Borough SUMMER

2021

The Community Magazine from Maidstone Borough Council

#CLEANUPMAIDSTONE
FOCUS ON
CHANGELING
THEATRE

2021 ELECTION
RESULTS

ELMER’S
BIG Heart of Kent Parade

COMPETITION PAGE 36

PRIDE IN OUR BOROUGH

 Letter from the Editor
Community - at the heart of everything In this issue...
Hello, Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade 4-5
Having grown up in a rural village Safe, Clean & Green
in Kent I’ve always been aware how
important community can be, but never Recycling, Kent Wildlife Trust 6-7
more so since March 2020; these recent MBC Takes Action Against Landowner 8
months have demonstrated just how vital
it is to so many of us.
Mote Park Cafe Project, Brenchley Gardens 9
Maidstone Anti-Littering & Waste Collections 10
At Maidstone Borough Council we have seen and heard of
some fantastic examples of how people across the borough Maidstone Borough In Bloom 11
have been supporting each other in what has been an Community Protection, Bereavement Services 12
extraordinary time. Whether it be businesses rallying to get
the high street reopen and the local economy up and running A Thriving Place
again, or residents delivering groceries or prescriptions
Lockmeadow 13
for neighbours that they may not have spoken to before the
pandemic, it is clear people have gone out of their way to help Kent Life 14
each other. The Museum 15
In this edition of Borough Insight we focus on just a few of Hidden Gems, Business in Maidstone 16-17
those acts of kindness and help that have been shared with Visit Maidstone 18
us; including the amazing work the band of volunteers at the
Detling Community Store have been doing to support each Made in Maidstone 19

Maidstone Market just got bigger! other which saw the shop being recognised in the National
Rural Business Awards.
Changeling Theatre 20
MidKent College 21

Launched We also hear about how some people have had to look
at retraining and finding alternative career paths and look
12th June at what MidKent College has been doing to support them.
We find out about the recent Government Business Grants
that MBC helped to deliver and the difference that has made
to some local companies.
As well as reflecting on achievements from the past year, we
are also looking forward to Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade
which is literally ‘coming to town.’ A fantastic free art-trail of
Local Producers and Craft Market beautiful elephants which will be situated in different spots
around Maidstone to engage and delight all the family; created
To run the second Saturday each month by Heart of Kent Hospice. The Council is proud to be heritage
partners of the charity project and you can find out about how
(June - Sept, 9am - 2pm) In the Market Hall you can get involved.
If you have news of a community project that you would like us
Come to the launch day for great stalls and crafts, face painting to feature in the next edition of Borough Insight please contact:
& music from the Lew Lewis trio and more* communications@maidstone.gov.uk
Take care and kind regards,
Julie
Julie Maddocks - MBC Communications Manager
Meet the MBC Communications Team
The traditiona
l market
still runs every
Tuesday & Sat
urday
7.30am - 1pm.
Editors: Julie Maddocks, Ella Watkins, Ella Martignetti
Design: Sue Fuller, Rachel Lea
Advertising Sales: communications@maidstone.gov.uk
Student Art Projects, Heritage Open Days 22
Maidstone Leisure Centre 23
Compassionate Community Awards 24
Embracing Growth & Enabling Infrastructure
ZED PODS 25
mhs homes, Local Plan Review 26
Local Land Search 28
Maidstone Innovation Centre 29
Homes & Communities
2021 Election Results 30
New Mayor - Fay Gooch 31
Breakdown of Council Tax 32
Business Grants Update 33
Bus Station, Covid Vaccine Update 34
Trinity House Refurbishment 35
Wheels of Time, Monopoly Competition 36
Detling Community Store 37
Get in touch...
maidstoneboroughcouncil See Page 38
maidstonebc for our full
maidstonebc contact list
maidstonecouncil
Front cover Elmer
At time of going to press all information is correct.

*Information correct at the time of printing

2 www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk 3
Elmer’s
BIG Heart of Kent Parade
Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade
is taking to the streets of Maidstone
this summer, bringing David McKee’s
popular children’s character Elmer
the Patchwork Elephant to life to
raise awareness and funds for Heart
of Kent Hospice as it celebrates its
30th anniversary.
With a blaze of colour and creativity,
Elmer and a host of friends will be
delivering a ton of fun and laughter
through an art trail from Saturday
19 June until Sunday 22 August.
Visitors and residents will be able
to explore three routes, totalling
around six miles, to discover 51
unique large Elmer sculptures.
Each large Elmer has been lovingly
designed by local and national artists
and are sponsored by a local business
or organisation.
Maidstone Borough Council is
trumpeting its support for the first
ever public art trail to come to the
County Town, as the official Heritage
Partner and is providing sponsorship
for the exciting creative project.
Visitors will also discover Elmer’s
Learning Herd, made up of 30 small
sculptures, designed and painted by
local schools and youth organisations
from Maidstone and the surrounding
areas - plus one special Elmer that
has been designed especially for
Heart of Kent Hospice.
The location of each sculpture will
be revealed via a beautifully hand-
illustrated map available at key town
centre locations across Maidstone or
via the free Parade app available on
4 www.maidstone.gov.uk
19 June. Each sculpture has a unique of its shops were forced to close at
app code that reveals some exciting various stages throughout the year
rewards to download. and most fundraising events were
cancelled. Through it all, the Hospice
A host of volunteer Elmer Trailmakers has been on the frontline, supporting
will be stationed along the route terminally ill people, their carers,
and at two Elmer shops, one in The families and other healthcare
Mall and the other in Fremlin Walk, professionals in the local area.
to provide information about the
trail and Hospice, and showcase Last March Heart of Kent Hospice
the range of merchandise on offer. had to take the decision to postpone
In addition there will be a special the Parade for a year, but over the
Roving Elmer Armstrong sculpture past seven months it has been
visiting companies and local events. working behind the scenes with its
Official Partners to plan how the
The Parade will provide a brilliant nine-week trail can go ahead in a
day (or few hours) out, at the same Covid-secure way. After what has
time supporting Maidstone’s post been a difficult year for everyone,
-pandemic revival. It will have a this Parade is a chance for the whole
positive impact on the local economy, community to come together to
attracting people into the area and recover, heal and have some fun!
bringing benefits for local businesses.
The trail guides visitors through the Don’t miss the opportunity to see
town centre, across beautiful parks all the Elmer sculptures under
and along the river path, reflecting one roof in an accessible location
Maidstone’s history, economic heart at the Farewell Weekend from
and areas of natural beauty. Friday 3 to Sunday 5 September
at Lockmeadow, Maidstone.
Rachel Street, Interim Chief Executive On Thursday 9 September, the large
at Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “We sculptures will go under the spotlight
are so excited to welcome Elmer’s at the glittering Elmer’s Big Heart
Big Heart of Kent Parade to Maidstone. of Kent Parade Auction to find their
This free outdoor trail will provide
forever home and raise money
a much-needed boost to everyone’s for the Hospice. All the proceeds
wellbeing and the economy.
from the auction will help Heart of
“This is the perfect opportunity for Kent Hospice to continue to provide
everyone to get outside and have its specialist advice, support and
tons of fun while discovering the huge outstanding care, now and for the
range of Elmer designs created by next 30 years.
some incredibly talented artists.”
To ensure you don’t miss out
2020 was a tough year for everyone. on any of the fun, visit:
Heart of Kent Hospice’s fundraising www.elmermaidstone.co.uk/
was significantly impacted. All 14
www.maidstone.gov.uk 5
 SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN

What happens to your recycling Getting back to nature

We all want to do our bit for the
environment so carefully sort our
paper and cardboard from our glass,
plastic and metal items.
This is a challenge for all of us as
it can be difficult to know what can
be recycled. As a general rule if you
haven’t been told it can go in the
recycling bin it probably can’t.
To make sure your carefully sorted
rubbish ends up being recycled
there are some golden rules:
• Put all food waste in the food load is rejected. Whenever the bulk
waste bin or if you don’t use that load is rejected, all the material
please use the general household within the load is diverted for disposal
After the refuse collectors take your
bins away your recycling is taken
to a recovery facility at Crayford for
sorting. The process includes people
having to pick items off a conveyor
belt and whenever ‘contaminated’
items are found in the recyclable
materials it creates expensive
problems.
If food waste and other substances
get onto clean paper and cardboard,
they are contaminated, in most cases
making them unrecyclable and the
Maidstone Borough Council’s recycling
team is there to help and offer
with Kent Wildlife Trust
a specialist recycling information
service, they will try to answer most Kent Wildlife Trust manages and • You can find full details by
questions and queries, email them protects over 80 nature reserves downloading the Bugs Matter app
at recycling@maidstone.gov.uk around the county and is the county’s which is available free in your
leading conservation charity. Over app store. The survey period
half of UK species have declined is from June to the end of August
Most residents since 1970 and 15% are now at risk 2021
follow the 5 steps of extinction. Together with members,
• You can journey on thrilling
to get their recycling right supporters, volunteers and partners,
Kent Wildlife Trust works to safeguard new walking tours and explore
the Kent Wildlife Trust nature
1
Use the separate weekly
wildlife.
food collection service reserves with a knowledgeable
The Trust works closely with local guide who will share the stories
communities, landowners and of the innovative wilding projects
2
Stick to the dry material
recycling list
Paper & cardboard, glass bottles & jars, partners to protect and improve taking place to help wildlife thrive
metal food & drinks cans, foil, plastic

waste bin at a landfill site at huge financial bottles, tubs, pots & trays. habitats for the benefit of the
wildlife and people of Kent. The • Anyone who is aged over 55
and environmental cost to the local
3 or with long term health conditions,
Make sure all bottles,
• Make sure all bottles, cans and tax payer. cans and containers Trust also campaigns for wildlife
plastics do not have food or drink are empty
and invites the public to work with that are experiencing loneliness
in them, empty them first On average around 10% of items them to make positive changes. and isolation and/or low wellbeing

•

collected from residents green
Do not put items in plastic bags recycling bins last year, could not
– leave them loose, plastic bags be recycled via our service.
4 No plastic bags or nappies
in your recycling
By supporting their work, you can
help create a Wilder Kent:



are invited to join nature and
wellbeing programmes at Tyland
Barn in Maidstone. These will aid

5
cannot be recycled Use a separate garden bin positive mental health and
So far this year six loads have or home compost your garden
waste
• Why not become a citizen wellbeing by engaging with nature
• Do not put nappies in the recycling been rejected, at a cost of around scientist this summer and help
they must go in the general £15,000. We are here to help, any questions about household waste
/recycling services in Maidstone, please contact us using:
the Trust understand insect For more information or to join © Paul Tinsley-Marshall
household waste bin as they recycling@Maidstone.gov.uk populations in Kent? Insects please contact the Trust Nature
cannot be recycled Glass Bottles & Jars underpin our natural world, and Wellbeing Officer by emailing:
Plastic Bottles If you are unsure about recycling
an item, please check with us
but they are dying out up to eight Vicky.aitkenhead@kentwildlife.org.uk
Tin Cans beforehand. times faster than larger animals
Paper & Cardboard and 41% of insect species face These are just a few exciting events
extinction. Surveying their Kent Wildlife Trust has to offer this
numbers can help the Trust gain  summer, please visit www.kentwild-
better understanding of our lifetrust.org.uk/events to book and
environment find more nature inspired events.

© Paul Hobson

6 www.maidstone.gov.uk © Nick Upton www.maidstone.gov.uk 7

 SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN
Council takes legal action
against landowner to protect area of AONB
Continuing its fight against harm to an area of outstanding
natural beauty, MBC has taken action and obtained
a Full Injunction in both prohibitory and mandatory
terms against a landowner in Boxley.
Mr Langley Beck of Bell Lane, had previously ignored
requirements of an Enforcement Notice to stop living
on the land and the unlawful disposal of waste including
car parts and vehicles and to restore the land.
The Council began legal proceedings to prevent further
serious harm to the site that is located within an AONB,
a designated Ancient Woodland and covered by a Tree
Preservation Order. The land stretches over 36 acres
and has been blighted by the landowner after being
littered with commercial and industrial waste for many
8 www.maidstone.gov.uk
years leaving the area contaminated as a result of illegal
dumping and burning.
After a long successful legal campaign by MBC - assisted
by Ivy Legal, the Full Injunction was served in order to
protect the area; the prohibitory part of the legal notice
means that all activities and living on the land must
stop, with the mandatory element requiring everything
to be removed from the site within six months.
Officers from MBC’s Planning Enforcement, Community
Protection and Waste Crime Teams, the Environment
Agency, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police,
visited the site on several occasions which culminated
in a decision being taken to take action against
the landowner.
Works starting
on Mote Park new café
Maidstone’s stunning 440 acre
Mote Park will soon benefit from
a fabulous new café with both indoor
and outdoor seating and a new larger
modern toilet building to support
the many visitors to the park. The
new centre will also have a flexible
space for learning, meetings and for
community groups to hire.
Maidstone Borough Council is
organising and leading the work
which is being carried out by BBS
Construction Ltd.
The new buildings will provide
a ‘changing places’ room as well
as a flexible space which will be
available all year round for local
schools and community groups.
Brenchley Gardens - worth a visit!
These beautiful gardens are an oasis
in the heart of the town centre and
a perfect spot to take a break from
work, shopping or just to enjoy the
scenery.
The renowned Victorian landscape
designer Alexander McKenzie laid
out the gardens that became
Maidstone’s first public park and
were presented to the town by
SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN
Improved landscaping and new
surfacing will link the new facilities
to the car park, where increased
bicycle parking will also be provided.
The existing café, toilet block and
estates office will be demolished
which will open up the view of the
Mr Julius Brenchley in 1873. Julius
was born in Maidstone in 1816 and
led a very adventurous life, travelling
all over the world, his motto was
‘wander, marvel and adore.’
Maidstone Museum backs onto
Brenchley Gardens and hosts
a collection of the interesting and
varied artefacts that Julius collected the top of the House of Commons
on his travels.
lake. It is hoped that the new
facilities will be open to the
public in 2022.
As part of these works a new
Estate Building will also be added
closer to the Leisure Centre.
The Victorian bandstand is still
a wonderful feature which we hope
will once again be a stage to local
performers. Nearby you will find
The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent
cenotaph, designed by Edwin Lutyens
and other fascinating artefacts.
There is even a large finial from
Debating Chamber recovered after
bombing in 1941 and presented
to the town.
The tradition of well-maintained
formal gardens of roses and bedding
plants mixes well with shrubs and
trees; this summer look out for
Elmer the Elephant in the flowering
carpet bed too!
Why not pay a visit
next time you are
in the town centre!
9
 SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN

#CleanUpMaidstone - Litter campaign ‘Be Blooming Lovely’

Unfortunately litter is a huge problem across the UK, by entering the Maidstone Borough In Bloom competition
BEASTENDERS
and in Maidstone it is an ongoing issue. The Council saw
a massive increase in littering as the first Covid lockdown
was lifted last year when it went up by 250%.
Open for entries:
As a result, Maidstone Borough Council is launching a Don’t be a Wrong’un
new campaign - #CleanUpMaidstone targeting littering until Monday 5 July 2021
which is blighting the borough and the County Town.
The Council currently operates a waste team of 34
Watch it! If you enjoy creating beautiful gardens
people which costs around £1.2million per year to run. or pots this is for you.
In 2020 alone the team removed 1,950 tons of illegally
disposed waste on the highways across the borough. The Maidstone Borough In Bloom PR
categories are: IZE
Until now, MBC has used traditional methods of catching Wi
n
£2 ners S
people littering and issued over 200 Fixed Penalty Residential Categories 5g
vou ift
Notices last year, but the Council is now introducing che
new automated cameras which will identify litter being
• Best Front Garden r
discarded from moving vehicles, identify the registration For the first time ever MBC has launched a Maidstone • Best Back Garden
plate resulting in a fine being issued. The new technology Borough in Bloom competition and is inviting anyone
will be launched this summer and will help enhance the who enjoys creating beautiful gardens or pots to enter. • Best Planted Pot, Trough or Hanging Basket
enforcement action the MBC team already undertakes. It is not too late to take part, entries are being taken • Best Vegetable Garden or Allotment
The new cameras will focus on highspeed roads and until Monday 5 July. Judging will take place during the • Best Pollinators Garden
main routes in to the town centre with the aim of reducing last two weeks of July and the Awards Ceremony will
Littering is a CRIME be held in September.
litter that is being disposed of along all types of roads Commercial Categories
in our borough. You will be fined
The Council is working with Coolings Garden Centre • Best Commercial Garden
in Bearsted and there are three categories, residential,
So please be warned, if you are tempted to throw rubbish #CleanUpMaidstone commercial and community. Any household entering • Best Commercial Planted Pot, Trough
out of your vehicle think again because we could be
will be given a £5 voucher to spend at Coolings. or Hanging Basket
watching you!
Please help us to keep Maidstone tidy, have pride in our A trophy will be awarded for the winner and runner up Community Categories
borough and join the #CleanUpMaidstone Campaign! in each category. All winners in each category will also
receive a prize of £25.00 Coolings gift voucher as well
• Best Community Environmental Garden
as two adult annual tickets for Leeds Castle. • Best Community Ornamental Garden

