KCC U-turn in bid to limit traffic issues

Transcription

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Maidstone & Malling’s
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Maidstone Town Edition
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Maidstone Town | Maidstone East | Maidstone South | Malling
October 2015 No. 222
KCC U-turn in bid
to limit traffic issues
News
KENT County Council has launched an offensive to halt over-development in the southern part of Maidstone.
In a surprising policy U-turn, KCC
has said it will in future raise objections to sizeable planning applications in the south of the borough if
they are likely to impact on traffic
flows at the Wheatsheaf junction.
KCC’s approach has been adopted
after a modelling study for Maidstone Council's emerging local plan.
Almost 3,000 vehicles an hour pass
through the Wheatsheaf A229/A274
junction during the morning rush
hour, causing conditions KCC describe as severe.
KCC strategic transport and development planner Brendan Wright
said: “Our position as highways authority is that no further development beyond that committed within
the planning system can be accommodated on these routes.”
Without a Leeds-Langley bypass
in place, KCC predicts some 3,500
vehicles an hour will pass the
Wheatsheaf by 2031 – an increase of
11%, causing an 83% escalation in
delays for motorists. Even with a
Leeds-Langley bypass, morning delays will increase by 28%.
Cllr Brian Clark, who sits on both
Maidstone and Kent councils, said:
“I have campaigned for a number of
Villagers fail
to secure land
Inspiring
Jo heads
for catwalk
PENENDEN Heath woman Jo
Ostermeyer (41) will be a model
at a Breast Cancer Care fashion
show.
Jo, who works for Charities Aid
Foundation at Kings Hill, was
diagnosed with the disease in
2008, but has recovered to travel
the world and take part in curling
competitions.
She will take to the catwalk in
London as one of the country’s
most inspiring women and men
to have received a breast
6
cancer diagnosis.
YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT
[email protected]
01622 690290
years for KCC to recognise the severe traffic impact of housing development along the A229/A274
corridors and I welcome this change
of stance.
“In recent years local residents
have been all too aware that the congestion at the Wheatsheaf is severe,
and the recent high level of housing
development along the A229 and
A274 has pushed things to crisis
point. “
Maidstone Council planning committee chairman Cllr Clive English
remained sceptical. He said:
“In my 20 years as a borough 4
23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent
RESIDENTS in Bearsted and Thurnham have failed to buy a parcel of
land to protect it from development.
Locals had pledged more than
£500,000 to secure land at Bridge
Farm, east of Water Lane, which
once formed part of the controversial
Kent International Gateway (KIG)
proposal. Bearsted Parish Council
had also pledged £80,000 to help
purchase the land.
A spokesman for the Bearsted and
Thurnham Society, which helped coordinate the response, said: “The
whole community should be congratulated for coming together and
producing such an amazing response over such a short period of
time. Sadly, we were not successful.”
Two plots were advertised for sale,
with guide prices of £550,000£600,000, and £300,000-£325,000, at
the western end of the former KIG
site. They form a sizeable green belt
between residential development in
Bearsted and the M20.
Mary Richards, secretary of the
Bearsted and Thurnham Society,
said: “The agent, Hobbs Parker, has
told us that they are unable to reveal
the identity of the purchaser.”
Religious birthday
THE building that houses the
United Reformed Church in Maidstone is reaching the ripe
3
old age of 150.
Bus idea in reverse
THE park and ride proposal for
Linton has been thrown
out by Maidstone Council. 4
Cycle track wanted
CYCLISTS are calling for Maidstone’s first ever pump
5
track to be built.
Back from the bike
KATE Bosley has penned a book
about her recovery from
10
a serious cycle crash.
Harvest festival
CLIMATE change has caused the
date of next year’s Kent
12
Show to be moved.
Music at the Mote
THE Maidstone Mela has
returned for its 13th year. 16
Grounding out
MAIDSTONE Rugby Club
may be on the move.
Comment
Crime Reports
47
46-47
33
33
BICYCLES were taken from
homes in Fant and College Road,
Maidstone; metal flower pots
were stolen in Loose.
Obituaries
34
Road deaths
DANGEROUS driving and distraction have led to an increase in
the number of serious injury traffic accidents in the past year.
The number of people killed
and seriously injured (KSI) on
roads in Kent and Medway increased by 10% in 2014, up from
650 in 2013 to 715.
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News
downsmail.co.uk
Church marks 150th anniversary
MAIDSTONE United Reformed
Church in Week Street is planning
a special service and lunch to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the
opening of its current building.
The first Congregational Church
was built in Maidstone in 1748, at the
junction of Week Street and St
Faith’s Street. The first minister was
the Rev Herbert Jenkins, who had
accompanied John Wesley on his
preaching journeys, and is buried in
All Saints’ churchyard.
During the next 70 years the congregation grew and it became clear
that a bigger building would be
needed. More land was acquired
and the first church built on the present site in Week Street was opened
in 1822. However, within 40 years
the building became unsafe and the
foundation stone for the present
building was laid in October 1864 by
Samuel Morley, a Christian philanthropist and owner of the Morley
hosiery business.
The new building, the church’s
present home, was dedicated in a
service on October 3, 1865.
The Week Street Congregational
Church became a considerable influence in the town both before and
during the Maidstone typhoid epidemic. In January 1898, a service of
thanksgiving was held in the church
The United
Reformed
Church
today (left)
and, right,
when it
was built in
1865
when medals were presented for
conspicuous service, one of which
was presented to nurse Edith Cavell.
In May 1915, the church was hit by
fire – the organ, galleries and roof
were destroyed, although the lower
rooms were saved from entire loss.
Worship was held in the Town Hall
until the church re-opened in December 1916.
To pay for the re-building and a
new organ in 1920, the adjacent
manse was sold to Mr Dunning. The
site was used to build a department
store which was later taken over by
the Army and Navy store and then
House of Fraser.
The Dunning family bequeathed
an adjoining plot of land to the
church and paid for the building of a
hall with offices and kitchen. The
Dunning Hall was opened in January 1938. During World War I, the
church premises were made available for recreation and during World
War II they were in continuous use
as a canteen for the forces.
One prominent Sunday School
leader was Sir Edward Sharpe,
owner of the toffee factory then situated in St Peter’s Street. During his
leadership the Sunday School was
very popular, possibly due to the
free samples which Sir Edward regularly gave out.
This year an appeal has been
launched to upgrade the premises.
Remembering town heroine
Edith Cavell – page 29
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3
News
downsmail.co.uk
Park and ride
idea defeated
PEOPLE power has won the day
for the folk of Linton and south
Maidstone.
Following a high-profile campaign to “Keep Linton Green”,
Maidstone Council has kicked out
a proposal to build a large park and
ride facility near Linton crossroads.
Residents opposed to the plan
claimed that the idea would not address current traffic issues in the
area and merely create a blot on the
landscape.
The park and ride idea had been
included in the draft local plan,
which is about to go out to public
consultation for the second time.
But Maidstone Council’s strategic planning committee removed
the proposal from the new draft,
along with a scheme to extend the
site in Sittingbourne Road.
The committee was told the facility would have had “such a negative impact on the character and
appearance of the surrounding
area, particularly from the lighting
A campaign banner in Linton
which would be situated at the
crest of the scarp slope which lies
within the proposed Greensand
Ridge Area of Local Landscape
Value as to outweigh the transport
benefits."
Ron Leagas, who spearheaded
the KLG campaign, said: “It was
apparent from the start that nobody in the area wanted this facility
and that is was unlikely to resolve
current transport issues.”
As well as making several
protests outside the Town Hall,
members of Keep Linton Green
wrote to all parliamentary candidates before the general election in
May, seeking their support.
For more local news go to www.downsmail.co.uk
KCC planning objections
Continued from page one
councillor, I cannot remember a
planning objection from KCC, with
the exception of Kig.
“Unfortunately, their objections
are not supported by any change in
policy or evidence. It would appear
to be just part of their ongoing issue
with our local plan and an attempt
to make life difficult. They are still
arguing that our figures are wrong –
but have yet to produce any evidence.”
Maidstone Council claims it needs
to provide 18,560 new homes in the
borough by 2031 to meet future
need.
But KCC leader Paul Carter, who
lives in Langley, one of the areas
under threat from development, has
always maintained the borough’s
figures are too high and believes
16,257 would be adequate.
Cllr English said: “I anticipate this
is just the start of a whole series of
objections from KCC on highways
grounds, both on Loose Road and
the Sutton Road. The move is to be
welcomed but the motives are questionable.”
Policy ‘won’t change the past’
IN its capacity as the highways authority, KCC is asked for its views on
all planning applications which come
before the borough. Previous policy
has been to raise no objections.
Were it to raise objections, Maidstone Council would be in a stronger
position to defend unwanted developments at appeal.
In December last year, KCC raised
no objection to an application from
Millwood Designer Homes to build 36
houses and re-align Cripple Street in
Loose, an application later turned
down by Maidstone Council, which is
now the subject of an appeal.
In a letter to planners, KCC strategic transport and development plan-
ner Peter Rosevear wrote: “KCC has
concluded that there is little scope for
physical capacity improvements to
the A229 Loose Road/Cripple
Street/Boughton Lane junction.”
Instead, the S106 contribution of
£3,000 per dwelling would go towards “strategic improvements to the
A229 corridor from the A229/A274
junction to the Bridges Gyratory”.
KCC raised no objection to Langley
Park, under construction off Sutton
Road, or to Wards Field at Boughton
Lane, now the subject of an appeal.
According to Cllr Clark, KCC has
said it cannot change its comment
on retrospective applications but will
adopt the new policy for the future.
Maidstone
Services we offer:
• A vibrant Day Care Service in seven locations
• Volunteering opportunities
throughout the Borough in partnership with Golding
• Advocacy Service for Maidstone & Malling
Homes and the PCT
• Disability Travel Vouchers on behalf of Maidstone
• If required, transport can be provided to the Day Care
facilities on our fleet of mini-buses
• Community Foot Care Services in the home or at our
nearest clinic.
• Community Bathing Service in the home for
Maidstone & Malling
• Independent Living Support for those that need help
with their housework, garden or shopping
Borough Council
• Computer Classes for the over 60’s
• A list of local traders that have been recommended to
us by older people
• Wheelchair Hire from our office in the town centre
• The Goodman Centre for clients with Dementia
• Information & advice for over 50’s in our office in
Mill Street.
For more information on all our services, please feel free to contact us at:
7, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW
Between the hours of 10am-4pm Monday – Thursday, 10am-2pm Friday
Or telephone us on 01622 753618 Or email: [email protected]
Or visit our website: www.ageuk/maidstone.org.uk
4
downsmail.co.uk
News
The Biketrack in Zurich, Switzerland
Bikers welcome
pump track plan
MAIDSTONE Council is considering a request for a track for offroad cyclists as interest soars in
the fast-growing sport.
A group of mountain bike enthusiasts is lobbying the council to
build a pump track – similar to the
one in Hawkinge, near Folkestone
– which gives riders an adrenalin
rush as they speed around a circuit.
Pump tracks are considered to be
safer than skateparks and are accessible by a wider range of age
groups and skill levels.
Mountain biker Mike Jordan
(27), from Tovil, hit on the idea
after visiting the Hawkinge track.
He said: “Pump tracks are much
more versatile than skateparks and
are accessible for people of any
age, from toddlers on strider bikes
to experienced mountain bikers.
“You don’t need any skill or experience – although obviously, the
better and fitter you are, the more
challenging you can make it.”
Mike has set up a dedicated
Facebook page, which has drawn
interest from more than 350 people, including the University of
Kent Cycling Club and profes-
sional mountain biker Joel Chidley.
It could cost between £40,000
and £60,000 to construct a professionally built track with an allweather asphalt surface.
Possible sites include Mote Park
alongside the Red Bull mini BMX
track, or Cobtree Manor Park.
Mike said: “Not many people
have heard of pump tracks, although they're popular in a lot of
Europe and North America, along
with many other parts of the UK.”
A pump track consists of undulating terrain and banked turns
that can be ridden on a bike without pedalling using a technique
known as pumping.
Mike has already spoken to officers at Maidstone Council’s parks
and leisure department who have
said that, provided he can gather
enough support to show there is
demand for a track, they will try to
find an appropriate space and see
if any grant funding is available.
Mike hopes bike manufacturers
and other related companies will
provide sponsorship.
To learn more or to show your
support, go to www.facebook.com/
groups/pumptrackmaidstone.
Tel 01622 296370
296370 / 07
07809
809 5563
556347
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Five homes to replace one
PLANNING permission was
granted to replace a single home
with five detached houses at 48
Lancet Lane, Tovil.
Objections were raised by 16
local residents, 34 petitioning
neighbours and members of
Maidstone Council's planning
committee.
The scheme was claimed to be
out of character with Lancet
Lane; constituted “over development”; would harm the privacy of neighbouring properties
and be contrary to the North
Loose Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Cllr Ian Chittenden, a member of the committee, said:
“Lancet Lane is the only road in
this area that has been unspoilt.
This development does not respect its character.”
However, the principle of
housing on the site had been set
in August 2009, when permission was granted to replace the
existing house with six fourbedroom houses. Although this
permission had lapsed, since
then a four-bedroom home behind the main house, with access to Sevington Park, had
been permitted and built.
Cllr Tony Harwood, a member of the committee, said:
“When you have permission for
a number of units that are very
similar I can't see an inspector
throwing it out, though I understand fully the concerns of local
residents and representatives.”
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News
downsmail.co.uk
Shoplifter
back in court
A FANT woman has been brought
back before a court after shoplifting.
Tracey Britcher (28), from Roseholme, was still serving a conditional discharge when she was
caught shoplifting three times in
Maidstone in August.
Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court was
told Britcher stole brandy from a
supermarket in Castle Road on August 4, meat from another in Romney Place on August 18 and when
she was stopped after taking a
beard trimmer from a shop in St
Peter’s Street, on August 11, she
was also carrying a small knife.
Britcher pleaded guilty to possession of the knife and three
counts of shoplifting.
She was sentenced to eight
weeks in prison, suspended for 12
months. However, because the offences were committed during the
operational period of a conditional
discharge, the overall length of her
sentence will be 10 weeks.
She was also ordered to pay £34
compensation, a £180 criminal
courts charge, £85 costs and an £80
victim surcharge.
For more local news
www.downsmail.co.uk
Cancer survivor Jo is
a positive role model
A MAIDSTONE woman is swapping the ice rink for the catwalk
after being selected as a model for
the 2015 Breast Cancer Care fashion show.
Jo Ostermeyer (41) will take to
the runway at Grosvenor House
Hotel on October 7 in London, one
of 32 inspiring
men
and
women taking
part who have
received
a
breast cancer diagnosis.
Jo (left), who
lives in Penenden Heath, was
diagnosed
in
2008 and underwent a mastectomy,
chemotherapy and radiotherapy in
2009.
She then went into remission and
quickly returned to the sport of
curling, which she had just taken
up. She says the diagnosis changed
her attitude to life.
“When you are told that you
have cancer, your world is turned
upside down and you ultimately
Routine
contracts
carried out
rats, mice, birds,
squirrels, ants,
wasps, cockroaches,
foxes, rabbits, fleas,
fear the worst. After the initial
shock I decided to take back control
from cancer and have been very
open about my experience.”
