Parents win school transport fight
THE Downs Mail was among those thanked by the mother of a boy who faced having to change schools because of KCC's transport policy. Lyn Ostler is delighted that Teddy
can continue to attend Platts Heath pri- mary, rather than Lenham, after we highlighted the case in last month's edi- tion. Mrs Ostler is battling a benign brain tumour that has prevented her from driving six-year-old Teddy to school since just after Christmas. The education authority was sympa-
thetic but said it could only offer travel assistance to the family's nearest school, which is Lenham. Teddy was thriving at Platts Heath and Mrs Ostler and husband Andrew,
HARRIETSHAM Parish Council wants to prevent any further erosion of serv- ice after the village post office’s re- duced hours were confirmed. Operating hours have changed from 9am-5.30pm on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays to 9am-1pm on the same days. Hollingbourne’s current opening times of 9am-3.30pm on Wednesdays have been reduced to 10am-2pm, and similar changes have taken place at the post office in Chart Sutton. The three sub post offices were closed for a few weeks in November over an unconnected issue, and re- opened with the reduced hours shortly before Christmas. Cllr Janetta Sams, member of Harriet-
Calendar of events
This 13th century pilgrim’s inn is steeped in history, situated in the ancient village of Hollingbourne close to Leeds castle in a designated area of natural beauty, with many enjoyable walks.
Thursday 10th March: Quiz night, from 8pm
Monday 21st March: Rock night! With RUN VT from 8pm till 10pm
Sunday 3rd April: Mothering Sunday 3 courses for £24.95pp Easter weekend, open from noon till 9.30pm
Pub Opening Times 11.30am to 11.00pm Daily
who live at a remote cottage inWarren Street, wanted him to stay there and lodged an appeal. Mr Ostler has to leave home early for
work but various friends had volun- teered to take Teddy to and from school during the appeal process. The issue was taken up by local councillors Jenny Whittle and Tom Sams as well as MP Hugh Robert- son. Platts Heath head Piers An- comb also supported the Ostlers. Now, after a change of heart by
KCC, Teddy is being picked up and taken home by minibus taxi every day. His mum said: "Teddy has been
granted transport till July 2012. I really appreciate the help I have received from everyone."
Cut in hours confirmed at sub post offices
sham Parish Council, said: “During the consultation, a lot of people said they were against the plan for reduced hours. Then it closed suddenly and when it re-opened, people were glad to get it back but still feel they would like it open on longer hours. “It is a very needed and necessary
service in the community and people were having to walk to Lenham when it was closed. The parish council will continue to look at the hours but the first priority is that it stays open.” Christopher’s, the village shop in Hollingbourne, will now open from 8am Monday to Friday, rather than 7am as before. There will be no bell service in the evenings.
Teddy arrives by minibus taxi at Platts Heath School Doubt over future of bus route
BUS company Arriva has indicated it may cut the number 19 bus service that runs between Bearsted, Grove Green and Maidstone town centre. Due to lower incomes from concessionary passes, Arriva is analysing what changes to make to its serv- ices, and has earmarked the No 19 as a possible casu- alty.
To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
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