Maidstone Borough Council

Update
Borough
East, January 2013

www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council

Free bulky rubbish service

Most weekends 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:

12 January
07:45 - 08:30 Frinsted Church 08:40 - 09:20 Wormshill. The Street 09:30 - 10:10 Harrietsham. Church Lane 10:20 - 11:00 Harrietsham Primary School 12:00 - 12:40 Lenham. Douglas Road 12:50 - 13:30 Lenham. Ham Lane/Cherry Orchard 13:40 - 14:20 Lenham. Honeywood Road 14:30 - 15:10 Platts Heath. Green Lane 15:15 - 15:45 Grafty Green. Church Lane

19 January
07:45 - 08:30 Hollingbourne. Troys Mead 08:45 - 09:15 Lenham. Lenham Heath Road 09:25 - 09:55 Ulcombe. Lodge Gardens 15:15 - 15:45 Leeds. Brogden Crescent

26 January
07:45 - 08:30 Otham 08:45 - 09:45 Bearsted Village Green

2 February
07:45 - 08:15 Walderslade. Impton Lane/Spendlow Drive 08:25 - 09:00 Walderslade. Impton Lane/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

9 February
12:00 - 12:55 Vinters Park. Snowden Parade 13:05 - 14:05 Vinters Park. Hampton Road

23 February
12:15 - 13:00 Grove Green. Provender Way 13:10 - 14:00 Grove Green. Shepherds Gate Drive 14:10 - 15:10 Madginford. Merton Road 15:15 - 15:45 Bearsted. Ashford Road/Rosemary Road

2 March
09:05 - 09:45 Senacre. Woolley Road 09:50 - 10:20 Senacre. Betsham Road

Councils join forces to improve waste and recycling services

Residents in Maidstone will have a new, improved waste collection and recycling service later this year. The improvements will come about as a result of the council joining forces with Ashford and Swale councils for a joint waste and street cleansing contract with Biffa Municipal Ltd. The new collection system will be rolled out across the borough from August 2013. It will improve the quality of waste collection services and will enable more items to be recycled. Collection days may change for some households and residents will be informed before any changes are made. Recyclable waste will continue to be collected on alternate weeks under the new system, but residents will be able to add an increased number of items to their green bin including all types of plastics and glass. The current collection doesnt take all types of plastic or glass and residents should ensure they dont add the additional items to the recyclable waste until August. The new 10 year contract will save Maidstone taxpayers more than 1 million a year and will not affect the frequency of the collections.

23 March
07:45 - 08:30 Frinsted Church 08:40 - 09:20 Wormshill. The Street 09:30 - 10:10 Harrietsham. Church Lane 10:20 - 11:00 Harrietsham Primary School 12:00 - 12:40 Lenham. Douglas Road 12:50 - 13:30 Lenham. Ham Lane/Cherry Orchard 13:40 - 14:20 Lenham. Honeywood Road 14:30 - 15:10 Platts Heath. Green Lane 15:15 - 15:45 Grafty Green. Church lane

30 March
07:45 - 08:30 Hollingbourne. Troys Mead 08:45 - 09:15 Lenham. Warren Street 09:25 - 09:55 Ulcombe. Lodge Gardens

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 602162.

Maidstone Borough Council

CCTV helps to reduce crime

Last year the CCTV monitoring operation was moved to a control hub in Medway from its Maidstone Town Hall base in a joint working partnership with Medway Council. The monitoring staff from Maidstone moved to Medway and have been key in ensuring the CCTV monitoring success. Cllr John Wilson, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: Were really pleased that the switchover happened so seamlessly. Staff are happier in their new working environment and were retaining the local knowledge of Maidstone which helps with the monitoring. Were also seeing evidence that CCTV is doing its job to stamp out crime in the area. In Maidstone, arrests have gone up in the town centre as crime has fallen, and the CCTV monitoring system is being praised for being part of that. Overall crime is down 15.6 per cent according to figures by Kent Police but arrests resulting from CCTV intervention increased from 69 in April to 117 in September.

