Kent on Sunday PICK UP YOUR FREE www.kentnews.co.uk January 20, 2013 MID KENT EDITION Issue no 539 Promise of EMPLOYMENT Wanted: One court jester extra PCSOs HERE’S a position that doesn’t come around very often in this day and age; court jester. Popular tourist attraction Leeds Castle is advertising slammed as to hire a fool to entertain the crowds during the Easter and summer holidays. Skills needed are juggling and joke-telling. PAGE 3 ‘policing on BUDGET KCC warns of more job cuts the cheap’ CHIEFS at Kent County Council are facing up to having to make more staff redundant after it confirmed it would have to find an additional £34m in the wake By Marijke Cox of PCSOs, who while in uniform do not of Government cuts. [email protected] have the same levels of power as regular It means the axe could fall officers. Critics consider them ‘policing on as many as 150 jobs later TRUMPETED plans by the new Po- on the cheap’. this year. lice and Crime Commissioner to boost Medway councillor and the defeated Full details inside. PAGE 5 Kent’s frontline police force by 100 Tory candidate in the PCC race, Craig posts have been described as a “smoke Mackinlay, called it a smoke screen. screen” by critics. He said: “It’s trying to be sold as an HISTORY PCC Ann Barnes unveiled proposals increase, when it isn’t. This isn’t treat- Remembering this week to bring in 60 police commu- ing the public with the respect they nity supporter officers (PCSOs), 20 po- deserve. If it does stop the loss of some tragedy at sea lice constables and 18 custody attend- frontline policing in Kent then that is a ants in June. good thing. While her statement was greeted “Frankly, I think this is just trimming THIS week marks the anniver- with optimism, some questioned why so the edges.” sary of a maritime tragedy off many were PCSO posts and condemned Mr Mackinlay said, had he been suc- the Kent coast which cost the the word “boost”. cessful in his campaign for the PCC post, lives of nearly 300 people. Kent Police must reduce its head- he would have looked to divert money It was 140 years ago when count by 500 officers and 1,000 civilian towards police constable recruits, par- FAITH IN THE WOODS a boat was the victim of a hit staff over four years to save £50m. This ticularly in the wake of the Government and run during a storm which latest plan would see the reductions cut in the starting salary to £19,000. claimed the lives of men, drop to 480 and 962 respectively. He added: “As much as I like PCSOs, women and children. Amazing And many question the real value Continued on page 2 SONGBIRD: Pop star Paloma Faith to play gig at Bedgebury Pinetum – SEE INSIDE full story inside. PAGE 21 FFRREEEE WWIINNTTEERR(cid:2) CCHHEE(cid:2)CCKK (cid:2) GGeett rreeaaddyy(cid:2) ffoorr WWiinntteerr (cid:2) (cid:2) Exhausts. Brakes, Tyres, plus we price matchCall us TODAY to book your vehicle in (cid:2) (cid:2) (cid:2) See our main servicing advertisement Tribune Drive • Trinity Trading Estate • Sittingbourne inside this a brand of pomphreys LondonRoad • Bapchild • Sittingbourne newspaper Terms and conditions apply 2 I week ending January 20, 2013 KMI www.kentnews.co.uk News Download your FREE Kent News iPhone and iPad App INSIDE ‘I believe this move is (cid:78)(cid:0)News................2-31 (cid:78)(cid:0)Comment/Feedback 32-33 (cid:78)(cid:0)Kent Remembered .....34 so significant it stands INSIDE (cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:27)(cid:1) (cid:12)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:14)(cid:18) (cid:26)(cid:12)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:8)(cid:20)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:1) (cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:15) Kent(cid:9)(cid:20)(cid:15)W(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:4)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:25)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:18)e(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:22)(cid:1) eken(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:10)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:22)d(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:18)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:17)(cid:5)(cid:25)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:1) out as a national first’ (cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:2)(cid:27) Continued from front page Mrs Barnes said the proposal for 100 more (cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:20) they haven’t got the full powers of a police consta- posts equated to a £2.79 a year increase to the (cid:7)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:12)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:12)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:14)(cid:25)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1) ble and they’re not as respected on the street.” police precept on the average household council (cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:5)(cid:1)(cid:3)(cid:2) PCC Mrs Barnes, however, said people in