Santander to
close branch SANTANDER has decided to close its King Street branch, but insists there will be no loss of jobs.
Three years ago the bank
found itself with two branches in the centre of Maidstone, after taking over Abbey National, based in King Street, and Brad- ford & Bingley, which had a branch inWeek Street. A spokesman said: “Where
we close a branch in a town,we will offer the staff at that branch the opportunity to move to the other branch, so as to avoid any job losses.” The company is submitting a planning application request- ing that the building receives a change of use to allow a retail, financial services or restaurant designation. A supporting statement said: “Flexible uses of vacant units are required to respond to the current market demand.” Maidstone Council will de- termine the application.
Teaching consent MICHAEL Turner has been given permission to convert an office in Armstrong Road, Maidstone, into a classroom. He plans to teach a group of
up to five children, who need assistance with basic core aca- demic skills, in a vacant ground floor office in Kings Row.
Cricketers debate new name By Dennis Fowle
THE Mote Cricket Club is con- sidering whether to play under the name of Maidstone Cricket Club from the 2014 season. The proposal for the club, es- tablished in 1857, was discussed at the annual meeting. Chairman Glen Aukett said:
“We are recognised as the lead- ing club in the Maidstone area, and after some difficult years, many changes and improve- ments are in the pipeline. “There is strong opinion that
by playing as Maidstone, we can better market the club.” The committee will now eval-
uate the possibilities. One is to retain the title The Mote CC, but to trade as Maidstone CC. An-
other is to use the name Maid- stone Mote CC. Changes at The Mote CC in-
clude forming The Mote Sports Federation with Maidstone Rugby Club, to manage and fi- nance the site. The Tabernacle has been reno-
vated and modernised as The Mote Youth Sports Centre, and proposals progress for major im- provements, including a new pavilion, 200 parking places and a new entrance road. “These are exciting times at
The Mote,” said Mr Aukett. “It must regain its position as just about the top cricket club in Kent.” Other keys points from the an-
nual meeting included: A drive would be made to
Thriller writer launches scanner
BEST-selling novelistMartina Cole visitedMaidstone to launch a state- of-the-art MRI scanner. Thewriter,whosethrillershave
been adapted for stage and screen, was at the BMI Somer- field Hospital to unveil the wide bore scanner, which weighs as much as a double decker bus. Martina Cole is pictured with Connie Stocker, executive direc- tor atBMI TheSomerfield Hospital andDavid Loasby from Alliance Med- ical. The eventwas also attended by local GPs. The new equipment differs from conventional MRI scanners in that it
provides twice the amount of space above a patient’s head, which can help reduce anxiety and feelings of claustrophobia.
build up playing strength for colts (phone 01622 730445) and seniors (07754 292418). Nigel Mullarkey took on the role as chairman of cricket to im- prove playing strategy. Honorary secretary Malcolm Bassett was praised for 25 years in office. Senior subscriptions were re- duced to £80 a year if paid by May 31. Alex Fordham will captain the Saturday 1st XI. Young Player of the Year was Joe Fowler. Clubman of the Yearwas Den- nis Fowle, chairman of TheMote Development Committee. An electronic scoreboard would be in place in the next few weeks.
Plan to axe trees JACQUI Lambert has applied to fell four protected trees at 9 Oakwood Court, Maidstone. She says a robinia was in se-
vere decline; two sycamores had health and safety concerns and a chestnut was leaning over a carriageway and foot- path, causing a “potential fu- ture hazard”. Her application form also re- quests pollarding works on two lime trees. Maidstone Council will determine the planning ap- plication.
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