News Keeping river
festival afloat Continued from page one
nothing against the idea of a car- nival. I’ve lived in Maidstone all my life and remember them well, but the river festival has become a tradition too.” Mark contacted the festival’s previous organiser, Martin Cox, to advise him of their plans. Instead of receiving a let- ter of support, Mark was of- fered a breakdown of the rules and regulations – and the costs. Mark said: “This is just going
to be a gathering of boats – no fireworks, no entertainment, just people sailing into Maid- stone and mooring up for a big social event.” Visitors are expected from as
far away as the Thames and Essex, with a flotilla from Can- vey Island Yacht Club and an- other from Medway Bridge Marina at Cuxton. TheMedway River Boaters’ Facebook page has more than 130 fans, and up- dates on its page drew more than 3,600 hits in just oneweek. Mark said: “Word about this
year’s proposal has spread like wildfire. There is no reason why it shouldn’t be a great success.”
downsmail.co.uk
Parish objects to solar plan on third hearing
STAPLEHURST Parish Council’s planning committee has objected to a plan for a solar farm in the vil- lage after considering the pro- posal for the third time. It will now recommend that Maidstone Council, which will de- termine the decision, does likewise. Shirley Roche, whose home over-
looks the proposed 20.5-hectare solar site at Great Pagehurst Farm, Pagehurst Road, said: “I really want to thank the chairman of the parish planning committee, Paul
Butcher, for having the integrity to re-visit this important application in light of new information and to overturn the previous U-turn.” The council had initially agreed
to object and then recommend the application for approval, after changes by the applicants, Vogt Solar. On the third occasion the debate centred on new reports about the potential glare and noise from the solar farm. Councillors also heard from seven members of the public,
all of whom objected. Parish council chairman John
Perry said: “This is such a highly sensitive issue and such a major change to the village that the ma- jority of councillors were in agree- ment that they wished to re-address the whole issue in the light of new information and the strong views of local people, both for and against.” The planning committee voted 5-
4 against approving the applica- tion.
Leap of faith to help big cats
DAREDEVIL big cat fan Tanith Brown is taking to the skies above Head- corn to raise cash for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation at Smarden. Tanith (44), from Downswood,
who worked for the Downs Mail be- fore taking a marketing and fundraising job for the charity, is hoping her friends will sponsor her to freefall from 14,000ft above the sanctuary on April 30. She said: “It’s the scariest thing
I’ve ever done, but I’d do anything for the cats.” Tanith will be joined on the dive by
head keeper Becci Porter, who lives on site, to raise funds to refurbish the snow leopard enclosure. The jump is sponsored by Head-
corn Skydive Centre, including Head- corn Parachute Club, Symbiosis Suits and SkyDive Headcorn. To donate, go to
www.justgiving.com/Tanith- Brown
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