downsmail.co.uk
News
Robber followed victim from work
A ROBBER who burst into his victim’s Bearsted home after wait- ing for her to finish work has been jailed.
Callum Miller (24) drove ahead of
the woman in a white Vauxhall Corsa after she fin- ished work, burst- ing in to her house as she opened her front door. Her 15- year-old daughter was inside. Miller (above),
formerly of ReculverWalk, Senacre, stole a safe containing cash and jew- ellery in the raid. Police were later able to trace the
white Vauxhall Corsa to Miller. Investigating officer DC Christo-
pherWaterfall said: “This dreadful crime was clearly planned in ad- vance, as Miller knew where the womanlived and worked, aswell as what time shewas heading home.” Miller,whoadmitted the robbery, was sentenced to seven years’ in
prison when he appeared at Maid- stoneCrownCourt on March 24.He received another 16 months for a burglary in Langton Green, Tun- bridge Wells, in August 2014, in which a carwas also stolen from the drive. Miller admitted being re- sponsible for both. Four others were also sentenced
in connection with the Langton Green burglary. Billy Williams (26), of Bicknor
Road, Park Wood, was jailed for 16 months after pleading guilty to con- spiring to handle stolen goods. Simon Ashford (53), of Pinnock
Lane, Staplehurst, and Billy Matthews (25), of Wrangleden Road, Park Wood, were both given 12-month suspended prison sen- tences after pleading guilty to con- spiring to handle stolen goods. AndrewFryer (24), ofVauxhall Gar- dens, Tonbridge, was given a 12- month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods.
Loft conversion agreed despite parking concern
PARKING concerns failed to halt the go-ahead for the conversion of loft space into two flats in Burdock Court, Maidstone. A 34-name petition argued that
the proposal for Harrietsham House would cause a loss of pri- vacy and amenity space as well as further parking pressure on an al- ready congested area. Some councillors from Maid-
stone Council’s planning commit- tee raised the latter issue, particularly as the two parking spaces provided in the scheme would be taken from existing spaces nearby. The applicant has also applied
for a similar loft conversion in Bur- dock Court, at Detling House, drawing calls for the proposal to be deferred so both schemes could be decided at the same time. However, in 2006 an almost
identical scheme for Harrietsham Housewas given planning permis- sion, meaning a precedent had been set. Furthermore, KCC had not raised an objection on high- ways issues, meaning the concern about lack of parking could not be used as a ground for refusal. Cllr Tony Harwood said: “I sym- pathise with the residents as I have friends who live on this estate so know the issues. “We are a regulatory committee
and when you look at the extant permission and realise that we have no parking standards at Maidstone Council there are sim- ply no grounds to defer, refuse or even change this application.” A motion to refuse on the grounds of poor design failed to gain enough support, allowing Cllr Harwood’s motion in support to be voted through.
Now more room to learn at U3A
PEOPLE of retirement age can learn new skills and information in a friendly environment with no exams at the end. Now that the Maidstone University of the Third Age (U3A) group
has moved to the Salvation Army Hall in Union Street, it has man- aged to clear itswaiting list and has room for even more members. The group now meets on the third Monday of the month at the Sal-
vation Army Hall in Union Street. There are more than 30 activity and interest groups, ranging from
art to playing the ukulele. There are also short programmes and this year, there are already two trips planned, one to the Isle of Wight and the other a visit to the 1914-18war graves. For information call the membership secretary on 01622 734298.
THINKING OF BECOMING A LANDLORD?
Over the last 12 months we have been holding regular landlord workshop evenings and here are a few testimonials
‘My husband and I have recently received an inheritance and Justine has given us invaluable advice on where and what to buy. We can’t wait to be a Ferris & Co Landlord.’ Mr & Mrs Jeffrey, Bearsted
‘Just wanted to say thank you, you sorted out everything for us and now I want to buy another property. I have recommended Ferris & Co to all our friends.’
Ms Stevens, Lenham
With changes in pension legislation there has never been a better time to become a landlord.
With yields of 5% and capital growth of 10% (2014-2015) the smart money is invested in property compared to traditional building society saver rate of 1-2%
Call us today Penenden Heath Office
Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN
Tel: 01622 671200 Bearsted Office
Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ
Tel: 01622 737800
www.ferrisandco.net
Maidstone Town May 2015 17
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 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64