News Sign in blood


MAKE a life-changing resolution for 2018 by becoming a blood donor. That’s the message from the


NHS Blood and Transplant team who saw3,632 people inKent sign- up to the scheme last year. This year, the call goes wider, in


an effort to provide the perfect match not only for the four main blood types, but for patients from black andAsian communities. According toMatthew Jones, as-


sistant director for blood in the South, while O negative is univer- sal, donations from particular groups offer surgeons an opportu- nity to match donations more closely to recipients. The call for more diversity


among donors comes at a time when the actual amount of blood being used in hospitals is falling by 3-4% each year, thanks to key-hole surgery and evidence supporting better outcomes for those left to re- generate their own blood supply. Find out how you can become a


donor at www.blood.co.uk or call the donor line on 0300 123 2323.


Plastics pledge


MAIDSTONEMPHelenGrant has vowed to reduce the amount of plastic her family uses. The government is committed to


cutting the amount of plasticwaste across the country. So far, the num- ber of plastic bags in circulation has reduced by 83%since the introduc- tion of a charge for them, mi- crobeads in cosmetic products have been banned and consulta- tions are taking place on a deposit scheme for plastic bottles, to en- courage recycling. The key to a radical change lies


with individual household behav- iours, she says.


RoyalMail site


MAIDSTONE Borough Council claims to be making progress on plans to redevelop the former RoyalMail sorting office. Chief executive Alison Broom


told a Built EnvironmentNetwork- ing Conference that MBC had ap- pointed amasterplanner to look at the site, and that a report is set to come back in June. The site is being lined up for


hundreds of newhomes, aswell as shops and offices. Mrs Broom also revealed that


masterplanning is also set to start on the Ghurkas and Royal Engi- neer barracks at Invicta Park, which has been identified as a lo- cation for 1,300 new homes, 500 of which are due inMaidstone coun- cil’s current Local Plan period.


22 Maidstone Weald March 2018


downsmail.co.uk


Campaigners forced to drop challenge to farm


THECampaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has been forced to drop aHigh Court challenge to the industrial development atWoodcut Farm, close to J8 of theM20.


The case was refused a judicial


review by Mrs Justice Lang and CPRE officials felt there was little chance of appeal at this stage. The CPRE had looked closely at


the possibility of mounting a legal bid to block the controversial scheme, which is now in the bor- ough’s Local Plan. CPRE Kent chairman Richard


Knox-Johnston (belowleft) said: “If we can’t have a judicial review there is nothingwe can do to stop it on that basis until it gets into the detail, and there may well be a roomfor a challenge then.” CPRE will wait to see the details


of the plan and may challenge on the grounds of its area of outstand- ing natural beauty (AONB) status, heritage concerns (Leeds Castle andGrade II listedWoodcut Farm) and/or air quality. Long-time critic of the plan, bor-


ough councillorDenis Spooner (far right) said: “It is very sad but that’s the end of it, really. I cannot see where another challenge might come from, or onwhat grounds.” Cllr Spooner hoped there may


have been scope to challenge the plan’s ‘parkland setting’ as he was not convinced there was sufficient room on the site to create green


spaces between structures, as would be required. The Joint Parishes Group was


told earlier this month by Mr Knox-Johnston that the body was notminded to fight on at this stage. MPHelenWhately expressed re-


peated concerns about the effect that the Woodcut Farm industrial


Easter Ideas


Staplehurst Golf Course is a unique 9-hole course and one of Staplehurst’s best kept secrets. Run by club members for the benefit of the local community, membership fees are kept as low as possible to ensure that cost is not a barrier to playing. It appeals to a wide range of players. Those new to the game can learn at their own pace without feeling under pressure, it is popular with families and older players who might find a longer course too arduous. It really is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a couple of hours out in the fresh air. Why not go and try it out for free; it might be just what you are looking for! The Walnut Tree, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone is a traditional, family


Woodcut Farmdevelopment campaigners protest atMaidstone Town Hall


development will have on attrac- tions such as Leeds Castle and the impact housing numbers and traf- ficwill put on local communities. Planning chiefs at LiberalDemo-


crat-controlledMaidstone Borough Council hope to mitigate against a huge increase in traffic volumes created by the Local Plan’s 17,600 newdwellings by persuading resi- dents to take buses, ride bicycles or walk in a controversial scheme known as “modal shift”. The popularity of the Local Plan,


which has been in discussion for 12 years, will be put to the test when the next tranche of borough elec- tions (for 18 seats) takes place in May.


