Maidstone Borough Council

Update
Borough
East, July 2013

NEW COLLECTION DAYS

and improvements to your recycling and rubbish service coming soon

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Free bulky rubbish service

Most Saturdays, Maidstone council refuse lorries collect bulky household rubbish from locations in your area. Take your refuse to the Saturday Freighter Service at the times shown:

Saturday 13 July
12:15 13:00 13:10 14:00 14:10 15:10 15:15 15:45 Grove Green. Provender Way by School Grove Green. Shepherds Gate Drive Madginford. Merton Road Bearsted. Ashford Road Rosemary Road

Saturday 20 July
09:05 09:45 Senacre. Woolley Road 09:50 10:20 Senacre. Betsham Road by garages

Saturday 24 August
07:45 08:30 08:40 09:20 09:30 10:10 10:20 11:00 12:00 12:40 12:50 13:30 Frinsted. At side of church Wormshill. The Street Harrietsham. Church Lane Harrietsham. Primary School Lenham. Douglas Road Lenham. Ham Lane Cherry Orchard Estate 13:40 14:20 Lenham. Honeywood Road 14:30 15:10 Platts Heath. Green Lane 15:15 15:45 Grafty Green. Church Lane

in Mote Park
Mr Bloom & Friends Big Day Out is coming to Mote Park. Produced by BBC Learning, this fun, free event will take place over the bank holiday weekend on 24, 25 and 26 August (10am 5pm each day). As part of the Big Day Out, Mr Bloom and his Veggies are bringing their special stage show 'When Julian Lost his Wiggle' created for Tiddlers everywhere. If you'd like to see the show, you'll need to pre book your free tickets via the BBC website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/eve nts/mr_bloom_maidstone_2013 where you can also find full details of the event. The BBC knows that the stage show is going to be popular amongst young fans so to make it fair, all names will be drawn at random in advance. The deadline for applying for tickets is Thursday 8 August at 4pm; please note that tickets are not available from Mote Park or Maidstone Borough Council.

Saturday 31 August
07:45 08:30 Hollingbourne. Troys Mead 08:45 09:15 Lenham. Warren Street 09:25 09:55 Ulcombe. Lodge Gardens

Saturday 7 September
07:45 08:30 Otham. By council houses 08:45 09:45 Bearsted. Village Green

Saturday 14 September
07:45 - 08:15 Walderslade. Impton Lane junc Spendlow Drive 08:25 09:00 Walderslade. Impton Lane junc Olivine Road 09:15 10:00 Bredhurst. Hurstwood Road 10:15 11:00 Stockbury. Village Hall 12:00 12:45 Detling. Village Hall 14:50 15:45 Sandling. Tyland Lane

Saturday 21 September
12:00 12:55 Vinters Park. Marston Drive 13:05 14:05 Vinters Park. Hampton Road

Saturday 5 October
12:15 13:00 13:10 14:00 14:10 15:10 15:10 15:45 Grove Green. Grovewood Drive South Grove Green. Grovewood Drive North Madginford. Merton Road Bearsted. Ashford Road Rosemary Road

We cannot accept garden waste, very large bulky items and electrical or hazardous items. You can dispose of these items through our paid for bulky collection service or at the household waste recycling centre at Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, Maidstone. It is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4.30pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9am to 4pm. For more information about our bulky rubbish services, including paid for doorstep collections, visit maidstone.gov.uk or call the cleansing hotline on 01622 602600.

You won't need a ticket for general admission to the event so don't worry if you're not successful in the draw. All other activities are free to take part in, whether it's songs and storytelling with Rastamouse and Da Easy Crew, playing giant games, building dens or joining familiar CBeebies faces in fabulous fun. All details are correct at the time of publication. Good luck with your application!

Maidstone Borough Council

No housing target set

Although the government has not set a specific target, the Department for Communities and Local Government has instructed the council to provide housing to meet population growth for the Maidstone Borough Local Plan period 2011 to 2031. So while no final target has been set for the boroughs future housing need, a working figure of 14,800 dwellings was agreed by the Cabinet in March based on a population forecast. This working figure has been independently verified as a good starting point. A lot more work needs to be done before it can be converted into a development target. This includes looking at what is possible in terms of housing land supply and assessment of environmental constraints. The Cabinet will decide the figure in September. Every site submitted during the call for sites will be considered for sustainable location, policy constraints, and physical and infrastructure constraints such as ecology, highways issues, access to services, flood risk, landscape, heritage impacts, and adjacent uses.