Kent tax bill – some 5p a week. had consistently told her they wanted greater She has launched a consultation asking the police visibility and that this was answering to public whether or not they would be willing to their needs. pay that to fund the policing posts. Mike Roberts, secretary of the Kent Police She said: “We stand on the threshold of deliv- Federation, which represents rank-and-file offic- ering more than 100 posts for less than a ‘cop- (cid:78)(cid:0)Interview ..............37 ers, said any additional police officer posts was per’ a day. I believe this move is so significant LEADING are dealing with offenders, the PCs can get back (cid:78)(cid:0)Food and Drink.....38-39 “good news”. that it stands out as a national first. LIGHT: PCC out on the streets.” He admitted, however, that “in an ideal world” “This is the first investment for a number of years Ann Barnes Mrs Barnes, who stressed that Kent has one of (cid:78)(cid:0)LEISURE this would involve all the posts being for police in visible policing, which is what people want.” said this move the lowest council tax precepts in the country, Attractions, events, stage, constables and not PCSOs. Mrs Barnes said the community’s number one of increasing said the PCSOs and PCs would be on the streets exhibitions, theatre, arts, “We support the additions by Ann Barnes to priority is greater police visibility. the number of in June if plans are given the nod. reduce the impact of the devastating cuts,” he “For the last two years it’s been cuts, cuts, PCSOs goes Chief Constable Ian Learmonth welcomed the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-43 said. cuts,” she said. towards her consultation. “We would prefer, however, no PCSOs and “This is actually investing in our police serv- number one He said: “We deliver a first-class service, and (cid:78)(cid:0)Business ..........46-47 perhaps 35 police constables, but we have to ice. We’ll be boosting the number of officers we priority of these new roles will strengthen the frontline.” (cid:78)(cid:0)Training and careers....48 be realistic. Police constables have extensive have on our streets; boosting visible policing. greater police See www.kent-pcc.gov.uk to respond to the (cid:78)(cid:0)Driving ............50-55 powers and skills, and they are a bigger cost than “It is a mix of PCSOs and PCs. visibility consultation. (cid:78)(cid:0)Jobs & Notices......56-61 PCSOs.” “Police constables are often off having to do ■ What do you think of the proposals? Share (cid:78)(cid:0)Sport..............62-63 He added: “The public see a police officer and other things and dealing with other crimes and you views. Write to: The Editor, KOS, Apple they know what they can do, what powers they so PCSOs provide that visible policing in commu- Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford TN25 have, but it is less clear what a PCSO can do.” nities. And while the new custody attendants 6SS or email [email protected], Weather TOURISM (cid:14) (cid:14) Airline withdraws ‘tasteless’ (cid:1) (cid:14) (cid:14) advert lampooning Margate (cid:14) (cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:33)(cid:25)(cid:16)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:34)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:27)(cid:34)(cid:30)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:34)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:2) (cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:32)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:32)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:30)(cid:2)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:32)(cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:37)(cid:41) By Marijke Cox He said: “Margate is a fantastic town for peo- (cid:32)(cid:32)(cid:27)(cid:29)(cid:36)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:4)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:39)(cid:40)(cid:34)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:37)(cid:29)(cid:40)(cid:30)(cid:42)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:38)(cid:2)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:13)(cid:32)(cid:9)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:24)(cid:6)(cid:28)(cid:4)(cid:37)(cid:5)(cid:31)(cid:13)(cid:32)(cid:10)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:41)(cid:23)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:33)(cid:39)(cid:31)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:2)(cid:37)(cid:14)(cid:40)(cid:43)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:7)(cid:37)(cid:38)(cid:2) [email protected] ple“ Wto ev’ivseit .just been named as one of the top 10 (cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:32)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:10) BUDGET airline company easyJet has apologised places in the world to visit; we’ve got exciting lo- (cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:23)(cid:13)(cid:19) (cid:5)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:18)(cid:16) (cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:17) (cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:13) (cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:12) and