Volunteers to


help debtors Continued from page one


greater than ever.” Guidance tutor Maurice Burlem said: “The growing numbers of clients with increasingly complex problems and issues makes it more essential than ever that our volunteers re- ceive the best training.” In addition to debt problems,


in 2011/12 the bureau’s hous- ing advice team saw 318 clients, of whom 142 were homeless or facing homeless- ness; The employment adviser


dealt with 108 clients, 27 of whom received out of court financial settlements and six more a financial award through the courts; and two were reinstated in their jobs. Thewelfare benefits adviser helped 292 clients, of whom 43 received new or increased benefits and 72 received a lump sum and continued pe- riodical payments. More than £573,800 in benefits was ob- tained on behalf of clients.


Garden bulbs talk AYLESFORD and Eccles WI meets at the Brassey Centre in Station Road, Aylesford, at 7.30pm onWednesday. October 24, when the subject will be bulbs for all seasons.


‘Fattest dog’ loses 30kg


ALFIE the Labrador, who is thought to beBritain’s fattest dog, has already lost 30 kilos on his life-saving diet at the RSPCA’s Animal Centre at Leybourne. The 12-year-old pooch weighed 80 kilos (12st 5lb) – as much as footballer Wayne Rooney – when he arrived at the centre. He struggled to walk more than a few steps and if he sat down it took four people to lift him up again. Centre manager Christine Doo-


ley said: “He literally could not stand up when he arrived be- cause he was so fat. I have never seen a dog that fat before in my 27 years with the RSPCA, he must be Britain’s fattest pet. “Hewas a massive blob with a leg at each corner.” Alfie came


going to look for a new owner, who will have to keep up gentle exercise and healthy diet. Christine said: “He was being


into the RSPCA’s care after his elderly owner kept forgetting he had already fed him. A healthy Labrador weighs about 30kg (4st 7lb), but Alfie was as heavy as two Labs and a Staffordshire ter- rier combined. He is now on a calorie-con- trolled diet of two meals a day and is more than halfway to his target weight. When he has slimmed down the centre is


KINGS Hill childminder Alyson McKee, of Anson Avenue, has been inspected by Ofsted and found to be meeting the requirements of her registration. The July inspection noted the whole of the ground floor of the house was available for child- minding, and there was a garden to play in. She is registered to care for six children under


eight, although there were no children on the roll at the time of the inspection. The childminder demonstrated a secure knowl-


edge of safeguarding matters. The house was appropriately maintained, all documentation was in place, and there were ample resources to support and promote play and learning.


fed to death. When he first came in he couldn’t go on walks be- cause of his size, but each day he is able to go a few steps further.” The RSPCA wantsAlfie to lose weight slowly, so his leg muscles have a chance to build up strength and his skin can shrink. “He’s such a lovely dog and his


tail never stops wagging. Every- one here has fallen in love with him,” Christine added. Kent RSPCA inspector, Caro-


line Doe, said obesity is an in- creasing problem among dogs. “Alfie’s case is exceptional, but


there are lots of dogs out there which are overweight,” she said.


Childminder inspected From garage to playroom


ADAM Rustrick has applied to Tonbridge and Malling Council to convert a garage into a play- room at his home, New House, 190A Butchers Lane,Mereworth.


Listed building alteration PETER Cosier, of Town Hill Cottage, 58 TownHill, West Malling, has asked Tonbridge and Malling Council for an alteration to listed building consent from two rooflights to one larger rooflight within the central roof valley.


Front extension on the agenda PLANS for a front extension at 19, Rectory Lane South, Leybourne, have been submitted by John Pallett to Tonbridge andMalling Council.


WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C?


DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM!


MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS.


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


We believe we offer the best possible service from being friendly and polite down to the exacting standards that we have in all of our installations and repairs. All staff are knowledgable, helpful and most of all genuine. All of our engineers are CSCS registered and have years of training as well as regular product training.


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


 


  


Celebrating 22 years of continuous trading


We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering


www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Follow us on Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ 6 Malling Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


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