Downs Mail Newspaper Issue 313

No. 1 newspaper

FREE FREE

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

October 2017

Panto ahoy!

February 17th – March 2nd THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be

downsmail.co.uk

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

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

Village store birthday MP’s Local Plan bid

A VILLAGE pop-up store run by HELEN Whately asked the volunteers is celebrating its two government to halt the year anniversary as a valborough’s housing scheme. 4 ued community asset. à3

Plans for Dr Nigel Gardener required

THE widow of head GP Drgardener Nigel Minnet A CHURCH’S is will walk the Grand stepping down and a re 12 Canyon for charity. à4 placement is needed.

CCTV call in a bid River festival is back to stop fly-tipping

THE Maidstone River Festival is back and bigger than ever – and it could bring £100,000 into the local economy on the CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras today. prevent fly-tipping on a miserable couple of years, so there councillor.

It will be road stagedhave on thebeen River made Chairman of Maidstone Borcountry by the local borough is nothing better than a big com- ough Council's economic, regenerMedway ion July 30. nearby, m u n imore t y than a year after it was dumped event so that and set on fire.

Thecan church they get car park has also seen many back instances out of illegal dumping.

But it have is a problem in many rural and areas including Langley, Otham some fun. and Kingswood.

Water Lane in "This is a Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have free festival also beenpeotargeted recently. for local Last ple andyear, we'll Maidstone Borough Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tipneed their ping and this support.

It year more than 163 have sincetheApril. could been bring recorded £100,000 into local The approaching darker evenings economy. will prompt a rise in illegal tipping.

"It represents a lot of work by the Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initiaMaidstone River Festival committive by the Environment Agency tee and backing from sponsors." and the Driver and Vehicle Stantorched car remains on a footpath dards Agency to clamp down on

Burberry Lane, Leeds and The festival was near not held during Broomfield, has been targeted by the pandemic, after making a welwaste return dumpers in recome to for theyears, townbut in 2019. cent year, months, thewill problem beThis there be twohas major come more–acute. highlights the raft race in aid of waste, rubble, theConstruction Heart of Kent Hospice andhard the core, windows household furfirework finale and from the roof of a niture is left illegally – often strewn shopping centre. inA the middle of the road. will be stage at Lockmeadow Cllr Gill Fort said: “Everyofmonth dedicated to the talents local we are and having toilets, sinks and dancers singers. construction waste dumped in the Organisers are fine-tuning the village, specifically in Burberry day's schedule, but it will run from Lane, where we are now thinking around midday until 10pm. of installing cameras on private Festival chairman, Maidstone land, to oversee the problem area.” borough councillor Dave Naghi A recent event in Burberry Lane (pictured) said: "People have had a saw a caravan burned out while a

YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT maidstone@martinco.com

01622 690290

Kate, No. 107, 313 dies

23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent

unlicensed waste carriers, but Cllr beation and leisure committee, lieves theRound, cost tosaid smallthe firms offestidisMartin river posing of of construction waste at be a val is one many events due to transfer held thisstation year. is proving a deterrent that is costing councils more.

He added: "Anything that reCllr Fort made her remarks as vives the wonderful qualities of the one of the borough’s closest transriver has to be welcomed." fer stations at North Farm, TunCllr Naghi said: "Martin's support bridge Wells, announced it will be is vital.for We closed 10cannot weeks.put on an event like without the support ofthe the Shethis added: “If you go along borough council and sponsors." line of increasing fines,our they have to Homes is the maininsponbe Weston enforced.

A reduction the sor, with a contribution of £20,000 charge or offering it free may have towards thesimilar estimated £23,000 cost the desired effect.” ofAstaging the event. three-monthly litterAuctioneers pick on the Clive Emson willof sponsor the raft mile-long stretch road through racing.village produces an average Leeds added: "People will 32 Cllr blackNaghi sacks of rubbish. get theFort, chance dress up boats, Cllr whotoalso serves as a parish councillor, teaching take part in the raftsays race as well as children about family fun allsocial day. responsibility It'll be great. and thehoping issue ofthe litter in schools We're weather is onwill our help side.take " the issue off the streets.

SheRaft believes with every household race places are likely to be receiving a weekly collection hard to come by,refuse so booking an service, there is no excuse for litter early slot is advised. being thrown from vehicles or For more information, go to dumped in the road. www.maidstoneriverfestival.com.

Jason Donovan date Farewell to Deena THE former Neighbours A VILLAGE has beenstar leftbrings his show toby thethe Hazlitt stunned sudden death of 18 Theatre May. Deenanext Finnis (55), who

lived in Leeds.

à6

Sanctuary loses cat BAJRAMI, the much-loved cheetah, has died at the à10 Big Cat Sanctuary.

Taco Bell welcome THE opening of a Mexican fast food outlet Taco Bell has been welcomed. à14

Obituaries

32

à26 Obituaries Parish Councils 34-35 ASH dieback has been discovered in à 29 Parishes

Monks Meadow in Detling; Hollingbourne fete37-38 stallComment village à holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has resigned; yellow lines are needed Drug dealer nabbed for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow A DOPEY drugImperial dealer left a trail buses through Park; rubof photo which led field policein bish bins clues in the sports Kingswood to be moved to a stash are of drugs and over to the picnic area and rear exit.à15 cash in Maidstone.

Crime Reports

35

Life-saver children

VEHICLES have been driven over A CHILDREN’S football team has farmland in Lenham, causing raised more than £5,000 damge to crops; an attempted à20 for a good break-in wascause. reported in Detling; a vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were Park and ride testing stolen from an allotment in A FORMER park and ride site in Lenham.

Maidstone may be turned over to a mobile COVID-19 46-47 Comment à27 testing site.

Home Alarms supplied and fitted

01622 880840 webexpand.co.uk visit www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 In the toptop 1% of 1% UK web In the of design UK companies www.webexpand.co.uk | info@webexpand.co.uk web design companies

web design google promotion ecommerce

auctions@cliveemson.co.uk cliveemson.co.uk 0345 8500333

EXPERIENCE an Exciting Way to Sell (and Buy) Land & Property

Upcoming Auction 23 March Entries Closed Bidding Live: Monday, 21 March Auction Ends: Wednesday, 23 March All Lots available to view on our website now

Suitable Entries Include

Inviting Entries We are continually inviting entries for our auctions which are scheduled throughout the year.

We are only an email, call, or click away • auctions@cliveemson.co.uk • cliveemson.co.uk • 0345 8500333 If you would like to arrange a no obligation auction appraisal please do not hesitate to contact us or complete our online form at www.cliveemson.co.uk/selling/

•

Projects Building plots, development sites and conversions.

•

Vacant Premises improvement, renovation restoration, refurbishment

•

Investments Tenanted properties (both commercial and residential).

•

Unique Properties Martello towers, nuclear bunkers, car parking spaces, churches and more.

•

Land Farms and smallholdings, woodland, grazing and leisure land (including ponds,

Local Knowledge - National Coverage 2

downsmail.co.uk

Village store marks two years of service A MUCH-LOVED pop-up community shop is celebrating its second anniversary.

Despite the pandemic, Detling Community Store managed to stay open, serving as a daily shopping outlet and coffee meeting spot.

Just a month after the shop celebrated its first birthday, it was awarded runner-up at the Rural Business Awards. It is the first time in over 10 years the village has had a local store.

Community store and post office founder Richard Finn said: “It has become a vital part of the village, creating community cohesion in so many different ways.

“Many residents do their daily shopping; many meet for a coffee and buy something from our deli.

As walking and cycling became popular during lockdown, we had many visitors dropping in for a drink. We are truly proud to be at the heart of the community.

Volunteers Chrys Ashford and Maria Watson outside the community store in Detling “The store would not be celebrating its second birthday without our volunteers, funders and, of course, our customers.

“Thank you for everything you have contributed over the last two years.”

Mr Finn and parish councillor John Clayton thought up the idea in 2018 and set up a committee to secure funding for the project.

He added: “The parish council then provided land on a peppercorn rent on the Old Detling School Field.

“The committee agreed the store would stock as much local produce as possible, have a bank of volunteer staff and include a post office.”

Detling Community Store is always looking for more volunteers – call 01622 631305.

News

Driver attack

A DELIVERY driver was assaulted before having his van stolen.

Detectives are investigating the incident in Graveney Road, Senacre, at about 5.30pm on Saturday, February 12. The driver was allegedly assaulted as he returned to his van before it was stolen.

The suspect is said to be white, about 30 years old and wore a black jacket, blue jeans and a woollen hat.

The van was later found in Whitebeam Drive, Coxheath.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/28452/22.

Hospice run

MAIDSTONE Road Run is set to take place on March 6.

The annual run in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice offers three distances all departing from Cornwallis Academy.

A Heart of Kent Hospice spokesman said: “There is a challenge for everyone.”

For more information, go to www.hokh.org/supportus/events/maidstone-road-run2022.

Organic colour specialists

Welcome to the world of Oway. Beautiful, luxurious and organic professional hair care, styling and colour

p3 Late nights Tuesday/Thursday. Shellac Gel Nails.

Hair extensions available – book your free consultation now.

7 Yeoman Court, Ashford Rd, NEW Bearsted, Maidstone. ME14 4ND Individual room available for clients Phone:

01622 738772

wishing to be seen in isolation.

3

News

downsmail.co.uk

Churchyard gardener retires

A CHURCH’S head gardener has finally hung up his chainsaw after eight years in the job.

Gordon Luck (73), of Fernhill Road, is retiring from his volunteer position at St Nicholas churchyard in Leeds due to back problems.

The former Brunswick House Primary School caretaker said it took him 18 months to cut the overgrown grass back when he first arrived in August 2013.

Mr Luck said: “The grass was so high and covered in nettles you couldn’t even tell there was a grave underneath it. I probably wore out three strimmers and spent five hours a day sitting on a mower going back and forth.”

The yard now boasts snowdrops, bluebells, daffodils, primroses and holly trees.

Churchwarden Brian Hardy

Arrest after theft attempt

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, theft, and assault.

Police identified a Hyundai which they believed to be displaying a false number plate at about 10.20am on February 6.

The Hyundai was linked to an incident in Boxley on February 2, when two men were trying to steal a trailer.

When challenged by the owner it is reported the suspects drove at her forcing her to run to safety.

The vehicle was stopped in Princes Avenue and the driver, a man in his 30s, was arrested.

He has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.

said: “Gordon has been maintaining Leeds churchyard for several years, devoting hours of his time every week, come rain or sun.

“He has worked hard to develop the wildflowers and bulbs and has had to put up with the complaints of people who do not understand

New award for Ellul HOT on the heels of his contract extension and Stones supporters’ player of the month award, Joe Ellul has bagged the Vanarama National League South player of the month too.

A spokesman said: “Maidstone United and their fans aren’t kidding themselves. To stay in touch, they just have to keep winning.

“They have kept up their end of the bargain and it’s in no small part due to Joe Ellul.

“He had a stop-start season until early December when he made a comeback from injury – and since then Maidstone have gone nine unbeaten in the league.

“Ellul is a key part of the best defence in the league, conceding just two times in January in their five

games. He even chipped in with a goal against Concord Rangers and his displays have been enough to earn him this recognition.”

the need to let the grass grow to allow plants to seed at certain times of the year.”

The former Leeds Primary School pupil was born in the village but left at 16 to join the Royal Air Force as a photographer. He returned to Maidstone in 1996 to look after his mother.

He added: “I still travel down here to look after the site. It’s good exercise and I love seeing people take pictures of the snowdrops.

“My advice to the next person is to let it grow and treat the place like a meadow or nature reserve.”

St Nicholas Church urgently needs someone to take over. If you can help contact Brian on 01622 842915 or b.hardy17@outlook.com.

Find support at grief cafe

A GRIEF café will be launching at All Saints’ Church in Staplehurst.

The meet-ups on the first Sunday of every month are for anyone grieving a loss or who wants to find friendship with others.

Organiser Becca Worthington said: “Whether you experienced a bereavement recently or years ago, having the right support, knowing you are not alone in your grieving and learning coping strategies is an essential part of healing around loss.”

“Standing together with people who have had similar experiences can be a comfort and support.”

For details call 01580891258 for the All Saints Church parish office or email Rev Silke Tetzlaff silke.tetzlaff@btinternet.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

4

Advertising Sales Contact info@downsmail.co.uk Accounts: accounts@downsmail.co.uk Mail Publications Ltd Forge House Bearsted Green Business Park Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4DT Call us: 01622 630330

News

downsmail.co.uk

Special school’s expansion plan MULTI-million pound plans to expand a Kent special school from September have been unveiled, writes Ciaran Duggan.

Snowfields Academy, near Bearsted, has pledged to double the number of students studying at its school by creating a satellite in Cranbrook, on the site of High Weald Academy, which was shut recently.

The total capacity of the academy would increase from 140 to 280.

Kent County Council (KCC) has proposed to fund the £3.2million development as demand is growing.

A KCC report says: “Snowfields Academy has a local cohort of children from the Maidstone area, but also admits pupils from a wider area across the county.

“There is no special needs provision in the Cranbrook area.”

A final decision by KCC’s education cabinet member, Cllr Shellina Prendergast (Con) is due this month.

Snowfields is a secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 18, with an education, care and health plan (EHCP), with a primary need of autism.

Snowfield’s wide catchment area caters for children who live as far

as 17 miles away in the borough of Tonbridge and Malling.

However, KCC says the satellite school would reduce travelling times for future pupils.

Latest figures show the number of children with an EHCP continues to rise in the county, particularly young people aged 11 to 16.

Currently, there are a total of 13,499 EHCPs in January 2020, with half of Kent’s 12 districts seeing growth in demand, including children with autism.

Leigh Academies Trust will oversee the school and will manage the Snowfields expansion scheme.

‘Refund garden waste fee’ AN outspoken councillor claims an apology and a refund is owed to residents hit by delays to garden waste collections.

Maidstone was one of many councils to partly suspend garden waste collection due to staff shortages in the “pingdemic”.

First suspended in August last year, the service struggled to keep up with demand and at one point in October less than 50% of garden bins were collected.

Since then, the service has stabilised – 92% of collections were made in November and 100% in December 2021.

The service, run by private contractor Biffa, costs Maidstone residents £45 a year and is used by about 32,500 homes.

Cllr Patrik Garten (Con) told the council’s housing, commu-

p5

Cllr Shellina Prendergast

nities and environment committee that residents deserved an apology.

He said: “I represent North Downs ward, one of the most rural wards in Maidstone, and I understand my ward was one of the worst affected when the waste collection service didn’t work.

