KK OO SS www.kentnews.co.uk Voted Britain’s best paper 7 times Published by KOSMEDIA LTD. Telephone:(01303) 817000 IT’S WHAT SUNDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT No. 276 January 6,2008 INSIDE HAVE YOUR SAY IINNVVIIGGOORRAATTEE THIS YYOOUURRSSEELLFF ABOUT THE KENT WEEK’S WWIITTHH OOUURR DOWNS …AND YOU COULD PAPER PPUULLLL--OOUUTT WIN A CASE OF WINE OR AN IPOD SHUFFLE ALSO: CHECK OUT OUR NEW HOMES GUIDE 2008 WITH KENT AGENTS AND DEVELOPERS BURNING ISSUE: Medway Council LAa TneEw v EcootDeadl-I fiTnir eIfdaOv poNouwr eorf station at Kingsnorth CCAARRBBOONN By PHIL REILLY AND TONY PATEY ENVIRONMENTALISTS say the Prime Minister’s public stance on green issues lies in tatters this weekend after two pollution-related rows erupted in Kent. The attack came after the introduction of Government-approved, above-inflation train fare hikes which critics warned would force rail CCOOPP--OOUUTT commuters back into cars. The Government also appeared to give tacit support to plans for a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth. Campaigners say both would result in more carbon emissions,undermining the Government’s recently agreed targets on climate change. Dr Caroline Lucas,the Green Party MEP for the South East,said Gordon Brown “has no claim to climate change credentials”. “This has reinforced my perception that this government seems to be living in two parallel universes,”she told Kent on Sunday. “In one it has its rhetoric about climate change and its Climate Change Bill, yet in the other New power station and rail fare rows universe there is no indication they’re taking it seriously at all.” A Greenpeace spokesman said: “Both the allowed increases in rail fares and the serious deal blow to PM’s green credentials consideration of the first coal-fired power station in CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO www.kentnews.co.uk for all the headlines 2 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 • Week ending January 6, 2008 Early Booking Offer 2008 Cold comfort as energy prices increase Dover - France car + 5 each way from THOUSANDS of families in By TONY PATEY applied to customers on npow- ent consumer watchdog £19* Kent will be paying higher er’s First Step ‘social tariff’. Energywatch. energy bills from this weekend. Business Editor Giuseppe Di Vita, managing Spokesman Karl Brookes said: Energy firm npower director of npower’s residential “Consumers are always being announced that electricity increase will be £64 for electric- business,said:“We always try to softened up with talk of prices for its domestic cus- ity and £95 for gas, across all protect our customers for as ‘unavoidable’ price rises. The tomers will rise by 12.7 per payment methods. long as possible,but sadly high- wholesale price for gas has risen, Book by 13.01.08 cent, while gas bills will see a Customers paying by pre-pay- er energy prices are a fact of life. it’s true, but all suppliers can Book online or call 17.2 per cent increase,effective ment meters (PPMs) will see “npower is not alone in facing decide to absorb more of that from this Saturday.Other ener- lower average price increases of these higher costs, and we themselves rather than pass all 08701 642 117 gy suppliers are expected to 9.8 per cent for electricity and expect other suppliers to follow the rise on to consumers.” *Off-peak sailings. £10 supplement applies for peak sailings. £5 each way supplement applies for weekend travel (Fri-Sun). also put up their prices soon. 15.7 per cent for gas. This is suit very shortly.Anyone strug- npower, a subsidiary of the £5 admin fee applies to phone bookings. Subject to availability and valid only when used as part of a return booking with the outward journey from Dover. Bookings are non-refundale. Terms and conditions apply. npower said it had been partly due to work npower has gling to pay their bills, regard- German RWE utilities giant, “forced to put up prices” done on upgrading PPMs – less of the time of year,should said wholesale energy prices for K t t ay en od because of soaring wholesale resulting in a reduction of the get in touch immediately.” 2008 had increased from last energy costs. The rises will extra costs associated with them. But the increase immediately year by 66 per cent for electrici- mean the average annual price But the increase will not be came under fire from independ- ty,and 60 per cent for gas. 9 E.on says station would be 10 20 per cent more efficient TODAY:Onceanyearlymistpatcheshavecleared, CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE discretion to review in light of objections from take the opportunity to develop green coal.” itwillbedrywithsomepatchycloud,butalsoplenty more than 30 years are indicative of this gov- other parties.The Secretary of State will want Dr James Hansen, the head of Nasa’s ofsunshine.Theeveningwillbeclear.Gentlesouth- ernment’s incoherence on climate change. to carefully consider all representations.” Goddard Institute for Space Studies and one westerlywinds.Maxtemp4-7C(39-45F). “On the one hand they’re urging us, the The spokesman said the station,if it went of the world’s leading climate change scien- TONIGHT:Fineatfirst,butcloudandrainspreading public, to turn down our thermostats, to fly ahead, would harness new Carbon Capture tists,has written to Gordon Brown warning fromthewestforatime.Mintemp2-5C(36-41F). less and to drive less and on the other hand and Storage (CCS) technology that could that his energy policy could be “a tipping AroundBritain they’re allowing train fares to rise and greatly reduce CO2 emissions spewing into point for the world”. building new runways for airports and new the environment. He said: “Your leadership is needed on a °C °F °C °F power stations.” Energy company E.on, which wants to matter concerning coal-fired power plants in Aberdeen fair 6 43 London fair 8 46 Tory-controlled Medway Council this week build the station,said it would produce two your country,a matter with ramifications for Belfast fair 9 48 Liverpool fair 8 46 voted 13-3 to give the green light to plans to million tonnes of carbon dioxide less every life on our planet,including all species.” Birmingham fair 4 39 Manchester fair 7 45 build the coal-fired station.It received more year than the existing plant. The developments come against a backdrop B’mouth sun 6 43 Newcastle fair 6 43 Bristol fair 10 50 Norwich sun 6 43 than 9,000 objections to the planning applica- Arguments of declining North Sea gas and oil supplies and Cardiff sun 8 46 Oxford sun 7 45 tion. The Kingsnorth plan now goes to the the closure of several UK power stations.The Cork showers7 45 Southsea sun 9 48 Government for final approval. A spokeswoman said:“That is equal to tak- current Kingsnorth station