News Warning after


vehicle crimes MOTORISTS are reminded to look out for suspicious activity following a number of car crimes in Kings Hill. Nine catalytic converter thefts


were reported across the Hadlow and Kings Hill areas on Wednes- day, February 26. All the offences happened in daylight with the car being jacked up and the catalytic converter sawn off. Chief Inspector Jon Kirby said:


“Anyone who witnesses any suspi- cious activity should report it im- mediately via 101 or 999 if in progress. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or go to www.crimestoppers-uk.” The following advice has been is- sued to drivers: l Car manufacturers sell clamps and security cages to make cat- alytic converters difficult to steal. l Park your vehicle in a garage wherever possible, or in a busy, well-lit area. l Consider installing good quality CCTV cameras. l Security-mark the metal shell of the converter so that it can be traced to you.


Pitch battles


ANGRY supporters of a local football club packed a village hall to protest at changes imposed by the parish council on the use of training facilities at the Sports Park, Kings Hill. Kings Hill FC have trained and


enjoyed priority bookings at the Sports Park since 2003. Following a decision by the parish council to re-allocate a mid-week training slot to an out-of-area team, more than 300 people, including many of Kings Hill FC’s players, voiced their objections. The parish council say they are


trying to work with all teams to en- sure everyone has training slots.


Ranger walk


A NIGHTINGALE walk is being held at Leybourne Lakes Country Park. The guided walk will take place around the country park with the rangers on April 23 and April 30, both from 5pm to 7pm. Discover new parts of the park


where you will learn about the rare nightingale. Bring your binoculars. Booking is essential – go to www.eventbrite.co.uk.


4 Malling March 2020


downsmail.co.uk


Brothers’ website helps get learners on the road


TWO brothers have set up a website where learner drivers can find reputable and dependable driving instructors. Kevin and Oliver Tuffney, who


spent much of their childhood in Larkfield, claim they have spotted a gap in the market where pupils can be connected with potential teachers. Kevin (29) says he found it hard


to find work in a “referrals-based industry” when he first qualified as an instructor. Now he and Oliver (27) have set


up rateddrivinginstructors.com to help solve the problem. The brothers claim the site al-


ready has 100 instructors in Kent who are actively using the site to find work and receiving regular business via the booking system. Oliver said: “Now Kent has


proven there is a demand for the service, our mission is to help con- nect learners and instructors across the UK. “The driving instructor industry remains more or less untouched by technology, while its customers are part of the digital generation. This gap between demand and supply is the opportunity for us to make the experience better for learners and instructors.” According to the insurance web-


site uswitch, learner drivers spend on average £1,000 on lessons before they get to the test stage. Currently, there are about 40,000


registered driving instructors in the United Kingdom. According to Department for Transport statistics, between 1,700 and 3,000 new instructors are given trainee licences each year. Kevin said: “After I passed the


necessary tests, I found it hard to get work in an industry where so much work is obtained through re- ferrals and personal recommenda- tions. “So Oliver and I have come up


with a solution which we believe can serve that need.” The website is currently free to


use, but will eventually introduce a pay wall for learners who will pay a one-off fee for a connection. This could help practising driv-


ing instructors (PDIs) who are not yet at the fully-qualified stage and find it hard to get enough work. In time, the brothers hope to tap


into other revenue streams such as insurance companies.


Nerissa’s extra care recognised


SNODLAND care worker Nerissa Dimbylow has received a special award for “going above and be- yond” in her sector. Nerissa (44), who works for a


local provider in Maidstone, was recognised for providing person- alised care and companionship to her clients. She has delivered birthday cakes


and cards to those in her care as well as delivering the odd blanket to those in need. Nerissa, centre, is surrounded by friend and colleagues.


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