She has since organised a number of black tie charity dinners for
breast cancer charities and recently
became a volunteer speaker for
Breast Cancer Care.
A chartered accountant and keen
music lover, Jo goes to about 20 live
gigs every year and has travelled
the world to see bands and to take
part in curling competitions.
During a competition in Italy earlier this year, €1,000 was collected
for Breast Cancer Care and presented to Jo, who said: “As soon as
my diagnosis was announced I received incredible support from all
over the world.”
Excited to be taking part in the
modelling assignment, she said: “I
cannot wait to strut my stuff down
the catwalk for Breast Cancer Care.
I am privileged to have met such
wonderful people in the other
models and we will be life-long
friends. I think it is going to be very
emotional for all of us as it will
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mites, hornets,
bedbugs
show just how far we have all
come. It will send a message of positivity to those also undergoing the
same diagnosis as well as raising
funds to support others through a
terrifying and difficult time in life.”
Jo, who is about to take up a post
with the Charities Aid Foundation
in Kings Hill, will be wearing a variety of outfits by designers such as
Butler & Wilson and Jeff Banks to
high street stores like House of
Fraser, Dorothy Perkins and
George at Asda. The models will be
styled by fashion correspondent
Hilary Alexander and London
Fashion Week co-ordinator Lesley
Goring.
The event, now in its 19th year,
launches October’s Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
Tickets are available from
[email protected]
or by telephoning 0345 092 0806.
If you are unable to attend the
show but would still like to show
your support for Jo, you can visit
her JustGiving page to donate at:
www.justgiving.com/Jo-Ostermeyer
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News
downsmail.co.uk
Farm earmarked for business use
MAIDSTONE Council still believes land at Woodcut Farm, near
Bearsted is suitable for office and
commercial use – despite residents doing everything within
their powers to prevent it.
The council’s strategic planning
committee has designated the land,
north of the A20 Ashford Road, for
mixed employment in its upcoming local plan – this still has to go
out for public consultation.
The land is part of the site of the
Kent International Gateway freight
proposal, refused on appeal in 2010.
A report to the committee states:
“There is a unique opportunity in
the borough to provide a presti-
gious business park at Junction 8 of
the M20 that is connected to the
motorway network and that can
provide for a range of job needs up
to 2031.”
Bearsted Cllr Val Springett said
the decision would make the council a laughing stock, having fought
off Kig and, more recently, two applications to develop land south of
the A20 at Waterside Park.
She said: “You cannot mitigate
development on this site in any
way whatsoever. You cannot hide
any development from the North
Downs – it will be visible for
miles.”
Planning chief Rob Jarman said
he believed it was possible to minimise the disturbance to the topography and exercise strict control
over any permitted development,
insisting on enhancements to both
the landscape and the biodiversity
of the A20 corridor.
He said that although planning
inspectors had refused to allow Kig
and Waterside Park, they had not
vetoed all types of development.
Council leader Fran Wilson felt
Woodcut Farm was the “lesser of
two evils” as it did not involve cutting deep into the landscape, as did
the proposals for Waterside Park.
She said: “This is another of the
awful decisions we have to make.”
Woodcut Farm now joins a site at
Mote Road in Maidstone, Barradale
Farm in Headcorn and two in Pattenden Lane, Marden, as sites “suitable and available” for future
economic development.
The committee heard that Eclipse
Park was already “accounted for”
and there had been no proposals
put forward for Detling Airfield.
Cllr Springett stressed that developers must be prevented from buying up private land in the area to
give them ease of access to the site
and it was crucial development was
not allowed to “creep” to the west,
towards Bearsted and the land
which was now on the market.
No to neighbourhood plan Ipad gifts for children’s ward
T O V I L Parish Council will not
progress the idea of creating a
neighbourhood plan.
Councillors felt that the cost and
time involved when the area’s
brown field sites had already been
developed would be “money down
the drain”. Some expressed a fear
that a neighbourhood plan might
not be given full consideration by
Maidstone planning authority and
that a change of government could
even prompt a fresh requirement.
The matter was raised by vice
chairman Cllr Paul Wilby because
parishes with a plan are eligible to
claim 25% of developer contributions for improvements in their
local area, whereas those without
one can only access 15%.
Councillors felt one of the biggest
needs for the area was a doctors’
surgery and a dentist, but felt the
NHS agenda remained unaffected
by “neighbourhood plan wish
lists”.
REPRESENTATIVES from ProHealth Therapy Rooms in Maidstone
have handed over equipment worth £4,000 to the Riverbank children’s unit at Maidstone Hospital.
The money was raised through a charity evening at The Townhouse Hotel in King Street, which celebrated the company’s third
birthday. The event, attended by about 150 clients, featured a charity
wax-off, a raffle and auction, a barbecue, fire breathers and more.
ProHealth owner Nicola Elliott said: "We were able to buy 12 Ipads,
cases, security stations and iTunes vouchers and we hope that the
children on the ward will get lots of enjoyment from them.”
Health play specialist Vicki Belton said: “The Ipads will be used as
a distraction tool to keep the children calm and happy whilst on the
unit and I know they will really enjoy them.”
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9
News
downsmail.co.uk
Cyclist Kate’s recovery bale
TWO years ago, Kate Bosley’s life was turned upside down by a cycling accident, which left her
with a serious head injury.
The mother-of four was left fighting for her life and unable to continue in her role as chief executive
of the Heart of Kent Hospice.
Now Kate, from Weavering
Street, Weavering, has written her
story in a book which she hopes
will inspire other head injury patients and help them to come to
terms with their new – albeit different – life.
“Recycling me: back on the bike”
is the story of how Kate has pieced
back together the fragments of her
former life and learned new ways
of working and living.
She said: “My biggest problem
was social isolation. I had a busy and
fulfilling life before the accident. My
four children and foster child kept
me busy. I loved cycling and was
passionate about my career.
“I suddenly went from having a
very nice job that I loved to having
nothing. I loved what I did and
missed it passionately. I couldn’t
work, I couldn’t drive and, because
I have lost a quarter of my visual
field, I couldn’t even cycle.”
Kate was a fitness fanatic prior to
her accident and regularly competed in time trials.
She took the first tentative steps
on her road to recovery by volunteering with the Royal British Legion Industries at Aylesford – but
even that wasn’t without its challenges.
Town centre
assaults plea
A MAN was left with a serious
head injury after two attacks on
men in the town centre on a Saturday night.
Police were called at 3.50am to
Week Street, Maidstone, where a 50year-old man had been punched. It
is believed the man also hit his head
when he fell. He was taken to hospital with a serious head injury.
The other victim, a 25-year-old
man, reported having a road sign
thrown at him. He also suffered facial and back injuries, which were
not thought to be serious.
Officers want to hear from anyone who witnessed the assaults on
Saturday, September 5, or with information that will assist inquiries.
DI Neil Kimber said: “The victims were walking in the direction
of the High Street when these assaults occurred and we are making
a number of enquiries to identify
two males who we believe to be
about 17 or 18 years old.”
Both of the alleged attackers were
wearing dark clothing. One had a
white T-shirt underneath.
A man was arrested in connection with the incident after police
released CCTV pictures of a man
they wanted to question, but he
was later released without charge.
Anyone who can help should call
01622 604100, quoting ref 05-0219,
email
[email protected] or call
Crimestoppers, anonymously, on
0800 555111.
10
After an initial assessment, Kate
was simply asked to travel to the
RBLI by bus two days a week, say
hello to the staff, and travel home
again.
Gradually, she was given different tasks which were achievable.
With her old “can do” spirit
firmly back, Kate decided to write
the book for two main reasons –
firstly for personal therapy, but secondly as inspiration to other people
recovering from trauma, particularly head injuries.
She said: “There’s no getting
away from it; it is hideous. But
there is a future. It is a different future, but there is still a good life to
be had.”
Kate has had incredible support
from her husband and children,
who have all contributed to the
book. Indeed, it was daughter Hannah who hit on the title.
Husband John also recently
bought a tandem, which has enabled Kate to get back in the saddle
and allowed them to enjoy a summer cycling holiday in the Alps –
something neither of them would
have dared dream of during the
long, dark days when Kate lay on a
ventilator in hospital.
Although her memory is badly
scarred, she continues to recover.
Volunteering with the RBLI has
helped her to combat the social isolation she felt, to meet people and
be part of a team, and to develop
and re-learn skills.
She has also started volunteering
as a fitness instructor at the Village
Hotel, working with other people
who have disabilities.
Kate’s book is available to download on Kindle and has already
sold almost 100 copies.
She said: “I didn’t set out to be a
best-selling author, but I wanted to
tell my story to help other people
facing the same difficulties and to
inspire them. When you have lost
everything, you have to find reasons to carry on.”
Ma hopes to bring youth to council
FANT has a new councillor: 23year old Matt Boughton.
A former pupil of Oakwood
Park Grammar School, Matt
hung on to the seat for the Conservatives, following the death
of Cllr Alistair Black.
Matt studied politics at the
University of Sussex after leaving school, graduating with a 2:1
last year.
He now works for Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and
Malling, as a case worker, helping residents with their problems and issues.
He joined the Conservative
Party at the age of 17 and has
been active locally and during
his time at university. He said:
“We have too
many
retired
people and not
enough people
(of any party)
representing
younger residents. Fant has one
of the youngest populations in
Maidstone – including many private renters and those struggling
to buy/rent their own home. As a
young person making a start in
life I know and understand these
issues and I would like to help
make a difference.”
Matt, who lives in Monkdown,
was one of six candidates contesting the seat and beat his
nearest rival, Lib Dem landlady
of the Walnut Tree pub Rosaline
Janko, by 53 votes, with 477
votes of support.
A total of 1,757 votes were cast,
of which the Lib Dems received
424, Labour received 352, the
Green party 249, Ukip 180 and
Independent Mike Hogg 75.
Aack puts man in coma Charity quiz
A 50-YEAR-OLD Maidstone man
was taken to hospital with lifethreatening head injuries after an
assault in the town centre.
Richard (Rick) Collins was the
victim of an alleged unprovoked
attack while walking with a 25-year
old work colleague along the High
Street in the early hours of Sunday,
September 5.
Mr Collins, who lives with his
partner in Barming, was knocked
unconscious in the incident, close
to the pedestrian crossing, and
taken to Maidstone Hospital,
where he was found to have a fractured skull and bleeding on the
brain.
It is believed Mr Collins and a fellow workmate were caught up in a
disturbance involving a number of
people and police are still appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
A man was arrested following
the release of a CCTV image but
later released without charge.
Mr Collins was kept in an induced coma for several days following the assault but recovered
unexpectedly well and is now at
home. However, he has a long recovery ahead.
Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not already spoken to
police is asked to call the appeal
line on 01622 604100 quoting reference YY/014714/15. Alternatively
email
[email protected] or call
Kent Crimestoppers anonymously
on 0800 555111.
MA I D S T O N E Macmillan fundraising group is hosting a quiz
night at the Grove Green Community Hall on Saturday, October 3.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm
start. Admission is £5 per person
for teams of up to eight. Guests
should bring their own drinks and
snacks. There will also be a raffle
and an auction. To book a table, call
Helene Poursain on 07764503483 or
[email protected]
Community fair
THE first Fant community fair
takes place on October 24 at St
Michael’s Church Hall.
Doors open for stallholders at
9.30am with activities taking place
from 10am until noon. For details,
contact [email protected]
or phone 01622 686786.
downsmail.co.uk
News
Eight years in jail
for knife aacker
A MAN who caused his neighbour to fall from a first-floor window after stabbing him in the
back has been jailed for eight
years and eight months.
Maidstone Crown Court heard
Luke Punt (20), formerly of Boxley
Road, Maidstone, also kicked another man,
aged 79, before carrying out the
knife
attack.
The court
heard police were
called to a
hostel
in
Luke Punt
B o x l e y
Road on September 8 last year following a report that an elderly
man had been attacked.
Witnesses to the assault said they
saw Punt topless, punching the air
and talking to himself moments
earlier, and that he had also tried
to start a fight with another pedestrian before targeting the elderly
man.
When officers arrived to investigate, a 54-year-old man who had
fallen from a first-floor window
was also found with a stab wound
and cuts to his back.
The victim had suffered a broken
back, fractured skull and a blood
clot on his brain in the fall. He
spent weeks under sedation in hospital and was unable to speak to
police until November, but had no
memory of the attack other than
that he remembered going to the
pub because he had £30 and
wanted to treat Punt and another
neighbour at the hostel to a drink.
Following the stabbing, which
took place in the victim’s bedroom,
Punt told neighbours he had had
an argument with the man and
that he had fallen from the window.
When arrested Punt was described as smelling strongly of alcohol, slurring his words and
being unsteady on his feet. A Swiss
army knife believed to have been
used in the attack was later found
hidden in the kitchen shared by
Punt and his neighbours.
He was sentenced at Maidstone
Crown Court after he admitted
causing grievous bodily harm with
intent, a count of causing grievous
bodily harm without intent and another of assault.
Investigating officer DC Debbie
Prescott said: “It is almost a miracle that the victim did not die from
the injuries, either from the stab
wound or the broken bones he suffered from falling out of a firstfloor window.
“Luke Punt was clearly in a
fighting mood that day, as his first
elderly victim found out when he
was kicked in the face in a completely unprovoked attack.
“If that wasn’t bad enough, Punt
then went and stabbed someone
with apparently little thought for
the consequences.
“Whatever the motivation for his
actions, it is likely that alcohol
played a major part, but that is no
excuse. He is clearly a danger to
the public and deserves to be behind bars.”
Information boards renewed
TWELVE new historic information
boards are being designed to go on
display in Maidstone.
The existing tourist information
notices, which were expected to be
in place for six years are now 12
years old, and “looking a little sad”,
admitted Maidstone Council’s
Christine Dyer at a meeting of
Maidstone Town Centre Management.
She said work was progressing to
approve designs, with the hope of
getting the replacement boards up
across the town as soon as possible.
Maidstone Town Centre Management’s Events Group is also
working with Celebrate Maidstone
to produce two treasure trails for
children and visitors.
Both initiatives aim to engage,
educate and promote the area at
home and to foreign visitors, complementing initiatives by the Town
Centre Regeneration Group including new flags in Jubilee Square and
garden planters outside the Town
Hall and in the shopping areas.
Sports clubs seeking leaders
SPORTING volunteers are being sought for Maidstone Harriers,
Weavering AFC, Maidstone Canoe Club, Staplehurst Cricket & Tennis Club, Allington Chestnuts, Maidstone Lacrosse, Barming Table
Tennis Club and Maidstone United FC.
To become a local leader visit joininuk.org/local-leaderapplication.
Come & Try
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Our promise is that all of our food is freshly
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To visit us anytime in January 2016
Call for further details
01622 675000
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www.gemofkent.co.uk
Email:[email protected]
11
News
downsmail.co.uk
Cannabis case
A MAN and a woman from Maidstone have been arrested in connection with growing cannabis.
Officers armed with a drugs warrant went to an address in Rose
Lane, Lenham following reports of
suspicious activity. Drugs paraphernalia and a number of cannabis Pupils from New Line Learning Academy in Maidstone win the Pattullo Trophy at this year’s Kent Show
plants were found.