Your recycling and rubbish collections are changing

IMPORTANT! CHANGES TO YOUR COLLECTION DAY

From Monday 5 August 2013 your recycling and rubbish collection day may be changing. Look out for full details in your new recycling and rubbish collection calendar which you will receive through the post in July.
From Monday 5 August 2013, recycling and rubbish collections in Maidstone are changing. We are pleased to announce that you will be able to recycle even more from your home in an easy and straightforward way. The changes are part of a new joint waste collection contract with Ashford and Swale Borough Councils and Biffa Municipal Ltd. To provide this great new service, we have to change some of our current collection days and you will receive a leaflet in the post in July telling you your new collection day for your rubbish, recycling and food waste. Please read this leaflet carefully as it explains what else you can start

Population forecasts
The working target is based on the latest demographic forecasts, updated by Kent County Council, taking account of Department for Communities and Local Government household projections released in November 2010. The 10-year historic trend for Maidstone demonstrates a need for 14,800 dwellings between 2011 and 2031, which will increase the resident labour supply by 7,600 workers.

Consultation
No decisions have been made about any sites and council officers and external specialists are working through the 150 plus housing sites that have been put forward to ensure the robust process of evaluation is completed by September. The public will then have a minimum of 6 weeks to comment on the sites in the autumn. The consultation will be advertised in local papers and on the councils website. We will contact everyone who has responded to previous consultations on the local plan.

recycling in the green recycling bin from 5 August. It will also include information about the new recycling collections of textiles and small electrical items. From August, also keep an eye out for the new modern vehicle fleet. The new vehicles will have two compartments so they can collect rubbish or recycling in one and food waste in the other. This will reduce the number of vehicles on the road, saving fuel, reducing emissions and causing less disruption to passing motorists. Garden waste collections have already changed over the past few months, with the introduction of a subscription-only based service. The garden waste service is now completely separate to the rubbish and recycling collections and this means you may have a different collection day for your garden waste. If you subscribe to this service, you will receive a separate calendar showing your garden waste collection day and which week your collection will be made. Thanks for what you have achieved already: with your continued help we can ensure that more than 50% of the boroughs rubbish is recycled by 2015. For more information about your collections please visit www.recyclingtogether.co.uk or download the Recycle for Maidstone App.

The countdown to your improved recycling service has begun!

From Monday 5 August 2013, you will be able to put glass bottles and jars, food and beverage cartons as well as plastic food trays and plastic punnets in your green recycling bin to make it even easier for you to recycle. Look out for your information leaflet in July.

Maidstone Borough Council

News in brief
Staplehurst Uprockin
Come along to Staplehurst Uprockin on 20 July for BMX, Scooter and Skateboarding sessions alongside a bootfair and other stalls. For more information, call 01580 891761.

Maidstones cabinet 2013-14

Maidstones Executive Cabinet provides leadership at the top level of the council and decides the councils priorities. It is responsible for the overall business of the council and makes most decisions. All decisions must be in line with the overall policy and budget frameworks set by the council and its decisions are subject to scrutiny by different groups of councillors.

Chris Garland (Conservative) is the Leader of Maidstone Borough Council.

Since the borough council elections in May 2012, the council has had 30 Conservative, 19 Liberal Democrat, 5 independent and 1 Labour councillor. Fran Wilson (Liberal Democrat) is the Leader of the Opposition. As the Leader of the Council, Chris Garland is responsible for the sustainable community strategy, strategic plan and medium term financial strategy. He is an ambassador for the council and represents it on national and regional bodies such as the Kent forum. His priorities for the year include the local plan and communication with residents, and keeping council tax as low as possible, whilst maintaining front line services.

New Website
Our new website has launched, making it easier to do business with us and get in touch. Visit Maidstone.gov.uk to find out information, report problems and pay for things online at a time and place that suits you.

Carriage Museum
The Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages has re-opened for the summer. The Museum, situated in the Archbishops Palace complex on Mill Street, offers an intriguing insight into the history of transport and is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities. Open Weds-Sun 12pm-4pm. 2 adults, 1 concs.

Cllr Malcolm Greer (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Economic and Commercial Development (Deputy Leader)
Responsible for economic development, the visitor economy, Hazlitt Arts Centre, Maidstone museums, regeneration, commercial services, sustainable construction and Maidstone market.

