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YMCA centre land concerns
CONCERNS about the owner- ship of land on which Tovil’s new community centre stands have been answered by Maidstone YMCA. TheYMCA,which runs the centre
in Barfreston Close,was responding to a claim that, many years ago, the “Children’s House” site was be- queathed to the parish, along with a fund to assist youngsters from poor families. William Hall (62), from Courtney
Road, says he believes the land and the fund were left to Tovil by a fe- male benefactor, adding: “I have three grandchildren in Tovil and if they have a legal entitlement to use the facilities, I want this back. Too much is taken away from children these days.” But the chairman of Maidstone YMCA,Bryan Price, says the site be- longed to KCC, not a private bene- factor, when the charity bought it in 2008 for a community centre. He said: “Tovil Community Cen-
tre has been built by Golding Homes as part of its commitment to redevelop the Coombe Road hous- ing estate, with contributions from Maidstone YMCA, Tovil Parish Council, Garfield Weston and the Clothworkers' Foundations. “This plan took more than 10
years to bring to fruition and at no time has there been any mention of a ‘female benefactor’ funding free access for local residents..” Hesays the originalwooden Chil-
dren’s House is believed to have been used to packmunitions during thewar, after which it became avail-
able for community use. He added: “Maidstone YMCA
took over the running of the Chil- dren’s House in 1974, when the Children’s Society was no longer able to raise the funds, nor could find willing committee members to continue. If Mr Hall is referring to this context, then clearly those funds had run out, and no such funds have ever been made available to Maidstone YMCA.” With regard to the rest of the site, including part of the netball court, he said: “KCC retained a large por- tion of the land, which it recently sold to Landform Developments. “The division of the land was set
byKCCand did cut the playing area in half, although the new build has created another playing area. “Maidstone YMCA will use the community centre to offer a large variety of activities to the local com- munity, including a much-needed playgroup for which families with financial difficulties are able to get attendance support from the gov- ernment.We want the community to support this facility and to use it.” An open day is being held at the
centre from 11am to4pmon Friday, April 1.
Police hunt onesie robber
DETECTIVES investigating a robbery at a petrol station in Maidstone are appealing for witnesses. Aman described as wearing a white onesie with black spots is said to
have entered the BP Parkwood Service Station in Sutton Road at about 8pm onWednesday,March 9. He allegedly shouted at staff to open a till before reaching across the counter and opening it himself. The suspect, who is thought to have had a knife, stole cash before running off towardsWallis Avenue. A 24-year-old man fromMaidstone has been arrested in connection
with the incident and bailed until April 6. Officers are appealing to anyone whomay have seen anything suspicious to ring the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/5310/16. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.
Charity’s work subject of talk
A MAIDSTONE man who admit- ted drink drivingwas banned from driving for three years by Mid Kent Magistrates. John Rushworth (29) fromWallis
Avenue,was almost twice the legal drink-drive limit when he drove a Ford Focus on Wallis Avenue in
November last year. He gave a blood test reading of 156mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mg. Magistrates banned Rushworth
from driving for 36 months. He must also pay a £400 fine, £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.
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