Thieves derail park’s model train
THOUSANDS of angry Maidstone residents have blasted thieves who stole track from the popular Mote Park railway. Volunteers from Maidstone Model Engi- neering Society, which runs the attraction, were appalled to discover thieves had stolen more than 120ft of aluminium track just weeks before the school summer holidays. However, MMES spokesman Sue Parham
said members were “overwhelmed and touched” by the support shown bymembers of the public in person, via email and on the group’s Facebook page. She said data from Facebook showed the group’s post an- nouncing the theft had been shared by 48,000 people in two days, and more than 200 people had left comments showing sup- port for the railway. Ms Parham said: “Members of the club
were horrified to discover over 120 feet of our railway track in Mote Park had been ripped up and stolen.We have three rails on our track as we have two gauges of locomo- tives – 3 1/2” and 5”. Two of the rails were stolen, being 120 feet each, so the actual rail loss is 240 feet. “The metal is aluminium and its scrap
value is negligible. It will, however, cost us time and trouble, several hundred pounds worth of materials, plus lost income. “We will only be able to run a restricted service over the next few Sundays, which means not so many children and families will get rides, which is such a shame when they love it so much. “The members are working hard to get us
up and running again fully within three to four weeks, however, the track laying is quite specialised work and only a few can
work on it at one time.” Some supporters suggested the railway set
up a website page for people to give dona- tions, butMs Parham said they did notwant to make a profit from the “kind souls” who donated. Police visited the railway on the first Sun-
day after the theft. Investigating officer PC Jamie Botting said: “Quite a substantial
amount of aluminium was taken from the track, and it’s disappointing that an attrac- tion that brings visitors to Maidstone has been damaged in this way. “If anyone has any information I would
urge them to contact Kent Police so we can investigate further.” Call Kent Police on 101, quoting crime reference YY/11429/13.
Matt Fraser,MaidstoneWest manager withMike FitzGerald, Carol Sullivan, engagement officer and Ian Paterson, CRP project officer
Rail line breaks the million barrier
MORE than one million passenger journeys were recorded on the Medway Valley Rail Line in the 12 months toMarch 31 2013 – the first time that the onemillion barrier has been bro- ken. Since 2005/6 the number of annual jour- neys on the line has increased by 52%. “This is tremendous news,” said Kent Com-
munityRailPartnership chairmanMikeFitzGer- ald. “Much of this increase is downto thework of the partnership in gaining improvements to
stations and marketing the line in the commu- nities it serves.” “Southeastern and Network Rail have also
done sterlingwork. Newtrains and direct serv- ices from Maidstone West to St Pancras are helping to turn the line into an indispensable part of Kent’s transport infrastructure” he added. “Just think howmany car journeys have been avoided by encouraging people to use Medway Valley services?”
Maidstone Borough Council
carpet + upholstery cleaning
carpet
Research studies have shown that cleaning your carpets with the Host system reduces:
• Cat allergen by 85% • Dust mites allergen by 89% • Mould Spores 97%
For a FREE survey call Izzy Jones
www.thecleaningclinic.co.uk
01622 750 474
Maidstone Market, Barker Road, Maidstone ME16 8LW 01622 602258
www.maidstone.gov.uk
To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Great People, Great Place, Great Opportunity Summer Market +upholstery cleaning
+ Carpets + Rugs + Seagrass + Sisal + Leather + Upholstery
The big plus with Host dry cleaning system: + deep cleans carpets + dry and ready to use + no need to remove furniture + no stretching + great solution for asthma sufferers + pet safe + environmentally green
Tuesday 13 August 2013 7.30am – 1.30pm
Barker Road, Lockmeadow
The Mall Chequers bus station. Featuring:
MiniFarm - hold, feel and feed a variety of farmyard animals
Creepy Crawly Road Show Children’s ride Birds of Prey
PLUS! Stalls selling quality meat, groceries, fruit & veg, fi sh, local produce, fashion, plants, pet accessories, DVDs, toiletries, second hand goods and furniture.
FREE entry AND FREE shuttle bus (number 505) from
Town 13
Izzy Jones
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 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56