Downs Mail Newspaper Issue 319 May Week 3

Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper

Maidstone East Edition

FREE FREE & Fortnightly October 2017

No.Maidstone 246 & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper News

Panto ahoy!

May 19th – June 1st 2022

THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone, took to the River Medway to launch this year's panto.

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Hospice Bluebell Walk raises £30k – p24

On board The Kentish Lady were national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Godmother), former EastEnder Stefan Booth (Prince Charming), Elizabeth Bright (Cinderella), Craig Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, Stephen Richards and Adam Borzone (Ugly Sisters) .

They were greeted by pupils from South Borough Primary School and members of the media. The panto runs from December 1-31. For tickets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.

No. 107, 319 dies Kate, KATE Hart, a resident at an old people’s home in Bearsted, News has died aged 107, her son 3 David has disclosed.

Knotweed hotspot MP’s Local Plan bid

MAIDSTONE is shown to be a HELEN Whately asked the hotspot for the invasive government to halt the Japanese knotweed, says borough’s housing scheme. 4 a new study. à3

Plans for Dr attack Nigel Dog walker

THE widow of GP Drknocked Nigel Minnet A DOG walker was unwill walk theinGrand conscious an unprovoked 12 Canyon charity. à5 assaultfor in Maidstone.

CCTV call in a bid ‘Anti-terror’ gates to stop fly-tipping installed in town CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a country road have been made by the local borough councillor.

Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed waste carriers, but believes the cost to small firms of disBroomfield, has been targeted by was dumped and set on fire.

The church car park has alsothe seen posing construction waste at a waste dumpers for years, but in reQUESTIONS have been raised about needof for heavy-duty cent months, the problem has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deteranti-terrorism gates installed the centre Maidstone.

But it isin a problem in many of rural come more acute. rent that is costing councils more. including Langley, Otham Construction waste, rubble,(KCC) hard areas made hergates remarks Kent County Council KCCFort added: “The were as inwe expecting a terrorist attack?

No- Cllr Water me Lane in one core, windows and household fur- and of the closest transstalled as aborough’s safety feature to prevent claimed the barriers in Week Street bodyKingswood. saw fit to consult as the andrepresentative Pilgrims Way niture is left illegally – oftenasstrewn stationsentry at North Farm,into Tunaccidental by vehicles the and Earl Street, described “hos- Bearsted local elected of have KCC. fer been targeted recently. in middle of the road.

Wells, announced will Bebe pedestrianised area of theittown. tilethe mitigation gates”, are for pedes- also I find it a bit surprising.

I sometimes bridge Last year, Maidstone Borough closed Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month for 10 weeks. cause this trial worked so well it trian safety despite being designed wonder why I’m here!” we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tipShedecided added: to “Ifinstall you go the was thealong gates perto repel a heavily-laden lorry at ping A local added: and businessman this year more than“Per163 line of increasing fines, they have to construction waste dumped in the manently.”

50mph. haps the money would have been village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the They have been installed at the But where two local representabetter spent on attracting busi- charge approaching darker new evenings Lane, weelected are now thinking The or offering it free may have Week Street junction of Station tives were unaware theon gates were will nesses into the town’s emptytipping. shops.” the prompt a rise in illegal of installing cameras private desired similar effect.”

Road, Earl Street and Gabriels being installed on their patch and KCC said the barriers, effective Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initialand, to oversee the problem area.”

A three-monthly litter pick onHill. the Countystretch councillor Tomthrough Cannon by ram the raids, Environment A cost recent in Burberry Lane tive of road the hasevent not been made public. against are beingAgency installed mile-long said: “It could be a worthwhile proDriver Stan- Leeds village produces an average saw a caravan burned while a and KCC Cllr Dan Daleyout said: “Are afterthe trials duringand the Vehicle pandemic. ject or a sacks massive waste of money. torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32 black of rubbish.

“It isFort, difficult see serves why a town Cllr whotoalso as a like Maidstone needs these gates.” parish councillor, says teaching children about social responsibility Kent Highways posted on its live and theclosure issue ofmap: litter in schools will road “Road closed help issue offseven the streets. fromtake Maythe 9 for up to days to She believes withHighways every household allow for KCC anti-terreceiving a weekly refuseworks.” collection rorism gate installation YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT service, is no excuse for KCC there has been installing thelitter gates maidstone@martinco.com being thrown from vehicles or paid for

by Maidstone Borough 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumped in the road.

Council.

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Jason Donovan Fury at sewage date firm THE former Neighbours brings SEWAGE company star Southern his show to the Hazlitt Water sparked outrage for 18 Theatre next May. ‘blaming’ discharges on

à6

customers.

Homeless fundraiser GOLDING Homes boss Steph Goad is raising money for homeless charities. à10

Dog traps suspect A POLICE dog tracked down a suspected metal thief hiding in a car park. à14

Obituaries

32

à27 Obituaries Parish Councils 34-35 ASH dieback has been discovered in à 29 Parishes

Monks Meadow in Detling; Hollingbourne stallà37-39 Commentvillage fete holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has resigned; yellow lines are needed Election results for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow CATCH up on who was elected buses through Imperial Park; rubwhere at the borough council bish bins in the sports field in Kingswood are to elections held onbe moved over to à20-21 the picnic May 5. area and rear exit.

Crime Reports

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Burglary charges

VEHICLES have been driven over A MAN is due in court later this farmland in Lenham, causing month to charged damge crops;with an 45 attempted à26a allegedwas burglaries. break-in reported in Detling; vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Rd, Weavering; were Drug dealerpumpkins Dinnage stolen from an allotment in JAILED Maidstone drug dealer Lenham.

Mark Dinnage (42) felt ‘untouchable’ while run 46-47 Comment ning a supply network. à36

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Road closures

CALDER Road in Maidstone will be closed in two phases for gas works.

The road is now shut until June 3 between Chatham Road and Lushington Road. The alternative route is via Chatham Road, Dickens Road and Lushington Road.

The road is also shut near number 84 until July 25. The alternative route is via Egerton Road.

Lushington Road is shut from May 30 to June 13 at the junction with Calder Road. Lushington Road will not be closed at the same time as Calder Road.

The alternative route is via Dickens Road, Chatham Road, Calder Road.

Hospice date

A SUNFLOWER appeal is taking place at Heart of Kent Hospice.

The event will take place in the hospice gardens on June 10 and 11.

It will be an opportunity to share memories or have a moment of quiet reflection. Refreshments will be served from the café.

To donate or book a place in memory of a loved one call Claire Ashby on 01622 795695 or email claire.ashby@hokh.co.uk.

News

Knotweed data shows ‘map’ of infestations IT IS the country's most invasive plant species – scourge of the property vendor and gardener alike.

When Japanese knotweed was delivered in a box of specimens to botanical researchers at Kew Gardens in 1850, it was favoured for its quick growth and pretty heartshaped leaves.

What gardeners did not realise was that the plant was super-aggressive in its ability to spread, sending roots 10 feet underground and 20 feet horizontally, in all directions.

The first a home-owner knows it is a problem is when the plant's purple shoots start to find cracks in concrete, tarmac, footpaths, drains and driveways.

A new survey published by a company specialising in Japanese knotweed's removal shows a “heat map” of Kent's infestations.

The data claims there are 20 in-

stances of the weed within a 4km radius in Maidstone, which is relatively low in comparison to Tunbridge Wells (47) and Canterbury (30).

Japanese knotweed is presently at its peak growing season.

Once pale leaves have sprouted, the stems become bamboo-like and grow at about four inches a day.

It can grow in large dense clumps, standing more than eight feet in height.

Nic Seal, spokesman for Environet, which compiled the heat map, said: “Japanese knotweed tends to strike fear into the hearts of homeowners but, as long as they’re aware of its presence and take action to remove it before it causes any serious damage or spreads to a neighbour’s property, there’s no reason to panic.”

Experts advise professional treatment, usually herbicide or excavation, but warn that owners should be sure to secure an insurance-backed guarantee for the work.

Whilst the weed can be eradicated, it can hold up the sale of properties where it has been identified as a potential threat. House values can be affected by 5% and cause friction and even legal disputes between neighbours.

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News

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Centre blow to bowls club

A BOWLS club dating back nearly 40 years can no longer play, due to the closure of a muchloved community centre in Park Wood.

Lakeside Short Mat Bowls Club, founded in 1983, has not been able to meet at Heather House for more than two years.

Chairman Veronica Harris (87) claims members were told by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) that they would be able to continue meeting at Heather House until the new building was built next door.

But the group says they have received “unreasonable treatment” from council officers, who have ignored their pleas to access the building as normal.

Mrs Harris argues the uncertain future has had a massive impact on the members’ mental health.

She said: “The members have told me that the club kept them young and they are really missing the company, atmosphere and exercise. They feel they are saying

Road closed

WESTERHILL Road in Coxheath is shut until June 30 for SGN gas works between the junctions with Dane Court and Wester Hill.

The alternative route is via Barnes Lane, Wheelers Lane, A229 Linton Hill, B2163 Heath Road and vice versa.

Music stops

A MUSIC shop in Maidstone is shutting after 19 years.

A notice in the window of Music Matters in Week Street said: "We are proud to have had the honour of serving Maidstone's fine musicians, friends and families over the past 19 years."

Bowls club secretary John Tong with chairman Veronica Harris goodbye to 39 years of sport and friendship. It gave them purpose.

Some have lost their wives and husbands, so meeting friends for a couple of hours a week gave them an incentive to go out.”

Secretary John Tong (82) said: “The council invited users of the hall to attend a Skype meeting in July 2020, where they point blank told us we could continue using the hall whilst they built the new

community centre next door.

“We thought this was encouraging news and as soon as the government restrictions ended, we were so excited to go back. Four other bowls clubs who used the hall have now suffered the same fate. We feel completely let down.”

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment also remains locked in a cupboard at the hall.

