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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling March 2016 No. 227

News Cancer victim ‘ignored’ TV show request MORE than 20,000 people have signed an online petition calling for a Maidstone footballer  in weeks before death to host BBC’s Top Gear. 3 A WIDOW claims her late husband was misdiagnosed and disrespected Shopping boost by healthcare staff in the weeks before his death. WORK is to start on a major re- vamp of the historic Royal  Joan Godding has lodged a formal “We will be forever haunted by to the hospital four days later, only Star Arcade, Maidstone. 5 complaint against the hospital trust leaving him ill, in pain, unwell and to be told he had not allowed suffi- after she battled to get her husband alone. However, we knew we had to cient time for it to heal. Brian into Pembury Hospital after do this; it was the only way.” Ten days later, when Mr God- This way to M20 Maidstone diagnosed his cancer as The family wants a written apol- ding’s speech became slurred, his KCC wants to encourage more soft tissue damage and arthritis. ogy for the treatment Mr Godding wife feared he had suffered a stroke. motorway-bound traffic to  Crippled with pain and too ill to received in Maidstone and Tun- Paramedics said they could not take use Willington Street. 8 travel in a car, Mr Godding (77) bridge Wells hospitals and a thor- him to Tunbridge Wells Hospital in spent hours waiting for ambulances ough investigation into the case. Pembury so GP Dr Graham Makey and sitting in A&E waiting rooms, The retired father of two, who faxed the hospital, arranging for him Young carers praise racked in pain. worked his whole career for Teston- to be taken there by ambulance and TRIBUTES were paid to young In desperation, his family even left based grounds and landscape com- admitted for an MRI scan. carers to celebrate the  him on a hospital trolley after staff pany Turfsoil Ltd, had been The ambulance arrived five hours annual awareness day. 12 refused to admit him to hospital, de- suffering from shingles for eight later – but the hospital claimed no spite being given specific instruc- weeks when he was suddenly arrangement had been made for him tions to do so from their GP. gripped by a crippling pain in his to be admitted. Government cut “This was an absolutely heart- thigh in August last year. It was at this point Mrs Godding MAIDSTONE Council is to lose its breaking thing for us to do,” said Following an X-ray at Maidstone and her two daughters Susan and revenue support grant  Mrs Godding, of Priory Close, East Hospital, he was told it was soft tis- Debra made the heart- earlier than expected. 14 Farleigh. sue damage. In agony, he returned wrenching decision to walk 4 Hospital scheme A PROPOSED new hospital for Skier Madi wins Olympic gold mental health patients  has been inveiled. 16 MAIDSTONE skier Madi Row- way she said: “I couldn’t be hap- lands has scooped two firsts in the pier. It's probably the best run I've 2016 Winter Youth Olympics games ever done.” Idea to help lonely in Lillehammer, Norway. Madi hopes to get to the X MAIDSTONE will feature in a Mu- Not only did she win the first Games and then the Olympics. seums on Prescription re-  gold medal for Team GB but it She said: “This is a great step to- search project. 18 was also the first gold on snow. wards that and I'm stoked to win." Madi beat Paula Cooper from the Madi’s family have a home in US and Austrian Lara Wolf to take Les Deux Alpes where she skis Force gains top mark gold in the ski halfpipe during the winter season. In the KENT Police is the only force to Madi (16) has been skiing since summer she skis on the glacier. be rated outstanding in a 22 she was three and freestyle skiing At the 2013 British Champi- national review. since she was seven. She trains at onships in Tignes she took gold Chatham dry ski slope and at the in all three competitions in her Obituaries 34 indoor slope at The Snow Centre, age category and made it to all Hemel Hempstead. four finals, where she competed Comment 36-3746-47 Speaking to the BBC from Nor- against women twice her age. Parish Councils 46 ROAD lighting was criticised in Thinking of selling your home? Barming; a mountain bike was Call us today to book your Shiny Mall unclaimed in Loose. FREE MARKET APPRAISAL THE Mall shopping centre in Maidstone town centre has a Crime Reports 46 shiny new entrance. To see how it 01622 01622 GRAFFITI was written on a car looks, and for more on the refur- windscreen in Fant; a wing mirror 671200 737800 bishment scheme, go to page 47. Penenden Heath Bearsted was stolen in Courtenay Road. Sale ends 31st March or until stocks last UP TO STOCK 70% CLEARANCE OFF

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2 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk News New hope for cancer patients Call for ‘Undateable’ GROUND-breaking technology to diagnose lung cancer earlier is being used by Maidstone and Tun- bridge Wells NHS Trust – one of Alex to host Top Gear only two acute trusts to offer the service. MORE than 20,000 people have tion continues to gather momen- Doctors believe the electromag- signed an online petition to have tum. One fan wrote: "Alex has a netic navigation bronchoscopy Top Gear presenter Chris Evans natural talent and such charisma. (ENB) procedure will have a posi- deposed by Maidstone footballer I'd love to watch him every week." tive impact on survival rates and Alex Martin. Another said: "Alex is a ledge." patients’ quality of life. Alex (22), who plays for Maid- Alex, a student at Hadlow Col- The ENB equipment, which has stone United’s disability football lege, says his dream car would be been funded by the Peggy Wood team The Raiders, shot to fame last the "Bugatti Veyron Supersport, Foundation, uses X-ray, CT or PET year as one of the stars of Channel top speed 268 miles per hour, scan images to create a three-di- 4’s The Undateables. nought to sixty in two point five mensional roadmap that allows But in a recent episode, he re- seconds". doctors to guide catheters through vealed his first love is for fast cars Alex says his autism makes him airways to diagnose and prepare – although he only drives a Vaux- nervous around new people, par- treatments for lung cancer. hall Corsa. ticularly girls. The procedure requires patients Alex, who is autistic, had never He said: “I start blushing, my to be sedated, but explores deep had a date when he first appeared cheeks go red like a Ferrari then, into the lungs, where nearly two on The Undateables in January when it comes to doing the talking, thirds of lesions are found, and 2015. He has since fallen for 21- the words just don't want to come takes a biopsy. The process is far year-old Eloise from Surrey, and out.” less invasive than surgery and both were featured recently enjoy- Alex, from Halling, took Eloise means most patients can go home ing a romantic break at his family’s mantle he has inherited from the to Brands Hatch for their first date the same day. holiday home in the Loire Valley. show’s founder Jeremy Clarkson, and they have since been featured Consultant respiratory physician The petition was set up on with one commenter suggesting he out and about in West Malling. Dr Syed Arshad Husain, the trust’s change.org by Jake Tasker, who “can’t talk and drive at the same He said the five years spent with lead on the new ENB service, said: believes Alex would make a great time”. Maidstone United Raiders had “Our trust is totally committed to presenter for Top Gear. The show However, the BBC has played its played a large part in boosting his improving lung cancer outcomes. returns to TV screens in May, with trump card by revealing that for- confidence, and the show even This system aims to improve detec- Radio 2 breakfast show broad- mer Friends star Matt LeBlanc will more so. tion times and will have a positive caster Evans at the helm. co-host the show, in a bid to appeal The online petition is addressed impact on survival rates and qual- There is speculation online that to a wider, transatlantic audience. to bosses at the BBC, who have de- ity of life.” Evans has been struggling with the In the meantime, the online peti- clined to comment.

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Maidstone Town March 2016 3 News downsmail.co.uk Grieving widow calls for apology Continued from page one family has exacerbated our anxiety out. If we had taken him home at “Where was and stress and has negatively im- that point, it would only have been pacted upon our grieving process. to start the whole process of trying the NHS, “It is clear to us that the NHS to find him the help he needed service consists of professional peo- again the next day,” said Mrs God- which he ple, who are working under chal- ding. “Even if we had wanted to lenging constraints. take him home, how would we? He contributed “However, it would appear that was too ill to go in our cars and we to all his they are ‘fire-fighting’ and we now had already learned that the wait have a health service devoid of for an ambulance was five hours.” working life, care, empathy, patient respect and The hospital found the missing traditional nursing values.” fax from Dr Makey the next day. when he Mrs Godding has sent copies of “There was never an apology by her complaint to Maidstone MP the hospital to Brian, myself or my needed it?” Helen Grant and the leaders of family for their error. It was just ex- Joan Godding, pictured Kent and Maidstone councils, as pected that patients and their fam- with husband Brian well as Dr Bob Bowes, the chair- ilies will put up with their mistakes man of the West Kent Clinical and incompetence,” Mrs Godding Commissioning Group. said. “We knew that there was As the Downs Mail was being something seriously wrong with distributed, she was due to have a Brian and yet nobody at Maidstone meeting with a trust representative. the hospital’s resources. All we ever passion respect, expertise, profes-  or Pembury hospital was listening A Maidstone and Tunbridge wanted was a diagnosis so that we sionalism and dignity.” to us.” Wells NHS Trust spokesperson could get him the medical attention Just 27 days after his diagnosis, An eventual MRI scan revealed said: “We extend our deepest sym- he so needed and deserved.” Mr Godding died. His widow said: that Mr Godding had cancer on his pathies to Mr Godding's family Two weeks later, Mr Godding “It was thoroughly heart-breaking colon, in his lungs, liver, fatty tissue for their loss. was admitted to Maidstone Hospi- to see this strong, proud man dis- in his stomach and that he had a “The trust can confirm that a let- tal after falling four times in five respected when he was old and cancerous tumour on his thigh. The ter has been received from the days. He was later transferred to vulnerable. cancer was terminal. family regarding their complaint the Heart of Kent Hospice, where “Where was the NHS, which he A devastated Mrs Godding and we are due to meet with them he died on October 1. contributed to all his working life, arranged for help to get her hus- to investigate what happened. It Mrs Godding said: “Brian’s care when he needed it? band home. would therefore be inappropriate there was exemplary. He, along “Maidstone and Pembury hospi- She said: “We did not want to to make any further comment at with us, was cared for with com- tals’ treatment of Brian and our block a bed, we did not want to use this time.” IF WE DON'T SELL YOUR HOME IN 6 WEEKS WE'LL GIVE YOU 50% OFF OUR STANDARD SELLING FEES!

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MAIDSTONE is about to undergo case and redevelopment of the cen- some serious retail therapy. tral rotunda. Work is to start on a major revamp Mr Le Beau said: “In its place we of the Royal Star Arcade, which it is will have a large covered area that hoped will breathe new life into the will provide ample dining space, as High Street. well as the opportunity for seasonal The arcade, which stands on the events that are simply not possible site of the old Royal Star Hotel, has anywhere else in Maidstone at the had mixed fortunes, despite attract- moment.” ing top designer names because of its The original Star Hotel was a pop- prestigious location. ular overnight stop for those travel- Created as a shopping mall in ling between London and 1989, it retains much of the architec- Folkestone. The 19th century saw the tural splendour of the 16th-century hotel get the royal seal of approval, coaching inn. Manager Daniel Le and the ‘royal’ prefix, after a visit by Beau said: “The arcade will be trans- a young Queen Victoria. formed into a beautiful, classically- It is home to the Disraeli Balcony, styled shopping experience where Benjamin Disraeli made his unmatched in the area, with the parliamentary acceptance speech atrium, given its undoubted beauty, after being elected MP for Maidstone its crowning glory. We plan to focus in 1837. Mr Le Beau said the scheme on a high quality blend of independ- would draw on inspiration from the ent and niche retailers and comple- Burlington Arcade in London and mentary businesses for those who the Royal Arcade in Norwich.  MEET enjoy a little bit of luxury.” An announcement is expected The arcade has two levels, provid- soon on plans for land at Maidstone ing 28 retail units including a cafe, East railway station. Maidstone health food shop and other niche Council has long been keen to see a outlets. The refurbishment includes supermarket and housing on the site YOUR MP the removal of the bandstand stair- but there have so far been no takers. Helen Grant Property scam warning HOMEOWNERS in Maidstone uniform and carried no ID, but are being warned of a scam re- were driving a white van. garding fake property repairs. Fortunately, the homeowner Helen Grant, MP for Kent Police were alerted by a did not part with any money and Maidstone and the Weald, resident in Nottingham Avenue, contacted the police. Shepway, who was visited by two A spokesman said: “This was a holds regular surgeries men claiming to be from a com- scam. Please be vigilant and do around the constituency. pany called Home Improvements. not let anyone into your home you They claimed there had been a do not know, or have not made an If you would like to leak in the neighbouring house appointment with. Report any arrange an appointment and they were using a machine to suspicious activity to Kent Police.” clear the damp. They asked to see If you have any concerns about to discuss an issue a wall in the bedroom of the house callers, use a spyhole and key- of concern to you, and said they could bring the ma- chain, ask them to call back later chine that evening, for a £700 de- and always ask to see their ID, please e-mail Helen posit. calling the company they claim to at helen.grant.mp@ The men were not wearing any be with if you are at all unsure. parliament.uk or telephone Work to cut speed limit in Tovil 020 7219 7107. TALKS are ongoing to reduce the speed of traffic in parts of Tovil. County councillor Brian Clark is using his devolved budget to fund a scheme to cut the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph in Dean Street. helengrant.org Cllr Clark and borough councillor Derek Mortimer are also trying to secure funding for signs to the new YMCA building in Courtenay Produced by Helen Grant MP, House of Commons, Road, which will house Tovil Parish Council’s new office. London SW1A 0AA

