News
Fast rail link is ‘still on table’
KENT County Council (KCC) has “strengthened” its support for a fast rail link service from Maid- stone to Cambridge via the capital city, writes Ciaran Duggan. The “ambition” towards a Thameslink train service running over 80 miles from the county town to London Blackfriars, St Pancras and on to Cambridge re- mains on the table, according to County Hall. Executives at KCC will continue
to lobby the Department for Trans- port for the under-the-hour link after an amendment to rail strategy was approved by the cabinet. KCC rail manager Stephen Gasche said the case for the fast service had been “strengthened”. This comes after a row between Tory and Lib Dem county council- lors on February 10 about revised plans for a “semi-fast” rail service from Maidstone to London Black- friars, which could take 75 minutes.
An alternative track was pro- posed along the Catford loop from Maidstone East to London via West
Malling, Borough Green,
Swanley, Denmark Hill and Ele- phant and Castle. A faster link was first promised in 2016, but this was delayed four times by Whitehall, with rail min- ister Chris Heaton-Harris giving tentative support for a quicker con- nection in a virtual public meeting three months ago. Maidstone and Weald MP,
Helen Grant, is hoping for an im- minent announcement about the service. KCC’s cabinet voiced their support for the fast train link dur- ing an online debate as part of its rail action plan from 2021 to 2030. A report states: “This would be an initial all-day service between the county town and Blackfriars, whilst retaining the ambition and working towards a through service to St Pancras and Cambridge.”
Appeal after store thefts
CCTV images have been released after three men reportedly stole cos- metics and tools worth £400 in Maidstone. The men entered The Range in St Peter's Street at about 11am on
March 4. It is alleged they put the items in a rucksack and left without paying. They are also reported to have verbally abused a member of staff. Investigating officer PC Callum Genery said: "We would like to identify
the three people pictured in the CCTV images, who we believe can as- sist with our enquiries. "While all three are wearing face masks, it is hoped that somebody
will recognise them and get in contact." Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/35501/20. You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form on their website.
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 34
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.
downsmail.co.uk
01622 920306 Find us at:
59 High Street, Headcorn TN27 9QA
Marlborough Parade, 6 Beverley Road, Maidstone ME16 9JN
01622 920300
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
