Fuel thiefs hit


on Fridays PETROL stations and rural businesses near Maidstone have been hit by a spate of thefts in which 15,000 litres of fuel have been taken – all on Friday nights. Three incidents were re- ported to Kent Police in April, in Sutton Valence, Boughton Monchelsea and Headcorn. More than 2,000 litres of


diesel was taken from the Murco garage at Boughton Monchelsea, on April 5. The crime was discovered the next day when a metal gate at the tank swung open into the road. The cover to the tank storage was open, the locking cover had been removed and there was a large diesel spillage. OnApril 12, 9,500 litres of fuel valued at £13,000 was taken from the AA Lock Transport in Headcorn. The offenders had climbed over a barbed wire fence to pump the fuel out. Finally, 3,000 litres were


taken from the Esso garage in Maidstone Road, Sutton Va- lence, on April 19. A padlock was broken off and diesel worth £5,000 was taken. Police would like to speak to twomen seen in a Ford Transit van. Officers are looking at CCTV


and analysing forensic evi- dence. Anyone with informa- tion about the incidents can call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


Record year for


leisure centre RECORD numbers of residents are flocking to Maidstone Leisure Centre, following last year’s fascination for the Olympics and all things sports- related. Thereweremorethan9,000 additional visits in January and February 2013, compared to the same period last year. The 67,059 visitors in Febru-


ary made it the busiest month since records began in 2003 – a sign that Maidstone folk could be getting more active, accord- ing to John Wilson, the town’s cabinetmember for community and leisure services. Much of the increase is down


to a rise in the popularity of swimming lessons, following the appointment of a swimming coordinator to increase aware- ness and availability of swim- ming for all ages and abilities. A total of 8,702 lessons were delivered in February 2013 – al- most double the number deliv- ered in February 2011. Cllr Wilson said: “The Lon-


don 2012 Olympic and Para- lympic Games were a great inspiration to all of us to be more active, and I’m delighted to see that so many more resi- dents are keeping the momen- tum going by taking advantage of the fantastic facilities at Maidstone Leisure Centre.”


Cash for community schemes


MAIDSTONE Council has opened the second round of bids for cash from its Pride in Maidstone Fund. The one-off £70,000 fund was launched in 2012 to support community projects throughout the borough to build strong communities, tackle disadvan- tage and increase employment. Applications are welcome


from community groups, volun- tary organisations, charities, so- cial enterprises and not-for-profit organisations who wish to run projects to improve the wellbe- ing of communities or improve the local economy.


In the first round of applica-


tions, £30,660 was awarded to six projects. Maidstone Christian Care was awarded £10,000 to expand its Food for Thought project, which distributes food to those in need across the borough, whilst £9,280 was awarded to Communitech, a social enter- prise being developed by young people who were out of work. TheMaidstone Association of


Youth received £1,500 for its Headcorn youth project and NeighbourhoodWatch received £1,000 towards its “socket and see” safety campaign.


Editor gives Downs Mail talk


DOWNS Mail editor Stephen Eighteen was one of the guest speak- ers at the latest Maidstone Older Person’s Forum. Stephen (pictured) spoke


about the history of the newspaper and said the forum was an appropriate place to discuss Downs Mail, as it was founded 16 years ago by Dennis Fowle, who began the publication on his retirement. Stephen also discussed


his background in journal- ism, the media in general and invited questions from the 120 attendees at the event, at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone. Other speakers included


Andy Birket from Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK), and Sue Thistlethwaite, Stella TesterandSueJacobs on behalf of Parkinsons UK.


DOUBT has been cast over the viability of a 200-boat marina that has again been given the go-ahead in Yalding. In April 2009, Maidstone Council’s planning committee granted consent for a 27,000 square-metre marina in the Lit- tle Venice Country Park, Hamp- stead Lane, having been convinced that it would in- crease tourism and further use the River Medway as a leisure resource. But the development had not commenced within the allotted three years, meaning another approval was required to re- place the extant planning per- mission. Speaking on behalf of appli-


cant Two Chimneys,Mr Elvidge told the committee that there was a “significant demand for moorings in this area despite the economic situation”. However, Yalding Parish Council chairman Geraldine Brown asked: “If there is so much demand for the extra berths, then why has work not started since it gained planning permission?” She added: “I don’t think there is that much demand.” Cllr Stephen Paine, amember


of the planning committee, said: “There has been a change in cir- cumstances in the past few years. There are lots of boats with For Sale signs that have been there for a while. Since


Young musicians shine on stage THESE talented youngsters – one only 13 – have won top places in theMaidstone and Mid Kent YoungMusician of the Year awards. First prize went to 17-year-old pianist Laurence Long, a pupil at


King’s,Rochester,whohaswon awards to play solo recitals at Clare College, Cambridge, and Coventry Cathedral. Runner-up at the event at the Hazlitt Theatrewas 13-year-old vio-


linist Anya Livtchak, ofWallis Avenue, Maidstone, who goes to Sut- ton Valence school. She has played since shewas six. The competition isorganisedby theRotary clubs of Maidstoneand


Dawn Patrol to encourage young musicians and raise funds to sup- port them.


20 South Support YOUR local paper — and we can support YOU - advertise on 01622 630330


Sutton Valence Youth Forum received £3,880 towards a new youth club development –U3E – and Voluntary Action Maid- stone received £5,000 to man- age its Gateway Volunteers and pay for uniforms. The closing date for the next


round of applications is Friday June 14. for details go to www.open4community.info/ma idstone/default.aspx, call Julia Fraser, community develop- ment officer, on 01622 602513 or email juliafraser@maid- stone.gov.uk. Thereisnoupper –orlower – limit on grant requests.


Drink drive ban AMANof no fixed address has had his licence taken away after pleading guilty to drink driving in Headcorn. Linas Zidonis, 20, was also


found to be driving without a licence or insurance when po- lice stopped his VW Golf in Moat Road. He gave a breath test of 70mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath; the legal limit is 35mg.


Magistrates disqualified him


from driving for 18 months and fined him £200. He must also pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.


Plan to fell trees CONSERVATION area consent has been submitted to fell awil- low and an ash tree at Head- corn Manor, Church Walk, Headcorn. Maidstone Council will determine the application.


Marina approved, despite concerns


2008 the boating industry has died, particularly along the non-tidal stretch of the River Medway. There aren’t many surviving businesses in the in- dustry.” While there were other con-


cerns, such as flooding and in- creases in noise and traffic, the only way the council could have refused the renewal appli- cation was if there had been a change in circumstances or pol- icy since the original consent was granted in 2009. It was felt that the perceived


lack of demand was not a strong enough ground to refuse it on so permission was granted cour- tesy of 12 votes for and one ab- stention.


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