A new place for remembrance

Maidstones Vinters Park Crematorium celebrated its 50th anniversary with the opening of a new Book of Remembrance Hall. The hall was opened by Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member Cllr Marion Ring at an event for funeral directors in the area to mark the crematoriums birthday. The crematorium is owned and managed by Maidstone Borough Council and opened in autumn 1962. Almost 84,000 cremations have taken place at the site since then. The chapel and site remain largely the same as they were 50 years ago but modernisations and alterations have taken place both behind the scenes and within the grounds, including the extension to create the Book of Remembrance Hall which will house three books of remembrance. Mourners can now choose from a variety of memorials and there are eight different areas where ashes can be strewn, as well as burial sites for ashes at the crematorium and the Sutton Road cemetery. The crematorium now has a computer controlled sound system as well as an organ, meaning families get a greater choice of music at funeral services. An online booking service has been introduced for funeral directors, meaning families can be given peace of mind with a funeral booking made out of office hours. Cllr Marion Ring said: The memorial areas and the new Book of Remembrance Hall are tranquil areas for remembrance and reflection. We are very proud of the staff at the crematorium and the facilities we provide.

Neighbourhood plans
Boughton Monchelsea, Broomfield and Kingswood, Coxheath, Harrietsham and Lenham parish councils and North Loose residents association are preparing neighbourhood plans for their areas. Maidstone council declared the parishes as neighbourhood areas following joint consultation exercises with the parish councils. The draft neighbourhood plans - planning policy documents will set out policies for the development and the use of land. The draft plans will be assessed by an independent examiner and, if assessed as sound, will be subject to a referendum when local people will decide whether the plan should be adopted by Maidstone council. Neighbourhood plans allow local communities to plan for issues that are locally important, such as community facilities and green spaces.

New food hygiene scheme

A new food hygiene scheme has been launched in Maidstone. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has been welcomed by switched-on pubs, clubs and food businesses as a way they can attract new business by highlighting their high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The scheme covers all food businesses that have a direct link with the public. This includes restaurants, pubs, cafes and take aways, but also schools, care homes, nurseries, corner shops, supermarkets and home caterers. The new system allows the public to check the ratings of the places where they are planning to eat. By going on the national Food Hygiene Rating System website www.food.gov.uk/ratings - which is run by the Food Standards Agency, people will be able to see what score has been awarded to food businesses in Maidstone and across the country.

News from the MUSEUM

Kids in Museums
Younger visitors will soon be able to enjoy many more exciting activities at the museum. Spike, the museums friendly Iguanodon dinosaur, will be on hand to lead new activities for children and families. Wherever you see Spike youll find a great new activity exciting additions will include a great new interactive display using a digital microscope to examine the museums natural history collections.

New Conference Facilities at Maidstone Museum

Treasures from the Matsura Museum, Japan

The Matsura Museum in Hirado houses one of Japans best regional collections. Highlights include material relating to Will Adams, the Gillingham-born sailor who was the first Englishman to set foot in Japan and is still the first and only officially recognised foreign samurai. Known by the Japanese as Anjin-sama, Adams became a key figure in the development of Anglo-Japanese relations. He died in 1620 and was buried in Hirado. 2013 marks the 400th anniversary of Anglo-Japanese relations when the first English ship

If you have a meeting or event coming up, Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery has spaces in both the new extension and the original museum, catering for everything from meetings and training sessions to birthday parties and wedding receptions. For more information or to book a tour of the facilities, please contact our meetings and events team on 01622 602847 or email museumbookings@maidstone.gov.uk.

Half term at the Museum

Rag Rugging Mon 18 Feb Learn how to rag rug and make your very own sample piece to hang at home. Pattern & Mosaics Tue 19 Feb Create a geometric patterned picture to rival historical designs. QORWK Soldier Puppet Wed 20 Feb Choose from two designs and make a soldier puppet. Customise your Clothes Thur 21 Feb Bring in an item of clothing to revamp vintage style! World War II Toys Fri 22 February Make your very own WWII style toy using new and recycled materials. Sessions start at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30pm Suitable for 4+, 2.50 per child

arrived with presents for the Shogun from King James, and then returned to London with reciprocal presents. To mark the anniversary, a selection of fabulous exhibits from the Matsura Museum will be displayed at Maidstone Museum this summer.

Bentlif Open Art Prize Exhibition 2012 - until 9 February

piece to grace your home. 52 artists submitted works to the exhibition, and local artists Mike Chaplin RWS and Graham Clarke joined representatives from the Bentlif Trust and Maidstone Museum in judging the winning entry. They chose a painting by Maidstone artist Rob Andrews, who received a cash prize of 500, kindly funded by the H R Pratt Boorman Family Foundation. All of the entries are on display until 9 February, and visitors can vote for the Peoples Prize in a public vote. The winning artist will receive the opportunity to have a solo show in the community exhibition space at the museum. The competition is run in association with the Bentlif Trust and Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery, and provides artists aged 16 years and over with a platform to exhibit and sell their original art work.

