News


downsmail.co.uk Borough to take Syrian families


TONBRIDGE and Malling Council has agreed to resettle 10 vulnerable Syrian refugee families over the next five years.


The borough’s cabinet agreed that


the local authority joins the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, launched by the Govern- ment in January 2014. The managed migration scheme,


run by the United Nations, has re- housed 216 people across theUKdi- rectly from refugee camps. In addition, and separate to the project, almost 5,000 Syrians have been granted asylum. In September, Prime Minister


David Cameron announced an ex- tension to the scheme, with the aim of resettling up to 20,000 refugees from the camps in the countries bor- dering Syria over the next five years. Local authorities across the UK


were asked on a voluntary basis to estimate how many people they might be able to accommodate. The Government said that councils would be able to specify the profile of the individuals and families, for example ages and needs of children, they are willing to accept. As part of the scheme, the Gov- ernment would meet health, educa- tion and other costs for the first year, including reception and travel to the receiving area, interpreters and a one-off cash and clothing allowance of £200 per person. TheHomeOffice has pledged further funding in fu- ture years, although how much is still unclear. Steve Humphrey, Tonbridge and


Malling Council’s director of plan- ning, housing and environmental health, said: “The crisis has gener- ated some heartfelt concern from various quarters in Tonbridge and Malling and we are liaising with local community and voluntary or- ganisations to record and respond to the goodwill offers, to make sure they are directed effectively. “It is difficult to know where to estimate the number of households that we reasonably provide for, but a notional figure of 10 households over the five-year period would seem an appropriate aim, which of course could be revised.” After the Home Office has com- pleted eligibility, medical and secu-


rity checks and arranged visas, re- ferrals will be made to KCC and a panel, including district councils committed to the scheme, will de- cide where best to relocate individ- uals and families. If accepted, the host authority will


need to arrange housing, school places and any additional support that is needed. Other authorities in Kent which


have offered to resettle vulnerable refugees from camps in the Middle East include Ashford Council, which has firmly committed to take in 250 people over five years. Dover Council has agreed to take 12 fami- lies and Shepway Council will take 10 families.


Victory over Water firm’s gift of great memories


carwash plan RESIDENTS have won their battle against a controversial plan to install a carwash behind an Indian restau- rant in Ditton. Tonbridge and Malling council-


lors refused the application to locate the service in the car park of theTan- dooriPalace, which occupies the for- merWalnut Tree pub in Bradbourne Lane.


More than 60 people attended the planning committee meeting to voice their concerns about potential traffic increase, noise, pollution and parking issues. Applicant Bedri Dedushi said he operates a carwash in Station Road, Aylesford, and a new location was needed. However, Ditton Parish Council said there were 12 car washes nearby and itwas concerned that the loss of 10 of the 26 spaces in the restaurant car park would cause parking and traffic problems in Bradbourne Lane and London Road. Borough councillors accepted a recommendation by planning offi- cers to refuse the scheme because it was likely to result in unacceptable noise and disturbance.


Driver banned


A SNODLAND woman pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without insurance when she ap- peared at West Kent Magistrates’ Court. Kelly Hepworth (35), fromBingley


Close, Snodland, drove a Mini in Malling Road, Snodland with no in- surance and gave a breath test of 89mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. She was banned from driving for


22 months and must pay a £280 fine, a £150 criminal courts charge, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.


14 Malling December 2015


STAFF at Snodland-based South EastWater have helped to raise nearly £1,000 for a Larkfieldmum whowas diagnosed with an incurable cancer. The moneywas donated to the


Becs Factor, a charity set up to creatememories and security for RebeccaWatts’s two young sons, Alfie (12) and Mason (2). The family’s story touched the


hearts of Louis Sharp, assistant management accountant, and Christine Vant,work co-ordinator. The twowater workers set about organising a quiz, dress-down day and raffle and colleagues dug deep into their pockets to make the events a success. Louis said: “It has been wonderful


supporting Rebecca and her children. Raising this moneymeanswe can help create the lasting memories and security for the family.” Rebecca said: “The support from


organisations, friends and family has been overwhelming and we are very grateful to South EastWater for


Lier awards presented


TWO more organisations have been recognised for their excellent work in the fight against litter during the last year. Larkfield Volun-


tary Litter Code awarded certificates to the rangers at Leybourne Lakes Country Park (pic- tured) for keeping the car park free of rubbish and to Sue Shelton, who runs a snack bar in a lay- by on the A228, for encouraging cus- tomers to use the lit- ter bins.


Businesses who


sign up to the code pledge to achieve a high degree of tidiness around their premises during regular inspections over 12 months. The scheme was the brainchild of NeighbourhoodWatch co-or- dinator Stuart Olsson and is supported by Tonbridge and Malling Council, local parish councils and the police.


Rebecca Watts (centre) with fundraisers Louis Sharp, Christine Vant, Nicola Blake and Sue Hall


the donation.” The Becs Factor charity was set up


in March to handle donations for the family and in July, it funded a dream trip for them to Disneyland Paris. Formore details about the charity, visit www.becsfactor.org.


Carol concert


PETER Brice and his Christmas Choir will be performing at the Heart of Kent Hospice’s Christmas carol concert on Wednesday, De- cember 16. The event, at St Mary’s Church


in West Malling, will be the hos- pice’s 20th annual concert. Doors open to guests at 6.30pm and the music starts at 7pm. Entrance is free, although guests


are asked to make a donation to the hospice. Tickets must be booked in advance. Call fundrais- ing on 01622 790195, go to www.hokh.org or email fundrais- ing@hokh.co.uk. Drinks and canapes will be


served during the interval. Read our archived


editions FREE online at www.downsmail.co.uk


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