News Crash driver


had seizure A 26-YEAR-OLD Ditton man was jailed for causing serious injuries to another motorist during an epileptic fit at the wheel when he had not taken his medication for his condi- tion.


Benjamin Clarkson, of London


Road had also drunk alcohol, smoked cannabis and had little sleep the night before the crash on the A2070 near Kingsnorth, Canterbury Crown Courtwas told. He admitted causing serious in-


jury by dangerous driving and was jailed for two years and eight months and banned from driving for three years. As a result of the crash, riding in- structor Sharon Kelsall (58) spent eight months in hospital and has since been confined to her flat and unable to ride or work with horses. Clarkson was driving a Renault


Cliowhenit crossed the road and hit her car, leaving both drivers injured. Miss Kelsall suffered multiple fractures and had undergone recon- structive surgery but was left with little movement in her elbow and pain in her legs.


Tea and talk


AYLESFORDActive Retirement As- sociation (AylesARA) holds its next meeting on Thursday, February 25 at Aylesford Community Centre with a talk by Mel Reese entitledYou Will Never Believe It. There will also be time for tea and


a chat about future events. The groupwelcomes anyone aged


50 pluswhowould like to meet new people. Contact Wayne on 01622 710734 or visit the group’swebsite.


Appeal thanks


THE new organiser of the Poppy Appeal in Snodland has praised res- idents for their generosity. Sandra Biddiss, who was helped


by members of HamHill and Snod- land WI, said £5,253was raised. “People have been so generous,”


she added. “I would also like to thank the street collectors, shop- keepers and WI members.”


downsmail.co.uk


Campaign to save pub from home conversion


ACAMPAIGN to save a derelict former pub in the heart ofAylesford has attracted more than 4,000 signatures on a petition to stop development.


Once renowned as the county’s smallest alehouse, the grade II listed Little Gem in the High Street has become increasingly dilapi- dated since it closed in 2010 and now its ownerwants to turn it into a house. After efforts to sell it as a pub for £230,000 were unsuccessful, cur- rent owner James Callaghan, of Hampton Hill, Middlesex, applied to Tonbridge and Malling Council to change the use of the 12th cen- tury building to a one-bedroom home.


Objections were posted on the planningwebsite after the proposal was submitted in May 2015, with critics saying it would tear the heart out of the village.ASave The Little Gem campaignwas set up on Face- book by Heather Worrall in De- cember and an online petition has been signed by more than 4,300 supporters. Many cited the pub’s proud his-


Shaun Collings, who is helping to


tory andwere saddened that it had been left to rot. The parish council offered no objection to the proposal but the Environment Agency warned the borough council against approval, due to the pub’s closeness to a flood plain. The River Medway flows past the back of the building. Delighted with the success of the petition, organisers say that the building should be used for “an economically viable enterprise” that provides both service and ben- efit to village residents and users.


lead the campaign, said: “A meet- ing will need to be held to discuss and agree a number of alternative uses for the building, identify some potential investors and engage with the owner and the local coun- cils. Once a viable option is identi- fied and investment found, there is no doubt as to the huge amount of goodwill and support that will be given voluntarily by people all around to get a new enterprise launched and on the map.” Concerns were expressed last


year when a bay window at the front was removed and the space boarded up without permission. Mr Callaghan has since applied for listed building consent to replace the window and paint the front of the property in white. The adjoining business centre,


which he also owns, was granted planning permission in 2012 for de- velopment into eight homes.


Santa’s visits to town Party guest


THE lucky children of Snodland enjoyed two visits fromFather Christmas. His first visitwas at Christmas in Snodland where he gave out presents in his


grotto at the pavilion in the cricket meadow. Hethen joinedOwen Baldock, the MayorofTonbridge&Malling to switchon the town's Christ- mas lights. Snodland Choral Society


sang carols before their ar- rival. Earlier, Snodland Scouts held an open-air market in the High Street car park, with a number of stalls. His second visit was on Christmas Eve when, joined by his elves on his sleigh, he left the car park at Snodland Working Men's Club, Holborough Road to deliver presents to houses round the town. Thiswas organised by Snodland Town Football Club.


IT WAS debatable who were the most excitable – the childrenmeet- ing Father Christmas in his grotto at Christmas in Snodland or the members of Snodland Town Active Retirement Association (STARA), when he turned up unannounced to present their prizes at the whist Christmas party. The party was held at Townsend


Hook Bowls Club, Paddlesworth Road. Organiser, Keith Holdstock, said:


"Twenty-three players enjoyed a jolly afternoon playing whist and everyone went home with a prize and full of seasonal food and good cheer.


Call for volunteers to support rural wardens


VOLUNTEERS are being sought across a number of parishes, in- cluding East Peckham and Water- ingbury, to boost the number of community wardens across the county. The two parishes, along with Sut-


ton Valence, are among 12 parish and town councils that have agreed to take part in the trial project pro- posed by KCC and the Kent Asso- ciation of Local Councils (KALC), with the support of Kent Police and other stakeholders. The new volunteer support war-


32 Malling January 2016


dens will be stationed out and about in their local community to identify issues and concerns and to make contact with agencies, in- cluding the police and Trading Standards. In December last year, the county council had hoped to cut its com- munitywarden budget by reducing the number of uniformed wardens from 70 to 46, but it was forced to bow to “people power” after a pub- lic outcry and agreed to retain the service at its present level. In this latest move, KCC says it is


now looking for volunteers to sup- port these salaried roles and is inviting interested people to apply. It will arrange drop-in sessions, training and uniforms to successful candidates. If the pilot is successful it will be offered to all parish and town councils in Kent next year. KALC president John Rivers


said: “I am delighted to see how parish and town councils across Kent are, yet again, demonstrating howwell they work alongsideKCC to bring about a real difference to


their communities. “Every day, people support their community in so many different ways. Here is a chance for others to play a key role in their area and to be a part of the wider community- warden family, learning new skills and providing valuable support to local residents. I commend this pilot and wish the 12 trial areas every success.” For more information and to


apply visit www.kent.gov.uk/com- munitywardens. The closing date for applications is February 1.


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