downsmail.co.uk


Plans for playground closures now on hold


A DECISION on which play areas in residential areas will be closed has been deferred – and one coun- cillor is ready for a “big barney” to save one in hisward. Plans for a blanket closure of 20


sites across the townwere vetoedby Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) last month, with each one of them now set to be individually assessed before any decision ismade. The list of potential closures had


been drawn up alongside those deemed not strategically important as they are within 12 minutes walk of another. Three of the play areas fall in the


Allingtonward, andCllrDanDaley, pictured, who represents that area, admits some toughdecisionshave to be made. He said:”We have to be pragmatic about this. It’s difficult to keep on working on some of these sites when they have been sup- planted by others. The one onRiver- head Close in Allington,


for


example, is very small and it’s close to the play area at Giddyhorn Lane, which has just had a big refurbish- ment and a lot ofmoney spent on it,


so youcan’t complain about that one too much.” Cllr Daley believes that the site onKeswickDrive is one that the councilmust keep open – andhe is ready to fight to keep the facility. “Keswick Drive’s play area is es-


sential inmy opinion,” he added. “It is at the top of a hill, and I certainly wouldn’t want to push a buggy up that hill – or down it - to be honest. “We had a big barney about this


site five years ago, and I’mready for the barney again.


COUNTY COBBLER


Just moved? Need spare keys? We are here to help!! DISCOUNTS on multiple key orders COMPETITIVELY priced.


• •


• •


• •


• •


We specialise in men’s leather soles stitched on.


We can replace ZIPS on premises within 24 hours.


NEW SPECIALISED key cutting – i.e. tubular multi-lock security


MOST car keys cut


Engraving Service – we can also supply trophies & tankards


Zippo Lighters


Get your Christmas presents personalised by our engraving specialists - jewellery, pens & Zippo's etc.


While U Wait service available


www.facebook.com/Maidstoneshoerepairs


County Cobbler 370 The Mall, Dukes Walk, Chequers Centre • 01622 297600


Maidstone December 2017 3 Prompt


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.


KEYS* Watch repairs, batteries & straps replaced


Yale type £5 2 for £7.50 3 for £10!!! We also cut


Mortice, Chubb


Security &


most car keys *from the same key


“It has useful play equipment for


childrenupto the age of six or seven, and it’s an important facility. It would be a tragedy to lose it.” The other site inAllington is on Ju-


niper Close, while three sites in Shepway are also at risk, alongwith several in villages south of the town centre. A MBC spokesman said the Council would again be looking at the play areas theymaintain – some 73 across the Borough – beforemak- ing decisions on theway forward.


News Cancer caring


A SOCIAL support group for can- cer sufferers and their carers is opening its membership to more people acrossMaidstone. The group, which meets on the


first and third Monday of the month at Linton Road Congrega- tional Church, describes itself as ‘open to everyone affected by can- cer’. Meetings run from 12.30pm until 3pm,with those attending in- vited to bring their lunch. The group’sAndrewParfitt said:


“Maidstone Christian Cancer Sup- port Group is helping to bring faith, hope and love to those living with cancer and welcomes mem- bers of any church, or none.” For details call 01622 761322 or email ccsgmaidstone@gmail.com


Stamps count


THE Kicks Count charity, which aims to reduce neonatal and still- birth deaths, has launched an ap- peal this Christmas for used stamps. Campaigners hope to gather up


25kg of postage. Kicks Count cam- paigns to educatemums-to-be and medical professionals on the im- portance ofmonitoring and recog- nising any reduction in a baby's movements. Contact Kicks Count FacebookGroup https://www.face- book.com/groups/CTKRecycling- Maidstone/


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