Takeaway plan Vera marks her 108th birthday


is turned down RICHARD Luck’s application to convert The Reptile Shop at 56 Union Street, Maidstone, into a takeaway business has been refused. Maidstone Council’s decision notice said: “The proposed flue, by reason of its size, de- sign and siting, would repre- sent an unsympathetic and alien intrusion into the rela- tively uncluttered first floor area and roof slope at the rear of this listed building, resulting in harm to its character and setting. “The flue will also adversely


affect views of the rear of the building from the Old Hospital site to the south and be detri- mental to visual amenity as a consequence.” Mr Luck was told that cladding the flue in brick or using an existing chimney flue could resolve the issue.


ONE of Kent’s oldest residents has celebrated a landmark birth- day – with a whole day of cele- brations, a cake and a framed birthday card from the Queen. Vera Pigott (pictured) was


born on July 8, 1895 – shortly after London’s Tower Bridge opened and the first M&S began life as the Penny Bazaar. Motor cars were still at a formative stage andmost people got around on foot or by bicycle. Born in Hackey, East London,


Vera and her husband Douglas had four children – Beryl, Don- ald,Monica and Graham. Unfortunately, neither Beryl


(87) norMonica (78) was able to attend the party as both are housebound and live some dis- tance away, while Donald passed away in 2009. However, Graham – a mere youngster at 66, and who still lives in Langley where the fam- ily moved in 1981 – visits his


New teaching block allowed MAPLESDEN Noakes Schools in Buckland Road, Maidstone is to benefit from amodern languages and business teaching block. The new block will replace four temporary classrooms, which


will be demolished. The works will also include internal re- modelling of the existing sixth form centre to accommodate a study area, teaching area and library. Maidstone Council granted planning permission for the scheme, on condition that the approved landscaping is carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons.


mother every day at Sutton Va- lence Care Home, and was at her side to share in themomen- tous day. Vera has lived at Sutton Va-


lence Care Home since 2006, when she was already 100 years old, so staff are getting quite


used to organising her birthday parties. They say she is quite re- markable for her age. This year, pupils from Sutton


Valence Primary School went along to start the entertainment and took along birthday cards they had designed and signed for Vera. Singer Jasmine led a singa-


long of some old-time favourites and, finally, the Mayor of Maid- stone, Cllr Clive English, dropped in for a cuppa and a chat. Vera is now listed as the 75th


oldest person in Great Britain. However, she has a few more years to go to make it to the top, with the eldest already 113! Graham said: “Mum is well


aware of all that is going on, but soon gets tired and has virtually lost her speech. This was a par- ticularly hectic day, but the staff did awonderful job and she had a thoroughly good time.”


Bungalow ‘too close to footpath’ ABIGAIL Friend’s proposal to build a bungalow in the rear garden of 110a Marion Crescent, Shepway has been turned down. A new 1.8m-high close-boarded fence was planned for the rear boundary. Maidstone Council refused the planning application because


“the new dwelling would occupy a prominent position close to public right of way KMX44 and would represent a cramped and visually intrusive development, at odds with the prevailing pat- tern of development in the locality, and harmful to the character of the area”.


up to 24 months Interest Free Credit Save up to


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Sandling Road, Maidstone Tel. 01622 753073 www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Town 3


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