News MP’s anger at


road hold-up TRACEY Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, hit out at Highways England after roadworks on the M20 and A20 brought rush-hour traffic to a standstill at J7 for Maid- stone on Monday, March 2. Overnight works on the new


stretch of smart motorway be- tween J7 and J4 had finished on time, but clearing the traffic man- agement system caused the delays. The £92m scheme to reduce con- gestion should finish this month. Ms Crouch said: “I’ve asked for


overnight works on the M20 to fin- ish at 5am so any overrun doesn’t impact on the morning rush hour, but I’ve been told it can’t happen.” Work to update traffic lights on


the A20 between New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, and Ditton Place exacer- bated the problems on the M20.


Help with tea


MEREWORTH church is seeking a new co-ordinator for afternoon cream teas. The events are a vital source of income for the grade I listed build- ing and a plea has gone out for more volunteers to assist with the organisation and weekly opera- tions of fund-raising activities. For details, email Viv Bennet at mereworthpccsecretary@gmail. com.


downsmail.co.uk


Homes group told to sort fire safety risks


MAIDSTONE'S biggest social housing provider, Golding Homes, has been served a regulatory notice for “high risk” electrical failings.


The landlord did not complete


more than 100 actions arising from fire risk assessments, with the work left undone for a “num- ber of months”. Golding Homes, which owns


and manages around 7,000 dwellings, identified a large num- ber of “potentially dangerous” overdue actions, says the Regula- tor of Social Housing (RSH). The RSH said the failings could


cause serious and detrimental harm to tenants and breach the Home Standard, which requires social landlords to meet all “statu- tory requirements which provide for the health and safety of tenants in their homes”. Maidstone Borough Council's


head of regeneration, William Cor- nall, wrote to key MBC personnel to say: “We have been advised by the chairman of Golding Homes that they have received a regula- tory notice from the RSH in respect of areas of health and safety non-


serious harm is demonstrated be- cause of the large number of ten- ants potentially exposed to danger from fire or faulty electrical instal- lations over a significant period of time.”


Golding Homes’ current top


compliance, principally in respect of the fire and electrical safety, of some of their homes. “Their chair has assured the council that they are working swiftly through an action plan to remedy the situation, and our two organisations will remain in regu- lar contact on the matter.” The RSH notice said: “The regu- lator has concluded that the risk of


governance rating is now under re- view because of the breach, but the RSH said it will work with the as- sociation to address issues going forward. Chris Cheeseman, pictured, chairman of Golding Homes, said: “We wish to apologise to our resi- dents and reassure them that their safety remains our top priority, now and always, and we will be working to deliver on our action plan as swiftly as possible.” l GOLDING Homes’ chief execu- tive Gary Clark has stepped down after three years. Sue Chalkley OBE, previously with the Hastoe Housing Group, has been ap- pointed as Mr Clark’s interim re- placement for six months.


Book stall for picnic date


Sandra Dias Read, her son Oliver and the head teacher of Wateringbury Primary School, Chasey Crawford Usher.


£500 boost to classes


A FUNDRAISING campaign to ex- pand two classrooms at Watering- bury CE Primary School is off to a flying start, thanks to a £500 dona- tion from a healthcare provider. The Bow Road school needs £25,000 to extend two of its small- est classrooms for its oldest pupils in years five and six later this year. Headteacher Chasey Crawford


Usher said: “Children spend a sig- nificant amount of time in the class- room so a spacious, comfortable


12 Malling March 2020


and inspiring environment is funda- mental to successful learning. “Cramped conditions easily dis-


tract children from their learning and have a particularly detrimental impact on those with special edu- cational needs. This will give them space to learn and room to grow." Any other local businesses wish-


ing to support the fundraising cam- paign can contact the school on 01622 812199 or email office@wa- teringbury.kent.sch.uk.


Car hits bollard in car park


A CAR struck a bollard in Sainsbury’s supermarket car park on the Quarry Wood Industrial Estate in Aylesford. The collision happened at 10.55am on Monday, February 17. A Kent Police spokesman said: ”We were notified by South East


Coast Ambulance Service of a report that a car had struck a bollard in a supermarket car park on the Quarry Wood Industrial Estate.”


LARKFIELD Community Group is now taking bookings for its “Pic- nic on the Rec” at the Larkfield Recreation Ground in New Hythe Lane on Sunday, July 12 . Organiser Jackie Hirsch said: “This year we’re extending the fun


from 1pm until 5pm. If you would like a pitch it will cost £20 for a 3m x 3m gazebo.” The day will include a dog competition, raffle, barbecue, music, fancy dress and refreshments.


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