North 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).

North ward covers an area stretching from the edge of Cuckoo Wood in the north, covering Invicta Park, Penenden Heath and down the Maidstone Prison in the South.

News from North ward and your local councillors

The North ward Lib Dem Councillors

Tony Harwood

Jenni Paterson

Mervyn Warner

Tony Harwood

22 Littlebourne Road, Vinters Park, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5QP

01622 677578

tonyharwood@maidstone.gov.uk

Tony was born and bred in Maidstone and has earned a well-deserved reputation as a committed and effective environmental and social campaigner. He is passionate about protecting our beautiful countryside and the quality of life of local residents. He is determined that the rural setting of the county town is preserved, that our residential neighbourhoods are protected and our declining communities are regenerated. Experience gained working in the television media alongside many of Kent's biggest employers (in his professional role as an emergency planner), and in farming and land management, give Tony a good understanding of the workings of the local economy.

Jenni Paterson

4 The Hedges, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2JW

01622 679630

Mervyn Warner

283 Boxley Road, Penenden Heath, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2HB

01622 753220

News from North ward and your local Councillors

• Apr 30, 2010:
  • Wildwood destroyed by your local Conservatives
    A Conservative block vote has forced through a new housing scheme on irreplaceable ancient woodland in south east Maidstone. The now complete destruction of beautiful wildwood, which formerly supported rare and legally protected wildlife, has left local residents and Lib Dem councillors shocked and angry. Local Lib Dem Planning spokesman Tony Harwood stated: "Ancient woodland is our richest wildlife habitat, the UK's equivalent of rainforest, and is literally irreplaceable. Other councils the length and breadth of Great Britain are committed to absolute protection of their wildwood heritage. Maidstone under the Conservatives has earned the grim distinction of being probably the only local authority in the UK to promote its destruction. It is made clear, once again, that Maidstone Tories have no empathy with or understanding of the countryside." 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 26, 2010:
  • Practical Lib Dem Action Against Fly Tipping
    In response to a request for help from local residents Maidstone Councillor Tony Harwood spent his Sunday evening clearing fly tipping and litter from the alley-way link on the south side of Cross Street, Maidstone - which serves properties in Thornhill Place and Peel Street. Tony is committed to tackling a similar build-up of rubbish in the alley-way link on the north side of Cross Street next Sunday and has already received offers of help from local residents. 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 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
• Mar 15, 2010:
  • Success In Campaign to Make the M20 a Better Neighbour
    The long Lib Dem led campaign to tackle M20 noise and air pollution and regular motorway crash grid-lock in the County Town is now close to delivering its key aim. On Friday 12th March the Transport Minister approved and signed the Regulations and Explanatory Memorandum that will allow for the introduction of variable (reduced) mandatory speed limits on the M20 between J4-7. The campaign began back in 2003 when Lib Dem Councillor Tony Harwood initiated and chaired a study into ways of making the M20 a better neighbour for Maidstone residents. Expert witnesses were called and evidence taken (including from local people at packed public meetings) which resulted in the high-profile publication of the influential report "Our Motorway Network: A Good Neighbour?". A key finding of the report was that the most practical means of slashing air and noise pollution and reducing the smashes that so frequently gridlocked Maidstone was to reduce speed limits on the motorway where it passes through the town. The report outlined how noise is measured on a logarithmic scale, which means that relatively small reductions in traffic speeds will result in big cuts in noise levels, with a cut in traffic speeds from the current 70/80 mph down to 50mph calculated to halve noise levels. Similarly, air pollution problems will recede as reduced vehicle speeds better reflect optimum fuel efficiency and cut emissions (the M20 corridor in Maidstone is currently a designed Air Quality Management Area because internationally agreed air pollution standards are exceeded). The quality of evidence and research contained within the report ensured that Maidstone's bid to Government for variable speed limits was eventually successful and legislation was passed to allow "controlled motorway" status for the M20 in Maidstone - the first such example outside of the M25. On hearing the news that the Transport Minister had signed the approval Cllr. Tony Harwood said: "Local people often feel powerless and without a voice in the face of Government, particularly when it comes to strategic infra-structure projects, but the success of this long campaign proves that when people are united, determined and well briefed they can win through". The report "Our Motorway Network: A Good Neighbour?" can be accessed from the link below. The variable speeds limits (Controlled Motorway) scheme is likely to go live in May and from that date many thousands of residents will be able to enjoy far greater tranquillity and will enjoy better air quality. Related Links Our Motorway Network: A Good Neighbour? 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
