News


downsmail.co.uk Thames crossing views pour in


MORE than 47,000 people contributed to the consultation on a new Lower Thames Crossing, making it the largest ever public consultation for a UK road project. The consultation invited views


on proposed routes for a new road – the first new crossing of the Thames east of London for 25 years.


Highways England believes the


new road would relieve congestion at other routes – chiefly the Dart- ford crossing and the Blackwall Tunnel.


Supporters believe it will unlock massive economic benefits, not just for the south east, but the whole country. The responses are being analysed


before a final decision on a pre- ferred route is made by the govern- ment later in the year. Highways England consultation manager Martin Potts said: “I am grateful to everyone who took the


Funding for charity which


helps children DANDELION Time has been se- lected as one of this year’s benefici- aries to receive funding and support through Global’s Make Some Noise. Global’s Make Some Noise was created by Global, the media & en- tertainment group which includes Heart, Capital, Classic FM, LBC, Smooth and Gold, in 2014 to give a voice to small charities and projects across the UK which struggle to raise awareness. Dandelion Time was established


in 2003 and is a farm-based project for children struggling with signif- icant behavioural, emotional, or so- cial difficulties resulting from physical or sexual abuse, neglect or other traumatic circumstances. It provides practical, farm-based therapeutic activities to help chil- dren overcome past suffering, de- velop in confidence and self-esteem and discover a new path to follow. Jane Angell-Payne, part of the management team at Dandelion Time, said: “We are thrilled that Global’s Make Some Noise is help- ing us fund and communicate our innovative work across Kent and beyond, enabling more young peo- ple to attend the programme. “We believe knowledge of the Dandelion Time approach can make a useful contribution to cur- rent thinking about young people’s mental health and emotional well- being – this is worth making a noise about.”


Formore local news www.downsmail.co.uk 26 Maidstone South June 2016


time to take part in the consulta- tion. The route for a new Lower Thames Crossing is a massive deci-


sion and it is vital that we get it right. “I am very encouraged at the sig-


nificant number of responses that we have received, as they will re- ally help us to make the best possi- ble recommendation to government about the route that this vital road link should take.” The road could be open in 2025


and will be the first new crossing of the Thames east of London since the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, opened at Dartford 25 years ago. The route proposed would run


from the end of the M2, crossing under the river just east of Gravesend and Tilbury and joining the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.


Highways England has ap- pointed a technical partner as it continues its work on the contro- versial project.


Picnic event Village home up for £3.75m


THE seventh most expensive property in Kent has gone on the market in West Farleigh. Fox Pitt, a historic Georgian mansion in Shingle Barn Lane, is up for sale


with a price tag ofmore than £3.75m. The house and its estate have been in the Devenish family for almost 80


years. Owners Michael and Belinda Devenish brought up their two chil- dren there but now, having reached retirement age and with the family having flown the nest, the couple are looking to downsize to something smaller. They hope to remain in the area, where they have been parish- ioners for almost half a century. The Grade II listed three-storey home with views across the Medway


Valley was built in the late 1700s. As well as having a tennis court and swimming pool, it has an original bell fromthe 1890s, when Fox Pitt served as a nunnery. Nowwith seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house has 37 acres


of land, including both formal parkland, landscaped gardens and a half- acre walled garden. The estate also includes three farm cottages, stables and outbuildings, 10 commercial units and pasture and woodland. It is outranked by only six other properties currently for sale in the county, primarily inWest Kent.


Garden safari helps Scouts GREEN-fingered gardeners threw open their homes and garden for the


bi-annual Yalding Garden Safari. The Yalding Scout Group organises the event every two years to sup- port the Beavers, Cubs and Sea Scout groups in the village. Eight home- owners took part in this year’s safari, now in its 12th year, raising more than £1,700.


Organiser Karen Martin said: “This was a fantastic sum and the day


was really well supported by people both in and out of the village. All in all, a successful event with a great amount raised for our Scout groups.”


FUN, food and a prom-style singa- long will all form part of a new event in Sutton Valence to help mark Armed Forces Day. The Sutton Valence and District Branch of the Royal British Legion has organised a Picnic in the Park, to take place in and around the Sutton Valence village hall from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturday, June 25. Distinguished guests will include Sir Hugh Robertson DL, represent- ing the Lieutenancy of Kent, the deputy mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Malcolm Greer, and the vice-chair- man of Kent County Council, David Brazier.


For details call Mike on 01622 743270 or email mike@laxton- drive.co.uk


Memorial ball A FUND-raising ball entitled “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is being organised in memory of Maid- stone actor Daniel Wiltshire, to raise awareness of organ donation. Daniel died two years ago, aged just 39, of a brain haemorrhage. The ball at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel on Saturday, June 25, includes a three-course meal, music, dancing and a charity auction. Go to thedanielwiltshirefoundation.com


Summer fair A SUMMER fair and pet show is


being held on the Collier Street Parish Field to raise funds for St Margaret’s School, Collier Street. There will be dance shows in the arena, a bouncy castle, face painting, lots of stalls and games, a bar, bar- becue, tea tent and raffle.


The fair opens at noon on Satur- day, June 18, with the pet show start- ing at 1.30pm.


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