News
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 cafe, 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 cafe. 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 You can help to Homes scheme blocked
MAIDSTONECouncil has blocked a proposal for “Communist”-style housing on the site of the former King’s Arms pub in High Street, Headcorn. The planning committee refused consent for the grade II-listed build- ing, currently the home of Indian restaurant 3 India, to be converted into eight flats and two retail units in a scheme that also included a new three-bedroom detached home on the site. Cllr Martin Round, who repre-
sents Headcorn, said: “It’s highly suitable for accommodation in a Communist area or maybe for stu-
thing doesn’t make sense.” Cllr Round was particularly con- cerned about parking provision – eight spaces compared to the 14 rec- ommended in the Kent Design Guide. KCC raised concern but not a formal objection. However, eight of the 10 members of the committee felt thiswas a strong enough ground for refusal. Cllr John Perry said: “In a rural
dent accommodation, but I am afraid Headcorn is not a student town. This is on a corner site which is potentially very dangerous for pedestrians and cars. The whole
area like Headcorn car parking is a deal-breaker and this is going to cre- ate problems. Having street parking is not realistic. You can’t just say there are buses and trains – people will use their cars.”
Mill wheel is turning again Driver banned
RESIDENTS in Cheveney Mill are once more slumbering to the sounds of the oldwater wheel. The wheel at thewatermill, on the
river between Yalding and Hunton, has been idle for two years after de- veloping an irritating clank. The original Cheveney Mill was
built in the 1850s and served as a mill, a hospital, POW accommoda- tion, a farm and a village institute before being converted into two homes in 1985.
Capralama Farm, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent TN26 3EQ
The current wheel, weighing two tonnes,was constructed 30 years ago as part of the conversion, and was repaired in the 1990s. The 16ft diameter wheel has 16
oak paddles, which were replaced by resident Richard Oldfield, after Pike Cranes of Coxheath hoisted the wheel and AC Blasting of Ticehurst cleaned and painted the metal parts. Laddingford Engineering replaced the wheel bearings and now all is well.
A YALDING man who pleaded guilty to drinking and driving has been banned from driving for 18 months and told to pay a £610 fine. Dylan Cope (44) from Benover
Road, drove a BMW in Seven Mile Lane, Mereworth where he gave a breath test of 65mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit it 35mg.West Kent magistrates also or- dered him to pay a £150 criminal courts charge, £85 costs and a £61 victim surcharge.
Make your Christmas Magical with a visit to The Reindeer Centre
Young and old will enjoy meeting Father Christmas, children will have their very own special encounter with Father Christmas and receive a quality wrapped gift, Christmas hat and special reindeer passport of their own. Stroll through 7 animated Christmas scenes.
OPEN 14TH NOVEMBER UNTIL 24TH DECEMBER
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS Straw Bale Ball Pit Artificial snow Play Area Elf entertainers Gift Shop Bouncy Castle and Play Area Light refreshments available
Enter the animal corner and meet the pigs, goats, llamas, donkeys, meerkats, rabbits and reptile corner.
12 Maidstone South December 2015
www.reindeercentre.co.uk
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