Rising rent fears


MAIDSTONE has seen the biggest drop in incomes across the South East, according to figures from the National Hous- ing Federation. However, the news isn’t all bad, as the area has also seen the biggest fall in rents. The statistics show that while income has fallen by 8%, rents have only fallen by 4%, leaving many families out of pocket. Butwith house prices forecast


to rise by 61%, the federation warns that rents in the South East are likely to soar by more than half over the next decade. Warren Finney, South East


lead manager for the National Housing Federation, said: “It’s crunch time for our unsustain- able housing market, with house prices and rents set to rocket in Kent as thousands of families are already struggling


A SPORTS coach who was ac- cused of molesting an 11-year- old boy will not face a re-trial, after the prosecution offered no further evidence. In September, a jury at Maidstone Crown Court had failed to reach a verdict on a sexual assault charge against Chris Bowman (48).


to afford their home. “One in 16 families is cur-


rently on the waiting list for so- cial housing and it looks like the situation is going to get far worse.


“Being unable to afford the homes they need can stop peo- ple from moving for work. “It also prevents young couples from starting fam- ilies, having a huge impact on people’s aspirations and ultimately affecting the econ- omy. The National Housing Federa-


tion is calling on the Govern- ment and the whole housing industry to take a long-term, joined up approach to tackle the market difficulties. More immediately the Gov- ernment must release publicly owned brownfield land to hous- ing associations so they can build more houses.


Sports coach abuse case dropped


Mr Bowman, of Reinden Grove, Downswood, who worked with Olympic de- cathlon hopefulMartin Brock- man, denied the charge, but admitted that being alone with the boy was contrary to a code of practice. Judge David Griffith-Jones entered a not guilty verdict.


Award for inspiring youngsters


MAIDSTONE youngstersRosie and William Harmanwere among youths from the Maidstone area rewarded for their outstanding achievements at the final of the Try Angle Awards. The siblings, joint finalists


in the good friends category, have been caring for their parents since they were young. Theirmotherbecame unwell whenRosiewas nine years old and William was only four. Although she has now recovered, for seven years they have been help- ing heronadaily basis. Their father also became unwell in September 2011 and when he returned home from hospital six weeks later, they were again taking on the role as young carers. Judges said that Rosie and William have been caring and inspirational in all the help and support they have given. TheKCCawards recognise contributions to the arts, sport, music and


Rosie and William Harman with Sean Kearns from Connexions Kent and Medway


the community. A panel of 15 young people selected the winners from the finalists, whowere chosen at district events earlier this year.


Teenage robber behind bars A TEENAGER involved in a robbery at Grafty Green post office has been jailed for two years. The 17-year-old from London was arrested after DNA from a


glove discarded in a bush was matched with his, as well as phone records which placed him at the scene. He was tracked down by of- ficers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. More than £5,500 was taken during the robbery at the post office


on Headcorn Road last November, and a post office worker was hit three times in the face. Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court on October 26, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing, the teenager was sentenced to two years in a young offenders institute. ChristopherWilliams (20), from Lambeth,was jailed in February


for four and half years for his part in the robbery. Detective Sergeant Adam Marshall said: “'This was a violent crime, fuelled by greed. It was a complex case involving multiple offenders.”


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