Come and be inspired by the exciting artwork produced by talented artists from Maidstone, Kent and the South East. With many of the works available to purchase, you have the opportunity to support local artists and buy an original

Maidstone Borough Council

Benefits are changing

Benefits are changing in 2013, and a new Universal Credit will replace many benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit. Some people will receive less financial help from the state than they have had previously. In this edition of Borough Update, we look at some of the changes and how they may affect you. We also examine the help and support on offer if you need it.

Benefit changes and how they might affect you

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 will change the benefits system, starting in April 2013.

Key changes
The government is making changes to other benefits: T Disability Living Allowance will be replaced by Personal Independence Payment from 2013. T Council Tax Benefit will be abolished in April 2013 and replaced by a system of localised support. T Pension Credit will be amended from October 2014 to include help with eligible rent and dependent children. T The Social Fund is being reformed and new local assistance will be provided by Kent County Council. There will be a cap on benefits to each household to ensure people are better off when in employment. Child benefit is also changing, and from January 2013 families where one or more parents earns between 50,000 and 60,000 will have their benefit reduced on a sliding scale, and will lose the benefit entirely when earning over 60,000. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Universal Credit in the autumn of 2013. Universal Credit will replace: T income-based Jobseekers Allowance

T income-related Employment and Support Allowance T Income Support T Child Tax Credits T Working Tax Credits T Housing Benefit Those already claiming these benefits will be contacted directly about the changes. Universal Credit will not replace: T Pension Credits T Contributory Job Seekers Allowance T Contributory ESA T Disability Living Allowance T Child Benefit T Bereavement, sick and maternity benefits/payments T Council Tax Benefit But some of these benefits will change and some people will receive less help from the state than they have had previously. The changes to the benefits system are being phased in over the next few years. The government is introducing the changes to: T create the right incentives to get more people into work T protect the most vulnerable in our society T deliver fairness to those claiming benefit and to the tax payer.

The welfare reform changes do not affect pensioners. The changes only affect people who are between 18 and 65 years of age receiving state benefits such as child tax credits and working tax credits
Those affected by changes in benefit will be notified in writing by the relevant authorities. Anyone concerned about changes should see page 7 for details of where to go for advice.

Benefit cap
The changes to the welfare system will include a benefit cap. This means the amount that a family can receive in welfare benefits will be limited to 500 per week. A single person will be limited to 350. There are some exceptions, for example people receiving Disability Living Allowance or Working Tax Credit. The government has written to everyone who they believe will be affected. If you are over the limit and claim Housing Benefit, you may find your benefit will be reduced. The council has written to all those it knows to be affected and social housing landlords might contact their tenants. If you have received a letter and are concerned, please contact your landlord to discuss it further. The council or the Citizens Advice Bureau can also offer advice. See page 7.

Maidstone Borough Council

Changes to housing support

Help for pensioners

The Welfare Reform Act introduces new rules for the size of accommodation that Housing Benefit, and then Universal Credit, will cover for working age tenants renting in the social sector. This will bring them in line with the private rented sector. These changes will not affect pensioners.
From April 2013 all current and future working age tenants renting from a council, housing association or other registered social landlord will receive housing support based on the need of their household. The size criteria allows one bedroom for each person or couple living as part of the household with the following exceptions: T children under 16 of the same gender are expected to share T children under 10 are expected to share regardless of gender T a disabled tenant or partner who needs a non-resident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room. Under the new system, customers over the qualifying age for Pension Credit will get help with their eligible rent through a new element of Pension Credit called Housing Credit. This means: T new customers over Pension Credit qualifying age will have to claim Pension Credit to access help with eligible rent from October 2014. T existing Housing Benefit customers over Pension Credit qualifying age (with or without Pension Credit) will be transferred to modified Pension Credit, including Housing Credit, between October 2014 and October 2017. T new claims for Housing Benefit from people over Pension Credit qualifying age received up to October 2014 will be dealt with as now. The Pensions, Disability and Carers service will write to everyone affected by the changes. Anyone concerned about the changes should contact the council or the Citizens Advice Bureau, see page 7.

