Worrying rise in housing needs
A HUGE increase in the number of people seeking housing advice has been reported to Maidstone councillors. Chief housing officer John Littlemore said housing needs issues had increased “quite significantly”. The number seeking advice at The Gate-
way – the council’s headquarters in King Street – had risen from 2,100 in 2008-09 to 3,600, a 71% increase. He told the communities scrutiny com- mittee that bed and breakfast usage had gone up for the first time in four years. Mr Littlemore also said the number of
rough sleepers in the Maidstone borough, which are mainly in the town centre, is higher than elsewhere in Kent – an esti- mated 26 one night recently.
When asked by Cllr Derek Butler (Boxley)
if there was evidence of rough sleeping in rural areas, Mr Littlemore said it is “notori- ously difficult” to gauge numbers. But he added: “If we do identify that cer-
tain villages are hotspots we can direct serv- ices like Porchlight [outreach service] to them. “At the moment we don’t have any posi-
tive evidence to support that.” The committee was discussing the draft
housing strategy for 2011-15, which re- flects new government legislation aswell as the changing economic situation since the previous strategy. Members asked for several adjustments to
the document before it goes to cabinet for approval.
Ducklings’ good report ASPECTS of Ducklings of Detling Pre-School are out- standing, according toOfsted, which praised it for ex- cellent communications with parents. The school, which has an outdoor play area, was
also reported to have a good method of promoting healthy living to children. The overall quality of the pre-school, situated on The Street, was good and staff worked in teams to use resources effectively. Inspector Jenny Kane noted there was very good communication and sharing of information with par- ents and carers. However, she thought the assessment system needed development to clearly show the chil- dren’s next learning steps. Since the last inspection, the school had addressed
the recommendations raised, for example, transform- ing the outdoor area into a place of learning. Overall, the staff were deemed enthusiastic and pos-
itive towards the children, who have consistently good behaviour and enjoy their time at the pre-school.
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New home refusal MAIDSTONE Council has blocked an application to build a two-bedroom home on a pri- vate garden to the rear of 32 Fauchon’s Close, Bearsted. The planning department felt
it “would be a narrow, cramped form of development with a two-storey dwelling, garage and hardstandings occupying much of the site. Thiswould be harm- ful to the character of the area”. It also felt the negative impact would be “at odds with the pre- vailing pattern of development in the street.” The borough also claimed
that it would have an adverse impact on the outlook from 30 Fauchon’s Close.
Mick Rayner, founder and president of MPE, (right), with Jon Carncross, who won the silent auction on the evening.
Football club marks
40th anniversary MORE than 120 past and present foot- ballers and coaches gathered at Victo- ria’s nightclub in Harrietsham to celebrate 40 years of MPE FC. There were also visitors from Amer-
ica to mark the 21st anniversary of the link with a club in Arlington, Vermont. The club currently plays at Mallards Way, Downswood; Madginford School, Bearsted and Mote Park. Over £600 was raised towards the
club’s campaign to buy a strip of farm- land next to the Orchard Spot round- about at MallardsWay near the existing pitches.
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