Students stay on THE vast majority of students who leave MidKent College at the end of their course go on to employment or further education, a survey has found. The college contacted nearly 2,000 people earlier this year as part of its “stu- dent destinations” report, and revealed that 86% of those who left in July 2011 had gone on to university or employment. A further 5% returned to the college for more studies. Under the previous Gov- ernment’s quality guidelines, which have now been with- drawn, MidKent College would have been graded “outstanding” for the overall findings of the survey. The 91% total figure is also


an increase of 3% on the pre- vious year.


Flats scheme A SCHEME to erect 11 flats and a block of three terraced houses at Nos 2 and 3 Foster Street, Maidstone, is still on the agenda. TAG Trustees has submit-


ted an application to renew planning permission, which had expired after being granted in July 2008. Maidstone Council will de- termine the proposal.


Terraced garden can stay


MAIDSTONE Council’s plan- ning committee has denied con- cerns it was forced to make a compromise and granted per- mission for the raising of garden land behind a home in Tovil. Reem Alasadi, of East View


at Bydews Granary, began de- positing soil on the rear garden area in September 2007, creat- ing two tiers measuring 2.4m and 1.8m above ground level. Neighbours said this had led


to a loss of privacy, and claimed some of the soil had been dumped in the area. Maidstone Council had ini-


tially resisted the works, in- voking a stop notice and two enforcement notices. In Octo- ber 2010, a magistrates’ court found the two owners of East View guilty of failing to com- ply with one of the notices and handed out a 12-month condi- tional discharge. But the planning committee has now accepted an applica-


MAIDSTONE Borough Council is to conduct research into who its customers are and how best it can meet their needs. The council claims services


will be improved as a result of the project, which has just begun.


Cabinetmember for corporate


tion to regularise the land, on condition that a unilateral agreement is signed requiring the applicant to reduce the height of the two tiers by 1m and 1.2m respectively and to lower the height of fencing from 2.55m to 2m. At the meeting, Tovil Parish Council representative, Cllr Glyn Charlton, said: “This landfill has been subject to several planning applications over an extended period. All have been refused. Surely any compromise undermines the Inspectorate?” Neighbour Richard Miller, of


services, Cllr Eric Hotson, said: “Maidstone Borough Council is doing the review to really get to the heart of what its customers need and want. “It will be looking at our model for customer service and how to engage better with peo- ple in the delivery of our serv-


Moisture in your double glazing?


Don’t replace it, repair it!


Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance of double glazed windows and doors.


“This amazing system is considerably cheaper and more environmentally friendly than replacing your old double glazed sealed units.”


Celebrating 22 years of continuous trading


We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed glass units Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced Window and door hinges and stays Leak and draught repairs Local Authority Approved  NO Call out charge with Free Quotations & Advice


 


  


We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories and carry out all other window & door repairs


West View, said: “The raised levels of land provide a van- tage point into our garden and patio area. A 2m high fence does not aid our privacy.” However, committee member


Cllr Gordon Newton said the terraced areas had not caused much material damage. When asked by committee member Cllr Chris Garland if they would have still made the recommendation to grant plan- ning permission had the devel- opment not been established, officers insisted they would. The application was voted through by nine votes for, one against and two abstentions. Ms Alasadi, a fashion designer, said: “Had we known planning permission was needed to landscape our garden, we would have applied. “We don’t want to overlook


our neighbours. The play area at the bottom of the garden is part of our garden.”


Council researching how to provide best service


ices. The review will include a number of consultation activi- ties andworkshops that Iwould encourage people to get in- volved in.” The review is expected to be complete by the end of the year, with recommendations being made throughout the project.


www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Follow us on Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ 12 Town Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735


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