Latest news from Maidstone’s Business Forum
‘We’re eyeing all options to liven up the High Street’
IT is likely that specialist markets will be held in the square outside Maidstone Town Hall once the High Street regeneration is completed next year.
That was themessage from the bor-
ough council’s business development manager, John Foster. He told the forum it presented an opportunity to “animate” the areawith entertainment and a market of some sort. “We are going to evaluate all op-
tions, to use that space so that more people come into town,” he added. Mr Foster said power and water supplies would be available for musi- cians and stallholders. Cllr Malcolm Robertson insisted
that the “proper democratic processes” are followed if any changes are proposed in the town. He said if aHigh Streetmarketwere
to be successful it would have to pro- duce a lot more footfall – not just a marginal increase – to keep all the town traders happy.
TOWN centre manager Bill Moss says the local police serv- ice is “top notch”. He was re- sponding to an address given to the forum by Maidstone commander, Chief Inspec- tor Adrian Futers (pic- tured) about how Kent’s new policingmodel would pan out in the borough.
“Don’t spread the jam too thinly,”
he added. Mr Foster said achieving the right “critical mass” to make it viable would be part of the evaluation. Town centre manager Bill Moss had spoken to the Lockmeadow Market manager. His viewwas that the square would not be big enough for the Tues- day market but might be suitable for specialist markets, such as antiques, food and crafts, which could be sup- plementary to Lockmeadow. “Once it’s completed, there’s a whole raft of opportunities it opens up,” addedMrMoss. Meanwhile, Mr Foster said it would
be a great space for classical music or jazz during summer. “We would like to put together a programme so we can promote what’s going on through the year.” Mr Foster also said a private com-
pany had approached the council about holding a Christmasmarket but it was too short notice. “Perhaps they can do something for us next year,” he added.
Mr Moss said: “The level of service you give us in the town centre is top notch and has been for a number of years.” He added: “When people ask
me, ‘why is Maidstone so suc- cessful?’ I say, ‘It’s because we all talk to each other; that’s the secret of our success’.” Taxi Proprietors’ Association spokesman Dennis Conyonwas encouraged by the new police
by Peter Erlam Christmas on your doorstep
YOU do not need to travel outside Maidstone for your Christmas shopping – that’s the message being heav- ily promoted by the Town Centre Management. Bill Moss said adverts on bus signs and adverts in
local newspapers, including the Downs Mail, and in Wat TylerWay would reinforce the theme. He added: “You don’t need to go to Canterbury, Tun- bridgeWells or
Bluewater.Most of what you want for Christmas can be found in Maidstone.”
THE gala boxing evening on December 6 at the newly renamed Mercure hotel, in aid of the 36 Engi- neersWelfare Fund, is a sell-out.
TOWN centre manager Bill Moss thanked everyone involved in the Make A Difference week in mid-Oc- tober at The Mall for making it such a success.
PLANS by Lashings owner David Folb to take on the closed River Bar nightspot on the banks of the Med- way have fallen through, the forum heard.
Lights’ switch-on at Fremlin Walk
MAIDSTONE’S Fremlin Walk Christ- mas lights will be switched on on November 24 but there will be no High Street lights due to the on- going regenera- tion works, though there will be some in Bank Street.
Police praised for job well done
set-up and said Maidstone has one of the best-structured night- time economies in the country. He added: “I applaud the way
things are going.” Ch Insp Futers said one rea-
son is that Maidstone is being policed by people who know the area rather than by individ- uals who have travelled in 10 miles and do not know the patch or how it works.
There will be no festive High Street lights this year
He wants to see more officers
who know who the trouble- some and problem families are. Insp David Coleman said
crime in the town centre was down by 15% – 250 fewer of- fences than this time last year. “In some categories it’s the low- estwe have seen for five years,” he said. Mr Moss commented: “The biggest difference we have no- ticed in the last 12 months is that we are not seeing the same [offenders’] faces over and over.
Agricultural business fails financial test MAIDSTONE Council has blocked a proposal for the erection of a permanent three-bedroom home in Scragged Oak Road, Hucking, to help a couple operate an agricultural business. Mr andMrs Bastable currently live in a temporary home at Little Scragged Oak Farm, after gaining planning permission on appeal against an enforcement notice. They wanted to create a permanent residence, but this was re-
fused as the council decided the proposal failed a financial and functional test so would not justify the harm it would cause to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The decision statement said: “The most up-to-date trading posi-
Statue tribute to our sappers
A LASTING tribute to members of the Maid- stone-based 36 Engineer Regiment was unveiled by their commanding officer in Brenchley Gardens on a glorious autumn morning. Lt Col Simon Hulme pulled
away a flag to reveal a mag- nificent statue depicting a fully kitted soldier returning from a search mission in Hel-
6 East
mand Provice, Afghanistan. Maidstone Council leader
Chris Garland described the statue – funded by gener- ous donations from local resi- dents, businesses and councils – as a “heartfelt gesture” by the town and a “poignant memorial” to sap- pers who have died in service to their country. The statue’s sculptor was Mary Cox.
tion of the enterprise has not been demonstrated, there has been no proper and clearly justified breakdown between the farming prof- its and the mobile catering profits and the numbers of livestock have not expanded as originally intended. “In addition, it has not been demonstrated that the income from
the agricultural unit would adequately finance the construction of the dwelling and sustain it in the long term.”
Cash machine next to ram-raid shop A CASH machine may be installed next door to the shop ram- raided in Egremont Road,Madginford, Bearsted, earlier this year. The Co-operative supermarket has applied for a new 24-hour
ATMcash machine to be placed in a secure laminate panel within the existing shop front of the former Somerfield supermarket. A cashmachine was stolen from Martin’s in the ram-raid on Sep- tember 9. Four men were arrested and later released on bail. The four were due to report back to police officers on Novem-
ber 10. Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk
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