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Now let’s make Brexit work MailMarks


WE in Maidstone (59%) and Malling


(56%) voted decisively in support of the UK (52%) leaving the EU. I declared in this column early on for


Brexit and firmly believe it is the right decision for the future of our country, specifically for our county of Kent, next generations and long-term relations with other European countries Wewerewarned of early concerns, setbacks and losses and in these early days of uncertainty some have arisen, partly driven by the damaging Project Fear during campaigning. But aswe all start to sele to our independence from the EU, green shoots are quickly emerging both in UK and, very significantly, from major trading countries across the world including Canada, China,Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand…. Oncewe accept the challenges of leaving and turn our minds to opportunities, I believe there will be few long-term losers and many winners. I expected my own modest investment portfolio to suffer: in parts it has, but the FTSE 100 boomed in theweeks following the vote and some shares have really taken off. I do not panic! Our government appears now to have


recovered from the shock of a powerful democratic vote and ministers rightly turn their minds to maximising potential. So do many businesses. I expect a lot of good news ahead. I hear from friends in Europe. Many


New homes will hit traffic


REFERENCE the ongoing issue of Maidstone Borough Council’s house- building programme. Itwaswith not a lile disquiet I read that


there are three more developments planned for the Suon Road site, around the existing Langley Park development. Considering that many of the houses already built there are not occupied or sold and the traffic is already appalling during the peak times of day, one can only imagine that maers will severely worsen should the applications become a reality. Surely, given the sensitivity of the applications, the pressure on infrastructure, schools, GP practices and so on, these should have been left to the government planning inspector to determine rather than barging it though the council’s commiee stages?


Anyone who has to drive along the


Suon Road in the mornings will know what pressure is now building in that area. This is only likely to get immeasurably worse. Kent County Council’s highways experts


Contact our team ...


Got something to say? Write to The Editor, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Maidstone ME14 4DT or email simon.finlay@downsmail.co.uk


32 Maidstone South August 2016 Simon Finlay


Editor simon.finlay@downsmail.co.uk 01622 734735 ext 231


Diane Nicholls


Assistant editor diane@downsmail.co.uk 01622 734735 ext 232


Dawn Kingsford


Journalist dawn@downsmail.co.uk 01622 734735 ext 233


DENNISFOWLE President dfowle2011@aol.com


were surprised but they agree the UK has not fallen out with their country or residents – just with the EU. I liked one message: “The Entente Cordiale is as strong as ever.” I amdelighted Britain is to regain complete sovereignty. This will bring many changes to benefit our country and I think will be evident in business confidence (with much-reduced bureaucracy) to lift employment and wealth opportunities. Most of all Iwelcome controlled immigration.We suffer in so manyways from population growth in Mid Kent – massive new housing; overcrowded roads; not enough school places close to our homes; our GPs, social services, hospitals under immense pressures… Nothing swung the Brexit vote more. There are big challenges ahead – but we shall be in control. I do not buy an accusation from some


young people that we have ruined their future – and nor do many in their 20s that I speak to. Theywant close relations with countries and people of Europe, to have easy travel and to work in these countries if they wish. I do not expect forthcoming


have already challenged the borough council’s assertion that the traffic impacts can be mitigated. No one denies there has to be housing to


meet the national shortfall, and every council in the country has to do its bit. Langley Park as a location is not the


worst place in the world for housing, but only if sufficient thought had been given to how the roads in particular could cope. No onewants amajor housing


development on their doorstep and one has to feel for the residents there and for the people of Otham,who will see their beautiful lile village changed irrevocably. One has to admire Maidstone Borough Council for its determination to plough aheadwith its housing plans, but one would hope that by the time the government planning inspector comes to look at all of the proposals in the local plan, it may be a timely punctuation mark in this passage.


Hopefully, there will be a pause for consideration and reflection about moves whichwill change the fabric of our town forever. WMcMaster, by email


negotiations to impact significantly on any of these desires – it is in no one’s interest that they should. I see us co- operating with our friends in Europe in so manyways – but we will not be controlled by the EU. I expect the British decision and the wishes of people of other European countries to lead to major changes in the EU itself in the next few years. I think more willwant to restore total national sovereignty while retaining much of the common market we voted for so many years ago. The massivewaves of the past few


weeks have been surprising, but fascinating.A new prime minister and cabinet are now in post. I wish themwell on difficult tasks ahead. I amvery optimistic. But I have friends


angry and worried about the Leave vote. Once the dust has seled I believe it will work outwell for most. All of us drink to that.


This is a golden chance for Britain. We must all aim now to make Brexit work.


Final Brexit letter Dear Sir – Downs Mail inspired our


family talks on Brexit (leers, May) and, three weeks after the vote, all 10 of us across three generations are confident about our vote to Leave. We have agreed to meet every June 23


to review our decisions –we call it Independence Day. P.D., Bearsted


Castle’s support is vital


I READ with interest the piece about Sir David Steel’s assertion that ticket dodgers may prevent good causes being supported by Leeds Castle. I hope it never happens. The castle has always been reasonably


visible in community life. Most of us love the castle, don’t mind its 600,000 visitors or the enormous annual events it stages but it might be perceived as a public relations blooper to pull out of local good causes. G Edwards, email


Clear benefit to tourism


REGARDING the proposal for a £5m five- star spa hotel scheme in Maidstone, has the planning committee met to discuss the tourism aspect of the proposed hotel? Surely it must be obvious it would be an


asset to the town, which has so many unused and boarded up properties. Ciaran O’Quigley is willing to build this


hotel and is being prevented from doing so because of Maidstone’s conservation officer Mike Parkinson, who suggests it would cause


Comment


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