withdrawn a marketing campaign which cal shops that you can’t find anywhere else; the (cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:14)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:13) (cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:8) (cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:14) (cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:12) (cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:13) (cid:8)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:20) (cid:14)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:18)(cid:16) (cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:16) (cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:15) (cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:12) poked fun at the seaside town of Margate. new Turner Contemporary art gallery and an air Fuming residents accused the company of be- show this summer. easyJet picked the wrong (cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:3)(cid:1)(cid:2) ing “tasteless” with its advert which stated: “This place to insult with their campaign.” (cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:17)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:40)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:4) year, end up in Malaga, not Margate”. The airline confirmed it had stopped running (cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:40)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:31)(cid:4) Incensed councillors, traders and residents the advert. (cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:31)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:4) launched a Twitter campaign called Love Mar- In a statement it said: “There was no intended (cid:9)(cid:15)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:4) gate, which began trending soon after. criticism of the town but, of course, we apologise (cid:5)(cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:4) Just days later easyJet apologised and con- to any residents of Margate who have been of- (cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:4) firmed it had withdrawn the advert. fended by the campaign. Councillor and Margate resident Will Scobie “easyJet has taken the decision to cease run- (cid:6)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:16)(cid:29)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:24) (cid:28)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:26)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:17)(cid:31) BAD MOVE: Margate was voted a top place in the world to visit defended his home town. ning the ads.” CONTACTS GARAGE DOORS Publisher: Simon Irwin Email [email protected] Editor: Chris Britcher Email [email protected] CRAZY SALE MADNESS Address: Apple Barn, Smeeth, TN25 6SS Editorial: News: 01303 817100 Leisure: 01303 817022 Sport: 01303 817177 Top of the range ‘remote controlled’ insulated aluminium rolling Email [email protected] Advertising: Jobs/Notices: 01303 817056 garage door, superb product maintenance free. Business: 01303 817056 Email [email protected] Totally secure and fully guaranteed. 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CROYDON • COLCHESTER 1LRtdE ( Canod R pergin Nteod 2 b1y7 4S1t 1C9l)e, mUneint t3s, PInrteesrsn (a1t9io8n8a)l The offer on our website does notinclude free fitting. www.segurogaragedoors.co.uk Business Park, Rick Roberts Way, Stratford, To benefit from this offer you should call:01622 765993 Quote Ref K.O.S London, E15 2NF www.kentnews.co.uk KMI week ending January 20, 2013 I 3 bringing you the latest news ▪ sport ▪ video ▪ jobs ▪ cars and property …Just visit the Apple App Store EMPLOYMENT It’s no joke – Leeds Castle advertise NEWS IN BRIEF (cid:177)(cid:0)No end to cold snap for court jester to entertain visitors WEATHER forecasters are predicting no immediate end to the icy blast which brought ice and snow throughout much of this week. By Marijke Cox Temperatures fell below zero as the icy blast swept across the county, prompting appeals to [email protected] ensure elderly relatives and neighbours were checked up on to ensure they were coping with THERE are not many jobs – unlikely to be any in the conditions. fact – where you’d be paid to lark around. For the latest weather news for the county, That is until now… log on to our website - www.kentnews.co.uk. For bosses at one of Kent’s most prestigious at- tractions are on the hunt for a happy-go-lucky (cid:177)(cid:0)Motorists pay the price person; someone who can tell jokes, turn cart- wheels, juggle and generally make a fool of POLICE say a total of 211 motorists were themselves to get a giggle out of visitors. arrested as part of its Christmas anti-drink and Yes, the jester is back. And so determined are drug driving campaign. staff at Leeds Castle to find the perfect candidate, All failed roadside breath tests after being they are asking that only happy people apply. stopped between December 1 