Fewer people looking for work


THE number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Maidstone has dropped, ac- cording to latest figures released by the Of- fice of National Statistics (ONS). The number receiving JSA has fallen by 214,500 since this time last year, including 66 in Maidstone, a fall of 3.2%. Across the UK, the number of unem- ployed people in the UK dropped by 18,000 between June and August. The newswas welcomed by politicians of


all parties in the town with Maidstone Council leader Chris Garland, a Conserva- tive, saying: “A combination of an improv- ing national picture for the UK economy


Search for lost


boundary stones THEhuntisonfor Yalding’s lost boundary markers. Despite extensive research by historian Alison Cresswell, she and her team of volunteers have only succeeded in finding 28 of a possible 60 stones used to mark the ancient parish boundary. The ancient ceremony of “beating the bounds” used to take place at Rogationtide – 40 days after Easter – when vil- lagers, led by the parish priest, would walk the village bound- ary, stopping at the stones to pray for protection and seek God’s blessing on the fields and crops. The tradition goes back more


than 1,000 years, but died out in the 19th century, as formal maps came into being. Alison, from Blunden Lane,


beat the bounds herself on Sep- tember 17. She used the 1841 Tithe Map to check the location of the original parish boundary and early Ordnance Survey maps to locate some of the stones. But, despite searching for more than two years, fewer than half of the stones have been located. She said: “They may have


been in the way of modern farming methods and been re- moved or could simply be over- grown and hard to spot.” She is hoping an annual cere-


mony could eventually be re- vived.


and the proactive approach that this coun- cil has taken, in partnership with local busi- nesses, to focus on helping to create a positive environment for Maidstone busi- nesses, is now beginning to bring rewards through more jobs becoming available for local residents. “The council must continue on the path


of economic development to complement and support this government's desire for economic growth and job creation. There are few things worse for a family or an in- dividual than being out of work, with no prospect of work.” His sentiments were echoed by Jasper


THE Heart of Kent Hospice has appointed a tem- porary chief executive to oversee the charity’s af- fairs pending the recovery of Kate Bosley. Vicki Morrey has been brought in on a tempo-


Gerard, Lib Dem spokesman for Maidstone and the Weald, who said: “The fall in peo- ple claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Maidstone and the Weald is a hugely wel- come sign and shows that our economy is recovering with people returning to work.” But he warned “We must remain focused


on creating jobs and ensuring that all hard- working people benefit from the recovery.” Mr Gerard said that Lib Dems in Govern-


ment had helped to create a million jobs and over a million apprenticeships. “Jobs are crucial to building a stronger economy in a fairer society that allows everyone to get on in life,” he said.


Hospice appoints temporary chief executive He said: “The executive team kept things tick-


rary contract in the absence of Mrs Bosley, who was seriously injured in February while cycle training in Tenerife. Kate (50) had raised over £10,000 in the past for


the hospice where she worked, by participating in long distance cycling events. After spending someweeks in intensive care in


Tenerife, Mrs Bosley was flown home to Maid- stone, where she continues to recover ‘at her own pace’ according to a hospice spokesman.


ing over in the short term but it was necessary to appoint an interim CEO to manage the charity in her absence and to give Kate time to recover at her own pace and in her own time until she decides to come back – if she decides to come back.” A native of Yorkshire, Kate worked at Demelza House Children’s Hospice before returning to the HOKH where she had worked on the wards as clinical manager shortly after its opening in 1991. Vicki (56) has worked at several hospices around the UK, including Prospect Hospice, Swindon, London’s Trinity Hospice and St David’s Hospice, Newport, Gwent.


Application put in for solar farm


A FORMAL application to build a solar farm in Staplehurst has been received by Maidstone Council. Vogt Solar Ltd, which tested the water in July


with a scoping opinion application, this month submitted a full proposal for a 20.5-hectare de- velopment at Great Pagehurst Farm, east of Mar- den and west of Staplehurst. Shirley Roche, whose home would overlook


the 2mhigh rows of photovoltaic solar panels, if approved, says news of the company’s applica- tion – despite opposition – realised all her fears. She said: “I really fear that we will not be lis-


tened to. It appears there are dozens of applica- tions to pepper farmland across Kent with solar panels in this way. “Farmland should stay farmland. I’d rather


shiver to death than starve.” Mrs Roche says a Facebook page and a Google


group have already been formed to fight the ap- plication for the solar farm on arable land bor- dered by Park Road to thewest, Marden Road to the north and Pagehurst Road to the south. However, Vogt Solar Ltd says some 57% of


people who completed a questionnaire at its public exhibition at Staplehurst School were supportive of the plans. In response to feedback, the company has moved some solar panels away from the south east corner of the site and is proposing addi- tional planting along the southern boundary. If approved, some of the land beneath the solar panels would also be sown with wildflowers to encourage biodiversity. Hedgerows and trees would also be enhanced and homes for hedge- hogs, birds and bats would be introduced. If approved, the solar farm – which would generate power for about 4,200 homes – could take as little as eight weeks to build. View the application (ref: 13/1456) and com- ment at http://planning.maidstone.gov.uk.


Police chief announces retirement


KENT Police Chief Constable Ian Learmonth has an- nounced that he will be leaving in January after three yearswith the force. Mr Learmonth plans to retire after a 40-


year career, beginning with Essex Police as acadetandlater withStrathclydePoliceand the Norfolk Constabulary before joining Kent. Kent Police & Crime Commissioner Ann


Barnes paid tribute to his “dedication, pro- fessionalism, commitment and leadership skills”. She said: “During his time in Kent, he has


not only had to deal with the pressures con- sidered normal for such a high rank, but he has had to lead the force through a period of unprece- dented change relating to themost severebudget cut- backs in living memory.


30 South “Anyone connected with the policing family of Kent


will knowthat he has managed these challengeswith great skill and, despitethepressures, hasal- ways maintained the respect, and indeed the affection, of those in the force and the wider community.” Mr Learmonth said: “Forty years’ public


service isasignificantmilestone,andagood time to reflect. The timing of retirement is not an easy thing to think about, but I have decided to do so in January. The force has the best officers and staff I have ever come across – totally dedicated in their duty to protecting and serving the public. “I leave with immense feelings of pride in


what they have achieved inmy three and a half years as chief constable, and tohave had the honour to lead Kent Police has been both humbling and inspiring”.


Town Hall closure


ONGOING works to spruce up Maidstone Town Hall have moved from the outside in. Scaffolding was erected around the building a few months ago, while contractors cleaned the stonework, redeco- rated and repaired the roof. Now, the clean-up operation


has gone indoors, closing the main council chamber for up to seven weeks. Work to restore the impressive Rococo ceiling, which has been damaged by water, started on October 2. Until the work is complete, council meetings will be held at County Hall, and committees will meet in the Town Hall or Maidstone Gateway.


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