This means those tenants whose accommodation is larger than they need will receive less Housing Benefit. Those with one spare bedroom will lose 14 per cent of their Housing Benefit and those with two or more spare bedrooms will lose 25 per cent. The tenant will have to pay the portion of rent not covered by the Housing Benefit, and later the Universal Credit, or move to smaller accommodation. The council will write to tenants likely to be affected by these changes and anyone with concerns should contact the council, their landlord, or the Citizens Advice Bureau as soon as possible. Existing claimants will move from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit between October 2013 and October 2017. New claims for Housing Benefit from customers who are out of work will move to Universal Credit from October 2013 and new claims for Housing Benefit from customers who are working will move to Universal Credit from April 2014. Social landlords such as Golding Homes and Moat Homes are able to offer advice. See page 7 for contact details of social landlords in the Maidstone area.

Social Fund
The Social Fund is currently looked after by the Department for Work and Pensions and is used to make payments to individuals in extreme need. It includes Community Care Grants, Crisis Loans for general living expenses, and Budgeting Loans. Kent County Council will take over the management of the fund for people living in Maidstone and other areas of Kent.

Help with Council Tax

Council Tax Benefit will be abolished in April 2013, and it will be down to local councils to provide localised support. Some people who have not paid Council Tax may now have to pay. However, the changes will not affect pensioners. The council will write to those affected by the changes.

Maidstone Borough Council

Where to go for help and advice

People living in private rented property and social housing can get advice and help at Maidstone Gateway and from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Gateway
Maidstone Gateway in King Street is able to offer help and advice to people who are concerned about the impact of the welfare reforms on their household budget. By visiting the Gateway, you can get advice from Maidstone council, Kent County Council and voluntary agencies such as The Citizens Advice Bureau to help you understand how the welfare reforms will affect you and what support is available. The Gateway is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm on week days, with late opening until 7pm on Thursdays. It is also open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm. On arrival in the Gateway you will be welcomed by staff on the meet and greet reception desk. They will establish your requirements, issue you with a ticket for the service you require and ask you to take a seat in one of our waiting areas until your ticket is called by an adviser who is fully trained to deal with your enquiry. Maidstone Borough Council can also be contacted by phone on 01622 602557.

Benefits calculator
To find out more information about benefits and to use a benefits calculator to see what you may be entitled to, visit www.gov.uk

Social housing support

Residents who live in social housing and who are affected by or worried about the changes can receive advice and support from their landlord. Landlords who provide social housing in Maidstone include:

Citizens Advice Bureau

You can access advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau in the following ways: Drop-in advice: Available at Maidstones Gateway from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4pm and at 2 Bower Terrace, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RY from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Telephone advice: Call 01622 752420 and 01622 757882, lines are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4 pm. Maidstone residents can also book an appointment by phone for the next working day using the advice line numbers above. For more Financial health check information see www.maidstonecab.org.uk The Citizens Advice Bureau

Money advice

is holding a Financial Health Check day at Maidstones Gateway on 31st January. Advisers will also be able to offer advice on the changes to benefits.

Whether youre losing benefits or not, a review of your finances is a good idea to help budget for now and the future. The Money Advice Service offers free, unbiased and independent advice on all money matters. See www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0300 500 5000. The website includes a money

health check tool and a budget planner. Many social landlords also have money advice officers who can offer advice with budgeting, as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Accent Peerless www.accentgroup.org 01276 852900 Downland Housing Association (Affinity Sutton) www.affinitysutton.com 0300 100 0303 English Rural Housing Association www.englishrural.org.uk 020 7820 7930 Golding Homes www.goldinghomes.org.uk 0800 923 2700 Home Group www.homegroup.org.uk 0345 141 4663 Hyde Housing Association Limited www.hyde-housing.co.uk 0800 085 4195 Moat Homes Limited www.moat.co.uk 0845 600 1006 Orbit South Housing Association www.orbitsouth.org.uk 0800 678 1221 Places For People www.placesforpeople.co.uk 0800 432 0002 Russet Homes www.circle.co.uk 01732 780 999 Sanctuary Housing www.sanctuary-group.co.uk 0800 781 4755 The Co-operative Development Society Ltd www.cds.coop 03333 21 30 30 Town and Country Housing Group www.tchg.org.uk 0845 873 1 321 West Kent Housing Association www.westkent.org 01732 749400

ARTS CENTRE

New Year Highlights

Jackson Live In Concert
Hazlitt Theatre 8pm, Saturday 23 February Tickets 18.50, Concessions 17

Bens portrayal of Michael Jackson in his prime has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres. Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible band and dancers who work their way through all the hits. Hes got the look, the moonwalk and the voice! His renditions of Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jean are truly sensational. Jackson Live in Concert features all-live vocals and music, fabulous costumes and of course all the signature dance moves associated so fondly with the undisputed King of Pop. Pure MJ!