is due to close by Edinburgh fair 6 43 S’hampton fair 8 46 Although it has refused to comment specif- ing half a million cars off UK roads every 2015. Glasgow showers7 45 Southport sun – – ically on Kingsnorth, a statement by the year. Kingsnorth will be 20 per cent more The Government is keen on building new IsleofMan fair 8 46 Swansea showers8 46 Department for Business, Enterprise and efficient than existing plants,that is a signifi- power stations in order to secure the UK’s Leeds fair 6 43 Torquay fair 8 46 Regulatory Reform (DBERR) suggested it cant amount.” energy supply so that the country is not reliant Sun&moon was being seriously considered. But the Conservatives questioned the on importing energy from foreign states.It is It said: “While many of the UK’s coal readiness of the technology. soon expected to announce a new programme Sunrise 8.01am Sunset 4.01pm Lightinguptimes: stations are due to close over the next five to Alan Duncan,the Tory Shadow Secretary of to build four new £2 billion nuclear plants Moonrise7.00am Moonset 1.35pm 4.01pmto8.01am 10 years,it remains an important part of our State for Business, Enterprise and shortly. One site is Dungeness, where both energy mix as we develop lower carbon forms Regulatory Reform, said:“E.on’s arguments British Energy and French firm EDF Energy HighTides of power.” that Kingsnorth is going to be much cleaner have expressed a desire to build a third reactor. It is conceivable the matter will go to a are totally unconvincing, the Government today tomorrow public inquiry – which would be time-con- has made a complete botch of carbon capture A spokesman for Mr Brown was invited to ht(m) ht(m) ht(m) ht(m) suming and very expensive for all parties. and there’s no chance of CCS for many years. comment but declined to do so. Dover 09.47 5.8 22.115.9 10.26 5.9 22.476.1 A DBERR spokesman said:“Medway’s deci- “Kingsnorth is the most dirty of all the News and sport updated daily online Margate 10.37 4.1 22.534.2 11.21 4.2 23.334.3 sion means an inquiry is not automatically available options for a new power station,but StMary’s 03.15 4.8 15.364.8 03.56 5.0 16.154.9 www.kentnews.co.uk triggered,but the Secretary of State still has if this is to go ahead the Government must Weekahead Academy will focus on science and creative arts monday thursday Mostlyfine. Stayingdry. max9Cmin6C max9Cmin5C A NEW £25 million academy in ence and the creative arts. cation, operations, resources and colleges in Bromley and Orpington Kent has been given the green Current Axton Chase pupils will skills,said:“This latest academy announced they were to merge. tuesday friday light by the Government. automatically transfer to the builds the network of academies Bromley College of Further Showerslater. Somerain. The new school will replace new school. being created within Kent to nine. and Higher Education and max9Cmin5C max8Cmin4C Axton Chase School and be feder- No date has been given for its “They serve areas of disadvan- Orpington College are to merge ated with the nearby Leigh opening,but new facilities could tage and help to increase student from August 2009,although both wednesday saturday Technology Academy in Dartford. start being built in 2009. motivation and performance.” campuses are to be retained. The new academy, based at Cllr Mark Dance,Kent County The proposal was given the go- Almost £50 million will be Brightspells. Rainclearing. Longfield, will specialise in sci- Council’s cabinet member for edu- ahead in the same week that two spent on state of the art facilities. max8Cmin6C max7Cmin4C Hamiltons Quality... Design... Imagination... EDITOR:Bernard Ginns ADDRESS:Apple Barn,Smeeth,Kent TN25 6SR. WEBSITE:www.kentnews.co.uk Fine Kitchens MOBILEWAP SERVICE:www.kentnews.co.uk/mobile TELEPHONE 01303 817000 FAX (ADVERTISING) 01303 817001 FAX (EDITORIAL) 01303 817002 EMAIL Editorial: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] Printed by Archant Print.Early edition free,late edition 50p. Tel: 01622 844897 www.hamiltonsfinekitchens.com Finest range of contemporary and traditional designs The Tile Cellar, Warmlake Business Est, Free,no obligation home visit design and quotation ©KO S20M0e2d KiaE N(PTu bOlNis hSiUnNg)D LAiYm.iKteEdN.T ONSUNDAYis published by Full installation service,including all building works MaMidasitdosnteo nReo, aKde,n St,u MttoEn1 7V a3lLeQnce, www.kentnews.co.uk for news and sport Week ending January 6, 2008 • Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 3 Jude set for ‘No conf lict Vicious part in punk film of interests’ SID Vicious is to return to the big screen in what has been billed as the “ultimate” Sex Pistols movie. Jude Law is being touted as one of the actors in the frame for the role of the tragic bass play- Kent Labour MP defends £25,000 er,who lived in Tunbridge Wells as a child. The film,entitled Who Killed Nancy?,will be made by writer Alan Parker. Mr Parker has donation from property developer written three books about the Sex Pistols and is a friend of Sid Vicious’ mother Anne Beverley. As the title suggests,the film will deal with the controversy surrounding the death of By JAMIE McGINNES Vicious’ girlfriend Nancy Spungen, who he had apparently murdered in New York’s [email protected] famous Chelsea Hotel. The pair had been heroin addicts and on A LABOUR MP has denied any October 12,1978,Vicious woke up in a drug- conflict of interests after it fuelled haze to find his girlfriend dead on the bathroom floor of their hotel room from a sin- emerged he is backing plans put gle stab wound to the abdomen.He claimed he forward by a property developer had no memory of what had happened. who donated £25,000 to his local Murder ABOVE BOARD: Stephen Ladyman MP party branch. (above) says donation to Labour Party from The punk icon was charged with her murder The MP,Stephen Ladyman,the member Ken Wills (left) was properly disclosed but died from a heroin overdose on February 2 for Thanet South, said the developer’s the following year.He was 21. project would bring 1,000 jobs to Thanet if from Ken Wills,of Summit Aviation – another It will not be the first time the saga has successful. company he runs.Neither mention CGP. made it onto the big screen. In 1986, Gary Millionaire Ken Wills, 54, made the Susan Brown, spokeswoman for the Kent Oldman starred as Vicious in Sid and Nancy, £25,000 donation to the South Thanet Labour Party,said:“The Thanet South Labour but the film has been criticised for containing Labour Party on June 13,2007. Party received a donation from a local business- factual inaccuracies. He said he is due to submit a planning man,which was properly investigated,properly Mr Parker said:“I have strong views on Sid application for a business centre at disclosed and