“The waste collection service is discretionary, where our residents are paying a separate fee and are therefore in a type of contract with the council.

“I’m very concerned because it’ll take only a few disgruntled gardeners in my ward to take the council to a small claims court.”

Lib Dem member Cllr Derek Mortimer said council officers and Biffa had been swift in sorting problems out.

Will, Deputyship, or Power of Attorney dispute?

Do you have a dispute regarding how a Will, Deputyship, Estate or Power of Attorney has been handled?

Whitehead Monckton has considerable experience in helping clients to resolve these difficult disagreements and in many cases achieving excellent financial results.

Call us today on

Canterbury Maidstone Tenterden London

01227 643250 01622 698000 01580 765722 020 7531 2990

for an initial no obligation consultation by phone.

E-mail enquiries@whitehead-monckton.co.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

DM 11/19

5

News

Two arrests after assault

TWO men have been arrested after a man was attacked in Maidstone.

The fight happened at about 7.45pm on February 10, and Pudding Lane was cordoned off near The Herbalist bar for seven hours for forensic investigation.

The victim was airlifted to a London hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A 23-year-old man from Maidstone has been arrested on suspicion of assault and a 37-year-old Maidstone man has been arrested on suspicion of affray. Both remain in custody.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Patrols were called to a report of a disturbance in Pudding Lane. A man was taken to a London hospital by air ambulance for medical attention."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has privately-held video which can assist with enquiries, is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 46/27141/22. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.

669 Loose Road Maidstone ME15 9UX Tel. 01622 746688

6

downsmail.co.uk

Friends’ farewell to ‘incredible’ Deena FRIENDS and family have been paying tribute to Leeds resident Deena Finnis, who died suddenly at home at the end of January.

Members of the Armour-Plated Boxing Club held a memorial balloon release in her honour. Deena used to attend events in her role as a paramedic and had quickly become part of their family.

A spokesman at the event said: “Deena was such a wonderful woman; a beautiful, lovely lady who helped so many. A fantastic paramedic. She was one of the family. She enjoyed working on our shows and will be missed so deeply.”

Friends wrote messages to her on tags for silver and purple balloons which were them released at the club’s Chatham base. Members of Leeds Women’s Institute also paid tribute to Deena at their

p6

Deena Finnis, who died last month meeting on Thursday, February 10. Member and friend Lesley Finlay said: “We are all deeply shocked by Deena’s death. She had already added a real sense of fun to our meetings, even though she had only recently joined.

Deena was friendly, strong and

1 New Street Farm Chilmington Green Road Great Chart Ashford TN23 3DL Tel. 01233 650746

warm, and we will all miss her dreadfully.”

Meanwhile, Paul Cordier of Leeds Amateur Dramatic Society said the group were heartbroken at the news of Deena’s death.

He added: “Deena was part of the team, giving whatever help was needed. We will miss her.”

Paul said how proud LADS were of Sue, Deena’s mother, who continued in her role as the Fairy in Rapunzel a few days after her death.

Paul said: “Sue was incredible; she kept going despite everything.”

The funeral will be held at Vinters Park Crematorium at 10.15am on Friday, March 11, and afterwards at The George Inn, Lower Street, Leeds.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Deena’s family. Those wishing to contribute can do so at www.gofundme.com/df4c237e l See Obituaries, page 26

www.albany-funerals.co.uk Here to help 24/7

Independent Award-winning Forward-thinking Affordable

Discover the Filmmaking Magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Walk in the footsteps of the cast and explore the wonders of the Wizarding World.

13th April - Adult £75 / OAP £75 / Child £70 See Breathtaking Sets such as the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Explore the Collection of beautifully crafted Iconic Props and discover the artistry of every costume from the Wizarding world.

Discover how the special and visual effects were created, Learn how magical creatures were brought to life on the screen and find out how the vast sets were created.

Finally explore the Three Themed Gift Shops, selling everything from Wands, Clothing, Sweets and exclusive Harry Potter items.

This award winning tour is a must see for every Harry Potter fan young and old!

Price includes Tour Admission, Gift Shop Entry and Luxury Coach Travel

Book your trip direct online at daytrips.streamlinekent.co.uk or call 01732 468 528

HELP YOUR GARDEN BIRDS THIS WINTER

BOX OF 150 FAT BALLS WITH INSECTS & SEEDS

£13.90 SUPREME ROBIN AND SONGBIRD NO MESS MIX

15kg £15.90 SUNFLOWER HEARTS

20kg £27.90

KENT ELECTRONIC SERVICES (KES) LTD

IT SOLUTIONS

Taking care of your IT support requirements Focus on your business, while we ensure your IT is working for you

BIRD NUTS GRADE A

20kg £27.90

Pets World

FOR ALL YOUR WILD BIRD AND COMPANIAN PETS NEEDS

PETSWORLD, CRANBROOK ROAD, STAPLEHURST TN12 0EU

Monday-Saturday, 8.30am-4.30pm (Saturday 4pm) Closed Sundays

www.petsworldkent.co.uk

Tel: 01622 721000 Web: www.kesuk.net Email: mark@kesuk.net Maidstone, Kent

7

News

Trucker had laptop on his dashboard

A LORRY driver was pulled over on the M20 and fined after he was seen with a laptop balanced on his dashboard.

The driver was one of 44 motorists stopped and fined £100, given points or advice.

Officers patrolled the M20, M2, A2 and M25 in cars, on motorbikes and in large goods vehicles (LGVs) for six days in January.

Being in a lorry allowed them to see into cars and larger vehicles.

Motorists caught committing driving offences were filmed and then stopped by marked police cars.

The drivers of nine LGVs, nine HGVs, and 26 other motorists were stopped for offences including using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, not being in proper control of the vehicle, not having insurance, carrying insecure loads, and driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “These actions resulted in 31 traffic offence reports being issued, 10 fixed penalty notices and two court summons.

“One man was arrested after an officer on a police motorbike smelt cannabis coming from a car travelling towards junction 7 of the M20.“ Another motorist was arrested on suspicion of drug driving at junction 8 of the M20. Another driver was stopped at junction 5, also on suspicion of drug driving.

Following a search of the vehicle a knife was also seized.

All those arrested have since been released from custody pending further investigation.

downsmail.co.uk

Homes meeting moved due to ‘safety concerns’

OPPONENTS of a major housing development at Lenham Heath are furious that a public consultation will not be held in the community.

The Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) exercise will go ahead at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne, due to officers' alleged safety fears.

Chairman of Lenham Parish Council John Britt described the development as a "farce" and pressure group Save Our Heath Lands (SOHL) say the location is unacceptable. They want the consultation to be held at the community centre in Lenham.

Downs Mail understands it is the government agency Homes England, who will deliver 5,000 houses in the countryside near Lenham, which raised safety concerns for its staff.

Cllr Britt said: "It’s a farce. Either they have the courage of their convictions, or they don't. We are the ones who are going to end up with all of this.

“This inappropriate response by MBC is a cop-out and is disrespectful to the communities in Lenham who are passionate about trying to protect our countryside and our environment.”

SOHL said in a statement: "Lenham has a perfectly reason-

Members of Save Our Heath Lands want a local consultation on the plan able community centre at the heart of the village. This venue is big enough, fully accessible, and available for the purposes of holding a public consultation event. It is the community hub of the village, well-known and used extensively by villagers. To use an alternative venue miles away at much greater expense than the very modest hire charge for the Lenham Community Centre is unfathomable."

Proposals to stage the consultation in a council-built building in Bearsted were scrapped.

A249 closed

THE A249 Detling Hill will close from February 18 to 21.

The road will shut northbound from M20 junction 7 to allow for highway improvement works.

The alternative route for motorway traffic is via A249 Sittingbourne Road, Newnham Court Roundabout, M20 J7 to J6 Running Horse Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Cobtree Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Taddington Wood Roundabout, M2 J3 to J4 On Slip, M2, M2 J5 Off Slip.

Road re-opens

THE A20 Ashford Road will reopen on February 20.

The road is currently shut for drainage works between Huntsman Lane and Square Hill Road.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via A20 Ashford Road, New Cut Road, A249 Bearsted Road, Newnham Court Roundabout, Sittingbourne Road, Albion Place, Andrew Broughton Way and vice versa.

Traffic lights

TEMPORARY traffic lights will remain in New Road, East Malling, until April 8.

The lights are at the Chapman Way junction for culvert repair and improvement works.

8

Officers suggested at the MBC policy and resources committee meeting that it was safety concerns driving the choice of location.

But an MBC insider said: "Homes England raised safety concerns after some pretty bad experiences in other parts of the country. The council officers are, actually, more realistic.”

MBC said there will be two events at the Mercure and will stage another event in Lenham after feedback has been taken.

Public consultation is a “high priority”, MBC claimed.

Students win debating places Antiques fair TWO Maidstone Grammar School pupils have qualified for the national final of the Oxford University Schools Debating Competition.

Thomas, of year 12 Tonbridge House, and Callum, of year 12 College House, are the first people from Maidstone to ever make the team.

The competition is one of the country’s leading academic contests.

A MGS spokesman said: “This is the first time that a team of Maidstonians will be representing MGS at the Oxford Union in this event.

Well done, Thomas and Callum, on a remarkable achievement.”

DETLING antiques, vintage and collectors fair is back on April 23 and 24.

The event features everything retro with both indoor stands and outdoor pitches. It opens from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday.

Entry is £6.

9

News

999 call after two hit by car

A WOMAN and child were hit by a car in Maidstone.

Police were called at about 9am on February 14 to Tonbridge Road after reports of a collision involving a car and two pedestrians.

A police spokesman said: "Officers and ambulance crews attended and no serious injuries were reported. A woman and a child have been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"The driver of the car stopped following the collision."

M20 collision

A SUSPECTED drink driver was arrested after a crash closed the M20 for two hours.

Police were called to J8 of the M20 after a collision between a lorry and a van on February 13.

The driver of the van had reportedly fled and the police helicopter was dispatched to find him. A man was later arrested in the ground of Leeds Castle on suspicion of leaving the scene of a collision and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

downsmail.co.uk

Sanctuary’s sorrow as cheetah put down BAJRAMI, the much-loved cheetah at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, has died aged 11.

The last of three brothers at the wildlife conservation park was put to sleep on February 2 after a period of ill health.

Bajrami (pictured) arrived with Keene and Martin eight years ago and was remembered for being the most striking looking and laid-back of the trio.

A spokesman for the sanctuary said: "In his prime, his dark coat with an impressive long mantle of fur on his shoulders and the way he hung his broad head low when he walked made Bajrami look so powerful and even at times a little intimidating.

"His personality though, was easily the most mellow of the three."

Known affectionately as “B” to his keepers, he even had a racing

car, DSTecheetah Bajrami, named after him.

The spokesman added: "He was calm and focused in training sessions, and would come into the training area each week to be weighed, calmly, slowly, and oh so gently moving around and onto the weighing scales for his treats, allowing his keepers to monitor his body condition.

"Then, when the treats ran out, just as gently he would wander back outside to lie in the grass or in his outside shelter if the weather wasn’t being kind."

The cheetah was moved to Winham Wildlife Park in 2017 to be paired with a female and Bajrami was the only one of the brothers to sire offspring.

Willow, his daughter, still lives at the sanctuary.

The sanctuary spokesman added: "Although Willow differs from her father in personality, she really is her father’s daughter when it comes to looks.

"She has his compact frame, his strong square head shape and is beautifully vocal, just like him."

Bajrami would have been 12 years old this month, but after consultation with vet Dr Nic Masters, it was decided best to put him to sleep.

Your is available to pick-up from a store near you, every fortnight and FREE

p10

Aylesford

Newsagents

Asda

Sainsburys

Grafty Green

Kingswood

Co-Op – Willington St

Sainsbury’s

New Avenue Stores

WM Morrisons - Sutton road

Station Newsagents

Bearsted Taylors Newsagents

Halling

Co-Op

Ask me Point – The Mall

Sutton Valence

WM Morrisons

Royal Star Arcade Café

Haven farm Shop

Stephen Grey Chiropody

Harriestham

Lenham

Fruit Stall -Week Street

Shay Service Station

Chart Sutton

Mace Stores

Village Stores

M&S - Eclipse Park

Teston

The Shop on the Green

Co-Op

Lunsford

Lunsford Tesco Exra

Community Store

Coxheath

Headcorn

Tesco Extra

Marden

West Malling

Maidstone

Stanley’s of Marden

Parkfoot Garage

Londis Detling

Hollingbourne

Newnham Court Shopping Village

Snodland

Tesco Metro

Community Store

Woods of Hollingbourne

Tesco – Grove Green

A’n’ D Bargains Foods

Yalding

Eccles

Kings Hill

Tesco – Farleigh Hill

Co-Op

You can also read all editions online at: www.downsmail.co.uk or You can have the newspapers posted to you, every fortnight Annual subscription (24 copies) £25 to cover cost of postage and packing.

Call: 01622 630330 or Email: info@downsmail.co.uk

10

Sainsburys - Romney place Staplehurst NEW

Supporting the Kent community for over 235 years

Whitehead Monckton solicitors are based in Canterbury, Maidstone and Tenterden providing specialist legal services to individuals and businesses. Our clients tell us we are good listeners and great lawyers, but don’t take their word for it.

If you would like help with: • Wills • Tax & Estate Planning • Probate • Family • Residential Conveyancing If your business needs help with: • Contracts & Transactions • Property • Licensing • Employment Call Maidstone 01622 698000 or visit our website at www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk e. info@whitehead-monckton.co.uk Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. Registered office: 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

11

Spotlight on Bearsted S

Call Ann on 01622 296060

Sarah Willsey MCFHP MAFHP Foot Health Professional Mobile Foot Health Professional service in the comfort of your own home Mobile: 07500 041535 Email: sarah@yourhealthyfeet.co.uk Web: www.yourhealthyfeet.co.uk

FULLY INSURED • LOCAL • TRUSTWORTHY *High Standards* *Competitive Pricing* *Happy Customers* Call Lewis

07999 377244 www.bluebelllocksmiths.co.uk

Est. 1984

Drives, Patios, Walls, Fences, Design etc.

FREE ESTIMATES

(01622) 738933 • 07753 818882 30, Copsewood Way, Bearsted

12

The Yeoman Mediterranean bar and restaurant is set in the heart of Bearsted, offering great food and drink.

