News
Praise event AN open-air songs of praise event at Headcorn had to be moved in- doors when theweather took a turn for the worse. The Churches Together group
had hoped to hold its thanksgiving service on Day’s Green, but rain on the day forced the gathering into the Baptist Chapel. David Doonan, secretary of the Baptist Church, said: “As Christians we believe we have good news to share and that’s why our songs of praise eventwas planned for Day’s Green. We would like to thank everyone who made it possible (even though it did not happen!), not least the parish council which gave us permission to use the green. Hopefully,we can plan such an event for next summer.”
Hall open day HEADCORN’S judo and ukelele groups provided entertainment in an open day at the village hall. Several other clubs and societies
had stalls, and refreshments were provided by Headcorn Scouts. A new group, Crafting Capers,
will meet on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Sessions will include card craft, sweet tree making, creative signs, sewing classes and upcycling. For informa- tion call Sharon on 01580 292197 or
shaz@craftingcapers.co.uk.
downsmail.co.uk
Gateway’s future at risk as KCC considers move
KENT County Council is poised to leave Maidstone Council in the lurch with news it might pull out of the Maidstone Gateway. The Gateway, designed to offer a “one-stop shop” of services to the community, including advice on housing, benefits and council tax, is on King Street, close to the bus sta- tion and The Mall shopping centre. KCCcontributes half the property
costs of the building – £162,000 per year – and provides or commissions the Kent-supported employment clinics, the health trainer service, an Age UK helpdesk and a deaf serv- ices drop-in clinic. However, KCC has decided that keeping its services in the Gateway does not represent best value for money and is considering relocating its services and withdrawing its funding. It has launched a 12-week consul-
tation on the proposal to move its services to other public buildings in Maidstone from October next year. Bryan Sweetland, KCC’s cabinet member for commercial services, said: “RelocatingKCCservices from Maidstone Gateway will help to off-
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chairman of Citizens Advice Maid- stone, said the CAB service was well-used in the Gateway, being in an ideal location. He feared the pro- posed move would make the KCC services less accessible. He said: “Not every problem can
set the unprecedented financial chal- lenge faced by the council. “If, following this consultation,we
decide to relocate away from the Gatewaywe will deliver our face-to- face services from other KCC build- ings in Maidstone. “We would ensure that those who currently use the Gateway to meet our staff for specific services and clinics will still be able to do so.” KCC argues that of the 50,406 recorded visits to the Gateway in 2014, only 4% (2,919) were for KCC services or those that it commissions or funds. This equates to more than £55 for each visitor. The remaining visits were for Maidstone Council services (88%) and 8% for other partner organisa- tions, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, HMRC, Victim Support or the Royal British Legion. County Cllr Rob Bird, who is also
be sorted on the telephone or through a computer. “The present Maidstone Gateway
is ideally situated being just above the bus station and next to extensive parking. The alternatives being con- sidered, such as the Kent Library and History Centre or County Hall, are far less accessible.” KCCwill finalise its decision in the
new year. A spokesman for Maidstone Council said: “We remain commit- ted to providing excellent customer services, including face-to-face facil- ities for people who need them.We are looking at options, including an- other public sector partnership, to continue to provide services from the Gateway.” The online link to the consultation
can be found at http://consulta-
tions.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/maid- stonegateway/consultationHome
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