Downs Mail Newspaper Issue 309 2021

Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper

Maidstone East Edition

FREE & Fortnightly FREE

Maidstone & Malling’s No.No. 2461 newspaper

October 2017

Panto ahoy!

December 16th – January 12th

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

Park & Ride at risk after £360k demand

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 MAIDSTONE'S Park & Ride bus service could stop in February after South Borough Primary School and members of the media.

The panto the borough council refused to increase Arriva’s operating subsidy. runs from December 1-31. For tickCurrently the council pays the ets go to www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk. bus company a £160,000 annual subsidy, but Arriva initially pressed for a £100,000 increase after the contract expires in February, a demand which then grew to £200,000 (total £360,000).

The council’s strategic planning and infrastructure committee considered the problem behind closed doors and it was the vote of the controlling Conservatives which decided against Arriva demands.

The cost of the service to taxpayCALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping a as ers is controversial, but on it is seen to cut town centre traffic. country road have been made by the local boroughhelping councillor.

The closure of sites in Tovil and waste carriers, but Burberry Lane, near Leeds and nearby, more than a year after it unlicensed Sittingbourne Road reduced itsbeeflieves the cost to small firms of disBroomfield, has been targeted by was dumped and set on fire. fectiveness and the pandemic cut The church car park has also seen posing construction wasteStreet at a waste dumpers for years, but in redemandofso the Willington cent months, the problem has be- many instances of illegal dumping. transfer station sites is proving a deterand Allington serve just 600 But it is a problem in many rural rent come more acute. that is costing councils passengers between them. more.

Construction waste, rubble, hard areas including Langley, Otham Cllr Fort her remarks as Arriva hasmade been operating below Russell Anderson and Teresa Nelms man the raffle stall at the craft core, windows and household fur- and Kingswood. Water Lane in one of the borough’s closest break-even and this has led totransnew fair in Headcorn Picture: Graham Haskett niture is left illegally – often strewn Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have fer stations requirements. at North Farm, Tuncontractual also been targeted recently. in the middle of the road. bridge Wells, announced it will be The council faces the challenges Last year, Maidstone Borough closed for 10 weeks.

Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month of trying to operate the service in a we are having toilets, sinks and Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tipShe added: “If you go along the different style, possibly with a new ping and thisthe year more than 163 line of increasing fines, they have to construction wastecountdown dumped in has the begun THE Christmas across borough – not partner, but with little time before have been recorded since April. be enforced. A reduction in the village, in Burberry least at specifically Headcorn, where there was a successful craft market. the contract expires the service The approaching darker evenings charge or offering it free may have Lane, where wealso are now thinking The village launched its Christmas Tree Festival. could come to a temporary or perwill prompt a rise in illegal tipping. of installing cameras on private the desired similar effect.”

Local businesses and families have sponsored 55 trees in the manent halt.

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

A three-monthly litter pick on the churchyard to raise funds.

Lib Demstretch leaderofCllr Enrecent event in Burberry Lane roadClive through lAChristmas messages, page 31 tive by the Environment Agency mile-long glish stated: “Although saw a caravan burned out while a and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- Leeds village produces an national average grant funding uncertain after torched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on 32 black sacks ofisrubbish.

April, Cllr with Fort, passenger who also numbers serves asina creasingcouncillor, it is likely council support parish says teaching would only be social needed short term. children about responsibility "Itthe is unacceptable toschools do nothing and issue of litter in will and watch thisissue valued close help take the offservice the streets. down.

We feel break-even support She believes with every household should bea weekly provided andcollection we will receiving refuse YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT service, there no excuse litter challenge anyisattempt by for Consermaidstone@martinco.com being from vehicles vativesthrown to pull the rug from Parkor & 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent dumped in theinroad.

Ride services the borough.”

CCTV call in a bid to stop fly-tipping Christmas is coming!

01622 690290

News No. 309

Kate, 107, dies KATE Hart, a resident at an old people’s home in Bearsted, News has died aged 107, her son 3 David has disclosed.

Shepway MP’s Localstrangler Plan bid

VIOLENT thug David (30) HELEN Whately asked Brown the has cheatedto jailhalt despite government the being convicted housing of strangling his 4 borough’s scheme. à3 now ex-partner.

Plans forproblem Dr Nigel Sewage

THE widow of GP Dr Nigel HUMAN waste backed upMinnet into a will walk the Grand village street - but no one 12 has Canyon forresponsibility charity. accepted for the issue. à4

Jason Donovan date Police THE former drunk Neighboursblitz star brings his show to thewarned Hazlitt festive tipPOLICE have 18 Theatre next May. plers against getting behind the wheel. à5

New leisure centre OPTIONS are now in front of the borough council which could lead to a £40m replacement to the town’s leisure centre - either at the current site or à8 elsewhere.

à19 Obituaries 32 Obituaries à21 Parishes Parish Councils 34-35 à29-31 Comment ASH dieback has been discovered in Monks Meadow in Detling; Hollingbourne fete stallSolar farmvillage plans holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has PLANS foryellow a major resigned; linesnew aresolar needed farm have been revealedtoatallow a for Buffkyn Way, Otham, pig farm near Imperial West Park; rubbuses through à17 Malling. bish bins in the sports field in Kingswood are to be moved over to the picnic area and rear exit.

Binbury plans

35 Crime A MAJORReports housing and leisure

complex for Detling will be heard VEHICLES have been driven over by the borough council farmland in Lenham, causing à22 shortly. damge to crops; an attempted break-in was reported in Detling; a vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Station movement Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were LOCAL interest in empty build- in stolen from an allotment ings at Hollingbourne railway Lenham. station has been encouraging and ready to move to 46-47 Comment à22 the next stage.

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News

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Shepway strangler free for Christmas SHEPWAY strangler David Brown has dodged jail after he attacked his now ex-partner using their child’s comfort blanket.

Brown (30), who was convicted of assault by beating after appeal, put the blanket over the victim’s face and left marks on her neck from pinning her to the sofa as their two children sat upstairs.

The violent thug had been in a relationship with the victim for six years when the assault took place on January 2, 2019.

The victim told the court Brown, who was 22 stone at the time, grabbed her so tightly by the throat she started to feel lightheaded and kicked him in the knee to get away.

She told the court via live link from an unknown location: “I ended up on the floor and felt pain in my eye, everything went blank.

I felt his hands around my throat.”

The court was read text messages from Brown to his ex saying:

“I haven’t touched you in over a year” referring to a time where he allegedly “restrained” the victim when she kept “beating on him”.

Emin Kandola, defending, claimed Brown, who is due to undergo a hip operation, takes care of his new partner’s children and it is his turn to host Christmas.

Judge Janet Bignell QC described the attack as “nasty, sudden and

frightening”, adding: “This assault took place in a domestic setting, a home where the victim was entitled to feel safe. A high-level community order and fine cannot be justified in this instance. It passes the custody threshold.”

It was alleged Brown also took his victim's memory box to her stillborn child and burned it in a fire pit in the garden.

But he was found not guilty at trial of criminal damage last year.

Brown was sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for 12 months. He was also given a two-month curfew from 8pm to 6am each day. l THERE are support services across Kent and Medway that can provide advice to those experiencing domestic abuse.

Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service 0808 168-9111 Clarion Domestic Abuse Service 0800 2800 367

Prisoner faces murder charge

AN INMATE at Maidstone Prison has been charged with murder following the death of another prisoner.

Kent Police said Sasan Rabit (24) was charged with the killing of Stefan Adi (24) in the early hours of Saturday, December 11.

It is understood Mr Adi, who had been in the prison since the summer after a robbery conviction, died of head injuries after an alleged altercation between the inmates on December 9.

As police and paramedics got to the scene, prisoners were locked in their cells.

A police statement said: "Kent Police were called to the prison following concerns for the welfare of an inmate, at 3.33pm on Thursday, December 9.

"The South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended and the man was declared deceased at the scene by medical crews."

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News

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Sewage ‘not down to building’ HUMAN waste, brown water and used toilet tissue from a blocked drain leaked into a village road close to a development of 100 new homes in Bearsted.

Residents claim raw sewage has spilled down into Water Lane twice since May, and they worry the excrement will leak into a nearby stream.

Builders Dandara, who are behind The Sycamores development, insist the flooding is not a result of its new homes, but down to people flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet.

Bearsted borough councillor Val Springett says Water Lane was filled “side to side” with sewage.

Cllr Springett said: “What worries me is that if Water Lane floods, which it often does after heavy rainfall, and another blockage was to happen, the sewage will spill down the hill and into the stream, resulting in a very hefty fine from the Environment Agency.

“The manhole at The Sycamores

Fine and ban

A DRINK driver from Marden has been banned from driving and fined £1,000.

Michael Lancaster (51) of St Ann’s Green Lane was sentenced on November 8 at West Kent Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to driving when above the legal drink-drive limit on August 14. When stopped he gave a reading of 77mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

He was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months and fined £1,000.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £100 and costs of £85.

site is absolutely tiny for 100 homes which is where all their sewage is directed to, and when that is overloaded it leaks everywhere.

