News


downsmail.co.uk Future of school site discussed


STAPLEHURST Village Centre could be transformed after a consultation with residents. More than 150 people attended


an open day to see how the former school, which was acquired by Sta- plehurst in 1989, might be used. Many have filled out feedback


slips which will be studied as part of the scheme. It is currently managed by a seven-strong trust, with two trustees provided by the parish council.


Staplehurst


parish councillor John Perry (pic- tured) said: “I don’t think that


many people would argue that the place is looking a little tired that something needs to be done with it. “What is probably more strongly


Gateway gets


a make-over THE Maidstone Gateway will re-open on Tuesday, February 14, after renovation work . The borough council’s cus-


tomer services team returns to its King Street base after mak- ing way for contractors at the end of September. The large glass building next


to the Arriva bus station re- opens as the Maidstone Link, following a staff competition to rename it and incorporating Job Centre plus and Citizens’ Ad- vice (CAB). In addition to improved self- service areas and meeting rooms, the layout of the build- ing has been changed to incor- porate a mezzanine floor and more digital services, including an option to scan and submit documents to MBC. Residents have been assured


they will be able to use cash on the self-service payment kiosks. Maidstone Link opens from


9am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday (Wednesday, from 10am). The JCP opens at the same times, closing at 5pm and the CAB from 9.45am (10am onWednes- day) until 4pm. Customers with queries should contact each organisa- tion initially as follows: • Job Centre Plus –


www.gov.uk/browse/working • Maidstone Borough Council – www.maidstone.gov.uk/ser- vices or 01622 602000 • Citizens Advice Maidstone – advice@maidstonecab.org.uk or 01622 767661


8 Maidstone Weald February 2017


felt is the need to have a place in the centre of the village where people and the clubs and societies can meet. That’s very important. “But it’s very early days. My per-


sonal view is that the sports facili- ties can be concentrated at the Jubilee Fields, but the parish offices


and the place for clubs and societies should be central to the village. “The question might be, do we


keep the front of the building as it is or do we have a completely new building?” Plans were displayed from three sets or architects during the open


Tributes to loving Dad Titch


FLORAL tributes in the shape of a tank and pint of his favourite Guin- ness mark the final resting place for Francis “Titch” O’Sullivan, who died in the Sutton Valence pram race onNewYear's Day. The 52-year-old was buried at St Nicholas’ Church in Leeds on Jan- uary 23, with hundreds of mourners in atten- dance. The grave site is fes- tooned with tributes from family, friends and former soldier friends. Mr O'Sullivan had served as a tank driver in the conflict in the Gulf. The father of three lived in Langley but had family and friends in


Leeds, where he helped out behind the bar at the George Inn. He had been taking part in the race in a three-wheeled Spitfire-themed contrap- tion when it flipped over, after apparently hitting a kerb.


day last month. One firm, People and Place, has put forward two ideas – one for a refurbishment with an extension to the building or an- other to demolish it and rebuild afresh. The building is not listed, said


Cllr Perry, who also serves as a bor- ough councillor for the community. There is currently a Village Cen-


tre Development Committee tasked with looking at all the options. Few disagree that the North Hall,


in particular, needs refurbishment. Any possible option might be hampered by access issues to the Sobel Lodge home, at the rear of the centre site. This could be remedied by ex- panding into the Kent County Council-run youth facility next door.


Play park probe


INVESTIGATIONS are continu- ing after excrement was smeared on play equipment in Headcorn. The incident – said to be the sec-


ond in recent months – follows the re-opening of the children’s play park at Days Green by pupils from the local school in Novem- ber. The parish council has spent more than £80,000 to revamp the park after it made Maidstone Council release money it was holding as part of a developer con- tribution. A spokesman for the parish council said it was unclear why such an act had been carried out but CCTV images were being re- viewed.


Festival picks Dandelion Time


THE VICAR’S Picnic music festival has announced a charity partnership with Dandelion Time. The two-day family event, which takes place on The


Lees in Yalding, has announced it will be supporting the children’s charity, which is based in nearbyWest Farleigh, at this year’s event on July 14 and 15. Dandelion Time works with vulnerable and


traumatised children and their families. Dave King, co-founder of the Vicar’s Picnic said:


“We are really looking forward to a partnership with this wonderful charity that restores hope to young lives. Dandelion Time is in tune with our creative outlook which they also use to complement their therapeutic approach with less fortunate children and families. “As well as delivering an amazing festival, we


remain committed to repaying the fantastic support of our local community.” The charity’s chief executive Graham Carpenter


said: “We are all hugely excited about this fantastic collaboration. Dandelion Time places a high value on building long-term meaningful relationships with the local community.”


Festival organiser Dave King (left) with Dandelion Time chief executive Grahame Carpenter


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