from the effects of unconstrained take her to New York for a vaccine, den village at Binbury Park, on building in an AONB, you have a they see piles of litter on our development. He said: “He was a which they hope will prevent the Detling Hill, dominated discus- serious problem.” streets, but a passionate army of Jackie Ellis, cancer returning. thoroughly decent person. We volunteers are taking action. sions at Thurnham’s online parish Cllr Daniel Skinner recognised the Wendy Tickets for the raffle cost £5 – to will all miss him enormously.” The 240-strong Kent Litter Pickers council meeting on Monday, need for additional housing in the Cramer and buy them, message the Nellie-Rose March 15. south east, but accepted all argu- group was set up in December 2020, Raffle page on Facebook. in response to the huge amount of Joe Shimmin Meetings normally held on the third The proposals for 1,750 houses, ments against the proposals. Quieter lanes For details go to www.solv- submitted by Quinn Estates, are in Cllr Michael Stark said: “There rubbish plaguing the streets and are taking Monday of each month at the Marriott CLLR Richard Smith is still trying ingkidscancer.org.uk/appeal/nel- Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome. an Area of Outstanding Natural have been many objections, includ- roadsides. action to lierose. CHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner Beauty (AONB), but could help ing from Kent Downs AONB, His- to boost public backing for an ap- The group feels let down by the clear up litter plication for a Quiet Lanes CLERK: Sherrie Babington Maidstone Borough Council meet toric England, Campaign to protect council and spend hours every week they say the scheme, to encourage considerate 01634 867173 Government housing targets. Rural England and the Woodland tidying up the mess. council is Street party Gary Bryant and Phil Woods, rep- Trust. I am against it.” shared use of local lanes. Wendy Cramer (58), of Mill Street, ignoring KENT Life is marking the May resentatives from Detling and Stock- Cllr John Horne feared that the Residents are encouraged to Larkfield, says she is “obsessed” Bank Holiday with a traditional Keep in touch bury parish councils, put forward proposed development means email the parish clerk to register with spotting litter in her commu- ther of two said: “Our relationship A Tonbridge and Malling Bor- street party from May 1 to 3. CHAIRMAN Daniel Skinner ex- passionate arguments for objection building on the water catchment their support at thurnhamparish- nity and is “embarrassed” to invite with the council is variable. They are ough Council spokesman said litter Tickets cost £9 for adults and £8 pressed concerns about the lack of to the plans. area of the local aquifer. [email protected] her friends down from Derbyshire happy to provide litter-picking sticks shot up during lockdown and it han- for children. Under-threes go free. public communication with the They said any development He said: “It’s a travesty. All the because of the mess. and bags, but won’t collect asbestos dled more than 500 flytip reports last For details, see the events page at parish council. would have a “disastrous impact” reasons are against this application.” Census data Mrs Cramer, who moved to the that was reported over a month year, fining just seven people. www.kentlife.org.uk. He was concerned the difficulty on traffic flow and that current in- Cllrs Geeta Dunlop and Ian Shel- area last summer, added: “Fines ago.” “Unfortunately, it is not safe to getting public feedback suggested frastructure struggles to cope and a ley agreed traffic and development THE parish clerk reported that all don’t work. They’re futile, afford- Retired Jackie Ellis (62), of Lower carry out litter picks on busy roads the public didn’t have enough development of the proposed num- of the AONB were the vital issues. available information concerning able, and not a big deterrent.” Road, , said: “It’s so with fast-moving traffic. We have Market back knowledge of what is happening bers would bring the A249 and sur- A rejection of the proposals was the 2021 census had been made Primary school teacher Joe Shim- frustrating. There is no proper strat- specialist crews who are stepping up AYLESFORD Farmers’ Market is in the parish. Cllr Dunlop said rounding lanes to gridlock. voted for and it was agreed to make available to residents on the min (40), of Partridge Avenue, re- egy in place. Lockdown has given us their focus on clearing rubbish returning on April 18. people had enough on their plates The overriding objection was de- individual and joint written objec- parish website at www.thurn- ported a trolley, mattresses, and a a chance to change and give some- thrown from vehicles.” The market is held at The Friars with the pandemic to worry about velopment in an Area of Outstand- tions from Thurnham and neigh- ham.org.uk/community/thurn- bag full of asbestos dumped in thing back, and I do not see anyone Follow the group on Facebook at from 9.30am to 1.30pm on the third local council participation. ing Natural Beauty. bouring parish councils. ham-parish-council-18453/home. woodland on February 20. The fa- doing that.” Kent Litter Pickers. Sunday of the month.

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25 News downsmail.co.uk Recreating life in the trenches AN HISTORIAN who helped to depict graphic war scenes for Hollywood films is to bring his subject to life in a project being staged at the Kent Event Centre at Detling. Andy Robertshaw, who has worked with Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, is to recreate the WWI trenches at the new Cen- tre for Experimental Military Ar- chaeology (CEMA). Mr Roberstshaw has launched the new facility offering academic study, educational tours and a working film set. A Kent Event Centre spokesman said: "We are de- lighted to be working with Andy and his team to restore the trench systems found on the show- ground." When the trenches are finished, work will start on other periods of history including the English Civil War and WWII. The 200-acre site has been found to have trenches from WWI as well as other significant eras. It was bombed by the Luftwaffe during the early weeks of the Bat- Historian Andy Robertshaw is working on trenches found in Detling Picture: Battlefield Partnerships tle of Britain when 67 personnel were killed and 94 injured. seum director for the Ministry of average frontline soldier that his- broaden this style of research – Mr Robertshaw said: “The area Defence, but now provides con- torians have often struggled to experimental archaeology – to is so rich in history. For example, sultation services for films and TV convey by traditional means – many other periods of history." people driving along the A249 at as part of his company, Battlefield how they ate, how they moved Mr Robertshaw has consulted Detling are actually driving Partnerships Ltd. about in the trenches, how they on a number of major box office through the airfield.” He said recently: "We discov- went to the toilet. smash hits including War Horse, He previously worked as mu- ered ways of day-to-day life of the "It has become our aim to Wonder Woman and 1917. Bus station is Loss of tree ‘premature’ Talks start on A RESIDENT claims she is “disap- A Bearsted Parish Council shut for work pointed” with the parish council’s spokesman said: “Nobody wants leisure centre MAIDSTONE bus station is now handling of a cherry tree in to see a tree cut down but last sum- SPORT England is becoming in- closed for refurbishment works. Bearsted. mer a branch fell from the cherry volved with Maidstone Borough The bus station under The Mall The tree near the pond on The tree and we had to cordon off the Council (MBC) to improve the is scheduled to reopen on June 14. Green was cut down last month area for emergency works. town’s leisure centre in the build- Bus stops have been relocated with no “advanced re-planting” in “We were advised by a local ar- up to the end of the Serco con- to Kings Street and the narrow place. boriculturist that, because of the tract in 2024. steps between Sainsbury’s and Val Springett says there were no closeness of the trees, and the fact The council has discussed its The Mall have been sealed off. Ac- attempts to plant a new tree before they had not been maintained for “Making Maidstone More Ac- cess via the escalators remain cutting down the old one. some years, it would be best to re tive” campaign with Sport Eng- open. She said: “We definitely have a plant a tree once the ground had land, which funds the Chair of the Economic, Regen- problem here in Bearsted where healed and the stump had been development of service provi- eration and Leisure Committee too many trees are being cut down. ground down. sion. Council officers will soon Cllr Paul Harper said: “There will The tree was in declining condi- “We hope to have another tree start working with the group’s be some changes while the works tion, but I do not think it had to be planted in its place by the end of technical team to consider the fu- are taking place so please bear cut down this soon.” the year.” ture of the leisure centre building. with us as all bus services will be Members of the council’s eco- relocated on to King Street.” nomic regeneration and leisure Walk group rambling again committee welcomed the progress and prospects, but defended some Appeal refused TONBRIDGE and Malling Ramblers hope to re-start walks later of the key features of the centre, this month, once the lockdown starts to be lifted. AN APPEAL to remove a condi- including the “excellent” pools The group offer a variety of walks, mostly on Sunday mornings, tion for construction and delivery area and gym. with additional mid-week rambles each month, all around five or hours for a residential develop- Cllr Fay Gooch (Ind) asked for six miles long. ment of up to 250 dwellings at close liaison with neighbouring Rambling resumes on April 14. Email info@tonbridgeand- Hen and Duckhurst Farm, Mar- mallingramblers.org.uk log on to www.tonbridgeandmallingram- Tunbridge Wells Borough Coun- den Road, Staplehurst, has been blers.org.uk. cil, which is currently considering dismissed. plans for its own leisure centres.