While police were at the scene, a
34-year-old man and a 48-year-old
woman, both from the Maidstone
area, arrived by car and were arrested. Both have been bailed until
Thursday, December 10, pending
further enquiries.
County show brought
forward to help farmers
Volunteer call
HI KENT, the charity that supports
people in the county with hearing
loss, is looking for volunteers to help
with hearing aid maintenance at its
clinics in Allington and Aylesford.
Full training will be given and
travel expenses paid. The charity
will also pay for a DBS check.
Hi Kent’s Debra Jones said: “This
is an opportunity to make a real difference to our charity and its clients.
Manual dexterity, a friendly and caring disposition and a willingness to
learn is important.”
For details call 01622 691151 or
email [email protected].
FREE
Read the Downs Mail online
at www.downsmail.co.uk
CLIMATE change has had an unexpected knock-on effect on one
of Kent’s longest running events.
The Kent Show, historically held
on the second weekend of July, will
take place one week earlier in 2016,
to help accommodate the farmers’
harvest.
The organiser of the show, Kent
County Agricultural Society, has
several reasons for choosing the
new dates of Friday, Saturday and
Sunday, July 8-10. However, the
driving factor has been the effect of
climate change in the South East on
the timing of the arable harvest.
Kent is one of the warmest counties in the country and generally the
first in England to start the harvest.
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Historically, agricultural shows
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13
News
downsmail.co.uk
Assault case
A TEENAGER who assaulted a
man in Mote Road, Maidstone, has
been sentence by West Kent Magistrates’ Court.
Ashley Cadwallader (19), of
Drawbridge Close, Maidstone,
pleaded not guilty to common assault but was convicted at the court
where he was guilty of the offence.
Cadwallader was ordered to
carry out 250 hours of unpaid work
in the next 12 months. He must also
pay £200 compensation, £650 costs
and a £60 victim surcharge.
Driving ban
DRIVER Alvin Marney was banned
from driving for 18 months after
pleading guilty at West Kent Magistrates’ Court of failing to provide
a blood specimen.
The 39-year-old, of Plains Avenue, Shepway, failed to provide a
specimen of blood for analysis in
Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, in
July this year.
He was banned from driving for
18 months. He must also pay a £400
fine, a £150 criminal courts charge,
£85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.
For more local news
www.downsmail.co.uk
Fake doctor treated
91 patients, court told
A TOVIL woman who admitted
stealing a doctor’s identity and
treating almost 100 patients
throughout England before being
discovered has been jailed.
Oluwadamilola Opemuyi (29), of
Bridgeside Mews, Tovil, used the
doctor’s details alongside a number
of false documents to find employment through a locum agency.
In January this year, she treated
patients at three separate locations
in Essex and Liverpool, as well as at
two prisons on the Isle of Sheppey.
Opemuyi’s crimes came to light
when she was arrested at a pharmacy in Maidstone on January 26
after attempting to collect two prescriptions she had written for herself.
She was sentenced to two years
and four months imprisonment at
Maidstone Crown Court, having
pleaded guilty to four counts of
fraud by false representation, three
counts of forgery and two counts of
possessing a false identity document with intent.
The court heard how Opemuyi
asked the General Medical Council
Oluwadamilola Opemuyi
about becoming a GP in December
2014 but was told it would not be
possible without a primary medical
qualification, which normally involves studying medicine for five
years.
Despite lacking any such experience, she applied for a number of
vacancies using the GMC reference
number of a legitimate doctor. She
also forged a marriage certificate, a
GMC certificate and various other
medical documents, and used a
false driving licence and passport.
Opemuyi eventually gained employment through a locum agency,
which sent her to work with patients at the Swaleside and Elmley
prisons on the Isle of Sheppey for a
one-week trial period. However,
she was not kept on following complaints about her work.
The agency then sent Opemuyi to
work at a surgery in Essex and two
separate locations in Liverpool, but
was released without pay shortly
afterwards following further complaints.
Inspector Ivan Beasley of the
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “These were very serious offences committed by a
woman who went to great lengths
to gain employment as a doctor,
despite not having the necessary
qualifications to do so.
“She treated 91 patients, all of
whom have since been contacted
by the NHS. They will no doubt
have been alarmed and concerned
to hear of Opemuyi’s actions, as
was the legitimate doctor whose
identity she stole in order to commit her crimes.”
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Business Focus
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The ESO Clinic - Kent’s Largest Osteopathic Practice
The European School
of Osteopathy (ESO)
operates a fully
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teaching and post
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offering osteopathy for
patients in and around
Maidstone. The
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academic and clinical
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operate according to a
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Patients attending
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The ESO Clinic, based
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River Medway rear of Archbishops Palace,
Mill Street, Maidstone ME15 6YE
16
News
downsmail.co.uk
Driving ban
A DRINK driver who took a car and
drove it without insurance has been
banned from driving.
Pacer Hilden (30) admitted aggravated vehicle-taking, driving without a licence or insurance and
drink-driving.
Hilden, of Mangravet Avenue,
took a Vauxhall Zafira without the
owner’s consent in Plains Avenue,
Shepway, Mid Kent Magistrates’
Court heard.
When arrested, he gave a blood
test of 183mg of alcohol in 100ml of
blood. The legal limit is 80mg.
Hilden was sentenced to 56 days
in prison, suspended for 12 months,
banned from driving for 20 months
and ordered to carry out 200 hours
of unpaid work. He must pay a £180
criminal courts charge, £300 compensation, £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
Assault report
POLICE are appealing for witnesses
after a woman in her 50s said she
was assaulted in Maidstone.
The woman was using the subway
under the A229 at Fairmeadow
when the attack is said to have occurred at about 11am on August 13.
Anyone with information should
call 01622 604100, quoting reference
YY/016110/15. Alternatively, call
Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously,
on 0800 555 111.
First aid group marks
centenary with prizes
THE Maidstone unit of St John
Ambulance celebrated a centenary
of life-saving first aid and service to
the community at The Friars, Aylesford.
Past and present volunteers joined
local dignitaries at a service of
thanksgiving and rededication to
celebrate the unit’s 100-year history.
There was also a display of modern life-saving equipment, including
a current SJA ambulance and defibrillator, alongside historic items,
such as a replica 1920s Sympathy
ambulance and first aid kits.
The Maidstone Unit was first
formed in April 1915 during World
War I.
At its peak, there were about 100
male volunteers who joined as part
of the Voluntary Aid Detachment,
helping to treat and transport
wounded soldiers as well as acting
as the ambulance service for the local
population.
A female nursing division was created in January 1916 and both male
and female volunteers went to
France as ambulance drivers, with
the men also acting as stretcher bear-
FFree
ree asbestos
asbestos
ccompensation
ompensation clinics
Date:
Time:
Time:
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eenue:
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riday 15 October
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ith an
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ithin the last th
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ou will
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eam.
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ers and the women as nurses.
In the early 1930s, St John received
the backing of the Maidstone community, with businesses pitching in
to fund a new building in Church
Street, which cost £1,500 to build.
The land was bought by the locally-based Day family for this purpose and the grandson, John Day,
who lives in Berkshire, attended the
service.
Other notable guests included The
Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount
De L’Isle MBE; the High Sheriff of
Kent, William Alexander; Mayor of
Maidstone, Cllr Daniel Moriarty and
former Maidstone MP Anne Widdecombe.
The Lord Lieutenant made a num-
Volunteers
and awardwinners from
St John
Ambulance
celebrate the
group’s
centenary
ber of presentations during the service.
Unit manager Shirley Collins received the Centenary certificate on
behalf of the Maidstone unit, while
she and her husband Paul both received a second medal bar (service
medal) for 22 years of volunteering
with the charity.
Denise Warman received her fifth
medal bar after 37 years of volunteering and a young volunteer from
the Badgers (aged five to 10 years),
Chloe Chapman, received her Super
Badger award.
Maidstone SJA is currently recruiting volunteer first aiders. For
more information go to the SJA website, www.sja.org.uk/volunteer.
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17
News | Sponsored parish council
Drain issues
WARD councillor Ian Chittenden
will investigate reports of problems
caused by the recent wet weather.
He heard that the river footpath,
from the end of Millers Wharf towards East Farleigh, was getting
muddy again and gulleys to take
away rainwater at the corner of Albert Reed Gardens, at the bottom of
Farleigh Hill, were full of silt.
Cllr Chittenden said he had beenled to believe there was a cleaning
regime for keeping the gulleys clear.
Parish members said this did not
seem to be the case and asked that
two silted gulleys in Postley Road be
added to those in need of cleaning.
Office keys
COUNCILLORS will discuss the
benefits of providing members with
keys to the parish office so that they
can collect agendas and paperwork
out of hours.
Currently, councillors collect their
papers when the offices are open on
four mornings a week. However,
some collections are arranged outside office hours. Councillors discussed whether a secure postbox
should be erected behind the office.
Some members felt this could attract
unwanted attention.
Councillors agreed to discuss getting keys cut for every member and
the introduction of a signing-in-andout register.
Bus services
THE parish council welcomed news
that efforts are being made to
arrange a meeting with local bus
companies and KCC to resolve issues with services in Tovil.
Borough councillor Ian Chittenden said ward councillors were
working to set a date with New Venture, KCC and Arriva.
Meeting times
PARISH council meetings will start
at 7pm in future – bringing forward
the session during which the public
can raise concerns.
Members agreed to meet 15 minutes earlier from their next meeting
on October 5.
downsmail.co.uk
Progress on YMCA centre
CO U N C I L L O R S welcomed progress on the new YMCA building,
which is taking shape in Courtenay Road.
The parish council, which has
been saving for many years for a
community centre, is putting
£50,000 towards the project, which
is being taken forward by the
YMCA and Golding Homes.
Councillors also agreed earlier
in the year to give another £5,000
annually for the first three years to
help with its running costs.
Discussions then turned to an
offer from the YMCA to the parish
council to make use of a small office at the site.
The clerk is now drawing up a
report outlining the benefits and
drawbacks of taking up such an
offer.
Some councillors felt the new
office could be useful, while others were concerned about limited
use of its main hall for meetings
because it would be in use most
days.
The council has recently spent
about £1,200 on new office furniture and carpets and ensuring the
lighting at its existing offices beneath Tovil Working Men’s Club
are compliant.
Members heard the unlimited
use of the main hall for meetings
is also included in the rent.
Cash towards work on wall Expense plan
COUNCILLORS agreed a £750 contribution towards work to restore a large
section of wall on land jointly owned by the community and the Valley
Conservation Society (VCS) at Crisbrook Meadow.
The money will pay for a professional company and the machinery
needed to demolish a section of more recent blockwork and level the area to
allow VCS volunteers to
continue reinstating the
historic ragstone wall.
Councillors felt it was
important to complete the
work and resolve the remaining enforcement notice served on the land
prior to purchase.
The first section was lifted following the clearance of cabins and asbestos from the area. Members also asked the VCS to provide a list of any
further work that might be necessary in the short term for discussion and
inclusion in its budget, if necessary.
Landscapes to be protected
PARISH councillors were pleased to learn that Maidstone Council has agreed to lend some protection from development to landscapes of local value (LLV) in Tovil.
Lobbying by the area’s borough and county councillors to get two
fields either side of Cripple Street, near Broadoak Avenue and
Westwood Road, included in the Loose Valley LLV protected landscape area have now been approved by Maidstone’s strategic planning committee.
A request for the far edge of the valley from the Godlands Fire
HQ to Loose village to be included in the Loose Valley LLV was
also accepted by Maidstone Council prior to the meeting.
PA R I S H councillors agreed that
the right to claim a small attendance allowance for each full council meeting should continue.
Councillors were divided over a
call for a change to the historic voluntary payment structure, even
though none currently makes use
of the assistance.
It was agreed that help with expenses such as babysitting might
mean the difference between a person choosing to represent the area
or not, and that it should remain
available for those that needed it.
Another long-held tradition of interviewing potential co-opted
councillors in private will continue.
However, councillors agreed that
set questions will be put, which
candidates will be able to view before the meeting, in addition to topical questions on the day. The
process will also be carried out as a
separate meeting and not as part of
a council meeting, owing to the potential length of time involved.
Fishing ban
“NO fishing” signs are to be put up
by the stream on both sides of the
road in Woodbridge Drive and Albert Reed Gardens.
Councillors were told some anglers were using the waterway
without a licence.
THIS PAGE IS EDITED BY TOVIL PARISH COUNCIL
CLERK: Alison Chew, Parish Office, Rear of Tovil Working Men’s Club, Tovil Hill, Tovil, ME15 6QS
TEL/FAX: 01622 675628 EMAIL: [email protected]
18
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19
News | GCSEs
downsmail.co.uk
Exam success for pupils
THERE was plenty of celebrating in schools after GCSE students picked up their results.
At Maidstone Grammar School
more than 50% of all subject entries
were graded A* or A – 1% higher
than last year.
More than 98% of students gained
five A*-C grades including maths
and English, with almost one in five
achieving five or more A* grades.
Sixty per cent of students gained
five or more A*/A grades and 87% of
the year group were awarded the
English Baccalaureate.
Twenty-two students achieved six
A* grades or better, with five –
Samuel Baxter, Max Green, Saurav
Parmar, Joshua Shaw and Lewis
White – earning at least 10 A*s.
Thirty per cent of students at
Maidstone Grammar School for
Girls achieved 10 or more A*/A
grades and 66% at least five at the
same grades. Deborah Stanley,
headteacher said: "Particular congratulations go to Emily Saunders
and Bethan Gilmore, who each
achieved at least 12 A*s."
At Oakwood Park Grammar
School more than a third of students
achieved at least five A*/A grades
and an average point score per entry
of 10 As. Outstanding performances
came from Benjamin Gowers who
achieved 12 A*s and Cameron Gibson who earned 10 A*s and two A
grades.
Other students gaining A*/A
grades in 11 or more subjects included Isaac Bourne, Kamal El
Badawi, Jonathan Hook, Daniel Inglis, Neil Langridge, Callum MacGregor, Josiah Mulabi-Kalete, Rohan
Raju and Alex Sheppard.
At Invicta Grammar School,
every student achieved at least five
A*-C grades and 62% of all grades
were A* or A. Of the 173 students,
more than a quarter achieved
straight A*/A grades.
More than a fifth of all students
achieved at least 10 A*/A grades and
nearly half gained eight A*/A
grades. Notable achievements came
from Claire Tipton, who received 13
A*/A grades and an A in AS maths,
which she took a year early; Pratima
Gurung, Molly Reeves, Jessica Gladwell, Natalia Nadolska, Rhiannon
Thomas, Jessie Hammond, Molly
Mackay and Abigail Vant, who
achieved 12 A*/A grades; Verity
Adams, Phoebe Dow, Emma Collier,
Kiera Phillips and Jessica Thornton,
with 11 A*/A grades and an A grade
at AS level. Kerry Finch also
achieved 12 A*/As and an A in her
AS maths, in which she scored almost full marks in all modules.