properly registered with the and Nancy so I wanted to make the ultimate, Manston later this month. “He’s not involved at all with the plan- Electoral Commission. last word movie.It will be 100 minutes of facts On August 2, Broadstairs-based ning application.He’s just simply giving his “Also,although it wasn’t necessary to do so, and at the end we’re going to turn round and Commercial Group Properties Plc (CGP),of advice on how he sees the development and just to be above board about it,Steve disclosed let the audience be the jury.” which Mr Wills is chief executive, the potential benefits to Thanet.” it in the MPs’ register of interests.” Starring as Sex Pistols frontman Johnny announced a memorandum of understand- Mr Wills added: “Steve has been very, Mr Wills said that a Chinese minister is due Rotten will reportedly be Nathan Morris,singer ing with China’s Zhejiang Province to lease very supportive for the last 12 months.He to visit Thanet to find out about the China in tribute band The Sex Pistols Experience. 2.5m sq ft of land at Manston to Chinese recognised the potential benefits for Thanet Gateway proposals for Manston Business The part of Nancy Spungen has also report- businesses. very early on and has assisted us through- Park,which a “world-class”Chinese firm was edly been offered to Sophie Boyes,who tours That followed an earlier announcement in out, certainly when we were putting the also interested in. A planning application is with the tribute act. May that up to 1.1m sq ft at the site would project together. due to be submitted to later this month. Filming is due to begin later this month. be leased to the Beijing Association of small “He’s been to China on two occasions.The According to his website, Mr Wills “started Vicious,whose real name was John Simon and medium-sized enterprises. last time was in Shanghai where he attend- with nothing and has worked his way up to a Ritchie, was born in London but moved to On a visit to Shanghai in December,Dr ed a conference and spoke on behalf of the business empire with a turnover of £20 million”. Tunbridge Wells as a child. Ladyman spoke about how the People’s British government and also on behalf of News and sport updated daily online He attended Sandown Court School before Republic could forge closer links with our company.” moving to Hackney in London with his www.kentnews.co.uk the UK. Dr Ladyman was still Transport Minister mother in 1971. Before the trip,he said he would be “talk- when the £25,000 donation was made.He ing about the importance of Chinese enter- was sacked from the post at the end of June prises engaging with overseas partners if by new Prime Minister Gordon Brown. they want to continue the rapid growth of The MP said the Electoral Commission their economy and that UK businesses, watchdog was informed about the donation especially in south-east England,have the and it was recorded in the MPs’ register of SALE expertise they need to act as partners”. interests.He also said a press release about SALE Visionary the money was issued at the time. “There’s no conflict of interests at all “These partnerships will include the because the planning decisions are taken China Gateway that CGP plans at by the district council,”said Dr Ladyman. Manston,”he added. “The decision to designate that land as a In an interview with KoS in November, business park was something that has been Dr Ladyman praised the scheme. in the district plan and economic develop- Mr Wills told KoS this week that he made ment plan for a decade. the £25,000 donation because he wanted to “Political parties have to be funded by support Dr Ladyman,who,he said,has a somebody.Somebody has to make a person- NOW ON “visionary”view of how to develop the area. al donation.The only thing you can do is be He said the donation was not connected open and honest about it. with CGP’s plans for Manston Business Park, “It was reported to the Electoral which will be determined by Conservative- Commission, it was reported to the MPs’ controlled Thanet District Council. register of interests,which we didn’t need “My donation to Steve is nothing whatso- to do.We couldn’t have been more open and ever to do with CGP. Steve Ladyman has honest about this.” been very supportive in a number of ways Dr Ladyman added:“This is a thousand over the years – that’s really my reason for jobs he’s potentially bringing to the area.It supporting Steve or trying to help him in would be utter madness if I wasn’t totally You’re now some small way. supportive of what he’s trying to do.” “He’s an excellent MP and that’s the rea- The press release and entry in the regis- son for my personal support for him. ter of interests record the donation as being ‘thinking Lincoln’ Warning over online paedophiles PARENTS are being advised parents should take precau- to have fun and to learn – it is to keep a close eye on tions when their children are also important to safeguard their children’s computer online. against the minority of people usage to guard against He said: “It’s easy to who use it for dishonest online paedophiles. think that just because means.” Kent Police has issued a your children are at home Police advise parents to BIGGER CHOICE • LOWER PRICES warning to parents who may they’re safe,but millions of make sure they know what have bought computer equip- people have access to the children are doing online and The Big Yellow Building, St Peters Street, Maidstone ment for their children for internet and can lie about who they are talking to,make Christmas. their true identities. sure they never give out per- 01622 691 291 www.lincolnfurniture.co.uk Youth crime reduction offi- “While most people are sonal details and never meet cer PC Martin Carter said online for the same reasons – up with strangers. www.kentnews.co.uk for all the headlines 4 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 • Week ending January 6, 2008 FREE MMCC LLAAEETTAATTRRRRAAEE NNSS SSCC EE FREE DELIVERY HALF PRICE DISPOSAL “Silent Sleep” 4ft 6in Double Mattress Was £199 OF YOUR OLD BED SALE PRICE £99 HALF PRICE Memory Foam Pillows Ring Coil NOW £25 Was £50 HALF PRICE HALF PRICE “County“ Leather Bedstead Posturemyerpedic Real Leather head & foot ends, with beech sprung slatted base. 4ft 6in Double Divan set with 2 drawers Double Open coil spring unit with tufted mattress on a platform top Divan base Was £799 Was £599 SALE PRICE £279 SALE PRICE £299 Mattress Extra Headboard Extra T WE WILL NO T BE BEA EN ON PRICE HALF PRICE HALF PRICE “Naples” We are constantly checking our competitors’ Brompton prices. If in the unlikely event you find the same 4ft 6in Double Divan set 4ft 6in double divan set, 1000 pocket sprung tufted mattress on a platform 1000 pocket sprung tufted mattress