News
Mosque plan raises concerns
NEIGHBOURS have expressed concerns over a plan to level Maid- stone’s mosque and rebuild it as a three-storey building. Aplanning application submitted
to Maidstone Council proposes transforming the Mote Road prem- ises into a centre for worship, in- cluding a prayer room, classrooms, kitchen, offices, library andwashing facilities for the Islamic community, with three shops, for lease, to pay for the building.However, there would be just two parking spaces, with the applicant suggesting up to 200 wor- shippers would attend services. Maidstone Council, which will de- termine the application, has received almost 20 letters from neighbours, concerned about the size of the de- velopment and parking problems. Others have expressed concern
about the scale of the building, which would overshadow neigh- bouring properties. Neighbour Andy Woodward is concerned the development could damage the foundations of his prop- erty in Mote Road. He describes the current single- storey mosque as a “ramshackle se-
ries of extensions”, but says a plan to turn it into a three-storey building represents “total overdevelopment”. He also comments on the parking problems caused on days of wor- ship, adding: “There is not enough parking in Melville, Kingsley, and Hastings Road already.” John Peden moved to Melville
Road less than two months ago and says he is already aware of parking and congestion issues. In a letter to the council, he says: “It is already difficult enough to navigate the roads around this area and find a parking space. The extra traffic that this redevelopment would poten- tially bring in would make an al- ready bad situation much worse.” He says the building would over-
look properties and “lead to a level of discomfort” for neighbours, and questions the need for shops within the development, which is 400m from the town centre and across the road from Sainsbury’s. Hayley Collins, from Kingsley
Road, says residentswhopay £25 for parking permits already find they can’t park and more shops would add to the issue of illegal parking.
Artists’work goes on show
WATER colour paintings by members of an art club are being hung on the walls of the new Paddlesworth Room and the hall leading to the room at Snodland Community Centre. The first three paintings by STARA (Snodland Town Active Retirement As- sociation) Art Club have been presented by Ken Sansom (left) and Keith Holdstock (right) to Chris and Linda Howick. Another nine are to follow. Keith, who runs the club at Townsend Hook Bowls Club in Paddlesworth
Road, said: "Chris asked if the art group would like tohangsomeof its pictures in the rooms at the community centre. I cameupwith the idea of a series of drawings/paintings which showed off sights of Snodland and local flora."
Council loery could boost funds
Continued from page one first draw will be in June. Adrian Stanfield, Tonbridge and Malling Council’s director of central services and monitoring officer, said that the council must take all rea- sonable steps to ensure information about responsible gambling and how to get help for problem gam- blingwas readily available.
VOTE David Naghi - On May 5th Police & Crime Commissioner David Naghi is a successful local businessman and Maidstone Borough
Councillor, he has represented East Ward for 14 years, during this time he has served on the Licensing Committee; which has given him an insight into many issues relating to public safety and anti-social behavior.
Retired Kent Police Chief Superintendent Richard Rixon says:
“A key requirement of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to provide an effective link between Kent Police and the communities it serves.
This means consulting local people and organisations, listening to their views and taking appropriate action.
David Naghi has 14 years experience of reflecting the needs of the community in his role as Borough Councillor. Through being accountable to the electorate and representing the public he has built useful relationships and delivered consistent results.
This kind of proven track record is essential for anyone putting themselves forward for the post of PCC in Kent.”
David says:”I have seen how the police are losing the trust of the community. At the same time some crimes are being tolerated, whilst the police seem uninterested. They should be supporting community, events and initiatives.
David wants to rebuild trust and look to reduce central costs, including those of the Commissioner’s Office and advisors, and refocus on front line services.”
www.naghiforppc.org.uk david@naghiforppc.org.uk
Cllr Martin Coffin , the council’s cabinet member for finance said: “The lottery offers an opportunity for voluntary and community groups to raisemoneyfor their good causes without the overheads of op- erating a traditional fundraiser.” Charities and organisations wish-
ing to benefit from the scheme should email
lottery@tmbc.gov.uk.
downsmail.co.uk
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Malling April 2016
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