LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
or CIL figure for the Next store in High Wycombe of £1.34m. We, it seems, are left to pick up the crumbs. At the planning meeting on August 8, a paper was put for- ward, although subsequently withdrawn due to failure to give reasonable notice to residents. It recommended all the S106 money should go to the town centre, and none to deal with the impact on local residents. It seems a good case for sup- porting local environmental im- provements is to be ignored, as well as any improvements to local road safety or to deal with the inherent parking problems locally resulting from the lack of staff parking. Next claims there will be 180 new jobs, but have only allowed four parking spaces for staff. Traffic generated locally, using
the Sittingbourne Road, Hamp- ton Road on Vinters Park, and Bearsted Road, will increase substantially.Unfortunately, the main stretch of Hampton Road through Vinters Park, for about 400 metres, has no pavement, requiring people to walk on grass or the main road. I have written to the planning officers asking that S106 money be obtained to improve road safety on Sittingbourne Road and Hampton Road, but this seems to have been ignored.
Should we fail to bring Next
in line to help counter the prob- lems that residents will have to deal with, then why would other retail developers, who in- evitably will now apply to put other retail stores on Eclipse Park, feel they need to bother? Ian Chittenden – County councillor for Maidstone North East Division
Praise for hospital Dear Sir – I feel compelled to write to express my praise for Maidstone Hospital’s accident and emergency department. My wife tripped and fell on a
bad pavement, which resulted in the hospital visit. From the offset the receptionist was pleasant, followed by efficient service in various departments, including assistance from a paramedic when we went home.
Malcolm Holbrook,Maidstone
Have a heart Dear Sir – Patients with heart conditions face a long walk at Maidstone Hospital for the Car- diac Investigation Unit. It would be easier if recorders could be returned to hospital re- ception to save patients long walks. It is almost impossible to park nearby, and many pa- tients travel by bus. Barbara Betteridge, Dickens Road,Maidstone
DownsMail Advertisement feature
PAUL Dale is a friendly tradesman but he does get hot under the collar when he hears about vulnerable people being exploited in the name of business. He is only too aware of the pressure tactics used by some businesses and that maintaining a smart home can be tricky, especially for single parents, the widowed and elderly. Paul said: "I was widowed at an early age and so understand what it is like to be on your own - even the simplest of
Facias, soffits and guttering
For all your facias, soffits, guttering or cladding needs Why not try the honest trader that doesn’t take advantage “
decisions may be difficult to make." Trading since 1990, his speciality is fitting UPVC fascias, soffits, cladding and guttering to houses which have just started to show signs of wear and tear. He will price the job and there are no hidden extras - what he says is what you get.
"I hear many stories of salesmen who are almost impossible to get rid of and unwanted phone calls after a quote. I believe in giving one quote and then leaving people to make up their mind. I treat people the way I would like to be treated myself. People will have my home number and can call me at any time. I am not selling a product or spinning a line I am selling myself - my future business is in the hands of my present customers".
Music students perform
BUDDING musicians from Maidstone showed off their talents by staging a live performance of their own work. It followed a three-day creative session with saxophonist Joe Browne at the town’s New Line Learning Academy as part of the latest Orchestra ONE project, which brought together fans of vari- ous music styles from rap to classical. This summer, students were also encouraged to develop their conducting skills. The award-winning music education initiative, which has just picked up a Kent Community Foundation grant for £5,000, is run by Kent Music in partnership with Rhythmix, supported by Gold- ing Vision, Soundhub and the Kent People’s Trust.
Charity call Protected oak
for volunteers MARIE Curie Cancer Care needs volunteers in Maid- stone to bankmoney put into its collection tins in the area andtocomeupwithnew places to put them. The charity provides nurs-
ing support at home for those with terminal ill- nesses. To help, contact com- munity fundraiser Fiona Dodd, on 01622 230745, or email
fiona.dodd@marie
curie.org.uk.
Takeaway plan MITU Choudhary has ap- plied to convert The Reptile Shop in Union Street into a food takeaway. Should Maid- stone Council grant planning application, it would have daily opening hours of 8am- 11pm.
saved from axe THE Howard DeWalden Char- ity has been told it cannot fell a protected holm oak tree in front of a block of affordable flats in Tonbridge Road,Maid- stone.
Maidstone Council refused
part of a planning application relating to trees at Westbor- ough House, stating there were no visual defects present in the tree.
The council instead sug- gested crown lifting the tree to give maximum ground clear- ance of 5m or cutting back branches to ensure a separa- tion of 3m from 176 and 178 Tonbridge Road. However, the charity was
given permission to reduce the height of a lime tree by 50%. Decisions on whether to permit the felling of two sycamores and ash tree are undetermined.
It all looks lovely and thankyou so much again. We really are thrilled and would highly reccomend you. Claire & Shane, Gravesend
Paul trading on a good reputation Contact Paul on
01227 713995 or 07719 848 115 PAUL DALE
A big thank you to all my previous customers Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk Town 29
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