News


downsmail.co.uk Families demand promised path


HOMEOWNERS feel they have been led up the garden path after buying homes with a promise of a footpath that never materialised. Residents on the Orchard Gate


development in Ditton say their builders have reneged on their pledge. They have joined with their coun-


cillor in starting a petition to shame developers Millwood Designer Homes into action. It is claimed Millwood was obliged to create the footpath – next to Kiln Barn Road and leading to Ragstone Court in Ditton village – after concerns were raised during the planning process in 2011. Millwood produced drawings for


the footpath, whichwas featured in sales promotion material and “helped convince many families to purchase the new properties on offer with the knowledge a safe pedestrian route to the village was imminent”. There are two pre-schools, an in-


fant and primary school in Ditton, along with playgrounds, shops, a recreation ground, community cen- tre and church. On its website, Millwood de- scribes Orchard Gate as “an en-


Bridge roads


now all open ALL routes accessing the new Pe- ters Bridge over the River Medway are at last fully open after a six- month delay caused by problems with traffic lights. Kent County Council has autho-


rised Hall Road Greenway at Wouldham to be used by vehicles for the first time since the bridge opened in September, although the way could be used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The delay in getting the traffic


lights working meant that families travelling from the Snodland side of the bridge to Wouldham had to turn right at the Peters Bridge roundabout, then make a round trip through Burham – a journey of about 15 minutes. The traffic lights are designed to


speed bus traffic and minimise en- vironmental impact. A spokesman for Peters Village


developer, Trenport, said: “Our site contractor, BAM Nuttall, had un- foreseen issues with these lights, but after several false starts, we are pleased to report that the lights are now fully operational and ap- proved by Kent County Council Highways' Department – the re- quired certificatewas issue. “We can all now look forward to


Peters Bridge realising its full po- tential, opening up this part of the River Medway to a new era of ac- cessibility.”


8 Malling March 2017


chanting new hamlet of 37 private homes”. It was built on the former Ditton Laboratories site next to hor- ticultural research centre East Malling Research Centre. In a joint statement with Mill-


wood, they said a footpath could pose a security risk and restrict their ability to manage crops, but they were looking at the issue and hop- ing to find a solution. Tonbridge and Malling borough councillor BenWalker’s petition on Change.org had 127 supporters at


the time of writing. In his appeal for support, he says:


“Kiln Barn Road has no pavement and features sharp, blind bends, ex- acerbated by overgrown verges, bushes and trees. “Cars also travel at speed along


this lane (a 60mph limit). It is for this very reason that during the planning consultation for the hous- ing estate, strong concerns were raised that it would be incredibly dangerous for the Orchard Gate es- tate residents to walk to Ditton vil-


lage along Kiln Barn Road. “Millwood Designer Homes has


nowreneged on its promise to build the footpath, leaving the local com- munity in danger. “Millwood has a moral obligation


to build the promised footpath.” Jane Thwaites, of Ditton, sup-


ported the appeal saying: “My hus- band and I oftenwalk up Kiln Barn Lane, but it is dangerous without a footpath – traffic travels fast. “We do not let our grandchildren


walk with us. It would be good to be able towalk safely and residents could walk into Ditton with their children to take them to school etc. Millwood did promise a footpath.” Lorraine Jull added: “I walk that


area with my dog. I also have friends who live on the develop- ment. Access via road on foot is in- credibly dangerous.” Edward Dobbs, of Gillingham,


wrote: “I cycle along Kiln Barn Road every day and I know how dangerous it is.A safe path linking the new estate with Ragstone Court is vital for pedestrians' safety.”


Flasher arrested near school Boxing class YOUNG people between the ages of 14 and 18 years are in- vited to try Olympic-style box- ing at Ditton Community Centre. The session from 6-7pm on


A 29-YEAR-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure in Aylesford. It followed an incident when a


man exposed himself near the pri- mary school in Teapot Lane. A statement from Kent Police


said: "Kent Police was called at around 11.10am on Monday, Feb- ruary 20, when it was alleged a man had exposed himself close to a school in Teapot Lane. "The man was challenged by a member of public and was re- ported to have then walked away in the direction of London Road.


"On Thursday, February 23 a 29-


year-old man from Aylesford was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure. He has now been bailed, pending further enquiries, until March 30." Head teacher Vanessa Home-


wood wrote to families after meet- ing police to discuss the incident. Anyone with information who


has not spoken to police is asked to call the West Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/4732/17. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


Wednesdays are suitable for all abilities, and cost just 50p. De- livered by Olympia Boxing, young people can expect to learn introductory boxing skills as well as improve their overall fitness. For details, call the council's Streetscene and Leisure Serv- ices on 01732 876166.


Crash victim buried with wife


FAMILY and friends of Clive Mauger who died in a crash on Blue Bell Hill (A229) have thanked those who helped to pay for him to be laid to rest with his late wife in Jersey.


The funeral took


place on the island earlier this month, with more than £1,590 being do- nated online to ease the burden of costs and repatriating his


body to St Helier. Amessage on the GoFundMe ap-


peal page said hewas being buried with his wife in accordance with his last wishes, adding: “A very big


thank you to everyone who do- nated and sent kind wishes.” Mr Mauger (69), of Devon Close, Chatham, died after he is thought to have swerved to avoid a mattress in the road on Monday, January 20. He was heading to Maidstone on an errand to help a sick friend. The widower had been left to


bring up their four children when his wife died suddenly more than 20 years ago. After their loss, the family moved from Jersey to Chatham. The GoFundMe appeal said: “He


never got over losing her and his family has suffered terrible loss and pain and still do today. It has been very hard for the children over the


years in losing theirmumand now they have to endure the same tragedy again in losing their dad, together with trying to cope with other circumstances. “The funds will enable them all


to travel to the funeral and say their goodbyes and know they have fi- nally reunited their mum and dad. “Any help anyone can give to


help with funeral costs will be greatly appreciated. Clive was not only a father, he was a grandfather to two small granddaughters who sadly will never have the memories they should have of their grandpa.” To donate, visit www.go- fundme.com/bluebell- hilldeathcrash


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