downsmail.co.uk
Elmer parade will go ahead in anniversary
ELMER'S Big Heart of Kent Pa- rade will come to Maidstone this summer after its cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pan- demic.
From June, one of the all-time favourite children’s book charac- ters will bring fun and joy to the borough after months of lockdown boredom and frustration. Fifty unique elephant figures will be placed around the town in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice‘s 30th anniversary.
The parade runs from June 19 to
August 22. It was postponed last spring when it became obvious the pandemic was going to impact the country in the long term. But now as the Government’s
vaccination programme appears to be working and infection rates fall, charity bosses hope the event will go off without further delay. The sculptures are based on Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, star of one of the best-selling chil-
dren’s books by author David McKee.
The Heart of Kent Hospice’s fundraising was badly hit during lockdown. Revenue generators such as its charity shops closed, while other money-spinning ventures were cancelled or postponed. Chief executive Sarah Pugh said: “This year is our 30th anniversary and we’re looking forward to cele- brating with our community.
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“Our nine-week parade will help us connect with local people and local businesses to create a lasting legacy for the hospice and for Maidstone.”
Each Elmer figure will be auc- tioned off at the end of the event. Downs Mail reported earlier this month Mrs Pugh’s decision to step down from her hospice role to take on the chief executive’s position at a children’s mobility charity in London.
News Man is charged
over ‘jail throw’ A MAN remains in custody after he reportedly threw prohibited items over a wall and into HMP Maidstone.
Sikselio Danielius (38) of Bur-
rage Road, Plumstead, is accused of throwing packages containing mobile phones and tobacco into the prison from the direction of Staceys Street. He was later charged with throwing a list B prohibited article into a prison. Mr Danielius was re- manded in custody to appear be- fore Medway Magistrates’ Court.
Jobs boost
THE European-backed Innova- tion Centre at Kent Medical Cam- pus off Bearsted Road will open to its first tenants in July.
It is claimed 270 jobs will be cre-
ated, with a contribution of an esti- mated £120m to the local economy over time.
A Maidstone Borough Council report said an agreement was reached in September 2019 with a European Regional Development Fund for a £5.7m grant towards the £13.3m centre.
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October 2017Maidstone East Edition
Panto ahoy! July 2018
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Maidstone East Edition October 2017Maidstone East Edition
‘Relief road cash’ in council legal action
‘Relief road cash’ in council legal action
CCTV call in a bid to stop fly-tipping
MAIDSTONE Borough Council (MBC) is set to spend tens of thousands of tax-payers’money on a judicial reviewinto the release of fundswhich could be set aside for a relief road, DownsMail can reveal. Gooch (Ind),GordonNewton (Inde-
vened for the first time since 2015 – was called together on June 1 for a confidential meeting about the re- view. It was attended by Lib Dem council
leader Martin Cox, and pendent Maidstone)
South Borough Primary School and members of the media. The panto runs from December 1-31. For tick- ets go to
www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.
Annabelle Blackmore (Con), Fay Liberal Democ at-led MBC’s ac- tion is being taken directly againstPaul Kent County Council (KCC) over he judic al reviewon legal advice. KCC, a Conservative authority, MBC’sUrgencyCommittee – con- vened for the first time since 2015 – was called together on June 1 for a confidential meeting about the re- visers are concern leader
Harper (Lab), who recommended thte allocation of housing developer contributions (S106money).
wants the cash to carry out surveys for a Leeds-Langley relief road or other projects. We understand MBC’s legal ad- view. It was attended by Lib Dem council
CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a country road have been made by the local borough councillor.
Burberry Lane, near Leeds and Broomfield, has been targeted by waste dumpers for years, but in re- cent months, the problem has be- come more acute. Constructionwaste, rubble, hard
core, windows and household fur- niture is left illegally – often strewn in the middle of the road. Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month MBC hopes S106-funded junction
wants the cash to carry out surveys for a Leeds-Langley relief road or other projects. We understand MBC’s legal ad- homes agreed in the plan.
has already been allocated to rans- port elements in individual housing schemes agreed within the Local Plan.
saw a caravan burned out while a torched car remains on a footpath
improvements aswell as controver- sial “modal shift” – the authority’s encouragement of walking, cycling and taking buses – will mitigate against the expected traffic explo- sion associated with 17,600 new homes agreed in the plan. The cost of the review to the tax-
Annabelle Blackmore (Con), Fay Gooch (Ind),GordonNewton (Inde- pendent Maidstone) and Paul Harper (Lab), who recommended the judicial reviewon legal advice. KCC, a Conservative authority, encouragement of walking, cycling and taking buses – will mitigate
core, windows and household fur- niture is left illegally – often strewn in the middle of the road. Cllr Gill Fort said: “Every month MBC hopes S106-funded junction improvements aswell as controver- sial “modal shift” – the authority’s
has a ready b en allocated to trans- port elements in individual housing schemes agreed within the Local Plan.
