News
Floodwardens prepare plans
ATEAMof flood wardens – many of whom were affected by last winter’s floods – has been drawn up to link communities and co-or- dinate responses to flood risk. The Environment Agency, in partnership with Kent Fire & Res- cue Service and KCC, has trained the team ofwardens to cover high- risk areas, including East Farleigh, East Peckham, Collier Street, Boughton Monchelsea, Little Venice (Yalding), Aylesford, and Maidstone. As part of their training, thewar-
dens learned about thework of the EA, how the floodwarning service works, and the local flood risk to their community, highlighting spe- cific areas that are more suscepti- ble to flooding and areas where debris can build up. The wardens are now talking to
parish councils to discuss how they can work together during a flood event, activating community plans, in the event of flooding this winter. Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling and Sevenoaks councils
have funded equipment, but more volunteers and flood wardens are still needed, especially in Collier Street andAylesford. RobWiles, of the Kent Resilience
Team, said: “The local knowledge that flood wardens can provide to us on the ground will greatly en- hance our response capability. How communities prepare and work together before, during and after flooding, make a real differ- ence.
“Floodwardens are vital to help-
ing communities survive the ef- fects of flooding.” No new wardens have been re- cruited for Yalding – apart from at Little Venice, whichwas one of the worst-affected areas. A spokesman said: “Yalding is a community that responds well to the threat of flooding, in that they have a plan and they know how to enact it. “Thework withwardenswas fo-
cused on different communities who might not have been so alert to the risk of flooding.”
AUNT SALLY’S KITCHEN Family Run Cafe
Mid Kent Shopping Centre - Allington
The ideal place to meet with friends and enjoy a delicious home cooked meal, light lunch or a coffee
We pride ourselves on offering a selection of excellent quality locally sourced food in comfortable friendly surroundings.
• Breakfasts • Light lunches • Hot meals • Homemade cakes • Speciality teas & coffee • Soft drinks
• Free Wifi • Free Parking • Take Away
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 8.00am til 4.00pm Sunday
9.00am til 1.00pm 16 Malling August 2014 01622 297271 Find us on Facebook
Councillors John Perry (left) and Councillor SteveMcLoughlin (centre) with staff from Cobtree Manor Park
Parks latest to win green flag
COBTREE Manor Park in Maidstone is one of three parks in the area to have been awarded the Green Flag this year. Along with Teston Bridge park in Maidstone and Manor Park in West Malling, it joinsMote Park,WhatmanPark and Clare Park which already hold the award. This is the first timeCobtree has won theaward, which is seen as a just re-
ward for the time,money and effort invested by the council over the past 12 months. This year has seen the opening of a new play area and sculpture trail.
Maidstone council’s cabinet member for community and leisure services,
Cllr John Perry, said: “This is wonderful news for Cobtree Manor Park, and I’m delighted that these parks have nowbeen recognised as great places for all to enjoy. Our staff and volunteers do a fantastic job looking after the parks, and these awards are testament to their hard work.” The national Green Flag award scheme, run by the environmental char-
ity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest standards, iswell maintained and has excellent facilities. Mote Park, Whatman Park and Clare Park have retained their flags for their second, fifth and seventh years respectively.
downsmail.co.uk
FREE copy of the
Your SEPTEMBER
Edition of the
will also be available to pick up from:-
Sainsbury’s Supermarket Quarry Wood, Aylesford
If you live in the following postcodes: ME20-7
Pick up YOUR copy from Wednesday 17th September
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48