Protesters’ plea to protect woods
PLACARD-waving protesters piled into the bluebell woods off Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, to mark their opposition to the pos- sible destruction of a patch of an- cient woodland. Developer Croudace has gone
out to public consultation on a plan for housing, amenities and a school on the site, with access roads through part of the wood, currently enjoyed by children, dog-walkers and residents. The LibDems claim the pro-
posal contravenes national and local planning policy and the site should be retained for public pleasure. Jasper Gerard, LibDem
Continued from page one
woodland should be thrown out. “The council’s own Inventory
parliamentary spokesman for Maidstone and the Weald, said: “The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework is clear in demanding that any ap- plication that damages ancient
Festival ‘must go on’
have extended activities into Jubilee Square – but the funds did not allow it this year. He said: “Fortunately, someone has of-
fered to cover any losses, but we need to get more people on board so we can make it even bigger and better and make a profit.” Mr Cox said he had plans for “a dramatic
new element” to the festival this year in an entirely new location. It will cost £50 to enter the raft race and
teams must comprise a minimum of four and maximum of eight people. For details and an application form, call Martin on 01622 202869. Organisers are also hoping to hold a food fair in front of the Arch- bishop’s Palace. Mr Cox said: “It really will be a day for all the family.”
of AncientWoodland shows this site to be a remaining fragment of Kentish wildwood. “Research by the Liberal De- mocrats shows it was here since at least 1600, and quite possibly since the end of the Ice Age. Not only is it achingly lovely, it con- tains valuable wildflowers and wildlife. “To build over itwould be van- dalism; it would also break na- tional planning rules.” Dozens of people signed a peti-
tion against the destruction of the wood. LibDem Cllr Tony Har-
Help needed by cat charity
THE re-launched Maidstone and District Branch of Cats Protection, a nationwide animalwelfare charity is hosting a volunteer drop-in session. The event, which is aimed at recruiting more help, takes
place at the Salvation Army Hall on Union Street, Maid- stone, from 10am to noon on Saturday, July 6. Everybody iswelcome. For further information on Cats Protection, go to
www.cats.org.uk or call branch co-ordinator Alan Fox on 07850739141.
Estate agency plan for jewellers A PLANNING application has been submitted to establish an estate agency at 29 Pudding Lane, Maidstone. BenSiggins’ change of useproposal relates to theprem-
ises at Charmian Beaton, a jewellery designer. Maidstone Councilwill determine the planning application.
wood, who sits on the planning committee, said: “If local Conser- vatives are stating thewood is not going to be destroyed, why did their own cabinet vote for a de- velopment configuration thatwill inevitably lead to its destruction? Myfield study has shownthat the proposal would so fragment and damage the wood that its beauty and bio-diversity would be lost.” Mr Gerard said: “We just want
to save the woodland for future generations to enjoy and for its wildlife to survive. The strength of local feeling was clear for all to see. I hope verymuchthe council will listen.”
Store boss jailed THE managing director of a clothing chain that had a store in FremlinWalk, Maidstone has been jailed for VAT fraud. Kemal Gediz (49), the boss of Punkyfish, submitted fraudulent tax returns to avoid paying be- tween £300,000 and £500,000 in VAT. He also pocketed almost £68,000 in tax and national in- surance contributions deducted from his employees’ wages in- stead of handing the cash to HM Revenue and Customs. He has been jailed for 18 months. Gediz, who lives in London
and had 12 stores, pleaded guilty to the charges.
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