News


downsmail.co.uk Waste freighter service to be axed


MAIDSTONE Council’s Saturdaywaste freighter scheme is to be scrapped as part of a cost-cutting exercise across the borough.


The council feels the service re-


sults in inequality as not all resi- dents, especially the elderly and disabled, can access it. The bulky refuse freighter, which


has been a regular sight in the vil- lages at weekends since it was started in 1991, costs £45,000 a year to run. It visits 99 sites across the bor-


ough on a 10-week rota and collects bulky items and household waste, such as old furniture and children’s toys, but will be withdrawn from the end of April. The service pre-dated the intro- duction of wheelie bins and recy- cling centres and was designed to help residents dispose of all types ofwaste, particularly bulky items. Over the past 10 years, the serv-


ice has been adapted to reflect the changing needs of the borough but monitoring has shown a steady de-


could not be separated for recy- cling, which reduced the council’s recycling rate by 0.27%. “Small pockets of residents are benefiting from a service which is paid for by all taxpayers,” said the report to members. The council’s bulky collection cer-


cline in usage, the borough envi- ronment committeewas told. Only 2,600 residents used the service in 2014, compared with more than 12,500 10 years ago. Last year, 300 tonnes ofwastewas collected and sent to landfill as it


vice, which charges £23 to collect between one and four items and £33 for five to eight items, costs £68,500 a year to run but generates £80,000 and will continue. “The Saturday freighter service provides an inequality of service to Maidstone residents as it enables abled-bodied people to dispose of bulkywaste free of charge;however those who are unable to transport their waste would be required to pay for a bulky collection,” says the report. “The Saturday freighter service has also been found to be used fre-


quently by commercial businesses that are unable to access Tovil HouseholdWaste Recycling Centre (pictured) and would be required to travel to Sittingbourne to dispose of theirwaste responsibly.” The council plans to introduce a subsidy to the bulky collection serv- ice for those on low incomes, mean- ing they will only pay £16 for the removal of up to four items, which will be reviewed after six months. The council will urge residents to recyclewaste to charities and is also in discussion with Kent County Council to explore opportunities for accepting commercial waste at the council’s depot in Park Wood. Members heard that the with-


drawal of the service would sup- port the council’s waste strategy and have a positive effect on the borough’s recycling rate of about 0.2%.


Runners take Planners beaten on home decision


to the roads MOTORISTS in south Maid- stone will need to keep an eye out for runners on Sunday, March 20, when the Heart of Kent Hospice fires the starting gun for the Maidstone Road Run.


Hundreds of people are ex- pected to turn out for the run, which sets out from Cornwal- lis Academy and takes in the highways and byways in Lin- ton, Boughton Monchelsea and the surrounding villages. There are three routes – a fun


run for beginners and chil- dren, an intermediate route for the more experienced and a half marathon for those who are seriously energetic. Registration for the chip-


timed half marathon starts at 8am, with the race beginning at 9am. This is for over 18s only and costs £25 to enter. The 10k race starts registra-


tion at 9am, with the race an hour later, as does the 5k fun run, which costs £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s. To book a place, visit www.hokh.org, where you can also download a copy of the routes. All proceeds go to the Heart


of Kent Hospice and entrants are encouraged to get sponsor- ship.


Formore local news 36


www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone South March 2016


PLANNING officers from Maid- stone Council were overruled re- garding the development of a new home in Boughton Monchelsea. The planning department recom- mended that a proposal to build a house on land next to Rock House in Boughton Lane be refused due to its unsustainable location and the potential harm it would cause to the open countryside. However, the planning commit-


tee took on board the parish coun- cil’s support for the scheme and granted planning permission. Cllr Sara Evans, from the parish council, said: “This won’t hurt any-


body. There is no opposition locally or from statutory consultees. “The site is perfect and the house


would be well positioned with woodland around it.Given its prox- imity to developments in Boughton Lane the sustainability objection can be overcome. “Boughton Monchelsea’s archi- tectural heritage is not only rich but varied. There are some absolute gems from every era, except per- haps our own. It is exciting to have something with architectural merit for our own age. If this is built, peo- ple in 10 years’ time will say it is a home befitting of the 21st century.”


Charity offers help for parents


PARENTS looking for support with youngsters demonstrating behav- ioural problems are invited to call a Maidstone charity for help. HearSay has been established for 12 years, but has recently moved to Mill Street.


The charitable trust offers counselling to those showing symptoms of attention hyperactivity disorder or autism, as well as support for other members of the family.


Counsellor and senior psychotherapist Dr Kitty Morgan Jones assists those referred by care professionals including GPs and self-referrals, who are asked to give a donation to the charity, based on what they can afford.


For details call 01227 271172 or email gill.hinson@hearsay-trust.org.uk. May fair preparation under way


HEADCORNMay Fair and hog roast is being organised by Headcorn Scout Executive Committee from noon on May 2. Proceeds from the event will help to repay the loan on the building and buy equipment. Pitches will be about 4m by 3m – allowing room to pitch a gazebo – and cost £20 each. A programme will be distributed to all households. Anyone who would


like to advertise in it or book a stall should call Mrs J Vidler at Lowfield, Holm Mill Lane, Harrietsham on 01622 850506 (evenings and weekends), 07887 501526, or email joyce@powertechuk.com.


The single-storey home, to be


built on an unused garden close to the junction with Bottlescrew Hill, is to include a roof terrace, pond and swimming pool. Cllr Stephen Mun-


ford (pictured), local ward councillor, said: “We have 25 houses on the oppo- site side of the road


and 71 homes up the road. This res- idence would be the fourth closest in my parish to a bank and bus service. This is sustainable, there are no objections and it is an innovative design.”


Arts and crafts THE Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent is hosting an art and craft exhi- bition at Sutton Valence School. Pictures and crafts will be on show and for sale at the event from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, March 19 and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, March 20. Entrance is £1 on the door and re- freshments will be available. Pro- ceeds will go to Rotary charities. For details call Bob Taylor on 01233 756379, Derek Lamb on 01622 890650 or go to www.wealdofken- trotary.org.uk.


Call for drivers INVICTA Gateway Club, which runs a social club for adults with learning disabilities, is looking for volunteer drivers. The role involves driving in the club’s minibuses between 6.30pm and 10.30pm on occasional Fridays. Anyone interested should email car- olynpiper431@hotmail.co.uk.


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