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downsmail.co.uk Just stop the building


WHOSE wonderful idea was it to build 1,500 houses to pay for the Leeds bypass? That would put at least another 3,000 cars on Leeds roads, so we would need another bypass to bypass the new one to be built! Would it not be better to stop all this building in the area? We have quite enough houses and where are all these people living now? This area used to be in the Garden of England now it is being turned into a concrete jungle. When we have destroyed all our beautiful wildlife it will be far too late. It is just greed and a money-making scheme. We do not need or want another 3,000 cars on the local roads or more beautiful countryside dug up for yet another motorway. Smaller buses running at sensible school and work times, cheaper bus fares and updates on Headcorn, Lenham and Bearsted stations would be a start but another 3,000 cars? NO WAY. M Durey-Wood, Broomeld


Working for common goal


I READ with interest the article in your newspaper’s last edition regarding the call for independents by councillors Tom and Janetta Sams.


Readers may recall that for the past while, the Sams and I have been working together in opposition to the massive Maidstone Borough Council-led, 4,000- home scheme at Lenham Heath. It would be fair to say that the Sams are probably to be found to the left of the political spectrum and I am to the right. On paper, we have virtually nothing in common. But as independents we have no political masters, no whips shepherding their ocks by night, backs to watch or tribes to join. We get along famously. We share a desire to represent the people who voted for us in a democracy, however awed that system might be. We have seen all too clearly that the Lib Dem-led MBC doesn’t listen to the people, only to its unelected officers. The administration cares little for the Conservative-dominated KCC and the feeling is mutual. Small wonder nothing gets done.


It is in such an atmosphere that an independent movement might just prosper. I wish Tom and Janetta well in their endeavour. Cllr Eddie Powell, Maidstone Borough Council, Shepway South


Making a difference


HAVING served over 10 years as a borough councillor and four years as a parish councillor, the procedures of local government can sometimes be frustrating. Over this time, government money has been drastically been cut from local authorities and overall power remains in Westminster.


An example of this is the planning system. Maidstone Borough Council


46


(MBC) is told to build so many homes over a certain period. If we don’t deliver a Local Plan, the government takes over all of the potential sites and we lose control, so houses can be built anywhere. Tied to this is the priority of houses rst before any new infrastructure, eg doctors, play areas or roads etc. Many residents are not aware that they voted in the last general election for a build, build, build government programme of 300,000 homes per year, many of them in Kent, when most minds were concentrated on Brexit. Over recent years, we have seen a huge reduction in people living on our streets. Due to the dedication of the council’s housing and outreach teams, many of these people are now in accommodation with support and better quality lives. This need is reected across the UK, but Maidstone is bucking the trend in providing these homes. Building affordable homes is now part of the support plan for housing in Maidstone. This is funded through us building and investing in market homes and then the receipts are ploughed back into the affordable sector.


I am pleased that a biodiversity strategy and climate emergency was actioned last year, focusing on a swathe of green issues. Green spaces and play areas are also important to the health and wellbeing of residents especially during these COVID- 19 times. So my role as a trustee along with my fellow councillors Brian Clark and Paul Wilby at Hayle Park Nature Reserve in Tovil has proved to be a valuable asset. We have now established a new reserve of 30 acres at Dean Street. COVID-19 is still with us. It has taken many lives and affected everyone's life, but community spirit has not faded. The support from residents, local groups, charities and parish councils has been unbelievable. Thank you. So local government can be frustrating but when you get a result after attending many meetings you may have improved someone's life and made a positive difference in the borough.


Cllr Derek Mortimer, Maidstone Borough Council, South ward


Focus on rural businesses


THE government has announced the rst stages of its plans to get ultra-fast broadband to the majority of homes, a project the CLA welcomes. However, there are no counties in the South East among the rst list of areas to benet. We would urge the government to support rural communities across our region as quickly as possible.


CLA South East represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.


This is an important moment in levelling up the urban-rural digital divide. The rural economy is 16% less productive than the


national average, largely due to poor infrastructure. Closing this gap would grow the economy by billions of pounds. So this is a good start, but if government is serious about levelling up, its foot needs to stay on the accelerator until the job is complete. Michael Valenzia, regional director, CLA South East


Bin decision a relief


WHAT a relief that Maidstone Borough Council has voted against adding another receptacle to the household recycling system. With internal (9) and external (6) containers, we now have 15 around our home. KCC would like to see us separating paper/cardboard from the rest of our recyclables into a separate container. The council has decided the capital costs of setting this up and the increased fortnightly collection charges are not justied. I suspect just about every household agrees. Tim Kennedy, Maidstone


We’re here for children


IN THE year since the country’s rst lockdown, we have all faced challenges none of us could have predicted. As we sent our staff from the NSPCC’s Gillingham Service Centre to work from home in March, we knew children and young people across Kent would need our support more than ever.


During the pandemic, children and young people have spent much more time behind closed doors, putting some at greater risk of abuse and neglect. Concerns about child abuse have soared since lockdown measures were rst introduced. Our staff and volunteers have shown incredible dedication to ensure the NSPCC would be here for children when they need us most. We found new ways to carry out our work safely, like virtual sessions, posting activity packs, and carrying out doorstep visits. Thankfully, we have been able to safely


welcome young people back through our doors, but we’ve also met them in schools and homes when that’s been better for them and providing it’s safe.


Although restrictions are now starting to relax, Coronavirus could be with us for a long time. But we’re still here too, and we’re building relationships to ensure we can reach more communities in 2021. Last year was a tough year, and the challenges it put in front of us will continue throughout 2021. But with your support and our dedication, we know we can make a difference to children’s lives in Kent and across the country. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk to nd out more. If you have a concern about a child, you can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Sarah Jenner, manager, NSPCC Gillingham Service Centre


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