downsmail.co.uk


Mole inquiry ‘not good use of public’smoney’


A BOROUGH councillor has re- fused to be interviewed as part of an internal investigation into media leaks toDownsMail. LiberalDemocrat-ledMaidstone


Borough Council is furious after details of a 2,500-5,000 house de- velopment plan in Lenham were published following a secret com- mittee discussed it onMay 22. Nowthe authority’s legal bosses


are arranging interviewswith staff and elected members present at the closed session to find the “mole”. Conservative Cllr Jonathan


Purle (pictured), of Bridge ward, said: “To be honest, I don’t see this is the most appropriate way for taxpayers’money to be spent or a good use of the council’s time. “Inmy view, thewhole business


about local planning should be heard in public, not skulking around in closed sessions.” A letter dated June 3, from MBC’s head of legal PatriciaNare-


bor, said an investigation would be undertaken “regarding the re- lease of exempt information to the Downs Mail that was... discussed at the committee. “The article in the Downs Mail


on May 24 makes reference to housing in Lenham that was dis- cussedat the committee.The inves- tigation will involve members of P&R, visiting members and offi- cers. “As such, itwas in the public in-


terest not to release the informa- tion at that stage. Confirmation was provided that the information would be released to the public at the formal consultation stage. “My colleague…will arrange to


meet you shortly to obtain a state- ment from you. An investigation reportwill be prepared once state- ments have been taken.” Patricia Narebor said: “It’s an in-


ternal operational issue so I would not like todiscuss itwith theDowns Mail at themoment.” A letter sent by Liberal Democrat


MBCleaderCllrMartinCox toTory counterpart John Perry stated: “Whether disclosure is bymembers or officers it is a breach of theCodes of Conduct and is therefore clearly unacceptable. “I’ve have made it clear that this


behaviour is not acceptable and that stepsneedtobetakentoestablishthe factsofwhathasoccurredbeforede- cidingwhether there is a complaint to bemade or action to be taken.”


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News Museumcalls


inHazlihelp BOSSES at Maidstone Museum have launchedaninitiative totempt more young people through its doors. They invited the Hazlitt Youth


Theatre to look round and to see if they would consider using itmore often. The group looked at the ex- hibits, tried on costumes and got a real feel for the museum as some- where they could visit and use for themselves. Museum spokesman Natalie


Moor said:“Theycancomeforquiet space, todohomework, tostudyand researchandtohave funwithdress- ingupandenjoyingtheexhibitions.” She added the feedback was "so


positive" and further sessions are planned.


Murder date


AMANchargedwith themurder of Andrew Jenkins in Shepway will stand trial at Maidstone Crown Court nextmonth. JefferyMills (54,) of Cambridge


Crescent faces trial by jury on September 2.


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