Shop re-opens after raid


IT’S business as usual at aWest Malling shop after thieves stole stock worth £1,500 in an early morning raid. The robbery at Bella Bag Bou-


tique in the High Street, forced the shop to close for three days and caused damage costing thousands of pounds. Owner Rebecca Andrews,


who lives near the store, said that fortunately, everything was insured and could be replaced and none of the staff was hurt. “But I will suffer, as my insur- ance premiums will go up,” she said. “Hopefully someone will have seen something and come forward.” The company director


Football pitch plan A STRETCH of land used for horse and sheep grazing atHad- low College has been ear- marked for a football pitch. The college, which opened a football academy last year, is seeking planning permission for a sports pitch for teaching and learning. The new pitch would not


need floodlights or an access road and will be next to the sports field on the college site.


Litter pick leader MANDY Harris, KCC commu- nity warden, organised the re- cent litter pick in East Malling.


thanked other businesses and customers who rallied round. She estimated that the rob-


bery would cost about £5,000 including the loss of trade, and payments to staff while the shop was closed for re-stocking and a new window fitted. Thieves smashed the tough-


ened glass window and snatched goods including three £100 Italian leather handbags and jewellery. Shards of glass were scattered throughout the shop and blood traces at the scene indicated that the raiders had cut them- selves in the 5.30am break-in. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.


SHELTERED housing atMarvil- lion Court, East Peckham, is to be closed and redeveloped. The building, where many residents share bathrooms, no longer meets government stan- dards for sheltered housing. The parish council heard that


after consultation with resi- dents, villagers and local stake- holders, and research into future housing needs, owners Russet had decided redevelop- ment was the best option. Residents have been in- formed, and Russet is working with them to help them find


No traffic calming RESIDENTS of Catlyn Close, East Malling, have lost their campaign for traffic calming. A petition with 46 signatures


was sent to Kent County Coun- cil requesting speed reduction measures. However, KCC said that due to cutbacks, it could only fund safety-critical high- way improvements. As there had been no per-


sonal injury crashes in the area in the last three years, the coun- cil had no plans to finance calming measures.


The smashed window at Bella Sheltered housing to be closed


more suitable accommodation. Research showed that more affordable and sustainable homes are now needed to meet the needs of the village’s chang- ing population. The scheme will include flats designed for older people, if the demand is there. Therewill also be some affordable two-bedroom shared ownership homes. Once the residents of Marvil-


lion Court have moved to their new homes, Russet will consult the council and local residents about the plans for new homes on the site.


Fatal crash appeal POLICE have appealed for wit- nesses after a fatal car crash at Nettlestead. A 63-year-old man was pro- nounced dead at the scene on Sunday, February 26. The incident happened at


about 11.15am in Maidstone Road when a blue Volkswagen Transporter was reported to have left the road as it travelled towards Nettlestead Green. The man is believed to be from the Edenbridge area.


Road name to stay DEVELOPER Berkeley Homes has dropped its request to change the name of part of Cemetery Road, Snodland, to Holly Hill View. Tonbridge and Malling coun- cillors had been asked to rule on the change which did not af- fect the access to the cemetery.


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Spiritual Renewal-Transforming Your Life


A free inspirational talk by John Adams


A practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing from New York and a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.


7-30 to 8-30pm on Friday, 20th April at Maidstone Museum, St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone, ME14 1LH


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8 Malling To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330


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