‘Stop messing up commuters’ lives’
A TRAIN company has been accused of “messing up” people’s lives by axing key services via Maidstone to the City. Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stan-
ley accused Southeastern of "zero listening" over complaints about the withdrawal of services.
CADETS and Badgers from St John Ambu- lance’s Maidstone division spent a day showing interested passers-by how much fun it is to be involved with the charity and displaying their first aid skills. They demonstrated how to correctly bandage and dress wounds, resuscitation techniques and the importance of the re- covery position. Divisional officer Paul Cole said: “The
day was a great opportunity for our young- sters to show their first aid knowledge and skills to the general public and we were very proud of them. Six local families ex- pressed an interest in their children join- ing our local Badger sett, which is great news. “Incredibly up to 150,000 people die
each year in situations where first aid may have made the difference and events such as this one provide us with an opportunity to urge people to take up the challenge of learning some skills.” Parents who are interested in their chil-
dren joining Badgers or Cadets can visit di- visional meetings held every Thursday evening, during term time, at Dunk Me- morial Hall, Church Street, Maidstone. For more information, call 01732 874446 or log on
towww.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/kent
"Not only do passengers face increased journey times to stations in London they do not want to get to, but their whole family and business life has been absolutely messed up." A rail summit, held in Maidstone, also heard that Kent MPs, including Tracey
First-aiders display skills to help recruitment
Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) have called for a cap on rail fare rises in the county. Charles Horton, Southeastern’s managing director, said the firm’s hands were effec- tively tied by the terms of its franchise. The Government's argument was that it should be rail users who paid more for the costs of running the railway, not the general tax- payer. He insisted he was not deaf to
the criticisms but held out little hope of bringing back services from west Kent in the immedi- ate future. "Changes are possi- ble but as private sector operators, we have to make sure that they are commercial.” However, he said that the company was happy to look at bringing back services if other parties contributed the £675,000 estimated subsidy needed for west Kent lines. Cllr Nick Chard, KCC cabinet member for transport, said the views of rail users would be fundamental in drawing up a rail action plan that KCC was producing ahead of the award of the next franchise in 2015.
Music for museum A CONCERT at Maidstone Mu- seum on Monday, December 13 (7.30pm) by the Primavera Chamber Ensemble will raise money for the east wing exten- sion. Tickets are £20.
Christmas 2010 Christmas bookings now being taken.
Serving lunches & dinner from just £15 per person. Private dining & large parties catered for. Exquisite menu available
Truffles Restaurant
Daily specials available including our superb Sizzling Steaks Full menu daily - Superb Master Chef - Relaxed atmosphere Try us today!
Our Famous Sunday Carvery 12.30pm to 3.30pm Adults £8.95 Children £4.95
Open to the Public
You can e-mail the Downs Mail —
info@downsmail.co.uk
East 19
choir starts January!
New Singers needed now. Call to book your audition.
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