Homes plan blocked again
School shows progress
CHAILEY Homes has been turned down for a third time to develop homes on land at Brockenhurst Avenue and Mar- ion Crescent in Shepway. The company’s latest scheme
to replace 25 and 27 Marion Crescent, saw a reduction in the number of new properties from 14 to 11, but was refused. Maidstone Council’s decision notice said the scale, layout and appearance of the scheme was inappropriate for the area.
Storage gift
for playgroup PUPILS at Pitstop Playschool have somewhere to store bikes, thanks to NearlyNewSaleKent. Jayne Laurie, who runs the
play school in the Methodist Church Hall, Maidstone, said the hall’s outside area had been developed into a garden, thanks to a KCC grant. Now Judith Gardner, of Nearly New Sale Kent, whose child attends the play school, has donated a large storage box so toys can be stored safely.
Dormitory scheme A DORMITORY within the old St Philip’s School building in MelvilleRoad, Maidstone, could be converted into 10 bedsits. Maidstone Council will de- cide on the application.
A MAIDSTONE junior school has been praised by Ofsted for its rapid turnaround after a pe- riod of considerable difficulty. St Michael’s CE Junior School
at Douglas Road, Maidstone, was judged satisfactory in its latest report, which says it no longer requires significant im- provement. Following an inspection in February, the school received a “good” rating for the quality of teaching, pupils’ behaviour, and leadership and management. Executive head teacher Lorna Priddle was singled out for her outstanding vision and drive,
well supported by the heads of school, staff and governors. Previously head teacher of St Michael’s CE Primary School – graded outstanding – she took over after the junior school was given notice to improve in No- vember, 2010. The two schools have recently been federated. The latest report says the “rig-
orous management of teachers’ performance has eradicated in- adequate teaching and raised pupils’ achievement from inad- equate to satisfactory.” Pupils behavewell, are proud
of their achievements and are a credit to the school and them-
Rugby team takes the honours
THE Year 9 rugby team from St Simon Stock Catholic School won this year’s Maidstone schools district Rugby champi- onships, held at Maidstone Rugby Club. In a competi- tion featuring over10Maidstoneschools,StSimonStockdominatedthe group stages, won every game. They beatValleyPark School in the final, with Alex Mulrooney-Skinner securing the winning try.
onehairdressing
selves. The inspectors said this was “an immense turnaround” from the previous visit. By the time they leave, pupils’ attainment is now satisfactory and standards are expected to reach national averages this year and possibly exceed them in future. Teaching is now good, but not enough is outstanding to ensure that pupils’ achievement is at least good. To improve still further, the school needs to raise achieve- ment in English and maths to at least good overall, and make more teaching outstanding.
Community centre ST Faith’s Church has been given planning permission to build a new community centre on the site of Ringlestone Church Hall in Moncktons Lane, Maidstone.
Surgery conversion THE redundant A J Twomey’s Dental Practice at 19 Marsham Street, Maidstone, can be con- verted into a three bedroom home.
KCC jobs cut Kent County Council has seen the equivalent of 2,417 full- time jobs cut from its staff since the general election, according to a GMB study of official data.
Special Offer Cut & Blow Dry £25.00 until 31st May 2012
Maidstone’s exclusive AVEDA salon using full spectrum organic hair colour
10-11 market buildings maidstone 01622 671409 8 Town To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56