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‘Safety’ reason for crossing queues


NETWORKRail has denied a claim it is caus- ing unnecessarily long traffic hold-ups at Aylesford level crossing. The allegation that the high-speed service - introduced on the Medway Valley line in May - is delaying motorists for "extended pe- riods" was made at a recent rail forum at Kings Hill council offices. There are now an additional three trains in the morning and in the evening peaks travel-


ling on the line through Aylesford. ANetwork Rail spokesman said: "More and


faster trains is great news for all passengers in terms of helping meet the increasing de- mand for rail travel. However, it inevitably means that level crossings along the route will need to operatemore frequently. "Network Rail has no reason to keep barri-


ers at level crossings down for any longer than is necessary for trains to pass through


Olympian John King with Mereworth head teacher Diane Moore and pupils


safely. "When trains are due to pass through the


area in relatively quick succession, signallers will wherever possible lift the barriers be- tween trains. If this is not possible, such as when the lights and barriers would need to start again for the next train within seconds of them being raised, the barriers will be kept down for a longer period to allow all trains approaching the crossing to pass."


Two homes burgled in village POLICE are investigating two burglaries on the same day at properties in Trottiscliffe. The break-ins happened during the day on Sep- tember 23. In one incident, jewellery and ornaments were among items taken from a home in Pilgrims Way. In the second theft, in Ford Lane, jewellerywas also taken, together with a pink Adidas sports bag, in which it is believed the items were concealed. A white male driving a white van is suspected. He


is described as in his early 50s, with short fair hair and of heavy build. Anyonewith information should contact the police


on 01732 771055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting BY/013194/11.


Olympian jumps in to Mereworth school


PUPILS at Mereworth Community Pri- mary School met their own Olympic athlete when he visited the school to launch their London 2012 Olympic Challenge. Long jumper John King, whose daughter Grace is in year 3 at the school, represented Great Britain in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. He was invited to the school assem-


bly where he enthralled the children with his story. There were gasps of amazement and spontaneous applause when the children saw how far he had jumped – 7.94 metres. John presented head teacher Diane Moore with a plaque awarded by the London 2012 organisation, Get Set, to recognise the school’s commitment to Olympic and Paralympic values.


Signs point way ahead for RBLI THE work of Royal British Legion Industries, based at Aylesford, was the focus of a visit by transport minister Mike Penning. He congratulated the team on its success in secur-


ing contracts to supply signs for roads, rail and air- ports, which will result in its Sign Shop recruiting more ex-service people. After touring the unit, the minister met industry representatives. Kent County Council and its main- tenance contractor Enterprise recently signed a deal for the supply of road signs with RBLI.


Tile Showroom Adhesives & Grouts WOULD YOU LIKE TO UNLOCK A NEW DOOR IN YOUR LIFE?


Here’s an offer you don’t see every day—the chance to acquire a set of keys to your local prison! We are currently looking for new volunteers to join the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) at the following prisons:


HMP Blantyre House, Goudhurst – Semi-open male resettlement prison HMP Maidstone – A prison for foreign nationals and sex offenders HMP Swaleside, The Isle of Sheppey – A prison for long term offenders HMP Cookham Wood, Rochester – A prison for young offenders aged 15-18 HMP Canterbury – A prison for male foreign nationals


Members of the Board monitor the day to day life of prisons to ensure proper standards of care and decency are maintained.


You do not need any special qualifications or experience as full training and support will be given. We welcome applications from all people aged over 18 years and from all walks of life.


It is expected that you will be able to give at least three four hour sessions a month monitoring one of the prisons, talking to prisoners and staff and attending monthly board meetings. Some of these hours are flexible and could be at weekends or early evening. The post is not paid but travel and subsistence expenses will be covered.


Please visit www.imb.gov.uk to learn more or contact one of the following IMBs to arrange a talk with existing members and to explore the opportunity further:


Blantyre House IMB eve.smitherman@hmps.gsi.gov.uk 01580 213200 Maidstone IMB lynne.archerMA@hmps.gsi.gov.uk 01622 775482 Swaleside IMB peter.judges@hmps.gsi.gov.uk 01795 804009 Cookham Wood IMB Katie.Norton@hmps.gsi.gov.uk 01634 202584 Canterbury IMB terry.scrivener@hmps.gsi.gov.uk 01227862800 Closing date for expressions of interest 30th November 2011


Monitoring fairness and respect for people in custody 6 Malling


Monday to Friday 8.00 - 5.30 Saturday 8.30 - 5.00 Ample Free Parking


Tel: 01622 717107 info@cafceramics.co.uk www.cafceramics.co.uk


Unit 5, 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BT


Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


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