News Newdelays to


bridge onM20 PLANS to close theM20 to install a newfootbridge have been put back for a third time, to avoid a poten- tial clash with Remembrance Sun- day commemorations. Highways England was sup-


posed to have removed and in- stalled a new footbridge at Teapot Lane,Aylesford over the summer. But after shifting the dates to


avoid disrupting motorists getting away for the summer break, the au- thoritywas labelled “disrespectful” for closing fourmiles of themotor- way on Remembrance Sunday. Having removed the footbridge


last month, Highways England al- tered the dates again, pledging to have work done 24 hours earlier, on the morning of November 11, before parades begun. Now the entire project has been


pushed back aweek. Theworkwill now be carried out from 10pm on Friday, November 16, to 6am on Monday, November 19. Themotorway will be closed be-


tween junction four (Leybourne) and six (Blue Bell Hill).


Ghost tours


MAIDSTONE Museum is inviting all brave children to enjoy some spooky fun this Halloween. Two Ghost Tours for children


will be held on Wednesday, Octo- ber 31, starting at 4pmand 5pm. All those who complete the tour


will be rewarded with a ginger- bread ghost, which visitors will be able to decoratewith icing. Tour leader Ashley Tucker said:


“There have been many reports of strange noises and apparitions over the years, especially fromstaff and volunteersworking late. “Who knows what secrets these


old buildings have to tell? We’ll find out as we explore some of the older, spookier rooms after dark.”


PSYCHIC Sally is back onstage at theHazlitt Theatre onNovember 1. Returning to the county town


MP Helen Grant with local business leaders at Crow UK Psychic date MP hears Brexit concerns


with her “brand new and most jaw-dropping show yet”, Sally Morganwill be entertaining the au- dience in Earl Street from 7.30pm. Tickets are £25 each, call the box of- fice on 01622 758611.


Sport chance


ABADMINTON club in Loose is inviting people to give it a go. Playersmeet atNewLine Learn-


ing Academy in Loose from 7.30- 9.30pm onMondays. Call Janet on 01622 745054 or Simon on 07770 900244 for details.


8


BUSINESS leaders have expressed their concerns about a “no deal” Brexit to localMP Helen Grant. Employers are worried about the


availability of labour and whether increased customs checks at the border could bring significant dis- ruption to Kent’s road network. Themeeting at CrowUK inMaid-


stone was organised by Barclays Bank,with representatives fromthe health, engineering and automotive sectors in attendance. Mrs Grant said: “Small businesses


really are the life blood of our econ- omy and I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that our


Maidstone Weald November 2018


future relationship with the EU works for them. “ Alan Bracken, Barclays area busi-


nessmanager said: “This event was a good opportunity to get local en- trepreneurs together to talk about their opportunities and challenges. “Although there is some caution,


there is also confidence in the area, and this is demonstrated by the level of lendingmy teamhave been doing in and aroundMaidstone. “It was a successful event and it


was great that Helen was willing to dedicate somuch time to hearwhat is on the minds of business owners andmanagers locally.”


downsmail.co.uk


Science school agreed despite traffic concern


A SCHEME to build a science and technology college alongside In- victa Grammar and Valley Park schools has been given the green light. Government inspectors saidplans


for the 1,200-pupil school, to be run by the Valley Invicta Academies’ Trust (VIAT) can go ahead with an opening date of September 2019. An announcement was made by


the Ministry for Communities, Housing and Local Government (MCHLG) after a stand-off between VIAT andMBC’s planning commit- tee members, who were worried about bus routes, traffic congestion and the loss of trees. Membersdidnotdispute the need


for theMaidstone School for Science and Technology (MSST). MP Helen Whately said: “I am


delighted VIAT has the go- ahead…(but) stepsmust be taken to ensure that the majority of pupils walk, cycle or use buses. “The roads surrounding the site


are already congested during rush hour, so everythingpossiblemust be done tominimise impact on people living nearby.” AMCHLGreports said: “The sec-


retary of state (James Brokenshire) considers that the loss of treeswould harm the area’s character, and that


An artist’s impression of the new science and technology school


this harm attracts moderate weight against the proposal. “He nevertheless considers that


the need for the school attracts sig- nificantweight in favour.” Co-CEO of VIAT and principal of


Valley Park School, Vic Ashdown, said: “We have worked tirelessly to develop a school that will provide genuine excitement to those parents in our community who are rightly concerned about the lack of second- ary school places available. “Our only sadness is the time


taken to get to this point. The origi- nal announcement that our bid had


been successful was made shortly before the 2015 general election. “We were left with no choice but


to request a public enquiry asMaid- stone Borough Council had repeat- edly failed to make a decision and were imposing conditions that we viewed as unreasonable.” Councillor Clive English, chair-


man of Maidstone Borough Coun- cil's planning committee, said: “It was most unfortunate that the ap- plicant chose to file an appeal against non-determination rather than wait for a decision from the planning committee.”


Church hosts


festive trees THE popularHeadcornChrist- mas Tree Festival is back again this year. Staged by Headcorn Parish


Church, the event runs from December 7 to 9, 2018. Each tree is sponsored by a


local business or group, and in an attempt to make this year’s festival the biggest yet, the church is inviting family and friends to buy and decorate a tree, too. If youwould like to sponsor


a tree, email amtrustram@btin- ternet.comfor details. Headcorn Parish Council is


also inviting the public to a miniChristmasmarket on Sat- urday, December 8. The church is looking for


any craft makers or anyone who would like to sell festive items and hire a stall. Formore information, email head- cornexhibitions@gmail.com.


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