News


downsmail.co.uk Burnt-out boat ‘is a danger’


“IT’S A dangerous eyesore,” said boat owner Nick Kennedy, of the Embankment Floating Bar and Grill Restaurant, that was destroyed by fire in February.


Mr Kennedy and his wife Linda co-own the river cruiser Kentish Lady, which is moored next to the former restaurant below the Arch- bishop’s Palace on the River Med- way. The floating restaurant had been


a fixture on the Medway riverside since 2009, but has been derelict since the fire five months ago. Over the last three months, it


has become a popular destination for rough sleepers, drug addicts and teenagers looking for thrills. With inadequate protective fenc-


ing, the site is easily accessible. Mr Kennedy has witnessed people jumping into the water from the wreck. One was unable to swim and had to be rescued by a friend. Mr Kennedy added: “There are obvious alcohol issues with some of these people. They gather in the grounds of the Archbishop’s Palace, then climb onto the roof of the restaurant to gain entry. “My biggest worry is when they


light fires on board. I’m very con- cerned. If there’s another blaze, our boat could easily become en- gulfed. “The wreck is not salvageable


Speed fears


PARISH councils have joined to call on the county authority to re- view the speed limit on the A20. Hollingbourne and Thurnham


parish councils have called on Kent County Council to look at reducing the limit from 60mph to 40mph, especially from the junc- tion 8 M20 roundabout to the 30mph signs entering Bearsted. Some residents are calling for


the restriction to apply as far as the Chegworth Road. One Leeds resident said: “They


fly along there and it’s not just cars, it’s motorbikes as well.”


Charity help


MAIDSTONE Churches’ Winter Shelter is looking for a volunteer to help with marketing and social media. The charity which helps the homeless during cold weather needs someone who can help generate income. Send your CV to mcwsof- fice@maidstoneshelter.org.uk marked for Richard Larkman.


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Linda Kennedy, on the Kentish Lady, with the burnt-out Embankment in the background. Right, a swimmer takes a dive off the wreck


and nobody seems to be taking re- sponsibility for it.” While moorings along the river-


side are leased from Maidstone Bor- ough Council (MBC), the river is the responsibility of the Environment Agency (EA). The last known owner of the restaurant, entrepreneur James Bai- ley, who has lived in Maidstone for over 10 years, was unavailable to comment. Mr Kennedy added: “It’s a great shame the venture has failed. The river needs more attrac- tions and in its day, the Embank-


DETECTIVES are appealing for information following reports of a sexual assault in Maidstone. A woman was targeted as she


walked down Waterlow Road at 12.30am on Saturday, July 18. A Kent Police spokesman said:


“The suspect is said to have fol- lowed the victim before carrying out the assault close to a car park for flats at Walsingham House. “He is described as being


white, in his 20s, about 5ft 8ins tall and slim, with a dark goatee beard and cropped hair. He was


ment was very popular. Now it’s damaged beyond repair. It’s an eye- sore and needs to be towed away.” MBC said: “The boat is privately owned and is, therefore, the re- sponsibility of the owner. Maid- stone Borough Council leases out moorings and has responsibility for the towpath. The council has erected fencing to secure the site and protect members of the public walking along the towpath. The EA, has authority, powers, rights and responsibilities for managing main rivers, and the council is in contact


Appeal after sex assault


wearing a dark top and shorts.” Detective Constable Paul Wells,


of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: “The suspect was first seen approach- ing the victim in Waterlow Road, from an area containing garages. After the assault he headed in the direction of Wheeler Street.” Anyone with information should call the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/123021/20. You can also call Kent Crimestoppers, anony- mously on 0800 555111.


Loyal cricket supporter dies


NO ONE was more recognised as a dedicated supporter of Kent county cricket than Brian Rudd, who has died in hospital, aged 88. Brian joined the Kent County Supporters’


club in 1973 (he was member number 38) and was elected to the committee in 1987. He was chairman from 1993 to 2000 and president from 2010 until 2015. He was made an honorary member of Kent’s


Yellow Shirt Brigade after he challenged them on the way to the bar as “the Harrietsham and Lenham formation drinking team”.


with the EA about this matter. However, MBC continues to moni- tor the situation.” However, the EA said: “It is the responsibility of the owner of the barge to make good and secure the vessel. “The Environment Agency,


which is the navigation authority, has assessed the vessel and com- pleted a fire report. “The vessel is secured to its moor-


ing and we do not believe it poses an immediate risk to the Medway Navigation.”


Fair fare plea


KENT MPs have jointly called for rail company Southeastern to in- troduce flexible tickets which would suit part-time commuters in the wake of the Covid-19 lock- down. They have asked for the private service provider to sell three days in seven or 12 days a month op- tions to those office workers who are phasing in their return to the office.


Sixteen of the 17 MPs in the county have requested that Southeastern adopt the sugges- tions, to avoid workers having to pay for expensive day return fares.


Court move


PLANS are afoot to transfer the county’s busiest family court to Maidstone. Proposals currently under con-


sultation would see the Medway court move to the county town. Maidstone would expand by


five court rooms, at a cost of around £12m.The consultation started on July 14.


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