“The smell in the village after it happened was awful and I am getting in touch with Icosa Water to have this problem sorted.”

Icosa Water denied responsibil-

ity for the sewer as it has not yet been adopted by the company.

A spokesman said: “It seems we do not currently look after it, but could end up inheriting some of the problems once it is signed over to us. We will be sending out a technical team to investigate.”

A Southern Water spokesman

said the drain is not part of its network.

A Dandara spokesman said: “We are aware that there are issues of flooding historically on Water Lane, however this is not a result of our new homes being built.

“As we understand it, the blockages are occurring due to nonbiodegradable items being flushed into the system. Obviously this is exacerbating the existing problem with drainage in the area.

“We appreciate the effect it is having on residents and we have unblocked the drains on several occasions to try to alleviate the issue.

We will do everything we can to support the local authority in solving this.”

The Sycamores, a 10-acre site off Roundwell, boasts 100 new three, four and five-bedroom homes.

Mayor joins pupils to open play area THE Mayor of Maidstone and schoolchildren from Boughton Monchelsea Primary School have opened a new outdoor play area in the town.

Cllr Gooch and the pupils were pictured at Lockmeadow late last month.

She said: "The backdrop of the riverside, The Archbishop’s Palace and All Saint’s Church creates a beautiful setting for the play area and it is a really good spot for parents to take little ones to get some fresh air and burn off some energy.

“The children here today have certainly enjoyed themselves."

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

Police out to get drink-drivers DRINK drivers in Maidstone better beware this Christmas – Kent Police are seeking them out.

Festive tipplers tempted to get behind the wheel are the target of the roads policing unit (RPU) in Kent.

Officers will be stopping drivers and requesting roadside breath tests from all drivers who commit any kind of traffic offence.

They will also use drug sampling kits to find motorists impaired through other substances before blood samples are taken.

Last year’s campaign saw over 460 vehicles stopped and 225 arrests.

RPU Chief Inspector Craig West said: “The harm caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot be underestimated.

“Drink and drug-driving is one of the four most common causes of a serious collision alongside not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or other device at the wheel, and speeding. While only a very

small minority commit offences of this nature, the consequences can be life-changing for all involved.”

Kent County Council’s cabinet member for highways, Cllr David Brazier, said: “We know that getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when you are not fit to do so can have tragic consequences.

“I would take this opportunity to encourage people not to drink or take drugs when they are planning on driving at any time of year.

“The safety of everyone on our roads is a top priority and we need motorists to be responsible to prevent tragedies.”

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A BURNT-out car has been dumped on farmland near Maidstone.The 2010 BMW, which was almost completely destroyed in the blaze, was left at the entrance to farmland in Water Lane, Bearsted.

Tony’s date with duchess A SEVEN-year-old amputee, who lost his legs after horrific abuse from his biological parents, was invited to sing carols with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Tony Hudgell, from Kings Hill, joined her at a service in Westminster Abbey on December 8.

Earlier this month, Paula Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother, won her long-running campaign for “Tony’s Law” to ensure child abusers stay behind bars for longer.

Paula started her campaign when Tony’s biological parents were jailed for just 10 years each in February 2018 for cruelty.

Tony suffered eight fractures to his thighbones, lower legs, right ankle, toe bones and thumb just days after he was born in October 2014.

Tony has since been involved in many charity events, most notably raising more than £1.5million for the hospital that saved his life as a baby.

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Free news is not cost-free!

THE Downs Mail has been bringing news to its local community for free since 1997.

First to arrive on the doormat was the Downs Mail, followed online more recently by Daily Downs Mail which provides a round-the-clock news service.

Over the years we have become a trusted, loved and respected community-based newspaper. Our core belief is that community news should be free for all its readers.

Despite many pressures over Downs Mail's quarter of a century, we have managed to resist any pressure to charge you for the news service we provide.

However, COVID-19 still has a severe impact on our advertisers. Many are small businesses, like us, and this has substantially reduced our key source of income – advertising.

As well as reduced revenues, the cost of the paper we are printed on has risen sharply, with two price rises this year and another steep increase of about 30% due in January.

The Kent Messenger has just increased its cover price by 10p to £1.70, while the free Friday Ad is soon to go digital only, ceasing print editions.

As a small, family-run business, we have had to dig deep into limited reserves as Government grants and support for our publishing sector were restricted, barely covering running costs for the first month of lockdown.

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To support us, go to our Facebook page @downsmailnews, visit our web homepage at www.downsmail.co.uk or scan the QR code. Donations can be sent to Mail Publications Limited, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green, Maidstone ME14 4DT. Please make cheques payable to: Mail Publications Limited.

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News | Council

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Leisure centre plan discussed

OPTIONS are now before Maidstone Borough Council which would lead to a new £40m leisure centre, either on the existing site at Mote Park or land nearby.

Linked leisure facilities could be provided in a rural location in the south of the borough.

The centre’s management contract with Serco ends in August 2024.

An officer’s report looks at four potential locations for a new building, but also the alternative of a major refurbishment of the existing centre.

Possible new locations are: l on the footprint of the existing building; l on the existing car park; l on land just to the north of the centre, which includes a tree-covered area of Mote Park and an area of The Mote cricket ground used for training by Maidstone Rugby Club; l on the main rugby Ist/2nd X1 pitch next to the leisure centre car park.

Re-building on the existing cen-

Polls switched to four-yearly

COUNCILLORS have voted to hold elections every four years with the hope of saving the taxpayer £250,000.

Maidstone Borough Council has for many years opted for an election three in every four years, known as "thirds". Critics say it is disruptive to smooth governance as six weeks are spent in “purdah', when the authority's business is effectively suspended.

Cllr Jonathan Purle, Tory deputy leader at MBC, said it could save the one and two member wards being subsumed into larger divisions under changes expected by the Boundary Commission.

After the vote was won by 39 votes to five against and eight abstentions, he said: "The present system allows too much short-termism, leading to Maidstone going to pot over the past ten years or so."

The previous Liberal Democrat/Labour ruling alliance ousted in May resisted attempts to change the system.

Conservative leader Cllr David Burton said: "This has never been about political gain."

Labour said the current system "keeps us in touch with the public" more regularly.

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tre’s land would take two to three years, leading to “significant detrimental health outcomes”, with children unable to attend swimming lessons for a key part of their childhood and sports clubs needing to find new homes.

The car park could accommodate a centre, but it would be constricted in design by the narrowness of the car park and

proximity of residential properties.

A new car park could be the footprint of the existing centre.

The land north of the centre or the main rugby ground would enable the current centre and car park to operate in the construction period.

The cricket/rugby land is not owned by the council and would require collaboration with the

owners (The Mote Cricket Club and its trustees) and rugby club.

These two clubs are working on their own development plans, including a new pavilion, and this option “would cause substantial disruption to the clubs in the short term but long term could deliver benefits to all parties”.

Both clubs are open to working on a mutually-beneficial masterplan for the site and would like to explore options for a sport and leisure hub at Mote Park.

The council is working with Sport England, which could help with a grant towards a new build and a bid can also be submitted to the national Levelling Up Fund in spring 2022.

Total cost of a new build is currently estimated at round £40m – just above the likely cost of a major refurbishment of the existing building.

Homes consultation bid fails TWO independent councillors passionately opposed to 5,000 potential homes at Lenham Heath have lost a bid to give the public more time to comment on the council's plans for massive housing growth.

Cllrs Tom and Janetta Sams (pictured) say six weeks is insufficient to mull over the council's proposed government-imposed allocation until 2037.

Maidstone Borough Council is saddled with government targets which could mean 1,200 new homes each year. On December 8, the Sams narrowly lost a vote 28-22.

The ruling Tory administration claims the timings are tight for the

Regulation 19 decision and the deadline of December 12.

Leader David Burton told full council: "Any delay increases the risk.

We can't go there."

Labour's Cllr Margaret Rose said that the consultation "deserves the widest range of views.”

Tories face by-election defeats THE Liberal Democrats and Greens have pulled off massive wins over the Conservatives in council by-elections.

Three Tory seats were up for grabs following resignations from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

Lib Dem Paul Boxall beat the Conservative into second place in West Malling in a victory which reflects the Tories' poor public standing at the moment.

The Lib Dems also contributed to the Green victory in nearby Tonbridge, having not put up a candidate. Kings Hill was easily won by the Tories, as expected.

Lib Dem spokesman David Naghi said: "The blue wall is starting to crumble in Kent."

The by-elections were held on December 9. The results were as follows: West Malling and Leybourne: Paul Boxall (Lib Dem) 776 (Elected);

David Thompson (Conservative) 624; Jordan Mahoney (Green) 137; Robin Potter (Labour) 29. Turnout: 27.6% Castle ward (Tonbridge): Anna Cope (Green) 731 (Elected); Johurul Islam (Conservative) 454; Julian Wilson (Labour) 48. Turnout 34.7% Kings Hill: Dan Harman (Conservative) 740 (Elected); Louis Westlake (Independent) 316; Raja Zahidi (Lib Dem) 191. Turnout 18.6%

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News

Driving ban

A MAN has been banned after drink driving in Lenham.

