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not so far from here. The main town is not so different in size and is surrounded by not dissimilar countryside. I know this area well and have been visiting there for most of my adult life. In recent years, there has been a lot of housing going up everywhere. Clusters of 300 here, 120 there and so on. But do you know what? The roads were mostly built before a foundation was dug or a brick laid. Bypasses or mini relief roads have been built to take the strain away from other smaller, satellite towns and villages, particularly from large lorries carrying freight. Let me tell you, it’s far from perfect and the local paper is full of people complaining about traffic. It makes me laugh. Goodness knows what they would make of Kent and especially Maidstone. The place is wrecked. I often look at the shambles on the roads in this borough and wonder how on earth this could have been allowed to happen here. It is easy to see why MBC has pinned all its hopes on Lenham Heath. This is Plan A. The trouble is, there is no Plan B. R Young, via email


Homes must go somewhere


I MAY be a lone voice in your newspaper these days, but I actually agree with the concept of “garden communities”. It is highly unlikely that the


Government will row back on the extra housing imposed on top of the 17,600 already outlined in the Local Plan. If it does turn out to be more than 10,000, as reported in your newspaper, where on earth would you have Maidstone Borough Council put them?


The council cannot put more into the town centre without increasing traffic there, which is already horrendous. So, blocks of apartments with minimal parking have to be the solution. Outside the urban boundaries, it would be lunacy to allow any more development on the A274, for instance, or at Headcorn or Staplehurst and certainly not at Marden. So where else is left? The Lenham Heath proposal has been vigorously and intelligently challenged by the protest groups and there are many obstacles ahead. But as a location, it is sensible. It is on the outer edge of the borough, with neighbouring opportunities with the council at Ashford, and a motorway option.


I don’t want houses on farmland but, in the absence of another alternative, it is hard to see what other choice there is. The Binbury Park proposal up at Detling, with its road links and location, is another worth a look, as is the eco- village at Kingswood with funding for a mini relief road to ease the pressure on local villages, not just Leeds and Langley. So, in short, the future lies in the large-scale, self-contained developments whether we like them or not. And they have to go somewhere. S Miller, via email


46 Len House plan exciting


WELCOME back to the much-missed Downs Mail after the pandemic – and your story about restoring town centre Len House for what should be an exciting future.


It has a wonderful history but recently has become a sad eyesore. I look forward to the day when I can use the boardwalk to enjoy the river and wildlife and a coffee and cake with friends in the café area where there were once petrol pumps (pictured). This will bring new personality to the most historic area of Maidstone – such an exciting project. Lillian Scott, Boxley


Thanks for great news


THANKS goodness Downs Mail is back – with great news that all Fant roads could have a 20mph limit. We signed a petition many months ago and I thought all had been forgotten. Now it is back on the agenda. Our narrow roads, packed with parked


vehicles, do not seem to deter speeding drivers. Fant needs to win this battle. Brenda Davies, Fant


Tourism needs a boost


I READ with sadness the recent news that Kent’s tourism economy could lose more than £3bn, due to the coronavirus pandemic.


It is a sector that is vital to the county’s prosperity. As the Garden of England, Kent is at the forefront of any changes to the travel and tourism markets. Nearly 65 million tourists visited in 2017, employing 77,000 people, or 11% of the total employment across Kent. It is right that, for the moment, people stay away and follow government guidelines. But when the restrictions are lifted, we are encouraging people to book breaks and holidays in the beauty and safety of the British countryside. We hope that people are looking


forward to enjoying the tranquility and space that rural and coastal areas have to offer. Certain rural businesses, such as camping sites, are particularly geared up for social distancing. To help the sector, we need support from Government. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across Kent and beyond, is


calling for the Treasury to cut VAT on tourism businesses to 5% to help boost the economy after Covid-19. In the UK, VAT on tourism businesses stands at 20%, far higher than in many other countries, including France (10%), Spain (10%) and Greece (13%). A reduction in VAT to levels seen in other countries will ensure that domestic tourism is competitive and affordable, offering a significant boost to the economy, while helping to keep our carbon footprint down.


Although the current situation is very difficult for rural businesses, there has also been an opportunity to reflect, review and prepare to build a better economy on a sounder competitive basis. We now need to be empowered to do so. The rural economy has a huge amount to offer the country – economically, socially and environmentally. Government can show some real ambition in unleashing its potential. For more information about the CLA and its work, visit www.cla.org.uk/your- area/south-east/regional-news and follow @CLASouthEast on Twitter. Michael Valenzia, CLA South East Director


Sign up for a safe walk


UNDER normal circumstances, many thousands of people would have by now signed up to take part in an Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk. These hugely popular events bring people together in a variety of stunning locations to unite against dementia, whilst raising vital funds to support those affected by the condition. It would have been my 10th year attending such an event. While it saddens me that we can’t all get together this year, I’m determined with my family to walk my own way in memory of my Nana. People with dementia have been the worst hit by the current crisis and need us more than ever – across the UK a quarter of those who have died of Coronavirus also had dementia. Wherever you are, we can all still help make a difference and I encourage you to sign up either with your household – pets included – friends, or another household in line with current government guidelines.


Create your own route, from lapping your garden or local park to revisiting somewhere special. This year’s Santander-sponsored Memory Walk is free to register. Walks can be organised anytime between now and October – or you might choose to do it on September 20 to mark World Alzheimer’s Day.


Sign up now at memorywalk.org.uk and with every step, you’ll be helping to change the lives of people affected by dementia. Vicky McClure, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador


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