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2729 News | Health downsmail.co.uk COVID death toll tops 5,000 Learning the lessons THE total number of COVID-19 deaths across Kent had topped 5,000 by March 10, Kent and Med- way CCG was told at its meeting taught by pandemic on March 25. There were 4,327 deaths with THE governing body of budget- and services had become more COVID-19 recorded on death cer- holding NHS Kent and Med- streamlined for patients ... dif- tificates in Kent, and 760 in Med- way Clinical Commissioning ferent waiting times in different way. Group (CCG) has been told by areas had to be addressed.” The level of hospital admissions, a GP member that “the pan- Accountable Officer Wilf need for acute beds and infection demic has laid bare the in- Williams said it was important rates have slowly reduced since equalities of health and how to reflect both locally and in the January, but hospital services con- the population has been ad- NHS as a whole on how changes tinue to operate “under extreme versely affected”, writes Dennis to services impacted patients pressure”. Fowle. Diabetes has been recognised and communities rather than The latest seven-day infection Dr Sarah MacDermott made a as an area of health inequality from a service and provider per- rates for Maidstone have now plea that as services were for this region in terms of out- spective. fallen to the low 20s per 100,000 restarted, the focus should not Dr MacDermott pressed for a comes, and has become a strate- population, compared with more primarily be on getting hospital- restart of the Patient Participa- gic objective “with work than 800 in the January peak. At based services up and running, tion Groups in GP practices and progressing, despite everything the time of going to press, there but that other services such as the need to work with local Pri- had been four deaths in the last obesity, long-term conditions else going on in the system”. mary Care Networks formed by seven days and five patients ad- and diabetes should also be con- This has been recognised nation- groups of practices. mitted to hospital. sidered. ally and extra funding has been One aim is that patients’ voices The vaccination programme for She was supported by Dr Bob received. The CCG was told as should be heard and shared with Kent progresses well, with high Bowes, CCG vice-chairman and the recovery programme pro- the CCG. The CCG agreed a levels of uptake: 90% across the top chairman of the former West gressed, nothing would remain strategic priority is “to focus on four priority groups and 80% for Kent CCG, who questioned the the same. “Great innovations health improvement and reduc- the age group 65-69. By March 4, absence of an assessment of po- implemented during COVID-19 ing inequalities by developing 581,293 had received their first tential harm as a result of treat- had removed unnecessary and our population health ap- dose and 29,583 the second dose. ment delays during COVID-19. unhelpful steps out of pathways, proach”.

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30 News | Health downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk Advertisement Feature COVID death toll tops 5,000 Learning the lessons THE total number of COVID-19 deaths across Kent had topped 5,000 by March 10, Kent and Med- way CCG was told at its meeting taught by pandemic on March 25. There were 4,327 deaths with THE governing body of budget- and services had become more COVID-19 recorded on death cer- holding NHS Kent and Med- streamlined for patients ... dif- tificates in Kent, and 760 in Med- way Clinical Commissioning ferent waiting times in different way. Group (CCG) has been told by areas had to be addressed.” The level of hospital admissions, a GP member that “the pan- Accountable Officer Wilf need for acute beds and infection demic has laid bare the in- Williams said it was important rates have slowly reduced since equalities of health and how to reflect both locally and in the January, but hospital services con- the population has been ad- NHS as a whole on how changes tinue to operate “under extreme versely affected”, writes Dennis to services impacted patients pressure”. Fowle. Diabetes has been recognised and communities rather than The latest seven-day infection Dr Sarah MacDermott made a as an area of health inequality from a service and provider per- rates for Maidstone have now plea that as services were for this region in terms of out- spective. fallen to the low 20s per 100,000 restarted, the focus should not Dr MacDermott pressed for a comes, and has become a strate- population, compared with more primarily be on getting hospital- restart of the Patient Participa- gic objective “with work than 800 in the January peak. At based services up and running, tion Groups in GP practices and progressing, despite everything the time of going to press, there but that other services such as the need to work with local Pri- had been four deaths in the last obesity, long-term conditions else going on in the system”. mary Care Networks formed by seven days and five patients ad- and diabetes should also be con- This has been recognised nation- groups of practices. mitted to hospital. sidered. ally and extra funding has been One aim is that patients’ voices The vaccination programme for She was supported by Dr Bob received. The CCG was told as should be heard and shared with Kent progresses well, with high Bowes, CCG vice-chairman and the recovery programme pro- the CCG. The CCG agreed a levels of uptake: 90% across the top chairman of the former West gressed, nothing would remain strategic priority is “to focus on four priority groups and 80% for Kent CCG, who questioned the the same. “Great innovations health improvement and reduc- the age group 65-69. By March 4, absence of an assessment of po- implemented during COVID-19 ing inequalities by developing 581,293 had received their first tential harm as a result of treat- had removed unnecessary and our population health ap- dose and 29,583 the second dose. ment delays during COVID-19. unhelpful steps out of pathways, proach”. p30 STATION CABS Telephone Snodland (01634) 240470 (01634)244163 (01634)244007

