downsmail.co.uk Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper FREE April 2020 No. 276 Coronavirus: latest news and advice News WITH hundreds of coronavirus dered to stay at home, our com- and report on the measures busi- cases now confirmed in Kent, munities have rallied round to nesses can take to stay afloat in the borough from Lenham to make sure the vulnerable do not the most uncertain of times. Leeds, Staplehurst to Stockbury suffer. And you can keep tabs round is all but shut down. Inside we have extensive cov- the clock with our online cover- While schools have been erage of how COVID-19 has im- age at www.downsmail.co.uk closed, shoppers forced to queue pacted on this part of Kent. l News and comment on pages, for groceries and families or- We offer advice to stay safe 4, 19, 20, 21 and 46 Sir David to move on KEEP in touch with all that’s going on in our borough, 24 hours from Leeds Castle role a day, via our free online Daily Downs Mail news service. SIR David Steel, the chief executive of Leeds Castle, has decided to step Whether it’s to catch up on the latest breaking news as it hap- down after five years in the post. pens with Daily Downs Mail or Downs Mail understands Sir derstanding that I have not de- events down your way on our David has been linked to the job served but shall never forget.” Community Notice board, you of Governor of Gibraltar since be- He said he had tried to reach won’t miss a thing. fore Christmas, but the British out to the community and to op- Just click onto www.downs- overseas territory has not made erate alongside local businesses mail.co.uk. any official announcement. and organisations. Or why not follow us on Face- The former Second Sea Lord Sir David’s announcement fol- book @DownsMailNewspaper or chose the Leeds and Broomfield lows the huge success of the 900th Twitter @DownsMail. parish newsletter to tell the wider anniversary celebrations, but he public of his decision to leave, leaves as the castle and its Obituaries à32 which left him “overwhelmed by grounds are shut to the public sadness”. due to the coronavirus pandemic. Parishes à34-35 He paid special thanks to his He has been a popular chief ex- CONDOLENCES were offered by “family” at Leeds Castle since he ecutive, with a reputation for members at Bredhurst after the arrived in 2015 after a long and being a “people person”. death of Deputy Mayor Wendy distinguished Naval career. Sir David’s name was linked to Hinder; overhanging boughs of Sir David (59) writes: “For the old-fashioned Naval habits, com- the Gibraltar job last November, trees surrounding the cricket last five years, that family has plete OCD when it comes to stan- but the authorities have not offi- ground at Lenham would be cut welcomed and tolerated me in a dards and, at times, some pretty cially named anyone. back; feedback about the new way I might never have thought mad ideas as to how to take Leeds With The Rock currently on a community shop at Detling has possible. Castle forward, I have been state of total lockdown and police been postive. “With all my quirkiness, stupid treated with a kindness and un- issuing fines to law-breakers, it is unlikely a new governor will be Crime Reports à35 appointed until later this year, at WOOD burning stoves were stolen the earliest. from a house in Broomfield; diesel Sir David succeeded Victoria Drives, Patios, Walls, was taken from a Scania lorry Wallace who became the Director Fences, Design etc. parked at a petrol station in General of the Commonwealth Detling; a handbag containing FREE ESTIMATES War Graves Commission. bank cards and driving licence was In a 36-year Royal Navy career, (01622) 738933 • 07753 818882 stolen in Boxley. 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Price and details correct at time of going to print. Computer Generated Images shown are for indicative purposes only. 2 Maidstone East April 2020 downsmail.co.uk News Man in a sweat A MAN accused of possessing a Carved tree to greet curved dagger and knuckle duster was sent home when he turned up at court sweating and coughing. Nathan Kettle had rung Maid- stone Magistrates Court beforehand visitors to our town to say he was unwell, but he was or- dered to attend, or face being ar- TALENTED chainsaw artist den of England. I think it has rested by police. Peter Leadbeater has carved an made a big difference, and we But when Mr Kettle (30), of Tem- old tree into an inventive tribute plan on carving more designs on ple Way, East Malling, came to court to the Garden of England. trees on the main road very with flu-like symptoms, he was told The sculpture is designed to soon.” to return home immediately. Court help improve the appearance of Cllr Derek Mortimer said: “This officials decided that because of the the A20 Ashford Road and to act project has proved to be a won- current coronavirus scare, it would as a “welcome” to Maidstone. derful opportunity to enhance the be unwise for Mr Kettle to proceed. The four-metre wooden street scene for the enjoyment of An usher had told a clerk at the wildlife monument is at the junc- our residents and visitors along court that the defendant had pre- tion of the A20 and New Cut this busy approach road. sented looking obviously ill, with a Road by the traffic lights. “It not only enhances the ap- bad cough and signs of a fever. Mr Leadbeater (52), who has pearance of the road but supports worked on big scale sculptures wildlife in the process whilst pro- for more than 10 years, told moting cycling and walking along Check events Downs Mail: “I am really happy the route too. THE spread of the coronavirus has it’s been received so well; people “The heritage element of the led to the cancellation of some stop their cars or beep as they county town is important, and events in all our publication areas. drive past to tell me how nice it this has also been recognised. We have taken every effort to en- looks, which is what I’m here for. Hopefully we can continue this sure diary dates have been checked “The council approached me as initiative on other approach roads before this edition went to press. they wanted to make the entrance around the town in future.” However, with the fast-moving to Maidstone a bit more impres- There will also be an iguanodon nature of events surrounding the sive and welcoming, and I just re- carving, a bug hotel, a cast-iron COVID-19 virus, we would ally enjoy doing it more than townscape silhouette and more strongly urge readers to check with anything. It’s a tribute to the Gar- coming in the next few weeks. the organisers first. YMCA MAIDSTONE Best things in life are FREE at YMCA Keep an eye on our Website for news on re-opening All our fitness memberships benefit from FREE Creche, FREE Carpark, FREE WIFI T NO C and over 60 fantastic Group C ON RA T T R N THIS A O C T C Exercise Classes a week MONTH ONLY N O O N (terms and conditions apply) NO C T O C N A T CONTR RACT R Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, T A N C O T C N Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD O Tel: 01622 749404 www.maidstoneymca.org.uk Find us on Charity Number: 1110087 SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION Maidstone East April 2020 3 News | Coronavirus downsmail.co.uk NHS search for hospitals Schools site builders HEALTH bosses are looking at op- tions for temporary hospitals in Kent to deal with the coronavirus which is expected to hit its peak in ignored 2 metre rule the next two or three weeks. According to one report, the THE building firm behind Maidstone's new schools has come under NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group says no fire for allowing workers to flout social distancing rules on site. sites have yet been identified, but Images taken at the site clearly we understand the old Somerfield show Bowmer and Kirkland work- Hospital building in London Road, ers not observing the two-metre Maidstone, has been suggested as guideline designed to prevent the a possible location. spread of deadly coronavirus. We have been told that it has The controversial development, been discussed at a senior level at just yards from a mental hospital the borough council.