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.”
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 on 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 vary 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.
Polytunnels
accepted RETROSPECTIVE permission was granted to erect an additional six hectares of polytunnels for straw- berry production at Arnold Farm, Back Street, Leeds. Maidstone Council granted plan-
ning consent to George Charlton and Sons on condition of new hedge planting on the boundaries of Seymours Oast. The council also said that the polytunnels should be removed if the land was not used for soft fruit production for more than two years in a row.
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