News
downsmail.co.uk More ranks needed for town’s cabs
COUNCILLORS have set them- selves the task of deciding what to do in a town that has more taxis than it has ranks. Maidstone has 48 licensed Hack-
ney cabs but just 36 spaces, of which only nine are near the busiest town centre spots. Now a group of taxi drivers, to-
gether with councillors and offi- cers, are to investigate whether the King Street rank – set up in 2013 –
Play centre open
ANindoor play areawas soon back in business after being forced to close when thieves ransacked the building and took the safe. Adventure Kidz at Quarry Wood
Retail Park, near Aylesford had to cancel a number of children’s par- ties but re-opened five days after the break-in. Owner Andrew Moody praised family, friends and staff for helping to achieve the rapid turnround.
Police precept
THE Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel agreed that the police element of the council tax should increase by 1.99%.
is actually the best place for them to be.
Prior to the High Street refur- bishment, the taxi rank was near the Queen’s Monument in Jubilee Square, but Town Centre Manage- ment has recently argued it should be in the lower High Street. Drivers complain that at night-
time, when trade is at its busiest, private taxis park in spaces allotted for the Hackney cabs, although li-
censing officers are always on the look-out for offending vehicles. A report to Maidstone Council’s licensing committee argued there was much confusion among cus- tomers about the type and location of taxi cabs. Lorraine Neale, head of housing
and community services, said:“We could look at providing better pub- licity and signage for both drivers and the public, informing them of
Scouts prepare for Gang Show
SCOUTS and leaders in Maidstone areworking hard to prepare for their annual Gang Show at The Hazlitt Theatre inMaidstone on April 7-11. The family variety
show has a cast of more than 80, who have been rehearsing everyweek since Sep- tember. The show, now in its 45th year, is full of song and dance routines, with two scenes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Barnum. To get them in themoodfor the show, the gang visited the Hazlitt Theatre
for a guided tour. They then took to the stage to rehearse a few numbers. Tickets are £11.50 to £12.50
fromwww.hazlittartscentre.co.uk or you can call 01622 7586111. Details at
www.maidstonegangshow.co.uk
where taxis can be found for hire.” The 36 spaces that currently exist
can be found in King Street, High Street, Pudding Lane, Barker Road, St Faith’s Street and Earl Street, as well as at both Maidstone train sta- tions.
Future options could include the
lower High Street – or even the spaces outside the NatWest bank, currently allocated for blue badge holders.
Driver banned
A COXHEATH man appeared at West Kent Magistrates’ Court, Sevenoaks where he admitted drink-driving. Andrew Adair (42), of Linden
Road, was driving his Kia Venga when hewas stopped in Kingfisher Road, Larkfield. A breath test showed him to have 70mg of alco- hol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. Adair was banned from driving
for 19 months and fined £110. He must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
Formore local news
www.downsmail.co.uk
20
Malling March 2015
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