News Police assaults


‘not tolerated’ ELEVENofficerswere assaulted over the course of one weekend after responding to calls for help across Kent. Officers reported being spat at,


kicked, threatened, punched and pushed between June 28 and June 30. In one incident, an offi- cer needed hospital treatment after hitting his head while at- tempting to restrain a suspect. During one incident in Maid-


stone on June 30, an officer was sprayedwith a deodorantwhilst trying to arrest a suspect in con- nection with a drugs offence. Deputy chief constable Tony


Blaker said: “Every day our offi- cers are required to attend un- predictable, challenging and sometimes volatile situations. This doesn’t mean they should accept being abused, assaulted or spat at as part of the job. “The large number of arrests


made over oneweekend demon- strates that such behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”


Stones school


MAIDSTONE United FC is set to spend the summer hosting a se- ries of “soccer schools” for youngsters in years two to nine. The Stones say it is a rare


chance for budding stars to expe- rience the Gallagher alongside first team and academy players. The sessions offer professional coaching, competitions andmini- tournaments. Classes kicked off on July 25,


with the last session on August 23.


downsmail.co.uk


Wife’s tribute to cyclist after fatalA20 collision


THE family of a cyclistwho died after a collisonwith a tipper truck have paid tribute to a loving “larger than life” father and husband.


Daniel Waite (43) died at the


scene near the junction for Leeds Castle and Leeds village on the A20 at 8pmon July 3. Paramedicswere unable to save


MrWaite, a father of two. In a statement, wife Sarah said:


“Dan ‘Waitey’ was a larger than life character, who really was the nicest person you couldmeet.His big grinwas infectious and he had time for everyone. “Dan was a generous, caring


son, husband, father, brother and friend who is sorely missed and will be remembered so fondly, withmany goodmemories. “He lived his life to the fullest and this could be seen through his


enjoyment of sport.Hewas a pas- sionate and dedicated team player with his local football club and cycling group.


“On the slopes, he was a thrill-


seeking skier and loved sharing thiswith his family every year.He had a real zest for life and those around himloved his passion and being in his company. “His ability to give will still re-


main, aswe remember himfor the amazing man and father that he is. His stories will help us fill the gap that his presence leaves in our daily lives. “Dan did not get nearly enough


time to finishwhat hewas here to do. Thosewho knewhimwill feel privileged and grateful to have had a chance to know him as he leavesmemories of good times in our thoughts and hearts.”


KCC’s £150k to encourage cycling


KENT County Council is helping borough colleagues to achieve “modal shift” by contributing £150,000 to a cycling scheme. Train operator Southeastern was awarded cash


from the Government’s Cycle Rail Programme which has beenmatched by Tory-run KCC. Parking bays for 60 cycles will be created at Maid-


stone East. LiberalDemocrat-ledMaidstone Borough Council is


committed to the concept of “modal shift” which it claims will mitigate against its massive house-build- ing programme by persuading residents to abandon their cars in favour of walking, cycling or catching a bus. A fraction of the 17,600 homes contained in the


Local Plan passed in November 2017 have been built but another 8,000 units are to be included in the


plan’s review. Last year, MBC’s Lib Dem leader Cllr Martin Cox admitted to Downs Mail he was not “100%sure” that “modal shift” will work.


Fire warning after heatwave dries grass


FIREFIGHTERSarewarning the public tobe ontheir guardas this summer’s blistering tempera- tures leave the county vulnerable to grass and crop fires. Kent Fire and Rescue Service


(KFRS) says rural blazes can quickly escalate into wildfires now that record temperatures have baked the land. In 2018, the county’s fire crews


responded to almost 700 grass- fires.Already this year, theyhave attendedmore than 400. Leanne McMahon, KFRS’s


22


group manager for community safety, said the public should think “fire” whether they are out in the countryside or relax- ing in their own back gardens. She said: “We would like to


remind everyone to take extra precautions to keep safe and help us prevent further fires. “Please ensure you always ex-


tinguish smoking materials be- fore disposing of themsafely. “Do not have campfires in the


countryside and take any litter or rubbish home with you, as


Maidstone Weald August 2019


reflective cans and glass can easily start a grassfire in the sun. “Keep barbecues away from


trees, buildings, sheds and shrubs, and always keep a large bucket ofwater on-hand in case of an emergency. “Use only recognised fire-


lighters or starter fuel for bar- becues, braziers, fire pits or chimineas, and never leave them unattended. Once you’ve finishedwith them, ensure they have completely cooled, and


never put the ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.” Readers who discover a blaze


shouldmove to a safe place and call the fire service on 999 im- mediately, providing as much detail as they can, including the size of fire, the exact location (including road or property name) and terrain. Leanne said: “Never attempt


to tackle the fire yourself, as fires can be extremely unpre- dictable and spread incredibly fast in this heat.”


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