Hanged pensioner feared bedroom tax


A MAIDSTONE pensioner frightened of losing his home under the Government’s new “bedroom tax” scheme hanged him- self, aMaidstone inquest heard. Charles Barden (74), known as Charlie to


his friends, was found dead at his home in South Park Road by worried neighbours. An inquest heard that Mr Barden, a wid-


ower, had a number of worries, one of which was the possibility of losing his three-bedroom home following the intro- duction of the Government’s bedroom tax. He had been widowed for 19 years, but


his home was just as it was when his wife Sadie was alive. Her clothes were hanging in the wardrobe and her belongings were still in the drawers, police told Mid-Kent andMedway Coroner Patricia Harding. In a statement to the court, stepdaughter


Kim Drury said that a month previously, someone from the council had been round to discuss the removal of the polystyrene tiles and the retired groundsman had got the impression the council was trying to get him out of the property. Welfare reforms mean housing benefit claimants may have their payments cut if they have one or more spare bedrooms –


£450 bill for failing to clear


but the changes only apply to people of working age. Mr Barden’s childhood friend, Alvar Cloughton, told police he visited his friend for coffee once or twice a week. “Someone from the council had been


round and he was concerned about losing his home,” he said. Mr Barden’s stepdaughter, Alison Whit-


Friends and neighbours described Mr Barden as a very active man, whowas always out and about and busy gardening. Although he was retired, he still did somework at the Ridge Golf Club, East Sutton, in exchange for games of golf.


tington, told the inquest she and her two sisters, Kim and Teresa, were not aware that Mr Barden had any financial worries, but after he died they discovered he had very little money in his bank account. He had sold his car and had taken out a


loan for £1,000 – but they had no idea why, as he had made no significant purchases. Kim and Teresa had sat down with him and tried to see if he might be entitled to any benefits, but he was reluctant to discuss his


Boxer Olly a knockout in


up after dog A MAIDSTONE woman who failed to clear up after her dog has got a bill for £450 and a criminal record. Residents in Freshland Road


were so fed up with the serial offender that they reported her to Maidstone council’s eEnvi- ronmental enforcement team, one of whom spotted her not clearing up after her dog. MaidstoneMagistrates’ Court


heard that when approached, the woman ran to a nearby flat. After several weeks of investi- gation, she was seen again and, with the help of police, her de- tails were obtained. Magistrates found the woman


guilty in her absence of allow- ing her dog to foul a public place and not picking up after it. She was fined £135 with £300 costs and a £20 surcharge. Irresponsible dog owners can


be reported as part of Maid- stone council’s “Responsi- bleK9” initiative on 01622 602202.


debut fight on TV show A YOUNG boxer from Allington has made an exciting debut in the Queensbury Boxing League by knocking out London opponent Joey Pirotta. Just a minute in to the fight, light middleweight prospect Olly Lawrence (21)announced hisarrival with adevastating righthandto the chin of theexperienced Londoner, sending him crashing to the canvas. Talkingafter his victory, Lawrence said, “ Thathas to


be thebest feeling inmy lifeever, and it could nothave gone any better.” Lawrence’s knockout win was due to be shown on


satellite channel British Eurosport. Queensbury co-promoter Ross Minter, who himself


’Allo ’Allo by The Chandeliers Drama Group


affairs, she said. On November 13 last year, a neighbour


saw his hanged body through a window. When police forced entry, they found re- ceipts, a newspaper and lottery ticket dated November 9 and 10. When another friend called on November 12, he failed to get an answer from Mr Barden. Although Mr Barden did not leave a note, stepdaughter Kim Drury thought it signifi- cant that her stepfather was found dead 19 years to the day since her mother died. Detective Sergeant Sophia Keeling said:


“He missed his wife terribly and it was very apparentwhenwe searched the house that a lot of her belongings were still there. You would believe that two people still lived in the house.” In recording an open conclusion, the coroner said: “He was concerned he may lose his house because of the changes in the benefit system, he had health concerns and he had not really got over the death of his wife.


“Although I am satisfied that he sus- pended himself, which was the cause of death, the evidence as to his intentions is unclear.”


Young boxer Olly Lawrence (white shorts) lands a punch on Joey Pirotta


was a world title challenger, said: “Olly has speed, power and all the skills needed to be a champion in this competition.We look forward to seeing him in ac- tion again on the showvery soon.”


Cast embraces challenges of popular TV show JOHN


WHEN a popular television show is transferred to the stage it does present problems for the director. In ’Allo ’Allo, there are 15


scene changes. The Chande- liers had a pretty effective back stage team, butwe still did see a lot of them. Director Geraldine Boorman


didn’t even try to change every- thing on the stage for each


A NEW project has been launched to give the public greater involvement in waterways schemes in theMaidstone area. An action plan, using ideas from landowners,


local authorities and users, will be drawn up first, with the first stretch of water under the mi- croscope being the River Len and Loose stream (pictured). Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and


the Environment Agency areworking together to produce the action plan, which will contain practical actions, volunteering opportunities and workshops for landowners that people can get involved with to achieve great things for the river’swildlife and for the peoplewho use them. The project’s Mary Tate said: “We would like to hear from landowners, parish councils, home-


MUNSON SHOW TIME


scene. Edith and Rene’sbed- room worked very well - the set and costumes were excellent and the lighting in Larkfield Village Hall worked well. Sandra Stanley’s Edith was par- ticularly convincing, and Mar-


tyn Mitchell’s Gruber caught the fun of the piece as did Adrian Cheesman’s Bertorelli. Roger Boorman, as Rene, car- ried a huge responsibility for the success or otherwise of this production. He came alive in the second act and obviously enjoyed the part. In a huge cast, everyone worked hard in what was a touring show. The Chandeliers deserve credit for presenting this play.


Invitation to get involved in river projects


owners, user groups and anyone who has an in- terest in the River Len or Loose stream; this is the public’s opportunity to get involved; we are interested in hearing as many ideas as possible to help the rivers achieve their full potential.” Free site visits are also being offered to people


who own a bit of the River Len or Loose stream, when there will be a chance to discuss possible projects. For details visit www.medwayvalley.org. To arrange a site visit or for an information leaflet, contact Mary Tate at mary.tate@kent.gov.uk or call 683695.  The partnership will also be working on the River Bourne, Ditton/East Malling stream, and the River Beult, as well as smaller tributaries on the River Medway.


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