on a platform top Divan base product for less within 7 days we will willingly top divan base, 5 year guarantee on mattress Was £699 Was £799 refund the difference. SALE PRICE £299 SALE PRICE £399 Headboard Extra Headboard Extra HALF PRICE SHOWROOM HALF PRICE MODELS TO HALF PRICE Shop Floor Clearance Lorenzo 5ft Kingsize 4 drawer divan set • 1438 pocket springs in a tufted, hand stitched 4ft 6in double divan set • 1200 pocket springs with a memory foam top on a CLEAR mattress on a sprung edge Divan base platform top Divan base • 5 year guarantee on mattress RRP £1419 Was £999 SALE PRICE £599 SALE PRICE £499 Headboard Extra (1 only – Headboard extra) Probably the largest selection of beds in North Kent! Set over 4 floors Open 7 days a week MATALAN 133 High Street, Strood McDONALDS Tel 01634 722228/722235 FREE Customer Parking www.thecountybedcompany.com COUNTY BED CO. High Street www.kentnews.co.uk for news and sport Week ending January 6, 2008 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 5 Rail travel too expensive MP says overpriced tickets will force commuters to drive P By TONY PATEY ic tu re BUSINESS EDITOR s : K [email protected] NP COMMUTERS struggling to afford this week’s massive rail fare hikes will be forced off the tracks and back into their cars, said Tory shadow transport spokesman,Julian Brazier. The Canterbury MP’s comments came as the nation’s rail consumer watchdog warned that some Kent rail users working in London will have to make personal sacri- fices if their wage rises do not keep in step. Mr Brazier said that the Government – which has pushed up its regulated fares for season tickets and standard day returns by an average three per cent above inflation – is effectively going against its public com- mitment to cut carbon emissions by forcing people on to the roads. “This is going to make the fight against climate change more difficult as this IMPACT: Julian Brazier says commuters Government effectively prices people off will be forced to use their cars, which the railways and back into their cars,”said will have a negative impact on the Mr Brazier. county’s environment Inflation the train operator, unregulated, raised Southeastern to allow some commuters to pay making the purchase of best-value tickets,such He said many passengers will feel “let fares by only one per cent,and why they for the more cost-effective annual season tick- as season tickets,more accessible to passengers down”by the Government because family are above inflation anyway. et – which costs the equivalent of 40 weeks for who would otherwise struggle to afford them.” budgets will have been squeezed year Mr Olatunji said that not everyone a whole year ticket – on a monthly basis by News and sport updated daily online after year, following above-inflation rail working in London was on massive City direct debit. www.kentnews.co.uk fare hikes. wages – “when they are not getting these “I have asked them to seriously consider Mr Brazier underlined the fact that rates of salary increases these fare rises these increases will continue for some are going to bite.It’s a big problem.” years – the Government is committed to He said passengers will begin to ask if pinuftlatitniogn u epa cfha ryeesa br yu nthtirle 2e0 p1e1r. cent above th“eWy ea rseu grevtetyin gp afusslle nvagleures fotwr imceo nae y.year Next Weekend Meantime, Tunde Olatunji, passenger about their levels of satisfaction,and the link manager for Passenger Focus, the level for Kent in the last published survey noragtaionnis’sa tiionnd,epseanidd:en“Tt herraeil isc ocnosnucmerenr wgearss veferlyt lotwhe –y juwset r3e0 pgeert tcinengt ovfa pluaes sefonr- YYOOUU CCOOUULLDD WWIINN AA aabffoourdt hthowes eso imncer epaassesse nygeearrs o wni lyle baer .able to mMonre yO.”latunji said trains were getting SSUUMMMMEERR HHOOLLIIDDAAYY “For some it may mean big personal sac- more reliable and punctual,but passen- rthifaicte sso amned p ualstsiemnagteerlsy wpiolsl ebse tphrei creeda ol f rtihske gfieerds wabeoreu ts toilvl ecrocnrocwerdniendg ,anadn dd isisssautiess- FFOORR TTWWOO AATT railways.” such as station and train cleanliness, istisvH eoe wi nsnacr idepa otslhiecesi e Gasb owovveheri ncinhmf leaanrtetio nanel l–eo dwtshi ento ga rveeexvrciaeegwse- bma“asTtihico encru.es tonmeeedrs s etrov icbees ainndv etsrtamine nint fotro- HHTTOOHHEE L LKKEEIINNDDTT IIAANNTTYYEERR NNSSAATTHHIIOONNAALL AAWWIIRRPP OO‘‘RR00TT88 fare increases have been based on 3.8 per increase overall capacity to reduce stand- cent inflation,plus an additional 3 per cent ing and overcrowding. However passen- for Government regulated fares such as gers will feel they are being asked to cough season tickets and standard day returns. up in advance of the improvements that Unregulated fares such as off peak fares they would like to see.” Saturday 12th January from 10am - 4pm aiinnnPffdllaaa stctisihooeennna ,gpphel ureds sas ywao niordeue, tlpbudeu rrtnto cstlee hanreartye.t e wi nroicusreledsa sbaierno gau snbkdy- pTinarHcarreene nsaspcsayoeirs dt sftrthhoooe mursle hd o stwrhha oenu hglodeDw e sbpoae a nwrmdt imodwreeehln yytt r farfanoformser- Ckiodms een atleorntagi ntom tehnet ,H doislipdlaayy sS ahnodw f othoadt tfaesafttriunorgme sf yr foolimugrh altor oacnuadln a dhi roEpuloidrroat.py ed, eaallls, ing why, on average, the Government different stations. Plus your chance to win return should go for three per cent more,when Mr Olatunji is also pushing for flights to Verona or Jersey, or an amazing package holiday Our performance is at for two. record levels, says firm Foifn sdu no-ubtl easbseodu tC trhoea tbiae, ajuusttif tuwl ois loafn tdh eo fb Mranadd enieraw, oNre twhme haridkdete nH otrleidaasuysre dDAeiissrptcionovartet irow nJietshr.s eflyig, hantso, thhoelrid baryasn, d's nheoww doenslyti'n oaftfieorns farnodm d Kisecnotu Innttsefrrnoamtional SrbotrafuO GaiaslUn oilfelsvrT spraitHaaon irrEcilast hjA i oilas Suco ejorTposnmeE ionerpRpyata esNtv.ronea rini tersetsu ud onr nb–enye ib nGteoghtfo we2vt 8ieha.eGr7,ne top eh-t eAwemr hU oca eeKbjanoi’dgsrt Aainmnep““tdpSTrwi rihlenoo efvrc2f keie0cm. 0ice6teona,nmtkt aspiw n aoocgnnor kmy toi hnbveigein sr4ah 8ta0itsooh- npmes ee iorleefafnr ,ta i1icnnn8ovcg0neh -tssiittsnmmaeut oeiinonrinnget DKtThiehsenecio trA vEnierseprcw oaJe prLtre asCsesa ywP.féail llbm baaer s wt, hGilel rrbaeen w doi ptChean ‘n stahhrorioawu d goehnsotlyiun toa aftfinoedrns .t’h aen cda rw pilal rbkein fge iast FuRriEnEg! Group which owns 65 per cent and French services, performance is at record levels, firm Keolis which owns the rest. many of our stations are looking lighter A Southeastern company spokesman and brighter and we are on course to intro- www.kia-m.com said:“The company recognises that no one duce