MBC said the building has no caretaker and is shut to hirers. A statement added: “We under understand this is disappointing... but we are currently unable to provide regular access, supervise visitors or cleaning of the premises.”

Heather House is due to be demolished and replaced by a new community centre next door by 2024.

Police use rst aid to save football fan A FOOTBALL fan who fell into a diabetic coma before a match was saved by two quick-thinking officers.

Police Sergeant Rob Sweetland and Special Constable Paul Holmes were alerted to the medical emergency ahead of Dartford’s game against Maidstone FC on Saturday, April 18.

The officers recognised the symptoms and administered lifesaving first aid to the Maidstone fan.

PS Sweetland and SC Holmes stayed calm and ensured they were able stabilise the man be-

fore the ambulance crew arrived. He was then taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

Inspector Trevor Jenner from Kent Police said: "I am immensely proud of both officers involved in this incident.

"They worked together in a challenging situation and were able to provide vital first aid to a member of the public.

"This is an incredible example of professionalism and public service.

"Both officers are a credit to Kent Police and are examples of

the unbelievable people in the service who do amazing things every day."

Maidstone United FC invited PS Sweetland and SC Holmes to their stadium on Saturday, April 30 to show their gratitude for the officers’ actions.

PS Sweetland met with the man whose life he had helped to save and was presented with a plaque commemorating his courage on that day.

Unfortunately, SC Holmes was unable to attend, but the crowd showed their appreciation for both officers.

The award­winning Downs Mail newspaper is delivered fortnightly door­to­door in selected areas, and is available to pick up from major supermarkets and local stores in the Maidstone and Malling boroughs.

The papers are free to read online, as is the Daily Downs Mail news service.

Find them at www.downsmail.co.uk or scan the QR code below.

We can post the newspaper to you for an annual subscription of £25 for 24 editions.

For details, email info@downsmail.co.uk or call a member of the team on 01622 630330.

Editorial Editor Simon Finlay simon.finlay@downsmail.co.uk Editorial team: Online news editor Jade Schopman jade.schopman@downsmail.co.uk Chris Lawson chris.lawson@downsmail.co.uk Lindsay Roberts lindsay.roberts@downsmail.co.uk Obituaries Neil Nixon neilnixon22@gmail.com

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News

Man attacked by bike rider A DOG walker was knocked unconscious in an unprovoked assault near Maidstone.

The attack was carried out by a passenger on a motorcycle, who got off the vehicle and punched the victim in the face.

The incident is reported to have happened on Friday, April 29, as the victim was walking his dog in Boxley Road, Penenden Heath.

At around 2pm, the man noticed a motorcycle being ridden in the area, even though it was closed for roadworks.

The rider was performing wheelies and driving in an antisocial way.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "It is reported the victim raised his arms, as if to object, which prompted the bike to stop.

"The passenger then got off the bike and punched the victim, causing him to strike his head on the ground. Both the suspect and rider then drove away.

“An off-duty police officer was first on the scene and an ambulance was called. The victim was taken to hospital and later discharged."

PC Paul Otter, of Maidstone CID, said: "This was an entirely

unprovoked attack, which caused the victim to strike his head on the pavement and could easily have led to more serious injuries.

"The bike had no number plate and was driven away in the Pendenden Heath direction. We have carried out extensive house-tohouse enquiries and are continuing to check local CCTV. “We are also urging residents in Boxley Road and nearby areas to check any privately-held CCTV or doorbell cameras. You may have important footage which could assist the investigation."

Both men on the bike are described as being young, possibly in their late teens to mid-20s and were wearing black clothing.

The suspect who hit the victim had a black balaclava. He was white and around five feet seven inches tall, with piercing light blue eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/80871/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on their website.

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Lessons in agriculture THREE apprentices were among thousands who attended the Living Land education programme earlier this month at the Kent Showground in Detling.

Pictured here are Zachary Bevans of Strood, Jason Buddle of Maidstone, and Dan Murrell of Tunbridge Wells, who work for an electricity company.

Around 3,000 children attended the day organised by Kent County Agricultural Society, with learning opportunities across the school curriculum.

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News

People create public anthem

KINGS Hill's sensory public art project invited local people to take part in workshops led by composer and musician Peter Adjaye.

The Ghanaian-British conceptual sound artist used West African “call and response” techniques, which elicit choral feedback from an audience, to help capture the sounds of Kings Hill.

Participants were taught an original choral phonetic composition

by Peter called the People's Anthem, composed in what he describes as the “universal key of C”.

He said: "The sessions were truly transformative. My vocalist Randolph Matthews and I were very pleased to see people joining in so enthusiastically and really feeling the power of the techniques. I’m very much looking forward to producing the finished work that the community has contributed towards.”

The finished composition will form part of a new public artwork commissioned from multidisciplinary artist Yinka Ilori MBE, who was appointed as artist in residence in Kings Hill last year.

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Householders ‘at fault’ for sewage discharges SEWAGE company Southern Water has been criticised for “trying to blame” householders for millions of gallons of raw human waste being flushed into rivers and the sea.

Southern Water claims its “investigators” have identified toilets and appliances which are wrongly connected and has helped prevent pollution reaching the sea.

Last year, the sewage firm pleaded guilty to 6,791 illegal raw waste discharges in Kent, Hampshire and Sussex between 2010 and 2015 and was fined £90m.

Liberal Democrat spokesman David Naghi said: "Southern Water has one job and one job only – to treat sewage safely – and it doesn't do it.

"It is possibly one of the most inefficient companies in the country and now they're trying to

P6

blame householders. It's not their fault."

According to Companies House, Southern Water Services Limited's March 2021 accounts showed revenues of £784m with pre-tax profits of £139m. Householders are expected to pay around £400 a year for Southern Water's services.

According to a press release, the sewage company has a "Misconnection Team", which hunts down cases where "loos and dishwashers have been wrongly connected into surface water only drains".

It adds: “One wrongly connected loo can dump thousands

of litres in flushes into the nearest water course."

The release added: "Enough wrong connections were found and fixed last year to stop more than 500,000 litres of waste water ending up in streams or on beaches in Kent.

"Some 50 major misconnections were identified in Kent last year.

Householders are responsible for making the change, but many don’t understand there is an issue."

Maidstone borough councillor Naghi added: “Southern Water is trying to deflect the responsibility onto normal people. It’s happy to take the fines while it’s racking up the profits.

“Southern Water can blame rainwater and old infrastructure, but its job is to treat our sewage and waste water and dispose of it – not dump it into the rivers and the sea.”

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Silver chalice comes home

WHEN Canon John Corbyn flourished a delicate silver communion cup dating from the 16th century in Bearsted on Mothering Sunday it sparked much interest – and many questions.

The chalice and paten were on loan from the cathedral treasury at Canterbury, but returned to their Holy Cross church home for a single service.

But little is really known about the treasure, which bears a simple foliage design but no cross.

Dating from 1565, the set was acquired by the independently wealthy vicar at Bearsted, Thomas Lushington, in 1912, at a time when churches were returning to a more medieval, “catholic” appearance.

Mr Lushington lived in the grand Park House, now the army barracks in Maidstone. He employed William Benton as his curate-in-charge, who was killed in France during WWI. The chalice was used for wine and the paten served both as a lid

and a plate to hold sacrament bread during communion services to mark Christ's life.

Although the date stamp sur-

Concert date

Church moves into pub

A CONCERT is to be held at St Nicholas Church in Leeds for the first time in two years. The professional Songs&Keys3 group perform on May 28 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions, children under 12 go free. Call Brian on 01622 842915.

PARISHIONERS celebrated their last service at St Faith's church in Maidstone on April 24.

A new church community centre is being built in the Ringlestone area of the county town, which should be completed by the end of the year.

In the meantime, Sunday services will be held on the first and third Sundays at The Flower Pot pub in Sandling Road (Royal Engineers Way). Rev Arthur Houston is

Celebrations

THE 800-year anniversary of the Headcorn parish church is to be celebrated on July 15, 16 and 17 with displays, flowers and music.

Further details later.

Juice sales

APPLE juice made from fruit donated by local people is now on sale. The project was organised in aid of Friends of Leeds and Broomfield Churches at £4 a bottle or £22 for six. Call Jenny Hoy on 07970 119467.

Table tennis

TABLE tennis is back at Leeds village hall at 8pm on Wednesdays.

The first session free, and then it is £3 per session. Call 01622 861621.

Come for tea

A JUBILEE afternoon tea takes place on June 3 from 11am to 3pm at Vinters Park Community Centre. Tickets are £5. Contact bookings@vinterspark.org.uk.

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vives, the maker's name does not, nor is there any evidence of where the silver came from.

But it is possible that it was one

of a mass-produced batch to service the thousands of churches across the land.

The thinness of the silver (possibly pre-Reformation) might suggest that materials were either scarce or being made to stretch.

Historians note that the church authorities launched a programme from about 1560 to replace the “old massing chalices” with “decent” communion cups of prescribed design.

Canon Corbyn, pictured, said: "It's a beautiful thing. The chalice's silver was so thin that if you dropped it, it would have been dreadfully damaged.

"The paten would have had a dual purpose – as a lid for the communion wine but could be reversed to hold the communion bread."

pictured left preaching at the pub.

A spokesman said: "After so much time and effort, the sale has been achieved.

“It has been the wish of the congregation that the church should continue to be a place of Christian worship.

"We are therefore thrilled that the building will still be used for the work of the Lord and we pray the Lord’s blessing on Lighthouse Church as they take over."

Looking back at premonitions The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight A NEW book has revived interest in a former head boy of Sutton Valence School.

John Barker lived locally and followed his school success with a medical career, in which he became an acclaimed and controversial psychologist, based in Shropshire in the mid-1960s.

Intrigued by the claims of many following the Aberfan disaster of 1966 that they had received premonitions and warnings of the event, Barker travelled to the Welsh village and mounted a public experiment, and partnered with pioneering journalist Peter Fairley to estab-

lish The Premonitions Bureau.

