We will remember
Peter Graham PETER Graham (85), a former chief su- perintendent with Kent Police, who was in turn divisional commander of both Maidstone and Med- way, died peacefully after a short illness. A native of Fife, Scotland, Peter began his police career in Fife County Constabu- lary in 1943 and trans- ferred to Kent in 1952. He then became the youngest holder of every rank in the force, from sergeant to chief superintendent, until retiring at age 50. He went on to become safety of- ficer of Mid KentWater and Folkestone Water Companies for 10 years. Peter, who lived in Bearsted, was a
keen sportsman and played soccer as a young man. He played golf at various Kent clubs until he joined Bearsted in 1976, where he was club captain in 1987 and chairman of the club committee for five years. Both he and wife Amy were members of Mote Park Indoor Bowling Club. He was a dedicated member of Maid-
stone Rotary Club from 1969 and, for many years, organised a kids’ day out every June when more than 50 children with learning needs and carers were taken to Chessington adventure park. A proud Scot, he enjoyed the work of Robert Burns and could recite several poems. Peter leaves his wife Amy, son John, daughter Susan and grandchil- dren Rachel, Alex and Philippa. Obituaries – page 26
Back garden development fears
A FORMAL residents’ group is to be set up in Fant to challenge back garden developments. Maidstone Council’s planning committee is currently deciding whether to allowWealden Homes’ application for three homes to the rear of 125 Tonbridge Road. The same devel- oper was last February given permission to erect 13 homes on an adjoining site atAll An- gels Close. In a survey of residents in Tonbridge Road,
St Michael’s Road, Upper Fant Road and the Clare Park area, 19 households supported ac- tion to stop further back garden develop- ments in the area. If unwanted schemes do go ahead, it was
felt that trees and green space should be pre- served, improvements should be made to local infrastructure and the council should establish a coherent set of standards, includ- ing for design, density and height. Upper Fant Road resident Richard Wadey is hoping that a formal group will be set up
in the next couple of months. Locals have the support of local borough
Cllr Stephen Paine, who said: “Residents are unsurprisingly worried about what else could be in the pipeline. While they accept that de- velopers have the right to buy the land (in- deed, large chunks of the land are already owned by potential developers), they want to see a set of rules in place to make sure future extensions of Angels Close, which they fear could ultimately reach 100 houses, are of a quality design and landscaping, acceptable height, with adequate drainage and contribu- tions to local infrastructure. “Their proposal is for a framework of stan-
dards, above and beyond what is already offered by MBC, to guide future developments here.” At the committee meeting to decide on the
three homes to the rear of 125 Tonbridge Road, councillors recommended refusal, sub- ject to ratification at a later meeting, due to a lack of affordable housing.
Bid to improve waste and recycling TRADERS in town are to be asked about their waste dis- posal and recycling habits. Following a series of complaints from the business com- munity, Maidstone Council is looking at the possibility of providing a commercial waste collection and recycling service. At present, the council is only responsible for the collection of domestic waste, with a range of private com- panies collecting rubbish from shops and other commer- cial premises. However, traders are to be asked about their present serv- ice in a bid to see if the council could offer something better.
Go-ahead for car park catering unit PLANNING consent was given for amobile catering unit to trade from Wickes Extra car park, St Peters Street, Maid- stone. Mobile Munchies is allowed to trade, 7am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Store given approval THE Valley Conservation Soci- ety’s application to station a con- tainer to store equipment and tools at Crisbrook House, Cave Hill, Tovil, was successful. The facility, which had the backing of Tovil Parish Council, will aid the maintenance of ponds and land in the lower Loose Valley. Maidstone Council granted planning permission on condi- tion that the container is re- moved when it is no longer required in association with the maintenance of ponds and land in the Loose Valley.
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Town 19
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