Maidstone Borough Council

Borough

Update
August 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:
Farmers Market
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Play Area Improvements
Recycling
Coming Home Exhibition
and more!

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Proms in the Park family day out success!

The annual Proms in the Park was enjoyed by over 2,000
people this year. Residents and visitors took the
opportunity to enjoy the late May bank holiday and soak up
the sunshine in Whatman Park, accompanied by a
programme of music and familyfriendly entertainment to
delight all ages.
A full day of entertainment to celebrate the Queens 90th
birthday was provided by local performers including
Maidstone Wind Symphony, Maidstone Singers and the
Hazlitt Youth Theatre as well as promenade performances
from a stilt walker/ balloon modeller and talented
magician.

Open-air cinema comes

to Whatman Park
Do you love family films?
Want to share an open-air cinematic
experience?
We have the perfect way for you to spend
another bank holiday treat with all the family.
Residents and visitors can book to see the
latest release of the classic film Jungle
Book* on Sunday 29 August at 7.30pm.
Cinema goers will be able to access the park
from 6pm and tickets will be available from
the Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 (Monday
Saturday 10am- 4.00pm) or online at
www.hazlitttheatre.com
*Please note that the choice of film is subject
to change without notification.

Positive feedback has been received from residents and

charity organisations that were present on the day.
We are delighted that this event continues to thrive and be
enjoyed by so many of our residents real community
coming together to enjoy a day of culture and
entertainment in a picturesque setting.

Farmers Market comes to Jubilee Square

Vibrancy, local produce and delicious fresh food is the order of the day for
MBCs latest success as a new Farmers Market comes to town!
There are approximately 50 thriving Farmers
Markets across Kent; however, to date, there
have only ever been occasional trial
Farmers Markets in Maidstone.
Over the last few months we have been
working, in partnership with the Kent
Farmers Market Association, to bring this
venture to fruition. We consulted on the right
balance of traders and the best way to reach the trading community and
hope that this initiative will develop and go from strength to strength.
The first Farmers Market was launched on Friday 24 June and has seen a
positive reaction from residents, consumers and traders alike.
The market will continue to be hosted in Jubilee Square on the 4th Friday
of each month between 10am and 2pm. The emphasis is on freshness,
quality and value for money. Buying locally means that customers can ask
how the product is produced and grown, and meet the producers.
Shoppers in Maidstone will be able to come back each month and see
what new, in-season products are there to tempt them and it will certainly
add some vibrancy to the town centre.
What can consumers look forward to buying?
Fresh fruit and veg
Local honey
Local butchers
fresh meat, sausages
and game
Cheese

Bakers bread and

fresh cakes
Cider
Deluxe cookies
Fudge
Soaps

Fresh delicatessen
items
Nuts
Olives
Plants
Knitted items

With such a variety of produce we hope to see you at future markets enjoy!

Dino Day Baby T-Rex was a sensation!

Over 1,600 visitors enjoyed
Dino Day as Maidstone
Museum brought a life sized
baby T-Rex to town recently.
The animatronic baby T-Rex
was an instant hit with adults
and children and was
certainly a highlight of the
museums calendar. People
from a wide area including
Tunbridge Wells, Gillingham,
Ashford and Essex, flocked to
see the dino sensation and

were not disappointed by the

spectacle.
Rex appeared four times
throughout the day and was
greeted by hundreds of
excited visitors who were
delighted to be invited to roar
and stroke Rex as he walked
through the entrance to the
museum and down to the
caf courtyard. Dinosaur
enthusiasts were ready with
lots of questions for Mike

(Rexs handler) and even

learnt about Rexs rather
unconventional love of
chicken nuggets!
Other activities that were
enjoyed on the day ranged
from dinosaur face painting,
making dino masks, digging
in sandpits to find
archaeopteryx and
exploratory dino trails
throughout the museum.

We have already been asked

if Rex will be returningwe
certainly hope so.
ROAR so does Rex.

