downsmail.co.uk


Cemetery chapel to re-open for funerals


PLANS are in place to expand the Maidstone cemetery and re-open the chapel, which has been closed for over 12 years,writes Jade Scop- man. Proposals from Maidstone Bor-


ough Council’s Heritage, Culture and LeisureCommittee couldmean the building will receive a £222,000 donation towards funeral services next year. The Sutton Road building, which


is grade II listed, has not been in use for over a decade. But public frus- tration at the deterioration of the chapel has prompted a rethink. MBCadmittedthat,due to the clo-


sure of the bereavement service de- partment in 2006, the building has fallen into a state of disrepair. The funding will go towards the


chapel’s newelectricalworks, the re- placement of the cast iron girdle around the steeple, removing the floor tiles, the installation of a new music system and updated furni- ture.MBChaspledgeda newCCTV


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system, a car park expansion and the demolition of the gatekeeper’s house due to the presence of as- bestos.The entire refurbishment is a two-part project to expand the cemetery and recover the chapel. Concerns have been raised over a lack of grave space in the borough.


The process will be majority-


funded by £213,000 set aside in the council’s capital budget for the de- velopment of the bereavement serv- ice.


Maidstone borough councillor for


Shepway north and deputyMayor, Marion Ring (pictured), said: “It is absolutely brilliant news. I come from a generation where it was a place for the whole family to meet, so it will be so nice to see it up and running again. “If it is only going to take a year,


then that’s really good going. I am really looking forward to it. Iwould definitely be backing this. “Someone has got tomake a start


on this project because if we don’t, unfortunately the processwill go on and on.” Bosses will now request further


funding from the Policy and Re- sources Committee to allow the chapel to be refurbished after coun- cillors unanimously approved the proposals.


News Car fire at pub


FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze out- side the Potting Shed pub and restaurant in Langley. Two engines rushed to the scene


at about 5pmon October 10, where flames and thick smoke were bil- lowing from a car. A witness said the engine appeared to be on fire. The end of Horsehoes Lane was


blocked for a time, although traffic was keptmoving on theA274. A witness said: “The car was in


the parking bay outside the Potting Shed and itwaswell ablaze.”


Quiz night


AWINE&Wisdomevening is to be held at theMemorial Hall in Leeds onNovember 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 each for teams of


four to six. Supperwithwine is pro- vided, but participants should bring glasses.CallAdrianon07737 959983.


Choir concert


THE Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent is presenting a Christmas themedwinter charity concert. It will be performed by the Ash-


ford Invicta Singers on December 8 atHeadcorn village hall. Tickets are £10.Details fromwww.wealdofken- trotary.org.uk


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