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Andrea Gulsen jailed, but Paul publicly forgave him. mechanical engineer. Obituaries Paul’s former wife Sue said: “People will The Bearsted and Thurnham Society ANDREA Gulsen (42) was found dead at recall him as a real one-off, who very noted Gary “was keen to stress the need her home in Tonbridge Road, almost three much did his own thing, very entertaining for the authorities to look after the quality years after after and larger than life. He was always of life of existing residents before starting losing her son, Alan. involved in music – his rst discos and large-scale developments”. He disappeared shows go back to 1970. Gary was a member of the North Downs from his home in “People will have many different Rail Concern, set up to protect the Wateringbury and his memories of Paul, but they will agree he countryside, after the approval of the body was found in was never the usual kind of 9-5 man.” Channel Tunnel Rail Link. He was also the River Medway Paul leaves his children and three central to the campaigns to stop about three weeks granddaughters. development at Woodcut Farm (which later. Andrea was unsuccessful) and the ght against the suspected foul play, Glenn Roeder Waterside Park development just to the but police found no FOOTBALLER and football manager south of the A20 (which was won). evidence of this. He accepted the Thurnham Heritage Andrea was found dead in her home, Glenn Roeder (65) will be remembered as player-manager at Gillingham during one Award in June 2018 on behalf of CPRE. but a full inquest will start in the rst week Kent CPRE director Hilary Newport of May. of the club’s most challenging phases. The spell from 1992-93 marked the end said: “He was a kind and thoughtful man, Originally from Poland, Andrea had and I shall miss him greatly.” lived locally for a number of years. Her of Roeder as a player and the beginning of a management career, which saw him in Gary leaves his wife Sylvia, children friend Marzena “Rosie” Zolc has opened a Laura and Paul, and his grandchildren. GoFundMe page to raise money for a charge at Newcastle Utd, West Ham and cremation followed by the repatriation of Norwich. Joy Stevens her ashes back to her native country. The Gills fans will recall Roeder’s struggling page has been arranged in consultation squad securing league survival in their JOY Stevens (88), who lived in Lambourne with Andrea’s daughter and her sister. penultimate game by winning against Road, Madginford, for 55 years was born Andrea also leaves her partner, Istvan. bottom club, Halifax. Watford signed him in London and at the end of that season. evacuated to Kent Paul Hayman Roeder’s achievements included taking with her sister during West Ham to a seventh-place nish in the the war. PAUL Hayman (74), from Barming, was Premier League and serving as part of the She met her future an entertainer and music lover who England coaching set-up during the husband, Tony, and worked as a management of Glenn Hoddle. Joy took a civil scaffolder. His career was disrupted by the service job in London. His daughter diagnosis of a brain tumour and Compensation Hayley said he lived subsequent surgery. He remained in the offered after Tony a rock’n’roll life, game for many years, his last active role suffered an injury in a combining it with the being as a management advisor at paper mill accident morals and values of Stevenage Town in 2016. allowed the pair to buy their house in a family man. Madginford. Paul’s mother died Gary Thomas Joy began work at the Cheshire Home in of cancer when he Mote Park in 1969, moving from the was a teenager and GARY Thomas (85) of Hunton, and previously of , was a champion of laundry room to become secretary in the he never knew his administration office and chair of the father. He grew up in Boxley, worked as a the natural environment who had served as a Conservative fundraising committee. She retired aged builder and scaffolder and was father to 63, when she moved to Staplehurst. Hayley and Luke. borough and parish councillor as well as Widowed in 1971, Joy spent much of her His love of live events saw him build time bringing up her ve children – twins stages for Blondie, Gun, The chairman of the Maidstone branch of Tony and Gary, Shirley, Michael and Sara. Commitments, Brothers Grim, The In his eulogy, Michael said: “She did a Hamsters, and Hells Angels. the Campaign to Protect Rural good job…showing what great inner In his 70s he built and managed the strength she had.” Skanga Sound System, gigging a few times England (CPRE). A Cambridge Joy was well known at Otham Church a year. Late in his life Paul’s neck was and became a member of the historical slashed by a drunken neighbour who was graduate, Gary worked as a society. She won awards for her garden. Her nal years saw her health decline and she spent almost a decade in a care home. She leaves her children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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33 News downsmail.co.uk Fast rail link is ‘still on table’

KENT County Council (KCC) has An alternative track was pro- “strengthened” its support for a posed along the Catford loop from fast rail link service from Maid- Maidstone East to London via stone to Cambridge via the capital West Malling, Borough Green, city, writes Ciaran Duggan. Swanley, Denmark Hill and Ele- The “ambition” towards a phant and Castle. Thameslink train service running A faster link was first promised over 80 miles from the county in 2016, but this was delayed four town to London Blackfriars, St times by Whitehall, with rail min- Pancras and on to Cambridge re- ister Chris Heaton-Harris giving Appeal after store thefts mains on the table, according to tentative support for a quicker con- CCTV images have been released after three men reportedly stole cos- County Hall. nection in a virtual public meeting metics and tools worth £400 in Maidstone. Executives at KCC will continue three months ago. The men entered The Range in St Peter's Street at about 11am on to lobby the Department for Trans- Maidstone and Weald MP, March 4. It is alleged they put the items in a rucksack and left without port for the under-the-hour link Helen Grant, is hoping for an im- paying. after an amendment to rail strategy minent announcement about the They are also reported to have verbally abused a member of staff. was approved by the cabinet. service. KCC’s cabinet voiced their Investigating officer PC Callum Genery said: "We would like to identify KCC rail manager Stephen support for the fast train link dur- the three people pictured in the CCTV images, who we believe can as- Gasche said the case for the fast ing an online debate as part of its sist with our enquiries. service had been “strengthened”. rail action plan from 2021 to 2030. "While all three are wearing face masks, it is hoped that somebody This comes after a row between A report states: “This would be will recognise them and get in contact." Tory and Lib Dem county council- an initial all-day service between Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01622 604100, lors on February 10 about revised the county town and Blackfriars, quoting crime reference 46/35501/20. plans for a “semi-fast” rail service whilst retaining the ambition and You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 from Maidstone to London Black- working towards a through service 555111, or by completing an online form on their website. friars, which could take 75 minutes. to St Pancras and Cambridge.”

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34 downsmail.co.uk News COVID group £20m to cut carbon and for ex-patients A NEW Facebook group has been set up to support residents who received treatment for COVID-19 protect environment at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospital. The group, named the MTW A GRANT of £20m has been won by Kent County Council to reduce COVID-19 Experience Group, is carbon emissions, centred on the county town,writes Ciaran Duggan. the first of its kind and will be a safe place for former patients to Energy projects will be created after KCC vowed to reach net- The project would allow heat to chat about their experiences. to “decarbonise” the authority’s zero carbon on its estate by 2030. be extracted from the River Med- To join, log into Facebook, large estate, which includes hun- Around 86% of £27million in- way and used to provide warmth search for “MTW COVID-19 Ex- dreds of office buildings, children vestment required to make KCC’s at Maidstone County Hall, the perience Group” and click join be- centres and libraries. estate carbon-neutral has been se- Kent History and Library Centre fore answering three questions – This includes solar park cured by the Conservative ad- and HMP Maidstone. which hospital you were treated schemes, heat pump initiatives ministration in recent years. A range of technologies will be in, when you were treated and the and funding towards the upgrade A £5.5million scheme has been used to generate the energy, in- area you live in. of light bulbs to LED. The grant in development in Kent since cluding a water source heat pump Nikki Lewis, MTW NHS must be spent by September 30. 2016, which aims to replace fossil and solar thermal energy. Trust’s interim patient experience Carbon emissions on County fuel heating like gas and oil with Work is likely to start in March lead, said: “Creating a peer sup- Hall’s estate have reduced by 50% heat pumps. 2022, with the scheme anticipated port group for those recovering from 2010 to 2020, with more pro- KCC is aiming to create a low- to be in operation in 2023. from COVID-19 who are no jects in the pipeline. carbon heat network in the centre A detailed report on the plans longer under the care of MTW, It comes nearly two years after of Maidstone, next to the Kent was be discussed by KCC’s envi- means they can connect with like- County Hall declared a climate History and Library Centre, in ronment and transport committee minded people in one place and emergency and eight months James Whatman Way. on March 18. talk freely about their experience overall.” Robbie Goatham, Healthwatch Stolen dog is Kent manager, said: “We know from chatting to people who have had COVID-19 that it can be a recovered in lonely experience. We also know that some people are still strug- house search gling several months on.” A STOLEN dog has been found safe in Coxheath. Marshall, a cane corso Pair collapse crossed with a presa canario, TWO men were taken to hospital was taken from a rescue cen- in a serious condition after col- tre in Essex last month. lapsing in Maidstone town centre. He had been placed at a Emergency services cordoned temporary home in Kent, off part of the River Medway at where it is alleged the animal around 9.30pm on March 15. was sold on and subse- An ambulance spokesman said: quently never returned to the "I can confirm we were called to rescue centre. reports two people had been Enquiries led to planned found collapsed in need of medi- search warrants at two prop- cal attention. erties in Tonbridge and one "Ambulance crews attended the in Coxheath during the early scene and the male patients were hours on March 12. assessed and treated at the scene The stolen dog was found before being taken to hospital in a in Coxheath. A second dog serious condition." and nine puppies discovered at a property in Audley Av- Events are off enue, Tonbridge, were seized as part of the investigation, ALL events on council land be- along with a quantity of fore June 21 have been postponed cannabis. Two people were or cancelled, according to a coun- Sowing the seeds... cil report. arrested. A 38-year-old man and a 32- PUPILS at Boughton Monchelsea Primary School spent a damp March Maidstone Borough Council year-old woman have been morning sowing wild flower seeds along Church Street. awaits a Government study ex- detained on suspicion of Led by their teacher Mrs Roots, the group entered the orchards and amining how large events can be theft, fraud, possession of learned about the field’s history. staged without the need for social Cllr Caroline Jessel said: “The children loved sowing the seeds and kept class B drugs and money distancing, using mitigations coming back for more. Although the scattering was a little haphazard, the laundering. such as testing. end result after a bit of foot-stomping was perfect. Enquiries concerning the Organisers of all events on “The children are all keen to return in the summer to see the flowers circumstances of the animal council land must submit man- blooming and to count the insects enjoying the wildflowers.” theft remain ongoing. agement plans to the national Safety Advisory Group.

