Post offices not all first class
A WOMEN'S organisation has investigated access issues at the dwindling number of post of- fices in the Maidstone area. Many POs and sub-post of-
fices have closed since local Soroptimist International (SI) members did their last survey in 2006/7. They decided to do a follow-
up, with Carol McKeogh lead- ing the local SI's programme
action committee. Her team looked at 10 POs, including the one in Paydens, Ashford Road, Bearsted, which shares the premises with a general store and chemist. Carol and fellow Soroptimist, Margaret Ambrose visited the shop recently with Downs Mail to highlight some of the issues that are typical of other post of- fices.
Parking - Carol (right) had to circle the area twice trying to park
in front of the parade as she wanted to be handy forMargaret (left), who is recovering from a second knee operation. But in the end she gave up and parked round the corner in Cavendish Way, which meant a slow, 50-yard walk for Mar- garet with her stick. Access - the pavement is cracked
and rutted in places, making it dan- gerous for anyone with mobility problems. Sometimes vehicles park at an angle on the pavement outside the shop causing further problems. Shop - there is a slope on enter-
ing the premises and the aisles are relatively narrow, with stock often left on the floor that needs to be manoeuvred - never easy with a walking stick, even harder in a wheelchair. Post office - there are three counter positions which all appear
easily accessible. One has a chip and pin pad set at a lower level, which most wheelchair users would find relatively easy to reach. But the counter is still fairly high and a wheelchair user would have to stretch upwards to place an item on the weighing scales.
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Praise for staff CAROL McKeogh, who sur- veyed post offices in Lenham, Barming and Lon- don Road (Tesco), under- stands why they have to be sited at the back of shops for security reasons but it leads to access difficulties. Meanwhile, Margaret Am-
brose, a retired health visitor who lives in Cranborne Av- enue, surveyed POs in Man- gravet, Park Wood and Willington Street. She praised the staff: "I do
find the people in post of- fices are very helpful." Results of the survey are
being forwarded to the Leonard Cheshire Founda- tion to update its national re- port on support for disabled people.
New life breathed
into Boxley courtyard A CLUSTER of disused agricul- tural buildings at Street Farm, The Street, Boxley, are to be con- verted to form four new homes. The creation of new dwellings
in such rural settings is contrary to Maidstone Council policy, but the planning committee consid- ered it necessary to enable the character structures and original courtyard setting to be retained. Committee member Cllr Bob Hinder said: “The buildings form an integral part of the view to- wards the North Downs. It’s a case of using it or losing it, and I would not like to see that cluster of buildings disappear. The pro- posals enhance these buildings.” Committee chairman Cllr Richard Lusty said the current buildings were “unusable” for farming purposes. Permission was unanimously granted.
Lenham Country Market 2nd Sunday Every Month Lenham Square 9-1
More than a farmers Market, Lenham offers an excellent selection of locally produced food and drink together with unusual guest stalls and an interesting selection of crafts.
Next Market: April 10th
Enquiries: 01622 679709
lenhamcountrymarket@gmail.com
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