• Jan 18, 2010:
  • Please take a few minutes to sign the RSPB "Letter to the Future"
    'The Fuzzies' at Penenden Heath - a tiny fragment of once-extensive heath-land that surrounded the County Town Deputy Leader of Maidstone Council Lib Dems Cllr Tony Harwood and local campaigner Peter Carroll are urging all Maidstone and the Weald residents to sign the RSPB "Letter to the Future". Some 100,000 people across the UK have already signed-up to this heart-felt plea to politicians from all parties to take action to protect our embattled wildlife and green spaces. Tony told us "This fantastic campaign has a particular resonance for residents of Maidstone and the surrounding villages where our cherished countryside and green spaces face an unprecedented intensity of threat from a growing population, pollution, climatic changes and development pressure. It only takes a few minutes to sign a letter but could make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren." He continued: "The recent decision by Maidstone Council to allow housing development on irreplaceable wildlife-rich ancient woodland south of the Town shows how destruction of our wild places is continuing apace at home and not just in developing nations." Local campaigner Peter Carroll added "With the Maidstone area set to host more than 11,000 new homes and major commercial development over the next few years it is vital that all politicians wake up to this fact and take effective action to protect the beautiful landscape and wildlife that defines our part of Kent and makes life literally worth living." Related Links RSPB Letter to the Future 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
• Jan 6, 2010:
  • Maidstone's alternative public toilets - are they a health risk?
    Popular toilet at King Street multi-storey car park closed by Conservatives The closure of popular public toilets in Maidstone Town Centre, has angered local residents and visitors to Maidstone. The practicality of the so called alternative facilities, have now raised serious concern in relation to public health and safety. At a Council meeting held on the 16th December, Lib Dem Councillor Ian Chittenden said, "the facilities in the Town Centre, lauded as alternatives, are mostly larger retail stores which were already available for public use. The others, within restaurants and cafes, raise significant questions in relation to Health and safety." Ian Chittenden asked Councillor Wooding, the Conservative Cabinet Member for the Environment, who made the decision to close the toilets, to confirm that a full public health and safety assessment had been undertaken assessing any possible increase risk of infection to diners using the restaurants. He has further requested that copies of any reports, including risk assessments, be made publicly available and is awaiting a response. Ian has also asked for confirmation that all the new sites have facilities for changing your baby, and what alternatives had been provided to allow for the proper disposal of used needles to reduce the risk of injury or infection to the public. Recent experience at Maidstone Library, where used needles had been discovered by children in toilets open to the public, stimulate particular concern. 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 2, 2009:
  • Wildlife Crime Soars
    The hunting with dogs of wild rabbits at a Maidstone Children's play area has generated big local concerns New figures from the police show that the number of wildlife crimes in the UK more than doubled in the last year from 2,177 to 5,854, with incidents being recorded at a rate of 120 a week. In the Maidstone area local farmers have suffered significant damage arising from illegal hare coursing events on their land and it now appears that even our local play areas and nature conservation sites are not immune from this shocking trend. Residents within a quiet neighbourhood of Penenden Heath, Maidstone have recently contacted their local Lib Dem Councillors shocked by nocturnal hunting and killing of wild rabbits with Jack Russell dogs in and around the Maidstone Council children's play area and nature conservation area at Shaw Close. The screams of frightened rabbits and sight of a local man carrying dead animals through the residential area has aroused local revulsion. Aside from the obvious animal welfare issues, the potential danger to domestic pets and even local children arising from such an activity being pursued within this densely populated residential area is a cause for local concern. Alarm bells have also been set ringing that an area maintained especially for wildlife is being used as a hunting ground - upsetting the fragile eco-system, where rabbits provide a key management role by maintaining the open heathland vegetation structure so important to rare reptiles and insects. Responding to reports from local residents and Councillors, Maidstone Council's Community Safety Team are now investigating and have spoken to the Police and RSPCA about the unauthorised hunting with dogs alleged on their land. Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems at Maidstone Council Tony Harwood stated "Urban cramming, pollution and new development is already taking a terrible toll on the UK's wildlife, so this shocking increase in wildlife crime could mean local extinction for some of our most cherished species. Locally, Lib Dems will work with our partners to ensure that zero tolerance is given to wildlife crime." 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 8, 2009:
  • Wildlife Haven Flourishes at Sandling Park
    Sandling park From day one of planning for the multi-award winning Sandling Park residential development on the former Territitorial Army HQ site in Sandling Lane your local Lib Dem Councillors fought hard to protect the grassland, woodland and heath on site and the wildlife it supports. Practical Lib Dem action included the carrying out and commissioning of wildlife surveys to strengthen the case for protection, powerful advocacy of good design at Council planning meetings and a real input on materials, site lay-out and planting schedules. We can now announce that Sandling Park's wildlife habitats, carefully protected throughout the construction phase, have now been handed over to Maidstone Council by the developer to be maintained as a nature reserve in perpetuity. Lib Dem Councillor Tony Harwood on hearing the fantastic news stated "Local residents have expressed amazement at the diversity of the wildlife at Sandling Park flourishing so close to new human neighbours. Wildlflowers long ago lost from the wider Maidstone countryside such as harebell, Lady's bedstraw and birdsfoot trefoil still bloom sustaining clouds of butterflies, moths and other attractive insects, while rabbits and foxes play out their complex family lives." Stop Press: Local Lib Dem County Councillor Ian Chittenden is now close to gaining agreement on the transfer of the strip of KCC owned woodland flanking the southern side of Sandling Lane into our new Sandling Park Nature Reserve. 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
• Sep 30, 2009:
  • Local Lib Dems lead Council fight against urban cramming and "garden grabbers"
    Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Maidstone Council Tony Harwood has successfully persuaded Maidstone Council to introduce a new policy to help protect existing gardens from destruction by "garden grabber" developers and set a minimum size for gardens within new residential developments. A similar garden protection policy in the London Borough of Bromley has proved successful in protecting residential neighbourhoods from the worst excesses of urban cramming. Tony stated on hearing the news that Maidstone Council was running with his idea: "It is vital that a garden protection policy is put in place quickly. Too many of our finest residential neighbourhoods are seeing their historic leafy character and wildlife disappear under high density and inappropriate development." 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 29, 2009:
  • Lib Dem call for Maidstone Council to sign up to 10:10 Climate Change Pledge
    Environmental campaigner and senior Liberal Democrat Councillor Tony Harwood called for Maidstone Council to sign up to a new national campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 at its Full Council meeting on 23rd September. Tony has signed up to the 10:10 campaign and in doing so has pledged to reduce his carbon emissions further. He wants the Council, fellow councillors, local residents and amenity groups and businesses to sign up and pledge to cut their own emissions by making simple changes that will have a wider effect in the fight against climate change. Maidstone council's Lib Dem opposition leader Fran Wilson, who is also supporting the campaign said: "I am pleased to have signed up to the 10:10 campaign, as it is an excellent way to highlight the importance of climate change and encourage efforts to combat it. If everybody contributes by cutting their own emissions or emissions in their workplace or school and by making small but significant changes to our lifestyles, then we can make a real and substantial step towards fighting the damage that is being done to our environment. "I would encourage everybody in Maidstone and the surrounding villages to sign up to the campaign. Carbon emissions are doing profound and irreversible damage to the planet, but if everyone commits themselves in a small way to cutting their own Carbon emissions then maybe we can give the human race a future." More details about the 10:10 campaign can be found at the campaign website: http://www.1010uk.org/ 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 28, 2009:
  • Conservatives admit Public Toilets to Close
    After weeks of prevarication the Conservative Leader of the Council has been forced to admit that he was wrong when he told the Leader of the Opposition, Lib Dem Cllr Fran Wilson, by email, that no public toilets would close until alternative facilities were in place. The Conservative member for the Environment also stated at the full council meeting on Wednesday 23rd September that the closures of the toilets at Palace Avenue, Parkwood and Shepway was "imminent" giving as his reason that "the number one objective behind the decision was to improve the standards and quality of the facilities we provide". It is difficult to understand how 'no' public toilet provides an improvement to quality, especially when there are no other alternatives available in the immediate area of the three conveniences scheduled for imminent closure. Even harder to comprehend those closures when the Leader has also pledged to maintain 'all' frontline services. Opposition Leader Fran Wilson said, " The reason our toilets cost more to run than other comparable districts in Kent is because they are outdated and require a major overhaul. We have now been granted significant growth point money by the government. We could have upgraded our public toilets to an excellent standard and perhaps even provided new toilets in the All Saints heritage area, for a fraction of the four million pounds that this Conservative administration is using to repave the High Street." Lib Dem Councillor Tony Harwood, the shadow cabinet member for Regeneration added, "The roads and footways in the High Street are the responsibility of the Kent County Council as the Highways Authority and not Maidstone Borough Council; whereas the provision of public conveniences is undoubtedly the responsibility of the Borough Council. For many residents (including expectant mothers) their provision is a necessity not a luxury. Liberal Democrats believe this Conservative administration is making wrong choices regarding growth point money and closure of public toilets is completely the wrong decision." 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 25, 2009:
  • Conservative Maidstone Councillors give green light to destruction of irreplaceable ancient woodland
    Conservatives plan to destroy this ancient woodland at Kingswood, Maidstone Conservative Councillors on Maidstone Council's planning committee have voted to push through a housing development on irreplaceable ancient woodland at Kingswood in Maidstone. The impassioned pleas of local residents powerfully backed by Liberal Democrat and Independent planning committee members were ignored by the Conservatives, despite strong protection given to ancient woodland by national and regional planning policies. Maidstone Council's Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration Liberal Democrat Councillor Tony Harwood ensured that his dissent from the decision was officially recorded and stated: "Ancient woodland is the UK's equivalent of rainforest and is the richest habitat for wildlife in the UK. I mistakenly believed that the days of grubbing-up irreplaceable ancient woodland by developers had been consigned to the dustbin of history because of extra protection afforded by Government policy and the South East Plan. However, I had not reckoned on the complete lack of empathy for or understanding of the natural world demonstrated by these Conservative Councillors." 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 7, 2009:
  • "Jobs Worth" Council Contractors Ignore Rubbish Fire Risk
    Flammable rubbish ignored by Council contractors Local Liberal Democrat Councillors were left appalled by Council Contractors jobs worth attitude in ignoring a heap of flammable rubbish left at the site of the popular weekend refuse freighter in Park Avenue, Foley Park, Maidstone. Local Councillors were incredulous that contractors ignored plastic garden chairs, plastic sheeting and other flammable rubbish left on the wooded open space immediately adjacent to the regular freighter stop - on what was one of the hottest days of the year. Local Lib Dem Councillor Tony Harwood stated "This unfortunate episode comes as a reminder that residents using the service can no longer expect the Council contractors to assist them in loading their bulky rubbish onto the freighter. I passed the freighter a couple of times during their scheduled stop on Saturday morning and it was clear that the contractors were hardly rushed off their feet. If I had any idea that this heap of flammable rubbish was going to be ignored I would have stopped and loaded it myself." Tony added: "The crazy thing is that I have now had to contact Maidstone Council to request that another lorry is sent out at the expense of the environment and taxpayer to clear this rubbish up, because it is the Council's legal responsibility to clear fly tipping. The flammable plastic rubbish was tampered with over Saturday night and my big concern was the risk of arson because the surrounding grassland and trees are a tinder box following the recent hot weather." Local Lib Dem County Councillor Ian Chittenden said, "Like Tony Harwood, I am becoming concerned at what seems to be an increase in local fly-tipping. While it does not help that the times for many of the freighter stops have been reduced, I am particularly concerned that the support vehicle that used to travel with the Freighter lorry, to deal with heavy electrical items, has been cancelled altogether". 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
