News


Maidstone’s baby boom


ARECORD 490 babieswere born at Maidstone Birth Centre last year -up 81 on the previous 12 months.. The 20% hike in new-borns at the birthing centre is set against a back- drop of 5,742 deliveries by the health care trust from April to March 2017. Sarah Gregson, consultant midwife for Maidstone and TunbridgeWells NHSTrust (MTW), said:“We are de- lighted.The increase we have seen shows that more women are choos- ing to have their babies at the centre, andwe hope this will increase even further.” The centre, which opened in the grounds of Maidstone Hospital at Barming in 2011, features two birthing rooms, four post-natal rooms and double beds that allow partners to stay. Head of midwifery atMTWJenny


Cleary said research showed for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, birth centres are proving a popular choice. “Mums are also more likely to feel happier about their birth experience,” she added. MTW’s maternity services were recently rated the best in the coun- try, following a review byNHSEng- land.


Arson charge


A MAN from Maidstone has been charged with arson after a fire was started deliberately in James What- man Way, near the town’s football ground, the Gallagher Stadium. The blaze broke out at about 5.20pm on Sunday, April 30, and damaged a flat. James Clarke (79) was arrested following the incident. Kent Police and Kent Fire and Res-


cue Service attended and the firewas put out at about 6pm. Mr Clarke, of James WhatmanWay, was arrested and later charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. He appeared at Chatham Magistrates’ Court, and was remanded in custody. He will appear next before Maidstone Crown Court on May 30.


Thief in court


AMAN has been charged with bur- glaries at newsagents in King Street andWeek Street, Maidstone. Rohan Douglas (30), from Middle-


sex, allegedly stole cash and ciga- rettes on February 6 and April 19. He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on two charges of burglary and was remanded in custody.


Assault arrest


A WOMAN was arrested after po- licewere called to a homein London Road, Maidstone, on April 19. A man was taken to hospital with minor injuries andwas later relased. A 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault.


22 Maidstone June 2017 Bike fest is hailed a success on two wheels


CYCLISTS and those thinking of taking to the saddle enjoyed a participating in this year’s Maidstone Cyclefest. The event as organised by Maidstone Cycle Campaign Forum and aims to raise awareness of cycle routes in the area, proposed new ones and safe cycling. Participants had the chance to


get their bike security marked and organisers laid on a display of ancients cylces, one dating back to


1897. For the second year, the event was supported by Maidstone Borough Council and the cycle training team from Kent County Council will also be offering advice. Cllr David Burton, Maidstone


Council’s transport committee chairman, said: “We need to encourage people to experience the freedom and health benefits associated with cycling and are working to improve the borough’s walking and cycling routes.”


Cycling supporters at Barming


School took their bikes to school to help promote the festival, which was held in the Jubilee Square in Maidstone onMay 13. Angelo Martinez, from Maidstone


Cycle Campaign Forum said: “Our aim is to improve cycling conditions in Maidstone and encourage people to take up cycling as part of a healthy and environmentally- friendly lifestyle, and as a practical alternative to cars for short trips.”


Appeal after neighbour stops burglary


TWO men are being hunted by Kent Police after a botched bur- glary in Maidstone. It happened in Pitt Road between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on April 21, when patio doors to the housewere damaged as the would-be thieves tried to break in. They were disturbed by a neigh- bour and fled over a fence and into


nearby fields. One man is described as 5ft 10ins. He was believed to be wearing a


blue jacket and grey trousers and had a scarf covering his face. The second suspect is described as wearing a baseball cap. Officers are linking a blue Vaux-


hall Astra found nearby, in Trellyn Close, Maidstone, to this incident.


Police are appealing for wit- nesses.Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police appeals line on 01622 604100 or email west.division.media.appeals@Kent. pnn.police.uk,


with


YY/010188/17. Alternatively,


ref call Kent


Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


downsmail.co.uk


Gymnast James wins a Euro bronze medal


A GYMNAST from a Maidstone club has won a bronze medal at the 2017 Gymnastics European Championships in Cluj, Romania.


James Hall (21), from Pegasus Gymnastics Club in Farleigh Hill, Tovil, won in the all-around cate- gory.


James, whowas recently crowned


the 2017 English All-around Cham- pion, had to perform six pieces. He began on the floor and pom-


mel and was consistent across the rings, vault and parallel bars. Finishing on one of his strongest


pieces, the high bar, he went for broke with multiple daring release and catch elements. It paid off, as he scored 84.664 be-


hind Russia’sArtur Dalaloyan in sil- ver (85.498) and multiple Olympic medallist Oleg Verniaiev (UKR) in gold (85.866). Afterwards James said: “I’m strug-


gling to speak right now; I can’t be- lieve what’s just happened. I’ve performedmybest-ever gymnastics


James Hall is congratulated by amember of his team


when it matters on the biggest stage of my career. That’s just crazy, it’s hard to get my head around, to be honest. “Atmy firstmajor championships, I wanted to show the world what I


could do and I can’t describe the feeling having done that. “I thought to myself beforehand,


‘I’ve qualified third and IknowI can be better, nothing is impossible go for it’ and that’s what I did.”


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