Changes to waste collection service

Working in partnership with Biffa Waste Management,
the Council is always looking for ways to improve waste
collection services provided to households across the Make Maidstone Borough Bloom!
borough and has recently introduced changes to some
refuse and recycling collection routes.
The new waste collection schedule was introduced for
some residents on 10 May in order to help collection
round efficiencies, reduce fuel usage, improve air
quality, cut carbon emissions and to provide an
improved service.
For more information regarding your waste service
and the changes made please visit the MBC website: To enter please complete a Coolings
www.maidstone.gov.uk Garden Centre entry form through the
Maidstone Borough Council website here:
https://maidstone.gov.uk/maidstone-borough-in-bloom
10 www.maidstone.gov.uk 11
 SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN
Guiding our young people
In the past year, Covid-19 restrictions have meant
schools, sports clubs, cinemas, shops and leisure
activities have had to close which has left some
young people with little to keep them occupied.
Whilst many young people have adapted to the
restrictions, some have struggled and as a result have
participated in anti-social behaviour and criminal acts.
Meet The Team
Bereavement Services
Steve is our Bereavement
Service Team Leader. He is
responsible for the smooth
running of the Chapel and
Crematory and Vinters Park
Crematorium. Steve is
a certified cremation technician
and mentors’ new recruits to
gain their certification in this
area.
12
A THRIVING PLACE
Get ready to... Lockmeadow’s
new Children’s Play Area
Many of the young people who take part in this type
of behaviour may be putting themselves at an even
LoveFood@Lockmeadow It’s all happening at Lockmeadow
this year!
greater risk. They are known to the Community
Following a public vote and market research with stakeholders, Including a project to utilise the
Protection Team, Kent Police, Parish Councils and many
Lockmeadow finally has its chosen name for the food hall coming outdoor space between the stag
other agencies who are all working together to protect
to the centre this autumn. sculpture and the River Medway
the wider communities as well as safeguarding the
as a new children’s play area which
young people themselves. It was a close call between the final two names, which were put
will help bridge the relationship
to vote after a survey narrowed down from six - and the winner was
The team is working to help provide diversionary between the building of Lockmeadow
LoveFood@Lockmeadow.
activities in a safe way and is looking for volunteers, and the riverside.
such as sports coaches, artists or musicians, to provide The Council has been holding focus groups with local residents and
Online engagement on social media
activities, particularly over the summer holidays. businesses to gain their opinions on which foods they would like to enjoy
asked the children of Lockmeadow
at Lockmeadow and is using that information to help select interested
Anyone interested should email: followers what they like most about
parties.
communityprotection@maidstone.gov.uk playing at the park and their
The stakeholder groups told MBC that they wanted locally produced food comments have been used to help
and businesses where possible. As a result of their feedback, the Council shape up plans.
Please respect each other
is striving to offer existing and new audiences a different eating out
There are further plans to invite
experience for Maidstone. From light bites, friends and families meeting,
children from a Maidstone school
or a coffee stop after a riverside walk it wants to provide an offer for as
Other antisocial behaviour has also increased during to give their critical verdict on early
many audiences as possible.
the past year, so our Community Protection Officers designs! The playpark is aiming to
are asking everyone to please respect each other MBC also has plans for outside dining and is working to a current timeline launch this summer.
and consider their neighbours. to open LoveFood@Lockmeadow in autumn 2021.
Independent food caterers who would like an information pack and more
details about the food hall are asked to please contact MBC’s Alexa
Kersting-Woods and email: AlexaKerstingWoods@maidstone.gov.uk
Shelley, Claire and Lesley are our James, Lindsay, Steve and Justine
Memorial team. They will assist look after the crematorium. Lindsay
with a suitable memorial to and James cover the chapel duties
remember your loved one. and cremation process. Justine ensures
This may be an entry in our Book of all the paperwork associated with
Remembrance, or a plaque placed a funeral is accurate and authorised.
in our Gardens of Remembrance. Lockmeadow’s
Sharon is our Bereavement
new selfie wall
Services Manager. She has
Mark, Hannah, Tomasz, Craig, by graffiti artist
a Diploma in Cemetery and
and Lewis (not pictured), are Graham Upton
Crematorium Management
our Cemetery team. They can (@Shade2UK)
and is responsible for the
assist with grave selections,
running of Vinters Park representing rising
purchase of Exclusive Rights
Crematorium & Maidstone
of a grave space and advise
from the ashes of the
Cemetery. Sharon ensures past year into a new
on transferring grave
the teams work within relevant future of freedom
ownership.
legislation and regulations. and positivity.
Share your photos and tag us in!
Artist: Graham Upton
www.maidstone.gov.uk 13
 A THRIVING PLACE
Kent Life is a vibrant and fun
destination with a host of attractions
on its 28 acre site which offer a great
family day out. No matter whether
your family is seeking nostalgia
or want to discover more about
animals, this is a great place to be.
Each season brings new things to do
and see, so whenever you chose to
visit there will be something different.
As a working farm Kent Life
showcases and breeds traditional
farm animals including sheep, pigs,
horses, alpacas, rabbits, goats, ducks
and chickens and the cuddle corner
is always popular with visitors.
Visit the Vintage Village and explore
what life would have been like during
World War II, by making your way
through the houses and to the
Anderson Shelter. The 1950s are
well represented in the Sandling
Farmhouse, or you can step back
in time in Petts Farmhouse from
the Victorian era.
The large grounds are home to the
last working coal-fired Oast House
in the UK - which is brought back
into production for one weekend
each year for the annual
Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival
(11 & 12 September 2021).
Events and entertainment run all
year, and when restrictions allow,
visitors can join in with some of the
seasonal farm jobs such as animal
feeding or grooming sessions. Family
play comes in all shapes and sizes
from adventure play areas through
to fun farm rides and the paint-a-pot
studio. During school holidays, the
Big Top often plays host to special
shows (included in the standard
admission price).
14
There is a great value annual
membership scheme, which allows
almost unlimited access to Kent Life
all year, along with discounts in the
catering areas and gift shop.
Currently open for take-away only,
enhance your visit with a trip to
Dotty’s Tea Room, which has great
home-made cakes and a selection
of hot and cold snacks, or enjoy a
cream tea in the shade on the terrace.
The Ice Cream Hut and Pizza Garden
are available on selected days during
peak season.
www.maidstone.gov.uk
Sat 3 July
to Sat 4 September 2021
This unmissable exhibition comes
to Maidstone Museum and is for
Star Wars fans everywhere.
May The Toys Be With You is one
of the UK’s finest collections of
vintage Star Wars toys and original
cinema posters. For little and big
kids alike, this is a not-to be-missed
opportunity to view rarely seen
and highly collectable Star Wars
treasures from X-Wing fighters
to lightsabers!
Adult £4, Child £2, Family £10 (1 or 2 adults
& up to 3 children), Under 5’s FREE,
25% discount for Maidstone Museum
Foundation (MMF) Members
Situated just off junction 6 of the
M20, Kent Life is easily accessible
and there is ample free parking.
The 155 bus runs from Maidstone
and stops just outside. Currently,
all visitors must pre-book online
before visiting.
www.kentlife.org.uk
01622 763936
enquiries@kentlife.org.uk
For more details on all events: PLEASE NOTE - all exhibitions and events are subject to change/cancellation in line with government guidelines. Refunds will be made if necessary.
MaidstoneMuseum
A THRIVING PLACE
Museum to help create
Maidstone Memories
for care home residents
Maidstone Museum is providing
‘Maidstone Memories’ sessions
within residential homes around
the borough, using objects from
the Museum.
It is hoped the sessions will give
residents the chance to talk about
past experiences, bringing back
happy memories.
The residential home chooses either
to receive a box of objects which can
be handled by residents, these are
quarantined before and after use,
or the objects can be shown virtually
from the Museum.
Objects boxes will also include old
photographs and historic film clips,