and January 1. In The former royal palace near Maidstone is look- total, officers carried out 682 breath tests ing to reintroduce the historic tradition of throughout the month. the Tudor kings by appointing In one case, a Thanet man, 47, was found their own joker to entertain the more than five times over the legal limit. He was masses this summer. banned from driving for more than two years. Applicants must be able to HAVING A LAUGH: Candidates for the jester job will be invited to perform at half-term in February chat with visitors, teach basic (cid:177)(cid:0)Paloma Faith tour date circus skills and perform tricks. A PROFESSIONAL FOOL cessful ‘fool’ will be paid £8.75 per hour and will If they also have an interest in be required to work 30 hours a week between CRITICALLY acclaimed chart star Paloma Faith history and can speak foreign mid-March and mid-September. has confirmed she will be performing a one-off languages, even better. A jester, or fool as they were also The job advert states: “We are looking for a open air show in the county this summer. Chief executive of Leeds Castle, known, was a historical jester who is proficient at juggling, tumbling The star will perform at Bedgebury Pinetum Victoria Wallace, said: “The principle person employed to or other gymnastic skills. You will need to be on June 21 as part of the Foresty Commission’s is just as it was in Henry VIII’s time. entertain a ruler in medieval funny with a comprehensive repertoire of jokes popular Forest Live concert series. A day later, When the royal court visited the castle, times. and patter, rather than just one ‘act’, and most American superstars Blondie perform. there were about as many people in their Many courts throughout English importantly be able to judge an audience and de- The singer is currently promoting her latest retinue as visit on a sunny weekend. history employed these professional liver entertainment at an appropriate level.” album, Fall to Grace. Tickets are on sale now. “Having someone whose job it is to fools, who performed music, tricks, make visitors laugh can’t be a bad thing.” riddles and acrobatics. Applicants invited to perform throughout But when Charles I was half term to visitors, who will choose their fa- overthrown in the civil war in the vourite. The jester will then receive his or her 17th century the jester was never official appointment in time for Easter. reinstated and became extinct. A spokesman for Leeds Castle said the suc- Picture: ADY KERRY IN THE SADDLE: Sir Chris was joined by hundreds of fans at Gravesend’s Cyclopark this week SPORT Testing time suits Olympic star SIX-times Olympic gold medallist Sir range of bikes with hundreds of fans getting Chris Hoy heaped praise on a leading the chance to cycle alongside their hero. Kent cycle venue when he paid a special Sir Chris said: “This is a great facility visit on Wednesday. and the closed road circuit was perfect for The cycling legend applauded Graves- our testing with plenty of twists and turns end’s Cyclopark as he tested out his new to get a feel for the bikes’ handling.” 4I week ending January 20, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk www.kentnews.co.uk KMI week ending January 20, 2013 I 5 News for more pictures and news go to www.kentnews.co.uk COUNCIL NEWS IN BRIEF KCC dips into reserves as funding (cid:177)(cid:0)Roads cash boost cuts put pressure on 150 more jobs COUNTY Hall chiefs have confirmed there will be a further £6.2 million of Government money invested into Kent’s roads. The cash – £4m for the forthcoming financial By Marijke Cox year and £2.2m for 2014/15 – was announced by ANGER AT MORE CUTS transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin as part [email protected] of a nationwide road funding package. MORE jobs look set to be axed Labour county councillor Leslie Christie KCC’s Bryan Sweetland said: “This is at County Hall as council chiefs called the job cuts “dreadful”. welcome funding that dovetails with the are forced to find an additional “These are probably 150 low paid new approach to maintaining our roads.” £34 million in the wake of cen- workers, probably part time,” he said. (cid:177)(cid:0)Funding up for grabs tral government cuts. “I can’t believe KCC can say it’s cutting It pushes the amount of sav- 1,600 jobs but not affecting frontline ings needed at Kent County services. Yes, they’re not cutting social BUSINESSES are being urged to bid for Govern- Council for 2013/2014 up to SAVINGS: From left: Cllr Paul Carter has announced up to 150 job workers, but they’re cutting their support ment cash loans as a new round of the Regional £94m, instead of the anticipat- cuts at the council while Cllr John Simmonds admitted times are staff which means social workers will have Growth Fund opened this week. ed £60m gap set out in au- tight. Labour’s Cllr Leslie Christie has slammed the proposals to take on extra work, putting them under Business minister and Sevenoaks MP Michael tumn’s draft plan. more pressure, impacting frontline services. Fallon encouraged firms to apply for some of