Top performer Claire Tipton will
be returning to the school to study
A-level maths, chemistry, English
and politics. She will also be among
three Invicta students representing
the UK at the World School Forum
20
Clockwise from above, girls at Invicta Grammar School celebrate; Liam Boellitz and Cameron Croucher were among
the top performers at New Line Learning Academy, where Katie Maplesden, who achieved an A and A*, pictured
with twin brother Adam, also studied
in Italy in October. Claire is hoping
to study law at Cambridge.
Classmate Kerry Finch hopes to
study maths at Cambridge after she
finishes year 13 in Invicta.
An overjoyed Molly Reeves will
continue her studies with maths,
classical civilisation, English and history at A-level and is hoping to
study history at university.
At New Line Learning Academy,
in Maidstone, Cameron Croucher
and Shannon Ashby led the way,
with six A*s and As each.
Laura Valach secured five A*s and
As; Emily Morrison, four A*s and As
and Liam Boellitz three A*s and As.
Overall, 93% of students achieved
five or more GCSEs.
At Cornwallis Academy, in Hubbards Lane, Linton, Aisling Hunt
achieved eight A*s and As, including
biology, chemistry, English language and literature, maths and
physics; Toby Newman and Phoebe
Cox both collected six A*s and As;
Ashleigh Burr five A*s and As and
Joseph White and Zach Stiff both secured three A* and As.
The school’s overall pass rate, for
five or more GCSEs, was 93%.
Students at Valley Park School
were celebrating another recordbreaking set of GCSE results, with
59% achieving the gold standard of
five A*-C passes including English
and maths – 3% up on the previous
high of last year.
With 208 students sitting GCSE
exams this year, the overall pass rate
of A*-C was 67%, with 13% of grades
at A* and A.
High achievers were Bilson Gurung, Hannah Everest, Nicole Kakel,
Josie Edwards, Harry Wheelwright,
Stefan Crowhurst and Alexander
Roberts, who all scored at least six
A* grades.
Sutton Valence School students
Emelia
Browning,
William
Grabowski, Sam Gray and Jessica
Grindlay broke previous records by
achieving 43 GCSE A* and A grades
between them.
Overall, a third of students
achieved five or more A* or As.
At Swadelands School in
Lenham, special mention went to
Christine Bordean, who achieved
three A*s and seven A grades; Ella
Ottoway, who achieved 10 GCSEs
including four at A grade and Caitlin
Spiers who earned 11, three at A*
grade and eight at A.
More pupils at The Malling
School earned As and A*s this year.
The increase in the top grades supported the decision to introduce a
grammar stream two years ago, said
a school spokesman.
Top performers were Rita Bondarenko, Jade Howlett and Chloe
Pearce, with a string of As and Bs.
Ellie Morgan earned 10 A-C
grades; Arthur King achieved two
A*s and Emily Sayer gained four As
and four B-Cs.
Students at Holmesdale Technology College in Snodland put in an
impressive show in the sciences,
with 67% achieving A*-C in biology,
63% in chemistry and 60% in
physics.
Science continues to be a successful subject at the school as 67%
achieved a high GCSE in Biology,
63% in chemistry and 60% in
physics. Business studies also fared
well this year with 93% achieving a
good GCSE and 100% in PE.
Kelsea Parris stood out with seven
A-A*s along with four B grades and
a merit in sports studies. The 16year-old sat two GCSE exams last
year, and hoped to go on to secure a
place at Maidstone Grammar School
for Girls to do her A-levels.
Of those taking business studies
93% achieved a high grade and 100%
in PE.
Fifty per cent of students at Aylesford Sports College secured A*-Cs.
News
downsmail.co.uk
Beggar first to get
behaviour order
A WELL-known beggar has become the first person in Maidstone to be issued with a criminal
behaviour order.
Isa Richardson (47), has been described by police as a “persistent”
and “intimidating” beggar in the
town.
The order prohibits her from approaching (either in person or verbally) and begging from any
person, or instructing or encouraging someone to do so on her behalf,
from sitting or loitering in a public
place for the purpose of begging,
or instructing or encouraging
someone to do so on her behalf.
If she breaches the order, which
was imposed for two years,
Richardson could face a five-year
term in jail.
PC Jodie Hobbs, from Maidstone’s community safety unit,
said: “Isa Richardson is a wellknown figure in Maidstone town
centre, but for all the wrong reasons.
“She has appeared in court on
numerous occasions over the last
few years, usually relating to her
unacceptable behaviour towards
members of the public.
“Richardson is a persistent beggar who targets the most vulnerable members of society, including
a 12-year-old girl whom last March
she intimidated into handing over
the last of her pocket money,
which amounted to just 15p.
“I am pleased we have been successful in our application to issue
Richardson with Maidstone’s first
criminal behaviour order and hope
she uses the restrictions placed
upon her effectively and as a way
of turning her life around.”
Criminal behaviour orders were
introduced by the Government last
October as part of the Antisocial
Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
2014. They may be issued by the
courts – following a conviction for
a criminal offence – to ban an individual from certain activities or
places. The order can also require
them to address their behaviour
by, for example, attending a drug
treatment programme.
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Games room approved
A CONTENTIOUS application to allow a 4m-high outbuilding to be used
as a games room, office and garage at a rear garden in Penenden Heath
has been given planning permission.
There were seven letters of objection which included claims that the
new building at the back of Timberden, which had already been partly
built, is excessively tall for the area, is causing a loss of privacy and construction work has destabilised land at neighbouring properties.
Mr Harrison, an objector, said: “This started as a permitted development without any consultation with neighbours. The building is bigger
than the original dwelling and most nearby properties. There will be exhaust fumes from traffic movements where there have never been any
before.
“There is a real concern it will be used for commercial premises because at the moment there is a digger and dumper in the back garden
and digger, trailer and van in the front garden.”
Cllr Tony Harwood, a member of Maidstone Council's planning committee, said: “The impact of this on properties fronting Boxley Road, particularly Treetops, is profound in terms of boundary fences collapsing
because there is no soil for them to stand up in because of level changes.
“There are cracks in buildings because of sheet piling that went in near
the boundary.
“However, planning law is an ass because there is nothing we can do
about it. This is a very large building that has led to the removal of an
awful lot of trees and vegetation.
“A building of this scale needs a landscaping scheme.”
The committee gave the go-ahead on condition of such a scheme.
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21
LEARNING FOR LIFE
SIXTH FORM/COLLEGE
WHEN students received their
GCSE results last month, many of
them were thrilled and delighted
with their clutch of good grades.
But for some, results day was a
day of disappointment – and the
panic of what to do next.
When pupils move up from
primary to secondary school, for
many it’s a ‘done deal’ that they
will carry on their studies into
sixth form.
The town’s new academies still
offer this choice but some of the
grammar schools operate a
minimum entry requirement for
students – and those who don’t
gain sufficient A*-C grades at
GCSE generally aren’t allowed to
stay on for their final two years.
Fortunately, this is rarely the
end of the road.
A move into another school
sixth form, an academic route at
college – or a vocational course,
perhaps
as
part
of
an
apprenticeship – are all available
in Maidstone, while students
prepared to travel further afield
or into the City might opt for a
specialist course in
music, drama, sport or
the arts.
Maidstone is blessed
with a wealth of good
schools, however, and
most of them specialise
in one aspect of
education these days,
so it’s wise to ‘shop
around’ to find the sixth
form which best suits
your needs.
Swadelands at Lenham
is renowned for its
sporting prowess, while
Invicta Grammar School is a
specialist school for business,
maths, computing and languages.
Across
town,
Maidstone
Grammar School for Girls has
been a specialist school for science
and maths since 2003, while
Maplesden Noakes specialises in
business and enterprise and has
strong links with the local
business community.
Many students thrive in a
college atmosphere, which is very
different to school.
One advantage of a college over
school is that terms tend to start
later and be more in line with
university terms, which gives you
more time to decide precisely
what you want to do – and then
apply for a place.
Even after results day, it’s not
too late as only a few of the most
sought-after courses tend to be
fully booked.
A spokesman for Mid Kent
College said: “It’s never too late to
make a decision that will change
your life for the better.
He added: “MidKent College is
now the destination of choice for
further and higher education
students of all ages, as well as
being a great alternative to school
sixth forms.
“We have hundreds of parttime and full-time courses to
choose from.”
If you decide the world of
academia is not for you, colleges
also offer a refreshing choice of
options, which can lead to a
rewarding career, whether it be in
business, beauty, engineering or
electronics.
And apprenticeships offer the
best of both worlds as they allow
you to gain new skills AND get
paid at the same time!
An enthusiastic student with a
passion for his or her future career
can often find this to be the most
fulfilling way forward.
Whilst schools naturally put
great store on GCSE grades, these
are just one step on the ladder to
success.
You’re never too old to learn –
and it’s never too late, as the
scores of mature students who
attend colleges of further
education will testify!
St Simon Stock Catholic School
“A very good school with outstanding features”
(Offsted Report 2010)
You are warmly invited to our
Open Evening:
Tuesday 6th October 18:00-20:00
Headteacher’s address at 18:00 and 19:30
Open Mornings:
Wednesday 7th & 21st October
Commencing at 09:00
Sixth Form Open Evening:
Thursday 19th November 18:00-20:00
Headteacher’s address at 18:00
A Christian learning community with high academic standards and excellent pastoral care.
Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0JJP www.ssscs.co.uk 01622 754551
22
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Open day
Saturday
Sat
aturday
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October
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Headteacher’s Talk at 10:30am & 11:30am
Open mornings 9am
m - 11am
Tuesday 20th October
Wednesday 21st October
Thursday 22nd October
-no appointment required
Sixth form evening
Tuesday
T
uesday
ay 10th November 6pm - 9pm
“Outstanding personal
pers
sonal development”
OFSTED
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23
News
downsmail.co.uk
Car damage
man in court
A 63-YEAR-O L D Maidstone
man who caused damage estimated at £4,000 to a Mercedes
SLK parked in the town’s
Church Street was given a suspended prison sentence when
he appeared at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court.
John Allen, of Church Street,
pleaded guilty to criminal damage, common assault, possession of a bladed article and
using threatening, abusive or
insulting words or behaviour.
Allen damaged the car on
July 31, when he also assaulted
a man and used threatening,
abusive or insulting words or
behaviour. He had a knife in a
leather holder.
He was sentenced to 120 days
in prison, suspended for 12
months and ordered to carry
out 40 hours of unpaid work in
the next 12 months.
He must also pay £500 compensation, a £180 criminal
courts charge, £85 costs and an
£80 victim surcharge.
For more local news
www.downsmail.co.uk
Ruby’s thanks after
Scout trip to Japan
YALDING Scout Ruby Haigh has
said a big thank you to all the supporters who enabled her to spend
three weeks travelling in Japan.
Ruby (14), from Vicarage Road,
was one of 108 Scouts and Guides
from Kent and East Sussex chosen to
represent the UK in the 23rd World
Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama.
Of the 4,000 youngsters who went
from the UK, other locals included
Nicole Finch from Marden, who attends Invicta Grammar School;
Charlie Arthur and Robert Latchford, both from Marden; MidKent
College student Ollie Knight; and
Kings Hill’s Dom Phipps and Emilie
Tenbroek.
A member of the Yalding Beult
Scout troop, Ruby had to find £2,500
to finance the trip and spent a busy
few months bag-packing at a supermarket and holding fund-raising
events in and around the village, as
well as at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar
School, where she is a student.
Ruby was a member of the
“Rolling Scones” unit, which visited
Japanese families, sampling their
Scout Ruby Haigh with Hollie Honeyman from Upchurch and Nicole Finch
from Marden, who also travelled to Japan
way of life as well as their food and dropped.
customs.
Each unit had made origami peace
One highlight was going cor- cranes, which were left at the site as
morant fishing; a downside was the a mark of respect to those who lost
extreme heat – mid 30s – and exces- their lives in the atrocity.
sive 95% humidity.
Following the camp, where many
During the 12 days of the Jam- new friendships were made, the unit
boree in Yamaguchi City, Ruby en- travelled to the capital city of Tokyo
joyed many camp-based activities, where Ruby visited the Sky Tree
including concerts and cooking, Tower and other famous landmarks.
sampling food from around the
She said: “I was really proud to
world.
represent Yalding, Kent and UK
She also got to travel on one of the Scouts and I know I could not have
country’s high-speed bullet trains enjoyed this amazing trip without
and visited Hiroshima just a few the generous support I have had
days before the 70th anniversary of from so many people in and around
the first atomic bomb being Yalding.”
Elderly scams after
pension reforms
OVER 55s in Maidstone are being
warned to be wary after an escalation in pension-related scams.
The Citizens Advice bureau says
fraudulent calls have rocketed
since new pension reform rules
came into effect four months ago.
Two of five CAB pensions’ staff
have encountered people targeted
by fraudsters, offering fake investment scams. A further one in 10
have seen people who had either
responded to or fallen prey to a
scam. Scammers are targeting the
cash lump sums people can release
from their pension pots – particularly now that the over 55s fall into
this category.
In some scams fraudsters request
access to people’s pension pots and
then so they can invest them into
financial products on their behalf.
Despite offering a high rate of return, scammers were unable to explain what the investments were.
Others involve a people being
texted or cold-called with offers of
a free pension review. The caller
then asks to visit the person in
their own home, bringing paperwork that would allow them to get
access to their pension details.
Bonny Malhotra, chief executive
at Maidstone CAB, said: “One man
responded to an internet ad for a
24
free pension review, filled in his
details, and was visited by someone claiming to be an independent
financial adviser who couldn’t describe any investments.”
People were also approached
with offers to invest their pension
cash into products such as property
overseas or fine wines.
One investment scam featured
two salesmen – one who visited
the potential customer to get access
to his pension details, and a second
to encourage him to invest his pension and any other savings into
property in South Africa.
Mr Malhotra added: “Scammers
are finding new ways to go after
people’s pension pots including
offering free pension reviews and
promising to invest funds that
don’t necessarily exist.
“If you’ve had an offer or signed
up to a pension scheme you’re unsure about, I urge you to contact
Citizens Advice Maidstone [01622
752420] where our staff can offer
free help and support.”
To avoid being scammed, never
be rushed into a decision and
check if the company contacting
you is regulated by the Financial
Conduct Authority (FCA). If you
are unsure, contact The Pensions
Advisory Service on 0300 123 1047.
Hedgerow demand
MAIDSTONE councillors ordered
that a development of 35 homes in
Barming should only take place if
a hedgerow is retained.
Land at Bell Farm is earmarked
for housing in Maidstone Council's emerging local plan, but only
with strict landscaping conditions
that include the retention of the
landscaping as well as a gap of at
least 5m between the North Street
frontage and the road.
However, the proposal – comprising 18 two-bedroom and 17
three-bedroom houses – did not
meet these conditions because it
would have led to the removal of
the hedge on the western side of
North Street. The plan included a
new junction with North Street,
with the proposed houses fronting
a new road.
There were also 57 objections
from local residents, as well as opposition from Barming and Teston
parish councils. Concerns raised
included additional traffic and
road congestion; highways safety;
loss of privacy; and adverse impact on neighbours.
In addition, Maidstone Council's
housing department was unhappy
at the provision of only 30% affordable housing.
