New agreement for museum
Continued from page one
town.” There is also a proposal to invest in new attractions for the site if a suitable business case can be provided. A report to the CMEC com- mittee states: “The charity’s technical, legal and financial officers are satisfied that these arrangements represent the best deal given the complicated cir- cumstances and, if agreed, will allow the Kent Life visitor at- traction to remain in operation with the improved likelihood of future success. “In addition, CMET will re-
gain control of the site and other adjacent land. The pro- posal provides a benefit for both parties and is considered to be the best way forward.” In the meantime, the commit-
tee has also asked the Charity Commission for its views on the implications of selling off an 8.8 hectare parcel of land – which includes the Rural Mu- seum – to raise funds for the trust while freeing up a site for potential future employment. A second report to the com- mittee states: “Allocating the land now does not commit the charity to developing the site, but doing so would keep its op- tions open.”
IT firm’s work ‘may go abroad’
THE managing director of a large software company in Maidstone says he will out- source work to eastern Europe after he was “warned” byMaid- stone Council not to expand. Giles Smith (36) says he dis- cussed with the council his plans to create 100 new jobs at G-Forces in Caring Lane, near Thurnham. He said: “We met with the council’s chief executive, Ali- son Broom, and a planning offi- cer for a pre-application meeting to discuss the feasibil- ity of expanding the business again and they were very sup- portive, but we were warned that any further expansion was likely to be met with some re- sistance.” The business in Caring Lane, which produces internet soft- ware for the automotive indus- try, now says extra work will be out-sourced abroad. The companywill also inform
local schools that due to limited space it will no longer be able to
CAROLINE Bay has been given planning permission to replace a Tarmac drivewaywith cobble- stone at 1 Church Villas, Church Street, Loose. She explained that the cob- blestone -effect pavers would be
provide placements for students from the end of this year. Mr Smith (pictured) said the company’s plans to expand the business in 2006, 2010 and 2012 had been met with local opposition, but were eventually approved. “Our last ex- pansion plan took 18 months to get through, and cost £100,000 in consultants’ fees.We feel that with the potential for any fresh application to take even longer and cost, perhaps, a couple of hundred thousand, that money and time could be better in- vested sourcing outside of the UK, to suppliers we already have in Eastern Europe.” “It goes against the grain, for someone born and bred in Maidstone, but makes sense at this point in time.” Mr Smith, one of three broth- ers behind the business and a
Cobblestone driveway approved
used, then brushed with kiln- dried sand. “This returns the frontage to a design more in keeping with the property’s heritage, when goods were placed outside the front of the shop.”
former pupil of Maidstone Gram- mar, said he was disappointed that it seemed the company could not rely on all-party sup- port from the borough council to expand, given the jobs that would be created in the area, and he has written to the council set- ting out what he sees as “the cost” to the local economy. “We have done everything to ensure we are virtually unseen here, and I would have hoped ttere would be greater political support for what we are trying to achieve here in terms of work and for the local economy. “As a white collar company
and Maidstone’s fastest growing business,we are just the kind of company that Maidstone says it is looking for.” Mr Smith said the company, which is expected to turn over £15m this year,will re-direct its growth to its satellite offices in Coventry and Newcastle, where both councils have been sup- portive. It also plans to open an office in Dubai.
Bargain time BAG a bargain at Maidstone Mencap’s jumble sale at 3pm on Saturday, October 12, at Cobtree Hall, Mote Park (School Lane,Willington Street entrance), Maidstone. For more details, contact Les- ley on 01622 892433.
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