the Leader Paul Carter said there additional £3m is now needed, budget was due to a cut in “I would’ve started with talking to the £350 million on offer while on a visit to Hythe. could be as many as 150 extra admitting it was a concern. grants from central Govern- Government to try and convince them there Mr Fallon said: “Jobs are being created, job cuts later this year as he But despite the huge savings ment amounting to 9.5 per needed to be a more sensible way of money is being invested and the fund is making unveiled the budget proposals needed, Cllr Carter has con- cent – £13m short of the reduc- tackling this rather than just slash and burn. a difference. This additional round will help keep on Wednesday. firmed a council tax freeze. tion estimated by KCC. “I would consult with the public on the momentum going.” Three years ago, KCC set out “We are doing all we can to Finance cabinet member whether or not they would prefer to accept (cid:177)(cid:0)Leadership changes plans to save £340m over four freeze council tax for the third John Simmonds said there a small increase in the precept to help years, which included some successive year, despite mas- could be even more changes maintain important services, such as those MIDKENT College is on the hunt for a new prin- 1,500 posts being scrapped. sive reductions in government made by the Government. He for the elderly and children. cipal following changes to the structure of the This is now closer to 1,600. grant allocation to fund local stressed that some £250m had “I think Paul Carter announcing that KCC organisation’s senior leadership. Cllr Carter warned there government services,” he said. already been saved of the is freezing council tax for a third year is a Stephen Grix will relinquish the position he could be more still to come, but “Year-on-year, we are show- £340m savings needed over very populist thing to say. has held since 2005 at the end of the current said the council was working ing how innovation and integ- the four years and that they “If people would like to see a 5p a week academic year, but will continue as chief hard year-on-year to protect rity – brought together by were on target. But he admit- increase and keep important services then executive on a part-time basis. The two roles frontline services. elected councillors and experi- ted times were tough. they should be able to say so.” will merge in 2015. Pressed on whether services enced staff – can give us ways “We are having to do a lot of For details, see our recruitment section. would remain unscathed with to look after the bills and pro- things differently and this has less staff and the subsequent tect services. meant staff have had to work a additional pressures on the re- “So we need to deal with our lot harder,” he said. maining workforce, he stressed own circumstances with intel- Adult social care is being hit that “innovative” measures ligence and common sense. In hard with a five per cent cut, were being taken. the spirit of that attitude, we amounting to £18m, and re- “The jobs will come out of have already worked hard to ductions in staffing costs will back office staff and middle find more than £250m of sav- amount to £11m. Children’s management,” he said. ings over three years. services also look set to see a Our new Online Van Service Advisor is now live at Sparshatts of Kent Ltd Cllr Carter said money kept “I’m proud of what we have big chunk of its funding cut. Offering a fast and convenient way to get a quote or request a booking for your in reserves as a fall-back was achieved and pleased we can Medway Council will publish next Mercedes-Benz Van Service or repair also being dipped into to help continue to keep the burden on its budget proposals at the be- fill the spending gap. The draft residents as low as possible.” ginning of February. It will go www.mercedes-benzvanservicing.co.uk/sparshatts budget had detailed plans to The additional £34m sav- to cabinet on February 12 and It’s available 24/7 online,with no hidden charges,the prices are for fixed price use £6m of this, but he said an ings revealed in the proposed to full council later that month. repairs,so its quick and upfront to get a quotes. Children’s services show first steps towards improvement Online No obligation Quote Convenient First-class Service QR Code VULNERABLE children are being better Ofsted said: “Senior leaders within the cared for following a major overhaul of chil- council, supported by strong and well- dren’s safeguarding services by Kent County informed political leadership, have delivered Council, according to Ofsted inspectors. a significantly improved response at the point County Hall chiefs said there had been a of referral to children’s social care services. “massive effort” by staff and members and “In consequence, children who are at risk significant investment – amounting to around of harm are protected by effective initial £20 million – to turn things around following screening and prompt subsequent action.” a damning Ofsted report in 2010. But improvements are still needed, with