Cllr Tony Harwood, a member
of the council's planning committee, said: “The strategic planning
committee asked that any development be set back 5m from North
Street to protect hedgerows and
landscaping.
“But we are now seeing an
urban approach. There is no open
space or a sustainable drainage
scheme. This is only 35 units; we
can get this right but it sure ain't
right tonight.”
The committee agreed to defer
the proposal to enable planning officers to negotiate a scheme with
the applicant to rectify concerns
about these issues as well as an unwanted shared access.
Cllr Paulina Stockell said: “This
could result in backland development and more gardens going. It
will change the area considerably.
We need a much better design and
layout.”
Tinsel & Turkey Break and
Thursford Show
23 to 27 November (£379 per person)
Harrods Christmas Shopping
and London Christmas Lights
5 December (£26 per person)
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25
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downsmail.co.uk
Fields protected
from developers
TWO more pieces of land in Loose
are to be protected in Maidstone
Council’s emerging local plan.
Lib Dem councillors for the area
fought to get the two fields either
side of Cripple Street included by
the strategic planning sustainability and transportation committee.
Members reviewed a report
showing six areas of local landscape proposed as Landscapes of
Local Value (LLV) which included
Loose Valley, Len Valley, Medway
Valley, Greensand Ridge and the
Kent Downs Area of Outstanding
National Beauty.
Cllr Brian Clark asked the committee to consider the two fields
near Broadoak Avenue and Westward Road for inclusion in the
Loose Valley protected landscape.
Cllr Derek Mortimer said: "My
colleagues and I had been con-
cerned that the fields in the valley
alongside Busbridge Road and
Stockett Lane were not included in
the conservation area, so we put
forward a joint case for the unprotected areas of the valley.
“We came to Tuesday's meeting
having secured much of our proposal and tonight we gained further protection.”
The fields are beyond the developed edge of Cripple Street, bordered by the footpath from Old
Drive to Postley Road, and Cllr
Clark said: “Development at this
point would lead to significant
harm to the Loose Valley. Further
to securing the western side of the
valley, I am delighted that the committee took on board the points
raised and endorsed inclusion of
these Cripple Street fields in the
Landscape of Local Value.”
River fun for young carers
MAIDSTONE Riverside Rotary Club joined up with Maidstone Canoe
Club to give young carers an exciting afternoon on the River Medway.
The afternoon consisted of challenging but fun tasks in canoes, ending
with a barbecue. The Rotary Club also teamed up with Kingfisher Medway Trust to arrange a series of day trips for the carers and their families.
GDF productions performing at the Maidstone Mela
Music and more at town Mela
THE Maidstone Mela returned to Mote Park for its 13th year, promoting
the borough’s cultural diversity and local talent.
The headline act was the Trenchtown Experience, an eight-piece band
dedicated to the music of reggae legend Bob Marley. Other acts included
local Bulgarian Folk Dance group
Kitka and Maidstone-based South
Indian dance group, the Kerala Cultural Association.
Mela volunteer of 12 years, Barming resident Dennis Edwards is pictured, right, receiving an award from
MP Helen Grant to recognise the
work he, and his late wife Sirpa, had
undertaken for the community.
Visitors enjoyed food from across
the globe, craft and clothing stalls,
and were able to find out about local
charities and community groups.
The event was organised by Cohesion Plus and Maidstone Council.
downsmail.co.uk
Own an Apple computer? You need MCS
Many of us own some kind of Apple
computer or device, whether it be an
iPad, iPhone, iMac, MacBook Pro . . . and
the list continues to grow as Apple
launches one ground-breaking product
after the next.
One thing you may not realise though is
that there is an Apple specialist on your
doorstep in Maidstone town centre, with
free parking - and there has been for over
35 years! Microspot Computer Services
ȱȱȱȱęȱȱȱ
has been repairing, selling, upgrading
and maintaining Kent’s Apple products
for consumers and businesses since
Apple came to the market in the 70s.
Brian Stroud (pictured) has been with the
26
company since
the beginning
and
became
Managing
Director
in
2008.
Since
taking
over,
Brian
has
moved
the
¢ȱȱȱ ȱĜȱȱȱȱ
modern workshop that Apple itself
would be proud of.
Brian said: “We pride ourselves on a
quality service, and we always have, as a
result we have a very loyal customer
base. With the popularity of Apple
products growing rapidly in Maidstone
and the surrounding area, we want to let
people know that there’s no need to
travel all the way to Bluewater or pay for
parking at Fremlin Walk just for someone
to help them with an Apple computer
problem. We boast the fastest repair
turnaround time in the area averaging
just 48 hours compared to our nearest
rival at one week.
We look after many local businesses
with our popular ‘Maintenance Service
Ȃȱ ȱ ěȱ ŘŚȦŝȱ ȱ ȱ
ȱ Ȭȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ
ensures your entire Apple infrastructure
is in safe hands, minimising down time
when things go wrong.”
Brian and his team welcome any
enquiries you may have and look
forward to welcoming you to the MCS
workshop for all your Apple needs.
COMPUTER SERVICES
REPAIRS | UPGRADES
MAINTENANCE PACKAGES
APPLE COMPUTER SALES
www.microspotservice.co.uk
01622 675144
Regal House, 13 Albion Place,
Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DY
News
downsmail.co.uk
GP surgery
must improve
A GP surgery in Park Wood has
been told it has to improve following a two-day visit by a government inspector.
The inspector said The Wallis Avenue Surgery was good at providing caring and responsive services,
but needed to improve the delivery
of safe, effective and well-led services for all patients.
Patients told the inspector they
felt cared for and didn’t experience
particular problems in making an
appointment, even on the same
day, but the inspector noted that
the surgery “relied heavily on regular locum staff”.
There was also a backlog of paper
communications dating back to
2012 that the practice had yet to
scan on to patient records.
Other key findings included: not
all risks to patients were assessed
and well managed, some staff
needed more training and did not
always feel supported by management, with “the lead GP not always
visible in the practice”.
The practice provider, Dr Swathy
Susan Alexander, has also been
told to review the surgery’s infection control management, its risk
assessment activity and the accuracy of systems used to measure
performance.
Rowing club’s success
is a real family affair
PARENTS and children helped
Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club
return to town with the Victor Ludorum after a fantastic day of wins
at the Sudbury annual regatta.
The club bagged 17 wins out of
the 72 events run on the day to become overall winners. Second best
were Broxbourne RC with nine
wins and third position was shared
by hosts Sudbury and Cantabridgians with six each.
This year was the 135th in the
Sudbury club’s history and the new
event – the parent and child double
scull – was won by two parent and
son/daughter crews from Maidstone.
Brian Humphris and son Will
were victorious, along with father
and daughter combo James and
Ella Knight.
There were no senior men wins
this year, but every senior lady
came away with a pot, making 33 in
total for the Maidstone crew members and the club’s greatest win to
date.
In the junior categories, the first
race of the day was won by Oscar
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The victorious ladies from Maidstone Rowing Club at Sudbury regatta
Knight, of Maidstone Grammar
School, and Ross Bain, of Oakwood
School, in the J13 2x (double).
In the senior categories, winners
included Nov 2x Tom Long and
Adam Chappell-Tay; Sophie Taylor, Rosie Warren (both of Maidstone Girls Grammar School) and
Eloise Collings (of St Simon Stock);
WNov 4+ Keira Wigley, Rebecca
Lovegreen, Cherry Fermor, Heidi
Fermor and coxswain Abigail Leek;
WIM3 2x Daisy Stillwell (of Invicta
Grammar) and Keira Wigley.
The most significant wins were in
the Masters categories, where
nearly all single boat categories
were won by Maidstone Invicta at
each age level, as follows: Mas B 1x
James Knight; Mas C 1x Brian
Humphris; Mas D 1x Geraint
Evans; Mas E 1x Richard Huggins;
Mas F 1x Ray Phillips; Mas C/D 2x
Richard Huggins and Geraint
Evans; Mas G/H 2x Keith Jones and
Tony Marshall.
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28
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News
Wartime heroine
linked to town
A C E N T E N A RY celebration
will mark nurse Edith Cavell’s
connections with Maidstone.
The daughter of a vicar, the Norfolk-born nurse is famous for saving the lives of soldiers from both
sides during World War I and helping about 200 Allied soldiers escape
from German-occupied Belgium.
But less well known is the fact
that
she
also helped
save
the
lives
of
hundreds
of people in
Maidstone.
N u r s e
Edith spent
the summer
of 1897 in
Edith Cavell
Maidstone,
following an outbreak of typhoid.
During her training at the Royal
London Hospital, she was among
six nurses sent to the town to help
care for the victims and went on to
receive the Maidstone Medal for
her sterling work.
In the end, only 132 people died
out of the 1,700 who contracted the
disease.
Two lectures will take place at the
United Reformed Church in Week
Street, at 3pm and 7pm on Thursday, October 15, when local people
will have chance to learn more
about this pioneering lady and her
connections with Kent.
Tony Miles, from Curzon Road,
Maidstone and Rob Davies, from
Boxley Road, are both members of
the Kent Branch of the Orders,
Medals and Research Society, Rob
being knowledgeable about the
Maidstone Medal.
The pair will speak about Edith
Cavell’s time in the town and her
return, in January 1898, to receive
her medal.
Admission is £3 and refreshments will be available.
During October, Maidstone Museum will also have a display of
artefacts connected with Edith
Cavell, including a Maidstone
Medal, and a plaque will be unveiled by Maidstone council in
recognition of her work.
Edith Cavell was arrested and
court-martialled for helping the
Allied soldiers escape. She was
sentenced to death and, despite international protestations, shot by
a German firing squad in Belgium
on October 12, 1915.
Concert to help hospices
A FESTIVAL choir of more than
150 local singers, led by Maidstone
Choral Union, will perform at the
end of October in the annual
Voices for Hospices Concert.
The principal aim of the concert
is to raise funds for hospices, with
emphasis on the Heart of Kent
Hospice in Aylesford.
A semi-staged performance of
Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightfully
silly HMS Pinafore will be
presented at Mote Hall, Maidstone
Leisure Centre in Mote Park on
Saturday, October 31, starting at
7.30pm.
Visiting professional soloists –
wearing their colourful HMS
Pinafore costumes – will sing the
major roles in this entertaining
work.
This is an opportunity for the
audience to support the work of an
important organisation and to
enjoy an evening of well-known
music that appeals to all ages.
Tickets are available from MCU
ticket secretary – 01622 726193 or
[email protected] or
from the hospice fundraising office
on 01622 790195. Stalls £12.50,
tiered stalls £16, gallery £10.
Residents have say on plan
NORTH Loose Residents Association has prepared a neighbourhood
development plan with the local
community.
Residents can now have their say
on the plan, which is available at
www.maidstone.gov.uk/residents/planning/local-plan/neighbourhood-plans. Hard copies are
available at Maidstone Gateway,
King Street, Maidstone and at Loose
Post Office, Old Loose Hill.
Residents have until 5pm on October 23 to submit comments, using
the consultation response form
available online, at The Gateway or
at Loose Post office.
The North Loose neighbourhood
planning group canvassed local
views through a series of consultations, surveys and public meetings
prior to producing the plan and has
worked with the spatial planning
team at Maidstone Council.
Following the public consultation,
the plan will be subject to an independent examination.
A referendum for residents will
then be held to decide whether the
plan should be adopted.
Pick-up your
FREE copy
of the
NOVEMBER
Edition
of the
available from:-
Morrisons
Supermarket
Sutton Road,
Maidstone
Sainsbury’s
Supermarket
Romney Place,
Maidstone
If you live in the
following postcodes:
ME15-7 or ME14-1
Pick up YOUR
copy from
Wednesday
21st October
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Ramblin’ man will be back
DEBATE continues about the merits of Maidstone hosting the Ramblin’ Man Fair but the
organiser of the town’s largest rock concert has confirmed its return on July 23-24 next year.
Super Early Bird tickets are already on sale though no specific
acts have been confirmed. Among
this year’s festival-goers most comments were positive and tickets for
2016 have been bought.
Adrian Powell, who camped out
over the weekend, described the
festival as “well organised and enjoyable [with the] right number of
people”.
Some residents were not so positive and Maidstone Council confirmed it had received 25 formal
complaints, a few of which came
from residents of Audley House,
which had the sound system from
the main stage pointed in its direction.
Philip Urquhart, village manager
College stops
A-level courses
STUDENTS have been alarmed to
learn that MidKent College in
Maidstone is abandoning A-level
courses.
The decision affects 175 youngsters who were due to start A-level
studies this month. Second-year
students part-way through their Alevel courses at the Tonbridge Road
college are not affected.
The college says the decision follows a review of its curriculum in
the face of fewer resources and national policy changes, which put
more emphasis on colleges to
meet the needs of the jobs market
and contribute to the Government’s goal of providing three million apprenticeships.
College principal Simon Cook
said advice sessions and liaisons
with schools and other education
providers had provided an alternative training path for all those who
had contacted the college. Any students who need help should contact the college.
of Audley Mote House, said: “We
are aware of some Audley Mote
House owners raising concerns regarding the level of noise and light
disturbance that carried on until
11pm… as a management company we also contacted the council
on their behalf.”
Maidstone Council’s reply to the
complaints said: “The environmental enforcement team along with an
independent acoustic engineer
monitored the sound levels
throughout the event.
“Although the music was audible
in some areas around the park, the
sound levels set in the licence were
not breached at any point during
the event.”
It has promised to monitor this
issue in future and to ensure the
emergency hotline for noise complaints extends to an out-of-hours
service in 2016.
Sainsbury’s, near the site, saw a
sales boost from festival-goers,
while the Eden Café in central
Maidstone saw extra breakfast
business on the Saturday from
campers at the festival who had endured a wet night. HMV in town
confirmed increased sales of CDs of
some acts who had appeared.
Liz Marks, of Downswood, said:
“The noise was extraordinary and
relentless…we may as well have
been right in the park for the volume we had both days, well in to
the night. I had many friends say There were few complaints from
those who attended the festival
the same.”
KCC row over west
country homes plan
KENT County Council has come
under fire for threatening to build
homes on a start-up enterprise for
businesses in Bath.
The county council received approval for its request to change
the use of the city’s Tramshed
commercial space to residential
from Bath and North East Somerset Council.
But it has prompted an angry response from the business community, who say Bath is already set
to get 7,000 new homes and “as
the creative industries capital of
the South West” the Tramshed
provides valuable office space for
fledgling businesses including
start-up websites and small IT
firms.
The county council says no decision has been made about the
Crossing work
IMPROVEMENTS are to be made
to the pedestrian crossing on the
Hermitage Lane junction with
Fountain Lane in Maidstone as
part of a scheme for 80 homes.
In November 2014, planning
consent was granted for the development on land south-west of
Oakapple Lane.
As part of a scheme to improve
safety for pedestrians, the developer has agreed to put £32,480 towards a £70,000 plan to upgrade
the junction, following a campaign
led by Cllr James Willis.
A Maidstone Council report said
the remainder of the money would
be met from “equivalent contributions from other potential developments in the local area.”
future of the building.
A spokesman for KCC said:
“The Tramshed in Bath is owned
by Kent County Council on behalf of the Kent Pension Fund.
