News


‘Roman finds’ at crossing site


ARCHAEOLOGISTS working on the site of theNewMedwayValley Crossing and PetersVillage project have found artefacts which could date back to the Roman era. Three teams of experts began their


investigation in May, ahead of the main construction project which in- cludes a bridge across the River Medway near Snodland, linking the A228 to a new development of 1,000 homes on the opposite bank. The “digs” are set to continue until the end of July. Pottery thought to date back to Roman times has been unearthed and teams are hopeful of older finds, as ancient sites have previ- ously been uncovered in the valley. The discoveries led to local spec- ulation that the scheme might be de- layed but developers said this was not the case. Trenport’s construction manager


Paul Morris said: “We have weekly meetings with the Museum of Lon- donArchaeology and the county ar- chaeologist to review progress and everything discovered so far is as


expected. Our archaeological advi- sors have identified nothing that should cause a stoppage for any part of the project. The valley is known to be full of remains of vari- ous ages and discoveries are to be expected. If something really un- usualwas discovered, it might delay work in that particular area for a short time.” Trenport gained planning ap-


proval in 2006 for Peters Village on the site of a disused cement works and quarry near Wouldham, but construction was delayed by the economic downturn. The £50m proj- ectwas kickstarted by a £19.5million boost from the Government’s local infrastructure fund. Main contractor BAM Nuttall expects to complete the scheme by 2022. Work on the road and rail cross-


ing is due to begin in August and is expected to take a year, while con- struction of the first homes will start in 2015 after improvements to roads. Archaeology and ecology surveys began in May and prepara- torywork is underway.


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downsmail.co.uk Council check at historic pub


COUNCIL planning officers visited a listed former pub in Aylesford High Street after allegations that unauthorised work had taken place. The Little Gem, once renowned for its claim to be Kent’s smallest pub,


has become increasingly dilapidated since it closed four years ago. A bay window at the front of the pub was removed and the space boarded up. Reputed to date back to 1106, the


Little Gem has stood empty since it closed in 2010 and efforts to sell it as a pub were unsuccessful, leading to speculation about its future. The ac- commodation includes the bar and kitchenette and two bedrooms. The property was given a grade II


listing by English Heritage in 1959, meaning that local authority consent is required for some building work. Neil Hewett, development control manager for Tonbridge and Malling Council, said: "The council is aware of allegations that some building works have been undertaken at the LittleGemin Aylesford, which is a listed build- ing. Planning enforcement officers have visited the site and discussed the matter with those responsible. The investigation continues."


Church celebrates new look


TV PRESENTER Jan Leeming hosted a Songs of Praise style serv- ice organised by the Friends of Leybourne Church to celebrate the group’s fifth anniversary and the redecoration of the building. Jan spoke to members of the community including Lisa Joseph, manager of the Castle Lake restau- rant and bar, Tonbridge and


Malling former mayor CllrHoward Rogers, borough ward Cllr Sophie Shrubsole and Roy Guest who has served for 50 years in the church choir. Roy and his wife Margaret, a choir member for 35 years, were presented with medals by the Rec- tor, Father Matthew Buchan. Mayor Cllr Sasha Luck read a prayer written for the Friends.


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