Martin
that S106 cash Cox,
against the expected traffic explo- retleased by MBC to KCC for relief visers are concer ed that S106 cash
we are having toilets, sinks and construction waste dumped in the village, specifically in Burberry Lane, where we are now thinking of installing cameras on private land, to oversee the problem area.” A recent event in Burberry Lane
saw a caravan burned out while a torched car remains on a footpath
we are having toilets, sinks and construction waste dumped in the village, specifically in Burberry Lane, where we are now thinking of installing cameras on private land, to oversee the problem area.” A recent event in Burberry Lane
payer could be as much as £20,000, DownsMail has been told. It is not known if £200,000 already
nearby, more than a year after it was dumped and set on fire. The church car park has also seen
sion associated with 17,600 new got back into power in May before are “I am disappointed to see MBC Piarish Councils 34-35 cial review.
he Lib Demswaited until they hadmget a relief road. road surveys is affected by the judi-
many instances of illegal dumping. But it is a problem in many rural
The cost of the review to the tax- OneMBC insider accused the Lib
01622 690290 YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT
Dems of “playing politics”with the Tories at KCC, while another de- scribed the county authority of being “the aggressor using bully- boy tactics” to get funds forprojects, such as the Leeds-Langley relief road. One insider said: “It’s funny how
the Lib Demswaited until they had got back into power in May before deciding they wanted a judicial re- view, having already reluctantly
maidstone@martinco.com 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent
Dems of “playing politics”with the Tories at KCC, while another de- scribed the county authority of being “the aggressor using bully- boy tactics” to get funds forprojects, such as the Leeds-Langley relief road. One insider said: “It’s funny how
areas including Langley, Otham and Kingswood. Water Lane in Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have also been targeted recently. Last year, Maidstone Borough Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- ping and this year more than 163 have been recorded since April. The approaching darker evenings will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia-
tive by the Environment Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- dards Agency to clamp down on
g already reluctantly
areas including Langley, Otham and Kingswood. Water Lane in Bearsted and Pilgrims Way have also been targeted recently. Last year, Maidstone Borough Council cleared 911 cases of fly-tip- ping and this year more than 163 have been recorded since April. The approaching darker evenings will prompt a rise in illegal tipping. Cllr Fort welcomed a joint initia-
decid ng they wanted a judicial re- h pwith KCC I hav obv us con- view, hav
tive by the Environment Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Stan- dards Agency to clamp down on
cerns about this.”
wtwo authorities, or a positiveway to Obituarwoies e
bling between MBC and KCC over the relief road, said: “Itdoesn’t seem a like a very positiveway of overcom- MBC’s Tory leader John Perry –
MP Helen Whately, who helped upa groupto endyears of quab- blstudies being carried out while the relief road, said: “Itdoesn’t seem ke a very positiveway of overcom- g a disagreement between these twoMBC confirmed a judicial review, get a relief road.
Cllr Fort, who also serves as a setthat KCC does not have to stop the
gre d to relea e the S106 funds.” ing a disagreement between these howas unable to attend the June 1 ing – said: “We, as an authority, trying to develop the relation- s tiaking legal a.ction aegainsitoKCC.” Leeds Par h Council chairman JohnGovett said: “Onewould hope
unlicensed waste carriers, but be- lieves the cost to small firms of dis- posing of construction waste at a transfer station is proving a deter- rent that is costing councils more. Cllr Fort made her remarks as
ing betw en MBC and KCC over threeviewis ongoing - orwill they have li to stop? I hope to goodness they are inallowed to crack on.”
one of the borough’s closest trans- fer stations at North Farm, Tun- bridge Wells, announced it will be closed for 10weeks. She added: “If you go along the
taking legal action against KCC.” Leeds Parish Council chairman
but refused to comment further. KCCleaderPaulCarterdidnot re- turn our calls.
authorities, or a posit veway to “I am disappointed to see MBC
Come to us for your Residential Lettings and Estate Management enquires. Home Alarms supplied and fitted
01622 690290 YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT
visit
www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 Langley Park, Sutton Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3NQ
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JohnGovett said: “Onewould hope that KCC does not have to stop the studies being carried out while the reviewis ongoing - orwill they have to stop? I hope to goodness they are allowed to crack on.” MBC confirmed a judicial review,
maidstone@martinco.com 23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • Kent
but refused to comment further. KCCleaderPaulCarterdidnot re- turn our calls.