The fund provides pensions to
110,000 scheme members in 500
employers and has property investments of around £600m across
the country.
“The Tramshed is currently
used as serviced offices. The Pension Fund has looked at the option of using a change in planning
law introduced by the last government to change the use from
office to residential under the permitted development regulations.
“At this stage, no final decision
has been taken on the change of A DETLING man who admitted
use and the Tramshed in its cur- drink-driving has been banned from
driving for three years.
rent form is operating well.”
Steven Wilson (33), of Hockers
Lane, was driving a Ford Mondeo in
Peel Street, Maidstone, without insurance. He gave a blood test of
185mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
The legal limit is 80mg.
At Mid Kent Magistrates Court he
was banned from driving for three
jamin Anderton was a memory to years and fined him £155 with £85
treasure. The whole cast and en- costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
semble had brilliance and ability in
depth.
However, the scenery took too
long to change. Could the cast have A MAN involved in a two-car collihelped? Could we have watched? sion in Sittingbourne Road, MaidBut the orchestra was wonderful stone was cut free by fire crew.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service was
and played well during scene
changes. Costumes and hairstyles called to the accident where the
were perfect and the programme man, in his 30s, was complaining of
neck and chest pain. Firefighters
was well designed.
Next February there is another gave him oxygen and first aid while
Valley Park production at the they removed the driver’s door. He
school. Make a note in your diary. was then taken to hospital.
Driving offence
For more local news www.downsmail.co.uk
School’s musical will not be beered
Betty Blue Eyes
Valley Park School, Hazlitt Theatre
THERE will not be a better musical at The Hazlitt this year – there
is just a chance it could be equalled,
but never bettered.
The opening number of Betty
Blue Eyes, “Fair Shares for All”, set
the standards of energy, singing vitality, team work and acting that
ran strongly through the whole
performance.
Catherine Butler as the ambitious
wife, Benjamin Anderton as the
sensitive chiropodist husband and
30
JOHN
MUNSON
SHOW
TIME
Josephine Biggs as the convincingly-awkward granny were all terrific as the Chilvers family.
James Goodbody was outstanding as the evil doctor. Ryan Clark
always convinces and Samuel Murray's farmyard dance with Ben-
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Comment
Town’s big migration growth
WOULD we in Maidstone be
prepared to welcome some of the
desperate, homeless Syrian refugee
families to join our community? From
conversations I think the answer is YES.
Would we be prepared to continue to
accommodate the current level of
immigrants from the EU and the rest of
the world? I think that answer is NO.
Prime Minister David Cameron says
that over the next five years, the UK will
accommodate 20,000 Syrian refugees
before they set out on treacherous
journeys to Europe – and Maidstone will
be expected to play a part.
As a young journalist I saw this
happening in Gillingham in the 1950s
when Hungarians were fleeing Russian
intrusions. These families were warmly
welcomed to Britain and quickly
integrated in to our towns and cities. I
think this will happen for the Syrians,
especially if the Government helps
financially by re-directing overseas aid.
“Migration indicators in Kent” (dated
February, 2015) can be found online and
makes fascinating reading. The two-way
flow of internal (UK) and international
migrants is high, with Maidstone second
only to Canterbury for net migrants in the
year 2012/13. The Maidstone net figure is
about 1,500, with a higher proportion of
international than internal migrants.
There is a strong flow of in and out
Who is running council?
Dear Sir – Who is actually “running”
Maidstone Council – the officers or the
members?
Two council meetings were necessary to
determine the debacle over wording that
identified M20 Junction 8 as a development
location in the economic development
strategy report.
The fact that this discussion took place
before the Waterside Park planning
inspector’s decision was made known,
frankly, brings the governance of Maidstone
Council into disrepute. The discussion was
pey and a complete waste of time, but it
did highlight that there appears to be a
hidden agenda being promoted, which will
not subside until the members take back
control and follow instructions from the
electorate.
The net result of the current
mismanagement of Maidstone Council will
result in further waste of resources and will
give a clear sign to those who want to invest
in Maidstone that Maidstone Council is not
fit for purpose.
It is understood that Waterside Park is
likely to rear its ugly head again. The last
time this happened the officers gave the
developers the green light which ended up
at an appeal – where they did not appear in
MailMarks
in – but it must be on terms we find
acceptable. There will no fooling the
public on this big issue.
DENNIS FOWLE President
[email protected]
On the ball
THERE are encouraging signs that
movements among international
immigrants and the net growth for
Maidstone for the years between 2001/02
to 2012/13 is: 100, 100, 300, 400, 600, 1,100,
900, 600, 700, 300, 200, 500. This amounts
to an international net growth over 12
years of 5,800.
Immigrants, with very few exceptions,
have seled happily in our town and
many help provide vital services,
especially in the NHS.
They need housing, education, health
and other services and the pressures are
very evident in our rapidly growing and
busy borough. Increasingly the natives are
restless – and protests grow.
There are signs international migration
will increase and currently the
Government seems unable to stop the
flow. It has now developed into the
biggest political issue of our time.
It will stay that way into the UK vote on
continued membership of the EU. Unless
there are watertight changes to control
immigration to a level the population
accepts, I cannot now see a vote in favour
of continued membership. I hope we stay
person to give evidence to support the
members’ decision to oppose the
development.
I have been informed by Alison Broom,
chief executive of Maidstone Council, that
there is no hidden agenda, but when
junction 8 is discussed, I am not convinced. I
get the impression that someone is pulling
the strings for development at this location.
Maidstone is part of Kent where there
needs to be joined-up thinking, rather than
believing that the borough should act in
isolation.
Consultants’ plans specifically prepared to
highlight “landscapes of local value”, ie
areas of the countryside that should be
carefully considered for the benefit of future
generations, were presented recently at
another long-winded session of Maidstone
Council. This exercise appears to have been
a complete waste of time because on the
following day the council, guided by
officers, supported the principle of industrial
development at junction 8, specifically
Woodcut Farm (part of the former KIG site).
Is this part of a hidden agenda which is
still being promoted, despite the constant
objections and appeal decisions against any
development at junction 8?
If the members want to cover the
countryside in concrete, why don’t they just
say so? Or is it the officers, advised by their
Maidstone Rugby Club will be
establishing their own ground in
Maidstone with support from a friendly
landowner.
This will vacate land they lease/licence
at The Mote and open the door for The
Mote Cricket Club to achieve their aim to
develop and improve this magnificent but
tired site to create a multi-sport and
community centre of excellence.
It is a massive challenge for both clubs,
but with determined and enlightened
political support from Maidstone Council
it will ensure the sporting scene and
reputation of Maidstone will improve
immeasurably.
Victory dig
GA L L A G H E R S had to battle for eight
years for the right to double quarrying land off
Hermitage Lane, Barming. Now a huge tunnel
links two 80-acre areas and vital aggregates
continue to flow for building work in Maidstone and the South East.
I have watched Gallaghers restore land
as quarrying ends and am confident this
area will continue to improve for public
and nature.
consultants, who have not updated their
reports to reflect what is actually going to
happen in adjoining district council areas,
who are pushing for this development
without proper consideration?
Robert Sinclair, by email
Gatland House not wanted
Dear Sir – Having enjoyed the summer
holidays with my grandchildren, who are
now preparing to go back to their state-run
school, I was appalled to learn that the
planning application for Gatland House has
been deferred again, probably until October.
This can only mean that the planning
commiee has taken the least line of
resistance and is hoping the new intake of
four-year-old children will make it
seemingly impossible to re-locate them
when the application is rejected.
Using small children as political pawns is
a disgrace.
As it has now been discovered that some
of the children have been allocated places at
the school, even though they did not put it
down as one of their choices, we must
assume that the “ethos” was not a factor in
the choice of school but just an excuse from
the education department to use Gatland
House instead of improving the state-run
schools and giving away funding.
Contact our team ...
32
Stephen Eighteen
Diane Nicholls
Jane Shotliff
Dawn Kingsford
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downsmail.co.uk
Goodbye to Cobtree friends
Dear Sir – Earlier this year I resigned from
my job as a ranger at Cobtree Manor Park
due to stress.
I left suddenly, without saying goodbye to
all the wonderful visitors to the park who I
had got to know over the years. These
people became good friends, but I only
knew their first names (and the names of
their dogs!), but they know who they are.
I just want to thank them dearly for all the
support they gave to me and to my work – it
made it all worthwhile.
Eva, ex-Cobtree Ranger
Dear Sir – In the August Downs Mail a
mention was made about who was going to
finance the Leeds-Langley bypass.
Mr Schroeder says he would finance the
bypass if the planners would let him build a
village in Kingswood. This would make
sense – pulling out old fir trees instead of
building on the Green Belt.
David A Last, by email
A spokesman for Maidstone Council said:
“The driver of a licensed vehicle must not
smoke in the vehicle at any time, including
when being used for social, domestic and
pleasure purposes.
“The driver of a licensed vehicle shall not
permit any other person or fare-paying
passenger to smoke in a licensed vehicle.
This is a requirement of the Health Act 2006.
“Any instances where this is reported as
taking place should be reported to the EHO
enforcement team.”
Cancer care superb
Dear Sir – Last December I was diagnosed
with advanced metastatic prostate cancer,
aggressive and with no cure. Having read
Dennis Fowle’s article about Maidstone
Hospital (September 2015, issue 221), I
should like to share my experiences.
The service in the oncology department
has been absolutely excellent. The staff are
so pleasant and nothing seems too much
trouble. I am kept fully informed of personal
Cabbie smoking illegally
medical information and there have been a
Dear Sir – It would appear that Maidstone
number of occasions when I have been
Council does not care that its licensed taxi
telephoned at home with important test
drivers are commiing an offence and
results or purely to see how I am. One has
smoking in their vehicles.
the distinct impression of staff who are not
I sent my complaint to Maidstone Council just consummate professionals but
one month ago and, despite its promise, I
compassionate by nature and caring towards
have heard nothing further.
their patients. To say I am always impressed
The driver had just left Maidstone
would be puing it mildly.
Hospital and clearly believed that, as the
Regarding my own journey on the
cigaree was being held out of the window
prostate cancer pathway, yes, there are times
there was nothing wrong.
when the reality hits, but there is
The photograph shows the driver held a lit tremendous comfort and reassurance from
cigaree out of his window – presumably
knowing that there is very real help to be
believing this did not mean he was smoking had from Maidstone Oncology. All I have to
inside the car. Of course each time he
do is pick up the telephone and ring my
inhaled, it was inside the car and so
allocated nurse. That is worth a lot.
contravening the law. If Maidstone Council
At a time when the National Health
condones this, it too is liable for prosecution. Service frequently receives a bad press, I
Many of your readers must have similarly would like to balance the situation by
spoed taxi drivers smoking illegally, but
highlighting the incredible service I have
may not have brought this to the aention of experienced at Maidstone Hospital oncology
Maidstone Council.
department, following a thorough diagnosis
The council should take appropriate action by the urology department, always on time
and stop this abuse for the benefit of taxi
and pleasant. To my mind, the service has
users – especially the non-smokers.
been second to none.
Name and address withheld
Warren Hanlon, Ware Street, Bearsted
Neighbourhood Watch
Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police
A BMX bicycle and a Saracen mountain
bike were stolen from the driveway of a
home in Postley Road.
A bicycle was stolen from a car park in
King Street.
The back door of a property in Old Tovil
Road was damaged but no entry was
gained.
A mountain bike was stolen from outside
a shop in Union Street.
A mountain bike was stolen from a
driveway in College Road. CCTV shows it
was taken by a teenage boy in a tracksuit
and hoody.
An unlocked green Pinter bicycle was
stolen from the front of a home in Florence
Road, Fant.
Metal flower pots were stolen from the
front garden of a property in Pickering
Street, Loose.
A Mercedes van was broken into in
Boxley Road. A Panasonic camera, a
Pioneer sat nav system and a golf bag
containing clubs and other equipment
were stolen.
A bag left outside a property in Fisher
Street was stolen.
The fuel cap of a car was damaged in a
car park in Sandling Road.
A parked vehicle was entered in Darwin
Avenue and a mobile phone was taken.
A vehicle was damaged in Lynley Close.
Crime reports
DAMAGE was caused to a sign and
vehicles parked on a building site in Beaver
Road, Allington.
A Peugot 206 was scratched all over in
the car park of a block of flats in St Peter’s
Street.
A black and green Carrera bicycle which
had been chained to a bike rack in Week
Street was stolen. CCTV is being viewed.
Cleaning equipment was taken from a
premises in Barker Road, Fant.
A Citroen parked in Grecian Street had a
tyre slashed.
Two cars parked in Wheeler Street were
damaged when they were covered with an
oily substance.
A purse and contents were taken from a
premises in Week Street.
A vehicle was scratched in Rowland
Close, Fant.
The number plates were taken from a
vehicle in St Philip’s Avenue.
A mobile phone was taken from a
premises in Barker Road, Fant.
A mountain bike was stolen from a bike
rack to which it had been locked outside
the shops in King Street.
Bypass v old firs
Comment
What may be government policy does not
make it right in all instances. There is always
the exception to the rule. This school is not
wanted, is in a very bad location in a small
lane and the building is inadequate and
inappropriate.
The Education Funding Agency, Kent
Education and Jubilee Church members
organised this between them. Through the
Freedom of Information Act, the original
emails reveal that the EFA did not want the
school to advertise or make the community
aware of this property deal until it was
completed as there would be opposition
from residents. The community was never
consulted or informed of the situation. It
would never have welcomed it.
Let’s hope Maidstone Council’s planning
commiee does the right thing and throws
out the application. With an election coming
up, let’s see who will be brave and promise
to vote against the application.
One last thing (from Kent Independent
Education Advice) – Swedish education
minister Bertil Ostberg is reported to have
said in a widely quoted interview: "We have
actually seen a fall in the quality of Swedish
schools since the free schools were
introduced. The free schools are generally
aended by children of beer-educated and
wealthy families, making things even more
difficult for children aending ordinary
schools in poor areas."
He added: "Most of our free schools have
ended up being run for profit."
Barbara Skinner, Fant
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David Ca
Obituaries
resident in a hostel in Boxley Road,
Maidstone.
THE death of David Ca (Snr) was marked
Duncan had been asked to leave the hostel
by a number of tributes from his former
and had earlier asked to be sent to prison
colleagues at Maidstone Rugby Club.
after an incident in Maidstone town centre.
The club’s website noted: “During his time Duncan’s plea for imprisonment was an
in office, David presided over a period of
aempt to find space to turn his life around
change taking place. He proceeded to bring after he had lost his job.
a business approach to the running of the
His mother, people he knew in the hostel
club and brought a degree of stability when and former workmates united to praise his
the club was dropping down through the
creative, warm and funny qualities and his
leagues.”
love of music and poetry. Duncan died after
David’s chairmanship of the club took
being hit by a train at Barming Station and
place from the late 1980s to early 1990s, a
people in the area – including the local
tough period during which a steady hand
branch of The Samaritans – expressed a wish
was important.
that those suffering depression and similar
David worked as a farmer in the
conditions seek help before bringing about a
Boughton Monchelsea area and his business tragedy.
– which diversified under his management –
Duncan leaves father David, mother
remains in the family.
