downsmail.co.uk


‘Modal shift is not the answer to rat-running’


FUMING motorists are turning narrowcountry lanes into rat-runs as they try to circumvent gridlock on the borough’s primary routes. Villagers have told DownsMail


how single track roads are being choked by vehicles unable to pass each other. Others say drivers put their foot down once they’ve es- caped congestion, and use bad- temperedmanoeuvres. Residents in Loose and Cox-


heath say they feel aggrieved that housing developments have pushed traffic into their lanes be- cause inadequate provision has beenmade for cars. They cite the roads aroundWell


Street as becoming rat-runs for traffic trying to avoid increasing delays at the Linton Crossroads. Formerpolice officer,BryanHill-


man, said: “As a long-time resident of Loose village, I knowfirst-hand howdangerous these areas can be- come. We want to work with the highways officers to see what can


be done to slow traffic down and stop HGVs using these narrow roads, such asWell Street.” Simon Webb, a traffic cam-


paigner from Coxheath, added: “We want to see developers con- sider the long-termimpact of being connected with these small lanes, andmore emphasis at theplanning stage on avoiding rat-running.” Staplehurst borough councillor


Louise Brice, says both county and borough planners need to tackle the issues and consider the infra- structure.


Bryan Hillman discusses his concerns with county councillor Paulina Stockell in Loose


“Drivers are like water,” she


said. “If roads are blocked, they will inevitably find another route. “Hourly buses arenever going to


replace the convenience of having a car. The roads are too dangerous to cycle orwalk. “There is no alternative to the car


when you have limited time to drop the children off at school, or get intoMaidstone or go towork. “Modal shift isn’t an answer. It’s


getting harder for people to leave their own villages because of the congestion on our streets.”


News Floral lunch


LANGLEY’S StMary’sChurch has served up ‘Soup and Snowdrops’ for parishioners. The Sutton Road church show-


cased its collection of the hardy winter flowers while plying visi- tors with homemade soup and bread.The event on Saturday, Feb- ruary 9 has been running for seven years to raise funds for the church.


Stitch success


SUEWood had top place sewn up when she beat allcomers atYalding WI’s embroidery competition. Herdepiction of a housewas fol-


lowed by Rachel Kirkham’s work of birds and flowers by a streamin second place. GlenBrace’s 50-year-oldsampler


took third place. The March 12 meetingwill include a beetledrive.


Call for help


CHART Sutton’s Shop on the Green has put out an appeal for more volunteers. The community enterprise says


that, without more recruits, it will have to restrict opening hours. For more information, contactChris on 01622 842629.


Business Focus Family Funeral Service brings its personal service to Headcorn


Family Funeral Service brings its personal service to Headcorn FAMILY Funeral Service has opened a new base in Headcorn, offering its friendly service to even more people across the Maidstone area. The family


owned, and family run business offers a personalised approach, with the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the telephone 24 hours a day. Already operating out of Bearsted, Family Funeral Service is run by Michael Lawrence and his son Robert, along with Kim and Angela - the team behind the third-generation business


4 Cavendish Way, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW


01622 260200


that has been helping families in the area for 40 years. Michael Lawrence said: “We are pleased our


branch in Headcorn High Street is now open. We’ve worked hard to ensure the premises is sympathetic to the village conservation area, with help from Nick Prior, at Woodland Carpentry, and provides a comfortable environment in which people can relax and talk through their needs. “Jo will be our lady on hand to help


families looking to arrange a fitting tribute for their loved ones. I will also be there daily to meet families and help with their requirements and wishes.” To meet his new business commitment,


Michael has recently moved to Headcorn. He added: “The loss of a loved one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of


Find us at:


59 High Street, Headcorn TN27 9QA


01622 962001 Maidstone Weald March 2019 25


making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a meaningful service that celebrates life. “Our approach is simple. We sit with you in


our office or your home, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that you will face and the options available to you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit and talk to someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.” Contact Family Funerals on Bearsted 01622 260200 or in Headcorn on 01622 962001.


Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner


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