Maidstone Borough Council

Tell us what you think

Residents views wanted on changes
to Council Tax Reduction Scheme
We are inviting residents and other key stakeholders to take part in a public
consultation.
With the council looking at a number of ways of making savings over the coming
years, those living in the borough should share their views on changes to its
Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
The scheme provides discounted council tax bills to around 11,000 low income
households at a cost of 8.8 million per year. The changes being considered do not
affect pensioner households because their discounts are set by the Government.
Residents can have their say on a number of options which are intended to bring the councils scheme in line with other
welfare benefits, as well as reduce the cost of the scheme.
You will have until the 24 August to respond to an online questionnaire with the new scheme coming into place on 1 April
2017. If you arent able to access the survey online you can fill out a paper copy at The Gateway in King Street, Maidstone.
The survey and further information regarding the changes can be found on our website www.maidstone.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Economy update how are we looking?

After a period of extensive consultation, the Council adopted its Economic Development Strategy in 2015. This
sets out how we will support the future growth and prosperity of the town and borough. We are determined to see
local people benefit from new jobs, increasing prosperity and sustainable growth. Here we look at the key points
of the strategy and how the economic outlook for the residents of the borough is already improving.
The EDS highlighted three central aims
to be achieved by 2031:
T Enable the creation of 14,400 jobs in a
range of sectors and occupations
T Raise economic output per head to the
level of the South East
T Raise the skills profile of Maidstone to
the South East average
How has the economic landscape
changed in the borough?
There are already signs of significant
growth compared to three years ago:
T The number of unemployment
claimants is down from 2.1% to 1.2%
T People in employment has risen from
74.6% to 80.9%
T The self-employment rate has risen
from 9.3% to 16% (8th highest in the
country)
T Resident wages have risen, returning
to back above the national average.
T The gap between workplace wages
and the national average wage is
narrowing.
T Skills levels are rising and the gap
between the South East average and
Maidstone is narrowing.
The Economic Development Strategy
has five priorities:
T Retaining and attracting investment
T Stimulating entrepreneurship
T Enhancing the town centre
T Meeting the skills needs
T Improving the infrastructure
Significant strides have been made to

to KMC including Cygnet, a new private

mental hospital.
The Business Terrace is further helping
to stimulate entrepreneurship offering
a range of initiatives aimed at start-up
businesses in the borough.
A key transformational project
highlighted in the EDS encompasses the Town centres across the country are
Kent Medical Campus (KMC) and the
facing significant changes in consumer
development of its 30 acre site. Outline
behaviours. As a result of these
planning permission has been granted
emerging trends, a comprehensive
for a range of medical and health
Maidstone Town Centre Action Plan was
released uses with the potential to
developed and approved in December
create 3,000 jobs.
2015.
Two key benefits of EZ status are:
Cllr Fran Wilson, Leader of the Council,
said: "After much consultation and
T Up to 100% business rate discount
policy development the Council is
worth up to 275,000 per business
moving into delivery mode and its
over a five year period.
T All business rates growth generated by encouraging to see so much progress in
such as short term. Our partnership
the Enterprise Zone is kept by the
work with businesses is seeing real
relevant local authorities in the area
dividends in terms of investment, jobs
for 25 years to reinvest in local
and growth. Going forward we must
economic growth.
maintain this momentum and continue
The Enterprise Zone will be launched in to work towards our vision for the
Borough to be great place to live, work
April 2017 and its designation has
and visit
already helped to attract new business
encourage the retention and attraction
of new investment in the area, including
working together with North Kent
Partners to bid to Government
Enterprise Zone status (EZ).

Key successes as part of this plan to date include:

T A public-private Town Centre Strategic Board has been established.
T A 3m public realm scheme has been commissioned for the north end of Week

Street and Gabriels Hill.

T The owner of The Mall is making significant investment in the shopping centre.
T 2.5m has been secured to improve Maidstone East ticket office and

surrounding area.
T We have begun a process of strategic acquisitions to reduce risk and shape the

medium and long term development in the Town Centre, including the
purchase of Granada House in Gabriels Hill.

