From a derelict wreck to elegant living


Anopening ceremonyhas takenplace atAudley Mote House, the large new retirementscheme in Mote Park. The project involves the conversion of the 18th century Grade II-listed building.Downs Mail presidentDENNIS FOWLE was there to give his views on the project.


WOW! What an amazing, exciting transformation toMoteHouse, the historic building at the heart of Mote Park’s new independent re- tirement village. Guests at Audley’s opening cer-


emony looked on in awe at all that has been achievedby adventurous, luxurious design inwhat had dete- riorated to little more than a derelict wreck after Cheshire Homes vacated the building. The house will be the social and


health and wellbeing centre for owners of the 100 residences, being opened for over-55s who choose to live in this beautiful part of rejuvenatedMote Park. There are 14 apartments in the


main house, 24 cottages in the walled garden, 10 apartments in the gatehouse lodge and the re- maining homes will be new-builds


or conversions. About 20 proper- ties have been sold, and as the de- lights of Mote House become obvious, interest mounts for prop- erties ranging in price from £310,000 to £565,000. The morning room, library,


restaurant, bar/bistro, and recep- tion areas inMote House are now completed, and soon there will be a health and wellbeing area with indoor swimming pool, exercise room, physio area, hair and beauty salons. The opening ceremony was per-


formedbymayorRoddNelson-Gra- cie, who said: “Iamamazed at the transformation since I lastwalked around a derelict building.” Maidstone Council, which agreed the sale of this site, was thanked by Audley Retirement chief executiveNickSanderson for


its help in ensuring this major proj- ect happened. “It looked so sadwhen I first saw


it,”hesaid. andrecalled thedelays and financial help needed in a very tough economic climate. Early residents said they were


enjoying theexperience,withMote Park as “their garden” and the park-and-ride service to Maidstone centre just a short walk away off Willington Street.


A sticking point for town’s litter louts


GUM-spitters beware! The council is out to catch you. Maidstone’s £2.5m pedestrianised


pride and joy is already pitted with disused chewing gum – and offending gum-toters will soon be told: “This is a stick-up”. The council’s environmentwardens


are empowered to treat gum deposits as litter – for which a fine of £75 ap- plies.


Cabinetmember for the environment


Cllr Marion Ring said: “Spitting gumon the ground is as bad as dropping litter, if notworse, because it is more difficult to remove. We will have no hesitation in taking action against people caught of- fending.”


Following the installation of the showpiece granite paving, the council has bought a more efficient street-


Pool permitted A PLAN for a swimming pool outbuilding in Louverne, Stede Hill, Harrietsham, was given planning permission. Having refused a similar scheme last year due to it being too large in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Maidstone Council has now granted consent on condi- tion of the protection of an ex- isting horse chestnut tree and eastern boundary hedging.


Extension refused A PROPOSED two-storey exten- sion inWalderslade has been re- fused due to its poor design”. Maidstone Council felt the hipped roof design would be “unsympathetically related to the host dwelling and cause harm to the character and ap- pearance of the street-scene.”


18 East Summer fair boost for Mencap call 01622 670464


MP forMaidstone and theWeald, Helen Grant, opened the Maidstone Mencap’s summer fair in Mote Park. TheMPis honorary vice-president of the group, based at MotePark’s Cobtree Hall.One of the highlights of the fair in an adjacent field,was a display of dancing by the Cobtree Scottish Country Dancers, who pre- sented Maidstone Mencap with a cheque for £4,000. Formore information on Maidstone Mencap or to make a donation, Picture byPeter Brookes


cleaning machine which will also re- move gum deposits. Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Greer, said: “We are confident that we can clean off just about anything anyone can throw at it.” The entire surface was due to be


given a final acid clean at the begin- ning of July after which the council’s own cleansing programme would kick in, he said. In the meantime, the council is looking at a new campaign to raise awareness of gum-spitting, although Cllr Ring stressed there would be no repeat of the controversial “stick it here” boards which were put up on a previous occasion. She said: “We are looking at edu-


cating the public, while operating a strict policy of enforcement.”


The public will be able to use the


bar and bistro facilities in Mote House, forexampleaspartofaday out inMotePark. Therewillalsobe a limited number of memberships for over 55s wishing to join theAu- dley Club for exercising or relax- ation.


Picnics and events will be arranged for the public during the year and the house will open on heritage open days.


Footing bill for clean streets MAIDSTONE raised almost a quarter of a million pounds last year in on-the-spot litter fines, but it paid outmore than £155,000 to the six staff in the town’s lit- ter enforcement squad. The county town doled out a staggering 10 timesmore


fixed penalty notices than the whole of Medway in the same period – 3,967 compared with 396 – reaping £241,425. Tonbridge and Malling issued 117 fixed penalties in 2011-12 and other local authorities in Kent significantly less. District councils can issue fines of up to £80 for any-


one caught dropping litter, including cigarette ends, and the town’s enforcement officers have a high-profile presence.


Spokesman Roger Adley said: “We spend an enor-


mous amount of taxpayers’ money keeping Maidstone clean and don’t think it is fair that a minority should be allowed to spoil it.” The council’s 30-strong cleansing team employs a


range of cleaningmethods. Each street is inspected and cleaned at least once every fiveweeks and the town cen- tre is cleaned daily. Litter louts, gum spitters and anyone caught dropping


a cigarette end are given the choice of paying a £75 fine within 14 days or being taken to court and risking a fine of up to £2,500, costs, and a criminal record.


Pupils go for


Olympic gold ST JOHN’S Primary School in Grove Green celebrated World SportWeekwithanOlympic Week.


Pupils took part in a variety


of activities culminating in sports day. The children were organised into 32 teams, repre- senting different countries and competed in a variety of games to winmedals, which were pre- sented in a special assembly the following day. Each team processed to the school field amidst loud ap- plause from the parents and other spectators. One parent remarked: “There


were miles of smiles as the chil- dren gave their best and made us all very proud!”


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