Michael O'Connor (44), fromDover, was sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on October 12.

He admitted driving when above the legal drink-drive limit in Lenham on September 8. When stopped he gave a reading of 72mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

He was disqualified from driving and fined £120. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £34 and costs of £85.

Theft alleged

TWO men allegedly stole a mobile phone while a member of staff was distracted in Maidstone.

The incident happened around midday on Thursday, November 18 in the High Street.

Inspector Steve Kent, of Maidstone's Community Safety Unit, said: “I would urge anybody who can assist our investigation to contact the appeal line.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/237245/21.

669 Loose Road Maidstone ME15 9UX Tel. 01622 746688

10

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Action call after rise in blue badge abuse THE number of blue badge misuse offences has risen during the pandemic, it has emerged.

Kent County Council’s (KCC) audit and governance committee was told there had been 103 reports of abuse of the parking scheme for disabled people between April 1 and June 30 this year.

That compared to 63 reports of misuse of the badges over the same period in 2020, a 68% increase.

James Flannery, KCC’s counter fraud manager, said improvements were being made to the county-run service to tackle the issue, including more enforcement.

Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions in August, two enforcement days were carried out to detect the scale of blue badge offences across Kent’s 12 districts, excluding Medway.

Ashford Borough Council was found to have the highest number of cases, with 10 blue badge of-

fences over a 48-hour period.

This was followed by Gravesham (four), Maidstone (two), Dover (two) and Dartford (one).

No offences were found in Canterbury, Folkestone and Hythe, Swale, Sevenoaks, Thanet, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Folkestone West county councillor Dylan Jeffrey (Con) called for action from the ruling parties of Kent district and borough councils.

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He said: “Either a number of local authorities have very lawabiding citizens or they are just not being captured. It concerns me there are zeros on the table.”

Out of the 103 blue badge incidents, around 19 involved the use of deceased person’s badges. These have all been cancelled. One offender received a fine of nearly £1,000, including court costs.

Malling county councillor Harry Rayner (Con) called for clarity on the level of improvement made by the team to stop the crime.

In response, Mr Flannery said enforcement days were likely to take place in March next year.

“We continue to engage with parking managers across the county to encourage them to take enforcement action,” he added.

“We intend to create a training video for enforcement officers, particularly with the turnover of staff in that area.”

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News

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Teen driver’s two-year ban

A MAIDSTONE teenager dodged jail after a series of driving offences.

Ricky Reader (19) of Egerton Road was sentenced on November 2 at Maidstone Magistrates Court.

He admitted driving without a licence, driving without insurance, driving dangerously, failing to stop when required by a constable and driving while unfit through drugs in Maidstone on May 15.

He was sentenced to 180 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, and banned from driving for 24 months. He must also carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay a surcharge of £128 and £85 costs.

Health walks

ANYONE in Chart Sutton hoping to get into shape after Christmas can do so with a stroll on the first Thursday of every month.

Starting at 11.30am from the village hall, the walk takes participants to the Lord Raglan and back, with lunch in between. For a longer walk, join the Sutton Strollers on the third Sunday of the month. Call Chris on 01622 842629 for details.

DHL rst to sign up at former newsprint site A COUNCIL leader has broadly welcomed plans for a massive logistics company to become the first tenants at the old Aylesford Newsprint site.

DHL has emerged as the first to sign up to the newly-named Panattoni Park, just off the M20.

Cllr Matt Boughton, Tory leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC), said: "DHL's investment in Panattoni Park is a huge vote of confidence in Tonbridge and Malling.

"I'm pleased they are the first company to announce they are moving in, after the link road is completed, and look forward to more to come."

DHL has signed a 15-year lease at the 90-acre plot and will be situated at the junction of Bellingham Way and Station Road.

The 110,406sqft building will meet DHL’s needs, including 12 dock doors for HGVs, plus level ac-

cess for vans on a six-acre plot.

DHL will be able to relocate its staff from its nearby distribution centre and increase its services to its customers across this part of the south east, says the developer.

Panattoni has submitted two reserved matters planning applications to TMBC which will agree the fine detail of the building’s layout, access and appearance.

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Where there’s a will, there’s certainty It is something that most of us never seem to get round to, but making a will has never been more important, as professional wills adviser Peter Camrass explains…

If you own anything, you should make a will. Without a will, there is a chance that your assets will not go the person or people that you would want them to go to.

For more detail about dying intestate (without a will) look at the Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/deathand-wills/who-can-inherit-if-there-is-no-will-the-rules-of-intestacy You can write your own will, but it is easy to get it wrong.

Many home-made wills are not valid so it is usually best to get professional advice. professional will writing organisations: the Society of Will Writers (SWW) and the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW).

One word of warning. Steer clear of companies that want to ‘sell you’ a package that involves pre-paying for probate.

is no guarantee that the company you have paid will still be around when you die.

Make sure your children don’t lose out Many couples will choose (or already have) simple mirror wills. This means that they leave everything to their spouse or partner when one dies and then have died.

There are risks with this.

1. The surviving spouse or partner remarries.

2. Care home fees.

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News

Alessia’s hat-trick in world cup qualier A FORMER pupil at St Simon Stock RC School in Maidstone was a hat-trick heroine in the Women's World Cup thrashing of Latvia.

Alessia Russo (22) slotted in three goals in the 20-nil demolition of the tiny Baltic nation at Doncaster on November 30.

They were the first goals Alessia had scored for her country.

The attacking midfielder, who plays for Manchester United, came off the bench on the hour mark before she struck three times in 11 minutes in the World Cup qualifier.

Later she told Manchester United’s website: “It’s so exciting to be back in an England shirt after a long time out. It’s amazing.

“We’ve had a good week of preparation, and these are the nights you dream of. It was great to be out there with the girls.

“We’ve worked really hard

these past few months and it was all topped off tonight. We look forward to the next camp and going again.”

The football authorities came in for criticism for allowing such un-

CONCERNS have been raised over a potential “cliff edge” fallout for Kent’s poorest families from the pandemic.

Kent County Council’s (KCC) Tory administration has expressed fears over the ending of government emergency grants provided to local authorities across England during the Coronavirus crisis.

Around £388 million of extra cash was given to KCC to spend on critical public services, including more than £11m for benefitsrelated free school meals during summer and winter holidays.

KCC’s scrutiny committee warned of a financial “cliff-edge” when support offered to families ends, as councillors reviewed the situation in a recent debate.

Maidstone county councillor Gary Cooke (Con) said: “I am concerned that with the extra financial support, which is incredibly important, that we do not face a cliff edge, where suddenly it is

withdrawn and all the money has gone.

“We will be living with the consequences of the pandemic for many years to come.”

It comes amid concerns about the new COVID-19 Omicron variant from South Africa, which has prompted travel restrictions.

KCC recently announced it will fund one £15 food voucher per eligible young person, to be used in supermarkets and local shops.

This forms part of its allocation from the government’s household support fund, launched to help local authorities support vulnerable households during winter.

In Kent, the number of claimants for Universal Credit has doubled during the pandemic, with more than 132,000 households relying on the extra support.

Government packages, including the furlough scheme and the £20 uplift for Universal Credit, came to an end over the last two months.

Fears as Covid support stops

14

even fixtures to be played.

England's women are full-time professionals playing their club football at large, well-organised outfits like Manchester United and Arsenal. Latvia, like San Marino in the men's game (who were recently beaten England’men 10-nil), are largely parttime and amateur players.

Alessia started out at Charlton Athletic and Chelsea before moving to North Carolina between 2017-19, where she played for her university.

Since 2020, she has played 12 times for Manchester United.

Alessia was born in Maidstone and is of Italian heritage.

Her grandfather moved to England from Sicily more than 70 years ago and played non-league football for the Metropolitan Police. Her brother Giorgio is also a non-league player, most recently with Ramsgate.

downsmail.co.uk

Email blunder

KENT Fire and Rescue Service has apologised for a technical error which saw media organisations bombarded with emails.

Dozens of press releases about past KFRS jobs were sent out on the evening of November 30.

The fire service said: “You may have received some emails of our past incidents yesterday evening.

This was due to a technical hitch which we're taking steps to rectify We're sorry for any inconvenience.”

Station opens

THE revamped Maidstone East railway station has been officially opened.

Mayor Cllr Fay Gooch, who led the celebrations at the end of the £2.5m project, was joined by two pupils from Allington Primary School and borough council leader Cllr David Burton.

Festive dates

A CAROL service takes place St Mary's Church in Hunton on December 24 at 6.30pm followed by mulled wine. There is also a Christmas day service at 10.30am.

Classic panto fun Jack & the Beanstalk Hazlitt Theatre THE Hazlitt Theatre has returned to its roots with a traditional pantomime with a talented, local cast.

