downsmail.co.uk


‘Lier police’ contract ceases after TV furore


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 Borough Council -


which hired the private firm - was blasted by critics after Downs Mail revealed Kingdom derived most of its cash by targeting smokers in Maidstone. 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 decisionwas made following


a meeting held on August 1. The council’s head of environment and public realm, Jennifer Shepherd, said: “When our contract began


Litter contract |News


Warden work to return in-house


MAIDSTONE Borough Council will in future be using its ownwar- dens to issue litter fines as well as tackling antisocial behaviour, street drinking, begging, dog-fouling. They will operate the MBC Pub-


lic Space Protection Order (PSPO) initiative and will not receive per- formance bonuses. A spokesman said: “We’re look-


ing at new ways of enforcement and the specific areas they will cover following the cessation of the Kingdom contract. The PSPO will operate in conjunction with the po- lice.


“In-house officers will continue


with Kingdom our focus was very much on targeting littering and irre- sponsible dog ownership. This has been very successful at reducing lit- tering 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.”


Kingdom’s methods came under


close scrutiny in the BBC investiga- tion and led to furious criticism from locals who questioned MBC’s moral responsibilty for taking 50% of the fine cash.


to enforce and issue FPNs for any litter and dog fouling breaches until such time a decision is reached in terms of long term en- forcement. Revenue will continue to be generated and re-invested into the cleansing service. The date is to be confirmed butwe anticipate we will see enforcement of the PSPO from September 2017. They will continue with litter and dog fouling enforcement duties from August 31 until a final decision on future enforcement. “The team of in-house officers is employed directly byMBCwill not be part of any performance related payment scheme.”


Glaze-Tech Services Ltd


A family run business with over 40 years experience Free survey & quotations


Installers of top quality double glazing


• UPVC double glazed windows & doors


• Solid core composite doors, the best in the market


• Domestic & commercial aluminium products


• Insurance backed guarantee on all installations


T: 01622 717130 F: 01622 717132


www.glazetech.co.uk glazetech@btconnect.com Unit 8 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BT Maidstone September 2017 31


• Supplied and installed by skilled fitters


• Secondary Double Glazing Specialists


• Repairs service to locks, hinges & handles


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