Thurnham Parish News


Garden village plan ‘fanciful’ No progress


COUNCILLORS John Horne and Michael Stark had at- tended the public meeting concerning the proposed 5,000-home garden village based in and around Otham. It was noted that no one rep- resenting Golding Homes had attended to address the meet- ing.


Cllr Horne had addressed


Meetings normally held on the third Monday of each month at the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel. Public welcome.


CHAIRMAN:Daniel Skinner CLERK: Sherrie Babington 01634 867173


Church future COUNCILLOR Daniel Skinner reported that theArchdeacon of Maidstone was still assisting and exploring options for the future of St Mary’s Church. He had potentially arranged a


visit from someone in Truro Diocese who had set up a man- agement trust of a church in Cornwall. It was hoped that a meeting


could take place in April. Vari- ous parish councillors hoped to be able to attend. If appropriate some of the people who had been suggested as potential trusteeswould also be invited.


that meeting on behalf of the Joint Parishes Group. It was thought that some of the pro- posals were completely fanci- ful, including the estimated


costs of the Leeds Langley by- pass and the idea of that also being a “high street”. Cllr Horne also reported on


theMaidstone Council cabinet meeting, which dealt with the Local Framework. Formal pub- lic consultation would take place later this year. There seemed to be some confusion over the likely in- crease in population and the number of houses needed. It had been reported that the de- mand for warehousing had shrunk considerably.


Not to late to enter heritage award THE deadline for entering the Thurnham Heritage Award has been extended until the end of April. The award is given to a corporation, charity, group or individual that


hasmade an outstanding contribution to heritage protection. It is given in honour of the late Lord Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, previously leader of KCC and chairman of English Heritage. There are no forms to fill in – applications can be sent by email or applicants can phone or speak to the parish clerk. Call Sherrie Babington on 01634 867173, email thurnhamparish- council@sherriebabington.co.uk or write to 4 Birkhall Close,Walder- slade, Chatham, Kent, ME5 7QD.


Decision awaited on schools COUNCILLOR Ted Denham reported on a letter sent by KCC to local MP Hugh Robertson, following enquiries by a local resident. It seemed that the formal link between Thurnham and Roseacre schools, which had the support of the parish council, was popular and could go through. The priority area was undoubtedly more controversial. A decision from KCC was expected in April and it was hoped that the outcomewould be known by the next meeting.


on green area IT was reported that Cllr Richard Smith and the parish clerk had attended a meeting with an officer from Maidstone Council over the possible new green space at the top of the area around Averenches Road. Cllr Smith had been most un- happy with what appeared to be an unhelpful approach from the officer, who seemed to be going back on what had previ- ously been discussed. Nick de Wiggondene, the Maidstone Council ward mem- ber for Thurnham, had since raised the matter with the leader of the borough council. It was still hoped that the parish council could plant new trees further down Averenches Road but the cost of semi- mature trees was proving high and further enquiries would be made.


Snow cleared COUNCILLORS Daniel Skinner and Richard Smith had gritted the main roads in Bearsted Park before the recent snow and these had remained passable. Jenny Whittle, of KCC, thanked them and said shewas hoping to get the grit bins topped up soon. The possibility of having another bin on the Edelin Road development was raised.


Wedding Open Day


Sunday 14 April 2013 - 10.00am to 4.00pm The Orangery and Garden Room at Turkey Mill


Entry is free of charge and everyone is welcome. A fantastic chance to view our magnificent venue and meet some of our recommended suppliers. No need to pre-register. A date not to be missed!


Join us on Facebook “The Orangery at Turkey Mill - Maidstone”


Turkey Mill Events Ltd, Turkey Court, Turkey Mill, Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5PP 01622 765511 ext. 1


Email: events@turkeymill.co.uk www.turkeymill.co.uk/weddings 12 East Have you got news for us? Phone our News Desk on 01622 734735


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