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News Plan to reunite ‘divided’ town
PLANS to “reunite” the two sides of Maidstone divided by the county town’s own “Berlin Wall” could hinge on money coming from Brussels. Cllr Fran Wilson would like to
see town planners come up with an innovative scheme to unite the town east andwest of the Medway, removing part of the “concrete jun- gle” which exists around the town centre’s bridge gyratory system. Maidstone’s Lib Dem group
leader told the town’s Joint Trans- portation Board that few used the subway pedestrian crossings and the air quality was “dire” in the centre of town, where therewas lit- tle or no greenery and foliage. While she said she still had reser-
vations about the widening of the gyratory system between St Peter Street and Fairmeadow, she added: “We have been talking about it for a long time andwe have the chance to do something really exciting here if we do not just look at it in terms of lorries and cars.” Referring to the subway system
which forms part of the gyratory, she said:“We have almost a ‘Berlin Wall’ dividing the town in two.We have what passes as a brilliant flood catchment area but which is worse than useless for pedestrian
use. “I understand that there is EU money available if we were to come up with something innova- tive – and this is our chance. “We need to raise our eyes above
lorry and car use and come up with something to reunite the two sides of the river and make it easy for pedestrians to cross what will be an even wider road. “Let’s lift our eyes up to the stars and we might reach the moon. If
we keep our eyes fixed on the con- crete and mud, that is where we will stay.” County Cllr Rob Bird echoed her sentiments and said: “There is a lot of merit in this scheme, but it could be so much better. The subways are not fit for purpose – hardly any pedestrians use them – so why do we pretend they have any value, when they quite clearly do not! “Broadway likewise has wide footpaths on both sides which are
hardly used.” KCC leader Paul Carter said he
feared European money would be a long time coming and the coun- cil should look towards funds from the redevelopment of the Power- hub.
However, with planning permis-
sion only at outline stage and no named supermarket yet in the frame for financing the improve- ments, this too could be some way off.
Manager leaves Boots aer 46 years
ANDREWSimms may havemem- ories of holding a duster on his first day at Boots, but his love of retailing saw him rise to area man- ager for the company thatwas his boss for 46 years. Speaking from his home in
Woodlands, Maidstone, Andrew said he joined the pharmacy in Harlow in Essex in 1968, when he was 16. He said: “ I remember spending
the day dusting things. That stayed withmeand I always made a point of ensuring new staff got a warmwelcome on their first day.” These management skills were
soon recognised and after the com- pany dropped its policy of only making qualified pharmacists store managers, his career path was set.
Andrew man-
aged Boots in The Mall for 12 years from 2002, while working as a group man- ager, with re- sponsibility for stores in Week
Street, Tenterden andAshford. Six years ago he took on the role of
West Kent area manager, with 12 large stores in his care. Only in the past 12 months did he return to Maidstone, ahead of his retire- ment. He now intends to devote more
time to the Town Team, which is partnered with the borough coun- cil, and the Town Centre Manage- ment team. He is also looking forward to spending more timewith his fam- ily: his daughter Rebecca, grand- son Henry, son Matthew whowas due to get married as we went to press, and his wife Julia, who still works for Boots in Rainham.
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
Maidstone Town October 2014 11
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