Brian Moss (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Corporate Services

Responsible for people strategy, customer service, corporate finance, legal advice, information technology, property and procurement, council tax and housing benefit, and democratic services.

SNAP Disco
The popular SNAP disco for 11-17 year olds is back on 20 September at Maidstone Leisure Centre. The event is from 7pm-11pm and features live music and a DJ. Tickets are 5 each and can be bought at the Leisure Centre or on the door. The event is run in collaboration with Kent Police and Crimestoppers as part of a say no to drugs campaign.

Cllr Marion Ring (Conservative) Cabinet Member for the Environment

Responsible for waste minimisation and recycling, air quality management, climate change and carbon management, cleansing services, environmental health, licensing, Maidstone crematorium and cemetery, local biodiversity action planning and Cobtree Golf Course.

Cllr John A. Wilson (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services
Responsible for strategic housing management, community safety, community development, parks, open spaces and allotments, leisure activities, community engagement, and allocation and monitoring of grants.

Love Where You Learn

Proud of your school? Love where you learn? Applications are invited from local secondary schools to submit proposals for anti-littering initiatives. Several winners will be awarded grants of up to 2,000 to turn their proposals into reality. For more details phone 01622 602115 or email lovewhereyoulearn@maidstone. gov.uk The deadline for entries is 22 November with the funding awarded in December.

Stephen Paine (Conservative) Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Development
Responsible for the Local Development Framework, Development Plan Documents, Development Management policies and development briefs, Integrated Transport Strategy, planning enforcement, land charges, building control, parking, park and ride, and public transport initiatives.

Overview and scrutiny

Maidstones overview and scrutiny committees challenge and inform the cabinet to ensure that the council is run in an effective and efficient way and in the best interests of residents.
Get involved
Overview and Scrutiny Committees look at services and issues that are important to local people. Councillors can refer any matter affecting their ward to overview and scrutiny, and we welcome input and views from residents. If you think the council could be doing something better or in a different way, and youd like councillors to investigate, please contact osc@maidstone.gov.uk, call 01622 602491 or tweet us @maidstonesvoice.

e-billing
Its quick & easy to sign up to receive your council tax bill by email instead of through the post visit Maidstone.gov.uk and select Council Tax and Paperless Billing

News from the MUSEUM

Worn to be Wild
A vibrant exhibition of fashion through the ages inspired by the wildlife of Britain, Worn to be Wild was created by dress designer and textile artist Kate Plumtree. The collection is inspired by British birds and mammals combined with the evolution of period dress from medieval times to

20 July 2 November Admission: 3 or 2 for 5, under 16s free the present. From a medieval deer to a contemporary hedgehog, each costume represents a different species and a specific era of fashion. Adults and children can even try on some of the outfits in the dressing up area!

Heritage Open Days Sleepover

19:00 on 13 September to 08:30 on 14 September, 30 per person, booking essential Ever fancied spending a night at the museum? Will Ta-kesh the Egyptian mummy come to life when the lights go out? Do the dinosaurs roar at sunrise? Find out at our childrens sleepover! Children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum of 3 children per adult).

Treasures from Hirado

20 July 2 November
Treasures from Hirado marks the 400th anniversary of the opening of trade and cultural ties between Britain and Japan. It features artefacts never before seen outside Japan. In particular the exhibition focuses on William Adams, from Gillingham, who was the first Englishman to reach Japan. Adam became a confidant of Japans ruler and was buried in Hirado.

Behind the Scenes Tours

2.50, booking essential See behind the scenes at Maidstone Museum and find out about some of the items that are not currently on display. Japanese Collection 31 July Fashion Collection 11 September

Sex, Drugs & Music Hall

12, 19 & 27 September, 14:00 Free of charge but booking essential One Book, Two Actors, Three Generations, Four True Life Stories. The phenomenal Brem-Wilson dynasty through spoken word, drama, music & performance. Adaptations from Clive-Parker Sharps book The Box and author book signing in the Kentish Deli-Caf.

Tea, Talk & Walk Discover Maidstones Historic Past

Tuesdays from 27 August to 15 October 11:30am Adults 5 Concessions 3 Meet at the museums Bentlif library for refreshment and an engaging talk, followed by a town walk led by a qualified guide. Talks cover everything from art and architecture to crime and punishment. Booking is advisable.