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36 downsmail.co.uk News MP welcomes a Borough ‘exceeding new Costcutter A NEW Costcutter store has opened in Leybourne. The store in Hawley Drive was officially opened on March 24. its housing targets’ It will offer local shoppers a range of fruit and vegetables, MAIDSTONE has seen almost 50% more homes built in the past three years chilled foods, frozen goods, craft than were actually required, according to Government figures. ales, lagers and spirits. MP for Tonbridge and Malling Unlike other parts of the county, Councils missing targets would Tom Tugendhat said: “A shop at Maidstone Borough Council face Government sanctions. The the heart of Leybourne Chase will (MBC) has not only met but ex- countryside charity CPRE (Kent) help everyone living here. ceeded what was built into the expressed “extreme concerns” to “The past year has demonstrated 2017 Local Plan. MBC leader Cllr Martin Cox that just how much we rely on our local The Housing Delivery Test com- required infrastructure has not shops and it is great that Costcut- pares the number of houses built kept pace with house-building. ter have made this investment in against what is required by the au- Anti-housing campaigner Kate the Leybourne Chase community.” thority's own policy in the form of Hammond, of Lenham Heath, The store will be open from 7am a percentage. said: “The enthusiasm for house- to 8pm Sunday to Thursday and In Maidstone's case, it con- building by this council knows no structed 146% of its own target limits, despite what they say pub- 7am to 9pm Friday and Saturday. having built 3,787 homes, rather licly. It is now a self-styled master- than 2,592. The council's Liberal developer and have joined the Chocs to stay Democrat leadership has consis- different story and put the lie to ranks of the construction busi- THE Thorntons branch in Maid- tently blamed central Government MBC's claim that it's somebody nesses." stone will stay open, despite the for imposing high targets on Maid- else's fault." MBC said: “These figures…in- chain shutting 63 stores nationwide. stone, creating the need for mas- But MBC claims the figure is clude a period of very low housing The chocolate shop in The Mall sive developments such as MBC’s misleading as the baseline for cal- completions which were a factor of is a franchise, so is not affected by own proposal at Lenham Heath for culation is pegged to 2011. MBC, the economic downturn. the company's decision, and is due 4,000 homes. currently working towards its “What may now appear as over- to open again on April 12, when But opposition Conservative Local Plan review, will increase delivery, is in part, this lag being lockdown restrictions are eased. borough councillor Jonathan Purle, housing from just under 900per rectified through the build out of Thorntons has become another pictured, said: "These figures tell a annum (pa) to more than 1,200pa. existing consents...” victim of the pandemic and the public's move to shopping online. County lines dealer jailed Its Bluewater shop is shutting. A DRUG dealer who was arrested in concerned in the supply of crack co- Border delay Maidstone in possession of a county caine and heroin. THE Government has put off the line mobile phone has been jailed. Odjoma pleaded guilty and was introduction of border controls, Wesley Odjoma (23) was sentenced to three years and two which were due to come into force searched after officers spotted him months in prison. at the end of March. with two known drug users in an al- Investigating officer, DC Andy Minister Michael Gove decided leyway in St Phillip’s Avenue. Julier, said: “Another London dealer to push the schedule back by six Odjoma, of Croydon, was arrested has found that they cannot deal months until October. It affects pa- and when his home address was drugs in our county with impunity. perwork checks on food and plant searched officers found electronic “All those involved in the supply of imports. scales and a razor blade that had co- heroin and cocaine should think Physical checks due to come in caine residue on them. twice before they choose to ply their July have been delayed until early He was later charged with being trade in Kent.” next year.

A VEHICLE was broken into in Castle Crime reports Road, Allington, and a laptop was stolen. A group of young people damaged a Neighbourhood Watch Fiat 500 parked in North Pole Road, Barm- ing, by kicking the doors and windows. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Thieves broke into a stable in Forstal Road, Boxley, and stole equipment in- A microwave oven was stolen from a A silver Volkswagen Touareg, registra- cluding grooming kit, saddles and collars. property in Uptons, Headcorn. tion EA69***, was stolen from a lay-by in A stolen bank card was used to make A garage was broken in Claygate, Shep- Common Road, Aylesford. unauthorised purchases in Redwall Lane, way, and a bike was stolen. Three young people were seen cutting Linton. Paint was thrown over a vehicle in Sus- down a tree with a saw in Robin Hood A burglar broke into two sheds at a busi- sex Road, Shepway. Lane, Aylesford. ness in Hilltop, West Farleigh. A vehicle was set alight in a field in A blue badge was taken from the glove- Somebody tried to damage a house in Grigg Lane, Headcorn. box of a car in London Road, Aylesford. Robins Close, Lenham, by throwing a jar Yellow and orange paint was daubed on Thieves broke into an empty house in at it. a fence post in Plains Avenue, Shepway. Cardinal Walk, Kings Hill. A Land Rover 110 Series, registration Graffiti was sprayed on the side of a Two men stole a recently-delivered par- V56***, was stolen from Green Hill Lane, house and a vehicle in The Hardwicks, cel from a doorstep in The Hawthorns, Lenham. Headcorn. Aylesford.

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Licensing Act 2003 An application has been made by: Clara Munoz Cabello de alba for the premises La Taberna, Corpus Christi Hall, Fairmeadow,      Maidstone ME14 1JP On the date of 24/03/2021 Summary of the proposed variation: Variation to include a new outside dining area and the sale/supply of Alcohol in the new area. Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the: 21/04/2021  Licensing Partnership, PO BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP [email protected] http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in       connection with an application. The Maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is £5000.

