LOCAL NEWS �
Sunshine over the floral tributes to the young men taken too soon Police appeal for witnesses to crash in which Michael and Kyle died
TRIBUTES Flowers and photographs have been left at the scene of the accident
• By Julie Rae MOVING tributes have poured in for two young friends who died in an early morning horror crash at a church on Sunday. The young men, Michael Owen and Kyle Careford, both died when the Renault Clio they were travelling in hit the wall of St Michael and All Angels Church, Crowborough. Both young men were from Tunbridge Wells. Mr Owen was 21 and Mr Careford would have celebrated his 21st birthday today, Wednesday. The men were driving along Rotherfield Road at 12.40am on Sunday morning when the car hit a stone wall surrounding the church. Locals called emergency services but both young men were declared dead at the scene. Floral tributes appeared near the church on Sunday afternoon and there was an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media. Friend Jackson Marshall, said: “I’m so glad I
got back in contact with you both before this happened you was [sic] both good men and Mike you was my little brother growing up I’m gutted I never did get to show ya how it done like I said I would r.i.p boys thanks for the memories I’ll hold on to them I’m gunna miss ya x” Jake Jenks wrote: “Tears falling from my face… You got at me boys…I’d say rip but we know you’re up there having it out. I’ll carry this for life boys.” Zac Garty added: “Another two lives lost rip Michael, it’s a shame we didn’t sort out our differences. I am going to miss you. Sleep well fella x.” The vicar of St Michael’s, Rev Alan Weaver, did not hear about the accident until the police called at about 2.30am. He said: “It is a terrible tragedy and my condolences go out to their families.” Sussex Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting Operation Lapwing. On Facebook, Danni Parker wrote: “Rest in paradise boys.”
Kyle Careford
5
NEWS IN BRIEF
Hotel expansion creates 20 jobs in the town centre TWENTY new jobs are to be created as a result of a £2.4m refurbishment of the Royal Wells Hotel. The project, on which work started in January, includes a new orangery and courtyard garden, an extended Wells Bar and main ground floor function room and four new bedrooms, all en-suite. Owing to the expansion of facilities, general manager Martin Lyall is recruiting for full and part-time positions, including chefs, front of house staff, supervisors and a receptionist. He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to our recruitment adverts, and are delighted to be able to provide an economic boost for the area.” Nigel Bunting, of Shepherd Neame which took over the hotel in 2012, added: “We are confident that our new-look hotel will prove a popular choice for customers. “We can’t wait to unveil it to the public.” The Royal Wells is due to reopen on Thursday, May 7.
‘Mallet attack’ teen in court
Michael Owen
A 16-year-old from Tunbridge Wells has appeared in front of a court after an alleged mallet attack on fellow pupils at the Bennett Memorial Diocesan School. The alleged attack happened on March 19 and the youngster was remanded to a secure unit at his first appearance before magistrates. He was charged with grievous bodily harm, attempted grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court last Friday where his case was adjourned again in preparation for a plea and case management hearing on June 17.
Charity worker wants street lights back on A CHARITY worker is calling for Tunbridge Wells’ streetlights to be switched back on, claiming the situation is a danger to women. Kent County Council turned the lights off, in a number of streets, for part of the night to save cash and energy. Volunteer Sue Rose said: “The roads are pitch black once the streetlights go out. “It’s definitely not safe. The darkness provides perfect places for people up to no good to hide. Victim Support advises women walking at night to stick to well-lit areas. How can they do that? The council has made the streets more dangerous.” Miss Rose, a volunteer with Tunbridge Wells-based charity Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services, said she does not feel safe at home when the streets are dark.
The 61-year-old added: “My road becomes black and frightening. It makes it easier for burglars. I feel very unhappy and disappointed with the council. I understand they need to save money but I think they’re putting cash before safety.” The KCC scheme was completed in Tunbridge Wells in February 2014. Lights were turned off completely in some streets, or from midnight to 5.30am in winter and 1am to 6.30am in summer in others. The scheme will be reviewed next month. A KCC spokesman said: “KCC has not switched off lights in town centres, areas with CCTV, antisocial behaviour areas, at busy road junctions, roundabouts or sites with safety issues. KCC meets Kent Police regularly and they have indicated no overall increase in crime since the introduction of part-night lighting.
“Many residents want all-night lighting and this will be affordable LED technology that will reduce KCC’s energy and carbon tax spending by about 60 per cent allowing KCC to return to all-night lighting. Conversion to LED could start late this year or early 2016 starting with residential areas. This will take about a year.”
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Wednesday 15th April 2015