Euro support for 20mph campaign
A MEMBER of the European parliament has backed the cam- paign for blanket 20mph zones outside schools in Maidstone. The “20's Plenty” campaign – orchestrated by Harrietsham parish Cllr Janetta Sams and husband, borough Cllr Tom Sams – has the backing of a 1,000-name petition. KentHigh- way Services says a blanket 20mph limit outside all schools would be inappropriate but local councillors have urged ac- tion before a child dies. MEP Keith Taylor,who covers south-east England and is the Green Party member responsi- ble for road safety issues on the European Parliament's Trans- port Committee, has sent a let- ter to Kent Chef Cnstable Ian
ment's advice on 20mph zone is also very clear. “I can't think of anything
more reasonable than reducing the speed limits around schools, yet there seems to be little enthusiasm to do this de- spite the overwhelming sup- port of local people.” Recently, Cllr Mrs Sams
spoke passionately on the issue to the Maidstone Joint Trans- portation Board. Cllr Sams said: "People don't
Keith Taylor MEP with Cllr Tom Sams, Janetta Sams, Lenham Parish Council chairman Nigel Godfrey and Stuart Jeffery from Maidstone Green Party, outside Lenham Primary School.
Learmonth calling for him to back the idea. He said: “Both Oxford and Portsmouth have shown that
THE Mote House retirement scheme has hit fund- ing problems in the wake of the economic down- turn. In 2006, permission was granted for a large scheme that included converting the 18th century Grade II listed building, inMote Park into elderly units.
Approval was given for 87 units, but by the be- ginning of this year only three had been sold or reserved. Matters were not helped when exterior work to the house became much more expensive than anticipated. Speaking on behalf of developers Audley Re- tirement, Benedict Krauze said: “Just as our units became ready for occupation the financial market
20mph residential streets re- duce the speed of traffic with- out the need for other traffic calmingmeasures. The Govern-
Action taken to keep Mote House scheme afloat
collapsed. We had £10 million invested in it but potential residents did not want to move in.” Prices were cut by 10% and now 15 of the units
have been either bought or reserved. But its bank still refused to support the venture unless other changes were
made.As a result,Audley has asked for permission to add another 13 homes to the overall scheme, making a total of 100. Planning committee members praised the scheme. Cllr Ian Chittenden said: “The applicants are doing an excellent job but I am not surprised that people are staying at home longer.” Two aspects of the development – the Walled Garden and Gatehouse Lodge – are ready, and Mote House requires internal work only.
want these crashes. People have said we don't want to be putting down flowers.We don't want flowers, then a 20 limit and a slow-down.We want the slow-down first.” Cllr Sams accepted there would be a cost but added: "It's a small cost and a lot smaller than an injury and death." Cllr David Marchant (Downswood) said: “I’m always concerned when we look at the so-called accident rate, ie the fatal accidents, and then con- sider some action. I don’t think we are being proactive. “I really do believe that 20
limits at many schools we are talking about could assist, and we get there before someone is fatally injured,” he added. A police spokesman said it
was the police’s duty to enforce speed limits but it does not set them.
www.grovegreencomputerservices.co.uk
10 Town Support YOUR local paper — and we can support YOU - advertise on 01622 630330
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