News
Flats plan for old policeHQ
THE site of Kent’s original police headquarters looks poised to be re- developed as offices and flats. Wren’s Cross, at the junction of
Upper Stone Street and Knightrider Street, has been a blot on the town centre landscape for a number of years. Itwas vacated by the police in 1940, when the force moved its headquarters to Sutton Road. The property has been boarded
up as it has fallen into increasing disrepair, with large sections of the roof now missing. Kent County Council, which
owns the property, has been trying to sell the site for some time and has been in negotiations with would-be developers including supermarket companies and house builders. Last year, it was rumoured a fast
food outlet or supermarket was to be built on the site. Now Geko Development Ltd has applied for listed building consent to demolish many of the buildings – but not those which are listed – re- placing them with 76 flats. Sixty-six of the flats will be built in
a five-storey block, while the bar- racks building will be converted into four more flats. Another block will house the remaining six flats. There would be two three-bed-
room flats, 49 two-bedroom flats and 25 one-bedroom flats. There would also be 80 parking spaces for residents. The remaining grade II listed building would be turned into offices and a workshop. Maidstone Council will decide
the plan. Music, tea and new friends
AYLESARA(Aylesford Active Retirement Association) will meet in the Community Centre, Aylesford at 2pm on Thursday, March 24. There will an afternoon of musical entertainment by Steve Erikson as
well as time for tea and a chat and a chance to sign up for some trips planned for later in the year. Anyone over 50 who wishes to meet new people and explore new in-
terests is welcome. For details, call Wayne on 01622 710734 or browse the group’swebsite,
www.aylesara.co.uk.
downsmail.co.uk Firewalkers help hospice
CROWDS gathered in Maidstone’s Jubilee Square to watch 50 brave fire walkers hotfoot it across 15ft of smouldering coals in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. The event was hosted by Scott Bell, who holds two world records for
fire walking and is one of the country’s leading experts. It was sponsored by central heating and boiler installer Samsian Ltd, from Borough Green. Many of those
taking part in the challenge were walking in memory of loved ones and in recognition of the care that staff and volunteers at the hospice provide for those with a life-limiting illness and their families. Sarah Lawless, from Vinters Park, who has raised more than £400 in memory of her mum and mother-in-law who were both cared for by the hospice, said: “The fire walk was awesome. I was really anxious when I first arrived, but the training was brilliant and Scott put everyone at ease. I felt a great sense of achievement when I completed the walk and being able to say I did it in honour ofmy mum and mum-in-law. “I can never thank the hospice enough for the respect and dignity
they gavemymum at the end of her life.” More than £11,500 was raised by the evening, which drew a big crowd
of supporters and spectators, and more money is still pouring in. TomAbbott, events manager for Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “There
was a real buzz in the air as our intrepid walkers took on this huge challenge and made this a great night to remember.”
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Malling March 2016
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