Fant Ward

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey electionmap service (www.election-maps.co.uk). Image reproduced with permission of Ordnance Survey (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk) and Land and Property Services (www.lpsni.gov.uk).

Fant ward borders the Medway Valley.

News from Fant and your local councillors

The Fant Lib Dem Councillors

Fran Smith

Stephen Beerling

Fran Smith

14 Pitt Road, Maidstone, ME16 8PA

01622 720623

07791 650955

fransmith@maidstone.gov.uk

Fant is Fran Smith's patch. She was born and raised in Upper Fant Road. She attended St.Michael's Infant and Junior Schools and then Maidstone Girls' Grammar. Fran has worked as a bus escort with Age Concern, giving her insight into the needs of the elderly. She has also worked with a team which helps the bereaved and divorced.

She is currently employed as Regional Administrator for the Federation of Small Businesses in Kent. In this role she has come to understand the problems of being self-employed.

Fran says: 'Over the years I have seen many changes in Fant. My hopes are that it will continue to be a place where people choose to live; a good place for families to grow up in. I want for you what I ask for myself: a safe, pleasant environment that retains its sense of community. If elected, I will take up the concerns of residents and do my best to see that Fant has safe roads, as little redevelopment as possible, reliable public transport, clean streets and good policing. I am particularly pleased tobe standing for election in 2008 - the 90th anniversary of women over 30 being given theright to vote!'

