News
MPtakes on pharmacy bid
THE health secretary has been asked to intervene and push through a plan for an independ- ent pharmacy near Leybourne’s medical centre. It follows what some describe as
a David and Goliath battle be- tween pharmacist Sunil Chan- darana and three of the area’s big dispensing chains. Leybourne Parish Council sup-
ports Mr Chandarana’s plan to open a pharmacy in the parade of shops in Oxley Shaw Lane and has spoken out about objections from Paydens in Larkfield, Boots in West Malling and Tesco’s in Lunsford Lane, who say it would be too close to them. Cllr Bob Ulph, chairman of Ley- bourne Parish Council, told a re- cent NHS appeal that Leybourne has a large number of elderly peo- ple, young mums and non-drivers who need somewhere they can walk to to pick up prescriptions, as in other areas. But, both the NHS Litigation Au-
thority and an appeal panel have now rejected the plan. However, the council has said it
won’t give up and has asked local MP Sir John Stanley to get in- volved. He has taken it up with the Secretary of State for Health, Je- remy Hunt. Sir John told the Downs Mail: “I consider that Leybourne Parish Council, together with my con- stituents in the Leybourne area, have made a compelling case for the establishment of a pharmacy in Leybourne and I strongly support the establishment of such a phar- macy.” He has now asked the health secretary to exercise his reserve statutory powers to overturn the decision by the NHS Litigation Authority and approve the phar- macy in Leybourne. Sir John has also asked what re-
dress is available to the parish council, which claims its support- ing evidence was “disregarded by the NHS panel and appeal board”.
downsmail.co.uk Riverside run raises funds
FLAMBOYANT fundraisers ran along the banks of the River Medway to raise money for Cancer Research. Helen Grant, MP
for Maidstone and theWeald and Minis- ter for Sport, joined the merry band of al- most 150 runners for the third year of the Maidstone Riverside Run and presented the prizes. The run is organ-
ised by Staplehurst resident Caron Holden in memory of her mother Sandra Briffa, who lost her own fight with the disease in 2010. The run raised £3,000 last year and itwas hoped this year’s eventwould
Helen Grant with organiser Caron Holden and two of the more flamboyant runners at the finish line
exceed that. It starts with a train journey from Maidstone to Watering- bury and competitors run the 8.6k riverside path back, finishing in Maid- stone town centre. Helen said: “Caron’s event is a marvellous example of communities working together, having really healthy fun and raising much needed money for charity. Iwas so pleased that theweatherwas utterly glorious”.
Come along for tea and chat
AYLESARA will be meeting in the Community Centre, Aylesford, at 2pm on Thursday, July 24. It is a group of lively retired/semi-retired people and is open to anyone over the age of 55. There is no obligation to join ony- our first visit.
There will be a talk by Margaret
Wood on her life as a magistrate and time to have a chat over a cup of tea and discover what outings, social events and interest groups are available to join. For more information please con- tact 01622 710734.
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www.downsmail.co.uk 14 Malling June 2014
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