Maidstone Borough Council

Gateway Move

Were preparing for some big changes

to The Gateway in Maidstone town
centre. Currently residents are able to
speak to a number of different
organisations at the glass building next
to Boots in King Street. From October
this year the councils customer
services team will be temporarily
moving to a unit in the Mall shopping
centre and The Gateway building will
close for a period of time to make way
for building works to take place.
Residents will still be able to speak to
the council team just at a different

location; however, it's normally quicker

and more convenient to go to our
website or call us.
The changes to The Gateway building
include the construction of a
mezzanine floor and a more open plan
feel to ensure more services are able to
locate themselves at the building.
When the works are completed in
March 2017 Maidstone Borough
Council staff will share the newly
refurbished Gateway space with
colleagues from the Department for
Work and Pensions which will ensure a

more joined up service for the local

community. Residents will be able to
speak to staff from Jobcentre Plus who
will be moving into the building from
their current location at County Gate
One, Staceys Street.
Did you know? There are over 100
forms on our website which means you
can access our services in the comfort
of your own home 24 hours a day! If you
need to order a garden bin or renew
your parking permit you can do this via
our website www.maidstone.gov.uk

Hearing sessions for Maidstone Local Plan

will take place from October to December
Dates for the hearing sessions for the
independent examination of the Local
Plan have now been set.
The 19 sessions will take place at
Maidstone Town Hall and will look at
various aspects of the Local Plan.
Mr Robert Mellor, from the Planning
Inspectorate, has been appointed by the
Secretary of State to carry out an
independent examination of the Local
Plan.
Everyone who requested to take part
during our last Local Plan consultation
in February will be invited along to the
hearings. You'll find out which hearing
you've been invited to in early August.
You will also be sent copies of the
Inspector's guidance notes, matters,
issues and questions.

T Thursday 10 November
T Tuesday 15 November
T Wednesday 16 November
T Thursday 17 November
T Friday 18 November
(AM only)
T Tuesday 22 November
T Wednesday 23 November
T Tuesday 29th November
T Wednesday 30 November
T Thursday 1 December
The hearings will start at
10am and most will last all
day. The ones on Friday 14
October and Friday 18
November will end at
lunchtime.

Members of the public are welcome to

attend as observers but will not be able
speak.

Information will be posted

on the examination pages
of the Councils website
under the Hearing
Sessions tab.

The hearing dates are:

T Tuesday 4 October
T Wednesday 5 October
T Thursday 6 October
T Tuesday 11 October
T Wednesday 12 October
T Thursday 13 October
T Friday 14 October (AM only)
T Tuesday 8 November
T Wednesday 9 November

Paper copies of the

Maidstone Borough Local
Plan (2016), the schedule
of proposed changes, Statement of
Consultation, Sustainability Appraisal
and Habitats Regulations Assessment
can be viewed at the Maidstone Gateway,
King Street, Maidstone, ME15 6JQ. The
opening hours are Monday 9am
5.30pm; Tuesday to Friday 9am
4.30pm.

Any queries about the examination or

any correspondence to the Inspector
during the examination should be sent
to Louise St John Howe, Programme
Officer, PO Services, PO Box 10965,
Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 3BF. You can
also contact her by emailing
louise@poservices.co.uk or calling 07789
486419.

Maidstone Borough Council

YOUR KINDNESS COULD KILL

Maidstone Borough Council is urging residents not to give their spare change to beggars in the town centre. The message is
part of the Your Kindness Could Kill campaign which aims to encourage shoppers to donate their spare change to homeless
charities instead.
A significant number of beggars in the town are not homeless and the money they are given is often used to buy alcohol or
drugs which could ultimately kill them. Hard hitting posters are just one of the ways the borough council is using to get the
message across and this forms part of a wider campaign aimed at supporting homeless people to get them off the streets.

If you give a beggar

money today, theyll
probably be there
tomorrow, next week,
next month and
probably next year.

If you give money to a

homeless charity they
may be housed
in a couple of months
with their issues being
addressed.

Chair of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee Councillor Marion Ring says This campaign is about getting
people to support the homeless in a different way. Giving money to street beggars does not unfortunately help them or their
situation in the long term. The way we can help is to work with many organisations, often charities, who offer support with
addiction or providing assistance with accommodation and support. It is them who would benefit immensely from peoples
kindness with the money going towards positive action to reduce homelessness.
Maidstone councils Head of Housing and Community Services, John Littlemore, said: It can be difficult for people to know
whether a person who is begging is
genuinely homeless. This campaign
will hopefully highlight to people
www.porchlight.org.uk
how they can be part of making a
change for the better without
www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk
wasting their efforts. We work very
www.maidstoneshelter.org.uk
closely with a number of
organisations such as Porchlight,
Maidstone Day Centre, Maidstone
and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and
the Kenward Trust to make people realise that if they give money to beggars they are keeping them in their way of life. Its
important we help genuine homeless people with their underlying problems and get them off the streets.