Stephen Beerling

8 Ragstone Lodge, Peel Street, Maidstone ME14 2WE

News from Fant and your local Councillors

• Apr 7, 2010:
  • Lib Dems launch local manifesto
    Lib Dems have launched their 10 promises for this year's local elections The Lib Dem group have today launched their local manifesto. Key highlights include: A cast iron guarantee that the Church Street Public conveniences will be re-opened That the weekend freighter service will be maintained That Mote Park is safe in Lib Dem hands For more information and detail on these and the other promises from your Lib Dem team, please visit the 2010 pledges page. Related Links Lib Dem 2010 10 promises Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 7, 2009:
  • Rail Cuts are "Ill-Judged and outrageous"
    Malcolm Robertson, KCC Liberal Democrat Opposition Spokesperson on Transport matters and Maidstone Borough Council Railways Champion is outraged by the Government's decision to axe Maidstone and West Malling's vital direct commuter rail service to London Canon Street and Charing Cross via London Bridge. District and County Liberal Democrats have campaigned on this issue and also strongly supported the local commuter Rail User Groups in their campaign to keep these vital trains. Norman Baker MP, national Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, wrote to the Minister in support of retaining the service. Norman Baker MP and our local MPs have all been snubbed by this deplorable and ill thought-through decision. Malcolm Robertson has said: "This is a decision that affects a substantial number of real people's lives. Elsewhere in Kent people are now being offered the opportunity of paying money to spend more time at home with their families by using the new HST commuter services, and take-up is very high. Maidstone commuters receive no benefit whatsoever from these new HST services and are now being dealt the dreadful blow of having to endure an ADDITIONAL 20 minutes or more in travelling time on every journey to and from work. This is quite inhuman and is resulting in additional pressures on families which may even lead to some people having to move house." Maidstone is the County Town. It is a very successful shopping destination and it is both a Regional Transport Hub and a Government designated Secondary Growth Point. It is being expected to accommodate 11,000 new houses by 2026. Cllr. Robertson added: "It seems ridiculous that in travel time, Maidstone is now as far from London as Folkestone and yet it is less than half the actual distance. How can Government in all conscience then go ahead with this appalling cut in services which makes matters even worse and inflicts such harm on local families? Your Liberal Democrat representatives will continue to fight this injustice with every means open to us." Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 30, 2009:
  • Clarification on Maidstone Downs Mail December 2009 Story: Parkway Rail Station Would Cut Journey Times
    Malcolm Robertson, Lib Dem County Councillor for Maidstone Central, wishes to clarify the following points raised in this newspaper article: • The positive proposal for establishing a Maidstone Parkway Station is contained within the recently released KCC draft consultation document, "Growth Without Gridlock, an integrated transport strategy for Kent". The KCC Conservative Cabinet Member, Mr Nick Chard, has clearly authorised the release of this document for consultation. • The KCC proposal does not name a site but the High Speed Rail line, HS1, is essentially only in the Maidstone area between the tunnel portal at Cossington (Bluebell Hill) and Hollingbourne. The number of possible practical sites is very limited. A good highway connection would be needed. • The Downs Mail article mixes quotations from me with journalistic editorial opinion and fails to distinguish between the two. • I am opposed to KIG. I have made no statements that link KIG with the KCC proposed Maidstone Parkway Station. I know nothing whatsoever about possible employment numbers at KIG and have made no comments on such matters. Any such comments in the article are journalistic. • I am Maidstone Borough Council's Railways Champion. In that capacity, I do welcome any opportunity to investigate ways to improve the County Town's connectivity with the national railways network. That is all this is. I certainly have many caveats in my mind, but the proposal must be fully examined. • There are other proposals such as the Network Rail Kent Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) option to bring a future HST service into Maidstone West station from Ebbsfleet on the classic rail lines along the Medway Valley. Such a service, whilst adding to passenger comfort, would not cut journey times substantially. However, it could probably be established much quicker than a Maidstone Parkway Station. There is currently limited car parking near Maidstone West. Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 5, 2009:
  • Lib Dems Campaign to "Save our Swifts"
    Maidstone's Lib Dems say it's time to save our swifts In light of the recorded rapid decline in the UK swift population (a recent RSPB survey showed a decline of more than a quarter since 2004, which is put down to to renovation and modernisation of Victorian and Edwardian properties). Maidstone Lib Dem Councillors have called for the adoption of a policy whereby all new developments and extensions within recorded swift hotspots across Maidstone Borough incorporate "swift brick" nesting facilities. Such a progressive policy could perhaps arrest the local decline in populations of this enigmatic bird of "conservation concern". Nesting populations of swift can be found in Fant Ward, within the town areas of East and North Wards, the All Saints Church area of High Street Ward and in Headcorn, Lenham, Ulcombe and Marden village centres. A population also formerly nested at Maidstone Museum. Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration Tony Harwood states: "Such a simple but progressive policy would comply with the Council's legal duty to 'have regard' for biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Significantly, architect Lord Rogers utilises swift bricks within many of his projects. A number of companies market a range of designs of "swift brick" from as little as £30 each". Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 2, 2009:
