downsmail.co.uk


Anger asKCCrefuses to replace speed sign


VILLAGERS say theyhave beenlefthighanddry byKCCHighways after an automated speed signwaswiped out in a car accident on LintonHill. They say the flashing sign – op-


posite The Bull – slowed traffic on the dangerous decline and were led to believe the highways au- thority would replace it through an insurance claim. However, 18 months after the


accident, the parish council has learned the county council did not seek the cost of a replacement, and it is now too late to retrieve themoney. Linton ParishCouncil chairman


Bernard Cresswell said: “We specifically asked if the replace- ment sign would be pursued, along with the cost of removing the vehicle, and were led to be- lieve that was the case. Now we understandKCCwould have had


to replace the sign and then apply for a refund.” The parish council has now been toldKCChas no policy to re-


place the sign, claiming it is un- enforceable. Cllr Cresswell continued: “If


the parish council had known this, itwould have got themoney together somehow, knowing the money could be recovered. “We feelwe have been left high


and dry because the county coun- cil failed to fully appraise us of the situation regarding its insur- ance claim, in spite of us asking specifically about howthiswould be used to replace the sign.” He added: “It is absurd that the


council did not let us know and has no policy to replace this sign on such a dangerous road.” KCC was approached for a


comment.


News


Appeal after Hunton raid


ANTIQUES have been reported stolen froma house in Hunton. Decorative vases, a wood carv-


ing of a person and a large cabi- netwith drawerswere taken from a property belonging to an elderly man, after thieves smashed awin- dowto gain entry. The break-in at an address in


East Street is believed to have taken place betweenWednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28.


Maidstone CID Detective In-


spector Jon Faulkner said: “This has caused a great deal of distress and anxiety to a vulnerable vic- tim, who was at home when the burglary took place. “The items stolen are fairly


unique and distinctive and are likely to be of interest to a niche market only. They were heavy and relatively large and a vehicle would have been needed tomove them. If you saw anything suspi- cious around this time or have been offered items for salematch- ing these descriptions, please con- tact us immediately.” Anyone with information is


asked to call thewestKent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting ref- erence number 46/58816/19.Alter- natively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.


Help needed


VOLUNTEERS are invited to get involved in presenting some of the most popular shows in the county at Detling. The recruitment drive comes


Residents come clean inMarden


A MASSIVE pile of rubbish was gathered across Marden by those who joined the village litter pick. More than 60 black sacks were filled, along with items including


hub caps and a table. Marden Parish Council,which or-


ganised the event, has thanked all those who attended or helped in the week prior to the event on Sat-


Crime and safey survey


BUSINESS development agency OneMaidstone is canvassing res- idents on crime reduction and safety in the county town. The group has launched the on-


line survey as part of it role as a Business Improvement District. One Maidstone spokesman Ilsa


Butler said: “This is an important survey for local people and it only takes aminute or two.”


The respondents’ identities are


kept anonymous. The BID system allows groups


like One Maidstone to manage local stakeholders overseeing the maintenance, improvement and promotion of its commercial dis- trict. To fill out the survey, go to


www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8C DQH9.


urday,March 16. A spokesman said: “Another suc-


cessful day. Thanks to all those wonderful residents who litter pick around the village – you are stars!”


from the Kent County Agricul- tural Society ahead of its 90th Kent County Show in July (5, 6 and 7), which last year attracted 74,000 visitors to its grounds on the top of Detling Hill. The Society says volunteers are


vital to running the charity’s pop- ular events. For details of becoming a vol-


unteer, contactMeghan Rice-Wil- son on 01622 633057 or email meghan@kentshowground.co.uk.


Walk routes


WALKERS can now buy a set of six newroutes aroundMarden. Published by Marden Walking


Group, the set contains circular walks varying in length fromjust over two to six-and-a-halfmiles. They are available fromMarden


Library, "No 47", and Marden FarmShop, for £5 per set.


Maidstone Weald May 2019 19


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