We are more ‘Royal’ than TunbridgeWells!
MAIDSTONE is Britain's most patriotic borough. It is organis- ing more street parties for the royal wedding than anywhere else.
Kent County Council has re- ceived requests for 16 road clo- sures in the Maidstone area on April 29, compared to 13 in the royal borough of Tunbridge Wells. Throughout Kent, more than 100 street parties are planned - the highest number in the UK. A terraced street near Maid-
stone prison and five others in the town will be shut for parties to mark PrinceWilliam and Kate Middleton’s marriage. Bunting, food, drink and music will be the order of the day. There will also be three road
closures in Weavering, two in Bearsted, plus one each in Allington, Downswood, East Farleigh, Boughton Monchelsea and Staplehurst. Of course, there will be plenty
of community parties, not re- quiring road closures, at places including Chart Sutton and Sut- ton Valence, where parish coun- cil chairman Eileen Riden said: "Whether you're a royalist or not, it's a great excuse for a party!" A KCC spokesman said re- search showed more roads were being closed in Kent than in any other local authority, a total of
more than 100. Second highest is Cambridgeshire. KCC agreed to waive charges
for street parties on quiet resi- dential roads and cul de sacs. Road closure signs are being pro- vided free. Bryan Sweetland, KCC cabinet member for highways, said they had taken the common sense ap-
proach. “We set out to make sure this
process was as simple as possi- ble, so that if residents wanted to enjoy the eventwith their neigh- bours, then they wouldn’t have to plough through piles of appli- cation forms. “This just goes to prove what cutting through bureaucratic red
A MAIDSTONE pub will be the focal point of a big street party for local youngsters. Jackie Hipwell (pictured), land-
lady of The Swan inWoollett Street, said: "The pub is at the end of a row of terraced houses by the prison. It's a lovely location for a street party and we have the perfect excuse with the royal wedding. "We thought it would be some- thing for the kids to remember. We
tape can do. More and more, I would like to see our highways policy governed by three basic key tests: ‘Is it safe, is it legal, and is it affordable?’” The wedding will be broad-
cast live on a big screen at Leeds Castle. The 900-year-old royal palace was home to six medieval queens. Grounds open at 9.30am.
Street to close for children’s royal party
are a traditional pub, we observe St Patrick's Day and St George's Day. The wedding is a bit of history in the mak- ing - we felt we should recognise it." Jackie, whose husband Tony works
for Kent County Council, is an organ- iser for Cancer Research UK. "This is also an opportunity to raise a bit of money for the charity," she added. After the daytime children's party
there will be a party in the pub garden in the evening.
KCC money ‘bankrolls’ Maidstone’s economy Continued from page one
bankrollers of the local economy," he added. Earlier, Cllr Garland said the LSP needed to be "reinvigorated or morphed into something more ro- bust". Areview would decide whether to continue with
the LSP or for the borough council to take up KCC's offer to set up - by 2014 - a Locality Board, which would have a secretariat and money behind it. The LSP had only ever had a one-off grant, said Cllr Gar- land.
"Unless there is money, coupled with the will to
deliver on the ground collectively, you won't actu- ally achieve a great deal," he added. "I have scepticism about some of the partnership
work over the last four years.We do need to look se- riously at Locality Boards. I wouldn't be interested if it's just another LSP talking shop. “But I would be interested if they transpire to be as
KCCwants themto be, decision-making bodies with the financialwherewithal todeliver on the groundin certain areas,” said Cllr Garland.
Satisfy your Appetite for the exotic Satisfy your Appetite for the exotic
THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE WEALD OF KENT 26th ANNUAL SPONSORED
SUNDAY 3rd July 2011 Start and finish at Harrietsham Village Hall (Free Ploughmans, Strawberries & Jazz Band on Return)
To date the walk has raised over £380,000 for local and national charities - over £180,000 for CANCER RESEARCH UK alone.
5 or 10 Mile Route ~
You may retain 50% of your sponsorship money for the nominated charity or good cause of your choice.
Non sponsored walkers are welcome, minimum donation £10.00
North Downs Walkline 01622 890650 or visit
www.wealdofkentrotary.org.uk To Register Online
For further details phone ~
NORTH DOWNS WALK
INDIAN REST
INDIAN REST UR NT & BAR NDIAN RESTAURANT & BAR OPENINGSOON OPENING SOON
Tonbridge Road, Barming, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9LW Tel: 01634 262233 Mob: 07930 555281
Maidstone, Kent ME16 9LW Tel: 01634 262233 Mob:07930 555281
Tonbridge Road, Barming, 01634 262233
Rainham: eanwoodDriv 01634 262233
ainham:Deanwood Drive 01634 262233
Sittingbourne: omanSquare 01795 436000
Sittingbourne: Roman Square 01795 436000
Chatham: 72 High Street 01634 400055
Chatham: 72 High Street 01634 400055
www.spicefusionkent.com To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Town 3
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