Maidstone - Downsmail.co.uk
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Maidstone - Downsmail.co.uk
Four editions delivered to over 88,000 homes every month downsmail.co.uk Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper Maidstone Town Edition FREE Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling September 2015 No. 221 Bid to end ‘phoenix’ firms tax loophole News THOUSANDS of pounds of tax is going unpaid because of entrepreneurs who claim their Maidstone-based businesses are bankrupt, only for their assets to be transferred to a company with a different name. The recipient is known as a phoenix company and though the practice is legal, Maidstone Council is lobbying for a change in the law after recently writing off £636,883 in unrecoverable business rates from 18 failed public limited companies, accumulated during seven years. Downs Mail can reveal that Mark Wilson (52) and his brother Robert (56), who live in separate addresses in Discovery Road, Bearsted, have continued to run Strawberry Moons despite being directors of a string of companies registered at the nightclub's address of 28-32 Gabriel’s Hill that wound up with debts of £2.89m. This figure includes more than £630,000 owed to the taxman and £63,895 to Maidstone Council. The brothers were additionally directors of two Ashford-based companies – one previously trading as Strawberry Moons Ltd – that went under with debts of £1.4m, including £327,000 to HMRC. In all, one or both of the Wilson brothers have served on the boards of 10 companies that have folded in the past seven years, owing £4.29m. One of their failed companies was 1MK Ltd, which had the same address as the nightclub and went under in May last year, owing Maidstone Council £15,403. The council’s policy and resources com- Luke’s degree of success A STUDENT from Maidstone who was turned down for his 11-plus exam is hoping to inspire others after picking up a first-class honours degree. As pupils across the borough received their A-level results, Luke Coomber (21), from The Hedgerow, Grove Green, proved that academic success can be achieved without attending a grammar school. Luke (pictured) said: “You are very young when the choice is made as to whether or not you are good enough to go to a grammar school. At that 23 YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT [email protected] 01622 690290 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent mittee recently agreed to write off this debt. However, since October 2014 they have been directors of Club Trading Ltd, for whom their registered address is 28-32 Gabriel’s Hill. The following month Strawberry Moons issued a health and safety statement that confirmed the brothers remained directors of the nightclub. Robert Wilson said: “It is with deep regret that these companies went into liquidation due to the recession. It is also unfortunate that Maidstone Borough Council has had to write off £15,000 in rates. “Everything has been done in the correct and legal 6 Cash query as bypass agreed MAIDSTONE Council is set to press ahead with the Leeds-Langley bypass, but there is still no indication of how the scheme will be funded. The proposed road linking the A274 south-east of Maidstone with the A20 near M20 Junction 8 has been an aspiration for more than 30 years. It has become even more important in recent years, with the council's local plan target of 18,560 homes between 2011 and 2031 including about 4,000 homes along the Sutton Road corridor. Previously the link road idea had caused divisions but the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board, containing borough, county and parish councillors, has recommended the inclusion of the scheme in the Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS), which will form part of the local plan. But Cllr Paul Carter, who lives in Langley and represents Maidstone Rural 8 Fun on the river ALMOST 100 boats lined the Medway for the informal boat gathering, collated by River Medway Boaters. 14 Students celebrate SCHOOLS across the borough have reported recordbreaking A-level results. 22 Hospital boost THE local NHS Trust says the treatment of strokes is 26 improving. Congestion hope MANSTON Airfield will be used to ease the misery caused 28 by Operation Stack. End of market era MAIDSTONE Country Market has closed just months after 46 its 70th anniversary. Obituaries 32-33 Comment 46-47 34 Crime Reports 47 A NUMBER of vehicles were scratched while parked overnight in the Bower Place and Bower Lane areas of Fant. Parish Councils 47 COLD callers had been arousing suspicion by offering cut-price furniture and enquiring about parked cars in Loose; volunteers were requested to act as flood wardens and to help organise next year’s fete in Tovil. Ramblin’ fun MAIDSTONE proved it could rock with the best of them, in spite of the rain, when the Ramblin’ Man Fair paid its first visit to the town. Thousands endured Sunday’s downpours at the rock weekender in Mote Park and a repeat performance is planned 16 next year. 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The Living Café in Earl Street has prided itself on serving nutritious, locally-sourced food in a friendly and intimate atmosphere. Now, when the soup and sandwiches are sold out, the cafe switches at 4.30pm to serving liquid refreshment, thanks to the Crafty Alehouse – a new micro-pub pouring pints from four casks stored in the cafe’s cellars. Sandwiched between the Earl’s and Druids pubs, the Crafty Alehouse is run by brothers Sam and Joe Otway, and estate agent Ben Siggins. The new owners hope to attract customers looking for a quiet drink before or after a meal. Man cut free in car crash rescue KENT Fire and Rescue was called to a crash involving two cars in Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone. They found a man in his mid-30s trapped in one of the cars complaining of neck and chest pain. Crews removed the driver’s door and worked with paramedics to get him into an ambulance before making the scene safe. I’ll be back, promises cancer scare councillor A POPULAR borough councillor is fighting his way back to full health after doctors gave him only a 20% chance of surviving a cancer scare. Cllr Brian Mortimer, who lives in Heath Road, Coxheath, went to Pembury Hospital in May with a suspected perforated bowel. He was admitted and woke up 10 days later in intensive care, having had both a cancerous tumour and abscess removed. He said: “Don’t ask me what happened during those 10 days – I have no idea. I was totally out of it. Apparently, the doctors tried to wake me up four times without success; it was only on the fifth occasion, after 10 days, that I opened my eyes.” At one point, Cllr Mortimer’s wife Dianne and close family were told he had only a 20% chance of pulling through. The former Mayor of Maidstone, known for his jovial and outgoing personality, went on to develop septicaemia (blood poisoning) and developed a second abscess in his leg, both of which were success- fully treated. He said: “I consider myself to be a very lucky lad and am only thankful I am here to tell the tale.” After being bed-bound in hospital for a month, Cllr Mortimer (61) now faces a six-month spell of chemotherapy as a preventative measure in case any cancer cells have survived. He said: “I’m not looking forward to it, but it is the sensible thing to do. “Every day is now so very precious to me, as there is still a lot I want to do – but I’m alive and kick- Maidstone ing, that’s the main thing. I love life – and I’ll be back!” The former electrician and builder, who has served Coxheath and Hunton ward since 1996, paid tribute to his family and friends who had rallied round during his convalescence. He said: “I’ve had kind wishes from people I don’t even know!” Although it will be some time before he is back to full strength, Cllr Mortimer has every intention of getting back into the council chamber in the autumn. He said: “My brain still works, but my body soon gets tired and I get frustrated that I can’t do much.” Brian has been a stalwart of the council, and a regular member on various committees, since his election 19 years ago. When not attending council meetings and serving his ward members, he enjoys playing the guitar and playing in a band. He is also a keen member of the Coxheath twinning association. For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk At home bathing/ showering/washing service provided by our bathing assistants in the comfort of your own home Cost One/first bath only £10.40 Second bath in the same week £7.50 Privacy and dignity guaranteed at all times 7 Mill Street Please call our office on Maidstone 01622 753618 ME15 6XW www.ageuk.org.uk/Maidstone Charity No: 1062733 to register for the service Maidstone Town September 2015 3 News downsmail.co.uk Facelift to boost “twilight” zone WORK to revamp The Mall in Maidstone could see a new “twilight” shopping facility to bridge the gap between day and nighttime activities. A £5m facelift, most of which will take place during the night, will see new flooring, lighting and entrances installed to the town centre shopping outlet in a bid to encourage more shoppers. Longer-term, owners Capital and Regional plan to spend £100m on creating a cleaner, brighter centre that will encourage shoppers to stay longer in town – and spend more money. New leisure facilities and additional food and drink outlets are planned to bridge the gap between daytime shopping and the town’s busy night time economy – restaurants, bars, cinemas and nightclubs. The trademark canopy in King Street will be taken down as part of the first phase, being replaced with a bright new glass entrance, along with changes to the other main entrance at the bottom of Gabriel’s Hill. Capital and Regional say improvements to another of their outlets has seen a 2% increase in footfall. Access threat helps to scupper homes scheme THE owner of a dance and events venue in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone says she was prepared to refuse developer access had a scheme for five homes been approved. Margaret Preedy (pictured) lives at No 33, from where she has run her dance studios for 15 years. She strongly objected to a proposal to develop on the former Budget Rent-a-Car site nearby, and told Maidstone Council's planning committee, before its decision to refuse the scheme: “The only access to this proposed site is across private land, owned by me. There is no independent access. “I have the right to move this access at any time with two months’ notice, which I could be forced to do to protect my business, thus making these plans non-viable. “I run classes six days and evenings a week for adults and children as young as four years old. I run school holiday clubs with children on the premises all day. I have The premises in Tonbridge Road party and wedding bookings in for every weekend this year, and into future years. “It would be wrong to accept that any of these events could be watched by overlooking residents. This past week, in excess of 1,400 people came through my front door. Over a year there could be 100,000 visitors. “The front windows of the proposed development will be less than 2m from my busy car park with my guests leaving late in the weekday evenings and past midnight at the weekends. “I will not be prepared to accept any complaints that may arise from this and will insist on no windows facing my premises and full sound insulation used in the build.” Mr Atkins, representing the applicant, said the site had been marketed for business use for two years, but had no takers. However, Cllr Stephen Paine, a member of the committee, said: “I think I have supported every brownfield regeneration scheme since I became a councillor [in 2008]. “But for this one I really do have concerns. The layout is very dense and there is a lot of overlooking. It has happened before, when we have had housing next to a business, the residents start a campaign. Before you know it, a successful business will have an enforcement notice, which is the last thing we will want.” Cllr Brian Clark, also on the committee, said: “It is ironic that a Renta-Car site caused less harm than housing but we are shoehorning in large family homes. I can see some great problems if this goes ahead.” The committee voted to refuse due to the proposal's cramped design and its lack of amenity area. HUGE SAVINGS E L A ON SHOWROOM DISPLAY MODELS BEDSTEADS MATTRESSES S N POCKET SPRUNG BEDS W t go O D us G m k N SI toc s O l l L A C Visit our huge showroom spread across 2 floors. Bedsteads, divans, drawer divans, adjustable beds and mattresses. YOUR INDEPENDENT BED SPECIALIST Chris Gammon Bed Centre 01622 675770 / 687671 Email: [email protected] web: www.chrisgammonbedcentre.co.uk UNIT 19/20 MID-KENT SHOPPING CENTRE, CASTLE ROAD (off London Road). ALLINGTON, MAIDSTONE, KENT.ME16 0PU OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9am – 5.00 pm 4 Maidstone Town September 2015 downsmail.co.uk News Help charity to bridge shortfall MAIDSTONE Mencap is hoping locals will dig deep to help the charity keep its historic base in the town’s Mote Park. The charity, founded 47 years ago, runs a popular playgroup, as well as holiday and youth clubs, at its base in the park’s Cobtree Hall. But the former church is falling into disrepair and now needs £160,000 spending on the roof, guttering and stonework to ensure its survival. Maidstone Mencap is £52,000 short of funds for the first phase and would need an extra £30,000 to complete the second. At a time when the charity is already struggling to stay solvent, the news has come as a bitter blow. The group is loathe to relinquish the historic building in a picturesque setting where the children can play safely both inside and out. Consequently, it has launched a campaign to raise funds and secure any appropriate grants and dona- tions toward the cost of the work. Maidstone Mencap caters for children and young people with both learning and physical disabilities. Many of them also have additional medical needs, are autistic and have difficulty communicating or challenging behaviour, any of which may mean they are excluded from other clubs. The playschool runs each Tuesday and Thursday in term time, from 10am to 2pm, catering for up to 25 children aged two to five from Maidstone, Malling and the Weald. A dedicated team of volunteers means the children get 1:1 care. The charity gets no government funding so is entirely dependent upon donations. For more information on how to help, donate or volunteer, visit www.maidstonemencap.org For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk STONE GREEN NURSERIES Wholesale Nursery open to the public 4th - 6th and 25th - 27th September A new lease of life for Maidstone’s 12th-century Corpus Christi Hall Ancient to modern revival A 12TH-century hall in Maidstone, mothballed for 15 years, is to open its doors to the public following a six-month renovation project. The Corpus Christi Hall in Earl Street is now available for private hire in the latest twist to its colourful past. It was home to Maidstone grammar school for 300 years, from 1549, and also housed the town’s Whitbread brewery. Part of the building was most recently used as the reception for Avis rent-a-car, while the rest lay empty for 15 years. The hall’s historic character remains in place thanks to its original features including two crown posts with chamfered tie beams, a passage with five stone arches, and traces of a wooden partition that originally divided the hall in two. The renovation has meticulously restored the building, with its origi- nal sprung floor and vaulted ceiling. Now, the hall boasts a bar and commercial kitchen, which are available for wedding receptions, corporate events, birthdays and any celebrations. The owner, described as a “very private person”, added: “I had a vision for an events hall but something that was a little different. That is when the hall came about and although it was an obvious challenge, I could see the huge potential and honour to open such a prestigious building. We believe we now have what is a magnificent result, with it retaining its original charm and features.” The public can view the premises for free from noon to 4pm on Sunday, September 13, as part of Maidstone Council’s Heritage Open Days. Details on 01622 670011, or email [email protected]. We grow our fantastic range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets. We invite you to our open days We have a truly exquisite selection to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. Huge range and fair prices Your selection will come from our growing beds, you can’t buy fresher If you have a taste for plants we can offer you a feast. *Shrubs*Trees*Herbaceous perennials*Climbers* *Large plants for instant impact* 9am-5pm Fri, Sat, Sun and BHM. Truly a gardener’s paradise Pluckley Road Bethersden TN26 3ET Please remember we are only open on these dates We accept most major credit cards For detailed directions please use website Follow day –glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden Maidstone Town September 2015 5 News Business rates | downsmail.co.uk £100k debt wrien off MAIDSTONE Council has written off more than £100,000 in unpaid business rates associated with the recently closed Wonderland nightclub. Stephen Charles Thomas (62), who is registered at a Milton Keynes address, was a director of two separate companies based at Lockmeadow that have gone bust. He was the sole director of NSG (Maidstone) Ltd, which went into liquidation in January this year owing Maidstone Council £56,705 in business rates. Mr Thomas was also one of two directors of TMH (XL) Limited, which went into administration in July last year, owing the council £59,318. The council’s policy and resources committee agreed to write off the £116,000 debt. Going back to the 1990s, not long after the Lockmeadow complex was built, the premises has seen a variety of clubs – including Jumpin Jaks, Liquid and Envy and Ikon – come and go. For the past three years, its reincarnation as Wonderland had young clubbers flocking to the west side of the Medway. However, Maidstone Council has approved an application to turn part of the club into a trampolining centre, to be run by Gravity Fitness Ltd. Wonderland closed its doors this summer for the final time with a foam party for under 18s. WHEN a company goes bankrupt, a second company can start up overnight with the same directors – but without any obligation to pay for the failed company’s losses. This is because they appear to be different entities. The new firm is known as a phoenix company. Fraud happens when directors abuse the phoenix company arrangement by transferring the assets of the failing company below their market value before insolvency, which reduces the funds available to creditors. There is no suggestion of any illegality in any of the companies we have featured in our investigation. Wonderland nightclub in Maidstone’s Lockmeadow complex could become a centre for trampolining Call for legislation to close loophole Continued from page one manner. We are currently employing over 100 people full- and parttime in Maidstone town centre. “We have been operating in Maidstone for over 22 years, contributing millions in taxes and rates and will continue to do so in the future. We personally took heavy losses (approx £1m) but have continued to reinvest into the Maidstone economy that is now coming out of one of the worse recessions in history.” Despite the debts already accrued in charge of businesses that went into liquidation, the Wilson brothers were able to launch The Brenchley in the High Street two years ago. At the time their failed companies owed at least £667 to Maidstone Town Centre Management, who still promoted the opening of the pub in its summer 2013 newsletter. The council has sent a letter to the Local Government Association calling for a change Mark Wilson in the law regarding the ease in which debts can be written off and phoenix companies created. The leader of the council Cllr Fran Wilson (no relation to Mark or Robert) would not comment on individual cases but said: “If a company known to us closes and reopens under a different name there is absolutely nothing Maidstone Council can do about it, other than collect business rates in the normal way. Until the Government decides to legislate against it there is little we can do.” Cllr Steve McLoughlin, a member of the policy and resources committee, said a possible solution was to demand the payment of business rates upfront from companies considered a risk. Of the business rates that Maidstone Council successfully collects, it gets to keep 40%, with 10% given to KCC and the remainder to the Government. Although more than 97.6% of Maidstone businesses pay their rates on time, the council is currently owed more than £1.5m in unpaid rates. Government and council both big losers IN the past half-decade eight public limited companies, of which either or both of Mark and Robert Wilson have been directors, have gone bust with huge debts. Documents seen by the Downs Mail confirm that they are all linked to Strawberry Moons’ registered address of 28-32 Gabriel's Hill, Maidstone. They were liquidated on the following months: February 2010 Wilson Fun Company owed £1.1m, including £130,962 to HMRC. March 2010 Partner Club owed £703,842, including £82,305 to HMRC and £32,937 to Maidstone Council. 