Their work involved establishing a means of reporting premonitions in a bid to prove whether people could anticipate the future.

Sam Knight’s book The Premonition Bureau recounts the history of the venture and focuses on the enigmatic figure of Barker.

Some revelations continue to

astound – by Barker’s reckoning 22 of the 60 people who claimed to have foreseen the Aberfan disaster had corroborating evidence proving them right.

The account looks at a littleknown cul-de-sac of scientific enquiry – the conclusions on premonitions remain elusive but the insight into the singular figure of John Barker is the real prize and the ending packs a monumental twist. l SPOILER ALERT: Barker died in 1968 from a brain haemorrhage. After his death two memos were found in his handwriting – he had logged two predictions sent by others warning him he was about to die.

Neil Nixon

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Race for Life back at park

RACE for Life is back at Mote Park on July 2 and 3.

Race for Life spokesman Rhianna Haywood said: “Everyone can play their part to help beat cancer. Spring is an ideal time to commit to getting a little more active.

Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way.

"Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life.”

To sign up for the event, go to raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org.

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CEO joins sleepout to help homeless groups SOCIAL housing provider Golding Homes' new chief executive, Steph Goad, has taken part in a project to draw attention to homelessness.

She attended the CEO Sleepout at Leeds Castle on May 12 with the aim of raising £30,000 for charities Porchlight and the Street Soccer Foundation.

Steph has already raised £1,200.

She said: “We know in the current climate people are finding it tough. The number of homeless people in Kent and those at risk from homelessness is rising, and we all need to do our bit to change the situation. Every night in Kent, over 1,000 people were sleeping on the streets.

“I’ve worked with Porchlight for five years and their focus is on making lasting change, working with people on the issues that led them to become homeless.

Abuse case

THREE teenage girls were reportedly sexually harassed on a train in Maidstone.

Police were called at around 8.24pm on May 7 and three males were spoken to.

A police spokesman said: "Officers from British Transport Police met the train at Maidstone West and took the details of three males.

Enquiries are ongoing.”

“I hope the sleepout event will help with both awareness and fundraising. One night out in the open with just a sleeping bag was hard, but I have a hot shower and food to come home to. For too many people that’s not an option.”

Jo Dawes, director of fundraising and communications at Porchlight, said: “We’re thrilled to be benefitting from Kent’s first CEO Sleepout event.

“We hope having business leaders come together in such an iconic venue can help shine a light on the realities of the day-to-day life of the homeless population in our area.”

Porchlight supported almost 10,000 people in 2021 and would not have been able to do so without the help from the public.

Since CEO Sleepout was founded in 2013, events have raised over £3 million, which helps homeless people across the country.

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Great days out...

4th

June 2022

Join us between 9am and 12pm and check out our range of stalls including: ● ● ● ● ●

Homemade crafts and gifts Personalised items Cakes and bakes Skin and Body Care Plus loads more!

for everyone.

·

CRAFT BAR T

ST

REE

L ST

EAR

WEEK

Fremlin Walk MAIDSTON

NTRE E TOWN CE

DIN

EET

The Mall

hill

STR

iel’s

HIGH

HIGH STREET

r gab

NE

G LA

Jubilee Square

BUBBLEOLOGIST

ROYAL GUARDS

TREE FELLAS

Making giant bubbles our bubble performer can help to create a sensory experience for both adults and children.

Standing still, poking out their tongue, posing for photos, can you make them laugh? Our royal guards will be placed around the town to set the scene for the royal occasion.

Hilarious, interactive comedy walkabout theatre for all ages, about a tree family looking for somewhere to settle down.

DANCING CLEANERS

Brought to you by

Keeping the busy town clean whilst the entertainment goes on, our dancing cleaners will mop the floor and then burst into a full dance show, dancing round their mops. See if you can join in with some of their Best Of British dance moves and songs?

Go and make your own flag or crown, decorate with glitter, feathers and diamantes - You will find this inside the Mall.

PUD

FREE FAMILY FUN! Celebrate the Queens Jubilee in Maidstone Town Centre, with Walking Trees, dancing cleaners, bubbles, a chance to win a tree and much more..

Our walking and talking trees blend in with human behaviour, interact and cause gentle chaos by putting down roots in the wrong place, telling stories about their ancient lives, playing games with the humans and bringing nature’s beauty to town..

The puppet trees talk, walk, tease and misbehave and they have a story to tell...

STILT WALKING TREES Trees to represent the Jubilee - Planting trees for the Queen herself. Come and meet these magical, mystical giant walking trees who will be roaming the town.

FACE PAINTER Get ready to be painted Red white and Blue....Our face painter has two options for you - A British flag or a British flower - Find this inside the Mall

FARMERS We will have 20 x fruit trees (5-6 ft tall) to win as part of the Queens jubilee wish. See socials for more info.

11

Festival Theatre at HEVER CASTLE The

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13

News

downsmail.co.uk

Anger over noisy night work

RESIDENTS have hit out at a water company for starting noisy emergency repair works at night without notice or warning.

The workers subcontracted to South East Water moved into Upper Street, Leeds, on May 3, after a leak appeared.

It is the latest in a string of broken pipe problems locals blame on huge volumes of traffic, including illegal lorries on the B2163, with renewed calls for a south Maidstone relief road.

Mother-of-four Louise MenenesBautista said: "It was horrific. My two youngest children, who are at primary school, struggled to get to sleep with the racket outside.

"There was absolutely no notice of the works. They just turned up and started drilling.

"This didn't sound like any old drill – this was real, heavy-duty machinery they seemed to be

using. This is the umpteenth time they have had to dig up this road and it's all down to the huge amount of traffic and the illegal lorries going through."

Another resident, a secondary school teacher, said: "They shut the road without a word of warning and started making a terrible racket. I had to get out of bed, get dressed, and go outside to ask them to stop shouting and swearing. They claimed they weren't swearing, but I could hear them from my bedroom, effing this and effing that."

Last year, local county councillor Gary Cooke said: "We have been suffering leak after leak after leak in Leeds and maybe we have got to accept we have a very old pipe net-

work that keeps failing. It is hard to believe that the number of vehicles does not have an impact. It strengthens my and others' calls for an end to inertia and to start talking seriously about a relief road."

South East Water apologised for the disruption adding: “Our team was carrying out an emergency leak repair and it was carried out at night following a request from the local highways team to mitigate the impact the work may have caused on traffic in the area if it was done during daylight hours.”

A water main replacement is due to be installed in the summer of 2023, while a reinforcement of the existing pipework will happen in July.

ATM thefts case in court

TWO Maidstone men have been charged with conspiring to steal cash machines from garages and supermarkets across Kent.

Anthony Pemberthy (43) of Calder Road, and Stephen Davenport (60) of Ashford Road, are alleged to have been responsible for six ATM thefts committed between November 2019 and March 2021.

Diggers were used to cause considerable damage in each of the incidents, with significant quantities of cash reported stolen.

Mr Pemberthy and Mr Davenport were arrested on May 9 and have both been charged in connection with offences at the following locations: The Co-op in High Street, Cranbrook, on Thursday, November 14 2019; l An Esso petrol station on Cranbrook Road, Staplehurst, on Saturday, January 25 2020; l Tesco Extra in Honeywood Parkway, Whitfield, on Monday, March 23, 2020; l Morrisons in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, on Sunday, January 31, 2021; l A Tesco Express in High Street, Dymchurch, on Sunday, February 28, 2021; l The Shell Lychgate garage on the A299 Thanet Way near Dargate, on Monday, March 1, 2021.

14

Cyclist hurt

A CYCLIST was seriously injured in a collision with a car in Loose Road on Friday, May 6.

Paramedics treated the woman before she was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Police are asking anyone who saw the collision at around 8.45pm to call 01622 604100, quoting reference 6-1413.

Road closed

Police dog traps suspect A POLICE dog helped track down a suspected metal thief hiding in a Larkfield car park.

PD Biggy (pictured) led officers to the man after a patrol had followed a suspicious car during the early hours of May 3.

Police initially saw the Suzuki Grand Vitara travelling along the A20 London Road, and tailed it to a nearby location, where it was found abandoned.

The vehicle contained large quantities of electric cabling, which appeared to have been recently cut and was suspected to be stolen. Gloves, cutters and a torch were also seized.

A dog unit attended and tracked

the area from the abandoned vehicle and a man was found lying face down in a car park off Larkfield Road.

The man, aged 35 from Larkfield, was arrested on suspicion of theft, going equipped for theft and driving without insurance.

PD Biggy’s handler later tracked down a second suspect, who had been travelling in a separate car, in Wrotham.

The 53-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the alleged theft, as well as for possessing a knife in public after a weapon was seized from the vehicle.

Both men were later released, pending further investigation.

DEAN Street in East Farleigh will close for one day for pole testing.

The road will shut from 9.30am to 3.30pm on May 22 between New Cut and Lower Road. The alternative route is B2010 Lower Road, B2163 Ewell Lane, Heath Road, Dean Street and vice versa.

Water repairs

EAST Street in Hunton is due to shut for South East Water works.

The road will close from July 11 to August 31 between Redwall Lane and Hunton Hill.

The alternative route is via Redwall Lane, A229 Linton Hill, B2163 Heath Road, Upper Hunton Hill, Hunton Hill and vice versa.

Village history

ALLINGTON Exhibition will take place at Allington library from May 25 to June 30.

Members of Maidstone Invicta U3a Genealogy Group will present some of the history.

Your Health

Your Hearing Ask the Expert We ask consultant audiologist aids?