SERVING FOOD

BAR OPEN ALL DAY

Tuesday - Friday 12:00 - 14:30 18:00 - 22:30 Saturday & Sunday 12:00 - 22:30

Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 - 22:30

www.yeomanbearsted.co.uk

YEOMAN GARDEN PIZZA Tuesday - Sunday 14:00 - 21:00 For pizza orders please call 01622 739 370 139 Ashford Road Bearsted ME14 4BT

Takeaway and Delivery

Spotlight on Bearsted Spotlight on Bearsted

THE BEST TANNING AND BEAUTY SALON IN MAIDSTONE With our team of beauty therapists, we offer a list of quality and affordable services that you will simply love. That’s a fact.

Treatments : * Fast Tanning * Gel Nails * Microblading * Aesthetics

contact us - 01622 632 632

ose Inn, 87 Ashford Road, Maids PROTECT YOUR HOME!

Free advise & Consultations Reliable & affordable 20+ years experience

delhispice www.delhispice.co.uk

Order Online & Recieve 10% Off and FREE Poppadoms - Use Code DM10

01622 734747 The Rose Inn, 87 Ashford Road, Maidstone, ME14 4BS

Video doorbell & camera lights

Intruder Alarms

CCTV

Maintenance & monitoring

Customer Satisfaction and Peace of Mind is our priority.

07734 591 818

contact@deltasec.co.uk Follow Us On

13

News

downsmail.co.uk

Traffic plan ‘a waste of cash’

A ONE-WAY system will be implemented on a notoriously busy route in Maidstone this summer, despite local councillors believing it is a “complete waste of money”.

Maidstone's Joint Transportation Board has decided to introduce the new layout, with a no-right turn into Hart Street from Barker Road and the introduction of a mini roundabout at the southern end of Barker Road, at its junction with Hart Street.

This means vehicles would no longer make a right-turn to enter the McDonald’s drive-thru and a mini roundabout would be installed near B&Q. But Cllr David Naghi, who has long campaigned for a two-lane McDonald’s manager Susan Thapa, Cllr David Nagh and Mark Forder junction at the site, believes the work would be a waste of time would fix the problem for good. It fore the borough council spent and money. is a waste of money and residents, £19m of tax-payers’ money buyHe said: “What is the point in who are affected by traffic chaos ing and revamping Lockmeadow wasting money on a scheme that every time a car blocks the road, in an attempt to attract more visinobody is sure will work? should have been consulted first.” tors to the town.

“The two lanes in and two lanes Cllr Naghi believes the junction He added: “If we are trying to out scheme is more expensive, but should have been fixed long be- encourage people to visit this new

Taco Bell ‘vote of condence’

THE decision to open a branch of Taco Bell in week Street, Maidstone, has been welcomed by business leaders.

One Maidstone manager Ilsa Butler added: “It’s always really encouraging when a business like Taco Bell, with a recognisable name, chooses to have a branch in Maidstone.

“Businesses like this always take careful consideration as to where they will locate and to make an investment in our town centre speaks of their having confidence in it being a profitable location.”

Jumble sale

A JUMBLE sale is being held at Madginford Hall on March 12.

The event will run from 2pm to 3.30pm. Admission is 50p for adults and children go free.

If you have any items you would like to donate, please deliver them to the hall from 9.30am or ring Shan on 01622 738304.

House costs

FIRST-time buyers can expect their first home in Maidstone to cost £280,000 and will need a combined household income of £62,250 to afford it, according to property services website Zoopla.

14

leisure centre, a two-lane layout should be considered. Two lanes means twice as many cars can get through.”

Cllr Paul Harper said the proposal will “not fix everything” but should make life better, and any alternatives would have meant waiting another three or four years for action to take place.

Thai Orchid manager Mark Forder said: “This junction needs major improvements, not just for local residents and businesses, but for the whole of Maidstone.

“We all would like to see this gridlocked junction sorted out.”

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “KCC will implement proposals recommended by the Joint Transportation Board, for a trial one-way system on Barker Road and Hart Street this summer.”

Singing porter cheers sick baby WHEN a little boy arrived at hospital recently with breathing difficulties he was put at ease by a singing porter.

Jonathan Baker (51), of London Road, Maidstone, belted out his version of "The Wheels on the Bus" for 13-month-old Oscar Mellor after admission to Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Jonathan (pictured right) sang “The wheels on the trolley” as he transferred Oscar, from Maidstone, to the Hedgehog children’s ward for treatment.

Oscar’s parents, admin worker Olivia Arnold (24) and IT consultant Adam Mellor (26), of Maidstone, were able to see their little boy smile for the first time since he fell ill after complications from a cold.

Olivia said: “Jonathan sang to

Oscar the whole way, making him smile and laugh – something his dad and I hadn’t been able to do in days. He was amazing, and really cheered up a very anxious

Air ambulance call AN air ambulance landed on a sports field in Park Wood.

The helicopter was spotted in Bicknor Road at around 11.45am on February 9.

An Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) spokesman said: “A helicopter attended a male patient medi-

cal incident on February 9.

“Our crew arrived on scene at 11:30am, where they worked to help treat the patient.

“He was taken to a specialist hospital by road with our crew accompanying them in the ambulance to continue delivering their care en route.”

mum and scared baby. He really was a little glimmer of light in a very scary and stressful week.”

Jonathan has worked at the hospital for 20 years.

WI meetings

MADGINFORD WI has resumed meetings with a small group.

Meetings are held at Madginford Hall at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month.

The WI offers women the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and campaign on wide-ranging issues.

For further information. Call 01622 737500.

downsmail.co.uk

Drug dealer’s phone leads police to stash A DOPEY drug dealer left detectives a trail of clues on his phone which led to a secret stash of cocaine and cash.

Redi Dushku (27), of Maidstone, was at the wheel of a Mercedes stopped by officers in Upper Fant Road on October 24 last year.

He claimed he was going to meet a man about a car washing job, but suspicions were raised the vehicle had been linked to activity in the town, and it was searched by a patrol.

Paperwork was found with Dushku’s name on, relating to a police investigation into a cannabis cultivation in Staffordshire.

An officer examining Dushku’s phone noticed a photo of a cannabis farm and another with a letter bearing an address of a flat in Bower Place, Maidstone.

Police raided the flat and found more than 80 deal bags of cocaine, hidden in a kitchen extraction fan.

Almost £2,000 in cash was also seized.

When Dushku was questioned he claimed it was first time he had ever driven into Maidstone.

However, the investigation proved the Mercedes had made repeated journeys to the town and Dushku was captured on local CCTV getting into the car the day before, on October 23.

THE BEST PLACE OPEN: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8.30-5.30PM SATURDAY 8.30-4.00 PM

p15

While you wait Service TYRES WHEELS BATTERIES EXHAUSTS BRAKES FREE Brake Puncture repairs Inspections CALL NOW FOR MORE DETAILS 01622 41 41 41 UNIT 4 MAIDSTONE EXCHANGE, CUXTON ROAD, PARKWOOD IND EST, MAIDSTONE ME15 9HF

Dushku, of no fixed address, admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and driving without insurance. He appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on February 10, and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Richard Crowhurst of West Kent CID said: “Redi Dushku fulfilled a significant role in an organised criminal network to supply Class A drugs, and his sentence is the latest in a number of recent successful convictions of dealers who have tried to operate in Maidstone.

“Cases such as this reinforce our determination and commitment to identify criminals, who often travel from other areas of the country and mistakenly assume we are a soft touch.

“We will continue to deal robustly with anyone involved in the supply of drugs, to ensure they get the punishment they deserve.”

News

Work starts to re-open chapel

WORK has begun to restore a grade II-listed building back to its former glory.

Maidstone Cemetery Chapel opened in 1858 but was closed to the public in January 2006, following a number of structural surveys.

The Gothic-style building required urgent repairs to the spire and roof.

A council spokesman said: “The main areas of concern were the stability of the spire because of rusting ironworks and the potential for stonework to become detached and fall onto the footpath.”

Maidstone Cemetery, just off Sutton Road, carries out about 130 burials per year and the re-opening of the chapel will allow mourners to hold services there rather than travel across Maidstone.

Cllr Simon Webb said: “The Maidstone Cemetery Chapel is an iconic building and played a huge part in funeral services for the people of Maidstone and their grieving relatives and friends.

“I am so pleased to know that the restoration work is now underway so that it can be used for the purpose it was built for.”

COMPUTERS NO FIX NO FEE, NO CALL OUT FEE! • Data backup & recovery • Great deals on new pc’s • Over 20 years experience • Computer repairs & upgrades • Laptop repairs & screen replacements

Call Ben on 01622 297262 or 07772 843544 www.bl-it-solutions.co.uk 15

News

Drink-driver disqualied

A MAIDSTONE man has been banned from driving for 20 months after a breathtest showed more than twice the limit for alcohol.

Ionut Cazacu (39), of Farleigh Hill, was sentenced on January 18 at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

He admitted driving when above the legal drink-drive limit on December 30, 2021. When stopped he gave a reading of 81mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

He was disqualified from driving for a total of 20 months and fined £120. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £34 and costs of £85.

Death appeal

OFFICERS are continuing to appeal for witnesses following a fatal collision on the M2.

The driver, a 26-year-old man, was pronounced deceased after sustaining serious injuries in the early hours on Friday, February 11. The vehicle left the coastbound carriageway at junction 3.

downsmail.co.uk

Lesley steps in to Ann’s shoes as KCC chairman LESLEY Game has officially been elected chairman of Kent County Council (KCC).

Cllr Game, left, takes over the post following the death of former chairman Ann Allen MBE in October 2021.

Gary Cooke, right, was elected vice-chairman at the full council meeting on February 10. The pair are pictured right.

Tory Cllr Game said: “Taking up office under these circumstances is difficult.

“Mrs Allen was a dear friend and a fantastic mentor for me. I learnt a lot from watching her carry out the chairman’s duties and I hope that I can continue the good work she started in May last year.

“However, we must move forward and look to the future.

“The very fact we have had to relocate today’s meeting to the Kent Event Centre from County Hall, to ensure members can safely attend

and socially distance, serves as a reminder that we are still not yet living in normal times.

“I look forward to representing KCC and the residents of Kent and continuing to address the challenges we are collectively facing.”

Following her election, Cllr Game also confirmed she would continue to support Mrs Allen’s chosen charity, The Kent Foster Care Association, until May 2022.

First elected to KCC in May 2017

for Cliftonville, Mrs Game has since held the role of chairman of the Children Young People and Education Cabinet Committee and is involved with many community groups across the Isle of Thanet.

County councillor for Maidstone south east since 2009, Cllr Cooke also served as a district councillor between 1979 and 1987 at Sevenoaks. He is also a borough councillor representing the Shepway south ward.

Buying, selling or both?

p16

Whitehead Monckton solicitors can help you complete all the legal steps, whether you’re buying or selling a property.

We take pride in offering a no-nonsense approach to what can sometimes be a frustrating process, helping ensure your transaction is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Recognised by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Accreditation Scheme, a requirement for some mortgage lenders to use the same solicitors.

Contact us today

Canterbury 01227 643250 Maidstone 01622 698000 Tenterden 01580 765722 www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

16

Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

DM2019

downsmail.co.uk

Thug admits violence at Bent murder scene A VIOLENT thug involved in a disturbance which led to the murder of Andre Bent in Maidstone has been jailed.

Channing Hart (31) is the 12th man to be sentenced for his role in a brawl that resulted in the death of the 21-year-old.

Andre was stabbed and killed by Vasilios Ofogeli (17) following a performance at Gallery nightclub in Bank Street in the early hours of Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Hart, right, was captured on CCTV chasing people with a glass bottle, kicking a man whilst he lay on the ground and punching and swinging his belt towards others.

Moments after delivering the fatal blow to Andre, Ofogeli and three other offenders climbed into a Mercedes that was driven away

by Hart towards the London area.

Ofogeli fled to Greece but returned to the UK days later and was sentenced to a minimum of 20

years in prison after being convicted of murder following a trial.

Hart, of Potters Bar, caught a flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

He remained on the run until August 18, 2021, when he travelled back to the UK and was arrested at Heathrow Airport.

Hart pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for a year

and nine months on February 10.

He was found not guilty of assisting an offender following a trial.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Patrick Milford said: “It is now two-and-a-half years since Channing Hart, Vasilios Ofogeli and others travelled to Maidstone and brought a level of violence with them that ultimately resulted in a young man’s tragic death.

“But no matter how much time has passed, the events of that night will never be forgotten by Andre Bent’s family and friends, or those innocent members of the public caught up in the disturbance.

“Hart has proven himself to be a cowardly individual who kicks people when they are down, uses bottles and belts as weapons and who runs away to another country instead of facing up to the consequences of his actions.”

News

Charity quiz

THE Big Hearty Quiz in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice is back on March 12.

The event will take place at Downswood community centre.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the quiz will start from 7-9pm. Ade Phillips will ask a mix of tough and trivial questions to test all ages.

Tickets cost £5 per person. To book go to www.hokh.org/support-us/events/big-hearty-quiz.

Road closure

LOWER Street in Leeds will close on February 20 for one day for work by UK Power Networks.

The alternative route for through traffic is via B2163 Penfold Hill, A20 Ashford Road, Willington Street, A274 Sutton Road, B2163 Leeds Road and Upper Street.

Parish records

THREE deaths were recorded in the Three Suttons in December.

Cissy Aldridge, Diana Beaman and Patricia Sparrowhawk are now in the parish register.

The baptism of Olive Ward-Scott was recorded as was Elsie Haskett in Headcorn.

Age UK Maidstone are here to help Foot Care Clinics

p17

Clinic appointments at 7 Mill Street in Maidstone and The Goodman Centre in Bearsted. Please call us to register and make an appointment. £20 per person.

Befriending

01622 753618

Currently delivered by telephone only, please get in touch if

Meals on Wheels

Bathing

info@ageukmaidstone.org.uk

Hot, freshly-cooked two course meals delivered to your

In the privacy of your own home. First bath £15.50 subsequent baths in the same week £13.20.

Handyman

sandwiches and snacks for £3, delivered with main meal.

First hour £27.50, subsequent hours £22.

Independent Living Support

Gardening

17

6% 'HQWXUH 'HVLJQ /WG R΍HU )5(( consultations and can advise you on the best denture options available.

T:01622 766077 ( VEGHQWXUHGHVLJQ#JPDLO FRP W :ww.sbdentures.co.uk SB Denture Design Ltd, 2 Wallis Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9DX

Supporting over 8,000 families

We champion training and innovation to support our care home teams to deliver outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, helping individuals to stay active and independent so they can live each day to the full.

If you’re considering care, call Jaime on 01622 809926 or email jaime.jukes@careuk.com

Trusted to care.

