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 news waswelcomed 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


Party proposal A COMPANY offering chil- dren’s parties may replace an industrial unit at 48 Wheeler Street, Maidstone. Janet Swannell-Holroyd has lodged a planning application for Funky Footsteps at the site, which was previously a dance school and carpet warehouse. Funky Footsteps offers two-


hour dance parties for children aged three to 11. “There are no other similar


party venues locally (only soft play centre, bowling parties and princess parties) and will therefore help boost the local economy), said a supporting statement. Maidstone Council will de- termine the change of use ap- plication.


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


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.


Looking forward to brighter Christmas


THERE will be two separate Christmas light switch-ons in Maidstone. The main switch-on, to be performed


by theMayor of MaidstoneCllrCliveEng- lish and the cast of the Hazlitt pan- tomime,will takeplace in JubileeSquare at6pmonFriday,November15. The High Street will be closed to all traffic from 4.30pm to 7pm. Last year’s “futuristic” tree (left) is


going to be placed in Lower High Street, where the new paving should be com- plete, while this year’s newtree – stand- ing 10 metres high – will be the focal point of the celebration. The second will take place on Thurs-


day, November 21 at Fremlin Walk to mark the beginning of the late night shopping season. The council set aside more than £74,000 from last year’s budget under-


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spend for Christmas lights improvement and the scheme has been extended to bring sparkle to more areas of the town centre. Aswell asadramatic display inJubilee Square and the upper High Street, there will be new decorations in St Faith’s Street, Mill Street, Medway Street, the station end ofWeek Street, High Street, BishopsWay and Fairmeadow. These improvements will replace the


last of the old lights with low-energyLED lights, a project that started in 2007. Union Street, Pudding Lane, the upper


and lower High Street, and Barker Road will have the old lights replaced with low energy displays. There will be ongoing attractions for late-night shoppers in Fremlin Walk, in- cluding the likelihood of an appearance by a certain man in a red suit.


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