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My current hearing aids do not work as I would like. Can you do better? can we offer the latest hearing aids which provide crisp, natural sound, brilliant speech understanding and personalised noise cancellation, but I would also test your freeto ensure you get the best results from your hearing aids. You can also connect your hearing aids to your Bluetooth phone or TV intelligence to personalise your hearing experience.

the loud tv, being asked to repeat things or told they mumble. Having a hearing examination like the ones I conduct is not just a hearing test. It is to check the health of the auditory system and advise on how best to look after it, whether that be wax removal or hearing Eilene Dyason - Senior Consultant Audiologist aids. During the examination, we can demonstrate what hearing image your ear and ear canal to aids sound like and tailor them to individual needs so they will your ears. Rechargeable hearing be delighted with the result. aids remove the problem of tiny batteries. Hearing aids are so small If I can’t hear, do I have to have and available in many colours, so they are also very discreet. hearing aids?

Not necessarily, the purpose of the Can I have a hearing test even examination is to determine the if I think I can hear? cause of your hearing loss, and it may simply be you have a wax plug Yes. Often people don’t realise that needs removing. If hearing they have a hearing loss in the aids are required, it makes sense to early stages. We often have our wear them, not only because you eyes and teeth regularly checked to will hear better, but if you don’t prevent future problems. Similarly, wear them, your speech recognition an extensive hearing examination is likely to worsen faster because is not just about finding the nerves are not receiving the problems. It gives your auditory stimulation they require. This health a complete check-up and damage is irreversible. Wearing gives us baseline measurements hearing aids helps to prevent this. to compare to in the future.

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News

downsmail.co.uk

Hockey star Izzy seeks sponsor

AN INVICTA Grammar School pupil is on the hunt for a sponsor to help realise her dream of representing Great Britain at hockey at the Olympics.

Bearsted resident Izzy Shelley (18) is currently finishing her A levels at Invicta and aims to study zoology at the University of Birmingham in the autumn.

Izzy, who started playing the sport when she was eight at Holcombe Hockey Club, has already represented England at under-16 and under-18 levels.

She said: "As a state school student, I do not benefit from the same level of support as my teammates, the majority of whom are educated within the private school sector.

"I am, therefore, seeking some financial sponsorship to enable me

to participate in the upcoming European events this summer. I would be very happy to acknowledge any sponsors in my social media posts throughout the summer fixtures and competitions."

At Holcombe, Izzy became the youngest female player to play in the Investec Premier League, league finals and the Eurohockey at just 15.

She added: "My ambition is to represent GB in the women’s senior squad at an Olympics.

"Whilst I am grateful to have been selected for these teams, the first two years of my junior international career were largely im-

pacted by COVID-19, limiting playing opportunities to the UK only.

"This season, with restrictions being lifted, we are able to travel abroad as a squad and will therefore participate in European fixtures and competitions."

Three years ago, The Hockey Paper newspaper described her as a "rising teenage star".

Izzy is taking A levels in biology, chemistry, maths, and physics at the Huntsman Lane school ahead of progressing to university If you can help Izzy reach her Olympic dream, drop her a line at izshelley63@gmail.com.

Gun amnesty to save lives

POLICE are urging people to surrender their firearms as part of a drive to stop guns falling into the wrong hands.

Kent Police is taking part in the operation – a national twoweek weapon surrender which runs from Thursday, May 12 to Sunday, May 29.

Firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at a local police station during opening hours.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Dyball said: "Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. Some are held legally and are no longer required.

"Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten, and intimidate their local communities.

"This a good opportunity for those individuals to dispose of them without fear of being prosecuted for illegal possession. In handing over a firearm to us, you are preventing it from getting into the wrong hands and you could be saving someone’s life.

"This is an excellent opportunity to remove potential harm to others and protect your community."

During the amnesty the public can hand firearms to the front counter at the following police stations: North Kent, Medway, Sittingbourne, Canterbury, Margate, Folkestone, Maidstone and Tonbridge.

16

Do you recognise old photos?

A MAIDSTONE woman is hoping to reunite a family with some photographs she found at a charity shop.

Carer Karen Winspear says one of her clients, who volunteers part time at Making a Difference to Maidstone (MADM), discovered the two images wedged inside the lid of a tin.

Mrs Winspear said: “This is our last shot really. We posted the pictures on Facebook around seven months ago but nothing came of it. I haven’t got the time to properly search for them, so I’m just hoping somebody recognises the

people in the photos.”

“I haven’t had any leads so far.”

The pictures, which show a family wedding group and a young man in uniform, were found in a biscuit tin (pictured). Can you help?

Email info@downsmail.co.uk.

downsmail.co.uk

Stones’ Elokobi looks forward to new chapter MAIDSTONE United’s club captain has called time on his professional playing career.

Defender George Elokobi (36), who played for Wolves in the Premiership for three seasons, made the announcement after 19 years in the sport.

George also took the field for Colchester United, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Oldham Athletic before becoming a firm favourite of Stones fans at the Gallagher Stadium.

He said: “The time has come for me to hang up my playing boots. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the managers I have played under> I have learnt so much from each and every one of you.

“I want to thank all the backroom staff who have been part of the journey through the good and bad.

A special thanks to those who have helped me come back when the odds were against me.

News

Hakan scores

“I want to thank all my teammates.

Without you I wouldn’t have won four promotions in my career, played at all the levels in the English leagues and had international call-ups from Cameroon. “The biggest thank you to all my supporters...because without you there is simply no game. I hope I’ve done you all proud. This isn’t goodbye, it’s the start of a new chapter.”

Vice-captain Gavin Hoyte said:

“He made us all winners with a winner’s mindset. What a man he is off the pitch, too. A real leader and a true legend.”

Teammate striker Jack Barham: “We couldn’t have done it this season without him. It’s been a pleasure.”

Elokobi signed for the Stones in June 2019 and has made more than 60 appearances. Alongside his first team role, he is a coach at the club’s football academy (pictured).

MAIDSTONE United manager Hakan Hayrettin has been named Vanarama National League South Manager of the Month for April.

His team clinched the top spot with two games to spare to return to the National League as champions.

In the announcement on May 9, league bosses said: “The 52year-old former midfielder joined the Stones three years ago as head coach. He was determined to deliver promotion and kept to his word. By the end of April, they were seven points clear of Dorking Wanderers.”

Almost 4,200 people turned out to see the Stones beat Hampton and Richmond in their last game of the season on May 7.

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19

News | Election results

downsmail.co.uk

Tories back in control – just

THE ruling Conservatives lost their majority on Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) earlier this month – but it lasted only 24 hours, write Jade Schopman and Simon Finlay.

The group faced seeking the support of an independent member to make up the necessary shortfall to form an administration.

But by the Saturday after polling day, former Tory Nick de Wiggondene-Sheppard had re-joined the party, thereby giving the Conservatives a majority of one.

He had resigned and joined the Lib Dems over his opposition to the Binbury Park development, but lately turned independent.

Council leader David Burton said Maidstone had bucked the national trend, where the Tories suffered heavy losses.

It was feared the wider Tory woes, such as “partygate” fines, would impact on local voting patterns. Turnout was just under 30%.

The Conservatives now have 28 seats – one less than 2021 – with the Liberal Democrats a distant second on 12 and Labour gaining two on five. With 55 members, the ruling group needs 28 to form an administration.

Cllr David Burton, the MBC leader-elect, was far from downcast about losing ground, saying: “It’s fantastic to get Nick back in – no deals were done.

“We can now get back to work delivering for the residents of Maidstone. Our commitment is to secure an extra 1,000 affordable homes for local people, ensuring that our climate change response sits at the heart of everything we do. All in all, given everything that’s been going on nationally, we’re pretty happy.”

The major upset of the day was the Green Party’s victory in Bridge ward, most recently in Tory hands.

Victor Stuart Jeffery wept as he became the first Green to become a Maidstone borough councillor.

He won with a massive 50% of the 1,600 plus votes cast, in what a local Tory source described as a “bit of a rout in the end”.

Cllr Jeffery said: “It feels like we’ve finally broken into Maidstone and history has been made.

A big thank you to Bridge ward and I look forward to showing what the Greens can do on the council.”

The Greens recorded positive swings in four wards, including Headcorn and Coxheath & Hunton.

20

Cllr Stuart Jeffery won Bridge to become the first green councillor on Maidstone Borough Council

Last batch election

Council make-up

THE new council consists of: Conservative 28 Liberal Democrat 12 Independent 5 Labour 5 Maidstone Group 4 Green Party 1 There was some interest in East, where a former Liberal Democrat joined a splinter movement last autumn.

In the end, the official Lib Dem Richard Conyard swept in easily, with the Conservatives finishing second.

Lib Dem veteran Cllr David Naghi said: “The results overall were a real mixed bag for everyone – but I can’t for the life of me see why people are still voting Conservative.

“As we showed in East ward, where we work, we win. And we can say that we have done well after last year’s disappointments.”

In May 2021, the Lib Dems lost control of the council and a few

NEXT year is the last of the elections being held in batches of three before MBC reverts to a full poll every four years in 2024. The new administration will also adopt the cabinet system and move away from committees.

The Conservatives were critical of the old system as they claimed unelected officers gained too much power.

Down to work Liberal Democrat Derek Mortimer will become Maidstone Mayor months later, five members including the deposed MBC leader, left the already depleted party.

But in north ward, Lib Dem Cllr Tony Harwood, whose contributions are respected and sought on ecological issues, managed to retain his seat by just 84 votes compared to five times that margin in 2018. The Tories came second.

THE annual meeting of the council, when the new administration is installed, takes place at the town hall on May 21. The new Mayor elect, Cllr Derek Mortimer, will also be voted in.

Parish result

ON MAY 5 there was also an election of a member to Bearsted Parish Council, with candidate Mike Harris being elected with 1,702 votes. The other candidate, Richard Camp, a former chairman of the parish council, polled 330.

Election results | News

downsmail.co.uk

I will do better, says Tory Nick

Council leader David Burton (left) congratulates Cllr Bob Hinder on his Boxley win

Maureen leads Labour THE Labour group leader at Maidstone Borough Council is Maureen Cleator, pictured, who won in Shepway south.

Paul Harper, who was reelected in the Fant ward, has decided to stand aside.

Liverpudlian Cllr Cleator, a mother of three sons, has lived in the borough since 1986.

