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News Rural productivity ‘in crisis’
WITH rural productivity in Kent an alarming 18% below the national average, a cross-party group of peers and MPs has launched an inquiry into what needs to be done to bridge the divide.
The Country Land & Business Association (CLA) which repre- sents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses in Kent, is urging members to support the inquiry, which will focus on digital connectivity, rural skills, bureaucracy, and under-investment. With local fruit growers yet
again facing a staffing crisis, the inquiry could not come sooner. Government red tape is cur- rently stalling the 30,000 overseas workers required on UK farms from entering the country. Tim Chambers, of WB Cham- bers Fruit Farm in Langley, has predicted a shortfall of up to 15% on the 1,500 seasonal workers he relies upon and said that fruit
the Broomfield Park eco-village, said: “The countryside can retain its young people if you give them somewhere affordable to live and use land intelligently.
“In the short term, there is likely to be a demand for tourism at staycation locations. Other than that, we could talk about the pro- vision of business units to pro- mote local business.”
simply would not be harvested. He added: “The Government set itself up as the labour agency of last resort for UK farming and they are not taking that responsi- bility seriously.”
Owner of Kingswood Christ- mas Trees Rob Schroeder (pic- tured) said the rural businesses could help to boost affordable housing.
Mr Schroeder, who is behind
Lord Cameron of Dillington, co-chair of the cross-party group said: “As we emerge from the global pandemic, we must find new ways to create rural jobs and prosperity. It is important that we hear from those living and work- ing in rural areas to discover what more can be done.”
Bins plea as rubbish increases
CONCERNS have been raised over an “insufficient” number of bins across the county as more lit- ter is generated amid the pan- demic, writes Ciaran Duggan. There are at least 9,500 public bins in Kent, but some have been left “overflowing”
in country
parks and on residential streets. Some councillors claim more people have been throwing away disposable drinks cups bought from takeaway businesses amid lockdown.
District and borough councils Appeal in theft
of sunglasses A CCTV image has been issued following the theft of two pairs of designer sunglasses from a shop in Maidstone. The incident happened at
around 11.10am on April 30 at Boots the Chemist in King Street. Anyone who recognises one or
both of the people, or has infor- mation that may assist the inves- tigation, is urged to call police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/52202/21. You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form on their website.
are chiefly responsible for empty- ing and purchasing bins. Out of 11 Kent councils, Med-
way has the highest number of bins in the county, with a total of 2,100, with each one costing around £25. Meanwhile, Dart- ford’s borough authority owns the
smallest number of bins at 450. Three other councils own more than a thousand including 1,092 in Swale, 1,200 in Sevenoaks, 1,205 in Canterbury and 1,250 across Tonbridge and Malling. Maidstone has 700. Cllr Trudy Dean (Lib Dem), of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said the number of litter
bins in parts of Kent was not suf- ficient, particularly in country parks.
She added: “People have changed habits during the pan- demic. When people are going out to get fresh air and exercise, they are having coffee or tea in a single-use cup. Bins are becoming full with just that.”
Driver held in country crime op A VAN driver has been
charged following a police op- eration targeting rural crime in Maidstone. Joshua Allen (30), of Cottall
Avenue, Chatham, was driving a Ford Transit in Ditton on May 5 where it was linked to the theft of catalytic convertors. Police say Mr Allen failed to stop and the vehicle was later
located and seized in Tovil. He was charged with driving whilst disqualified, driving without a licence or insurance, driving without due care and failing to stop when requested by police. Sergeant Ed Kavanagh said:
"We remain absolutely com- mitted to tackling rural crime and working with communi-
ties to identify, disrupt and catch criminals who believe they are beyond our reach. "Our rural communities are
just as important to us as those in and around town centres and we will continue to engage with the people who live and work there to ensure we re- main focused on the issues that matter most to them."
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