If you would like to donate to local homeless charities, visit www.porchlight.org.uk or

www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk. By gift aiding your donations, you can increase the amount
received by these charities.

News from the MUSEUM

Treasures
from Trash
9 July 10 September
Have fun upcycling and recycling from around the world, showing
personal objects such as toys, ornaments, games and accessories,
made from salvaged materials.
Family upcycling activities in the gallery on Wednesday, Thursdays
and Fridays (small
charge applies)
Exhibition: Free

Kindly
sponsored
by Biffa

Keep in touch

Summer Holiday Make It!

Workshops in the Gallery

Wednesday 3 - Friday 26 August

Activities: Weds, Thurs, Fri each week

10.30am - 12.30pm and 1pm 3pm
Prices: 2 per child, 2 for 3 Suitable for ages 4 11 years.

The museum has recently undergone a

programme of improvement works. Keep
in touch and find news and information at
www.maidstonemuseum.org, on twitter
@MaidstoneMuseum or by emailing
museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk

Join in one of these fun workshops in the Treasures from Trash gallery
and use materials to create something individual!
Different project each week. Make pictures frames, pots, bracelets and
musical instruments.

Museum Lates
Last Thursday of every month
Museum open until 9pm

Lates activities start from 6pm

Museum Lates showcase, art, film dance,

history and more with a different theme
each month for you to enjoy.
Our curators share a special insight into
the themes collections and people are
able to choose from a range of activities.

This season:
28 July - Ab Fab!
25 August Film Night Trash
29 September
Crime and Punishment
27 October Fright Night

Licensed caf and bar.

Admission to museum is free; however, some
Museum Lates activities may incur a change

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.maidstonemuseum.org
Bookings via 01622 602838.

Maidstone Borough Council

RK9 Responsible Dog Ownership

No one can deny the pleasure that owning
a dog can bring and the many
ways in which pet ownership
enriches our lives. Dogs have been
considered one of man's best friends for
thousands of years. The science
supports this as it has long been recognised
that the companionship, comfort and the sense
of wellbeing provided by a pet can decrease
loneliness, isolation and depression whilst
engendering a sense of security and the desire
to nurture among both adults and children
alike. Walking a dog has obvious health
benefits and often facilitates social
interaction within the community; therefore it
is hardly surprising that it is widely believed that owning a dog
is good for us!
Our Responsible K9 (RK9) initiative supports this belief and
recognises that the majority of dog owners do behave
responsibly, caring for pets and fulfilling both their legal and
moral obligations. However, the same cannot be said of a
small minority of owners whose behaviour, and consequently
the manner in which they allow their dogs to behave, is at best
irresponsible and at worst, antisocial and in some instances,
criminal.
It is with this very much at heart and our desire to improve our
streets and local environment that we seek to promote and
encourage responsible dog ownership, whilst also tackling
those antisocial behaviours that all too often give our much
loved pets a bad name. Our primary objectives are threefold:
T Promote and celebrate responsible dog ownership
T Empower neighbourhoods to tackle irresponsible dog
ownership
T Reduce dog fouling, number of strays and dog related antisocial behaviour

What have we achieved to date this year?

Over the last year, because of the recent changes in
legislation around microchipping, we have attended and
hosted a number of events to raise awareness and promote
responsible ownership.
T 8 events attended so far in 2016
T 400 dogs microchipped in partnership with the Dogs Trust.
T 150 dog tags sold at events
T Our dog shows have raised over 700 for charities such as
Battersea Home for Dogs and Cats.

Dates for your doggy diaries:

T 30 July - Parkwood Fete - microchipping
T 27 August - Coxheath Dogtastic
T 11 September - The Big Walkies charity event in

Mote Park
T 17 18 September Paws in the Park

Nice to see so many Responsible dog owners out there.

