Boundaries face changes Cafe plan for
BOUNDARY changes have been proposed to wards in Tonbridge and Malling to iron out the dif- ferences in the ratios of coun- cillors to voters. A review by the Local Gov- ernment Boundary Commission found six of the 24 wards did not meet guidelines as they had 10% more or fewer electors than the borough average. The gap is widest in Kings
Hill, which has 4,940 voters electing just two councillors – an average of 2,470 votes for each member. This is 46% higher than the
Creeper crimes POLICE warned about creeper burglaries after returning a £15,000 stolen vehicle to its owners at Addington. The Jeep Cherokee was taken
after intruders entered the house on April 25 and took the keys. The vehicle was later traced to an address in West Kingsdown and, having been examined for forensic opportu- nities, was returned to the owner. No arrests were made and police enquiries continue. Detectives advised home- owners to lock all doors and windows and not to leave keys on a hook or table near the front door as thieves may try to insert hooks through the letter box.
average of 1,694 votes per coun- cillor for the whole of Ton- bridge and Malling which has 89,894 voters. The commission is proposing changes to some wards, al- though the number of council- lors would remain at 53. Kings Hill would gain an
extra councillor, East Peckham and Golden Greenwould merge with Hadlow in a new ward with three councillors, and Rob- son Drive residents would switch wards from Aylesford South to Ditton. The council would have six
wards each electing three mem- bers, 17 wards each with two representatives and one single- councillor ward. The commission says the re-
view is aimed at electoral equal- ity, with everyone’s vote in the boroughworth roughly the same, regardless of where they live. Figures are based on an esti- mated population increase of 6.9% in the borough by 2018. A report will be produced in October, following public con- sultation, and will come into force in May 2015, subject to parliamentary approval.
Plumber achieves marathon time
PLUMBER Andy Enston finished the London Marathon, raising over £1,700 for charity. Andy (42), of London Road, Ditton, who
works for South East Water’s commercial companyWaterlink asateamleader, finished the 26.2 miles in 3hrs 57mins. His chosen charity helps communities around the world who do not have access to safewater. After notching up 1hr 53mins in the 2011
Maidstone HalfMarathon, Andy achieved his aim of completing this year’s London chal- lenge in under four hours.
Coroner adjourns inquest into hanging AN INQUEST has been opened and adjourned on DavidWilkin (53), of Lucas Road, Snodland, who was found hanged at Gal- lagher’s site in Hermitage Lane,Maidstone, on April 16.
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disused shops A NEGLECTED terrace prop- erty near Morrison’s supermar- ket at Larkfield, is to be converted into a café and take- away with maisonettes above. Tonbridge and Malling coun- cillors approved plans for the development at 751-755 Lon- don Road, close to the Grade II listedWealden Hall. The three-storey property, which formerly housed shops and offices, has been vacant for some years, and the applicant says substantial investment will be needed to regenerate the site. Initially, six staff would be needed for the café and food business. The proposals include the change of use of the ground floor, and an extension and the creation of four two-bedroom flats and improved vehicle ac- cess. Off-street parking would be provided for customers. Neighbours’ objections in- cluded concerns about cooking smells, noise, traffic, litter and air quality. However, officers said these
had been given detailed con- sideration and the building was clearly in need of an upgrade. In view of comments that an
old turnpike road crossed the site, an archaeological watching brief was required, and a rag- stone wall would be retained.
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