News
Homes plan for injured veterans
APARTMENTS for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women could be built on allot- ments behind Royal British Le- gion bungalows in Aylesford. The site, which is accessed off Hermitage Lane, would provide 24 new homes in two blocks, with ei- ther one or two bedrooms, a shared central garden and car parking. Landowner Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is seeking per- mission from Tonbridge and Malling Council for the scheme on a 0.7 hectare plot behind bunga- lows numbers 18 to 30. Planning consultant Clague said
the RBLI has been reviewing its overall housing requirements and has found a pressing need to pro- vide accommodation for ex-service personnel who are not in need of care. The land at Hermitage Lane would be large enough to create “a small sustainable community for veterans which would be well served by the proposed retail uses on their doorstep and an excellent
nearby bus and rail service”. The buildings would be three storeys high, but designed in keep- ing with the architecture of the nearby bungalows. The apartments would be pre- dominantly for single people offi- cially classed as wounded, injured or sick, and designed with large enough rooms to ensure access for all and able to accommodate changing personal circumstances and growing families. Clague said the gardens were in- tended to “provide a space where veterans can find solace and calm, community and spirit.” The site is close to the Royal
British Legion Village and Preston Hall on the opposite side of the London Road and to new retail de- velopment where work has just started. The existing access drive to the rear of the bungalows would be retained as a private street with al- lotments used by the residents needing to be relocated to make way for the new homes.
WEST Malling shoe shop Soles with Heart is celebrating another win in a national competition. The store took the title of Chil-
dren’s Independent Retailer of the Year and was highly commended in the Ladies Independent Retailer of the Year category. The awards were handed out by
the British Footwear Association at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. OwnerMichelle Lane,whohas built
downsmail.co.uk
From left: Paul Sinha, from The Chase, Michelle Lane and Denise Cheasley from Soles with Heart and Matt Wright from award sponsor Pediped
New award for shoe shop
the business while receiving treat- ment for cancer and is now in remis- sion, said: “The support from our customers has been overwhelming, frompeople popping in foraprogress report to customers bringing in flow- ers; it’s been beyond amazing.” The business, which offers ladies
and children’s shoes, a loyalty scheme and clothing, beat The Golden Boot in Maidstone – one of five outlets competing for the title of Best Children’s shoe shop of 2015.
Invitation to hear WI talks
KINGS Hill WI will hear a talk on “The History of the Blue Cross” when members meet at the community centre at 7.45pm onWednes- day, March 25. At the next meeting on April 22, Sue Hollings will talk about her
life as a couture dressmaker. Visitors are welcome at the group’s meetings which are held on the fourthWednesday of every month.
‘Prowlers’ were looking for water leaks
SOUTH East Water has confirmed that reports of prowlers from wor- ried residents in Leybourne were, in fact, leak busters carrying out night-time inspections. Police are said to have received
about 20 calls from concerned homeowners living near Ley- bourne Lakes Country Park who saw the men after dark. A spokesman for South East Water said its contractor Hy-
drosave was carrying out routine work to detect leaks in the area of Oxley Shaw Lane, Ditton and Ley- bourne during the night between February 23 and March 3. Gary Ford, leak detection man-
ager, said: “Wewere working in the area throughout the night detecting leaks that were difficult to find. “Sometimes in a highly popu-
lated area this work has to be done overnight when water use is at its
lowest and we can hear what is going on underground with our specialist equipment. That is what happened in this case and thatwas the work the residents saw.” Several leaks were detected, but
that has not stopped Leybourne Parish Council from taking the water company to task for not in- forming people about the work. Chairman Bob Ulph said: “There should have been leaflets given to
residents beforehand. We are al- ways urging residents to bewary of suspicious activity. “People woke up to see people
with torches. It is very disconcert- ing to think your house may have been cased.” Mr Ford added: “The detection
work in the area is now complete but our team will need to return to check the leaks have been success- fully repaired.”
Rail champions visit garden Cricket club needs players
ADDINGTON Village Cricket Club is recruiting players at both junior and adult levels. The club, in Park Road, Addington, has two Saturday teams in the Kent League, one in the Sunday Kent Village League and colts sides at U11, U13 and U15 levels. Chairman Robert Chambers
AVISIT to Snodland StationCommunity Gardenwas a highlight of a cham- pion action day, organised by Kent Community Rail Partnership. The day also included workshops attended by teachers and parish coun-
cillors, aswell as the champions themselves. Aspokesman said: “Travel champions are involved in travel education, dis- tributing timetables, leaflets, organising events and adopting stations.” The Snodland Station garden has been adopted by Holmesdale Technol-
ogy College. Students fromYear 7 plan to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables and sell them to buy seed again for next year. To become a travel champion contact Sarah Deakin or Guy Schofield at
kentcrp@sustrans.org.uk
8 Malling March 2015
said adult winter training was under way on Wednesday evenings from 8pm to 9.30pm at Maplesden Noakes School until April 8 andwas also available to
the U15s and over. From April 21, adult training
will be from 6pm on Tuesdays. Junior training will take place
on Friday evenings from April 24 until July 24. For details call 07803 580883. The club is holding an open
day from 10am to 2pm on Satur- day April 18. Club captains and coaches
will be available to answer questions and run net sessions. for more information call 07803 5080 883.
Sherlock Holmes presentation AYLESFORDActive Retirement Association, a group for over 50s,would welcomes new members to its meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 2pm in theAylesford Community Centre. There will be a presentation of the life of Sherlock Holmes by Tony Harris. ContactWayne on 01622 710734.
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