6 January 2012 Big Fix (Robert Wilson only) owed £104,679, including £82,771 to HMRC and £3,611 to Maidstone Council. April 2012 Kent Nightclub (additional director June Wilson (83), of Oak Croft, Bearsted) owed £188,142, including £101,971 to HMRC and £8,163 to Maidstone Council. May 2013 Mad Star (minus Robert Wilson; additional director June Wilson) owed £102,863, including £78,969 to HMRC and £3,500 to Maidstone Council. May 2014 Kent Club (additional director June Wilson) owed £317,495, including £24,553 to Maidstone Town September 2015 HMRC and £281 to Maidstone Council. May 2014 1MK Ltd (additional director Valerie Cradduck (62), of Penenden Street, Maidstone) owed £141,737, including £41,452 to HMRC and £15,403 to Maidstone Council. March 2015 Openscore (additional director June Wilson) owed £318,705, including £88,323 to HMRC. Ailing pub kept alive A MARRIED couple have been able to keep hold of The White Horse pub in London Road, Maidstone after being forced to put their struggling company into liquidation. Palmers Pub Company Limited, owned by Lee Palmer (58) and his wife Sandra (56), went into liquidation in November 2014, leaving a £34,000 debt in business rates that Maidstone Council has written off. Due to difficulties in meeting running costs of The White Horse, which the Allington couple have run since 2009, they lost their home but remain the pub’s landlords after a family member took it over under a new company name. Lee said: “It is unfortunate that, despite all the hard work and effort we have put into this business, we were advised to go into liquidation due to ever increasing outgoings that we could not keep up with. The biggest losses were ours, over £100,000, forcing the sale of our home, which has now all gone. We did not let any local suppliers go unpaid at any stage. “Thankfully, a family member was able to buy what was left and allowed us to continue to stay at the pub. We put our heart and soul into what we do here to offer a decent and safe environment for people to relax and enjoy themselves. “We are great supporters of local music and of local charities. We have helped to raise over £3,000 this year alone for various causes. We will continue to provide a service to our community for as long as we can.” OTHER failed companies whose unpaid business rates were recently written off by Maidstone Council: Farmshop Restaurant Ltd, operating as Turning Tables, 62-63a High Street (£57,609). Virgo (London), Ltd, 365/366 Dukes Walk, The Mall (£56,705). Saffron (London) Ltd, 68 Week Street (£53,279). Super-Fly Clothing Ltd, 23 Fremlin Walk (£40,761). Invent Events Ltd, 34c Gabriel’s Hill (£30,883). Infinite Leisure Hospitality Ltd, 15-17 King Street (£18,936). Wimpy Maidstone Ltd, 5 Gabriel’s Hill (£16,915). STC Fashions Ltd, 51 Week Street (£12,720). Footchain Ltd, 17 The Mall (£419 – previous debts already written off). WHAT are your views on phoenix companies? Have you lost money in unpaid debts because a company went under, only for its owners to continue to trade the same as before? Should there be a change in the law? Contact the editor on [email protected] Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk TRADITIONAL QUALITY & VALUE THE We also have a wide range of Gourmet BBQ meats •Handmade Kebabs •Spatchcock Chickens •Butterfield Legs of Lamb Many more items available SUPER SAVER 2lb British Steak Mince Plus 2lb Chicken Breast fillets Plus 2lb Handmade Sausages Plus 2lb Diced Chuck Steak ONLY £25 Please ask for our extensive price list Subject to stock W.J. CROUCH BUTCHERS Rickwoods of Bearsted incorporating 1-2 The Parade, Bearsted Green Est. 1977 01622 737130 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUTCHER Maidstone Town September 2015 7 News downsmail.co.uk £50m bypass scheme agreed Continued from page one North, has re-emphasised the financial obstacles the project faces. The KCC leader says there would only be a total of £10m funding available for a scheme that would cost more than £50m. At the end of a two-hour debate in which it was agreed to press ahead with the idea, Cllr Carter said: “We can't promise a transport plan that can't be delivered and gives developers an opportunity to build more homes. “Don't make decisions based on total uncertainty. We need to find out how much the true cost is.” However, chairman of the board Cllr David Burton said: “We make a list of desires and then find out how they might be achieved.” The board agreed to back an ITS that includes the Leeds-Langley bypass, increased bus frequencies of up to every 10 minutes and a 50% rise in long-stay town centre parking charges. The proposal for a park and ride service in Linton was removed. The chosen strategy (DS3) could see an increase of 7% in vehicle travel times from 2014 to 2031, which compared favourably to 30% in the DS1 option. The latter included a range of small-scale junction improvements and the development of the bypass. The sustainable package (DS2), which included improved bus frequencies, Linton park and ride, enhanced walking and cycling facilities and increased parking charges, would have seen a rise of just 3%, according to consultant Amey, who was commissioned by Maidstone Council and KCC to undertake the study. Cllr Annabelle Blackmore, leader of the Conservative group on Maidstone Council, said: “The assumption has been made that 8% of people will have a modal shift and not drive, which is a possibility in urban areas but not in rural areas. “People will not cycle from Headcorn to Maidstone every single day; not from Staplehurst or Marden. It Plan for quarry Helpers listen in – for 40 years Maidstone Samaritans also works with a number of other groups and organisations, including Cruse, for breavement support; Maidstone Day Centre, to assist the homeless; and the Listeners’ service in local prisons. Deputy mayor Derek Butler presents This year it also piloted a referral a long-service award to retired scheme with a GP practice. Founder members Laurel and Bill Samaritan Daphne Earnshaw Cooper, Mandy Perrin, from Samari- ler were among the guests invited to tans Central Charity, and the deputy celebrate the branch’s 40th annivermayor of Maidstone Cllr Derek But- sary at its AGM. COUNTY COBBLER tile company Visit our showroom for an extensive range of beautiful tiles SHOE REPAIRS MENS LADIES Mosaics Porcelain Ceramic Natural Stone Heels from £11.95 Stick on Sole + Heel £21.95 Heels £6-£8 Stick on Sole + Heel £14 KEYS Yale type £5 Mortice £6 Most chipped car keys cut and replacement fobs Engraving service Watch batteries & straps replaced 16 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1RN 01622 674855 8 A DISUSED quarry and former recycling centre in Tovil could become a development of 108 homes. Maidstone Council has received a proposal for the site, off Straw Mill Hill, from Skillcrown Homes. The developer wants to put up 33 houses and 58 flats to sell on the open market. Another 17 affordable flats and houses would complete the development. The development would generate about 456 traffic movements a day. the MORE than 14,000 people in distress turned to the Samaritans in Maidstone for help last year. The figures were reported at the AGM of the local branch, which has been offering support for 40 years. The Maidstone centre’s 70 volunteers spent 224 hours a week listening to people’s problems, with out-of-hours calls diverted to other branches, meaning a helping hand all day, every day. is not practical or real. “We currently subsidise park and ride by £500,000 a year. What subsidy would we have to provide to prop this one up? ” The other option, do minimum (DM), included little more than the already-planned town centre bridge gyratory scheme and would have seen a rise of 38% in travel times. Cllr Gary Cooke, KCC member for Maidstone South East, said: “All things have to be funded, but it is important there is provision for a relief road for the residents who live here and those that move here.” The board's recommendation will go in the draft local plan document that will go out for consultation. 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Rugby’s greatest prize will visit County Hall on Thursday, September 3 as part of a national tour, before arriving at Twickenham stadium on September 18 ahead of the World Cup opening ceremony. Albums stolen A MAN admitted stealing a record collection from a house in Willington Street, Maidstone, when he appeared before Mid Kent Magistrates. Shaun Sands (47) from Tonbridge Road, Maidstone was ordered to carry out 270 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £300 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge. Speed limit A R E D U C E D speed limit is in operation on the A20 London Road between the Coldharbour roundabout and Beaver Road, Allington. The 30mph limit will enable work by Southern Gas Networks, which could continue until August 31. The work was due to start on August 10, lasting for up to 21 days. Bid to beat isolation blues TECHNOLOGY is being used increasingly to connect more and more people. From social networks, which keep friends and family in touch, to professional networks such as LinkedIn, technology is rapidly replacing the written and telephonic word. Now, in a bid to reduce social isolation in the borough, Maidstone is hosting the Kent Connects ‘Transformed by You’ challenge to bring people together in a new and exciting way. Maidstone has one of the highest concentrations of home-based businesses in Kent, with about 9,000 homeworkers in the borough, of which half own their own business. Some of the wards with lots of self-employed homeworkers are in rural areas, such as Marden, Yalding, and Boxley. With the population of the borough expected to increase by 10.2% (16,400) in the next 10 years, the town’s challenge is ‘People are better together; how can we connect them?’ and local residents are being invited to get involved. A council spokesman said: “You don’t have to have technological know-how – we’re just looking for ideas to get the ball rolling.” The challenge is in two parts. First, people are being asked to submit their ideas which could help anyone who might experience social isolation – from local businesses looking to collaborate for their mutual benefit, to those who have just moved to the borough and are looking for like-minded in- dividuals to share an interest. Then, the top ideas will be taken forward to a ‘Hack Day’ on November 21 in the Business Terrace, Maidstone’s new enterprise hub. Here, developers and those with an interest can come along to help build a prototype solution, and have the chance to win a package of support to help make that prototype a reality. The spokesman said: “We want to take advantage of technology to make sure that people have the opportunity to build networks and reduce isolation in our communities.” If you think you have a technological solution to a problem related to social isolation, submit your idea online at www.transformedbyyou.com. David is Lions’ new president DAVID Priestley has been chosen as the new president of Maidstone Lions Club. A retired building society manager, he has been president of Maidstone Club three times before. David, who lives in Loose Road with his wife Sandra, was involved with Loose Swiss Scouts for more than 30 years, many as chairman. He is pictured with Lion Marion Brooks, the club’s outgoing president. During her two years as president the club donated more than £44,000 to charitable causes, mainly in the Maidstone area. Maidstone Lions Club belongs to the largest service organisation in the world, with more than 1.3 million members. For more details call David on 01622 745023. YMCA MAIDSTONE soft furnishings We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of physical exercise. Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Available to every budget Knitting wool and haberdashery Calling all 16-18 year olds • Get Unlimited use of the Gym and Studio Classes Get unlimited use of the Gym • Over 50 classes per week • Join in September and get a Free £10 itunes voucher (Terms and conditions apply) Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD Tel: 01622 749404 www.maidstoneymca.org.uk Unit 2, The Oast, Clockhouse Farm, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PB Find us on 01622 744265 YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people www.aquariussoftfurnishings.co.uk Email:[email protected] 10 Maidstone Town September 2015 Charity Number: 1110087 can truly belong, contribute and thrive. SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION Maidstone Town September 2015 11 News downsmail.co.uk Op fails to restore spaniel’s sight HOPES that a blind abandoned dog might recover part of her sight were dashed when surgery proved ineffective. Delphine the springer spaniel touched the hearts of hundreds of people after she was found terrified and sick and tied to a pallet of bricks in Hayle Place, Maidstone in May. Her ears were infected and she had thick cataracts in both eye. She was nursed by staff at the RSPCA centre in Leybourne who launched an appeal for £2,500 in the hope that an operation could help her to see again. Describing her as a “lovely, gentle character”, centre manager Christine Dooley said: “The last familiar A VIBRANT art market is set to shake up Maidstone’s Lockmeadow, where the market hall will be turned into a colourful fantasia of fascinating art and music. The first Maidstone Art Market takes place on Saturday, September 19, in the historic Lockmeadow Market Hall. The market, from 9am to 4pm, will feature some 80 stalls with artists from across the South East. Exhibitors include Emily Tull, one of the national finalists in the Sky Arts portrait artist of the year sound she would have heard was her owner’s footsteps walking away, then she was plunged into an unknown world of noises and smells – the RSPCA inspector that rescued her, the van as she was driven to Leybourne Animal Centre, then the overwhelming sound of dozens of dogs barking in the kennels.” Delphine, who is aged about six, progressed under the care of the centre staff, going for short walks along the same route to get used to her surroundings. It was hoped that if she could see again, it would make her transition to a new home much easier. Donations poured in and £3,654 was soon raised. Delphine was taken to the Animal Health Trust at New- market for surgery and initial tests, completed free of charge, indicated that she was suitable for surgery. By removing the cataract in one eye, there was a chance that she might regain some of her sight but there was no guarantee of success. Christine said: “Delphine underwent surgery and has recovered well. Very sadly, her sight could not be restored. She does have a very slow reaction to light but that is all. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity. She will find a special new home soon.” Any surplus funds raised will go to help other animals at the centre. Delphine is pictured with RSPCA worker Simon McArdie. Art market to wow town competition; street artist Hannah Adamaszek; award-winning musician Rennie Pigrim and Ieuan Edwards, a printmaker based in Broadstairs, who has produced stunning artworks for album covers and books. There will be singers, poets, dancers and performers to provide entertainment throughout the day. A charity art auction will raise funds for Maidstone and Mid Kent Mind and The Foundling Museum in London and donations have already come from artists including Ralph Steadman, Gavin Turk, Stuart Semple (ambassador of Mind), Tessa Farmer, Nick Veasey, Sadie Hennessey and comedian Micky Flanagan. Secret bids for the auction can be made at www.artmarketme14. wordpress.com and the auction will be hosted by Raj Bisram from 01622 902005 12 Maidstone Town September 2015 Channel 4’s Four Rooms. Project manager Ali Farmer said: "We wanted to deliver an event that was unique to Maidstone and something nobody had put on before. We hope that it puts Maidstone back on the map and injects some vibrancy back into its artistic culture." “I want to champion the arts – making them more accessible locally. We have had such a massive response from everyone that I hope in the future it will become an annual or a two-day event." Business Focus downsmail.co.uk Corpus Christi Hall - Maidstone’s newest events venue No RI boo w ta ST kin k M gs ing AS f PA or RT IE S If you are planning an event, celebration, wedding or just a get together then plan a visit to Maidstone’s newest events venue – The Corpus Christi Hall. Located right in the centre of Town towards the bottom of Earl Street, the hall boasts itself as Maidstone’s second oldest building dating back to the 12th Century. Take a step through the heavy oak door and you will be transported into an idyllic venue that you would expect to find amidst the Kent Countryside as opposed to right in the heart of Maidstone town centre. The Corpus Christi Hall Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1JP Email: [email protected] To book call 01622 670011 or visit our website at www.corpuschristihall.com CH The Hall has a capacity to seat up to 200 people – offering the perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, celebrations, corporate events, or this year’s christmas party. The friendly and professional team are able to offer bespoke packages to suit individual client’s needs. There is a fully licensed bar which has been newly added but is in keeping with the rustic charm of the quaint building. No expense has been spared in refurbishing the building and bringing it up to today’s high standards. Plus there is easily accessible parking close by in Fremlin Walk just opposite the hall. So whatever your event requirements – give the team a call today. LOWEST RATES FOR SELLING If you are selling your home why pay more than you need to? We will beat any written quotation to sell your home*. What`s more you will receive our full package which includes free floorplan and EPC AND you will be listed on both Rightmove and OnTheMarket. ASM Residential are local independent estate agents based in Barming. We have been established for many years. We are confident that you will be happy with our service. For further information about our offer please contact us immediately on 01622 728999 * We will beat any written quotation you may have had to sell your home. Terms and conditions apply. For your free no obligation valuation of your home please contact 01622 728999 or email [email protected] 1-3 Tonbridge Road, Barming, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9HB Maidstone Town September 2015 13 News downsmail.co.uk Boat gathering lights up river THE prospect of poor weather failed to deter boat owners sailing into Maidstone for the new “gathering of boats”. Almost 100 boats berthed in the town for the informal gathering, organised by River Medway Boaters, which last year replaced the Maidstone River Festival. The gathering was a great social event, according to spokesman Mark Smurthwaite, who said it was now a fixture which would continue in its present form for “many years to come”. There had been attempts to revive the old-style festival this year but Mr Smurthwaite said: “The boaters do not want a fun fair, stalls, bands and all the grief that goes along with being part of an organised festival. “From speaking with the boating community, the general consensus was that we do not want an official event – we are quite happy to carry on with our own gathering as we have done for 37 years.” Mr Smurthwaite said 90% of the boaters were happy with the gathering as it was – although he criticised Maidstone Council for its apparent lack of interest in the river as a tourist attraction. This year’s gathering coincided with the Ramblin’ Man Fair, which the council claimed would boost the town’s economy by £700,000 and bring up to 20,000 visitors to the town. But Mr Smurthwaite said: “Yes, lots of people travelled to and from Mote Park but very few stopped in Maidstone or spent any money in the town.” In contrast, one boat owner alone – moored alongside Mr Smurthwaite and who visits every year – spent more than £500 during the five days he was berthed on the Medway. Mr Smurthwaite said: “It is such a shame that the council cannot see the benefit in promoting the river as a positive attribute to the county town, despite using a picture of it on much of its literature.” Prior to the gathering, police is- sued a warning to visitors to stay safe and behave responsibly on the water. However, one speedboater – unconnected with the gathering – was spoken to by police after driving dangerously close to young children bobbing about in dinghies, and causing a swell that knocked other boat owners off their feet. 