All the best bits of an in-house Christmas show are here – a skit with a water pistol, a panto cow and lots of audience interaction.

There are lively song and dance numbers, bright sets and costumes with corny puns and local jokes.

Jack was flawlessly played by Harry Revell, who had the audience in fits of giggles as he tried to rescue his sweetheart Jill, played by the brilliant Beth Woodcock, from the

nasty giant’s castle in the clouds.

It was down to Ian Good, as Jack’s mum Dame Trot, to don a series of delightfully absurd dresses, as he carried the narrative along.

A crowd favourite was Silly Simon (David Zachary), who gets flour bombed, drenched in strawberry yoghurt, and forced into a pink tutu.

References to the pandemic were also mercifully sparse,with a handful of jokes directed at the adults.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at The Hazlitt Theatre in Earl Street until January 2.

Fee Fi Fo Fun for everyone!

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News | Sponsored parish council

Thurnham Parish News

downsmail.co.uk

Award for ‘heroic’ trio

COMMUNITY stalwarts from Otham Parish Council have been recognised for their efforts in opposing the controversial housing plans at Otham.

Parish councillors Cllr Gordon Newton and Cllr Rachel Gray and Chapman Avenue Area Residents' Association's David Hatcher received the Heritage Award from Thurnham Parish Council on December 13.

The plaque was fashioned from Meetings normally held on the third Monday of each month at the Marriott trees in the grounds of Thurnham Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome.

Castle. The honour marked their ultiCHAIRMAN: Daniel Skinner mately failed opposition to a plan for through, despite united local opposiCLERK: Sherrie Babington 440 homes near the ancient St tion. Mr Hatcher said: "For me, it was Nicholas’ church. Developer Bellway a demonstration of planning officers 01634 867173 overturned elected borough council- going against democracy." lors' repeated rejection of the Church He warned the borough is about Road scheme at appeal. "to see another travesty on top of BoxInvoking the words of Alfred, Lord ley Hill", referring to a scheme for DEVELOPERS of the Sycamores in Bearsted, Dandara, will be asked Tennyson, Cllr John Horne spoke of 2,000 homes at Lidsing. MP Helen for a site to place a noticeboard, the trio's "heroic hearts".

Whately will be asked to pass on a He said the award recognises detailed report to the housing secrefunded by the parish council at a cost of between £750 and £1,200. “groups, parishes, associations…who tary Michael Gove, laying out the had stood out against the flow and borough council's alleged failures in made efforts to mark an important the Otham housing case. part of our identity”.

COUNCILLORS were reminded PARISH councillors are to oppose In response, Cllr Newton again aca plan for two homes at Glenrowan cused Maidstone Borough Council of about the carol service at ThurnHouse at Roundwell, Bearsted, as being officer-led. Unelected officers ham Church at 10.30am on Sunday, TREE RECYCLING_DM_1-4_PAGE_AD.pdf 1 20/10/2021 16:11 December 19. it is outside XMAS the urban boundary. pressed for the Bellway scheme to go

Notice board Homes plan

Sign change A CHANGE to a village sign at

COUNCILLORS wereby Roundwell was not opposed members as long as it is visible reminded about the and does not restrict the width of carol serviceoratobstruct Thurnthe pavement motorists’ eyeline. ham Church at 10.30 on Tax bill frozen Sunday December 19.

COUNCILLORS agreed not to raise its portion of the council tax COUNCILLORS were bill residents must pay. However, the parish will receive reminded about thean increased income because of the carol serviceinat extra properties theThurnSycamores.

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News

Drink-driver’s two-year ban

A MAN has been disqualified from driving after getting behind the wheel more than double the limit for alcohol in Maidstone.

Dariusz Nowoswiat (34), of Greenford, Middlesex, was sentenced on November 2 at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to driving when above the legal drink-drive limit in Maidstone on October 3.

When stopped he gave a reading of 96 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

He was disqualified from driving for a total of 24 months and ordered to carry out 55 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £95 and costs of £85.

Tesco re-opens

A BUSY Tesco store which was shut for a month for maintenance work has re-opened.

The Express shop and petrol station on the A20 in Bearsted closed in early November, for the installation of new flooring.

Now work is complete, the store opened its doors at 8am on December 6.

downsmail.co.uk

Village green bid to prevent homes plan

MOVES are afoot to register the last undeveloped piece of land between Maidstone and Tonbridge and Malling councils as a village green.

The status would prevent housebuilding on the site.

Local residents, campaigners and Liberal Democrat activists have been pressing for protection to be given to Bunyard's Farm.

It is seen as the green wedge between the two authorities, where builders Barratt David Wilson want to erect 450 houses on 150 hectares of land.

According to the Liberal Democrats: "Kent County Council (KCC) has shown every indication of believing this to be a valid application.

"However, TMBC have so far failed to respond to the application, although they are legally obliged to do so, and are still sitting on the information required by KCC to process the application."

A spokesman for TMBC said: “TMBC has responded to KCC at various points during the past few

months, saying that we are not aware of any further information than they already have, and so it is now a matter for KCC to determine their position.”

Local activist Tom Wilkinson, who is co-ordinating a petition in support of the village green status, said: “It is time that our local coun-

Lidl launch

THE new Lidl supermarket in Ditton has now opened.

The store, based on the former Maidstone Kia garage site in London Road, opened its doors on December 9.

The Lidl store has 77 parking spaces and will open between 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.

Curry night

A CURRY and quiz night is being held by Hunton Parent Teacher Association.

The event will take place at the village hall on February 5, and all funds raised will go to the primary school. Tickets will go on sale in January.

Work complete

MALLING Road in Teston is due to re-open on December 19.

The road was shut for two weeks to allow for KCC Highways carriageway patching works between Red Hill and Church Street.

16

Prizes for storytellers FOUR local students have won prizes for their storytelling in a writing competition. Two pupils from Headcorn and Sutton Valence primary schools took the honours in the 9-10 age category. A pair of writers from Maidstone Girls' Grammar School were awarded prizes in the 11-13 age category. They were invited to the Crystal Palace Museum in south London to collect their certificates on the 85th anniversary of the famous landmark's devastation by fire. Judge Graham Whitlock said:

“The imaginations of these young storytellers rose like phoenixes from the ashes and planted this historic event firmly in 2021.”

The winners are: Ages 9-10: Annie Grossart (Crown Lane Primary, London), Macy Lewis (Headcorn Primary School, Kent), Nancy Hilden (Sutton Valence Primary).

Ages 11-13: Emilia Swallow (Maidstone Grammar Girls' School), Louise Smith (Maidstone Grammar Girls' School).

cils took action to turn warm words on dealing with climate change and protecting our natural environment into action.

"We also hope to hear from residents who are able to help us provide the necessary evidence to establish that the area has been used by them as a recreational area over the last 20 years, so that we can preserve the area for future generations."

Chris Passmore, co-ordinator of Medway Ecological Riverine Link) added: “This is pretty much the last chance to preserve some of the green space in Allington and it would be tragic if it were lost due to a failure to progress this village green application in time.”

Lib Dem spokesman David Naghi (pictured) said: “Pursuing village green status is a very positive move for this bit of land. We need public support, though.”

Advice after kitchen blaze

TWO crews fought a kitchen fire in Lenham on December 9.

The incident happened around 2.30pm and it took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two fire engines were sent to the incident, which was contained to the hob area of the kitchen.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus used a smoke curtain to prevent further smoke damage to the property, before extinguishing the blaze. The fire is believed to have started accidentally after a pan of oil overheated on the hob.

No casualties were reported.

"Following the incident, crews are reminding the public to always take care when cooking, and to ensure appliances are switched off before leaving the room.

"Crews also suggest switching to oil pan alternatives when cooking, including thermostatically-controlled deep fat fryers or to opt for oven cooking instead."

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Solar park ‘will help meet carbon target’ PLANS for a solar park on a pig farm at West Malling have been revealed, writes Ciaran Duggan.

Kent County Council (KCC) has unveiled £3.5million plans to build Kings Hill Solar Park, near the Kent Scientific Services building in Abbey Wood Road.

If approved, there will be an array of PV solar panels installed at ground level on land at Quarryman’s Road. This would generate electricity as it is connected to the county’s main grid.

Environment experts say it will offset more than 633 tonnes of carbon per year, as KCC seeks to meet its carbon neutrality targets.

A KCC report published online says: “This project makes a significant contribution to the reduction of the decarbonisation of KCC energy supplies and in meeting its carbon neutrality 2030 target.”

The solar park will include a temporary structure on agriculture

land, with pledges to improve biodiversity in the area.

KCC environment chiefs say the scheme will contain a meadow flower bank along the north edge of the site and replacement of trees removed to clear the site.

Wildlife will be protected by providing badger homes, bird boxes and bat boxes.

The project also aims to provide “security” of energy supply for KCC, whose estate includes public services, schools, offices and roads

across 12 districts with a population of around 1.5million people.