Maidstone Town March 2016 5 News downsmail.co.uk JOHN MUNSON SHOW Patchy road surface not TIME School show a danger, claims KCC A BARMING man is on a mission n’t been touched for decades and I is one of best to get his road resurfaced before a feel it should be a priority.” Evita serious accident occurs. The road is inspected every six Valley Park School Stuart Kerry, of Beverley Road, months and highway steward Alan believes the street outside his home Holden has admitted that while it THIS was a brilliant and moving and the nearby shops is in a dan- is not “aesthetically pleasing” he production. The huge cast moved gerous state, which could mean did not find any defects which re- about a well-set stage with disci- large vehicles struggling to stop. quired KCC’s urgent attention. plined and dramatic effect. Although the highways authority KCC’s resurfacing team ex- A hidden orchestra provided – Kent County Council – has said plained: “We inspect the entire powerful support to solo singers the road is in a “reasonable” condi- road that has many joints and de- road network on a regular basis, and ensembles of a high order and tion and not a priority for resurfac- lamination of the previous surface. using both mechanical and visual the dancing sequences were a ing, Mr Kerry’s pleas to get a “However, from a safety point of means. A prioritised annual pro- pleasure to watch. written declaration that the road is view, the road is not deemed to be gramme is developed using survey This production of Evita fol- safe have fallen on stony ground. at a safety-critical level and is un- data and taking into account the lowed other successful shows by Mr Kerry said: “My view is that likely to have any works carried views of community groups. Valley Park, such as Miss Saigon the condition of the road represents out other than the odd pothole re- “Resource pressures are likely to and Oh What a Lovely War. a danger. “As a key bus route with paired, as and when required.” continue going. We need to ensure Nicole Kakel played Eva Peron in single and double decker buses But Mr Kerry says the road suf- the available resource is targeted on her journey from rags to riches, moving along the length of the fers heavy use from parents taking the right roads at the right time.” worshipped by the poor of Ar- road, especially with a steep hill on their children to and from Barming Beverley Road is due for inspec- gentina. With her beautiful voice the junction with Heath Road, the Primary School, which has more tion in March, but KCC’s resurfac- and terrific costumes, I think we all dangers are multiplied. than 400 pupils and increased use ing manager Alan Casson has said: joined her followers. “I work in the commercial vehi- as a rat run, with housing being “Beverley Road is unlikely to form Harry Harding as Peron gave cle industry and I know the dy- built on nearby Hermitage Lane. part of our resurfacing programme strong support as a singer, actor namic power of a 8-14 tonne bus.” He said: “Our estate is taking the in the foreseeable future. and dancer. Aaron Frith was su- KCC highways district manager brunt of rat-run traffic, which has “We are of the view that the road perb as Che, and the rest of the cast for Maidstone Richard Emmett vis- contributed to its condition. is in reasonable condition. It is was superb. It was hard to believe ited the road after complaints and “The surface is severely worn structurally sound and has suffi- that we were watching students in said: “From a cosmetic point of and crumbling and there is grass cient texture.” a school production. view the road is poor, a concrete growing between the cracks. It has- WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C? DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM! MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS. Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors. We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed Local Authority Approved glass units - replaced NO Call out charge with with energy rated glass Free Quotations & Advice Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced Window and door hinges Thank you for the excellent product and efficient installation of our front porch. and stays “ A large congratulations for the co-ordination of survey, floor laying, door ordering, Leak and draught repairs supplying & fixing is very much appreciated ” Mrs Jupp - Orpington We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering & Call 01622 902005 FOR FAST FRIENDLY QUOTES & ADVICE www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Celebrating 22 years of continuous trading Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ

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Maidstone Town March 2016 7 News downsmail.co.uk Road changes Running for air ambulance TWO runners from Maidstone will be taking part in this year’s Brighton Marathon event for the air ambulance appeal. ‘not a priority’ Air ambulance doctor Nicky White (pictured) and Ryan Bingham will join A PROPOSAL to encourage more ties for highway funding.” the patients, doctors, paramedics and traffic to use Willington Street is Officers have proposed that no grateful relatives – a team of about likely to be opposed by residents. changes be made until after the ap- 100 – in running the 10k race which Kent County Council’s Highways proval of the borough’s interim takes place the same day as the main and Transportation department transport strategy. event on April 17. They all want to give would like to see the route “posi- Traffic surveys on Willington something back to the charity and, for tively signed” to and from the M20 Street last July found that more than Ryan, that’s because his father was for all traffic from the east of town. 100 HGVs over 7.5 tonnes use the airlifted by the life-saving service some This would not only alleviate con- road between 7am and 7pm. years ago. gestion in the town centre, but also If a weight restriction were to be Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance reduce traffic flows along the Sutton imposed, the majority of those vehi- is urging others to register before the race deadline on March 4. Road and the Wheatsheaf junction. cles would travel through the town Entrants receive a fundraising pack, including sponsor forms and an However, councillors who repre- centre via the A229 Loose Road. Air Ambulance running vest. sent the residents have asked for an KCC says extra traffic on this road For details call Lauren Elphick on 01622 833833 or email 18-tonne weight restriction to be im- would only add to delays. But if only [email protected], or for more information visit posed on the street, similar to that on a third of the motorway-bound traf- www.kssairambulance.co.uk/involved/BrightonMarathon. the B2163 through Leeds, in a bid to fic were to be diverted away from reduce the number of HGVs using the A229 and A274 down Willington the residential road. Street, it would increase the overall But weight restrictions are only ef- traffic by 10%. KCC admits this Learn about volunteering fective if enforced by Kent Police. would have a negative impact on Councillors were due to face the residents and on Ashford Road, THERE’S a chance to learn about Lizzie Lowrey, Involve Volunteer thorny question of which – if either – New Cut Road and Bearsted Road. becoming a volunteer at an event Centre manager, said: “There are route to go down when they met on The total cost of implementing the on Tuesday, March 1. many exciting roles available, with Monday, February 22. weight reduction is estimated at The open day will provide infor- vacancies for boatsmen, rangers, In a report to the Maidstone Joint £7,000. Signing the road as the main mation about the range of roles in prison visitors, guide dog boarders, Transportation Board, KCC’s Andy route to and from the M20 would Maidstone and Malling. woodwork tutors and even volun- Corcoran said: “Neither proposal also run into thousands. The open day, which is free, runs teers at a local goat sanctuary.” should be considered without more As the road safety record on Will- from 11am to 2pm at the Volunteer Call the Involve Volunteer Cen- detailed analysis of the impacts and ington Street is good, neither option Centre, at Maidstone’s Town Hall tre on 01622 674252 or email volun- would not currently be high priori- would be a high priority for funding. in Jubilee Square. [email protected]

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Maidstone Town March 2016 9 News downsmail.co.uk Plan boost for community Cash appeal to restore NORTH Loose Residents Associa- tion has become the first neigh- bourhood in Maidstone to progress its neighbourhood development picture of benefactor plan to referendum stage. Not only that, but it is one of the A PROJECT to restore a historic large collection of Japanese ceram- first prepared by a local neighbour- painting of Lord Bearsted is near- ics and art, which he donated to the hood forum, rather than a parish ing fruition. Maidstone Museum to enhance its council, to reach this stage in Kent. It just needs a kind benefactor to existing collection. A stone was set Residents in North Loose, which come up with about £500 so the in the wall of the museum by Lady stretches from Armstrong Road to restoration work can commence. Bearsted in 1923, in recognition of Lancet Lane, now have the oppor- The painting of Lord Bearsted – the gift. tunity to vote on the development the founder of the Shell oil company Cllr Daley has received £4,000 plan in a referendum being held on who lived with his family at Mote from the Samuel family trust to- Thursday, March 3. House – has been in storage at the wards the restoration of the picture If successful, the North Loose museum for many years, as it is in and a further £2,500 in small dona- Neighbourhood Development Plan an unfit state to have on display. tions. will become a formal planning pol- The painting shows the viscount He said: “Marcus Samuel lived in icy document to be used when con- in his robes when he was Lord Mote House for more than 30 years sidering planning applications in Mayor of London in 1902. and was obviously very fond of the area. It would allow residents Cllr Dan Daley, who is the interim Bearsted – otherwise he may well to have a much greater say on how chairman of the Maidstone Trust, ropean Jewish family who moved to have called himself Viscount Maid- planning policy is applied to appli- set up 17 years ago to fund projects London in the 19th century. stone. I hope that Bearsted people cations in the future. to mark the Millennium, has raised The family started in business will be pleased to be so closely asso- The referendum is the culmina- the bulk of the £7,750 needed to re- making jewellery boxes decorated ciated with such an eminent person tion of four years’ work by NLRA. store the life-size portrait and frame. with shells and when, in 1890, Mr who has a romantic and successful There were two years of commu- Bearsted Parish Council has been Samuel began importing oil from history. He was a munificent donor nity involvement, gathering ideas approached for a donation, along the Far East, he adopted the name of of much value to Maidstone and its and the views of residents and with Maidstone Area Arts. Shell. museum. businesses in the area, used to Once the funds are in, the picture He was elected Lord Mayor of “I hope we can get the rest of the shape the development of the plan. will be sent to specialist conserva- London in 1902 and made a vis- money in fairly swiftly so that the A series of formal consultation tors for the remedial work to take count in 1920, choosing the name restoration project can get under- stages followed, prior to the draft place. Bearsted in honour of his home. way and the picture hung in the being examined by a professional Lord Bearsted (pictured) was born As a businessman working in the museum. We want to start work be- planning examiner. Marcus Samuel into an Eastern Eu- Far East, Lord Bearsted amassed a fore there are any price escalations.”

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10 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Flats plan for old police HQ

THE site of Kent’s original police food outlet or supermarket was to headquarters looks poised to be re- be built on the site. developed as offices and flats. Now Geko Development Ltd has Wren’s Cross, at the junction of applied for listed building consent Upper Stone Street and Knightrider to demolish many of the buildings – Street, has been a blot on the town but not those which are listed – re- centre landscape for a number of placing them with a total of 76 flats. years. Sixty-six of the flats will be built in It was vacated by the police in a five-storey block, while the exist- 1940, when the force moved to the ing barracks building will be con- current headquarters in Sutton verted into four more flats. Another Road. block will house the remaining six The property has now been flats. boarded up as it has fallen into in- There would be two three-bed- creasing disrepair, with large sec- room flats, 49 two-bedroom flats tions of the roof now missing. and 25 one-bedroom flats. There Kent County Council, which would also be 80 parking spaces for owns the property, has been trying residents. to sell the site for some time and has The remaining grade II listed been in negotiations with would-be building would be turned into of- developers including supermarket fices and a workshop. companies and housebuilders. Maidstone Council will decide the Last year, it was rumoured a fast plan. Mayor opens charity shop A REFURBISHED shop which raises money for a Maidstone-based charity had a VIP visitor when the Mayor of Maidstone popped in for breakfast. Cllr Daniel Moriarty visited to open the Friends of Blackthorn charity Buying,Buying, sellingselling shop at the Blackthorn Trust in Barming – and revealed he has a passion for Marmite. While enjoying his tea and toast with oorr both?both? staff, volunteers and co-workers he proved he was definitely on Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help the “love” side of those who either love or hate you complete all the legal steps, whether the famous yeast extract. you’reyou’rree buying or sellingsel a prproperty.operty. The Blackthorn charity shop, once at We take pride in offffering a no-nonsense approach to the junction of Queens Road and Tonbridge what can sometimes be a frustrating process, helping Road, is now housed in a bright green portable building in the grounds of the charity, in nearby St Andrews Road. ensure your transaction is completed as quickly and It recently enjoyed a spring clean, a re-paint and new shelving, smoothly as possible. courtesy of Ironmongery Direct in Essex. People have generously donated some quality items so the shelves Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality were stacked for the re-opening. Emma Mills, volunteer and events co-ordinator for the charity, said: Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some “We felt that the Friends of Blackthorn charity shop had become a little forgotten. We are hoping that this re-launch raises the profile of the mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors. charity shop and where we are.” The Blackthorn Trust helps people with mental or physical health Contact us today difficulties or learning disabilities. It offers medical care, specialist therapies and rehabilitation through work placements in the garden. Canterbury 01227 643250 Maidstone 01622 698000 Charity ceilidh for civic farewell THE retiring Mayor of Maidstone is hoping for the luck of the Irish TTeTenterdenenterden 01580 765722 when he holds his farewell dinner and dance. Cllr Daniel Moriarty and his niece, mayoress Shirley Moriarty, have www.whitehead-monckton.co.ukwww.whitehead-monckton.co.uk plumped for a lively Irish night, complete with ceilidh the day after St Patrick’s Day. WWhiteheadhitehead MoncktonMonckton LimitedLimited (no.(no. 08366029),08366029), registeredregistered inin EnglandEngland & WWales.ales. The dinner, in aid of Ellenor and The Alzheimer’s Society, is at the RegisteredRegistered officeoffice 7722 KKinging SStreet,treet, MMaidstone,aidstone, KKent,ent, ME14ME14 1BL.1BL. Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, starting at 7pm on Friday, AuthorisedAuthorised andand regulatedregulated byby thethe SolicitorsSolicitors RegulationRegulation AAuthorityuthority underunder March 18. Guests can come in appropriate fancy dress or smart casual. no.no. 608279.608279. Cllr Moriarty’s reign as mayor ends in May. He is due to be suc- ceeded by Cllr Derek Butler. DM/1

Maidstone Town March 2016 11 News | Young carers A time to celebrate young carers YOUNG carers from across the borough were treated to pizza and cake to celebrate Young Carers Awareness Day. Cross Roads Care Kent, which viduals and groups. of the young person’s travel pass, Jan said: “Some of these children has its offices in Wateringbury, It costs about £85,000 a year to many members now need a taxi or are amazingly resilient, but we are supports about 170 children aged run a fortnightly club night and or- volunteer driver to get them to and able to help them cope with stress five to 18, who try to lead normal ganise outings from the group. and depression and introduce lives while helping to care for their and weekend Project manager Jan Hill said: them to other support networks.” parents or their siblings at home. camps. “Some families are very isolated As well as the regular club The group is now in its 14th year, Most ses- and the children feel ashamed or nights, Cross Roads Care organises yet many people in Maidstone sions are held embarrassed to admit what life is trips to soft play centres, the cin- know nothing of its existence or of at the Shep- like at home. Here they are among ema and theatre, and puts the chil- the work that these young people way Youth their peers and with people who dren in touch with other groups have to do. Centre, with a share the same pressures, anxieties who might be able to help with The charity relies entirely on do- group for and problems.” free advice and counselling, such nations, so an injection of cash those aged Many of the young carers are re- as Childline and Nacoa, the na- from Children in Need was much Jan Hill from 12 to 17 ferred to the group by social serv- tional association for children of al- appreciated, as were donations at Senacre ices or schools and sometimes by coholics. from Maidstone and Riverside Ro- Skills Centre on the first Wednes- their GPs or mental health teams. Babble and Matter are two other tary Clubs, Help a Maidstone day of the month. Other times, they self-refer. There online forums where the children Child, Kent Community Founda- The costs have risen this year. is currently a waiting list of 60 can share their experiences and ac- tion and a whole host of other indi- With KCC cutting back on the use young people who want to join. cess trusted support. Caring sons get help from their Pal CLAIRE Pearson owes her life to level drops too low, and for Claire his career as a lorry driver. He too her two young carers – and a black this can come on without any warn- is now dependent on help and sup- Labrador called Pal. ing. port at home. Jake (20) and Jed (17) have been The boys gained a new lease of Claire said: “We can’t thank looking after their mother for most life when Pal joined the family four Young Carers enough. They are al- of their young lives. years ago. ways here for the boys and for us as As pupils at Hollingbourne Pri- Pal is a hypo alert dog who has a family. There is always someone mary School, they were well used been trained to smell when Claire at the end of the phone, to help us to coming home and finding mum, could collapse and summon help. find things out or simply to listen. who is diabetic, collapsed in a heap That can mean anything from “A lot of schools have no idea on the floor, having a “hypo” at- him licking the boys’ hands or about what young carers have to tack. pawing at their legs to jumping on do. How George One would call the ambulance, them in the middle of the night to “These sessions give the kids a while the other would make sure wake them up. chance to be themselves for a while lends a hand she was comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, Pal’s arrival coin- and to get some form of release A hypo (hypoglycaemia) occurs cided with Claire’s husband Steve from the responsibilities they face GEORGE (six) tugged at the heart- when a person’s blood glucose developing MS, putting an end to at home.” strings of the nation when he ap- peared as part of the BBC Children in Need programme in November. A respite from home stresses Twins’ bond The Maidstone youngster, who KATY (16) from Shepway has never attends the five to seven-year-old SAOIRSE (12), from Snodland, during his “meltdown” moments known a life without caring. Her group on the third Wednesday of loves the time she spends with and needs medication to sleep. twin brother is autistic and, as a each month, acts as his mother Ju- Cross Roads Care. Saoirse helps her mum by run- pre-school child, she was the only dith’s left arm and leg, after she Her brother is se- ning errands to the shop and one who could suffered a massive stroke leaving verely autistic and doing jobs around the house understand him. her partially paralysed. suffers from when she is pre-occupied with Only recently He helps her get dressed and as- ADHD, so time at tending to him and their three- have they been sists with a range of household home can often be month-old sister. apart for any pe- chores, including cooking, as she a battle ground. Saoirse said: “I like coming to riod of time – only has the use of one arm. Aged nine, he is the group. I don’t have to explain Katy at Maidstone Although he is one of the unable to speak myself to anybody. It’s a chance to Girls Grammar younger members of the group, and still wears nappies. He often get out of the house and make School and Adam his story is not unusual. lashes out and will bite or punch new friends.” at Mid Kent College, where he is studying to be an engineer. Katy’s life revolved around her Working together to help parents brother and it never entered her BECKY (18) has been caring for than sympathetic when she needed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – head to go out and leave him. her mother from a very young age. to miss lessons to help at home, but mean someone is always at home. She has been part of the Young Her mother developed type 1 di- now finds the staff at Although Becky is now too old Carers project for over 10 years and abetes shortly after giving birth. Mid Kent College, for the group, she has stayed on as said: “I never considered going out She now has progressive nerve where she is studying a volunteer. really, but everyone here has been damage to the base of her spine, interior design, to be She said: “Mum is in a lot of pain very supportive and made me re- after an operation to correct a more understanding. and Dad is quite big, so not easy to alise my life doesn’t have to revolve slipped disc damaged to her sciatic Her 16-year old sis- lift. Coming to the group gets us around my brother all the time.” nerve. Both she and Becky’s father, ter Sophie also at- both out of the house for a few Katy hopes to go to university in who live in Barming, have other tends the college and hours. The group has been brilliant China. complex needs. their timetables – Becky’s on Mon- for me and now I can help give She said: “Coming here has really Becky found her old school less day and Tuesday and Sophie’s on something back.” helped with my confidence.”

