‘Dangerous’ bus stop will be moved
A BUS stop is to be moved further up the A229 afterArriva drivers complained it was dangerous to pull out into fast-flowing traf- fic heading up Bluebell Hill. The 101 service has not stopped at Cob-
tree on safety grounds since June. In July, a petition, signed by schoolchildren's parents and other users, was presented to Maid- stone's Joint Transaportation Board.
CHARITIES in Maidstone have been told they will receive help and advice on how to cope with forthcoming cuts in public spending. In a speech to the annual Maidstone
Voluntary and Community Sector Con- ference, the town’s MPHelen Grant em- phasised her support for the charitable sector during the current financial diffi- culties. Representatives from almost 50 local charities and other organisations heard her speak about Prime Minister David Cameron’s respect for the charity sector, as well as suggesting ways in which funding could be won and a promise that the Government will take action to assist charities to work more efficiently. She said: “Cuts are coming and times
its part in helping you through. We will get rid of the cen- tralised bureaucracy that wastes money and undermines morale, by reforming the sys- tem of CRB (criminal record) checks and reforming Gift Aid. We will break up state monop-
Local county councillor Paul Carter, who
is leader of KCC, put pressure on officers to quickly investigate low-cost solutions. Three options were presented to the
board's October meeting – and Cllr Carter favoured the one to create a new bus stop- lane across the mouth of the Cobtree Golf Course junction. This is the most cost-effective (£44,000),
said Cllr Carter, though he urged officers to seek further quotes to try to lower the price. He said he would give the scheme high priority from his member’s funding al- lowance. Arriva has given an undertaking its driv-
ers would stop at the new location. The disadvantage for passengers is that it is 300m further north fromthe existing stop.
MP pays tribute to the town’s voluntary groups Pool competition
is a big success A POOL competition organised by local police officers helped to keep youngsters entertained over the half-term break. Manor Youth Club in Shepway hosted more than 60 teenagers over the two-day event. In addition to the pool com-
will be tough but Government will play MP Helen Grant with Sue Towns Okorodudu, chief ex- ecutive of Voluntary Action Maidstone.
olies on public services allow- ing charities and the voluntary sector organisations to play a major role in running services and we will endeavour to deal with funding in a way that does not reduce your sector’s com-
mitment, independence, inno- vation and enthusiasm. You reach the unreachable and fix the unfixable. We know how much good work you do and it doesn’t go unnoticed by this Government.”
petition, youngsters were able to get involved in table tennis, basketball, cricket and football. PCSO David Earl from the Maidstone Neighbourhood Team, who organised the event, said: “We were delighted with the response from local young- sters who were really enthusi- astic about the tournament. “Thanks to funding from the
Co-Op in Shepway, we were able to offer all these facilities for free and even provide free pizza for everyone, whichwent down very well with the kids.
“Due to its success we’re look- ing to run the event again in the February half-term.”
Kent's longest running Wedding Show!
for your diary
BEARSTED & THURNHAM WI CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
WI Hall The Street Bearsted Sat 27th Nov 2-4.30pm
CRAFT, JEWELLERY, CAKES, TOMBOLA, BRIC A BRAC, NAME THE DOLL
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS/CARDS & MUCH MORE
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS/CARDS & MUCH MORE
CRAFT, JEWELLERY, CAKES, TOMBOLA, BRIC A BRAC, NAME THE DOLL
& Mince Pie 70p
Tea/Coffee Adults 50p, accompanied children FREE Visit Father Christmas £2 per child - Receive a gift
CHRISTMAS AT THE SALVATION ARMY 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1ED
Tuesday 7th Dec Friday 10th Dec
Friday 17th Dec Carols by Candlelight at 7.45pm.
Community Carol Concert at 7.30pm in aid of Harmony Arts Group. Tickets £5, available from the Community Office (under 15's free).
Crib Service at 5pm. A short carol service for young children & their families. Seasonal fancy dress optional.
Sunday 19th Dec Carol Service at 5pm. Saturday 25th Dec Christmas Day Celebration at 10.15am.
For tickets (where applicable) or additional information please contact the Community Office on 01622 681808.
8 East
MaidstoneUnited Reformed Church Week Street (Opposite C&H Fabrics)
Welcome to ChristmasWorship at
Sunday 19th Dec: 17:30 Service of Lessons and Carols to include opening of the Christmas Tree Festival, which will be attended by His Worship, theMayor ofMaidstone
Christmas Eve: Christmas Day: Boxing Day:
18.00 Candlelight Service 23.30Midnight Communion Service
10:00 joint FamilyWorship service at the Methodist Church, Union Street
10:00 joint FamilyWorship atWeek Street led by the Rev Clifford Newman
Come and celebrate the joy of Christmas with us To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
www.bridalshowcaseuk.co.uk
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
3rd JANUARY The Ashford
International Hotel
(off Jct 9/M20, SimoneWeil Ave TN24 8UX) Fashion Shows * LiveMusic
Large Variety of Wedding Professionals
FREE Admission & Parking! 11am-4pm
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