with themes of The River, Homemaking,
Local Industry and Entertainment.
ALL
The museum can offer 12 free
G
LIN
sessions; there are a few spaces left,
CAL
but do book soon to guarantee one
Young Artists! by emailing:
museumevents@maidstone.gov.uk
Any young artists aged 25 or under
from Maidstone, or the South East The work is possible thanks to a
can take part in this exciting Golding Homes Covid-19 response
opportunity to exhibit their artwork grant for £1,800 to work specifically
and be in with a chance of winning with those communities badly hit
£250 or £100 for a runner-up. by the pandemic.
The theme for this year is ‘Spirit
of Kent’, which can be interpreted
however you wish: farming, people,
industry, traditions, folklore,
architecture, history, etc. Follow
us on Instagram @MaidstoneYAA
and #MYAASpiritOfKent for more
inspiration.
The closing date for entries
is Friday 21 January 2022.
For more details and an entry form,
please visit the museum website
www.maidstonemuseum.gov.uk
At time of going to press all information is correct.
01622 602838 museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk
museum.maidstone.gov.uk
www.maidstone.gov.uk 15
 A THRIVING PLACE
Hidden Gems
Did you know?
A quick history about how Maidstone has always been
a market town…
It is believed that Maidstone started life as a Saxon
village. Domesday Book records of 1086 show that
around 250 people lived here, in comparison to most
villages which had no more than 150. At that time
it had five watermills, which ground grain to flour.
The River Medway that divides Men of Kent (North
and East of the river) from Kentish Men (South and West) In 1892 Lockmeadow was purchased to hold livestock
has provided water, power and transport throughout the fairs, and the market diversified by the 1940s to include
town’s history and is the reason it developed as a town. motor vehicles, garden produce and general goods.
By the 13th century Maidstone had grown into a thriving
market town, its river and later rail links making it easy
to transport goods to and from the town for selling
and buying. In 1261, it gained a charter for markets
every Thursday at Peter’s Field, then moving to the High
Street. In the 1720s, Daniel Defoe declared Maidstone
market the best in England, with a wide variety of goods
going to London including bullocks, timber, corn, hops,
paving stones, sand and apples.
With its river, road and rail routes to London and the
Continent, Maidstone became the County Town of Kent,
evolving into the business, market, social, shopping,
medical and judicial centre for the region. Maidstone’s
history really begins in the medieval period, when the
Archbishops’ Palace, overlooking the River Medway,
became the focus of small-scale development with
markets and fairs.
Locomotive crossing the high-level
railway bridge, Maidstone, c.1920
Lockmeadow Market, c.1947
All photos © Maidstone Museums
16 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Maidstone began to boom as an industrial and society
town in the 18th century, with principal trades including
brewing and paper making and in its heyday, it supplied
London with ‘more particulars than from any single
market town in England.’ The arrival of train links in the
19th century also meant easier commuting for workers,
as well as transportation of good and materials.
By the 19th century, Maidstone also supplied agricultural
machinery, seed and sundries of the hop and fruit trade.
The thriving livestock farmers markets continued until
the 1990s, when livestock auctions moved to Detling.
The Lockmeadow market complex is currently having
a makeover after being bought by the Council in 2019
and hopes to see a resurgence in popularity.
Information provided by Maidstone Museum,
follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
to keep up to date with blogs, news and much more.
Lockmeadow Market, c.1947
A THRIVING PLACE
Survive and thrive
post-pandemic
With restrictions gradually being lifted, many businesses
are reopening and considering the best approach to
help them recover from the effects of the last year.
Although rebuilding might seem daunting, there are
some simple steps businesses can take to stand them
in good stead.
The team at MBC’s Business Terrace, which helps
businesses start, grow and thrive, has put together
some top tips:
• Continue to reassure - some members of the
public may be nervous about returning to normal
life. Be sure to remind your customers of the
covid-safe measures you are taking so that they feel
secure using your products, premises or services
• Be seen! Although advertising and marketing
seem like obvious areas in which to make savings,
it’s more important than ever to remain visible
and make sure customers and clients know you’re
still around and active
• Keep talking – whether online or in person,
networking is vital for making connections in your
business community. By building professional
relationships in this way, you’re more likely to
be front of mind when someone is looking to make
a recommendation
• Consider office space – if you have been mostly
home-based, a co-working space could help give
you the physical and mental space to grow and
develop. Somewhere like the Business Terrace
provides flexible office space with likeminded
people as well as offering a wealth of advice
and support
Visit www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk for advice
and more details on the Business Terrace.
www.maidstone.gov.uk 17
 A THRIVING PLACE
Get out and enjoy
all that Maidstone has on offer
Maidstone has fantastic attractions
and leisure activities for you to enjoy
this summer. So no matter whether
you are planning a staycation or
looking forward to welcoming family
and friends to visit there is loads to
keep you entertained.
Many independent businesses have
had to adapt and change, and they
are keen to welcome you back.
Lovely cafés, pubs and restaurants
throughout the borough, with both
indoor and outdoor seating, are just
waiting for you to visit.
Leeds Castle’s grounds, gardens
and playgrounds have remained
open throughout the year and now
you can visit inside the castle itself
and enjoy over 900 years of history.
Kent life, a firm family favourite,
is expanding the activities available,
with more animal encounters
including owl flying demos.
18
Maidstone Museum is looking forward
to an exciting new exhibition this
summer. A must for Star Wars Fans,
‘May the Toys Be With You’ is one of
the finest collections of vintage Star
Wars toys, original posters and set
props.
If you have been missing live
entertainment, the Hazlitt Theatre
is planning a bumper programme
of shows this year from comedy
to music.
Mote Park and Cobtree Manor
Park have been welcoming visitors
throughout the year. Mote Park
Watersports Centre and the Outdoor
Adventure offer challenging outdoor
activities for all the family.
A THRIVING PLACE
Events are coming back to Mote
Park from the end of June starting
with ‘Glitterbomb’, ‘Revival Ibiza
Local Producers
Symphonic Orchestra’, and the
‘Together Festival’ a free event for
NHS and key workers. Maidstone
and Crafts Market
‘FreeWheelin FEASTivalis’ takes
place at the end of July.
launches in Maidstone
The Battle of Britain Airshow is Maidstone Market has a new Local Producers and
scheduled to be held at Headcorn Crafts Market. Launched 12 June the specialist market
Aerodrome at the end of June. will be held monthly in the Market Hall. It will feature
In July there is the Kent County local producers and crafts people selling and sharing
Show and the renowned Leeds Castle their products to existing market goers and aims
Classical Concert to look forward to. to attract new audiences to shop at the market.
Tickets must be purchased in advance
and are subject to the government MBC introduced this new element to the existing
review of Covid restrictions. market and is offering free stalls to new producers
and crafters from June - September to support them
For more information and help establish the Local Producers and Crafts
go to www.visitmaidstone.com Market.
Facebook.com/visitmaidstone
If anyone has rekindled their crafts/hobbies during
lockdown and is looking to try selling them in person,
the Council is asking them to get in touch, as this
could be the perfect platform for them.
Markets have changed through the years and audiences
are looking for more authentic shopping experiences
from local makers, which this new venture is aiming
to provide.
There is already a very loyal following at the existing
Maidstone Market, but as is the case across the UK,
footfall has declined and the Council wants to bolster
the existing market, whilst bringing something fresh
and exciting to attract new shoppers.
The launch event featured face painters, food stalls
and music from the Lew Lewis Trio band.
The Local Producers and Crafts Market will run every
second Saturday from June onwards. You can find out
more on the MBC website: www.maidstone.gov.uk
For anyone who would like to enquire about taking
an introductory free pitch at the Market, please email:
jeffrobinson@maidstone.gov.uk
www.maidstone.gov.uk 19
 A THRIVING PLACE A THRIVING PLACE

