Plan to 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£6min the current financial year. The cashwill be lent to pri- vate developers to help fund im- provement projects for the town. In his new role of assistant di-
Priest ordained THE Rev Eileen Doyle, was or- dained as a priest at a cere- mony in St Andrew’s Church, PaddockWood. Eileen, who is curate in the parishes of Coxheath, East Far- leigh, Hunton, Linton andWest Farleigh, taught herself how to play the guitar and is currently learning the piano. Alongside her ministry, she is
a learning mentor at Tree Tops Academy in Maidstone, where she works with children who have barriers to learning. She takes assemblies once a week and is a support for staff and children. Eileen said: “My roles as a learning mentor and curate are very similar. They are aboutmak- ing people aware of God in the workplace and empowering peo- ple to be the best they can be.” Eileen said: “I approach my ordination to the priesthood with great joy. I am aware of the great calling and know that I will need to rely on the Lord for his strength and guidance.” Eileen is married to Barry and
they have two adult children, Lee and Lewis.
Gardeners’ show STAPLEHURST Horticultural Society held its annual autumn flower show on September 8. Despite this year’s challeng-
ing growing conditions, mem- bers and visitors were able to enjoy the splendid exhibits as well as the glorious weather. Notable amongst the list of
class winners were Judith Coombs, Donna Friend and Jean Waterman. As always, the classes for flowers and floral arrangements caught the eye, but there were also well-sup- ported classes for vegetables, fruit, cookery and handicrafts.
Health president DENNIS Fowle, president of Downs Mail, was re-elected chairman of MASH (Maidstone Action for Services inHospital) at the annual meeting. He has been a local health campaigner for more than 10 years. Contact MASH on
www.mashmaidstone.co.uk
Satellite dish agreed WILLIAM Waller has been given retrospective planning permission to erect a satellite dish at 6 Rumwood Court, Sut- ton Road, Langley.
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rector of environment and regula- tory services, Steve Goulette says the council needs to be more businesslike if it is to maintain 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,
Floral treats at church YALDING Church is once again to host a flower festival, celebrating theactivities of the local vil- lage and the community. The festival takesplace on theweekend of Oc-
tober19-21,but preparations arealreadywell in hand. You don’t need to be a flower arranger to take
part, although the more helping hands themer-
rier.Companies can sponsor displays,whilechar- ities, voluntary groups, sports and social organisations are welcome to submit their own displays or call on the church flower group and their assistants for help. The last flower festival four yearsagoattracted
some 34 displays, including a canoe filled with flowers from the Scouts and a vegetable and scarecrowcreation from the allotments society. Call artist and floral expert Sue Williams for
further information on 01622 815403 or email
sueandmartin@tiscali.co.uk The festival will be open to the public from 6-
8pmon Friday, October 19,10am-5pmon Satur- day, October 20, and 11am-5pm on Sunday, October 21. Refreshments will be available throughout.
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. 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.
Engine shed holiday conversion
A PLANNING application has been submitted to convert an engine shed into two holiday let units at Black Mill Farm, Black Mill Lane, Headcorn. The proposal, which also in- cludes the demolition and re- placement of an existing store, will be determined by Maid- stone Council. A supporting statement said: “The appear- ance of the engine shed will
alter from semi-industrial to a more domestic appearance in keeping with the other build- ings in the group on Black Mill Lane. “The existing dilapidated storage building will be re- placed with a much smaller building of more traditional cart lodge appearancewithweather- boarded elevations beneath a tiled roof.”
Bats protected PLANNING committee member Dennis Collins was given per- mission to convert two out- buildings in Hunton on condition that measures are taken to conserve bats. Committee members voted in
the absence of Cllr Collins, to allow the outbuildings at Gud- geon Oast in West Street to be used as a garden room and annex. Cllr Collins was last year given permission to turn the oast into a two bedroom home.
Sycamore can go CONSERVATION area consent has been granted to fell a sycamore tree at the Loose Val- ley Nursing Home at 15 Linton Road, Loose. Maidstone Council allowed permission on condition that a replacement tree is planted. The decision notice said: “Suit- able species would be ash, field Maple, pedunculate oak or beech.”
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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 ap- prove the concept of borrowing moneyto invest in these projects, which is something new.”
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