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Villagers back shop and cafe
DETLING could have a commu- nity shop by Christmas if cam- paigners have their way. A meeting of more than 60 vil-
lagers was the final proof needed that the community is behind the initiative, with a steering group set to take the project forward in the comingweeks. Detling, which once had a village school, two shops and a garage, is hoping the new shop and tearoom will provide a much-needed hub for villagers, particularly the eld- erly, who often feel isolated. Cllr John Clayton, one of those driving the initiative, welcomed the latest development. He said: “Detling used to have so many places to meet and is now groaning as a community after losing its shop, post office and most recently the school. “We feel it needs a hub, such as a community shop, where people can get together and to chat.” He says it will be up to the new steering group to decide the loca-
tion of the shop, opening times and the details of how it will work, after carrying out research with fel- low councillor Irene Bowie and resident Richard Finn. The survey across the village
showed all but 3% of the village’s 635 residents were in favour of starting a community shop follow- ing the demise of its last commer- cial retail outlet in 2011. He said: “We know there are commercial challenges, but the community shop would not be try- ing to provide everything for everyone, just basics and a place to have a slice of cake and chat over a cuppa.” Possible locations for the shop
and post office include the church, the village hall and outbuildings next to Detling’s pub The Cock Horse Inn. Cllr Clayton said: “The post of-
fice is very keen to have a presence in Detling, but wants an applica- tion from us by September, so that is providing a timeline for us.”
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Protests at motocross plan
THE long-running saga of the mo- tocross circuit in Sandway, near Lenham is set to continue after a new planning application was sub- mitted. Locals have made strong protests
about the use of land south-east of Runham Lane, Sandway Road since it was first turned into amotocross track four years ago. This has been followed by unau- thorised motorcycle-racing on the track, two withdrawn applications to legalise the use and a failed at- tempt by Maidstone Council to complete enforcement proceed- ings, despite CPRE Protect Kent rep- resenting more than 200 neighbours at a public inquiry. However, in January this year the council was able to issue an 18- month notice removing applicant Park Leisure's rights to use the site for any type of motor-racing. Now the company has submitted
an application to allow the riding of motorcycles for 28 days per calen- dar year. A local group, Residents Against Sandway Motocross, has issued a strong objection. A statement by the group's James Proudlock said: “We continue to suffer unbearable distress because of the continuing uncertainty about the use of this land. The application this time around will in no way change the unacceptable loss of amenity and chaos that ensued the last time the track was used.” One resident commented: “Our
local narrow lanes, especially near to this land, are not able to absorb the heavy increase of traffic of lor- ries and motor cycles and the noise – presumably at weekends – would carry a long distance and be intol- erable.”
Maidstone Council will determine the planning application.
01622 791111 Hall Road, Maidstone 01580 892733 Maidstone Road, Staplehurst 01580 892037 Station Road, Staplehurst 01233 850075 Ashford Road, High Halden
Maidstone East August 2015 11
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