It had found KCC’s child protection weaknesses in planning for children in need, “inadequate” and in the worst cases, children as well as getting the right help for those not had been left at significant risk of harm. at risk but needing extra help. Some 2,700 vulnerable children were found They also said it was important to make to be without a social worker. sure social workers do not stop help for But the latest report following an unan- children too early and that managers need to nounced inspection at the end of last year get better at checking the quality of work deemed safeguarding services “adequate”, done by staff and give them regular feedback showing a great improvement. During the Ofsted highlighted the high rate of children inspection, a random sample of around 200 going back into the care system and needing children found that none had been ‘left at risk repeat child protection plans. of, or suffering from, significant harm’. Cabinet member for specialist children’s The report said the service was judged services, Jenny Whittle, said while the report “adequate”, meaning it was meeting the recognised the work done to raise standards, Of course you can still call us or drop in to get your quote or make your booking,just call minimum requirements. KCC was only “part of the way along the road”. 0844 396 1122 :Ashford :Dartford :Sittingbourne :Tunbridge Wells 6I week ending January 20, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk www.kentnews.co.uk KMI week ending January 20, 2013 I 7 News for more pictures and news go to www.kentnews.co.uk CELEBRITY NEWS IN BRIEF The village hall play that inspired (cid:177)(cid:0)Teen ‘made up’ attack an Oscar-nominated leading lady A TEENAGER has been fined for wasting police time after falsely claiming he had been robbed at knifepoint - even self-harming to make the claim more realistic. More than 10 officers were called out in the By Nick Ames FROM KENT TO HOLLYWOOD early hours of Tuesday morning to Baxendale [email protected] Court in Ashford. But officers became suspicious when the 19-year-old “victim” gave inconsistent WATCHING her mother on stage in Naomi was born on September 28, 1967. Her parents accounts of what had happened. He then an amateur production in a small divorced when the future star was just four years old admitted he had made it up and was fined £80. village hall in Kent proved to be one and mum Myfanwy looked after her and brother Ben on of the major inspirations for Oscar- her own. But the couple had a reconciliation before the (cid:177)(cid:0)Oast house in blaze nominated actress Naomi Watts. tragic death of Naomi’s father, Peter Watts, in 1976 of a The 44-year-old Hollywood star suspected drug overdose. FIRE crews tackled a blaze in a converted oast – up for an Academy Award for her The remaining family members relocated to Angelsey house in the village of Chilham on Tuesday role in Asian tsunami film The Im- before leaving for Australia when Naomi was 14-years- night, which left one man needing hospital possible – was born and raised in old. She started appearing in Australian TV shows treatment for inhaling smoke. Shoreham, near Sevenoaks. before moving to the USA and getting her first film roles. The fire broke out in a two-storey converted Growing up, she went to the local TALENT: Naomi Watts stars in The Impossible oast house in Canterbury Road and took over an school and even took part in pro- hour to extinguish. It is believed the fire started ductions staged by the amateur She said: “My son, David, fashioned music hall style event major landmark. in a chimney and then spread to the main dramatic society. went to school at the village the players staged in the village Mrs Britton said: “We celebrated building. The oast house had been converted And she still has followers in the primary with Naomi. Her hall and Naomi was in the chil- our 80th anniversary in 2004. We into a private property. village – who say they are delighted mother, Myfanwy, or Miv as dren’s chorus – that would had a big party and decided to try at the success which has seen her she was always known, have been in the 1970s.” and get in touch with Naomi, who (cid:177)(cid:0)Nightmare on the A2 take major roles in films including played Eliza Doolittle in a Naomi, then aged five, was was just starting to make it big. Peter Jackson’s King Kong, and production of Pygmalion the fascinated by her mother’s cos- “It was Miv who got back to us, MOTORISTS faced huge delays after a car trans- David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. players put on at Shoreham tumes and change of voice. saying she had very happy memo- porter overtuned on the A2 near Gravesend - She is also set to star as Princess Di- Village Hall. By all accounts Throughout the show she ries of being part of the players. and spilled its load over the carriageway. ana in a forthcoming bio-pic. she was extremely good. waved at her mother, but got “There’s a feeling of pride in the Tailbacks stretched back four miles and the Kate Britton is currently presi- “Apparently that was one no response apart from a village at what Naomi has achieved road was partially closed for hours as recovery dent of the Shoreham Players – a of the inspirations for Naomi brief wave. and it is fantastic news that she has of the vehicles took place. group to which the actress’ mother wanting to become an ac- The Shoreham Players been nominated for an Oscar.” Two people were injured in the incident. The belonged and which organised her tress. got back in touch with the The Academy Awards will be lorry driver has serious, but not life threatening, stage debut. “Then there was an old family when celebrating a presented on February 24. injuries and a motorist suffered minor injuries. 