Unrest over Mote Park homes sale
CONCERNS have been raised about the sale of two council-owned houses on the edge of Mote Park.
Independents and Lib Dems were unhappy
with answers to questions about access via the park and future use of the properties. Cllr Mike Fitzgerald, Independents' leader,
also criticised the council for instructing auctioneers Clive Emson to advertise Raigersfeld Lodge and Raigersfeld House be- fore a deadline allowing the sell-off decision to be 'called in' for scrutiny. The properties, both accessed via a shared driveway in the park, are vacant and have been vandalised recently. Lib Dems' leader Cllr Fran Wilson ques- tioned what protection there would be for the brownfield site if it were sold. She said the only vehicle access was through the park, something the council had tried to restrict.
Protected tree stays MAIDSTONE Council has blocked an application to fell a protected beech tree at 12 Vio- let Close, Lordswood. This was despite correspon-
dence from applicant Ian Vagg: “This tree is looking increas- ingly precarious during inclement weather. The crevice retains rainwater which is causing rotting to the trunk. “The tree is leaning approximately 15 de- grees north west. If it falls, several properties will be severely af- fected.”
She added that the Lib Dems had been say-
ing for a long time the council should be of- fering parks apprenticeships and that this would be an ideal location for such a scheme. “Once these have been sold we have nowhere else to go,” continued Cllr Wilson. The historic park is currently undergoing
a £2.5m revamp with the help of a Heritage Lottery grant. Cllr Fitzgerald said: “Why wouldwewant
Raigersfeld Lodge and the sign advertis- ing its sale by auction. An officer’s report ruled out alternative uses due to the premises' general condition and the refur- bishment costs.
to sell off important parts of the park at a time we want to restore it. I have written to the cabinet member (Marion Ring) express- ingmy concern.” He said he had driven past the auction
signs in Ashford Road, three days before the call-in period expired on May 20. An officer's report to Cllr Ring, who took the decision as cabinet member for corporate
Families find lost sheep at church THE STORY of the Lost Sheep will be the topic at the “Hands On Church” at Boxley at 3pm on Sunday, June 26. The short activity-based service, aimed at children up to age
10, with their families and friends, will include a story and singing. Refreshments will be served after the service. Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday of most months and usually alternate between Boxley and Detling churches.
Still no to pub MAIDSTONE Council’s re- fusal to allow town centre pub Earls to establish a flat roof for use as a terrace has been backed by a Government planning inspector, who heard an appeal lodged by the applicant.
Detling garden safari FRIENDS of Detling Church are holding a garden safari on June 19, from 2pm-6pm. The event is in conjunction with the
Heart of Kent Hospice and will include a plant sale, chance to see how a beehive works and the opportunity to have your gardening questions answered. Tickets, £4, from St Martin’s on the day.
services, said the properties – a Kent hall house and a smaller gate lodge – had fallen victim to theft and criminal damage. “Retention of the properties
by the council is considered to be too high a risk and therefore should be sold as soon as possi- ble," said the report.
New McJobs A NEW McDonald’s will be opening at the junction 8 service station of the M20, near Hollingbourne, on July 20.
The fast food outlet will provide 50 full-time and part-time jobs.
18 East
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