high-speed services by December likes to pay more, and naturally fare 2009.” increases are unpopular. He stressed that although the average “But Government policy is to recoup increase was 6.8 per cent for regulated,and Kent International Airport, more of the cost of the rail service from 4.8 per cent for unregulated fares, some The Sun PO Box 500, Manston, Kent CT12 5BP those who use it,rather than relying on the fares will rise by less, others more and a is closer Tel: 01843 823 600 Email: [email protected] taxpayer to subsidise it. few have gone down. to Kent www.kentnews.co.uk for all the headlines 6 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 Week ending January 6, 2008 Drunken man Don’t spiral stumbled past police to his car into debt in A DRUNKEN pensioner has been banned from driving for 16 months after stumbling past police officers and slumping behind the wheel of his car while twice over the legal limit,writes Simon Robinson. Arthur Bourne, 68, of Weald View, the New Year Cranbrook, was also given a £100 fine, ordered to pay £120 in costs and complete a drink-driving course after pleading guilty to driving while unfit at Maidstone Magistrates Court. The court heard Bourne was arrested in Headcorn on Sunday, December 16, after coming to the attention of a team of police A Christmas credit hangover will hit a lot of Kent families officers who were carrying out number soon when the bills start dropping on the doormat. KoS plate checks. The officers,wearing high-visibility jack- business editor Tony Patey gives some tips on how to ets,were left stunned as the “clearly intoxi- cated”Bourne staggered past them before cope when the debts begin to squeeze budgets WORRY: Mortgage repayments are now a getting into his car and turning the igni- big headache for many borrowers tion. They managed to stop the elderly IF you find your debts spinning out cards costing the most on interest. Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs).They may not motorist before he pulled away and took Don’t be tempted to take out more loans – be as drastic as bankruptcy,but you’ll find get- of control, don’t panic. That won’t him to Maidstone Police Station where he even packages where you’re paying what look ting credit in future will be extremely hard. failed a breath test,recording a figure twice help – and don’t give your bank like low monthly repayments are very long Only to be used as a last resort. the legal limit. manager a hard time,because he or term.You’ll be paying them off for years and It might be worth checking your credit rat- years. ing – ask your bank for details of the agencies she could be a great help. New rapecharge You can ask your bank manager if you can it uses,there are three main ones – in case Mortgage repayments are becoming big have a higher overdraft for the odd times there are any rogue blemishes. I’ve heard headaches because many people are coming when you are really strapped for cash at the tales of people getting a black mark against for care worker to the end of fixed rate time periods,and oth- end of a month – but these are expensive,so their name because they’ve forgotten they’ve ers have remortgaged on the back of rising not really recommended. stood guarantor for someone else and that house prices. Many people are tempted to go for Individual person has defaulted without telling them. Talk to your mortgage provider as soon as A MENTAL health care worker at St you get worried and see what it can offer – Martin’s Hospital in Canterbury has been don’t wait until you start getting nasty let- Insolvencies increase charged with a second rape. ters. Getting in touch with the mortgage The charge came after an alleged attack provider fast gives the greatest range of on a 39-year-old woman in Margate in the options if you are in difficulties. early hours of August 16. John Mendy, 32, of Sandwich Road in Shock THE average adult in Kent has a personal illness or the loss of their job, and that’s Ramsgate, is currently remanded in cus- This may,or may not,include an “interest debt of around £30,000, excluding their when they spiral downwards. tody after being charged with the rape and holiday”– just paying back the capital part of mortgages. “There has been a cultural change in the serious sexual assault of a woman in the repayment for a set period and then the The figure was revealed by the way we use money,which has been about Canterbury on November 15. interest backlog when you can – depending Consumer Credit Counselling Service,the since the mid-90s when credit lending He is due to appear at Canterbury Crown on the levels of arrears and your history with UK’s largest debt charity. became more attractive.The focus moved Court again on 21 January. them.But an interest holiday is not guaran- Spokesman James Ketchell said the from saving to borrowing.” teed,and payback time can come as a shock. average debt in the county was between He said a particularly worrying develop- Fined for false The only real solutions are weathering the £25,000 and £35,000. ment was a rise in the number of people storm by cutting general spending each He warned that bankruptcies and insol- over the age of 55 being declared insolvent. benefit claims month,or trying to boost your income some- vencies were increasing as people fail to He added:“What we’ve seen is the pro- how. save for a rainy day,leaving them vulnera- portion of people over 55 has Remember if your home is repossessed, ble in the face of unexpected events like increased over the last couple of you’ll probably start renting – and for that redundancy or illness. years. More older people are A BENEFIT fraudster has escaped with you’ll need to have enough ready money for at Around 130,000 people are expected to taking on debt than ever just a small fine after he claimed tax cred- least a deposit and the first monthly pay- be declared bankrupt or insolvent across before.” its for two children while living alone. ment. the UK in 2008. Mr Ketchell said the Peter Dudley Clark, 49, from Bishops Credit card worries have probably come Mr Ketchell said:“There is lots of bor- area in Kent with the Oak Ride in Tunbridge, pleaded guilty to from asking for higher and higher credit lim- rowing going on in Kent and the South highest average debt failing to notify the council after a change its.So,stop using your credit cards – tough, East.People might be fine now spending was the TN postcode in circumstances. but necessary. as they are, but what we find is people area, where people Since September 2005, Clark claimed Pay off at least the minimum amount asked have been dealing with their commit- have an average £4,366.85 in housing and council tax bene- on your credit card by the monthly payment ments easily and then something happens. £30,000-£35,000 fit that he was not entitled to. dates – if you miss those you’ll be clobbered “It could be a separation or divorce,or an worth of debt. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £75 for a lot extra.Pay off as much as you can on in court costs. H ARNESS THE POWER OF Bathroom Studio D Solar Open N Mon-Fri CO Solutions LIG 9am - 5pm E H Sat 10am - 2pm S For T , R Fully Fitted Homes & D E Showroom P E Business L Ample Parking S IV E E Quality Items L R Supplied Only MI E or 0 Save Money, Energy D Designed and 0 And Help Save The FR Installed by our 0 E Professional Team 6, Environment ,E 8 Evenifyoudon’tcareaboutyourself, 1 giveothersachanceto growup. NICHOLLS LTD (Est.1961) t: 01227 26 26 99 m:07853 504972 e:[email protected] Periwinkle Court,Church Street,Milton Regis w:eternalenergysystems.co.uk Sittingbourne,Kent ME10 2JZ www.kmscp.org/gusd 01795 472819 www.nichollsltd.co.uk Tel: TA ROOD RUOY OT TCERID www.kentnews.co.uk for news and sport Week ending January 6, 2008• Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 7 By PHIL REILLY Holidays to THE Bishop of Rochester has been named as the newest patron of the Kent People’s [email protected] Trust. Dr Michael Nazir-Ali will join police chief Michael Fuller and Lord Lieutenant Allan Willett. A TRAVEL operator is continuing to send holidaymakers to Kenya despite the civil unrest that has gripped parts of the country. Kenya ‘will Violence has broken out in parts of the East African nation with reports of genocide and inter-tribal killings sparked by a disputed gen- eral election result. So far,more than 300 people have died in the bloodshed. African Safari Club, a Bromley-based tour operator that has arranged holidays in Kenya continue’ for the last 40 years, currently has 700 holi- daymakers staying at its resorts in the province of Mombasa. Monitoring Jan Roe,the company’s director of consumer affairs, said it was monitoring the situation Firm ‘monitoring situation closely and following advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Federation of Tour Operators. She said:“We have been waiting for confir- closely’ and following the mation from Monarch,which is the airline we use, that it will be continuing to fly to Mombasa,which it has told us it will. “The safety of our customers is our top prior- Foreign Office’s advice ity. The violence that has taken place in Mombasa is still quite a way away from where our resorts are. “In the interests of customer safety,which is our top priority,we have the strictest security in place in our hotels.This has been stepped up. travel on the weekly Monday although it remained volatile TilesTilesTiles “If we thought there was any risk to our cus- flight and that the flights would with reports of mass gatherings tomers’ safety we would be pulling them out go ahead barring any serious which had the potential for vio- straight away.We are in constant contact with developments over the weekend. lence. Tiles guys on the ground out there and they say it is The company was also busy on Many UK travel operators Tiles calm and how it should be.” Friday arranging alternative have cancelled trips to Kenya, Tiles She said around 140 people were booked to travel and accommodation in although British Airways,Virgin Tiles Egypt for holidaymakers who Atlantic and Kenya Airways are Tiles Tiles Tiles did not wish to travel to Kenya. continuing normal service to the A LABOURMP who went on holiday The official Government advice country. Tiles to Kenya with his wife has not been on Friday was not to travel to The Federation of Tour cspauogkehst wuopm ainn haansy soafid .the violence, his KeAn yFao urneliegsns itO ifsf iecses esnttaiatle.ment Ompeemrabteorrss w searied sounsp Fenriddianyg hthoalit- TilesTilesTilesTiles Bob Marshall-Andrews MP went to the read: “There is uncertainty days to Kenya up to and includ- Tiles East African country with his wife Gill on about the security and political ing Monday due to the political December 27 to visit schools they support situation in the country linked unrest. Tiles through a trust. to the disputed presidential elec- Kenya is usually regarded as Tiles A spokeswoman for Mr Marshall- tion result. one of the most settled and sta- Andrews said on Friday: “He’s absolutely “On January 3 there were out- ble of African countries.It was a fine. Bob was very anxious to put over breaks of violence across Nairobi British colony between 1890 and that he loves Kenya a great deal and between groups of demonstra- 1963. although the violence is awful where it is tors and security forces. The trouble began after the ROVIC TILES LTD happening, it is in limited pockets.” “There have also been violent opposition party accused The MP for Medway and his wife trav- incidences in Mombasa, Eldoret President Mwai Kibaki of rig- ...because every one is different elled by road from Nairobi to Lake and Kisumu.” It said people in ging the recent general election. Naivasha on Thursday. His spokeswoman affected areas should remain OPEN 7 DAYS soani dth tehier yjo huarnde tyo. pass through roadblocks inOdono rFs.riday, the Foreign Office News and sport updated daily online 51 367 E6 Chaucer 10 said the situation was calmer www.kentnews.co.uk High St Blanford Rd Business Park Cuxton Road West Malling Beckenham Kemsing Strood 01732 848250 020 8658 7272 01732 765308 01634 727577 www.kentnews.co.uk for all the headlines 8 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 Week ending January 6, 2008 As Kent officers receive MBEs for their work in jailing nine Pitcairners in 2004 The dark By JAMIE MCGINNES [email protected] SURROUNDED by the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and dotted with palm trees and spec- history of tacular cliffs,Pitcairn Island appears picture perfect. The tiny British territory became famous through the romanticised story of Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers on the Bounty who settled there in 1790. Pitcairn But this week, the world was reminded of the tiny British territo- ry’s recent,darker past. The Kent police officers that led a probe into child sex abuse claims dat- ing back to the 1960s were given MBEs in the New Year Honours List. An investigation by Detective Chief Inspector Rob Vinson and former Kent Police detective Peter George resulted in nine Pitcairners being jailed in 2004. They were given sentences of up to six years in connection with more than 100 offences. Heavy-handed On the island, the 50 or so resi- dents, most of whom are direct descendants of the Bounty muti- ISOLATION: Pitcairners use wooden boats to get on and off the remote neers,are still struggling to come to island (top); police officers Peter George (left); and Rob Vinson (right) terms with the trials held there and in New Zealand three years ago.The “Compare this with the financial ment was personally not easy. three men still imprisoned in tap which gushes freely, courtesy of “The real heroes were the victims Pitcairn’s six-cell jail – complete with UK taxpayers, to fund this judicial who stood firm to tell their stories. two guards each – are a constant process,”he said. This was the silent voice of Pitcairn reminder of the trials. “A Pitcairn logistics team, with finally heard and believed.” Most islanders feel that they were swanky offices in Auckland and a The officer, who is based at treated in a heavy-handed way by chief residing in an Auckland hotel Margate police station, first visited the British authorities. for two years,has built remand space Pitcairn in early 2000.What followed The sex abuse case was triggered on Pitcairn for six accused, plus were trips thousands of miles away after allegations were made to Kent accommodation for prosecution and from the familiar confines of his role police constable, Gail Cox, who was defence lawyers. in the Kent force and his wife and stationed temporarily on Pitcairn in “Investigating officers from the three children. 1999. Kent constabulary have winged to To get to the island was difficult She uncovered evidence that and fro between England and New enough. Access was via a passing underage rape and sexual assault Zealand in business class seats.” container ship and transfer by an had been an unspoken part of the He said the cost ran into millions of unsteady rope ladder to the waiting island’s culture for generations. pounds. wooden boat below. DCI Vinson, 40, from Broadstairs, At the same time,the island com- A Kent Police spokeswoman said: said he was proud of his success in munity desperately needed money to “Once there, the island’s beauty the Pitcairn case – despite the criti- upgrade facilities. belied a challenging environment, cism it received at the time of the “No wonder the community feels it not before widely revealed to the rest investigation. is being punished for the alleged sins of the world.Unlawful and non-con- In a report in June 2003,BBC jour- of the few,”said Mr Brooke. sensual sex was commonplace, an nalist Michael Brooke,compared the DCI Vinson said this week:“Many unspoken part of the culture for gen- huge cost of the investigation and thought that I was living it up in par- erations. resulting trials with that of Pitcairn’s adise,having so much fun. “The police investigation was seen expenditure. “But it was anything but. It was by many as part of a wider British He said that the island cost about intense and exhausting work in conspiracy to depopulate Pitcairn. £250,000 a year to administer from a great isolation in a place that could The women themselves were unit in New Zealand,which paid for be volatile. This was my focus for blamed for speaking out.” transport and issuing postage stamps. more than six years. That commit- More than 30 victims, both male New Year, New Campus, New Courses at Canterbury College all start this month so call the course contact or Student Information on 01227 811 188 Canterbury College’s new courses and book your place now. Alternatively visit our website www.cant-col.ac.uk Canterbury College has developed a wide range of new courses all starting this January.The courses range from Plumbing to Childcare and Sport to CANTERBURY/SHEPPEY COLLEGE Animal Care and from introductory level upwards. So no matter what you’re doing now, whether you missed the course you wanted in September, are Access to Health & Society Diploma unhappy with your current course or just fancy a change contact Canterbury College and you can join the course you want now. Contact: Brian Jones 01227 811287 CANTERBURY Geraldine Bassett 01795 581581 (Sheppey) Certificate in Performing Engineering Operations Entry Level Certificate in Preparation for First Certificate in Animal Care Fresh Start/Level Up Contact: Michael Gaughran 01227 811107 Childcare Contact: Jeremy Curtis 01227 811242 Contact: Lorraine Crossland 01227 811290 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology Contact: Sandra Langley 01228 811313 Certificate in Interactive Media Geraldine Bassett 01795 581581 (Sheppey) Contact: Steve Bunting 01227 811165 First Certificate in Front Line Services Contact: Zoran Tesic 01227 81134 SHEPPEY COLLEGE Contact: Caroline Webb 01227 811264 National Certificate in Leisure & Tourism First Certificate in Environmental Pre-access to Art and Design Contact: Geraldine Bassett 01795 581581 Building Services Diploma in Travel Operations Contact: Mark Howland 01227 811286 Contact: Steve Bunting 01227 811165 Contact: Julia Webster 01227 811126 Salon Services First Certificate in Sport Contact: Geraldine Bassett 01795 581581 Foundation Course Wood & Trowel First Certificate Countryside & Environment Contact: Jemma Cullen 01227 811155 Contact: Jon Banks 01227 811120 Contact: Jeremy Curtis 01227 811242 Plumbing Level 1 Introductory Certificate Land & Environment Canterbury College New Dover Road, Contact: Steve Bunting 01227 811165 Contact: Jeremy Curtis 01227 811242 Canterbury CT1 3AJ Telephone: 01227 811 188 Introductory Certificate in Health & Social Care First Certificate in Horse Care Canterbury College Student Contact: Gillie Ireland 01227 811372 Contact: Jeremy Curtis 01227 811242 Information: on 01227 811188 www.kentnews.co.uk for news and sport Week ending January 6, 2008 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 9 for child sex abuse, KoS reveals how the trials have split the remote community are medals left,right and centre.” The community on the island has been split by the trials,Mr Ford suggested. “About three families feel the Brits had/have a right to do whatever they want with Pitcairn – it is but a straw in the wind that can be blown by the UK in any direction it desires. “The minority group is shunned in a number of ways by the majority, and of course, the minority group doesn’t usually invite at least some of the majority to their doings.” Paroled Two of the Pitcairners jailed in 2004 have been released to be detained at home,one of which is due to be paroled completely,said Mr Ford. Six New Zealand corrections officers guard the three. Weather permitting, the men are out most days working under guard, but when they return to jail they are kept secure by a 15ft high fence – even though there is little chance ISLANDSECRETS: Pitcairn Island, a tiny dot in the Pacific Ocean, harboured a culture of abuse which was brought to light by Kent Police of escape from the island. Mr Ford added: “There is also a Scottish and female,were interviewed on Pitcairn and out of ten convictions.” award of the two MBEs. police officer and a