  • FANT-astic win for Lib Dems in Fant By-election
    The Lib Dems in Maidstone held on to their seat in Fant ward last night but watched a huge drop in both the Conservative and Labour votes. Fran Wilson, Lib Dem group leader said "This is a wonderful result and well deserved because I know Fran really cares about Fant and its residents and will work hard on their behalf." Newly elected Lib Dem Councillor Fran Smith said: "I want to thank everyone in Fant ward for their support. Nick Schnell has done a tremendous amount of work for local residents and I will do everything I can to continue that." The full result was: Lib Dem 702, Conservative 393, Green 317, Labour 102. Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 30, 2009:
  • A message from the Leader of Maidstone Liberal Democrats.
    When I became Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Spring 2007, I publicly pledged myself, and my councillor group, to maintaining a high level of integrity when fighting elections. Our residents should, and do, expect no less. I find it despicable that the Conservatives, in the hopes of picking up votes in the Fant by-election, have, in the last twenty-four hours, started to distribute a leaflet maligning a councillor who is no longer in the country to defend himself. They do not name him but most people in the Ward know that they are talking about Nick Schnell. Nick is a sad loss both to his Ward and to the local Liberal Democrat party and I would like to set the record straight on his behalf. Nick has a young family and to support them, he worked as a taxi driver at night while studying towards his teaching diploma by day. Sadly, his wife also experienced a severe bout of ill-health which put an additional strain upon his time for several months. Despite all these commitments and responsibilities Nick was an exceptionally hard working ward councillor supporting his residents in Fant. His popularity confirms this. He worked closely with various groups of people in the ward, particularly the elderly, was a school governor and a very well liked teacher at St. Michaels School. As Fran Smith our Liberal Democrat candidate in the by-election says "He will be a hard act to follow". Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 5, 2009:
  • Lib Dem victory in Maidstone Central
    Malcolm Robertson wins second seat in Maidstone Central The Liberal Democrats have taken the second seat at the Maidstone Central County Division from the Conservatives. Lib Dem candidate Malcolm Robertson beat sitting councillor Jeff Curwood by a handsome margin of 1242 votes. Lib Dem Councillor Dan Daley retained his seat by an even bigger margin (1958 votes) over the Conservatives. Ian Chittenden also retained his seat in the North East Division with an enhanced majority. Clearly there is dissatisfaction with the Conservatives in Maidstone after one year of their control of the Borough Council. Newly elected County Councillor Malcolm Robertson said, "I would like to say thank you to everyone in Maidstone Central. This was a hard fought election, and I'm delighted to have won so decisively. I will do my best for the area and look forward to working at Kent County Council as a part of the Lib Dem group who are now the official opposition on the County Council". Related Links View full results for Maidstone Central View full results for Maidstone North East Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 21, 2009:
  • More rail misery for Maidstone commuters
    Southeastern trains has decided to stop the off-peak fast service between London Cannon Street and West Malling and Maidstone. Maidstone and the Weald Liberal Democrats are stunned that this announcement comes at a time when Maidstone stands to gain nothing from the new high speed commuter trains. Unlike practically all other main towns in Kent where journey times to London are being dramatically slashed, Maidstone will be left with only slow trains to London Victoria where journey times can be as much as 1hr 20 minutes. Malcolm Robertson, Lib Dem Transport Champion said, " It is disgraceful for the train operator to treat the County Town in this cavalier way. It will lead to real hardship for many long suffering commuters and no account seems to be being taken of this. People Power has to now be harnessed to change this harsh and unfair decision. Myself, Councillors Dan Daley, Ian Chittenden, and all the Liberal Democrat Group are supporting the users in raising a petition against this change. I am also seeking, with the support of the Maidstone Cabinet Member, a meeting with the Minister to discuss these issues. Ann Widdecombe has agreed to help facilitate this. To sign the petition visit www.keepourtrains.com Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 24, 2008:
  • Maidstone Conservatives drop parking bombshell equivalent to 12% on council tax
