News


Action to clear town’s graffiti


ANTISOCIAL behaviour (ASB) powers are to be used to tackle yobs who daub graffiti in “grot spots” around the borough. The opposition Conservatives


claim they persuaded Liberal De- mocrat-led Maidstone Borough Council to use ASB regulations to clamp down on the scourge. The council’s communities,hous-


ing and environment committee voted lastmonth to adopt the new policy. Cllr JonathanPurle (BridgeWard)


first raisedthe issue lastNovember, focusing onNetworkRail allegedly failing to clearupa 200-yardstretch alongthehighlevel crossingfromSt Peter’s Street & Buckland Hill to Maidstone East Station. Until then, claims Cllr Purle,


council officers had spent months trying to persuadeNetwork Rail to tidy the area, butwithout success. According to their report at the committee, “even though assur-


Business Focus A personal service at a time of loss


Michael Lawrence, and his son Robert along with Kim and Angela, are the team behind a family-owned funeral service that has been helping families across the Maidstone area for 40 years.


With offices in Bearsted and Barming, Family Funeral Service is a third generation business, experienced in caring for your needs with commitment and understanding.


At such a stressful time, they know it’s important to sit and talk to you about every detail and to assist you in making the often


Ashford Road, Bearsted, PW


4 Cavendish W y, Maidstone ME15 8


a 01622 260200 6 Maidstone August 2019


difficult decisions about how best to remember a loved one and to meet their personal wishes. With so many years’ experience, Family


Funeral Service has learned how to respond to the specific and different needs of every individual facing one of the toughest times in their life. This personalised approach includes the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the phone around the clock, as well as personal support to clients through the bereavement process.


Michael Lawrence said: "The loss of a loved


one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making arrangements for the service can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a unique and meaningful service that


Find us at: Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Barming Maidstone ME16 9JN


01622 260210


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, and to learn about the services and venues available from someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.”


ances were provided by Network Rail that the graffiti would be re- moved…this did not happen”. Cllr Purle said: “Maidstone really


needs cleaning up. But the crossing next to Maidstone East station is something else. How are we ever goingtoencouragecivicpridewhen heavily-used places like this are al- lowed to go to rack and ruin?Many people inmy part of town pay the railwaythousandsofpoundsayear, andit is intolerable that they’re such badneighbours.” Network Rail said: “With regard


to Maidstone itself, we have re- centlyworkedcloselywiththe local council’s environmental services section to reach an agreement wherebywewill fund the removal of graffiti at hotspots inMaidstone on a one-off basis. This work will be carried out by the council and is expected to start imminently.” MBC was approached for com- ment.


Bowlersmark centenary


BOWLERS have celebrated their club’s centenary this summer by taking top prize at the Headcorn Ladies’ Triple Day. Loose Bowls Club fielded the


winning teamof JaneHills, Sandra Carr and Cindy Jones (pictured), who took on allcomers onWednes- day, July 10.


Cindy said: “Headcorn Bowls


Club put on a great tournament, the weather was perfect and the green played beautifully.” Both Loose and Headcorn are


on the lookout for newplayers. For more details, go to www.loose- bowls-club.co.uk or www.head- cornbowlsclub.co.uk.


downsmail.co.uk


Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner


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