Thousands back fight against parking fees


TONBRIDGE and Malling Council surprised and angered local residents and businesses by proposing to charge for short term “shoppers” car parking in West Malling High Street for the first time. Officers confirmed that if charges were agreed there, they would also be considered for free car parks in Snodland, Aylesford and Martin Square, Larkfield.


On January 12, a report was published proposing charges from April 1. The first half-hour would be charged at 30p, then 60p for an hour, £1.20 for two hours, £1.80 for three hours, then jumping to £5 for more than 4 hours. Currently, shoppers can park for three hours free of charge and then must leave the car park to free up space for new customers. These proposals mean that workers rather than shoppers can return to the car park.


Under another proposal, charges for workers using the Ryarsh Lane business car park would be tripled from £50 to £150 per year.


The report also says that extending charges to evening hours after 6pm and on Sundays, and for the first time including on-street parking charges may be considered in future across the borough. They are part of a borough- wide plan to raise £350,000 more from car parking to offset investment in new


other local business operators. Amy said: "The people it will put off are the ones popping in to get milk and then dropping in to see us. We make some big sales that way."


technology, including ticket machines.


West Malling Parish Cllr Richard Selkirk was delighted with the response after launching a petition against the proposals which attracted more than 2,000 signatures in the first two days. He said: "The supporters make it clear what a wide area West Malling serves and how the independent traders attract people who don't want the same old High Street with the same old chain stores. Many local petitioners pointed out that charges would simply push shoppers into adjoining residential streets, or send them to ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco Larkfield or Sainsburys where free parking is provided just down the road."


National retailing award winners, Michelle Lowe of Soles with Heart and Nikki and Russell Meader at West Malling Flowers, Amy Barker at Monks Clothing, Harj Handa at the Post Office and The Mind charity shop all registered their opposition to the plans, as did


Axe falls on mobile library stops


KCC has announced proposals to cut its mobile library fleet from 12 to six vehicles and axe the number of stops throughout the county by more than half, from 651 to 283. Tonbridge and Malling was set to suffer the greatest hit, retaining just 11 of its 47 stops – a reduction of 76.6%. Details were unavailable, as Malling Mail went to press, on the precise locations. However, the service would become fortnightly for each area, so some which currently receive a monthly call, would benefit.


KCC expects the redesigned service to save about £150,000 a year in staff and vehicle costs. All registered mobile library users will be informed of the proposals in a public engagement process ending on March 4, after which a decision will be made by the cabinet member for community services, Mike Hill.


The three borough ward councillors include Cllr Sasha Luck, owner of The Old Clock Shop, who said she did not think that people would be put off coming to the town, and Cllr Sophie Shrubsole who vowed to represent local people and oppose the charging plans.


KCC Cllr Trudy Dean, who is ward councillor for West Malling and chairman of the parish council, told the borough meeting many residents were disappointed and angry. She said: "This report came out of the blue, giving us only a week to fight off charges due to start in only three months time.”


Borough councillors voted 12 to two in favour of imposing charges, with Lib Dem Cllr Roger Roud joining Cllr Shrubsole in opposing the plan which will go to cabinet in February followed by full council.


Campaigners said they would be putting pressure on Tesco, owner of part of the car park behind the store, to refuse to allow charges to be applied there.


To sign the petition opposing the parking charges, visit http://buff.ly/1Zj0QsR


New season of singing


MALLING Community Choir, now more than 100-strong, is starting its new-year programme of songs. The choir meets in West Malling Baptist Chapel, Swan Street from 7pm to 9pm each Tuesday evening. There are no auditions, you don’t need any experience or ability to read music – just come along and enjoy singing. The choir will be rehearsing new songs including the well-known Maori Song, Razzle Dazzle from Chicago and a compilation of Disney themes as well as some of its favourites such as Believe and You Raise Me Up. The choir gives several concerts a year and raises thousands of pounds for local charities.


MAP wins £10k grant


THE Big Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £10,000 to Malling Action Partnership to run a project at East Malling Community Centre to assist local unemployed people to obtain jobs or return to employment.


Sign up for Sport Relief


Day Care Now Open Funded Sessions and Full Day Care available


Fully qualified and experienced staff Large outdoor play area • Stimulating environment


NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED Open Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm


Tel: 01732 667260 E-mail: susie@kentnurseries.co.uk


Chapman Way, East Malling, ME19 6SD *Free funded places for eligible 2 year olds


AT least 700 people are expected to join in the fun at the Sport Relief Run a Mile event on Sunday, March 20 at the East Malling Centre and Cafe in Chapman Way. Entrants can have a go at either one, three or six miles and get sponsored for the charity. The run, which is part of national Sport Relief weekend, is on The Malling School Field. Sign up on the Sport relief website under East Malling Mile.


On Saturday, March 19, you can also join in a Sport Relief mass chair-based exercise class at the centre from 10.30am to noon. Entry is £3 per person for the 45-minute session which will be followed by refreshments. Keep an eye on the centre’s Facebook page for more details.


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