Downs Mail Newspaper Issue 317

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

October 2017

Panto ahoy!

THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be April 21st – May 4th 2022

staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone, took to the River Medway to launch this year's panto.

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Party time at Leeds Castle 1930s-style – p16 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.

Kate, 107, dies No. KATE Hart,317 a resident at an old people’s home in Bearsted, has died aged 107, her son News David has disclosed.

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MP’s Local Plan bid Bill’s testimonial

HELEN WhatelyUnited asked the MAIDSTONE chief execgovernment to halt the utive Bill Williams has been borough’s scheme. 4 awarded ahousing testimonial

match. à3 Plans for Dr Nigel Runners riders THE widow ofand GP Dr Nigel Minnet

CCTV call in a bid Villages ‘cut off’ by to stop fly-tipping Op Brock queues 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 in church car park has also seen been posing“clobbered” of construction waste at a waste dumpers for and years, but in reRESIDENTS businesses Maidstone have by the cent months, the problem has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station is proving a deterclosure the M20 for Operation Brock.in many rural rent that is costing councils more.

But it is a problem come moreof acute. areasservice, including Langley, Otham silience Construction rubble, Cllr Fort made remarks as say industry insiders.

The suspensionwaste, of P&O ferrieshard has mal Forum andher police commisWater Laneand in one core, windows household fur- and of the borough’s transsioner agree action isclosest needed.

But BadKingswood. weather, Easter holidays brought gridlockand to many commuBearsted IT and Pilgrims Waytohave niturein is the left south illegally often strewn customs stations North Tunnothing getsatdone.

It’sFarm, a national problems added the fer nities of –the borough. also been targeted recently. in the middle of the Wells, will be problem beingannounced dumped onitKent.”

Lenham Parish Council chair- bridge Non-freight traffic hasroad. been diverted chaos.

Last year, Cllr Gill Fort “Every month for 10 of weeks.

Chairman Harrietsham Parish John BrittMaidstone wrote to the Borough local MP closed onto the A20 at J8said: (Leeds Castle), re- man we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- Council She added: you said: go along Eddie“If Powell “The the vilvoicing concerns. He said: "Because joining near Folkestone. construction waste dumped in the ping and this year more than 163 line theythought have to lageofisincreasing all but cutfines, off. Who the A20 is gridlocked we are getting Op Brock was implemented village, specifically in Burberry have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the putting three lanes of motorway of 40-tonne trucks along charge when P&O stopped its crossings The approaching darker evenings Lane, where we are now thinking rat-running or offering it free may have traffic onto a single lane, A road was the single-track lanes between the after sacking its workforce in favour of installing cameras on private will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. the desired similar effect.” going to work?”

M20 and A20." of cheaper agency staff.

Other carriCllr Fort welcomed a joint initialand, to oversee the problem area.”

A three-monthly litter pick on the Nationalstretch Highways concedes its CllrbyBritt Downs Mail: "The mile-long ersAare unable to accommodate the tive thetold Environment Agency recent event in Burberry Lane of road through measures, needed, mean villagesand likeVehicle Harrietsham extra HGVs. and and the Driver Stan- Leeds saw aEurope-bound caravan burned out P&O whileisa A20 villagewhile produces an average longer everyone. Up to dards Agency to clamp on 32 torched car remains on a to footpath getting clobbered.

Thedown Kent Resome way from returning a nor- are blackjourneys sacks offor rubbish.

4,500 held onasthe Cllrtrucks Fort, were who being also serves a M20 on councillor, April 7. parish says teaching Hauliers have beenresponsibility warned they children about social face the £300issue on-the-spot for drivers and of litterfines in schools will tryingtake to by-pass Opoff Brock, few help the issue the but streets.

She every household havebelieves been with issued.

Kent County receiving a weekly refuse collection Council leader Roger Gough said YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT service, there is no traffic excusearriving for litter while there is more in maidstone@martinco.com being thrown from vehicles or Kent than there is capacity through 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumped in Eurotunnel the road. "you will alDover and ways have this problem".

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will walk the Grand A ROUND-UP of election candi 12 Canyon charity. dates forfor the borough counà4 cil poll on May 5.

Jason Donovan date The future is bright THE former Neighbours star brings

his show to many the Hazlitt DESPITE challenges 18 Theatre May. causednext

by COVID-19, Hazlitt

Theatre’s outlook is ‘bright’ - report.

à5

Illegal dumping woe A BEAUTY spot is being blighted by fly-tipping in dozens à6 of locations.

Ace, 90, still serving TENNIS ace Brian Burley reveals his secret to still serving 32 Obituaries at the age of 90. à8

Parish Councils 34-35 à27 Obituaries

ASH dieback has been discovered in Monks Meadow in Detling; à 29 Parishes Hollingbourne village fete stallholder co-ordinator Jeanà Duffy has Comment 37-39 resigned; yellow lines are needed for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow Lenham parish news buses through Imperial Park; rubCATCH up on Lenham bish bins in all thethe sports field in Parish Council in its new Kingswood are news to be moved over to sponsored page. the picnic area and rear exit.

à21 Coroner’s action call

Crime Reports

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VEHICLES have over A CORONER hasbeen calleddriven for action farmland in Lenham, causing after the death of a woman at damge to crops; an attempted the Cygnet Maidstone break-in was reported in Detling; à22a mental hospital. vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were stolen from library an allotment Bearsted latestin Lenham.

A DEVELOPER is seeking to reas-

sure Bearsted residents the ap-

Comment pearance of the old 46-47 library will not change.

à23

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News

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‘Bomb’ alert evacuation

MAIDSTONE residents were evacuated from their homes after a bomb alert.

Police cordoned off Tonbridge Road from Bower Street to St Michael’s Road on April 10.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "A road in Maidstone was closed after a suspicious item was located at a property in Tonbridge Road.

"Officers attended the address shortly after 4pm on Sunday, April 10 where they discovered materials believed to be suspicious.

"Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution whilst specialist officers were called to the scene.

"The explosive ordnance disposal team attended and the item was declared safe."

Group talk

THE next meeting of the Headcorn Active Retirement Association (HeadARA) takes place at the village hall on April 26.

It starts at 2pm and features speaker Penny Harris on the subject of “A Wealden Woman's War”.

Bill’s back in dugout for testimonial match A TESTIMONIAL match is being held for Bill Williams to mark 50 years at Maidstone United.

The club is hosting a game in the chief executive’s honour at the Gallagher Stadium on Friday, July 8.

For one night only, the former Queens Park Rangers centre half will be back in the dugout alongside his former player and ex-England boss Peter Taylor.

Bill first played for the Stones in 1972 and subsequently managed the club three times before landing the top job at one of non-league football’s high-fliers.

The match will also see the return of Jay Saunders and Steve Watt, who will take charge of the other team.

The two sides will be made up of players who have appeared at the Gallagher Stadium since the homecoming in 2012, with names being announced in the coming weeks.

Before the game and at half time,

Bill Williams now, and inset, as a QPR player managers and players from Bill’s five decades at the club will be introduced on the pitch.

At full time, there will be a meet and greet with the players who took part in the game.

Mr Williams said: “I’m very grateful to have this testimonial bestowed on me.

“I have invited some of your Stones’ favourites from the last 10 years to play in the game. I want my last hurrah in the dugout to be

for a fun and competitive game and all those who have agreed to come will make it so.

“Once the game’s done, let’s get in the bar and have a good old knees-up with some old friends.”

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for under 16s. Go to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk for further details.

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News | Elections 2022

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Have your say at the polls MAIDSTONE residents will go to the polls on May 5 for the borough council elections.

Candidates are standing in 18 of the area's 26 wards, and the Conservatives have a working overall majority on the authority.

Winners will serve only two years before Maidstone Borough Council reverts to four-yearly elections instead of returning members in “thirds”.

The Liberal Democrat splinter group of independents have decided not to stand any candidates, other than to defend one of its seats.

If the official Lib Dem candidate, Richard Conyard, splits the east ward vote, the Tories and Greens scent an upset. Labour has not put up a candidate there.

The Greens' Stuart Jeffery has also been working Bridge ward hard to snatch it away from the Conservatives. This could be one to watch for an upset.

The Tories, who have proposed eye-catching and popular initiatives such as a call for councilThe current party standings: Conservative 29 Liberal Democrat 11 Independents 5 Maidstone Group 5 Labour 3 The candidates Allington Eve Burton (Con), Ian McDonald (Green), John Randall (Lab), Thomas Wilkinson (Lib Dem) Bearsted Ian Chittenden (Lib Dem), Sandra Knatchbull (Con), Ciaran Oliver (Green) Bridge Mitu Chowdhury (Con), Stuart Jeffery (Green), Chris Pass-

owned housing for local people as well as a determined green agenda, seem well-placed to defend their majority, say local observers.

But there is nervousness that bad publicity in the wake of the Downing Street “partygate” might affect the public mood towards the Conservatives.

Last time round, the Tories were

riding high off the back of Brexit and the COVID-19 vaccine programme.

Veteran Lib Dem councillor Dan Daley is not standing in Allington and the Tories may sense they can pull off another coup, as they did last year with Stanley Forecast.

Observers noted that recent housing development in the area may have changed the demo-

graphic and political leanings.

Conservative John Barned, who has strong links to Shepway, could snatch the south ward from Labour turned independent, Malcolm McKay, who is not standing this time. Turnout will be key.

Cllr David Burton, the Tory council leader, faces two candidates from the Green Party and Labour in a contest which will have housing numbers at its heart.

Few expect him to have a 57% vote share overturned, but the Greens are tipped to do well.

Shepway North is likely to be a straight two-way fight between Tory Alan Bartlett and his Labour opponent, Henry Morgan. The Tories are far from certain winners and anticipate an upset.

