Town’s ‘rough’ diamond shines again


MAIDSTONE’S “jewel inthe centre of town” nowshines more brightly with completion of £2.5m im- provements toMote Park.


The description was given by


Mayor Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracie when he performed the official opening ceremony. Funding of £1.8m came from


the Heritage Lottery Fund whose chairman, Paul Hudson, has been aMaidstone resident for 40 years. He said: “It is fabulous to see the park brought back to something like its former glory of Victorian times. Ithadbecomestressed and rough around the edges.” Cabinet member for leisure and culture Cllr John Wilson thanked


friends and volunteers who put in more than 3,000 hours of work and said: “This is something to be proud of.” Guests were taken on guided


toursof the circular lakesidepaths and over the newbridge to see the restored parkland and waterfall, opened-up views of the lake, new seating areas, car park improve- ments and impressive new steps from the café to the lake. The visitor hubs at Willington


Street and School Lane have play areas and better car parks. Maidstone and the Weald MP


Helen Grant, who was among the guests at the opening, applauded the work of Maidstone Borough Council. Shesaid: “Councilmembersand


officers have worked tirelessly to ensure the improvements to Mote Park notonly represent significant value for money but provide some- thing foreveryone. There isnowfar better access to the park and its many attractions, which will en- couragemuchgreater public use.” Other funds for the restoration


came from a development grant and the Big Lottery Fund's Parks for People programme.


Sainsbury’s ‘to


provide bus’ SAINSBURY’s says it would provide a free bus service for local residents, should it get planning permission for a new supermarket in Staplehurst. The company, which has


been granted planning permis- sion to provide a replacement petrol filling station on the va- cant former Esso Garage in Sta- plehurst High Street, says the bus would run between the proposed foodstore and resi- dential parts of the village. In November last year, the re-


tailer submitted proposals for a supermarket on land south of the train station, bounded by Station Approach and Lodge Road, together with a new fac- tory building for D.K. Holdings, an established local employer. This is currently being deter- mined by Maidstone Council, who will also decide on an ap- plication by Tesco for a super- market on the opposite side of Station Approach, closer to the train station.


Panels can stay A RETROSPECTIVE planning application has been accepted to install 148 solar photovoltaic panels mounted on metal frames secured to the ground at Koban Farm, Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood.


Hedge could move ROGER Lee has applied to move 101m of hedgerow back from Forstal Farm, Stockett Lane, Coxheath, to improve vis- ibility.


12 South Above, the


new bridge. Right, picnic


benches in the seating area


overlooking


the lake, and left, new steps link


the cafe and the lakeside walks


Homes plan on Scout hut site


ALFRED Day & Son has applied to demolish 1st Headcorn Scout Group’s former hut in Ul- combe Road and replace it with a pair of three-bedroom semi- detached houses. The hut is vacant after the


Scout group relocated to a new purpose-built building a short distance away to the north, on the north east side of Ulcombe Road. A supporting statement said:


“The erection of two modest semi-detached family houses are unlikely to result in any in- crease in travel movements compared to the previous Scout use, which would have in- volved use on three or four evenings per week, as well as


occasional weekend use. “The design and appearance


of the dwellings will reflect the traditional design of the build- ings found in Headcorn. “It will assimilate well with


the built character and pattern of development in Ulcombe Road and, importantly, will re- spect the amenity of neighbour- ing properties. “The design and layout of the proposal, and through the use of a combination of soft and hard landscaping, will ensure that the development sits com- fortably and enhances the street scene.”


Maidstone Council will de-


cide on the planning applica- tion.


Rooms at inn THE Mulberry Tree pub in Boughton Monchelsea has been given permission to convert an outbuilding into four guest rooms. To prevent the rooms becom-


ing permanent residences, Maidstone Council granted consent for the development in Hermitage Lane on condition that the accommodation shall be occupied for a maximum of four weeks in any one single letting.


Solar power scheme MICHAEL Subert has been given permission to install 10 solar panels, costing about £5,000, on the roof of 12 Gran- ary Loft, Foremans Walk, High Street, Headcorn.


Pupils work hard for success


PUPILS at St Peter and St Paul Primary School,Yalding, ended term on a high after winning two top sporting tournaments. Having qualified as Fair Play


Winners from the Maidstone Tag Rugby Tournament, the school sent a team of seven year 5 children to Gillingham Anchorians RFC to take part in the Kent School Games Tag Rugby Fair Play Festival. Competing as Canada, the


team won all four of its morn- ing matches and went on to win three more matches in the afternoon, to end the day un- defeated and the overall Kent Fair Play winners. Teacher Mike Mant said:


“The team played extremely well with skill, determination and teamwork.” The rounders team (pictured)


were also successful when they took on schools fromWa-


teringbury, Collier Street, Boughton Monchelsea, East Farleigh, Hunton and Ladding- ford, in the Campbell Cup, played this year at Laddingford School.


Rounders teacher KarenWil-


son said: “The team displayed excellent teamwork, under- standing of the game, batting and fielding skills and won all six matches.We are very proud of their achievement.” Head teacher Dorinda Perry


said: “We are absolutely de- lighted with the children’s achievements and success. The children and staff have worked extremely hard to develop the necessary skills.”


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