News


Pets ‘victims of downturn’


CATS and dogs – even rabbits – have become the latest victims of our “throwaway society”. Statistics from the RSPCAat Ley- bourne reveal how the economic downturn has hit man’s alleged best friend, but there’s also a huge increase in the number of cats, rab- bits and other small animals being brought in by inspectors. The cattery – which can accom- modate up to 72 cats and kittens – is bursting at the seams, with cats being sent out to private catteries until they can be re-homed. Manager Christine Dooley has


never had to have an animal put down in her 18 years at Leybourne, but says the situation is getting in- creasingly difficult. The RSPCA can no longer accept animals from individuals – such as divorcing couples – as the influx from inspectors is already so high. She said: “Sadly, every species is suffering as a result of our throw- away society. People get cats or rab- bits, believing them to be more independent and less time-con- suming than dogs, but then neglect


things like routine health care or pet insurance, which leads to costly vets’ bills. “Owners who let their un- neutered cats roam free can expect a greater incidence of injury, often from fighting, as they seek to find a mate, and also get diseases from abscesses and fleas, to the more routine ticks andworms. “The cats then go on to produce


litters of kittens, and so it goes on.” “People end up with a multi-cat household and find they just can- not cope any more.”


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St Augustine Academy, Oakwood Road, Maidstone, ME16 8AE 01622 752490 


BUSINESS could soon be boom- ing in Maidstone, with a surge in the provision of hot-desking for small business owners. Union23 has just launched its


first co-working space in Union Street, offering members a work- ing space from as little as £30 a month, with a desk, wi-fi, a board- room and meeting facilities. As well as the shared office


space, there is also a limited num- ber of “anchor” member offices, with space for up to six people for £700 a month. Union23’s founder, Jonnie Jensen, said: “A co-working com-


Your ideas for


better borough MAIDSTONE residents and busi- nesses are being asked for ideas as to how the council can improve its local services. If there is something going on


in your area that affects a number of residents or people working in the area, the borough overview and scrutiny committees would like to hear about it. Email osc@maidstone.gov.uk or call 01622 602524 and explain what the issue is and who it affects.


downsmail.co.uk Office space for members


munity is a great environment to grow your business.” Union23 is designed to encour-


age sole traders, remote workers, teleworkers and small start-up businesses to collaborate and grow together. As well as the op- portunity to network with other members, members have access to a range of discounts from several other Maidstone businesses. Prices range from £30 a month,


for one day a week, to £160 a month for a permanent, full-time fixed desk – still much cheaper than renting an office and paying utility bills on top.


Travel award


BALDWINS Travel Group, which has a store in Earl Street, Maid- stone, was voted national travel agent of the year 2014 at the indus- try’s Agent Achievement Awards. The firm also picked up the travel agent of the year prize for London and the South East.


SMART move


THE chairman of SMART (South Maidstone Action for Roads and Transport) is to be invited to give a talk to Tovil Parish Council follow- ing discussions about whether it would be advantageous for Tovil to be formally involved in the group.


‘believe in more 10 Maidstone Town June 2014


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