Work on the site could start as early as January, subject to approval. KCC’s environment cabinet member, Cllr Susan Carey (Con), is due to make a key decision soon, but no exact date has been revealed.

A KCC spokesman added: “The size of the grant and its complex and time-sensitive nature mean, to avoid losing the opportunity of utilising this funding, the decision will be taken after December 6, but before the committee next meets.

“The decision will be discussed retrospectively at the environment and transport cabinet committee at a later date.”

The solar park is one of several renewable energy sites being built in the county, including the UK’s biggest solar farm of 900 acres in Graveney, between Faversham and Whitstable.

News

Disqualied driver in court

A MAIDSTONE man was given a suspended sentence after driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Mark Pays (34), of St Helier’s Close, was sentenced on October 25 at West Kent Magistrates' Court.

He admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance in Maidstone on March 29.

He was sentenced to a total of 60 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from driving for 42 months. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months and pay a surcharge of £122 and costs of £85.

Panto funds

THE Hunton pantomime Peter Pan raised £2,784, after costs, towards good causes.

Producer Sue Pinks said: "We have all had a great time with a great end result."

Most of the funds raised from the plays and raffle will go to the Friends of St Mary's Church and Brain Tumour Research.

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SHAUN O’Driscoll (59) spent his career with the Kent Messenger, joining the company in 1983 and serving as an advertising manager until his nal illness.

He was wellknown throughout the county because of his work, and many tributes have been paid to the father of two, who was also known as a musician and life-long supporter of Liverpool Football Club.

London-born Shaun moved to Kent as a child. He went to school in Canterbury and lived in Kennington with his wife, Corrine. Shaun was father to Declan and Grace.

Within the Kent Messenger Group Shaun was extremely well known and had won awards and plaudits for the way he went about his work. His colleagues knew him to be approachable and supportive.

A passionate music fan, Shaun was happy to be central to the development of KMFM and the securing of a music licence for the station. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and died on November 25.

Downs Mail editor and former KM colleague Simon Finlay said: “Shaun was a friendly, engaging man who worked hard, but he liked a laugh in the office.

“He was always aware of the value of journalism to local papers and treated journalists with a lot of respect. He was admired and respected in return. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Shaun leaves his wife and children.

John Nixon JOHN Martyn Nixon OBE (86) lived locally most of his life, and spent 58 years in Rainham with his wife Carole.

A pupil of Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School in Rochester, John did national service in the Army, including involvement in the Malayan Emergency.

He spent the rest of his career in public

service, starting with the National Assistance Board and going on to work in public welfare for the Department of Health and Social Security, where he became a regional director.

He found himself serving in Northern Ireland where he came to know government ministers and held regular meetings at Stormont, the estate home of the country’s parliament buildings.

John’s dedication to service was marked with an OBE. John was father to Sean and Samantha and a long-serving member of The Old Williamsonians, who work to promote mutual support between Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School and its trustees. The current and former pupils and staff have paid their own tribute to John, noting he “was always keen to hear about and support the other sporting sections within the club. He was also chairman of the OW Club in 1975.”

Carole Nixon said: “John was very fairminded, quiet and the kind of person who would give you his full attention.”

A fund to raise £500 in John’s memory for the preservation of St Peter’s Church, Bredhurst, where he was active for many years, has greatly exceeded its target.

John leaves his wife, children and grandchildren Imogen and Freddie.

John Ashwell THE life of John Ashwell (94) of Chart Sutton has been fondly remembered by neighbours and village friends.

In recent years John, a motorsport fan, lived in a care home. He lost his beloved wife Betty in 2017, a blow from which he never really recovered.

The Chart Sutton Village News commented: “John had been a great stalwart of the village and from an early age was involved with all activities and organisations. He served on the parish council and was one of the team who set

up Speedwatch.”

John leaves a son and a daughter and two grandsons.

Keith Longley THE death in Hampshire has been reported of Keith Longley (94), formerly of Tovil. Keith died on November 6.

He was described in a death announcement as “a loving husband, dad, grandad and great-grandad”.

Keith’s wife Audrey pre-deceased him.

A celebration of his life took place in Andover, Hampshire.

Obituaries

Shaun O’Driscoll

Edward Sheehan A DEATH announcement has appeared for Edward Sheehan (89), marking his achievements as “a National Serviceman, Magistrate and Trade Union Secretary”.

Edward was married to Betty for 60 years, until her death in 2016, and was father to Kim and Melanie. His funeral service took place at Vinters Park on November 30.

Russell Hardy MUSICIAN Russell Hardy (80) spent his early years in the local area, including a spell in care following the disappearance in action of his adoptive father in WWII. His early career as a jazz pianist included performances in and around Kent and made him known to local jazz fans who travelled to London.

National obituaries focused on his long friendship and collaboration with Ian Dury, with whom he worked in the band Kilburn and the High Roads.

Hardy became a carpenter in the 1970s, married and settled in Beckenham. but continued to perform and took part in a tribute concert to Ian Dury in 2000.

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Leybourne

Antisocial behaviour The antisocial behaviour at the sports eld was discussed. The MBC bin and portable toilet had been pushed over, e-scooters had been used on play equipment, signs stolen and bent and a ratchet strap stolen.

It was agreed to monitor the situation and report all incidents to the police. The disabled swing set had been installed.

Crime gures A catalytic convertor was stolen from a vehicle in Gravelly Bottom Road. The PCSO said there had been criminal damage in Peter Pease, which could be linked to criminal damage in Ashford Drive. The PCSO would monitor the situation. There would be a leaet drop in response to an apparent increase in vehicle break-ins in Maidstone Community building The meeting had been well-attended. There would be a meeting between parish councillors and the village hall committee to discuss a possible extension, and a survey would then be sent to all parishioners.

Village planters A budget had been set and could be used to buy winter owers.

It was agreed that the planters had been well maintained this year.

Resignation Cllr Kemp had resigned from the parish council. The council was awaiting conrmation that the vacancy could be co-opted. Anyone interested should contact the parish clerk.

Bus meeting Cllr Clark had attended a meeting with representatives from local parishes. A new company would be taking over the bus service from Arriva on November 1. There would be no route changes and more information will be provided shortly by MBC. Salt bins Three new salt bins had been bought and would be placed on the shop forecourt, the junction of Gravelly Bottom Road and Duck Pond Road and the junction of Ashford Drive and Broomeld Road.

Saturday breakfast Members were sad to hear about the closing of the monthly Saturday breakfast and thanked Beryl and her team for their hard work over the years.

Christmas lights It was agreed that the Christmas light event would take place on Sunday, December 5. The disco would be ticketed for 120 people and the quotation of £300 was accepted.

Pantomime tickets would be £6 for an adult and £2 for a child. The hall would be cleaned in between the two showings of the pantomime.

The Chase Cllr Hogwood reported that there was now a new school time bus service running from The Chase to Wrotham School.

Football club Cllr Harrison said half of the teams were not currently training or playing in Leybourne, half were at West Malling and half were at Mereworth. It was agreed to liaise with the management company at Leybourne Chase regarding the hiring out of the football pitches.

Church Cllr Banks reported that the church was pleased it had now cleared up the churchyard.

The church was looking to repair the ancient clock and had reported that the food bank was still running nicely.

Castle Way Regarding the encampment, Cllr Ulph reported that emails had been consistently circulated to KCC and Highways England, with the most recent correspondence highlighting that the balancing pond was contaminated.

Tree project Cllr Banks gave an update on the tree project and reported that the community engagement was not yet nalised.

Debrillator It was resolved that the timeframe for the grant funding was acceptable.

Dog waste bin It was agreed to move the dog bin to the entrance of Old Barn Road and it was noted that this is now on the schedule of works.

Victorian pump It was agreed to accept the design for the Victorian pump and progress to obtain planning permission.

Langley Co-option it was agreed that Christine Pitchers be co-opted onto the council.

Overgrown hedge Kent Highways had cut back the hedge and hedgerow along the Horseshoes Lane footpath.

Dropped kerb Kent Highways had said the pavement identied in Lacey Close as a suitable place for a dropped kerb belonged to Golding Homes and permission was required from them. The clerk had made initial contact with Golding Homes on this matter.

Open spaces The play area and recreation ground ROSPA inspection report had been read and noted. Items of both medium and low level which were raised had already been addressed.

Staplehurst Co-option Councillors considered the personal statement and brief presentation provided by Mr Eric Hotson as a candidate for co-option. Mr Hotson has considerable experience in local government, most recently on Kent County Council. It was agreed to co-opt Mr Hotson to the parish council.

Welcome Back fund It was agreed to buy litter-picking equipment from Helping Hand Environmental for £1,751+VAT, and high-vis vests from Workwear Express for £200+VAT and to reclaim monies from MBC. Wildlife cameras After discussion it was agreed to buy two cameras and associated equipment to the value of £988.16+VAT. During the discussion Cllr Sharp requested that consideration be given to allowing any recordings to be used and viewed by councillors to assess wildlife in the nature reserve. The clerk

explained that as the cameras would be recording the public as well as the wildlife it was unlikely that this would be possible, due to the stricter requirements of protection of personal data. However, she agreed to take advice from the council’s data protection officer and report back.