Changeling Theatre MidKent College

back on the road again for 2021 Retrain and gain new qualifications

Changeling Theatre prides itself on He acknowledges too that MBC

creating original interpretations of played a part in helping launch The last year has seen a huge upheaval in the local and
classic plays which it has done for youth theatre in Maidstone when national jobs market, with a feeling of uncertainty for
20 years, delivering high quality, it backed the Roundabout Community many around their roles and longevity of their careers.
entertaining productions since it Arts Project in 1990. Originally This has motivated some to retrain and gain new
began. based at the Hazlitt the youth qualifications to take their careers in a totally different
theatre opened its doors to provide direction.
Best known for open-air productions, weekly workshops for 11-18 year
over the years the company has been olds and was a great platform for To support this change, the government has introduced
performing Shakespeare’s most youngsters of all abilities to learn Rob Forknall - Artistic Director a Lifetime Skills Guarantee as part of their Plan for
popular plays in some unusual about theatre and take their first Jobs toolkit. This scheme is designed for adults aged
venues including Maidstone’s Football step onto a stage. “It can be so difficult to make that 24 and over who do not currently hold A levels, an
Stadium, Allington Castle and first step without some professional advanced technical diploma or equivalent. An estimated
community parks. Rob comments: “Maidstone experience under your belt,” 10 million adults nationally can now take their first full
Borough Council should be proud continues Rob, “that is why we Level 3 qualification for free.*
The company’s Artistic Director is
of what it did to help young people in launched Catapult which includes
Rob Forknall who explains: “All the As your local College for Maidstone, MidKent is fully
supporting the youth theatre group. opportunities such as our Apprentice
plays are chosen by the audience - committed to helping those in our local community
The Roundabout Arts Project offered and Rookie schemes.”
we are genuinely guided by popular to access the skills they need to be successful in
so many opportunities to so many
demand. We ask them to tell us employment. The local economy will also benefit, as
in and around Maidstone.”
what they would like us to perform people will be trained for identified sectors where there
Changeling’s 20th Anniversary
next year and we adhere to whatever are skills gaps, including construction, digital and care.
Changeling continues to provide 2021 open air tour is A Midsummer
they choose.”
a talent lab for young or emerging Night’s Dream. You’re promised an Level 2 in Hospitality & Catering student Claire Tickell
Rob remembers how in 2012 when theatre practitioners through its unmissable performance - a funny, took the step to retrain after looking after her family for
the body of King Richard III was ‘Catapult’ scheme which offers early fantastical feast for all the senses 15 years. “I feel that having a qualification in cookery will
discovered in a car park, that career actors, writers, technicians, that will delight all ages. The opening give me more confidence in my ability, and help me to
Changeling was set to perform composers and directors the performance is Friday 2 July at pursue my career and ambition to own a street food
the Shakespeare play and because of opportunity to work alongside Boughton Monchelsea Place. Tickets truck.
the news interest, audiences flocked established theatre professionals for the opening night and the rest of
to performances throughout the tour. on their open air summer tour. the tour are available on the website: “It’s been great returning to education as an adult. We’re
www.changeling-theatre.com never too old to learn and knowledge is a powerful tool.
It will open up a whole new world of possibilities and
Changeling Theatre provide me with the skills to do something for myself
Productions after many years on focusing being a parent.”
MidKent College is offering a range of free Level 3
courses for those aged over 24 including Engineering
and Accounting through to Construction, Electrical
Installation and Plumbing. These courses include
a mixture of blended and face-to-face qualifications,
to allow you to be flexible with your other commitments.
More information is available on their website.
If you’re an adult looking to change career an impartial
careers team may be able to help you to identify your
skills, explore different career paths and relevant training.
Visit www.midkent.ac.uk/CareersAdvice for further
information. Claire Tickell - Hospitality & Catering Student

*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hundreds-of-
free-qualifications-on-offer-to-boost-skills-and-jobs

20 www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk 21
 A THRIVING PLACE A THRIVING PLACE

Maidstone Leisure Centre

Art
ON THE HIGH STREET
A brand new mini art trail has been created as part of a
campaign by MBC and One Maidstone to brighten up the
town centre.
Local youngsters took part in a number of workshops to
create the artworks for display in empty shop windows.
In the first session, the focus was on photography, while
the second session saw the youngsters create individual
pieces of street art.
The trail starts at the Mall and a map of all the other
locations can be found on our website, along with further
details about the project.
The project has been made possible thanks
to the generous support of a number of organisations
including One Maidstone, the West Kent Youth Justice
team and the Safer Maidstone Partnership.
Pictured (left to right)
Workshop facilitator, Andrew Dennis; Anna Kerrigan; Evan Tinsley and Ben Farrant
Thanks also to the Mall and the landlords and property
owners of the empty shops, as well as the youngsters
who took part.
boost your health and wellbeing in a Covid-safe space
For the team that run Maidstone Leisure Centre, health
and wellbeing are what they care most about. The priority Family Time
is to give you a place to escape to, somewhere you can For children and families, swimming lessons are also
relax, recharge and reenergise. back with reduced class sizes and limited spectating to
maintain social distancing poolside. Family fun swimming
It is clear from the industry track-record, that fitness
facilities have an outstanding safety record. Furthermore, sessions are carefully managed with online bookings
the centre has a robust, rapid and effective test and trace for group bubbles to visit to ensure peace of mind.
system to support the protection of the community and
the team has taken measures to ensure the safety of
School Holidays
everyone in the centre - including: Maidstone Leisure is renowned for its school holiday
programme and the Children’s Activity Team is geared
Clean as a whistle! - Rigorous on-going cleaning,
up for the summer break. The Super Stars Holiday Club
Covid-secure safety measures & plenty of sanitiser
is back as well as the purpose-built three-storey Soft
stations.
Play for under 5s, complete with a ball pit and toys for
A breath of fresh air! - Continual clean air circulating toddlers to enjoy.
helping to maintain a safe space for everyone.
To find out what you need to know before you visit,
Get booked in! - Easy online bookings from your mobile, and details of memberships, activities, bookings
plus safe contactless payments. and all the safety measures that are in place, visit:
www.maidstoneleisure.com

Take part in...

Maidstone Borough Council is looking
for venues who would like to take
part in ‘Edible England’ Heritage
Open Days from Saturday 10 to
Sunday 19 September this year.
Heritage Open Days is England’s
largest festival of history and culture, events where people can get out and
offering free events which celebrate about again will be very popular.
local heritage, community and history.
In previous years people have been
able to see places they do not
normally have access to, climbing to
the tops of church towers and up into
the observatory at Maidstone Museum.
Health & Fitness You can also follow the centre on Facebook
The centre is currently running a number of Covid-secure for regular updates and engaging content at:
activities including gym and swim sessions for members facebook.com/MaidstoneLeisure/
Any venues interested in taking part and casual pay-as-you-go users that can be booked
As well as cellars and nuclear
can find out more information here: up to seven days in advance online. The Gym has been
bunkers, places like the Archbishop’s
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk fitted with clear partition screens between stations
Palace, with its wealth of history,
or email: to enhance safety while you work out. Outdoor group
have all opened their doors.
exercise classes have also been introduced for those
annmarielangley@maidstone.gov.uk
Following release from lockdown that are keen to get back to classes with their favourite
and a return to normal life, it is hoped instructors and indoor workout classes resumed in May
with carefully managed spaces to enable social distancing
during each session.