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 Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced Window and door hinges and stays Leak and draught repairs Free Quotations & Advice “ ch. tallation of our front por product and efficient ins nt elle exc ering, the ord r for doo , you ing Thank sur vey, floor lay for the co-ordination of ton ing Orp p A large congratulations Mrs Jup y much appreciated supplying & fixing is ver ” 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 Follow us on 14 Maidstone Town September 2015 LASER SALON Want to look years younger? Banish fine lines and wrinkles. Permanent laser hair removal. Micro-current facelift used by celebs! Laser Tatoo removal Treatments from £20 Modern friendly Maidstone salon. Free consultation INDIAN TAKEAWAY 20% discount on all treatment courses 01622 752549 Allurelasersalon 62 Lower Stone St. Maidstone ME15 6NA Open 7 days a week from 5pm - 11pm 58 Lower Stone Street, Maidstone ME15 6LX Fortify Café Maidstone’s vegan eatery offering some of the best home-cooked food in a relaxed setting 32 High Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1JF T:01622 670533 E:[email protected] www.fortifycafe.co.uk Facebook Twitter Instagram TripAdvisor We deliver fresh local & organic produce to your door TRIAL OFFER SUMMER BOX 3 for 2 Order 2 deliveries and receive a third delivery FREE Order online at: harvest4u.co.uk Find us on Maidstone Town September 2015 15 News downsmail.co.uk Festival rocks county town THE biggest rock music event in Maidstone’s history drew a massive and international crowd of about 20,000 to Mote Park on the last weekend of July. The Ramblin’ Man Fair was organised by Classic Rock magazine and offered three stages on both days, with onsite camping, park and ride buses and parking. The bill was rich in American and European acts, with several exclusive attractions including German heavy rock titans The Scorpions making their only UK festival appearance this year and acts such as Polish prog rockers Riverside. The Downs Mail was on site on both days, speaking to fans from all over Europe, and even as far away as San Francisco. The range of acts was breathtaking, with many producing stunning performances. Inside the arena the atmosphere was celebratory, the warm Saturday weather making for a party feel and the rain for the first half of Sunday’s schedule forcing the early performers to push the limits as they tried to warm up the crowd. Icelandic heavy rockers Solstafir joked that the weather made them feel at home. Sunday ended with a main stage performance from American rock legend Gregg Allman, whose former band The Allman Brothers had a huge hit with Ramblin’ Man. The fair offered more tickets than Maidstone’s previous biggest rock concert, Radio One’s Big Weekend in 2008. There was a bonus for businesses, with hotels, bars and restaurants reporting increased trade. Maidstone Grammar School offered camping on its playing field, and the stream of people clutching Sainsbury’s bags packed with food as they headed to the site suggested Photo: Andy Archer the Romney Place supermarket had done a roaring trade. Reactions on social media from festival-goers were almost unanimously positive, with many praising the quality of the performances and Boost for fans By Neil Nixon I WILL not bore you with my music obsession but my first published journalism as a student was about rock music and I am still writing books on the subject today. Whatever the judgments about noise and nuisance I can only say that the festival was one of the best-organised events I have ever attended. The quality of acts lower down the bill was life-affirming: standouts were the pristine beauty of Camel and the incendiary blues of Joanne Shaw Taylor. To have such an event of this quality in town is a bonus to all who love their live music. Wind spreads noise issues well-chosen line-ups on each stage. However, there were complaints about poor information on the park and ride bus service and some residents complained about the level of noise over the two days. Cash donation THE Rock Collective, which organised the Ramblin’ Man festival has announced a fund to support projects in the Maidstone area. The fund of about £10,000 will help groups to deliver cultural, entertainment or sports-related projects to thank the town for supporting the festival, which was expected to bring at least £700,000 into Maidstone's economy. Anyone can apply to the fund to help to stage a community event or run a community project. Applicants should contact [email protected] for more details. Applications close on September 4. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of September. THE strong westerly wind during the weekend prompted residents in Madginford, Downswood, Grove Green, Vinters Park and Thurnham to complain about noise. Natasha Bastone, from Grove Green, said the music drowned out the film she was watching on television with her family. She said: “I love to party but when you have a young child, this booming music over the whole weekend was too loud. I have no problem with the festival returning, but the organiser needs to do something about the volume.” On Maidstone Council’s Facebook page, Sandra Woodfall said: “We live on the Pilgrims Way and can hear the music above the noise of the motorway. We find it disappointing that when the council is promoting an event it doesn’t provide an out-of-hours service that covers the duration of the event so that complaints can be dealt with.” Maidstone Council said it had received 48 formal complaints. A spokesman said: “We have also received positive comments about how the festival handled issues such as traffic and litter. All feedback received will be considered when looking at future events.” The spokesman said noise did not breach the licence terms and confirmed the organiser is looking to return on July 23 and 24, 2016. School contribution query A D E V E L O P E R contribution from a housing development in Fant has been questioned because it was felt it was being put towards the wrong school. In February, planning permission was given to replace an industrial estate with 22 homes behind Milton Street and Hartnup Street. In a recent planning committee meeting to agree financial contributions, it was revealed that the developer would help finance the expansion of Maidstone Grammar School in Barton Road. Cllr Paul Harper, a local ward member, said: “It’s five minutes’ walk from Oakwood Park Grammar School, which has three secondary schools on site. Surely we need a contribution towards one of those rather than a school that is not going to be a choice of residents living in the new development.” However, the other members of the committee voted to sign off the existing agreement with the developer. Cllr Harper abstained. Wine theft adds to jail sentence A MAIDSTONE woman has been jailed for stealing a bottle of wine. Shaina Marston (22), of Brunswick Street, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, common assault and assaulting a police officer. Marston stole wine worth £4.99 from a supermarket in Loose Road, Maidstone, where she also as- 16 saulted a man and a police officer. She was sentenced to 56 days in prison but because the offences were committed during a suspended sentence, the overall length of sentence was 98 days. She must also pay £54 compensation, £150 criminal courts charge, £85 costs and £80 victim surcharge. Maidstone Town September 2015 Left to right: Neil Richardson, Ian Sharp, Paul Body, Janine Brown, Tony Harris and Derrick Lovell Archers target sports park MORE than 50 archers came to Kings Hill Sports Park to take part in the Sir Thomas Wyatt Tournament, hosted by Allington Castle Archers. The tournament has been held for almost 30 years at various venues in Kent and is named after Sir Thomas Wyatt, who was born at nearby Allington Castle in the 16th century and was a close friend of Henry VIII. The two-day tournament saw archers using all types of bow, from Hi-Tec Compound and Olympic Re- curve bows through to more traditional English longbows. Some very high scores were achieved on both days and the honours were handed out by sports park manager Janine Brown. Allington Castle Archers will be holding a one-day “Whitefriars” tournament at the sports park on Sunday, August 30. For details call Janine on 01732 872271 or email [email protected]. News downsmail.co.uk Homes agreed on disputed site MAIDSTONE Council has granted planning permission for 420 homes on a site in Allington that it had fought to protect at an appeal just weeks earlier. A year ago the planning committee refused Croudace Homes’ application for 500 homes east of Hermitage Lane because development of the southern “hospital field” would have required the creation of a link road that would have eroded ancient woodland, known locally as bluebell wood. In June, planning officers defended the council's decision to a planning inspector after the applicant appealed. This decision is expected in October, but now the planning committee has approved a smaller scheme, for 420 homes, because the southern field would remain untouched. However, a separate application for 80 homes on the contentious field is undetermined. The council received 196 objections. Angela Poletti, from the New Allington Action Group, said the applicant was “playing the system” by lodging two separate applications after originally being turned down. “It is quite clear that Croudace is running rings around the planning system,” she said. “This would open the door to the scheme for 80 homes.” Cllr Roger Levett, of Teston Parish Council, said: “The additional traffic will place a great burden on the already overloaded A26 between Teston and Wateringbury – particularly during rush-hour.” Cllr Dan Daley urged the committee to put a decision on hold until the inspector had made a decision. He said: “This developer has waited 20 years to get this far – they can afford to wait for about another six weeks to see what the Secretary of State has to say.” However, the land (minus the hospital field) had been earmarked in the council's emerging local plan for housing, so the committee's powers to refuse were limited. Concern was expressed about a lack of open space on the site, but officers felt a developer contribution of £71,820 towards the Keswick Drive Play area was sufficient. Other contributions included £570,000 for improvements at the A20/Coldharbour roundabout and £168,000 for pedestrian and traffic movements at the A26 Tonbridge Road/Fountain Lane junction. The committee voted for the scheme with six members in favour and four against. New CEO at Leeds Castle Upgrade for HE centre SIR David Steel is the new chief executive of Leeds Castle. He takes on the day-to-day running of the castle following the departure of Victoria Wallace and seven months with estate director Bill Lash as in- Sir David Steel terim CEO. Niall Dickson, chairman of the Leeds Castle Foundation, said: “Admiral Steel has had a stellar career and brings a wealth of experience, including responsibility for the major heritage site at Portsmouth, which contains HMS Victory.” Admiral Steel has moved to Kent from Portsmouth. STUDENTS at MidKent College will have state-of-the-art facilities when the college’s Higher Education Centre opens in Oakwood Park, Maidstone this autumn. The centre will be home to higher-level courses in construction, engineering, teacher training and education, business and IT. Access courses will prepare returners for degree-level studies and the college will also offer professional qualifications in accountancy, personnel development and leadership and management. The £19m investment in the centre is the second phase of the wider redevelopment of MidKent College’s Maidstone campus, which has cost nearly £40m in all. The building being redeveloped was formerly the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). Do you have a property in Maidstone? SUMMER SALE safety check FREE Gas (Valid up to 12 months) & legal protection FREE Rent Giving you total piece of mind Available for new landlords up to 30th September Bearsted Office Penenden Heath Office Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN Tel: 01622 737800 Tel: 01622 671200 www.ferrisandco.net Tel 01622 296370 / 07809 556347 447 Tonbridge Road, Barming, Maidstone, Kent. ME16 8NJ NOW OPEN!! ʹ Open to Trade & DIY ʹ Trade Credit Applications Welcomed Open Mon ʹ Fri ʹ 7.30am ʹ 5.00pm & Saturday ʹ 8.00am ʹ 12.00pm Supper club for children PARENTS who bring their children along to a weekly supper club can enjoy a glass of wine while their children eat. The club is held at the Heart of Flavour café bar in King Street, Maidstone, from 4pm to 6pm every Friday. It costs £6.50 per child for a three-course meal, or £5.50 without the parent’s drink. Proceeds go to the Heart of Kent Hospice. Call in NOW for Some Amazing Opening Offers ʹ While Stocks Last! Next To Cherry Tree Pub / End of Queens Road Tel 01622 296370 / 07809 556347 Maidstone Town September 2015 17 We warmly invite you to visit us FREE TRIAL Give your child the best start to their school year. Contact your local Kumon Maths and English Study Centre to find out more about our two week Free Trial. Maidstone South Study Centre 07792 108 750 Find out more by coming along to our Family Fun Event on Saturday 19 September at Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Cripple Street, Maidstone ME15 6BD. We’ll be here from 1.00pm - 4.00pm. Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. Monday 28th September 2015 Open Evening from 6pm Saturday 3rd October 2015 Open Morning 10am-Noon “Students make good progress throughout the school and achieve well.” Ofsted 2014 For open day tours on: Wednesday 23rd September 2015 Thursday 24th September 2015 Wednesday 30th September 2015 Thursday 1st October 2015 Please contact the School to arrange a visit. Tel: 01634 240416 Email: [email protected] www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk offi[email protected] Open Evening: Tuesday, 22nd September 2015, 5.30pm-8.30pm Open Mornings: 22nd, 24th, 25th, 28th and 29th September 2015 18 Maidstone Town September 2015 LEARNING FOR LIFE For many of us, September is synonymous with the start of a new academic year. Little ones start nursery, older ones move from primary to secondary – and the teenagers fly the nest for university or further education. Although we tend to link the concept of education with schooling, in reality it’s something that begins at birth and continues until the day we die: we never really stop learning. The trick is how to maximise the resources that are available to us! It’s well documented that learning becomes more difficult as we grow older. With pre-school children soaking up knowledge like tiny sponges, the choice of a nursery or play group should be just as important as their eventual choice of university. It’s also a good time to start thinking about teaching your toddler a second language – picking up vocabulary is so much simpler for children under the age of 7. When you tot up the costs of extra-curricular classes, however, - whether in French, music, ballet or football - you may want to consider investing in private education. With bursaries and scholarships available at most schools, it needn’t be as costly as you think. A well-run nursery, whether in the state or private sector, should combine the various aspects of learning – cognitive skills, thinking and reasoning, motor skills, good habits and social skills – with structured play. A motivational curriculum structured around play will teach a whole host of skills to your preschooler, without them even realising. The first day at ‘real’ school is always emotional for mums and dads but here in Maidstone we are fortunate to have a wide choice of good schools, both in the state and private sector. Most people will opt to send their children to the primary school closest to their home – but, increasingly, popularity and oversubscription mean some children are having to go elsewhere. So, moving house to be close to your preferred choice of school might not be such a good plan these days! But all is not lost. Small, rural schools might be favoured by parents wanting a ‘home from home’ environment, but the bigger schools tend to have better facilities – particularly for sport. Free schools and academies likewise have more freedom in how they use their budgets and, at senior school level, can be a good choice for those wishing to pursue a vocational career. Kent is one of the few places in the UK still to have grammar schools – although many parents choose for their children not to sit the Kent Test and go to the school of their choice, which may offer a curriculum more tailored to their abilities and future career path. Although a string of good grades at GCSE and A level is still considered the prime route into University, wellrounded students with a broad-based knowledge tend to be highly sought – hence the introduction of the IB (International Baccalaureate) which is now available in several Maidstone sixth forms. It’s a system which has worked well in Europe for many years and one which enthusiastic, good ‘allrounders’ find especially attractive. Students who are still struggling to reach a career decision are generally advised to follow the subjects they enjoy. There’s little point headscratching with maths and further maths if you’re more of a wordsmith; likewise, unless you’re keen on science with a bent towards medicine or veterinary work, you may want to think twice before battling with biology and chemistry. You’re more likely to get good grades from subjects you enjoy than those that you find mentally draining. No career path runs smoothly, however, and all is not lost if those keenly-sought exams fail to make the grade. Adult education classes offer a wealth of options for academic and vocational study – and there’s always the Open University for those who want to combine a career with further education. Increasing numbers of retired and semi-retired people are signing up for the OU as well as the University of the Third Age (U3A) proving you’re never too old – or too young – to learn! 