downsmail.co.uk Council loses


parking cash PARKING fees in Maidstone, due to increase last April but post- poned due to COVID-19 problems, have been deferred and will be considered again in January for next April. There may not be an increase at all in 2021. The decision rests with Maidstone Council’s Strategic Plan- ning and Infrastructure Committee and its chairman Cllr David Burton (Cons) told Downs Mail: He said: “Parking gurus suggest charges are only increased when space utilisation is around 85%. I am concerned we need to encourage town centre patronage, not charge for it.”


There could even be a reduction -


for electric vehicles. Last January, the council proposed to introduce from April an increase of 5p an hour for off-street pay-and-display and revise season ticket prices, including intro- duction of off-peak season tickets. The council estimated income of more than £3m from parking ser- vices in 2019/20. Virus problems left many car parks almost empty dur- ing lockdown. Overall, the council lost more than £1m.


Your


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Art of Kent Hospice fundraising auction


A STUNNING array of artwork will be going under the hammer to raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice. Everything from a signed guitar by Queen legend Brian May to paintings and ceramics will be auc- tioned off in the charity’s first-ever online sale. Celebrity, amateur and profes- sional artists across the county have donated the one-of-a-kind pieces to help the hospice reach its target of £10,000. The event will take place be-


tween Friday, October 16, and Sun- day, October 18, 2020.


Popular Kent-based illustrator Graham Clarke, who is also one of Britain’s best-selling printmakers, is taking part by donating an orig- inal etching piece. Kent Institute of Art and Design graduate Jack Frame (pictured) is contributing two pieces - Garden lady (oil on gold leaf) and Ikon (gold leaf on glass). Jack was


tipped early on as one of the most collectable young artists in the UK after receiving the GSA Painting award and the Prize for Landscape Drawing.


Heart of Kent Hospice Commu- nity Partnerships Fundraiser, Karen Newton-Anker, said: “We are thrilled that so many artists have donated their work and are thrilled with the outstanding qual- ity and diversity. We’ve a limited- edition piece from Jim Moir (also


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known as Vic Reeves) and a com- pletely unexpected and very wel- come lot from legendary Queen guitarist Brian May in the form of a signed guitar. The works of art ap- peal to a wide variety of tastes and budgets, so we encourage every- one to register and view every- thing the auction has to offer.” The hammer goes down at 10pm on Sunday, October 18. People can register their interest at www.hokh.org/support-us/events/


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