The Archbishop’s Palace & All Saint’s Church

22 www.maidstone.gov.uk (left) Maidstone Museum Observatory Tower www.maidstone.gov.uk 23
 A THRIVING PLACE
MBC is inviting you to nominate someone you know who The awards are part of the work being carried out
has ‘gone-the-extra-mile’ as part of the Compassionate to support the work of the Council and the Hospice
Community Awards 2021.
After a great success last year, the Council and Heart
of Kent Hospice have joined forces to hold the awards
which recognise and celebrate the work of unsung heroes
from across the borough of Maidstone. They were
introduced last year to highlight and celebrate the
positive and compassionate work that individuals,
community groups and organisations have done by going
above and beyond - particularly during the Covid-19
pandemic, to help and support their local communities.
The Council and Hospice have collaborated through the
awards to showcase the important and selfless work
that people in our borough have done to help improve
the lives of people living and working in and around
Maidstone.
However big or small you think their contribution has
been, if they have gone that extra mile for the benefit
of others, make sure you nominate them for one of the
six Compassionate Community Awards.
The six categories are:
1. Compassionate Workplace/Business
2. Compassionate Care/Residential Home
3. Compassionate Neighbour/Volunteer
24 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Supported by:
2021
for the borough to become ‘Compassionate Maidstone.’
Compassionate Community Award Nominations can
be a written submission of no more than 250 words
describing the nominees work. It can also be submitted
as a short video (maximum of 3 minutes) outlining who
they are and what they’ve done, or as a recorded message.
Please also include photographs to reflect how they
have supported their community.
Details of the award nomination criteria and full terms
and conditions can be found on the MBC website:
www.maidstone.gov.uk
Nominations should be submitted via the online form:
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/features/
compassionate-awards/
Or email to: compassionateawards@maidstone.gov.uk
All nominations must be submitted by
5pm Friday 27 August 2021.
4. Compassionate School/Teacher
5. Compassionate Young Person (under 18 years)
6. Compassionate Community
ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE
Low-carbon
high energy efficient development comes to town
The Council is leading on a low-carbon, high energy ZED PODs are factory built volumetric homes built to
efficient housing development in the town centre. a very high standard. They are triple-glazed, with heat
recovery ventilation and provide lots of daylight.
Working in collaboration with ZED PODS and Maidstone The solar panels on the roof and the fabric efficiency
Property Holdings, MBC launched a public consultation are designed to create ultra-low to net-zero carbon
on the development which will consist of 16 low-carbon, homes with the lowest running costs possible.
energy-efficient homes which will be built over King
Street Car Park.
To find out more
The innovative way the homes are being constructed about the King Street
will limit disruption to one of the busiest car parks in development
Maidstone. Their design will also retain the parking go to the website:
spaces beneath providing an excellent solution to land, www.maidstone.gov.uk
revenue, sustainability and permanent housing issues.
The development will achieve 16 new residential homes
which will be a mix of one and two-bed apartments and
will be super-insulated and airtight with minimal energy
demand providing the lowest possible running costs.
ZED PODS 
SME of the Year
The UK’s truly affordable, zero-carbon,
Turning unused land or airspace
high-quality, permanent modular homes into beautiful, low carbon homes
• BOPAS Approved
Captain Sir Thomas Moore House ‘Hope Rise’ — Bristol City Council
Low-carbon keyworker accommodation Zero-carbon new homes above car park • Building Regulation & NDSS* Compliant
• Full-turnkey Service (from design to completion)
• CIAT-registered inhouse architectural practice
* Nationally Described Space Standard
NW Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Finalist
CIVIC DEVELOPMENT
Completed Completed
‘‘I have lived in a ZED PODS home for over a month
London Borough of Bromley Rooftop Development — London now & I still have to stop to appreciate how nice of
100% affordable housing scheme above car park Zero-carbon new apartments a house I have at such a young age...the homes are
really warm & don’t take long to heat up...’’
Hope Rise Resident
Contact Us Scan to find out the
latest job vacancy
020 3983 3114
www.zedpods.com
Best Affrodable Housing Development
FINALIST
Best Healthy Homes Development (Urban)
Best Partnership (London)
@ZEDPODS
Under Construction Under Planning ZED PODS Limited
www.maidstone.gov.uk 25
 ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE

New homes
on Union Street
MBC’s development on Union Street,
marketed as Tylers Place, has
provided 17 three and four bedrooms
houses for private sale. The houses
went on the market late last year and
working with our contractor Purelake, Maidstone Borough Council is currently looking for
all the houses are now under offer.
landlords with properties to let in the Maidstone area.
Three lucky owners have already
moved in and the show home has
even been sold with all the fixtures
We provide fast lettings, landlord support, free professional inventory
and fittings, meaning one lucky owner and FREE LANDLORD INSURANCE - Rent Guarantee (for up to 6 months)
will move into their new house,
which has been expertly furnished. - Legal Expenses and Mediation Services
Working with Kent based social
A satisfied landlord said: - Malicious Damage cover
housing provider mhs homes on - Landlords Contents cover
the same site the development
“I am delighted to praise and commend my experience
of working with the Homefinder scheme.” - Fixtures and Fittings cover
will also provide 14 affordable rent
apartments. These apartments will
not just provide those in need of an “As a landlord I highly recommend the scheme because
affordable home but a quality of life it offers a competitive rental income to the private
they may not have deemed possible sector and ensures my property meets the high
in the past. standards set by the scheme for all
safety and current legislation
The development will help transform
pre-requisites prior to commencing
the local area by creating a collection
the tenancy. Additionally, I have total
of high-quality new homes available
to people within the County Town. piece of mind that my property is safe
and appropriate for the referred tenant.”

Local Plan Review

Work is taking place on the next
stage of the Maidstone Local Plan
Review (Regulation 19).
The Local Plan Review will help
determine where new housing,
employment, commercial and other
development will be located, as well
as setting out the need for associated
infrastructure to support growth and
areas that will be protected.
Once agreed for publication, there
will be a six-week consultation on
the documents and updated evidence
base, giving the public, stakeholders
and others with an interest in the
borough, the opportunity to make
comments.
The Local Planning Authority also Look out for the next consultation
intends to submit these documents and get further details about the
subsequently for Independent Local Plan Review on the Maidstone
Examination by an Inspector Borough Council website:
appointed by the Secretary of State. www.maidstone.gov.uk
The previous Local Plan Review
(Preferred Approaches) public
consultation, closed on 8 January
this year. The Local Planning
Authority received more than 3,000
submissions, which demonstrates
the interest within communities Please contact the Homefinders team on:
around future development and
importance of The Local Planning
Authority undertaking these
homefinders@maidstone.gov.uk
processes.
01622 602252

26 www.maidstone.gov.uk
 ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE

MBC providing home buyers

Official Local Land Searches within days Maidstone Innovation Centre
Maidstone Borough Council is helping home buyers in
delivering official land searches in just a matter of days
welcomes first tenants
The Maidstone Innovation Centre (MIC) is pleased to Peter Vinnicombe, founder of Tilt Digital, comments:
providing them with the relevant documents to assist
introduce its first tenants ahead of its opening in summer “We service many different sectors, one of which is the
making the purchase of a new home so much quicker.
2021. medical industry. With the recent impact of the pandemic,
Anyone who has bought or is looking to buy a house, we are also growing in areas such as corporate wellbeing
The state-of-the-art building will provide flexible office and online services.
knows how time critical the process can be, so a prompt
and conference facilities to businesses working in
and efficient land search can be vital.
MedTech, health and life sciences. The Maidstone Innovation Centre is the perfect location
MBC will respond within just five working days; in the first for us to grow, and make new connections, being
CREATION.co, one of the world’s leading consultancies perfectly situated just off the M20, which makes it very
three months of 2021 (January – March), the Council’s
for insights-led health strategy and Tilt Digital, a digital easy to meet clients from both London and Ashford -
Official Local Land Search service saw 100% of requests
agency, will be the first to take up office space. and we are very much looking forward to networking
actioned within that time frame.
Daniel Ghinn, founder and CEO of CREATION.co says: and building relationships with other dynamic companies
Local Authority Searches can be required for several within the Centre in need of our digital and design services.”
“We are delighted to be taking office space at Maidstone’s
reasons, but the most common is when purchasing
Innovation Centre. We are involved with delivering some Maidstone Innovation Centre is part funded by the
a property or land. They are carried out to make sure
of the most exciting data-led projects to teams around European Regional Development Fund 2014-20 and has
potential purchasers are aware of any restrictions or
the world and we wanted to build on our significant previously received funding from the South East Local
obligations on them by purchasing the property and are
growth in 2020 by creating a new strategic HQ. Enterprise Partnership.
usually requested by solicitors acting for their clients.
A Local Land Search will reveal information relating to “Having been a local Maidstone company for over
planning, road adoption and other vital information for 20 years, we are really excited to be part of this new
house buyers. development at Kent Medical Campus.”
The prompt response is provided by MBC officers who
have the knowledge and experience to extract and
interpret the relevant information required for a purchase,
and an official local authority search is produced and
certified by the Council.
The Council is the source of the majority of the information
that is needed in the house buying process so it makes
sense for people to come directly to MBC and not use
a third party which could take weeks to complete and
may cause delays.
Restrictions or obligations revealed in a local authority
search are known as Local Land Charges and are
recorded in the Local Land Charges Register.
For more information on how to request an Official
Local Land Search go to the MBC website:
www.maidstone.gov.uk