Cherie, sisters Vanessa and Jaklyn and
David leaves three sons, David, Mike and brother Clinton.
Pete, who were all heavily involved with
rugby at the club and in the case of Mike
and Pete also at Cranbrook.
Mick Stevens
His grandchildren also have a passion for
MICK Stevens (63) of Barming lived locally
rugby with grandsons Chris and Phil
for 31 years and was widely known
playing for Cranbrook and another
throughout the area from his years of
grandson – James – being a member of
involvement as a Lib Dem councillor on
Blackheath 1st XV.
Maidstone Council.
He was the first
leader of the council in
Heather Johnson
the new era of cabinet
MOTHER-of-one Heather Johnson (37) of
government from 2001
Fernhill Road, Fant, and formerly of
and among his many
Rainham, had worked locally in cafes and
other achievements
restaurants.
was stepping up from
She was known to
deputy to lead the
many regulars at The
policy and resources
Source Bar in
commiee in 1999.
Maidstone where she
The former leader of
never missed a party
that commiee, Dan Daley, is among many
night. A lot of her
who have paid tribute. He said: “Mick
friends have paid
understood the intricacies of finance
tribute using social
incredibly well, the mental abilities he
media, especially on
brought to his work were exceptional and
her Facebook page
his work ethic was such that you only had to
which is being
ask him once to get something done.”
managed by her son Cameron Piper (15).
Former Downs Mail editor Dennis Fowle
Cameron spoke of his loss and the sadness said: “Mick was an active and dedicated
he feels that any children he has will never
leader of Maidstone Council with strong allknow their grandmother.
round abilities who always impressed me
Sophie Elizabeth Lane Morgan said
with his achievements in the role.”
Heather was “was one in a million she will
Mick was married to Shona and had
be sadly missed” and Nadine Hanlon
children Yanalie and Jodie and step-children
added: “Her laugh was infectious…Her
Adam and Lucy. Shona said: “Mick was a
smile could light a room.”
true liberal who could always see both sides
of an argument and be completely fair.
“He had achieved a lot outside of politics,
Duncan Keen
including many years as a highly successful
TRIBUTES have been paid to South African salesman in the greetings card industry
where he came close to achieving the
chef Duncan Keen (33) who worked at
highest sales of anyone in his company,
Oakwood House and was most recently
For obituaries call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email [email protected]
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Mary Black
MARY Black (84) lived in Bearsted from
1986, and previously lived in Bower Close,
Maidstone from 1976.
She was a Lib Dem councillor for
Allington and mayor of Maidstone between
1990 and 1991.
Born Mary Penrice in Glasgow, her
previous homes
included a London
hostel where she
stayed while working
for the Civil Service.
Mary married
Robert, “Bob,” in 1957
and the couple raised
daughters Deborah
and Shauna. They
moved to Cuxton
when Bob’s career with HM Customs and
Excise took him to the Medway towns. Mary
taught in Strood and for a number of years
at Clare Park in West Malling. Prior to
becoming a councillor Mary stood for
Parliament as a Liberal Party candidate in
the Medway area in 1974, coming close to
securing the seat.
Daughter Shauna said: “My mother cared
passionately about education and had a
strong sense of fairness. She was the kind of
loyal friend who would always step in and
help others, and was also quick to laugh.
“Her teaching and communication skills
were exceptional, she got excellent results
with challenging pupils and authored a
series of “How To…” books aimed at
helping youngsters who struggled.
“My mother was always resourceful and
inventive; along with her writing skills she
was also a skilled artist.”
Mary – who was widowed in 2012 – leaves
her daughters and four granddaughters –
Natasha, Farrah, Madeleine and Alana.
Roy Manser
ROY Manser (81) of Charlton Lane, West
Farleigh was a member of San Fairy Ann
Cycling Club for 68 years.
Barming-born Roy followed his father into
the blacksmith trade and started his own
business – Andian Construction. The
company was named after his sons, Andrew
and Ian, whom he had with his wife Pamela.
Roy was taken ill on a club ride and
paramedics could not save him.
He leaves his wife and son Andrew. Son
Ian pre-deceased him when he was killed in
a cycling accident 18 years ago.
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34
nationally, for a number of years.
“Politics was a passion for him and he
took a degree at South Bank University as a
mature student, after which most of his
working life was dedicated to local politics.”
Mick leaves his wife, children, stepchildren and six grandchildren.
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News
downsmail.co.uk
Tributes after death of triathlete
THE triathlete who drowned during the first leg of a charity challenge at Leybourne Lakes County
Park had a history of epilepsy, an inquest has heard.
Paul Gallihawk (34) disappeared
while taking part in the Ocean Lake
Triathlon. He entered the water for a
750-metre race with more than 100
other swimmers during the first leg
of the triathlon, but failed to emerge.
A large search operation continued
for three days, but his body was
found by divers on Bank Holiday
Monday, August 31.
An inquest which was opened and
adjourned heard that a post mortem
examination gave the cause of death
as immersion with epilepsy as a contributing factor.
Paul had not had an epileptic fit
for 10 years but recently consulted a
doctor after suffering from dizzy
spells. He had been referred to
King’s College Hospital.
Paul had hoped to raise £300 for
the hospital, where his father had
been treated, and had set up a JustGiving page. When he started the
race, the fund stood at £400 but less
than a week later, it had risen to
more than £17,000, including many
donations from people who had not
known him.
Recruitment worker Paul, who
lived in Maidstone, went to Swade-
Paul Gallihawk at the triathlon
lands School at Lenham and later
ran two businesses, Jobs4Locals and
Recruit Happy. He was a keen footballer and two years ago, set up
Whitehawks FC, who play in the
Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday
Football League. A minute’s silence
was held throughout the league in
his memory on the weekend following the tragedy.
Organisers of the Ocean Lake
Triathlon said they were deeply sad-
Phoenix firms
dened by Paul’s death. Although he
was an active sportsman, this was
his first triathlon, and he was
thought to have been wearing the
yellow cap of a novice.
The race followed set safety guidelines covering the number of marshalls and water temperatures. At
least three kayaks and an inflatable
boat were supervising during the
race and novices were asked to inform officials at registration. If anyone required assistance, they were
expected to turn on their backs and
raise an arm to summon the safety
boat. However, it appears that noone saw what happened to Paul,
whose absence emerged after the
start of the next stage of the race
when a spare bike was found in the
rack.
Jack Buckner, chairman of the
British Triathlon Federation, said
triathlon had an excellent safety
record. This event followed set
safety guidelines and had a comparatively small field of only 108 athletes.
The Health and Safety Executive
said it was making early inquiries to
see whether a full investigation
Pupil tackles dog mess issue
IN last month’s Downs Mail
we conducted an investigation
into phoenix companies, which
is a practice whereby the assets
of a failed company are passed
on to another company.
We would like to state that
Phoenix Community, a community interest company based
in Senacre, had no association
with this investigation whatsoever.
Read our archived
editions FREE online at
www.downsmail.co.uk
Lola Scott Mercieca with her letter
and her dog Skipper
A MAIDSTONE schoolgirl fed up
with having to dodge dog mess on
her way to school has written to
her local councillors.
Lola Scott Mercieca’s plea to Cllrs
Tony Harwood and Jenni Patterson
for action against dog owners who
don’t clear up after their pooches
prompted a political promise to get
enforcement officers at work.
Lola, who goes to Sandling
Primary School, wrote to the
councillors as part of her life skills
course.
Her mum Zoe Scott, who is a
teacher at the school, said: “I’m
very proud that she wrote and very
Awards recognise dementia work
NOMINATIONS are now open for
the 2015 Dementia-Friendly Awards
in Kent.
Launched this year, the awards
are a chance to recognise the great
work done by volunteers, organisations and projects in order to make
Kent more dementia-friendly and
residents are being asked to nominate their local heroes.
The seven award categories are:
Kent’s most inspiring person
living with dementia: For someone
living with dementia who has
worked hard to make a difference
36
would be needed.
Paul’s parents Malcolm and Linda
and brother Nick said in a statement:
“Words cannot express how we feel
and what Paul meant, not only to us
but to all of his family and friends.
Paul was a brilliant son and brother
to Nick – he would do anything to
help anyone and would always put
them first. He had such a caring nature and will be sadly missed by all
the family, extended family and
friends.”
Nick, from Leeds, added: “Paul
was the most caring brother and best
friend I could have asked for.”
Paul’s girlfriend, Hayley, said:
“Paul and I had been together for
five years and he was the most
amazing and thoughtful partner. He
was incredible in every way and he
always put others before himself. I
loved him to bits and always will.”
Friends recalled Paul’s sense of
humour and his generosity. In a
statement they said: “Many of us
have known Paul since we went to
school together and we are all completely heartbroken. He was a genuine and honest man – he was the
funniest person in the world.”
in their own or other people’s lives.
Kent’s dementia volunteer
award;
Medway’s dementia volunteer
award;
Kent’s best local community
involvement initiative;
Kent’s best organisational initiative;
Kent’s best partnership project;
Kent’s best intergenerational
initiative.
Last month, KCC’s cabinet joined
the more than 20,000 people who
have become Dementia Friends
since the initiative was launched last
year.
KCC cabinet member for adult social care and public health Cllr Graham Gibbens said: “KCC recognises
the excellent work happening to
make communities more inclusive
of dementia and help people living
with dementia lead more fulfilled
lives.”
Details of how to enter are available at www.dementiafriendlykent.org.uk/awards.
Finalists will be invited to a ceremony at County Hall on October 2.
pleased that she received a
response from both councillors.”
Zoe and Lola walk their dog
Skipper regularly in Penenden
Heath and say in spite of there
being plenty of dog bins, the area
is strewn with dog mess.
Lola said in her letter: “It’s
disgusting having to avoid the
mess.” She also raised the issue of
diseases carried by dog waste and
the unpleasant result of it being
carried through the school on
children’s shoes.
Councillors gave Lola goodie
bags and information leaflets to
give to her classmates.
Trustees call
TRUSTEES are being sought for a
community-based charity in Park
Wood.
Fusion Maidstone, the healthy living centre, helps all sectors of the
community and the management is
seeking new trustees to complement
the existing ones, to bring passion,
drive and experience to the board.
The group is looking for individuals with a track record of effective
performance, strategic thinking and
sound judgement. Call Martin or
Tracey on 01622 691177 or email
[email protected] or
[email protected].
News
downsmail.co.uk
Late dates for festive shoppers
CHRISTMAS is coming, and Maidstone is working to ensure it is bigger and brighter than ever.
The Town Team marketing
group has been working with retailers to draw up proposed opening hours which will streamline
trading across the town.
Late-night shopping is a critical
factor in making the town a shopping destination of choice in the
run-up to Christmas and the Town
Team, together with the Town Centre Management, hopes that many
independent traders will stay open
later, along with the larger retail
chains, to entice festive shoppers to
splash their cash.
Proposals would mean shops remaining open until 8pm on Thursdays from November 26 and on
December 14, 15 and 16 until 7pm.
In Christmas week itself, it has
been proposed that the shops
might stay open each night until
8pm with the exception of Christmas Eve, when they would close at
5.30pm.
Boxing Day – a Saturday – would
have Sunday opening hours from
10.30am to 4.30pm and normal
trading hours would resume on
December 28, with Sunday hours
again on Friday, January 1.
TCM change co-ordinator Ilsa
Butler said: “We appreciate it is
sometimes difficult for the independent traders to mirror the large
retailers, but at the same time we
do not want to disappoint people
and hope that as many shops as
possible will open.”
Fremlin Walk will once again be
leading the Switch On event,
scheduled for November 19, with a
celebrity guest to perform the honours.
However, local bands and choirs
have already expressed an interest
in taking part and could perform in
the High Street’s Jubilee and Remembrance Squares.
The council has said it cannot
support the “Free after Three”
parking initiative, however, or any
additional park and ride services,
to encourage shoppers into Maidstone at Christmas, as they are not
commercially viable.
Camra date
Building on
Lego success
THE Brick City exhibition at Maidstone Museum was a huge success,
with more than 1,000 people flooding through the doors of the museum most days throughout the
summer.
Organisers were overwhelmed
with the response – even the Thursday “lates” when visitors were encouraged to take part in a
Lego-building challenge.
More than 140 people took part
in the challenge, devising fantastic
MAIDSTONE businesses were offered some simple fire safety messages
moving miniatures and replicas of
during UK Business Safety Week.
everything from cars to cameras.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service took to the streets in association with the
Parents – and some grandparents
Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) to share messages the companies
– teamed up with their offspring
could take back to their colleagues and staff.
for what proved to be a real family
The week coincided with the recruitment of seasonal staff in the runevent and a great boost to museum
up to Christmas.
“These new recruits may not have the same level of fire safety
figures.
awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of
Laura Dickson told the Town
the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and
Centre Management meeting that
colleagues,” said a spokesman for KFRS.
the event was “phenomenal” and
This year’s message for businesses is ‘Keep it SIMPLE and Safe’ and
would be a hard act to follow.
offers the following SIMPLE reminders:
She said: “The challenge was to
• Store stock safely: keep corridors, stairs and exits clear
devise a piece of Lego judged on
• Identify alarm points
originality, strength and durability
• Make sure doors are closed to stop fires spreading
which could be a likeness to some• Place things that catch fire away from things that cause fire
thing in the museum collection.
• Let someone know if you spot fire safety problems
“We had everything from a
• Ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire alarm sounds
grandfather clock, with moving
pieces, to a working camera.”
The council is looking at “Treasures from Trash” for next summer
– an exhibition of items made from
recycled products.
Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman
MAIDSTONE is going for gold as
There will be workshops for
voting opens for the people’s of Maidstone council’s heritage,
young and old and a variety of acchoice award for the nation’s culture and leisure committee,
tivity days based on the exhibition.
said: “We were over the moon
favourite parks.
The town’s Mote Park took silver when Mote Park was named the
place last year, so the council needs UK’s second favourite park last
MAIDSTONE’S Christmas Cards even more support from residents year.
“Maidstone’s parks are great
for Good Causes shop is to trade at to take the top spot.
Four Maidstone parks were places for all to enjoy, and I urge
the Methodist Church, Union
Street, from Friday October 16 to awarded Green Flags this year in residents to cast their votes and let
recognition of their exceptionally everyone know how proud we are
Friday December 18.
Opening hours will be 11am-4pm high standards, excellent facilities to have them in our borough.”
There are 1,582 parks around the
weekdays and 10am-4pm on Satur- and strong community involvecountry vying for the top 10 slots
days. It is part of a national net- ment.
Mote Park, Cobtree Manor Park, and voting closes at noon on Sepwork of 300 shops staffed by
volunteers supporting 275 charities Whatman Park and Clare Park are tember 30. The winners will be anwhich have received more than all in with a chance of receiving the nounced in October.
To vote, visit www.greenflaannual People’s Choice Award.
£20m in the last five years.
Fire advice for companies
FOUNDER members of the Maidstone and Mid-Kent Branch of the
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)
will be joining current enthusiasts
to celebrate the branch’s 40th anniversary.
A get-together is to be held to celebrate its launch in the autumn of
1975 at the scene of its very first
meeting, the Dog and Gun in
Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone.
