News
Six-week road closure starts
A COUNTRY lane connecting Bredgar and Hollingbourne is to be shut for weeks for work to be carried out on a water main to meet increased demand from farmers. The section of the B2163 is a busy cut-through between Maidstone and Sittingbourne. Construction of the new 284m
pipe was due to start on Monday, April 3, after Downs Mail went to press. The road closure is in force on the
B2163 between the Bicknor turn-off and the Bedmonton and Wormshill junctions. South East Water says the work
will improve the capacity of the network and ensurewater pressure can be maintained to the area, due to increased demand for water from local farmers. A statement from South East
Water said that a through route di- version will be signposted via the A249, adding: “Access to homes and properties on either side of the closed section will be maintained.” South East Water delivery man-
ager Chris Love said: “We appreci- ate the road closure will be incon- venient for those living nearby and for those who use this route as an alternative to the A249, but it is nec- essary to ensure the safety of road users and our workforce. “Access to homes and businesses
will be maintained at all times, and a diversion route will be clearly signposted. “We hope people will appreciate
the long-term benefit of upgrading the network to supply top quality water to homes and businesses.” A motorist, who uses the B2163
four times week to get to work in Bearsted, said: “This is going to be a nightmare forweeks. “The A249 is going to be hell, es- pecially in the mornings. Although it is essentially a country lane through Hollingbourne, the B2163 is very heavily used, because the A249 out of Sittingbourne is at a standstill and then jammed again from Detling to Maidstone.” For more information, visit
www.southeastwater.co.uk/swan- tonstreet
Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hollingbourne Pantomime Group
THE Hollingbourne Pantomime Group’s annual foray into the world of the panto is never to bemissed. The quality is always high and the enjoyment experienced by the audiences and players are highly infectious. Being written and directed by Peter Bonds, it makes this show absolutely “Made in Hollingbourne”. Of course, the Pied Piper has
to have his rats. Eden Merry, Erin O'Hara, Henry and Zachary Sullivan, Katie and Lauren Millbank, Lexi Rose, Lucy Noah all sang the rats song, did a delightful dance in their ratty costumes, then went off to bed. Quitememorable. Utterly different fromHilda the cook, played by GrahamWood, who built up a wonderful rapport with the audience and the prompt. Dick, the cook's son – played by Billie Palmer – fell in love with the Mayor’s daughter Fanny, played by Emma Peters. Needless to say, their comic
names made for a memorable double entendre in the wedding scene. But it was all an enjoyable romp. Glen Bryan was a dynamic, comic Pied Piper whomade his scenes
enjoyable fun throughout. Colin Leggat was a very credible crooked Mayor while Lynn Bryan
played his morally stronger wife. There were lots of other strong performances and the backstage crew members were excellent.We look forward to next year.
John Munson
downsmail.co.uk Review: An enjoyable romp
24
Maidstone East April 2017
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