Village clean-up Councillors noted Cllr Buller’s report. She thanked, on behalf of the council, Cllr Smith, Mr Buller and the parish support officer for their work in arranging and putting on the village clean-up event. She thanked all the participants and the Community Payback team for their efforts. It was agreed to make a donation of £50 to both the WI for provision of refreshments and the youth club for allowing the use of the building.

Donations Staplehurst Community Events Group had asked that the donation provided towards the Safer Staplehurst Event be transferred towards costs to provide a free rst aid emergency resuscitation training programme on the same date. This was agreed. It was agreed to make a donation of £250 to the Heart of Headcorn Community Group. Councillors expressed support for the project to buy the old Methodist Church and convert it to a community space.

Vacancy The clerk conrmed that the vacancy created following the resignation of Cllr Garten, was now able to be advertised for co-option and advertising would commence later that week.

Skate park The clerk conrmed that she had received agreement from MBC that the funding from the Welcome Back Fund could be used to commission an artist to lead a youth event to create graffiti on the sides of the skate park.

Councillors agreed that the clerk should investigate costs and develop a proposal.

Greener Staplehurst Group Cllr Castro introduced the topic of the maintenance and management of Wimpey Fields on behalf of Cllr McPhee. The GSG felt that it now required signicant investment.

After discussion, members advised that the GSG should present more specic plans to the Finance and Strategy Group for consideration.

Road Safety group Councillors reviewed the proposed Keeping Footpaths Clear letters. It was agreed to add a link to the KCC website detailing information about cutting hedges and keeping paths clear.

Donations Staplehurst Community Events Group had requested that the donation provided towards the Safer Staplehurst Event be transferred towards costs to provide a free rst aid emergency resuscitation training programme. This was agreed. It was also agreed to approve a donation of £250 to the Heart of Headcorn Community Group.

Parish Councils

Broomeld & Kingswood

21

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1,700 homes to be decided

A CONTROVERSIAL plan for 1,700 houses and leisure facilities near the county showgrounds will soon go before the council's planning committee.

Quinn Estates' Binbury Park scheme is expected to go before Maidstone Borough Council's (MBC) planning committee in the coming weeks.

Downs Mail understands there have been meetings between MBC officials, councillors and the applicants to discuss elements of the proposal.

About 1,750 homes as well as 46,000sqm of commercial space, a hotel, pub, restaurant and country park are part of the scheme.

One of the main stumbling blocks for the scheme is that it lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) which, in planning policy terms, should make it a nonstarter.

The applicants are keen to build the scheme's green credentials ahead of their day in front of elected members.

An interchange at the entrance of the showgrounds could be offered up, as well as a host of green and

climate-friendly attractions, such as solar panels, e-bikes, electric charging points and tree-planting, to make it more palatable.

The scheme has prompted criticism from the local parish council, a borough councillor and environmental pressure groups, who say it is unsuitable for an AONB. Should MBC's planning committee decide to turn the application

down, the applicants will appeal.

If members were to recommend the proposal, opponents would "call it in", with a possible public inquiry.

Borough councillor Nick de Wiggondene-Sheppard said: “There are some people who favour it because it’s nowhere near them, but as a borough we have spent years talking about land protection.

Drunk driver

A MAIDSTONE man was fined and banned after driving more than twice the limit for alcohol.

Daniel Johns (26), of Sherbourne Drive, was sentenced on October 26 at West Kent Magistrates' Court.

He admitted driving when above the legal drink-drive limit and failing to stop after a road accident in Maidstone on August 15.

When stopped he gave a reading of 86mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

He was disqualified from driving for 20 months and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, pay a surcharge of £95 and costs of £85.

Rent support

MAIDSTONE is one of 12 councils to have benefited from a £2.5m Kent County Council fund to help prevent homelessness.

The cash comes from the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund, to help those with rent arrears caused by the COVID19 pandemic.

Although councils will focus on the prevention of homelessness of private rented sector tenants, there is support available for other forms of tenure, including social housing and owner-occupiers.

22

Those who support it will have to find some strong arguments to keep it going. We shall see.”

The first application went into MBC in October 2018 and was expected to be heard this summer.

Quinn Estates founder Mark Quinn, pictured, said the scheme, first mooted more than five years ago, has cost £1m and the submission runs to more than 4,000 pages.

Ferrets stolen

Station plan moves on LOCAL interest in an empty building at Hollingbourne rail station has been "great" and is ready to move onto the next stage, says the local councillor.

Cllr Patrik Garten (pictured) is keen to bring the site back into community use after its adoption by the Kent Community Rail Partnership.

A number of different uses, including a cafe, have been mooted.

Cllr Garten said: "I immediately saw the opportunity for bringing the Hollingbourne railway station building back into community use.

"I obtained some initial funding from the partnership to get this idea off its starting blocks.

"So far, local interest has been great. Ideas include a possible café, or a community room for seasonal pop-ups – for example cycle repair, Christmas wreathmaking, etc."

A business plan is being formulated and will be submitted to South-eastern bosses to be considered.

The borough member added: "We hope that a peppercorn rent arrangement can be agreed."

THE RSPCA is appealing for help after four ferrets were stolen from its centre in Leybourne.

Scooby, Orville, Jade and Perrie were taken from the animal shelter in Castle Way in the early hours of November 24.

The charity said: "Our ferrets are microchipped and neutered. Please keep an eye out. We need them back safe and sound."

Anyone with information can contact the group on Facebook at www.tinyurl.com/leybournerspca, email leybourne@rspca.org.uk or ring 0300 123 0751.

Two-year ban

A MAN has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work after drink-driving while more than three times the limit in Maidstone.

Londoner Georgi Panov (41) was sentenced on November 12 at Maidstone Magistrates Court, after he admitted driving above the legal drink-drive limit on October 30. When stopped he gave a reading of 114mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

He was disqualified from driving for 26 months and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £50 and costs of £85.

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News

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Speed up taxi testing route

A CAB firm boss has hit out at the council's role in assisting the industry get back on its feet.

The owner of Sapphire Cars, in Pudding Lane, says Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) process of awarding badges to drivers is too "slow, difficult and expensive".

Mark Jones (61), owner of Sapphire Cars, pictured with staff, who lost half his 42 drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic to other jobs, warned the problem is having a negative impact on society. Yet, he says, flexible drivers can earn £1,000 a week - and still there is a shortage.

Mr Jones, of Barming, claimed MBC’s tests are too hard, take up to four months to get the right paperwork to drive and cost £600. He said: "It needs to be quicker, easier and cheaper. They can earn up to a grand a week, if they're prepared to work flexibly."

The lack of drivers means customers can wait up to two hours to

Drink-driver disqualied

A MAIDSTONE man has been fined and banned for drink-driving.

Luke Jarrett (23) of Newbury Avenue, Maidstone, was sentenced on November 16 at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

He admitted driving when above the legal drink-drive limit in Aylesford on October 29.

When stopped and breathtested he gave a reading of 73mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

He was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months and fined £499. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £50 and costs of £85.

Crime reports 28

Test is too hard

get a cab home. Mr Jones added: "One Saturday night, I only had ten drivers. If you get a load of people standing around outside waiting to get home, there will be trouble, vandalism and so on. In one case, there was a report of an attempted rape."

He said Sapphire is having to turn work away from otherwise bread and butter clients like school runs paid for by Kent County Council.

Mr Jones added: "I have known a shortage of work but I've never known a shortage of drivers."

Police warn of conmen ROGUE traders are on the hunt for Christmas victims, say police.

Two residents were targeted late last month by men who said they needed roof repairs.

At one address, the men went into the loft and were paid a quantity of cash before they demanded more, which the householder refused to pay. The men left.

Two days later, three men visited another house where they tried to talk the elderly owner into a large building project which he declined. He also declined a request for a glass of water inside his home.

Officers are appealing to any-

one else who may have received similar visits to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "In both these incidents, it was reassuring that the residents refused to part with large amounts of cash for work that was not required."

Anyone approached should seek advice from friends and family and engage only accredited tradespeople.

Anyone who has been the victim of a similar incident should report it by calling 101, visiting the Kent Police website or calling 999 if a crime is in progress.

Call Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.

TWO borough councillors, Cllr Ashleigh Kimmance (Lib Dem), himself a taxi driver in the town, and Cllr Patrik Garten (Con) warned a recent meeting of the MBC licencing committee there was an urgent need for solutions to be found.

All .test questions relating to the “knowledge”, which drivers must pass to obtain a badge to work in the borough, would have to be reviewed. The tests were thought to be too tough and a recent pass rate of just 5% bore this out, although this has improved lately to just under 27% Potential drivers complained about the complexity of the test .

£2,500 court bill for thief

A MAIDSTONE thief has been ordered to carry out 175 hours of unpaid work.

