News


Motorcyclist killed on A229


A STAPLEHURST father died from multiple injuries when his motorcyclewas in collision with a transit van at the foot of Linton Hill.


Christopher Worthington (37), from JaggardWay, died at the scene of the accident during the morn- ing rush hour, on the A229 Staple- hurst Road on Oc-


tober 18. The client service manager (pic-


tured) was riding a yellow Honda motorcycle which collided with a white Ford Transit van travelling in the opposite direction. His heartbroken family have


paid tribute to a "truly wonderful person". They said: "We have been left


devastated by the loss of awonder- ful husband, father, brother, son, and son in law. Chris was a kind, loyal, intelligent person who put his family and others first. "We will miss his ability to make


us laugh and smile and his loss has left an unfillable void in all our lives.


"Chris had his whole life ahead of


him, and leaves behind a wife and a young son. Oliver will grow up without knowing his father and this breaks our hearts, but we will endeavour to make sure he knows what a truly wonderful person Chris was, and how he was loved by his family and friends." An inquest into his death was opened at The Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone and adjourned until February 10. A post-mortem examination


found he died of multiple injuries. The crash happened just before


8am and police officers closed the road in both directions for more than six hours. Four ambulances attended and


an air ambulance landed nearby, but the efforts of medics to saveMr Worthington were in vain. Anyone who has information is


asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation team on 01622 798538, quoting reference 17-0218.


Services we offer: Maidstone


• 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 November 2014


downsmail.co.uk


Planners consider Mall refurbishment scheme


THE first phase of a plan to give Maidstone’s Mall shopping centre a re-vamp has moved a step closer. Owner Capital & Regional has submitted a planning application to Maidstone Council to deliver the first stage of its town centre vision. The proposalswere unveiled at a


public exhibition earlier this year. If planning permission is granted, the phase will entail the lift lobbies being improved and a renovation of the public toilets. Shops will be reconfigured to


meet modern retailer requirements and two entrances will be created on King Street and Gabriel’s Hill. Capital & Regional is still refin-


ing plans for longer-term improve- ments to The Mall, which would


see extra retail and leisure space created for restaurants, a cinema and more shops. The proposals would link The


Mall to the wider town centre and a new anchor store would transform The Mall’s frontage onto Gabriel’s Hill and the ring road. Mark Bourgeois, executive direc-


tor at Capital & Regional, said: “This planning application is the first stage of a bigger master plan for Maidstone and we are looking forward to engaging with resi- dents, businesses and community groups as we continue to define our vision.” The Mall is one of six shopping centres across the UK owned by The Mall Fund.


Court bans drink-driver


A WOMAN from Boughton Monchelsea admitted drink driving when she appeared at Mid Kent Magistrates Court. Nancy Woodrow (39), of Pet-


lands, was stopped in Brishing Lane, Maidstone in her Ford Focus and gave a breath test of


107mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. She was banned from driving


for 26 months and ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. She was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.


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