downsmail.co.uk


School reunion FORMER pupils and staff of Head- corn School are invited to a reunion on Saturday, May 21. Those attending are invited to


bring a photograph or memorabilia from their time at the school to add to a memorywall. The get-together – from 1-5pm –


is being co-ordinated by Ross Dent- ten, of Mayflower House (Blue), whowas at the school in the 1970s. The current head and chair of


governors will give a presentation. Anyone who wishes to attend


can register at www.surveymon- key.co.uk/r/9CPQ58P or by calling 01622 891070. Those with class pho- tos or video footage that they would like to share on the day are asked to send an email to hcp.xpups@gmail.com.


Driver banned A20-YEAR-OLD Marden manwas banned from driving for 20 months after admitting drug driving and using a vehicle in a dangerous con- dition. Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court


heard that Billy Lee Draper, of Stilebridge Lane, also admitted driving otherwise than in accor- dance with a licence, driving with- out insurance, and possessing cannabis. Draper must pay a £300 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.


News


Closure date set for Dorothy Lucy Centre


KENTCounty Council has voted to close the Dorothy Lucy Centre and care home. Despite efforts by local council-


lors, campaigners and MP Helen Whately, the county council’s adult social care cabinet committee voted to close the care home in Northum- berlandAvenue, Shepway, fromAu- gust 2016 and to end dementia day care provision from March 2017. Cllr Brian Clark made a final bid


for a reprieve at the meeting, with Marian Reader and Anna Ralph. Both ladies made a case to keep


the centre going, based on the excel- lent service provided and the lack of like-for-like services locally. Cllr Clark saidKCCshould defer a decision, claiming it had so far failed to find any local alternative services in the private sector. He said: “KCC has had to extend dementia day care provision at Dorothy Lucy to March next year after finding no suitable alternative. “Given the clear lack of current al- ternatives for dementia day care in south east Maidstone; this is not the


Cllr Brian Clark, Anna Ralph and her father-in-law John Hoggin


time tomakethe decision on closure. “KCC should be deferring the de-


cision until credible alternative serv- ices are available for the whole package of services offered by Dorothy Lucy." His views were echoed by Mid


Kent MP Helen Whately who said: “I am disappointed the Dorothy Lucy Centre is to close. It is a much- valued community asset and the staff there have done great work car- ing for the frail and elderly, as well


as providing support to local fami- lies who needed respite facilities. “I am pleased I was able to help


get Kent County Council to hold back their decision while they car- ried out research to identify alterna- tive providers for the services. “This was particularly important


for day care services at Dorothy Lucy, which now won’t be with- drawn until March 2017, rather than this month as originally planned. “While I understand the reasons


KCCput forward for closing the cen- tre, providing high-quality health care locally is a must. I will continue to monitor the situation and press KCCto ensure good replacement fa- cilities are in place before the final closure of the Dorothy Lucy Centre.” KCC says the Dorothy Lucy Cen-


tre is no longer fit for purpose, along with Kiln Court in Faversham. Mrs Whately said: “There are op- portunities for health agencies to use this overall situation to improve pro- vision in Maidstone and across Kent, particularly for dementia care home and nursing care home beds.”


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