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Sainsbury’s store plan facing further delays
SAINSBURY’S says it won’t be building its promised store and filling station in Staplehurst any time soon. Confirmation of a further delay
came in a meeting between Maid- stone Borough Council and the retail giant following pressure from the area’s borough councillors, con- cerned about the ongoing delay in bringing the plan to fruition and the deteriorating state of its filling sta- tion site. One villager said on the parish council’s web forum: “It does seem a shame that, despite many other places opposing proposed super- market development plans, this is, by and large, something that is actu- allywanted by the local population. It would no doubt also be good for
Sainsbury’s sales.” Another person agreed that con- firmation from Sainsbury’s that the store is not in its construction pro- gramme for 2016-17 is “indeed, bad news. Also having to live with the eyesore that the old Texaco site has become does nothing for the image of the village.” The area’s borough councillors
Louise Brice and JohnPerry say they will keep the pressure on the retailer, but concede that in such a challeng- ing climate, Sainsbury’s cannot be forced to build. A Sainsbury’s spokesman said work had been carried out on both
sites to secure its planning permis- sion for a store, which expired in March. He added: “We are continuing to review our plans for a new store in Staplehurst and will update the community oncewe are in a position to do so.” Green King currently manages the proposed store site – formerly owned by DK Holdings – as a car park for commuters for Sainsbury’s. However, the retailer rejected the idea of turning the old Texaco garage over for the same purpose because of the redundant pumps and tanks on the site.
Jubilant Stones need more room
MAIDSTONE United’s promo- tion to the highest tier of English non-league football has hastened the need for a bigger stadium. While the Stones have no in- tention of leaving the Gallagher Stadium, the club must increase its capacity by 1,000 to meet with National League requirements. Management will submit an application to Maidstone Bor- ough Council to extend one end of the ground. The Stones beat Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road on penalties on May 14. The victory means they graduated into the higher division on an afternoon
South 2016 No. 230 News
War pipe unearthed
A PIECE of piping found in a farmer’s field is part of a vital fuel line which kept the D-Day landings going. 3
Maidstone mayor
DEREK Butler and his wife Mary have been installed as mayor and mayoress. 4
New Hunton pavilion 6
THE new cricket pavilion at Hunton Wanderers’ ground has been opened.
Pony death search
TWO men are being sought by police over the death of a pony at Headcorn. 8
Natalie is new chief
NATALIE Kirk has risen through the ranks to become boss of a Kent attraction. 10
Summer fest samba
THE town’s Summer Festival will feature no less than three samba bands. 27
Spa hotel now at risk
PLANS for a hotel are under threat from council conservation rules. 32
Cider star of show
THE growth of micro-breweries is celebrated at this year’s Kent County Show. 37
drenched in emotion and excite- ment. A last-gasp equalising goal in
extra-time sent the tie to penalties, which the away side won 4-3. Full story and pictures, page 22
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Comment 30-31 Crime Reports 32
BUILDING gear was stolen from a site in Marden.
Obituaries 36 Parish Councils 46-47
TREES near the Scout hut in Kingswood have been cut down and the parish clerk will write to the group’s leader.
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46-47 36
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