Call to improve road after fatal crashes
CONCERNED residents living close to the scene of twofatal crashes on theA229 in Sta- plehurst are battling for road safety improve- ments.
Members of the Knoxborough Community
Group gathered for a meeting after Ben Ash- ford (26), from Staplehurst, died following a police pursuit, when his car hit a tree on a bend between Cross at Hand and Summerhill Road. His death on March 23 came weeks after
taxi driver Brian Maitland (63) and his 47- year-old passenger Irene Clare died in a three- car collision on March 5. Staplehurst and Frittenden parish council-
lors, together with Staplehurst ward council- lors Richard Lusty and Eric Hotson, joined 48 residents for the meeting at Green World Country Store in Cranbrook Road. Residents want to see a reduction in the
ASPANISH lorrydriver incurred the wrath of locals when he drove his HGV into Yalding’s historic bridge. The driver, whowas in breach of
the recently imposed 7.5-tonne weight restriction, struggled to ne- gotiate the turn from the bridge into Benover Road, smashing into the wall and blocking the road for more than half an hour. Thanks to the quick thinking of
60mph speed limit on the road and a range of other safety measures put in place. Chairman James Broughton, heard resi-
dents express their fears about the road, with claims that some drivers were travelling at speeds in excess of 80mph andmotorcyclists were hitting 100mph at times. Proposals included the installation of cam-
eras and a traffic indicator to record speeds, as well as double white “no overtaking” lines on the road. Cllr Peter Spearink said Staplehurst and Frittenden parish councils would work jointly on the campaign to secure safety im- provements on the road. He said: “Staple- hurst Parish Council wants to get Kent Highways to do something about reducing accidents on this stretch of the A229 and we will be pushing for a full traffic safety audit.” John Burr, director of highways and trans-
as an interpreter. Signs are in place on all roads leading to the village to deterHGVs which do not have business in the area. There has been an increase in
the volume of heavy traffic using Lees Road through Laddingford, however, which the parish council is nowaddressing. The parish council is now look-
locals including TimChapman, the village postmaster, KCC will be able to claim back the costs of the repairs from the vehicle insurers. Pictureswere taken and Yalding woman Erica Olivores even acted
ing for volunteers to man a lorry watchat the junction of LeesRoad and Hampstead Lane. Parish council chairman Geral-
dine Brown said: “This is a case of monitoring to obtain proof in sup- port of our claim.”
local & organic produce to your door
We deliver fresh With our vegetable box delivery scheme 3 2
your local & organic food co. Order 3 deliveries
& only pay for the first 2 boxes
harvest4u.co.uk Find us on
info@harvest4u.co.uk 01622 844789 Find us at: Haven Farm shop, North Street, Sutton Valence
EQUIPMENT HIRE Diggers/Dumpers & Rollers
PLANT &
Towers & Ladders Lighting & Heating Breakers & Wackers Mixers & Sanders Powered Access
HYDRAULIC HOSES
All other building tools & equipment including garden & landscaping equipment
FLO GAS
8 South
01580 891234 Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm & Sat 7.30 - 1.00pm
Lodge Road, Staplehurst
www.acornhire.com
portation at Kent County Council, said: “Traf- fic officers from Kent Police are investigating the crashes to establish their causes. Once re- ports into these accidents are concluded, they will be passed to us. “This information will then be analysed – together with that of crashes along this road for the previous three years.We do this every year on a countywide basis to find out whetherwe can improve the roads by invest- ing in safety measures that would tackle any patternswe identify. “Overall in Kent, the number of people
killed or seriously injured in road crashes fell significantly between 2000-2010, exceeding the Government target of a 40 percent reduc- tion, as a result of improved road conditions and targeted publicity campaigns, and this figure continues to fall – down by 5% in 2011.”
Anger as lorry defies weight limit and hits bridge Parish car park A NEW parish car park next to East Farleigh Primary School in Vicarage Lane could be in use by the end of the year. The parish council has com- pleted the purchase of the land for £25,000 plus costs. Planning permission has already been granted for 72 parking places. The council still has to find
most construction funding but has been promised about £5,000 from Forge Lane Action Group. The car park will have access on to Vicarage Lane and a path to the recreation field and rear entrance to the school.
STONE GREEN NURSERIES
www.stonegreennurseries.co.uk
We grow our fantastic range of plants with passion and pride for garden designers, landscapers, local nurseries, farm shops and other horticulture outlets.
Wholesale Nursery open to the public On the 17th, 18th, 19th, 31st May & 1st & 2nd June
We have a truly exquisite selection to offer you from the tried and tested to the more unusual. Huge range and fair prices
We invite you to our open days
Your selection will come from our growing beds, you can’t buy fresher
If you have a taste for plants we can offer you a feast.
*Shrubs*Trees*Herbaceous perennials*Climbers* *Large plants for instant impact* 9am-5pm Fri, Sat, Sun and BHM.
Truly a gardener’s paradise Pluckley Road Bethersden TN26 3ET
Please remember we are only open on these dates We accept most major credit cards
For detailed directions please use website Follow day –glow signs from A20 at Charing and A28 at Bethersden To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
visit us at:
for
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