    Liberal Democrats in Maidstone have reacted with astonishment and anger to the shock announcement that Conservative controlled Maidstone Borough Council is to charge people to park in their own road and to introduce charges for Sunday Parking in the Town Centre. Free Residents Parking Permit schemes have proved to be a popular method of helping residents get parking spaces near their own homes and free Sunday town Centre parking is a help to town centre traders. However, the Council has announced plans to charge for Residents Parking Permits and for Sunday parking in the town. The move to charge residents £25 for the first residents permit is equivalent to a massive 12% increase in Maidstone Borough Council Tax. Leader of the Lib Dems on the Council Cllr Fran Wilson said: "This is a bombshell. Local people are already feeling the effects of what is now a major economic downturn. Now, the Council is to charge them for parking in their own roads. On top of that, local traders will be devastated at the news that charges are to be brought in for Sunday town centre parking." Cllr Tony Harwood, shadow Cabinet member for the Environment said: "This is a Tory stealth tax plain and simple. It is just another way of raising money from hard pressed Council Tax payers. Residents will get absolutely nothing back in return. The extra funds raised will be used to fund the Council budget which is sliding out of control. The Conservatives are wasting money on grandiose projects and are hitting local people in the pocket when they can least afford it." Cllr Wilson added: "The Conservatives did not mention ANY of these proposals in their election campaign in May in the areas of Bridge Ward, Fant Ward, High Street Ward, North Ward, East Ward and other areas near the town centre that will be hardest hit. How can they look local people in the eye now. This sort of behaviour is politically dishonest. The entire Lib Dem team in Maidstone will campaign to have these proposals overturned." Related Links Fight the Parking Bombshell campaign Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 16, 2008:
  • Success at 'Dangerous' Fant / Gatland Lane Junction
    Lib Dem County Councillor Dan Daley and Lib Dem Campaigner Peter Carroll have received news that substantial works are planned for the junction of Fant Lane and Gatland Lane next year to make the area safer. This announcement follows a well attended demonstration organised by Peter Carroll which featured extensively on the local media and years of lobbying by Cllr Daley and his Lib Dem colleagues on Maidstone Borough Council. Local Lib campaigner Fran Smith highlighted has pressed for such action for many years. Fran said: "This is fantastic news and I'm sure this will save lives". Cllr Daley said: "Kent County Council has now given definite instructions to Kent Highways engineers to get the situation at the junction where we had the demonstration 'sorted out' in safety terms". Peter Carroll added: "This is a great result after a lot of hard work by the Lib Dem councillor team. I'd particularly like to thank local people for supporting our various petitions and our very successful street protest a few weeks ago". It is believed that the improvements will include: A complete reconstruction of the junction of Gatland Lane and realignment of the kerb lines. This would make the end of Gatland Lane a proper T junction and would improve the sight lines coming from Fant Lane round the bend. It would totally eliminate the open nature of the bend and thus prevent the hignspeed 'skating round' that occurs from Fant Lane into Gatland as at present. The provision of a pedestrian crossing at the end of Gatland Lane with a safety island Speed calming cushions along Fant lane all the way up to Bower Grove School to slow the traffic. More and better on road signage such as 'slow' 'bend' etc. All of this will depend on the proposed improvements passing a 'safety audit' and subject to public consultation. Cllr Daley said: "I'd like to thank the staff at Kent County Council for being so flexible and responding to resident's concerns so promptly." Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 20, 2008:
  • Big needle find in Fant Ward
    This shocking picture shows Councillor Nick Schnell and Lib Dem Environment Chief Tony Harwood with just a few of the hundreds of used hypodermic syringes discovered on the River Medway tow-path in Fant ward during a Spring Clean led by local Liberal Democrat Councillors. The spring-time clean-up tackled both banks of the river in the vicinity of Tovil footbridge. More than thirty black sacks full of discarded beer cans, carrier bags, plastic soft drink bottles and bagged dog-waste were cleared from the tow-path during Saturday morning. Hypodermic syringes and other intra-venous drug taking paraphernalia were also discovered close to the footbridge and disposed of using a 'sharps' receptacle . Cllr. Nick Schnell followed up this hazardous find by contacting key Police and Maidstone Borough Council personnel to ensure that 1. the site is completely cleared of needles and 2. practical measures are taken to prevent any future incidents of hazardous illegal activity in this locality. Local campaigner Fran Smith, who took part in the clean-up, said "Maidstone Liberal Democrats have given top priority to cleaning up our Borough and prosecuting tough enforcement against fly-tippers and litter louts. This shocking find underlines how right this approach is." Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 1, 2007:
  • Weekly refuse collections
    From February the first 20,000 properties will receive weekly rubbish collections and an improved fortnightly recycling collection. Maidstone councillors have agreed funding to keep weekly rubbish collections for kitchen waste, disposable nappies and other things that cannot be recycled and introduce an improved fortnightly recycling collection for plastics, paper, card and cans. Another 20,000 homes will get the extra collection in October and the rest in February the following year. Cabinet Member, Tony Harwood, said: "This scheme will give residents the recycling services that they demand and maintain the weekly refuse collection that they have told me that they want. It also makes sense environmentally and economically. I am not looking to recycle purely for the sake of recycling and I have considered in detail the environmental merits of the new recycling scheme. I will be placing equal emphasis on waste minimisation and re-use so that our service will have a reduced impact in terms of harmful climate change." Most households will be getting a new 180 litre grey bin for their weekly rubbish collection. Residents will be asked to use their existing green bins for their fortnightly recycling collections. Large families will be offered a larger bin and special arrangements will be made for people who don't have wheelie bins or space for a second bin. Although all 63,000 