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News Lost property ‘not police maer’


THE old saying of “finders keep- ers” might soon be rearing its ugly head, after a decision by Kent Po- lice not to take in lost property. As of June, the forcewill only ac-


cept property which could pose a threat to the public – such as weapons and firearms, documents and ID or goods believed to be as- sociated with crime. Finders of items such as lost purses, keys, jewellery and medi- cines will instead be advised to try to reunite the property with their owners via social media. The Taxpayers’Alliance is among


critics of the decision. Chief execu- tive Jonathan Isaby said: “Handing something – occasionally a very valuable something – into the po- lice is a wonderful example of good-natured community spirit and for the force to discourage that


is madness.” But a spokesman for Kent Police said: “Lost property is not a policematter.” Up to now, Kent Police has had


in the region of 9,000 items a year handed in – and 12,500 calls to the force control room regarding lost property. Yet, in spite of this, only 5% of


people are reunited with their items – and that is when they are clearly identifiable, such as bank cards. In future, the force recommends


using Facebook and Twitter – or producing posters – to reunite own- ers with their lost items instead. The spokesman said: “People


who find lost property are advised to take reasonable steps to reunite


it with its rightful owner, such as advertising its discovery on social media and putting posters up in the area itwas found.” The police advise anyone who


loses property such as cash, ID, cards, handbags to re-trace their steps and contact any premises vis- ited to see if they have had any- thing handed in. Pubs, clubs, hotels, public trans-


port and taxi companies, shops and supermarkets and schools tend to have their own procedures for deal- ing with lost property. If you lose a mobile phone, you should get it blocked as soon as possible, and credit cards should be cancelled immediately.


Do you think Kent Police should continue to take in lost property? Contact the editor on stephen@downsmail.co.uk


Shopmobility scheme in need of benefactor


Mike FitzGerald, Jackie Monk and Lisa Delaney receive Apetito’s gift


Welcome donation


MAIDSTONE charity Homeless Care was delighted to receive a £500 boost to its fundraising efforts from food company Apetito. Having previously organised a


lunch at the centre for almost 40 homeless people, key account man- ager Lisa Delaney and service centre manager Jackie Monk decided to ap- proach Apetito’s staff foundation for a donation. Mike FitzGerald, chairman of the trustees, said: “This donation will help immensely to ensure we con- tinue to improve the facilities and services available to those using the centre.”


Gas bole arrests


TWO men have been arrested in connection with the theft of gas bot- tles from village properties in the Maidstone area. Their vehicle – a white van – was stopped by police in Thurrock, Essex. A 19-year-old, from Sevenoaks,


and a 24-year-old, from Hertford- shire,were arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed until June 29. The vehicle has been linked to a number of alleged thefts of gas bot- tles and reports of suspicious activ- ity during April at locations including Horsmonden, Hawken- bury, Otham, Marden, Yalding and Collier Street.


MAIDSTONE Town Centre Management (TCM) is hoping a benefactor might step in to save the future of its Shopmobility service. TCM says the service has been running at a loss for several years and does not receive sufficient demand to justify its retention. Although a suggestion that the service could be scrapped from August 1 has come under fire, TCM says it cannot see any other way forward. The scheme has offered three mobility scooters to users at The Mall and a further two at Fremlin Walk for the past five years, cost- ing about £26,000. But the service, which costs


users a £5 membership fee and a £3 hire charge per use, loses about £3,500 a year. Demand for the service is so


low that even a reasonable in- crease in prices would not rem- edy the situation, says TCM. A spokesman said: “We are keenly aware of the value of the facility to its members and with this in mind we are seeking an- other organisation, body or indi- vidual who may be in a position to take it over. Wheelchairs will continue to be


available for customer use at both The Mall and Fremlin Walk and the mobility scooters would be donated to an appropriate organ- isation.


Police also advise using mobile tracking software to allow tracking of the phone. If you lose your keys – along with details of your address – you should consider getting your locks changed to ensure your property remains secure. Local community groups and charities will also feel the pinch. Twice a year the money raised in


Kent Police's property fund auction is distributed to local groups that provide a service to communities in the county. One of the recent recip- ients was Maidstone's YMCA, which received £400 in December to help purchase new play equip- ment.  Further advice in relation to lost property can be found online at www.kent.police.uk/reporting_az/l /pages/lost_property.html.


Bank to open


on prime site MAIDSTONE’S businesses are to get a boost with the opening of the latest bank in town. Metro Bank Ltd has acquired the


site at the junction of High Street and Week Street, recently vacated by fast food giant Burger King, along with the neighbouring premises formerly occupied by fashion retailer Pepper- mint. The bank – located chiefly in Lon-


don and the home counties – has re- cently embarked on an expansion programme and is also opening a branch in Tunbridge Wells. Previ- ously, the closest branch to Maid- stonewas Orpington. Meanwhile, Burger King has


taken over the former C&H Fabrics building at the corner ofWeek Street and Union Street, where signs have already gone up.


Empty shops ‘are unleable’ Fatal accident


ALMOST 50 empty shop units in Maidstone are considered to be vir- tually unlettable. TheTownCentre Management re-


ported therewere 49 old empty units in the town and 23newempty units, making a total of 72. However, TCM’s Larry


Williamson said the 49 shops were “virtually unlettable”, while two others had since been occupied. This meant that just 10.7% of the town’s 651 ground floor business


premises were unoccupied at the time of the count. TCM is updating its database of business addresses in the town. This is being expanded to include Albion and Clarendon places, the town ends of Ashford Road, Sitting- bourne Road, London Road, Ton- bridge Road and Andrew BroughtonWay. It will also include premises in Barker Road, Hart Street, Broadway and St Peter Street.


Italian restaurant opens in town ABRANCHofASK, an Italian restaurant chain, has opened in the cen- tre of Maidstone. Diners can enjoy breakfast, from 10am, brunch and an all-day menu, alongside an a la carte menu. The 188-cover restaurant in Earl Street also has seating for 20 outside.


AFATHER-of-three died in a head- on car accident in Boxley. David Rose (34), of Alkham


Road, Vinters Park, worked as a salesman and was father to three children, including 15-year-old Cal- lum and five-year-old Alysia. His white Ford Focus collided


with a red VW Golf in Pilgrims Way. Floral tributeswere laid at the scene and Michelle Parle – mother of Callum – said she was “heart- broken.”


Taoo scheme


PERMISSION was granted for a tattoo studio to operate from Ren- aissance Crafts at 16 Starnes Court, Union Street, Maidstone. The pottery painting enterprise is


run by Bearsted resident Geoff Li- cence and his son Tim.


Maidstone South June 2015 17


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