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services, particularly over visitors not the bird boxes had been installed on the

Parish Councils Broomeld and Kingswood wearing masks on the premises. Mr Millennium Green. The new trees for the Litter competition Winners Anya Hayes Bracken believes that the stress of the Millennium Green, and for the verge next and Brooke Cloke joined the parish pandemic has caused people to act more to the Bourneside Terrace carpark, as meeting the where chair congratulated aggressively. Recently, staff looked after previously agreed by Golding Homes, them and said a certicate and the prize three coach loads of European passengers were due to be delivered. would be delivered to them. Once it was who had been working in the UK, but Exercise equipment Exercise equipment, possible to meet in public, an event would couldn’t travel back out of the country as which had been discarded by a local be held celebrating the contributions and they did not have the correct post-Brexit school, had been offered to the village. A achievements of residents during paperwork. The staff removed all alcohol site meeting would be arranged. lockdown. from one of the shops within the services Nuisance vehicles Complaints had been Sports Field The CCTV was working, and to prevent any problems that could have made about illegal off-road motorbikes and a resident reported that the ship had been been caused by the stranded visitors. Cllr suspicious vehicles. In particular, 4x4s had vandalised. Cllr Davies would look at this Garten asked Rob if similar incidents been noticed around the Pilgrim’s Way / and Cllr Pink would check the CCTV. It happened regularly due to travellers not Upper Street crossroads late at night, would also be reported to the PCSO. The having the necessary travel paperwork, or which may have been involved in illegal clerk had contacted Playdale about the due to the presence of homeless people activities such as hare coursing. Incidents junior play unit and they had suggested a around the services. Mr Bracken did not should be reported to the police. newer version of the unit, but there were see these matters as an issue. MBC can help Parking problems Residents in the Upper concerns that there would still be the same in offering the homeless accommodation. Street area had complained about the issue. Cllr Parker agreed to investigate With regards to lorry crime, there was a parking of vehicles around the junction of putting rubber matting under the bridge right of way around the services and part the Pilgrim’s Way and Upper Street. Yellow and to source replacement equipment. of the fence was damaged. Mr Bracken and cones placed in the area seemed to have Crime gures A fence had been damaged his staff will look into getting this xed. stopped the parking. at a house in Laurel Grove. Last summer, a resident of the village had Fete It is proposed that a meeting for the CCTV Two quotes had been received and reported that human waste had been 2021 fete would be held after the COVID- one company had withdrawn. Both quotes found on the footpaths around the services. 19 lockdown. Cllr Ardley will check that were very high. It was agreed that the Regular checks were now being carried the acting performances due to take part at current system should be waterproofed out. In June 2020, there was a report of the the 2021 fete are still available. and further consideration be given to illegal selling of puppies from the car park. upgrading the system when/if the The RSPCA was informed of the matter, community building progressed. the investigation was ongoing. Leeds Co-option It was agreed to co-opt Simon Police surgeries The clerk had contacted Pearce onto the council. The clerk would the PCSO with regards to using the Council vacancy Three applications for advise MBC and book a training session. Cardwell Pavilion as a base for monthly the vacancy had been received, and it was Action plan The parish council action plan police surgeries but COVID-19 restrictions agreed to consider the matter as a for 2021 was considered and some minor had made this impossible. Cllr Marshall condential item at the close of the amendments were requested. It was thought it would be good to meet with the meeting. All three applicants had joined agreed to ask residents if they would like PCSO via Microsoft Teams and this option the meeting and each was invited to speak any actions to be put on the plan. would be investigated. about why they wished to join the council. Flooding Cllr Ward had received an email They were thanked for their input. from a resident of Hadley Gardens about Highways Cllr China reported that the Downswood ooding in their back garden from the PCSO had said a police operation Lance Memorial Field. The resident would regarding HGV lorries was due to take Crime report The meeting heard that like the ooding to be inspected by the place in the parish. Cllr Springford spoke graffiti had been painted on a fence in parish council, as it had been in the past, about the road closure signs in the parish Cotswold Gardens. It was noted that a lot and a solution proposed. The resident and said a sign had been in place in Forge of graffiti has appeared in the parish. A spoke to the clerk and Cllr Ward had Lane since Christmas with no road request would be put on social media visited the homes. Many years back the closure. asking that new graffiti is reported. parish council had been involved in Budget 2021/2022 The clerk circulated the Litter pick About 10 bags collected by the ‘spiking’ the eld behind the gardens. The draft budget and report. It was proposed litter picker were still awaiting collection idea of re-directing rain water into the by Cllr Fort to keep the band D tax base outside the shed. The clerk would make neighbouring farmer’s eld, to alleviate the the same and have no increase to enquiries and ask that notice could be problem, would not be legal. members. This was agreed. The clerk given if there was a problem with Parish website Cllr Domican said the new explained that to achieve this the precept collection, so that the bags could be stored website worked well and she would like gure would be reduced to £34,489. in the shed to avoid foxes ripping them photographs of the parish councillors for it Church clock A request for nancial open. to be really professional. Cllr Domican had assistance toward repairs to the church Coronavirus The DPC phone line was still also started an Instagram account for the clock was considered. It was agreed to give available for residents. The previous letter parish council, for information such as the a donation of £3,000 to the church council. would be republished and circulated to M20 road works. Litter Cllr China suggested that a litter encourage residents to offer help to their Post office The village post office, which is pick should be arranged as soon as it was neighbours. Schools were providing food run on a Wednesday, needs to nd a new permitted. Cllr Greeff said a litter bin was for pupils in need, and TV and online place to operate from. The council would needed at Burberry Lane. The clerk was lessons were available. be happy to run it from the Cardwell asked to liaise with MBC regarding this. Play area Cllr Newton had received Pavilion, but it is not central for many Playing eld The additional CCTV camera correspondence regarding interest in residents. Space at the shop is limited. The had been installed at the playing eld and purchasing the Reinden Grove play area. offer of parking spaces behind the pub for was now facing the highway as agreed. shop customers had been withdrawn. The Church car park There had been concerns clerk would contact the Post Office. about use of the car park during Hollingbourne Debrillators Cllr Marshall had checked lockdowns. Walkers were using the car Roadchef services Rob Bracken, site the machines in the village and they were park in order to walk to Leeds Castle. Cllr director of the Roadchef, M20 Maidstone good for action. The pads would soon need China would liaise with the PCSO Services, attended the meeting. He spoke replacing. The clerk would order new ones. regarding the matter. about the problem with hate crime at the Environmental report Cllr Marshall said

