Established 1946 National &


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Private rental plan to help homeless


MAIDSTONE’S homeless are to be offered private rented hous- ing in a bid to cut down on the use of B&B accommodation. All new applicants since No- vember who are still homeless will be given the option of a 12- month tenancy in the private sector, should something suit- able be available. Historically, the homeless


have been found bed and break- fast accommodation until social housing becomes available. However, this is expensive for the council, and unsettling for the tenants, according to Cllr John Wilson, cabinet member for community and leisure serv- ices.


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gave housing authorities the op- tion of offering homeless people private rented accommodation for the first time. Cllr Wilson said: “The coun-


cil is committed to improving the housing options for home- less households, especially where emergency temporary ac- commodation is necessary.”


The council has entered into


an agreement with a number of private landlords who are pre- pared to offer housing to the homeless. The council will aim to offer property within the borough, but there may be occasions when housing outside the bor- ough is offered. “Each casewill continue to be considered separately. An im- portant part of this assessment will include whether an offer of accommodation in the private rented sector is the best way to achieve a successful outcome,” said CllrWilson. If an offer is refused, the council will no longer have a statutory duty to provide social or private sector housing. All applicants to the housing register are being encouraged to enter into the ‘Community Con- tribution’ band as the quickest way of obtaining subsidised housing. This means priority will be given to those who do voluntary work or help their community in a positive way.


Callum singing in rain


A MAIDSTONE teenager has won a starring role in a show in London’sWest End. Callum Wilsher (14), from AllingtonWay,Allington, is one of three youngsters to play the role of young Don in the musi- cal Singin’ in the Rain at Lon- don’s Palace Theatre. Callum, who studies at the Mandy Ellen School of Dance in Earl Street, took up his debut slot in December, rotating the role with the two other lucky dancers, Richard Linnell and JamieKaye, inacastthatin- cludes Sandra Dickinson, Jen- nifer Ellison and Peter Forbes. Maplesden Noakes pupil Cal-


lum – who had to turn down a place with the Medway Dy- namo ice hockey team when he was offered the part – hopes to be selected to go on tour with the show when his contract comes to an end in September, according to mum Lisa. She and husband Tony were


among the first to get tickets for the show and Mandy Ellen has or- ganised


a


coach trip from the dance school to go and see the young protégé strutting his stuff. Tony, who runs Larkfield Cy-


cles in Martin Square, Larkfield, said: “Naturally we are very proud. He’s done well. But Cal- lum enjoys his sport, including ice hockey and cycling, and hasn’t really decided what he wants to do in the future.” But mum Lisa, who has been accompanying him to Shaftes- bury Avenue twice a week after school and one matinee a month, says Callum has defi- nitely got stars in his eyes. She said: “He’s thoroughly en- joying it and would love the chance to go on tour.”


Jazz and comedy at arts studios STEPPING Stone Studios, a community-led arts hub, is cele- brating its first year anniversary in Maidstone by launching a new jazz and comedy club. The studio was set up to provide exhibition space for local artists and to run creative workshops. Now The Studios, in St Faiths Street, next to Brenchley Gar-


dens, has launched the monthly Blue Moon Jazz Club and The Comedy Club. The Comedy Club hosts guest comedian Joey Page in March,


and many more upcoming comedy stars from the London cir- cuit.


The pop-up jazz club takes place on April 19 and June 7, with tickets for dinner costing £20 a head. For more information go to www.steppingstonestudios.co.uk or email info@steppingstonestudios.co.uk.


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