downsmail.co.uk
News
BT agrees to move ’monstrous’ box
RESIDENTS at Aylesford have won their fight to have a BT “green monster” box moved from a conservation area in the centre of the village. The large broadband cabinet,
which houses fibre-optic broad- band equipment,was installed in a seating area in the village square, causing complaints that the loca- tionwas inappropriate. However, after Chatham and
Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch took up the villagers’ case, BT agreed to move the box to a less obtrusive site. In a letter to the company’s chief executive Gavin Patterson, she said: “Residents in the area are un- able to paint their doors or replace their windows without it being done in respect of the special sta- tus of the area, nor is anyone al- lowed a satellite dish on their roof. “For BT to put a large green box
in the square has upset residents, especially as there are suitable al- ternatives available.” She suggested another site 15 metres away where it would be against awall.
The boxes do not require plan-
ning permission and a BT spokesman said it had been put there because new equipment had to be sited near the existing net- work and services. But having seen the impact on the local area, an al- ternative site had been identified and a technical survey was taking place. Miss Crouch said she was pleased that common sense had prevailed and hoped that the “green monster” would soon be moved to somewhere more dis- creet. The row follows a similar issue
at Hadlow where BT agreed to move a green box after residents complained about its siting in the village square.
Scouts need practical help
SNODLAND Scout Group has had to re-apply to Tonbridge & Malling Council for permission for its new headquarters in Hol- borough Road because the pre- vious permission has expired. Group chairman, Steve Cameron, said: "The building company that had taken on the project did not comply with the conditions of the planning, in that samples of building materi- als were not supplied to the planning department." He said the Scouts needed the services of some professionals andwere seeking a project man-
ager, an architect and a struc- tural engineer. He has written to parents ask-
ing for help with digging out, building of footings and laying of the concrete slab, and from electricians, plumbers, carpen- ters, stud-wallers and plasterers. He also sent a list of addi-
tional equipment needed. Steve wrote: "If you or some-
one you know can help with any of these, whether it be materials or labour, please contact me on 07591 277560 or email
steve@snodlandscouts.org.uk or your child's section leader."
After-school club praised
AN Ofsted inspector who went to Ditton After School Club in New Road, Ditton rated its provision as good – up from satisfactory at its previous inspection. Due to good relationships with
staff, childrenwere able to develop a sense of belonging and settle quickly. They enjoyed a range of interesting activities. Staff communicated well with parents and teachers, supporting children’s learning between home, the club and school. They had a good knowledge of safeguarding and knew what procedures to fol- low if they had any concerns.
Children developed good com- munication and language skills through discussions and interac- tions with staff. They also behaved well, thanks to consistent behav- iour management strategies. The setting was not rated out- standing as staff did not always make the most of displays of pho- tos and artwork to encourage fur- ther learning and give the children the opportunity to talk about the pictures. Staffwere also encouraged to use teatime routines to help the chil- dren develop their independence skills.
Enjoying the garden has never been so stylish or comfortable with Clarkes all new conservatory and garden sets.
Boston – 150cm x 91cm Rectangular Table with Corner Sofa and 3 Stools
Was £1577 NOW £1095
• UV Protection • Robust durability • Toughened safety glass • Shower proof cushions • Low maintenance • Available from stock
Garden Furniture... now available at
Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RF 01622 753073
www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk Malling April 2015
13
Summer Comfort All Out
Florida – 120cm Round Table and 4 Chairs Was £875 NOW £595
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48