Invicta Court care home Maidstone careuk.com/invicta-court 18

Rated

9.9

out of 10 on carehome.co.uk

Wed 16th Mar Sun 16th Mar

Tues 15th Mar Tues 15th Mar

Wed 2nd Mar Wed 2nd Mar

JULIETTE BURTON HOPEPUNK

ThurSun 10th Mar 16th Jan

SatFri12th Mar 21st Jan

FriSat 18th 22ndMar Jan

BARBARA DICKSON: IN CONCERT 29thMar Jan Sun Sat 20th

Fri 11th Feb

Mon 11th Apr

Sun 22nd 30th JanMar Tues

12th Feb Tues 16thSat Nov

Tues 12th Apr

3rd Feb WedThur 23rd Mar

Sat 12th Feb

Wed 13th Apr

Sat 19th Mar Wed 26th Jan

Sat 19th Mar Thur 27th Jan

MAGICAL BONES

Seann Walsh: Back From The Bed

8th Feb ThurTue24th Mar

Web 23rd Feb

Tues 19th Apr

9th Feb ThurWed 24th Mar

Sat 26th12th FebJan Wed

Thur 21st April

19

News

downsmail.co.uk

Club’s life-saving donations

A CHILDREN’S football club raised over £5,000 for four defibrillators in Ditton and Larkfield.

Ditton Minors Football Club set out to purchase three devices, but thanks to residents and councillors, the area received an extra one.

The defibrillators, which are used to help somebody suffering a cardiac arrest, are all secured in heated cabinets which can be opened using a code provided by emergency operators.

Lauren Guy, of defibrillator charity London Hearts, said: "Fewer than one in 10 people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest. But bystander CPR and using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives helps give someone who has had a cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival.

“Ideally, no one should be more than 100m from a defibrillator.

We’re delighted that thanks to the hard work of Ditton Minors FC, four more defibrillators have been placed throughout the village for use in an emergency.

“We hope they are never needed, but we do hope they can

Driving ban

A WOMAN has been disqualified after drink-driving in Snodland.

Charlotte Flisher (28), of Jackdaw Way, Rochester, was sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on January 10.

She pleaded guilty to driving when above the legal drink-drive limit on October 3, 2021. When stopped she gave a reading of 231mcg of alcohol in 100ml of urine. The legal limit is 107mcg.

She was disqualified from driving for 20 months and fined £120.

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

Police crash

TWO police officers were injured in a crash in Maidstone.

The collision in Wheeler Street on Saturday, February 5 involved two vehicles, one of which was a Kent Police van. A spokesman said: "No serious injuries were sustained by the occupant of the other vehicle."

Spring fair fun

A SPRING fair is being held at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel from 10am-2pm on April 10.

As well as craft, food and drink stalls there will be an outdoor egg hunt. Entry is free.

20

HOW TO USE Young players at Ditton Minors Football Club, including this under 7s team, have helped to raise over £5,000 for four new defibrillators provide some peace of mind for the community.”

The devices have been installed at Ditton Community Centre, Old Recreation Ground / New Road Recreation Ground, Ditton Church Centre and Brookfield Junior School.

Chairman Mark Thompson said: “It took a whole community effort,

including members of our club, our committee, residents, councillors, the parish council, London Hearts and local businesses to all come together for the greater good of the community.

“We are hoping that other residents across Kent may do their own campaigns and increase the availability of these devices.”

INSIDE the cabinets, there will be a Mindray C1A automatic defibrillator. These modern devices require zero training and will talk the user through all the steps.

There will also be a magnetic removable torch in case it is dark, prep kit and quick help card.

When the lid is opened the device will turn itself on. Pads are placed on the person’s skin in the positions shown in illustrations and there are also audio instructions provided.

There is a “children mode” for a child under eight.

The device will check for the heart’s rhythm and provide a beat to perform CPR to.

When it is time to shock, the device will tell the user to stop chest compressions and stand clear.

Council targets mental health MORE mental health support is being offered to County Hall workers amid the fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic, writes Jordan Ifield.

Kent County Council (KCC) has said the wellbeing of its 9,350 staff remains a priority. Overworking can lead to stress, anxiety, tiredness and cause illness.

The Conservative administration raised awareness about the ongoing issues around mental health in a meeting at County Hall, Maidstone.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland (Con),

who is KCC’s cabinet member for communications, said he was taking the matter “very seriously” among the council’s workforce.

He said: “We are taking steps to ensure we look after our staff with regard to mental health.”

Since March 2020, KCC says it has introduced an “enhanced” wellbeing development offer.

This includes establishing a mental health support network staff group.

Meanwhile, managers are being trained on the tools and resources available for their staff to cope

with high-pressure situations.

A KCC spokesman said:“Our approach means we are now able to intervene in areas where it appears there are any higher levels of mental health absence and target our support where it is most needed.

“We have created resources for colleagues so they can share hints and tips about how to stay both mentally and physically fit, along with regular communications from our leadership team to help people to understand the importance of wellbeing at work.”

Recycling plan for apartments MALLING residents who live in apartments are to get regular recycling collections for the first time.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council successfully trialled the scheme before deciding to implement it for 2,500 flats in a phased programme.

It means council tax-payers can sort plastic, glass, metal and paper for collection from

communal bin stores, rather than having to take it to public recycling banks.

The proposed timetable for the rollout is: l Snodland and Walderslade – spring 2022; l Royal British Legion Village and Ditton – summer 2022; l West Malling, East Malling and Kings Hill – autumn 2022; l Larkfield and Aylesford – autumn 2022.

Members of the council’s environment services advisory board met on February 8 to review the trial results and proposals for the borough-wide launch.

Recent government statistics show Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council as Kent's top recyclers with 51.6% of rubbish recycled, compared to 43% across Kent and higher than English average of 42%.

downsmail.co.uk

Breaking ground on new business park THE work of turning Woodcut Farm near junction 8 of the M20 into a business park has begun.

Developers Clearbell Capital invited Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Fay Gooch, and other local representatives to a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of work on LOC8 on February 3.

The £47m project will see the building of offices, commercial and logistics spaces.

Details of the rest of the units and associated landscaping will be released in due course once the Masterplan changes are confirmed.

Clearbell partner Nick Berry said: “I am delighted that some 18 months since our first involvement we are putting a spade in the ground for what will be one of the most sustainable grade A business parks in Kent.”

Cllr Gooch said: “Maidstone is the business capital of Kent, so it is really exciting to see this great new

News

Vicar’s charity slimming bid

HEADCORN vicar Rev Fiona Haskett has gone on a sponsored slim.

She has a target of losing a stone and dropping a dress size

by Easter Day. A spokesman said: “Why not give her the additional impetus she needs by sponsoring her to do so?”

Proceeds will go to the community support fund which helps local people in need.

Meet lambs business park getting off the ground. It will encourage even more businesses to be based in the borough, and its location is ideal, right next to junction 8 of the M20.”

Gavin Cleary, of Locate in Kent, added: “The (logistics) sector supports over 33,000 jobs and joins a number of thriving industries... which have benefited from access to talent, excellent transport links and Kent’s unique gateway location between the UK and Europe.

“With a growing population

Local Trades

across Kent and the wider South East region, business investing at LOC8 will have access to the workforce and skills they will need, backed by great schools and awardwinning colleges and universities.”

Pictured here are Cllr David Burton (leader of MBC), Gavin Cleary (CEO Locate in Kent), Nick Berry (Clearbell), Darryl Stace (Readie), Cllr Fay Gooch, Mark Coxon (Director Caxtons), Tom Allen (Clearbell), Cody Wilson (CBRE), and Kevin Pickton (Readie).

SMITHS Hill Farm in Hunt Street, West Farleigh, holds its lambing day on March 6.

Proceeds of the event, held between 10am and 4pm, will go to the air ambulance serving Kent.

Teddy talk

THE next meeting of Headcorn Active retirement (HeadARA) will be held in the village hall, starting at 2pm on February 22.

The speaker will give a history of the teddy bear.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY On our website’s Business Directory you can find reliable, local tradespeople and service providers who are able to help with any repairs, alterations and improvements around your home or office.

Find a skilled plumber, carpenter, plasterer, electrician, decorator, landscaper, builder and other service providers – all at your fingertips wherever you happen to be, at home, work or out and about.

p21 Your Community Website www.downsmail.co.uk

21

News

A fresh start for Gallagher

JAKE Gallagher has bid farewell to Maidstone United.

The 29-year-old joined the Stones last summer following a stint at Dorking Wanderers, bringing a wealth of non-league experience gained at Welling United and Aldershot Town.

With a distinguished football career under his belt, which also included spells at Fulham and Millwall, as well as appearances for the England C team, he has decided to step back from fulltime football and pursue career opportunities outside the game.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin said: “Jake will be welcome back here anytime. He’s someone I wanted to sign last season and was delighted to get him here this season.

“He has been a great character to have around the place and we will miss his presence in the dressing room and out on the field.

“He leaves with our very best wishes and I hope the next stage of his career – in and out of football – is a success. If he needs anything, he knows I’ll always be on the end of the phone for him.”

Parking freeze

MAIDSTONE Borough Council has put a hold on parking charges for the next year.

It means there will be no increase in the cost of parking season tickets. Councillors want to help motorists financially after the loss of the park and ride service.

The decision will cost the council more than £20,000 in the year and it plans to meet this from the estimated £1.2m pay-and-display parking income.

The council had already decided not to increase pay-and-display charges for the next year.

River oil spill

THE ENVIRONMENT Agency is continuing to investigate a serious oil spill in Yalding.

The spill happened at Hampstead Lock along the River Medway on February 13. The slipway was closed to boaters. It has been declared a category 1 incident, the most serious.

The Environment Agency now believes the oil was illegally dumped down a drain.

Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents to 0800 807060.

22

downsmail.co.uk

Council goes electric in zero emissions bid

A LOCAL council has taken delivery of its first fully electric car as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.

The BMW i3 runs on a battery and emits no pollution, while each overnight charge costs less than £10 and gives it a range of more than 150 miles, making running costs significantly less than petrol or diesel equivalents.

The vehicle will be used by various Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) staff members as a pool car, including those who work as parking enforcement officers, who might clock up hundreds of local miles each week.

There are currently more than 1,000 electric cars in the borough, according to figures released by the Department for Transport.

There is a strong growth forecast ahead of the government’s 2030 deadline for ending new petrol and diesel car sales.

TMBC recently announced a phased programme of introducing charging points in its car parks,

with the first 32 installed this spring.

Cllr Robin Betts, cabinet lead on environmental policy, is pictured in the car. He said: "As the owner of an electric car , I’m delighted we’ve been able to take this first step to a zero emissions future.

"Making this switch will save us money and support our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough."

What Car? magazine said of TMBC's choice of car: "The BMW i3 has played a major role in bringing electric cars into the mainstream.

“With its funky looks, impressive performance and clever carbon fibre and aluminium construction, the i3 has shown buyers that electric cars don't have to be white goods – they can be lusted after. "

Temporary morgue to return A TEMPORARY morgue to house Kent residents who died during the pandemic is being reinstated.

Kent County Council (KCC), which oversees coroners, will reopen a temporary place of rest at the former county workshops in Aylesford under £1 million plans.

The Beddow Way site will initially be able receive up to 144 victims of Coronavirus as they await their funerals.

It comes in light of the Omicron

variant and latest UK government modelling about the rising absenteeism of hospital staff and other routine winter pressures.

A total of 5,793 deaths have been recorded in Kent, including Medway (Jan 17), the highest number of any local authority area in the UK since the start of the pandemic in January 2020.

In addition, 434 Coronavirus patients are being treated in Kent hospitals, including 113 in Medway.

Meanwhile, Kent residents have been urged to come forward for vaccinations and booster jabs.

They are advised to sanitise hands, keep rooms ventilated when socialising inside and take regular lateral flow tests, even if they have had their jabs.

Morgue storage will be set up at the Aylesford site, along with IT, temporary structures and equipment. Staff are expected to be hired, including security.

Local history to be told in song THREE leading folk musicians are to tell the story of Kent and Maidstone in traditional songs.

Kent Song Collective members Bob Kenward, John and Di Cullen will perform at the Museum Friends’ Shop in Fremlin Walk on Thursday, March 3.

It will be the first folk gig hosted by Maidstone Museums’ Foundation (MMF).

Songwriter Bob (pictured), who plays guitar, harmonica,

and mandolin, has written four shows about local life.

Doors open at 6pm for refreshments, and the gig starts at 6.30pm, finishing by 8pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 for members and £10 for guests. They can be reserved by emailing info@maidstonemuseumsfriends.org.uk or obtained from the Fremlin Walk shop (open Fridays and Saturdays 10am – 3pm).

Winter

Homes & Gardens

SERIOUS ON STANDARDS We are fully licensed and insured!

We guarantee that all waste will be recycled in the most responsible way under our licence no.

EAN/954896/CB. Why spend a large part of your weekends queuing at the local tip to get rid of your junk when we can do it all for you quickly, economically and professionally!

SOS Recycling is registered with the Environment Agency and practices environmental responsibility Kitchen and bathroom fitters welcome. All trades welcome.

For more information on our junk clearance services or to book your junk removal call today on

07780 730217 or 07879 473298

www.sosrecycling.co.uk info@sosrecycling.co.uk

SKIP HIRE Commercial & Domestic Recycling Services

01233 660 099

www.gboxkent.com

Book Online

Order your skip via secure 24hr online book facility 4 6 8 10 12 16

yard yard yard yard yard yard

skip skip skip skip skip skip

-

£198 £234 £282 £348 £408 £450

inc inc inc inc inc inc

vat vat vat vat vat vat

All prices are inclusive of VAT

Skip Hire Roll On/Offs Road Permits Arranged Waste Recycling Facility

Many more services available See website for details

23

News

downsmail.co.uk

Stars raising £3k on pitch

CELEBRITIES raised more than £3,000 at a charity football match at the Gallagher Stadium, home of Maidstone United FC. Celebrities including Jamie O’Hara, Joe Sealey, James Arthur, Dan Osbourne, Harriet Pavlou and Chunkz took to the pitch for the Soccer Street Foundation, which helps homeless people.

A spokesman said: “We not only raised a fantastic sum for vulnerable young people but the feedback from families and children who attended was overwhelmingly positive.”

Road closure

WOODLANDS Road in Ditton is shut until March 11 for gas works.

The road will close between Nursery Road and Linkway.

The alternative route is via Woodlands Road, A20 London Road, New Road, Medina Road and vice versa.

Kent workforce ‘lacks top skills and training’ CALLS have been made to increase the skill rate of Kent’s workforce, which has been described as among the worst in the country, writes Ciaran Duggan.

