‘Dangerous’ bus stop will be moved


A BUS stop is to be moved further up the A229 afterArriva drivers complained itwas dangerous to pull out into fast-flowing traf- fic heading up Bluebell Hill. The 101 service has not stopped at Cob-


tree on safety grounds since June. In July, a petition, signed by schoolchildren's parents and other users, was presented to Maid- stone's Joint Transaportation Board.


CHARITIES in Maidstone have been told they will receive help and advice on how to cope with forthcoming cuts in public spending. In a speech to the annual Maidstone


Voluntary and Community Sector Con- ference, the town’s MP Helen Grant em- phasised her support for the charitable sector during the current financial diffi- culties.


Representatives from almost 50 local charities and other organisations heard her speak about Prime Minister David Cameron’s respect for the charity sector, as well as suggesting ways in which funding could be won and a promise that the Government will take action to assist charities to work more efficiently. She said: “Cuts are coming and times


its part in helping you through. We will get rid of the cen- tralised bureaucracy that wastes money and undermines morale, by reforming the sys- tem of CRB (criminal record) checks and reforming Gift Aid. We will break up state monop-


Local county councillor Paul Carter, who


is leader of KCC, put pressure on officers to quickly investigate low-cost solutions. Three options were presented to the board's October meeting – and Cllr Carter favoured the one to create a new bus stop- lane across the mouth of the Cobtree Golf Course junction. This is the most cost-effective (£44,000),


said Cllr Carter, though he urged officers to seek further quotes to try to lower the price. He said he would give the scheme high priority from his member’s funding al- lowance. Arriva has given an undertaking its driv-


ers would stop at the new location. The disadvantage for passengers is that it is 300m further north from the existing stop.


MP pays tribute to the town’s voluntary groups Pool competition


will be tough but Government will play MP Helen Grant with Sue Towns Okorodudu, chief ex- ecutive of Voluntary Action Maidstone.


olies on public services allow- ing charities and the voluntary sector organisations to play a major role in running services and we will endeavour to deal with funding in away that does not reduce your sector’s com-


mitment, independence, inno- vation and enthusiasm. You reach the unreachable and fix the unfixable. We know how much good work you do and it doesn’t go unnoticed by this Government.”


is a big success A POOL competition organised by local police officers helped to keep youngsters entertained over the half-term break. Manor Youth Club in Shepway hosted more than 60 teenagers over the two-day event. In addition to the pool com- petition, youngsters were able to get involved in table tennis, basketball, cricket and football. PCSO David Earl from the Maidstone Neighbourhood Team, who organised the event, said: “We were delighted with the response from local young- sters who were really enthusi- astic about the tournament. “Thanks to funding from the Co-Op in Shepway, we were able to offer all these facilities for free and even provide free pizza for everyone, which went down very well with the kids.


“Due to its success we’re look- ing to run the event again in the February half-term.”


Sixteen+ LANDLORDS WANTED


For a professional and friendly service, call today and discuss our special


AUTUMN OFFERS Find us at:-


St. Faiths Chambers, 14 St. Faiths Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 ILL


EXPERIENCE -TRUST- EXPERTISE


Maidstone 01622 766272 www.accommodate-uk.com





Open Evening Wednesday ,


December 1st,


Come andfindoutabouttheexciting opportunities forpost16s tudyav ailable


7pm until 9pm exciting





International BaccalaureateDiploma ALevelsinmorethan20subjects Talktosubjectteachers


Baccalaur teachers


ts er tional ea  tional  


Presentationforexternalstudentsbythe Headmaster intheBigHallat7.30pm PresentationsontheInternational Baccalaureate&ALevels7pm&8pm Departmentalal 7pm–9pm


exhibitionsopenfrom MGS   inf SIXTHFORMACCEPTSAPPLICAT  APPLICATIONSFROMBOYSANDGIRLS AT


For moreinformation,orifyouwouldliketovisitusatother times,please telephoneuson01622752101,or faxuson01622753680,or email: school@


other  school@mgs ke@mgskent.org.uk .or .uk BartonRoad,Maidstone,KentME157BT


16 Town


Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


MAIDSTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL


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