Parish services scheme go-ahead
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to support spending in the parishes is to go ahead – despite fierce op- position from the parishes them- selves. More than 100 representatives
of Maidstone’s 35 parishes packed the Town Hall chamber, spilling over into an anteroom, to argue against replacing Maid- stone Council’s concurrent func- tions grant with a new parish services scheme. They argued it would lead to “double taxation” in some areas, with parishes effectively paying twice for some services, first through their council tax and then via the parish preceptwhich local councils levy in order to fund certain services, such as street lighting and litter bin emp- tying.
Permission for
caravan pitch IN last month’s Downs Mail we reported that in July 2012 John Lee received a five-year planning permission to keep a static caravan and touring caravan on land east of Maplehurst Paddock, Frit- tenden Road, Staplehurst. This actually related to a neighbouring resident and not to Mr Lee.
The parishes scored a victory
when the council agreed to refer the matter back to cabinet for fur- ther discussion, after an impas- sioned plea from Cllr John Perry, chairman of Staplehurst Parish Council, speaking on behalf of Maidstone KALC – the Kent As- sociation of Local Councils. However,whenthe cabinet met
the following week, it decided the new scheme was still preferable to the 20-year old concurrent functions grant, arguing it was more transparent to the elec- torate in times of economic diffi- culty. But the cabinet did agree to extend funding for a further year to those parisheswhich use their grant to pay for street lighting – costing the borough council around £37,000. It also agreed to a meeting be-
RESIDENTS of East Farleigh have had a chance to comment on ideas to solve traffic prob- lems in six areas of the village. East Farleigh Parish Plan Group and the parish council received a National Lottery Awards For All grant to take ex- pert advice on the issue. Research by DHA Planning
was displayed at the old school hall and villagers were encour- aged to comment. The areas are: Station Hill junction: Propos-
tween officers, two members of Maidstone Council and represen- tative of KALC, to iron out any outstanding issues. However, not all members of
the council were in agreement with the decision. Cllr Paulina Stockell said: “We had hoped the council would have back-tracked on this. But, if the parish services scheme is everything we claim it is, it could be a good thing – but we will have to wait and see.” Cllr Gordon Newton said: “Downswood and Otham are to- tally against this and, having lis- tened to John Perry’s impassioned speech, so aremany of the other parishes. I do have a problem with the way this is being introduced.” But Cllr John Wilson, cabinetmember for com- munity and leisure, who has
als include removing the central island, moving the memorial and providing a simple junc- tion; establishing a shared space for cars and pedestrians; re- aligning Lower Road south- wards and creating an open space outside the church. Lower Road: Expanding the 30mph limit; a small chicane to reduce speed entering the vil- lage; speed humps. Forge Lane/Dean Street junc- tion: Bringing forward the Give
come under fire from KALC over the scheme, said: “This has been a two-year programme and we have asked the parishes for their comments. We have all worked very hard. Let’s now take things forward in a positive manner and work together.” Geraldine Brown, chair of Maidstone KALC, said Maid- stone KALC was now consider- ing its options following the decision.
Snow threat tomarket THERE will be no farmers’ mar- ket in East Farleigh in January or February, due to the risk of snow. The next market will be held in
The Bull car park from 9am to noon on Sunday, March 3. Dur- ing 2012, the market raised a total of £880 for local charities.
Villagers have their say on traffic solutions
Way line to improve visibility and reducing junction width. Forge Lane/Vicarage Lane: Bringing forward the Give Way line to improve visibility. Forge Lane pedestrian facili- ties: Possibilities include a foot- path and a coloured walkway. Montessori School exit: Road markings to be moved forward to rationalise the road width and give better visibility. Comments will be go to the ac- tion group and parish council.
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