News


Road resurfacing ‘will cause more problems’


RESIDENTS of a cul-de-sac in Maidstone are urging the county council does a “proper” job of resurfacing their road for the first time in 60 years. Those living in Hubble Drive and


Valentine Road say the council’s plan to resurface their road with “micro asphalt” is no more than “a sticking plaster solution” and likely to cause more problems. Residents say they are wary after temporary tar patching last Novem- ber resulted in people walking sticky, loose chippings through their homes forweeks. Speaking ahead of the work – due


to start on May 25 – Gillian Roberts, from Valentine Road, said: “It is in- evitable that loose chippings will be left behind after the work is carried out.


“Residents enduredweeks of hav-


ing loose stones carried into their homes on their shoes following the jet patching. “Micro asphalt is rolled in by traf-


fic movement and is not suitable for a cul-de-sac, where we have been told it could take sixweeks to bed in. “We are not unreasonable people


Borough Cllr Eddie Powell with residents of Valentine Road


and know that money is tight, but if the pavements and later the road are left covered with excessive loose chippings, we will be expecting the county council to clear them up.” Residents say the chippings will


only add to the risk posed to pedes- trians by the uneven pavements serving the cul-de-sac. A Kent County Council spokesman said the concerns of resi- idents were being listened to but said micro asphalt was the best op- tion. He added:“Before resurfacing


Valentine Road and Hubble Drive, the road will be thoroughly checked, with any weeds removed and the


road swept prior to the start. “The road and pavements will be subsequentlyswept again once com- pleted. We understand residents’ concerns regarding loose chippings. However, with micro asphalt these are normally minimal – this is a dif- ferent process to surface dressing, which does result in loose chippings. “We closely monitor all of our sites


for any signs of problems and should loose material be generated, we will arrange for this to be swept. “Micro asphalt is generally used


byKCCon urban roads and lasts up to 10 years. Any lining will be re- placed following the new surface being applied.”


downsmail.co.uk Hospitals’ IT


systems clear MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells hospitalswere not affected in the recent global cyber-attack on computer systems. Aspokesman for the health trust


said it was "business as usual" while Maidstone Borough Council got the all clear to use its emails and website. Aspokesman said: “While Maid-


stone council has been unaffected our ICT team has been working hard over the weekend. We have taken some minor precautionary steps and are continuing to moni- tor the situation very closely. “Customers can communicate


via email and website, although some online forms might be un- available. Should the position change we may have to interrupt services at short notice.”


Triathlon date THERE is still time to enter Leeds Castle’s triathlon next month. The event, now in its fourth year,


is on June 24 and 25, and includes options for all levels of experience. Last year, saw over 1,000 people


take part. For details of how to enter, or


watch the action, visit www.leeds- castle.com/triathlon or call 01622 767871.


We Va


We are currently looking for volunteers to lend a much needed hand in our Maidstone Donation Centre & Charity Shop


ng ffo


Variety of roles required from customer service, sorting stock, volunteer drivers, mates, warehouse activity  moving stock, changing furniture roomset us fofor more details


Please


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12


Maidstone June 2017


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