Come to us for your Residential Lettings and Estate Management enquires.
parish councillor, says teaching children about social responsibility and the issue of litter in schools will help take the issue off the streets. She believes with every household receiving a weekly refuse collection service, there is no excuse for litter being thrown from vehicles or dumped in the road.
Home Alarms supplied and fitted
visit
www.amiga.co.uk or call 08000 199622 Langley Park, Sutton Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3NQ
Our Mission is to be the leading professional property services company through excellent customer services, where our dedication will be second to none.
Cllr Fort, who also serves as a
line of increasing fines, they have to be enforced. A reduction in the charge or offering it free may have the desired similar effect.” Athree-monthly litter pick on the mile-long stretch of road through Leeds village produces an average 32 black sacks of rubbish.
line of increasing fines, they have to be enforced. A reduction in the charge or offering it free may have the desired similar effect.” Athree-monthly litter pick on the mile-long stretch of road through Leeds village produces an average 32 black sacks of rubbish.
parish councillor, says teaching children about social responsibility and the issue of litter in schools will help take the issue off the streets. She believes with every household receiving a weekly refuse collection service, there is no excuse for litter being thrown from vehicles or dumped in the road.
TRAFFIC in Leeds, especially the sharp rise in lorries defying the vil- lage’s weight restriction, continue to cause problems; the issue of dogs al- lowed to run loose in Hollingbourne has been raised; drains in Downswoodhave been blocked; car repairs being carried out at garages in Leeds would be investigated by the PCSO; a quote for grass-cutting in Detling is to be sought.
A ROOFING ladder was stolen from a vehicle in Boxley; the back win- dow of car parked in Bearsted was smashed; road tools were taken from a transit van in Bearsted; a lawn mower was stolen from a gar- den shed in Otham; a car door was dented at Tesco in Grove Green.
www.pjjs.co.uk
lettings@pjjs.co.uk estates@pjjs.co.uk
Comment 46-47 Crime Reports 35 01622 861533
A ROOFING ladder was stolen from a vehicle in Boxley; the back win- dow of car parked in Bearsted was smashed; road tools were taken from a transit van in Bearsted; a lawn mower was stolen from a gar- den shed in Otham; a car door was dented at Tesco in Grove Green.
ASH dieback has been discovered in Monks Meadow in Detling; Hollingbourne village fete stall- holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has resigned; yellow lines are needed for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow buses through Imperial Park; rub- bish bins in the sports field in Kingswoodare to be moved over to the picnic area and rear exit.
VEHICLES have been driven over farmland in Lenham, causing damge to crops; an attempted break-in was reported in Detling; a vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were stolen from an allotment in Lenham.
Crime Reports 35 Comment 46-47
Comment 46-47 Comment 46-47
01622 861533
www.pjjs.co.uk
lettings@pjjs.co.uk estates@pjjs.co.uk
Summer 2018 FREE
Living Living
Mid Kent Summer 2018 FREE Mid Kent
Crime Reports 35 Crime Reports 35
n Detling is to be sought.
CALLS for the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent fly-tipping on a country road have been made by the local borough councillor.
Burberry Lane, near Leeds and Broomfield, has been targeted by waste dumpers for years, but in re- cent months, the problem has be- come more acute. Constructionwaste, rubble, hard
payer could be as much as £20,000, DownsMail has been told. It is not known if £200,000 already
nearby, more than a year after it was dumped and set on fire. The church car park has also seen
released by MBC to KCC for relief road surveys is affected by the judi- cial review. OneMBC insider accused the Lib
many instances of illegal dumping. But it is a problem in many rural
agreed to release the S106 funds.” MBC’s Tory leader John Perry –
whowas unable to attend the June 1 meeting – said: “We, as an authority, are trying to develop the relation- shipwith KCC. I have obvious con- cerns about this.” MP Helen Whately, who helped
unlicensed waste carriers, but be- lieves the cost to small firms of dis- posing of construction waste at a transfer station is proving a deter- rent that is costing councils more. Cllr Fort made her remarks as
setupa groupto endyears of squab- Health hub is on way Mcause problems; the issue of dogs al-
one of the borough’s closest trans- fer stations at North Farm, Tun- bridge Wells, announced it will be closed for 10weeks. She added: “If you go along the
been ains
CCTV call in a bid to stop fly-tipping
MAIDSTONE Borough Council (MBC) is set to spend tens of thousands of tax-payers’money on a judicial reviewinto the release of fundswhich could be set aside for a relief road, DownsMail can reveal. Liberal Democrat-led MBC’s ac-
tion is being taken directly against Kent County Council (KCC) over the allocation of housing developer contributions (S106money). MBC’sUrgencyCommittee – con-
THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- stone, took to the River Medway to launch this year's panto. On board The Kentish Lady were national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- zone (Ugly Sisters) . They were greeted by pupils from
South Borough Primary School and members of the media. The panto runs from December 1-31. For tick- ets go to
www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk.
