News


downsmail.co.uk Communitywardens at risk


RESIDENTS in Maidstone may lose their community wardens after KCC announced their num- bers could be reduced. After explaining that the author-


ity needed to save £330m over the next three years, a spokesman said: “Among several options being dis- cussed and considered is a reduc- tion in the number of wardens, managers and support staff.” Although no decisions have been taken, Maidstone Council’s cabinet


member for communities, Cllr John Perry, said:”We are all up against it financially but this still seems a strange thing to do. Community wardens are very familiar with their areas so they are very well known, working alongside PCSOs.” Community wardens were intro-


duced in Kent more than a decade ago. They cannot make arrests but provide a visible uniformed pres- ence and provide assistance, wher- ever possible, when a problem


arises. In the Maidstone borough there are seven wardens, a district supportwarden andwarden super- visor.


Janet Jennings, former vice-chair-


man of the neighbourhood watch scheme in Lenham, said: “We have not got policemen on the beat any more so instead we have commu- nity wardens and they are doing a really good job. They have a close contact with local people.” The KCC spokesman added that


any reduction in wardens “would be accompanied by a reorganisation which would result in continuing support for communities in differ- ent ways, with the possibility of reaching and serving more resi- dents”. Brian Clark, Lib Dem shadow


KCCcabinet member for communi- ties, said: “Our group will be chal- lenging any proposed changes to minimise impact to communities across Kent.”


Plan for J8 industrial park ‘refined’ Summer concert


DEVELOPERS keen to create an in- dustrial park near Hollingbourne have refined their proposals, in the hope of winning over planners. Maidstone Council threw out an


earlier application from Gallagher Properties which wants to create Waterside Park near J8 of the M20 – even though two Marden companies are keen to move in. Scarab Sweepers and Automotive Distribution, both of which have substantial premises in Pattenden Lane, Marden, have threatened to move out of the area, taking with them a significant number of jobs, if the development does not go ahead.


Gallagher Properties has now re- submitted its application but on a much-reduced scale. The height of the two tallest build-


ings has been reduced by two metres and the total built-up area of the pro- posed park has been reduced by 20%. The development area as a whole


has been reduced from 11.7 hectares to 10.2.


Councillors said the original plan


would have been detrimental to the countryside because of its size, mass and design. Another concern had been the amount of excavation needed to cre-


ate a level area for the park, and the new plans have reduced that by 30%.


Residents’ groups and parish councils in the area were vehemently opposed to the ap- plication. Nick Yandle (pic- tured), of Gal- laghers, said: “Itwas a finely balanced de- cision to refuse and


the changes demonstrate we have done more than pay lip service to the reasons for refusal and hopefully swing the scales back the other


Home proposed


NAKEDFoods applied to convert an office at its site in Smarden Road, Headcorn, into a home. Maidstone Council will consider


the prior approval application, which would bypass the planning process.


Maidstone Services we offer:


• A vibrant Day Care Service in seven locations throughout the Borough in partnership with Golding Homes and the PCT


• If required, transport can be provided to the Day Care facilities on our fleet of mini-buses


• Community Foot Care Services in the home or at our nearest clinic.


• Community Bathing Service in the home for Maidstone & Malling


• Independent Living Support for those that need help with their housework, garden or shopping


• Volunteering opportunities • Advocacy Service for Maidstone & Malling • Disability Travel Vouchers on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council


• Computer Classes for the over 60’s • A list of local traders that have been recommended to us by older people


• Wheelchair Hire from our office in the town centre • The Goodman Centre for clients with Dementia • Information & advice for over 50’s in our office in Mill Street.


For more information on all our services, please feel free to contact us at: 7, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW Between the hours of 10am-4pm Monday – Thursday, 10am-2pm Friday Or telephone us on 01622 753618 Or email: info@ageukmaidstone.org.uk Or visit our website: www.ageuk/maidstone.org.uk


4 Maidstone South September 2014


ALATE Summer Concert, featuring Vivaldi’s “Gloria” among other favourites, takes place at St Mar- garet’s Church, Collier Street, at the end of the month. The concert, on Saturday, Septem-


ber 27, starts at 7.45pm, with tickets costing £8, available on the door or in advance from church members.


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