News Gun amnesty


KENTPolice saidshotguns,pistols, airweapons andammunitionwere handed in during the firstweek of their annual firearms surrender. The drive,which began onMon-


day, January 21, allowed the public todispose ofunwantedor illegally- held guns and ammunition.At the time of going to press, 77 firearms hadbeensurrendered, including30 liveweapons consisting of 25 shot- guns, four revolvers and a pistol. Officers hadalso been handed20


air weapons and approximately 1,140 rounds of live ammunition.


Revenge quiz


THE Friends of Headcorn Church are staging a quiz night onMarch 16.The “Reverend’sRevenge”will be held at the Andred Hall from 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 from Jenny Munt on 01622 891724; Headcorn Deli or the SweetWilliamFlorist.


Marathon bid


THE Headcorn HalfMarathon on Sunday, February 17, begins at DaysGreen, Kings Road. Registration opens at 7.15am,


with the race at 9am. For details visitwww.runningandriding.co.uk.


downsmail.co.uk


Postman Paul back at work after campaign


A POPULAR postman has re- turned to his job after villagers campaignedforhis reinstatement. Paul Kelly, who has been work-


ing at RoyalMail formore than 20 years, was suspended in August after his parked van rolled down a hill and hit another car. An online petition, created by


YaldingpostmasterTimChapman, gained over 1,000 signatures in support ofMr Kelly (52). Mr Chapman said: “RoyalMail


behaved atrociously towards Paul. Thepeople ofYaldingwantedPaul to return to his job as soon as pos- sible and continue serving our community as before. “The petition really took off, I


think within the first day we had about 250 signatures. I created the petitionwhen people began to ask mewhere Paulwas, everyonewas just concerned.” AfterMrKelly’s removal,his col-


leagues at Maidstone Sorting Of- fice supportedhimbywalking out,


outraged that he had received no pay or shares since his suspension. RoseHardingwrote on the peti-


tion: “I’ve known Paul for years – he’s a decent, honest, hard-work- ing chap. For any company to treat a member of staff this way is ab- solutely disgusting. He should have his job back and an apology.” Mr Kelly has been officially in-


formed that he will not be fired fromRoyalMail,but isnowonpro- bation, and must not commit fur- ther “offences” for two years. He is also banned from driving


Postman Paul Kelly, left, with two of his RoyalMail colleagues Cheryl and Dan


RoyalMail vehicles over the same period, andwill not be returning to his old driving round in Yalding. Mr Chapman said: “Paul is now


able to come back to the job in Yalding, where we want him to stay. He’s thrilled to have his job back, whether he does the round walking ordriving, he’s just happy to be back.” AspokesmanforRoyalMail said:


“RoyalMail can confirm that Paul returned towork on Saturday, Jan- uary 19.He returned to theYalding office onMonday, January 21.”


PROPERTY MAINTENANCE


Gutter Cleaning Service At Reasonable Rates


Guttering Fascias Soffits Replaced or Repaired All Types Of Roof


Repairs Undertaken New Roofs Flat Roofs


Chimney Stacks Repointed


For A Free Friendly Quote Or Advice Please Call :


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20 Maidstone Weald February 2019 NLP


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