She is a member of UNISON and works in social care for Kent County Council. She is also vice chair of South East Region Labour Executive Committee.

Cllr Cleator has been active in founding Maidstone Residents

Against Homelessness and opposed antisocial behaviour in Pudding Lane.

A COUNCILLOR recently accused of “going missing” has vowed to make more of an effort in the next term.

Conservative Nick de Wiggondene-Sheppard, pictured, the Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) member for Detling and Thurnham, recently re-joined his party to give leader David Burton a working majority.

But he has been criticised in recent months for living and working away from his ward.

Cllr de Wiggondene-Sheppard and his partner have taken over the running of a pub in Surrey, since when his attendance at borough and parish council meetings has fallen off. He still has a home in the borough.

He told Downs Mail: “I will make more of an effort to get to the meetings in future. I’m planning to be around a bit more.”

The councillor fell out with Conservative colleagues over the recently-rejected Binbury Park development housing plan in Detling and joined the Liberal Democrats. He then left the Lib Dems to become an independent.

He was welcomed back into the fold when the Tories fell short by one seat at the borough elections on May 5 of having an automatic majority to form the new administration.

Cllr de Wiggondene-Sheppard said: “The thing is, having seen the results and the multiplicity of independent groups, there was a risk of the council having no overall control. It would just be chaos.

“Maidstone has taken on a lot for itself over the next couple of years and to prevent disruption, I offered to be supportive.”

Tory council leader David Burton added: “Let’s get on with what matters to people.” l Comment and analysis, page 37 & 39, Culpepper, page 39

THE RESULTS, WARD BY WARD Allington Eve Burton (Con) 870 Ian McDonald (Green) 155 John Randall (Lab) 200 Thomas Wilkinson (Lib Dem) 1,082 (E) Bearsted Ian Chittenden (Lib Dem) 563 Sandra Knatchbull (Con) 1,373 (E) Ciaran Oliver (Green) 150 Bridge Mitu Chowdhury (Con) 483 Stuart Jeffery (Green) 820 (E) Chris Passmore (Lib Dem) 178 David Reay (Lab) 157 Boxley Bob Hinder (Con) 1,194 (E) Susan Parr (Green) 239 Michael Thompson (Lib Dem) 577 Coxheath and Hunton Claire Kehily (Green) 507 Lottie Parfitt-Reid (Con) 1,078 (E) Simon Wales (Lib Dem) 465

East Richard Conyard (Lib Dem) 1,002 (E) Nikki Fissenden (Ind) 310 Donna Greenan (Green) 177 James Reid (Con) 593 Fant Julia Batt (Lib Dem) 215 Paul Harper (Lab) 1,235 (E) Kimberley Milham (Green) 196 Jason Musindo (Con) 370 Harrietsham and Lenham Sasha Luck (Con) 427 Janetta Sams (Ind) 1,439 Headcorn Sarah Barwick (Lab) 230 Derek Eagle (Green) 326 Martin Richards (Lib Dem) 117 Martin Round (Con) 888 (E) Heath Gary Butler (Ind) 49 Ashleigh Kimmance (Lib Dem) 530 (E) Angel Rai (Con) 451

Derek Swan (Lab) 348 Matthew White (Green) 91 High Street Steven Cheeseman (Green) 239 Richard Coates (Lab) 375 Clive English (Lib Dem) 733 (E) Dani Stephenson (Con) 374 Marden and Yalding David Burton (Con) 1,220 (E) Mick Summersgill (Green) 595 Alwyn Whitlock (Lab) 450 North Jo Burns (Lab) 292 Scott Hahnefeld (Con) 432 Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) 771 (E) Stephen Thompson (Green) 139 Park Wood Rob Field (Lib Dem) 96 Jaime Graymead (Con) 432 Caroline Jessel (Green) 113 Dan Wilkinson (Lab) 532 (E)

Shepway North Alan Bartlett (Con) 653 (E) Melanie Butler (Ind) 94 Joe Higson (Lib Dem) 350 Henry Morgan (Lab) 389 Stephen Muggeridge (Green) 132 Shepway South John Barned (Con) 333 Maureen Cleator (Lab) 341 (E) Lawrence Rustem (British Democrats) 117 Geoff Samme (Lib Dem) 65 South Simon Milham (Green)180 Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem) 1,083 (E) Marlyn Randall (Lab) 212 Paul Thomas (Con) 780 Staplehurst John Perry (Con) 818 (E) Meg Shepherd-Foster (Green) 255 Rory Silkin (Lab) 652

21

Look what’s blooming this spring...

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News

downsmail.co.uk

Bluebell walk back to boost charity fund

Ann takes new role at hospice

AFTER five years, the Chair of Trustees at Heart of Kent Hospice is stepping down.

Jim Barker-McCardle is handing over the role to fellow trustee Ann Millington, pictured. The incoming chair was the first female chief fire officer, taking charge of Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) in 2011.

Ann said: “I am very much looking forward to taking over from Jim to support the excellent hospice team in the amazing work they carry out at the Heart of Kent Hospice every day.”

KFRS has 1,500 staff serving 1.8m people in Kent. Ann is an occupational psychologist with experience in training, human resources and consultancy.

HEART of Kent Hospice's (HOKH) popular 'Bluebell Walk' has raised nearly £30,000 this year.

The charity's bosses were delighted to see walkers back enjoying the Kentish countryside while raising funds on May 1.

So far, the six-mile walk has collected £28,762, with the total expected to rise when money is collected.

Around 1,000 walkers took part in the event which also included a 2.5m mini-Bluebell Walk. HOKH events manager Erica Snow said: “It was incredible to see such a fantastic turnout for our event which had not taken place since 2019 due to the pandemic.

"We were able to hold a virtual event in 2021 but seeing people out in person on a Sunday morning enjoying the bluebells and remembering loved ones in the Field of Memories was very special.

"We want to congratulate each

and every walker who took part in the event as all the donations and additional sponsorship and donations has helped us to raise such an incredible amount of money for our wonderful hospice.

“Over 50 volunteers gave their time to park cars, register walkers, marshal the routes, hand out certificates and take photographs.

“Without our amazing team of hospice colleagues, volunteers,

P24

sponsors and partnership suppliers it would not be possible for our longest-running event to take place, everyone was amazing.”

The hospice has two events this summer at Allington Castle by the Changeling Theatre.

On Sunday, August 7, see The Importance of Being Earnest at 2.30pm, and at 7:30 pm there is a performance of Othello. See the website www.hokh.org for details.

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‘Speedy justice’ leads to custody A MAN allegedly burgled 45 shops across Maidstone and Aylesford.

Bradley Pogmore (39) also reportedly targeted shops in Gillingham, Sevenoaks, Broadstairs and Tunbridge Wells. Kelly Hart, from Chelmsford, Essex was also charged with 16 burglaries.

Both are due to answer the charges at Maidstone Crown Court at the end of the month.

A total of 108 charges were authorised by a single Kent Police team in April alone, along with 16 arrests and 18 warrants carried out.

In addition to the charges, a Dartford bank robber who threatened a cashier with a knife was jailed for more than five years.

The offence happened at the end of February 2022 and saw the offender steal around £400 in cash.

He handed himself into Kent Police two days later and was charged.

Speedy justice also led to a Tun-

bridge Wells burglar being jailed for one year and four months. He stole around £250 in cash from the victim’s home before spending some of the cash at a nearby pub.

Detailed CCTV enquiries led to officers arresting him within 48 hours of the crime being committed and in mid-April he was sentenced by the courts – less than two months after the offence was committed.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Talboys, who leads the team, said: “Since the start of the year our investigations have already led to offenders being jailed for more than 100 years, but our returns for April show we are not resting on these laurels.

“Achieving 108 charges in a calendar month is a testament to our commitment to provide victims with the best possible service, making Kent a safer place in the process.”

Your ideal job?

Mayor digs in for contest MAYOR Fay Gooch has launched the Maidstone Borough in Bloom which runs until July.

The contest celebrates the creation of beautiful gardens, belonging to residents, businesses or community groups.

The competition is being supported by Coolings Garden Centre in Bearsted and Leeds Castle. Win-

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Local and nationwide.

Sign up for free job alerts.

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ners will receive a trophy and two adult annual tickets for the castle.

Categories include best front garden; best back garden; best planted pot; trough or hanging basket; best allotment plot; best pollinator friendly garden; best display of jubilee colours; best commercial garden and best community project.

Judging takes place on July 4.

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BOB Watson (82) lived locally from 2003, moving rst to Culverstone and, in 2018, to Addington.

Born in Mississippi, Bob moved with his mother to Alabama, and earned a master’s degree from Tuskegee University before a military career that saw him rise to Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Medical Services Corps.

He saw service in Korea, did two tours of duty in Vietnam and spent three years in Germany as a hospital commander. During his service, Bob contributed to race relations programmes and introduced methods of bringing advanced medical care forward in war and disaster zones.

He also led development and implementation of Wounded Warrior I, a medical readiness exercise involving seven countries and the largest military exercise of its kind ever undertaken.

In his rst marriage, he was father to Melissa and Deena. Whilst stationed in San Francisco, he met his second wife, Jean.

They married in 1983 and lived in the Bay area until 2003. When Bob retired, he consulted in disaster planning, including the medical component of the San Francisco Earthquake Exercise.

Bob and Jean moved to Kent to be closer to Jean’s family. Jean said: “Bob was gregarious, he loved people and got on with everyone. ‘American Bob’, as he was known, was often found at the Green Man in Hodsoll Street. He loved England and, in 2013, received British Citizenship at The Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone.”

Bob leaves his wife, daughters, three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Maureen Bartlett MAUREEN Bartlett (72) lived locally for 58 years, moving to the area as Maureen Mortimer, a member of the family who ran

the well-known Mortimer building rm.

Maureen worked in a variety of roles for the Kent Messenger and was mother to Terry and Sarah.