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Maidstone Town March 2016 13 News downsmail.co.uk Borough crisis Spade raider sent to jail A BURGLAR who left his DNA on spades used to break into his vic- tims’ homes has been jailed for two years and three months. as grant slashed Nathan Norman (30), formerly of Ewell Avenue, West Malling stole SWINGEING Government cuts savings. By 20/21, we will need to be thousands of pounds of jewellery have left Maidstone Council facing saving £1,319,000.” and electrical items after using the a financial dilemma. Cllr Ash said the council would, tool to force his way in through the Chancellor George Osborne an- for the first time in many years, have patio doors of a property. nounced in his Autumn Statement to consider borrowing. He pleaded guilty to two counts that he would be phasing out the Council leader Fran Wilson said: of burglary at Maidstone Crown revenue support grant (RSG). The “This announcement has put un- Court. aim is for local authorities to be self- precedented pressure on our budget The court heard how the house financing by the end of the decade for at least four years.” containing the jewellery and electri- rather than relying on central gov- The council is challenging the cal items, in the Police Station Road ernment grants. Government ruling but in the mean- area of West Malling, was broken However, it was recently an- time it is looking at other ways of into by Norman on February 25, 2015. nounced that the grant was to be cut making savings and raising income. The victim returned to find the property ransacked, with drawers pulled this year and axed in 2016/17. It has already introduced parking out and items strewn across the floor in many of the rooms. Cllr Richard Ash said: “We were charges at Mote Park. The creation Norman had also attempted to break into a house in the Barming area told the grant would be phased out. and leasing of its business terrace at of Maidstone in October 2014 but had been unable to force his way in My understanding of ‘phased’ is the Maidstone Gateway is another through the back door. gradual – not a reduction this year, new way of raising revenue. On both occasions stolen spades had been left discarded in the back then nothing at all the next. The policy and resources commit- gardens of the affected properties, providing forensic evidence linking Nor- “We were left with just three tee will look more closely at where man to the offences. months to make another £628,000 of savings can be made. Speaking of the victims, Detective Constable Neil Buckle said: “Nathan Norman demonstrated scant regard for their welfare when he selfishly tar- geted their homes and on one occasion rifled through valuables he had no Meeting over park maintenance right to be anywhere near. A SITE meeting is to be held at Hayle Place to establish an action plan for “The DNA found on the spades he used proved he was involved in both the maintenance of the park. offences, and I am pleased he is off the streets and behind bars where he Taylor Wimpey told Tovil Parish Council a site meeting will be held with can cause no further harm to law-abiding members of the public.” consultants and sub-contractors. A separate meeting is being sought by local district and county councillors with KCC, Maidstone Council and Taylor Wimpey once an action plan has been set. Maidstone’s planning enforce- For more local news ment team is also to ensure outstanding planting is undertaken. www.downsmail.co.uk

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Maidstone Town March 2016 15 News downsmail.co.uk Club’s move Mental health unit idea A NEW netball group at Park Wood has proved so popular it A NEW mental health unit could Kent Medical Campus would be a has already outgrown its home. be the focal part of the Kent Med- significant step in addressing this ical Campus in Maidstone. for Kent and the South East, ensur- The Tuesday evening club, Cygnet Health Care, one of ing that local people are able to ac- which started out at Heather Britain’s largest independent cess services as and when they House, has now moved to providers of mental health care, has need them.” Cornwallis Academy, begin- submitted a planning application He said the Maidstone develop- ning at 7.30pm. to Maidstone Council to build a ment would bring an investment of The new term begins in Janu- hospital on the campus, next to the which would provide mental about £18 million to the area, creat- ary and the cost remains £1 a Kent Institute of Medicine and Sur- health services for the community. ing 150 permanent jobs. week. Ladies of all ages and gery (Kims) on Newnham Court The aim is for service users to be Mr Cole said recruitment would abilities are welcome. Way, off M20 Junction 7. treated closer to their homes, and primarily be local and Cygnet The sessions are funded by Outline planning permission for for the hospital to provide care would seek to build strong links Kent Sport, Maidstone Council the campus was granted in 2014 pathways as part of their progress with local authorities, local educa- and the Fusion Healthy Living and the site has since been adver- towards community living. tion institutions such as Mid Kent Centre. tised for sale or to let, as a “strategic David Cole, chief executive of College, and training providers. Qualified coach Stephanie Cygnet Health Care, said: “There location on the doorstep of London Cygnet is the largest outsourcing Edwards takes the sessions. For is a significant shortfall in mental and at the gateway to Europe”. provider to the NHS of acute and information contact Aimee health service provision across the The current application seeks de- intensive care mental health serv- Bartlett on 07872 933097. sign approval for the building, UK, and the proposed hospital at ices. Credit union’s £50K boost Man guilty of harassment KENT Savers Credit Union has been awarded £50,000 by Lloyds Banking A BARMING man who harassed an estate agent was given a sus- Group to help it support more people in the local community. pended prison sentence when he appeared before West Kent magis- The credit union is a financial co-operative, run on a not-for-profit trates. Mark Sanders (48) of Glebe Lane, Maidstone, pleaded guilty to ha- basis, which provides affordable financial services in the county. rassment without violence and two counts of using threatening, abu- Martin Kingman, chairman of Kent Savers Credit Union, said: "It will sive or insulting words or behaviour at the estate agent’s premises in provide those, right here in Kent, with more affordable loans, especially Tonbridge Road. to those who may be worrying about debt after Christmas.” Magistrates sentenced Sanders to 42 days in prison, suspended for 12 Lloyds has committed to provide £1m each year for four years and this months, and gave him a three-month curfew to remain at home be- is the second wave of funding to be released. tween 5pm and 7pm daily. The curfew runs until April 18. Kent Savers is among 21 credit unions benefitting from £1m in grants He must also pay £150 compensation, £135 costs and an £80 victim from Lloyds and one of 11 to receive between £50,000 and £100,000. surcharge.

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Maidstone Town March 2016 17 News downsmail.co.uk Council tax History is the remedy facing big hike LONELY old people are being pre- The team plans to bring groups and Medical Science, assisted by Dr THE cost of caring for elderly and scribed a trip to Maidstone Mu- of elderly and housebound people Linda Thomson, cognitive psychol- vulnerable adults in Kent means seum to get them out and about to Maidstone Museum to investi- ogist at UCL; Professor Paul Camic, ratepayers will have a 4% increase and meeting new friends. gate the value of heritage encoun- professor of psychology & public in their KCC council tax bill from Museums on Prescription (MoP) ters in “social prescribing” – health and research director at Can- April. is a three-year research project linking people to sources of com- terbury Christ Church University; KCC is taking advantage of new being carried out by University munity support to improve their Dr Bridget Lockyer, postdoctoral legislation allowing it to increase College London (UCL), funded by health and well-being. research fellow at Canterbury council tax by 2% to meet the costs the Arts and Humanities Research Similar projects already operate Christ Church University; and Dr of funding this sector. Council. in Australia, New Zealand, Canada Theo Stickley, professor of mental That is in addition to the 1.99% Its aim is to connect lonely older and the United States. health at Nottingham University. general increase already proposed to people at risk of social isolation to The research team wants to com- Curators at Maidstone Museum help meet the costs of other services, museums in central London and pare how schemes work in an are now looking at a range of ses- such as education, refuse collection Kent. urban setting – London – and a re- sions that could best benefit the and highways. The research team has been look- gional setting – Maidstone. They elderly, including painting on The extra 2% will raise about ing at the role of museums in im- also want to look at the value of an parchment, clay oil lamp making, £11m, but the county council spent proving health and wellbeing for MoP scheme in a small museum as vase painting and corsage making. almost £350m on adult social care several years, with a special focus opposed to a large As well as the main museum, of- last year and says it needs a further on the benefits of touch and object national museum, such as the fering fine art, Japanese and Egypt- £42m this year to keep social care at handling, for people in hospitals British Museum. ian sections, local and natural its current levels. and healthcare settings. The study The project is headed by Dr history exhibits and tours could The KCC portion of the bill for a follows on from a similar project, Helen Chatterjee, a senior lecturer also take place in the Carriage Mu- band D property will rise from Heritage in Hospitals. in biology at UCL’s School of Life seum in Mill Street. £1,089.99 to £1,133.55 from April. Blackbox Solutions opens new head office BLACKBOX Solutions, a provider the ceremony by the leader of was launched in 2012. of office equipment and services Maidstone Council, Cllr Fran Wil- The new offices now accommo- across London and the South East, son and the council’s chief execu- date all of Blackbox Solutions’ has opened a new head office in tive Alison Broom. sales, servicing and client support Maidstone. Cllr Moriarty said he was confi- staff and also incorporate a drop-in The office in The Old Printworks, dent the new office was well placed print, scan and copy service. Medway Street, was opened by the to continue its growth story. The mayor is pictured with Mayor of Maidstone Councillor The company has more than Blackbox MD Colin Griffin and Daniel Moriarty, who was joined at doubled in size every year since it sales director Jonathan Devito. T. 01622 201078 J.L.B M.07854 529434 Property Maintenance [email protected] Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices New Tiled Roofs UPVC Fascias, General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering Moss Removal Felt Flat Roofing Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs Broken Brackets Undertaken..... Leaking Gutter Joints Down Pipes So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Prices Start From As Little As £20.00 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

