No end to gyratory system ‘blight’


HOMEOWNERS who fear their property has been blighted by the possible creation of a gyratory road system in Barming re- ceived cold comfort at a meeting of the full council. County Cllr Rob Bird asked for an assur-


ance from Maidstone Council leader Chris Garland that a proposed gyratory system, via St Andrew’s Road, Tonbridge Road and Fountain Lane, would not go ahead. Although Maidstone Joint Transport


Board heard vociferous complaints from residents more than eight months ago and agreed the draft integrated transport strat- egy was “not fit for purpose”, many resi- dents’ homes were still blighted, said Cllr Bird. He asked Cllr Garland to reiterate his ear-


lier stance that the gyratory scheme would not be considered appropriate to alleviate traffic congestion in the area, in the event of future building schemes being approved. Cllr Garland said it was almost certain


there would be a further 1,000 houses built in the Hermitage Lane area and suitable road infrastructure would be required to cope with the additional traffic generated. But he said: “It would be down to the de- veloper in consultationwith KCC to put for- wardarelevantschemetodealwiththe capacity issues. The St Andrew’s Road gy-


Council’s £60K


smiling fund ARTISTS and event promoters are invited to “make Maidstone smile” with help from a new fund from Maidstone Borough Council. The £60,000 Make Maidstone


Smile Fund is for new artistic events and performances in the borough. Artists, groups or the promoters of events can apply for a slice of the action - al- though commercial promoters of events or public bodies are not eligible for funding. Applications will need to


show that the art work, event, activity or performance is new, has not been provided in the borough before and will be- come self sustaining over a three year period. Bids will be considered at the


end of each quarter and the first deadline for submissions isAu- gust 31 2013. Cabinet member for leisure,


Cllr John Wilson, said: “This one-off fund will enable artists or event promoters to provide new works of art or events in the borough, which will in- crease the cultural and enter- tainment offer.” For details, contact Sarah Robson on 01622 602827 or sarahrobson@maid- stone.gov.uk.


Knotweed invades JAPANESE knotweed has been spotted both growing and dumped in Tovil. Borough councillors Derek Mortimer and Ian Chittenden said specialistsmust dispose of it at a particular time of year and urged anyone who spots it to contact Maidstone Council or KCC immediately.


14 Town


being looked at, we would be on a sticky wicket from the beginning and it would be extremely difficult for the planning com- mittee to refuse it on those grounds.” She said: “The cabinet should take the


The St Andrew’s Road cul de sac


ratory system – or any other suggestion – would need to be considered by Maidstone planning committee. If an appeal were to ensue, the matter would be determined by the inspector.” He added: “Any application from Croudace, or whoever, would need to con- siderwhat mitigation measures they can in- troduce to alleviate the traffic congestion.” But LibDem leader Cllr Fran Wilson said


the gyratory system was still part of the emerging plan and the cabinet had the power to remove it if they so wished. She said the whole issue was putting a tremendous strain on residents, who needed some clarity, adding: “It is running circles round the central issue to say it will be decided by the planning committee. “If an applicant were to produce a report based on the premise that a gyratory was


VTeam awards night


VTEAM volunteers, who help out the elderly and disabled, were presented with certificates recognising their commit- ment at a social event and buffet at theMaidstone Commu- nity Support Centre. The VTeam is a service of Voluntary Action Maidstone,


based at the centre inMarshamStreet. The volunteers carry out gardening and DIY tasks, to help elderly and disabled people stay in their homes. One of the volunteers said: “I’m so grateful to the VTeam


for the help it has given me in moving forward in my life. I now have a job that I would not have had if I had not joined the VTeam.” For further information contactmanagerLiz Tredget at the centre on 01622 677 337.


THE 100 voices of the com- bined Kent Police and Thanet Male Voice Choirs will sing at All Saints Church, Maidstone, on October 12 in this year’s Riverside Rotary Charity Con- cert.


The event is organised by Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club, and all the proceeds will go to two Kent-based charities - Heart of Kent Hospice and


bull by the horns now and talk to KCC to see what can be done now, not wait for the fu- ture. There are real dis-benefits to a gyratory system, as well as benefits, and these dis- benefits are so huge that this scheme should not be touched with a barge pole unless there are overwhelming benefits.” Cllr Fay Gooch, whose Barming ward neighbours Heath ward, said she had re- peatedly tried to find out what alternatives were being considered and was constantly told they were being looked at. She said: “I share my colleagues’ concerns


about this. I am not convinced we can con- vince the cabinet it should be withdrawn.” Cllr Garland claimed the word gyratory


had been removed and that the system was no longer in the emerging plan. But Cllr Fran Wilson said: “I am not sur- prised residents are confused! The word may have been removed, but the scheme is still being talked about and still included in information given to potential developers. There is every reason for Maidstone to speak to KCC and agree that this be taken out NOW!”


VTeam volunteers with mayor Clive English Hundred voices in charity concert


Demelza, as well as other local charities. The combined choir will be conducted by Martin Rendle and accompanied by pi- anist, Karen Barton, with pro- fessional soloists Hannah Kirk andMichelle Harris. Tickets are £15 and can be bought online at www.ro- taryconcert.co.uk or from the Heart of Kent Hospice on 01622 790195.


AWEBSITE whereMaidstonians can share their memories of the town has been taken over by a new person. “Maidstone: I remember it well” allows past


and present residents to reminisce about subjects such as riding on trolley buses through the town centre, working in the breweries that stood on the banks of the River Medway and watching The Who perform at Granada Cinema. The site was founded by Peter Capon in 2011


but has just been taken over by regular contribu- tor Les Swaffer. Mr Swaffer, who grew up in Maidstone, said:


“My involvement with the website started when I was talking to someone about the Star Dance Hall that had all the big groups. When I got home I did a search online and came up with the site,


Demolition blocked FORMER KCC Cllr Alan Chell has been denied permission to replace a bungalow in Loose. Mr Chell, amember forMaid-


stone South untilMay this year, wanted to demolish the exist- ing property at Chareda, Pick- ering Street, and establish a two-bed detached house in its place. ButMaidstone Council felt the proposal would be cramped and out of keeping with the area.


New face behind memories website


and started to add a bit here and there. “Then Peter Capon felt he could no longer


carry on with it and asked for someone to take it over. I did think about it as I had not long found it, but no one else came forward and I thought it was too good a site to let go, so I offered to take it over.” Mr Swaffer is organising a get-together for peo-


ple who use the website and would like to share memories face to face. It will take place at The Old House at Home, Pudding Lane, from 8pm on Tuesday, October 15. Those without internet access who would like


to chat about the past are very welcome and are asked to let the pub know if they plan to attend. The site can be found at www.maidstone-i- remember-it-well.com


You can e-mail the Downs Mail — info@downsmail.co.uk


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