GPs are our best bet for NHS MailMarks
OUR GPs are now in charge
of most of the local NHS budget. It’s a big change, but will it work? In recent years I have spe- cialised journalistically in local hospitals and NHS news and policies. This has taken me to a mass of NHS meetings, mostly keeping a close eye on both the primary care trust and hospital trust. I also chair MaidstoneAction for Serv- ices in Hospital (MASH). Now I have attended the first three meet-
ings of the new GP group and can see some fascinating changes. Instead of NHS man- agers and appointed non-executive direc- tors, I now follow the work and listen to the views of family doctors. It all seems much more appropriate. These GPs are elected by their peers in
their ownareas ofWestKent to serve on this revolutionary body. They have the support of a few NHS managers. The work has not changed too much – but opinions and atti- tudes have. Their everydaywork brings them in touch
with patients, hearing their problems and meeting their needs. This is reflected in the debates and their priorities. They know quicker than anyonewhen something is not right. It is all very new and policies still emerge.
VANDALS have caused thou- sands of pounds worth of dam- age by firing missiles through car windows in Laddingford, Wateringbury and Yalding. More than 30 home and busi- ness owners in West Kent con- tacted police over three days to report damage to vehicles. Po- lice are keen to hear from any- one who saw a red car, thought to be a Nissan Micra or a Peu- geot, which may have been used by the thugs. Inspector Simon Wilshaw from Tunbridge Wells Neigh- bourhood Policing Team said: “It is clear that one or more peo- ple have fired missiles through car windows on several nights, causing thousands of pounds of damage and inconvenience to the victims of crime in the
A DAD from Loose lost his life after becoming trapped in a barn full of cannabis plants, which caught light.
Daniel Price (42) died from severe burns and smoke inhala- tion at Forstall Farm, Well Street. The fire was so fierce that firefighters could not get to Mr Price and his body was not discovered until almost six hours after emergency services were called.
Police confirmed cannabis
MORE than 130 complaints about bird scarer guns have been received by Maidstone Council since 2000.
Responding to a Freedom of Information request, the coun-
32 South
DENNIS FOWLE - President email:
dfowle2011@aol.com
Budgets will be very tight and there are con- cerns how deeply they must commit to competitive tendering for supplies, rather than by preference. Their remit will be to try to make us more responsible for our own health and, when we have problems, to be treated in or close to our own homes rather than in very costly hospitals. The GPs are a breath of fresh air and I
enjoy their meetings. They face very big challenges, but I have a feeling they are our best bet for the future of our cherished health service. Formore informatio go to theMASHweb- site:
www.mashmaidstone.co.uk
Park is a treat for everyone FOR years Cobtree Manor Park was
largelyMaidstone’s hidden treat off Forstal Road, Aylesford. It attracted more visitors recently after Maidstone Council intro- duced quality play equipment for children.
Vandals fire missiles from cars process.
“Thankfully no one has been hurt but we are taking this mat- ter very seriously. CCTV has been recovered from several sites and we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.” Pebbles, marbles and screw nuts, found inside the damaged vehicles and thought to have been fired from a slingshot or pellet gun, have been sent away for forensic analysis.
Similar attacks also occurred in the Sherwood and Pembury areas of Tunbridge Wells and all attacks took place between May 28 and 30. A shop window in Pembury High Street was also targeted.
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 101.
Dad loses life in cannabis fire
was being grown in the barn and equipment including UV lights were discovered after the blaze had been put out. There was also hay in the barn. Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service worked to- gether to investigate the cause of the fire and determined there was no third party in- volvement. Mr Price’s death, on the afternoon of Friday, May 31, is not being treated as suspi- cious.
No further action over bird scarer noise
cil said all complaints had been investigated, but no noise abate- ment notices had been served. The council said it had ad- vised residents and businesses regarding the control of noise.
Now phase two of the improve-
ments has been opened,with a new large play area based on the history of Maidstone Zoo that once occu- pied this site. It includes towers, tunnel slides, wobbly bridges, new circular footpaths and a resurfaced main path in the woodland walk. Newbenches, bins and information boards are also being installed.
Phase three is in the design stage, and will feature a new sculpture trail by local artist Jason Mulligan, a new visitor centre and a café. It will be a centre to interest all ages, of-
fering an excellent alternative to popular Mote Park. How fortunate we are in Maidstone to have two such wonderful main parks.
Come and meet Rotary FOR 12 years I have enjoyed local Ro-
tary, a world-wide organisation which ma- jors on strong fellowship among the male and female members as they mainly serve our local community. There are four clubs in the Maidstone area
– breakfast, lunch and two dinner – and re- cently they held a successful introduction evening for potential new members. If you are interested I would be pleased to help (see e-mail address above).
Beat the criminals IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE PHONE: Police: 101 Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
A REDmountain bike was stolen from a shed at Oast Court, Yald- ing.
The wing mirror was stolen from a silver Audi A6 parked on the driveway of a home in Lau- rel Grove, Kingswood.
A boat stand was stolen from a white and red speedboat at Bridge Boat Service, East Farleigh.
A blue Kazuma quad bike and an alu- minium ladder were stolen from the garage of a home in Howland Road, Marden.
An unsuccessful at- tempt was made to gain entry to a home in Claygate Road, Laddingford. A silver Vauxhall Corsa, regis- tration number VA53 CNY, was stolen from the roadside near the Venice Caravan Park in Hamp- stead Lane, Yalding.
Cash, computer equipment and jewellery were stolen from a home in Crowther Close, Staple- hurst.
An orange 16ft Pyranha Ven- ture Ranger canoe was stolen from a garden in Yalding. The garage at the side of a home in Green Lane, Marden, was damaged in attempt to gain entry.
A petrol strimmer and brush cutter and a chainsaw were stolen from the garage of a home in Lees Road, Yalding.
You can e-mail the Downs Mail —
info@downsmail.co.uk
There was an attempt to break in to Blades Joinery, in Longend Lane, Marden. The suspects are believed to be two men. There was an attempted bur- glary at a property in Linton Hill, Linton.
A gas cylinder was stolen from K&G Maintenance Services, in Underlyn Industrial Estate, Marden.
An unsuccessful at- tempt was made to gain entry to a home in Bish- ops Close, Nettlestead. A red and grey elec- tronic orienteering de- vice was stolen from a post
at Mote Park recreation ground and the post thrown in the stream. Two people were threatened on a pathway near the café in Willow Way and their mobile phones were stolen. The sus- pects were described as white youths, aged about 15, and all about 5ft 6ins tall.
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