18 Maidstone Town March 2016 Maidstone Town March 2016 19 News downsmail.co.uk Life-saving Death sparks calls for new treatment A YALDING man has been given a new lease of life thanks to a revolu- tionary new treatment for heart more meningitis jabs failure. Richard Reach (59), of the Little A NATIONWIDE call to make the meningitis B vaccine available to all Venice marina, Hampstead Lane, had advanced heart failure when children has been launched after the tragic death of a Maidstone toddler. the procedure was carried out at The heartbroken parents of little cision: a massive operation and she King’s College Hospital in London. Faye Burdett released photos of may die or we let her go peacefully Mr Reach had a heart attack at the their daughter’s suffering to high- of her own accord. We decided the beginning of last year and, on ad- light the need for all children, not latter and watched our little girl slip mission to King’s, was found to just babies, to be given the life-sav- away.” have two blocked heart vessels. ing vaccine. At the moment, parents who He underwent surgery to unblock It was decided in September 2015, want their children vaccinated must the vessels but his heart muscles that all babies born after July 1 get it done privately. Three doses were severely impaired and the should be offered the Meningitis B are needed, costing between £95 valves leaking, meaning further vaccine aged two months old, with and £160 each time, according to the surgery was necessary. Conven- boosters at four months and 12 charity Meningitis Now. tional treatments, such as open months as a part of the routine NHS the disease, Faye contracted sepsis An online petition, launched by a heart surgery and pacemaker inser- childhood vaccination programme. (blood poisoning), commonly asso- family friend, calling for the vaccine tion, were deemed too high-risk. But the decision came too late for ciated with meningitis. to be offered to all children up to The cardiac team at King’s was two-year old Faye, from Kent Av- Mrs Burdett said: “We were given the age of 11, had attracted more granted permission from the Medi- enue, Shepway, who died on Valen- a 1% survival rate but she carried than 275,000 signatures as the cines and Healthcare Products Reg- tine’s day, just 11 days after her first on fighting. After a few days she Downs Mail went to press. ulatory Agency to use a symptoms emerged. seemed to have turned a corner, but Family friend Charlene Reed has Mitra-SpacerTM device, a balloon Faye developed a rash on her the sepsis started to affect her more. set up a fundraising page for the shaped instrument the size of a forehead at the start of the month. The decision of limb removal was Evelina Children’s Hospital, which small chilli pepper, which was suc- When her condition worsened, par- made, but the extent of removal was has raised more than £4,000. cessfully inserted via keyhole sur- ents Jenny and Neil took her to massive – full leg amputation and https://www.justgiving.com/in-re- gery in June 2015. Maidstone Hospital, from where one arm and plastic surgery. memberence-of-Faye/ His condition improved signifi- she was transferred to the Evelina “But she was getting tired, her lit- The petition can be found at cantly and, by November, Mr Reach Children’s Hospital in London. tle body consumed by meningitis https://petition.parliament.uk/peti- was deemed strong enough to have Despite battling bravely against and sepsis. We had to make the de- tions/108072 conventional surgery. The device was removed and a regular valve replacement opera- tion was performed. Mr Reach is Fringe benefits for six days now recovering well at home. The cardiac team at King’s was BANDS are in rehearsals for the events and dance all-nighters, as Flawless Carbon, alongside estab- the first in the world to use the new sixth Maidstone Fringe Festival, well as family-friendly entertain- lished favourites such as David device to improve the strength of set to run for six days across the ment at many of the town centre’s Migden & The Twisted Roots, the heart valve. May bank holiday weekend. cafes and coffee shops. Much of Funke & The 2 Tone Baby and Celebrating the diversity of new the music will be free. indie/alternative artists Theatre Retail park jobs and original music in Kent and the Among the businesses support- Royal, We Are Bandicoot, Jody’s MORE than 100 new jobs are on the South East, the festival will feature ing this year’s Fringe Festival, Flat, Aux and Upcdownc. Flying way with the development of three live performances at venues in- from April 27 to May 2, is Clive the flag for folk and acoustic music new retail units at Aylesford. cluding The Style & Winch, Earls, Emson Auctioneers, which has will be The Dredgermen, Tobys The site at the corner of Her- The Druids Arms, The Flowerpot, come on board as the major Starks & Friends and Vaughan mitage Lane and London Road will The Source Bar, Drakes, The White sponsor. Batchelor, along with a huge ska include a drive-through restaurant Horse, The Art Lounge, Pizza Ex- Artists confirmed so far include and reggae event at The Source and two budget stores, replacing press, The Royal Albion and The Coco And The Butterfields, Nick Bar, featuring Winston Francis, eight bungalows owned by Royal Pilot. Incorporated within the fes- Harper and Gentlemen Of Few, Dennis Bovell, and Carl St Clair. British Legion Industries. tival are a number of all-day new blues acts Salvation Jayne and Visit www.maidstonefringe.com. Fast food chain McDonald’s plans to create 75 full and part-time roles at its drive-through outlet which is Thief jailed MP calls for rail action expected to open in May. A MAN who stole food and wine Other units will be occupied by PASSENGER train services in Kent Speaking in a debate in the Poundstretcher, also due to open in from shops in Maidstone has been are going off the rails, according to House of Commons, Mrs Whately May with the creation of 20 roles, jailed for 15 days. local MP Helen Whately (pictured). said: “My constituents use the and Aldi which hopes to create 50 Dale Cooper (52), from After South- Southeastern network. Day after jobs, with more details expected Knightrider Street, in the town, eastern scored the day their trains are being delayed, shortly. pleaded guilty to three counts of country’s second- particularly at peak times. Planning permission for four shoplifting. worst passenger “This morning all trains between commercial properties, a 130-space Medway magistrates’ heard that satisfaction rat- Maidstone East and London be- car park, service yard and access on January 30, Cooper stole food, ing, the Mid Kent tween 6.30 am and 7.30 am were road from Hermitage Lane was valued at £16 from a supermarket in MP called on cancelled. These are unacceptable granted in 2012. A fourth retailer has The Mall and a bottle of wine from a transport minis- levels of service.” yet to be confirmed. shop in Week Street the following ter Patrick In the Transport Focus survey, day. He also stole a bottle of wine McLoughlin to take action. 67% of passengers were satisfied from a supermarket in Romney More than 15,000 people have with the punctuality of Southeast- Slabs replaced Place, Maidstone. signed a petition demanding the re- ern trains, a fall from 72% in 2014. PAVING slabs taken from the en- Magistrates sentenced Cooper to moval of the franchise from South- Overall satisfaction stayed at 75%. trance to Tovil church yard are to be 15 days in prison and ordered him eastern and the MP wants to know More passengers were happy replaced by Maidstone Council. to pay £5 compensation and an £80 if the rail operator is in breach of its with ticket-buying facilities after A date for the start of the work in victim surcharge. franchise agreement. Southeastern got new machines. Church Lane is awaited.

20 Maidstone Town March 2016 The Cutbush & Corrall Charity (INCORPORATING THE QUESTED ALMSHOUSE CHARITY)

HOUSING FOR OLDER PEOPLE

The Cutbush & Corrall Charity, a traditional almshouse provider, is inviting applications for vacant properties. The Charity owns 148 affordable flats, houses and bungalows in Maidstone and Harrietsham.

Applicants should be residents of the Borough of Maidstone who are aged over 50, retired (or only working part time) and in need of the Charity’s assistance.

For more details please contact The Administrator on 01622 765612.

Further information can be found on the Charity’s website: www.cutbushandcorrall.co.uk COUNTY COBBLER SHOE REPAIRS Come & visit our new branch in The Mall (unit 370 Dukes Walk) 01622 297600 We still offer high class shoe repairs Specialising in superior leather soles Key cutting including car keys Computerised engraving Supplier of trophy, cups & tankards etc to be engraved Watch battery & strap replacement service Zips replaced & leather repaired on the premises Extensive range of shoe creams, insoles & laces. *Just past Pizza Hut on the right All of our staff are highly experienced.

Maidstone Town March 2016 21 News downsmail.co.uk Kent Police are Hospital passes on supplies NURSES from Kims Hospital in Maidstone have had an early spring clean of their medical supplies store. The nurses have gathered together surplus equipment and donated it to ‘outstanding’ the charity Medical Aid International www.medaid.co.uk. They handed over equipment including oxygen tubing, anaesthetic ma- chine circuits, gloves, drapes, catheters, and spare crutches – enough to KENT Police has been rated out- determined, dynamic, leadership, fill a transit van. standing in a national review of the has been recognised.” The charity supports country’s police forces. Zoe Billingham, Her Majesty’s In- healthcare delivery in the Kent was the only one of the 43 spector for the Eastern Region, said developing world, recy- forces nationwide to receive the ac- of Kent Police: “Staff are actively en- cling medical equipment colade in a report published by Her couraged to use their discretion to from the West and send- Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabu- ‘do the right thing’. The widespread ing it to countries and lary (HMIC). understanding and implementation hospitals which need it. It The report rated Britain’s police of an ethical culture across the force works in over 20 countries service for the first time on how le- is having a positive effect on the and helps equip hospitals gitimate it is at keeping people safe service to the public.” of all sizes, from those in Matthew Bennett-Cook of Medical Aid and reducing crime. She also praised the force’s use of the big cities to small rural International receives equipment from Kent’s police and crime commis- Taser and stop and search, as well as clinics. Tamara Stephens and Hannah Sanders sioner Ann Barnes, who has cham- efforts to support Kent Police staff – Kims sister Lorraine pioned a move from target-led particularly those with mental Moxom said: “We are really pleased that our medical colleagues in these policing to a culture of putting peo- health issues. countries will be able to put this equipment to use, as they are often lo- ple first, said she was delighted with Mrs Barnes said: “Kent is one of cated in areas where it is very difficult to obtain supplies due to poor in- the result. the biggest forces in the land with frastructure. Whilst we don’t like to see waste at Kims, all hospitals do end She said: “I can’t remember any very unique challenges, so it would up with unused supplies, so this is a great way to recycle it.” HMIC inspection when just one be easy for the force to miss what is force has been singled out for a top actually important – supporting and grading like this. This is great news developing its workforce. I’m for Kent Police.” pleased HMIC recognised that Kent Mast ‘should be remembered’ The commissioner removed nu- Police has not lost sight of that.” A MAIDSTONE man has spoken of his dismay at the demolition of a merical targets from the Police and HMIC considers a police force to World War II mast that has decorated the Maidstone skyline for decades. Crime Plan in 2014. be legitimate if it has the consent of David Jones, who admired the distant military installation off Cold- She said: “Of all the HMIC re- the public, and if those working in blow Lane, Thurnham from his home in Sutton Road for nearly 40 years views that are undertaken, this par- the force behave in a way that is fair, says developers building homes on the site should erect a plaque or ticular one is the most important ethical and within the law. The force name the estate in tribute to the role the MOD installation had to the one to the Chief Constable and me. must also generate the trust and co- country’s security. I’m delighted this work, under his operation of the public.

22 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Lier target for volunteers Firm tracks your phone LITTER pickers in Allington expect to clear their 1,000th bag of rubbish as part of a special to analyse how you shop drive ahead of the Queen’s birthday. BUSINESSES in Maidstone town centre are being urged to embrace The Allington Alligators have lined up Clean for the mobile phone tracking to keep pace with online shopping. Queen litter picks on March 5 and 6, and it is hoped the com- Tracking software is now avail- tect how many shoppers logged ables the company to eliminate munity will join in. able which can monitor shoppers’ into Google, Facebook, Amazon multiple signals – so the 3,135 The litter-picking volunteers movements and habits. and Twitter to potentially compare shoppers were individuals and not organised by April Lambourne The data gathered can be used prices of goods for sale in shops. the same people identified in dif- meet monthly on a Sunday by retailers to counter shoppers’ Town centre retailers could soon ferent locations. morning. drift away from town centre stores take up the service to retain their Mr Hotchkiss said: “Data scien- The group, which uses litter to the comfort of their computer. market share. tists understand in minute detail bags that are emptied by Maid- The system was trialled in Maid- Scout Solu- how people use websites. We need stone Council, also works in stone on Black Friday in November tions director to obtain insights into how people conjunction with the Medway – supposedly the busiest day for Pete Hotchkiss behave if we are to remain com- Valley Partnership. bargains prior to Christmas – on (pictured) said: petitive. Data such as this can be The Clean for the Queen lit- behalf of Maidstone Council and “Increasing used to reveal what are the busiest ter picks will last about 90 Maidstone Town Centre Manage- numbers of times, how often shoppers return minutes. The March 5 picks ment. people are to a particular location and how will meet at Giddyhorn Lane By tracking shoppers’ mobile making their long they spend in that environ- Rec, off Poplar Grove, at 10am phones, Scout Solutions Ltd was purchases on- ment. and the top of Castle Road, able to discover that 3,135 people line. If high “We can also find out how many near the traffic-lights, at 2pm. visited the area between McDon- street shops are people are simply browsing, then On March 6 pickers will meet alds in Week Street, the bottom of to retain their share of the market, ordering online via their phones – at the Topnotch Gym at the re- Gabriel’s Hill, the High Street and we need to encourage people to or possibly shopping later at tail park, London Road, at King Street between November 25 buy in the high street.” home.” 10am and Allington Commu- and December 8. The busiest days The company can track shoppers November 2015 was the eighth nity Centre in Castle Road at for unique visitors were November whose mobile phones are switched month in a row that shopkeepers 2pm. Equipment and a safety 28, December 2, 6 and 8. on. However, they cannot identify had noted a decline in footfall and talk will be provided. The busiest times were at about individuals nor any of the content Black Friday shoppers were 3.4% For details, email April or noon and between 4pm and 7pm. on their phones – just their location down on the previous month. Mike Lambourne at mike.lam- The highest footfall was in the area and usage. Analysing the data en- Tracking services can be com- [email protected] and around The Mall and Gabriels Hill. bined with Google analytics and [email protected] A series of six nodes positioned How do you feel about your mo- other software, such as weather m or call 01622 763553. in the town was able to capture bile phone being tracked? Email forecasts, to more accurately pre- mobile phone activity and also de- [email protected] dict and monitor trends. A roaring trade in cakes Kent faces police bill DARCY Armstrong (12), from Headcorn, has put her talent for baking to good use by raising more than £40 for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. The Invicta Grammar School for Operation Stack pupil developed her skills by pro- viding sweet treats for training KENT taxpayers are likely to ing, Fire, Criminal Justice and sessions at her local judo club. have to foot the bill for the polic- Victims, on November 17 last Darcy’s brother Fraser works at ing of Operation Stack. year, seeking funding under the the big cat conservation charity Home Secretary Theresa May Home Office Special Grant Wildlife Heritage Foundation in was asked to use her discre- Process. nearby Smarden, so she decided tionary powers to reimburse Mrs Barnes said: “I need to to raise funds for the charity at a Kent Police for the additional discuss with the Home Office, as Christmas craft fair. costs incurred in 2015 – more a matter of urgency, about how She said: “I have visited the big than £570,000 – but the answer we can take things forward from cats at WHF and felt I should do was a definite no. here to make sure that Kent Po- what I can to support the work they do. They’re beautiful animals and I The county’s independent Po- lice is not left carrying the can in want to do my bit to help look after them.” lice and Crime Commissioner, the future. Ann Barnes, has spoken of her “It would seem from the surprise and dismay at the deci- Home Secretary’s decision that sion. She said: “‘Operation Stack should Operation Stack be Youth club Theft charges is acknowledged as a national called again the taxpayers of CHILDREN in years seven to 11 are DANIEL Nicholson (28), of Bluett problem, and yet policing serv- Kent will be unfairly expected to invited to a youth club at 74-80 Street, Maidstone was sentenced ices in Kent have been put under pay for policing it. This misery Union Street, Maidstone. to 28 days in prison, suspended strain to deal with it. Local tax- has been going on for years and The club, run by the Salvation for 12 months at Medway Magis- payers should not have to pick will continue until we get a Army, from 7-9pm on Fridays costs trates’ Court after he admitted up the bill for the inability of long-term solution. £1. It offers a variety of games and others to solve the problem.” “It is simply not acceptable to two counts of shoplifting. a tuck shop. Call 01622 681808. The request for the “reason- have to routinely divert police Nicholson, who stole meat able, additional costs” of resources to cover Stack and for Castle boost worth £31.20 and electrical items £576,925.59 was sent to Mike those extra costs to be borne by FRESH investment is being made valued at £25.97 from shops in Penning MP, Minister for Polic- the taxpayers in Kent.” at Leeds Castle. Improvements are Week Street, Maidstone was or- being made to the kitchen that dered to pay £31 compensation, serves the visitor restaurant, and its £85 costs and an £80 victim sur- For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk education centre will be extended. charge.