Summer Holiday Activities

Home Front Bus and World War II Fun Day 2 & 3 August, 10:00-17:00 Get on board the Home Front Bus and step back in time! There will also be a childrens World War II workshop with exciting childrens activities. On 3 August, join in the family picnic in Brenchley Gardens with 1940s entertainment and a Cake Bake competition. Creepy crawlies, bugs and beasties 9 August, 11:00-16:00 Fun activities - handle the bugs and beasties.

Some activities include a charge please see our website or call 01622 602838 for details.

Teddy Bear Workshop 16 August, 10:30 and 14:00 Make your own teddy bear and dress it with Worn to be Wild creator Kate Plumtree. Childrens Craft Activities sessions at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 Designer Dinosaurs 25 July, 14 August Fun with Phones 26 July, 15 & 30 August World War II Activities

29 July 2 August Put On A Puppet Show 5 & 23 August Marvellous Mummies 6 & 22 August Super Power 7 & 19 August Roman Soldiers 8 & 20 August Take Flight 12 & 28 August Masks 13 & 29 August Wonderful Worms 16 & 27 August Making Music 21 & 28 August Japanese Culture Day 26 August, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30

More information on all upcoming exhibitions and events can be found at www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk. Bookings via 01622 602838.

Maidstone Borough Council

Could you be killing with kindness?

Maidstone Borough Council and Town Centre Management are launching a hard-hitting campaign which aims to tackle begging in the town by urging shoppers to donate their spare change to homeless charities rather than giving it to beggars. Your kindness could kill aims to inform the public that the money they give to beggars is often used to buy alcohol or drugs which could ultimately kill them. The posters displaying an image of a body made up of coins form part of a wider campaign aiming to support homeless people to get off the streets. Councillor John A Wilson, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure services, says Members of the public give their money to street beggars in good faith, often presuming that they are homeless. Unfortunately, giving money to people begging does not always help them. There are many organisations, often charities, offering support with addiction or providing help with accommodation and support. They would benefit immensely from peoples donations and we would rather people make donations to them, however small they might be. Head of Housing and Community Safety, John Littlemore said We work very closely with both Porchlight and Maidstone Day Centre to support people who are homeless. Many of these people are hidden and do not get support from the public as they are not on our streets begging. By giving money to local charities, you know your money is going to help those people who need it most.

If you would like to donate to our local homeless charities please go to www.porchlight.org.uk or www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk. Please remember to gift aid your donation to increase the amount received by these charities.

Maidstone Mela
bringing cultures together
This years Maidstone Mela will be another celebration of music, food and dance. It will feature groups representing cultures from across the World. All of the groups represent people from the borough such as the Nepalese community group, which has strong links with the Ghurkha regiment in the town.

Walking Buses
Schools across Maidstone will be stepping up to take advantage of green travel schemes. The council has provided 3,000 sponsorship for schools signing up for the Kent Messenger Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug walking to school schemes. Councillor Marion Ring, the councils cabinet member for the environment, said: They reduce the number of cars on the road during the school run, which is great news for the environment, and they give children the chance to keep active and learn vital road safety skills. To find out how your childs school could benefit from the funding contact Louise Rogerson from the KM Walk to School team on 08442 640291 or go to www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk

Friday 6 September - Jubilee Square, Maidstone 2.30pm - 6.15pm

Fridays entertainment includes leading African singer and percussion player Lucky Moyo.

Home Choice
If you are living in housing association accommodation, have been affected by the recent benefits changes and are looking to move into a smaller home, the Kent Homechoice website can help. If you are on the housing register (you can apply at Maidstone.gov.uk), you can search for available housing association properties on the Homechoice website and bid for up the three properties a fortnight. To find out more, visit www.kenthomechoice.org.uk. The website also has information on the Mutual Exchange process, whereby those looking for a smaller home can exchange with someone looking for a bigger property. If you are concerned in the meantime about paying your rent following the changes to benefits, please talk to your landlord, who may also be able to help you to find a new property.

Sunday 8 September Mote Park, Maidstone 12.30pm 5.30pm

Madness Tribute band Badness are Sundays headline act. Formed in 1994, Badness have been a market leader in the tribute and Ska scene and have recently won the 2013 National Tribute Awards for being one of best tribute bands in the UK.