44 downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk services, particularly over visitors not the bird boxes had been installed on the Comment Parish Councils Broomeld and Kingswood wearing masks on the premises. Mr Millennium Green. The new trees for the Litter competition Winners Anya Hayes Bracken believes that the stress of the Millennium Green, and for the verge next and Brooke Cloke joined the parish pandemic has caused people to act more to the Bourneside Terrace carpark, as Something better change meeting the where chair congratulated aggressively. Recently, staff looked after previously agreed by Golding Homes, them and said a certicate and the prize three coach loads of European passengers were due to be delivered. would be delivered to them. Once it was who had been working in the UK, but Exercise equipment Exercise equipment, IF THE Irish dramatist Sean O’Casey is to like political parties…the trouble is that possible to meet in public, an event would couldn’t travel back out of the country as which had been discarded by a local be believed, all the world’s a stage and as soon as you give the independents a be held celebrating the contributions and they did not have the correct post-Brexit school, had been offered to the village. A most of us are desperately unrehearsed. SimonSays name, as we did, it’s doomed because achievements of residents during Given our collective experiences over people say you’ve become a party.” paperwork. The staff removed all alcohol site meeting would be arranged. SIMON FINLAY Editor lockdown. the past 12 months, it is fair to say we In 2007, in nearby Folkestone, the all- from one of the shops within the services Nuisance vehicles Complaints had been simon.[email protected] Sports Field The CCTV was working, and to prevent any problems that could have had no inkling of what was to come or faith Shepway Independents fared less made about illegal off-road motorbikes and Twitter @Simonnlay6500 a resident reported that the ship had been been caused by the stranded visitors. Cllr suspicious vehicles. In particular, 4x4s had whether any of us could cope. well, but shook the old order, says its vandalised. Cllr Davies would look at this agitator-in-chief Colin Tearle. Garten asked Rob if similar incidents been noticed around the Pilgrim’s Way / As we emerge from the gloom, the guidance of local MPs, came to zero. And and Cllr Pink would check the CCTV. It Seasoned observers see the Sams as happened regularly due to travellers not Upper Street crossroads late at night, successful vaccination roll-out continues the cross-party, well-meaning Joint would also be reported to the PCSO. The having three options. having the necessary travel paperwork, or which may have been involved in illegal and springtime beckons, one can see why Transportation Board is a toothless clerk had contacted Playdale about the due to the presence of homeless people activities such as hare coursing. Incidents PM Boris Johnson was keen to hold local watchdog with no bark. Firstly, they could eld as many junior play unit and they had suggested a around the services. Mr Bracken did not should be reported to the police. elections on May 6. This inertia really translates into: “Put candidates as come forward but, with newer version of the unit, but there were see these matters as an issue. MBC can help Parking problems Residents in the Upper The conditions would appear near- up with it, because nothing’s going to limited time and resources available, will concerns that there would still be the same in offering the homeless accommodation. Street area had complained about the perfect. At the time of writing, the Tories change.” be hammered in every seat. issue. Cllr Parker agreed to investigate With regards to lorry crime, there was a parking of vehicles around the junction of are seven poll points ahead of Labour Well, something better change. Or secondly, the Sams could wait until putting rubber matting under the bridge right of way around the services and part the Pilgrim’s Way and Upper Street. Yellow nationally and the Liberal Democrats are Up on the North Downs, there is a the next set of elections and work the and to source replacement equipment. of the fence was damaged. Mr Bracken and cones placed in the area seemed to have nowhere. nascent movement coming to life like patches hard in the meantime. This Crime gures A fence had been damaged his staff will look into getting this xed. stopped the parking. But as Downs Mail columnist Dennis bluebells on a woodland oor. would be sensible, but not terribly at a house in Laurel Grove. Last summer, a resident of the village had Fete It is proposed that a meeting for the Fowle pointed out in our last edition, the Borough councillors Tom and Janetta imaginative. CCTV Two quotes had been received and reported that human waste had been 2021 fete would be held after the COVID- Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Sams are seeking fellow independents Lastly, the indies could eld one high- one company had withdrawn. Both quotes found on the footpaths around the services. 19 lockdown. Cllr Ardley will check that results might appear rather harder to call. with no political allegiances to stand for prole candidate on May 6 in a single were very high. It was agreed that the Regular checks were now being carried the acting performances due to take part at Local issues will come into play, and election in their own communities, if not ward in what the Lib Dems once called a current system should be waterproofed out. In June 2020, there was a report of the the 2021 fete are still available. the ruling Liberal Democrat-led alliance’s “decapitation strategy”, by taking down and further consideration be given to illegal selling of puppies from the car park. handling of the borough’s housing The right candidate a big name, while deploying their new upgrading the system when/if the The RSPCA was informed of the matter, allocation imposed by central volunteers to assist, giving each of them community building progressed. the investigation was ongoing. Leeds government, the controversial Local Plan campaigning experience. Co-option It was agreed to co-opt Simon Police surgeries The clerk had contacted could do very well Mr Bell favours the third option. Council vacancy Three applications for review and the council-led 4,000 unit Pearce onto the council. The clerk would the PCSO with regards to using the “My advice to the independents is to the vacancy had been received, and it was development at Lenham Heath are high advise MBC and book a training session. Cardwell Pavilion as a base for monthly in Maidstone ... choose your battleground carefully, agreed to consider the matter as a on the list. Action plan The parish council action plan police surgeries but COVID-19 restrictions because the right candidate in the right condential item at the close of the The coalition must defend attempts to for 2021 was considered and some minor had made this impossible. Cllr Marshall seat could do very well in Maidstone,” he meeting. All three applicants had joined “mothball” the Hazlitt Theatre to save amendments were requested. It was thought it would be good to meet with the money in the wake of the COVID-19 in May, perhaps in the future. says. agreed to ask residents if they would like PCSO via Microsoft Teams and this option the meeting and each was invited to speak “ “Avoid Punch and Judy ghts and about why they wished to join the council. crisis. The pair, who see change, compassion any actions to be put on the plan. would be investigated. Council taxpayers can ask why and listening as the binding themes, now don’t speak ill of opponents is also sound Cllr Ward had received an email They were thanked for their input. Flooding promised highway “improvements” have the endorsement of the respected, advice, as is having a good from a resident of Hadley Gardens about Highways Cllr China reported that the remain un-started, much less nished, white-suited BBC war correspondent, understanding with the local Press and ooding in their back garden from the PCSO had said a police operation ” Downswood while house-building continues Martin Bell, the former independent MP presence on social media.” Lance Memorial Field. The resident would regarding HGV lorries was due to take Crime report The meeting heard that unabated. Meanwhile we, the luckless who won the Tatton seat in 1997 on an The Sams plough their own furrow like the ooding to be inspected by the place in the parish. Cllr Springford spoke graffiti had been painted on a fence in inhabitants, live with the consequences in anti-sleaze ticket. and will advise their new comrades parish council, as it had been in the past, about the road closure signs in the parish Cotswold Gardens. It was noted that a lot And there is a history of indie accordingly. The approach is likely to be and a solution proposed. The resident and said a sign had been in place in Forge impotent rage. of graffiti has appeared in the parish. A movements in Kent. collegiate and shy of condescension, says spoke to the clerk and Cllr Ward had Lane since Christmas with no road Despite murmurs to the contrary, the request would be put on social media The Dover Independents’ founder, a friend. visited the homes. Many years back the closure. left-of-centre MBC alliance lacks synergy asking that new graffiti is reported. David Hannent, who orchestrated the Their recent announcement is unlikely parish council had been involved in Budget 2021/2022 The clerk circulated the with the Tory Kent County Council, Litter pick About 10 bags collected by the winning of six town council seats in 2003, to have been made without great thought ‘spiking’ the eld behind the gardens. The draft budget and report. It was proposed which delivers on highways for the litter picker were still awaiting collection recalls: “It was the right time to do it and and certainly not “desperately idea of re-directing rain water into the by Cllr Fort to keep the band D tax base borough. outside the shed. The clerk would make the message was clear. unrehearsed”. neighbouring farmer’s eld, to alleviate the the same and have no increase to While the differences may not always enquiries and ask that notice could be “Independents come along when By May 7, the Sams might learn if “the problem, would not be legal. members. This was agreed. The clerk be purely tribal, there has been a given if there was a problem with there’s an impasse – when party politics right time” is nigh. Democracy lies in our Parish website Cllr Domican said the new explained that to achieve this the precept disconnect which has prevented any collection, so that the bags could be stored is getting nowhere and nothing’s getting hands, a single voter with a single vote. website worked well and she would like gure would be reduced to £34,489. advancement of, say, the Leeds-Langley in the shed to avoid foxes ripping them done. Whether or not we use it, someone or photographs of the parish councillors for it Church clock A request for nancial relief road for three decades. open. “Treat the Press as your friend, not other will end up in charge. to be really professional. Cllr Domican had assistance toward repairs to the church For instance, promises made at a public your enemy. That’s my advice.” And, as another Irishman, Christy Coronavirus The DPC phone line was still also started an Instagram account for the clock was considered. It was agreed to give meeting at the Great Danes in late 2017 to Fellow DI member Chris Precious Moore, once wryly observed: “Everyone available for residents. The previous letter parish council, for information such as the a donation of £3,000 to the church council. persuade the two authorities to work warns: “I got involved because I don’t in the graveyard votes the same.” would be republished and circulated to M20 road works. Litter Cllr China suggested that a litter together on the bypass, under the encourage residents to offer help to their Post office The village post office, which is pick should be arranged as soon as it was neighbours. Schools were providing food run on a Wednesday, needs to nd a new permitted. Cllr Greeff said a litter bin was to support villages that are becoming show MBC at 46% more completed for pupils in need, and TV and online needed at Burberry Lane. The clerk was Don’t forget infrastructure place to operate from. The council would disturbingly sprawling urban districts. housing than neighbouring councils. lessons were available. be happy to run it from the Cardwell asked to liaise with MBC regarding this. THE concerns outlined below have been My attention has been drawn to an area Why then, the continuous building Play area Cllr Newton had received Pavilion, but it is not central for many Playing eld The additional CCTV camera correspondence regarding interest in addressed to Helen Whately MP on many close to home, Lenham & Harietsham, programme, in particular for this area, residents. Space at the shop is limited. The had been installed at the playing eld and occasions, without a breakthrough in purchasing the Reinden Grove play area. was now facing the highway as agreed. where we nd ourselves with a relentless without implementing the most important offer of parking spaces behind the pub for addressing the matter. shop customers had been withdrawn. The Church car park There had been concerns house-building programme, where elements of infrastructure, such as For over 12 months now, I have been clerk would contact the Post Office. about use of the car park during Maidstone Borough Council has exceeded capacity for schooling, doctors' surgeries, Hollingbourne Debrillators Cllr Marshall had checked lockdowns. Walkers were using the car attempting to highlight and expose the its target set under the terms of the and improvements to the road network, Roadchef services Rob Bracken, site the machines in the village and they were park in order to walk to Leeds Castle. Cllr areas of Mid Kent blighted by excessive "existing local plan". which come under increasing strain and director of the Roadchef, M20 Maidstone good for action. The pads would soon need China would liaise with the PCSO housing development. As a resident of Although I understand the importance pressure as more and more families move Services, attended the meeting. He spoke replacing. The clerk would order new ones. regarding the matter. ME17, the increase has been signicantly of the road and rail links to London, to the area? about the problem with hate crime at the Environmental report Cllr Marshall said noticeable and a concern for infrastructure statistics released by the media last month D Jenkins, via email