11+ open events 2015 Parents and their daughters are warmly invited to our 11+ Open Events. Open Evening 7KXUVGD\2FWREHUSP±SP 7DONVE\RXU+HDGWHDFKHU0UV-XOLH'HUULFNZLOOWDNHSODFHGXULQJWKHHYHQLQJ Open Mornings :HGQHVGD\7KXUVGD\DQG)ULGD\2FWREHU DPDP *XLGHGWRXUVFDQEHSUHERRNHGKWWSERRNLQJVLQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN +XQWVPDQ/DQH0DLGVWRQH.HQW0('6 +XQWVPDQ/DQH0DLGVWRQH.HQW0('6 7(RI¿FH#LQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN 7(RI¿FH#LQYLFWDYLDWRUJXN www www.invicta.viat.org.uk .invicta.via i t.org.uk Maidstone Town September 2015 19 LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE Buckland Road Maidstone Open Evening 2015 5 pm – 8 pm, Thu 8th Oct. ME16 0TJ Tel: 01622 759036 Website: www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk Email: [email protected] Open Mornings 2015 9 am, Mon 12th – Fri 16th Oct by prior appointment only WE ARE NLL 20 Maidstone Town September 2015 LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE • LEARNING FOR LIFE need advice about post-GCSE options? for a unique place switch to RIC TWO YEAR A LEVELS • GCSE & A LEVEL RETAKES TRANSFER FOR YEAR 11 OR YEAR 13 • SMALL CLASSES • MINIBUSES FROM MAIDSTONE AREA Advice line 01634 828115 RIC, KENT’S UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE SPECIALISTS CAN HELP. EVERY SEPTEMBER STUDETNS JOIN US FOR THEIR 6TH FORM STUDIES. WE OFFER THE WIDEST RANGE OF A LEVELS IN KENT WITH NO OPTION BLOCK RESTRICTIONS AND FLEXIBLE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. IT IS POSSIBLE TO COMBINE GCSE RETAKES WITH STARTING A LEVEL STUDY. Day & Boarding School | Year 7 to 6th Form rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 -RLQXVDWRXU 23(1(9(176 x 7KXUVGD\WK6(37 -SP x 6DWXUGD\WK6(37 DP-SP $W6W$XJXVWLQHZH¶EHOLHYHLQPRUH· x 7RXUV0RQGD\ :HGQHVGD\IURPWK 6(37DP%RRND SODFHRQ %HVWVWXGHQWSURJUHVVLQ0DLGVWRQH *UDPPDUVWUHDPIRUDFDGHPLFDOO\JLIWHG WDOHQWHGVWXGHQWV 2DNZRRG5RDG 0 D L G V W RQH0($( 6FKRODUVKLSSURJUDPPHIRUVWXGHQWVZLWK DELOLW\LQ'DQFH'UDPDDQG6SRUW ZZZVDDZRRGDUGFRXN Maidstone Town September 2015 21 News | A-levels downsmail.co.uk Successful students receive straight As at Oakwood Park Grammar Dual success for girls from Invicta Grammar School, which also raised more than £43,000 for charity Students make the grade MANY youngsters across Maidstone celebrated strong A-level results. A third of sixth formers at Oakwood Park Grammar School achieved A*-A grades. Top performer Rabey Chowdhury will take his place at Cambridge, studying natural sciences, after gaining three A*s and an A. James Handy, Nelson Talukder, Ivan Pilfold and Andrew Collins all gained two A*s and two As. James and Ivan will be taking degrees in mathematics at Warwick University, while Nelson will study physics at Imperial College, London. Andrew Collins will study medicine at the University of Exeter. Barney Green and James Creasey achieved A*/A grades and are both off to study engineering at Surrey University. William Anderson earned three A grades and will study biological science at Lancaster University. Richard Anderson will study modern foreign languages at Durham after earning three As. Euan Dickson and Jordan Cochrane will attend the University of East Anglia and Exeter respectively, studying geography and history with politics after securing A*/A grades in all subjects. Nick Cooper’s three As have earned him a place to study architecture at Cardiff University. Great Britain fencer Simon Dacey managed to combine the rigours of training with A-level studies and after achieving four As will be taking a gap year prior to studying chemistry or biochemistry at a university in London. After his A-level results and a rigorous selection process, Nelson Sinclair Strong has been awarded a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Overall, a third of students earned a place at the Russell Group or a top 20 UK university. Results from Maidstone Grammar School were even better than last year, with just under 60% of all A-level entries graded A*-B and nearly one in three grades at A* or 22 A. Twenty-five students achieved at least three A grades or better, while 14 gained two A* grades or better and nine achieved three A*s or better. Top scholars were Sam Coward, with four A*s and William Grace, with four A*s and top grades in all three Step exams for entry to Cambridge for mathematics. This is the first time any MGS student has gained top grades in all three Step papers. The school also achieved its best AS-level results yet. At Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, 98.9% of pupils achieved five A*-Cs including English and maths. Sixty-nine per cent of pupils scored five or more A*/As, with 60% of grades either As or A*s. At Invicta Grammar School, students achieved 69% A*-B grades, alongside raising more than £43,000 for charity. Head Julie Derrick said: “The students have achieved 200 A* and A grades and from our 160 students, 100% achieved A*-E grades, 90% A*-Cs, with 12% A* grades.” The number of students achieving an A*-B grade in two or more subjects rose from 21.7% to 42.5%. Lisa Phipps earned a place to study veterinary science at Edinburgh as did Kate Boniface, at the Royal Veterinary College and Beth Rose, at Bristol; Charlotte Summers will go on to study medicine in Birmingham and Katie Driver, the Maidstone Town September 2015 same subject, in Bristol. Kiera Doughty, with five A*s, will study mathematics at Cambridge; Lauren Satchwell, five A* and As, management, Bath; Lisa Phipps, five A* and As, veterinary medicine, Edinburgh; Mercedes Brown, four A* and As, physics with astrophysics, Bath; Felicity Murray, four A* and As, psychology, Bath. Head girl Katie Driver will study medicine at Bristol after gaining four A*/As. At St Simon Stock Catholic School, students notched up a 100% pass rate in their A-level and vocational examinations, with 92% achieving two or more A-levels and 43% the top A*-B grades. This is a rise of almost 10% on the previous year. The highest performing students were Sarah Pattinson and Clara Senior, followed by Grace TashieLewis, Lara Epsley, Mikaela D’Souza, Matthew Brown, Domas Dregva and Daniel Ellesmere. Head Brendan Wall said: “The highest achieving students gained grades equal to our best in 2013 and will be attending the top Russell Group.” The Maplesden Noakes School, in Maidstone, reported “outstanding results”, showing “year-onyear improvement” in its results. Michaela Porter earned two A*s and an A, securing a place at Warwick University; Jordhan State scored a Distinction*, two A grades Cornwallis students Amy Pearce, Harry Gollop, Shottie Hopkins, and head girl Rebecca Hubbard and a place at Surrey University; Charlie Powell earned two As and a B and a place at the University of Kent; Mukeh Lansana an A*, A, and B and a place at the University of York; Amie Hine gained a Distinction*, two Bs and a place at Southampton. Jack Batters, Tom Calvert, Ellis Rose and Josh Gilbert all achieved Distinction* for their BTEC Sports Studies. Sixth-formers at Future Schools Trust, which covers Cornwallis and New Line Learning academies, set a new record with this year’s A-level results, with 75% of all grades being A*-C. Head girl Rebecca Hubbard is heading to Greenwich University to study event management after securing A* grades in travel and tourism, and business. She was also awarded a B in design technology. Cara Brown achieved an A* in sociology, an A in RE, and Bs in English literature and history. She will study sociology at Bath University. Deputy head boy Philip Hollamby secured the grades he needed to enrol on a primary teacher training course at Canterbury Christ Church University. He leaves with an A* in business, a B in English literature and a C in geography. Students heading off to Russell Group universities include Layla Richardson, who is going to Cardiff to study archaeology and Amber Rose Mckenzie, who is going to study English literature at Liverpool. Valley Park School had a record set of results, with its 80 Year 13 students achieving a 57% pass rate at the top A and A* grades and 87% at A*-C. Fourteen gained A and A* in three or more subjects. High performers were Briony Everest, Ayesha Cooper, Poppy Harris, Rojina Giri, James Kiell, Titas Kuprys, Zoe Noble, Emily Nurden, Nelson Rai, Mitchell Ranger, Sam Read, Harry Simpson, Danielle Spry and Kim Warren. News downsmail.co.uk Six of the best in fight for Fant A SIX-pronged fight will take place on September 10 when voters in Fant go to the polls. Following the death of Conservative Cllr Alistair Black in July, everything is up for grabs, with at least three of the six contenders believing their past track record could swing the seat. The Labour candidate for Fant is vice-chairman of the Maidstone and Weald Labour Party, Keith Adkinson. Keith lives in Fant with his family and has lived and worked in Maidstone for more than 30 years. He is chairman of the Fant Wildlife Group and an active campaigner for Save Fant Farm. He has been a Maidstone councillor in the past and has campaigned in Fant for more than 10 years. Continued from page one time I was a very different person, more interested in my friends.” Luke left St John’s Junior School in Grove Green for Cornwallis Academy. It was there, says the student – who has hopes of becoming a university lecturer – Hoping to hold on to the seat for the Tories is Matt Boughton (22). A former pupil of Oakwood Park Grammar School, he read politics at the University of Sussex and now works for Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling. Mr Boughton joined the Conservative Party as a 17-year-old. He said: “Fant has one of the youngest populations in Maidstone – including many private renters and those struggling to buy or rent their own home. As a young person I know and understand these issues and I would help make a difference.” Former Conservative Mike Hogg, who lost his South ward seat in May, is standing as an Independent. Having helped flood victims on both sides of the Medway in the Christmas floods of 2013 and worked with residents in Clifford Way to draw up a flood emergency plan, Mr Hogg (48) believes Fant residents need a “pro-active councillor who will get things done”. He is a prison officer at Maidstone and spent four years on the borough council. He was co-opted on to Tovil Parish Council in May. Rosaline Janko, runner-up for the seat in May, is standing for the Lib Dems. The proprietor of The Walnut Tree pub in Tonbridge Road for the past three years is well known in Fant. She said: “Fant has been sadly neglected in places. I hope that as borough councillor for Fant I can build on the Liberal Democrats’ strong record of fighting for people and communities in Luke’s first-class reward that things began to change. He said: “The teachers were excellent. They got me interested in science and the different processes behind how things work.” Luke’s hard work secured him eight GCSEs, many of A grade, and a Btec in business. He could have transferred to a grammar school at this stage, but decided to stay on at Cornwallis to sit his A-levels. He said: “When I began my Alevels it was a wake up call and I realised I had to knuckle down.” Now home after three years at the University of Essex, in Colchester, Luke’s degree in biomedical science takes pride of place. Maidstone.” NHS manager Stuart Jeffery (43) hopes he can become the first Green on Maidstone Council. The chairman of Kent Green Party came close to winning the seat in 2014, missing out by 83 votes; this year he was the parliamentary candidate for Canterbury. Standing for Ukip is Colin Taylor (46) from Glebe Lane, Barming. Mr Taylor, currently a night coordinator on a construction project in the town, has lived in Maidstone for 25 years, eight of them in Fant ward, where he lives with partner Deborah and their eight-year old son. He joined UKIP 10 years ago. Polling stations: Grange Moor Hotel in St Michael’s Road and Fant Hall in Fant Lane. He said: “As well as the teachers, my parents were always there if I needed support, though they never pushed me.” Luke now hopes to study for a PhD. He said: “I’m particularly interested in the development of antibiotics and, one day, hope to become a university lecturer. “If someone had told me at junior school I would go on to be a scientist I’d have been lost for words.” S Sell ell Y Your our House in Weeks Weeks a and House in nd Save our Baa-rilliant Offer! S ave ££Thousands ££Thousands with with o ur B aa-rilliant O ffer! 1 8% 1.8% 0.9% % Se Selling e ngg Fe Fee e (inc. VAT) m " I ''’’ Sp hl eec ess " "In "Baa-r cre ill llii a n t " dib ""Amazing" Amazing" le" W e ' rne ope ! 24/7 Start S tart ttoday oday bbyy ggetting etting your your FREE FREE no no o obligation bligation property property appraisal appraisal CALL Paul now on 01622 OR TEXT: MAIDS to 60222 320050 Scotland PPart art ooff tthe he EweMove E weMove FFlock lock North h Eas Eastt Y orkshire Yorkshire and the Humber North Westt Wes Eas Eastt Midlands West Midlands Waless Wale South West East of England d South h Eastt Eas Hurry! Limited to the first 20 instructions Maidstone Town September 2015 23 News downsmail.co.uk Protest at new homes plan CAMPAIGNERS are facing another battle to prevent hundreds of homes being built on land south of Sutton Road, Maidstone. Maidstone Council still has a shortfall of more than 1,000 on its local plan target of 18,560 homes between 2011 and 2031, so officers have recommended an allocation of 850 homes at Langley Park Farm. The idea came before the strategic planning committee, less than a week after developer Countryside Properties hosted an exhibition outlining a proposal for 850 homes as well as a school on the land. Cllr Cheryl Taylor Maggio, chairman of Langley Parish Council, was at the exhibition. She said: “The housing density is high, at 35 houses per acre, and there will be blocks of 3.5-storey town houses – an urban development in the countryside – which extends from Langley Park to St Mary's Church, including the golf driving range. The view of St Mary's Church on the approach down the hill to Langley would be blocked by housing.” In March, objectors thought they had successfully protected the land from development when an allocation of 600 homes was removed from the list of sites on the draft local plan because it was considered an unacceptable “encroachment of the 24 urban area”, given that about 2,000 homes in the Sutton Road corridor had recently been built or given planning permission. Cllr Paulina Stockell, a member of the committee, said: “I am absolutely staggered. It gets worse and worse. We now hear there is going to be a school, when there is already going to be a school at the Langley Park development nearby. “There will be 2,000 homes there and another 850 on here. There will be an unacceptable impact. Nothing has changed since it was refused before. The traffic in rush hour goes all the way back to Sutton Valence. For this development to go all the way to the allotments and the Crown and Horseshoes pub is unacceptable.” The Downs Mail received several letters of objection in the days before the meeting. Adam Hume wrote: “At the meeting [exhibition] I was astonished to see no green buffer zone/anti-coalescence strip, which will mean Langley as a village will (if passed) disappear to be swallowed up into Park Wood.” Rob Jarman, the council's head of planning, told councillors that they would not be “wedded” to the idea of having a school on the land, but added it would be difficult to refuse a planning application for homes given the shortfall in the local plan and the site's proximity to those already with planning permission. The 11pm deadline arrived without a solution. The item was deferred to the next meeting of the committee on August 18. Christmas lights switch-on THE Christmas lights will be switched on in Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk on November 19. As in previous years, the organiser is hoping to attract a celebrity to perform the switch-on. Maidstone Town Centre Management will be looking to complement the event with entertainment from the likes of school choirs and the Salvation Army band. Efforts are also being made to co-ordinate late-night shopping opportunities, possibly for two weeks in the run-up to Christmas. Approaches will also be made to Maidstone Council about parking concessions. Maidstone Town September 2015 Rotary honour for William THE first duty of incoming president of the Rotary Club of Maidstone, David Hackett, was to award outgoing president William Perry the club’s highest honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship. This marked his “tremendous amount of time and effort during the year” and also his career as a “headmaster of standing,” which started when he became Kent’s youngest head at the age of 28. A resident of Hollingbourne, he served as chairman of Hollingbourne and Leeds Parochial Church Council; was a churchwarden; a member of the Prison Parole Board (young offenders); and supported Mencap Cobtree pre-school. Maidstone Town September 2015 25 News | Health downsmail.co.uk Beer care for stroke patients MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is reporting ”encouraging” improvement in treating strokes, with Maidstone continuing as the top stroke unit in North and West Kent. Latest data shows 55% of patients were scanned within an hour at Tunbridge Wells and 33% in Maidstone. The data for 12 hours was 86% for Tunbridge Wells and 89% for Maidstone. The trust says there was a “tremendous improvement” at Maidstone, which was given an A rating for October-December compared with a previous D rating. But both hospitals were given D ratings for thrombolysis because they did not hit the 11.1% national average. Maidstone admitted 44.4% of patients to the stroke unit within four hours and Tunbridge Wells 27.3%. In the first three months of this year Maidstone was above the national average but Tunbridge Wells was below. In April specialist assessments by a physician were completed within 24 hours in 69% of cases in Maidstone and 68.2% in Tunbridge Wells. Figures for the quarter were 73.5% and 76.5%. Stroke is the third biggest killer in Incident app AN app on hand-held devices for reporting incidents has been introduced by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust as a safety measure for staff. Nurses and junior doctors are among the first wave of clinical staff at the trust to also be equipped with devices to record a patient’s vital signs and have remote onsite access to these at any time. The move follows a successful ward trial and is being rolled out on all wards during the summer. The benefits are widespread and hospitals using this technology are seeing a marked improvement in patient outcomes. Not so happy AN annual drop of 2.4% has been recorded in the percentage of patients who report their experience with GP services in Maidstone and the rest of West Kent as “very good” or “fairly good”, taking the current 86.6% further from the 93% standard. West Kent is above average for Kent and Medway and the national average of 84%. By Dennis Fowle the UK and a major cause of longterm disability. People who have had a stroke need rapid access to a specialist medical team around the clock to maximise their chances of survival and recovery. NHS clinical commissioning groups across Kent and Medway, which plan and buy local health services, are reviewing how stroke patients are managed within the vital first 72 hours. In West Kent, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have already undertaken work with Healthwatch Kent, residents and patients to look at people’s views of stroke services. This found: There is public support for new higher standards of care covering the critical first 72 hours of a stroke patient’s care and a need for the NHS to develop ways of achieving these. The NHS needs to improve the whole of the stroke patient’s pathway, including the care stroke patients receive out of hospital. The NHS needs to improve the information and support available to patients and carers after a stroke. Quality needs to be maintained within a timeframe that provides maximum opportunities of recovery for patients. The NHS needs to improve planning about how and when a stroke patient can leave hospital and the next steps in their rehabilitation. Now NHS West Kent CCG, as part of the Kent and Medway-wide review, wants to build on what has been heard so far by asking local people what they think of the Kent Wards combined to improve service WORK has started on the next phase of ward redevelopment at Maidstone Hospital with the £3m transformation of Jonathan Saunders and John Day wards into a new respiratory ward. This latest scheme combines the wards into one large dedicated respiratory ward with better facilities, improving privacy, dignity and comfort for patients. Patients will be treated in new four-bedded bays with en suite conveniences rather than the hospital’s older six-bedded bays, which have no en suite conveniences. Other schemes that have recently been completed at Maidstone Hospital include: Extended and developed hospital admissions lounge to provide more privacy, dignity and comfort for patients. GPs’ concern at reports delay INCREASING concerns about delays in receiving diagnostic reports from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals have been reported by GP members of West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group. GPs (and patients) require speedy reports on CT and MRI scans and the group continues to voice concern “about time to report, work outsourced and governance/consent in place”. Now the group has written formally to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust and the trust has been asked to report in person at a performance meeting. The group has requested a further report covering X-rays and ultrasound. The problems lead to delays in GPs recommending to patients required treatments – and frustration for patients who are unable to make GP appointments until they know their report is in hand. Bullying policy Nursing shortages increase THE NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group is updating its bullying and harassment policy following a staff survey and will ensure employees are more fully aware of the processes and support provided. 26 and Medway picture of stroke care, and what would be important to them if they had just had a stroke. The focus in this next round of discussions is on the care provided across Kent and Medway in the first 72 hours following a stroke and what might make it possible for the NHS to meet in full the national standards for care in this vital period. A report to West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group says the stroke service provided in Kent does not meet recognised quality standards set out in the National Stroke Strategy (2007). The group says there is difficulty recruiting specialist staff. A key problem is that consultant numbers are about 50% of the recommended level. There were problems, too, relating to nurses and therapists. A Case for Change is currently being considered for approval across Kent and Medway. The public and stakeholders will be involved and people who have experienced stroke services will be sought out. MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells Trust is reporting nurse vacancies across all directorates. In May vacancies rose to 12.3%, compared with last year’s 8.6%. Recruitment has been successful from Italy (13 new nurses) and 33 Maidstone Town September 2015 new starters commenced work in May/June. The trust is attempting to improve recruitment through social media, website and adverts. One impact has been an increase in the nursing and medical agency spend. Improved facilities within the main entrance with a brighter main reception area, new shops for Maidstone Hospital League of Friends and a new coffee shop. Way-finding has also been improved in the hospital. Improved facilities for women’s colposcopy services. A new 12-bed unit for the elderly and frail. Speeding up appointments SUE Southon (pictured), lay member for patient and public engagement, reported to the Clinical Strategy Group of West Kent CCG that there was often a public misconception that it was difficult to get a GP appointment and she said this should be challenged. Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of West Kent CCG, said there was variation between practices. He felt practice participation groups could investigate changes to improve a practice system. For information about your GP practice go to www.nhs.uk/servicesearch/gp/locationsearch/4 Wrights Warehouse E st. 1 926 Wh i te G o o d s | G a s A p p l i a n ces | E l e c t r i c a l A p p l i a n ces | Electrical Appliance Discount Store IMMEDIATE DELIVERY Stockists of Bosch, Beko, Samsung, Neff, Rangemaster, Miele, Siemens, AEG, Zanussi, Hotpoint Blomberg and many more. Visit our website for our latest offers www.wrightswarehouse.co.uk 01622 690246 / 757915 / 673026 11 Waterloo Street, Maidstone Open: Mon to Sat 9:00am - 5.30pm • Fast Delivery • FREE Car Parking • Email: [email protected] Maidstone Town September 2015 27 News | Operation Stack downsmail.co.uk Manston plan to solve Stack THE use of Manston Airfield should ease local traffic congestion, according to the Government. The decision to make temporary use of the disused airfield near Ramsgate while Operation Stack is in force follows a series of meetings involving the Government, Highways England, Kent Police, KCC and representatives for the ports, Eurotunnel, and lorry drivers. Operation Stack is implemented when problems at the Port of Calais lead to delays on ferry services and a backlog of lorries, which force the closure of the M20, usually coastbound from junction 8 near Hollingbourne. Prior to the Manston decision, Operation Stack had closed the M20 on 27 days this summer, causing gridlock throughout the Maidstone area. The idea of a contraflow, offering coastbound motorists access to the M20 on the London-bound carriageway, had been seen as a likely solution. But Highways England had rejected the idea as “too dangerous”. It says using Manston’s runway, when required, as an alternative for freight traffic will provide shortterm additional capacity to help manage freight traffic on its way to the Port of Dover. It says it will work alongside Operation Stack to reduce disruption on the M20, with holiday-makers “clearly sign-posted” to the ports and tunnel, and perishable, health and hazardous freight, including livestock “routed directly to the Channel Tunnel and Dover” rather than being stacked. Transport minister Lord Ahmad described the decision to use Manston as a “viable short-term solution”. He said: “By using Manston Airfield we have secured an interim solution while we work to find a longer term resolution.” The deputy chief constable of Kent, Paul Brandon, said: “We have been in a critical situation in Kent since the middle of June and, in that time the situation in Kent has been acknowledged as a very real, national issue. “The option to divert freight bound for Europe to Manston Airfield, whilst very challenging, has become more feasible in terms of resourcing and logistics.” KCC leader Paul Carter said: “Our principal concern has been to keep Kent moving.” How scheme will work How Manston Airfield will be used when Operation Stack is in force: 1. All freight will first be stacked coastbound between M20 junctions 8 (Maidstone Services) and 9 (Ashford), and this section will be closed to non-freight traffic. 2. If more space is needed the closed section will be extended to junction 11 (Westenhanger). 3. “When required” (says Highways England), certain “non perishable” freight will be diverted and stacked at Manston Airfield, near Ramsgate, until it can be directed to ferry services at Dover. WHEN MANSTON AIRFIELD IS IN USE Freight Dover-bound freight coming from the west will use the M20 to junction 7 (Maidstone), where it will be diverted via the A249, M2, and A299 to Manston. Dover-bound freight coming from the north (Dartford Crossing) will use the A2, M2 and A299 to Manston. From Manston, freight will use the A256 and A2 to Dover. Channel Tunnel-bound freight will stay on the M20. Tourists Dover-bound tourist traffic will be encouraged to use the A2, M2 and A2. If already on the M20, Dover-bound tourist traffic will be diverted off at junction 7 (Maidstone) and via the A249, M2, and A2 to Dover. Channel Tunnel-bound tourist traffic will use the M20 and A20 following signs marked with a hollow circle diversion symbol. Highways England says routes will be clearly signed and key sites manned, with vehicle recovery resources at strategic points. High price of traffic chaos MP Helen Whately has revealed the extent of local problems caused by Operation Stack. The Mid Kent MP said: “Visiting Maidstone Hospital I heard about midwives whose journeys to work are taking two or three hours instead of their usual 20 minutes. Pregnant women are worrying how they will get to the hospital in time when they go into labour. “I have had letters from businesses unable to pay wages because customers have stopped coming. Leeds Castle is seeing a huge hit, and funeral services say mourners are missing services; I could go on, but I suspect almost everyone reading this knows how bad the situation is.” She called for compensation to those in Kent who had lost money, including police (more than £1m lost), social services (more than £5m) and businesses (£1.5m each day Stack is implemented). A spokesman for Leeds Castle, which is located off M20 J8, said: “Due to Operation Stack, we are “We will never be able to get approximately 30% down on budback this lost trade and there geted visitor figures which transseems to be no one and nowhere lates as roughly £90,000 income loss for the charity.” for us to get any redress.” The Government says it will pay “reasonable additional costs” to Kent Police for its management of BUSINESSES are being asked to Operation Stack. Kent Police and Crime Commis- complete a survey to let the Govsioner Ann Barnes said the Gov- ernment know the full cost to Kent ernment should also pay “costs commerce of Operation Stack. A handful of questions quiz busiassociated with assisting immigration officers in dealing with sus- nesses about their concerns and ask bosses what should be done about pected illegal immigrants”. She added: “I’ve been dealing the ongoing problem. Responses will contribute to a with honourable people at the highest level of the Home Office, so joint KCC and British Chamber of I’m quite sure they’ll keep their Commerce report to ministers. To complete the survey go to word. When the crisis ends I will be submitting an application for pay- www.surveymonkey.com/s/Operation_Stack. ment.” Caravan business sees trade fall THE manager of a Harrietsham business on the A20 says his takings are down a massive 25% because of Operation Stack. Patrick Willoughby, from Lee Davey Caravans, said: “You only have to look in the till to know which days Operation Stack was in force.” The company has been selling and servicing caravans on the site for people across the whole of the South East since 1948. He added: “Our busiest months are June, July and August. “We started off with a record June and since then we have suffered Operation Stack pretty much every week for a couple of days. Diversions as road closed MOTORISTS face more misery with the closure of Eyhorne Street in Hollingbourne for work to the sewerage system under the main road. The road, a popular diversion for those trying to avoid Operation Stack congestion, closed from property number 103 on August 10 for up to three weeks. Drivers were advised to use the A249 and other routes to the A20. A spokesman for the Nu-Venture bus company also warned: “This will sever the only bus link to Hollingbourne (No 13) for three weeks.” Survey request Missed a story? Find archived editions of the Downs Mail FREE at www.downsmail.co.uk 28 Maidstone Town September 2015 KENT’S ONLY FLOATING BAR & RESTAURANT MAIDSTONE 8 NEW SET MENUS EVENINGS FROM £21 LUNCHTIME FROM £10 KIDS FROM £7 SURF ‘N’ TURF IS OUR SPECIALTIY Fish, shell fish, steaks and vegetarian dishes Pop in for a drink during lunchtime or evening BBQ & SALAD BAR FROM £12 Saturday & Sunday Lunch (Weather permitting) LIVE MUSIC NIGHTS Fortnightly on Saturdays Book at www.embankments.co.uk Tel 0800 689 7888 Parking available in Lockmeadow (free after 6.30pm) Maidstone Town September 2015 29 News downsmail.co.uk Making a difference to homeless THE founder of a new charity for the homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated is looking for premises and volunteers to help “Make a Difference” in Maidstone. Amanda Sidwell left the town 30 years ago and spent seven and a half years, prior to her return in 2013, setting up and running Make a Difference (MAD) in Murcia, southern Spain. Now, the 53-year-old former estate agent and PA wants to weave some of the same magic into the patchwork of organisations that already exists in the county town to help addicts, the homeless and disadvantaged discover a new life without dependency. Amanda has set up MADM – Making a Difference to Maidstone – a Christian charity which aims to fill some of the gaps between the existing providers. She said: “MADM has been built to fill in the gaps of what is already superbly in place. It has been highlighted that more is needed – especially God’s presence and healing.” Amanda turned to Christianity in the aftermath of 9/11 in 2001 and followed her calling five years later, leaving the UK for the sunny climes of Southern Spain in May 2006. There, she set about working with the poor and disadvantaged in her community. She said: “Someone once described me in business as a pit bull terrier – and that’s what I am; a pit bull for God. “It’s not the most glamorous of jobs, sitting amongst what many How you can help MADM MADM already has an abundance of donated items spread over three garages and has donated bedding, toiletries and household items to various supported housing schemes and individuals. Amanda would like to hear from anyone who can support MADM in any way. She said: “If anyone wants to walk the road with us, please get in touch.” Amanda can be contacted on [email protected] or 07769 268962 see as the lowest of society. But this is what I have been called to do and it’s hard to explain, but I do love these people. “I believe it was my calling to move to Spain, in the same way I have been called to return.” Amanda never intended to set up a humanitarian Christian charity in Spain, but before she knew it, she was in charge of two shops, more than 50 volunteers and 650 clients. She said: “It wasn’t easy – especially when my Spanish was poor and the locals were very untrusting, but doors eventually opened – I have never worked so hard in my life, but it was God’s love which compelled me to do it and reach out – it wasn’t me!” Amanda’s family still lives in Maidstone, which helped draw her back, and it was only a matter of weeks after she returned that she found herself getting involved in voluntary work here. She has since volunteered with the Maidstone assertive street outreach programme, the winter shelter scheme, homeless feeding at the Baptist Church and Salvation Army and CRI Maidstone (the West Kent recovery service for drug and alcohol abusers), and is known among the soup run teams and other organisations and charities. Solar success for council Driving up hospice funds A CHEQUE for £10,000 has been handed to the Heart of Kent Hospice at Aylesford by Maidstone company Motorline Group. The donation was part of a £30k gift to three Kent hospices – the others being in Pembury and Canterbury. The presentation was made by Motorline Group chairman Glen Obee at the company’s showroom in Park Wood. The Heart of Kent Hospice was es- JOHN MUNSON SHOW TIME The Vicar of Dibley The Chandeliers, Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone IT is setting a drama group a hard task to reproduce a successful television show on a local stage. Behind the TV show is a huge workforce: professional camera- 30 She said: “We are living in the 21st century – we shouldn’t be seeing women on the street in this day and age. So many women (and men) are broken through their experiences of life – deprivation at home, abuse, domestic violence, bereavement, job loss etc. I want this charity to really ‘Make a Difference’ to people in my home town.” Now that MADM is in the throes of obtaining charitable status, Amanda is ready to move the project forward and is seeking premises for its first charity shop. The United Reformed Church in Week Street has allowed her to hold a pop-up charity shop through August and volunteers are needed, as well as donations of goods. The shop is open from 10am to 5pm, possibly later on Thursdays. She is also hoping for the services of an accountant, solicitor, IT and social media expert, commercial landlord, web designer, PR/signwriting – indeed any profession which might be able to help further the cause. She said: “I came back to England for a quiet life and have fought against doing this, but I have come to realise this is my path and destiny. Everything I do is voluntary; I give my time and rewards come in different ways.” tablished 25 years ago and has 10 inpatient beds for adults. It relies heavily on donations to care for about 350 families from Malling and Maidstone every week. Mr Obee said: “Motorline was founded in Kent and although we now cover other parts of the UK, we feel it is important we give some- thing back to our community. ” Becky Beard, the hospice’s community partnerships manager, said: “We aim to make every day precious for our patients and their families, and it is thanks to the generosity of our local community that we are able to provide expert support to over 1,000 patients every year.” Dibley lost in translation men, script editors, film editors... With this production what slowed the action down was the number of scenes needed to tell us the story. There were 22. The set was good, the costumes were excellent, lighting and sound effects were excellent. The choir that sang during property changes were convincingly garbed and tuneful, but with all the changes between the village hall and the vicar’s room, the pace of the story was lost. Maidstone Town September 2015 I have never seen the television show so I can‘t say whether Geraldine Boorman was a good Reverend Geraldine. The other characters were all suitably rural. Clara Shaw as Alice stood out as the crazy romantic, totally consistent with voice and body language. I enjoyed Martyn Mitchell, Adrian Cheeseman, Simon King, Jordan Lee, Sandra Stanley and Roger Boorman and they all did wonders with a pretty creaky script. MAIDSTONE Council’s cost savings from solar panels has proved so successful that the scheme is to be extended. Renewable energy technology was installed at the council’s Park Wood depot as a trial in March and has exceeded all expectations in terms of projected energy savings, members were told. The council has looked at five other possible sites and agreed to install further panels at Lockmeadow Market Hall, Vinters Park Crematorium and Magnolia House in Cripple Street, at a cost of around £125,000. The council would also like to see solar panels on Maidstone House and the Gateway building in King Street – but these are owned by Capital and Regional. Subject to site surveys and agreement from Capital and Regional, a company could install their own solar panels on the roof and the council would then buy the electricity generated, not only reducing the council’s costs but delivering CO2 emission reductions. Trading for 33years Kent’s Official Distributor for BATHING A PROBLEM? Specialists in walk in baths, showers and wet rooms. Up to130 trailers in stock Repairs and Servicing of all makes of trailers Comprehensive range of spare parts and online shop Supplier of new and used trailers Towbar fitting. 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His skills took him to work for medical secretary in ICI in Yorkshire, as well as 10 years Marble Arch. working in production management in Amanda met Derbyshire, where he lived in Glossop. husband Simon at a When this job ended, Mike and Margaret party in 1980 and the took a hotel in Penrith, running it for a few couple were married years. They remained in the town in other in January 1984. Prior jobs until they retired. to Hunton their homes were in Gillingham Margaret Swaffer said: “Mike was a and Larkfield. sociable man and a great character. Even Amanda was baptised as one of when he needed a mobility scooter later in Jehovahs’ Witnesses in 1981 and remained Henry Fulcher life he would head off to the pub, and was dedicated all her life. She was mother to usually well dressed with his trilby hat. He Lauren, Alexander, Constance and Morgan. HENRY Fulcher (18), of New Romney, kept lifelong friends, including his best was a talented footballer well known Simon Miller and Company was friend from his days at Maidstone from his time at the Soccer Elite Football established in 2000, growing to a wellGrammar School and never lost his sense of Academy at Swadelands School in Lenham. known and county-wide operation. The humour or his love of life.” Henry died after losing control of his company’s website has paid a fulsome Mike leaves his wife of 58 years, daughter Vauxhall Corsa and hiing a tree in tribute: “Amanda was characterised by her Jo, son Peter and grand-children Bernice, Tenterden. seemingly inexhaustible cheerfulness and Eleanor and Laura. The player was enthusiasm for life. She was considered one named Twopack by of the most modest and humble women team mates and had who, despite tremendous ability, always Neville Phillips graduated from the shied away from publicity and praise”. youth ranks to the NEVILLE Phillips (84) was well known as Amanda had baled breast cancer since senior squad at Hythe a housebuilder and farmer. 2007, a fight notable for the positivity and Town. Having turned Born in Chatham he moved locally as a determination she brought to it. out for the first team boy and aended Maidstone Grammar Amanda leaves her husband, children, last season Henry School. His homes included about 30 years grandchildren Hamilton and Fox-Belle, scored his first goal in in Hollingbourne, time in Bearsted, parents, one brother and one sister. a pre-season friendly against a Maidstone Willington Street, Barming and 25 years United XI this summer. farming near Marden. Tributes included a Facebook RIP page Neville was married to Bey for more Frank Conn with more than 1,000 members, some of than 55 years and was FRANK Conn (92) lived locally for about 27 whom contributed at a fundraising event in father to twins Mark years. He moved to Detling where he was Lenham, raising £170 for a wreath in the and Sarah. Son Mark very active in the local community, living shape of a Vauxhall Corsa. said: “My father will there for 18 years before spending five Hythe Town FC paid tribute to Henry be clearly years in the Royal British Legion Village stating: “Henry was one of the nicest remembered by many and a further four people you could meet and had the people locally. He years in Allington. potential to go all the way to the top and was a master builder Born on the Isle of we at Hythe had high expectations of him involved in house Dogs, Frank was in in what would have been his first full building from the 50s the fire service at the season at senior level.” to the 70s, a time in start of the war and which he built houses in places like was mobilised into Lenham, Spot Lane, Willington Street and the Army, for whom Mike Swaffer many locations around the Maidstone area. he served as a ground “He had talent as a sportsman and MICHAEL “Mike” Swaffer (81), who died gunner in the played rugby as a boy. He opened both the in Penrith, Cumbria, was raised in Shetland Isles and bowling and the baing for Rumwood Ireland before being transferred to the RAF Ringlestone and aended Maidstone Cricket Club in Otham and in his 30s took Grammar School. and doing the same job at Detling and up golf, playing at Bearsted and He became a non-commissioned officer in Manston airfields. Ringlestone and playing his last round at the Royal Navy, spending 12 years in the Frank’s time in Detling eventually led to service and rising to the rank of Chief Pey the age of 84. him becoming central to the campaign for, “People will remember my father as a Officer. He married Margaret, who he had and design of, the memorial that now larger-than-life character; intelligent, stands in the village commemorating the service and sacrifice of the airfield in the war. The Stone Shop Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere. Inscriptions added to existing memorials Renovations and memorial cleaning The Stone Shop Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent. 01622 726633 Frank’s working life included time in the car trade, working as a baker, a milkman and a bus driver, and clerical work for the police. Before Detling, he lived with Alice, his wife of over 60 years, in High Wycombe and Orpington. Frank was father to Stephen and Joyce. Son Stephen said: “My father was involved in a lot of Detling life. My father and mother were paperboy and girl to the local village and also turned up on a scooter to do duties as Father and Mrs Christmas at the local school. He got on with everyone and was a loveable and nice guy who kept his energy until very late in his life and donated to lots of charities”. Widowed nine years ago, Frank leaves his children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Serving the local community since 1985 The Doves Funerals team are proud to have served Kent for over 25 years. Our customer promise “Here for You” recognises your needs through our values: Trustworthy: delivering on our promises Respectful: in our treatment of you Responsive: to your needs Accessible: to the local community Progressive: in our attitude to change For expert advice please contact a member of our team. We are here for you 24 hours a day, for whenever you need us. Maidstone: 01622 688662 Larkfield: 01732 871188 Staplehurst: 01580 892125 Ashford: 01233 643000 Sittingbourne - Tel: 01795 431300 www.dovesfunerals.co.uk 32 Maidstone Town September 2015 downsmail.co.uk She was known as a playwright with a strong creative voice and the ability to translate strong Christian themes into accessible and entertaining work. Born Kathleen Hills, she was educated in Maidstone and worked in a range of jobs Russell Ruck locally including shop work, with the THE death of Russell Ruck (40), of Florence mentally handicapped and at County Hall Road, Fant was widely reported in the local dealing with tax. Kathy met Paul, her husband of 44 years, when she was 16. area. Paul Hicks said: “Kathy was a very Russell died following a fall into a World War II bunker while doing voluntary work determined person with a genuine gift when it came to writing plays; her work is at Capel-le-Ferne, Dover. Friends and very varied and takes in musicals and family have paid tribute to Russell, who liked outdoor sports and was fascinated by serious drama. “It was performed locally from 1978 to technology. 