Maidstone homes will be getting a new fortnightly recycling collection some 14,000 will lose the kerbside glass collection. Cllr Harwood explains that this service does not make sense environmentally or economically. "Glass collected from the kerbside is crushed and used as aggregate in roads construction. If residents take it to a bottle bank where it is sorted by colour it is recycled into glass bottles and jars. Whereas, ever since the opening of the Allington waste to energy plant, if they put it into the normal refuse it is saved, crushed and used as aggregate in roads construction. So it really doesn't make sense to pay for an extra vehicle to collect it for no extra environmental benefit." Council Leader, Fran Wilson, is urging everyone to use the new services: "We have listened to the residents and we will be keeping a weekly collection for rubbish and kitchen waste. Residents should not feel forced into using the recycling collection but I am asking everyone to enthusiastically back the service they said they wanted and really start recycling and do their bit for the environment. There are those who say high recycling rates only come through moving to alternate weekly collections. I hope Maidstone Borough residents will help me prove those pundits wrong." Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 22, 2007:
  • 'Pivotal' River Medway Planning Inquiry Looms
    Our beautiful River Medway is under threat from a major planning application (MA/06/0788). This seeks to build a marina with extensive decking, moorings and other infra-structure which, if allowed, would damage fundamentally a wildlife-rich 900-metre stretch of the river bank to the West of Maidstone town centre. The original planning application was refused on environmental grounds by Maidstone Council but the applicants are determined to progress their scheme and have now submitted a planning appeal to the Planning Inspectorate at Bristol. Liberal Democrat Councillors Steve Beerling, Nick Schnell and Tony Harwood, representing wards strongly influenced by the River Medway, say that Maidstone Council's chances of upholding the refusal at appeal will be given a big boost if large numbers of local people stand up and be counted in the defence of our river-side heritage and wildlife. They are urging residents who are worried about the continuing loss of our precious natural areas to take a few minutes to write to the Planning Inspectorate prior to 17th September at the following address: Planning Inspectorate, Room 315, Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN quoting reference APP/U2235/A/07/2050921/NWF and including three copies of their submission. Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 30, 2007:
  • Call for a crack down on reckless licence holders
    Dan Daley calls for crack down on irresponsible and negligent licence holders In the debate on the Future of Public Health in Kent at County Hall, Dan Daley, Member for Maidstone Central called on Authorities to be tougher on those found guilty of supplying alcohol to under-age teens. He reported the recent withdrawal of an alcohol licence at his local Tesco Express. His concern is with the damage that young people are doing to their health which will lead to serious medical conditions in later life. "It is all very well having the good intentions shown in the document we are debating here today about promoting Good Health in our population, but unless there is a much stronger approach to the control of alcohol misuse in our young people then we shall all be paying an extremely high price in years to come". Dan was calling for the government, police, trading standards and licensing authorities to be far more pro-active in detecting the misuse of the licences held by Pubs / Clubs, Supermarkets and Garages. "Binge drinking is seen as the root cause of most of the anti-social behaviour problems being faced in many neighbourhoods. It is now far too easy to buy alcohol" Dan informed the Chamber. "We need more licences to be suspended when breaches have been detected as at Tesco in Allington this week. Failure now will inevitably mean more costs to the Health Service in a few years with liver failure, depression and drink addiction being at the forefront of the problems". Dan calls on members of the public and local community groups to be far more proactive in informing Licensing Authorities of any breaches witnessed to assist them in a crack down on irresponsible and negligent licence holders. Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 8, 2006:
  • Parking on verges - more action needed
    Councillor Malcolm Robertson calls for existing Act to be enforced The issue of cars parking on grass verges in the borough was addressed by Councillor Malcolm Robertson at a meeting of the Joint Transportation Board. Councillor Robertson urged the use of an existing County of Kent Act to prosecute offenders. He said, "The way to prevent this problem is by embarrassing people by publicity. We have an act in place but nobody seems to know if there have been any prosecutions. We should use the tools we have got and take action." Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 30, 2006:
  • Liberal Democrat Councillors demand action on roads in Maidstone
    Albany Road, Maidstone As highway budgets have been cut, many urgent and sometimes dangerous problems on roads and footpaths have been left for months before repairs are undertaken leaving local residents at risks. Examples include Albany Road where major trip hazards and dangerous walls have been left unrepaired since reported by us in April. If you know of any dangerous potholes, trip hazards or just where the condition of the footpath or roads are in extremely poor condition, please let us know. Published and promoted by Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems 56 Bower Mount Road Maidstone ME16 8AU. The views expressed are those of Maidstone & The Weald Lib Dems, not of the service provider. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Simon Hughes, MP supports the Lib Dems in Fant

