News You can help to


keep park safe RESIDENTS of Maidstone are in- vited to get involved with their local park by joining the Mote Park Fellowship. This group of volunteers works


with Maidstone Council to look after and maintain the park. The group, which has charitable status, aims to create a well-maintained and safe environment to enhance the quality of life of local residents. Members enjoy benefits includ-


ing 20% discount in the café, 10% in the Romney Restaurant, half- price courses at the Mote Park Water sports centre on the lake and free entry to events. Volunteers arewelcome to attend practical conservation task days in the park everyWednesday and one Saturday every month, from 9.30am to 1pm. The next task day is December 12. Volunteers should meet at the office next to the café. Other volunteering opportunities include administration, stewarding events and helping to organise events and activities such as play days and arts and crafts. Anyone who would like to get


more involved should attend one of the park task days or email alanfrith@maidstone.gov.uk or visit www.moteparkfellowship.org.uk


downsmail.co.uk


People power succeeds in geing alley gated


AN alley used by drinkers and drug users is about to become a no-go area after a residents’ group used people power to tackle the problem of community safety. Residents in Curzon Road and Salisbury Road have combined their efforts to get the alley they share cleared of debris and weeds and are about to put vandal-proof locked gates at either end to keep out intruders. As well as making the outlook


more pleasant for residents, it could reduce the cost of their home insurance, by making their proper- ties more secure. Erica Longdon, who lives in Sal-


isbury Road, was concerned about the security of her neighbours after repeatedly finding rubbish and sy- ringes scattered in the alley. She visited every home affected


and contacted the landlords of ten- anted properties. A residents’ committee was formed, which now has a commu- nity bank account to fund the cost of clearing the alley and providing locked gates.


Bikes banned at castle


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 involv- ing youngsters, a statement from the castle said: “The castle has tradi- tionally, and perhaps uniquely among large estates,welcomed any activities that make a visit enjoyable and special. However, recent inci- dents and accidents involving scoot- ers 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 that children will be dis- appointed not to be able to use their wheeled toys in the grounds. But, the safety of all our visitors is para- mount and something that we would never compromise.” When asked about the distance


from the car parks to the play- grounds, a spokesman said: “We take the point about the distance, but we have found that many chil- dren 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 al- lowed to continue as nothing is worth putting a child’s safety at risk in thisway. The alternative pathway routes are also unsuitable for the in- creased traffic throughout the year.” Controlled tricycles pushed by adults will still be welcome.


Crackdown on traffic offences


POLICE reported 21 motorists for traffic offences as part of a Friday night operation targeting Maidstone High Street. Only buses, hackney carriages, emergency vehicles and bicycles are


allowed to travel through the area at the top end of the High Street, while private taxi firms and other road users must turn right into Mill Street. In a high-visibility operation police monitored the number of vehi-


cles entering the restricted zone. Officers also patrolled the Hart Street and Barker Road area of the town, following concerns raised about nuisance vehicles.


46 Maidstone Town December 2015 Landscape gardener Colin Boat-


man, who also lives in Salisbury Road, has offered to make and fit the gates, which will have a re- stricted lock system, meaning no- body can get additional keys cut. Ward Cllr Martin Cox has praised the efforts of the residents and said: “This shows what you can achieve if you are part of the community and communicate with your neighbours.” Cllr Cox has agreed to help with


the distribution of leaflets to resi- dents regarding the scheme and Cllr Ian Chittenden has persuaded Maidstone Council to support the


Residents Erica


Longdon and Michelle Lawrence in the alley that will soon be gated


clearance operation by sending along one of its bulky refuse freighters. Ms Longdon said: “The alleywas


in a disgusting state and in dire need of clearing. Southern Water carried out some work to the drains so helped removed some of the rubbish, but there is still more to be done. “We are hoping each household


will make a donation of around £10 to cover the costs.We appreci- ate some people may not be in a position to pay, but hopefully it will balance out from those who can.”


Councillor to head choir


MAIDSTONE Councillor David Pickett has been appointed president ofMaidstone Choral Union. Cllr Pickett comes fromamusical


family and his love of singing started when hewas 10, at the RoyalNaval School in Malta. When hewas 16, hewas asked to


stage-manage a school production of The Pirates of Penzance. Cllr Pickett, who represents Bridge


ward, sang with the Maidstone Choral Union formore than 10 years, performing regularly in Maidstone and joining the choir’s European tours. Hewas chairman from2004 to 2008 and still supports the choir in manyways. He hopes to see a funded arts


centre inMaidstone for the use of every field of the performing arts in the town and would like to see the county town of Kent become the county town of art, leisure and culture.


He said: “Iwant to help preserve


and nurture the legacy of the choir and endeavour to help increase local audiences’ interest in live music and great classical works, with emphasis on attracting young people toMCUevents.”


Flats plan for former pharmacy


THE former Lloyds pharmacy in Maidstone has been sold at auc- tion for £195,000. Permission has been given by Maidstone Council to convert the Tonbridge Road building into


three two-bedroom flats. The former pharmacy was one


of 146 lots listed for sale by Clive Emson. Auctioneer Ben Snelling said the lot had attracted keen in- terest.


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