Maidstone Town March 2016 23 News downsmail.co.uk Clare back at pub as boss Nuisance four A MAIDSTONE mum has fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the li- censee of her local pub. Clare Parslow (56) took over at The Dragoon in Sandling Road. She attended South Borough Girls’ School in the town and has worked are moved on in pubs for more than 20 years, after starting out behind the bar at the pub, which is owned by Shepherd Neame. She said: “The Dragoon was the first pub I ever worked in, so it holds a A GROUP of four men who made them a chance to change their be- lot of memories for me. Bar work was great while my children were grow- life miserable for their neighbours haviour or face eviction. ing up because it was in Shepway have been drummed Golding Homes was granted a flexible, and I loved out of the area by Golding Homes. “without notice injunction” by the social element of Residents had become afraid to Maidstone County Court after the it, particularly meet- leave their homes after one was first man threatened his neighbour ing new people. threatened with a knife. with a knife. “I had always Now the social housing provider After breaching the injunction, he dreamed of running has taken legal action against the was arrested, but then subse- my own pub, and four, in their 30s and 50s, who quently kept to the terms of the in- now my children are caused nuisance and were abusive junction and found alternative older, I thought it to neighbours after heavy drinking accommodation. was the right time to sessions. He was allowed to return in De- do something for my- Five residents attended court to cember when the injunction was self. When I heard give evidence at a possession hear- lifted, but further restrictions on his The Dragoon was ing against defendant A, outlining behaviour were imposed. Geoffrey and Claire Parslow at the Dragoon available, it seemed the suffering they had endured and The same month, the three other the perfect opportunity.” the impact it had had on their lives defendants received injunctions The pub, which dates back to the 1900s, boasts Maidstone’s only bar bil- and health. preventing them from contacting liards table. It is open every day from 10am to 11pm. At the end of the trial, the judge witnesses and neighbours, from Clare says taking over the pub where she worked as a girl was quite granted an outright possession going to each other’s properties daunting, even though she has worked in pubs for years. order within 14 days and imposed and from being abusive or threat- She said: “I’d never run a pub before, but Shepherd Neame provided the full injunction to run for a year. ening to anybody or causing a nui- lots of help and I took courses on cellar management and health and Defendant A has now been sance. safety before moving in. My husband Geoffrey has been a huge support, evicted from the property and ex- Defendant B later moved out of and I have also been made to feel really welcome by the customers, which cluded from the area. the area and sought support for his is lovely. It is amazing to finally be my own boss after all these years.” The housing association had alcohol addiction while defendant Shepherd Neame’s director of retail and tenanted operations Nigel sought restrictive injunctions to C breached the terms of the injunc- Bunting said: “The Dragoon is a great community local and we wish Clare curb the anti-social behaviour of all tion over Christmas so Golding every success in her new role.” four men prior to this, giving all of Homes and Kent Police took action.

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Maidstone Town March 2016 25 News downsmail.co.uk

soft Times change furnishings Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all at museum aspects of soft furnishing from curtains MAIDSTONE Museum is to been scheduled to ensure as little and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery close on Mondays from the end disturbance as possible to users’ of next month. enjoyment. Personal 1-1 service Certain sections of the museum, Annabelle Pearsall, museums in St Faith’s Street, will also be operations manager, said: “The Nearly 40 years of closed to enable maintenance schedule we have devised will en- work to take place and new ex- able visitors to still enjoy the re- experience hibits to be put on display. warding experience on offer at Available to every The Japanese Gallery was the Maidstone Museum, while com- first to be affected, closing on Feb- pletion of the work will ensure budget ruary 10 until April 8. that future visits prove even more The shop and reception area was engaging and enjoyable.” Knitting wool and due to close from February 22 In addition to closures for re- until April 8, and there will be no pairs and installation of exhibi- haberdashery access to the East Wing from tions, Maidstone Museum will March 14 to March 28, including stop opening to the public on the second floor corridor to the Mondays from March 28. Glass Room and the temporary ex- As well as saving money, the hibition area. closures will allow staff to main- During the period that the re- tain and preserve the museum’s ception area is closed, access will 600,000 pieces safely and enable be through the courtyard entrance. the museum to remain a free-to- Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, The temporary closures have visit attraction. Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB 01622 744265 M20 cameras catch drivers www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk DRIVERS need to take their feet off the gas when travelling on the M20 Email:[email protected] outside Maidstone. Speed cameras clicked a total of 3,367 motorists exceeding the 70mph limit coastbound between Leaflet J4 near Leybourne and J7 near Bearsted in 2014, which helped make the borough the second most safety camera was repaired at the NEW ticketed in Kent. With 1,160 tickets end of 2013, so the statistics for Distribution issued as a result of camera action 2014 represent a full year of opera- southbound on the A249 Sitting- tion and are not directly compara- bourne Road (Detling Hill), 933 ble with the previous year. Now TAKE AWAY southbound on Sutton Road to- Similarly, during 2013 cameras wards Langley and 375 from cam- on part of the Maidstone section of MENU eras on the A20 London Road, the the M20 were not fully operational. available Local Indian total number of tickets issued in Kent and Medway Safety Camera Restaurant with FREE DELIVERY Maidstone during the year was Partnership revealed the figures. Maidstone Open until 11pm 5,800 – 1,200 more than in the pre- Kent’s busiest speed camera was every day vious year. at the Dartford Tunnel approach, Free bottle of and Malling’s beer with every The figures are inflated for which clocked 7,637 vehicles. The Detling Hill as the southbound M20 cameras were second busiest. No.1 Free £10 spentHandymanLocal

newspaper All types of renovationbuilding and gardening work Easter debut for choral work

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•Carpentry • ting the scene for Easter with a choir, soloists’ passages (for the Brickwork • Tiling special performance of Stainer’s risen Christ and for Mary Mag- • Patio’s “The Crucifixion”. dalen) and hymns for the audi- • Decking The performance, on Saturday ence. • Distribution area can be March 12, at All Saints’ Church, It will be the first public perform- Maidstone will be followed by a ance of this interesting composi- tailored to meet your needs new work by composer David Pen- tion, which is 35 minutes long. nant, Stainer’s great-grandson. The evening begins at 7.30pm • Arrive through the letterbox with Downs Mail “The Resurrection” sits comfort- and tickets can be purchased at • From 3000 - 88,000 addresses per month ably in the same format as The the door. • Competitive rates & volume discounts Apple pie quiz in aid of Mencap MAIDSTONE Mencap invite you to an apple pie quiz on Satur- Call 01622 630330 day, March 5 at Cobtree Hall, Mote Park. for a quote, and see how easy it is to get Doors open at 7pm and the cost is £6 per person for teams of six to eight. The ticket includes a slice of apple pie and cream. your leaflet delivered with the Downs Mail

26 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk News How to sign Signal boxes’ future with babies NEW mums and grandparents can get an introduction to baby signing at a book launch in Maidstone. up for discussion Little Mouse Books, in Market Buildings, is hosting the launch, THE future of six historic signal most cases, simply rot away. when author Kathy Carter will boxes along the Medway Valley “They are part of our heritage demonstrate the skill. Line is to be decided by a posse of and our landscape and they need Kathy, from Ditton, will unveil working parties. preserving by functioning in the her latest book in the Alfie's Magic The Kent Community Rail Part- community.” Hat series, Fun at the Zoo and its nership hosted a meeting of local, In the 1940s, there were as many colour-in counterpart during the parish and community representa- as 10,000 signal boxes, but now two-hour meet-and-greet from 2- tives from along the line to consider fewer than 500 are in use by Net- 4pm on Saturday, February 27. the future of the boxes, which are Maidstone West signal box work Rail. Fun at the Zoo is an original book due to be de-commissioned in the The box at High Street, Snodland that encourages sign language for next few years. They will then evaluate the op- was designed by the South Eastern pre-school children. Five of the six boxes – at Maid- tions, reflecting local opinion. Railway Company in the late 1870s Kathy, who is mum to Sam, aged stone West, Aylesford, Snodland, A lead person was appointed for and still has its original windows, two and a half, said: "I will be for- Wateringbury and Cuxton – which each of the groups but anyone who access balcony and signalling in- ever grateful to my sister-in-law, date back to the age of steam, were would like to be involved with struments. who introduced me to baby sign recently grade 2 listed and are their local group should contact The Wateringbury box in Bow language. Signing is a great way for among 26 of the rarest and best pre- Mike FitzGerald, chair of the Kent Road opened in 1893 and is almost families and carers to communicate served in England. Community Rail Partnership on intact. It forms a group with the with hearing children before 01622 743270. The station buildings at East Far- nearby station and goods shed, speech. I knew that other parents leigh are listed, but the signal box Mr FitzGerald, who chaired the which are also listed. would find this book useful, as itself is not. meeting, said he was encouraged Three-storey Maidstone West in there is nothing else like it on the Martin Yallop, of the Association by the positive approach and pas- The Broadway dates from 1889 and market.” of Community Rail Partnerships, sion expressed by those attending. still has many of its original instru- spoke to the group, highlighting He said: “What is important is ments, levers and bells, having She added: “If you are consider- the main considerations and issues. that the meeting agreed to look at been restored after World War II. ing signing with a baby or child do It was agreed to undertake an in- uses for the individual boxes and Aylesford’s signal box was built give it a go – it is a wonderful life- depth review of each of the boxes produce a comprehensive review to a new design for the South East- skill for parents and infants to to agree recommendations and to ensure their future when de- ern and Chatham Railway in the learn. It is also invaluable to those gather firm evidence for all part- commissioned. If boxes are just left 1920s. Virtually unaltered, it is the children in need of speech devel- ners and potential funders. empty or shuttered up they will, in last survivor of its kind. opment support.”

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Maidstone Town March 2016 27 News downsmail.co.uk Library plan KCC PLANS to save £150,000 by School racism claim an reducing mobile library stops. The county council wants to cut the least-used of the 651 stops made by the 11 mobile libraries to reduce its £367,000 annual outlay. over-reaction, says mum Analysis showed that 368 stops had an average of two visitors or A MAIDSTONE mum has de- girl in question did not feel the com- garding his interaction with fellow fewer. The proposed routes will see scribed the action of Valley Park ment was made maliciously. How- students. more than half the stops increasing School to exclude her son from les- ever, Mrs Harryman says school Mrs Harryman says the school their stopping time and the service sons after he referred to a friend as policy dictated the outcome. over-reacted, without any regard moving to a Tuesday-Saturday black as “political correctness gone She said: “My son for her son’s previous exemplary schedule. mad”. isn’t racist in any behaviour, adding: “I appreciate See how stops could affect you at Gaynor Harryman (pictured), shape or form and that this is a very good school. Al- www.kent.gov.uk/consultations. from Fant, says the decision now the word ‘black’ is though I am aware that any racial threatens her 14-year-old son’s an accepted term, in comments need to be dealt with Bid for flag hope of going to university, after it the same way we harshly, I do not believe my son was deemed that the use of the use ‘white’ to de- meant any harm by this comment MAIDSTONE is hoping to raise the word black was a “racial comment” scribe ourselves. I and his case was not looked at in Purple flag for another year. and logged on his school record. have spoken to my son about the in- enough detail and treated fairly. The accreditation for the quality The incident, at the school in Vin- cident and he is very sorry if he of- This is just a case of procedure, pol- of the twilight and night-time econ- ter’s Park, arose during a class exer- fended the other child. She is a icy and political correctness gone omy was awarded to the town two friend of his and he did not mean years ago. Five major pubs and cise in which her son was asked by mad.” the term ‘black’ to be offensive in clubs have since closed, but there a teacher to name something black, A statement from the school to any way. are more restaurants. and he pointed to his friend. Mrs Harryman read: “I realise that Maidstone town centre change Mrs Harryman, who is a teacher “I was also advised that during the exclusion may well be upsetting co-ordinator Ilsa Butler said: in London, says her son was led the school’s investigation the other for you and your family, but the de- “There has been a growth in the from class and spent four-and-a- child agreed she did not feel the cision to exclude your son was not night-time economy but it reflects half hours in an “isolation unit” be- comment was made maliciously taken lightly and the exclusion is for the change in tastes and demand.” fore she was contacted by the and that the term was not used to a fixed period for a racial comment The town was due to submit its school. upset her. Nevertheless, he now has towards another student.” application by the end of January. She said: “I came home from a record for making a racist com- The school’s headteacher, Mr Vic work to find my son extremely dis- ment.” Ashdown, told the Downs Mail: tressed over the incident and the As well as being excluded from “Ms Harryman had asked that the For more local news way it was dealt with.” school for a day, her son was placed governing body discipline commit- www.downsmail.co.uk Mrs Harryman says an investiga- on report for two weeks, requiring a tee consider this matter and they tion by the school found that the daily signature from his tutors re- will be doing so in due course.”