We estimate well over 1,500 dog owners have attended the
various events hosted in the borough and have benefitted
from the advice we have given regarding changes in the law,
microchipping as well as other routine dog enquiries.
We are delighted to be meeting so many of you and sharing
our knowledge whilst out and about.
Why not stay in touch by visiting the RK9 Facebook
page?
www.facebook.com/ResponsibleK9s

Bag that poo, any rubbish

bin will do!
We are set to launch a
campaign to help educate
dog owners about how to
clean up after their pet as
changes to bins are made
across the borough.
Residents can now dispose
of their dog poo in any litter
bins in the borough,
including those in parks but
the message is just make
sure its bagged before it
goes in!
We want to make it as easy as possible for dog owners to
dispose of their pets poo. Any responsible dog owner will
always ensure this is bagged up and put into the nearest
bin. This wont change but they can now put it into any
litter bin as well.
Look out for further information at www.maidstone.gov.uk

Injecting the colour back into local community play areas.

A number of well-loved local parks are
receiving a much needed facelift in time
for summer fun.
As part of the phased scheme of park
improvements the following areas were
identified and selected for the initial phase
of work:

We are also delighted to announce that

Clare Park has retained its Green Flag
status with an outstanding score of
between 70 - 74%.

Whatman Skate Area, Peverel Drive,

Stratford Drive, Foxden Drive, Gatland
Lane, Timber Tops, Nettlestead Green, Adisham Drive, St
Francis Close, Gallants Lane and Albert Reed Garden

The park was Maidstones first green

space to be awarded this recognition
and benefits from a range of familyfriendly amenities including multipurpose games area, woodland and
conservation areas, hard footpaths,
benches, public toilets and family picnic areas.

All works are due to be completed by the end of July in time

for the summer holidays.

We hope youll continue to enjoy using these brighter,

cleaner and more inviting areas for many years to come.

Maidstone Borough Council

Time to improve our recycling

efforts in Maidstone
Do you know what you can and
cannot put in your green bin?
We are concentrating our efforts to help improve recycling across the borough.
Recycling the right things is really important. Putting the wrong items in your
recycling containers can cause problems at the recycling facility. It may even
result in a whole recycling lorry being rejected. Rejected loads must be sent for
disposal, which spoils the efforts you have made to recycle.
Recently we have
been focused on
reminding all
residents to think
All plastic bottles
about what they can
Plastic food containers
and cant put in their
green bin.
Glass bottles and jars

Your green bin likes

Cardboard
Paper
Cartons
Foil and metal
tins/cans
Empty Aerosols

Did you
know?
Your green bin
doesnt like
Carrier bags
Textiles
Food
Nappies
Black Sacks
Plastic film and cling film

Between April 2015 and March 2016 we recycled

and composted over 50% of the waste collected
from residents homes. This is a fantastic amount
however we are keen to recycle and compost even
more and know that still a lot of recyclable
material is ending up in residents rubbish bins.
The national target for re-use, recycling and
composting is 50% by 2020. Maidstone Borough
Council
has set its own target to exceed this and are
aiming for 55%.
Of all of the waste collected in Maidstone last
year, 65% remained in Kent, 83% in the UK
and only 17% being sent outside of the UK to
other countries. The recyclable materials
which were sent abroad for reprocessing
were used to make new products.
For more information about the recycling
services visit www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

All that g-litters

really is gold for
lucky residents
Twelve lucky residents proved that
they really do Love Kent, Hate Litter
and won super prizes in our golden
bins competition.
Two of our litter bins were sprayed
gold and placed at various locations
around the borough in the spring.
Residents were then invited to send
us photographs of themselves, a
friend or family member using it to
dispose of litter.
The winners, drawn at random, were
Marcin Dudkowski, Lena Palmer,
Geraldine Lawrence, Bridgewood
Manor Hotel, Jack Bromley, Ellen
Charman, Gemma Newton, Gaynor
Negus, Joanne Colston, Evie Hayes,
Connor Hall and Barbara Dunford.
Each wins a 50 shopping voucher
for The Mall shopping centre as a
thank you for helping to keep the
borough a beautiful place to live.
The prizes were paid for with income
from fixed penalty notices issued for
littering in the borough. This is
income also reinvested in litter
education and street cleaning
equipment.
Martyn Jeynes, Maidstone Councils
Environmental Enforcement
Manager, said: Maidstone residents
really do take pride in keeping the
borough litter free. Were delighted
that we were able to say thank you
through the golden bins promotion.

