downsmail.co.uk


News Fund tributes to crash victims


FUNDRAISING appeals have been launched in memory of two Maidstone men who were killed in a motorway crash.


Reece Watson (22) and David Boaler (44) have been named as the victims of the fatal crash on the M26 on Thursday, October 15. A third man was taken to a London hospital where his condi- tion is described as critical. Mr Watson’s aunt, Nikki Cas- son, who created his appeal, wrote: “This is one of the hard- est things I have ever had to write. “To say that we are devastated is an understatement and won’t even come close to the pain we are going through.” Mr Watson was a coach for the under-15s team for Lenham Wanderers Football Club. A tribute on the club‘s Face- book page said: “Reece was first and foremost a son, brother and father.


“He was such a kind, caring


young man with a lifelong pas- sion for football. He coached the under-15s, which included his younger brother, refereed junior matches and had also been help- ing with the training


of our


young development squad. “Reece will be remembered fondly as someone who loved


Roundabout


work starts WORK to enlarge the Coldharbour roundabout near the M20/A20 junction at Aylesford and removal of traffic lights is due to start. The £3m scheme will allow three lanes to circle the roundabout and the lights will be replaced with give way signs to indicate entry. A local access is being provided onto the northbound carriageway of Coldharbour Lane. Kent Highways estimate round- about capacity will increase by 60% at morning peak and 40% at evening peak. Many members of the


Joint


Transportation Board fear it will increase traffic problems, not im- prove them. They were told lights could be re-instated if necessary. Several members protested that roundabout trees will be removed, but KCC said an arboricultural re- port indicated they could not be transplanted and several were be- yond expected life span. The roundabout would include a WWI memorial feature.


Police appeal for witnesses


to lorry crash OFFICERS are appealing for in- formation following the fatal lorry crash on the M26 in Wrotham which killed Reece Watson and David Boaler. On Thursday, October 15 at


Reece Watson (left) and David Boaler died in the crash on the M26


the game and gave his time and support so enthusiastically to the club.


“It is a contribution that Lenham Wanderers will never forget, and it was a privilege to have him in our football family.” Devoted friend Ben Morton also set up a fundraising page in memory of Mr Boaler. Paying tribute to his friend, Mr Morton said: “Anyone who knew Dave knew what a kind and caring person he was, some-


one who always went out of his way to help others. “He would do anything for his friends and was always there if you needed him. “He always had a smile on his


face, and if there was ever a bad situation he would do what he could to turn it into a good one.” You can support Mr Waton’s GoFundMe online appeal at gf.me/u/y44knu. To donate to Mr Boaler’s fundraising page, visit gf.me/u/y48xpq.


about 1pm, a red LDV Maxus flatbed van with three occupants was travelling along the coast- bound carriageway of the M26 before junction 2A, near Wrotham, when it was involved in a collision with a grey DAF ar- ticulated lorry. The serious collision investiga-


tion unit is appealing for any wit- nesses to get in contact with them.


Officers would also like to ob-


tain dash cam footage that shows the vehicles travelling along the M26 and also in the moments leading up to the colli- sion. Anyone with information


should call 01622 798538, quot- ing reference RY/MD/88/20. Al- ternatively, send an email to sciu.td@kent.police.uk.


Traveller sites MAIDSTONE Borough Council,


under Government pressure to provide more gypsy/traveller sites, has agreed plans for both Head- corn and Staplehurst.


The planning committee has ap-


proved change of use of land at Maplehurst Paddock, Frittenden Road, Staplehurst for use as a car- avan site for three families to in- clude siting of six caravans. Three applications for Headcorn


School’s award success


THE Malling School (TMS) has achieved an award recognising student de- velopment. Head John Vennart (pictured) announced that the school had been given the Character Education Kitemark. Assessors noted that the school’s “passion for character development,


linked with high quality pastoral care and ambitious goals for all students, regardless of ability and aptitude”. These qualities were “infectious”, they said. Behaviour was generally “outstanding” and students were “confident and assertive, but polite and appreciative of the needs of others”. Mr Vennart said: “We are delighted that the hard work and enthusiasm of the staff and pupils has resulted in us achieving this fantastic award.” The school has also been accredited as a “Music Mark School” for 2020/21, which provides staff with a range of resources for teaching music, reported performing arts head Elaine Cox.


were granted: a mobile home and a tourer at 1b Martins Gardens, Lenham Road; two mobile homes and two tourers at 2 Martin Gar- dens; and an additional mobile at 4 Martins Gardens.


Expo cancelled


THE 2020 South East Business Expo, due to take place at the Mer- cure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, November 30, will be postponed to spring 2021 due to Covid-19. This is the second time the event has been postponed this year to conform with government guide- lines.


33


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48