Victor Dobos (23), of Loose Road, was sentenced on November 16 when he appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to theft by finding in Maidstone on October 29.

He will have to carry out 175 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

Dobos was also ordered to pay a total compensation of £2,340, plus a surcharge of £95 and costs of £85.

Neighbourhood Watch

THIEVES tried to steal pallets from a business premises in St Laurence Avenue, Allington.

Somebody kicked the door of a house in Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea.

Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police Fuel was stolen from a filling station in Ashford Road, Bearsted.

Some young people damaged a Mini poaching on farmland in Waterditch Lane, A speedboat was stolen from a driveway Cooper in a private car park in Clock Lenham. in Cliff Hill, Boughton Monchelsea.

Two men and two women were spotted House Rise, Coxheath.

A number of items of jewellery and a Somebody broke into a tack room at sta- trying to break into a closed pub in Old Rolex watch were stolen in Forsham Lane, bles in Scragged Oak Road in Detling and Loose Hill, Loose.

Chart Sutton.

Somebody broke windows at a school stole two quad bikes and a lawnmower.

A man tried the handle of the front door Trees were set alight in woodland in with ball bearings in Oxford Road, Shepof a house in Peacock Mews, Maidstone. way.

Webbs Close, Otham.

A Vauxhall Zafira was stolen in TonThere was an attempt to break into a A screw was used to damage the tyre of house in Heath Road, East Farleigh. a Honda Civic Type-S in Northfleet Close, bridge Road, Fant.

A grave was damaged at the Maidstone A vehicle was used to damage a fence Maidstone. around a field in Stilebridge Lane, Linton.

Crops were damaged by somebody cemetery in Sutton Road, Shepway.

downsmail.co.uk

aDID a smile cross the face of the 1st

Lord Bearsted in his grave with the news that Royal Dutch Shell is dropping its association of more than 100 years with Holland and returning fully to England as Shell?

It was the owner of Mote Park, Lord Bearsted (then Marcus Samuel) who set up Shell in the late 1800s, when he identied a need for ships to transport oil around the world.

The family business was shipping, and one speciality was trading in shellcovered ornaments etc. He needed a name for his new company – and what better than Shell?

His businesses were successful and he was honoured in many ways, partly for his shipping contribution to WWI. He was an enthusiastic cricketer and played at The Mote, then part of Mote Park. More than 100 years ago he built for The Mote Cricket Club its current large pavilion and next door he nanced a unique building for his family and business entertaining.

It was also his own cricketing base with private steps leading from the ground to the building, which included personal showers and toilet, a kitchen and a large room for social activities.

Before he died in 1927 he arranged for his family to sell Mote Park to Maidstone Corporation for £50,000. The cricket ground would be left in trust to the cricket club, with the trustees given powers over the way Maidstone Council developed the park. This still applies today.

The club restored his Lordship’s magnicent building, later named The Tabernacle in honour of his Jewish religion, as The Mote Youth Sports Centre (and how that has taken off). It has now been listed by English Heritage.

Looking for good causes I AM writing as chair of The Willington Players, one of Maidstone's amateur theatre companies, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, having been formed back in 1946.

Since 1995, The Willington Players have been raising funds for charities and other worthy causes local to Maidstone and Malling through our Hazlitt Theatre productions.

We have raised more than £90,000 for a whole range of groups, including Heart of Kent Hospice, Cancer Research UK, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Family Trust, Hi Kent, Maidstone MIND, RSPCA, Maidstone Winter Shelter, a host of local churches and some cricket clubs.

We aim to resume our performances at The Hazlitt next spring and we are keen to spread the message to as many local charities and fundraising teams as possible in the area, that we would like to help them. They can get in touch with me at the

MailMarks DENNIS FOWLE President dennisfowle28@gmail.com The seriously-fading pavilion is now well past its sell-by date, but a quality replacement is proving a huge nancial challenge now testing the sports on this busy and high-prole ground and Maidstone Borough Council. Failure could be a local sporting disaster (see new leisure centre story in this edition).

and do they accurately reect like with like over the years?

It also reports from July-September 2017 and January-March 2021 reported crimes in High Street ward declined from 1,109 to 877.

What worries most of us is the rise in really serious crime in urban Maidstone in recent times and ongoing. There is even justiable fear now of walking in what was regarded as peaceful Tonbridge Road. This is not the Maidstone many of us remember for so many years.

Comment

How Shell began in Maidstone

Garden grief

rIT WAS a tough autumn for

thousands of Maidstone gardeners who pay Maidstone Borough Council an annual fee to provide and empty their garden refuse bins every two weeks.

The shortage of lorry drivers seriously impacted this council service. At a time when gardeners were producing large amounts of autumn debris, the service was reduced for many to monthly at best.

Storage of garden rubbish is not easy.

It seems fortnightly pick-ups have now resumed and gardeners question how they will be compensated. The options are a refund for missed pick-ups or a charging adjustment in their next annual invoice. The council is working on it.

Violent Maidstone

rA MONITORING report before

Maidstone Borough Council shows crime in Maidstone dropped 11% between 2019/20 and 2020/21.

There is always public suspicion of such gures – impossible to disprove,

email address below.

Scott Raffle, secretary to the Hazlitt Theatre Users' Association and chair of The Willington Players, scott.raffle@btinternet.com

Boris insults our decency I HEARTILY agree with Simon Finlay’s editorial in the last issue.

I have to ask myself how far this corrupt and inept government has to go, before we all cry “enough is enough”. I feel grossly insulted at its presumption that we are all imbeciles who can be hoodwinked and taken for granted at every turn.

In my opinion, we have in Boris Johnson the most corrupt and inept Prime Minister I can remember in my 78 years. He reached the level of his own incompetency a long time ago and he insults our decency by refusing to apply to himself, the standards of behaviour he expects the rest of us to follow.

Keeping Downs Mail free

rFOR 25 years the Downs Mail has

been providing a popular FREE newspaper and news service – but can this continue, with the huge challenges of COVID-19 and lockdowns and their impact on local businesses (our advertisers)?

The impact of the pandemic on Downs Mail’s business reserves has escalated and its future as a FREE newspaper is now in serious doubt.

At a time when just about all newspapers are facing similar serious nancial challenges, the loss of a FREE Downs Mail will disappoint so many of our loyal readers.

We are looking for solutions and elsewhere in this issue you will nd a CROWDFUNDING appeal, which I hope you will consider. It will help the Downs Mail survive as a FREE newspaper until local business condence returns.

He appears to have surrounded himself by a group of privileged, public school cronies who display not only contempt for the electorate, but have little appreciation of how most of us live and the standards to which we aspire.

Housebuilding in Kent is totally out of control. These houses are not for Kent people, but for Londoners. If Kent people need housing, it is not the type of “executive” houses that are being built by the thousands on greeneld sites, but more affordable properties which developers do not like building because there is little prot in them.

Similarly, such affordable or social housing appears to beneting inner London boroughs’ re-housing schemes rather than Maidstone people in need of such help.

I realise that, for centuries, many of those who have been elected to represent us have not been the most upright of citizens, but how many in this Government truly deserve the attribution

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downsmail.co.uk

Comment

of “honourable member”. “Dishonourable rogue” would , too often, seem appropriate.

Can we afford to put up with all of this, not to mention illegal immigration and a collapsed NHS, before the next election? I hope not, so I urge as many residents as possible to let their MPs know that their seats are very much on the line, unless there are immediate changes for the better.

David Hackett, Via email

Goat killer must be caught I WAS appalled by the actions of a cruel and callous individual (perhaps more) who attacked the goats, as mentioned in your last edition’s front page.

That one of the animals died should mean that the perpetrator, should he or she be caught, must face the stiffest sanction by the courts.

What was more surprising was the police bothered to turn out that evening.

They don’t seem to show for anything these days, other than crimes which take the least amount of effort to deal with.

Even if it did get to court, and there is no guarantee it would, how long would someone get for this crime? A couple of years, probably.

As someone who has taken in rescue animals most of my adult life (although not goats) I agree with Bob Hitch’s remarks about humans having so little regard for themselves, much less animals.

Arson is a horrible, intimidating and terrorising crime designed to strike fear in the victims. But to kill a defenceless animal trapped in a building and unable to escape is the lowest of the low.

Well done Kent Police for taking this crime seriously, but let’s hope the investigation yields results.

Vicky Jones, via email

Bank’s hidden secret THERE are many stories published on your website that I am sure many others would like to comment on but, unlike other news websites, there is no facility to do so and thus I would ask that you create such a space online.

The latest one I would have commented on is the closure of the NatWest branch in DOWNS Mail's recent report on a second local amateur boxing club facing closure in favour of housing sparked a torrent of furious reaction. Westree Amateur Boxing Club (WABC) must find a new home by March 2022. Here's how Facebook readers responded…

Lynda Rootes These children should be a priority. All we are doing is taking play spaces, places they can interact, work and trust those around them. We’ve taken away social clubs.

For what? More flats - but nowhere for kids.