Tens of thousands of people living in the county work in a range of industries in the county, including Medway.

However, Kent County Council (KCC) has been told of a countywide skills shortage, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, engineering and science.

Reasons include graduates moving out of the county after attending college and university in Kent, perhaps for higher pay in London, and lack of training in existing jobs.

Economic consultant Ross Gill said: “We have an ongoing deficit of high-level skills in Kent and Medway.

“The trajectory is right and has been moving in the right direction for many years, but there is still a

gap between the county and the rest of the country.”

KCC’s economic development committee, a panel of councillors who met at County Hall in Maidstone last month, was told an action plan was being created.

It comes as the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed 49,365 people in the county were on Universal Credit in November. This equates to 4.4% of

the county’s population relying on support from financial employment benefits.

Workers aged 18 to 24 were among those hardest hit by the pandemic, with a “slower return” to work for older age groups.

Mr Gill also said employment levels had “surprisingly bounced back” despite the ending of the furlough scheme in September and cuts to Universal Credit.

However, KCC members expressed concerns as they called for radical changes by employers, training providers, schools and colleges to improve employment rates.

Sir Cllr Paul Carter (pictured), a former KCC leader for 14 years, called for sweeping reforms.

He said: “The whole system is so flawed. No wonder the economy of this country struggles to keep up with the rest of the western world.

“Go to Germany and the USA and it is a different ballgame.”

Your ideal job?

p30

Find it here at www.downsmail.co.uk/jobs 24

I,000’s of great jobs.

Local and nationwide.

Sign up for free job alerts.

Call for the

Set in Stone New memorials in granite, marble and stone. Renovations, cleaning and additional inscriptions.

Find us at: 24 High Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4PD Tel; 01795 410800 66 High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SR Tel; 01622 679888

www.setinstonekent2.co.uk

SERVICES, SOLICITORS

WILLS & PROBATE • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Declaration of Trusts • Property Disputes

• Family Law • Commissioner for Oaths

call Veronica White on

07568 159462

www.elitelegalservices.co.uk

The Old Library, St Faiths Street, Maidstone ME141LH info@elitelegalservices.co.uk Google Reviews

SAME DAY RESPONSE | GREAT PRICES •Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Moles •Wasps, Hornets, Ants, Silverfish •Flies, Moths, Ladybirds, Beetles •Fleas, Cockroaches, Bedbugs •ULV Fogging & Disinfectant service

07377 362038 - 01622 535424

www.invictapestcontrol.co.uk 25

downsmail.co.uk

Obituaries

Rosemary Burnett ROSEMARY Burnett (91), who has died in Somerset, was a pioneering and much- respected journalist who got her start locally and went on to champion radical causes.

Born Rosemary Dixon in Aylesford, she was educated locally before helping with the war effort.

In 1947, she became a trainee reporter for the Kent Messenger, then based in Week Street.

She was given Snodland as her own news patch, before moving on to Fleet Street at a time when women were a rarity in newsrooms.

During her career she covered major events including the coronation of the current Queen.

Rosemary’s decision to divorce her first husband was unusual for 1950, as was her move to live a largely selfsufficient life with her second husband, Jeremy Burnett, on a remote Norfolk farm.

Rosemary combined this life with freelancing for the BBC and well-known titles like She magazine. The BBC also filmed her self-sufficient life.

As an activist, she manned the peace camp at Greenham Common in the 1980s.

She later divorced again and moved to Middlesbrough and then the west country, finally settling in Somerset with her partner Ralph Copleston who died last year.

Rosemary leaves her sons, Philip and Roger, and six grandchildren.

Alfie Nunn ALFIE Nunn (35) died on January 27, following a cardiac arrest after playing football for a team in Dubai.

Alfie, who was working as an estate agent in Dubai, played years of semiprofessional football in Kent, including spells with both Canterbury City and Whitstable Town.

Canterbury City’s website noted: “Alfie had a successful season with Canterbury City Football Club and was

a fan favourite.”

The club’s home fixture against Fisher FC (another of Alfie’s former clubs) on January 29 started with a minute’s silence.

Whitstable Town discussed the goals he scored in a short spell at the club, describing Alfie as “a popular and talented player”.

Alfie’s wife Becky is now managing an online appeal to bring his body home.

On her fundraising page she paid tribute and spoke of her grief, and stated: “I am completely numb and shocked to my very core that this has happened.

“Not only have I lost Alf as the amazing person that he was, but I have also lost the rest of my life ahead as planned with him, including our wedding celebrations in July and starting our own family.

“Our beloved Alf had the biggest heart (as well as the ability to take the mick out of absolutely anyone or anything, all in the sake of having a laugh).

“He has always been somebody that people love to be around.”

Deena Finnis THE sudden death of Leeds woman Deena Finnis (55) prompted an outpouring of tributes to the committed health professional who worked locally and was known to many through her dedication of her skills at live boxing events.

Deena moved to the area at the age of five, and to Leeds around four years ago. The mother of two worked as a London paramedic, in the health care industry, and had recently been working in repatriating

British people suffering health emergencies abroad – both ill health and accidental. At the end of last year, Deena landed a job she wanted, a nursing position in a GP practice.

Box-Tec Promotions have staged tribute events, including one on February 6, which was described as an event “to remember … an amazing woman … a lovely lady who was loved by so many people. She enjoyed working on our shows but also supported a lot of the Box-Tec family behind closed doors. She became part of our family and will be missed so deeply.”

Deena’s daughter, Chelsey Knox, has started a fundraising page to give her mother a fitting send-off, stating: “She was such an amazing person - nan and mum who had touched a lot of people and made a mark on people’s hearts.”

Deena’s mother, Sue, said: “She was a devoted grandmother. A strong, assertive and courageous character who would always stand up for the underdog and was prepared to take others on if she had to.

“She was becoming part of village life and had joined LADS (Leeds Amateur Dramatic Society) where she met lots of local people. She worked on front of house and helped out with productions.”

Deena leaves her children and six grandchildren.

John Pardue JOHN Joseph Pardue (94), who died on January 10, worked as a manager in the brickmaking industry. In later years, he worked at the Builders Centre in Maidstone.

He was a longstanding member of the Gillingham Male Voice Choir and the Granary Writers circle. He was also an active member of the U3A. In a death announcement, his family said: “John was a loving and supportive dad and grandad. He will be sadly missed by family and friends in the UK and in Sweden.

“He was cremated on January 25.”

THE STONE SHOP EAST FARLEIGH

• MEMORIALS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED • ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTIONS • CLEANING AND REFURBISHMENT

NOW OPEN Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm

• We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed DipPFS MSWW

01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk

Visits by appointment only

Call: 07769 676238 or 01622 726633 FREE CAR PARK NEXT TO SHOP

There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email neilnixon22@gmail.com

26

downsmail.co.uk

Will Park & Ride site be new testing centre?

THE abandoned Park & Ride site in Willington Street Maidstone could become a COVID-19 testing site, writes Jordan Ifield.

The decision to end Park & Ride in Maidstone was made formal last month after its operator Arriva claimed the service was unviable after the pandemic.

Critics claim the land will be used for housing, possibly to help pay for a new leisure centre.

Arriva said it would need 1,100 users daily to break even, but only 500 customers were regularly taking the buses.

Uncertainty now hangs over the long-term future of the service’s former car parks in London Road and Willington Street.

The last Park & Ride bus is set to leave on February 19. The matter was due for discussion as Downs Mail went to press.

One option being considered is to transfer the COVID-19 mobile

test site to Willington Street.

While a council report admits this won’t generate any income for the council, it will “provide an important community service” instead.

Liberal Democrat Cllr David Naghi said: “Put it like this, I can’t see it not being built on in some way.”

But Tory council leader David Burton countered: “I see it as really good access to Mote Park. Of course, someone will ask what it

means in housing terms, but there’s an uphill battle in the acceptability of that.”

Council officers have also considered installing a mobile unit for the NHS Galleri trial, a blood test which can detect signs of different types of cancer.

The car park could also be made available for events at Mote Park, and Maidstone Studios have previously asked the council about using the site when shows are on.

Despite its location near Mote Park, it is unlikely the Willington Street car park will re-open as a pay-and-display site, with the council finding that 70% of people would use other sites instead.

Meanwhile, the London Road car park is only leased by Maidstone council and there are restrictions with what it can do on the land. Currently there are no short-term plans for the site.

Compassionate and caring service Forcaring the bereaved day or night ate and service Compassionate and caring service

News

Man arrested after crash

A MAN was arrested after allegedly colliding with a parked vehicle in Maidstone.

Police and paramedics were called to Lower Boxley Road at around 9.45am on February 6.

A police spokesman said: "A man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

"He was taken to hospital to be checked over and has since been released under investigation, pending further enquiries."

Swing damage

A BASKET swing at the Bearsted Woodland Play Area has been damaged and removed.

A parish council spokesman said: “A new one has been ordered and we will fit this as soon as it arrives.”

Choir concert

MAIDSTONE Choral Union Easter Concert will take place on March 26.

The concert starts at 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church in Allington.

Adult tickets cost £10.

Compassionate and caring service assionate and caring service aved day or bereaved night For the day or night

e bereaved day or night day or night For the bereaved

Compassionate and caring service Michael Lawrence For theLawrence bereaved day or night Michael Lawrence Michael Lawrence Funeral Director Director DirectorFuneral Funeral Director

p27

Michael Lawrence

Rik Funeral Director RikMoore Moore Rik Moore 6 Marlborough BeverleyMaidstone, Road, Barming, Maidstone, ME16 9JN. orough Parade, BeverleyParade, Road, Barming, Kent ME16 9JN. Kent 66 Marlborough Parade, Beverley Road, Barming, Maidstone, KentMaidstone, ME16 9JN. Marlborough Parade, Beverley Road, Barming, arade, Beverley Road, Barming, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9JN. Rik Moore Tel:barming@familyfuneralservice.net 01622 920300. barming@familyfuneralservice.net 22 920300.

Tel: 01622 920300.

00. barming@familyfuneralservice.net 6 Marlborough Parade,barming@familyfuneralservice.net Beverley Road, Barming, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9JN.

Tel: 01622 920300. barming@familyfuneralservice.net

Kent ME16

Tel: 01622 920300. barming@familyfuneralservice.net Karan LeQuelenec eQuelenec Karan LeQuelenec dish Way, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent Maidstone, ME15 8PW Kent ME15 8PW 4 Cavendish Way, Bearsted, 4Karan Cavendish Way, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME15 8PW Karan LeQuelenec LeQuelenec 22Bearsted, 920305 bearsted@familyfuneralservice.net Tel: 01622 920305 bearsted@familyfuneralservice.net Maidstone, Kent ME15 8PWKent ME15 8PW 4 Cavendish Way, Bearsted, Maidstone, Tel: 01622 920305 bearsted@familyfuneralservice.net

4 Cavendish Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME15 8PW 05 bearsted@familyfuneralservice.net Tel: 01622 920305 Way, bearsted@familyfuneralservice.net

milyfuneralservice.net www.familyfuneralservice.net Tel: 01622 920305 bearsted@familyfuneralservice.net www.familyfuneralservice.net

www.familyfuneralservice.net ralservice.net

www.familyfuneralservice.net 27

CALL THE EXPERTS Apollo roofing

Call for a free All aspects of roofing no obligation quote Flat roofing 01622853601 / 07808414965 www.apolloroofing.co.uk

Full roof installation Tiling & Slate roofing Roofing repairs & Maintenance Traditional three layer felt or GRP & more!

Domestic Commercial House Clearance Office Clearance Garden Clearance

Fully Licensed Rubbish & Waste Collection & Disposal Service Call: 0800 9550215 or 01622 410245 or 07913 415184

Email: ukrubbish@gmail.com

Free estimates • Patios • Decking • Fencing • Garden maintenance

rd.mapleland@gmail.com Call 07825 305 162 Fully insured Tree Surgeons

Jon Cloke

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Driveways and concrete cleaning • Decking cleaning • Patios, Paths & Step Cleaning • Graffiti Removal • Gutter/Roof Cleaning

FREE

QUOTE

07393 746 953

info@clokespressurewashing.co.uk www.clokespressurewashing.co.uk

Back Pain? Aches & Pains? Injured?

Could Sports Therapy help?

Don’t be in pain. Why not get in touch to see if I could help.

I am based off Queens Road in Allington and I work both evenings and weekends.

To help with those post Xmas bills and help you have a pain free 2022 - Quote #BackPainPromo to get £10 OFF your first session! (Exp 28/2/22)

07773 018420

28

erin@ersportstherapy.com

• Pruning • Felling • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting • Site Clearance • Stump grinding • Tree dismantling • Tree consultancy

Free no obligation quote!

07866 585935 | 01622 728574 aj.doe@hotmail.co.uk @AJ Doe Tree Surgery

Allington Roofing EST 1979

• Roof Cleaning • Moss Removal • Flat Roofs • Roof Repairs • re-tiling • chimney work • lead work Free Estimates

01622 861564 07889255813 info@allingtonroofing.co.uk www.allingtonroofing.co.uk

downsmail.co.uk

Police report PCSO Gardner was unable to be present but reported that there were three crimes in November: two thefts from motor vehicles in Laxton Drive and Plough Wents Road, and a burglary in Chart Hill Road.

Queen’s Jubilee There had been no more volunteers for the party event and Sutton Valence Parish Council had not responded re planting trees. Chart Sutton Parish council agreed to go ahead anyway, and Cllr Waring would look at obtaining trees.

Village shop The shop committee would discuss the purchase of the garage site at the next meeting. It was noted that there was a lot of food wastage in the shop. It was agreed that items nearing their best before date that could not be sold, would be donated to charity.

John Ashwell memorial Members considered purchasing a plaque to be placed on one of the benches at the playing eld.

CCTV Members discussed buying some memory sticks, primarily for providing the police with CCTV footage upon request. It was agreed that Cllr Waring should purchase six memory sticks on behalf of the parish council.

Pavilion It was agreed to accept the quotes from BG Electrical for £440 plus VAT to replace two heaters and three timers and £80 plus VAT to carry out an annual RCD test and visual inspection.

Flytipping Cllr Forknall said ytipping on Rectory Lane/Church Road had been reported to MBC via the clerk on December 8. This had since been removed.

Storm damage Cllr Waring had cut up and removed parts of a tree overhanging Warmlake Road, and at the junction of Church Road/Warmlake Road following Storm Arwen. It was noted that laurel tree cuttings had been left at this junction.

Downswood Council vacancy Cllr Rajaratnam Rajalingam had resigned due to ill health.

MBC has been informed of the second vacancy.