45 downsmail.co.uk (MBC) is told to build so many homes over national average, largely due to poor Comment Just stop the building a certain period. If we don’t deliver a Local infrastructure. Closing this gap would WHOSE wonderful idea was it to build Plan, the government takes over all of the grow the economy by billions of pounds. 1,500 houses to pay for the Leeds bypass? potential sites and we lose control, so So this is a good start, but if government That would put at least another 3,000 cars houses can be built anywhere. is serious about levelling up, its foot needs on Leeds roads, so we would need another Tied to this is the priority of houses rst to stay on the accelerator until the job is bypass to bypass the new one to be built! before any new infrastructure, eg doctors, complete. Would it not be better to stop all this play areas or roads etc. Michael Valenzia, regional director, CLA building in the area? We have quite Many residents are not aware that they South East enough houses and where are all these voted in the last general election for a people living now? This area used to be in build, build, build government the Garden of England now it is being programme of 300,000 homes per year, Bin decision a relief turned into a concrete jungle. When we many of them in Kent, when most minds WHAT a relief that Maidstone Borough have destroyed all our beautiful wildlife it were concentrated on Brexit. Council has voted against adding another will be far too late. It is just greed and a Over recent years, we have seen a huge receptacle to the household recycling money-making scheme. reduction in people living on our streets. system. We do not need or want another 3,000 Due to the dedication of the council’s With internal (9) and external (6) cars on the local roads or more beautiful housing and outreach teams, many of containers, we now have 15 around our countryside dug up for yet another these people are now in accommodation home. KCC would like to see us motorway. Smaller buses running at with support and better quality lives. separating paper/cardboard from the rest sensible school and work times, cheaper This need is reected across the UK, but of our recyclables into a separate bus fares and updates on Headcorn, Maidstone is bucking the trend in container. The council has decided the Lenham and Bearsted stations would be a providing these homes. Building capital costs of setting this up and the start but another 3,000 cars? NO WAY. affordable homes is now part of the increased fortnightly collection charges are M Durey-Wood, Broomeld support plan for housing in Maidstone. This is funded through us building and not justied. I suspect just about every investing in market homes and then the household agrees. Working for common goal receipts are ploughed back into the Tim Kennedy, Maidstone I READ with interest the article in your affordable sector. newspaper’s last edition regarding the call I am pleased that a biodiversity strategy for independents by councillors Tom and and climate emergency was actioned last We’re here for children Janetta Sams. year, focusing on a swathe of green issues. IN THE year since the country’s rst Readers may recall that for the past Green spaces and play areas are also lockdown, we have all faced challenges while, the Sams and I have been working important to the health and wellbeing of none of us could have predicted. together in opposition to the massive residents especially during these COVID- As we sent our staff from the NSPCC’s Maidstone Borough Council-led, 4,000- 19 times. So my role as a trustee along Gillingham Service Centre to work from home scheme at Lenham Heath. with my fellow councillors Brian Clark home in March, we knew children and It would be fair to say that the Sams are and Paul Wilby at Hayle Park Nature young people across Kent would need our probably to be found to the left of the Reserve in Tovil has proved to be a support more than ever. political spectrum and I am to the right. valuable asset. We have now established a During the pandemic, children and On paper, we have virtually nothing in new reserve of 30 acres at Dean Street. young people have spent much more time common. But as independents we have no COVID-19 is still with us. It has taken behind closed doors, putting some at political masters, no whips shepherding many lives and affected everyone's life, but greater risk of abuse and neglect. Concerns their ocks by night, backs to watch or community spirit has not faded. The about child abuse have soared since tribes to join. We get along famously. support from residents, local groups, lockdown measures were rst introduced. We share a desire to represent the people charities and parish councils has been Our staff and volunteers have shown who voted for us in a democracy, however unbelievable. Thank you. incredible dedication to ensure the NSPCC awed that system might be. So local government can be frustrating would be here for children when they We have seen all too clearly that the Lib but when you get a result after attending need us most. We found new ways to Dem-led MBC doesn’t listen to the people, many meetings you may have improved carry out our work safely, like virtual only to its unelected officers. The someone's life and made a positive sessions, posting activity packs, and administration cares little for the difference in the borough. carrying out doorstep visits. Conservative-dominated KCC and the Cllr Derek Mortimer, Maidstone Borough Thankfully, we have been able to safely feeling is mutual. Small wonder nothing Council, South ward welcome young people back through our gets done. doors, but we’ve also met them in schools It is in such an atmosphere that an and homes when that’s been better for independent movement might just Focus on rural businesses them and providing it’s safe. prosper. I wish Tom and Janetta well in THE government has announced the rst Although restrictions are now starting to their endeavour. stages of its plans to get ultra-fast relax, Coronavirus could be with us for a Cllr Eddie Powell, Maidstone Borough broadband to the majority of homes, a long time. But we’re still here too, and Council, Shepway South project the CLA welcomes. we’re building relationships to ensure we However, there are no counties in the can reach more communities in 2021. South East among the rst list of areas to Last year was a tough year, and the Making a difference benet. We would urge the government to challenges it put in front of us will HAVING served over 10 years as a support rural communities across our continue throughout 2021. But with your borough councillor and four years as a region as quickly as possible. support and our dedication, we know we parish councillor, the procedures of local CLA South East represents thousands of can make a difference to children’s lives in government can sometimes be frustrating. farmers, landowners and rural businesses Kent and across the country. Over this time, government money has in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Visit www.nspcc.org.uk to nd out been drastically been cut from local Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire more. If you have a concern about a child, authorities and overall power remains in and the Isle of Wight. you can contact the NSPCC helpline on Westminster. This is an important moment in levelling 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected]. An example of this is the planning up the urban-rural digital divide. The rural Sarah Jenner, manager, NSPCC system. Maidstone Borough Council economy is 16% less productive than the Gillingham Service Centre