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Maidstone Town March 2016 29 News downsmail.co.uk Care home must improve Two guilty of killing A HOME for the elderly in Maid- stone has been told it needs to im- prove the service it offers. Abbeyrose House received an man found dead in flat unannounced visit from three Care Quality Commission inspectors TWO people who left a 69-year-old man for dead at his home in who found that while the service offered was effective, other areas Maidstone have been jailed for life. required improvement. John Birney’s body was discov- a blood-stained knife lying next to to people in Maidstone that he had The home in St Michael’s Road ered under a curtain in his flat in him and another blade beneath the got away with murder. was looking after 25 elderly guests Rocky Hill Terrace, on Monday, sofa bed on which he was lying. A Senior investigating officer In- at the time. June 8, 2015. dark-coloured spector Lee Whitehead, of the Kent The CQC noted that while resi- He had multiple stab wounds to coat belt was and Essex Serious Crime Direc- dents told them they had no com- his head and was thought to have tied tightly torate, said: “We may never know plaints and would speak to staff if been dead for some time. around his left the truth behind why Allison Tom- they had, inspectors felt “staff were Allison Tomlin (48), of no fixed wrist. lin and John Barham did what they not always considerate and re- address, and John Barham (25), of It was quickly did to John Birney, but it was clear spectful when talking to people”. Quarry Road, Maidstone, were ar- established that to the jury that they intended to kill They recognised that people felt rested on suspicion of Mr Birney’s Barham had vis- him. safe, noting: “People received their murder later that same week but de- ited Mr Birney’s “Whatever the reason, there can medicines safely and when they nied any involvement. flat at about the be no doubt that this was a vicious needed them. However, staff did However, a jury at Maidstone John Birney time of his attack and that Mr Birney suffered not consistently follow safe practice Crown Court was unanimous in death, and that as a result. Only Tomlin and around administering and record- finding the pair guilty at the end of Tomlin had also been seen with him Barham know exactly how long his ing medicines given to people.” a seven-week trial. on more than one occasion. body had been left there before it The CQC also referred to per- Both were sentenced to life im- Following their arrests, forensic was discovered. sonal development practices, say- prisonment when they appeared be- tests concluded that the victim’s “I would like to pay tribute to my ing: “People are not encouraged to fore Judge Philip Statman. Barham blood was on a pair of jeans belong- officers who worked tirelessly to participate in activities that take will serve a minimum of 18 years ing to Barham and that Tomlin’s gather evidence against them to en- place and activities are not specific and Tomlin a minimum of 16 years DNA was found on both knives and sure both were brought to trial, even to meet people’s needs.” before being eligible for parole. various other items in the flat. The after Barham had initially been re- Abbeyrose has also been asked to The court heard how Mr Birney’s belt tied around Mr Birney’s wrist is leased without charge. improve its systems to assess, mon- body was discovered by two em- believed to have come from her “He and Tomlin are clearly very itor and improve the quality of the ployees at the flats where he lived coat. dangerous individuals and can look service it provides to guests and to after a neighbour said she had not Barham was initially released forward to spending a lengthy pe- implement quality assurance au- seen him for some time. without charge but was re-arrested riod of time behind bars for their dits and ensure they are completed. Officers went to the flat and found after making a number of comments callous actions.” Trees to help cut pollution Volunteers needed to TWO dozen trees have been planted at one of Maidstone’s pollution hotspots to create a blaze of colour and improve air quality. Lib Dem Cllr Brian Clark used funds from his devolved budget to buy and befriend youngsters plant 24 trees on Sutton Road, near the Wheatsheaf junction, acknowl- edged as one of the A MAIDSTONE-based charity is Research shows the huge bene- town’s worst loca- seeking volunteers to befriend fits independent visitors have on tions for fume-fuelled young people in care. young people and how they are air pollution. More than 40 youngsters in Kent often the only consistent adult in a Cllr Clark worked and Medway are currently in need young person’s life. with county council of an “independent visitor” to help This is especially the case for officers to choose a make a real difference in their young people who live a long way varied selection of lives. from their families and for unac- trees including birch, The award-winning Young Lives companied youngsters seeking rowan, hornbeam Foundation, in College Road, pro- asylum. and hawthorn. KCC landscape officers Aubrey Furner, Lucy Lee, vides the children’s rights and ad- Janine Batt, communications He said: “These will Cllr Brian Clark and contractor Wayne Francis vocacy service for all young people manager for the Young Lives Foun- reduce pollution and entitled to receive support from the dation, said: “Our independent add colour along the A274 corridor in verges which had until recently been region’s specialist children’s serv- visitors are volunteers who want to under threat of removal.” ices. make a difference to the lives of The trees are on verges between Mangravet Avenue and Maidstone The young people referred for an young people. cemetery, which were at risk of being removed to create a bus lane. independent visitor may be in fos- “Befriending is the incredibly re- ter homes or residential care. warding role of an independent Advocates sit with young people visitor that involves visiting, ad- Home saved by smoke alarm at important meetings, speak on vising and befriending a young their behalf or encourage and en- person in care, taking a long-term A SHEPWAY resident has her smoke thought the fire was caused by an able them to speak for themselves. interest in their well-being and de- alarms to thank for alerting her to a electric heater in the bedroom. Befrienders also share social ac- velopment.” fire in her home. Mrs Pollard said: “Without the tivities with their young person, Volunteers are asked to maintain Sharon Pollard (53) was down- alarms I dread to think what might assist with problems and concerns, contact by visiting the young per- stairs at her Middlesex Road home have happened." give advice and are there to listen. son at least twice a month and hav- when the alarms went off. Maidstone watch manager Chris At the launch of the National ing regular telephone contact for a She said: “I could see smoke up- Puxted said: “With such early warn- Standards for Independent Visitors minimum period of two years. stairs. I shut the doors, turned off the ing, we were able to tackle the fire Services in London, it was revealed To find out more about how you electricity and dialled 999.” before it could cause severe damage. that there are 1,000 children na- can become an independent visitor Crews put out the fire and cleared Residents should take extra care tionwide on waiting lists for vol- with YLF, go to ylf.org.uk/get-in- smoke from the building. It is when using portable heaters.” unteer independent visitors. volved/volunteers/befriending/

30 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Drink ‘no excuse for crimes’ TWO men who threw objects at cars from a bridge over a busy road have been jailed for more than two years each. Curtis Pennells (20), formerly of bottles of cider while the other held count of criminal damage. Trench Road, Tonbridge and An- the door open for him. Investigating officer Detective drew Spencer (24), formerly of Ton- They walked to Wigmore Park Constable Rob Grieve, of Kent Po- bridge Road, Maidstone committed where they were reported to have lice, said: “Throwing objects at a number of offences in the Hemp- committed a number of other anti- moving vehicles is an incredibly stead and Wigmore area on July 30 social acts. dangerous thing to do and that is while drunk. Finally, they smashed the rear reflected in the lengthy sentences Spencer was jailed for 33 months windscreen of a parked car before imposed. Both Curtis Pennells and and Pennells for 30 months when police officers arrived and arrested Andrew Spencer can count them- they appeared for sentencing at Curtis Pennells and Andrew Spencer them. Spencer became aggressive selves lucky their reckless actions Maidstone Crown Court. and assaulted one of the constables did not cause a serious collision The court heard how Pennells brake and skid. One of the bottles and both men were placed in a po- and the death or injury of multiple stole a crate of beer from a shop on hit a car. lice van, which Spencer later uri- road-users. Hempstead Road before running After walking to the junction nated in. “Drunkenness is no excuse for off down an alley with Spencer. with Wigmore Road, Pennells then Spencer later admitted causing committing crime or acting in an They went to the bridge over Hoath pressed the emergency button on a danger to road users, theft, assault anti-social manner, and hopefully Way – a dual carriageway with a passing bus, causing the doors to and three counts of criminal dam- this case will send a strong message 50mph speed limit – where they open and the driver to swerve. age. Pennells pleaded guilty to two to anyone who cannot control threw bottles and part of a brick on They then visited an off-licence counts of causing danger to road themselves while under the influ- to the road, causing vehicles to where one of the men stole four users, two counts of theft, and one ence of alcohol.” MP joins call Mystery buyer for church centre for rail action FIERCE bidding has seen the sale of MALLING MP Tom Tugendhat the church-owned St Luke’s Centre MBE has called on the rail min- in Maidstone for £342,000. ister to increase the capacity on The sale, according to the Rev the Maidstone East Line, fol- Chris Key, follows much soul search- lowing dozens of complaints ing to reach a final decision about from irate constituents. the fate of the Foley Street building. The MP has written to Claire Parishioners and volunteers had Perry MP asking her to push for worked to restore the building, extra carriages on the South- bought by the church about four eastern train services passing years ago, with the hope of it being through the town when the used for community purposes. How- Government makes its decision ever, the centre – thought to date St Luke’s Centre and right, Rev Chris Key this spring. back to the 1800s – has now been The Government is propos- sold at auction. John Stockey, from Clive Emson ing considerable disappointment for ing to increase the number of Rev Key said both he and the PCC Auctioneers, said there was lots of some, so we will need to bear with carriages on some Southeastern had listened carefully to the views of interest in the building, which sits on one another in love. train services, and will make a those who had wanted to buy the a fifth-of-an-acre site, but was un- “We in the PCC are considering the decision in a few weeks on centre and to those who now wished able to reveal details of the pur- vision for all our other buildings on which routes will benefit from to see it sold, and felt the right deci- chaser or intended use. The centre the church site to ensure that God’s the 12-carriage trains. sion had been reached. was previously used for workshops mission is supported and increased Mr Tugendhat said the in- The reserve – to cover costs and by a building company. by improving our facilities there, so creased capacity was badly the outstanding mortgage on the Rev Key said: “The sale will raise a we have exciting times ahead to- needed and said: “The Maid- property – was exceeded. variety of feelings among us, includ- gether.” stone East line could do with extra carriages, particularly at peak time. All too often as the All for One service approaches London Assaults in town centre MAIDSTONE Town Centre and its Victoria many commuters are POLICE are appealing for wit- The victim has since required standing. Furthermore, it is not Town Team are coming together nesses after a man was violently as- surgery after suffering facial frac- under the brand One Maidstone. uncommon for passengers to saulted in Maidstone and left with tures and damage to his teeth. The Community Interest Com- have an intolerable commute serious facial injuries. Police are appealing for informa- pany (CIC) has been registered home – with many standing as It was reported that the victim tion from anyone who may have with Companies House, has a far as Bromley South and some- was attacked by two men in sepa- witnessed either of the assaults. times beyond. rate incidents in the town on Janu- The victim was wearing a white shadow board of directors and a “I often receive complaints ary 17. The assaults are alleged to short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans. business plan. Its logo is being de- from residents in Borough have occurred between 3.20am and Anyone with information should veloped so that the company is Green, West Malling, Kings Hill 3.40am. call the West Kent appeals line on ready to go live at the start of the fi- and surrounding villages about In the first incident the victim 01622 604100, quoting reference nancial year on April 1. this. That’s why I have called was standing among other people YY/001270/16. Alternatively call Town Centre Change Co-ordina- upon the rail minister to act. I in King Street, opposite the junc- Kent Crimestoppers, anony- tor Ilsa Butler has spent a year put- hope they will listen to our con- tion to Wyke Manor Road, where it mously, on 0800 555111. ting together a blueprint for the cerns and increase capacity on was reported that he was punched An 18-year old Maidstone man company, which combines both the this congested line.” in the face by a man. Shortly after, and a 32-year old man from Epsom expertise of the TCM and the vol- as the victim walked towards were arrested in connection with untary force behind the Town For more local news Gabriel’s Hill, it was reported that the assaults and have been bailed, Team and its various committees. www.downsmail.co.uk he was punched in the head again, pending further enquiries, until The aim is to pull together the this time by a different man. March 8, 2016. best of the two bodies’ resources.

Maidstone Town March 2016 31 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Mother’s family to sue hospital THE family of a young mother who died following an emergency caesarean operation are expected to sue Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Offham Primary School teacher However, Mr Justice Peter Coul- family are expected to seek a civil Frances Cappuccini (30) died of a son QC ruled that, while the trust settlement, accusing the trust of heart attack within hours of giving had admitted its care fell short of being liable for her death. birth to her second son, Giacomo, expected standards, mistakes did A spokesman for London-based in October 2012. not constitute crime. lawyers Kingsley Napley, which is Criminal charges against the The trust made legal history representing the Cappuccini fam- trust and against its consultant when it became the first NHS Trust ily, said: "The family has no further anaesthetist Dr Errol Cornish were to face a charge of corporate comment to make at this sensitive dismissed by a crown court in Lon- manslaughter. But Mr Justice Coul- time.” don in January. son dismissed the trial at the Inner Mrs Cappuccini, pictured, suf- However, the family is now free London Crown Court and also the fered severe bleeding and never re- to take civil action for damages charges against Dr Cornish. gained consciousness after the against the trust, which they be- Dr Nadeem Azeez, another doc- operation to deliver her son. lieve is responsible for her death. had been admitted by the Maid- tor involved in the case, was not on The trust was accused of failing A pre-inquest review, held in No- stone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trial as he was no longer in the to check that the doctors were vember 2013 heard that liability Trust. country. Now Mrs Cappuccini’s properly qualified. Another look New scheme to tackle diabetes at cancer fight MAJOR changes in diabetes care proach with support for self-care The CCG would like to see a THE CCG is considering setting up a are planned by the CCG – a ‘key and care in the community as key comprehensive obesity strategy, specialist committee to improve the priority’ due to the predicted rise in elements.” improved early detection and local battle against cancer after a re- prevalence. It proposes a new model be pro- greater capacity and capability in port of a gap in outcomes compared It says the current pathway for vided by both current local second- primary care. The aims include re- with other EU countries. care is fragmented with services ary and primary care providers to duction in average years of life lost Some key needs already identi- provided by different organisations maximise local knowledge; ensure due to type two diabetes from six fied include more endoscopy and – hospitals, GP practices and in the access to complete patient records to four within 10 years and from 15 imaging provision and better GP community with no over-arching and minimise delays; reduction in to 12 years in type one diabetes.  education. care planning. prescribed drugs; and to reduce Diabetes patients are more One concern is late diagnosis due “Successful management of pa- duplication of time, tests and infor- likely to have a heart attack or to patients presenting late with tients requires a whole-system ap- mation. stroke. symptoms. One change under consideration Stroke fears is that nurse practitioners should When things go wrong... THE CCG is to meet the local NHS be authorised to request patient ra- MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells hospital trust reported a specimen col- diology tests in addition to GPs. lection bag had been left inside a patient undergoing surgery – and later trust to discuss under-achievement Cancer waiting times in the removed back in the theatre. in its stroke service, which “has area now exceed the standard 62- made significant improvements re- A BABY admitted with non-accidental injuries was sent home from hos- day waits. cently but, in common with many pital prior to receipt of results of an expert opinion. This revealed multiple fractures that could only have been sustained through excessive force. The similar services across the country, baby and twin sibling are now in foster care and the parents were arrested. still struggles to meet all the recog- KCC concern nised quality standards”. THE GP-led NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group G4S transport (CCG) is seeking closer consul- Radiotherapy staff awards tation with the county council NON-emergency NHS transport after KCC proposals for will be provided in Kent and Med- changes in funding health serv- way by a different operator – G4S – ices such as health visitors and from July 1. It was given the contract nicotine replacement. after “consistently showing a great The CCG is concerned that understanding for the needs of the the new health visitor specifica- customer.” It will take over from tion is “much narrower in NSL, which had difficulties in the scope, with some omissions.” early stages of the current contract. The CCG is seeking clarification from KCC about the specifica- New surgery? tion and says “it should not be THE CCG is considering the case to assumed the CCG would be move the Stockett Lane surgery in able to fund elements omitted RADIOTHERAPY staff in the Kent Oncology Centre, divided between the Coxheath to a purpose-built GP from the specification.” hospitals in Maidstone and Canterbury, have won two awards. premises. The practice has out- Christine Richards, head of radiotherapy services for Maidstone and Tun- grown the current building and bridge Wells NHS Trust, was named South East Radiographer of the Year Nurse shortage problems are expected to escalate by the Society of Radiographers (SoR) and the radiotherapy treatment de- with the rise in population. partment as a whole won South East Radiography Team of the Year. LATEST figures show a worsening Christine’s award noted her tireless fight to promote the therapeutic ra- picture of nurse vacancies across The have nots diographer profession both at a local level and nationally, as well as her en- the Maidstone and Tunbridge thusiasm and innovative approach. RESIDENTS of West Kent live Wells hospital trust, up from 7.6% One comment from a patient was included in the team’s award cita- longer than in the rest of Kent. But to 10.7%, equating to 482 full- tion. It read: “The reception staff were friendly, helpful and professional. those in deprived areas – mainly in timers. There is still a reliance on Radiographers – professional, extremely helpful and liaised with doctors to Maidstone – can live about 13 years agency and locum staff. Staff present a seamless service. Excellent.” turnover runs at more than 10%. less than in more affluent areas.

