Bus lane ‘will lead to gridlock’
Continued from page one
Road, and new housing developments in the same vicinity, and you have a recipe for gridlock.” The NLRA spokesman said: “In the
real world we all know people will not give up their cars to use buses, which have very expensive fares and in most cases do not take you any- where but the town centre, when many people wish to go elsewhere for personal or business reasons. “A bus lane will just mean longer queues and more pollution.” Cllr Stephen Paine, cabinet member
for transport, said he was keen to hear all views on the scheme.
congestion? Is itnecessary?Send the editor your views by letter or email
stephen@downsmail.co.uk
Doing nothing not an option
Maidstone Council leader Chris Garland gives his opinion on the Loose Road bus lane plan that has angered residents
WHENcentral government and the local high- ways authority have no money to build more roadswe have to look at newways of tackling congestion. Encouraging a shift to public transport is the single option that would have the biggest impact. However, this can only come about bymak-
Maths lessons impress inspectors Do you think the bus lane will reduce
OFSTED inspectors looking at the teach- ing ofmaths at Boughton Monchelsea Pri- mary School found that the overall effectiveness of the teaching was good. Achievement was as high as it had ever
been, and there were particular strengths in basic number work and data handling. Every year, more than half of the pupils went on to grammar school. Pupils used skills to solve problems, and
were able to do this as they had strong number skills. The youngest pupils had plenty of opportunities to develop confi-
ing it more reliable and more frequent; the way to do that is to provide infrastructure, such as the bus lane. In addition, the more people who use public transport, the lower the relative cost will become. All the tests undertaken prior to this deci-
sion show an improvement in the time it takes for the bus to get to town, with minimal time delay for the average motorist at peak times. We considered junction improvements, and
dence in their number work. Teaching inmathematics was good, and precise mathematical vocabulary was used routinely by staff and pupils. Staff showed a positive attitude to the subject and pupils responded with enthusiasm. Lessonswerewell planned and teachers
had good subject
knowledge.Marking was of good quality. To improve still further, the monitoring
of maths could be increased and mathe- matical opportunities could be spread to other subjects.
whilst there will be improvements to junc- tions along this route, none of them have the same positive impact as the bus lane. It is im- portant to note also that the bus lane is not being financed by public money, but by the various developments themselves. What is not an option is to sit back, like pre-
vious councils, and do nothing; the results of this approach are there for all to see. Maid- stone has for too long lacked a positive and “can-do” approach to transport, and has never had any coherent plan; this council is deter- mined to be positive and pro-active in tack- ling congestion to improve Maidstone. We have listened to what people have said
and some have come up with improvements to the original scheme and we are considering making the bus lane also a lane for cars with more than one passenger. Many others have simply said no and done nothing on public transport, when there is no money about for major road schemes. This would be taking the same route as previous councils,which leads to greater congestion.
Recruits for football team YALDING has found enough young players to start a new U13s junior football team. Following an article in last month’s Downs
Mail, sufficient players have come forward to start training –which kicks off at The Kintons at 6pm onWednesday, April 17. The article sparked interest among adults
too – with one player and a goalkeeper com- ing out of the woodwork to play. U10s man- ager Robert Smith said he had also had positive feedback and will be entering Crow- borough League next season. Anyone interested in joining a team should turn up or call Mark Pickup on 07710 211922.
WINDOWS & DOORS REQUIRING T.L.C?
DON’T REPLACE THEM MAINTAIN THEM!
MAINTAINING YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS & DOORS IS CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN REPLACING. UPGRADING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BFRC A & B RATED GLASS WILL HELP SAVE YOU MONEY ON BILLS.
“ Fairdeal are local specialists in the repair, upgrade and maintenance
of double glazed windows and doors.
I recently had your company fit a number of sealed units in my conservatory and my wife and I are most pleased with the result. There is always some apprehension when dealing with a company for the first time, but I must say that the result speaks for itself, a good job well done. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending your company to others.
We repair PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Fogged double glazed glass units Handles & mechanisms repaired & replaced Window and door hinges and stays Leak and draught repairs Local Authority Approved NO Call out charge with Free Quotations & Advice
”
Mr & Mrs Dallman, Maidstone Celebrating 22 years of continuous trading
We supply & install windows, doors & conservatories including UPVC fascias, soffits & guttering
www.fairdealwindows.co.uk Follow us on Find us at: Unit K, Orchard Business Centre, 20/20 Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent ME16 0JZ 8 South To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56