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Why not set up a sink-hole squad?
CALLS have beenmade for a sink- hole taskforce to investigate the se- ries of craters that have opened acrossMaidstone. Reacting to the recent sudden
opening in Tonbridge Road – the fourth in as many months – trans- port campaigner, and former bor- ough councillor James Willis (pictured) said more needed to be done to identify why and where theymight occur. He suggests a temporary stop no-
tice on house-building on affected sites in Hermitage Lane while sur- veys are reviewed and updated by the planning authority, and the for- mation of a taskforce led by geolog- ical experts, KCC and local councillors. MrWillis said: “TheBarming area
has a history of sinkholes, but the three that have opened in this area across the last fewmonthsmean se- rious investigation is needed.” He is also asking the county coun- cil to use the road closure to make
the junction ready for new traffic signals, road sensors and a pedes- trian crossing,whichwas promised before 2020. MrWillis said: “As the repairs are
likely to keepthis junction closedfor months, it would make sense and savings to accommodate the pro- posed changes now. Joined up thinking iswhat’s needed.” Maidstone MP Helen Grant is
among others to express concern about sink-holes in the area, and the disruption. She, too, has asked for a teamto consider if there is an iden- tifiable reason. In themeantime, the county coun-
cil says the reinstatement of the road and utilities cannot begin until the area has been stabilised with com- paction grouting,which is expected to take twoweeks. Although the hole appeared on
May 28, the council could offer no date for when the road would re- open, or how much repairs will cost.
Ex-RAFman’s charity ride
A FORMER Forces driver who says a Maidstone housing association saved himfroma life on the streets is to ride 3,800miles for charity. Tony Little (58), from Hardwick House in Maid-
stone, wants to thank the Royal Air Force Benevo- lent Fund for helping himthrough his “lowest point inlife”ashe struggled to recover fromatriple heart bypass 13 years ago. In September, the formerRAFmechanical trans-
portdriver (pictured)andfive friendswill rideafleet of Royal Enfieldmotorbikes 3,800miles fromKent to JohnO’Groats, on to Lands End and back home. Tony told Downs Mail: “The benevolent fund helpedmegetbackonmy feetafter theoperation,
which leftme determined to find away to repay the charity.” He left the RAF at 25, after nine years’ service, and became a lorry driver
until a heart attack at 45 forced himto stop.An accident atwork slowed his recovery further. When he finally left hospital, unable to manage the stairs at his flat, he
was put in touchwith Golding Homes,which “turned his life around”. Now settled, Tony and his teamhope to raise £10,000 for the RAF Fund,
with help fromRoyal Enfield and others keen to sponsor their fuel, accom- modation and gear.
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