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Maidstone Town March 2016 33 downsmail.co.uk Hayley Martin “Robbie”. They Bearsted. Obituaries remained locally He became a keen member of Bearsted MOTHER-OF-ONE Hayley Martin (31), of until moving to Golf Club and a loyal parishioner of St Loose Road, was known for her Cornwall in 1987. Mary’s Church, Thurnham. As honorary fundraising for cancer treatment and for Their homes in treasurer of both the church and church helping to establish a cancer charity – Maidstone included estate, his efforts in putting their finances Freddie’s Friends – Monckton’s Avenue, into very good order are credited with dedicated to Heather Road, Loose ensuring the survival of the ancient supporting young and Madginford church. adults with cancer. Road, Bearsted. He and Joan moved to Eastbourne in Hayley worked as Daughter Robbie said: “My mother was 2011. a L’Oreal technician very sociable and outgoing; she and my John was buried in St Andrew’s and was first father loved socialising at dances, pubs churchyard, Alfriston, East Sussex. diagnosed with and parties – we held a lot of parties at He leaves his wife, daughters Julia and bowel cancer in 2011; home. As a couple they were closely Jane, grandchildren and great- she was later given involved in the Conservative Club when it grandchildren. the all clear and gave was located on Earl Street, in the present birth to her son home of the Pizza Express restaurant. Freddie. When “My mother was proud of her noble Shaun Tandy Freddie was four months old Hayley heritage, and was a very giving person THE death of Shaun Tandy (35) has received the news that her cancer had who was generous to her chosen charities, robbed the local rugby community of a returned in an inoperable form. which included time spent volunteering at well-loved and well-respected character. Her energy and selflessness in raising the Cheshire Home in Mote Park. She was Shaun, a scaffolder awareness and living the remainder of her also very involved with St Faith’s Church who lived in life positively have prompted an in the town.” Chatham, Medway outpouring of tributes and memories. Jackie – who was widowed in 2004 – died following a fall Hayley’s achievements include helping leaves her daughters, grandsons Guy, while working in to raise thousands of pounds for the John and Sean, great-grandchildren Vikki Bewdley, near Charles Dickens ward at Maidstone and Charlene and great-great- Kidderminster, Hospital, where she received treatment, grandchildren Sian, Freddy, Emily and Worcestershire. and becoming the face of the charity Hair Matthew. He was a former and Beauty Benevolent. The charity’s skipper of website includes a video of “Hayley’s Lordswood’s first XV story”, chronicling her cancer battle. Arthur John Bowerman and tributes paid via social media have ARTHUR John Bowerman (89) lived in the praised his ability to lead teams by Bearsted area for many years and was a example and his talent on the field. Osvaldas Rimsa devout member of St Mary’s Church, Shaun was still a player at Lordswood at OSVALDAS “Ozzy” Rimsa (27), who was Thurnham. the time of his death, having joined the a keen motorcyclist known throughout the Known as John, he was born in Essex of club when he was 15, and played for them local motorcycling community for his Devon and Welsh parentage, and in local leagues in and around Kent. The dedication and club membership, died in educated at club held a memorial game in his memory an accident in Rocky Brentwood School in on February 14. Hill, Maidstone. Essex until, at the Shaun, who lived with his mother, was Ozzy, who lived in age of 16, he joined father to four-year-old Jack and a Just Florence Road, Fant, the Royal Navy as a Giving page has been established to raise worked as a trainee air artificer. money for his son. warehouseman After qualifying in Shaun leaves his son, mother Cindy and locally and was 1944, he served on brother Chris. previously a head various Naval air waiter at the Dean’s stations in England, Place Hotel, Northern Ireland The Stone Shop Alfristron, East and at sea with the Home Fleet. Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, Sussex. He met Joan in Sussex in 1947 and they lettered and installed anywhere. His work colleagues paid tribute, as were married in 1950. John was promoted Inscriptions added to existing memorials to an aircraft inspector and served in have his fellow members of the West Kent Renovations and memorial various stations including two and a half Biker group. West Kent Biker noted on its cleaning Facebook page that Osvaldas had “real years in Malta. After voluntary discharge passion for motorcycling” and described at 30, he was appointed to Exeter Inland The Stone Shop him as “one of our own”. Revenue office, and in 1964, on promotion Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. It went on to note: “Osvaldas…had been to inspector of taxes in Maidstone, his 01622 726633 with West Kent Biker right from the start family moved and finally settled in and attended virtually every meet; [he] was dedicated and had a real passion for motorcycling.” Camrass Wills Jackie Harris Advice you can trust JACQUELINE “Jackie” Harris, who was known to some as “Tessie” (102), lived Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need help with probate? locally for about 50 years, as her husband Do you need powers of attorney? Do you want to buy a funeral plan? – William “Bill” – managed Loder and Payne’s store in Bank Street, Maidstone. • We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed Born Jacqueline Harding-Goodman in Wallington, Surrey, Jackie grew up in For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW Surrey and Sussex. The couple moved to Maidstone in the 1930s and raised 01622 720985 daughters Antonia “Toni” and Roberta www.camrasswills.co.uk

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Maidstone Town March 2016 35 downsmail.co.uk Comment EU vote needs careful thought IN the next few weeks you and I will cast The economic arguments seem likely to probably the most important vote of our lives. Marks dominate the next few weeks. I accept the el- I have studied hard and made up my mind to Mail ement of risk. But weighed against all I in- vote to leave the EU – and it will take some- creasingly dislike about the EU – and the thing very persuasive to change it. Most of my DENNIS FOWLE President economic and other dangers facing that huge Maidstone friends appear to be broadly in the [email protected] body – I believe it is a challenge we can meet. same position. We are about to make a decision so vital to I become increasingly concerned about the in his desperation to balance the books? our future and that of generations to come. serious detrimental impact of EU membership I love Europe, but have had enough of the There are many sides to the argument and no on so many aspects of our lives and lack of na- EU unless there are fundamental changes. one can cast this vote with complete certainty. tional power to do much about it. Our Prime Minister is discovering these will For me the balance is now heavily weighted. I have enjoyed living in Maidstone for not happen. about 55 years and am not surprised both for- I find myself in great sympathy with a para- Cllr Carter’s dilemma eigners and British wish to live here. But what graph in an article written by Tory MP Peter will happen to us and our town unless we as Lilley, who is voting to leave. “Our member- I AM pleased Cllr Paul Carter acknowl- a nation have firm control over our borders ship no longer serves any function in a body edged that he attended a Maidstone Local and decide how many and who we welcome whose primary purpose (political union) we Plan protest meeting as an aggrieved resident from the rest of the world? reject, whose main projects (the euro and – with about 1,000 houses planned close to his In my travels among the British I see this Schengen) we are not part of, whose laws we Langley home – and not as KCC leader. view mirrored by so many. I now expect a find onerous and whose economic attractions KCC has a responsibility to ensure success thumping majority for Brexit. have turned into costs.” of the local plan, mainly relating to infrastruc- For so long South East England has been He has the knowledge to be convinced that ture, and Cllr Carter must lead responsibly. about the most overcrowded part of Europe. Brexit can be achieved smoothly and with no There are top politicians in the borough In the last few years this has escalated power- losses (even a profit) to our export trade. who ask very serious questions. fully. Unless we leave the EU it will get worse. I can understand most international con- A first job for Cllr Carter is to correct a The impact has been massive on housing glomerates wanting to retain our EU mem- county-wide map showing Maidstone’s hous- growth, traffic movement, education places, bership. But they view things from a very ing figure to 2031 in the 16,000s when it is in NHS and welfare services, care of our aged… different angle. And I find many smaller busi- the 18,000s. Who is still playing games? Nationally the welfare bill is crippling our ness people will vote to leave for both busi- I note Swale’s housing figure, praised by sick economy, and financial cuts forced by our ness and personal reasons. some Maidstone plan opponents, has been re- Government are really hurting locally – ask There seems to be wide belief that Europe jected by a Government inspector as too low – KCC and Maidstone Council and many local will wish to continue to trade with Britain – and Swale’s urgently needed local plan will organisations losing financial support. Where and we will be able to trade much more freely be delayed. Maidstone too needs an approved will the Chancellor of the Exchequer look next with the rest of the world. plan urgently.

Quashing NHS myths less on health than the other G7 nations and in the last few years, the percentage of Dear Sir – In a recent Mail Marks Dennis GDP spent has fallen from 11% to a lile Fowle repeats some old myths about the over 7%. This is a political choice, not NHS that need squashing. economics. We are 27th out of 29 EU Recycled regularly, especially by those countries in the number of doctors per who want to head of population. The NHS is not convince us that unaffordable or unsustainable but we can no longer underfunded. The cost of your GP per year afford an NHS and we should be per head is £74 in West Kent. Try insuring your cat or car for that. thinking of  charges, an It’s abused: Greatly exaggerated, insurance system according to the evidence. This is not the or privatisation, cause of the NHS’s problems. Contrast that Mr Fowle in his musings in Mail Marks in they include: with the private US system that the this edition of the Downs Mail.  Charging Government is so keen on: waste $690bn, He thinks that the next area for the would help:Noit overcharging $750bn, fraud $98bn. The Dr Paul Hobday council to consider is the “large grassed wouldn’t. It just USA spends three times as much per head area lined with lovely trees” between the shifts the costs to the poor and the elderly with worse results. Mote Avenue entrance and exit roads, who are less healthy than other groups. It’s time the subtle but relentless which he thinks should make a lovely The Germans gave this up after the failure campaign by the media and politicians to surfaced car park. of a six-year experiment. The evidence is undermine our health service stopped. To make maers worse he suggests two that it encourages the “worried well” but Correcting some of the anti-NHS or three “quality” restaurants in the same deters the poor sick, which costs more in propaganda is a start. area. We have more than enough concrete the long run. The US Commonwealth Dr Paul J Hobday, Churn Lane, and Tarmac in the park already. Fund rates the UK NHS as the most cost- Horsmonden Starting with the leisure centre and effective healthcare system in the world. Maidstone Bowls Club premises all built  Ageing population: Exaggerated. on part of the park, not to mention the Most money is spent in the last six months Leave our park alone retirement village and the park and ride, of life, irrespective of how old you are. Dear Sir – I feel I must write to defend Maidstone has more than enough  Costs too much: Wrong. We spend Mote Park against ideas put forward by restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. Every Contact our team ... Stephen Eighteen Diane Nicholls Jane Shotliff Dawn Kingsford Editor Assistant editor Journalist Journalist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01622 734735 ext 231 01622 734735 ext 232 01622 734735 ext 233 01622 734735 ext 233

36 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk time you go into town there’s a new one In the late 1970s, at the start of my career time Tovil residents said “enough is Comment opened. at Kent County Council, a scheme to enough”? Yes, we desperately need a We need the park, a green open space. I bypass the area was designed, approved doctors’ surgery, but at the expense of think certain things are good ideas such as and a government grant was lined up. It another 450 houses? We already have the adventure playground and a new cafe, was justified to meet the transport needs of about 500 homes allocated to be built in which could be built near where the old the time some 40 years ago. However, there Tovil, so that will take us to about 1,000 one is by razing all the buildings in that was local opposition and politicians homes. area. decided to abandon it. If we keep leing our fields go, we will However, the park can be enjoyed by Further aempts to resurrect a scheme have nothing left. It would be interesting to simply walking round it. Why is it people met with a similar fate. Now, after a huge know how long the rugby club has been seem to need things to occupy themselves increase in road traffic generally and large- talking to the developers and if they have with? There is nothing as pleasant and scale development in the area, a new an alternative site if this doesn’t go ahead. refreshing as a walk in a green open space. generation of politicians is bemoaning So in future, South ward councillors, can S Johnson, West Park Road, Maidstone having to wait for a scheme. you deliver the newsleer to every Over decades our town has suffered household in Tovil and not just the select from the lack of positive decision-making few, so that we all know what is going on Wrong on park and ride by politicians. We could have had a good in our village? rail link to London in the Victorian era. S Hogg, Beaconsfield Road Dear Sir – The Mail Mark on the very There could have been a station on High worrying future for traffic flows in and Speed 1 in recent years to serve our area, I understand that a resident has complained around Maidstone makes me question instead of which we see the trains roaring about not receiving the information leer sent Maidstone Council's decision to collapse to past with the commuters from more by local Lib Dem councillors advising residents local pressure and drop completely the positive neighbouring towns, as well as the of the late proposal to include a further Linton park-and-ride proposal. Leeds-Langley bypass. development area of 500 houses within our It was in the wrong position and should Now we have the large-scale countryside, in addition to the 400 houses on be placed at the foot of Linton Hill on the development, which should have paid for Burkes Land and the SBS site. approaches to Marden. Perhaps some the bypass, and all the traffic from it will We accept that our area does require an businesses could benefit – certainly the have to be accommodated on existing additional doctors’ surgery and we are aware of local pub, but does it not make sense to roads which are already congested. the needs of Maidstone Rugby Club. However, offer an element of services such as car In many ways it is a lile late, but let's for many reasons, the price to be paid cleaning, servicing, MOTs etc? see our politicians pro-actively addressing permiing the 500 additional houses was too This could also reduce traffic needing to the combined issues of planning high. enter the town centre. The council must be development and transport improvements As borough councillors we were only made positive in tackling our serious traffic together. aware of the proposal just before it became problems – and I see just negativity. T J Payne, by email public knowledge on the Maidstone Council Richard Maryan, by email papers reporting the result of the regulation 18 consultation in relation to the new local plan. Where is our newsleer? We had only a few days to get the details to Bypass well overdue Dear Sir – Last year I remember reading in local residents asking for their opinion. In two Dear Sir – I read with some bemusement your paper a leer from Cllr Ian days we wrote the leer, printed it and, with the continued references in your Chienden assuring residents of Tovil that the help of local residents, hand-delivered it to newspaper to the “long-awaited Leeds- we would receive his regular newsleers. 1,200 homes in Tovil. Because of the rush, it is Langley bypass”. Since that time, I know of three possible that some roads were missed and for The concern over its absence is newsleers, but not one of them has been that I apologise. understandable, especially in view of the delivered to my house or those of several Should anyone like a copy of our initial leer approved large-scale housing construction of my friends in Tovil. or a copy of my leer to the commiee, I would taking place in the Suon Road area of I did acquire a copy of one leer, about be happy to provide it. Please email me on Maidstone, with totally inadequate an outline planning application for 450 ianchi[email protected]. transport access. However, why is there houses, a doctors’ surgery and a new place Response from Ian Chienden, borough not a bypass there already? for Maidstone Rugby Club. Isn’t it about councillor for South ward Dog disease warning Anger over pub plan SEVERAL cases of a potentially- Vets4Pets has produced an interac- THE Admiral Gordon on the Ton- Council to complain. fatal dog disease have been re- tive guide for dog owners which can bridge Road could be turned into a Paul Lindley, on the Tonbridge ported in the Maidstone area. be found online at shop. Road, says: “The Admiral Gordon is Alabama Rot, believed to be caused www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama- Maidstone Council has received a a very important part of the commu- by a form of E-coli, starts with skin le- rot/ plan from the owner, Mrs T nity and was a nice relaxing place sions and can cause kidney failure. It shows where in the UK con- Thavakuhananthan, to add a for residents to meet and socialise. An East Farleigh family lost their firmed cases have occurred, how to shopfront and convert the first floor It was only sold as the previous two-year-old Cavalier King Charles spot symptoms and tips on reducing of the Milton Street pub into a flat. owners needed to retire. The new Spaniel last year after a trip to Suffolk. the risk of infection. Agent Arco Designs says the site owners have made no attempt to The dog died within five days of Although it is not known what would “become lively and vibrant”, open the pub, they have just bought showing the first symptoms. causes the complaint, dog owners are making good use of the site, without it as a building. The last thing the Three cases have been reported to advised to wash their pets’ paws after compromising the amenities of local area needs is another convenience the east of the town, although the a walk as a precaution, particularly if residents and people using the area. store.” biggest concentration is in the South they have been in mud. It suggests the proposal reflects Annabel Matthews, who lives op- Downs, in the Portsmouth area. The first sign normally seen is a the character of the area by provid- posite the pub, is concerned about The illness appeared in the late skin sore that isn’t caused by a known ing a shop floor fronting the road, the lack of design detail provided, 1980s, affecting greyhounds in Amer- injury, most commonly below the adding that most customers would particularly with regard to external ica, and there have been 65 confirmed elbow or knee. be local, with “plenty of parking lighting. She says the changes fail to cases of the disease in the UK since “Any dog owners who think their spaces” available in Milton Street recognise the architectural character 2012. pet has Alabama Rot symptoms and the surrounding area. of “a prominent, historic and dis- Veterinary specialists who have should contact their nearest vet im- So far, three neighbours have ob- tinctive local building”. been monitoring the spread of the mediately,” said a spokesman. jected, claiming the change of use She has also called on the council disease, officially called cutaneous “This will help build knowledge fails to recognise the historic and to re-advertise the planning applica- and renal glomerular vasculopathy, about the spread of the disease and community value of the pub and the tion, given that the public notice say it does not target any specific also give a dog the best chance of sur- number of convenience stores in the was “hanging upside down and breed, age, sex or weight of dog. vival.” area. All have written to Maidstone back to front” for two weeks.