• Nov 11, 2008:
  • Maidstone Conservatives downgrade climate response
    Lib Dems on Maidstone Borough Council have reacted with astonishment to news that the Conservative administration has downgraded the Council's ambitions to become carbon neutral. The original position inherited by the Conservatives was that the Council should be carbon neutral by 2010. The new Conservative plans are for a much more modest 3% annual reduction on carbon emissions. Leader of the Lib Dems on Maidstone Borough Council Cllr Fran Wilson said: "This is civil irresponsibility. The Council is the leading civic voice in our area and should be taking a lead on this issue. This is a betrayal of our children. This is not some academic argument. This moves means that the Council is doing the bare minimum on things that are harming local people like congestion and pollution and new development." Cllr Tony Harwood said: "The Council could and should do so much more - they should be investing in park and ride, open spaces and making sure that new buildings are energy efficient. "They should be making sure that every council service is provided in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Instead, they are throwing away this opportunity and local people will suffer. How can it be defensible to do the minimum on the major threat to local people." 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:
  • Conservatives Admit: Residents Paid For Developers' Damage To Roads'
    After a tour of damaged roads in Maidstone, Kent County Council has finally admitted that under the Conservative controlled, taxpayers have been paying for years when developers damage roads. Ian Chittenden, Liberal Democrat Councillor, challenged the County because developers were not being held responsible for streetlights and kerb stones broken during construction work in his Maidstone North East Division but he soon realised it was a countywide problem. Cllr Ferrin, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, and Senior Highways officers agreed to join Ian on a tour of roads damaged by developers' vehicles and they finally agreed that those who did the damage should pay, not residents. Ian said, "I am delighted at the outcome. From now on, when developers damage roads or paths, they will pay for the repairs. Regulations have been in place for many years, it's just that Kent County Council haven't enforced it. This is the culmination of an 18 month campaign by Liberal Democrats to get Kent County Council to enforce the law and hold developers to account, and I am delighted at the outcome. Lib Dem Leader Trudy Dean found one West Malling resident's house had been surrounded by a moat of water several inches deep after heavy vehicles broke drains during nearby construction work. There are examples across Kent where roads and kerbs have been cracked and broken and streetlights bent by clumsy builders. Trudy said "When I asked them, Officers admitted they hadn't inspected Police Station Road in West Malling before construction began as the Kent Design Guide says they should it and so it can't be proven who was responsible. I am pleased to hear they will do so for future building projects; but I just wish they'd started years ago and saved Kent taxpayers from footing the bill for road repairs which should have been paid for by builders." 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 10, 2008:
  • Temporary Closure to Maidstone East Station High Level Footbridge
    The temporary closure of the high level footbridge between Maidstone East Station and Buckland Hill, for much needed refurbishment and repairs, has now been reprogrammed to be carried out during the August school holiday period. Unfortunately, in 2007 the work had been planned to be undertaken during school term time. This would have required that between 400 and 500 children, who use the bridge each weekday, as their main walking access route to the Girls Grammar School and Maplesden Noakes School, be diverted along some of the busiest roads in the centre of Maidstone adding up to a mile to their journey. Following complaints from residents, Liberal Democrat County Councillor Ian Chittenden, discussed the serious concerns and risks with Highway Officers, who immediately postponed the work which will now be carried out outside school term time. The Bridge will be closed between the 28th July and the work completed by the 1st September. Ian says, "I was very pleased with the action taken by Senior Highway officers. As soon as they understood the problem, and the risk of diverting the children along such a difficult and busy route, they immediately agreed to cancel the work, and rearrange it to be undertaken during this years school summer holidays." 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