LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


thought of more revenue, but this is one place they should leave alone permanently. Andy Holbrook, Birch TreeWay, Maidstone


Editor’s comment: This enabling residential development is not proposed in Mote Park. It is proposed on four acres of the privately- owned but endangered 24-acreMote Cricket Club site to enable improvements to a fad- ing sports ground, including a replacement for the 100-year-old pavilion to help sustain the site and the sports clubs using it. One hope is a return of the town’s annual county cricket festival, discontinued by Kent CCC after 2005 due to inadequacies of the site.


Give town some direction Dear Sir – I permitted myself a wry smile when reading in the Downs Mail of Cllr Malcolm Greer’s grandiose plans for at- tracting visitors to spend money in Maid- stone, including “signs around the town to help visitors find attractions”. First, they have to find the town if com-


ing from the west along the A228 and A26. Maidstone doesn’t appear on the major route direction sign at the A26 Mereworth roundabout. Despite spending nearly £4m of local tax- payers money on the much-needed upgrade to the town centre, councillors Chris Gar- land, Eric Hotson andMikeHogg have been aware of this KCC highways error for some considerable time but have chosen not to fight for the town. In fact, Cllr Hotson gave an incredibly pa-


thetic reason for sitting on his hands and doing nothing, despite professing to love the town. He said that there was not a prob-


You can write to us at: Downs Mail, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT or e-mail: info@downsmail.co.uk


lem as nobody had asked his friends who live in the area for directions! A comment more suitable on Monty Python than from a long-standing KCC and Maidstone Borough councillor. Incidentally, on another item in the Downs Mail, I believe Maidstone Council received a £1m lump sum on completion of the Lockmeadow development, in addition to the new agricultural hall, car park and leisure attraction in the centre of town. How come only £140k is to come from the Next development, which goes against the Local Plan? Are our councillors just incompetent or is there another agenda? Steve Russell, Matfield Crescent, Vinters Park


Hospital deserves credit Dear Sir – I feel compelled to write to ex- pressmy praise for MaidstoneHospital’s ac- cident and emergency department. My wife tripped and fell on a bad pave-


ment, which resulted in the hospital visit. From the offset the receptionist was pleas- ant, 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 Cardiac Investigation Unit. It would be easier if recorders could be returned to hos- pital reception to save patients long walks. It is almost impossible to park nearby, and many patients travel by bus. Barbara Betteridge, Dickens Road, Maidstone


Village school praised THERE was praise for the headteacher of Laddingford Primary School, when Ofsted inspectors said it was extremely well led and had seen substantial improvements in the quality of teaching. The school was rated good by Ofsted, an improvement from satisfactory at its previ- ous inspection. As well as teaching, pupils’ behaviour


and achievement was said to have im- proved. Teaching was particularly good in the reception class, where pupils made rapid gains during their first year in school. Pupils behaved well, enjoyed school and attendance had improved. They felt safe and valued, and got on well with each other. Pupils’ progress was accelerating in all


year groups, and standards were rising. To achieve an outstanding rating, there needed to be more outstanding teaching and pupils needed more time to respond to guidance. Some lessons needed to be more interesting and opportunities should be taken to extend learning.


Homes at roofing centre A PLANNING application has been submit- ted to replace the two buildings at Langley Roofing Centre in Leeds Road, Langley, with six detached homes. Therewould be five five-bedroom houses,


each with a double garage, and a further four-bedroom house. There would also be 12 parking spaces. Applicant Swift & Styles says the pro-


posal, which will be determined by Maid- stone Council, would be designed to ensure there are no adverse effects at Hazeldene, the nearest property to the development.


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