55ft radio mast gets the green light
NEIGHBOURS’ concerns over visual impact were put to one side as Maidstone Council accepted a proposal to erect a free-standing 17m radio mast in Downswood. The planning committee allowed
Nicholas Dupre, who holds an Ofcom li- cence, to install a short wave amateur radio mast and aerials in the garden of his home at Vine Cottage,Willington Street. The decision came despite objecitions
from the parish council and Foxden Drive resident Simon Kelsey. He said: “I am not here to be a killjoy or to spoil my neigh- bour’s fun. But this is no ordinary-sized mast.
“At more than 55 feet, it is twice the
height of houses in Foxden Drive and would protrude above the canopy of the eastern boundary. “It would also be topped by an aerial,
which, unlike others in the area, would ro- tate by a motor when transmissions are made.” Mr Kelsey feared that this would create
noise in high winds and was concerned the structure would interfere with his internet reception, which he said he relied on to work at home. Downswood Parish Councillor Bill Green- head said it would be an imposing structure
in an area already scarred by television aeri- als. “A person with warts would hardly want more of them, let alone one big wart to keep the others company,“ he added. “This mast would be a fine addition to GCHQ, but not for the residents of Downswood.” There was little sympathy from the com- mittee, who were guided by substitute member Cllr Malcolm Robertson’s advice – as an engineer by profession – that the aer- ial was necessary for the applicant to pur- sue his hobby and was unlikely to disrupt the television and wireless internet recep- tion of nearby homes.
He also praised Mr Dupre for offering to box the rotator, which would contain the noise. The only grounds on which the council could refuse would be visual impact, but this was widely dismissed as the area was already littered with tele- vision aerials. It was voted through by seven votes to three, with one abstention.
Christmas meal for lonely residents
in Bearsted ELDERLY Bearsted residents who face Christmas alone are being invited to enjoy a free meal one week before the big day.
Guides’ 100th birthday finale
ends fun year A MASSIVE marquee at the- County Showground hosted the local finale of Girlguiding UK's centenary celebrations. A total of 2,240 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and senior section members from across the Kent Weald sang their an- niversary song, One Voice, as well as all-time favourite Ging Gang Gooly before they re- newed their promises. It was all timed to happen at
20.10 precisely on 20.10.2010 (October 20). County commissioner Carole Hardy said: "Over the past 12 months, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and senior section members have enjoyed special centenary activity days, sleep- overs, carnivals, parties and camps. "We wanted to give every girl
PCSO Jim Stevens has re- ceived £500 funding from the Co-operative Community Fund to enable around 50 over-60 residents to enjoy a festive meal at Madginford Hall on Satur- day, December 18, between 1pm and 7pm. Community warden Dawn Riach-Brown will also be help- ing alongside Holy Cross Church Men’s Team, with food and drink supplied by Rick- wood’s butchers and the Mario Fish Bar. Ms Riach-Brown said: “We
don’t want people who are spending Christmas with their family; we want individuals and couples who will be spend- ing it alone.” If you know any elderly per-
son or couple living in Bearsted who may be alone at Christmas, call PCSO Stevens on 07772 226 100 or Ms Riach-Brown on 07813 712 105.
a ‘mountain-top moment’ this year and the finale event at Detling did just that.”
The evening concluded with
a spectacular fireworks display. Pictures:
ww.shooterz.co.uk
Sand excavation APPLICANT Stephen Attwood wants to excavate sand from a pit next to the A20 Ashford Road, to the north-west of the Park Gate Inn pub, near Hollingbourne. The sand would be for building work on a farm and other uses.
Charity concert DETLING Singers will entertain at a Christmas concert in sup- port of Maidstone Mencap at Cobtree Hall, Mote Park (off Willington Street) on Saturday, December 4, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets £5, children £3. Call Cathy Handley on 07956 332975.
Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735 East 17
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