Park Wood Tory Dan Rose is not standing, so the party's candidate Jaime Graymead can expect stiff opposition from Labour's Dan Wilkinson, who lost by just 2% in 2018.

more (Lib Dem), David Reay (Lab) Boxley Bob Hinder (Con), Susan Parr (Green), Michael Thompson (Lib Dem) Coxheath and Hunton Claire Kehily (Green), Lottie Parfitt-Reid (Con), Simon Wales (Lib Dem) East Richard Conyard (Lib Dem), Nikki Fissenden (MG), Donna Greenan (Green), James Reid (Con) Fant Julia Batt (Lib Dem), Paul Harper (Lab), Kimberley Milham (Green), Jason Musindo (Con) Harrietsham and Lenham Sasha Luck (Con), Janetta Sams (Ind) Headcorn Sarah Barwick (Lab), Derek Eagle (Green), Martin Richards

(Lib Dem), Martin Round (Con) Heath Gary Butler (Ind), Ashleigh Kimmance (Lib Dem), Angel Rai (Con), Derek Swan (Lab), Matthew White (Green) High Street Steven Cheeseman (Green), Richard Coates (Lab), Clive English (Lib Dem), Dani Stephenson (Con) Marden and Yalding David Burton (Con), Mick Summersgill (Green), Alwyn Whitlock (Lab) North Jo Burns (Lab), Scott Hahnefeld (Con), Tony Harwood (Lib Dem), Stephen Thompson (Green) Park Wood Rob Field (Lib Dem), Jaime Graymead (Con), Caroline

Jessel (Green), Dan Wilkinson (Lab) Shepway North Alan Bartlett (Con), Melanie Butler (Ind), Joe Higson (Lib Dem), Henry Morgan (Lab), Stephen Muggeridge (Green) Shepway South John Barned (Con), Maureen Cleator (Lab), Lawrence Rustem (British Democrats), Geoff Samme (Lib Dem) South Simon Milham (Green), Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem), Marlyn Randall (Lab), Paul Thomas (Con) Staplehurst John Perry (Con), Meg Shepherd-Foster (Green), Rory Silkin (Lab).

Tory John Barned, Lib Dem Richard Conyard and Green Stuart Jeffery

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.

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News

Future hopeful for the Hazlitt MAIDSTONE'S Hazlitt Theatre has “weathered the worst of the Covid storm” but continues to face challenges, says a report by management company Parkwood Leisure to Maidstone Borough Council.

Despite this, the theatre's management sees a bright future as a cultural hub of the county town and beyond, particularly with the launch of the community-focused Hazlitt Institute.

The report says ticket sales are uncertain, undermining confidence of show producers, with many hesitant to send out tours across the country.

Supply chains to the industry are under stress and the cost-of-living challenges are impacting on patrons’ ability to buy tickets.

Parkwood warns in the tough year ahead it will need to increase some ticket prices, but must be “mindful of the constraints faced by the local community”.

It negotiates ticket prices with

show promoters and managers and has agreed a booking fee per ticket rising from £1.50 to £2.

The report adds: “If our energy is focused and we tackle all risks in the way we have managed the pandemic, we will have a successful year – even if not a commercially lucrative one.”

The pantomime, a mainstay of the Hazlitt’s year and an important source of income, at the end of this year will see a return of Sleeping Beauty.

Parkwood has a 15-year contract with the council, running until 2028.

The theatre has launched the Hazlitt Institute to act as a cultural hub for local community organisations, for which funding has been secured.

General manager Martin Cleverley said: "Things are looking up.

Coming out of the pandemic we are finding there are lots of opportunities to grow. A good panto season will help us to kick on."

Wrong-way driver appeal A WOMAN suffered minor injuries in a Bearsted hit-and-run.

The incident, involving a grey Audi A3, happened in Sandy Lane at 4.30pm on Monday, April 11.

The Audi was said to be travelling the wrong way along the oneway street when its wing mirror struck the woman as she tried to get onto a verge.

The victim, who is in her 70s, suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

Officers are now trying to identify the driver and would like to

hear from anybody who may have seen a grey Audi A3 in the Bearsted area at around the time of the incident.

Motorists with dashcam or residents with private CCTV are also asked to check for footage that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/67541/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by using the online form on their website.

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News

Bluebell walk

THE Bluebell Walk, a vital fund raiser for Heart of Kent Hospice, is back and will be held on the morning of Sunday, May 1, starting from Harrietsham village hall.

There will be a choice of two routes – the usual six-mile walk and an alternative bypassing stiles.

HOKH charity is also launching a Mini Bluebell Walk of two-and-ahalf miles. Go to www.hokh.info

Road closure

MONCKTONS Avenue in Maidstone is closed until May 30 for SGN gas mains works.

The road is shut from outside number 1 to outside number 90.

There is no alternative route, but residential access will be maintained at all times.

Ukraine help

KENT County Council has launched a phone line for Homes for Ukraine Scheme enquiries.

Maidstone Borough Council has created a webpage for those looking to donate and contribute to helping the humanitarian crisis.

The phone line is 03000 412424 or go to https://bit.ly/3u79AXc.

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Beauty spot ‘clogged with dumped waste’ A MAN, who says his village has become clogged up with rubbish, has compared the roads to the Bermuda Triangle in reverse.

Richard Lack (47), who has lived in Yelsted for six years, says he is embarrassed to have guests at his holiday home because of the flytipping.

The rubbish in Yelsted Lane, dubbed “mattress mountain” by locals, has been reported multiple times, to no avail.

Mr Lack said: “This is supposed to be a beauty spot, so when guests ask us what walking routes we recommend, we have to send them on a route without all the rubbish. But every corner has something now.

“A cyclist has been injured by a mattress in the road. I counted 27 fly-tips on a short drive around the village. It’s the Bermuda Triangle in reverse. It is pathetic and the tiny warning signs are ignored.”

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Richard Lack is disgusted by the amount of rubbish that has been fly-tipped in Yelsted Rubbish is frequently dumped close to Queendown Warren Nature Reserve, run by Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers. Yelsted is on the border of Maidstone Borough Council and Swale Borough Council.

Mr Lack added: “We are completely forgotten about here. The council hands out fines as if it’s a petty parking offence. Now it is the worst it’s ever been.”

A Swale Borough Council

spokesman said: “We are aware of the fly-tipping issue in Yelsted and have met the concerned resident to see how it can be improved.

“When fly-tipping is reported to us, we instruct Biffa to clear any waste within the Swale boundary and will prosecute anybody found to be linked to the crime.

“Fly-tipping can be reported on our website or by calling 01795 417 850.”

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News

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Tennis ace Brian turns 90 YOU are never too old to play tennis and 90-year-old Brian Burley is living proof.

The retired builder plays tennis three times a week at Bearsted & Thurnham Tennis Club and has revealed his secret to staying so fit.

Brian, who has played for 70 years, said: "I just enjoy the game. I have always had an interest in sport and it has always been a big part of my life.”

Brian’s sister Lesley Goodair (83) said: “I still play too so it must be good genes.

“He is so competitive and I have never beaten him in a game. When we were younger he used to give me a 40-point head start and would still beat me. Everything down to buying a hotel on Mayfair in Monopoly, when we were kids, ended in tears.”

Former tennis club chairman David Burton said: “It is amazing really and his diet is shocking.

Sausage rolls, pastries, pork pies – anything on the unhealthy list.

“He won’t touch anything that has been ‘mucked with’. He is very much a meat and veg guy. It gives me hope for the future.

“He is an asset to the club. People may not realise but when a table or chair is broken in the club house, he is in here packing it away to take it home to fix.”

Fellow player Peter Richardson,

who has played with Brian for around eight years, said: “One thing about Brian is he always knows the score. Mid way through a game when the players have forgotten the score, we always just say ‘ask Brian’.”

Brian worked in the Navy for several years and stayed in Japan and Korea. He later went on to

Police checks lead to arrests

Road shuts for manhole work

PART of the B2163 Heath Road in Linton will shut for manhole works for a new development.

The road will close for one day between the junctions with Vanity Lane and A229 Linton Road on April 23.

The alternative route for eastbound traffic is via Dean Street, B2010 Farleigh Hill, Tovil Hill, Old Tovil Road, College Road, A229 College Road, Mill Street, Palace Avenue, Lower Stone Street, Upper Stone Street, Loose Road, Linton Road and B2163 Heath Road.

The alternative route for traffic travelling westbound is via A229 Linton Road, Loose Road, Sheal’s Crescent, Old Tovil Road, B2010 Tovil Road, Farleigh Hill, Dean Street and B2163 Heath Road.

Taxi fares up

TAXI fares increase in Maidstone from April 22. Maidstone Borough Council has agreed the tariff for the first 550 metres will rise from £3 to £3.20.

There is a 20p charge for each additional 115 metres (formerly 125 metres) or 28 seconds’ waiting time (formerly 30 seconds).

These tariffs increase by 50% between midnight and 6am and all day Sunday and bank holidays.

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start his own building business.

Lesley added: “He hated working for other people and always wanted to be his own boss.”

Bearsted & Thurnham Tennis Club held a birthday celebration at the club on April 8 and presented Brian with a plaque and gifts. He is pictured with sister Lesley, David Burton and club members.

Pennies manager Lisa Jepson with Maxwell (4), Nikiwe (2) and Euan (4)

Good rating for Pennies A DAY nursery has been awarded a good Ofsted rating, despite a challenging year for the sector caused by COVID-19.

Pennies Day Nursery at Newnham Court received positive comments about the care and achievement of the children in their charge.

Inspectors noted the children “have a good sense of belonging and positive levels of well-being,” that “all staff support children to develop a good understanding of the similarities and differences of

people within the setting, and the wider community”.

A spokesman said: “We stayed open for key workers throughout the pandemic. So much of the normal working of the sector was impacted, so this Ofsted rating is an acknowledgement of how well our staff coped in providing the children with everything we aim to give them.

“We’re really proud of each and every staff member who contributed to this and we thank them all.”

MORE than 40 drivers were stopped for having no insurance, tax, MOT, using a mobile phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.

The first stop on March 10 was a commercial vehicle carrying an insecure load.

The driver, aged 27 from Aylesford, was stopped in St Peter’s Street where he failed a drugs test for cocaine. He has since been released pending investigation.

Officers diverted some drivers to a car park in St Peter’s Street where they could inspect the vehicles. They also used this area to weigh large vehicles to ensure the vehicles were not carrying too much. As a result, one driver was fined £300.

An unmarked police bike pulled a vehicle over on the A20 London Road. The driver, Alekseja Basjuks (38), of Gorse Crescent, Aylesford, was charged with drink-driving.

