Evicted squatters move into bank
SQUATTERS who inhabited Maidstone’s former library in St Faith’s Street have now moved into the former Natwest bank in Bank Street. The group, thought to number between 15 and 20,were ousted from the library by KCC. Town centre manager Bill
Moss said: “After being evicted from the library they ap- proached Maidstone Council for housing, but were unsuccessful. We understand they are now in the old Kentish Bank, having at- tempted to get into the Stone Court Hotel. “If you are approached for money do not give them any- thing, but if you wish to make a donation, please give it toMaid- stone Day Centre, who can help them in the best way possible.” The young people got into the library after it had lain empty foralmostayearwhenthe books were transferred to the new History and Library Centre at Springfield. Mark Cheverton, KCC’s estates manager, said: “There is a key distinction to be made between these so-called ‘lifestyle squat- ters’, who unlawfully trespass, cause great nuisance, inconven- ience and cost significant sums of money to evict – all paid for by the council-tax payers of Kent – and those genuinely homeless
rough sleepers and other vulner- able groups in need of housing. “Illegal squatting is not the answer to the problem of home- lessness. The county council takes both issues equally seri- ously. Whilst we had to take firm and immediate steps to re- gain possession of our property, we have at the same time sought to offer help to the most needy and vulnerable.” Maidstone’s Green party be- lieves KCC should have shown
more compassion by allowing the homeless to use empty space. Stuart Jeffery, from the Green
party, said: “These young people were putting an unused building to good use as a home, but thanks to the actions of the county coun- cil they have to find somewhere else to live while the building goes back to being empty.“The group are keen to live sustain- ably, growing food and working for a living. They just need a place where they can do this.
Maidstone Library has sat empty for the past year and while it might not be an ideal building, it could help them.” Mr Cheverton said that while
the situation was ongoing, KCC had worked with Maidstone Council and homeless charity Porchlight to see what support and assistance could be given. He continued: “Although the premises were empty, they will be required for KCC use in the near future.”
Widow, 81, killed by fumes from fire
KENT firefighters are appealing for residents to look out for their elderly neighbours after an 81- year old widow died after being overcome by car- bon monoxide fumes. When fire broke out in the airing cupboard of
the home Audrey Fitzpatrick shared with daugh- ter Julia in Langdale Rise, off Queen’s Road, it wasn’t the blaze that killed her – but the fumes. AMaidstone inquest heard Mrs Fitzpatrickwas
on the phone to Julia when the smoke alarm went off. By the time Miss Fitzpatrick got home, about 30 minutes later, there was smoke in the kitchen and flames leaping from the first floor airing cup- board – but no sign of hermother. She searched all the ground floor rooms, calling
out as shewent, but received no response. At the top of the stairs, Miss Fitzpatrick was beaten back by the heat and the flames. Fortunately, neighbours had already sum- moned the fire service. Firefighters found Mrs Fitzpatrick in a spare bedroom. She was uncon-
scious and paramedicswere unable to revive her. Mrs Fitzpatrick had only slight scorch marks to
her forehead, nose and hands and soot around hermouth, the inquest heard, but toxicology tests revealed her blood had a 32% saturation of car- bonmonoxide. Levels above 25%can prove fatal. Julia Fitzpatrick told the inquest her mother
was “quite sprightly for her age, mentally astute and active”. Christopher Smith from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and forensic scientist David Scaysbrook told the hearing it was likely a smouldering ciga- rette ember had caused the fire. The cause of death was recorded as inhalation
of fire fumes and the coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death. SteveGriffiths from Kent Fire andRescue Serv-
ice urged people to make use of their free home safety service – and to encourage their elderly neighbours to do the same. Call Kent Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 923 7000 for information.
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