Your Lib Dem Councillors know we need to preserve the beautiful Medway Valley for future generations. Recently Fran Smith welcomed Simon Hughes MP, President of the Liberal Democrats, to Fant Ward. She took him to see our beautiful Medway Valley and told him how hard the Lib Dems on Maidstone Borough Council are working to give it 'skyline protection' and to resist inappropriate development such as the Riverside Marina scheme.The amount of local interest generated by this issue has prompted the Liberal Democrats to take positive action.

Sign our petition to protect the Medway Valley skyline

No.8 Bus

A regular bus user, Fran is proud of her low carbon footprint but in recent years she has been dismayed by the deterioration in local bus services. Since making contact with Arriva some years ago, she has monitored the situation closely and is pleased to report that there does seem to be some improvement. If you do experience any problems, make a note of the date and time and please get in touch with Fran.

Litter pick in Fant

A group of Lib Dems carried out a 'litter pick' at the bottom of Bower Lane on 29th March. This was part of their Spring 'Clean Sweep' programme. Fran Smith was horrified to find such a large collection of discarded syringes. The police have been informed.

Gatland Lane Pedestrian Refuge

Fran's petition for a pedestrian refuge in Gatland Lane created a MASSIVE response. As a result your County

Councillor, Dan Daley, has yet again made contact with KCC Highways. They have promised to have another look at the problem. However, Dan warns residents that any proposal would have to be 'scored' and compared with other traffic schemes across the County. The 'validation' process will begin in April but it will be some months before any decision is made and there can be no guarantee that any particular scheme will score sufficiently highly to attract funding. Fran will keep in touch with Dan and let you know what is happening.

'Pivotal' River Medway Planning Inquiry Looms

Our beautiful River Medway is under threat from a major planning application (MA/06/0788). This seeks to build a marina with extensive decking, moorings and other infra-structure which, if allowed, would damage fundamentally a wildlife-rich 900-metre stretch of the river bank to the West of Maidstone town centre.The original planning application was refused on environmental grounds by Maidstone Council but the applicants are determined to progress their scheme and have now submitted a planning appeal to the Planning Inspectorate at Bristol. Liberal Democrat Councillors Steve Beerling, Nick Schnell and Tony Harwood, representing wards strongly influenced by the River Medway, say that Maidstone Council's chances of upholding the refusal at appeal will be given a big boost if large numbers of local people stand up and be counted in the defence of our river-side heritage and wildlife. They are urging residents who are worried about the continuing loss of our precious natural areas to take a few minutes to write to the Planning Inspectorate prior to 17th September at the following address: Planning Inspectorate, Room 315, Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN quoting reference APP/U2235/A/07/2050921/NWF and including three copies of their submission.

Roseholme

As you know, this playground has been closed for some months after being damaged by vandals. A lot of work is going on - and a lot of money being spent - in order to create a new safe enviornment for our children.

Steve Beerling reports, "All the old equipment is being removed and replaced, a new surface prepared and a sports wall installed. The trees and hedges which blocked the view from the road are being removed and the area will be replanted. Nick and I have agreed to make donations from our devolved budgets to put in a block seat."

The new playgound should be open by the early autumn.

Bower Grove School

Steve Beerling believes in actively working in the community and encouraging our younger members to expand their interests. He recently took 12 children (and stafs) from Bower Grove School on a fishing expedition in Mote Park. A good time was had by all and skills were learnt as all the children caught some fish.