Pitcairn police officer on in New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island, Herbert Ford, director of the Pitcairn The islander,called Melva and now hailing Pitcairn, making it one of the world’s most America and Britain.To add to the trauma, Islands Study Centre, in Angwin, from Anchorage, Alaska, said: “Join me in heavily policed spots anywhere. some were not only revisiting difficult times in California, last visited Pitcairn in extending congratulations to the officers, “And,of course,it is impossible to get off of their past,but had never shared their secrets September. whose legacy is a mangled community (yours Pitcairn by ship without everybody knowing with their families before. The Emeritus Professor of Journalism at could be next).Way to go,Vinson.” about it.” The police spokeswoman added:“The rela- Pacific Union College set up the centre in Kari Boye Young,from Adamstown,the cap- tionships and allegations were often confused, 1977 to combat “misinformation” about ital of Pitcairn,wrote:“Brits are making sure News and sport updated daily online ambiguous or incestuous,adding to the com- Pitcairn and says he is one of the few peo- the world will never doubt that your mission www.kentnews.co.uk plexity of the case.” ple to be trusted by islanders. to destroy Pitcairn was unwarranted, there Kent Police’s Peter George,who worked with Mr Ford said most Pitcairners felt angry DCI Vinson on the Pitcairn case, was also about the way the trials were conducted. awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours “It is the belief of more than three fourths List. of the Pitcairn people that the UK used a Secured giant club to their head in the Pitcairn trials to handle a matter that if handled by the The former detective inspector,who is now a already existing – British-written – Pitcairn civilian police worker, said: “Pitcairn became law would not have held all Pitcairners up much more than just another job.It was a very to worldwide public hatred, ridicule and difficult,but ultimately rewarding investigation. contempt,”he told this newspaper. “I would like to pay tribute to the victims in One Pitcairner this week posted a sarcas- the case who stood firm and gave evidence tic message on www.kentnews.co.uk without which we would not have secured nine responding to our news item about the dover calais any duration 3w0eb fare from * £ I can look forward to leaving it all behind me each way including all taxes PO ferries.com 08716 64 64 64 Or see your travel agent *Car and up to 9 people. Fare shown includes a £2.50 web discount. Full terms and conditions apply. www.kentnews.co.uk for all the headlines 10 Advertising/editorial 01303 817000 • Week ending January 6, 2008 Tower is ‘eyesore’ STANDING taller than multi-storey car park, a new the regeneration isn’t possible By PHIL REILLY Big Ben, the iconic shim- hotel,restaurants,shops and 600 without the tower. [email protected] apartments. “I know one of the things proper- mering glass and steel Among the chief critics of the ty developers do is put something tower would cast a long plans expected to go before the project is Urban Gravesham,a civic in the plans wildly beyond what local council’s planners this month, society run by former Gravesham gets planning permission,and then shadow over Gravesend it has proved highly controversial. Borough Council cabinet member they compromise so that we end up town centre. The 32-storey residential build- for regeneration Jonathan Clay. with a 20-storey tower instead of a The 120-metre tall skyscraper is ing,described by some as a “mon- A spokesman for the group 32-storey one.I don’t know if it is a the centrepiece of an ambitious strous eyesore”,is just one part of warned that it will “destroy the marketing strategy by the develop- £130 million project to revamp the plans which would see St George’s very special character of er but we do desperately need this town’s heritage quarter but, with Shopping Centre expanded,a new Gravesend”. opportunity for the town.” Anonymous Council leader Michael Snelling said he thought the tower was “a He said:“We do not want to stunning design”but insisted the see the town centre turned into decision will be made by the coun- yet another anonymous shop- cil’s independent planning com- ping centre surrounded by mittee. high-rise development. Urban He added:“Nothing new is built Gravesham thinks that the without controversy.The planning developers are simply too committee could decide that it is greedy and that the council has not the way to do it and send the been too soft.” architects and developer back to RELY ON PC PARAMEDICS Kent on Sunday readers have the drawing boards.” also voiced their concerns A spokesman for developer FOR ALL YOUR COMPUTER about the development. Rob Edinburgh House Estates said Heywood from Gravesend that its proposals had met with a NEEDS! OUR COMPUTER wrote to the paper saying he mixed reaction from the public but SKYSCRAPER: 32-storey residential building wanted to see the whole that it had been encouraged by PARAMEDICS COME TO YOU scheme abandoned. the response. not detract from the overall benefits offered by He said: “Such a monstrous He said: “A survey conducted the entire scheme and this landmark build- eyesore would be completely during the public exhibition, ing.” We offer fast computer repair and all IT services. incongruous in a town like attended by over 600 people, A similar scheme that would see a 70-metre (cid:127) Repairs to Laptops & Notebooks Gravesend which has been revealed that over 90 per cent of tall iconic tower built overlooking Dover (cid:127) New PCs Built to Order improved so much over the last respondents are in favour of seafront and again coupled with new homes, (cid:127) Recovery of Lost Data few years.” regeneration. shops and a hotel was also proposed last year. ALL WORK GUARANTEED Local Conservative MP Adam “We would urge the public to The plans have so far remained on the draw- Call us now on: 0845 129 8676 Holloway said he was “complete- embrace this vision for the regen- ing board while the council hopes to bring in ly in favour”of regenerating the eration of Gravesend and consider developers to foot much of the multi-million town centre but admitted he the overall benefits associated pound bill. ONE OF OUR PARAMEDICS IS STANDING BY TO HELP YOU IN was “pretty horrified” when he with these plans. Naturally,the News and sport updated daily online (cid:127) Dartford (cid:127) Gravesend (cid:127) Strood (cid:127) Rochester (cid:127) Chatham saw plans for the tower. proposed iconic tower has proved www.kentnews.co.uk (cid:127) Gillingham (cid:127) Rainham (cid:127) Sittingbourne and surrounding areas. 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