News


MPsigns list of rail demands


MAIDSTONE and Weald MP Helen Grant is among a dozen Kent MPs to sign a “comprehensive” list of demands on government from the new South Eastern rail fran- chise.


In a detailed six-page letter to rail Minister Paul Maynard, 12 Tory MPs have set out their expecta- tions from the franchise – cur- rently out for


consultation – reflecting the huge concerns voiced by thousands of constituents. Mrs Grant said: “We have com-


piled a comprehensive document for consideration by government in its deliberations over the forthcom- ing franchise bid for the county. “It covers not only the train oper-


ators, but also issues for Network Rail to address and extends to a de- mand for Crossrail to be extended to Ebbsfleet – a major strategic step for Kent and for Maidstone in par- ticular, as a link to its high speed service from MaidstoneWest. “Together with my Kent col- leagues I will be monitoring this franchise process very carefully.”


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Controversial lier contract terminated


THEcontract with Maidstone’s lit- terwardens will cease at the end of this month. It follows a meeting with King-


dom Security, a company recently featured in a Panorama investiga- tion into bonus payments that saw wardens in the town briefly sus- pended before being allowed to re- turn to work. Maidstone Council said in a state-


ment that its enforcement service will need to be flexible to meet changing needs going forward, something that could see the service taken back “in house”. The statement read: “Maidstone Borough Council and Kingdom Se- curity have come to a mutual deci- sion not to extend the current contract. Kingdom Security has been providing enforcement serv- ices in relation to littering in the bor- ough since 2011 but this will cease at the end of this month (August). The decision has been made follow- ing a meeting held today (Tuesday 1August). The council’s head of environ- ment and public realm, Jennifer


Paedophile guilty of ‘appalling’ abuse


A SEX offender from Maidstone responsible for the systematic abuse of three children has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. MartynWaller repeatedly targeted his victims between 2000 and


2012, committing offences which in- cluded rape. Waller (55), formerly ofWestmor-


landRoad, Maidstone,was arrested on January 25, 2016, after allegations were made to Kent Police. An investigation revealed he had


also preyed upon other children. Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court,Waller pleaded guilty to nine charges including indecent assault, indecency with a child, and sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced on July 28 and


will be subject to a sexual harm pre- vention order and also placed on the sex offender's register indefinitely. Detective ConstableEmmaCrombie, of Kent Police’s Public Pro- tection Unit, said:“Waller is a predatory paedophile, who subjected young children to the most appalling abuse and used their fear to ensure they complied with his demands. “I would like to thank the victims, who have been incredibly


brave to come forward and give evidence againstWaller. Sadly, they will no doubt carry the mental scars of his crimes with them for a long time but I hope they will be able to move forward from this. “Successful convictions such as this are just one of the reasons


we urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to contact the police. It is never too late to report any sexual offence and we will always treat any information with the upmost confidence.”


14 Maidstone Weald August 2017


Shepherd, said: “When our contract began with Kingdom our focuswas very much on targeting littering and irresponsible dog ownership. This has been very successful at reducing littering and encouraging people to use litter bins and act responsibly. Our focus has to change and adapt to new challenges we are seeing in the borough.Nowthe contract with Kingdom is coming to an end, we will work to ensure we continue


with our enforcement service in a way which is flexible but meets the needs of local residents. All options will be explored and that includes retendering for a new enforcement contract or bringing the service in- house.” Asked if the contract had been


ended early, Maidstone Council added: "It was a mutual decision and itwas due to end in June of this year."


Fremlin backtracks in parking fee row


THEfirm behind a massive hike in parking charges at Fremlin Walk has backed down and reinstated the old pricing system. Drivers found charges at the 760-


space car park had effectively dou- bled overnight from Monday, July 10. One Downs Mail reader paid £8 for little over two hours. OnFridays and Saturdays, drivers


were expected to shell out £3.50 for half an hour, and £10 if their shop- ping trip took them over four hours. Indigo, whichmanages parking at FremlinWalk, claims a steep rise in business rates and rental charges, in- troduced by the Government in April,was behind the decision. However, a flood of comments


from outraged users,whodescribed the prices as “hideously expensive, even before the increase” and “dearer than London”; coupled with concern from the Fremlin Walk’s owner about the impact on shoppers saw the old prices reinstated after just five days. Fears about the effect of high park-


ing charges on the town’s footfall – already under pressure from centres like Bluewater, which offers free parking, and online shopping – have been expressed by Lib Dem town


centre borough councillor Clive Eng- lish. He said the government deci- sion to raise the rates on car parks was “very strange” when High Street visitor numbers are in freefall. Cllr English said: “I am glad In-


digo is reviewing this price change. While I understand, as a commercial operation, its reason for raising them, they need to take a longer term view and appreciate that peo- ple’s shopping budget is price sensi- tive and parking charges are a part of that.” Lloyd Wright, centre manager at Fremlin Walk, which is owned by M&GReal Estate, said:“We are cur- rently in discussions with our car park operator, Indigo.We are deter- mined to deliver a high-quality serv- ice for our local community at a competitive rate, and therefore we will be seeking a resolution to ensure our centre remains affordable.” Driver Alex Hughes said on Face-


book: “I estimate the car park is rak- ing in about £250,000 a week ... I’m sure Fremlin Walk would love to give their share of the profit to re- duce pricing.” Indigo has said the old prices will remain while a review is carried out. Mail Marks page 46


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