Solid Gold Country Legends

Hazlitt Theatre 7.30pm, Thursday 24 January Tickets 17 Concessions 15
The new Solid Gold Country Legends show celebrates the best in country music led by country stars Jeanne Jordan & B J Thomas, together with Luke Thomas and the Outlaw Country Band. New for 2013 are the Dolly Mixture Dancers who add more than a touch of glamour to the show. Solid Gold Country Legends is the perfect mix of old and new country hits from the classics of Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Tammy Wynette to Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Shania Twain. Songs featured are Tammy Wynettes Stand By Your Man, Billie Jo Spears Blanket On The Ground, Johnny Cashs Folsom Prison, Dolly Partons 9 to 5 and Kenny Rogers Lucille & The Gambler. among many others. This show is up there with the best. Up Country Magazine www.countrylegends.us

Sing- a-long-a Joseph

Hazlitt Theatre - 4pm, Sunday 14 April Tickets 15, concessions 13, family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children) 50, family of 3 (must have at least 1 child) 37.50
From the producers of the smash hits Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music and Singa- Long-a Grease. A fully interactive screening of the 1999 film of the original stage version starring Donny Osmond, Maria Friedman, Richard Attenborough and Joan Collins with on-screen subtitles. The evening begins with your host leading a vocal warm up, judging the fancy dress competition, teaching some groovy moves and showing you how to use your free goody bag. Burst into song and dance in the aisles at the most colourful event in years. It couldnt be easier or more fun! Fancy dress strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential.

Hazlitt Comedy Nights

Exchange Studio - 8pm every First Wednesday of the Month, Tickets 10 6 Feb - Charlie Baker, Adam Bloom & Julian Deane 6 Mar - Ben Norris, Paul Chowdry & Marlon Davis 3 Apr - Ian D Montfort, James Acaster & Daniel Simonsen

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

Maidstone Borough Council

Priority for housing for Maidstone people

The council is changing the way it prioritises the waiting list for social housing. The changes are being introduced in April, because the council believes the current points-based system encourages deprivation by giving priority to those on benefits. Applicants also told the council that the current system was confusing. Under the new scheme only people living in the borough will go on the waiting list for accommodation. Maidstone council's Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, John A Wilson says the new system will be much simpler. "The first principle is that everyone will have to have a housing need first." he said. "If people are in work or doing something in their local community then that can be taken as a characteristic that gives them greater opportunity for access to social housing."

Bringing empty homes back into use

Empty homes can have a negative impact on the community in which they are found whether by bringing down surrounding house prices, attracting anti-social behaviour or reducing the supply and choice of housing in the borough so Maidstone council is stepping up its efforts to work with owners on bringing them back into use. Focussing on those properties that have the most impact on the surrounding community typically those that have been empty for more than six months and are in a poor state of repair the council negotiates with the owners of empty properties to bring them back into use. This can be through providing advice, grants or leasing schemes. If this fails, the council can look at direct intervention, including Empty Dwelling Management Orders, compulsory purchase of the property and serving notices to tidy up the property or land. If you would like to discuss an empty home that you own, or would like to report an empty property, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01622 602470.

A better place to play for Shepway

Shepway Green is to get a new play area and local people are helping to decide whats put in place. The current play area will get a makeover and some of the funding will be used to create a place for older children and teenagers to enjoy. The views of children, young people, parents and residents in the local area were sought as part of a consultation exercise to ensure the new play area and youth facilities are what the local community need. The council is now considering the responses to the consultation and the project should be completed for the school summer holidays in 2013.

Pride in Maidstone funding

Six local community groups, charities and voluntary organisations have been successful in securing funding from Maidstone Borough Councils 70,000 Pride in Maidstone Fund. Communitech and Food for Thought were two of the projects which won funding. helped with advice on funding and links to local businesses and work experience opportunities. For more information about Communitech visit www.communitech .org.uk.

