News Labour choice
THE Labour candidate for Leeds is hoping to be the shoppers’ choice when it comes to the borough con- cil election on May 7. Darrel McGuirk (25) from Bic- knor Road, Maid- stone, has worked at Morrison’s since leaving school, dur- ing which time he has studied politics atA level. A keen supporter
of the Leeds-Langley bypass, Dar- rel says he has listened to what local people want – which means reducing levels of HGVs through the village and cutting down traffic speeds, dog fouling and littering.
Homes agreed THE go-ahead was given for two five-bedroom detached homes in Church Lane, Bearsted. A resident of Trapfield Lane felt
the proposal for land at Tremayne was intrusive, saying: “The new de- velopment will be able to see into our garden and downstairs win- dows especially from the upper floor. We believe any further infill will adversely affect the general ambience of the lane.” However, Maidstone Council felt
the scheme was appropriate and granted planning permission.
downsmail.co.uk
Call forweight limit to make rural roads safer
RESIDENTS from four rural parishes are urgingKCCto impose a 7.5tonne weight limit on roads from theA20 through to Headcorn. Residents in Headcorn Road,
Grafty Green, along with road users from Harrietsham, Boughton Mal- herbe, Headcorn and Ulcombe, have petitioned the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board for the re- striction after years of enduring HGVs trying to use roads originally designed for horses and carts. Lorries frequently get stuck at
pinch points such as Liverton Hill, Sandway and near Platts Heath School, where the road narrows to single track and there are regular accidents on these sections, accord-
TWO semi-detached four-bedroom cottages are to replace workshop buildings at the Kentish Belle Garage, 26 The Street, Detling. Maidstone Council allowed the scheme, which includes alterations to a grade II listed building, despite an objection by neighbours con- cerned about issues such as over-
CaRPET MILLS
The Complete Flooring Specialists
ing to the petitioners. A KCC survey in January last
year found 8,021 light vehicles and 375 HGVs used Headcorn Road in the space of aweek. Campaigners for the weight re- striction say this is “unacceptable on a narrow road with twoschools and single track width sections, used by the largest articulated lorries.” Headcorn Road is the only minor moderately direct north/south route from the A20 to the A274 between Willington Street and Charing which does not have any restriction. Presenting the petition, Cllr Mar-
tin Round said: “We are besieged by lorries looking to avoid the Maidstone urban area. Roads get
looking, road safety and removal of trees including a sycamore. A supporting statement said the workshop has been in operation since about 1946. Six parking spaces would be provided. The council's decision report said the scheme would not cause any harm to the character of the area.
blocked by oncoming lorries which causewear and tear to the road sur- faces, especially when fuelled by springs in the area and when it rains.” Cllr Round called for improved signage as an absolute minimum arguing: “Most responsible drivers will conform.” He said residents and regular
users respected the nature of the road and said: “It is time we gave the residents of Headcorn and Lenham serious respect.” The four parish councils are con- cerned that traffic will increase dra- matically if housing developments proceed in Harrietsham, Headcorn, Lenham and around J8 of the M20.
Objection fails to prevent houses Plants for sale ANNUALS, perennials and tomato plants will be on sale out- side St Martin’s Church, Detling from 10am to noon on Saturday, May 16. Coffee and cakes will be avail-
able in the church, as well as a “posh” bric-a-brac stall.
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