(Cllr) Stanley Forecast Sport in Maidstone is something I and economic, regeneration and leisure committee chairman, Cllr Martin Round, are determined to preserve. We are in conversations with officers on what we can

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Greyhounds need love AFTER reading your recent report about my greyhound, I put this poem together with the help of Old Blue.

There are so many sad faces at the greyhound rescue – Snoopy has left many friends behind. Quite a few are put down.

I actually know of someone who rehomed a greyhound because of Snoopy’s story.

Johnny Smith, Spike and Snoopy (pictured) I am an old greyhound, And I’ve been knocked around, I’ve been thrown out of car windows, I’ve been kicked to the ground, I’ve been left to go hungry, Without a kind word or two, If only they’d cared, Like when they first bought ‘Old Blue’ My second owner loved me, He was gentle and kind, But he went to a hospital, Something about being blind, He said I was his best friend, And I know he was mine, I just hope I can see Him…sometime

Well I’m not so appealing, Like when I was a pup, But time waits for no dog, I just had to grow up, Now there’s no one who wants me Though I’m faithful and true, I just need a good owner, Could that someone be you?

I am an old greyhound, And I have been left for dead, When a size nine boot was Aimed at my head, I’ve been sworn at and spat at, By the ones I’d defend, If only they loved me, Cos I am man’s best friend

Well I know I’m not fluffy, I’m all skinny and black, And if someone could love me, They’d get more love back, There are lots of us here, With nothing to do, Please give us a home, Yours truly, Old Blue

West Malling as I have an interesting story about that branch.

As a bank inspector, I inspected that branch in the mid-1980s whilst renovations were being done. The builders found under the oorboards a well that had been covered over. No-one in the bank was aware of its existence!

Ian Stuart, Maidstone

How parish can improve REGARDING your recent article about Bearsted parish councillor Graham Norton, there does seem to be a “need for improvement”, as he put it. do to relocate Westree.

Jamie Myers I dunno, eh? The youth of today causing trouble all the time. It’s not like they have nothing to do!! I mean there’s the youth clu…oh wait, they shut that. OK, there’s the swimmi….oh wait that’s shut too! Well, I guess there’s always the boxing … lemme stop you there….that’s closed also. So, when they’re buzzing around town on scooters and fighting in the streets etc…blame the people taking this stuff away from them!

Adam Webb Maidstone is dying, isn't it? It's not a nice place to be any more, flats crammed in to every available space. Developers get richer whilst our town gets progres-

The handling of Project A has been an example of that. Public condence is at an all time low.

Here are a few ideas to help rebuild condence: l Stop the secrecy; l Stop raising taxation and wasting our money; l Stop felling trees and plant more; l Improve staff and councillor training.

Finally, reject Project A before even more public money is wasted. Leave the allotments where they are and let the tennis club improve their facilities at their own cost.

Ursula Gilmore, via email sively more gridlocked and crime-ridden. I think the best suggestion I could make is to move away, Maidstone is lost forever.

Peter Downs Maidstone is dirty, scruffy, being over-built to house Londoners and economic migrants claiming they are asylum seekers. No longer a pleasant place. Years of Lib Dem control! Can the Conservatives reverse the decay?

Chris Patey Isn't this country overpopulated, as it is? Where are these kids supposed to go and enjoy themselves?

More houses means more parking and more waste water and sewage. No wonder there are sink holes everywhere.

Opinion

downsmail.co.uk

Don’t miss message of Christmas story

WE ARE fast approaching that time of the year when parents discover that the new-born Jesus was visited by spacemen – at least if some of the more creative children’s Nativity plays are to be believed.

Now, parents may not believe this, but many people have in their mental picture things that are not in the biblical account.

Everyone knows that Mary rode a donkey on her journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem – except it’s not mentioned in the bible.

Now what of the ox and the ass in the stable? Again, not in the gospels, but this idea at least comes from the bible.

In Isaiah 1:6, we read: “The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel do not know, my people do not understand.”

The ox and the ass stand in the crib to remind us how easy it is to not see what is in front of us. And what of Midnight Eucharists?

Where did the idea come from that Christ was born in the middle of the night? The answer comes from Wisdom 18:14-15 (a book from the Apocrypha - which is in the Greek but not the Hebrew version of the Old Testament).

There we read: “When peaceful silence lay over all, and night was in the midst of her swift course from your royal throne, O God, down from the heavens, leapt your almighty Word.”

The visit of the three wise men, strictly speaking part of the feast of Epiphany (January 6) rather than Christmas, has attracted the imaginative attention of poets and artists across the centuries.

In artistic representations of their visit we

By Canon John Corbyn Vicar at Bearsted

have three ‘kings’, riding horses and camels.

One is African, one European and one from the Far East and, to boot, one young, another middle aged and another old.

The Bible just tells us they were wise men and they brought three gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh). It does not tell us how many visitors there were, it does not call them kings and it certainly does not tell us about their ages or races. However, the artists’ intuitions were at least right in that Jesus came for people of all races and ages – yes, even cross-Channel migrants!

Human curiosity and imagination want to ll out the bare bones of the Christmas story.

But all these details can distract from the heart of things. Is it not wonder enough that the creator enters his own world as a creature; that, in Christ, God has entered our world and experienced human life from the inside?

He has done all this in order that creature and creator can be united and that time-limited humans can share in the eternal life of God. Alleluia! What a saviour.

Happy Christmas, everyone.

A year of loss and new hope IT IS difficult to adequately express my reflections on a year gone by, such as the one we have all just endured in 2021.

The loss of so many lives, the grounding of so many businesses and then the cavalry charge of an amazing vaccine success and the unswerving dedication of all of those who are our NHS. I have also treasured the uplifting experience of working alongside so many in the community who turned their time and resources toward helping overcome the pandemic.

I am pleased to be running face-to-face constituency surgeries again and many local campaigns and engagements have been ongoing, notwithstanding the constraints of COVID-19.

Our campaign to save the High Weald Academy, securing local access to vaccines and GPs, pushing for improved commuter rail services, supporting our farmers, fighting for a fairer approach to new housing numbers, dealing with antisocial behaviour, and much more.

By Helen Grant MP for Maidstone and the Weald

Being able to enjoy Yalding’s Yuletide Market once again this month was a welcome reminder of how Christmas should be, shining a light on the value of strong local communities.

I pay credit to my team of staff – Katy, Caroline, Ben, Vanda and Simon, all of whom have gone beyond the call of duty to support me and the thousands of constituents whom we have the privilege to serve.

To all readers of the Downs Mail, I hope you enjoy a happy Christmas and that 2022 brings you health and prosperity.

T

HE day after the colourful Liberal Democrat borough councillor Nick de Wiggondene-Sheppard officially decamped to the ever-growing independent benches, I hear he was paid a visitation from Conservative deputy leader Jonathan Purle at the Surrey pub he now helps to run with his partner.

Jonathan remains tight-lipped about the purpose of meeting with Nick, himself a former right-wing Tory, other than to say: "Beer". What can it all mean?

L

ET'S hope renegade Cllr Purle does not have to go to the Medway Towns any time soon. Opining online about his booster jab, he writes: "Amused the only appointment they’d offer me in Kent, unless I was prepared to go to Medway, which obviously I’m not as most of the people there smell, was New Year’s Eve/Day." I assume he was joking.

G

UITAR-strumming vicar Rev Mark Pavey at Leeds is clearly a man with lofty ambitions. Bishop? Archbishop? No – he once set himself a goal of compiling a list of 100 Christmas movies and to watch them all over the festive period. He failed.

N

ORTH Downs Tory councillor and all-round wag Patrik Garten's newsletter is always a must read. Firstly, he reveals he was awarded "Hypocrite of the Month" on Facebook and accused of "blah, blah, blah" by opponents. But he is swift to add: "None of the nasty insults and comments which were thrown at me came from North Downs residents. You guys are a lovely lot and I always enjoy meeting you at parish assemblies and the like." Crawler.

C

OLOURFUL churchman Rev John Corbyn of Bearsted tells me how, at a former parish, the local newspaper in Bracknell ran a headline shocker: “Vicar marries sister.” It was quite literally true he had officiated at the marriage of his sibling. It reminds me of the spoof tabloid headline: “Vicar in two-in-a-bed sex romp with wife.”

G

ET well soon, Eddie Powell, former borough councillor. Eddie, I hear, was laid low with COVID-19 and spent time in hospital when he developed pneumonia.

He has since been allowed home to recuperate with wife Lorraine.

H

EARTY congratulations to Gordon Newton (Ind) who has been elected deputy mayor to Cllr Derek Mortimer (Lib Dem) next May before taking on the big job in 2023. They’ll make a great team.

Chin chin!

Agree or disagree, have your say by writing to the editor – see our letters pages p45-46

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Downs Mail is published by Mail Publications Ltd (President — Dennis Fowle, Chairman — Claire Procter, Editor — Simon Finlay) 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT 01622 630330 www.downsmail.co.uk email: info@downsmail.co.uk Printed by Mortons.