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Maidstone Town March 2016 45 downsmail.co.uk

filling the gaps that had been created.

aihCouncils Parish Barming Loose Community awards Members formally Pavilion A quote was accepted from Austin adopted the Kent Association of Local Trees Loose had been awarded a highly Electricals for a heater in the south room, Councils community awards scheme and commended certificate in the Kent Men of booster switch and electric point to be agreed who from the local community the Trees village competition 2015. Rita installed. The firm would be asked to Hood was thanked for her help in taking would be nominated. proceed with the work. judges around the parish. Crossing Cllr Sandra Manser voiced her Parish hall The new heaters had been Bike A mountain bike had been left at the concerns about the beacons at the zebra installed and were working well. A light in King George V playing field some time ago. the hall was not working so the clerk crossing on Tonbridge Road –when it is It was agreed the bike could be re-housed if would contact the electrician. foggy, you cannot see the lights, which it was not claimed by the next meeting. Hedge A complaint had been received could cause an accident. The clerk would Bank Information was received on the new regarding the recent cuing of the hedge ask the highways steward to look into the online bank account with Unity Trust and a along Bull Orchard. Members agreed that maer. transfer of £50,000 was authorised from the hedge had been cut far too short and Accident A member of the public had Barclays into the new account so that future that Cllr Doe’s suggestion of a chestnut fallen on a slippery pavement in Belmont payments could be made online. The fence being installed to help the hedge Close and broken their arm and collar Barclays account would remain open until recover was needed. The clerk would bone. The pavement had recently been all direct debits and payment contact Kent Highway Services and surfaced. The clerk would report this to authorisations had been transferred. Maidstone Council to ascertain who cut the Kent Highway Services and suggest the McAlpine Works to the vegetation on the hedge and who was now responsible in steward visits the site to inspect it. ragstone wall had been completed.

rm reports Crime A WALLET and mobile phone equipment was stolen from a car in Melville Road. A radio was taken from a vehicle in Neighbourhood Watch Week Street. A window was smashed at a home in Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Tufton Street. A wing mirror was taken from a vehicle Tonbridge Road, Barming. Equipment was stolen from an in Courtenay Road. Petrol was syphoned from a Rover car in outbuilding at a property in Tonbridge Two mountain bikes were taken from a Victoria Street. Road, Fant. block of flats in Brockman Place. They had A pink bicycle was taken from the front The number plates were removed from a been secured to a metal bike rack. of a home in Milton Street, Fant. vehicle in Well Street, Loose. Jewellery was stolen from a property in The baery was stolen from a Vauxhall Glue was used to damage the front door Tufton Street. Astra in Bower Street. of a property in Egerton Road. The front of a shop was damaged in the A Mini parked in Bower Lane, Fant had A fence was damaged at a property in High Street. its aerial broken off. The Hedges. A window was broken at a flat in Upper A Mercedes car was damaged in Bower A van was broken into on the drive of a Stone Street. Street. property in Sandling Lane but nothing People were seen kicking a vehicle and A green and white mountain bike was appeared to have been taken. damaging a wing mirror in Hayle Road. taken from Roseholme, Fant. A car was scratched in Arundel Street. A door was damaged at a restaurant in A vehicle was deliberately damaged Plants were damaged in a garden in Maidstone High Street. outside a house in Hatherall Road. Perry Street. A Ford Fiesta parked in Kingsley Road A Citroen van was broken into in Power tools were taken from a vehicle in was broken into and searched. Nothing Cooling Close. Two men were seen North Way. appeared to have been taken. driving off in a dark coloured VW Jea. A Makita drill was stolen from a Peugeot Cash was stolen from a Ford Mondeo A car parked in County Road was van in Gladstone Road. parked in Basing Close. broken into. Nothing appeared to have A Ford Fiesta was scratched in Fisher A Vauxhall Corsa and a Peugeot 207 in a been taken. Street. car park in College Road were broken into Items were stolen from a car in Camden A sign was taken from outside a and searched. Nothing appears to have Street. premises in Staceys Street. been taken. An Ipod Nano was taken from Graffiti was wrien on the windscreen of A window was smashed on a van in a Ford Fiesta in the same road. a vehicle in Clifford Way, Fant. Staplers Court but nothing was taken. A door was damaged in a break-in at a A mobile phone was taken from a Number plates were taken from a vehicle home in Union Street. Nothing appeared property in Week Street. in The Hedges. to have been taken. The doors of a garage and a shed of a There was a break-in at a garage in a A Citroen C3 was broken into on a property in Glebe Lane, Fant were block in Bicknor Road, Park Wood but driveway in College Road. Nothing damaged but nothing was taken. nothing appeared to have been taken. appeared to have been taken. A car was scratched in a parking bay in Fishing equipment was taken from a A car was broken into in Brunswick Wheeler Street. garage at a home in Thomas Rider Way, Street and a sports bag containing clothes A hut at a property in Tonbridge Road, Boughton Monchelsea. was stolen. Fant was entered but nothing appeared to Items were stolen from an unlocked car Items were stolen in a break-in at the have been taken. in St Catherine’s Road, Park Wood and the garage of a home in College Avenue. A car window was smashed in Union ignition barrel was damaged. There was also an aempt to enter the Street. A communal greenhouse was house which failed. A purple and green mountain bike was deliberately damaged in Northumberland A vehicle in Upper Road was scratched. stolen from a rack on the back of a Skoda Road, Shepway. A BMW 525 parked on a driveway in in Fennel Close, Fant. A VW Polo was stolen from Bicknor College Avenue was broken into. Nothing Road, Park Wood and later recovered A vehicle in St Andrew’s Road was appeared to have been taken. nearby. deliberately damaged. The tyres were damaged on a vehicle There was a break-in at a shed on an parked in George Street. allotment in Upper Fant Road, Fant but A Vauxhall van was broken into in nothing was taken. Courtlands Close. Tools, including a PROTECT A vehicle in Tonbridge Road was Dewalt drill, a John Deer drill and a broken into. CCTV footage was being Metabo grinder were stolen. YOUR HOME assessed. A grey Ford Ranger was stolen from a ALARMS FROM Items were stolen from a vehicle in farmyard in Tonbridge Road, Barming. +VAT Tonbridge Road. £495 The number plates were removed from a A van parked in Holmesdale, Loose was ALARMS & SECURITY LTD vehicle in Hart Street, Fant. broken into and tools taken. Red diesel was stolen from a yard in 01622 880751

46 Maidstone Town March 2016 downsmail.co.uk News Clamour to rethink local plan MAIDSTONE Council has been given a clear mandate to look again at its controversial local plan. More than 300 people, mostly radio presenter John Warnett, in- increase in housing would see up to from rural parishes, attended a cluded analytics expert Dr Rebecca 50,000 more cars on the road. public meeting called by the town’s Driver, who has been instrumental Council leader Fran Wilson said ‘Vanity project’ two MPs to discuss the borough’s in drawing up Headcorn’s neigh- members had listened to many DR Felicity Simpson, from Thurn- fate over the next 15 years. bourhood plan. hours of debate and representations ham, a long-time campaigner for Many residents voiced their dis- She argued the figures were an from the public to reach this point. CPRE Kent and pleasure at the council earmarking assessment, not a projection and She said: “We live in a very diffi- key player in the housing sites in the south and south was critical of the council adding cult planning world. We can argue fight against the east to help meet the borough tar- 1,000 to the consultants’ figures to about what we would like to have Kent Interna- get of 18,560 new homes between improve housing affordability. She – but it is not what we have. We are tional Gateway 2011 and 2031 said: “There is no evidence that in- being developer led. We have to proposal, was Speakers from Otham, Headcorn creasing the number of houses will stop and take control of our own one of several and Coxheath were among the improve their affordability.” destiny.” people to op- many who claim infrastructure is Chris Dobson, who said he was “It is not right to say we have pose the inclu- already at breaking point and traf- from the “soon-to-be-destroyed vil- acted blithely. I wish the figures sion of Woodcut fic flows unmanageable. There lage of Otham” said the traffic gen- were not as they are, but I fear they Farm as a site for future economic were accusations that the council erated by proposed developments are. I truly believe we are stuck.” development, describing it as the was failing to listen to residents’ in Otham would cause gridlock By not getting a local plan in council’s “vanity project”. views. while Headcorn resident John place, the council would find itself KCC Cllr Jenny Whittle said it was However, head of planning Rob Marsh said he and his wife already in a far worse situation, she said. a farce that the council had just Jarman said there had been four avoided driving into Maidstone be- Panellist Matthew Balfour, KCC fought a planning application public consultations since the cause of the traffic congestion. cabinet member for environment against the Waterside Park devel- process began in 2011.” He said: “People will find it im- and transport, said KCC was a con- opment near M20 Junction 8, yet Cllr Marion Ring (pictured) was possible to get into town and the sultee in the process, in the same was proposing in its draft local plan a lone voice who spoke up for the economy will decline – and that way individual residents were, but a similar development on land close by. urban area, beg- will be Maidstone Council’s fault.” stressed the housing numbers were ging people to KCC remains at loggerheads only a target and constraints, such think about the with the borough over its inte- as lack of facilities and infrastruc- Call for bypass high numbers of grated transport strategy, claiming ture, could be applied to bring the COUNCILLOR Annabelle Black- homeless people the latest report focuses unrealisti- figure down. more called on KCC to work with and about future cally on cycling and walking, when KCC has suggested Maidstone the two MPs to secure the neces- generations who only 0.8% of the public actually reviews its figures in 2020 in the sary funding for a Leeds-Langley would need af- uses these forms of transport to get light of this. bypass. fordable housing. to work. Paul Carter, leader of KCC, has She said: “Let’s stop being nega- She said there were 462 homeless With limited and unreliable pub- warned Maidstone could face a tive and plan something positive.” families in the borough and the lic transport, this figure was un- public inquiry if it did not bow to County council leader Paul Carter number was increasing all the time. likely to suddenly escalate and the public pressure. said: “If we can find £55m from the She asked: “Where will our grand- Government and parishes, we children live? As responsible peo- might be able to do it in the next ple, we need to start putting things five to 10 years.” in perspective. This is not for us, Review of figure is agreed Keith Cook, director of Ecobuild but for the future generations.” OF the 55 councillors who voted in January to put the draft local UK, said his company had been try- Although Helen Whately, MP for plan out to Regulation 19 public consultation, 13 voted against. Four ing for two years to open a dia- Mid Kent and Faversham, accepted others were absent. logue with the council on a housing there was a need for more housing, One of them, Cllr Gordon Newton from Otham, proposed a mo- project on low-grade agricultural she questioned the sense of putting tion at the end of the public meeting, held at the Maidstone Stu- land, which would help fund a relief it in rural areas with already creak- dios, calling on the council to look yet again at the housing road in Leeds-Langley and begged: ing infrastructure. numbers. It was carried almost unanimously, with only a handful of “Perhaps someone can contact The 11-strong panel, chaired by dissenters. me?” A new look for The Mall Choir’s family occasion WORK on Maidstone’s new-look Mall is now more than half way MAIDSTONE Choral Union will be tion – its first public performance. through. celebrating Easter with a perform- MCU’s Graham Hall said: The £5m programme to modernise and refurbish the shopping cen- ance of Stainer’s Crucifixion in All “Stainer’s work is moving and tre began in June last year, Saints’ Church – with a member of solemn whilst David Pennant’s the most obvious sign his family taking part. work is joyful and engaging, with being the shiny new en- This well-loved standard was echoes of calypso, show tunes and trance on King Street, written by John Stainer in 1887. His a real sense of musical theatre. sporting the definitive great-grandson Mike Newsom, “The audience gets a chance to Mall brand. The Gabriel’s from Sittingbourne, is a member of join in We Shall Overcome and Hill entrance is due to be Maidstone Choral Union. Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of revamped in the spring. Mike’s cousin, David Pennant, is the Coming of the Lord, with Internal pilasters have also a great-grandson of Stainer which the work ends.” been removed to give a and a musician in the South East. The choir will be conducted by more open-plan and un- David thought the story didn’t Martin Hindmarsh and the evening cluttered appearance and end with the crucifixion so two commences at 7.30pm. Tickets are work is ongoing on new years ago he wrote The Resurrec- £12 on the door or from the ticket flooring and lighting. tion. secretary on 01622 726193 or Built in 1976, the Mall began life as the Stoneborough Centre, and Maidstone Choral Union will fol- email:[email protected] was rebranded as The Chequers Centre in the early 1990s. It is now low their March 12 performance of and from Maidstone Museum Vis- part of Capital and Regionals’ six-strong Mall portfolio. the Crucifixion with The Resurrec- itors’ Centre 01622 602169.

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