News


Nappy thief A MAIDSTONE woman who stole baby milk and nappies from a store on the Loose Road has ap- peared in court. Lisa Wallace (43), from Owletts


Close, admitted two counts of shoplifting, the second offence con- cerning cosmetics taken from a shop in Calverley Road, TunbridgeWells. She was sentenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court on January 25 to 131 days in prison, suspended for 12 months. She must pay £68 compen- sation, £235 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.


Motorbike ban A MOTORCYCLIST from Maid- stone has been banned from driving for three years. Daryl Charles, of York Road, ad-


mitted drink-driving in Brenchley Road when hewas stopped onNew Year’s Day. Mid Kent magistrates heard he gave a breath test of 61mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35. Hewas ordered to pay a £100 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.


Church quiz A QUIZ is being held by St Nicholas Church, Otham, on Wednesday, March 8, at 7.30pm Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Details from Diane at 01622 739129 or Peter 01622 746462.


downsmail.co.uk


Councillors split over super council scheme


THE prospect of Maidstone Bor- ough Council being part of a “super district” in an amalgamation with other authorities has received a mixed reaction from politicians. Local council bosses are awaiting


the outcome of a proposed “cluster” in east Kent, comprising Dover, Shepway, Canterbury and Thanet. If that goes ahead, serious discus-


sions will start about which merger Maidstone might be involved in. Its central location could make it partner for any of the three currently mooted in three broad geographical terms – east, north andwest. Andwhile the government is pur-


suing a course towards devolved local government, few local ob- servers have any idea how the process might work in practice. But they have words ofwarning. UKIP councillor John Barned said


super district councils are a recipe for conflict as each area vies for the best deal.Headded: “This idea is all about saving money. But, to be hon- est, I’m not convinced it will save the money the councils think and could lead to conflict between the areas.


Councillors John Barned, Matthew Burton and DerekMortimer


It’s not something I would vote for. “If we do go into a super council partnership, I’d say that unless the funding changes we are going to face the same problemswe do at the moment. But it is all about money and Maidstone Borough Council is already struggling to make cuts.” Conservative Cllr Matthew Bur-


ton, who represents Park Wood, be- lieves that amalgamated authorities could work. He added: “It’s very much the di- rection that we are being led in by central government. ” Critics – including Cllr Barned -


have pointed out that the “super dis- trict councils” will simply become


slightly smaller versions of Kent County Council. “And KCC doesn’t do it very


well,” added Cllr Barned. Liberal Democrat borough mem-


ber for south ward, Derek Mor- timer, said: “As long as it’s good for democracy, there’s a fair share for all and no loss of money I could sup- port it. But the devil is in the detail.” Maidstone could end up in a part- nership in the west with Tonbridge and Malling, Sevenoaks and Tun- bridgeWells; to the south/east with Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet, Shep- way and Dover or to the north with Medway, Swale, Gravesham and Dartford.


Growing Up


For two decades, Downs Mail has served the people of Maidstone and Malling with pride and confidence.


As a company, we have built a hard-earned reputation as a family-owned, independent publishing house renowned for reliable journalism, honest commercial partnerships and a loyal readership.


In April, we celebrate our 20th birthday in the knowledge we have a secure berth in the choppiest waters the newspaper industry has ever known.


Unlike other news media organisations, Mail Publications Ltd has expanded our newspaper portfolio with a fifth Downs Mail edition, to serve Maidstone, and a website which grows in popularity day by day.


The local authorities serving Maidstone and Malling are committed to building more homes in order to meet the growing demand, so we will endeavour to include all residents in our delivery as they come on stream.


30 Maidstone Weald March 2017


This will provide an even bigger platform for local businesses to connect with local people.


Our quarterly lifestyle magazine Mid Kent Living also goes from strength to strength - providing great ideas for places to visit, things to do, lifestyle ideas, home improvements and the like.


We’re growing our sales team Mail Publications Ltd has also been a local employer for 20 years, happy to share in the continued success of the business, which is we’d why like to hear from you.


We are looking for people who enjoy success and want to be part of a winning sales team. People who are keen to make a difference, develop their skill sets and contribute to our future growth.


If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available send your CV with a short covering note to Bill Brett, Sales Manager by Friday 17th March.


Email: bill@downsmail.co.uk


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