2003 and requests came in from as far Russell was educated locally at St away as Cobham in Surrey for Michael’s Primary School and Astor of performances; some of her plays were also Hever School before moving to Laleham published by a company specialising in Gap School, near Margate. In his teens he Christian drama. With The Unity Players, was diagnosed with epilepsy and had a local church-based drama group, Kathy more recently been diagnosed with performed in the works herself and could Asperger’s syndrome. draw on a total troupe of 30 players within His father has noted that the recent past the group. was the happiest time of Russell’s life and “Ill health had forced Kathy to give up he had been actively involved in things he really cared about. Russell leaves his father full-time work in her fifties but she still maintained a positive aitude. She also Barry and sister Charlie. loved her garden and had a real gift for gardening; her father had been a professional gardener and she inherited Bernard Head many of his talents.” BERNARD Head (78) devoted much of his Kathy leaves her husband Paul, her time to helping the community of brother David and a number of other Bearsted, his home for more than 40 years. family members. He served as treasurer of the Holy Cross Church and was also treasurer and trustee Damen Crompton of Bearsted MAIDSTONE’s Damen Crompton (36) Woodland Trust, died in a motorcycle accident. which protects 26 Damen was heading to his home in acres of woodland Reculver Walk, Senacre on the A229 Loose and meadow. He Road when he lost control of his was a founder motorcycle. Damen’s partner Lianne member of Bearsted Farrow paid tribute at the scene of the and Thurnham accident. Tennis Club; a Damen worked for the past four years at founder member and Dempson Ltd, a packaging company in trustee of Bearsted Bowls Club and a Hermitage Lane, Maidstone. The company founder member of the badminton club. has supported his family through the Bernard was an examiner of local organisation accounts, including Bearsted tragedy. Parish Council and Bearsted’s annual carnival and fair. He was employed by local company Marley and after retirement Sam Dunlop in 1990 he set up his own accounts SAM Dunlop (78) lived locally from 1970, business. firstly in Maidstone and – from 1972 – in He became a respected school bursar, Bearsted. notably with Red Hill special school (he He worked for GEC in Rochester for 22 was also a trustee of the Red Hill Trust) years. He worked as a draughtsman, rising and became business manager and to the role of chief governor of Roseacre Junior School, which draughtsman before he helped guide to grant-maintained becoming logistics status. manager, the role He joined the Rotary Club of Maidstone from which he in 1995, was treasurer for five years and retired. He had president in 2004. Last year he was previously lived in honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Wembley and Bernard is survived by his wife Helen Rainham. and sons Graham, Michael, Tim and David Sam was father to and grandchildren. Jane, Stephen, Jonathan and Jenny. His wife Lee said: “In his younger days Kathy Hicks Sam was a gifted footballer who tried out for professional clubs. He loved sport and KATHLEEN “Kathy” Hicks (63) lived became very good at table tennis. His locally her whole life, first in Maidstone other passion was computers and he was where she grew up and – from 1979 – in amongst the first to own one. Harrietsham. “He learned programming, and was able to teach himself other things like how to build computers and DIY skills. He used his computer skills to help with the logistics in his business before using computers in this was a normal part of business. “His son-in-law, Greig, delivered a eulogy about Sam’s achievements but also the modesty he showed, in not being outspoken about all the things he had done. His friends and family will remember his dry sense of humour and his wisdom.” Obituaries interesting and funny.” Neville, who was widowed in 2013, leaves his twins and grandchildren James, Alice, Sophie and Tom. Allan Wille ALLAN Robert Wille CVO, CMG, KStJ (78) of Chilham was a former Lord Lieutenant of Kent and a company boss known for donating about £4m to charity. Born to a Kent family who were working as tea planters in India, Mr Wille returned home and spent most of his youth living on farms in Thanet. He excelled at rugby as a boy and joined the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). After working in Canada and in the packaging industry he founded Wille International Limited, which grew into one of the world’s largest companies involved in electronic coding and labelling of information. Mr Wille sold the company in 2002, launching a charitable foundation which benefied Kent causes. Many public figures have paid tribute to Mr Wille, including former Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Dan Daley who said: “Allan was the truest of gentlemen and so dedicated to whatever he did. He valued people, in every way, and encouraged whatever they were engaged in doing.” Norman Harlow NORMAN Harlow (79) lived in Bearsted for more than 50 years. He was born in Margate, was educated at Dover College and lived in Kent all his life. Throughout the war, he and his parents lived in The Victoria Hotel in Maidstone, where his father was a hotelier and publican. Later he lived at the Masonic Hall in Bower Terrace. His work as a sales rep and manager meant he travelled widely. He ended his career as general manager at Aylesford Priory. He had many interests and belonged to the Association of Kentish Men and Men of Kent’s Maidstone branch, where he was chairman and president. He organised many outings for members and friends. He also belonged to Bearsted History Society and more recently was a member of the U3A. He leaves his wife Rosemary and sons Christopher, Anthony and James. There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected] Maidstone Town September 2015 33 downsmail.co.uk Comment Mote Park well worth a quid R E C E N T Maidstone Council invest- ments have improved Mote Park magnificently to make it even more popular locally and see it rated second best in the nation. Purchased for £50,000 from the Lord Bearsted family almost 100 years ago, Mote Park has proved a wonderful council investment and residents will want it preserved and improved for years to come. I think few will complain about a proposed new parking fee of £1 for six hours, especially as the income will be used to maintain and further improve the park. Government has imposed massive financial restrictions on local authorities in the troubled economic times and funding nonessential services is a great problem. I think most of us who pay to park will appreciate its great value. Political football The political football of Maidstone’s local plan is being booted in the direction of the right goal at long last. When the Tories were in control they commissioned an expert independent report on the evidence-based need for more than 19,000 new houses in the borough for the period 2011 to 2031. They knew this evidence would be tested by a Government inspector and if it failed the desperatelyneeded local plan would be rejected. This figure was strongly challenged as massively over the top by local political opponents in the build-up to May’s general and borough elections. I always felt they were playing to local voters worried about the level of development, especially in some rural areas, rather than working to meet Maidstone’s greatest need. And KCC Leader Cllr Paul Carter (Con) was still more vociferous in damning the number – even after KCC commissioned its own independent report which, to his fury, largely mirrored the report commis- Unwarranted aack Dear Sir – I write to respond to the unwarranted, unsubstantiated and nakedly politically-motivated attack by a defeated local election candidate upon the democraticallyelected representatives of South ward in last month’s Downs Mail. The assertion that the local Liberal Democrat councillors show any favoritism to one particular area of this large and diverse electoral ward is wide of the mark. Indeed, in recent weeks we have facilitated the installation of a second bus shelter in Tovil and, working with the parish council, we have achieved a major reinstatement of the popular path along the River Medway next to Bridge Mill Way play area and beyond, and improvements to the footpath linking Dean Street and Stocketts Lane. We also gained agreement for the installation MailMarks DENNIS FOWLE President [email protected] sioned by Maidstone Council. These long delays may well cost Maidstone dear – as we currently have little protection against developers with their own ideas for using greenfield land for housing. It is not a good scene – and sadly Maidstone Council is now subject to ridicule. New Lib Dem leader of Maidstone Council Cllr Fran Wilson is working well to bring together all politicians, including KCC, to finally get the local plan on the road. Tough decisions must be taken in the face of continued local resident opposition. If not the borough’s housing target could well swell under government pressure to beyond the current evidence-based 18,560. She has accepted she has “failed” to reduce the target substantially. The Tories will have a wry smile – but hopefully they will continue to play a leading role to see past wrongs righted. Ramblin’ Man I welcome Maidstone Council’s policy to increase attractions (and income) from Mote Park – but I expressed fears about noise from the big two-day Ramblin’ Man music festival. I was close to it for two days at The Mote cricket ground and was impressed. The festival was very professionally organised and the large audience was mostly mature, friendly and responsible. The nearby roads were busy at times but with visitors arriving over a long period, and leaving at non-peak times, I am not aware of serious problems. How about the noise? On the cricket ground side it was no problem at all when I was there. The wind was blowing from the west and I am sure this helped. Friends living in Downswood, Vinters Park, Grove Green and Bearsted heard much more but I believe there were few complaints. Noise levels were monitored and limits were not breached. Perhaps limits could be reduced somewhat in future. The festival brought a lot of people and money to Maidstone and I believe there were many happy visitors and businesses. I understand Ramblin’ Man could well return. Festival revellers at the Ramblin’ Man Fair of a CCTV safety camera at Tovil Bridge, which is now in place, and have worked with Maidstone Council’s environmental enforcement team to ensure that Network Rail cleans up its land in the same vicinity. We could go on and on, but will conclude with references to our central involvement in the refurbishment of the Bridge Mill Way play area, close working relationship with local amenity group Valley Conservation and key role in delivery and subsequent management of the beautiful Hayle Place nature reserve. As regards our campaigning record on the recently-permitted residential development at Postley Road, I can confirm that all the South ward’s local elected representatives passionately opposed this application when it came before the planning committee. We also raised a petition signed by some 1,500 residents opposing further development close to the Loose Val- ley. Unfortunately, Government diktat requires that councils must have an up-to-date local plan and five-year housing land supply and this left the planning committee powerless to resist this and other speculative residential planning applications. It did not help that against the advice of the planning scrutiny committee, the Conservative cabinet had previously agreed to include the Postley Road site in the draft local plan, effectively sealing its fate. Finally, the local elected representatives in South ward regularly distribute Focus newsletters and other correspondence carrying content specific to communities in Tovil. To this end, local people shouldn’t hesitate to contact their local councillors for help and advice on any matter, regardless of their political allegiance. Ian Chittenden, borough councillor for South ward Contact our team ... 34 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 Maidstone Town September 2015 HOMEFRESH Freephone 0800 6942024 Throughout the South East CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OFFER Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate Single Room (12’ x 12’) Through Room (12’ x 18’) Hall, Stairs & Landing £42 £56 £56 £21 £28 £28 £84 £146 £42 £73 £74 £42 £37 £21 £1395 Upholstery 3 piece suite Leather 3 piece suite Curtains Full length Half Length Brand New Straight Stairlifts Reconditioned Stairlifts Both include next day installation 50% Discount No hidden extras - All prices inclusive of VAT £895 Tel No: 01622 756128 Mobile: 07905 182363 www.stairliftstoday.co.uk [email protected] 49 West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF Call us today to request your FREE, no obligation, home survey. 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COMPUTER SERVICES REPAIRS | UPGRADES MAINTENANCE PACKAGES APPLE COMPUTER SALES www.microspotservice.co.uk 01622 675144 Regal House, 13 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DY Your local provider of Stove Installations & Servicing Chimney Sweeping & Fireplace Alterations Phone: 07775 439595 or 07515 405068 Visit: www.ojbservices.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ojbservices 36 Maidstone Town September 2015 Free No Obligation Estimates Certificates Issued News downsmail.co.uk Is it good value to pay for your funeral before you die? Yes it is, according to funeral plan adviser, Peter Camrass of Camrass Wills. The cost of funerals has gone up by more than the rate of inflation for many years and shows no signs of stopping. Peter goes on to say that there are other benefits also. Fast food plan for retail park FAST food giants Subway and KFC could be moving in to South Aylesford Retail Park if a plan to extend the shopping centre by building two units is approved. The catering “pods” would be located at the main entrance to the Quarry Wood site on part of the car park next to the Pets at Home store. The Crown Estate, owner of the centre, is seeking approval from Tonbridge and Malling Council for the development, which it says would provide a high quality landmark on a prominent corner of the site. The two national food retailers were expected to create a total of 30 jobs at the new outlets. Subway planned to open a sandwich shop with an eat-in area and KFC would be a larger unit with a restaurant with takeaway facilities. Both would have mezzanine floors. External seating and a reconfigured car park with the loss of 14 spaces from the park’s total of 551, were also included in the scheme. Housed in an “elegant and distinctive” building covering 393sqm, the new venues would enhance the range and choice of catering facilities in the area, said the Crown Estate. However, parish councillors had no appetite for the scheme. Registering a strong objection, Aylesford Parish Council said it was “over-development of the site with the loss of car parking spaces”, adding: “The site is already working to full capacity.” Costa Coffee moved into the retail park last year and an M&S food hall and coffee shop opened this summer. A McDonald’s drive-in is also set to open on a nearby site close to the corner of Hermitage Lane and London Road after receiving planning approval. Crown Estate said the new catering units “will enhance the facilities for customers and staff of the retail park, Sainsbury’s and the wider Quarry Wood area.” Destination Maidstone COUNCILLORS have approved a three-year plan to put Maidstone on the map. The Maidstone destination management plan, endorsed by the new heritage, culture and leisure committee, sets out a strategy for improving key areas identified by tourism businesses in order to achieve its potential as a top destination for tourism and investment. About 70 organisations provided information to help identify key target audiences. The consultations also identified areas of importance and opportunity in the visitor economy such as retail, river, rural, heritage, and the night-time economy. Action plans have been developed to make sure that the borough is making the most of those areas. Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman of the HCL committee, said: “The hard work of everybody involved in the development of the DMP has ensured that now is the time to take the marketing and tourism potential of the borough to the next level.” Maidstone Council is keen to work with service providers and businesses that rely on tourism as a significant part of their business to help in the delivery of the DMP action plan. To be involved email [email protected] or call 01622 602748. Night curfew part of sentence A M A I D S T O N E man was sentenced to 70 days in jail, suspended for 12 months, after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and being drunk and disorderly. Robert Gregory Massey (23) from Perryfield Street, was found drunk and disorderly in Gabriel’s Hill, Maidstone, in September last year, where he also assaulted a police officer. Massey was also given a threemonth curfew to remain at home between 7pm and 6am daily and must pay £50 compensation, £350 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. Cash flow during probate. Very often, the family will not have access to your savings until well after the funeral because Probate, the legal process which takes place after a death, can take several months. This means relatives have to find the money for the funeral from their own funds. If you have a prepaid funeral this difficulty is avoided. Funeral wishes in your Will. Even though you have stated preferences in your Will, e.g. burial or cremation, ecofriendly coffin etc., it is up to the executors of the Will to arrange the funeral and they are not legally obliged to follow your instructions. With a prepaid funeral, you have already instructed the funeral director and so your wishes will be honoured. Peace of mind. Setting up your own funeral plan not only protects your loved ones from rising funeral costs, but also spares them the distress of having to make difficult decisions at an emotional time. For a free guide to funeral plans contact Peter on 01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk A warm welcome awaits you at Maidstone Salvation Army 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone ME14 1ED Our weekly programme of events includes: • Sunday services at both 10.15am & 6pm. All are welcome. • SAMS Tots. A term time mother and toddler group which is held on Monday & Friday mornings. (There is a waiting list for this group). • Home League every Tuesday from 1.30 - 2.30pm. A friendly meeting group for ladies of all ages. • CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Coffee & Crafts on Wednesdays (weekly) 9am-12pm. • Ladies Fellowship at 7.30pm, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. This is a mixed age group with guest speakers & various activities to do. • Over 60's group meetings each Thursday from 1.30 - 2.30pm. This group is open to all ladies and gentlemen, over the age of 60! • Messy Church, held on the second Thursday of every month from 4-6pm. A time for primary school children & their families to have some creative fun, fellowship & share tea together. • Youth Club for all children from Year 7 onwards. This is held on Friday evenings from 7-9pm and costs £1.50 per person. For further information on these or any of our other events, please telephone the Community office on 01622 681808. Maidstone Town September 2015 37 News downsmail.co.uk Waterside Park appeal rejected PLANS to build an industrial estate near M20 Junction 8 at Hollingbourne have been thrown out by a Government inspector. Maidstone Council turned down two applications from Gallagher Properties and two Marden-based companies to build Waterside Park on land south of the A20. Now, planning inspector Katie Peerless has supported Maidstone planning officers and dismissed Gallagher’s appeal. The inspector said she was concerned that the proposed development would “prove disruptive and seriously harm the character of the wider landscape”. She wrote: “The impact of the schemes would be further exacerbated by the extent of the earthworks that would be needed to create the development platforms and the surrounding bunding. These would be engineered, obviously man-made features that would contrast unfavourably with the gently rolling hills leading towards the scarp of the North Downs and would permanently change the topography of the landform.” Ms Peerless said the development would be detrimental to walkers and she believed that the proposals did not tie in with the development plan policy regarding protection of the countryside. One of her greatest concerns was the impact of the development on Jail sentence A MAIDSTONE man who stole meat from a supermarket has been jailed for three months. Matthew Savage (22), of Wallis Avenue, admitted shoplifting the meat, valued at £65, from a store in Station Approach, Borough Green, on July 4 and was sentenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. Savage was also ordered to pay criminal court charges of £150 and an £80 victim surcharge. Leeds Castle and its parkland. She said it would intrude on the “iconic view” of the castle from the golf course and “diminish the significance of the heritage assets”. The inspector accepted there was a need for additional industrial and employment development in Maidstone, but said there was available space elsewhere and, as neither ADL nor Scarab – the two Marden companies – had a formal agreement to take up space, the development was effectively speculative. She conceded that the site was “a highly sustainable location in terms of accessibility to major road transport links” but said she believed development on such a scale could have an adverse impact on traffic congestion levels. Ms Peerless concluded: “I find that the environmental harm would be greater than the identified economic advantages and the adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.” Roger Vidler, treasurer of the Bearsted and Thurnham Society, said: “The decision vindicates the stand that society, the Joint Parishes Group, the CPRE and others took on this development. “It also adds further weight to the arguments we and others advanced for this area, along with the land between the M20 and A20. “However, as always with MBC, the position is not as straightforward as one might hope. We understand that there is still pressure to designate junction 8 as a site for industrial and commercial development and, of course, the threat from the Roxhill development covering part of the former KIG site remains.” Nick Yandle (pictured), chief executive of Gallagher Properties, said: “The inspector’s decision is of course disappointing. We have a number of options open to us, and we are giving these due consideration, taking the inspector’s decision and reasoning into account.” 38 RESIDENTS are pleading with Maidstone Council to protect land near M20 Junction 8 from development. The Bearsted and Thurnham Society has written to Cllr Fran Wilson, the leader of the council, asking that J8 be removed as a location for employment in the draft local plan. Society secretary Mary Richards referred also to the decision to reject an application for the Kent International Gateway road/rail freight interchange in August 2010. The society believes the council should designate the area as “a valued local landscape and/ or Green Belt to check the unrestricted sprawl of Maidstone to the east and to safeguard this valued area of open countryside from development, also to protect the setting and character of Leeds Castle and other nearby heritage assets and to assist with the regeneration of employment land within the Maidstone urban area”. Could you help victims of crime? Driving ban VOLUNTEERS are needed to help support the victims of crime. Victim Support works with Kent Police to offer emotional support and advice to people who have been affected by crime. Volunteers are trained to support victims until they feel strong enough to move forward, listening to their concerns and making sure their needs are met. No qualifications or experience are needed, just a couple of hours a week and a willingness to help. Volunteers must be over 18 and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. Anyone interested in volunteering with Victim Support should contact the service delivery team on 01233 896423 or email [email protected]. Crossing could safeguard school children A NEW zebra crossing could be introduced in Leafy Lane, Maidstone to help keep school children safe. The cul-de-sac is the only access to Brunswick House Primary School and it is also used by pupils of Maplesden Noakes and Maidstone Girls’ Grammar schools. At drop-off and pick-up times, many parents park at the London Road Retail Park, which is fenced, meaning youngsters have to cross a narrow section of Leafy Lane to get to school. Parents parked on the double yellow lines or Keep Clear section risk colliding with these pupils when they turn to leave. ‘Now protect this land’ Central. “We are reinforcing the double yellow lines but we need a zebra crossing to make it safer.” Tim Read, KCC’s head of transportation, reported on a petition delivered to the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board in April. He wrote: “The existing waiting restrictions and school Keep Clear marking could be enforced more actively; however, civil enforcement operatives cannot be there all of the time. “A zebra crossing might be likely A new zebra crossing in Leafy Lane to be respected more than the existcould help protect pupils ing yellow lines.” He recommended a bid for fund“They often don’t look in their rear-view mirrors,” said Cllr Dan ing from the local transport plan Daley, KCC member for Maidstone budget. Maidstone Town September 2015 A DRIVER from Maidstone has been banned from the road after giving a positive breath test. Andrew David Looseley (40), from Quarry Road, was driving a Vauxhall Vectra in the town’s Upper Stone Street on June 16 and gave a breath test of 68mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35. He pleaded guilty to drink driving and was given an 18month driving ban by Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £110, with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Demolition plan denied MAIDSTONE Council has refused an application to demolish the former American Golf store at 5 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. The applicant said they wanted to redevelop the site but the proposal was only to to demolish the now derelict store as well as a twostorey building and other outbuildings in Corben’s Place. The council’s planning department said that with the future of the site uncertain, there was concern about its visual impact. 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Oven cleaning from just £49 Please call James on 01622 616168 www.ovenwizards.com PHOENIX The Truck Mounted All Surface Cleaning System • Carpets • Upholstery • Patios • Driveways T: 01622 753466 Maidstone Town September 2015 39 Classified downsmail.co.uk Cleaning Services continued Fencing continued Garden Services Cont APPROVED GARDENS • Regular Maintenance & Jungle Clearances. • Mowing Strimming Hedge Trimming. Re-Shape, Reductions, Pruning & Fencing. • Tree Works, Re Turfing & Weed Control. • Fully Insured, Residential & Commercial. Award winning Contractor for “Kent Garden Of The Year 2010” www.wrightsfencing.co.uk 01622 726736 07436 117576 [email protected] No1 Locally Since 1996 Garden Services ARBOUR TREE SURGERY ‘Trust your local experts’ All Aspects of Tree Work Forestry First Ltd Drives BUTLER DRIVEWAYS Block Paving Patterned Concrete Tarmac Driveways Shingle Drives Patios 01622 850491 Mobile: 07885 253623 Warren House Headcorn Road Sandway Maidstone www.downsmail.co.uk Kent & Sussex Drives Specialists in Block Paving, Resin bonded surfaces. Also red or black tarmac. Hot tar chippings. Pea Shingle. Free Estimates. All new work guaranteed for 10 years. Tel: 01622 809105 / 01580 891668 Mobile: 07789 360748 Tree Surgeons & Landscapers in Kent All arboricultural tree works undertaken. Fully insured. www.forestryfirst.co.uk 01622 616133 No job too big or small • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking • Levelling Ground • Jet Washing Service • Water Features • Astroturf • Patios • Clearance • Driveways Landway Surfacing Email - [email protected] Website - www.landwaysurfacing.co.uk 100 The Landway, Bearsted, KENT ME14 4LB Electricians Electric Rewired The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied We are Part P Certificated For all your Electrical needs From extra sockets to house rewiring Replace old light fittings with new fittings Call Alf for your free quote Ring 07831 247843 or 01622 738680 www.electricrewired.co.uk. [email protected] Fencing Fence me in & alot more All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978 40 Fencing continued I.WALLOND FENCING ALL TYPES – REPAIR/RENEW Est. 25 YEARS FREE ESTIMATES 01622 844956 07931 368710 www.IWallondfencingcontractors.co.uk 01622 759119 07771 970570 www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk EPIC Driveways, Block Paving, Tarmac & Shingle, Council Approved Drop Kerbs, Resin bonded Drives All work fully insured and guaranteed Tel/Fax - 01622 734817 Mobile - 07795 471 196 or 07799 867 524 Fully Insured and Qualified Free No Obligation Written Quotation LANDSCAPES www.kentandsussexdrives.com For free advice and quotation call:- Felling • Pruning Hedge Cutting Stump Grinding BRANCHING OUT TREE SERVICE All aspects of tree cutting, Re-shaping, Crown reduction. Felling of dangerous or dying trees. All hedges and shrubs, topped and shaped Site clearance, prompt services FREE ESTIMATES 01622 880218 07796 772020 For a free site survey call: 01622 527106 07788 532926 All our editions are avilable to view online www.downsmail.co.uk 0$,'6721( /$1'6&$3(6 3523(57< 6(59,&(6/WG 20% discount* on production of this advert * not to be used in conjunction with any other offers LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, Tarmac, Decking, Fencing, Turfing, Ponds, Water Features, Garden Clearance, Sheds/Summer & Play House Bases, Tree Surgery etc BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits, Fascias, Floor/Wall Tiling, Decorating etc David Matthews Fencing FULLY INSURED/WORK GUARANTEED, VERY PROFESSIONAL/FRIENDLY SERVICE Top Quality Materials/Workmanship from design to completion - FREE ESTIMATES Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 E: [email protected] www.maidstonelandscapes.com • Free estimates & friendly advice • All types of fencing at competitive prices • Fencing supplied and erected • You talk directly to David at all stages for your fencing • Go on, give him a call on Phone: 01622 755342 Mobile: 07749 202140 Maidstone Town September 2015 LOOK: Please check our reviews and other companies you may use at www.uktc.org Established 1990 Director: M Potter ( Call our sales team now - 01622 630 330 Classified downsmail.co.uk Garden Services cont L.W.LANDSCAPING Fully Insured & Reliable Tel: 01622 260149 Mob: 07772 231419 z Fencing z Treework z Turfing z Decking z Levelling Ground z Jet Washing Service z Astroturf z Patios z Clearance z Driveways Complete Garden Maintenance Fully Insured • Grass cutting, from field to a garden •Hedge cutting • Weed control • Japenese Knotweed treatment • Fencing • Rubbish removal • Hedge & tree reduction • Turfing • CRB Checked Free Quotes Tel 01622 206431 Mob 07932 752875 www.boatmanlandscapes.com Painting & Decorating continued LEE Hughes PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE City & Guild Qualified Tel: 01622 759040 No job too small Competitive prices •Painting & Decorating • Plastering • Tiling • Fencing • Laminate Flooring • Plumbing General Household Maintenance. Any odd jobs considered Phone Lee for quotes No job too big or too small. Painting & decorating, all roofing works & repairs, chimney’s, guttering & gutter cleaning, pressure cleaning, fencing & brickwork & driveways 07554 267087 0800 4748750 07894 138224 01622 204491 Day Evenings or to leave a message Free from landlines Fully insured Ironing Services Painting & Decorating Including wallpapering City & Guilds qualified. 28 years experience. All work carried out to a professional high standard. A.M. Freiter 01622 747 296 / 07729 573 024 Rathbone Decorating Services Painting & Decorating Interior & Exterior Works Undertaken No job too small with special rates for pensioners • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman Handyman Services Handyman HANDYMAN All aspects of internal & external Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 We accept payment by Plastering Plumbing & Heating D K PLASTERING Chris Bourne Plumbing Services All plastering work carried out • Excellent Work • Excellent Prices • FREE Quotes Email: [email protected] Call David 01622 727534 making water work Heating Wall & Floor Plumbing Tiling Complete 25yrs experience Bathrooms Mobile: 07974 891795 PRACTICAL PHIL 01622 747272 / 07885 950959 THE HANDY MAN Sheds constructed & repaired Door hanging • Flat Pack Furniture Interior & Exterior Decorating Many small jobs undertaken Please phone with your requirements 01622 755898 Mobile 07834 601428 07857 702418 Locksmith R K Plastering 24 hour service locks opened new locks fitted security checks emergency work undertaken UPVC door & window repairs Maidstone & Kent T: 01622 755750 M: 07738 658751 www.yourmaidstonelocksmith.co.uk 3 Plains Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7AT Painting & Decorating MALCOLM ROBERTS Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service. Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. CALL MALCOLM ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576 FOR A FREE QUOTATION Larkrise, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea. BARMING PLASTERING • Internal & External Plastering • Reliable Professional Clean Friendly Service • Free Estimates • Over 25 years experience, references available on request • Registered with mybuild.com All Aspects of Plastering Internal / External Plastering Over Artex Coving Free Estimates Clean & Reliable • Quality Decorating at a fair & competitive price • Fully insured & references available • Dulux approved Tel/Fax: 01622 737225 Mobile: 07816 149502 www.sr-interiors.com email: [email protected] Boiler repairs and installs Leaking taps No Job too small, No call out fee, Free estimates All types of plumbing work. Please call Matthew on 07929 544 856 Call Rob on: 07984 609133 www.rkplastering.co.uk M B Plumbing and Heating www.downsmail.co.uk All gas appliances installed, serviced and repaired Boiler installations & breakdowns Solar installations & maintenance Gas cookers installed & repaired Power flushing Landlord gas safety checks All plumbing work undertaken City & Guilds and A.C.S qualified Call Neil Tel: 01622 683476 Mobile: 07725 696030 218594 GAS, HEATING, PLUMBING & RENEWABLES Read all editions online at our new website www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone Town September 2015 41 Classified downsmail.co.uk Plumbing & Heating continued Roofing Services continued NO CALL OUT CHARGE & FREE QUOTES For all your plumbing needs General Repairs • New Taps • Toilet & Cistern Repairs PLUMBING Bath & Shower Installation • Leaks & Fault Finding 25 years & 25,000 roofs & all our guarantees are insurance backed for the full 30 years Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266 30 Benjamin Terry Plumbing and Heating • Free Quotations for all your plumbing and heating requirements • All calls handled promptly and efficiently. • No job too small 306005 Heating Bathrooms Plumbing Boiler Servicing Landlord Gas Safety Certificates LPG, Air Source Pumps and Natural Gas 01622 725558 [email protected] 07968 424228 ! NOsW L v r L u A C e home ey For a fre 0800 0434 342 / 07899 905 301 The Fibreglass Roofing experts See the working display we created in Notcutts 25 years ago Gavin Francis www.flatroofcokent.co.uk Central Heating Installations ex British Gas • New Boilers • Noisy Boilers and repairs • Burst pipes & leaks • Bathroom & shower installations • FULLY INSURED • ALL WORK GUARANTEED & AT COMPETITIVE RATES 199173 NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES Business Directory Your local plumber 07860 174959 01622 721779 Forge Lane, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0TH E:[email protected] Advertise from as little as £3.00 per month Call 01622 630330 or visit our website for more details Roofing Services Property Maintenance TNC Property & Landscapes COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE Driveways and Paving Block paving refurbishment • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance (level sunken areas, clean & sand) Lawn construction Fencing new and repairs Brickwork/patios re-pointed Fully Insured Call Tremayne 01622 758221 Find us on 07748004252 www.apolloroofing.co.uk 07808 414965 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote A1Roofing Services • TILED ROOFING • FLAT ROOFING • LEAD FLASHING • PVC FASCIA / SOFFITS • FULL REPAIR SERVICE Tel: 01622 296011 Mob: 07884 180595 For a prompt reliable service Email: [email protected] Call our sales team now - ( 01622 630 330 ( 42 Maidstone Town September 2015 www.downsmail.co.uk Skip Hire Classified downsmail.co.uk Waste Collection Skip Hire continued st ry a F ive l e D P C r o o D.T lle m c pt ti SKIP HIRE o n Over 20 Years Experience Prices from £110+VAT 01622 843511 South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone & The Weald EA Registered Fast & Prompt Service Commercial & Domestic Friendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive P I N B I N S Commercial and domestic 1-14 day hire Same day delivery 2-4 yard mini skips 6-20 yard skips Roll-on, roll-offs Council approved Tipped at our site 70% waste recycled Crushed concrete Top soil Grab hire also available D. BODY LTD Waste Collection Cesspool Emptying Septic Tanks Drain Clearing Sludge Removal Treatment Plants Gulleys & Forecourts High Pressure Jetting Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS 01622 631688 D.BODY 24Hr - 7 Days A Week www.dbody.co.uk Prompt & Friendly Service The Paddock, Detiling Hill, Maidstone, Kent Web Design EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS • Google Marketing / Search Engine Promotion • Web Site Design • E-Commerce Websites • Hosting • Email • Web Site Maintenance 01732 842454 Window cleaning MB WINDOW CLEANING • Domestic & Commercial • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • Gutter, Fascia & Conservatory • Professional & Reliable Service • Power washing available for block paving & patios 01622 863502 07950 211 507 www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected] NEW SITE NOW OPEN Detling Aerodrome Maidstone Freephone 0800 028 49 00 Windows Repairs Miranda DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS SPECIALIST REPAIRER FOR OVER 20 YEARS ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED Trailor Hire, Sales & Repairs TV Aerials, Satellites & Repairs Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair MIKE PRIOR Kent Trailers Indespension Agent Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose Trailers in stock New & Used Detling 01622 730063 07860 318166 [email protected] Misted / Broken Glass Units, Door & Window Handles, Locks & Hinges Patio Door Wheels & Tracks T.V.