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Parking spaces may be reduced


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mean more cars, and the council is being asked to provide over 19,000 new homes by 2031, he said. The council’s integrated trans-


port strategy will also look at im- proving walking and cycling facilities, promoting car sharing and improving flows around the town centre gyratory system – the bridges over the Medway. The councilwould also look at promot- ing greater use of the river. Apark and ride facility had been discounted near ParkWood, as this would lead to increased traffic in Brishing Lane and, ultimately, a need for road widening, said Mr Jarman. However, therewas the possibil-


ity of another facility at Blue Bell Hill, working in conjunction with Medway Council. Members heard there had been


no major transport improvements in Maidstone for almost 30 years, apart from those associated with the motorways. Cllr Dan Daley felt KCC should


be asked to take on responsibility for park and ride, as happened in other counties such as Oxfordshire and Essex. He said: “At present, the park and ride costs will fall on the


Maidstone tax payer – but this service is for the benefit of a much wider area.” Cllr Daley said hewas concerned


the council did not have the funds to fulfil the requirements of the in- tegrated transport strategy – but Mr Jarman said he was confident that development proposals due to be discussed later in February would support the infrastructure changes. There are already proposals in


the pipeline for the widening of Sutton Road, which would gives buses priority at peak times, al- though thiswas still a cause of dis- sent among members. After the February cabinet meet-


ing, the proposals will go out to public consultation. Cllr Brian Mortimer said he felt


the parishes around and including Linton should have been consulted in advance as the park and ride could have a significant impact on traffic flows in the area.  Thameslink trains will serve Maidstone East from 2018 and Mr Jarman said it was important for the council to work with other transport providers, as well as neighbouring local authorities such as Tonbridge and Malling.


Shelter scheme a success


LOCAL people have responded well to a Downs Mail appeal for food, clothes and donations to help the Maidstone Churches’ Winter Shel- ter campaign. MP Helen Grant helped launch


the appeal, along with Major Grayson Williams from the Salva- tion Army, with whom she is pic- tured. The eight-week project saw the homeless being cared for in differ- ent churches, manned by church members and other volunteers. It meant rough sleepers were


able to benefit from hospitality, a hot meal and overnight shelter. With further support from coun-


cillors and partner agencies, such as Porchlight and the Salvation Army, the campaign has also been able to


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Sycamores ‘damaging fence’


SHIELAGunter has applied to fell two sycamore trees in Holling- bourne. She says the proposal for Vine Cottage, 31-33 Eyhorne Street is necessary because one of the trees is causing “root and me- chanical damage” to a neigh- bour’s fence,while the other has


a cavity and “appears to be dan- gerous”. Her application form said:


“Trees are poor specimens with multiple stems from about 2m and have little amenity value.” Maidstone Council will deter- mine the conservation area ap- plication.


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Find us on Maidstone East February 2014 5


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