46 downsmail.co.uk Opinion We can turn the tide on COVID-19 crisis HILST the business world is grimly Wclinging on to furloughed staff and THE last few days have nally felt like spring. praying for better times, Maidstone The warmer weather and longer days have Borough Council carries on hiring. The By Helen authority is looking for an undoubtedly coincided with friends and family being able Whately indispensable Biodiversity & Climate to meet up outside in groups of six and the Change Officer with an upper wage return of outdoor sport. MP for bracket of £39,720. A much-needed While it’s still a long way from being a Faversham and Innovation Manager commands up to normal Easter weekend, we are in a much Mid-Kent £40,313 while a Homeless Manager picks better place than we were this time last year in up £28,930. Naturally, the biggest bung terms of controlling of the virus. goes to the Principal Building Surveyor In the past year we have increased our on a princely £46,535 plus £5,000 market testing capacity to over 1 million tests per day, and scraping icicles from the roof to make supplement and car allowance. Other we’re on track to be producing 70% of our PPE sure not a single day was lost in getting these benets include "a career-average demand in the UK, and over 860,000 people life-saving vaccinations into people’s arms. pension scheme, professional fee have stepped forward as NHS Volunteer This hard work and dedication can be seen payment, exible working (including Responders. by staff and volunteers in vaccination sites opportunities for home working and job It has also been a year since the UK’s across the country – many of whom have been share), employee benets package and Vaccine Taskforce was created. It’s hard to working at out for the past three months. generous leave entitlement". Nice work, exaggerate just how important the work of The success of the vaccine rollout has if you can get it. this group of scientists, business leaders, and helped us take the rst steps out of lockdown. T’S been a rocky road at Bearsted Parish civil servants has been in helping to turn the As progress continues, we can look forward to Council over the years and minutes of a tide on this virus. I further restrictions being lifted in April, with recent extraordinary full council meeting We now have three vaccines approved for more shops re-opening, pints in pub gardens, suggest all is not tickety-boo in the use in the UK, with over 30 million people and people nally able to get a haircut. borough’s leaest enclave. The report across the country having received their rst Everyone can play their part by following states: “The chairman reported his vaccination – including over 800,000 people in the guidance, taking up the offer to get disappointment at the lack of teamwork Kent. vaccinated, and getting tested regularly. There by a small number of councillors who One of the highlights of the past few weeks are now 24 symptom-free testing sites across were undermining committee decisions. has been meeting people involved in the Kent, and free testing kits are being offered to The chairman asked for solidarity and vaccine rollout. When I visited the Glebe businesses. support from all members to enable the Medical Centre in in February, Together, we can turn the tide on COVID- council to move forward and away from volunteers were clearing snow from the roads 19. ‘old ways’.” What can it all mean? EMBERS in Bearsted PC are Mcurrently sworn to secrecy over the Plan will disappoint everyone mysterious “project A” – and even the lips of landscape architects Purple Arbour are sealed. Owner, the charming ONE thing is certain as plans to build a 4,000- Roedean-educated Vanessa Foster- home garden village at Lenham slowly unroll. By Peter Bill Crouch, enthuses: “It’s denitely going to Each participant faces disillusionment. be wonderful, but I can’t talk about it.” A Local opponents are already disillusioned. Property journalist little bird tells me it all hangs on an Who wants houses jammed 40 to the hectare and author imminent land transfer. in your backyard, built over the next 20 years? In the 1960s and 1970s, 25 homes to the HEAR the Liberal Democrats will eld hectare was the norm. Today? Go see those ITim Mumford in the borough council tiny houses jammed around the old TVS stu- to declare themselves “master developer” and elections in Bearsted. Surely not the same dios, built 36 to the hectare, with cars start spending money on consultants with no Tim Mumford who applied for a Conservative candidacy a couple of years crammed on the pavements: that’s the picture developers in sight. Disillusionment is evident in the wise deci- ago? It surely is! that will emerge at Lenham’s “garden village”. sion to bring in Homes England, a government The eight landowners face disillusionment. Y REVELATIONS that Tory quango, which can spend taxpayers’ money to Forget the idea your fields will yield 100 times Mrenegade borough councillor make the land viable. But there is a danger of Jonathan Purle is on a no carbs, high fat agricultural value from developers. Several hun- further disillusionment. Homes England is hav- dred million of taxpayer’s money will be spent diet sparked a utter of excitement on ing one of its periodic “what are we for?” re- social media, not least from Lib Dem Dan on infrastructure – putting in main roads and views. sewers to make sure developers can make a Daley who perceptively described the Early abandonment would be the best and rationale as a "perverse Purle of wisdom". 20%profit when they hopefully show up to buy bravest course of action. There are 49 garden parcels of land. towns and villages planned in England, with a RUN into my old chum, Chris Garland, But landowners will likely only get the “resid- capacity for 400, 000 homes. Many have been Ierstwhile Conservative leader of the ual value” of the land: what’s left when all on the stocks for decades. borough council who tells me relations building costs are deducted. l Maidstone resident Peter Bill is co-author with his Tory counterpart at KCC, Sir Paul Maidstone council might have thought it of Broken Homes: Britain’s Housing Crisis; Carter, were not always cordial. But he clever to hike the number of homes planned for Faults, Factoids and Fixes. He is a former tells me: “Now that we don’t see each Lenham from 1,000 to 4,000, to ease pressure Evening Standard columnist who edited both other, we get on ne.” elsewhere in the borough. But it was grandiose the Estates Gazette and Building magazine. Chin chin!

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