School progress praised Ideas needed


A SHEPWAY school has been praised for achieving its targets just over a year after it was or- dered to improve. Molehill Copse Primary School, in Hereford Road, was rated inadequate at its Ofsted inspection in November, 2010. However, following a visit in January, inspectors have re- ported that the school is satis- factory and no longer requires significant improvement. Key areas that the school had been asked to address were to


Hair removal parlour A BEAUTY parlour specialis- ing in hair removal is to open at 21 Union Street, Maidstone. Amar Amin has applied to re-


place the closed Girl Flower florist with a branch of No Mas Vello (Spanish for “no more hair”). The business offers a permanent hair removal service using intense pulsed light. Maidstone Council granted per- mission on condition that it stays open no later than 11pm.


Takeaway open late WAHIDULLA Masoudi has been given permission for longer hours at his pizza take- away in 34 High Street, Maid- stone. The premises can stay open until 1am, Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays; and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.


raise attainment in English and maths, to have more good les- sons and improve attendance. Lead inspector Helen Hutch-


ings said the school had im- proved well since its last inspection. Its nurturing ethos meant pupils feel safe because they are cared for well. Pupils were now positive about school and said it was more enjoyable than previously. Pupils’ attainment by year six showed a three-year improve- ment trend and was nowaverage.


VIPs and civic dignitaries from all over Kent rocked around the clock at the annual Maid- stoneMayoral Ball. But this year, guests danced


the night away to the Mayor’s own rock’n’roll band. Mayor Brian Mortimer plays


in the band 2BC – originally named after the band’s two Brians and two Colins. Cllr Mortimer decided not to


hire a band and roped in his own. He plays guitar and sings backing vocals, and was joined by two guitarists, a drummer and his nephew, Terry Spencer- Hopkins on keyboards. More than 100 guests, in- cluding mayors from around the South East, councillors,


friends and family attended the event at the Village Hotel. Proceeds will be divided at


the end of themayoral year be- tween Help for Heroes, Age UK, Dandelion Time and Stars, a charity which helps people with rare seizures. Cllr Mortimer is pictured with guests at the ball.


Teaching was now satisfac-


tory, and much was good. Pupils’ behaviour was also sat- isfactory and improving. Atten- dance had improved well and was now broadly average. Head teacher Lee Round, staff


and governors were praised for leadership and management, which had prioritised action for improvement accurately. To improve further, the school should raise attainment and ac- celerate pupils’ progress, par- ticularly in maths.


Mayor really rocks at civic ball


for town cash RESIDENTS are being asked for their ideas on how to spend a Government windfall. The borough council haswon


a £34,000 grant from Commu- nity First to set up, support and promote local projects in the High Street ward. Ideas are now needed from


those who live in the ward. The council wants to set up a “Community First” panel to de- cide how to use the money. A preliminary meeting takes place at the Maidstone Gate- way, King Street, from 6.30- 8.30pm onMonday, May 21. High Street ward councillor


and LibDem leader Cllr Fran Wilson urged residents to at- tend the meeting and put for- ward their suggestions. The panel will be asked to prioritise things such as im- proving a local park, activities for young people, support for older people, tackling graffiti and vandalism and improving the health of residents.


Drug sweets ‘a myth’ KENT police say rumours of drugs in sweets called “Straw- berry Quick” or “Strawberry Meth” are an urban myth. Insp Ian Sandwell said: “No evidence of this drug has been found. If anyone has concerns about drugs, school police liai- son officers can help.”


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