Maidstone Borough Council

Heather House Community Garden

Residents in Park Wood can now enjoy a wonderful community garden thanks to a project between local residents, the council and local businesses. Local residents group, Parents is the Word, worked with community garden design company Fleurs de Filles to design the space, and volunteers transformed the area, introducing a sensory garden, a play area for toddlers and a vegetable patch. The garden will be used to hold events and activities for local residents, schools and community groups, as well as being a space for residents to relax and enjoy. Local businesses including VINCI Construction UK Ltd, Gallaghers and NG Bailey generously provided materials for the project.

The garden was opened by (left to right) Cllr Marion Ring, Jade Webster of Parents is the Word and Cllr Malcolm Greer.

Mote Park events

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/motepark. To book free events, email moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk. Paid for events can be booked by calling the Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611.
Get to Know Mote Park Walk (Love Parks Week) 27 July, 9:30-12:30, free Bat Evening 30 July, 6 & 30 August, 6 & 20 September, 2.50 Mote Park Nature Detectives Woodlands - 5 August, 10-12:30, free Meadows 19 August, 10-12:30, free Treasure Island Theatre & Workshop 18 August, 15:30 9.50 adult, 6 concs, 5 workshop Woodland Bushcraft Workshop 24 August, 9:30-15:30, 35 Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny Theatre 31 August, 17:00 9.50 adult, 6 concs Twelfth Night 1 September, 17:00 9.50 adult, 6 concs Wild Foods Walk 28 September, 10:30-12:30, 2.50

Cobtree Manor Park

Cobtree Manor Parks new Maidstone Zoo play area is officially open. Unveiled by Helen Grant MP and Councillor John A. Wilson, Chairman of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee and Maidstone councils Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, it includes towers, tunnel slides and wobbly bridges. New circular footpaths, a resurfaced woodland walk, new benches, bins and information boards have also been installed. A new sculpture trail by local artist Jason Mulligan, and a new visitor centre and caf are also planned. For more information visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/cobtree.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/motepark or email alanfrith@maidstone.gov.uk.

Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Market in 2013

Residents are being encouraged to rediscover their local market as part of a Love Your Local Market campaign. Maidstone council is supporting the national campaign, which is led by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA). The campaign highlights the importance of markets in the local community, both for retail and as valuable community assets.

People from all over Kent have been coming to the county town Market since 1548. Once a central meeting place for local produce and wares, the market has adapted itself over the years from being a cattle market to the buzzing place it is today. The market boasts a diverse selection of stalls including groceries, clothing, plants, books, magazines, toys, pet Maidstone Market in 1947 accessories and seasonal gifts as well as several special events throughout the year. Robert Holmes, Market Manager says: Maidstone Market offers a wide range of quality goods including fresh local produce, which is particularly popular in light of recent food scares. The market has a vibrant and lively shopping atmosphere, and provides shoppers with great value for money. The Market is held every Tuesday and Saturday from 7.30am 1.30pm at Barker Road in Lockmeadow, just a few minutes walk from Maidstone High Street. There is also a free shuttle bus operating from The Mall Chequers bus station (number 505).

Maidstones Summer Market

Diary Date! Come along to Maidstones Summer Market at Lockmeadow on Tuesday 13 August from 7.30am 1.30pm. Featuring a mini farm, creepy crawly roadshow, birds of prey and childrens rides.

Summer Treats at the Hazlitt Arts Centre

Hazlitt Youth Theatres Summer Festival Workshops
This summer the Hazlitt Arts Centre opens its doors to anyone aged 6 - 16yrs to take part in two exciting workshop opportunities. Both week-long workshops will run from 12 - 16 August and culminate in live performances on the Friday.

Workshop tickets 75
(includes 2 FREE tickets for the performance on Friday; extra performance tickets 5)

Ages 6-10 years: The Witches by Roald Dahl

This Roald Dahl classic tells the scary, funny and imaginative tale of a seven-year-old boy who has a run-in with some real-life witches! In fairy tales witches always wear silly black hats and black cloaks but this is no a fairy tale

Ages 11-16 years: The West End Needs You!

Join us at the Hazlitt, as we give our own unique twist to many of the great West End Hits.

