downsmail.co.uk
Market plan to aract shoppers
A MONTHLY farmers’ market is to be introduced to Maidstone’s Jubilee Square as part of a drive to increase footfall in the town cen- tre.
The monthly market – on the
fourth Friday of the month – will be organised by the council in con- junction with the Kent Farmers’ Market Association and Produced in Kent – and will coincide with pay day for many town centre workers. Since the creation of Jubilee Square in 2012, there has been no set policy for its use. A similar suggestion failed to get
off the ground last year because it would have required planning con- sent, as did a proposed Christmas market.
Previous attempts to hold a farm-
ers’ market at Lockmeadow and outside County Hall have failed but officers believe the square would be much more successful, as it is cen- trally located. Research has shown that between
3,000 and 4,000 people per hour pass through Jubilee Square on a Friday, which should prove prof- itable for stallholders and for the
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council. Officers believe up to 32 stalls
would fit on the square and a plan- ning application will be submitted for this. As it can take up to 90 days to get
street trading consents, the council hopes the markets will start in June. About 80% of the stalls would sell foodstuffs while the remainder would be given over to crafts. The market is just one of many
ideas being considered to increase use of the square and revenue for the council. Therewas some disagreement be-
tween members of the town’s her- itage, culture and leisure committee as to whether the square should be hired out by political or religious groups and the council is to look again at what kind of events will be permitted to take place. The square is already a focal point
for protesters against planning ap- plications, as it is bordered by the Town Hall where councillors hold their meetings. Cllr Paul Harper said that, in a democratic society, people should be allowed to exercise free speech.
News Working for safer railways
RESIDENTS and communities along the Medway Valley Line, which runs from Strood to Tonbridge, via Maidstone and Yalding, have helped to make stations along the line feel safer. The Kent Community Rail Partnership and its volunteer travel champions have provide murals and landscaping at several stations and encouraged local people to adopt their station. Crime has fallen by
37% along the line since 2013 and Inspector Adam Hewett of the British Transport Police said this could be attributed to partners’ efforts. Speaking at the Champion Action Day, he said: “Everyone has the
Champion Action Day atMaidstone Barracks
right to travel on the railway free from the fear of crime and the British Transport Police will continue to work with its partners such as Kent Community Rail Partnership, to ensure that we build on the results we have already achieved.” Anyone interested in becoming a Travel Champion should contact Sarah Deakin or Guy Schofield,
kentcrp@sustrans.org.uk
Hospicewedding for Tracey
ATERMINALLY-ill patient has married her fiancé at the Heart of Kent Hospice. Staplehurst-based teaching assistant Tracey Deacon (49) married Paul Ecclestone (52). The couple became engaged shortly before Tracey was told she had a year to live. Staff and volunteers at the hospice helped with the big day; Tracey wore a dress donated by a nurse, a volunteer made her bou- quet and the hospice kitchen provided the cake. Tracey was ac- companied down the aisle by her sons Scott and Sam. Tracey – a mother of three – was employed at ParkWay Primary School in Maidstone until she became ill.
downsmail.co.uk Own an Apple computer? You need MCS
Many of us own some kind of Apple computer or device, whether it be an iPad, iPhone, iMac, MacBook Pro . . . and the list continues to grow as Apple launches one ground-breaking product after the next.
company since the beginning and became Managing Director in 2008. Since taking over, Brian has moved the
One thing you may not realise though is that there is an Apple specialist on your doorstep in Maidstone town centre, with free parking - and there has been for over 35 years! Microspot Computer Services has been repairing, selling, upgrading and maintaining Kent’s Apple products for consumers and businesses since Apple came to the market in the 70s. Brian Stroud (pictured) has been with the
modern workshop that Apple itself would be proud of. Brian said: “We pride ourselves on a quality service, and we always have, as a result we have a very loyal customer base. With the popularity of Apple products growing rapidly in Maidstone and the surrounding area, we want to let people know that there’s no need to travel all the way to Bluewater or pay for parking at Fremlin Walk just for someone to help them with an Apple computer problem. We boast the fastest repair turnaround time in the area averaging just 48 hours compared to our nearest rival at one week. We look after many local businesses
with our popular ‘Maintenance Service ensures your entire Apple infrastructure is in safe hands, minimising down time when things go wrong.” Brian and his team welcome any enquiries you may have and look forward to welcoming you to the MCS workshop for all your Apple needs.
COMPUTER SERVICES
REPAIRS | UPGRADES MAINTENANCE PACKAGES APPLE COMPUTER SALES
www.microspotservice.co.uk 01622 675144
Regal House, 13 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DY
Maidstone Town April 2016 35
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