28 www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk 29
 HOMES AND COMMUNITIES
2021 Election Results
SAFETY OF POLLING STATIONS
Ahead of the elections on 6 May,
MBC planned carefully to ensure
the safety of residents as they
came out to vote at polling stations
across the borough.
Covid-19 restrictions meant that
things looked and worked differently
in and around the buildings including
some people being asked to wait
outside, maintaining social
distancing, wearing face coverings
and following the one way systems
and signage in and around the
stations.
The Council did everything it could
to make voting as safe as possible
including regular cleaning of
touchpoints in the polling stations,
using screens, masks, and providing
sanitisation stations.
30
HOMES AND COMMUNITIES
MEET Marion Ring,
outgoing Mayor says
Maidstone’s
The Borough Council Election results 2021 were announced on Friday
7 May following the ballot paper Count which took place at the Detling new Mayor Goodbye…
Fay Gooch…
Show Ground.
Well this has certainly been an
Voting was held on Thursday 6 May when 35,078 (33.26%) of eligible unusual time to have been Mayor,
voters across Maidstone turned out to have their say and casted their especially with it being extended
votes on Maidstone’s 19 available election seats. by a year due to the pandemic.
It has been an absolute honour
As a result the following candidates were duly elected to represent to serve for the past two years
the following wards across the borough: and to have met so many of you
in person or virtually.
Allington – Stan Forecast – Conservative
Barming and Teston – Fay Gooch – Independent
Particular highlights for me were
Bearsted – Denis Spooner – Conservative being able to host the Mayors tea
Boughton Monchelsea and Chart Sutton – Steve Munford – Independent party in 2019 where I was able to
Boxley – Heidi Bryant – Conservative get to meet so many wonderfully kind
Bridge – Tom Cannon – Conservative and caring people from all across
Coxheath & Hunton – Simon Webb – Conservative Maidstone. Holding the Remembrance
service during the Covid restrictions
East – Martin Cox – Liberal Democrats With local government running
through her veins and her enthusiasm was also very memorable. It has
Fant – Patrick Coates – Labour
for serving the community, Fay is been a challenge for us all, although
Headcorn - Ziggy Trzebinski – Conservative
delighted and honoured to be Mayor thankfully we do appear to be coming
Heath – Peter Holmes – Conservative out the other side of it now.
of Maidstone. She does so with great
High Street – Denise Joy - Liberal Democrats
respect to the family of the previous Best wishes to you all,
Marden & Yalding – Claudine Russell – Conservative
Deputy Mayor Cllr Wendy Hinder who
North – Michelle Hastie – Liberal Democrats sadly passed away in February 2020. Marion
North Downs – Patrik Garten – Conservative
Parkwood – Lewis McKenna – Conservative I could not have imagined that
after 13 years of being the Borough
Shepway North – Paul Cooper – Conservative
Councillor for what is now called
Shepway South – Gary Cooke – Conservative
Barming and Teston, I would be
South – Paul Wilby – Liberal Democrats given the opportunity to become My year as Mayor would not be
Mayor of Maidstone as first citizen complete without warmly thanking
Postal votes were popular too across the borough with a total of 23,267 our wonderful volunteers and doing
of the borough.
residents registering to vote by post for the May 2021 elections which what I can to help revitalise the
included Borough Council, Kent County Council, Neighbourhood Plan What an honour and a privilege it is coffers of our voluntary and
Referendums, Parish Council, Police and Crime Commissioner. for me. charitable organisations through
More details about the MBC local election results are available fund raising.
Our borough has so much to offer;
on the website: Maidstone Borough Council Election Information for our residents and visitors One of the Mayoral duties is to attend
to return to, explore and enjoy; civic and ceremonial functions on
beautiful countryside, charming behalf of the Council with preference
villages, our County Town, open being given to local organisations
pubs and restaurants! and to events within the borough.
So I welcome your invitations;
I especially want everyone to know
please feel free to contact my PA
that Maidstone is open for business
Julie Webb 01622 602183 or go
and help promote retailers, industrial
on line to the MBC website.
organisations across the borough be
they large or small, whilst supporting I look forward to meeting you!
entrepreneurs looking to start up
their own businesses. Fay
www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk 31
 HOMES AND COMMUNITIES HOMES AND COMMUNITIES

What does your does Council Tax pay for? Council gives out more than £52million
The Council Tax bill for residents of the borough of
Maidstone covers services provided by Kent County
MBC also has a capital programme, worth £108 million
over the next five years, which will be used to invest
in government grants to local businesses
Council, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and Maidstone across the borough of Maidstone. Investment plans
Borough Council. Where there is a parish council, the bill include new housing, improvements in our parks, and Whatever your views on the past year no one can deny
also includes a parish precept. the new Maidstone Innovation Centre based at the Kent how incredibly damaging it has been to many in our
Medical Campus - junction 7 of the M20 to attract new business community.
Maidstone Borough Council accounts for just £270.90 businesses and new jobs to the borough. The capital
(13.6%) out of the total bill for a Council Tax - Band D programme is largely funded by borrowing, but MBC For the first time ever local councils were called upon
payer of £1,988.63. The Borough Council also collects will ensure (as required to do by law) that the borrowing to issue government grants to those businesses that
the precepts for a number of other bodies which make is affordable and that the schemes in which they invest qualified. This was a massive challenge as it had never
the total amount. £1,259 for KCC, £159 for the special meet the criteria that the Council has set itself. been done before, requiring a completely new approach
adult social care supplement, £218 for the police and to make sure the money was sent to the qualifying
£80 for the fire authority, which brings the total to £1,988. businesses that needed it as quickly as possible.
Within this, Maidstone’s share has increased by £5.31 Maidstone Borough Council didn’t waste any time,
Example Council Tax Bill
(2.0%), less than the overall rate of increase. For this, creating a system to initially find the businesses,
MBC delivers not just refuse collection and street
Band D = £1988.63 (+ Parish amount if relevant)
carrying out checks to make sure they were eligible and
sweeping, it also maintains parks and open spaces, then encouraging them to apply online through a newly
helps to accommodate homeless people, and carries developed webpage, then of course paying them the
out a wide range of other services. much needed money.
Debate has continued regarding the increase of Council Businesses are complicated, therefore the grants
Tax but there are a number of reasons why politicians, have been too, needing clear explanations as to which
both at MBC and Kent County Council, eventually decided business should apply for which grant. Some are still
to increase it in 2021: running.
• Expenditure pressures, including combatting The Musket Brewery in Linton has received grants Tony Williams founder
homelessness for borough councils, and providing through the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) and owner of the
social care for the county council, are continuing Musket Brewery
which is for those retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
to increase that pay business rates.
• Other sources of income for councils, such as income Founder and owner Tony Williams, was so grateful for
from car parking charges, have been hit hard by the the money, he sent a word of thanks, saying: “As all are
pandemic aware, the hospitality industry has been decimated by
the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic for more than
• Increasingly, the financial pressures faced by councils
a year and as a small, family-owned business, we have
mean that they are at risk of failure. The National Audit
Maidstone Borough Council only just survived during the very grim times. It is only
Office (NAO) has warned that around one in 12 English
through the generosity of our landlord, James Smith at
councils are at significant risk of financial failure Samantha Fellows from Corporate Entertainment
Loddington Farm, together with loyal customer support
as a result of the impact of the pandemic Professionals was awarded a grant, she said: “We really
Kent County Council and Government grants, that we are able to continue
• There is a strong correlation between councils that brewing and supplying great beer. So thank you once weren’t sure if we were suited for the ARG. For us, as a
have a low level of Council Tax and financial resilience again, stay safe and let’s all look forward to normal life small business that has been severely affected during
- and therefore it is too risky for councils not to once again.” Covid it has been a lifeline.”
Special Adult Social Care
increase Council Tax For more information about business grants visit the
So far, the Council has made 7,676 award payments
• The government itself expected councils to put up to businesses totalling almost £48m under this grant dedicated page on the Maidstone Borough Council
Council Tax; its calculation of local government Kent Police scheme which is now becoming the Restart Grant. website ‘Advice and support for businesses’,
spending power, and hence the basis for deciding email businessrates@midkent.gov.uk
The ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’ (ARG) was to support or call 01622 602230.
how much support it gives to local government,
Kent Fire & Rescue Service businesses not covered by other grant schemes
assumes that councils will increase tax by the To keep up to date with all information on support
or where additional funding was needed. So far, MBC
maximum permissible without calling a local for businesses, sign up to our newsletter at
has made 1,158 award payments of more than £4.5m
referendum https://www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk/newsletter/
to businesses.

