News


Stay safe and prevent fires


FIREFIGHTERS are encouraging Kent residents to stay safe this summer and help avoid fires. Following the sunniest spring


on record in the UK, and the driest May in 124 years, fires at this time could develop and spread quickly. Hazards such as an increase in


barbecue use and garden bonfires, can lead to a greater demand on emergency services. Director of operations at Kent


Fire and Rescue Service, Chris Col- gan, said: “There are incidents that are intrinsically linked to summer- time, like barbecues and grass fires, but it doesn’t have to be that way if we all take care. “The smallest careless action can


result in a large fire putting life and property at risk – discarding a warm cigarette, having a barbecue too close to a fence, or throwing away a disposable barbecue or ash before it’s cooled, for example. “Help to keep loved ones and


Summer advice  Keep barbecues away from fences or foliage;  Keep children and pets well away from lit barbecues;  Use recognised firelighters or starter fuel for charcoal barbe- cues;  Make sure barbecue ashes are fully cool before disposing of them  Make sure disposable barbe- cues are cool before disposal;  Stub smoking materials out in a sturdy ash tray or on a non- flammable surface like concrete or in a metal bucket.


neighbours safe in the heat, espe- cially the elderly and very young children, by checking on them … and giving them tips to stay cool, like staying inside, keeping hy- drated and closing curtains to keep their home cool.”


downsmail.co.uk Len House plan revealed


NEW plans are before Maidstone Borough Council to convert Len House, the former Rootes site in Mill Street/Palace Avenue, into a residen- tial/commercial development with riverside amenities. A public boardwalk is proposed along the River Len pond frontage,


with a seated area off Mill Street around an iconic former petrol pump area. The ground floor of


the existing building becomes a large open commercial space with a likely emphasis on food and drink. Eighteen flats are


proposed on the first floor, with associated car parking, with an- other 62 in an exten- sion.


Two further build-


ings of up to five storeys could house 79 housing units. There will be 134 car park spaces. The plan was deferred to the planning committee meeting – held just


after we went to press – after concerns about certain aspects of the scheme were raised by local business owners. They feared residents could be upset by town centre noise, especially at night. These points were addressed in a council report. Featuring a cantilevered boardwalk, the new development would have floating island habitats for birds and other aquatic species. The scheme also includes opening up the River Len in the town cen-


tre. The applicant has now agreed to transfer land at the eastern end of the site to the council with an £80,000 contribution so this can be achieved.


Family Funeral S ervice b rings its personal service to Headcorn


Family Funeral Service brings its personal service to Headcorn FAMILY Funeral Service has opened a newbase in Headcorn, offering its friendly service to evenmore people across the Maidstone area.


The family owned, and family run business offers a personalised approach, with the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice at the end of the telephone 24 hours a day. Already operating out of Bearsted, Family Funeral Service is run by Michael Lawrence and his son Robert, along with Kim at Bearsted, Rick at Barming and Jo at Headcorn - the team behind the third-generation business


Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner


4 Cavendish Way, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW


01622 920305 10


that has been helping families in the area for 40 years. Michael Lawrence said: “We are pleased our


branch in Headcorn High Street is nowopen. We’ve worked hard to ensure the premises is sympathetic to the village conservation area, with help from Nick Prior, atWoodland Carpentry, and provides a comfortable environment inwhich people can relax and talk through their needs. “Jo will be our lady on hand to help


families looking to arrange a fitting tribute for their loved ones. I will also be there daily tomeet families and help with their requirements and wishes.” Tomeet his newbusiness commitment,


Michael has recentlymoved toHeadcorn.He added: “The loss of a loved one is never easy to copewith, and the added stress ofmaking arrangements can often bring further emotional upset.With our experience of


01622 920306 Find us at:


59 High Street, Headcorn TN27 9QA


making funeral arrangementswe have learned howto help families have and be part of a meaningful service that celebrates life. “Our approach is simple.We sitwith you in


our office or your home, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that youwill face and the options available to you. Sometimes, it’s just good to sit and talk to someonewith experience and compassion beforemaking a decision.” Contact Family Funerals on Bearsted 01622 920305 or in Headcorn on 01622 920306.


Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Maidstone ME16 9JN


01622 920300


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