She was introduced to her husband of 36 years, Martyn, by a friend and went on to work for his rm Dabarr Packaging Machine which operated locally from 1978 to 2009. The couple lived in Loose for almost 40 years.

Martyn said: “Maureen loved life and loved people. She had lots of friends and had been a dancer for many years, appearing with a group called Legs and Co, who performed at professional events.

“She was really close to her children, a stepmother to my sons from a previous relationship and a massive part of bringing up her two grandsons. One of her grandsons, George, died before her, which was devastating for us all.

“Maureen will be missed by many.”

Maureen leaves her husband, children, stepchildren and grandson Thomas.

Tom Mason TRIBUTES have been paid to Thomas George “Tom” Mason (88), a well-known gure in local politics who twice served as Mayor of Medway (1984-5 and 1995-6).

Tom was also elected to Kent County Council, serving from 1977 to 1989. His service in Medway spanned 40 years, starting in 1969. Known locally as “the singing barber of Wainscott”, Tom was a larger-than-life character.

Neil Davies, Medway Council’s chief executive, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Tom Mason. He was incredibly proud to represent his local

community for so many years and will be greatly missed by us all. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.”

Tom served as a Conservative, but stood for UKIP in 2015. The many people who knew Tom have been invited to pay tribute with an online facility set up by Medway Council. At the time of his death, Tom had been appointed an honorary alderman.

Obituaries

LTC Bob Watson

Cassandra Nye FORMER BBC Radio Kent presenter Cassandra Nye (78) lived a colourful life but kept returning to Kent.

She was most at home in Rochester, where she campaigned against development and in favour of retaining the historic character of the town.

Born Valerie Alison Sharp into a cashstrapped family, she spent time in an orphanage before leaving school at 14 and embarking on a career that took in showbusiness and mingling with household names.

Professionally, she retained the surname Nye from the rst of her three marriages (to jazz musician Brian Nye when she was 16).

Her good looks earned her modelling assignments and television parts, including as one of Benny Hill’s “dolly birds”.

Her nal marriage was to John Patterson, founder of Dateline, a dating agency she helped to promote.

During their marriage Cassandra retrained as a journalist, a career which included writing short stories, horoscopes and interviews with famous people.

A eulogy at her funeral at Blue Bell Hill described Cassandra as “maverick” who carved out the “life she wanted to live.”

She leaves her children Alison, Elizabeth “Wiz”, Jonathan and Amber, and six grandchildren.

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Jubilee grant request Representatives of the Platinum Jubilee Committee outlined the planned events and reiterated the request for funding of £800. The clerk suggested use of LGA 1972 section 137 as the power for making the grant and confirmed that sufficient funds were available from general reserves. The grant was agreed.

Speedwatch One member of the public had expressed an interest. Cllr Kennaird said he would be willing to take the lead. The chairman asked that he approach two further members of the public regarding volunteering, informing them that they would need to undergo a DBS check and training. The chairman confirmed that funding was available and there was potential to share volunteers with Ulcombe.

Highways The clerk had reported the fire hydrant problem in Liverton Hill to KCC; Cllr Turner had reported a dead badger found in Woodcock Lane.

Bus service The chairman had spoken to Cllr Prendergast (KCC), who had said she would support retention of the service. It was felt that the service would be better supported if the bus went to Maidstone.

Litter It was noted that the lengthsman scheme was effectively a trial. The report from the lengthsman was noted.

It was confirmed that the direct line of reporting was to the clerk. It was agreed that the parish council could be flexible with the hours worked to allow additional time at the start of the contractual period, provided that the overall number of hours was not exceeded. In the event of more hours being required, prior approval from the parish council would be required.

Footpaths It was agreed that the clerk would report the overgrown footpath between Woodcock Lane and Headcorn Road to Kent County Council. The chairman said there were still two kissing gates to be installed but at the time, the landowner felt the land was too wet for installation.

Parish clerk The appointment of Vickie Ford as clerk to the parish council was confirmed.

Hollingbourne Vacancy The parish councillor vacancy remained open and would be advertised further. Residents were advised to contact the clerk if they were interested in the post.

Common land The parish council had received details of a KCC notice of application for the registration of land as common land, namely “Greenway Forstal”, opposite Greenway Forstal Farmhouse, on Greenway Lane, in the parish of Harrietsham.

Platinum Jubilee event Cllr Ardley said flyers had been sent out and information placed upon the parish

council’s internet and social media about the Jubilee events in the village.

Applications had been sent to KCC Highways to enable roads to closed to accommodate the Jubilee street party.

Cllr Domican advised that the two pubs and shop in Eyhorne Street were in support of the road being closed for the party. The Jubilee events would be discussed at the fete planning meeting.

Police report Cllr Marshall had met up with PCSO Shivon De Rose to discuss local matters. Shivon covers a very large area, but is willing to carry out foot patrols as often as she can, and in addition support Hollingbourne in arranging and carrying out Police/PCSO speed enforcement surveys.

Parish precept It was agreed to increase the precept for 2022/23 by 3%. This would equate to £28,350.05, plus 3% (£850.50), totalling £29,200.55. It was deemed that the increase was required to cover costs of heating the Cardwell Pavilion and the increased streetlight energy bills.

Affordable housing Cllr O’Meara is to hear back from MBC and the Campaign to Protect Rural England about funding for the Hollingbourne village housing survey. Cllr Ward would send copies of the previous survey onto Cllr O’Meara for her reference. Cllr Ward expressed the need to ratify the current needs of the village and create a new survey.

Environment Cllr Marshall, Cllr Hulme and a representative of the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust met online with the Clearbell contractors this week with regards to the proposed S106, three sections of land on offer. The land, which is a mixture of woodland and plantation, and has to be maintained that way, was discussed with the parish councillors. Maps of the land were viewed, two of the pieces of land have a time frame in which they have to be released in line with the completion of the development, before the third can follow. Cllr Hulme emphasized that legal advice would have to be sought before any of the land was taken on, and more research needed to take place.

Fence repairs The fence between Musket Lane and the Maidstone Roadchef Services had still not been repaired. No response has been made to various emails from Cllr Marshall to the manager at the services about conrmation of repairs and so a physical inspection seemed like a good idea. However, it was noted by Cllr Marshall and the Clerk that there was a lot of possibly human excrement found on the pathway near the broken fence, which was an obvious health hazard. Cllr Marshall would email Roadchef again for comment, but if a response was not made, the clerk would report the matter to the Environmental Health Agency.

Memorial eld Replacement concrete posts had been sourced by Cllr Ardley for the entrance to the Lance Memorial Field. An update on necessary works

would follow.

Events It was agreed to hold the village fete on Saturday, June 11. The provision of the barbecue was being arranged.

Railway station Cllr Domican said the Railway Station Project charity had been earmarked £80,000 funding from SouthEastern to refurbish the station building. The contractors carrying out the works had quoted a cost of £103,000 and so negotiations were taking place between themselves and South East Rail.

This item would now be removed from the parish council agenda, as the community group project was unconnected to the parish council.

Telephone box The feasibility of the Red Telephone Box Library project was discussed at the nance meeting. The costs of buying the telephone box from a local businessman have meant the council did not wish to take this project further. The resident who has the telephone box in his garden woud fundraise to progress the project, but the parish council would step back from funding it.

Debrillators The debrillators had been checked at the entrance to the school and the village hall, and the machines were in good working order. A resident with technical drawing expertise was producing drawings, free of charge, for the defibrillator to be placed within the Upper Street area.

Parish Councils

Boughton Malherbe

Loose Housing name Maidstone Borough Council contacted the parish council to advise that Esquire Development had proposed “Miller Field” as the road name for the properties being built behind 59 Linton Road. This name was agreed.

Ukraine crisis The meeting heard that some parish councils were putting helpful links on their websites and local businesses were doing collections.

There may be some local residents who were taking refugees in and while others may not have the room they might be able to help with offers of taking the refugees out to lunch etc. Cllr Luckhurst suggested putting something on the front page of the website and this was agreed. It was also suggested that the Pavilion could be opened for a Ukraine coffee morning so that refugees could meet up.

Website The Facebook and website statistics for January and February were circulated to councillors and noted.

Pothole A pothole was reported in the middle of the road outside the Chequers Public House. The deputy clerk would report this.

New councillor After a closed session of the meeting the council unanimously agreed to co-opt Joanna Miles to the council. The clerk would organise the necessary paperwork.

29

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News

PC injured in arrest attempt

A SUSPECTED metal thief is said to have “violently assaulted a police officer” causing injuries to his throat and limbs.

Dariusz Kawa (38), of no fixed address, attempted to steal piping and wiring from a business rooftop in Maidstone.

He was detained in the early hours of Saturday, May 7 after an officer spotted suspicious activity in Church Street.

The constable challenged the suspect at around 4am and a struggle took place, during which it is reported the officer was attacked by the suspect and an unknown associate.

Police back-up arrived and the associate ran from the scene.

Kawa was arrested and taken into custody.

A police spokesman said: “An investigation revealed damage to an air-conditioning unit on the roof of a building in Church Street.

It appeared to have had metal piping removed and wiring cut.”

Kawa was later charged with theft, assault by beating of an emergency worker, going equipped for theft and possession of cannabis.

Assault case

A MAN from Bearsted has been charged with rape after a 20-yearold woman was attacked in a nightclub.

Ethan Barr (24) appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Monday, charged with rape.

The woman was in Astoria nightclub in Portsmouth when she was reportedly assaulted between 2am and 3am on Saturday, April 30.

He is due to appear before the same court on May 30.

Crime reports 36

downsmail.co.uk

‘High-level’ drug boss jailed for conspiracy A MAIDSTONE dealer who conspired to supply large amounts of drugs has been jailed for more than a decade.

Mark Dinnage (42) was a “high level” boss of a crime gang supplying addicts and users across the county.

Dinnage, who used the codename Modest Dragon in the enterprise, employed an encrypted mobile phone platform to direct couriers purchasing and supplying cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis between March and June, 2020.

