Shared parking service saves £146,000 THE pain of seeing a parking fine stuck to your windscreen may be eased slightly by the knowledge that Maidstone Council is mak- ing big savings in running the service from now on. It is the result of the borough teaming up with Swale Council to operate a combined contract, saving Maidstone about £146,000 an- nually.


Council leader Chris Garland agreed that the partnershipwas the


best way forward. Negotiations with staff and trade unions were being held to coincide with the introduction of the new contract on June 1. Areport to Cllr Garland said: “Under the new arrangements there


will be one parking services manager for both Maidstone and Swale and one back officermanager for processing penalty charge notices, parking permits etc. “The back office staffwill remain the same in both authorities, al- though this will be reviewed after 12 months.”


Jubilee looking to expand next door JUBILEE Resource Hub has applied to expand its operation at 48 Upper Stone Street to the office next door. The building, known as Jubilee Auditorium, is used for church celebrations,Habitation youth group, worship practice andmore. A supporting statement for the applicant said: “They have oc- cupied the 38 Upper Stone Street building since July 2009, suc- cessfully delivering help and support to the community in the area without generating inconvenience to the neighbourhood. “Due to their success in the community and with a possibility


to expand their services and congregation, the 50 Upper Stone Street building is the perfect location for their extended re- quirements helping the community to utilise these facilities and generating employment.” Maidstone Council will decide the application, which seeks change of use from an office.


Plans unveiled for new medical centre


MORE than 8,500 patients of a Maidstone GP practice are set to move to a planned new medical centre half a mile down the road. The Vine Medical Centre, currently based


in cramped conditions in a converted house at 166 Tonbridge Road, has been looking for a bigger, purpose-built surgery for a few years.


Assura, a leading developer of GP health centres, is submitting a planning applica- tion to build the new surgery on a one-acre site at 13 Tonbridge Road, formerly bor- ough council offices. A spokesman said the building would


offer spacious and flexible accommodation, fully compliant disabled access and facili- ties, plus car parking and an independent pharmacy. The scheme also includes plans for a small residential development of new houses at the rear of the site. If approved, construction work will start


later this year on the new surgery, which could be ready by the end of 2012. An open evening was recently held at the current surgery to gauge patients’ views. The plans can still be seen in the waiting room. Dr Helen Downing said: “Our current building is too small for the practice, falls below modern standards and restricts the amount of new patients we can register. “New purpose-built premises are essen-


tial for us to continue to provide first-class medical care to our patients and to expand the range of services provided. “We are pleased to be working with As-


sura, who have an excellent track record in delivering premises for GP services,” she added.


Because of the economic climate, Maid-


stone Council struggled to find a buyer for its former offices in Tonbridge Road after staff moved to The Gateway in King Street


Artist’s impression of the proposed pur- pose-built Vine Medical Centre in Ton- bridge Road.


two years ago. But a recent report to councillors


said: “The proposal to develop the site for a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy and housing is considered to provide the council with the best use for the land, both financially and socio-economically, and supports the coun- cil’s strategic priorities.” Assura has over 165 investments in pri-


mary care premises andmore than 30 phar- macies across the UK.


Sister’s tribute to caring Louise


AWOMAN, who died after being struck by a bus near her place of work, grew up in Lark- field before moving to Ditton a couple of years ago. Louise Friday (44) died in London’s Royal London Hospital, five days after being flown there by Kent Air Ambulance. Louise,who had learning difficulties, had a part-time job at The Pippin pub in London Road,Maidstone, and had been having lunch there before the accident nearby. Police are appealing for witnesses (01622 798538). Her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and


Derek Kemp, from Maidstone, paid tribute to her caring nature. Mrs Kemp said: “Louise was amuch-loved sister, friend and aun-


tie to Martin and Robert. Louise always wanted to help whenever she could and liked to mother people.” She was amember ofWestMalling Baptist Church.


Students strut their stuff for charity


NEW Line Learning and Cornwallis Academy held a dazzling fashion show to raise money for the mayor’s charities. Radio Kent presenter Lynsey Butler hosted the event, attended


by more than 200 guests at NLL in Boughton Lane, Loose. NLL communications manager Moira Mitchell said: “Students


and staff strutted along the catwalk modelling clothes from FremlinWalk, The Mall, Royal Star Arcade and independent de- signer Deafened Decorum. There were also dance performances and budding Year 9 and


11 student fashion designers showcased prom dresses and Lady Ga Ga-inspired outfits they had designed.” The £1,050 raised from ticket sales, the raffle and refreshments


is being split between the three charities of the out-goingmayor, Eric Hotson – Sobell Lodge in Staplehurst, Heart of Kent Hos- pice andMaidstone Young Carers’ Project.


Car thief jailed PETER John Hawes (33), of Dickens Road, Ringlestone, Maidstone, was sentenced to 30 days in prison be- cause of a flagrant disregard for court orders. Hawes pleaded guilty to stealing


from a car parked in Maidstone be- tween April 3 and 6. Three other offences were admitted and taken into consideration by Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court.


15 tyres stolen A NUMBER of Continental car tyres, thought to be about 15, were stolen when the lock of a container at National Tyre & Autocare, Square Hill Road, was cut off.


Fun of the fayre ROLL up for Maidstone Mencap’s Grand Summer Fayre on Saturday, June 11. Thefreeevent,from


1pm to 5pm at Cobtree Hall, Mote Park (School Lane entrance offWilling- ton Street), will be opened by Helen Grant MP, with attractions


including


arena displays, side shows, children’s games, a carousel, bouncy castle, barbecue, real ale tent and grand prize draw. Info – 07903 196333.


Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735 Town 35


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