News Warning after
dog attacks DOG owners are reminded to take responsibility for their pets after attacks on sheep. Sheep were injured by dogs last
week in a field near Vale Road, Loose. Enquiries are continuing to identify the dogs and their own- ers.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw of the Rural Task Force said: “These are particularly nasty incidents as we approach the lambing season and a number of pregnant sheep have suffered serious injuries. “As well as the injuries from the attacks, whole flocks can become distressed and farmers have to ar- range the attendance of vets at considerable expense. “This is why we urge owners to keep pets under control around livestock. It is important to also remember that farmers are within their rights to shoot dogs, if they are deemed to be worrying sheep. “As a person in charge of a dog, you could be committing an of- fence if it worries livestock on agricultural land. If an offence is proved the person in charge could be liable for damages.”
downsmail.co.uk
‘Semi-fast’ rail link ‘is not good enough’
MAJOR concerns have been raised over controversial plans to introduce a “semi-fast” rail link between Maidstone and London, writes Ciaran Duggan. The long-awaited Thameslink service from Maidstone East to Cambridge via London St Pancras and Blackfriars appears to have been put on hold again.
It has emerged that there are “practical constraints” to the gov- ernment-led plans, including no direct train link from London Bridge to Blackfriars, while signals on the proposed under-the-hour rail route need to be upgraded. A “semi-fast” rail link has been offered as an alternative from Maidstone East to Blackfriars via the existing Catford Loop, passing through West Malling, Borough Green, Swanley, Denmark Hill and Elephant and Castle.
But it is feared it could take pas- sengers up to an hour and 15 min-
cal stripes urged the Department for Transport to rethink.
KCC’s main opposition leader,
Lib Dem Cllr Rob Bird (pictured), of Maidstone Central, warned the county town could be left with a “second rate” service for years. He said: “I am seriously con-
cerned that we could be stuck with a slower service for another decade, if not more, and that is not good enough.” Defending the plans during the
utes to travel 35 miles, which is longer than existing services from Maidstone East to London Victoria. There have been objections over the plans from the Sevenoaks Rail Travellers Association, Maidstone Borough Council and West Malling Parish Council. At a virtual Kent County Council
(KCC) scrutiny meeting yesterday, 13 county councillors of all politi-
virtual debate, KCC’s rail manager Stephen Gasche said the Catford Loop would take only 65 minutes from Maidstone to London. He said: “The journey times vary enormously, depending on the rail network, but it would be more ac- curate to describe this as a semi- fast service.”
A faster rail link was first promised in 2016 but has been de- layed at least four times by White- hall.
Business Focus A personal approach with The Family Funeral Service
Family Funeral service has been bringing its
personal service to Headcorn for 3 years now. We now offer a
friendly service to even more people in the Maidstone and surrounding areas.
p32
The Family owned and family run business offers a personal approach, with the option of home visits and access to a friendly voice 24 hours a day. Operating out of Bearsted, Family funeral Service is run by Michael Lawrence, along with Karan at Bearsted, Rik at Barming and Jo at Headcorn – the team
Funeral Planner Of The Year 2018 South East London Region Winner
4 Cavendish Way, Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME15 8PW
01622 920305 32
behind the second - generation business that has been helping families in the area for over 40 years.
During these difficult times, due to Covid restrictions, we have worked very hard to ensure each and every family still gets the personal service and that all their require- ments are fulfilled within the everchanging guidelines. We can offer lots of alternatives to the standard funeral and can arrange everything for you.
Michael Lawrence said: ”the loss of a loved one is never easy to cope with, and the added stress of making the arrangements can often bring further emotional upset. With our experience of making funeral arrangements we have learned how to help families have and be part of a meaningful service that celebrates life. Our approach is
simple, we sit with you in our office or your home or over the phone, taking you slowly and methodically through the various decisions that you will face and the options available to you. Sometimes it’s just good to sit and talk to someone with experience and compassion before making a decision.”
Contact Family Funeral Service on
Bearsted 01622 920305 Barming 01622 920300 Headcorn 01622 930306.
01622 920306 Find us at:
59 High Street, Headcorn TN27 9QA
Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Maidstone ME16 9JN
01622 920300
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