For more information please contact the Youth Theatre office on: 01622 686958 or hyt@maidstone.gov.uk

Richard III
Changeling Theatre Company 4 July 11 August Tickets from 8.50
This summer Changeling Theatre will be bringing their unique version of Shakespeares epic play Richard III to stunning locations across Kent. Shakespeares Richard III is famous for its Machiavellian and deformed protagonist who everyone loves to hate. It is a dark, witty and entertaining tale of ruthless ambition, which centres around the rise and fall of the jealous and ambitious Richard, from his beginnings as the hated younger brother of Edward IV to his crowning as King of England, sharply followed by his ultimate demise on the battlefield of Bosworth. Set in a gothic world of murder, plots and intrigue, Changeling Theatres Richard III will be playing across Kent from 5 July to 11 August this Summer, in venues as diverse as Maidstone Uniteds football ground and Boughton Monchelsea Place. Changeling Theatres production will feature a brilliant ensemble cast, original music and the companys renowned directorial twist. It promises to be an experience not to be forgotten! For full venue listings visit: www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

To book tickets go online at www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk or ring the Box Office 01622 758611

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Maidstone Borough Council

Aspire Summer of Sports

Maidstones Youth Action Partnership has secured an impressive 22,000 from the Kent Police and Crime Commissioners Safer Communities Fund, Golding Homes and Maidstone Borough Council to deliver borough wide community sporting activities. There will be a range of activities including weekly football and boxing, as well as a new summer sports programme of activities for young people across the borough and opportunities to gain coaching qualifications.
For more information about the activities on offer visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/residents/leisureand-events/young-peoples-activities, contact the community development team by telephone 01622 602222 or email communitydevelopment@maidstone.gov.uk. The Maidstone and Malling Netball League also received funding to develop skills and qualifications - the league will work with local schools to promote sporting events and to encourage children and young people to get involved in a sports club.

Want to quit smoking?

Everyone has a different reason for wanting to quit smoking. Whatever your motivation, you dont have to go it alone. The Kent Stop Smoking Service has already helped more than 44,000 people to quit, and we can help you. No lectures, just straightforward advice and support. Call 0800 849 4444 or text QUIT to 87023. Twitter @KentQuit

Get on your bike!

British Cycling and Sky have come together to get a million more people riding their bikes regularly and everyone's invited. Whatever your age or ability, and whatever kind of bike you ride, there is a whole range of ways to get involved. From big traffic-free events in towns and cities, to local neighbourhood rides; from women-only bike rides and support, to routes and workshops; there's something for everyone. So if you want to get on your bike and breathe in some fresh air this

summer visit www.goskyride.com and find a ride near you or book a place on the River Beult Beauty ride, 13 miles from Marden Station - 2pm, Sunday 14 July and 18 August.

Weight Management Programmes

Maidstone Borough Council runs a range of weight loss courses to help you to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health.

Go For It
Free family and childrens weight management programme, to ensure a healthier lifestyle aimed at 5 17 year olds. Held at Zeroth Active Zone, Boughton Lane, Maidstone.

Weight For It
Free 10 week weight loss programme for adults - fun & friendly weekly weigh-in with diet and nutritional advice, delivered across the Maidstone borough. Book now to attend one of the following groups:. T The Old School Hall, East Farleigh, Mondays, 16.30-17.30 T The Manor Youth and Community Centre, Shepway, Maidstone T Boughton Monchelsea Village Hall, Thursdays, 17.00-18.00

Weight For Life:

10 week holistic lifestyle programme, including nutrition advice and low cost exercise regime for just 1 per visit. Held at Zeroth Active Zone, Boughton Lane, Maidstone.

Adult Weight Management Programme:

A 12 week programme consisting of weekly diet and nutrition seminars, also take advantage of the low cost gym, swim and exercise classes for just 1 per visit. Held at Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, Maidstone.

For more information on any of the programmes email healthy.living@maidstone.gov.uk

MAKE IT MAIDSTONE
MAKE IT PROSPEROUS
USEFUL NUMBERS
Citizens Advice Bureau 01622 752420 or 01622 757882 Council tax advice 01622 602003 Housing benefit and general housing advice 01622 602557 National debtline freephone 0808 808 4000 Heating and insulation grants - 01622 602470 First time buyers grants 01622 602470 Energy Saving Trust 0800 512 012 Jobcentre Plus 01622 702700
Maidstone Borough Council is working to fight the effects of the recession and bring prosperity to the borough. We help residents with housing and council tax benefits, heating and insulation grants, home improvement grants, and through support for organisations which offer money advice.

