News


Driver jailed A DRIVER who used his car in


Maidstone while over the drink limit and already on a ban has been jailed. Medway Magistrates heard that Mark Kingshott (43) had 56mg of al- cohol in 100ml of breath when he was stopped on the London Road. Kingshott, of Newport in Wales, had no car insurance and later failed to surrender to bail. He admitted the charges and was sentenced to 137 days in prison, banned from driving for three years, and must pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.


Burglary case A MAN from Maidstone has been


charged following a burglary in Al- bany Street in the town. Dmitrij Ivanov (30), from Lower Fant Road, was charged on January 17 with burglary, theft and fraud fol- lowing the alleged incident on Janu- ary 16. He was due to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.


Taxman talk


AYLESFORD Active Retirement As- sociation (AylesARA) will be meet- ing on Thursday, February 23, at 2pm at the Community Centre, Aylesford. Terry King will give a talk called Tax, Music, Song. The group is for anyone aged over 50. Anyone interested can contact Wayne on 01622 710734.


downsmail.co.uk


MP’s petition bid to stop closure of town barracks


MAIDSTONE and Weald MP Helen Grant is launching a petition calling on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reverse its decision to close Invicta Park Barracks. The MP says the petition follows concern about the negative impact the Ministry of Defence decision will have on 800 service personnel and their families, as well as the county town’s economy and community. Mrs Grant said: “I know that


many local people are concerned about the decision to close Invicta Park Barracks, breaking centuries of military tradition in Maidstone. There is also great affection for the town’s vibrant Nepalese community and local people are wanting to show their support for them.” As well as the petition, she is also working to establish a platform for people to voice their opposition. She added: “Iamsending a survey


to about 10,000 randomly selected addresses in central Maidstone to allow people to share their views about the proposed closure and I en- courage everyone to take part.” The petition will be handed to the


Ministry of Defence by Easter. The proposed closure of Invicta


Park Barrackswas announced by the Government in November 2017 as one of 91 proposed closures to mili- tary bases across the UK. Chris Kemsley, of Maidstone,


wrote on the petition site: “The bar- racks and the people who work there are an integral part of the town. Their value cannot be judged in pure economic terms.” John Northern added: “Do you re-


allywant to be responsible for send- ing away these soldiers, who would lay down their lives for us without question?


“Do you wish to be the one re- sponsible for removing these brave families and replacing 200 years of history with housing? “The barracks can be redeveloped


and housing modernised – there is no reason to remove the garrison other than for financial and political gain. The troops must stay!” The survey can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/2kjPxSI. The petition is at www.ipetitions.com/ petition/save-maidstone-barracks and from Helen Grant’s constituency office on the London-bound forecourt of Maidstone East railway station.


The Hop Pole The Hop Pole Inn, a 17th century country pub, is situated


in the heart of the Medway Valley, with stunning views across the heart of Kent. We pride ourselves on our freshly cooked food and homemade desserts.


A carvery is served six days a week Tuesday to Sunday and our a la carte menu is also available. The carvery, and restaurant menu is available daily from 12 to 3 pm and again from 6 to 9. On Sundays, only the carvery menu is available.


Large parties are catered for and we have a large conservatory dining area.


A sheltered beer garden with swings and a slide for children to play on. Try one of our real ales, or a glass of quality wine from our fine selection.


Mother’s Day Special Sunday 26th March, bookings now being taken.


We pride ourselves on our warm and friendly atmosphere and open fires. Pub quiz and bingo nights held every month. See our Facebook page.


Maidstone Road, Nettlestead Green, Maidstone, Kent. ME18 5HH


16 Malling February 2017 01622 816916


Nettlestead Green


Mark and Kirsty welcome you to The Hop Pole Inn located in Nettlestead Green.


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