Donation request A request has been received from Bearsted & Downswood Angels. Whilst the concept of the group was applauded a donation was not agreed due to concerns that the group is not a registered charity. However, councillors have privately supported the organisation and would continue to do so. A donation of £50 to Marie Curie was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed.

Recycling The recycling proposal submitted by Maidstone Lions Club was discussed. Unfortunately, in the absence of a volunteer to head up the project, it would not possible to participate.

Hedge issue A resident of Foxden Drive, whose garden backs onto the hedge had been in contact to say that the hedge was causing difficulties and he would like the length spanning his property, and a small part of his neighbours,reduced in height

by approx 60cm. A quotation had been obtained, but due to the additional work required and the expense, the clerk was requested to obtain two further quotations as a comparison.

Concern for resident Concerns had been received about the well-being of a gentleman who had been seen standing in the middle of Deringwood Drive on several occasions, appearing bewildered.

Police conrmed he had been identied and they were looking into what support could be given. Cllr Newton had also requested help from MBC’s inclusion officer. Concerns were also expressed regarding the trolling of this individual on social media. It was agreed that his welfare is best left to the professionals to deal with but members would try to engage with him, whenever possible.

East Farleigh Parking It was reported that there was permanent parking on the pavement at the bus stop at the junction of Dean Street and Forge Lane. The clerk would report this to the PCSO. An anonymous letter had been delivered to the parish office regarding parking on Vicarage Lane at the junction with Lower Road. It was agreed that the clerk would ask parishioners to park sensibly via The Grapevine and social media.

Bull Inn The pub’s publicity sign had been removed, and it was agreed that no further action was necessary unless the situation occurred again.

Play area The latest inspection report had been received from Maidstone Borough Council. A couple of quotes had been received for refurbishment of the play area. It was agreed to replace the broken bench but to ask Gary Hindley for a quote for installation as Pearsons was too high.

Speedwatch The clerk would ask Peter Beasley for an update on Speedwatch and Operation Scarecrow. It was further requested that there be more speed camera signs through the village.

Clothing bin Astra Recycling had asked to side clothes donation banks in the village.

It was agreed that the parish council did not have any suitable land for recycling bins so could not accommodate the request.

Yalding Noticeboards The new noticeboards are to be nalised and ordered. The chairman has discovered that Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has a noticeboard pot. The clerk would investigate this.

The Kintons The replacement ve-bar gate for the lane leading to The Kintons had been ordered.

Flood prize The ood prize of £10,000 was still available to spend. It was agreed that ood gates are the number one requirement even though KCC Highways had suggested they are not possible. The chairman had spoken with Grant Booker

from Kent Fire & Rescue Service who had agreed to take a look and advise on the possibility of their support.

Debrillator The cabinet had arrived and the debrillator was set up. Ian Jeary was awaiting the backplate.

Black bins A letter had been sent to the residents explaining why MBC removed the black bins from Swan Place and to tell them Yalding Parish Council (YPC) would try to get the bins back, on the condition that they put them on The Tatt.

Post office The roof appeared to be under repair. The bills were not properly apportioned so the parish council had written to Caxtons.

The Lees The inspection was complete.

Second bollards were to be erected at the entrance furthest from the village and at the pony eld.

Village green The inspection was complete and the bollards still needed to be tted. The chairman would send a Parish News asking residents to leave their rubbish next to the bin.

The Tatt The inspection had been carried out. The rubber matting needed to be removed. Medway Valley Countryside Partnership (MVCP) had prepared a report on the use of this area, which had been circulated to all councillors. A site meeting would be arranged to discuss this.

Jubilee Field play area The issue with the toddler slide still needed to be resolved.

The manufacturers had sent a quote to turn it around and after a full inspection, agreed to replace the split wood.

The Kintons play area MBC had repaired the pedestrian gate but it was still not closing properly. Some graffiti needed removing.

Speed limit signs The lights were not working. Jenny Watson had conrmed that the school was not responsible for operating them and was investigating.

Highways issues The chairman had chased the highway engineer about the cobbles at Kingsland Cottages and the water on Vicarage Road that was running onto the track.

Flooding The chairman and clerk attended a general meeting with regard to Little Venice. The site owner conrmed that with four hours’ notice they could evacuate everyone from the site. They had ve ood wardens on site and two rescue boats.

There was a reduction in sandbag quantities given due to Property Flood Resilience (PFR). It was made clear that until the substation problem is resolved the PFR might also need some sandbagging.

The Environment Agency had agreed to help with the redundant UK Power Networks (UKPN) land at Burgess Bank so that sandbags could be stored there.

Substations The parish council had met with MP Helen Grant. She had received a reply from UKPN but she was not satised and had written again.

Playscheme Play Place had looked at Yalding school, Laddingford school/hall and Yalding Village Hall. They are recommending a move to Yalding Village Hall. The move was agreed.

Parish Councils

Chart Sutton

29

MAKING THE BEST OF WOOD IN AND AROUND THE HOME

Bathrooms Classifieds

FREE ESTIMATES

Family business established 21 years

01622 743648 downsmail.co.uk Mob: 07711 291921

CALL Cliff on 07940 854927

31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone The complete Bathroom Reach more people than ever before www.downsmailbusinessdirectory.co.uk Maintenance Company

Cleaning Services

Supply • Install • Repair Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services

Contact our sales team…

Call Gary 07738 902116 Natasha Bastone 01622 736266

01622 630 330

Telesales Manager ALL WORK GUARANTEED E: natasha@ downsmail.co.uk

Brickwork

ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE

Extensions with fully qualified engineer All makes of washing Generalmachines, Builder fridges, freezers, vacuum cleaners, 25 years Experience t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens.

All work guaranteed downsmail.co.uk Free estimates call out 01622 and 891960

Teresayour Jeffery oven hob and extractor is

Rebecca Abbott

Classified Sales cleaned to Executive showroom shine without

Classified Sales Executive

Clean Sweep

Oven cleaning from T. 01622 630330 ext.Please 227 call James on

T. 01622 630330

PAUL BEST

H & G Chimney Services

Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted "WEAllCLEAN Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs OVENS!" 739439 cleaning 07860 318166 info@chimneysweepkent.co.uk Using01622 van mounted tanks,

smell, mess or fuss. 1000's of E: teresa@ delighted local customers. downsmail.co.uk

Builders ext. 224 Building Services Appliance Repairs

Chimney Maintenance

downsmail.co.uk

NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES

01622 616168

MD Building & Services al

c Specialists ur lo in

o • Extensions le ind y •pRefurbishments eopaspects) •FPlastering (All es s• Modernisations e d • Electrics a ervic tr SInstallations & • Kitchen & Bathroom s il se & Repointing • Driveways, s Ma n sines Patios w o B•uFencing e &DBlockpaving on th

tory FULLY iINSURED d rec il.co.uk a Tel: Mark 07841 nsm 409061 dow e: mark@mdbuildingservices.co.uk

E: rebecca.abbott @downsmail.co.uk

just £49

T. 01622 630330

ext. 234 Driveway Services

Brush & vacuum Carpenters www.ovenwizards.com L Wood and flues W burners Landway Surfacing Ltd. Electricians ARBOUR S supplied and fitted A.H.B.S TREE SURGERY Wood Works ‘’All RESIN’’ BOUND & BONDED DRIVEWAYS &local PATIOS. ‘Trust your experts’ work insured Carpentry ELECTRICIAN FULL CARPENTRY Tarmac, Shingle & Block Paving Felling • Pruning All aspects of CARPENTRY ATLANTIC ELECTRICAL All work certified insurance SERVICE FROM to cover CouncilTO Approved Vehicle Crossovers.

Doors, Windows, Kitchens supplied and Hedge Cutting DECKING DOORS, For all your electrical needs fitted, Loft Conversions, Doors hung, Pest control available Stump Grinding Fuseboards, Re-wires, Mobile: 07795 471196 / 07799 867524 KITCHENS &Certificates FLOORS. Locks fitted, Skirting, small News alterations, NICEIC Part P registered ALL JOBS inspections BIG & SMALL. availablePlastering and Tiling Camera Granville 01622 761571 Free Estimates, FriendlyGarage Service All work guaranteed.

01622 759119 07771 970570 MAKING BEST OF WOOD www.granvillegarage.com Granville Road, Maidstone Fully insured,THE 25yrs Experience Weddings attended Email: landwaysurfacing@hotmail.com FREE ESTIMATES www.arbourtreesurgery.co.uk IN AND AROUND THE HOME Call Steve 01622 747257 MOT Testing Website: Member ofwww.landwaysurfacing.co.uk the ICS 01622 743648 Mobile 07985 General Vehicle Repairs CALL Cliff on 474176 IRELAND HETAS approved 100 The Landway Bearsted Maidstone ME14 291921 4LB Mob: 07711 07940 854927 LANDSCAPES 31, Sheppey Road, Loose, Maidstone All Aspects of Tree Work

On the Road On the Road

01622 673113 Anytime: 07831 557677

07748 630747

www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

Waste Service Continued Carpenters Bathrooms Building Plans

Fully Insured and Qualified Free No Obligation Written Quotation

Family business established 21 years

Est. in 1993

Uplands, Halstow Cl, Maidstone ME15 9XA

The complete Bathroom Maintenance Company

SILVERBACK RECOVERY

Car recovery and transportation Light commercial Supply • Install • Repair Cars for scrap removed Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services Competitive rates 38 CALL Maidstone Weald October 2017 ROGER ON: Call Gary 07738 Window Services902116 NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES

Chimney Maintenance 01622 736266 01622 813733 07740 123495

ACE M.O.T. and Clutch Centre ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Classified

Builders

PAUL BEST & Beauty Health Brickwork Fencing MD Building & Services Vehicle Maintenance, Service & M.O.T. in Open Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 SatSpecialists 9:00 – 12:00 • Extensions • Refurbishments Chiropody • Plastering M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00 (All aspects) • Electrics • Modernisations

Extensions Driveways, Patios & Repointing STEPHEN GRAY •Leisure General • Broken Builder belt damaged repaired

• Kitchen && Bathroom • Cam belt kits supplied fittedInstallations

BSc Hons HCPC Registered

• Fencing & Blockpaving • Experience All makes, petrol & diesel

25 years Bearsted Chiropody & FULLY INSURED Podiatry Practice 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Tel: Mark 07841 409061 111 Madginford Road Bearsted e: mark@mdbuildingservices.co.uk www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

01622 891960

Te630747 l : 393 01732 870368 01622 630 07748 Home visits and evening and weekend appointments available

Building Plans 30

Garden Services

Autospray

SOLUTIONS

J Contact Norris ElectricalKevin Contractor Bovis

All Types of Hard & Soft Landscapes Natural & Concrete Paving & Patios All aspects of • Part P Fencingcertification Block Paving, Fencing, Concrete Bases domestic electrical Turfing, Groundwork, Jungles work undertaken Ltd Cleared. provided by a trusted and • Allthan work NIC Call Paul on 01622 With more 30 years' experience in 844605 the qualified or 07767 683747 approved and electrician with 20 motor industry, Barming Motor Co is an or email: years experience. certified

Chimney Maintenance 01622 844385 07885 651578 H & G Chimney Services cleansweepmaidstone@gmail.com Chimney sweepingrun service • Long • ICS registered independently used carestablished specialists based “At your service” All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted

Paul-ireland2013@hotmail.co.uk for free estimate Cherry Tree • Business Estate, Plough Wents Road, Complete re-builds Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs Tel: 07966 511408 Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY

- Free no obligation quotes - No job too large or small

on Hartnup Street, Maidstone.

01622 739439 07860 318166 info@chimneysweepkent.co.uk Tel: 01634 920598 E-mail: All jnorriselectrical@gmail.com servicing work undertaken, diagnostics, mechanical and bodywork repairs, barmingmotorcompany.co.uk MOT preparation and winter checks.

Clean Sweep Fencing

Webarmingmortorcompany@aol.co.uk have been servicing, repairing, and restoring BMWs for over –30 years, our staff have over 50 years combined downsmail.co.uk ALL TYPES Tel: 01622 728712 or 07864 393785 REPAIR/RENEW experience, and all have more than 25 years of working Est. 25 YEARS with BMWs behind them.

Maidstone & Malling’s Garden Services No. 1 newspaper FREEBrush ESTIMATES & vacuum Garden Services continued

Wood burners and flues FAIRVIEW FARM supplied and fitted TREE MAINTENANCE & GARDEN SERVICES Wide range of vehicles for a helping hand with:TREE SURGERY: Fence me in&&MOT’s alot more All work insured Servicing CROWN REDUCTION, FELLING, All types of Fencing & Gates Competitive Rate HEDGE & SHRUB Installed & Repairs All work certified to PRUNING, cover insurance TRIMMING, CLEARANCE All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Weavailable specialise in Classic BMWs of ALLLOGS agesSUPPLIED, Finance SEASONED Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving.

Pest control available MOWING (lawns) Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, FULLY INSURED BMW &inspections BMW Mini Specialist Hedge Cutting etc.

For a friendly & Camera available professional service & advice Call Colin on 07521 Please call:- 01622 743428 Weddings 377306 or 01622 attended 853978 Mob:- 07817 517 733 Member of the ICS DAVID WYNN Handyman HETAS approved GREEN MAN Car’s & Commercial vehicles 01622 232860 07931 368710 www.iwallondfencingcontractors.co.uk Over 25 vehicles in stock

(City & Guilds NPTC qualified)

Tree & Garden Services Contact Kevin Bovis

01622 844385

Hedge cutting Traditional

Classified

downsmail.co.uk

Handyman

Painters & Decorators

Hairdressing

Decorator D.STEWART

Landscaping

20%

discount*

on production of this advert * not to be used in conjunction with any other offers

LANDSCAPING - Drives, Patios, Pathways, Brick/Stone Walls, Block/Stone Paving, Tarmac, Decking, Fencing etc

Established 1990 Director: M Potter

BUILDING WORKS - Extensions, Porches, Conservatories, Garages, Groundworks, Roofing, PVC Windows, Doors, Soffits etc

Tel: 01622 851222 Mob: 07786 07 01 07 E: maidstonelandscapes2009@live.co.uk www.maidstonelandscapes.com

All decorating interior & exterior FREE ESTIMATES

01622 730541 07890 982430

Internal & External Decoration Approved by Dulux Select Established 30 years 01622 737225 / 07816 149502 info@sr-interiors.com www.sr-interiors.com

Pest Control

LOOK: Please check our reviews and other companies you may use at www.uktc.org

Landscaping & Property services 01622 962363 projects@birchlake.co.uk Est. in 1993

All types of Hard & Soft Landscapes • Fencing and gates • Natural concrete paving • Patios • Block paving • Concrete bases • Turfing • Jungles cleared • Free estimates Ring Paul on : 01622 844605 or 07767 683747 Email address : paul-ireland2013@hotmail.co.uk for free estimate.

