News
Parish takes on aractive asset
STAPLEHURST looks set to take ownership of an attractive asset that has formed the heart of the village for decades. The first part of the parish coun- cil’s plan to take on Sur- renden Field open space from Maid- stone Bor- ough Council (MBC) has now been ap- proved by the borough’s heritage, cul- ture and
Cllr John Perry
leisure committee. Members agreed to declare the
land “surplus to requirement”, with a view to the freehold of the field, along with that of Nicholson Walk – a much-used thoroughfare in the village – being taken on by the parish. Describing the decision as a win,
win situation, John Perry, ward councillor for Staplehurst at MBC and a member of the parish coun-
cil, said: “I am highly delighted at the committee’s decision, which I strongly support. “Surrenden Field was gifted to
the rural district council and has re- mained at the heart of Staplehurst ever since; it is where many of the major events in the village take place.
“Staplehurst Parish Council maintains the field under a lease from MBC, but significant capital expenditure will need to be made to improve the drainage and up- date the play area. Therefore, it makes even more sense for the parish council to be granted the freehold.” The current parish council lease
is set to expire on the field on March 31, 2019. If ownership is transferred, the borough council’s policy and resources committee is likely to recommend that,were the land to be put on the market in fu- ture, ownership would revert to MBC. It would see the parish coun- cil take on all responsibility for the management and maintenance of the land.
downsmail.co.uk Forestry student’s award
AMAIDSTONE student is £1,000 a year better off thanks to a scholarship from the Kent County Agricultural Society. The society, which runs the county show at Detling each July, announced its higher education award scheme for those taking land-based studies. Jacob Taylor (19) was one of
three successful students from 18 applicants. He is studying for a BSc (Hons) in forest management at the University of Cumbria and says the money will help fund his travel back to Kent, where he works with a number of voluntary organisations. Jacob, who went to Maplesden
Noakes School in Maidstone and Hadlow College, hopes to work for an industry organisation such as the Forestry Commission or the Woodland Trust. Lucy Hegarty, Kent County Agricultural Society showmanager, said: “A number of our previous award recipients have gone on to have a career in the industry.”
Young biker injured in crash
A TEENAGE motorcyclist was rushed to hospital with leg and head injuries after a crash which caused major disruption on the A274 at Warmlake. The highway was par- tially blocked between Warmlake Road and LeedsRoad after the crash at 7.30am on October
25.Villagers in
Leeds reported seeing an ambulance racing to the scene at about 7.40am. Police attended but no other vehi-
cles are believed to have been in- volved. The biker, aged 19,was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
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