Another motorist, a 23-year-old man from Maidstone, was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after failing a roadside drug test in Phillips Avenue. His vehicle was searched and officers seized a quantity of cannabis.

The force’s safety camera team detected a total of 122 offences throughout the day.

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News

How you can help Leah get vital aid to Ukraine BARMING’S Leah Paul (43), who made a dramatic 1,200-mile car journey to Lviv in Ukraine to save her parents, is now undertaking return visits with her husband loaded with Maidstone donations of vital aid.

She is appealing to people for a wide range of supplies which friends in war-torn Ukraine say are desperately needed.

She has sold her car to buy a large van which she and husband Steve will keep loading up for journeys each taking about three days there and back. They have made this journey twice and the next departure is May 15.

Gifts can be made to their home at 28 Redewood Road, Barming, ME16 9HL, where her parents Stakh and Daria (pictured with Leah on the left) are also available.

Leah can be contacted by phone (07939 302646) or by email – leahpaul@mail.com.

“The people of Maidstone are being so generous, helpful and friendly,” Leah said. “So many in Ukraine are suffering desperately in this appalling war and the best way to help is through financial

donations to legitimate special charities or by making gifts of supplies.”

The Rotary Club of Maidstone is supporting the appeal and is encouraging Maidstone to help.

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Church project wins listing

VILLAGERS fighting to save a 153-year-old Victorian church from developers have finally secured a community listing.

This means the Methodist Church, which sits right in the heart of Headcorn’s conservation area, has been listed by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) as an Asset of Community Value.

The sale of the building, which includes the graveyards at the front and back of the site, has now been stalled.

Campaigners known as The Heart of Headcorn Community Project now want to transform the building into a multi-purpose hub with a museum and community college.

Heart of Headcorn spokesman Bella Mansfield said: “The fight goes on, without a doubt, but it's fantastic news. The whole village is happy.”

The new ruling prevents the building's owners, the Methodist Church trustees, from putting the

Drugs seized

A HOLDALL containing 12 bags of cocaine and 47 bags of cannabis has been seized from an address near West Malling.

Marcus Towner (30), of Brooks Drive, Ryarsh, was arrested and taken into custody on April 6.

He was later charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 7 where he was remanded to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on May 5.

Road closure

AMSBURY Road in Coxheath is shut for SGN gas main works.

The road is closed until May 30 from outside Amsbury House to the junction with Westerhill Road.

The alternative route is via Westerhill Road, B2163 Heath Road, Upper Hunton Hill and vice versa.

Diversion ends

BOXLEY Road will re-open on April 26 after carriageway repairs.

The road is shut between Chattenden Court and Fintonagh Drive.

The diversion route for through traffic will be via Penenden Heath Road / A249 Sittingbourne Road / B2012 Holland Road / B2012 Well Road and vice versa.

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building up for sale at auction without giving the community at least six months to raise enough cash to buy the property.

Miss Mansfield added: “We have over £20,000, which is

enough for a deposit and are now in discussions with three major funding bodies. However, we need money upfront to make a quick deal with the Methodists.

We will keep going, without sur-

render, but are watching the hilltop for the cavalry.”

The group is also hopeful members of Headcorn Parish Council will support the campaign with a low-cost public works loan.

An MBC spokesman said: "The reason the building and churchyards meet the criteria for listing is that religious activities in a place of worship can be considered to further the social wellbeing and interests of a local community."

An online sponsored ‘singathon’, where villagers record their musical talents, is proving to be the biggest fundraiser yet.

American jazz singer Rachel Gould, who is now living in Headcorn, has also contributed to the cause.

To donate please visit www.gofundme.com/f/The-Heart-of-Headcorn-Project.

Levelling-up cash for town centre A £1M pot of cash released by Government to council leaders could be earmarked for town centre regeneration.

Maidstone Borough Council has been awarded £1.19m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Leader David Burton said the cash could be spent on green initiatives, such as enhancement of the River Medway, seen as the jewel in Maidstone's crown.

Cllr Burton suggested the money could also be aimed at turning "ugly, derelict" buildings into attractive public spaces.

He said: "I would like to think that whatever we do, there would be a green element to it. It would be easy to say that we will plant a load of trees, but I think we can be a bit more imaginative. As I understand it, the money will have to be spent on regeneration projects for the good of the community. We’ll do our best to get broad agreement from elected members going forward."

Cllr Burton said he and his colleagues would continue to "bang on the Government's door" for

more funding to improve the infrastructure in the borough in the face of huge, imposed housing numbers.

He added: "It is wonderful news to get a million to spend on the town centre, but the Government will have realise it will take a lot more than that to provide the infrastructure this place needs.

"So we'll be banging on the door of the Government trying to get all we can to help the borough."

The fund is part of the Government's “levelling up” agenda.

‘New powers’ to stop Leeds trucks KENT County Council is to use new powers to trap illegal truckers using the B2163 through Leeds village.

After years of accusations of inaction by police, KCC has secured powers to issue fines using automatic number plate recognition to nail HGV drivers ignoring the 17-ton weight restriction, apart from those granted access. Villagers have been critical for years about Kent Police’s lack of action, despite promises to help. Local parish and borough councillor Gill Fort welcomed the news as "absolutely marvellous" but other residents vowed to wait to see action.

KCC awaits guidance from government for the level of fines.

A Leeds resident, who declined to be named, said: "Good news and about time, too. Lately, with the problems on the M20, the problem

is three times worse. The police do virtually nothing.

"If KCC plays its cards right it will have a nice little earner going here for a while. But we'll wait and see if it ever happens."

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Parish disputes boundary plan DESPITE a petition with 700 signatures, Lenham failed to persuade Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) to change its report to the Boundary Commission on Harrietsham and Lenham political ward and other borough wards.

The petition states: "Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway , Liverton Hill and all isolated homes in Lenham South area – south of the railway line – are strongly attached to Lenham and reflect community interests and identity. We do not wish to be forced by MBC in its Boundary Commission response to be joined to Headcorn ward.”

The commission is considering all wards in the borough to improve equality of electoral numbers.

Lenham Parish Council chairman John Britt told MBC's full council: "Lenham is an old com-

munity, it dates back to the Domesday register. The various elements which make up the parish, including the settlements around the village which you are proposing to detach, are cohesive and the synergy rotates around the village as it grows and matures.

"Lenham is a proper community, with purpose and cohesion. The borough council’s proposal to divide it, arbitrarily along the railway line, is seen for what it is: a bad idea, poorly researched and totally impractical. That is why so many people have supported this petition."

Council leader David Burton and fellow Tory Patrik Garten proposed including the petition into MBC's response but it was rejected by members who said it would undermine the council's position.

Some members said they had sympathy with Lenham's case. l Lenham Parish Council, page 21

Knitters’ demential help A KNITTING group have a collection of "dementia bands" created during lockdown to give away.

Also known as "twiddle muffs", they were made when the 10 regular members could not meet at St Peter’s Church Centre, in New Road, Ditton.

A spokesman said: "Besides knitting these for dementia patients, we have knitted blankets and hats

for the premature babies at Pembury Hospital along with many woollen beanies for the Seafarers’ Mission at Tilbury."

The Knit and Natter group is also looking for new members to gather at the church from 9.30-11am each Wednesday.

The next meeting is on April 27.

Please contact Brenda Burrows on 01732 670561.

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Castle’s lavish parties return

SHE was intensely private and often used a secret passage to slip away from guests to the sanctuary of her lavish boudoir when they started to bore her.

But despite this, Lady Olive Baillie never tired of offering A-listers a place to party away from public glare at her beloved bolthole in the Kent countryside, Leeds Castle.

Hollywood superstars mingled with prime ministers, socialites and royalty. Dashing military figures caroused with authors and singers. They drank and they gambled; there was the odd illicit congress, too.

Champagne flowed and the guests were indulged by the hostess, who was often more interested in watching movies in her room.

Lady Baillie offered the rich and famous a place to unwind away from gossip columnists and tittletattle. Yet she was not a natural party animal and remained something of an enigma right to the end.

Now the 1930s world of Lady Baillie, who bequeathed Leeds Castle to the people on her death in 1974, is opened to the world with a new immersive experience at the tourist attraction.

A posthumous title for Wendy

ALL political parties on Maidstone Borough Council spoke in high praise of the late Cllr Wendy Hinder (Cons) when she was honoured with election as an Honorary Alderman.

Cllr Hinder served Boxley on the council for 16 years and was Deputy Mayor of Maidstone at the time of her death.

Cllr Annabelle Blackmore (Cons), moving the proposal, said Cllr Hinder had a great love of people, a passion for her ward and won the esteem of the council and wider community.

The badge and certificate were received by her councillor husband, Bob, who too represents Boxley ward.

Pizza is back

PIZZA Express is returning to Maidstone two years after shutting due to lockdown during the pandemic.

The restaurant closed in August 2020, but work has already begun on the new Earl Street venue.

The new eatery will be found next to Five Guys.

16

For the castle's chief executive Helen Bonser-Wilton, Lady Baillie's story is one that has never been properly told. It will be the first chapter of a longer narrative of the castle in the modern era.

The Anglo-American heiress lavished a fortune on the run-down castle she bought as a neglected, overgrown wreck, hiring the best designers of the day.

Mrs Bonser-Wilton said: “Lady

Olive Baillie was passionate about design and reinvention, as well as hosting lavish weekends for highprofile friends.

"Even as the clouds of war gathered over Europe, the country house parties continued."

The castle management hopes the new displays in the main castle building will go some way to recovering ground lost during COVID-19.

Head curator Sue Prichard added: "Our seven-year development of new experiences at the castle will ensure there is always something new to see as we uncover new stories.

"Fully immersive biennial exhibitions will include the transformation of the castle during WWII, and an exciting journey into the hedonistic counter-culture world of the country house in the 1960s.”

Sun shines on Holi celebrations BRIGHT sunshine marked the start of Holi and a celebratory event at Collis Millennium Green in Maidstone.

The Hindu festival signals the arrival of spring — focusing on love, new life and reconciliation.

Part of the festival celebrations on March 19 involve coating people with brightly-coloured powder paint.

A spokesman said: “A brilliant community event celebrating diversity, love, spring and togetherness.

Exactly what the world needs.”

