News Body found


next to road THE body of a man has been dis- covered near a busy road in Maidstone. It is understood that the de-


ceased was discovered by a passer-by on his way to work in London Road. The death is not being treated


as suspicious. A police spokesman said:


“Kent Police were called at around 5am on Thursday, July 9, to a report of a body in London Road, Maidstone. “Officers attended, along with


the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and a man was pro- nounced dead at the scene. “The death is not being treated


as suspicious and the man’s next of kin have been informed.”


Retirement


flats agreed PLANNING permission has been granted to build the second phase of a retirement community in Leeds. Inspired Villages has been


awarded planning permission to provide an additional 50 apart- ments to the existing works at Le- dian Gardens. Earlier this year, main contrac-


tor Kier began construction on phase one of the development. The initial phase will see 66 apartments and assisted living units, as well as the village centre with communal facilities which will open in 2021.


Debts waived


MAIDSTONE Borough Council has written off nearly £40,000 of business rates debts. According to the authority, Sea


Blue Ltd (£24,700) of 82 Week Street, Maidstone, Rochester Games and Models Ltd (£12,400) based at the Chequers Centre and an unnamed person declared bankrupt (£20,200) had outstand- ing debts waived in June. Sea Blue and Rochester Games were both dissolved.


Book bargains


A SECOND-hand book sale will be taking place in Downswood. The event will take place from


10am to noon every Saturday in July and August at Bearsted Guide Hut. Social distancing measures will be put in place.


30


downsmail.co.uk


Lockdown ‘likely to cost castle over £3m’


LEEDS Castle may have been left at least £3million out of pocket and facing job losses because of the coronavirus pandemic. The historic landmark could


sustain even bigger losses after having to cancel major events such as the sell-out summer classical concert. This week, the castle announced


62 possible redundancies across the estate. Chief executive Robin Richman said: “It is with a heavy heart that the trustees of the char- ity responsible for Leeds Castle, the Leeds Castle Foundation, have had to start a redundancy process involving some of our staff." The estate has already reopened,


but with restrictions, and manage- ment acknowledge returning to normal will take a long time, not least because visitors must pre- book a slot. Writing in the Leeds and


Broomfield parish newsletter, op- erations and tourism boss Shane Guy said: “One of the many effects of the last three months has been the financial impact for charities like Leeds Castle... At this point last year we had already wel- comed 180,000 visitors ... which is about £3m of visitor income. “As an independent, not-for- profit charity, that is a huge


amount of money to lose, but we are thankful for the support our visitors have shown us through social media channels.” The castle is limited to the num-


bers it can welcome each day, so visitors can no longer turn up on the day as they will not be allowed in. Anyone wishing to visit can click onto www.leeds-castle.com for the most up-to-date informa- tion. The first area to be re-opened was the nine-hole golf club and


Police security advice as temperatures rise


KENT Police have issued guid- ance to prevent crime in a heat- wave this summer. As temperatures rise, burglars


take advantage of open doors and windows. Lopa McDermott, who leads the


Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: “It only takes a few minutes for someone to climb through an open window and steal your be- longings. “Burglary has a devastating ef-


fect on victims. It robs people of more than just money. Sentimen- tal items can’t be replaced and the emotional damage it causes can stay with victims for a long time. “Whether it’s your house, busi-


ness, flat or shed, keep it secure.” The police have issued the fol- lowing safety advice:


 Lock doors and windows at night and when you’re out;  Lock back doors and windows when you answer the front door;  Fit spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms;  Install your own CCTV;  Keep receipts and serial num- bers safe;  Photograph and insure expen- sive or unique items;  Use timer switches on lights and radios to make your home look oc- cupied;  Keep gates, boundaries and sheds secure;  Lock away bikes, tools and gar- den items that could be taken or used to break into your home;  Don’t hide spare keys outside;  Don’t post holiday pictures on social media.


Mr Guy praised the players for adapting to the new guidelines. Management hope to resched-


ule bed and breakfast visitors and weddings which may have been cancelled or put on hold during the three-month lockdown. Around the time the lockdown


was officially announced, the chief executive Sir David Steel an- nounced he had resigned. He has been appointed the Governor of Gibraltar.


Appeal date


for abuser VIOLENT David Brown is ap- pealing against his conviction for strangling his ex-girlfriend with a blanket. At a trial in February, Brown


(27), of Owletts Close, Shepway, was found guilty of assaulting Amy Jones and engaging in con- trolling and coercive behaviour. Medway Magistrates Court


heard that in January last year, Brown had thrown a blanket over Miss Jones’ head and pinned her to the sofa until she passed out. She suffered a swollen eye and


injuries to her neck. The court heard the cleaner


could be jailed for a year, be sub- ject to a restraining order and pay substantial costs. The appeal is due to be heard


on October 8 and 9 . Until the ap- peal is dealt with, the defendant will not be sentenced.


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