‘Councilmust help rural Maidstone’ Shop replaces village deli
MAIDSTONE mayor Cllr BrianMor- timer officially opened The Little Coun- try GardeninHigh Street, Lenham. The shop is the latest venture from re-
tailer Matthew Cockell, who also runs the off-licence in Coxheath and Lenham Village Store with father Nigel. Helping Matthew manage The Little Country Garden is fiancé Jemma Hay- wood, also pictured.
AN initiative to “bankroll” rural businesses is being explored by Maidstone Council. It is one of the actions to emerge from a top-level analysis of the borough’s rural economy by the council’s prosperity scrutiny committee. Chairman Stephen Paine said Maidstone
has a thriving rural economy with “un- tapped potential for further growth”. He told the cabinet that 30% of the bor-
ough’s businesses are based in the country- side. But in the past there was a feeling that council policies tended to have an urban focus. But that is about to change, according to
Cllr Chris Garland, leader of the Tory-ruled council. He had just heard Cllr Paine outlining concerns his team had encountered during its survey and tour of rural Maidstone. These included transport, planning and renewable energy issues. Another big impediment to busines-
ses is access to high-speed broadband, which Cllr Paine said is “incredibly poor” in rural areas. Maidstone ranks 10th in a table of 13 local authorities in Kent for broadband access. Significant areas cannot even access 1Mb, including Boughton Monchelsea, Marden,
A LENHAM-based recycling company has helped create a rooftop garden at London’s South Bank. Ashford Road-based Countrystyle pro-
vided 75 tonnes of compost for the oasis named ‘The Sun Deck’, which was built on the roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Coxheath, Detling and Thurnham, he added The report listed areas that can receive
5Mb or more, including Harrietsham, Lenham, Staplehurst, Sutton Valence, Bearsted, Headcorn plus town wards such as Fant, High Street and Shepway North. Meanwhile, moves are being made to help
fledgling rural businesses get their hands on start-up funds. KCC runs a Leader Pro- gramme that provides grants of up to £50,000 to match upfront funding required from the applicant. “Not a lot of businesses have £50,000 in
their back pocket,” said Cllr Paine. But his report highlighted Cornwall council’s “bankroll” service that provides the upfront funding on 0% interest – provided the local authority receives it back within two months. Cabinet agreed to pursue the idea. Cllr Painewas congratulated for a “superb
presentation”. Regeneration cabinet mem- ber Cllr Malcolm Greed said it would be stupid not to take its recommendations on board.
Leader Cllr Garland said the council has
been accused in recent years of being “town-centric”. He disagreed but said this year he wanted the council to pay a “lot more attention” to developing policies for rural areas.
Lenham firm aids rooftop garden to grow
The project includes a vegetable plot, a rosebud walk and a wildflower area, which will give a taste of British gardens and landscapes. Funding for the project was provided by City Hall. The sun deck and cafe are due to open for visitors on September 4.
22 East
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