More community wardens on cards NEW recruits are to bolster a team of Kent County Council (KCC) staff which plays a crucial role in the communities where they work.

Community wardens have served towns and villages in the county for 18 years by helping vulnerable residents, tackling social isolation and preventing crime.

Before the pandemic, the demand for community warden support was high, with officers working across 128 Kent communities.

The Coronavirus crisis not only

added to this demand, but further highlighted the key role they play.

Wardens provided food to elderly people and helped ex-Army officers living with mental health, PTSD issues and alcoholism.

KCC has pledged to recruit more community wardens, with councillors describing them as “invaluable” during pandemic.

KCC cabinet member for finance, Cllr Peter Oakford (Con) said: “There will be more wardens than we have had before.”

Jacqueline Swan (49), one of a 74strong team, said: “We are the friendly uniformed eyes and ears of the local community.

“We make a big difference in people’s lives, although lots of people do not know what we do or have ever heard of us,” she added.

“Some places in Kent do not have wardens, but would benefit from having one in situ.

“Increasing the number of wardens will increase the positive impact we can have in communities.”

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Smoke alarms saved our lives

A FAMILY from Maidstone have opened up about a tragic fire which ripped through their house on Christmas day last year.

During a game of charades with family after dinner, Dominic Plumb (40) and wife Nicki heard the smoke alarm sounding.

Mr Plumb said: “My first thought was ‘what is Nicki cooking now, we’re so full from dinner’.

I was thinking the oven had triggered the alarm.

“I went into the hallway to stop the beeping and it wouldn’t go off.

Then the upstairs one started to sound as well so I went to take a look up there.

“I smelt smoke coming from one of my son’s bedrooms, opened the door and immediately felt extreme heat and then saw the bed was on fire and flames spreading across the room. I straight away realised

how bad it was and closed the door to hold the fire back from the rest of the house.

“I got everyone outside, and then we heard a loud bang as the windows blew out.”

Mr Plumb called 999 and six fire engines swiftly arrived in Beech Tree Road shortly after 7.30pm.

Crews tackled the blaze, but there was considerable fire damage to the bedroom, landing and roof space, and smoke damage throughout the upper floor.

He said: “The fire service came really quickly and they were amazing. They were very reassuring and supportive.

“Luckily no one was hurt, and we really have the smoke alarms to thank for alerting us early on, before the flames could break through the bedroom door. Without working smoke alarms we might not have realised until it was too late to escape safely.

Match boost for war victims A CHARITY football match in Snodland raised more than £6,000 for the Ukraine Appeal.

Snodland Town Football Club hosted the game with Maidstone firm Emergo.

Ex-footballers such as Crystal Palace's Clinton Morrison, former Chelsea midfielder and coach Jody Morris, and ex-Burnley, Chelsea and ex-Spurs midfielder David Howells all made appearances.

Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves and Spurs midfielder Ruel Fox were also at the match.

Organiser Les Jeal said: "Thank you so much to everyone who came, easily over 1,000 people.

Thank you to everyone who donated money.

“Snodland fully got behind this event and you are all the reason

the event was so well attended.

"Most importantly, we have raised thousands of pounds to aid victims of war."

Robbers jailed for knife attack TWO armed robbers have been jailed after trying to stab a man with a knife in Maidstone.

A man in his 20s arranged to buy a quantity of gold for £700 from Billy Beck (24), a person he had met online.

The man drove to meet him in a supermarket car park in Sutton Road, accompanied by a friend, on January 26.

Once there, they were approached by Beck, of Anglesey Close, and Shaun Barton (21), of Clare Place, who got into the rear of the car.

Beck then instructed him to drive to a nearby housing estate.

The victim parked and Beck suddenly grabbed him around the neck and tried to stab him with a knife, demanding he hand over the cash.

The victim defended himself and Barton got out of the car and tried to stab him through the open driver’s door. He then stole £1,520 from his pocket and also threatened to stab the victim’s friend.

Beck and Barton left the scene, leaving the victim with a cut to his jaw and other facial grazes.

The police were alerted and, following an investigation, Beck and Barton were arrested on February 16.

Both men were later charged with robbery, wounding with intent and possession of a knife in a public place.

The pair pleaded not guilty but were convicted after a three-day trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Barton was jailed for six years and three months, including a sentence for a separate charge of GBH. Beck was sentenced to five years in prison.

“If the fire had started just a few hours later, my son would have been in that bed.”

The cause of the fire has been linked to an electrical fault with a charging device placed on the bed.

It was in use for the first time having been a gift opened just that morning.

Since the blaze, the Plumb family has moved between six properties, while their home is restored.

Mr Plumb added: “The thing we have learnt from this awful experience is that smoke alarms save lives.

“Also never leave anything charging on a bed and avoid charging items overnight or when you’re not around.”

Drink-driver given ban

A MAN has received an 18month ban after drink-driving in Aylesford.

Tyler Welch (21), from Sevenoaks, was sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on March 18.

He pleaded guilty to driving when above the legal drinkdrive limit in Aylesford on February 26.

When stopped he gave a reading of 78mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

He was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months and fined £415. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £42 and costs of £85.

Hall changes

CORPUS Christi Hall in Maidstone could be transformed into a deli café and guest house.

Plans have been submitted to turn part of the building, thought to have been built in 1422, into four guest bedrooms The 600-year-old grade-II listed building in Earl Street is the former home of Maidstone Grammar School, and is currently used as office space.

But the ground floor has been occupied by Spanish eatery La Taberna and the courtyard used by car rental company Avis.

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News

Three-year ban for drug driver

A DRIVER was over four times the limit for cocaine in Maidstone.

Luke Ralph (30), of Princes Avenue, Chatham, was sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on March 18.

He admitted driving while above the legal drug-drive limit in Maidstone on October 19, 2021.

When stopped he gave a reading of 672mcg of benzoylecgonine in one litre of blood. The legal limit is 50mcg. He also gave a reading of 48mcg of cocaine in one litre of blood. The legal limit is 10mcg.

He was disqualified from driving for three years and fined £200.

He was also ordered to pay a £34 surcharge and costs of £85.

Road closure

WESTERHILL Road in Coxheath will close on May 16 until June 16.

The road will be closed 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.

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Attacker extradited and jailed by court A TEENAGE girl who had to receive dental treatment after she was punched in the face walking home has seen her attacker jailed.

The victim was walking alone through Lower Stone Street at around 1am when she saw a man following her. She slowed down to let him pass and he carried on walking, before turning left into a side road.

The victim lost sight of the man and continued to Loose Road where he re-appeared and seemed angry.

He grabbed her hand and punched her in the face. She fell to the floor where he punched her face two more times.

The victim fought her attacker, screaming and kicking until he ran off. She then raised the alarm and was taken to a local hospital for treatment to serious facial injuries.

Police identified Gabriel Calin (29) as the suspect and discovered

he had received hospital treatment for a hand injury before leaving the country on April 21.

Calin, of no fixed address, was located in Romania and investigators applied for his extradition.

He was escorted onto a plane by Kent Police officers in Bucharest and brought back to the United Kingdom.

Calin appeared at Maidstone Crown Court where he denied a

charge of attempted wounding with intent. He was found guilty by a jury after a three-day trial and sentenced to six years and one month in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andy Julier said: “This was a despicable and cowardly attack on a young woman by a man who injured his hand, such was the force of his punches.

“The investigation to track him down was thorough and complex, and I am pleased we were able to bring him before the court to answer for his appalling crime.

“The victim has received ongoing dental treatment due to the assault and Calin’s callous actions continue to have a significant impact on her quality of life.

“I would like to commend her courage in supporting our investigation and thank witnesses who helped us bring Calin to justice.”

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Sponsored parish council | News

Events t for a Jubilee Queen

Road to close

OLD Ashford Road is set to close for 12 weeks for sewerage works at the Abbey New Homes’ development. The road will shut from July 11 to August 31.

LPC is querying the length of the closure with the developer to mitigate the impact.

Litter pickers

A GROUP of volunteers, 25 adults and seven children, filled over 20 bags of litter during the latest village clean up on March 26.

LPC clerk Lisa Westcott said: “The weather was in our favour with the sun shining brightly. We then enjoyed lots of tea and cake after.”

WITH the weeks ticking down until the world marks the Queen's 70th year on the throne, Lenham Parish Council (LPC) has revealed its special programme of events.

In early June, the four-day Bank Holiday extravaganza will bring the village together as everyone raises a glass to the Monarch.

A beacon-lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 2 at Lenham Chalk Cross. Parking will be available at the community centre.

The event will begin at 8.45pm with the lighting of the beacon at 9.45pm. Everyone is invited to attend.

Organiser and parish councillor Michael Lowe said: “A beacon brazier will provide a unique moment for The Queen’s reign. It will be sited on the hilltop just above the chalk cross.”

On Sunday, June 5, the village will gather in The Square for a

Boundary woe

street tea party celebration.

The party will include a children’s fancy dress competition, a DJ, speeches and performances from local singers and dancers.

Chairman John Britt said: “The response to both events has been absolutely fantastic. A lot of hard work has gone into organising this event to make it a day to remember and we have been blown away by the positive response.”

Lenham Parish Council needs volunteers on the day, including setting up chairs, tables and decorations.

Can you help?

Email mike.lowe@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk or drop your details off at the Parish Office.

DOWNS Mail is free to pick up at: The Pharmacy, The Dog & Bear, The Red Lion, The Post Office, Lenham Village Store, Chequers Fish Bar and the Parish Office.

LENHAM Parish Council (LPC) has strongly rejected Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) proposed boundary changes.

The southern part of Lenham parish would be split to be part of Headcorn ward, with the railway line as a boundary.

In a statement, LPC said: “The proposals from MBC entirely undermine the historic ties which have been building for centuries and are to be further tested by the creation of new homes. The need to maintain this community coherence and sense of identity is greater now than at any time in its recent past.”

Read the full response at www.lenhamparish.org.uk.

Sport club call

THE parish council’s parks and recreation committee is looking to speak to local sports clubs about new projects in the village.

If you run a club, contact Michael Lowe on mike.lowe@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk. l THE Annual Parish Assembly is on April 28 at 7.30pm at Lenham Community Centre. The next full parish council meeting is to be held at the community centre on May 5 at 7.30pm.

