News


downsmail.co.uk Homeswill hit health services


DOCTORS and health service bosses have warned plans to build 80 homes near Maidstone Hospital could swamp local roads and put pressure on accident and emergency services. TheNHS said the proposed de-


velopment, off Oakapple Lane, Barming, “will cause significant impact to staff and visitors ac- cessing and leaving the hospital”. The plans, submitted by


builders TaylorWimpey, already have outline approval and are in addition to the 180 homes the company is set to apply for off Broomshaw Road, and 250 houses being constructed by Bovis nearby. Dr Rosanne Brimsted, who


lives in Barming, said: “Waiting lists at local doctor’s surgeries are already long and this develop- mentwill tip this beyondwhat is reasonable and cause more pres- sure on the A&E facilities at the hospital.” Dr Marjory Caine added that


the proposed development would have a negative impact on residential roads in Barming, as motorists sought to avoid con-


the congestion at peak times. “The risk of harm and conges-


tion for longer periods of the day will cause significant impact to staff and visitors accessing and leaving the hospital site on Her- mitage Lane.” Terry Drury, of Kent County


Council’s highways team, how- ever, raised no objections. Al- though he did stress: “I consider it important that the views of Kent Fire and Rescue Service are obtained to confirm their access assessment/needs for this site.” If TaylorWimpey’s latest plans


gestion.AndDr JacintheWillson, whoworks at the hospital inHer- mitage Lane, cited “high levels of pollution and traffic congestion” for her objection. In papers filed with borough


council planners, Maidstone and TunbridgeWellsNHS Trust said:


“The proposed developmentwill undoubtedly increase traffic movements through Hermitage Lane and its adjoining roads and junctions, and add further signif- icant demand on these areas which are unable to copewith the current capacity evident through


get the green light, health serv- ices in the area could be set for a pay-out. Under rules requiring builders


to invest in infrastructure im- provements related to their de- velopment, more than £67,000 would be allocated to College Practice, Barming, according to paperwork.


Freemediation for divorcing couples


AFAMILYmediation service is opening its doors to offer free help to peoplewho are facing a marriage separation but are un- sure where to turn. An initiative is running as


Resolve to join run


THE Stroke Association’s “Resolu- tion Run” returns to Mote Park in March. The annual 5k, 10k or 15k event


promotes healthy living. It is esti- mated that peoplewhowalk, jog or run regularly are likely to reduce their chances of a stroke by 20%. ProfessorTomRobinson,who spe-


cialises in the condition, said: “You don’t have to be an athlete to re- duce your stroke risk –we can all do it as part of our daily routine. “Simply taking part in 30minutes


activity which helps you break a sweat three or four times aweekwill help. Remember, the more you do, themore you can reduce the risk.” Professor Robinson claims the preparation for the Resolution Run


24 Maidstone February 2019


can also help reduce the risk of a stroke. A stroke is a potentially fatal con-


dition caused when the blood sup- ply to part of the brain is cut off and oftenlinkedtopoor lifestyle choices. Headded: “It is equally important


that you need tomaintain this level of exercise to keep stroke risk low. “If you start small, training in


short bursts and build up gradually, you are more likely to succeed and keep going in the long termtoo.” The next Resolution Run atMote


Park is on SundayMarch 24. It costs £16 to take part and all


participants receive a medal and a T-shirt. To register or to getmore in- formation about the event, go to www.resolutionrun.org.uk.


part of the Family Mediation Week, which ends on January 25 and is organised by the Fam- ily Mediators Association (FMA). The week aims to raise


awareness of familymediation as an alternative to costly court battles for separating couples. TheWells FamilyMediation


has half-hour slots to help peo- ple find out if advice might help in the separation or di- vorce and find the best way forward for themselves and their children. An FMA spokesman said:


“Relationships between sepa- rating parents are sometimes irretrievably broken, and all too often their children are caught up in themiddle. “But it doesn't have to be


thatway. Familymediation has helpedmany divorcing parents


to build a constructive future for their family, without a court imposing decisions on them. “Research shows thatmedia-


tion is often the best way for families to resolve conflicts. It is faster, less costly and – cru- cially – less adversarial than di- vorcing through the courts. “We want to help those peo-


ple understand that lawyers and courts aren’t their only di- vorce option, and also to let other people know that family mediation is an option they can suggest to friends or family memberswho are experiencing separation and who don’t know where to go for help.” To arrange a free half-hour


consultation with a trained family mediator, call Wells Family Mediation on 01892 506906.


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