Council may buy up empty homes
MAIDSTONE Council is looking at ways of turning empty and derelict private property into housing for the homeless. The council is also set to give business a boost and fuel the town’s regeneration by borrowing up to£6minthe current financial year. The cash will be lent to pri- vate developers to help fund im- provement projects for the town. In his new role of assistant di-
rector of environment and regu- latory services, Steve Goulette says the council needs to bemore businesslike if it is tomaintain its services and attain its goals. Mr Goulette, who has been ap- pointed right-hand man to the cabinet’s regeneration chief Cllr Malcolm Greer, has drawn up a report to the council, which al- ready has the power to borrow to finance capital expenditure, sub- ject to guidelines in the CPFA code of practice. Mr Goulette said: “The eco-
nomic climate is causing signifi- cant financial pressures on local authorities. Revenue provision through government grant is re- ducing.”
Maidstone Council’s housing service has already secured fund-
ing to restore 10 properties but surveys have identified 50 derelict properties in the borough and 500 that have been empty for more than two years. It has been suggested these could be refur- bished and used to provide tem- porary accommodation. The cabinet has identified a
range of schemes that would also be eligible for investment. The council says it is inevitable that, in investing in these properties, there are risks of possible failure. It has recommended establish-
ing a fund of £500K to cover any potential scheme failure. The schemes will be long-term and, although short-term values could go up or down, the value should increase over their lifespan. A members’ advisory panel would be set up to review pro- posals and advise decision mak- ers. Expanding the council’s property portfolio is anewarea of activity for the council. Council leader Chris Garland
said: “This is a means by which we can get things moving in the borough. The council needs to approve the concept of borrowing money to invest in these proj- ects, which is something new.”
Taking 39 Steps to help charity
ing the adaptation of the Hitchcock classic, The 39 Steps, theproceedsofwhich will go to Bluebells Short Breaks, theKCCrespite care schemefor childrenwithdis- abilities. Jenny Whittle, Kent County Council cabinet member for specialist chil- dren’s services said: “I am delighted by the generosity of the Detling Players and thank them for choosing Bluebells.” Shortbreaks Centre to donate to. It is wonderful to see how the local community have taken this centre to their hearts.” Tickets for the production at the village hall on November 8, 9 and 10
A scene from the Detling players’ 39 Steps
can be bought from the Detling Players website at
www.detlingplay-
ers.co.uk or by calling 01622 737 471. The Cock Horse is offering a meal deal on performance nights, which includes two courses for £9.95 – call 01622 737 092 formore details.
Town centre traffic changes TRAFFIC is once again moving through the centre of Maidstone, following the re-opening of Knightrider Street, twoweeks earlier than originally planned. This has alsomeant re-opening the access from Mote Road and
the removal of all diversions around Sheals Crescent, Postley Road, Hayle Road and College Road. However, work on the gas main replacement is ongoing and
now the right hand lane of Upper Stone Street, between Knightrider Street and Sheals Crescent, will be closed in sec- tions, starting with the section from Knightrider Street to the slip on from Mote Road. This is to allow trial holes,with a view to inserting the new main
up an old one, which would reduce time scales and disruption. Romney Place has re-opened, but the bus stop is out of action. Kent Highways and Intelligent Traffic Controls continue to monitor the traffic flows and adapt traffic light phasing.
Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735 East 7
DISABLEDchildren will benefitwhenlocal amateur theatre groupDetling Players perform their autumn showat Detling village hall. Juliet Miles-Lea is direct-
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