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Coroner’s warning after death A CORONER has written to a supplier of garments worn by patients at the private Maidstone mental hospital where a troubled young woman died last year.

Emma Pring (29) suffered ligature asphyxiation at the scandal-hit Cygnet hospital, using special clothing designed to minimise the risk of suicide attempts.

The coroner, Catherine Wood, called into question “safety clothing” from which Emma was able to extract a waistband cord.

She said she is concerned that future deaths may occur “unless action is taken” by the maker, Interweave.

In her report following the inquest in Maidstone, the coroner said: “Evidence given at the inquest revealed that Emma was wearing items of clothing manufactured by your company which are made in such a way as to reduce the risk of using the clothing to self-harm.

“Evidence was heard that Emma had sadly somehow managed to use components of her anti-ligature clothing to form a ligature to end her life.”

She noted since Emma’s death, Interweave, based in West Yorkshire, had gone to “considerable efforts” to amend its products to reduce the risk of self-harm.

Mrs Wood said: “Further evi-

Councillors’ civic honours

TWO former councillors have been given the title of Honorary Alderman.

Matthew Balfour and Christopher Smith were awarded at a ceremony in Kings Hill on April 12.

Aldermen can attend civic events such as Freeman ceremonies, annual council meetings and other mayoral events.

Mr Balfour was elected in 1999 representing Downs ward and later Downs and Mereworth ward, before retiring in 2019. He served on several committees and advisory boards.

Mr Smith was elected to represent Higham ward from 1999 until 2011. He was then elected to Hildenborough ward, which he represented until his retirement in 2019.

He was chairman of various committees, sub-committees and advisory boards, and mayor of Tonbridge and Malling in 2008.

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INQUEST’S FINDINGS THE jury at Emma’s inquest made several observations at its conclusion in March.

They noted that despite Emma’s increased incidents of serious selfharm and suicide attempts in the days leading to her death, she was not placed on one-to-one observations which could have prevented her death at the time.

The jury concluded that due to insufficient level of observations and a misjudgement of Emma’s actual risk, she had the opportunity to use anti-ligature clothing to take her life.

They also said the CCTV footage showed there was a failure to adhere to a policy of making observations in each 15-minute window in the hour. dence was given that some of the products like those Emma wore are still in circulation and whilst Cygnet is aware, and possibly NHS providers via Cygnet reporting the issue to them, there remain risks that users of those products may use them in the same way.

“This risk may be increased following the publication of the circumstances of Emma’s death.”

Solicitor Tara Mulcair, who represented Emma’s family, said: “Emma’s family welcome the coroner’s decision to issue a ‘preven-

tion of future deaths’ report to Interweave.

“The report reflects Emma’s family’s serious concerns that thousands of the anti-ligature garments, of the same design worn by Emma, are still in circulation and being provided to the most vulnerable in society.

“Interweave must take urgent steps to notify their customers of the risk to life posed by these garments.”

Emma died at Cygnet in April last year whilst undergoing therapy to deal with two sexual as-

Stolen bank card used A BANK card was stolen from a man in his 80s after he was distracted at a car park in Fremlin Walk.

The theft happened at 11.30am on Wednesday, March 2. The suspect used the card to make several purchases at shops in the town.

Inspector Steve Kent said: "The victim was approached by a man who asked for assistance with paying a car parking fee. It is thought the victim was then observed entering his PIN at a pay machine and later discovered his card was missing.

"We are releasing a CCTV image of a man, described as black and in distinctive clothing, who may be able to assist us with our enquiries.

“We are appealing to businesses to check for CCTV which may provide further details or show his face without a mask. We are also asking drivers with dashcam who may have used this car park to check for any important footage."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100,

saults she suffered in her teens.

Her episodes of self-harm increased in the lead-up to her death and she was required to wear the clothing to reduce this.

Her mother, Caroline Sharpe, said her daughter’s death was preventable at Cygnet if she had been monitored round the clock.

Despite Emma’s distress during therapy, she had discussed future plans on her return home and did not want to kill herself, she said.

Interweave has been approached for a comment.

Bridge fall

A MAN was airlifted to hospital after falling from a bridge in Hollingbourne.

Paramedics and police were called to Hospital Road at around 9am on April 7.

An ambulance service spokesman said: "Ambulance crews were joined at the scene by the air ambulance service.

"The person was assessed and treated at the scene before being airlifted to William Harvey Hospital with injuries including a head injury."

Lost skills quoting crime reference number 46/40239/22.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555111 or using the anonymous online form.

INVICTA Court Care Home is aiming to preserve traditional hobbies and skills from being lost in the world of new technology.

Care UK is encouraging residents to learn from its older generation.

In a poll of 2,000 adults, it was found that the ability to read a map or use a compass are slowly being lost. More than 70% said new technology is the culprit.

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Burglary case pair in court

A PAIR of suspected thieves appeared in court charged with multiple burglaries across Kent.

Bradley Pogmore (39), from Dagenham, is charged with 45 counts of burglary including 11 offences at shops in Maidstone, Aylesford, Gillingham, Sevenoaks, Broadstairs and Tunbridge Wells.

He was arrested in a car driven by a woman in Dagenham. The woman was also detained and two mobile phones were seized.

Kelly Hart, from Chelmsford, was charged with 16 burglaries.

Mr Pogmore and Ms Hart (43) were both remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 15.

River death

A MAN pulled from the River Medway last month has been named.

Stephen Willis (35), of no fixed address, was reported in the water early on March 26.

Despite attempts to revive him at the scene, he was pronounced dead at hospital. A date for his inquest has been set.

News

Former library ‘will look just the same’ THE new owners of the Bearsted Library have erected a sign seeking to reassure locals about the future of the village's famous and much-loved landmark.

The former primary school overlooking The Green was sold at auction in February by Kent County Council (KCC) for more than £700,000 – nearly twice the estimated valuation.

It was bought by Ridgeview Design and Build, who have pledged to retain its present look as a single-family dwelling.

There were furious protests by local representatives who hoped the premises might one day be restored as the village library.

In the sign, Ridgeview overlaid a message onto an old black and white picture of children outside the building.

It reads: "We at Ridgeview Design & Build are the new custodians of the former school and

library. Our plan is to convert the building into a single-family home.

We will be keeping the facade exactly how it is, but it will be fully repaired.

"Don't be concerned when the

enclosed scaffolding is erected, this needs to be done to start essential repairs."

The building is in poor condition and its deterioration contributed to its closure. The library was moved temporarily to the rail station, and it was hoped a way could be found to return it to the site.

Critics were vocal about KCC not consulting people or elected representatives until the sale by auctioneers Clive Emson was already in process.

Local borough councillors Dennis Spooner and Val Springett and Bearsted and Thurnham Society’s Chris Buckingham met with the new owners earlier this month.

Cllr Spooner added: “The board is there to explain what they are doing and how they going to do it.

“We met with the owners and they seemed decent people and I think we are reassured that the exterior will remain untouched.”

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News

Hotel courts to reduce backlog THE Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel will continue to host “Nightingale Courtrooms” until March next year.

The scheme was introduced to help ease the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic.

The hotel, just off the M20 near Hollingbourne, currently hosts two courtrooms.

Courts Minister James Cartlidge said: “Nightingale Courts in the south east have proven to be an invaluable asset in our efforts to tackle the impact of the pandemic on the justice system.

"Extending this extra capacity in the areas with higher caseloads will ensure courts can continue getting back up to speed.

“Nightingale Courts continue to be a valuable weapon in the fight against the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on our courts.

"We are beginning to see the

backlog drop so victims can get the speedier justice they deserve."

Although the backlog seems to be easing slightly, some trials and hearings face delays until 2023.

Top barrister Oliver Kirk, who lives in Yalding, said there are even untried cases dating back to 2017.

The Coronavirus pandemic added to the pressures already on the court system, as jury trials were suspended and courts had to cope with staff shortages.

The latest figures show the total number of outstanding court cases in Kent alone is 2,064.

This marks a fall of 5% between October and December 2021, with more cases being seen as restrictions ease.

In March last year, there were more than 57,000 outstanding crown court trials in the country, compared to 39,000 trials recorded a year before.

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Wildlife trail on river ARTWORK depicting 20 wildlife features of the River Medway has been displayed on posts for rubbings along the rejuvenated riverside footpath.

It is the work of student artist Hannah Connolly (21), of Buckland Road, Maidstone.

Hannah, pictured, created the artwork for the zinc rubbing plaques and the trail map, and Maidstone Borough Council has produced special packs available to the first 1,000 users containing a sketch book, stickers, wax crayons and a trail map.

They are available from the Old Boat Café, which is moored between the town centre bridges.

The council has worked with Maidstone River Park, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and the Old Boat Café to create the nature trail between Allington and Teston.

The council says the plaques are “unique, beautiful and close to Hannah’s heart”.

Hannah attended Maplesden Noakes School and then spent two years at the University for the Cre-

Artist Hannah Connolly ative Arts in Rochester, before starting a three-year course at Brighton University.

The project has received “Welcome Back” funding from the Government and European Regional Development Fund.

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Hall meeting

THE annual general meeting of the Leeds and Broomfield Memorial Hall takes place at 8pm on April 28.

All villagers in an interest in the management of the community hub are welcome to attend the meeting at the village hall.

Health walks

MEMBERS of Headcorn Health Walks meet at Charter Hall at 9.30am in Smarden for a three or four-mile walk, taking in fields and a wood.

There are no hills on the route, but there are a few stiles. Call Paula for dates and more information on 07525 260539.

Church date

A NEW Cafe Church launches at St Peter's and St Paul's in Headcorn on May 1.

The event, between 9.45am and 10.45am, offers “friendly and informal all-age worship”.

669 Loose Road Maidstone ME15 9UX Tel. 01622 746688

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Tesco store ‘will be good for community’ PART of a much-loved curry house in Coxheath has been replaced with a Tesco Express store.

Spice Lounge owner Anhar Ali (pictured) says the pandemic hit the Heath Road restaurant hard and planning permission for the store was granted in 2020.

The restaurant has been closed for almost a year due to building works, and will re-open on May 10.

Mr Ali said: “Due to COVID and a shortage in materials, the project has been delayed, but it has now been handed over to the Tesco team.