The secure communication system was infiltrated by international enforcement agencies, and incriminating details relating to organised criminals in the UK were passed to

the National Crime Agency.

Detectives reviewed data concerning Dinnage’s offending and proved that messages co-ordinating the movement of cash and drugs under a false name, were from him.

Dinnage, of Lesley Place, was arrested at his home and was later charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.

Detective Constable Aaron Chapman, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “Dinnage was at a high level in the crime

gang that supplied considerable quantities of drugs throughout the county. He will have felt untouchable, letting others take the risks whilst using an encrypted communication platform. His confidence was misjudged and he is now serving a prison sentence.

“We will be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to seek to recover cash and any assets he has acquired through his criminal activity.”

After the case, Dinnage’s tearful wife Joanna contacted Downs Mail to claim her husband did not deal in heroin.

She said: “He did the other stuff but he didn’t do the heroin. It’s dirty.”

Abuser sent to prison 30 years on A SEX offender who assaulted a teenage girl has been jailed for three years.

Mohammad Afzal was in his 30s when he attempted to befriend his victim in the Maidstone area in October, 1993.

The victim came forward to report what had happened to her in April 2019.

Afzal, from Birmingham, was arrested later that year and subsequently charged with indecent assault.

He denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced on May 6.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dan Williams said: “Kent Police takes all reports of sexual offences very seriously, no matter how much time has passed.

“Such offences are never forgotten by the victims, who display tremendous courage to ensure their attackers can be brought to justice.

“The crime committed by Mohammad Afzal was dreadful and I hope his imprisonment sends a clear message to other victims that you can speak to us, we will believe you and we will carry out a full investigation to bring those responsible before the courts.”

Neighbourhood Watch

A PURSE was stolen from a bag which had been left unattended at the showground in Detling Hill, Thurnham.

A would-be burglar tried to break into a farm shop in Tonbridge Road, Barming. Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A security camera was damaged at a house in Copsewood Way, Bearsted.

A garage was broken into in Water Lane, A house name plaque was damaged in Broomfield Road, Broomfield.

A parked vehicle was damaged in St Headcorn.

Thieves broke into a stable and store Peter’s Street, Maidstone.

A phone was stolen from a customer at rooms in Cayser Drive, Kingswood.

Thieves stole underground wires in a club in Week Street, Maidstone.

A garden table was stolen from a house Wildfell Close, Boxley.

Garden furniture was stolen from a Somebody set fire to woodland in Ams- property in Goddington Lane, Harriet- in Jeffery Close, Staplehurst.

A group of young people tried to dambury Road, Coxheath. sham.

A farm gate was forced open in East A shed was broken into at a house in age goal posts at a youth club in CumberStreet, Hunton.

Forstal Lane, Harrietsham, and two car land Avenue, Shepway.

Somebody set fire to three caravans on a A group of young people stole an elec- batteries and a pressure washer were farm in Brishing Road, Langley. tric scooter in Week Street, Maidstone. stolen.

A vandal damaged a bench in Catkin A swing was stolen from a garden in Pots and plants were stolen from outClose, Aylesford.

Hereford Road, Shepway. side a house in Loose Road, Maidstone.

downsmail.co.uk

THE local elections to Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) produced no shock results, bar one. After showing a surge in support in the town centre, the Green Party’s Stuart Jeffery decided to ght the Tory-held Bridge ward.

Had the incumbent, Jonathan Purle, who is moving away later this summer, stood, it would have been one hell of a scrap. But Cllr Purle’s impressive record, not least a successful campaign to save the Hazlitt Theatre from closure by the then Liberal Democrat leadership, would most likely have seen him over the line.

Cllr Purle’s departure will come as a relief to council officers, whom he doggedly pursued on detail, and felt with sorrow by his Tory colleagues who relied on his strategic nous and electioneering abilities.

Readers might recall it was Stuart Jeffery who ran Tory Patrik Garten close in north ward last year, almost causing a major upset.

In victory, Cllr Jeffery shed tears by the side of the stage, as the rst Green Party member to gain a seat on MBC. He is evidently a decent tactician but, having stood for election 23 times before, also a man of some persistence.

He will be a lone voice in a sea of many, but with rampant housebuilding, increased car use, inadequate and decrepit roads and ever-worsening air pollution, much of what he has to say may resonate with the wider borough.

The houses are going up everywhere, quality of life diminishes daily but services and infrastructure needed never seem to catch up.

The Prime Minister and the current secretary of state do not seem in any mood to change the catastrophic course set for housebuilding numbers in this part of Kent.

Nor does the PM seem to care that it may cost his party many “safe” seats in the south-east he needs to retain power.

It would be an exaggeration to suggest that a single Green beating a Tory is an

Act fast on leisure centre NOW the council elections are over, Maidstone must move quickly on decision-making over the future of our leisure centre (Mail Marks, May 5). This year it seems full of muddled thinking.

The centre in Mote Park is 50 years old and specialist advice says it is past its sell-by date.

Attempts to upgrade it will be just about as expensive as a new building – and Maidstone will be left with a secondrate centre unlikely to attract the full audience which could make a handsome annual trading prot to benet our taxpayers.

On top of that Maidstone would be

About 15 years ago, after Northern Rock collapsed and people found themselves in serious nancial strife, and when the ghoulish words “sub-prime SIMON FINLAY Editor simon.nlay@downsmail.co.uk mortgage” lurked everywhere, it was called a “credit crunch”.

Twitter @Simonnlay6500 Many, many got hurt. They had no savings and had been encouraged to indication of a seismic shift in local borrow more heavily than they could politics. After all, the Tories retained afford, even in the good times. control of MBC when the party was Most probably survived, one way or losing councillors by the hundred across another, but more than a few went the land. under.

In truth, Cllr Jeffery worked the patch What it taught people was to stop hard, after a lot of campaigning living beyond their means, borrow less groundwork over years by colleague and plan for the future as best they could.

Donna Greenan.

Once they got their affairs straight, they Four years ago, the Green Party polled never wanted to feel that pain again.

4%, this year it was 14%. Clearly, During these times of hardship for old something is going on. people and the vulnerable in society, the The Labour Party took Shepway south Government must do more. and Park Wood, against some Unfortunately, it will not countenance expectations, but represents a good greater taxation on companies like BP campaign despite not standing and Shell, which have posted recent candidates in every ward. prots bordering on the obscene.

The Liberal Democrats, who were For people in work or who survive on swept out of office by a blue broom last a xed income, they will have to make year, were further depleted in the economies, whether they want to or not. autumn when ve members left to form a There is some sensible advice out there. splinter movement. The new group, with Turn the lights out when you leave the an established ward councillor, Nikki room. Insulate your home. Drive slower Fissenden, was trounced by Lib Dem and less often. Grow potatoes and Richard Conyard with more than three vegetables. Use leftovers and don’t waste times her vote. food. Go to Aldi and Lidl for bargain The local members have taken some essentials, like tinned tomatoes and pasta. heart from the result and, overall, there Perhaps consider cutting out high-fat, were solid performances in the seats they low-nutrition treats from Just Eat and fought. It’s a long way back.

Deliveroo. Given there is also an obesity But as the veteran Lib Dem Dave crisis in the UK, it's perhaps about time Naghi mused afterwards: “Where we we indulged less and moved more. work, we win.”

Sometimes when commentators speak today of “food poverty”, it puts this observer in mind of Philip Larkin's classic poem, Toads. Reecting on his relationship with money and work, the JUDGING by the vast quantity of beer, poet considered the privations of the wine, prosecco and barbecue foods that nation’s poor 70 years ago, who ate left Tesco in Grove Green one Friday evening ahead of the rst warm weekend “windfalls and tinned sardines”.

But, with typical mischief, Larkin of the year, it's hard to reconcile the concluded that “no one actually starves”. notion of a “cost of living crisis”.

SimonSays

Comment

Green victory a blow to Tories

Two sides of a crisis

without a centre and public swimming pools for up to three years.

The case for a new centre full of the activities Maidstone needs is very powerful – either (preferably) right behind and to the east the existing centre or directly opposite to the north.

I think the population sees this centre as a very high priority for the council, which obviously faces a major nancial decision. I would certainly put importance and appeal of this centre ahead of the council’s more recent purchases of Lockmeadow and Maidstone House, which includes the council’s own offices.

Raymond Jones, via email

Still so conservative ONCE again Maidstone has shown at local election time how conservative it is with a lower case ‘c’. There seems still much loyalty to local political parties and groups, no matter the colour.

The local controlling Conservatives anticipated losing seats in Parkwood and Bridge wards with the problems facing the national party in the mid-term elections – and this happened. This meant also loss of their overall majority, but by just one seat.

With 27 of the 55 councillors, the Conservatives are still by far the largest group (next are Lib Dems with 12) and it seems certain deals will be done to ensure

37

downsmail.co.uk

Comment

their overall control until the 2024 full council elections.

The party which should be most encouraged is Labour. It just about disappeared from the council scene a few years ago, but now it has steadily grown to ve councillors and its voice is becoming stronger.

Does anyone have the courage to forecast the Maidstone political breakdown in 2024? Expect the lower case ‘c’ to play a major role again.

Brenda Bourne, via email

Grammar boost for town I AM delighted to learn of a further planned extension of Maidstone’s Invicta Grammar School, helping to meet the ever-growing demand for grammar school places emphasised with so much new housing.

Maidstone survived the historical political backlash against grammar schools and now has four ourishing and expanding schools. So many parts of the country have none at all.

Opponents were concerned about the selection procedures and felt so many of our secondary schools fell well behind the standards set by the grammars.

I think times have changed, and many secondary schools are now seen as very acceptable alternatives to grammars and offer a genuine quality of choice of curriculums for parents.

Jane Davies, Maidstone

Strange way to run country I READ with some interest the comments made by Colin Lee about being a volunteer parish councillor.

These guys do it for nothing. Most cannot and would not claim expenses.

