News
downsmail.co.uk Making the river work for town
DRAGON-BOAT racing, regattas and rowing could spearhead a push to put Maidstone’s stretch of the River Medway on the map.
The new destination manage-
ment plan for Maidstone aims to focus on strengthening visitor ac- tivities on or close to the river, par- ticularly near All Saints’ Church, at Lockmeadow and at Cobtree. Invicta Rowing Club and other
river users will be asked to get in- volved with Maidstone Council, the Medway Valley Partnership and business owners to create a programme of tourist-friendly river-based activities such as row- ing events, regattas, dragon-boat racing and a festival of lights. The plan is music to the ears of a number of local groups, including the Medway River Users’ Associa- tion (MRUA), which has been cam- paigning for greater use of the river for many years. MRUA chairman Mark Smurth-
waite said: “It is very encouraging to see so many people in support of improving Maidstone and more importantly the river. This is a very much under-used commodity that
Traderwarning
THE onset of bad winter weather has brought a rise in rogue traders. Maidstone Neighbourhood
Watch is urging residents, espe- cially the elderly, to bewary of any- one knocking on doors looking for work. A spokesman said: “Rogue traders are opportunistswhoknock on doors hoping to catch people off guard so that they agree to the work.
“They haveno intention of doing
the work properly, if at all. Do not allow anyone into your home. If you do not recognise the person at your front door, do not answer it.” Anyone who needs repairs to
their property should heed the fol- lowing advice: Shop around before making a decision. Never pay up front and don't pay by cash. Get at least three quotes from reputable businesses.
clude signs to the entrance points to the river from the town centre, in- vestment in footpaths with signs indicating distances to key points, greater accessibility for cyclists, in- vestment in moorings and parking for river visitors. It alsowants to explore the possi-
bility of providing camping cabins or luxury camping huts to facilitate long-distance walking, canoeing and rowing. Tony Monk, from Coxheath, who
Maidstone Council and KCC seem to have very little interest in, de- spite using pictures of the river in much of their literature. “The river is such a beautiful
asset and it is dramatically under- used and under-resourced.” The MRUA is already working
with the Environment Agency and other official bodies to try to im- prove the condition of the river and surrounding areas and, with the support of MP Helen Grant, is in the process of identifying areas of
responsibility. A new River Medway Alliance
has been formed and Mr Smurth- waite said: “Following the alliance meeting later this month, we hope to be in a position to put forward some sort of action plan for im- provement, and will make public all the information regarding this.” In the meantime, the council is proposing a programme of en- hancements and improvements to make the river more accessible and appealing to visitors. This will in-
convened a meeting with Mrs Grant to discuss some of the con- cerns about the river, said: “If the works go ahead it will, after many years, be a positive and very excit- ing step forward for Maidstone. “Much of the riverside of Maid- stone’s stretch of the Medway has, in my opinion, been spoilt by de- velopment, but there are some beautiful stretches and the town has some superb architecture dat- ing back to the 13th century along with its varied and rich history.”
Pupils step out with new skills
PUPILS from the Cornwallis Acad- emy inMaidstone have successfully completed a programme designed to explore confidence, self-aware- ness and motivation. The Stepping Out programme de-
veloped by CXK – a charity designed to help children, young people and adults maximise their potential – was delivered over six sessions to en- courage participants to reflect on their own emotional resilience and look at strategies for development or support. Itwas funded by KCC coun- cillor Gary Cooke's member grant. Cllr Cooke said “I felt a pro-
gramme was needed that gave young people the initial skills, which they could then develop, either in school or on another developmental programme such as the National Citizen Service. After conversations
Fromleft, Joshua Dodd,Amy Perkins, Aby Gibbins, Courtney Knight, Bethany Fryer, Lara Potter,OwenWatson, Jazmin Kane and Caitlin Gabriel
with Sean Kearns, the chief execu- tive of CXK, Stepping Outwas born.” This year, 30 pupils benefited from
the programme (with a further 25 benefiting in 2014). They were drawn from Cornwallis Academy, New Line Learning Academy and Swadelands School. Presenting the
certificates, Cllr Cooke said: “Just like a tradesman who, to do his job well, needs more than one tool in his tool- box, you will, through life, build up different tools to help you cope. This course is one such tool and by com- pleting it you have given yourself every chance of future success.”
Children’s bikes banned at castle A249 collision
LEEDS Castle has banned children’s bikes and scooters from its grounds amid safety concerns. The move, stopping the use of all wheel-based toys, scooters and bikes, was described by castle staff as a reluctant one.
While they would not be drawn on any particular incidents, a state- ment from the castle said: “The cas- tle has traditionally, and perhaps uniquely among large estates, wel- comed any activities that make a visit enjoyable and special. How-
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ever, recent incidents and accidents involving scooters and bikes, as well as the disturbance caused to others, means that such wheel-based toys, can no longer be accepted.” It recognises the decision will not be popular among families, adding: “We know children will be disap- pointed not to be able to use their wheeled toys in the grounds. But, the safety of all our visitors is some- thing we would never compromise.” When asked about the distance from the car parks to the play-
Maidstone East November 2015
grounds, a spokesman said: “We take the point about the distance, but we have found that many children use the main drive to scoot or ride, which puts them in direct line with a very busy land train route. This, we feel, can no longer be allowed to con- tinue as nothing is worth putting a child’s safety at risk in this way. The alternative pathway routes are also unsuitable for the increased traffic throughout the year.”
Controlled tricycles pushed by adults will still be welcome.
EMERGENCY services were called to a collision between an HGV and a van on the A249 at Stockbury.
Firefighters stabilised a vehicle and assisted ambulance crews with two male casualties before helping to make the area safe.
House blaze KENT Fire and Rescue were called to a fire at a house in Grafty Green. Four fire engines and a bulk
water carrier attended, and fire- fighters used breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze
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