News


Disabled users’ parking boon


SOUTHEASTERN says its £1.1m investment at Staplehurst train station should be complete by the autumn. The work will add another 300


spaces to the station car park, in- corporate a previously neglected piece of land and improve the CCTV system, lighting and pedes- trian and vehicle access. The upgrade, which began in


April, is in response towhat South- eastern describes as “growing de- mand from regular commuters, and passengers travelling for leisure”. Facilities project manager at


Southeastern Steve Martin said: “We’re pleased to be able to make this investment in expanding the car park at Staplehurst station as we know it’s what a lot of our reg- ular customers have been asking for.Over the next fewmonths, peo- ple should begin to see a big differ- ence.” Maidstine and the Weald MP HelenGrant described the upgrade


as “much-needed”, adding: “I have, over recent years, shared with Southeasternmy constituents’ concerns about the station car park.” She now hopes the investment


will be part of a wider drive to boost capacity and facilities at other rural stations across Maid- stone and theWeald. A Staplehurst Parish Council


spokesmansaid: “The council hopes that the improvementswill provide sufficient spaces for disabled users and that the additional security and capacity will encourage use of the car park and ease parking conges- tion on residential roads.” He said the parish councilwas in


talks with interested parties about the regeneration of the station, adding: “The parish council urges that the increase in car park users be matched by appropriate investment in maintaining and improving the village’s roads, which will have to accommodate additional vehicle movements.”


downsmail.co.uk Join run to help goats


PULL on your running shoes for the fourth 5k fun run in aid of Boughton Monchelsea’s goat sanctuary. Buttercups – theUK’s only sanctuary for abused and abandoned goats –


will be raisingmoney for newfences at its centre inWierton Road on Satur- day, September 15. Bob Hitch, the founder of


the charity, which cares for 140 abused and abandoned goats, will join those taking part in the Goaty Gallop at Mote Park inMaidstone. Event organiserMattHug-


gins,anassistantat the sanc- tuary for nearly six years, said: “In spite of two metal knees, Bob’s a bit of a ma- chine and always finishes in a respectable position.” Runners, walkers and


those in fancy dresswill leave the start, near the park’s café, at 2pm. Matt, pictured, said: “This


year we hope even more people will take part in what remains very much a fun ‘cottage industry’, with a marquee at the start and a collection bucket at the end.Wewelcome sponsored runners andwalkers of any age and those who justwant to turn up on the day andmake a donation.” For a sponsor form, email enquiries@buttercups.org.uk.The sanctuary has


recently found its goats to be good companions for those looking to relax and recover and has been working with the Kenward Trust, at Yalding, to helpwith the rehabilitation of those tackling addictions to drink and drugs.


LOCAL businesses are as important an element to community life as a parish council, cricket club or the Women’s Institute. Here at the Downs Mail we have always recognised the pivotal role commerce plays in a vibrant, thriving economy. Be they small, medium or large enterprises, we have tried to celebrate the great things they bring jobs, career paths, training, entrepreneurship, industry awards, innovation and prestige.


That is why we have been promoting our recently enhanced Business Notice Board (BNB) at downsmail.co.uk in recent months.


And it is paying off. Our BNB is rapidly becoming a place where the business world can communicate with one another, share ideas, offer advice, drum up business or simply promote themselves. And it is completely FREE to use.


You can use it as many times as you like without having to pay a penny. Perhaps you have news you’d like to share, seek tenders for an important contract, trumpet a new product or put feelers out for specialist expertise. Feel free. Use it, it’s yours!


Taking notice


ORGANISATIONS are able to make as many entries and use as many categories as they wish on our Business Notice Board.


They can upload an image, headline, detailed text, contact details and links to their own and associated websites. The service is quick and easy to use go to the business notice board page on our website and just click on the red post your free listing here button or submit your business news link to get started.


Directory advert


THE Downs Mail Business Directory is a searchable database of local businesses, suppliers and tradespeople where companies can advertise for a year for just £48 plus VAT.


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Maidstone Weald September 2018


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