News


230 jobs axed as paper mill shuts


MORE than 230 people have been made redundant after production stopped at Aylesford Newsprint and the company announced itwas going into administration. A further 65 staff were being re-


tained temporarily to help with the decommissioning of the plant at the New Hythe Business Park. The sudden sackings were de- scribed as “brutal” by union official Tim Elliott, regional officer of Unite, who said the newswas a “traumatic blow” to staff and the economy. The firm had been manufacturing


since 1922 and produced more than 400,000 tonnes of recycled paper every year. But administratorKPMG said the business had been loss-mak- ing for several years and blamed the rise of digital media and a flooded marketplace. While the redundant staff have suffered a shocking blow, the impact is likely to be felt further afield with senior figures in the sector warning that the price of recycled paper would fall because of the closure. The shortage ofUKpaper could lead


to a rise in imports of cheap paper. Aylesford, which was one of only two mills in the country, processed magazines and paper collected on behalf of local authorities. Tonbridge and Malling Council


had two recycling contracts with the firm, one for the green box kerbside paper collection and another for emptying 26 paper banks. Robert Styles, director of street


scene and leisure for Tonbridge and Malling Council, said: “The council was concerned to learn that Ayles- ford Newsprint has gone into ad- ministration and our thoughts are with the staff and families affected by this shocking news. “The council has two paper recy-


cling contracts with Aylesford Newsprint, one for the kerbside col- lection of paper and one for the emp- tying of paper banks across the borough.We have made emergency arrangements to ensure that both services continue in the short term whilewe investigate longer-term so- lutions to ensure that our recycling services are maintained.”


East Malling Cricket Club take on Great Chart Cricket club facing crisis


CRICKETERS in East Malling have launched an urgent appeal for funds and new members to save their 120-year-old club fromclosing. Founded in 1985, East Malling


Cricket Club say they have “roots firmly in the heart of the village” with friendly matches on Saturdays and Kent Village League fixtures on Sundays. But membership has dwin- dled to just nine regular members and five casuals. At least 18 are needed for the club to continue. Finances are in dire straits and


the club needs to fundraise to pay its way this year. A group of long-term members is looking to attract new blood to the club with fun days and fundraisers. Captain Mark Higgins said things were now at a “tipping point” with


numbers in a downward spiral in the past four years and no colt section to secure the club’s future. He said youngsters were at-


tracted to football, because of the glamour of the Premier League, rather than other sports. At 45, Mark is the oldest member,


with the youngest players in their 20s, and amember’s son playing on a casual basis. They enjoy a lively social scene and members can often be found in the village pub The Rising Sun after games. The club are also looking for a


main sponsor as well as prizes for a quiz night in May and for their end of season raffle in September. Anyone who can help should co-


tact Gavin Wenborn by email on eastmallingcc@btinternet.com


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