Coming Home: Conflict and Care in 1916

- The Battle of the Somme 100 years on
As we commemorate the centenary of
the Battle of the Somme it seems only
appropriate that Maidstone Museum
has programmed a number of events to
mark the occasion as part of their
autumn season spanning the months

between September 2016 to early

January 2017.
The free exhibition features two
paintings by Frank Hyde of 1916 from
the museums collection Trones
Wood, a battle scene from the Somme
and Arrival of a Convoy of Wounded
Soldiers at Maidstone East. The
exhibition will explore the experiences
of the people within the paintings and
promises to be both insightful and
emotive.
There will also be an opportunity to
hear a talk given by the military
historian Victor Smith about the

defences across Kent on land, sea and

air during the First World War
If the Kaiser Should Come on
Saturday 8 October 2pm 3pm, tickets:
5, concession: 4 per person
Booking for this event is strongly
advised.
Event booking line:01622 602838

Your Councillors
2016 - 2017

East Ward
Martin Cox
01622 688945
martincox@maidstone.gov.uk

Nikki Fissenden

Boxley Ward
Conservatives
Liberal Democrats

Derek Butler
01634 684854

Labour

derekbutler@maidstone.gov.uk

Independent

Malcom Greer

UK Independence Party

01634 862876

01634 861579

Dan Daley

wendyhinder@maidstone.gov.uk

Diana Lewins

Bridge Ward
Georgia Harvey
georgiaharvey@maidstone.gov.uk

Cynthia Robertson

01622 681889
davidpickett@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 753517

01622 726608
faygooch@maidstone.gov.uk

Bearsted Ward

Coxheath and Hunton

Ward
07809 472788
emilyfermor@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 746046

