Sophie’s play park plea
A DETERMINED youngster has renewed her campaign to get her local play park restored to its former glory. Sophie Lawrie (10) complained
to Maidstone Council last year about the poor state of equipment at FoxdenDrive and sent in a pe- tition from 50 neighbours. Butnearly12monthslater, Sophie, who lives in The Beams and attends Madginford Park Junior School, has again pleaded with the council after nothing had improved at the playground, which she and her eight-year-old sister Jodie visit. Her letter said: “I have no-
Foreign lorry fee KENT Green Party has wel- comed Government proposals to charge foreign heavy goods vehicles using the county’s roads from next year. Press officer Steve Dawe said: “Although the Government is planning to charge the maxi- mum amount per lorry permit- ted under EU law, thismeasure will only be a first step towards reducing long-distance lorry freight.”
Boot fair WEAVERING Pre-School is holding an indoor boot fair on from 1.30- 3.30pm on Sunday, May 13. Entry is free.
ticed no changes and we can still only use two swings as all the other equipment was re- moved or broken. You did write to me saying there was a lack of money, but you have spent money on gym equipment at Mallards play park. “We are having to play more
in our road because our local fa- cilities are not available and our parents are not always available to take us to Mallards for safe play. Please could you let me know when we can be proud of our park again and use it.” Maidstone Council’s play fa- cilities development officer
Amanda Scott said the gym equipment atMallardsWay was supplied by Downswood Parish Council. She said the borough council had limited resources and had to prioritise work across the whole of its area. “There are still a number of play areas which are in greater need of attention bearing in mind the condition of the equipment and the number of users. “With a budget of £50,000 to maintain and improve 71 play areas, we have to regularly re- view the programme. Safety is our prime concern.”
Cricket club resolution in sight
THE ongoing saga of the licence or lease for Bearsted Cricket Club was due to be resolved as the Downs Mail went to press. Ameeting between the parish council’s lawyers, Cllr Paul Black-
more and representatives of the club and its lawyers, was ear- marked for April 27. The cricket club has now adopted a Code of Conduct – Respect for Neighbours, which is displayed on their website and in the pavilion. As part of this, the club agrees to maintain its public liability insur- ance and cover for third party damage, as well as undertaking its an- nual risk assessment in conjunction with Bearsted Parish Council. The club has undertaken to inform residents of any damage to
their property that they might not be aware of, to meet reasonable costs of repair and undertake best endeavours to ensure windows are replaced within 24 hours and tiles within seven days.
Plan to build detached home in garden AN application has been submitted for the construction of a new detached home in the grounds of Tyning, adjacent to The Firs, in Ashford Road, Harrietsham.
DownsMail Business Focus Suffering from high fuel bills?
PROPERTIES without a mains gas supply have been hit worst by the rising cost of gas and oil. Homeowners in rural areas are looking for more cost effective
ways of heating their houses and wood fuelled appliances are increasingly popular. Wood burning stoves can be installed in virtually any size or
type of property, with or without an existing chimney breast. Wood burning boiler stoves can be linked up to an existing heating system to provide a secondary source of heat, while biomass boilers can replace an oil or LPG boiler altogether. Local company Heat & Home are heating experts and can integrate wood burning appliances with your gas or oil systems, or install a biomass boiler. As HETAS and Gas Safe registered installers they are well placed to advise their customers on their options. Co-founder Jo Alsop explains, “customers come to us with £2,000 fuel bills and want to find ways of cutting them right down. We work with them to incorporate wood burning products that suit their home and their pocket and provide material fuel savings. The Government have also recently extended their premium payment scheme where
Sophie Lawrie, front and her sister Jodie at the play area
Optometrist award A BEARSTED-born optometrist has beaten off national opposi- tion to win the accolade of Pre- mium Lens Practice in the National Optician Awards. Former Maidstone Grammar School student Alisdair Buchanan founded Buchanan Optometrists in Malling Road, Snodland, 12 years ago. It was the only practice in
Kent to be listed for two awards – Vision for Life and Premium Lens Practice – and scooped the latter ahead of nominations from all over the UK. Alisdair said: “This is a great accolade and confirms we are among the leaders in our field.”
homeowners receive a lump sum back for installing a renewable energy system, which is £950 for a biomass boiler and £300 for solar thermal, which helps a lot.” Heat & Home will be exhibiting at Kent 20/20 or call them to discuss your options.
Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735
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