Your chance to vote for new police chief
VOTING for Kent’s first police and crime commissioner is now just a matter of weeks away. As the Downs Mail went to
press, nine candidates had stepped forward to vie for the coveted £85,000 a year post at the head of one of the biggest police forces in England. The deadline for candidates
to register was Friday, October 19. Voting takes place through- out Kent – and the rest of Eng- land andWales – on Thursday, November 15. Five independent candidates
are in the running. They are: Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority for the last six years and a magistrate since 1986, former Kent police officer Fran Croucher, former Medway mayor Dai Liyanage and campaigner Ken Little. Heading the political con- tenders are Medway councillor Craig Mackinlay (Conserva- tive) and Ashford councillor Harriet Yeo (Labour), along with Tunbridge Wells lawyer Piers Wauchope (UKIP) and Steve Uncles (English Democ- rats), a health manager from Dartford. The role of the PCCwill be to cut crime and deliver an effec-
tive and efficient police serv- ice. Voting takes place at polling stations throughout Kent from 7am to 10pm, where anyone who is a UK citizen over the age of 18 and on the electoral roll by October 31 is entitled to vote.
Unlike political elections,
the supplementary voting sys- tem will be used to elect the PCC – whereby voters will be asked to select their first and second preference. If no candidate has 50% of
the first preference vote, the two with the highest number go forward to a second count when ballots in support of an eliminated candidate will be re-allocated, based on their second choices. The key functions of the new
PCCwillbetolistentoand serve the public, monitor the force and hold the chief con- stable to account, set the po- lice budget and ensure the force runs efficiently. The Federation of Small Businesses has arranged a “question time” event at the Hilton Hotel, Maidstone, on Tuesday, October 30, when local businesses can quiz the candidates.
Made to measure Bedrooms, home studies and lounges
Fitted by our professional fitters
Made to measure
Home visits & FREE quotations
5 YEAR guarantee on all furniture
Bespoke furniture
Free expert design service (available evenings and weekends)
01622 729855 Award winning family run business
24 South
Exceptional quality, modern design & traditional elegance Opening Times
Mon Fri 8.00 - 4.30 Sat 10.00 - 4.00
Est 31 years
169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NA
www.bedroomflair.com
You can e-mail the Downs Mail —
info@downsmail.co.uk
Alison, Alex and James get the
Demelza run under way in Mote Park
Hundreds run to help Demelza MORE than 470 people took part in the 5K and 10K Demelza Run in Mote Park, Maidstone, to raise funds for the children’s hospice. The runners were started by Demelza teenager Alec Martin who brought along his Olympic torch. He was joined by James Neate, who carried the torch inWestgate on Sea, and AlisonWard, who carried the torch from Folkestone through the Channel Tunnel. Alec, aged 14, has had cancer three times but despite this has fundraised for the charities who have helped him including Demelza. SarahMarsh,Demelza'sevents co-ordinator said: “Thank yousomuch for everyonewho supported this year’s Demelza Run.”
Apples are stars of family day out
APPLE scrumping and cider pressing proved a popular part of this year’s parish picnic in Yalding and Laddingford. Villagers converged on The
Lees, taking advantage of the good weather, despite a clash of dates with other local events. Members of the parish coun-
cil, who organised the event, described the afternoon as a great family day out. Children were playing in the fresh air and climbing trees as
they did in the “good old days before health and safety regula- tions put a stop to everything”, according to one member,while another was quick to report the day fast ran out of beer. Pond-dipping was a particu-
lar favourite with the children and the council agreed next year’s event would take place on September 8, again enabling parishioners to take advantage of the apple crop and try their hands at apple pressing.
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48