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Village road re-opens at last
THE main road through Leeds was reopened on May 31. The B2163 road through the vil-
lage – used by numerous com- muters as a short cut from the south of Maidstone to the north, avoiding the town centre – has been closed to traffic since a large sink hole appeared in November last year. The hole, close to a gas main and
a row of four cottages, has caused chaos for residents who now want to see the weight limit of vehicles passing through the village re- duced to 7.5 tonnes. Locals had been holding a high- visibility ‘lorrywatch’campaign in the months prior to the hole ap- pearing and are concerned the large number of HGVs using the road could have contributed to its demise. KCC has formally proposed in- troducing the traffic regulation order to reduce theweight limit on the road through Leeds and Lang- ley, but, as part of the public con-
sultation process, is keen to hear the views of businesses which could be affected, after an outcry followed a similar restriction being introduced in and around Yalding last year. John Burr, director of highways
and transportation at KCC, said: “The ground conditions around Leeds are known to exhibit deep localised crevices known as fis- sures. “The ground above is generally
quite stable however external fac- tors can trigger a collapse.” However, Mr Burr said he did
not believe the prevalence of HGVs had been to blame. KCC’s consultation about the possible introduction of a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the B2163 ends on June 6. The resurfacing of Willington
Street, which was due to start im- mediately after the re-opening of the B2163, will now start on July 28, to coincide with the school hol- idays and so limit disruption.
Council officer retires
LONG-serving local government officer Steve Goulette has retired from Maidstone Council. Steve joined the council 11 years ago from Shepway District Council.
Whilst at Maidstone his roles in- cluded waste and recycling, street-cleaning, litter and fly- tipping, parking services and business liaison. His final role was as assistant
director for environment and regulatory services, but he also worked with Cllr Malcolm Greer supporting local business and encouraging inward invest- ment. David Edwards, director of environment and shared services, said:
Steve Goulette and Gary Stevenson
“Steve contributed to many successful council projects including our food waste collection, the Parkwood depot and the joint waste collection with Ashford and Swale councils, which saves taxpayers £1 million a year.” The council has appointed Gary Stevenson as shared head of environ-
ment and street scene, who will work across Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
Cricket coaching for youngsters
MAIDSTONE'S leading cricket club, The Mote, is launching a nurs- ery scheme to develop young players. Senior players are leading evening coaching sessions for under 13s
(Tuesdays at 6.30pm) and under 15s (Fridays at 6.30). Club captain Alex Fordham said: “This is the start of a scheme to
cover coaching and cricket for all age groups from seven.We plan to build up this season and next.” The club, which fields competition teams in the older age groups,
will run the nursery from the new Mote Youth Sports Centre in the renovated Tabernacle building next to the main pavilion. For details, contact
huffers4@virginmedia.com or telephone 01622 664721. The Mote is the venue for the Maidstone Primary Schools Kwik Cricket Competition, run by Phil Pass, on Monday June 9.
CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service
ASK DEBBIE........ for help, advice and assistance
Dear Debbie,
I have been caring for my sister who has learning disabilities for the past 3 years. Much though I love her, things can get on top of me sometimes and then I need a break. I would really like to get away for a week with my husband and children but am worried about leaving my sister. I’m a bit anxious about residential care so I was wondering if “home care” could help? Kind Regards,
Alexandra P Dear Alexandra,
Round the clock –or even just frequent and regular - care work can be exhausting, so it is not at all surprising that you feel that you need a break every now and then.
Many home care agencies will offer a respite service that can be anything from 15 minute visits to check on well-being, right through to 24hr live in care. A well- resourced agency should be able to profile a short list of suitable Care Workers to match your sister’s interests and then introduce potential Care Workers to your sister to ensure she is involved in the creation of her care package and to make sure she is comfortable with the particular Care Worker selected.
A few “trial run visits” beforehand during which you are initially present can build confidence that things will work when the time for your break arrives – which means that you will be able to relax properly and get the full benefit.
Home care works really well for respite breaks – but it takes a little planning!
Kind Regards, Debbie Moulton, Care Manager, Bluebird Care
How Bluebird Care can help with you or your loved ones:
• Help with getting up or going to bed
• Personal Hygiene • Cleaning the home • Preparing Meals • Assist with medication • Overnight Care
• Washing or Ironing • Shopping
• Sightseeing or leisure activities • 24hr Live-in-care
• Trips to see friends or relatives
MAIDSTONE • 01622 809530
maidstone@bluebirdcare.co.uk
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/maidstone Maidstone South June 2014
15
If you have a question that you would like to ask Debbie then please email her at
debbie@bluebirdcare.co.uk
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