News A bonus after


the big freeze THE D-Day spirit was very much in evidence as villagers pulled to- gether after the taps ran dry for two days in Lenham and Harriet- sham following the big freeze in earlyMarch. Community warden Martin


Sherwood put in a 12-hour day to deliver bottled water to those un- able to make it to South East Water’s emergency water station on theA20 near Lenham. Borough councillors Tom and Janetta Sams also loaded their car to deliver sup- plies to the less mobile, while neighbours helped those in iso- lated areas, including Lenham Heath, Platts Heath, Sandway and Warren Street. While an unprecedented number


of pipes ruptured following the snow and icy conditions, affecting thousands of homes,LenhamParish Council’s clerk Margo McFarlane said South East Water rose to the challenge. She added: “South East Water had a water station up and running from the start, with staff handing out supplies with a smile; nothingwas toomuch trouble.” Residents then woke up to a let-


ter several days later telling them theywill get £25 off their bill.


downsmail.co.uk


Ukip councillors opt to become ‘independents’


ALL four electedmembers ofUkip on the borough council have re- signed and gone independent, we can reveal. Cllrs Eddie Powell, John Barned,


SimonElls andGordonNewtonwill reconvene as individuals under the Independents In Maidstone um- brella for the remainder of their terms in office. Cllr Powell (pictured),who repre-


sents Shepway south, claims the move is not connected with Ukip’s disastrous standing in the national polls andrecent leadershiptroubles. He said: “We’ve been considering


this for a few months and it has nothing to do with the mainstream nationalparty. I amsure theywill be back to their former strengthwithin the year. “On a local level, some of us have


found that the political nature of town hallpoliticsmeans it can get in the way of getting things done, as the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have amply illustrated over the years.” Independents in Maidstone will


not formpart of the alliance of inde- pendent members currently run- ning Maidstone Borough Council with the Lib Dems in the hung au- thority. CllrPowell added: “Put it like this,


we don’t intend to sit alongside the independentwing of theLiberalDe- mocrats.” Cllr Newton, member


for


Downswood and Otham, officially leaves the Eurosceptic party on March 31.


He said the treatment of recently


deposed leaderHenry Bolton –who was forced out over allegations re- lating to hisMaidstone girlfriend Jo Marney –was his reason for leaving. Miss Marney was forced to apolo- gise formaterial shepostedon social media. He toldDownsMail: “To be hon-


est, what Henry Bolton does in his private life is his own business – but Iwatched the baying hounds on the National Executive Committee and thought that ‘this is ridiculous’ andI have got to get out if it.” CllrElls,who represents Shepway


north, will not be standing for re- election inMay butCllr Barnedwill fight his seat as an independent in Shepway south. Rumours have been intensifying


thatmembers on the borough coun- cil would form a new breakaway group like one created by council- lors in Thurrock, Essex, in January. There, 17 disenchanted Ukippers


resigned enmasse to become Thur- rock Independents. Election special – pages 22&23


INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS


have confirmed that


Ferris & Co have sold and let more properties in the ME14 postcode than any other agent throughout the last 12 months.


River Medway Boat Trips


Take in the sights and splendour of the Maidstone stretch of the River Medway from the comfort of your own seat aboard the Kentish Lady River Boat. Cruising between Allington and Teston the Kentish lady with its fully licensed bar is also a unique venue for a wedding reception or private party.


One Hour Trips


The Kentish Lady runs one-hour return trips at weekends andschool holidays (one way available) from Maidstone Town Centre to Allington Lock between Easter and October. Maidstone is perfect for an afternoon shopping trip at The Mall or Fremlin Walk or just meeting friends. Whilst at Allington Lock, you can stop for lunch at the Malta Inn restaurant or spend time at the Kent Life Attraction. Along the route, you can also request to stop at Whatman Park.


Three Hour Cruises Three-hour weekday cruises (Tues – Fri) to Teston via Farleigh Lock include picnic box or fish and chips, plus fresh fruit, tea, coffee or water, all at only £23 per person.


Private Hire The Kentish lady is also available for private functions including, wedding receptions , birthdays or social gatherings with Champagne Reception Licensed Bar, DJ and buffet available at additional cost.


Trip to Allington Castle


The Kentish Lady is delighted to offer an exclusive and unique excursion for groups and societies to experience the scenic River Medway combined with a guided tour of Allington Castle’s beautiful gardens.


Hire Cruisers Ltd, Undercliffe Boathouse, Bishops Way, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6XG Telephone: 01622 753740 | Email: boattrips@kentishlady.co.uk


16


www.kentishlady.co.uk Maidstone East April 2018


re-commencing from Easter 2018


Please see website for details


Timetable Trips/Cruises


The


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Penenden Heath Office Maidstone ME14 2HN Tel: 01622 671200


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Tel: 01622 737800 Maidstone East April 2018 17 LETTINGS RECE


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