High Street regeneration complete this Autumn

Work is underway on the final phase of Maidstones High Street regeneration project. The lower High Street will be repaved, new trees will be planted, and seating and lighting will be installed. The cannon will be relocated to take pride of place at the centre of the new space whilst a large, granite paved area will be created for people to sit outside restaurants and cafes.

Progress Programme
Progress is a programme designed to inspire and coach you to tackle problems and make positive changes that will benefit you and your family. All courses are free of charge and aim to support and lead you closer to employment. Sessions include - House & Home, Using a Computer, Health & Wellbeing and Employment Skills. For more information, contact Sophie Wardle or Husna Khanam at Progress in Maidstone on 01634 580266 or visit www.progressprogramme.com Local businesses, the police, bus and taxi companies, the disability focus group and other interested parties were consulted and adjustments were made to the 1.7 million scheme as a result of feedback received. The works complement the successful completion of Phase One, which saw the upper High Street transformed to include Jubilee Square, a space that has already seen a wide variety of performances, markets and events. The completed High Street Regeneration scheme is expected to generate 4.5 million of additional visitor expenditure in the town and create nearly 100 new jobs in both the day and night-time economy. F M Conway is the contractor for the works. Construction will be phased to minimise disruption, and the project is expected to be completed in October 2013.

Employment for young people

Working with Job Centre Plus, Maidstone council is helping young people find work. Since November last year it has offered work experience placements to 19 young people aged 18-24 and seven have gone on to find paid employment. Any businesses that would like to join the scheme should contact Jennifer Sibley, Employability and Skills Project Officer - 01622 602328 / jennifersibley@maidstone.gov.uk.

Start Up Britain
Jump aboard StartUp Britains national StartUp Tour at Jubilee Square, Maidstone during the afternoon of Wednesday 17 July. If you have ever thought about running your own business or growing one get on board the campaigns double decker bus. It will be filled with start-up experts and business champions ready to deliver free advice and support. Maidstones Cabinet Member for Economic and Commercial Development, Malcolm Greer, said: This is a great opportunity for Maidstones budding entrepreneurs. The advisors will be able to tell them how to get a Start-Up loan, or how to find out about mentoring. I hope it will give them the confidence they need to start up their own business and provide a boost to our local economy. The StartUp Britain campaign is supported by top firms, including Intuit, PayPal and BT, and it has the support of the Department for Business, Industry and Skills. For more information, and to register your attendance on the bus, visit www.startupbritain.org/tour.

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Maidstone Borough Council

Sarah started working at the council in 2006 as an apprentice, moving departments every three months to gain experience and skills whilst working towards an NVQ in Business and Administration. She settled in the Community Development department, working her way up from an administration assistant to her current role as Community Development Officer.

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Community Development
There are five members of the Community Development Team who work across a wide range of issues including community safety, health, arts, sports, play, youth and neighbourhoods. The team is responsible for many important community projects including: - DMAX a weekly sports club for disabled children and young people living or going to school in the borough. - Safety in Action a two week programme for Year 6 pupils to help aid their transition from primary to secondary school. - Uprockin an annual skateboarding, BMX, scooter and in-line skates competition in South Park on 6 July. - Pride in Maidstone a fund to support community initiatives across the borough. - Aspire Summer of Sports Programme delivering sports sessions in the community over the summer months. - Weight Management Classes classes across the borough to help people to make changes in their day to day lives to have healthier lifestyles.

Sarahs job includes

- Working with families and other organisations to promote healthy lifestyles and improve community safety, and running projects for young people. What attracted you to the job? Ive always known Ive wanted to work in the theatre or with children - I was a voluntary youth worker at school, started dancing at the age of eight and studied performing arts at A-Level. My apprenticeship at the council gave me the chance to try both options, and I loved the variety in the Community Development Team. What do you like most about your job? No day is ever the same today Im the site manager at Safety in Action helping primary school children with safety messages, whilst next week Ill be working with armed forces leavers to aid their resettlement into the community. I also like that the work our team does helps to make a difference in peoples lives. What does customer services mean to you? Being friendly, helpful and not closing the door on people. By listening to customers and responding to their needs, we can work with them to resolve any issues.

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: pr@maidstone.gov.uk. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. It is typeset by AW design and printed by Newbury News.

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Whats On!

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