News Broadband
plea to BT HOLLINGBOURNE has renewed its call to internet users to back its petition calling on BT to provide better broadband services in rural areas. The parish council plea comes
less than three months before the petition closes and follows the com- munications company’s latest TV campaign for BT Sport, which has angered many by advertising it as free to BT subscribers. But with download speeds as
low as .5MB in Hollingbourne, it remains out of reach for many, as users require a speed 20 times that currently provided in many vil- lages to access it. Hollingbourne parish councillor
John Cobbett, who initiated the on- line petition – which has so far been backed by more than 200 people – said: “BT Sport needs a download speed of 10MB, which means most country dwellers cannot access it. “Last year, BT paid its outgoing chairman some £10 million and has received money from the Govern- ment to improve the rural broad- band access, but it is simply not happening.” To add your name to the petition,
go to
epetitions.direct.gov.uk/peti- tions/48922
downsmail.co.uk
‘Café culture’ idea to enhance street scene
COUNCILLORS in Maidstone are praying for a sunny summer as they look at turning Earl Street into the hub of the town’s café cul- ture.
Plans to improve the paving and extend pedestrian-only areas, to allow the expansion of tables and chairs into the street scene, are among items being discussed by the council in conjunction with landlords and tenants. Initial draft ideas include changes to how – and when – traf- fic is allowed access to Earl Street. Affected businesses have been
VILLAGERS from Hollingbourne were invited to their twin town Templeuve, in France, to mark Re- membrance Day. The group went to the village square, where the town’s digni- taries and band gathered to march to the cemetery and war graves. Following a return to the war me- morial for speeches, there was a champagne reception, attended by
asked for their input. Local traders, councillors and of-
ficers came up with ideas during a meeting at the Hazlitt Theatre. Maidstone Council’s head of en- vironment and public realm, Steve Goulette, said: “The meetingwas to discuss some initial concepts and
Villagers guests of twin town
most of the town. The Hollingbourne visitors toured the town and its windmill before a seven-course lunch. Un- fortunately they had to leave be- fore the end of the party to catch the shuttle back to England. John Cobbett and Derek Davi-
son were thanked for organising the trip, which they hope to repeat next year.
gather comments. We will then consult on the detailed design. “The aim is to improve the café culture and remove non-essential traffic.” Mr Goulette said the councilwas seeking to replace paving and re- view traffic access. He added: “The funding will come forward as new development takes place.” The project is part of wider im-
provements planned for the town, to include Gabriels Hill and Week Street. Consultation in those areas will start later in February or March.
Discs thief jailed
A30-YEAR-OLDwomanwas jailed after admitting stealing CDs and DVDs from a shop in King Street, Maidstone. Anna Violo, ofWillington Street,
was sentenced to four weeks in prison by Mid Kent magistrates. Because the offencewas committed during a suspended sentence, the jail termwas increased to 10weeks.
Sweeney Todd Barbershop FREE
Traditional & Modern Hairstyles £5
Free Parking OAPs
Boys to 16 £6 Man
£7
HAIRCUT EVERY WEEK
Mon- Fri 9.00 - 6.00
Wed CLOSED Sat 8.00 - 3.00 Farmers Market Sunday 10 - 1pm
Now with 3 barbers
Located in The Cornerhouse, Lenham Village Square (Behind Immy Blingy) Tel 07734 950329
10 Maidstone East February 2014
Could it be you?
are giving away one
We
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48