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The real challenges ofMaidstone revolve around transport into and out of the town rather than just housing. The planning appeal process appears to delay progress rather than stop it; local political parties have no real final say. House-builders and developers have the


law on their side but the legal and consultation process adds costswhichmust be passed on to customers. It is a ludicrous system that slows our economy. Prey fields stretch across the country,


not just Kent; our county has few unique natural contours/landscapes that can save our land from the developers. There must be someone in politics that can think outside the box. The ladies in Kent don’t appear to be those femalewarriors to drive up standards across the region and county. The Conservatives are seeking to remove


the annual state current account deficit by 2020, but if our national cumulative debt continues to increase at the rate it has over the past five years, the nationwill be seeking to reduce a boom line close to two trillion pounds on the balance sheet. House-building will generate income, employment and tax collection that is essential to our national survival. Perhaps Cllr Tony Harwood has missed


the point that the closure of the Russell Hotel reduces income into Maidstone. The Royal Star Hotel had the right location for a retail shopping experience but closed a


Barming


Police maers PCSO MahewAdlington was pleased to report that the recent spate of burglaries had quietened down, but could not confirm that any arrests had been made. The chairman asked if regular patrols at the school could continue so that daily parking at drop-off times could be monitored. Residentswere reminded to call 101 if a vehiclewas causing an obstruction. River pathApresentationwas made by Colin Finch from KCC Public Rights ofWay and Access department on the recent Local Growth Fund success to provide a shared footway/cycleway betweenAylesford and Barming. Various land owners would be consulted and materials discussed for the surface of the path. Construction would take place in summer 2016. Allwere in favour of approving and support the project. Allotments Users had complained about neles at the allotments. Theywere disappointed that a month had elapsed and no work had taken place. The clerk had informed the residents that theweeds had been sprayed and the neleswere deteriorating as expected. The next stage would be to fill the ground appropriately and mowing could then commence. Councillorswere due to make their annual visit, when the offending area could be assessed. Pavilion Drains at the pavilion had blocked again resulting in another visit from Drain King to unblock and survey the system. Quotes to replace the 4m section of pipe were being sought. Improvements The chairman thanked Cllr Sandra Manser for producing her suggestions on future projects in the parish. Itwas agreed to hold on to the suggestions until the drains had been repaired at the pavilion. Signs Cllr Greenwood confirmed that he had the signs for the parish field gate and the parish hall car park and would install


generation ago. Where are the first class hotels in Maidstone? Kent has Leeds Castle and Mote Park, neither of which come from the great political minds in this county. If the people of Kent oppose solar farms becausewe don’t like the reflection or they look ugly, what will help to pay the national debt?We moan about everything and do nothing but preserve the ordinary. We stifle business rather than encourage it. Maidstone remains in a permanent gridlock – the traffic jam oozes throughout the morning and the evening bumper-to- bumper period grows. The county and the nation require revolution. The revolution is in thinking, rather than just saying no. Compliance of the status quo will not do


if you have to breathe the air in the town centre; discussions on the state of the local NHS will not fix the problem. House- building needs more thought than objection. Ifwe accept austerity, perhapswe only


need oneMP for Kent; perhapswe only need 325MPs in the House of Commons. We have an extortionately-expensive political system. Perhaps the politicians need to look at themselves before culling every government department and worker outsideWestminster. Shouldwe sell the BBC?Will that cover our NHS deficit?We are all responsible for the deficit. Iwish the ladieswell in Parliament, but I


doubt any of today’s issues will be addressed to the satisfaction of the people


them. Visitors continued to park in front of the emergency access gate so itwas imperative the signswere in place as soon as possible.Any complaints regarding the signs would be directed to Cllr Greenwood. Chairman’s report The fire door which had previously been loose at the pavilion had been fixed by Peter Gooch. The fan timers had been reduced and seemed to be working properly. Cllr Fay Gooch said she had been elected as deputy leader of Maidstone Council, which would not affect her commitment to Barming Parish Council. She thanked Cllr Manser for her continued assistance and for the extra visits she had made to the pavilion recently. Light The light in the cupboard at the parish hall seemed to be working intermiently and this would be monitored. HousingAplanning application had been received for 57 houses in Heathward. Bench Cllr Andrew Doewas thanked for replacing the wood on a bench outside the pavilion and asked if he could look at tree branches thatwere overhanging a property.


Loose


Elected Cllr Vianne Gibbonswas elected chairman for the forthcoming year. Cllr Charlie Hollisterwas elected vice-chairman. Crime report Six crimes had been reported in the previous month. Thesewere a non- dwelling burglary inWell Street, theft of a cycle at Cornwallis School, non-dwelling burglary in Church Street, criminal damage in Salts Lane and two incidents of criminal damage inWell Street. Highways Borough Cllr Sue Grigg said problems had been reported with the resurfacing of the road at Linton crossroads. The roadside meeting atWalnut Tree Avenue had been disappointing but the issues remained and would be carried forward for further action. Cllr Grigg would liaise with KCC Cllr Eric Hotson.


of Maidstone. They are the same issueswe had in 2010.Wewill just have to grin and bear it. Richard Maryan, Coxheath


Report not balanced


Dear Sir –We feel your story in last month’s (June) DownsMail headed “Warehouse plan ‘Trojan horse’” didn’t do justice to the three-week public inquiry into the development proposal atWaterside Park. People who aended would have seen it


to be a thorough, evidence-based public inquiry that examined in great detail awide range of issues, for and against. Representationswere made by professional witnesses, local businesses and interested lay people – all had the chance to make their point and express their opinion. Waterside Park is a significant proposed


development. Your coverage over the earlier months has been balanced but as a snapshot your story last monthwas, in our opinion, incomplete. Like those against the development, the businesses affected by this inquiry and their employees also deserve the merits of the proposal to have a fair hearing, as do any of the general public who rely on DownsMail for their information. Nick Yandle, chief executive, Gallagher Group


SchoolAn email had been received from a parishioner regarding parking in Loose and school drop-off and pick-up times. Cllr Grigg confirmed that car parking enforcement around Loose Primary School had been actioned and itwas agreed that if necessary, the school would be approached again regarding its duty of care in a dangerous situation. Footpath Emails had been received in connection with remedial works on footpath KB59. The clerk reported that work had been completed and the footpathwas now fully open for access to the Upper Loose Valley. Brooks Field Itwas felt the issue of dogs and hirers on Brooks Fieldwas blurred and open to misunderstanding. After discussion, itwas agreed that, as per the previous resolution, no dogs would be allowed on the field and there would be no designated dog areas. The only current exception would be to permit greyhounds on the field on the duck race day if a requestwas received and Loose Amenity Association would be responsible for monitoring this.Any groups wishing to bring dogs on to the field for events would need to apply in the usualway to the parish council. This should be clearly explained on the parishwebsite. Pavilion The pavilionwas undergoing an upgrade. It had recently been decorated and new lighting would be installed. The new play equipmentwas beingwell used. HandymanAdiscussionwas held regarding employment of a local handyman. Itwas agreed that risk assessments would be completed for every job and a clear explanation of time and nature of the job should be given. The completion of an expenses form would be requested for each job. The hourly rate would be decided by the environment commiee. Community wood The state of the community wood on Brooks Field and the problems with fast-growingweedswere discussed.Aquote to spray theweedswas approved.


Maidstone Town August 2015 33


Comment


Parish Councils


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