“The Tesco Express store opened on April 14. This is good news for local people.

“The store also has a muchneeded ATM machine, and 13 parking spaces for customers.”

Coxheath councillor Simon Webb said previously that the plans were “completely inappropriate” as the village is “crying out

for a pub”.

Cllr Webb said: “Coxheath does not need another convenience store.

A pub would make money for the owner and is what residents want.”

Mr Ali said: “I know there are mixed views about it, but you can’t really win.

“People thought when COVID

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THE death in a car accident last month of Aylesford’s Aimee Williams (30) has left friends and family paying tribute to a “beautiful, happy, kind daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister and more recently devoted auntie”.

Aimee worked in the radiology department at Maidstone Hospital.

Her family said in a statement that she “touched the lives of many”.

There was a massive outpouring of support and condolence on the social media pages of Aimee’s family, and in a statement from her employers at the NHS, who described her as a “muchloved member of the team” who would be “missed by us all”.

Aimee’s sister Mollie wrote on Facebook: “My sister, my best friend, auntie, daughter… our angel…We are absolutely heartbroken, shocked, confused and so devastated.”

Aimee leaves her father Colin, who represents Aylesford South on Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, her mother Wendy, and sister Mollie, along with her wider family and her many friends.

Jan Dungey JAN Dungey (68), who died on January 21, was brought up and educated locally before embarking on a noteworthy career in the performing arts.

Her work earned her cult fame and saw her briefly working as a groundbreaking theatrical talent, forging a feminist perspective and challenging norms for theatre.

The daughter of architect James Dungey and secretary Grace (nee Murdoch), Jan attended Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School before graduating in English from Bristol

University. She then went on to study theatre performance.

Her highest profile career years were those between 1977 and 1982 when, as a member of the all-female company Cunning Stunts, she took part in performances that visited venues such as women’s prisons and psychiatric units, along with theatres.

The group challenged traditional notions of female beauty and typical roles in theatre, priding themselves on performances that highlighted the oddities of male behaviour.

At 6ft 2ins, Jan was a significant stage presence, capable of using her height and the power of her voice to add to the impact of performances.

With the demise of Cunning Stunts, Jan moved to Bungay in Suffolk, where she spent the rest of her life, with her long-term partner, Steve Cooke.

She continued to work in performing arts, combining time spent in companies with freelance work.

Although she was diagnosed with MS at the end of the last century, Jan was able to continue working, but eventually died as a result of COVID19.

In a Guardian obituary, her friend Nicky Stainton described Jan as “a beautiful and fearless woman who carried a bright flame of inspiration that was fanned by her determination, intelligence and infectious humour”.

Ray Pilbeam THE death has been reported of Raymond “Ray” John Brian Pilbeam (86).

A death announcement described Ray as a “much-loved husband, father and grandfather” whilst an announcement from the Maidstone branch of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish

Men noted Ray’s service as their chairman for six years, saying he had worked tirelessly for the branch.

The branch cited the many interesting speakers and events for which Ray was responsible, going on to note: “HE was a very special gentleman, always optimistic even when we knew he was often unwell.

“We shall sorely miss his wonderful smile and cheerful presence.”

Obituaries

Aimee Williams

Dave Head DAVE Head (51) lived locally all his life, residing in East Malling before spending the final 15 years in West Malling.

Known locally as a woodsman, his skills earned him the nickname Chainsaw Dave.

His employers over the years included Avondale, Fountains and S K Timber.

Dave, who was also known to some as “Vid”, based on the second half of his Christian name, was also well-known amongst local football followers, having been a frequent supporter at Maidstone United games.

He was visible in the club’s darkest days as one of the die-hard supporters, following Maidstone when the club were exiled from their hometown and played at Sittingbourne.

A keen angler, Dave went as far as France to fish with friends and had landed fish up to 84lbs in weight.

His mother Gill said: “Dave loved his simple pleasures in life, like his football, fishing and a drink with friends.

“He attended a Spurs v Liverpool game before he was born and counted Spurs as one of his teams, along with Maidstone United.

“He was good at his work and well qualified to the point he could handle all manner of tasks as a woodsman.”

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School event Friends of Hollingbourne School were planning to hold a circus event to raise funds for the school and had asked if the Lance Memorial Field could be used for parking. Members were keen to support the school but parking on the eld would depend on the weather. The clerk would contact the group for more information.

Cardwell Pavilion The clerk said the dance club was no longer going to be run from the Cardwell Pavilion as classes had become too big. The hiring of the Cardwell Pavilion and the eld are now organised via the parish council. Hirers should contact pchollingbourne@gmail.com or 07856 180003.

Business complaint A resident had alleged that a residential property in the village was being used as a business. MBC had investigated and were happy with the situation. It was agreed by parish councillors that if the residents at the property were not breaking the law, there is little they can do. However, if the vehicles were being parked on the zig-zag lines, blocking pavements etc, it would become a police matter and should be reported to them.

M20 services Cllr Marshall had emailed Rob Bracken, site director at Roadchef Services, with regards to the security repairs to the fence leading from the Musket Lane entrance. A further update would be given as soon as it is received.

PCSO update PCSO DeRose was now covering the Hollingbourne area, following Matthew Adlington’s departure.

Shivon had already been able to visit the Hollingbourne residents in the Upper Street area, offering advice and information regarding crime prevention.

Cllr Marshall and the clerk would meet up with her soon to talk about the issues faced within the village and how the PCSO could help.

Environment The clerk had sent out the landscape/grass cutting tenders to seven local businesses. The submitted tenders would be ready for consideration at the nance meeting.

Land for trees MBC, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust, is looking for larger plots of land for planting trees and encouraging landowners to come forward and support the initiative. More information is available on the MBC website.

Recycling Cllr Ward was liaising with the school about their involvement in the recycling scheme proposed for Hollingbourne. The scheme was organised via the Maidstone Lions charity, and was discussed at the parish assembly in November 2021.

Millennium Green Cllr Ward is still working on the gaining of the deeds for the Millennium Green via the MBC. Speedwatch According to the December survey, in the 20mph zone the Speedwatch group recorded 188 vehicles passing observation points, including 53 offenders

(25mph or faster). In the 30mph zone, the volunteers recorded 112 vehicles, but only three offenders. The sessions were from 2.30-3.30pm. Another volunteer has been trained up.

Debrillators The devices at the entrance to the school and the village hall have been checked and are in good working order.

Cllr Marshall is progressing well with the installation of a debrillator.

Loose Crime prevention A meeting had been held at Cllr Griggs’ house with the PCSO, deputy clerk, clerk, Derek Corbett and Lauren Moss (community safety officer) in attendance. Areas covered included antisocial behaviour, drugs and irresponsible motorbike riding. It was agreed to put the 101 process on the website and what items can be reported.

Pavilion shelter PC Ingram said he had spoken to the parents of the youths who had damaged the shelter and advised them that the parish council would like some payment towards the cost of the damage. The parents were going to speak to the council. No contact has been made.

Queen’s Jubilee A resident asked if it would be possible to hold an event on the KGVPF for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on June 4. They would like bands, stalls, bar etc. It was agreed that there were many issues involved with holding such a large event, including risk assessments, the use of generators, public liability insurance, rst aiders etc. The council was happy in principle to support the event and help with paperwork.

Enquiries and complaints Items dealt with included: a blocked drain in Well Street; parking at the Walnut Tree pub; damage to rubbish bin by bus shelter/Rosemount Close; cover stones had come off the wall at Herts Crescent; a hirer had left white powder in the kitchen at the pavilion requiring extra cleaning; a enquiry about using the pavilion for a large community event.

Communications The communication and media clerk was keeping a record of social media dates. The Community Alert would be issued with a copy of Cllr Griggs’ letter.

Breakthrough Communications had been asked to do a social media free mini health check.

Dog bins The meeting heard that the dog bins were in place at Salts Wood and being used. There is a risk of them overowing causing a hazard. A quote had been received from a contractor to empty the bins at £45 per fortnight. This was agreed.

Debrillator The council’s debrillator used at an incident in June 2021 had nally been returned to the parish by the police. It needed to be recommissioned ready to be put back in service so that the council could return the loan debrillator to the Community Heartbeat Trust.

Planter The planter on the island by the green had been damaged and needed to be repaired. The deputy clerk would deal with this.

Marden Parish matters A form had been received regarding the £500 grant for works next to the library. This had been completed by the clerk and returned.

Police issues Members raised concerns over trial bikes across some of the elds behind the new estates. They were advised to report to 101 and the clerk would speak with the PCSO. Newsletter Dates were circulated for the next three editions of the newsletter. It was agreed that the print number be increased to include all the proposed dwellings on the new developments. It was agreed to include an updated list of the important community contact details.

Flooding The Maynards sewer had ooded slightly in the heavy rain over Christmas but no other ooding issues had been reported since then.

Storage Staff in the parish office were nding it difficult to store all documents etc in the current storage space provided.

It was agreed in principle for the clerk to approach the Memorial Hall Trustees to ascertain if there was any space available within the hall.

Litter pick The deputy clerk had been approached by Marden Scouts for a date for the spring litter pick. This would take place on April 2.

Highways Improvement Plan The admin assistant was currently downloading all the survey results. Once these had been analysed the information would be circulated and the Highways Improvement Plan document would be updated.

Parish Councils

Hollingbourne

Sutton Valence War memorial play area An inspection found the shackles were beginning to wear on the trim trail and toddler swing, and the gate was slow to close. All were deemed as satisfactory or low risk.

Pavilion It was agreed to allow the container to remain so that the groundsman could continue with the grass cutting and pitch maintenance for the junior teams.

Harbour play area and eld The inspection found that the gate spring needed adjusting, and there was movement in the bottom xings on the spin dish. Everything was satisfactory.

Public transport Bus shelters at the village hall were discussed. It was agreed to approach the developers if the Haven Farm development goes ahead.

Tumblers Hill KCC had put forward a proposal to keep the hedge cut back and signage to be erected to warn of a drop. It was agreed to accept the proposal.

Parking issues It was proposed that the clerk investigate the possibility of employing a professional to look at the issues and come up with solutions, that will then be used to consult with parishioners.