8 I week ending January 20, 2013 KMI www.kentnews.co.uk News for more pictures and news go to www.kentnews.co.uk PETS CHARITY Explosive relationship Keira pins her hopes on you giving an hour has happy ending for to Marie Curie Cancer A CANCER charity is appealing for people retiring Afghan hound across the county to donate an hour of their time to help support its major annual fundrais- ing push. Marie Curie Cancer Care wants to recruit a By Chris Britcher team to hand out its famous daffodil pin in return for donations as part of its Great Daffodil [email protected] Appeal in March. AN ARMY explosives expert has adopted a vet- The money raised will help Marie Curie nurses eran bomb search dog after they bonded in trau- to provide more free care to local people with a matic circumstances in war-torn Afghanistan. terminal illness in their own homes. Corporal Andy Hawkett, from Gillingham, This year’s campaign has been supported who serves with 221 Field Squadron (Explosive by Hollywood actress Keira Knightley and actor Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers) part of 101 Stephen Mangan. STAR (mCeitty J aokf eL ownhdiolsnt )o Enn ogpinereaetri oRneagli mtoeunrt i(nE OADfg)h, afinrsi-t nitFyi ofunnad Draoidsde,r ,c foomr mu- TURN: stan in 2010. Marie Curie Cancer Keira Jake, a 12-year-old springer spaniel, with 14 Care, in Kent, said: Knightly operational tours under his collar, has now “We need 200 people settled in with his former handler’s family to en- from the county to joy a well-earned retirement. HOME FROM HOME: The Hawkett’s – Michelle, Joshua, Courtney amd Andy – are proud to own Jake help. Collecting is The dog, specially trained to search out impro- a great experi- vised explosive devices (IEDs), had also served in retire after 10 years’ service he asked if he could family pet took a whole 12 months to achieve ence and I hope Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq. adopt him. including quarantine, health checks and civilian everyone will It was while on his last tour in Helmand Prov- Cpl Hawkett said “There is a standard process training, but now he is a much-loved member of help us make ince he was introduced to his future new owner, to follow which involves writing to the Defence the Hawkett family. this year’s Great Cpl Hawkett. Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Cpl Hawkett added: “When I knew Jake was Daffodil Appeal Following a particularly catastrophic IED inci- “As a family we had to detail all the responsi- up for retirement I wanted to replicate the sense a success.” dent, witnessed by them both, the bond between bilities we were willing to undertake surround- of trust and loyalty he had shown to me and my ■ To volunteer the two strengthened in the final months they ing Jake’s future care and prove that we would colleagues in Afghanistan. We are honoured to visit www. had to serve before returning home. take on animal medical cover for him.” have the opportunity to give him a good home mariecurie.org. When Cpl Hawkett realised Jake was due to Jake’s rehabilitation from an Army dog to for him to see out his retirement.” uk/daffodil. ABBEY COURT SCHOOL teaches pupils with Severe, and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties between the ages of 3 and 19. The school is based on 2 sites in Rainham (Nursery and Primary, and Strood (Secondary and Further Education) • SCHOOL VIDEO Are you currently working as a Supply An insight into who we are. Teacher? • ALL ABOUT US A tour of the school and presentation. Have you thought of widening your experience working with Special Educational Needs pupils? • DIFFERENTIATED CURRICULUM A presentation on how our teaching and Would you like to find out more? learn-ing is differentiated to meet the special needs of our pupils. Why not come along to our Taster morning and discover more about working in a special school…… • WHAT NEXT ? Questions and answers. Tuesday 5th February 9.30am to 1pm This school is committed to safeguarding Abbey Court School, Long Catlis Road, Rainham, Kent and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and ME8 9TX volunteers to share this commitment. Any To reserve a free place, telephone the school on offer of appointment for post is subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau 01634 338220, or e-mail Disclosure. 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