downsmail.co.uk
Parking fears as plans for flats are announced
RESIDENTS have voiced concerns about plans for nearly 100 houses and flats on two car parks in Maid- stone. The schemes would include 47
units on the Union Street East site, currently a long stay car park with 51 spaces, and a similar number on the nearby Brunswick Street car park, which has 66 spaces. The es- tates would include allocated park- ing spaces for residents as well as gardens and landscaping. The two proposals were outlined
by Maidstone Council officials at public meetings after they were ap- proved by the policy and resources committee. A planning application has not yet been submitted. But local residents are angry, ar-
guing that parking problems are al- ready at crisis level and the proposals will make matters worse. Lisa Benn, of Tufton Street, said
that she and her husband, Gregory, travel by bus because if they move their vehicle, they will not be able to park near their home when they re- turn. She said: “We pay £50 a year for two resident’s permits – one for
us and one for visitors, butwe have to go everywhere by bus.Whenpeo- ple come to stay, they have to pay to park in the car park and walk into town, even thoughwe have paid for a permit. There are not enough spaces now – where will all the new residents park?” Michael Low, pictured with Lisa,
said only one spacewas allocated to each house and therewas one space for every three flats. He said: “It’s completely insane. The general con- cern is that there is a woeful lack of
parking allocated. If there was one space per flat and two spaces per house it might be more manageable. They just don’t care about the qual- ity of life of local residents.” MBCspokesman John Foster said: “Following the public meeting...we are aware of the concerns of the ex- isting residents regarding parking. MBCis consideringways of mitigat- ing the impact of the new housing development on existing reported parking pressures in theN4parking permit area.”
News Reynolds ban
A MAIDSTONE driver who failed to provide a specimen of breath for analysis has been banned from the road for 30 months and placed on a curfew. Oliver Reynolds (36), of Bar-
grove Road, admitted failing to provide a specimen on July 13. He was sentenced at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court to 56 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, banned from driving for 30 months and given a three-month curfew to remain at home between 10pm and 6am daily. He must also pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
Wilko job woe
JOBS at discount store Wilko in Maidstone could be lost after the chain posted an 80% downturn in pre-tax profits. Almost 4,000 staff are employed
by the group and Wilko manage- ment is looking to make reductions in in-store numbers, blaming Brexit in part for the slowdown.
Art exhibition MAIDSTONE artists are being cel- ebrated in a one-day exhibition at The Barn in Broad Street, Holling- bourne, from 2-6pm on September 3.
A quarter of proceeds from sales
will be given to the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust.
COUNTY COBBLER *
A family run business with a wealth of experience
How to find us:-
We are in The Mall-Chequers Centre- five shops in from the main entrance on the right hand side, next door to Virgin Media.
We specialise in men’s leather soles stitched on.
We can replace ZIPS on the premises within 24 hours.
NEWSpecialised keys – i.e. tubular, magnum & laser
MOST car keys cut
Engraving Service – we can also supply trophies & tankards
Zippo Lighters Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced
Please call in or call 01622 297600 for expert advice on all of our services.
County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, Chequers Centre • 01622 297600 Maidstone September 2017
3 *From the same key
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
