Boost for women


abuse victims THEWomen’s Support Service, which covers the Maidstone area, has received £27,752 from the Government’s Big Society Transition Fund. WSS chairman Suzanne Hol-


loway said: “Raising funds for services for victims of domestic abuse is challenging in this dif- ficult economy. This grant will enable us to work better to de- velop support for victims of do- mestic abuse in Kent.” WSS’s helpline, 01622 761146, is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, or email dutydesk@wsskent.org.uk. An out-of-office-hours service operates from Maidstone police station on Saturdays and Sun- days, 9am to 3pm, on 07961 021929.


Heli-good activity day! AIR activity was the theme of a big gathering of Beavers at the Scout HQ in Sandling, Maid- stone. More than 100 youngsters had


the chance to clamber aboard a helicopter, build model space- craft and operate a flight simula- tor as well as other air-related activities. Pictured with the helicopter,


flown in for the afternoon by Tonbridge leader EdMiles, are the Staplehurst Huron Beavers with their helpers.


Ruling on Oaken Wood quarry likely this month


A DECISION on whether Gallagher Aggregates' quarrying operations can be extended into Oaken Wood is expected by the end of this month. It had originally been thought that the Govern-


ment would make a ruling within 21 days about the scheme, which borders Ditton and Barming, after being notified of KCC planning committee’s approval in May. But the Woodland Trust, one of several high- profile objectors, said the Government had inter- preted the Oaken Wood case differently, not as a “departure” from the county minerals plan - as KCC believed it would - but as a "request to inter- vene", thus requiring a time extension. Aspokesman said: "Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is now holding the application under an Article 25 direction allowing him to consider whether or not to call in the application for his own decision.


“This direction can run indefinitely but the


Woodland Trust has been assured by the National Planning Casework Unit that this is being dealt with as a matter of priority due to the high level of public interest." Meanwhile, Maidstone MP Helen Grant, who recently asked a parliamentary question, said: “I am glad the Secretary of State hopes to make his decision by the end of July. The quicker a deci- sion is made the better." She added: "Notwithstanding the persuasive economic arguments and the careful and sensitive approach Gallaghers have commendably adopted, it cannot be right that this irreplaceable and quite magical ancient woodland should be lost forever." The Woodland Trust said the plans to extract


stone from 33 hectares amounted to "the largest single case of destruction of ancient woodland in England in recent times".


NLL go to primary YEAR 11 students from New Line Learning Academy paid a visit to Molehill Copse Primary School, Hereford Road, Shep- way.


They made smoothies all day


for the entire school and used fruits such as strawberries, ba- nanas, apples, pineapple and peaches within the healthy drinks.


Community chef TerryMiller,


who works for Fusion Healthy Living Centre at ParkWood, led the NLL team.


Pretty as a Picture competition Open to ages 3months - 3 yrs


£10 refundable deposit is required to reserve your sitting


DownsMail


To book your free sitting call 01622 730730 and enter your child into the Pretty as a Picture competition, in conjunction with DownsMail and Maidstone Photofactory.


All entrants will receive a free 6x4 print. Readers can vote for their favourite picture by visiting www.downsmail.co.uk The winner will be invited back for a further sitting and to choose their favourite image on either canvas print or an acrylic wall art. For terms and conditions please see www.maidstonephotofactory.co.uk


Win a portrait sitting & images worth £500 You can e-mail the Downs Mail — info@downsmail.co.uk


Town 9


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