News
Mike stands down from rail post after 13 years
A NOSTALGIC look back over 13 years of success in building the Kent Community Rail Partnership was the focal point of the group’s annual stakeholder meeting. The meeting, held at Maidstone
Town Hall and opened by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Daniel Moriarty, was the last for retiring founder and chairman Mike FitzGerald. MrFitzGerald, a former councillor
and mayor, who lives in Chart Sut- ton, said hewas delighted to be leav- ing at a time when the partnership was on a high, having just won first place in a national competition and secured a three-year contract to re- main in partnership with Sustrans. Hetold the council chamber: “The Department for Transport and all political parties support the concept of community rail and I would like to express my thanks for the com- mitment of the line members and volunteers who are the strength of our organisation.” Mr FitzGerald, who was pre-
sented with an album of old photo- graphs and a poetic tribute, said: “It
cured the contract with stakeholders to continue its partnership with Sus- trans, the charity which is enabling people to travel by foot, bike or pub- lic transport for more of their every- day journeys. Therewere a number of presenta-
Matt Fraser of Southeastern and Mike FitzGerald
was an unbelievable send-off. I was overwhelmed by thewarmth of the reception I got.” Kent CRP brings together local community groups to help support improvements to rail links and facil- ities. It is already looking to expand its activities in the region, having se-
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tions during the meeting, looking forward to new developments and art installations at stations on SwaleRail and the Medway Valley Line. The audience was transfixed by the inspiring presentation about the MoonQuarter station redevelop- ment in Heerlen, Holland, byDutch artistMichel Huisman. The partnership plans to send Mr FitzGerald and his wife Maureen on a break to Heerlen to thank him. The partnership recentlywonfirst
place in the Abellio challenge, a na- tionwide competition, with its inno- vative proposal for Smarter Travel for transition year school children. The Kent Community Rail Part- nership includes Sustrans, KCC, Maidstone Council, Tonbridge and Malling Council, Southeastern Rail- way, parish and town councils and Nu-Venture.
downsmail.co.uk Store plan
TONBRIDGE Road residents will soon have a Sainsbury’s conven- ience store which will create 20 full and part-time jobs. Work is underway on the site of
the former BP petrol garage be- tween the Spice Fusion restaurant and Cherry Tree pub. The store, which will sell food,
drinks and convenience products, is expected to open later in the year. A company spokesman said: “Sainsbury’s Local provides the same quality as our larger super- markets, but on a smaller scale. It is designed to cater for people within walking distance of the shop.” The retailer has announced plans for a similar store in Coxheath.
Four arrests
FOUR people have been bailed until May 26 on suspicion of bur- glary at a house in Maidstone. Officers were called to Fisher
Street on the morning of Wednes- day, April 13 after reports of a break-in.
Half-an-hour later, three men
aged 31, 21 and 19, and a woman aged 27, were arrested in nearby Thornhill Place. The address is close to the town’s
prison and up to half a dozen po- lice vehiclewere involved in the ar- rest. All four were on police bail pending further inquiries.
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