29

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Life sentence for vicious attack CALLOUS Billy Williams, who subjected a pensioner to a terrifying two-day ordeal in her own home, has been jailed for life.

Williams (29) of Headcorn tied his victim to a chair for two days, unable to free herself.

She was discovered after worried relatives called police.

The woman's ordeal started at 6pm on Sunday, April 4, 2021, when she was approached and asked for a drink of water.

The violent thug, of Smarden Road, vaulted the garden gate and pushed the pensioner inside, holding a chisel to her neck.

He demanded money and valuables at knifepoint and sexually assaulted her.

After ransacking the house, Williams tightly gagged the victim and tied her to a chair using wiring and tape across her hands, ankles and neck.

He then doused her with alcohol from bottles in her living room, before leaving with money and pos-

sessions including a laptop and other personal items, as well as a suit protector case to carry them in.

Kent Police were alerted by a relative unable to contact the woman.

Officers found her dehydrated

Arrests in drugs case FOUR suspected cocaine dealers have been arrested after drugs and cash were found in a safe.

Patrol officers in Boxley Road, Maidstone, on March 28 saw a car they suspected was being used to supply drugs.

They stopped it and spoke to the driver, who was was detained for a search. Officers seized five deals of cocaine and a quantity of cash.

Six bags of cocaine and a quantity of cash was later found in a safe at a town centre property. This was seized, along with further money from a bedroom.

Two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of drug supply

Crime reports 36

offences and taken into custody.

Ion Dragomir (21) and Ionut Merchez (29), both of Sheals Crescent, were later charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Mr Dragomir was also charged with driving a vehicle without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The pair were both remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on March 30.

A 49-year-old woman and a 63year-old man, who had also been arrested, were bailed to return to the police station on April 25.

and with cuts and bruises to her face and body.

Williams was picked out in an identity parade and via DNA traces on a sherry bottle.

There was also CCTV footage of him making off on a bike.

He was chargd with aggravated burglary, false imprisonment and sexual assault. He was further charged with a separate burglary on the same day.

He denied the charges at Maidstone Crown Court but was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict.

During his trial he tried to escape from custody and forced his way to a main exit, but was pursued by a police officer and wrestled to the ground with the help of a court officer.

He admitted additional charges of escaping from lawful custody

and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He also admitted assaulting an inmate in March 2020, when he was a prisoner in HMP Peterborough.

Williams was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, April 8, to life in jail and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber, said: "Williams is an extremely dangerous individual, with a history of violent offending.

“He hasn’t shown a flicker of remorse for the suffering he caused this victim, who stood no chance of defending herself and will endure the psychological impact of his actions for the rest of her life.

“Today’s sentence will at least ensure he remains behind bars for a significant amount of time.”

Plan to axe tip charges GOVERNMENT plans which could help to alleviate Maidstone's fly-tipping scourge have been welcomed by a top landowners' lobbying group.

Proposals to scrap a charge to get rid of household waste is welcomed by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Maidstone has been bedevilled by illegal dumpers, and critics say Maidstone Brough Council, does little to tackle the problem.

Under the new rules, household DIYers would not be charged to get rid of waste such

as plasterboards, bricks and bath units.

CLA regional director Tim Bamford said: “The latest statistics from Defra revealed that incidents of fly-tipping on public land increased by 16% per cent across England in 2020/2021, to more than 1.1m.

“Some boroughs and districts in the South East suffered a 100% rise in incidents compared with the year before."

When criminals dump on private farmland, it is owners, not the borough council, who must foot the bill.

Neighbourhood Watch

A HOUSE in Braunstone Drive, Allington, was broken into.

A silver Ford Transit, registration GD12***, was stolen in Ashford Road, Bearsted.

Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police A vandal damaged a fence panel in Sharsted Way, Bearsted.

Peugeot Boxer in Heath Road, Coxheath.

The tyres of a Mercedes Vito were A wing mirror was stolen from a vehicle The contents of a recently delivered par- slashed in Greenfield Close, Aylesford.

A red, white and black BMX bicycle was in Timbertops, Boxley.A suspected bur- cel were stolen in King Edward Road, stolen from Brooklands Road, Larkfield. glar tried to break in to to several vehicles Maidstone.

Somebody smashed glass in the back in Clement Court, Maidstone.

Somebody damaged a LEVC TX Vista Various items were stolen from a patient taxi being driven along Ashford Road, door of a house in High Street, Snodland.

A garden in Partridge Avenue, Larkat a hospital in Gidds Pond Way, Boxley. Thurnham.

A recently-delivered parcel was stolen A fire extinguisher was sprayed up a field, was vandalised.

A thief took a parcel from a doorstep in from the communal area of flats in Saturn wall in Earl Street, Maidstone.

Road, Coxheath.

Stables in Cayser Drive, Kingswood, Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill.

A group of people kicked the door of a A window was smashed at a school in were broken into.

Boughton Lane, Maidstone.

There was an attempt to steal a £5 note house in High Street, Snodland, on sevBoth number plates were stolen from a from a house in Wyatt Street, Maidstone. eral occasions.

downsmail.co.uk

r GOVERNMENT keeps piling houses

on our Kentish countryside and now there is an extra and even worse threat – a mass of wind turbines to meet the country’s self-imposed energy crisis.

They talk too of a change in planning rules, so they can be erected at speed with little public protest.

Turbines are huge, overshadowing just about all properties around them; very noisy; a danger to wildlife; and eating into our valued agricultural land. Who would want them as neighbours?

Protests took off very quickly and our MPs, already inundated with complaints about the level of housing demanded by Government in the South East, have taken this frightening threat to ministers.

Early signs are they have made their mark and Government thinking is moving away from turbines on land and towards other means of creating electricity. Our MPs need to stay on this ball.

I have become increasingly unhappy over the years with the way successive Governments have reduced our national energy infrastructure and looked to imports instead. Russia’s pariah President Putin has shown the world the folly of this.

Now we pay a very heavy price in a number of ways, with energy bills crippling many households and set to get worse.

The Government sees the main answer now as building nuclear power stations – a vital step but a slow and costly process.

Would Dungeness be one suitable site on the Kent coast? The rst power station is long closed and the second seemingly at the end of its life (but is it now)?

Operation Brock misery IT IS pretty clear that Operation Brock has failed…miles of queuing traffic, road closures and complete chaos.

Dover has always had long queues of lorries at the port, which had already increased signicantly since Christmas, where freight has been queued on the A20 almost daily. Over the last week, heavy traffic has been clogging up the roads all over the county.

HGVs were seen queuing as far back as J12 (Cheriton) on the M20 last Friday resulting in up to 20 hours wait to reach the port, causing complete gridlock on the roads of Dover.

Once Operation Stack was implemented, the traffic was signicantly reduced in Dover, however this did not solve the problem. It simply removed it from one part of the county to another – the M20.

Thousands of vehicles once again queued beyond J6 (Bluebell Hill) then to be redirected to the A20 at J8, creating chaos through towns and villages until nally connecting back with the M20 at

MailMarks DENNIS FOWLE President dennisfowle28@gmail.com

There is also talk of a large area of turbines in the Irish Sea. They seem to cause nothing like the problems and protests as landlocked turbines.

Should solar panels be a standard part of every new property? It seems to make good sense. Visually they do not always look attractive added to an existing house but that could all change if they are built into the initial design.

Some farmers are giving over land to elds of solar panels. They are certainly nowhere near as intrusive as high-rise turbines. But the war in Ukraine is teaching us how important our home agricultural land is and will be in future.

The fracking debate is back on the cards too. Our gas prices are now something like 10 times those in America, where fracking has revolutionised the energy scene.

Successful international entrepreneur Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and executive chairman of Ineos Group, says in a Sunday Telegraph article “our scientic expertise was demonised by an ignorant minority” over the perceived threat of earthquakes and it is “not too late for shale gas”. Once again our top politicians are listening.

We have to nd the right answers – but wind turbines near our homes is not one of them.

J11. At the time of writing this, Ashford is a no-go area.

With this amount of traffic expected to continue at this increased level for some time to come, not only are these lorry drivers forced into a queue for many hours with no amenities, many people’s holiday breaks are also set to be ruined.

More misery coming this way.

What exactly is the function of the lorry holding area off J10a (Ashford) if not for situations like this? When this shocking announcement (without consultation) was made, local residents were informed that this development would house up to 3,000 lorries for customs checks as well as a holding area, and yet this remains almost empty.

It really is just as well this was not used.

Imagine the mayhem it would bring to the road network in and around Ashford if it were?

When this area was constructed, it was announced that it would only be commissioned for ve years. What is the plan moving forward? Will they spring

Barriers to 20mph aIT SEEMS Kent County Council (KCC)

Comment

Keep turbines off countryside and Kent Police will give no easy ride to a Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) decision in support of local Greens for 20mph limits in residential areas if there is strong community backing.

In a report to Maidstone Joint Transportation Board, KCC sets out Government views, which are likely to be shared by many motorists wanting a sensible balance between road safety and keeping Maidstone moving.

Government believes the zones should be largely self-enforcing and in areas where traffic, though already slowmoving, is still seen as a real safety problem. No doubt that is why so many are close to schools.

Police have always been concerned that 20mph areas will bring additional pressures on them – and Government says there must be no expectation of police enforcement.

Government says there must be a very full local consultation process, especially relating to emergency services and public transport. It seems Tonbridge did not do a good communication job – and some roads in its ill-thought scheme have quickly returned to their former speed limit.

There is a considerable workload for KCC in administering an application, and overall costs are substantial. In its current parlous nancial state, KCC will not welcome this.

Many motorists see wide expansion of 20mph areas as much an attack on cars than as a realistic safety measure. It is a political hot potato. something on us as they did the rst time?

Road works, which were started in January to relocate the Brock barrier ,have now been halted due to unforeseen circumstances.

Firstly, does this mean the M20 will be subjected to even longer restrictions?

When viable, will National Highways ood the area with a larger workforce to compensate for lost time?

These occurrences will continue to thwart our roads for years to come unless a real solution is approved. It has been seven years since I rst approached the government and local authorities about producing a new road to service Kent.

This would be closed off and act as lorry holding area when incidents such as the current situation occurs. However, those in control continue to allow those in Kent to suffer.

