News


Station car park plan withdrawn


CAMPAIGNERS have won their battle against a controversial plan- ning application for a new car park atWest Malling station. The scheme for 212 parking


spaces and a new access on land opposite the main entrance to More Park Catholic Primary school, in Lucks Hill, had been recommended for approval by planning officers. Work had already begun to clear


the 0.67hectare triangular piece of former grazing land in anticipation of Tonbridge and Malling council- lors voting for the proposal. However, just six days before the crucial planning meeting, land owner Guy Kemsley withdrew the application due to objections. A letter to the council said Mr Kemsley was now reviewing his position. His agent Stephen Brooker welcomed the favourable recommendation from officers which recognised the need to in- crease parking capacity at the sta- tion and the suitability of the site. He added: “However, it is noted that there are still objections to the scheme from the parish council and others including the school com-


West Malling railway station


munity. The applicants have there- fore withdrawn the application.” Vehement opposition to the plan


had been expressed by More Park school and a large number of par- ents due to fears about increased traffic and pupils’ safety during pick-up and drop-off times. There was also concern that tarmacking the site would increase the risk of flooding. Mr Kemsley had stated that the existing three car parks at the sta- tion, providing 600 spaces, were regularly filled with commuter cars with demand set to increase due to services from Paddock Wood, Ton- bridge and Sevenoaks no longer running to London Bridge due to building work.


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12 Malling July 2015


Market marks anniversary


MAIDSTONE Country Market cele- brated its 70th anniversary with a cake, which was shared with cus- tomers. Market manager Lin Smith is pic-


tured cutting the cake with Barbara Hilton at amarket at the United Re- formed Church Hall in the town. The market is held from 10.45am


to 12.15pm every Thursday and entry is free. All the produce is home- baked, home-grownor home-crafted.


Monks bring their blessings


NEPAL took over Mote Hall, Maidstone, when a team of Buddhist monks visited on their tour of Europe. About 700 peoplewere fascinated by the dancing, ceremony and teach-


ing of the team of Lamas, who made the town their only British stop. Visitors travelled from many parts of Britain and Europe to attend the


Grand Puja.Wearing stunning clothing and masks, the Lamas performed a series of dances to musical backing from their native instruments. After the show every visitor was given a personal blessing by the head


Lama Guru Dupsing Rinponche and left with a gift of fruit and food. The 19 Lamas, from Nepal but of Tibetan origin, live in refugee camps in Nepal and India where they care for orphaned children.


Bus pass deal for larger families


KCC has introduced a “buy two, get one free” deal after being criti- cised for increasing the price of theYoung Persons’ Travel Pass. After parents’protests at the increase inprice of the travel pass from £200 to £250 the county council acted to help larger families.


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