Tax on new homes could improve traffic
A NEW “chimney pot” tax on developers could put an end to some of Maidstone’s traffic problems. The Government’s community infrastruc-
ture levy, being introduced for the first time in 2014, will mean all developers having to pay a sum per property towards the costs of improving transport systems in the borough. The levy differs from the current S106 agreements, whereby funds paid by devel- opers must be ploughed back into projects specifically in the area concerned. Maidstone Council has already applied to
the Local Enterprise Partnership for money to help improve the town’s central gyratory system (which crosses the river) and the council is again looking at how to encour- age people to use the park and ride service.
Assault report A 30-YEAR-OLD has told po- lice he was assaulted by three men at 2.10am in King Street. The assault occurred on Fri-
day, April 19 and themen, who were with two women, ran off towardsAshford Road. The vic- tim had facial bruising. The men were white, aged
from 18 to 21, wearing light tops and blue jeans. One had cropped blond hair and another had brown hair in a ponytail. Anyone with any information
can call PC Cumberland of Maidstone police on 101, quot- ing reference YY/7282/13, or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
An artist’s impression of The Vine Medical Centre But cash, which would come to the coun-
cil from the building of a further 14,800 homes – as being proposed in the new Ccore Strategy – could see radical changes to the town’s transport infrastructure. Council leader Chris Garland said: “Coun- cillors and residents are quick to tell us what they don’t want, but what would they do instead? “The simple fact is that we were told
years ago that we needed an integrated transport strategy and it has never hap- pened. No-one had the courage to do it, and things have steadily got worse. “All groups were party to the decision
that we should go down the ‘minimalist’ route because of the expense involved – that is, a bus lane and a gyratory system for St
Andrew’s Road. Any other schemes will be far more expensive.” Estimates for the cost of building a South Maidstone bypass – or relief road – to steer traffic away from the town centre have ranged from £35m to £100m. But the “chim- ney pot” tax on 10,000 new homes could bring in between £60m and £80m, accord- ing to council leader Chris Garland. He said: “The reality is that we must do something.We need to be ambitious and we need to invest.” Other schemes being considered as part of
the Core Strategy involve house-building to the south of the town and investment in commercial space, which could be steered towards funding a by-pass for Leeds and Langley.
Medical centre nearing completion
DOCTORS at The Vine Medical Centre will be handed the keys to their newmedical centre on Tonbridge Road this month. The search for a suitable site in the surgery
catchmentareabegan six years ago, butwas not an easy task. Finally in February 2011, Assura Property offered the GPs the old council offices site at 13 Tonbridge Road, and work got under way.
The modern premises, which feature a spe-
cially commissioned, communityproject stained glass window,will ensure the future of the prac- tice in the changingworld of theNHS, for years to come. The opening date of the new premises is de- pendentonthe installation of the IT services,but patients will be informed as soon as it is set.
A choice of 250 meals
delivered to your freezer The difficult part is deciding which to try first
Quick and convenient, we make mealtimes simple. Order from us today and enjoy:
FREE delivery from friendly local drivers Main meals from just £2.95
Nutritious meals catering for every diet – diabetic, low-fat, gluten-free and much more
Roast Beef & Y
oast Beef & Y orkshire P udding and vegetables
Bramley Apple Piie Br udding and vegetables £4.25 e £1.55
For your
or your FREE brochure call us on brochure call us on 01227 77 4 Town Or visit wil
wiltshirefarmfoods.com7 774tshir 74 999
efarmfoods.com Prices correct at time of going to print, Mar ect at time of going to print, March 2013 You can e-mail the Downs Mail —
info@downsmail.co.uk of gr of great service
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