07795 192042

Paul Harper

Harrietsham and
Lenham Ward
Janetta Sams
01622 859412

Tom Sams
01622 859412

Headcorn Ward

brianmortimer@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 745716

mikerevell@maidstone.gov.uk

keithadkinson@maidstone.gov.uk

tomsams@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 738825

01622 633126

01622 201976

Brian Mortimer

Richard Webb

Mike Revell

Keith Adkinson

janettasams@maidstone.gov.uk

Emily Fermor

Mike Cuming
mikecuming@maidstone.gov.uk

Fant Ward

paulharper@maidstone.gov.uk

David Pickett

Fay Gooch

davidnaghi@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 763895

dianalewins@maidstone.gov.uk

Barming Ward

01622 678410

mattboughton@maidstone.gov.uk

01622 766075

cynthiarobertson@maidstone.gov.uk

David Naghi

Matt Boughton

01622 672459
dandaley@maidstone.gov.uk

nicolafissenden@maidstone.gov.uk

malcolmgreer@maidstone.gov.uk

Wendy Hinder

Allington Ward

01622 755494

Shellina Prendergast
shellinaprendergast@
maidstone.gov.uk

richardwebb@maidstone.gov.uk

Detling and Thurnham

Ward

Val Springett

Nick de Wiggondene

01622 737702

01622 200222

valspringett@maidstone.gov.uk

nickdewiggondene@maidstone.gov.uk

Martin Round
01622 890276
martinround@maidstone.gov.uk

Heath Ward
Bryan Vizzard

Boughton Monchelsea
and Chart Sutton Ward

Downswood and Otham

Ward

07957 442994

Steve Munford

Gordon Newton

07838 103350

01622 741310

01622 862330

jameswillis@maidstone.gov.uk

stevemunford@maidstone.gov.uk

gordonnewton@maidstone.gov.uk

bryanvizzard@maidstone.gov.uk

James Willis

High Street Ward

Park Wood Ward

Clive English

Matthew Burton

07922 616858

07793 243462

cliveenglish@maidstone.gov.uk

mattburton@maidstone.gov.uk

Denise Joy

Jade Webster

01622 674063

07590 592916

denisejoy@maidstone.gov.uk

jadewebster@maidstone.gov.uk

Sutton Valence and

Langley Ward
Paulina Stockell
01622 842508
paulinastockell@maidstone.gov.uk

Fran Wilson
01622 673349
franwilson@maidstone.gov.uk

Leeds Ward

Shepway North Ward

Simon Ells
07980 068792
simonells@maidstone.gov.uk

Gill Fort

Christopher Garland

01622 861605

07903 113571

gillfort@maidstone.gov.uk

Loose Ward
Susan Grigg
07706 052495
susangrigg@maidstone.gov.uk

Marden and Yalding

Ward
Annabelle Blackmore
01622 833299

christophergarland@maidstone.gov.uk

Marion Ring
01622 686492
marionring@maidstone.gov.uk

Eddie Powell
01622 851983
eddiepowell@maidstone.gov.uk

Vacant

South Ward

davidburton@maidstone.gov.uk

07711 565489
stevemcloughlin@maidstone.gov.uk

North Downs Ward

Brian Clark
07963 757767
brianclark@maidstone.gov.uk

Derek Mortimer
07825 916930
derekmortimer@maidstone.gov.uk

Patrik Garten

Paul Wilby

01622 807907

07949 769276

patrikgarten@maidstone.gov.uk

paulwilby@maidstone.gov.uk

North Ward

Staplehurst Ward

Tony Harwood

Louise Brice

01622 677578

01580 892141

tonyharwood@maidstone.gov.uk

louisebrice@maidstone.gov.uk

Michelle Hastie

John Perry

michellehastie@maidstone.gov.uk

07770 734741
johnperry@maidstone.gov.uk

Michael Hemsley
01622 686773
michaelhemsley@maidstone.gov.uk

Communities, Housing and

Environment
Chairman: Marion Ring
Vice Chairman: Derek Mortimer
Heritage, Culture and Leisure
Chairman: David Pickett
Vice Chairman: Gordon Newton
Strategic Planning, Sustainability
and Transport
Chairman: David Burton
Vice Chairman: Susan Grigg

Other Committees
Planning
Chairman: John Perry
Vice Chairman: Clive English
Licensing
Chairman: Denise Joy
Vice Chairman: David Naghi

David Burton

Steve McLoughlin

Policy and Resources

Chairman: Fran Wilson
Vice Chairman: Annabelle Blackmore

Shepway South Ward

annabelleblackmore@maidstone.
gov.uk

07590 229910

Service Committees

Employment
Chairman: Martin Cox
Vice Chairman: Fay Gooch
Audit, Governance and Standards
Chairman: Steve McLoughlin
Vice Chairman: Clive English
Democracy
Chairman: Matt Boughton
Vice Chairman: Nikki Fissenden
Maidstone Joint Transportation Board
Chairman: Eric Hotson (KCC)
Vice Chairman: David Burton

There are 55 Councillors:

Conservative
Liberal Democrat
Independent
Labour
UK Independence Party
Vacancy

23
22
5
2
2
1

12

Working
for yo

Maidstone Borough Council

Victoria Barlow
Victoria is the recently appointed Museums Director working
across a number of the museums in Maidstone

What does your job involve?

Im responsible for the three museums run by MBC.
They are Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery
and the Queens Own West Kent Regimental Museum
(both in our main site on Faith Street) and the
Tyrwhitt-Drake Carriage Museum housed at the
Archbishops Palace Stables.

What is the most difficult aspect of your everyday

role?
Being patient. Ive got loads of ideas and things I want
to do, and so have the team, but we have to go about
them in a planned way making sure we are using our
time and resources to the best effect.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
At the moment all my spare time seems to be filled
with unpacking boxes as I moved from Berkshire to
take this job!
Whats your favourite food?
Chinese, or cake!

I look after the museums, collections and staff. I am

Which country have you always wanted to visit and
responsible for setting the future direction of travel for
why?
our museums and making the modern, fun and
Id like to visit Russia. I spent a week in Moscow as a
relevant to our customers and communities.
teenager but Id really like to travel around the
What do you most enjoy about your role?
massively contrasting areas. Im fascinated by the
Ive joined the service at a very exciting time for the
history of the country and its literature and theyve got
museums. Weve had a period of upheaval and are
some amazing museums.
now ready to start the fun work of modernising and
If you had to pick a character to be from a book, TV
becoming more welcoming, adventurous and
series or historical figure, who would it be and why?
collaborative. As well as the displays and activities
Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. My heroine.
developing, Im looking forward to seeing my teams
Pick one word to describe yourself.
ideas become reality. No two days are ever the same
and Im surrounded by dinosaurs.
Serene its not at all accurate but I can wish.

Borough Update
This is your council newsletter,
produced up to four times a year
in the Downs Mail newspaper. It
is written, edited and designed
by the council's communications
team, Maidstone House, King
Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15
6JQ. Email:
communications@maidstone.gov.uk.

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