News Abbey facts


ARESEARCHERhas appealedfor information about LeedsAbbey. Although there are historic


records of the site, there is not much about the building. Brian Hardy said: “If anyone


comes across anything about the physical aspects of the abbey, be- yond the findings of the excava- tions in the 1970s, please callme.” CallMrHardy on 01622 852915.


Cat group call


FRIENDS of Bredhurst CatAdop- tion Centre need newmembers to help themraisemoney for the ani- malwelfare operation,which cares for up to 180 cats at any one time. The friends help to buy food and


equipment for the facility,which is part of the nationalCats Protection charity.Email bredhurst@cats.org.uk.


Sign refresh


THE faded village sign on the Green in Hollingbourne is to be given a facelift byMaria and Dom Chinea, of Eyhorne Street. Hollingbourne Parish Council


also plans to replace benches and redecorate Cardwell Pavilion. A defibrillator will be installed out- side the school.


downsmail.co.uk


Fly-tipping: just a single prosecutionin12months


THEcouncil’s ability to tackle fly- tipping has come under fire after it admitted it has secured just ONE prosecution in 2018,Downs Mail has learnt. MaidstoneBoroughCouncil says


it issued34 fixedpenalty notices for fly-tipping andwaste carrying, and seized six vehicles, two of which were crushed.Sevenwarningswere given. But the Country Land and BusinessAssociation(CLA) saidthe council must secure more convic- tions if a deterrentmessage is to be effective. Borough councillor Eddie Powell


said the use ofmobile, covert cam- eraswould help secure convictions and “will soon send amessage out to offenders”. Robin Edwards, regional direc-


tor of CLA South East, which rep- resents farmers, landowners and rural businesses, said: “Fly-tipping is a considerable probleminMaid- stone,witha total of 1,041 incidents reported in 2017/18, which is well up on the 973 reported in 2016/17


and 796 in 2015/16. “The true figures will be even


higher than these official statistics, asmany incidents go unreported. “While it is encouraging to see


MBC taking direct action in some of these cases, it is vital that more prosecutions are brought forward successfully to act as a deterrent. Councils must send a clear mes-


sage to fly-tippers that they will face strict consequences. Imposing and enforcing stiffer penalties which better reflect the seriousness of the crime is crucial, along with seizing the vehicles used to fly- tip.” Cllr Powell said covert cameras


can be used for up to 28 days in one location. Leeds borough coun- cillorGill Fort has been campaign- ing for cameras to be installed in the Burberry Lane hotspot for years. She said: “The trouble is that it is just not enforced.” An MBC spokesman said: “In


order to successfully proceed to a prosecution there needs to be a solid evidence base linking the waste back to the fly-tipper. De- pending on the type of waste left, it can be difficult to establish this. “Fixed penalty notices have a fi-


nancial impact on fly-tippers and are ameans of instantpunishment. “The money raised is used to


fund resources including CCTV and clean-up costs.”


Contemporary Bar & Brasserie is the heart and soul of The Great Danes


Enjoy the atmosphere in the contemporary new Brasserie, set on three levels overlooking the beatifully lansdscaped grounds. Fantastic new winter menu with favourites such as the Chef’s signature Pulled lamb stew, beef & Doombar ale pie and proper British beer battered haddock. We also offer a tremendous Sunday lunch and a mouth-watering selection of desserts. A wide variety of beers, wines and delicious cocktails are available to accompany your meal.


SUNDAY LUNCH 2 DINE FOR £25


2 COURSES FROM THE CARVERY OR SET MENU Valid until 31st January 2019


6


Please complete the following details: Name: .................................................................................................... Email: ......................................................................................................


Tick to recieve future information about events at the hotel.


Terms & conditions: Meal must be booked in advance, included two courses. One voucher per reservation. No Photocopies accepted. Voucher must be given to waiter on arrival. No cash value.


To book a table or for more information Call: 01622 528565.


Email: info@mercuremaidstone.co.uk www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk Hollingbourne, Nr Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1RE


Maidstone East January 2019


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