News


Green space is secured after villagers buy land


VILLAGERS have saved a green oasis in the centre of Lenhamfrom development by buying the free- hold on the area’s allotments. The purchase of the land by


Lenham Parish Council went through just before Christmas, marking the completion of a four- year battle to halt the threat of 33 newhouses on the site. Councillors negotiated a £40,000


deal to buy the one-acre plot from St John Ambulance after earning it community asset status. The organ- isation’s redundant drill hall, as well as the allotments, were in- cluded in the deal, which St John originally hopedwouldmakemore than £200,000 as a development site. Its plan was further thwarted because of limited access to the site. The parish council has now


signed a 25-year lease with Ham LaneAllotmentAssociation,which willmanage the site andwill be el- igible to apply for grants. Lenham clerk Margo McFarlane


said the parish councilwas pleased to have saved the land fromdevel-


downsmail.co.uk Places favoured


by commuters HOLLINGBOURNE and Harriet- sham are among the country’s top villages favoured by commuters. Research by a leading estate


agents says they are hot properties for people looking for a life away from London but who want to commute to the capital forwork. Savills found thatHollingbourne


and Harrietsham were 14th and 18th respectively in the top 20 rail stations for London-bound com- muters, based on the percentage of season ticket holders.


Coming up roses: Brian Llong (right), chairman of the allotment association, and parish council chairman Cllr Richard Greenwood seal the deal in readi- ness for registration with the Land Registry


opment and put it in the hands of the community. The purchase also meets its obligation to provide al- lotments for the village.


It is understood talks are being


held with various groups, includ- ing the pre-school nursery, over the possible use of the drill hall site.


GREEN open space can be bequeathed to the Lenham Meadows Trust, which is nowa registered charity. It is run by volunteers and aims to create a buffer of green space around Lenhamvillage. The Trust will also provide a conduit for public open spaces given by developers.


COUNTRY SPORTS MAJORS LAKES A beautiful Lake set in a 5 acre woodland


Stocked with Carp up to 25lb plus Tench, Roach, Perch, Barbel & Chub


FRESHLY


RESTOCKED WITH SILVER FISH END OF LAST YEAR!!


Memberships start at just £85 per adult (£65 for OAP’s) £40 for children under 16


We also have dog training areas, hawking areas,


ferreting, game areas and limited


wildfowling areas.


Wildfowl & game are only to be shot when in season.


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Tel: 01795 880441 gaynor@swattwood.com Maidstone East April 2018


ROUGH SHOOTING


We have in excess of 2000 acres of land for our members to shoot over.


Land is situated in Faversham, Hollingbourne, Bredgar and the Isle of Sheppey.


Our Rough Shoot Membership is £350 per year.


You must have valid shooting licenses and insurance to become a member. Members may also bring one guest with them to shoot for a fee of £40 per day which is to be paid on the day of booking.


KM 11,024* Downs Mail 80,475 Much bigger in Maidstone & Malling 01622 630330 *Source ABC January to December 2017. Average copies per issue. Maidstone East April 2018 27


Invicta award MEDIAentrepreneurGeoffMiles – who runs theMaidstone Studios in Grove Green – has received the Kent Invicta Award for his contri- bution to the local economy. KentCountyCouncil handedMr


Miles two £2,500 cheques for his chosen charities the Blackthorn Trust and Kent LungAwareness.


Village drama THE Detling Players will perform Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel betweenApril 12 and 14 at the vil- lage hall. Tickets £10-12 from the box office on 07842 169725.


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