News


downsmail.co.uk Lambing plea to dog owners


LOCAL sheep farmers have asked dog owners to keep their pets on the leash as the county prepares for the lambing season. In recent years, there have been


many examples of pregnant sheep dying – sometimes savagely at- tacked by domestic pets – but local farmers say the problemisworsen- ing. Chart Sutton sheep farmer of 30


years Caroline Worley, who has more than 700 animals, said: “It’s not just at lambing time, it’s hap- pening all the time. “There are a lot of irresponsible


dog owners out there who don’t see anything wrong with letting their animals run free when there are sheep around.” The farmer owns 180 acres of land but also grazes the large


Sheep near East Sutton, above, and Colin Tearle, right, who defends farmers’ right to shoot dogs


swathe of parkland around Leeds Castle. She added: “I would just like to


get themessage out there thatmost of the sheep you’ll see in the fields are carrying lambs at the moment. So please, please keep your dogs on a lead.”


Rooftop bar for town’s revellers APOPULAR town centre bar plans to open a rooftop terrace in time for summer. The Brenchley, in the High Street, Maidstone, expects to unveil its


plans for a bar and covered seating area toMaidstone's night-time rev- ellers around Easter. The exact date is not yet been revealed but it will be known as Harry's Bar and is currently still being built. The building was formerly a bank and sits in the High Street almost opposite the town hall.


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It is not un- in


sheep-worrying incidents for preg- nant ewes to give birth to stillborn young, sometimes causing the mothers to die in the process. FellowKent farmer Colin Tearle, who has grazed flocks near Cheg-


worth, made local headlines some years ago when he shot a dog off the lead on land where his sheep were grazing. He said: “I didn’t want to kill


someone’s pet and thewomanwas very upset when she found out what I’d done. But I would do it again. “It is the lives of the sheep and


their lambs as well as my liveli- hood I have to think about. “Part of the problem is that peo-


ple come to live in the country from the towns and they just see the fields as a big park.” NFU Mutual insurers said there


has been a 67% rise in insurance claims for sheep worrying cases in the past two years. It is estimated the problem is costing farmers £1.6meach year.


Communities in need of support VOLUNTEER Support Wardens are being sought across the Maid- stone area as part of a recruitment drive by Kent County Council. The role, which is described as “challenging, but rewarding”, is


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being advertised as suitable for those interested in meeting people, learning new skills and keen to provide support in their community. The county council isworking in associationwith the KentAssoci-


ation of Local Councils.For details call 03000 413455 or visit www.kent.gov.uk, community wardens.


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downsmail.co.uk


Suspension for LibDemWebb


COXHEATH and Hunton bor- ough councillor Richard Webb has been suspended from his party after an allegation of assault. The Liberal Democrat group an-


nounced they were suspending postman Cllr Webb, pictured, “while the police investigate an in- cident inwhich hewas involved”. DownsMail broke the story of the


allegations on December 14 last year,which relates to an alleged in- cident the previ- ousmonth. A statement


from the Lib Dems said: “Cllr Richard Webb has been tem- porarily


sus-


pended as a member of the


Liberal Democrats while the police investigate an incident in which he was (allegedly) involved”. Cllr FranWilson, Liberal democ-


rat leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: “Richard is a hard working councillor. He is commit-


ted to continuing to support the res- idents he represents in Coxheath and Hunton ward. I hope thismat- ter can be speedily resolved and his fullmembership restored.” Cllr Webb denied any wrong-


doing when interviewed by Daily DownsMail.The accusations,which are not connected to his work as a borough councillor or theLibDems, relate to an incident inCoxheath vil- lage hall onNovember 8.Police said investigationswere “on-going”. CllrWebb was contacted but de-


clined to comment. Alison Broom, chief executive of


Maidstone council, said: “Cllr Webb's suspension fromthe Liberal Democrat party changes the politi- calmake-up of the council”. The Lib Dems, will be defending


eight seats in May's local council- elections. CllrWebb, who is a post- man by trade, is well liked by members of all parties. One Tory said: “Richard is a re-


ally, really nice guy. Everyone was shocked when we heard about this.”


News


Jailed for 10 years for knife aack onOAP


A MAN has been jailed follow- ing an unprovoked knife attack which left a pensioner seriously injured inMaidstone. Drunken John Lowe, 51, at-


tacked the man in his 70s at his home in Barming on Monday October 2. The victim sustained a four


inch long gash to his neckwhich missed an artery. A detective on the inquiry


said the attackwas “sudden and unprovoked” and thanked the victim for his help in bringing Lowe to justice. The victim was known to


Lowe, who approached his home in Heath Road in an in- toxicated state at around 7pm and knocked on the door. Lowe shouted at the victimag-


gressively and even after the door had been closed on him, he refused to leave. When he subsequently re-


opened the door, fearing it would be damaged if Lowe con- tinued to bang it. He pushed Lowe away but


was then stabbed in the head and neck with what was be- lieved to be a craft knife. Neighbours called the emer-


gency services and the man was taken to a London hospitalwith a 1.5-inch cut to his head and a four-inch cut to his neck, which had justmissed amain artery. Lowe was arrested later that


evening in Tonbridge Road and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, which he pleaded guilty to at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, Febru- ary 23. He was jailed for 10 years. Detective Constable Jerry


Chapman said: “Thiswas a sud- den and unprovoked attack that has left a lasting impact on the victim who could have died fromthese injuries. “Lowe will now have a


lengthy period in prison to con- sider the consequences of his ac- tions.I would like to thank the victim and witnesses who have assisted us throughout the trial process.”


A personal service at a time of loss


Michael Lawrence, and his son Robert along with Kim and Angela, are the team behind a family-owned funeral service that has been helping families across the Maidstone area for 40 years.


With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Funeral Service is a third generation business, experienced in caring for your needs with commitment and understanding.


At such a stressful time, they know it’s important to sit and talk to you about every detail and to assist you in making the often


4 Cavendish Way, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW


01622 260200


difficult decisions about how best to remember a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. With so many years’ experience, Family


Funeral Service has learned how to respond to the specific and different needs of every individual facing one of the toughest times in their life. This personalised approach includes the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the phone around the clock, as well as personal support to clients through the bereavement process.


Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved


one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements for the service can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a unique and meaningful service that


Find us at:


Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Barming Maidstone ME16 9JN


01622 260210


celebrates life. "Our approach is simple. We sit with you in our


office or your home, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that you will face and the options available to you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit and talk, and to learn about the services and venues available from someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.”


Now Open Now Open


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