`s, recorders & surround sound systems installed and set up. T.V. wall mounting service. All aerial work including digital Freeview upgrades. Freesat satellite dishes installed and upgraded. Estimates given, Maidstone trusted trader. SPARE PARTS SHOP 01622 844393 www.mdgrepairs.co.uk Units 15-16 Dickens Court Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate Kent ME2 4LY 01634 717400 PAUL MILL Television Est. Ltd 1981 01622 751000 • See the latest Panasonic LED, Latest 4K, Smart & 3D Screens • Youview Record, Pause, & Rewind TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & 4oD • Your local Sky expert, SKY HD, multiroom & “hidden” dish installation • Freeview & Freesat, Expert aerial and dish installation service Please phone us for free friendly advice today www.paulmilltelevision.co.uk We pride ourselves on being a local business offering outstanding service Online Sell your stuff Free - Private Ads www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone Town September 2015 43 Classified downsmail.co.uk Window Repairs Continued Leisure Bouncy Castle PENFOLDS AMUSEMENTS Bouncy castles and children’s carousels On the Road 01634 365427 | 07710 772597 Glaze-Tech Services Ltd A family run business with over 30 years experience Free survey & quotations Installers of top quality double glazing • UPVC double glazed windows & doors • Solid core composite doors, the best in the market • Domestic & commercial aluminium products • Insurance backed guarantee on all installations • Supplied and installed by skilled fitters • Secondary Double Glazing Specialists • Repairs service to locks, hinges & handles T: 01622 717130 F: 01622 717132 www.glazetech.co.uk [email protected] Unit 8 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BT Public Notice Licensing Act 2003 Notice of application to vary a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Mone Food LTD has applied to Maidstone Borough Council on 17th. August 2015 for the grant of a premises licence to use the premises at Mone Food, 82-84 Union Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1EH in respect of the sale by retail of alcohol. Namely Monday to Saturday from 08:00 - 23:00 and Sunday from 10:00 - 20:00. Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by 14th. September 2015 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ. The Register of Record of Application can be viewed by members of the public during office hours at Maidstone Borough Council Licensing Office, or accessed online by visiting http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing/ Representation shall be made in writing. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application for a premises licence. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000. TRUSTEESHIPS MAIDSTONE FUSION Maidstone, Healthy Living Centre, based in Parkwood, Maidstone, is a well-established and growing voluntary organisation with ambitious plans for expansion of its services. New Trustees are sought to complement existing Trustees and bring further passion, drive and experience to its Board. We are looking for community-minded individuals from a range of backgrounds, including the local community, commercial, public, charitable, health/social care/education/Church sectors, and who can demonstrate a track record of effective performance, strategic thinking and sound and effective judgement. We are looking for up to four new Trustees to complement Fusion Maidstone Board of Trustees. For an initial discussion and to request an information pack please contact: Martin or Tracey on 01622 691177 or email [email protected] / [email protected]. 44 Maidstone Town September 2015 MONGERS GARAGE LTD For all your servicing & general repairs 77 King St., Maidstone (rear of Ward & Partners) Telephone: 751258 Granville Garage Granville Road, Maidstone MOT Testing General Vehicle Repairs 01622 761571 www.granvillegarage.com SAVE MONEY ON PARTS FOR YOUR CAR BATTERIES - BRAKES - SERVICE ITEMS OIL - CLUTCHES TOOLS 5 wheeler street - headcorn - kent 01622 891777 www.psautoparts.co.uk All MOT’s £40.00 d r a y l i T Auto’s MoT Testing Free re-test and minor adjustments Service and repairs carried out to all makes and models Local recovery service now available Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR Call our sales team now - ( 01622 630 330 ( allcars char t sutton Motorcycle Plus General Car Servicing MOT’s £25 and Repairs CLASSIC BIKES WELCOME 01622 844579 or visit the website www.allcarschartsutton.co.uk Chart Corner, Chart Sutton, Maidstone ME17 3SB On the Road SILVERBACK RECOVERY Car recovery and transportation Light commercial Cars for scrap removed Competitive rates CALL ROGER ON: 01622 813733 07740 123495 At GMS we only use genuine parts Specialising in VW Audi SKODA SEAT Mechanical Repairs & Maitenance • Servicing • Tuning • Air Con • Pre-MOT • Accessories fitting • Vehicle modifications • Electric diagnostic Main dealer trained • Independently priced Maidstone’s Best Kept Secret Now come and find us Unit 2 Gibralter Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2NG 01622 686824 www.gmskent.co.uk ACE M.O.T. and Clutch Centre Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted • Broken belt damaged repaired • All makes, petrol & diesel 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Te l : 0 1 7 3 2 8 7 0 3 6 8 AUTOSPRAY SOLUTIONS MOBILE BODY REPAIRS For the ultimate paint finish! MOBILE BODY REPAIRS • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED SCUFFS, SCRATCHES, DENTS etc SAVINGS UP TO 50% COMPARED TO BODYSHOPS Fully guaranteed to main dealer standard Fully insured 15 years experience Insurance work welcome FREE ESTIMATES Before Before Call now for your free quotation on 01622 727263 / 07773 340049 or email [email protected] Follow us on Winner of tradesperson of the year 2013 After Proud sponsors of Bearsted Cricket Club After • 27 years experience • 6 day operation • Around 1/4 of body shop price • Reliable, professional and flexible Call: 07771 621 769 [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk Maidstone Town September 2015 45 News downsmail.co.uk help to ‘Wartime’ market closes Gifts calm patients after 70 years of trading A GROWERS’ local co-operative which traded successfully in Maidstone for 70 years has become a victim of the times. Maidstone Country Market celebrated its anniversary in April. However, with fewer producers and customers the market committee could no longer make ends meet. Difficulty parking near the hall and the pressure on producers to cut costs to compete with nearby cheap supermarkets were all factors which led to the market’s demise, according to former secretary Sue Chartier, pictured inset. As producers retired, it became a struggle to replace them. Sue said: “Unfortunately the outgoings became more than the income, and even though the hall rental was not expensive by today’s standards, we could not make ends meet.” “Although all our produce was home-baked and home-made, shoppers will only pay so much – especially when they can buy similar things cheaper at a supermarket.” The Maidstone Country Market began in April 1945 with surplus fruit and vegetables grown as a result of the war effort and soon became popular with housewives. Its previous name was the WI market. Selling cakes and bread, preserves, crafts, plants and local produce long before the trend for farmers’ markets, customers flocked to the Maidstone country market from neighbouring towns. Held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Week Street, one lady said she had been a regular customer every week for 27 years. Sue was a customer in the 1980s, when she worked at the police station in Palace Avenue, and became a producer, selling plants after her retirement in 1993. A resident of Otham, she also participates in the Bearsted country market, which she hopes will now benefit from additional custom. The Bearsted market takes place in the WI Hall, The Street, from 10am to 11.15am each Saturday. Sue said: “The members wish to thank all their customers and helpers for their support over the years.” Other local country markets can be found at www.country-markets.co.uk – the next nearest are at Rochester and Tenterden. RE P R E S E N TAT I V E S from Aylesford and Eccles WI visited Pye Oliver ward at Maidstone Hospital to hand over more than 50 comfort blankets and muffs, made for dementia patients. The comforters are created using a variety of fabrics and materials and have attachments that patients can touch and explore. Patient experience matron Christine Steele said: “Some dementia patients can become agitated and these blankets and muffs help to calm them.” Patients are given a blanket or muff to keep while they are in hospital which they can then take home with them. They are all made with materials which can be taken with a patient into a scan or X-ray. Ann Butterworth, from Aylesford and Eccles WI, said: “The idea came from my daughter. We wanted to make some for our local hospital so I phoned and mentioned the idea to Christine, who thought it was fantastic.” Ladies from the WI would benefit greatly from donations of ribbon, small soft toys, material, different types of wool, sewing cotton and large buttons. Donations can be left in a designated box at the main reception desk of Maidstone Hospital. Competition brewing as coffee giant joins the parade IF Britain is a nation of tea drinkers, why is Maidstone’s King Street set to become the coffee capital of Kent? US coffee giant Starbucks has announced it is to open its latest shop in Colman Parade – in direct competition with other leading coffee brands Costa Coffee (opposite) and Caffe Nero (two doors away). The coffee shop will be open from 7am-7pm, in a bid to entice workers at both ends of the day (and from 8.30am-5pm Sundays). It will also offer two free pre-bookable meeting rooms with wi-fi on the first floor as another inducement to business customers. The new Starbucks will create 20 full and part-time jobs in the town, 95% of which will go to local people, according to Leon King, operations manager for Cobra Restaurants, which manages the 15 Starbucks franchises in Kent and Sussex. As well as being home to several independent eateries, King Street also houses the Heart of Flavour cafe bar and deli run by the Heart of Kent Hospice. Now, crepe, waffle and sundae speciality dessert franchise Creams Café has announced it is to open in the former Yates Wine Lodge/Ink Bar building at the corner of King Street and Church Street. In Market Buildings, another popular coffee shop is also set to change hands. Harper’s, with its distinctive decor and style, has been based in the town for more than 22 years, selling glamorous gifts and unusual artefacts, as well as coffee and snacks. Proprietor Kate Joy, who has owned the business for the past Metro Bank moves in New president of Inner Wheel FRANCES McGill, pictured centre, is the new president of the Inner Wheel Club of Maidstone. The Inner Wheel Club will continue to work hard this year to raise money for local charities. Pictured with Frances is the new vicepresident, Anne Goodliffe and past president Sue Kinsman. 46 A PRIME town centre building has been demolished to make way for a new “hole in the wall”. The former Burger King building, on the corner of the High Street and Week Street, and its fast food franchise, has been razed to the ground in readiness for another bank. The fast-expanding Metro Bank is in the throes of redeveloping the site, along with that of the former Peppermint fashion store, to house the latest in its chain of high street banks. Launched in 2010, Metro Bank was the first new high street Maidstone Town September 2015 bank to open in the UK for 150 years. The branch intends to be open before Christmas. Meanwhile, Burger King is doing a roaring trade further along Week Street in the former C&H Fabrics building. Elsewhere, major structural work continues to take place on the buildings that were destroyed and damaged in the blaze that ripped through part of Week Street earlier in the summer, meaning scaffolding seems set to be a part of the town centre landscape for many months to come. eight years, has decided she needs to concentrate on business commitments across the Channel, in France, and has sold the business to another local entrepreneur. Harper’s has always supported local artists and will continue to feature quirky and unusual pieces, as well as its unique and eclectic range of designer homeware, jewellery, cards and gifts. As for the current complement of coffee in the town? According to Leon King: “There are plenty of coffee drinking customers to go round!” Student-style store to open TOP British design brand Jack Wills has decided to give Maidstone a go. The student-style fashions will be going on sale in the former La Senza store in Fremlin Walk for a trial six-month period from August 21, creating 18 full-time and parttime jobs. Previously, fans of the clothing chain have had to travel to Bluewater, Tunbridge Wells or Canterbury. FREE Read the Downs Mail online at www.downsmail.co.uk downsmail.co.uk A hanging basket was taken from outside a property in Forest Hill, Tovil. A flat was broken into in Barnhurst Road. A pouch of tobacco was missing. Mail was going missing from a communal post area in Scotney Gardens. Glue was poured into door locks at a home in Strachan Close. A gate to a back garden was damaged by a car in Plains Avenue, Shepway. A front window at a residential property in Terminus Road, Fant was smashed. The board protecting a previously smashed window at the back was also damaged. A handbag containing a purse and personal items was snatched from a pedestrian in Cambridge Crescent, Shepway. The bag also contained the keys to a 02-reg Peugeot 206 parked nearby. The car was subsequently stolen. A Yamaha motorbike was taken from a driveway in Buckland Road. A man was seen pushing the motorbike but later abandoned it to where it was recovered by police. White paint was thrown over the front door of a flat at The Spinney. Entry was gained to the boom of some stairs in Old Tovil Road and items were stolen. The window and door of a shop in Hart Street, Fant were damaged, possibly by something fired at them. Two plant pots were stolen from the front of a property in Strachan Close. A purse was stolen from a Vauxhall Astra in Norfolk Road, Shepway. The windscreen of a Ford Transit parked on a driveway in Courtenay Road was damaged by something fired from a catapult. A group of men were seen causing the damage. A property in Gatland Lane, Fant was broken into. It was believed the offender was disturbed when the resident returned. Nothing appeared to have been taken. A Toyota parked in Kilndown Close, Allington was broken into. A bag containing credit cards, work clothing and other items were stolen. A window to a property was damaged in North Pole Road, Barming. A 51-reg Renault Clio was stolen from Hartnup Street, Fant. The door of a property was damaged in Flaxman Drive, Allington. A window was damaged at a property in Victoria Street. Police maers Five crimes had been reported in the previous month. These were one theft in Linton Road and four incidents of criminal damage in Leonard Gould Way, McAlpine Crescent, Well Street and Loose Road. Warning Cold callers had been knocking on doors locally offering cut-price furniture and enquiring about parked cars. This would be published on the website. Neighbourhood plan A government grant had been secured ensuring the project could continue into 2016. There had been lots of interest and feedback in the neighbourhood plan at the stall on Loose Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Tools were taken from a vehicle parked in St Peter’s Street. An excavator parked at a building site in London Road, Allington was damaged. Windows were smashed and panels were dented. A Vauxhall Astra parked in Woodford Road, Fant was damaged. The windscreen was smashed, both wing mirrors were broken and the rear door was scratched. A window was damaged at a property in Farleigh Lane, Barming. A vehicle was scratched while parked overnight in Bower Place, Fant. Several other cars were scratched in nearby Bower Lane. A parked vehicle was entered and tools were taken in Tonbridge Road. A spare tyre was stolen from a vehicle in Lower Fant Road, Fant. The door of a van was damaged in Farleigh Lane, Barming. Nothing was taken. A window and door were damaged in an aempt to enter a property in Terminus Road, Fant. A parked vehicle was keyed in Farleigh Lane, Barming. A rock was thrown at a window in Upper Fant Road, Fant, causing it to smash. A wall at a block of flats in Hart Street was damaged by graffiti. A commercial vehicle was stolen from Springwood Road and later recovered, minus tools. A parked vehicle was keyed in Hastings Road. A man was hit by more than one person in Basing Close. His personal belongings were then stolen. Both number plates were stolen from a Vauxhall Corsa parked in St Philips Avenue. A window was damaged at a home in Quarry Road, Tovil. Number plates were stolen from a car parked on a drive in King Edward Road. A Ford badge was removed from a vehicle parked in Wat Tyler Way. High Street premises were entered in an aempted theft. Several items of trim and accessories were stolen from a Ford Focus parked in a car park in Wat Tyler Way. CCTV was being viewed. A Ford Focus parked in a car park in Cam- bridge Crescent, Shepway had its side windows and a wing mirror smashed. A silver mountain bike was stolen from the road where it had been chained to a bike rack outside County Hall. A parked vehicle had both wing mirrors damaged in Bell Road, Park Wood. More than one person threatened another to steal their belongings in Willow Way. An unsecured red mountain bike was stolen from the hallway of a block of flats in York Road. A car parked in West Park Road was broken into and a wallet stolen. A van parked in Cumberland Avenue, Shepway was stolen. A Fiat parked in the car park of Maidstone Leisure Centre, Willow Way was keyed. CCTV was being viewed. A property was entered in Cambridge Crescent, Shepway and items taken included a mobile phone and cash. A door at a residential property in Suon Road was damaged in an aempt to break in. No entry was gained and nothing was missing. A vehicle parked in Essex Road, Shepway was keyed. Fencing panels were taken from premises in Suon Road. A lock to a property in Westmorland Road, Shepway was damaged in an attempted burglary. A parked vehicle was keyed in Redstart Avenue. A 27-year-old victim was forced to hand over £40 after a man pulled a knife on him at Mote Park. The victim says he was watching the stars near a footbridge that crosses the lake when he was approached by the man between midnight and 12.30am. After taking the money, the suspect is said to have run off into the trees. Police say he was wearing a grey hooded top, grey tracksuit booms and dirty white Adidas trainers. Duck Race Day. Fall A fall had been reported by a member of the public at an entrance to the King George V Playing Field and damage had occurred to a wellington boot. Kent Association of Local councils (Kalc) had been consulted and the clerk would be writing to the resident in due course. Green and blue Cllr Peter Rigby gave feedback following the Maidstone Green and Blue Infrastructure Workshop. The meeting was headed by a consultancy and not Maidstone Council. It was felt overall that the meeting was unproductive and no immediate progress had been made. There was also no indication of how it was likely to progress. It was agreed to make a formal complaint to Maidstone Council. Pavilion and playing field A new CCTV camera would be purchased to replace the broken one, and the gate entrance at the top of the playing field would also be removed and replaced with a single central post. Roads Complaints had been received about the road surfaces lifting around Loose. Kent Highway Services was aware of this and was liaising with its contractors. PROTECT YOUR HOME ALARMS FROM £495 +VAT LTD RITY ECU &S MS R A AL 0 28 162 807 51 Parish Councils Loose Neighbourhood Watch Crime reports A LARGE planter in the Earl Street pedestrianised area was damaged. CCTV shows a white woman in her late teens, of thin build with blonde hair in a ponytail causing the damage. She was with a man at the time. Tovil Emergency plan Volunteers are requested to act as flood wardens. Fete Helpers are needed to organise the event in 2016. Maidstone Town September 2015 47 ‘Our reputation speaks for itself’ windows : doors : conservatories We are a local business that believe the key to success is “reputation”; that is why we like to distance ourselves from other companies in our sector and the way they work. If you would like a quality finish and competitive price without the hassle give us a call. NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN (OPEN: Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm. Saturday: 9am - 1pm) 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX call: 01622 686732 or 01622 692217 www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone. Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Stephen Eighteen, Sales Manager — Bill Brett) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: [email protected] Printed by Newbury News.
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