Bikes project off to racing start


A RECYCLING scheme for old bikes is being steered to success after being launched at Pilsdon at Malling.


Community helper Dennis, husband of Pilsdon’s chaplain, the Rev Pam Rink, was expecting “a dribble” of bikes to find their way to the project that was set up a few months ago.


But then the Downs Mail publicised the social enterprise that restores old bicycles to their former glory, and “suddenly we were flooded with bikes of every shape and size and condition,” said Dennis. “Instead of slowly finding its feet, Born-Again Bikes was launched into the world kicking and screaming and extremely well supported.”


The project has acquired a start-up grant of £300, along with £200 from a local church, to provide workshop equipment. A number of bikes have already been sold or swapped and more will soon be ready for sale. The repair service is also proving popular with local cyclists.


Dennis said: “Now comes the hard work, which involves stripping down the bikes, sorting and cleaning the parts that can be reused, and rebuilding the bikes into roadworthy machines. Of course, this is a long-term project and it will need all the ongoing support you can give. So please, next time you have to oil your chains or mend a puncture, think again about Born-Again Bikes.”


For more details, email pilsdon@pilsdonatmalling.org.uk


Time for the big picnic


A GREAT day out for all the family is promised at East Malling’s Picnic in the Park, which takes place during the late spring bank holiday weekend on Sunday, May 25.


Organisers East Malling Community Fayre and


Malling Rotary have built on the huge success of last year’s event to make this one even bigger and better.


The fun-packed programme will run at the village playing fields from 11am to 8pm and there will be a live music extravaganza starting at 1pm.


Attractions will include Beth’s dog show and competition, as well as raffle prizes, children’s rides, amusements and games. There will also be a tempting choice of food and drink with international food stalls and a beer tent.


Entry will be free and there’s a chance to win £200 in the lucky programme draw.


JANE AT THE HELM


JANE Marshall was voted as chairman for a further year at the annual meeting of West Malling Chamber of Commerce.


Her main business is the local Oracle which she set up with her cousin, Anna, in 2004.


The chamber is already starting work on the Christmas Festival but is also looking at how it can promote West Malling to ensure


it remains a vibrant community. The Chamber of Commerce meets on the last Tuesday of the month from 5.30pm and details are posted on its Facebook page (West Malling, Shops, Restaurants & Businesses). If you would like further information, please contact Jane via email


jane@thelocaloracle.co.uk or call 01732 521494.


Major gas main work in West Malling


On July 26, work will begin on replacing the gas main that runs in front of many West Malling High Street shops. The work is programmed to take up to18 weeks and contractors have agreed to arrange the work so shops do not lose the valuable Christmas trade. They are also discussing longer working hours on Saturdays to complete the work quickly. The section to be replaced runs from the West Street junction to the green on the library side, and from Abingdon House to Swan Street on the other side and a spur into the police station. On the library side much of the work will be done by threading the new pipe through the old one, avoiding digging up the pavement.


There will be no road closures but temporary traffic controls will be necessary to protect workers laying the pipes. Access to shops will be kept open and the farmers markets will continue as normal. There will be some temporary loss of on street car parking spaces as trenches are dug for the pipes. Contractors have agreed to leaflet affected houses and to make telephone numbers available for the crew bosses.


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