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Race to meet rising demand for schools


KENT County Council (KCC) is urgently looking at expanding schools in the borough to meet increasing demand, the Downs Mail can reveal. Aleadingmemberof theKCCrul-


ing cabinet, Gary Cooke, says hous- ing should only be permitted where “adequate” service provision – in- cluding schools – can be made. Developers must also “mitigate


their educational impact through …financial contributions”, he said. In a letter to the Downs Mail, Cllr


Cooke says that rural fringes of the borough are facing the same pres- sure on school places as urban areas. In this edition, we have high- lighted the plight of Laura Procter, whose daughter Amelia missed out on all three preferred primary places in September and faces a five mile trek to Langley Park Primary. Cllr Cooke – formerly the deputy cabinet member for education and


an ex-school governor – believes de- veloper’s financial contributions should enable “the expansion of ex- isting schools, the establishment of free schools and where appropriate the development of academies. “Development proposals should


only be supported where adequate provision can be provided, which clearly extends to wider aspects of infrastructure provision than just ed- ucation.”


Maidstone Borough Council is committed to the building of over 18,000 homes by 2031, which has raised worries about how schools, roads and GP services might cope. Cllr Cooke believes the pressure


on school places is caused by in- creasing indigenous populations


Vicar Fiona raises £1k by shedding pounds


DIETING Headcorn vicar Fiona Haskett has not just lost pounds but gained some too. For Rev Haskett, who set herself the challenge of losing


20lbs after over-indulging atChristmas, has also raised a cool £1,000, which will be split between St Peter and St Paul’s organ fund and the Sutton Valence Youth Centre. The mum-of-four cut out alcohol, cakes and other treats as


well as eating sensibly to shed theweight. Her husband Graham and their beloved pet dog Hector, a


(not so) miniature Schnauzer, also joined Rev Haskett in her quest. She said: “I had the incentive because of the many people generously sponsoring me.”


14 Village shop re-opens on the Green


THE new Chart Sutton Community Shop had its grand re-opening on Monday, May 2. There was music, merriment, refreshments and hot dogs for customers old and new when visitors were able to step inside the long-awaited replacement cabin, on the Green. Mike FitzGerald, who was instrumental in setting up the original shop, said: “The shop looks amazing - very spacious and light. “


Lock repairs WORK is to start soon on the reno-


vation of the crumbling East Far- leigh lock. The lock has been in a poor state of repair for years and the Environment Agency has secured the £1.8m needed to fix it. Full story – page 21.


maidstone@martinco.com 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent


and people moving out of London, not foreign nationals settling here. He writes: “Headcorn, Marden


and Harrietsham/Lenham have been identified for expansion.However ... the expansion of existing primary schools would be difficult due to lack of space or planning constraints. “Indigenous growth and inward migration will continue to present challenges and speculative planning applications will continue to be sub- mitted.” Cllr Cooke’s views were echoed


by the head of a local infant school who told his parish council: “These children live in our community and should come to our schools.” Education reports, pages 4, 5 & 6 Cllr Cooke’s letter, page 33


May 2016 No. 229 News Ambulance site row


OWLS and objections may scup- per plans to relocate the Kent air ambulance service to a site in Laddingford. 3


Wierton’s approval


CONSENT has been given for 22 homes at the Wierton Place manor house.


Scouting help


MORE help is needed to keep the Suttons Scout Group going due to growing demand. 14


Murder charge


A MAN has been charged with the murder of widower Roy Blackman.


Giving heroes hope


ROYAL British Legion Industries have forged a first-ever naval affiliation.


Obituaries


18 30


Comment 32-33 Crime Reports 33


Parish Councils 42-43


LITTER picking has been carried out by members of the travelling community in Lenham Road, Headcorn; the surface of the play area is wearing thin and in need of attention in East Sutton; and around £300 of electrical work is required on the pavilion at Chart Sutton.


42-43 New info panels


A SERIES of information panels has been unveiled as part of a Maidstone history trail. For more, see the Maidstone Council spon- sored 12-page Borough Update.


16 10


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