Virtually anyone will get on a parish council. No one really wants to do it and when they’ve done it for a month or two, they’ll see why.

Borough and district councillors have a trickier route – they have to get elected.

That means campaigning in an area you possibly don’t know well. If you are a member of a political party, this is advantageous as you’ll get help from other members to deliver leaets, give lifts etc.

If your seat/ward is not on a target hit list and there is a shortage of regular helpers (there always is), you’re probably on your own with a spouse and few mates. If elected, you’ll get about £5,000 a year in expenses which may be taxed. You will be bombarded with paperwork from all sides, get ak (often abusive) from the public and precious little respect from anyone, least of all the unelected officers who think they run the show.

Ditto all of the above for county councillors. The basic bunce is about £16,000. There are a lot of committees, pointless working groups, petty politics and thankless tasks to perform. It’s not worth the money. But the elected member

38

will sit in a bigger chamber with some slightly bigger egos. There is another £33,000 or so on top if you become a “cabinet member”. There is an awful lot to do, will take up virtually all your waking hours and it’s still not worth the money.

Lastly, the backbench MP gets £84,000 as well a generous expenses fund to cover the costs of running an office, employing support staff, a second home in London and travelling to and from Westminster to work. On paper, it seems a lot of money and it is. Even without expenses, the basic alone is at least three times the average salary in a county like Kent.

The backbencher gets to be late night lobby fodder, sit on toothless committees and talking shops, receive online abuse and threats, be bombarded with constituents’ woes and receive no gratitude for the work they may (or may not) put in.

An ambitious backbencher who gets to be a minister (and earn considerably more money) nds they have to do about three or four jobs at once, none particularly well.

And that’s how we run the country.

God help us all.

B Robinson, via email

Overhaul our broken town FORTY years ago, I moved to the West Malling area and regularly visited Maidstone town for various things. In those days it was a pretty market town, peaceful and gentle with a haberdasher’s which sold everything, and other small shops. There was also still an animal market.

West Malling was a pretty market village where people parked here and there and even on a Saturday there was always somewhere to park. There were also many small, independent thriving shops and a doctor’s surgery with doctors who actually did home visits.

There was also land all over teeming with wildlife – not houses. It was a very safe delight.

Today, I had to visit town and was dismayed to see so many empty shops; it felt totally alien. I picked up The Downs Mail at my local Co-op and was horried to see the front page emblazoned with the headline: Town crime squad ‘unlikely to work’. I read further.

So – times do change. But to be honest what does the council expect when it allows all and sundry from deprived and questionable London boroughs to move here; any piece of “spare” land, or countryside is allowed to be built on despite valid objections but solely to the prot of the developer – and “others”; shops being charged super-high rents even when closed during the pandemic; rampant knife crime everywhere often fuelled by County Line drug barons; etc?

Maidstone town is ruined, so it should be completely overhauled, welcoming independent shops at decent rents, encouraging community events, with

strong visible policing. And it should immediately cease further “upmarket” housing development in and around town, but instead only allow affordable housing – to locals NOT those from London boroughs. Maidstone isn’t a housing bin.

Finally, remember that once land is built on it’s gone for ever, and that is the grim legacy we leave for future generations. It’s a tragedy which needs to be addressed and rectied before it’s too late, which it almost is.

Gillian Barry, via email

New road is the solution ROAD chaos in Kent has been rife these past few weeks and is only set to get worse. The solution … Kent needs a new road.

I submitted a suggestion back in 2015 which would prevent all the drama and upset Kent has faced regarding the M20 and beyond.

This solution is an 11-mile dual carriageway between Ashford and Maidstone. It would act as a lorry holding area when required and would include two lorry parks with customs clearance checks points if required.

It would be used as a normal road but when needed as a holding area, it could be closed off to through traffic, giving 44 miles (four lanes) to hold lorries until such time as they can continue on their way.

With this suggestion, not only would the M20 be free from restrictions, but lorries would have the facilities needed while being held. It would also alleviate traffic chaos through villages and keep the roads free for emergency services.

Manston Airport has been used as a lorry holding area, and the Government has now been given the opportunity to rent the area for a further 12 months.

Using this certainly helps to keep the M20 owing, but with an approximate 40mile diversion for drivers, it is not ethical, especially with the horrendous cost of fuel. The residents of Thanet are also put under extreme stress as noisy, rattling HGVs are plaguing the streets day and night.

The MP for Ashford, Damian Green was sent a copy of my suggestion back in 2015, but refused to get involved. He does state that better measures are needed and these measures need to be on a national scale.

Opening new lorry parks outside Kent will NOT solve the problem BUT by installing this new road, no purpose-built lorry parks will go unused and only 1 team of workers would be required to man the area whilst the road is in operation as a holding area, saving millions of pounds in public money.

The Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) “thanked” the residents for their patience during the chaotic time of gridlocked Kent, but a solution by way of a new road would mean so much more than words.

Brian Marchant, via email

Opinion

downsmail.co.uk

Tackling the GP crisis is a priority for Kent

ONE of the most regular complaints in my postbag from constituents is about difficulty in getting an appointment with a GP. Sometimes the problem can be attributed to cumbersome surgery appointment systems, but increasingly it is because there simply are not enough doctors to satisfy an ever-growing demand, particularly in Kent.

Lack of GPs was the subject of a recent meeting between Kent MPs, the Primary Care Health Minister Maria Cauleld and the Interim Accountable Officer for Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Paul Bentley.

Challenges to GP numbers include competition from London (where pay is usually better through weighting allowances), increasing retirements from overworked doctors, with others reducing their weekly hours for self-preservation.

In Kent and the south east, the relatively high cost of living can be a disincentive to locate here, and demand is also rising signicantly, due to population growth within so many new housing developments.

After the Kent MPs meeting, I asked Paul Bentley what is being done to redress the situation. He feels our area is “particularly under-doctored” and acknowledges the scale of the challenge. He says that the opening of the Kent and Medway Medical School in Canterbury is a big win.

Locally-trained doctors often stay local in

By Helen Grant MP for Maidstone & the Weald practice, but this facility is limited to 100 places a year and its rst doctors will only qualify in 2030, so he is looking urgently for additional routes for recruitment.

Having held an inaugural summit last week at his CCG, with staff and doctors, Paul is looking for creative output from Professor Claire Fuller’s “stocktake” report – of how primary care can best be supported within the emergent integrated care systems.

Another measure being used with some success is spreading GP workloads by upskilling other surgery staff under the NHS ARRS scheme, but the status quo is untenable, and clearly there needs to be central government intervention too.

Minister Cauleld, herself a former NHS nurse, has invited engagement .

I have written to her about her offer. If we are ill, a doctor should be available to us quickly, and delay for some could be serious if not fatal. Something has to be done.

Time to hand over the baton AS I lowered my flag from Maidstone bridge on my last day as a borough councillor, I reflected on everything I and council colleagues achieved in my four years in the post.

Much of that was done in the years the Conservatives were effectively the opposition party, albeit numerically superior to the others. It was only last year that we, as a group, achieved a majority, which has been held this year.

We removed the threat of a 14-storey tower block, which would have meant the relocation of the War Memorial on The Broadway.

I fought plans for the inappropriate expansion of the bail hostel in Tonbridge Road.

Alongside the Downs Mail, the group fought to prevent the closure of the Hazlitt Theatre.

From my point of view, it was use of the rules and procedural manoeuvring, as well as the huge public backlash that secured the victory.

The reaction from the people was incredible and something I will not forget.

Maidstone Borough Council's new decisionmaking procedures I largely designed are aimed

By Jonathan Purle Former Tory councillor

at putting those YOU vote for in control and the public getting things on agendas, not to mention drafting the council's 300-page constitution.

It was the Conservatives’ and my motion that moves from the costly three-yearly system of elections to a return to one poll every four years.

I am sorry I didn’t do everything. The council tax is too high. Too many problems remain unsolved. That feeling of inappropriate over-development and the degradation of the local community still pervades.

But it is someone else’s turn now. I need to thank my wife and daughter for their forbearance. And the best of luck to anyone who puts themselves forward to fight for our part of town.

S

O FAREWELL, Tory “renegade” councillor Jonathan Purle who pens a mea culpa to officers at the borough council on his departure from local politics. He writes: "I am sorry that I have been a little trying at times. I am sorry about that time we tried to write the old Mars Bar advert into your Strategic Plan or that time I fell asleep during that Climate Change Working Group (though, in my defence, I had had a considerable amount to drink that afternoon).” There’s more: “I am sorry for all those times I sounded off about the council in everyone's favourite local newspaper or for all the times when I interrupted proceedings with eccentric points of order. Or when I said daft things that presented a challenge to be minuted…or missed speakers because I failed to go to the optician for 30 years, or for when I moved motions without advance warning…or for a few other things I probably shouldn't admit yet."

He closed his council email account before any of the recipients could offer a response.

T

HE excellent Lifeline community newsletter in West Farleigh is waging war against kind-hearted folk who feed foxes. A correspondent warns Mr Foxy will become over-familiar, dig holes in gardens to bury food, enter properties to steal a meal and will even approach children for snacks. It concludes with the dire warning: “If you continue feeding them, they will teach their young to come to you for food and before we know it, West Farleigh will be overrun with animals that carry ticks and eas.”

I

AM forever indebted to a PR professional who wrote of a corporate appointee as someone who “ts perfectly with our pragmatic, turn-key delivery of sustainability and ESG services”.

F

ORMER Conservative, Liberal Democrat and independent councillor Nick de Wiggondene-Sheppard has rejoined the Tories, thus providing his leader David Burton with a working majority. A colleague jests: “He’s had more parties than Boris Johnson.”

S

EXISM news. Two women in a local Post Office talking about Association Football. “Ooooooh, I don’t mind watching those bodies running around for 90 minutes,” she purred. “And when they score a goal and take their tops off…makes an old lady very happy, I can tell you.”

Chin chin!

Agree or disagree, have your say by writing to the editor – see our letters pages 39

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