News Cat’s death is


investigated POLICE are investigating after a mutilated cat was found in Snodland. It is understood that the cat


was found beheaded in St Bene- dict Road, with no blood at the scene. Concerns are being raised


that it is linked to a number of other deaths to animals in and around the SouthEast. Onewas found in Maidstone last month with its tail chopped off. A cat owner, who asked not


to be named, said: “This is shocking. I can’t understand why anyone would do this sort of thing to an animal. “I’ve got two cats and if any-


thing happened to either of them I would be devastated. This is just amindless and cruel act to what is essentially a de- fenceless creature.” Kent Police are appealing for


anyonewhomay have informa- tion on the incident to get in touch. A spokesman said: “We were


called at 8.30amon Friday, No- vember 10 following the dis- covery of a dead cat in St Benedict Road, Snodland, which appeared to have been mutilated. “Anyone with information


should call 01622 604100 quot- ing reference 10-0222.” The body of the cat was held


at Sandhole Vets in Snodland awaiting collection by investi- gating officers from the Metro- politan Police. Staff at the surgery refused to comment.


Builder boost


to local cause VISITORS to a new develop- ment in West Malling have nominated a mental health charity in the area to receive a welcome cash boost. Property-seekers calling in on


the Leybourne Chase develop- ment inWestMalling voted for £250, from Taylor Wimpey, to go to Maidstone and Mid-Kent Mind (MMKMind). Tom Fishenden, from MMK


Mind, a charity that promotes social inclusion for people with mental health problems, wel- comed the donation, saying it will help run the charity’s front- line services and offer a chance to provide more for the grow- ing number of younger suffer- ers. Susan Joseph, from Taylor


Wimpey, said: “We’re commit- ted to supporting the communi- ties in which we build our new homes and this fantastic charity carries out invaluablework.”


4 Malling December 2017


downsmail.co.uk


Travelworries ahead as buses face the axe


MALLINGbus routes are among a staggering 74 services set to go asKent County Council (KCC)wields the axe in an effort to balance its budget. If plans are passed, nine services


covering the Maidstone and Malling areawill go,many serving outlying communities such as Kings Hill, Ryarsh andMarden. The withdrawal of the annual


contracts – until nowsubsidised by KCC – will affect some 1.6 million journeys that had earned support by providing vital connections to the elderly, disabled and school children. KCC says the proposal to cut ‘so-


cially necessary’ bus services that are not commercially viable,would make a saving of almost £4million. The proposal was recommended


for approval at Thursday’s (No- vember 30)meeting of KCC’s envi- ronment and transport cabinet committee. It must then go out for public consultation. If the plan wins approval, the re-


duction in services would come in to affect in September next year. Services in the firing line include


the 58 bus between Addington, Trottiscliffe, Ryarsh, West Malling and Maidstone and the 88 from Kings Hill toMaidstone. Parish Council chairman Cllr


Tony Petty said: “The services in Kings Hill have deteriorated rap- idly in recent years and the parish


Mumoverwhelmed as bike is replaced


KIND-HEARTED residents ensured that a 12-year-old who had his brand new bike stolen was able to get a replacement. George Andrews was over themoon when he


bought his bike withmoney given to himfor his 12th birthday – but a week later it was stolen. After the story appeared on Facebook, 40 people,


including friends and strangers, donated £300 to replace the Orange Carreramountain bike, and buy a helmet and bike lock. George'smum, Gillian, of Birling Road, Snodland


said the bike was stolen when he was playing at Holborough Lakes. "With the power of Facebook and with police help a


search for the bike was started,” she said. “Everyone has been so kind helping us look. I was inundated with possible sightings, information and some false leads, but to no joy.We spent two weeks looking everywhere." Gillian could not afford to replace the bike but,


unknown to her, two friends, Tori Dufour and Joanne Cook, who both live in Snodland, set up a Just Giving page. "I was overwhelmed with people’s kindness and help


as they knew I couldn't afford to buy George a new bike and it wasn't covered by insurance because it wasn't locked up when it was stolen," she said. "We decided to keep it a secret fromGeorge until the new bike was purchased.


council is concerned that the bus services that are remaining do not best serve residents and do not suitably align with rail services, making local travel connections very difficult. “KCC may need to save money,


but it also needs to consider the needs of the people.” The news comes as KCC pre-


pares to shave another £64 million from its spending programme in the next financial year after its gov- ernment grant was slashed. To date, the authority has saved al- most £600million since 2010.


George Andrews with his replacement bike "On November 5, I took George to the community


centre pretending to look for his bike when really Tori and Joanne were there to give himthe new one. They presented it to himand he was completely surprised. He had no idea. “George is a very lucky boy. His half termwas


completely ruined by somebody stealing his birthday present that he had wanted for so long, but with the kindness of people he has had it replaced. “He hopefully will never let it out of his sight again!”


Head is confirmed River patrols


AYLESFORD School has announced Tanya Kelvie (pictured) as its new head teacher. Miss Kelvie has been acting head since


January and the school’s governing body has nowmade the appointment permanent. Miss Kelvie previously spent 15 years as


assistant and deputy head at Wrotham School. The mixed school in Teapot Lane teaches just over 800 pupils aged 11 to 18. It received a good grade in its last Ofsted in- spection.


POLICE officers will maintain a visible presence along the river- bank in Maidstone during Decem- ber in an effort to keep revellers safe in the run-up to Christmas. The move follows a number of


occasions when people have got into difficulties after entering the river while socialising or have fallen in – in some cases with fatal consequences.


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