News


Hopes high in bale for pub


VILLAGERS desperate to save an historic pub are stepping up their campaign to get it reopened – but admit itwill be a “battle”. The Plough Inn in Trottiscliffe has


been closed for almost a year, but residents hoping to save it have got a newlease of life after Tonbridge& Malling BoroughCouncil upheld its ruling that it was an asset of com- munity value (ACV). Pub owner Debbie Carson had


challenged that ruling, saying itwas not viable to have two pubs in the village, and had hoped to turn the premises into a home. ButACVstatusmeans thatwill be


impossible, which has given the Trosley Heritage Group new hope that the pub can be saved. “Wewant to buy it andturn it into


a community pub, which will have a local shop as well,” spokesman Ian Mills said. “We want it to be a real community hub. “We’d like to get the post office in-


volved.We’re also looking at other things such as Amazon parcel col- lection and a dry cleaning drop off


and collection service. But we will have to convince the owner to sell, so we may have a battle on our hands.We’ve contactedthe Plunkett Foundation, which will support us – ifwe can get the pub.” There has been a pub on the site


since 1817, but Mrs Carson closed the doors last year after saying it was struggling to break even. The George, another pub, is just


250 metres away, but Mr Mills in- sists there is roomfor themboth. “The publican at The George is


very supportive of us,” he added. “Some 85% of his custom comes from outside the village, but The Plough is the locals’ pub. “There have beenmeetingswhere


50-60 people have turned up and the Plunkett Foundation says that’s really positive.” The Trosley Heritage Group is


holding two meetings on its hopes for The Plough – on February 26 at 2pm, and at 7.30pm on March 7, both in the village hall. Downs Mail approached Mrs Carson for comment.


Head’s crisp ban wins approval Chasey Crawford-Usher sits with pupils enjoying their packed lunches


A PRIMARY school head teacher who has banned crisps in school lunches four days a week says she has a duty to ensure pupils leave the school “fit, happy and healthy”. US-born Chasey Crawford-Usher


implemented the ban atWatering- bury Primary School, fearing that obesity levels in theUK could be fol- lowing those in her homeland. The ban on crispsmeans they are


only permitted in lunchboxes on Fri- days. Rather than facing a backlash,


Mrs Crawford-Usher’s decision is winning fans. She said: “The vast majority of parents have been over- whelmingly positive. Most were


looking for backing when it comes to healthy packed lunches for their children and this simple boundary is taking the heat out of the kitchen in themorning.” The move follows a ban in 2015


on sugary fruit juices at the Bow Road school. The head added: “While there is


huge pressure on schools to achieve academic success, if our youngsters are to leave year six fit, happy, healthy, confident and ambitious they need asmany opportunities as possible to make good choices about issues thatwill affect their fu- ture, like the food they eat. It’s all part of their education.”


downsmail.co.uk


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