The celebration takes place from
6.30pm on Friday, September 25
and is the brainchild of founder
member and former branch chairman Dave Rayner, who has received support from campaign
pioneers as far afield as Hampshire, West Sussex and Devon.
Dave said: “The evening will be a
great opportunity for members
past and present to reminisce about
the early days of the branch and to
share memories about local pubs,
ales, beer festivals and breweries.
We’re expecting a great turnout.”
Shopmobility
THE town centre Shopmobility
scheme has now ended and the
scooters have been offered to Age
Concern, either for ongoing use or
for sale, to raise funds for the older
persons’ charity.
Mote Park aims to be people’s choice
Charity cards
gaward.org or:
Mote Park: bit.ly/votemote
Cobtree Manor Park:
bit.ly/votecobtree
Whatman Park: bit.ly/votewhatman
Clare Park: bit.ly/voteclarepark
The Green Flag Awards were
first launched in 1996 to recognise
and rewards the UK’s best parks
and green spaces.
Last year, Mote Park was beaten
to the top slot for the people’s
choice award by Victoria Park in
the London borough of Tower
Hamlets and was the only park in
the South East to be recognised in
the top 10.
37
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Fencing
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All aspects of tree cutting, Re-shaping,
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Painting & Decorating
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Waste Collection
Skip Hire continued
st ry
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• 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
NEW SITE
NOW OPEN
Detling
Aerodrome
Maidstone
Freephone
0800 028 49 00
www.mbwindowcleaningservices.co.uk [email protected]
Window 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]
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.
01622 844393
Misted / Broken Glass Units,
Door & Window Handles,
Locks & Hinges
Patio Door Wheels & Tracks
SPARE PARTS SHOP
Units 15-16 Dickens Court
Enterprise Close, Medway City Estate
Kent ME2 4LY
01634 717400
www.mdgrepairs.co.uk
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
43
Window Repairs Continued
On the
Road
MONGERS GARAGE LTD
Glaze-Tech Services Ltd
A family run business
with over 30 years experience
Free survey & quotations
For all your servicing &
general repairs
77 King St., Maidstone
Installers of top quality double glazing
(rear of Ward & Partners)
• 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
Telephone:
751258
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 for a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that May Turner of Turners Cider Limited has applied to Maidstone
Borough Council on 14 September 2015 for the grant of a premises licence to use the premises
at 6 Reed Court Cottages, Hunton Road, Marden, Kent, TN12 9SY for the sale by retail of
alcohol. Namely cider. Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this
application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by 12 October 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/onlinelicensing/ 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.
Recruitment
Requires the following:
Qualified and Experienced Senior Hair Stylist.
Must be professional and motivated. Excellent basic + commission.
Fully Qualified and Experienced Beautician.
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
AUTOSPRAY
SOLUTIONS
For the ultimate paint finish!
MOBILE BODY REPAIRS
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
Applicants must be self motivated and organised. Excellent basic + commission.
Hairdressing Apprenticeship.
This would suit a school leaver wanting a career in Hairdressing. We would also
consider a level 3 apprentice.
To apply e-mail your CV to: [email protected] or call 01622 817733.
Leisure
Bouncy Castle
PENFOLDS AMUSEMENTS
Bouncy castles and children’s carousels
01634 365427 | 07710 772597
44
Call now for your free quotation on
01622 727263 / 07773 340049
or email
[email protected]
Leeds Castle
Recruitment
Open Evening
See Page 2
Follow
us on
Winner of
tradesperson of
the year 2013
On the Road
ACE
M.O.T. and Clutch Centre
MOBILE BODY REPAIRS
• BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB
• VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING
• FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED
Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T.
FREE
ESTIMATES
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
Before
At
GMS
Before
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
After
Proud
Main dealer trained • Independently priced
Maidstone’s Best Kept Secret
Now come and find us
sponsors of
Bearsted
Cricket Club
• 27 years experience
• 6 day operation
• Around 1/4 of body shop price
• Reliable, professional and flexible
Call: 07771 621 769
Unit 2 Gibralter Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2NG
01622 686824
After
www.gmskent.co.uk
[email protected]
www.touchupsltd.co.uk
B
O
N
O
W
You can
K
CAR, CBT & HGV Driving School
O
Call
01622
919122
THEORY
TRAINING
MANUAL or
AUTOMATIC
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45
News
downsmail.co.uk
High scores for hospital care
THE hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have been given a clean bill of health after exceeding national average scores in all but one category.
Patient-led assessments of the care
environment (Place) inspections
take place annually at every hospital
in the country.
Staff and local patient representatives assess how the care environment in a hospital (or other type
of treatment centre) supports patients. The results are reported publicly to show how hospitals are
performing nationally and locally
to drive improvements.
Local results for 2015 were:
Cleanliness:
• Maidstone – 99.2%
• Tunbridge Wells – 98.78%
• Tonbridge Cottage Hospital –
100%
National average – 97.57%
Food:
• Tonbridge Cottage Hospital –
89.31%
Privacy, dignity and wellbeing:
• *Tonbridge Cottage Hospital –
86.43%
Condition, appearance and
maintenance:
• Tunbridge Wells – 94.42 %
97.73%
Dementia friendliness:
•Tunbridge Wells – 92.44%
91.98%
Records just a
click away
HEALTH records of about 500 patients in Maidstone and West Kent
are now online and available securely to help NHS professionals
with the authority of patients.
The care plan management system
is to be expanded by care practitioners (including GPs). Early emphasis
has been on patients most likely to
benefit from this touch-of-a-button
information system.
Early evidence shows that ambulance service staff have already identified the value of the system. It is
also expected to be of great value as
more services are transferred in to
the community and as GP surgeries
form themselves in to federations.
Winning hearts
AFTER the annual assessment of
West Kent CCG, NHS England has
commented on an acknowledgement that further work is needed “to
win hearts and minds of local GP
members to deliver the primary and
community care aspirations”.
The NHS says: “A more focused
clinical leadership line with member
practices and newly-formed federations should take forward your aspirations for community provision
systems.”
Health message
WEST Kent Clinical Commissioning
Group (CCG) is supporting the public health message that “if people
look after themselves they are also
looking after the NHS”.
The local health and wellbeing
board is taking this forward with
public health campaigns on obesity
and smoking cessation.
46
Although the condition, appearance and maintenance at Maidstone Hospital scored slightly
below the national average (by
0.76%), it has the cleanest hospital
wards of any of Kent’s acute hospitals, scoring 99.2%. The second
phase of a multi-million pound
ward modernisation programme is
also under way.
The national Place report identified lower scores in hospital environments for dementia patients as
an area for improvement nationally.
All three hospitals scored well in
this area. They also had the best
scores for privacy and dignity and
ward food compared with Kent
and Medway’s acute hospitals.
Jeanette Rooke, director of estates
and facilities, added: “This year, we
have exceeded results in every category except one and the refurbishment programme currently
on-going at Maidstone will improve lots of areas and ward environments for our patients and
visitors.”
Recent improvements to the patient environment include new
wayfinding and external signs;
chilled water dispensers on wards;
refurbished main entrance with improved retail and café facilities
(Maidstone); replaced patient
chairs and tables; refurbished admissions lounge; and new discharge lounge (Maidstone).
*Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells
NHS Trust has a ward at Tonbridge
Cottage Hospital for stroke patients,
and this was assessed as part of the
Place report.
Friends’ gift boost to cancer centre
MAIDSTONE Hospital’s League of
Friends has donated equipment
worth £10,000 for cancer patients.
The league presented staff at Kent
Oncology Centre with the nasendocope and light source to assist with
the diagnosis and treatment of patients with head and neck cancer.
The department’s head of outpatients, Jayne Goddard said: “It will be
of huge benefit to the department.”
The
equipment is
handed over
to staff at
the Kent
Oncology
Centre
Targets missed
FOUR key targets were missed in
Maidstone and West Kent in July,
with the following below standard:
Cancer: two-week waiting times
performances;
A&E: new four-hour waiting
time performance;
Ambulances: SECAmb performance below standard on all
Matthew Roberts (far left) at the launch of a report into the care of youngsters
measures. Category A Red 1 ambulance calls (eight-minute target)
were 75% below target;
Hospital beds: new “delayed
MATTHEW Roberts, from MaidHe said: “The concerns surround- transfer of care” performance.
stone, has been to Westminster to ing the availability of extended supdiscuss the support youngsters report for care-leavers really deserve
ceive in care.
the attention given to them in the AFTER a marked dip in performThe 21-year-old spent his early state-of-the-nation report. Hope- ance of the 111 telephone service
life in the care of the county coun- fully, by becoming part of the Chil- during the winter there has since
cil. He was one of two care leavers dren’s Commissioner’s network as been a slow recovery, West Kent
from Kent invited by the Children’s part of my role with Virtual School CCG has been informed.
Commissioner for England, Anne Kent I’ll be able to do what I can to
The new target is that 90% of
Longfield, to join parliamentarians make sure children in care and care- callers needing clinical advice will
and decision-makers at the launch leavers continue to receive the sup- either speak to a clinician during
of a national report discussing support they need.”
the initial call or be called back
port for children in care.
Peter Oakford, the county council within 10 minutes.
Matthew is an apprentice with cabinet member for specialist chilKCC’s Virtual School Kent, which dren’s services said: “Matthew is a
helps develop and improve services credit to the council and we look
for children in care and for young forward to his continued work in WEST Kent CCG is distributing a
care leavers, promoting their edu- improving outcomes for care care pathways guidance booklet to
cational achievement.
leavers both in Kent and beyond. ” care homes in the area.
Caring role for care-leaver
111 call efficiency
Help for homes
News
downsmail.co.uk
Rugby club to make fresh start
MAIDSTONE Rugby Club look set for a new ground – leaving The Mote after more than 50 years
in the centre of town.
The move follows a successful
season on the pitch for the club,
but disagreement with The Mote
Cricket Club, which own and
share the ground.
Earlier, the cricket club had
suggested houses would be built
on part of the rugby club’s training ground to finance developments that they say would
transform the ground’s sports facilities.
However, the rugby club were
not happy with having to relinquish part of their training
ground, forcing cricket club
chairman Glen Aukett to say that
these plans were “on ice”.
Now the rugby club’s vicechairman, Paul Firmin, appears to
have offered a way out for both
sides by allowing them to move
elsewhere in the town. Up to
three potential sites are under
discussion with Maidstone Council as part of a larger development plan concerning Mr Firmin.
The rugby club say the opportunity to move away from The
Mote has received the backing of
Maidstone Rugby Club is considering moving to a new site
the club committee and the membership will be presented with
the full details shortly. They say
initial discussions between the
club, Mr Firmin and Maidstone
Council representatives have
been positive, although they
recognise significant hurdles
need to be overcome before a
more formal confirmation of the
details can be released. Maidstone Rugby Club remain a significant tenant of The Mote and
their lease agreement is up for renewal next May.
The Mote Cricket Club will
Protected trees
can be felled
Driving ban
A BANNED driver who drove while
drunk and without insurance has
got a four-year ban.
Daniel James Curd (39) was sentenced by Mid Kent Magistrates’
Court after admitting driving while
disqualified, driving without insurance and drink-driving.
Curd was stopped while driving a
Kia Rio near his home in Chapman
Avenue, Maidstone. A breath test
showed 68mg of alcohol in 100ml of
breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
He was sentenced to 120 days in
prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving
for four years. He must pay a £150
courts charge, £85 costs and an £80
victim surcharge.
Assault case
A MAIDSTONE man who threatened a man in The Mall shopping
centre has been told he will go to jail
if it happens again.
Matthew Jackson (23), from Mote
Road, Maidstone, admitted using
threatening, abusive or insulting
words or behaviour towards the
man and resisting a policeman.
He was sentenced at Mid Kent
Magistrates’ Court to 16 weeks in
prison suspended for 12 months,
and orderd not to contact the victim
or his partner. He must also pay
£100 compensation, £85 costs and an
£80 victim surcharge.
consider in the next month their
policy regarding the lease.
Dennis Fowle, chairman of The
Mote CC development committee, said: “We have delayed any
new lease offer to rugby since the
end of May until the rugby club’s
plans are a little clearer.
“Our priority is to safeguard
the cricket club and this magnificent site for local sport and the
community. Building a new
pavilion and improving facilities
are integral to that.”
The rugby club’s Jim Tinsley
said: “Regarding the ongoing
saga on development at The
Mote, the protracted discussions
which involved the rugby club,
the cricket club and Maidstone
Council were not able to be resolved as we in the rugby club are
not prepared to sacrifice playing
and training space to allow development on our 1st XV pitch.
“Our proposed exodus from
The Mote should allow both
clubs to realise their full potential
as important sports centres in
Kent.”
Kate Turnham, of Maidstone Council hands the lease to Keith Rylands of
Maidstone Tennis Club, watched by council staff and club members
Tennis team celebrate lease
MAIDSTONE Tennis Club have
been granted a 28-year lease until
2043 for the use of the Giddyhorn
Lane tennis courts, which are
owned by Maidstone Council.
The lease means that the club,
who were established in 1984, will
be able to further develop the
courts which in turn will benefit the
community.
Club chairman Richard Dawson
said: “We are delighted with the
lease, as it gives us the chance to
build new courts and develop the
clubhouse further.”
He said the club had already
hosted community events such as
Maidstone’s Got Talent as well as
supporting the Great British Tennis
Weekend.
“A key outcome of running these
community events has been the
attraction of even more members
of the public to come up and enjoy
playing tennis.”
Richard added: “The public are
welcome to come up and give
tennis a try. If you want to be part
of a growing community then visit
maidstoneltc.co.uk for our latest
events and great value
membership offers.”
The lease to the tennis club
contains a community schedule
that sets out that the club will
continue to use the facilities to
encourage people of all ages and
abilities to participate in tennis
and establish links with school
sports clubs to enhance the
development of tennis in
Maidstone. The club will be
working with South East Tennis to
deliver community tennis sessions
and taster sessions for school
children.
PLANNING permission was
granted to remove a group of protected Leyland cypress trees at 8
Albert Reed Gardens, Tovil.
Cllr Paul Wilby, vice-chairman of
Tovil Parish Council, told Maidstone Council’s planning committee of his fear that allowing the
trees to be felled would be the passport for other removals.
Mrs Brown, the applicant, said
that the trees were unsightly.
“When it is sunny we want to sit in
the sun. There is bird foul constantly,” she said. “I want to enjoy
my garden.”
The council officer report said the
trees had been managed as a hedge
in recent years: “The council must
consider whether it is reasonable to
refuse an application for works to
what is now effectively a hedge.”
The committee gave the go-ahead
on condition that three replacement
field maple trees are planted.
Fruit show dates
THE 82nd National Fruit Show will
be taking place in the Maidstone
Exhibition Hall and Hendry Pavilion on Wednesday and Thursday,
October 21 and 22.
Businesses or organisations interested in attending should book at
www.nationalfruitshow.org.uk.
47
Open 7 Days A Week
12 noon to 2.30pm & 6pm - Midnight
(inc. Bank Holidays)
Air conditioned and
spacious restaurant.
14 London Road Maidstone ME16 8QL
Book Now On
01622 763360
or 01622 763770
www.mughaldynasty.com
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