Logs

LOGS • Logs suitable for log burner • Kiln Dried • Ready To Burn • £75 per load • Free Delivery

E: rob.long@sabrekent.co.uk E: rob.long@sabrekent.co.uk www.sabrekent.co.uk

www.sabrekent.co.uk

Phone Services Phone Sockets/Broadband 25 years BT Engineer

WHY PAY SERVICE PROVIDER PRICES FOR INTERNAL FAULTS?

• New phone/Broadband extensions • Fault finding repairs/Improve broadband speeds • Cat 5 Wiring • Internal/external re-routing/tidying of cables prior to double glazing.

FULLY INSURED G. NUGENT

07845 705900

Property Maintenance Maidstone Maintenance Services

High Pressure Cleaning Driveways | Paths | Patios Facias | Guttering | Conservatories

07498 977 833 07947 367 008 maidstonemaintenanceservices@gmail.com

Call Joe on:

07970 647 334

31

Classified

downsmail.co.uk

Skip Hire

Plumbing & Heating

01233 660 099 www.gboxkent.com No call out charge Free no obligation Quotation

Plumbing maintenance New bathroom suites Central heating systems Water leak repairs

Call Luke on 07934 832345

SKIP HIRE

Commercial & Domestic Recycling Services

Book Online Order your skip via secure 24hr online book facility

4yd 6yd 8yd 10yd 12yd 16yd

£198 £234 £246 £300 £360 £420

Skip Hire Roll On/Offs Road Permits Arranged Waste Recycling Facility

Many more services available. See website for details

• Boilers & Cookers • Repairs • Replacements • Installations • Radiator Upgrades

1st Call Skips

No job to small. Honest, reliable and local with 19 years experience.

Call Mark on: 07775 158854 Roofing Services

Hm Roofing

All aspects undertaken

Tiles - Slates - Flat roof Chimneys plus much more!

Fascia and Soffit replacement and gutters cleaned from £40!

Call Henry now!

07933 079 787

WE DO SAME DAY DELIVERY Call the Recycling Team

01622 962347 90% of all waste handled is recycled.

Upholstery

­

32

downsmail.co.uk

Waste Services 01233 840624 info@mtscleansing.co.uk

Classified

Leisure Classifieds

Sutton Valence Karate Club

Reach more people than ever before www.down

Karate teaches discipline, confidence, and self-respect, we then ensure students show respect for their families and their fellow students, learn that Karate is for self-defence and help them develop strength, speed and versatility.

Come and Join us!!

The largest independently owned liquid waste management company in the UK www.mtscleansing.co.uk • Blocked drain clearance • CCTV drain & sewer surveys • Drain & sewer cleaning • Cesspool & septic tank services • Tankering including ADR (hazchem) • Pollution & flooding solutions • Waste disposal & recycling

Our Sutton Valence club caters for all ages from 7 upwards and currently Contact our sales team… has 12 registered members and is a member of the Shukokai Karate Bastone Academy England. We Natasha train at Sutton Valence Village Hall onTelesales TuesdaysManager at 6pm.

Teresa J Classified

E: natasha@ For further information downsmail.co.uk and a free first

E: teresa@ downsm

lesson please contact T. Steve or 630330 Elaine 01622 Pereira on: 07768 388163 ext./ 07905 224 311170

Appliance Repairs THE HARROW PUB,

T. 01622 6 ext. 227

ocal our l le y d Fin op es pe ervices trad S il es & s s e s Ma n Busi e Down on th irectory k d .u ail.co m s n dow

Stockbury - A Free house & Community owned.

ALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE

with fully qualified engineer

All makes of washing machines, fridges, vacuum cleaners, freezers,

t/dryers, dishwashers, elec ovens.

All work guaranteed 01795 843222 Free estimates and call out contact@theharrowstockbury.co.uk 01622 673113

A

Anytime: 07831 557677

Web Services

M

Bathrooms Recruitment

CA

07

The complete Bathroom Maintenance Company NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES

Magnetic Shields Ltd are leading specialists in manufacturing bespoke MuMetal

magnetic & specialist alloys. We are entering an exciting new phase Supply •shielding Install • Repair with our new Staplehurst factory due for completion Spring/Summer 2022 Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services

Public Notice

FULL & PART TIME, SOME IMMEDIATE START Toolmaker, CNC Machinist, Laser Operative, Press Operatives, plus new roles in our H&S, R&D, Design, Quality, Stores, Logistics, Finance/Administration & Project Management teams To apply please send your current CV to: lorraineh@magneticshields.co.uk ALL WORK GUARANTEED or call Lorraine on 01580 891521 for more information

C

Call Gary 07738 902116 01622 736266

C

Builders Public Notice LICENSING ACT 2003 An application has been made by: Mr Alfred Gashi for the premises: ADA Market. 75 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. Kent. ME16 8JN On the date of: 8th February 2022 Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: SALE / SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL AND OPENING HOURS: EVERY DAY 0800 – 2300 Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the: 8TH March 2022 Licensing Partnership, PO BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is £5000.

PAUL BEST Brickwork Extensions General Builder 25 years Experience

01622 891960 07748 630747

MD Building & Services Specialists in

• Extensions • Refurbishments • Plastering (All aspects) • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving

FULLY INSURED

Tel: Mark 07841 409061 e: mark@mdbuildingservices.co.uk www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

Building Plans

33

B W s A A P C W M

On the Road

www.psautoparts.co.uk Headcorn, TN27 9SH

01622 891777

Any Make, Any Model, Any Condition Guaranteed Quotes Best Prices Paid FREE Secure & Instant Payment It’s that simple Appraisal offices in DA12, DA2 & ME2 WE OFFER A GENUINE MARKET VALUE COMPARED TO OTHER NATIONAL BUYING SERVICES

07931 730171

hello@kentcarbuyer.co.uk

01622 752364 Why pay main dealer prices?

Affordable, advanced technology servicing

Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment Free Courtesy Car by Appointment Air Conditioning Specialists Convertible Hood Specialists Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited training with local main dealers We service all makes & models

www.handcmotors.co.uk 19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT 34

BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLE SPECIALISTS ELECTRONIC SERVICE HISTORY UPDATED FOR BMW,MINI & MERCEDES VEHICLES

On the Road Book your MOT online or by phone • Servicing • Diagnostics • Air Con • Wheel Alignment • Exhausts • Brakes • Winter Check • Power Steering • General Repairs • Bodywork Repairs

UNIT 12, BRITANNIA BUSINESS PARK, QUARY WOOD, AYLESFORD, ME20 7NT

778 London, Larkfield, Aylesford, Kent ME206BE

OFFERING A MOBILE & WORKSHOP SERVICE SCUFFS | CHIPS | SCRATCHES DENTS- Paintless Dent Repair ALLOY REFURBS - Diamond Cut FULL BODY RESPRAYS l ACCIDENT DAMAGE

Autospray

SOLUTIONS

Autospray

SOLUTIONS

We specialise in:

We can work at:

Scuffs

Your home

Scratches

Your office

Dents

Our workshop

Machine polishing Insurance work Lease returns

Tyres • Exhausts • Repairs • Cambelts • Clutches • Springs and Shocks • Diagnostics • Air Conditioning

Servicing • MOT • Air Conditioning FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS

And more

Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR 35

News

downsmail.co.uk

Warning after bank card cons

A MAIDSTONE conman posing as a police officer has been calling pensioners in an attempt to persuade them to hand over their bank cards.

Four separate residents living in the south of the town were called by a man who falsely claimed that he worked for the Metropolitan Police.

A further call was made to a fifth victim the following day from a fraudster stating they worked with Hammersmith Police.

The elderly victims were told a person had been arrested in London in possession of bank cards in their name. Some were advised a person would come to collect their credit card so that their money could be safeguarded.

Inspector Diane Webster said, in

Moped riders face action

ANTISOCIAL motorcyclists could have their bikes seized in a clampdown by Kent Police.

Officers received several complaints from Park Wood and Mangravet residents about the use of off-road mopeds on footpaths.

Constables warned the parents of two young people suspected of causing a nuisance riding the bikes.

Inspector Steve Kent said: “It is strictly forbidden to use off-road vehicles on public land such as bridleways, footpaths, public parks and open spaces.

“If the behaviour is repeated, formal notices can be issued, riders will be reported and uninsured vehicles will be seized.”

Anybody who wishes to report the antisocial use of motorcycles should call 101 or visit www.kent.police.uk.

Crime reports 36

these cases, the victims or a relative became suspicious and ended the calls without any cash being stolen.

Inspector Webster added: “Residents should be immediately suspicious of any callers who make contact by phone and say they work for the police and require them to hand their bank cards or money to a courier.

“Often, these conmen will try and alarm you by saying there has been fraudulent activity on your bank account, or they have arrested someone using a cloned card in your name.

“Their purpose is to win your trust by sounding very plausible, and then convincing you they are helping to keep your cash safe.

“A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details or money over the phone and if you receive one of these calls end it immediately.”

Anybody with information regarding these incidents is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 24-1179.

You can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report suspicious activity online by visiting their website.

Hak signs to stay on

MAIDSTONE United’s Hakan Hayrettin has signed a contract extension.

The football manager agreed an 18-month deal, until the end of the 2022/23 season.

Chief Executive Bill Williams said the board had a huge amount of confidence in Hakan’s ability, drive and hunger for success.

He added: “There has been a wonderful turnaround in performances and we are in a very good position to have a really exciting finish to the season.

“In securing this deal now, it gives certainty to Hak, his staff and players. It also enables him to continue the planning he’d already started with contract extensions for the likes of Regan Booty, Sam Corne and Joan Luque.”

Mr Hayrettin said: “I am really happy to get this done and thank

the owners and chief executive for the faith they’ve shown in me.

“I want to do all I can to bring success here and create new memories for our wonderful supporters.

I will be giving it my all with the team around me to achieve that.”

POLICE ADVICE l Never hand over any money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call. l If you are not confident a person claiming to be a police officer is genuine, ask to take their details and then end the call. l Wait for at least five minutes for the call to clear and then contact 101, or 999 in an emergency. A call handler will be able to verify whether your caller was genuine.

Quick action wins praise

A CALL-handler has been praised for her off-duty actions to save a woman trying to harm herself.

Police dispatcher Jasmine called police at 1.30am after seeing a woman being restrained in Sandling Road, Maidstone.

It transpired the woman was suffering a mental health episode and her mother was trying to stop her harming herself.

Jasmine stopped and called police, liaising with officers who were able to locate the incident within minutes. They were able to diffuse the situation and the woman was given medical care.

Chief Inspector of the Force Control Room Lee Cheesman said: “Jasmine played a significant role in seeing a safe conclusion to the call and I commend her for her actions.”

Neighbourhood Watch

A FIAT 50 was damaged in South Street, Barming.

A car window was smashed in Ashford Road, Bearsted.

A recently-delivered parcel was stolen Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police from a doorstep in Roseacre Lane, Bearsted.

Chains and a padlock were damaged in an attempt to gain access to a field in Forge Street, Maidstone. stolen from a bag left in a staff area of a Lane, Boxley.

A Citroen car was damaged in Bychurch premises in Mills Road, Aylesford.

A Renault Clio was extensively damaged Place, Maidstone.

A Nissan Juke Tekna was damaaged in in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. The windThere was an attempt to break into a London Road, Ditton.

Thieves stole a Sky box from the cupboard screen was smashed and both door mirrors garage at a house in Upper Street, Maidof a communal residential property in Glenwere broken. Both sides of the vehicle were stone. also dented.

A group of young people threw stones at ton Avenue, Kings Hill.

Jelly was thrown over a Ford Focus A man broke into a house in London a dog in a garden in Mangravet Avenue, parked in Barrie Drive, Larkfield.

Road, Maidstone. He left when confronted Shepway.

A Sinnis Apache 125 motorbike, registraby the residents but stole a watch and a pair Three young people tried to damage a tion GD67***, was stolen from Ewell Avof black joggers. ticket machine in Mote Park, Shepway.

A laptop was stolen in Lower Stone Bank cards and personal documents were enue, West Malling.

downsmail.co.uk

A NEWSPAPER columnist in the 1990s remarked during the dying days of Conservative prime minister John Major's sleaze-soaked government that when a PM’s popularity falls below miners’ strike union leader Arthur Scargill, the game is up.

Boris Johnson appeared in Maidstone on an unannounced visit to a local hospital on February 7 without the media being invited to cover it. Very different to the balmy evening in 2019 when he arrived in a Range Rover at the Detling showgrounds for free publicity in his bid to become Conservative leader.

His chief cheerleader that night was an MP who was among three Members of Parliament at the hospital earlier this month, presumably showing the embattled premier their unwavering support. (Another MP, who has declared an intention to stand against Mr Johnson should the chance arise, either chose not to go or he wasn't invited. The two men are said to dislike one another quite a lot).

Pictures and some other guff were duly dispensed from the Downing Street press office.

As the journalist Ian Carter, who is editorial director of a large news media operation, noted in his entertaining blog, the Press would have covered the stagemanaged event if invited, despite knowing it would generate little interest online (and arguably even less in print).

He wrote: “Of course we would. Our readers have genuine questions they would have expected us to ask about the soaring cost of living, the impact of Brexit on Kent and – of course – the Downing Street parties. Instead, we are expected to make do with some PR puff complete with pictures provided by his own personal photographer, an act of taxpayer-funded vanity that never ceases to amaze me. Well sorry, but we aren’t playing.”

Mr Carter said this had become a depressing trend across the country.

Across a seven-day cycle, website analytics showed Daily Downs Mail readers were considerably more interested

Consider cost of idling I WONDER if those parents who drive to the school gates, some of them half an hour before their offspring come out of school, would like to ponder the costs of keeping their engines running for the whole time they are waiting?

It does not seem they will consider the environmental damage which their antisocial behaviour is doing to the planet, to those living nearby, who have to breathe in the dangerous fumes they create and ultimately their children who will bear the worst consequences of climate change.

Perhaps the rising cost of fossil fuels

SimonSays

SIMON FINLAY Editor simon.nlay@downsmail.co.uk Twitter @Simonnlay6500 in a shed re, an Ofsted report and a furniture store shutting than they were about the Prime Minister “dropping into” the county town, as you do, with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak.

The reason for the exclusion was not explained, but it certainly stopped journalists asking awkward questions.

