Addict died after cocktail of tablets


A44-YEAR-old Maidstonemanwith ahistory of addiction died after tak- ing a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs.


James Williams, of Hart Street,


took more than six types of tablet to combat depression, anxiety, in- somnia and chronic back pain, an inquest heard. As well as making monthly trips


to his GP, he also ordered tablets from the internet, leading his father to confiscate his credit card. In a statement, GP Dr Tony Jones


said his patient’s history of sub- stance abuse dated back to 1990. However, he had made several suc- cessful detox and rehabilitation at- tempts and hadasupportivefamily.


Teens helped to


manage money TEENAGERS are learning to manage their money, thanks to a new, financial capability project. The Switch Café, run by


young people in Maidstone is running BarclaysMoney Skills ‘champions’ to help young peo- ple get to grips with budgeting, saving, loans and credit. The project also empowers


them to share this knowledge with their friends, boosting their confidence and self es- teem.


Barclays Money Skills ‘champions’ is run in partner- ship between Barclays and a number of leading youth char- ities, including the National Youth Agency,UK Youth, Rath- bone UK and Citizens Advice.


Police crack-down TWO men were arrested in Maidstone as part of a summer crackdown on anti-social be- haviour and criminal damage. Officers arrested a 31-year-


old in Mote Road after 23 cars were found damaged in the Kingsley Road area of the town. The man, from Maidstone, has been bailed while investiga- tions continue. A 28-year-old man was also fined for damag- ing a fence and flowerpots in Week Street.


Storage consent EASISTORE has been given permission to extend an exist- ingwarehouse to provide a new self storage facility at Unit 1, Hart Street Commercial Centre, Hart Street, Maidstone.


Fire damage plan A PLANNING application has been submitted to convert a fire-damaged building at 52-54 Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, into a four-bedroomed apart- ment.


Office conversion MICHAEL Walker wants to convert a vacant office in Hed- ley Street, Maidstone, into four flats.


22 Town A post mortem examination


foundthatMrWilliams,whodiedon March 27 this year, had cirrhosis of the liverandasignificantamountof morphine in his system–a by-prod- uct ofmany prescription pain-killers – but therewas no evidence of ille- gal drug-taking. The cause of death was given as mixed drug and alco- hol intoxication. His father John Williams told the


inquest that his son suffered from very lowself-esteemand had a pre- vious history of self-harming. He had tried to take his own life on at least one occasion. However, Mid-Kent and Medway coroner Patricia Harding said there was insufficient evidence to prove


Mr Williams had attempted suicide on this occasion. Mr Williams was found on the


sofa in his flat, with four empty cans of lager and a takeaway at his side, along with numerous tablet boxes. Detective Sergeant Sarah


Niblock told the inquest there had been a note on a table with the words “I love you babe, so sorry”, but as the handwriting had not been verified and the note not pro- duced in evidence, the coroner de- clared it to be of no consequence. The inquest heard Mr Williams,


who was unemployed, had some moneyworries and concerns about members of his family. Although he was in a relationship, he feared it


Nursery ‘graduates’ move on


nursery’s pre-schoolers –aged 4-5 years–were due to start school this month so the nursery held the celebration to say goodbye and wish them the best of luck in their next steps. The children wore


gowns and mortar- boards and took turns to collect a scroll and teddy bear from the nursery staff. All theparentsenjoyed


Some of the kidsunlimited ‘graduates’ pose for a picture


an afternoon picnic in the garden. Amy Rooney, nursery manager at kidsunlimited Maidstone, said: “It


was a great day here at the nursery, one filled with tears, smiles and laughter. It’s very important to recognise this huge milestone in the chil- dren’s life as they prepare to take the next step.”


Youngsters invited to town youth club YOUNGSTERS aged from 11 to 15 are invited to the Salvation Army’s youth club, which takes place on the first and third Fridays of the month (October 4 and 18). Based at 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone, it runs from 7-9pm and entry costs £1.50. Activities includeWii games, Nerf guns, and table tennis. A tuck shop is also available. Call the community office on 01622 681808.


RESIDENTS in a quiet Maid- stone cul-de-sac are unhappy about plans to turn a nearby property into six bed-sits. The property, in Becksbourne


Close (pictured), has been sold by Ward’s Estate Agents, and conversion work has begun. Angry residents say they have


been inundated with contrac- tors’ vehicles, skip collection and deliveries “causing havoc” to the people in the other eight townhouses and five retirement bungalows in the close, at Pe- nenden Heath. The residents contacted Cllr


Tony Harwood to see if anything could be done to halt the conver- sion, but the answer is no. Cllr Harwood, who is a mem-


ber of the council’s planning committee, said: “Unfortunately, this sits within the government planning guidelines and does therefore not require planning


A MAIDSTONE day nursery held a special graduation ceremony for the children about to leave and start school. The kidsunlimited


might be over. His partner Mel Clements last


saw him the night before he was found dead. She said hewas sleepy and she advised him not to take his tablets until much later. When she texted him later, there


was no reply. Policewere alerted the following


day, when Mr Williams was found dead,with the television still on. The coroner recorded a narrative


verdict, stating: “He had made a previous attempt to take his own life by overdosing on prescription medication but he was also prone to taking excessivemedicationand his intention on this occasion is un- clear.”


Workhub for small firms


SOLE traders and small busi- nesses in Maidstone could soon benefit from sharing a new “workhub”. The council is considering setting up a workhub in the town centre – an “office when needed” workspace – and has been seeking input from the business community about how it might work. A meeting was due to take


place at the Town Hall last week to hear from a team from UK Workhubs about how such schemes operate in other parts of the country. They say the workhub would


give residents “access to inspir- ing shared office facilities de- signed to appeal to the modern ways people work”. A spokesman for the council


said:“Theideaistocreatea centre where small (often home-based) businesses can collaborate with one another, use top-quality equipment and meet clients in an impressive but friendly environment.”


Neighbours’ fury at flats conversion


lated. How can this be policed and regulated – and how can it be stopped? Neighbours of the property describe this as “residential planning gone wild” and claim it will lead to increased traffic with inadequate parking and in- creased noise and litter, as well as destroying the community spirit and causing a drop in property prices, making it diffi- cult for people to sell and move on.


One resident said: “We have


consent, so there is nothing the local authority can do.” One resident, who asked not


to be named, said: “Apparently, under the law, any property can be converted into a communal dwelling, as long as the aspect of the building is not changed and if the residents are not re-


seen asbestos left on the front garden, un-bagged, and an in- crease in vehicles.” Cllr Harwood said he would


be working with residents to try to mitigate any negative impact from the conversion. He added: “The main concern is the addi- tional traffic which could be generated, when there is only limited parking.”


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