The current road networks are no longer t for purpose and haven’t been for quite some time.

It is about time someone woke up and

37

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Comment

paid attention. This problem is not simply just going to disappear, something real needs to happen, and fast.

Brian Marchant, Ashford

Why not use lorry park?

THE chaos on local roads of late is, actually, entirely the fault of the government.

If a ferry company wants to re its entire staff and replace it with untrained workers, it is a matter for the law in the end. It is a great shame that the company will probably get away with it.

But governments of various stripes have prevaricated and dithered over the whole idea of lorry parks for decades.

What is a bit of a mystery is that when there is a facility at Manston ready to be used, it hasn’t been during the latest crisis. Why? Perhaps the M26 is a better bet. It’s 10 miles long and would create muchneeded extra capacity. Operation Brock is a imsy solution, designed only to solve the immediate problem. And it is not just freight that uses the M20 – normal people use it too.

It was once one of the most free-owing and reliable motorways in the country but not anymore. The question is – what have our MPs been doing about this mess?

Doubtless, Kent’s Conservatives will say they have been meeting so-and-so and talked about such and such. Well, it is that perpetual Westminster inertia that got us into this pickle in the rst place.

Sometimes it is hard to work out what MPs are actually for.

Oliver Campbell, via email

Take gas cash and say sorry AT THIS time, when Ukraine's children need all the help they can get, it is reported that the Save the Children Charity has refused to accept at least £750,000 from a company who operate in the gas industry, as well as refusing aid from others for the same reason.

It seems that so many charities are populated by those who presume the charity is there to push their own ideologies. This ubiquitous copycat criteria has resulted in the fact that Ukrainian children are in now intense danger (are they then to be martyrs for green energy?).

The United States is in a similar situation as Europe – under Biden green policies mean that from being selfsufficient in energy under Trump they have to import oil and gas and prices have doubled. It also purchases this fuel from Russia.

If the supply of natural gas and oil was turned off now, we all know that almost everything would come to a halt. We needed windmill power urgently two years ago, and the result was a large part of the country was blacked out.

Children are in grave danger now. I asked my great grand-daughter her

38

opinion, and her reply was that the charity should apologise and take the money, which should go towards the efforts in helping the children before it is too late.

We know that most of these high and mighty persons will be using gas now.

I have almost lost count of the number of wrong climate forecasts I have been given. It was supposed to be 10 degrees hotter today than in 1970, but I am cold.

Alan Wallace, via email

Society’s values degraded HAVING read another of KG Banks’ considered letters about the arrival of the Knife Angel in Maidstone, I cannot disagree with anything he has expressed.

Traditional male attitudes and toxic masculinity, however, may always be with us. It is a fair bet many of these young men have come from households where there is not, and possibly has never been, a responsible adult male to guide and support them through the formative parts of their lives.

Then there is a lack of respect for authority (and particularly the police), who are weakened by low numbers and anaemic sentencing by the courts.

We spend all our time these days trying not to offend people’s “woke” sensibilities while degrading the values on which strong societies are built.

R Young, via email

Direct cremation concern DIRECT cremation has become increasingly popular as people’s budgets have tightened and Covid restrictions have prevented more traditional funeral services.

There is certainly a healthy amount of television advertising on the topic to remind us.

However, as the leading UK trade association for independent funeral directors, we are increasingly concerned by the level of misunderstanding around direct cremation. We have spoken to members in your area who are independent funeral directors and share

these concerns. Research shows that many people do not fully understand what direct cremation entails, nor are they aware of how little involvement they can have.

For example, families tend to be barred from visiting their loved one or attending a committal, and it’s often the case that direct cremations take place at a hub location far away from the deceased’s home, making it logistically difficult and potentially distressing if the next of kin change their mind about the service.

The public’s lack of understanding can be easily perpetuated by 30-second soundbites on a TV advertisement which focuses on the simplicity of such services.

Bereavement is one of the most challenging times in someone’s life.

People must fully understand the choices available. I would urge anyone who has concerns or questions about direct cremation to write to Citizens Advice or their local MP, or of course to speak to their local SAIF independent funeral director. Alternatively, go to www.funeraladvice.org.

Terry Tennens, chief executive National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors

Have fun to help children SPRING is well under way and with the days lengthening and temperatures rising, kids can be outside again, doing what all children should – playing.

Muddy knees, hide-and-seek and picnics with teddy bears should be part of every childhood, but there’s never been a more challenging time for children.

Right now, children are facing conict, disasters and other crises in countries around the world. And it is children that are often hardest hit – like the 7.5 million children affected by the conict in Ukraine.

One way to support UNICEF’s work for all children around the world is to take part in the Soccer Aid Schools Challenge.

We’re encouraging all schools in the south east to take part in this fun, active challenge. Pupils design their own sporty obstacle course, with all fundraising efforts going towards Soccer Aid for UNICEF. By kicking, bouncing, sprinting, skipping, dribbling the ball or hopping across the playground, schools across the UK will be doing their bit to help children around the world have a childhood full of play.

If you think this is something your local school would be interested in, please visit www.socceraid.org.uk to sign up, and you’ll receive a free pack full of tips – from planning your challenge to making sure it raises as much money as possible for children everywhere.

Mimi Gordon, head of Soccer Aid UNICEF UK

Opinion

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Working to support Ukrainian families

WHEN I was at primary school, I remember our class reading a book called the Silver Sword, by Ian Serraillier. Based on fact and set in 1940 in occupied Poland, it is a reminder of a terrible past that must not be forgotten.

The story follows a Warsaw family torn apart by Hitler’s Nazis and tells how three children survive a journey of escape through perilous conict. Crucially, it is also about hope, generosity, compassion and courage at a time of deep humanitarian crisis.

The obscenity of the Russian war we are now witnessing is history repeating itself and is sickening to my core. The UN estimates that a quarter of Ukraine’s 44 million population have ed their homes, with 4 million leaving the country altogether, seeking safety and sanctuary from Putin’s despotic aggression.

International humanitarian support has been gratifying to witness in countries across Europe, most notably Poland where deeply held WWII memories survive. Here in the UK, 56,500 visas have been issued through the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

A further 17,000 have been issued under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and I am pleased to say that 752 were made in Kent and 91 by people living in Maidstone.

This gure could, and should, be much higher, with thousands of applicants waiting to receive information from the Home Office.

Daily, I also hear from constituents who’ve

By Helen Grant MP for Maidstone & the Weald registered for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, but weeks later still await a response.

I have written to the Home Secretary expressing concerns and my team are liaising with an emergency team set up in Portcullis House in Westminster. Unfortunately, their efforts are frustrated by long queues of fellow parliamentary staff, waiting on what is clearly an under-resourced task force.

Amidst such bewildering bureaucracy at this time of emergency, there are heartening stories coming through. Last week, I spoke with one constituent who had succeeded in helping his ancée and her daughter nd safe passage out of Ukraine.

They then travelled across Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Austria and Germany, by bus and train, before securing a ight to the UK. They still have family left behind and under threat, so I hope and pray that their story follows that of The Silver Sword, with a shattered family safely reunited after the war.

Use skills to make difference AT last, we finally know that the COVID rules the government required us all to abide by were broken in Downing Street. To some of us that will come as no surprise to others it will make the pain they are already feeling worse.

The effect of this situation goes wider than lawbreaking by the lawmakers. It goes to the heart of our civil society.

People perceive a lack of fairness and responsibility in our leaders and this translates into one of two things: either railing against the storm or apathy. The fear is that this situation mostly generates apathy towards all things related to “officialdom”.

As someone who worked in the public sector for many years, one of the greatest assets we were always able to rely on was generating enthusiasm for public initiatives from communities. This usually happened in spite of, rather than because of, politics. But that ability to engage with people on a community level seems to have changed.

The question I often hear is “Well, they

By John Britt

Chairman of Lenham Parish Council

ought to do something about it …”

It would appear that, as a parish councillor, I qualify as one of “they”.

As volunteers, we give our time without pay to support our communities. It is easy to become cynical, and with the mounting daily pressures we are facing and the apparent lack of responsibility from those who purport to “lead” us, that is understandable.

However, if you have a skill, if you have an opinion, don’t just be a keyboard warrior on social media, get involved. Channel that energy, become one of “they” – one of us. Volunteer your skills in some direction, and I promise you will find it incredibly rewarding.

W

ITH a couple of weeks until the May local council elections, there seems to be some speculation about the chances of Conservative leader Cllr David Burton, who faces Green Party and Liberal Democrat challenges. Friends say he anticipated a challenge from Lenham anti-development campaigner Kate Hammond, but none materialised.

Politics watchers will remember that last year indy Kate stood against the then Liberal Democrat leader Martin Cox and nearly cost him his seat in town. A pal of Cllr Burton sighs: "That would have been a lot of fun, I think."

C

LLR Burton was overheard the other day describing the role of the elected leader of a borough council thus: “It’s like nailing jelly to the wall.”

F

ANS will recall Cllr Cox, now the Lib Dem splinter group head honcho, had a fearful falling-out last October with his old muckers in the local party. The group has decided not to stand candidates in the election, but one of its number in the east ward, Nikki Fissenden, faces challenges from Green Donna Greenan, Lib Dem Richard Conyard and James Reid, the Conservative. I hear Cllr Cox and Cllr Clive English, the current local Lib Dem top banana, have not made up since the spat, and are barely on speaking terms.

A

LSO on the missing list is the, er, veteran Liberal Democrat borough councillor Dan Daley who has decided to stand down as the member for Allington. Cllr Daley booms: "I am 90 years old...don't you think I've had enough? I've done 32 years and it's time to slacken off a bit, I think." He will retain his seat on the county council for the next three years before deciding whether to try for another term.

B

EARSTED blue Mike Cuming has decided to spend his free time away from the council, travelling at home and abroad. Cllr Cuming, who enjoyed a near 70% share of the vote, makes way for candidate Sandra Knatchbull.

D

APPER Liberal Democrat Derek Mortimer will contest the south ward, despite the fact he now lives in a different borough. He has argued his place of work is at the council in Maidstone, thus qualifying to stand, but whether mischief makers in the Green Party, Conservatives and Labour point this out, repeatedly, remains to be seen.

Chin chin!

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

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