Still, more fool us, we still felt we had to

“

When Boris can’t command more interest than a shed fire, the game is up...

”

record the fact they had been. Perhaps we should have ignored it completely.

Maybe the PM was rather mindful of the pathetic, beaten gure he cut in January when the razor-sharp Sky News political editor Beth Rigby cornered him on a hospital visit, and lamely offered the “nobody told me” excuse for Downing Street parties.

Boris used to be a popular draw, but since his office has been steeped in controversy of its own contrivance, the roguish charm has all but gone. He is not serious. He doesn’t know how to be serious. All he knew was how to win.

Now, at best, he’s a bore who is out of his depth with an uncomfortable relationship with the truth. The three local MPs who dutifully turned out on parade on February 7 to salute their great leader have publicly indicated, we must presume, that they are Boris backers. But there’s no point in asking, you’ll get no reply, to quote the Sex Pistols’ Pretty Vacant. As colleagues up and down the

might cause some of them to change their undesirable habits, dress properly for winter, or, heaven forfend, try walking.

Unfortunately, the habit is not conned to winter. In summer the engines are kept running to operate air conditioning.

Pollution and air quality in Maidstone is bad enough without this.

David Hackett, Park Way, Maidstone

Planning review failures THIS is a copy of a letter I have sent to Cllr Paul Cooper, regarding a review of the planning process for the Otham housing

country are observing, many MPs these days prefer not to deal with the media directly unless they have complete control of the narrative, or their part of it.

Some will only communicate with the outside world through a website, by email, on Twitter, Facebook, via texts or by “surgery” sessions online. Some backbenchers ignore calls from virtually everyone while others refer reporters to their spokesmen. Backbenchers with spokesmen? Good grief, they should be grateful of any attention.

More experienced, informed and assured MPs or those, like Ashford’s Damian Green, who have worked as journalists, are comfortable chatting on and off the record to reporters, providing everyone understands the rules. It rarely goes wrong.

Paul Winspear, editor of a local paper in Hertfordshire, spiked a Tory MP’s regular column when she refused to write about Downing Street parties, as requested. It caused an almighty fuss – but Mr Winspear stuck to his guns and deserves praise for standing up for the media’s role in democracy.

What we get instead of access is staged footage of Boris Johnson in yet another hospital giving the day’s crafted soundbites from behind a mask.

The public might conclude that he is taking them for fools. As newspaper editors, like Mr Winspear, know only too well – our readers may be many things, but fools they are not.

And MPs might be foolish, too, if they take the local media for fools or believe hiding from the Press is an efficient way to communicate. Because, as the great, recently-departed Belfast journalist Joe Oliver was fond of saying of politicians and other slippery creatures: “Well, we’ll see them in the long grass.”

Clearly, the PM’s hospital stunt didn’t work. And when the most powerful man in the country cannot command more interest than a shed re, the game really is up.

The question is: will MPs take the hint?

Comment

Don’t take us for fools, Boris

proposal. The letter, which includes a fourpage critique of its failures reads: “While it’s accepted this planning process has been determined in favour of the developers, there are clear aspects to the handling of this whole issue, in particular relating to the involvement of the planning department, that appear to have been ignored.

Although the CEO was tasked with undertaking a review of this process, that review and the subsequent report has attempted to lay blame on councillors for being insufficiently trained in planning matters.

37

downsmail.co.uk

Comment

Local turtle dove sightings cause a flap I WAS very interested to read that turtle doves have been spotted in the area, at Leeds and Marden, suggesting some sort of recovery. I fear not.

According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the species has declined by 93% in 50 years. As a child, elsewhere in Kent, I remember them as being plentiful, but I haven't seen one in years.

The RSPB notes they are ecologically unique in the UK as our only migratory dove species, but face a range of threats across their flyway including habitat loss on wintering and breeding grounds, hunting and disease.

The charity notes: "Research shows the main factor driving the decline is a reduction of nesting attempts during their breeding season.

This has been linked to a decline of fitness as a result of loss of suitable habitat and availability of their natural food sources.

"Suffolk and Essex support almost 30 per cent of the UK breeding turtle dove population, therefore conservation actions in these areas are vital in sustaining the population."

It might seem simplistic to say so, but for the birds to stave off extinction they must have sufficient breeding habitats and early food sources as well as working with farms to establish new turtle dove habitats. But we can From a community perspective this appears ... in contravention of the democratic process, which expects planning officers to support the decisions of elected representatives, rather than pursue an agenda, as witnessed at the Local Plan stage, where the planning officer assumed the role of the Highways Authority, at odds with KCC Highways.

This led to considerable legal costs being incurred ... as a consequence of the planning appeal. The review report appears to have ignored these facts being pertinent to the entire chain of events.

The result of this situation so far appears to be that the supercial review by officers has ignored the real causes relating to the failings in this process of events, preferring instead to lay blame on councillors for being ill-informed or insufficiently informed in relation to planning matters.

This matter is too important to be allowed to disappear into the long grass – the planning issues regarding Lenham Heath and Lidsing could be subject to the same problems if included in the revised Local Plan. You are therefore urged to present this critique to the meeting and make representations on our behalf that ideally resurrect the matter before a further travesty of undemocratic processes is repeated.

David Hatcher, via email

Help Scouts help others SCOUTS are at the heart of the community here in Maidstone, helping young people step up and gain skills for life.

38

do our bit by leaving out the right kind of mixed seeds which will attract them to gardens.

T Simmons, via email I WAS very interested to hear that the turtle dove may be experiencing something of a mini revival in these parts.

The sad fact of the matter is that there are probably less than 10% of the numbers we once had in the 1970s and 1980s. While this is driven in large part by overdevelopment leading to habitat loss and changes to farming methods reducing available foods, there is another factor at work. Hunting.

Last year, after a lot of hard work and dedication by conservationists, Spain imposed a ban on hunting, taking that country's large hunting community along with them as well as regional and national governments, the RSPB, the hunting lobby and NGOs. Perhaps it But this is only possible when we have enough volunteers to support them. Now, what I’ve found is that volunteering is good for you. It’s good for your skills and CV, your wellbeing and your community.

The research backs this up. Over three quarters of volunteers (77%) say they found volunteering improved their mental health and wellbeing, while two thirds say it makes them feel less isolated.

We’re starting a new campaign in Maidstone called #GoodForTwo. This is all about sharing the fun and friendship of Scouts with a friend. Volunteers and young people in Scouts across Maidstone will be inviting a mate to come along.

So, if someone asks you, don’t be shy.

It’s a chance to make new friends, learn new skills and have some fun.

Ellie Simmonds OBE, Paralympic Champion and Scout Ambassador

Levelling up dismay THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is dismayed at the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper.

The plans overlook the needs of rural communities, and risk the divide with urban areas becoming even bigger.

CLA South East represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses across Kent.

This White Paper was billed as a programme for economic growth in left behind areas, but it is nothing of the sort.

Rural communities needed an ambitious and robust plan to create jobs, share prosperity and strengthen communities,

is this which is seeing the return of this charming bird to these shores .

There were an estimated 1,000,000 turtle doves hunted in Spain prior to the ban. Between 2018-20, the French also scaled back its turtle dove hunting, largely voluntarily.

Despite how some might characterise the hunting community, they are, actually, conservationists first and foremost, who love nature and wildlife. They also know when to ease off and be responsible.

If all of this is having the knock-on effect of this bird coming back in significant numbers, it just goes to show how quickly turtle dove numbers can recover.

A decade ago, the bullfinch was in massive trouble in Kent yet today, whilst not as common as a chaffinch, it is no longer a rarity.

K W Ingram, via email FURTHER to your reports about sightings of turtle doves, we have seen them from time to time in the past 18 months in Headcorn.

These delightful birds were once plentiful and now all but gone. If these sightings are an indication of a recovery, we should be very grateful.

Malcolm Wilkinson, Ashford Picture: RSPB but Government has failed to deliver it.

The rural economy is 18% less productive than the national average.

Reducing this gap could add up to £43bn to the national economy. Meanwhile, Government’s own report shows that rural earnings are lower and housing is more expensive than in urban communities.

People just want a good job and an affordable home, but both can be difficult to come by in rural areas.

Too often the government treats the countryside as a museum, erring on the side of no development and low investment. But we desperately need policies designed to unlock the potential of the countryside.

Policies favoured by the CLA include: l Creating a planning regime that allows disused buildings to be converted into modern workspaces; l Allowing sensible, small scale housing developments to breathe new life into rural communities; l Simplifying the tax system to encourage business diversication; l Making the 12.5% VAT rate for tourism businesses permanent to bring the UK in line with European holiday destinations; l Speeding up the delivery of gigabit broadband and 4G forl rural communities.

The Levelling Up agenda needs to include a cross-departmental effort to deliver policies that will create economic growth in rural areas. We call on Government to listen to the ambitions of rural businesses and communitiest. We want to work with ministers to create prosperity across the countryside.

Tim Bamford, CLA regional director

Opinion

downsmail.co.uk

Trust standards set example for others

ON MONDAY February 7, I joined the Prime Minister and the Chancellor on a visit to Maidstone Hospital’s oncology centre and chemotherapy day unit. Testament to the brilliant work of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) are the PM’s words: “I want the whole country to be able to meet these standards.”

It is a daunting reality that one in two of us will face a cancer diagnosis at least once in our lifetimes. However, I take comfort in knowing that people across Maidstone and the Weald have access to an NHS trust that is at the top of the class in cancer treatment.

In the last three years, MTW has invested over £10m in new buildings and provided 12 additional cancer consultants for specialist care. Consultants are also now available seven days a week. MTW has now met the national standard for treating cancer patients within 62 days for 29 months in a row, standing out as one of the most efficient in the country.

And it’s not just cancer treatment where exemplary patient care is being recognised.

Maidstone Hospital’s acute stroke unit team have been awarded the highest performance rating by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP). This ultimately means that patients are receiving higher quality care, faster. An increase in the number of acute beds on the stroke unit from 22 to 46, also means stroke patients are being admitted and treated faster than ever before.

By Helen Grant MP for Maidstone & the Weald Before the Chancellor departed, MTW CEO Miles Scott and I took the opportunity to lobby him for a grant to build a new “barn theatre block”. The £31.3m facility would expand the hospital’s orthopaedic surgical capacity and consist of four state-of-the-art operating theatres, a 20-bed inpatient ward and a 16-bed day case ward.

The project has received approval from the Trust and is awaiting NHS England approval.

If it proceeds, this project will be a huge boost for the 1.9 million people across Kent, Medway and East Sussex who rely on MTW hospitals.

As we emerge from the pandemic, I am pleased that MTW is leading the way in tackling the backlog that has arisen after months of lockdown. I am also greatly encouraged about future health services for the people of Maidstone and The Weald, and I applaud everyone in the MTW NHS Trust for their sterling efforts.

Use fines to clean up rivers DECISIONS on roads, house-building and economic development are all having a serious impact on our rivers and watercourses.

Increasing demand for potable water, fuelled by the unsustainable housing targets, is bleeding Kent’s landscape dry, and unprecedented development has seen exponential growth in foul waste water and contaminated run-off reaching our natural environment.

Our secondary rivers – the Len, Beult and the Sherway, all of which feed the River Medway – are particularly bad, with a reduction in oxygen levels resulting in fish and invertebrate kills.

The environmental and corporate director from Southern Water recently gave county councillors a briefing and most of us were shoocked to find tipping sewage into rivers was deliberate, and could take until 2040 to put right.

I have asked George Eustice, the secretary of state for the environment, to consider the hypothecation of fines imposed upon polluters such as Southern Water to the Environment agency (EA) for enforcement and clean-ups.

By Ian Chittenden Liberal Democrat county councillor

In Kent, we have seen a £90m fine imposed on Southern Water got to the treasury, while our local watercourses continue to deteriorate.

In 2021, the Government’s EA received more than 100,000 reports of pollution in England – rivers choked with human waste and toxic runoff, fish killed and nature reserves poisoned.

Recently-leaked documents reveal the EA had responded to just 8,000 of the 116,000 reports.

I would argue that we need increased funding for pollution enforcement, paid for from the fines which are currently sent to the Treasury, and a meaningful partnership between the EA and Kent County Council to provide strategic leadership on cleaning up Kent’s rivers.

I

AM not inconsiderably thrilled to hear Bearsted brainbox Lilian Crawford, who was part of a Cambridge team to reach the semi-nals of University Challenge, still harbours ambitions to become a full-time lm critic, despite being lured to a career in television. She tells fans on her website: "I now work full time on University Challenge as a researcher, writing picture and music questions. I’m always looking for opportunities to branch out and contribute to cultural discourse. I am available to give talks, introductions, or appear on podcasts ... and discuss the relationship between lm and autism."

U

BER-ambitious MP Tom Tugendhat, Tonbridge and Malling MP and would-be Prime Minister, might reect on earlier days as an aspiring and perspiring journalist when (or if) he strides into Number 10. His former editor at the Beirut Daily Star, the inimitable, Oxford-educated Fleet Street legend Peter “Grimbles” Grimsditch, remembers ring Mr Tugendhat for “being too well-qualied and too good for the job”. In an interview two years ago, Grimbles recalled: “He thanked me for effectively forcing him to do bigger and better things with his life.”

L

ET us hope it is not a sign. On the day a press release trumpeted local MP Helen Whately had a meeting with minister Chris Pincher to discuss housing numbers, Downing Street put out its own statement saying he had been replaced by a chap called Stuart Andrew.

I

WON'T embarrass the parish clerk whose bosses sent her on a training course entitled "Managing Difficult People", provided by the Kent Association of Parish Councils at a cost of £42. What can this all mean?

I

HAVE no wish to add to the Duke of York’s current burden, but a colleague recalls a conversation with a civil servant when Prince Andrew’s name was mentioned in connection with the ceremonial role of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports following the 2002 death of the Queen Mother. Many notable names were considered for the post, not least Nelson Mandela. Asked if Prince Andrew, facing sex allegations in the United States, might be considered, the official replied: “Good God, no!”

A

BBC staffer reminds me of the classic gag about what happens when a crisis hits the corporation – deputy heads will roll.

Chin chin!

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

How can you trust an organisation to protect your home or business?

Who have they worked for before?

Brook Security Limited have been protecting residential and commercial premises for over 27 years and are NSI Gold accredited for Intruder Alarms and CCTV and Access Control Systems.

Installing more than 5,000 systems across the South East many in listed properties including prestigious historic buildings such as Leeds Castle.

We will have a bespoke solution to protect your home, family, possessions and business

www.brooksecurity.com 01622 735974

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.