AMAN has been jailed for child abduction after hiding amissing teenager in a flat inMaidstone. Thomas Ireland (49) was sen-


Man jailed for hiding teen in flat Ta-Kush in 3D In court, the


tenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of the offence in the summer. The 15-year-old girl, who knew


theman, had been staying at the flat in Bower Lane after running away fromhome in July 2017. She had beenmissing for two weeks when officers fromKent Police found her inside the flat. Officers spoke to Ireland several


times during the search and on each occasion he lied, saying he had not seen the teenager and had no idea where she could be. But during a search of his flat in DerwentWay, Rainham, they found paperwork relating to a flat inMaidstone that was being refur- bished, and subsequently found the girl at that address.


jury heard that officers had found texts be- tween the girl and Ireland and how he had al- lowed her to stay at the flat. He claimed if


he had known her true age he would not have allowed her into the flat. Speaking after the sentencing at


Maidstone Crown Court on Febru- ary 9, Detective Constable Chris Spencer said: “Ireland knowingly lied to officers. He knew a search was taking place and that her fam- ily were extremely worried. “He chose to keep her where-


abouts a secret and had officers not found this second flat then the outcomemay have been a very different.”


MAIDSTONEMuseum’s Ta-Kush, the Egyptian woman brought to life by 3Dand other state-of-the-art technology, proved a major attrac- tion at a special viewing of themu- seum’s newAncient Lives Gallery. The 2,700-year-old was one fea-


ture during a reception for Mu- seumFriends in early February.


Debt concerns


DEBT is one of the top concerns of those living in Maidstone and the Weald, according to a survey by CitizensAdvice. In a breakdown by area, the ad-


vice service – which helped 3,493 people in the borough last year - says key issues include access to benefits, supportwith housing and tackling debt. Its newly created map of advice


needs was presented toMaidstone andWeald MP Helen Grant at the House of Commons.


Call to arrange a free trial round


Village Golf Club is a 9-hole 29 par course, suitable for beginners or golfers looking to improve their handicap


• Annual Membership: 7-day £115, Weekday £97, Junior £52, Family options of £240 or £160


• No joining fee and no green fees to pay • No need to book tee-times; just turn up and play


For more information, an application form or free trial, Call 07746 623303


or email jane.annetts1@btinternet.com www.villagegolf.org.uk


run ‘dog friendly’ local offering cask marque accredited ales, a variety of quality lagers, fine wine, spirits and a lovely selection of ciders. A traditional menu is offered from 12 noon to 8.30pm featuring our “Build a Burger” including a vegetarian option. Offering a wide range of regular entertainment including the highly regarded COMEDY NIGHTS - est. 28 YEARS! In the past, The Walnut Tree have welcomed Catherine Tate, Alistair Mc Gowan, Jimmy Carr amongst others. See the future stars of comedy - fun, laughter & often adult humour. Also offering Jam Nights and Live Music Nights. Please see the website for details of all entertainment coming soon. BT Sports & free WiFi are available. The Ridge Golf Club, East Sutton is well and truly ready for spring. The clubhouse and course have had a great deal of investment over the winter, including the refurbishment of the bar and restaurant areas, the re- establishment of the pro shop and a programme of course improvements. The Ridge is open every day for breakfast and lunch, using fresh seasonal produce sourced locally. All ladies who join before the end of April will receive half price membership for their first year. New members in other categories will be entitled to credit behind the bar. For more information please see our website www. theridgegolfclubkent.co.uk or call us on 01622 391000.


VILLAGE GOLF STAPLEHURST


Clapper Lane (Opposite Duckhurst Farm) TN12 0JW


THE WALNUT TREE Your traditional, family run, local pub.


Kent’s longest running comedy club Every Thursday – Come and see the future stars of comedy live!


Live Music - every Friday Bank Holiday Sunday Quiz Night


(visit website for details) Jam Night - First Monday of the month


Dogs welcome on their leads Lovely beer garden and car park.


Varied bar menu served every day 12noon-8.30pm.


Come try our famous ‘Build a Burger’ meals!


Find us opposite the entrance to Oakwood Park Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SR


01622 727260 email : walnuttree234@yahoo.co.uk web : www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com


Maidstone Weald March 2018 23


ME17 3JB


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