32 www.maidstone.gov.uk www.maidstone.gov.uk 33
 HOMES AND COMMUNITIES HOMES AND COMMUNITIES

Maidstone Bus Station Covid Vaccine Uptake MBC set to refurbish

works underway
Works on the new look Maidstone Bus Station are well
underway to modernise the area and provide somewhere
that people feel safe when waiting for the bus.
The new look station will contribute to increasing the
vitality and viability of Maidstone, by improving its over
all image as a modern, well cared for place with excellent
public transport facilities.
The renovation work began in the station on 22 March
and is scheduled to be completed later this summer.
MBC has been working with Kent County Council, Arriva,
NuVenture and the owners of the Mall Shopping Centre
to refurbish and improve the Bus Station.
A consultation around the new facilities took place last
year when the top priorities raised included improved
lighting, refurnishing floors in pedestrian areas, new bus
bay signage with timetabling information along with
new benches and seating.
A colourful mural will be designed and created specifically
for the project at the King Street entrance to the station,
which is being funded by an Arts Council England grant.
Youngsters from the local area will be involved in the
project later this year.
The Covid-19 vaccine programme in England was
opened up to people under the age of 40 from 14 May
for the first time. Around a million adults aged 38 and
39 will be invited to come forward for their jab and
will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
on the back of guidance from medical regulators.
According to NHS England data (as of 13 May 2021),
half the population - 35million have received their
first vaccine in the UK and more than a quarter of
the entire population - 18.1million have been fully
vaccinated against Covid. According to Government
research, those in the youngest age cohort, from 18
to 29, are more likely than other ages to be hesitant
about choosing to receive a vaccine.
The uptake suggests there is clearly some nervousness
for those who - for a variety of reasons, are questioning
the benefits of being vaccinated. However regulators,
including the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK and the European
Medicines Agency, say the overall benefits of the vaccine
outweigh the risks for all age groups.
The government is encouraging everyone including
young people who may not see themselves at risk to
come forward and book a vaccine as soon as possible.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has said:
“I urge everybody to get the vaccine as soon as they are
eligible to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Trinity House
for local community
The Council has started refurbishment work on Trinity
House, Church Street to bring new life into the important
community asset.
Following the exchange of contracts with Hyde Housing
in April work to convert the building began to create
a multi-use communal community space, providing
a place to stay for people who are homeless along
with temporary and settled accommodation.
The Council’s Outreach Team will also be based there
and it will have onsite management and an overnight
concierge service.
MBCs Head of Housing and Community Services, John
Littlemore said: “The Council is delighted to be able to
help provide a ‘new life’ for Trinity House to help people
in need in the town centre.
“Through the work of the MBC Outreach Team we know
only too well how important this type of facility is to the
community and this facility will help us continue our work
in supporting homeless people who need temporary
and settled accommodation.”

There are several places in Maidstone offering The work will also help further develop MBC’s outstanding
a vaccination service including local GPs. People Homelessness Services and increase its affordable
who qualify for a jab will be invited via a text from housing programme in the town centre.
‘NHSvaccine’, which includes a web link to the health
service’s NHS Covid Vaccine. Previously as Trinity Foyer, in Church Street, Maidstone
the facility helped young adults with accommodation
Those who can’t access the internet can call 119 after it opened in December 1998.
instead to get an appointment at one of 1,600 sites
administering the vaccines across England. The refurbishment is scheduled to take place from
May allowing residents to move in from September
2021. It will provide 23 self-contained one and two
bedroom apartments and studios and will cost around
Get thinee £1m to complete.
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www.maidstone.gov.uk 35
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 HOMES AND COMMUNITIES
Wheels of Time
Maidstone Museum is one of more than 20 sites
across Kent taking part in an exciting FREE scheme
called ‘Wheels of Time.’
Each of the participating sites has an activity that aims
to encourage you to visit the actual site, when you can;
but until then, you can watch a video, complete a quiz,
a crossword or puzzle or a craft activity to receive
a code which will unlock your E-badge for that site.
As a virtual visitor, or Time Traveller, as we like to call
them, move through the ranks, from Level 1 to 5, as you
earn more E-badges.
Complete Maidstone Museum’s quiz linked to four short
films to earn a Wheels of Time E-badge then go on to
earn E-badges from many other Kent museums and
heritage sites.
For more information and links to the films:
https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/learn/wot/
Unlike the physical badge scheme, which is for young
children, the E-badge scheme is open to all.
Chance to win
a new Maidstone MONOPOLY game
Maidstone is getting its own MONOPOLY board game,
which will be out in the shops by this autumn.
During March, local residents were asked to vote for
their favourite places to feature on the board.
The new edition will be themed around some of the
Maidstone landmarks voted for as well as customised
Chance and Community Chest cards.
36 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Borough Insight is giving away five games. To be in with
a chance of winning one take a selfie outside one of the
following Maidstone landmarks, email it over and a winner
will be chosen from each of the following attractions:
Maidstone Museum
Lockmeadow
Mote Park
Archbishops Palace
Maidstone United Football Club
Email your selfie photo along with your name and address
to: competitions@maidstone.gov.uk.
Entry to the competition closes on Friday 24 September
2021 and prizes will be delivered once the new board
game is out in October.
Good luck and we look forward to receiving your photos
soon.
Detling Community Store
a life-line for local people
When only essential travel was allowed and we were
told to stay at home there’s no doubt that community
support became important for many of us. One great
example is the Detling Community Store supporting
local people and providing a vital life-line.
The Parish Council initiated project launched five years
ago to create a village based not-for-profit shop run by
volunteers to benefit the community. The convenience
store, coffee shop and post office opened in January
2020, thanks to grants from the Princes Countryside
Trust, KCC Kent Downs and Marshes Leader, Kent
Community Foundation, the Rochester Bridge Trust,
MBC, Detling Parish Council and donations from many
village residents and local businesses.
Situated in the heart of Detling, the Community Store
is managed by one paid member of staff and a team
of around 30 volunteers operating out of two shipping
containers, with a coffee shop and outside decking.
In addition to usual convenience supplies, it aims to
be a destination store too, providing a unique range
of fresh locally sourced produce.
One of the store’s founders is Richard Finn who is Chair
of the Detling Community Interest Company. He told
Borough Insight: “What we’ve created is a community
hub around the shop. It is so nice to see how everybody
supports us and there’s no doubt this is a place that
people come to meet.
“As soon as the first lockdown was introduced, we
knew we had a responsibility to help the community.
We quickly got a team of volunteers together to deliver
food parcels to isolated and vulnerable people which
provided a literal life-line for some.”
www.maidstone.gov.uk
HOMES AND COMMUNITIES
In the second lockdown, with the help of a grant from
MBC, we were able to deliver over 100 free food parcels
to vulnerable and disadvantaged families.”
Former Consultancy Managing Director, Richard has
lived in Detling for 22 years and admits that he was
a classic commuter - leaving home in the early hours
and returning in the evening but always recognised the
importance of being part of the community.
“My wife and I have always buried ourselves’ in the
community including being part of the Detling Players.
I think it takes stimulus for people to contribute to the
community - if you let the streets get dirty - they stay
dirty. The Store has provided a stimulus for the
community to come together.”
The Detling Store has changed how many local people
now live and support each other.
As Richard concludes: “The past year has shown that
community is vital. The people of Detling have been
brilliant and the Store is contributing to community
resilience that I think will continue after this is all over.
It has provided an opportunity for the village to come
together that hadn’t existed before.”
To find out more about Detling Community Store go to:
www.detlingcommunitystore.co.uk
37
 HOMES AND COMMUNITIES

Maidstone Link Contact the Council

MBC’s Customer Services team is based in the Maidstone
Link, working under the same roof as Maidstone Job
Customer Services
Centre Plus. To speak directly with a Customer Service
However, due to Covid-19 restrictions the team is working advisor, contact 01622 602000.
slightly differently at the moment, which means the
following adjustments are currently in place: Benefits 01622 602557
• A Face to Face appointment only service is available Council Tax 01622 602003
- Tuesday 2pm-4pm, and Thursday 10am-12pm
- please note that this is provided for our vulnerable Housing 01622 602440
customers only Waste 01622 602600
• Unfortunately, there is no walk in service anymore; Parking 01622 602377
customers should not just turn up as they will not
be seen by anyone and there will not be a member
of the team available
Phone line opening hours:
• Please note that the payment kiosks were removed
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm
from the Link last year and customers are no longer Friday: 9am - 4.30pm
able to make payments there Saturday & Sunday: Closed
• If customers would like to drop a letter off to the
Your Councillors
Council please put it through the letterbox at the
front of Maidstone House as there is no longer
David Burton 07590 229910
a post box in the Link
Leader of the Conservative Group
Marden & Yalding Ward

Martin Cox 07770 734741

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group
East Ward

Steve Munford 01622 741310

Leader of the Independent Group
Get in touch... Boughton Monchelsea & Chart Sutton Ward
maidstoneboroughcouncil
maidstonebc Paul Harper 07834845154
maidstonebc Leader of the Labour Group
maidstonecouncil www.maidstone.gov.uk
maidstonebc Fant Ward

38 www.maidstone.gov.uk
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