THE cast of Cinderella, which is to be staged at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maid- stone, took to the River Medway to launch this year's panto. On board The Kentish Lady were national treasure Rustie Lee (Fairy Godmother), former EastEnder Ste- fan Booth (Prince Charming), Eliza- beth Bright (Cinderella), Craig Anderson (Buttons) and, pictured, Stephen Richards and Adam Bor- zone (Ugly Sisters) . They were greeted by pupils from
Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper
FREE
downsmail.co.uk No. 246
FREE FREE
News News
MP’s Local Plan bid FoJason Donovan date
FREE No. 255 News
A POST box near Beasrted has been stolen, leaving just a hole in the ground.
KATE Hart, a resident at an old people’s home in Bearsted, has died aged 107, her son David has disclosed.
Plans for Dr Nigel Rural post box stolen
A POST box near Beasrted has been stolen, leaving just a hole in the ground.
Team sports crisis Woodland buyer Obituaries
BA BUYER of the King’s Wood is the4 inston of a former Bank of 18 HE gland Governor.
rmermayor’sMBE FOWoodland buyer
RMERmayor RichardAsh, of earsted, has beenmade anMBE heQueen’s Birthday onours’ List.
HELEN Whately asked the government to halt the borough’s housing scheme.
THE former Neighbours star brings his show to the Hazlitt Theatre next May.
3 5
READ our report on the decline of some team sports in Maidstone.
A BUYER of the King’s Wood is the son of a former Bank of England Governor.
THE former Neighbours star brings his show to the Hazlitt Theatre next May.
5
READ our report on the decline of some team sports in Maidstone.
MAIDSTONE is set for a care and well-being hub with extra help for the frail.
THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet will walk the Grand Canyon for charity. 12
Jason Donovan date Health hub is on way
18-194
18 30
Team sports crisis 3232 Obituaries
Parish Councils 34-35 Parish Councils 34-35
TRAFFIC in Leeds, especially the sharp rise in lorries defying the vil- lage’s weight restriction, continue to AIDSTONE is se for a care and wlowed to run loose in Ho hhaselp for the frail. raised;
ell-being hub with extrallingbourne dr30 in
Obituariesrepairs being carried out at garages in Leeds
Downswoodhave been blocked; car uld be investigated by 3232
the PCSO; a quote for grass-cutting Parish Councils 34-35
ASH dieback has been discovered in Monks Meadow in Detling; Hollingbourne village fete stall- holder co-ordinator Jean Duffy has resigned; yellow lines are needed for Buffkyn Way, Otham, to allow buses through Imperial Park; rub- bish bins in the sports field in Kingswoodare to be moved over to the picnic area and rear exit.
18-19
VEHICLES have been driven over farmland in Lenham, causing damge to crops; an attempted break-in was reported in Detling; a vehicle was vandalised in Bearsted Rd, Weavering; pumpkins were stolen from an allotment in Lenham.
4
Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper
Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper
News
Kate, 107, dies No. 255
downsmail.co.uk No. 246
HELEN Whately asked the government to halt the borough’s housing scheme.
KATE Hart, a resident at an old people’s home in Bearsted, has died aged 107, her son David has disclosed.
Maidstone & Malling’s No. 1 newspaper
3 MP’s Local Plan bid
Kate, 107, dies 3 Plans for Dr Nigel Rural post box stolen
Formermayor’sMBE FORMERmayor RichardAsh, of Bearsted, has beenmade anMBE in theQueen’s Birthday Honours’ List.
4
THE widow of GP Dr Nigel Minnet will walk the Grand Canyon for charity. 12
3
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