Food For Thought

Run by Maidstone Christian Care, Food for Thought is a community food project which has been running successfully since 2005. Food for Thought volunteers redistribute food that would otherwise end up as waste to the most needy groups and individuals in deprived areas in Maidstone. The charity applied to the Pride in Maidstone Fund for 10,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. For more

Communitech
Communitech is a social enterprise being developed by young people who were out of work. They offer apprenticeships, training and work experience opportunities to young people in their business which refurbishes donated computers to then supply at a low cost or even for free to local community and charity organisations. Communitech can offer networking, technical support, upgrade and repairs to private customers and local businesses. The group has been awarded 9,280 to help them to become certified as Microsoft Engineers, develop volunteering opportunities, and purchase computing and office equipment. Maidstone Borough Council has also

information about Food for Thought visit www.maidstonedaycentre.org.uk For more information about the Pride in Maidstone Fund contact Julia Fraser on 01622 602513 or email juliafraser@maidstone.gov.uk

10

Maidstone Borough Council

A New Year A New You

Kick start your New Year and join one of Maidstone Borough Councils weight management programmes. There is a range of courses with something to suit everyones needs and to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Did you know?

T Obesity in children increased by 353% between 2000 and 2011 T 6.1% of cancers in men and 6.5% of cancers in women are caused by not eating enough fruit and vegetables. T You could gain 10lbs a year by overeating by 100kcal, just 2 Jaffa Cakes, a day.

T It takes approximately 20 minutes for your brain to know that your stomach is full. T More than 300,000 deaths a year are caused by poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity.

Weight For It
Free 10 week weight loss programme set in a fun & friendly environment, with a weekly weigh-in and nutritional advice to help you make small changes to get big results. Book now to attend one of the following groups: T Langley Village Hall - Monday 21 January 10.30-11.30 T Yalding Village Hall Monday 21 January 17.00-18.00 T Bearsted WI Hall Wednesday 23 January 13.30-14.30

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.

Boxing
Supported by Maidstone Youth Action Partnership, the Contender Boxing programme runs 3 nights a week aiming to increase youth activities and to inspire a nation. The sessions are a huge success with current attendees! Non contact boxing: Monday 4.30-6.30pm, Headcorn Scout Hut (All ages welcome) Tuesday 7-8pm, Howard de Walden (16-24 yrs) Thursday 4-5pm, Heather House (under 11 yrs)

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.

Contact the Community Development Team for more information and to book onto one of these programmes. Call: 01622 602222 Email: healthyliving@maidstone.gov.uk

Start 2013 Smoke free

Everybody has their own personal reason for wanting to give up smoking. Some people give up as part of a larger lifestyle change: T For better health T For more money T For more energy T To prevent premature ageing T For whiter teeth T For lower stress levels T For an improved sense of taste and smell T For the sake of your family and friends There is a method to give up smoking that suits everyone and the NHS Stop Smoking Service can help with finding the method that is right for you. Nicotine replacement therapy can be given on prescription or bought at pharmacies and supermarkets.

Tips to success
T Get help from the Stop Smoking Service T Set a quit date T Dispose of all cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays T Get support from family and friends T Use a Nicotine replacement therapy.

T 24 Hours: Carbon monoxide leaves your body. T 48 Hours: Body is now nicotine free. T 3-9 Months: Lung efficiency is up by 5-10% Breathing problems are fading away. T 5 Years: You now only have half the chance of having a heart attack compared to a smoker. T 10 Years: The chance of getting lung cancer is now half that of a smoker (the same as someone whos never smoked).

Reaction Recovery
T 20 Minutes: Blood pressure and pulse return to normal. T 8 Hours: Your blood oxygen levels return to normal.

Quit smoking with the NHS - Contact Smoke Free West Kent - 01266 723836, smoking.westkent@nhs.net to book, www.smokefree.nhs.uk

MAKE IT MAIDSTONE
MAKE IT PROSPEROUS
USEFUL NUMBERS
Citizens Advice Bureau 01622 752420 or 01622 757882 Council Tax 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 Concessionary travel 01622 602334 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, free bus travel and through support for organisations which offer money advice.

Cash injection to make Maidstone even better

Maidstones Town Team has set out its priorities for making the town an even better place. The team was awarded 10,000 from the government, after a successful bid to become a Town Team Partner by Maidstone MP Helen Grant. The money will help deliver these priorities: T promoting Maidstone as a great place to visit T organising events T regenerating the town centre T improving the cultural offer. Maidstone council Cabinet Member for Economic and Commercial Development Cllr Malcolm Greer said: Maidstone is already a good place to do business, to shop and to visit. Its a great place, with great people. The Town Team will make it an even better place and its fantastic to see so many people who are passionate about the town working together. The Town Team was set up following government recommendations from the Mary Portas High Street Review and welcomes suggestions and support from people passionate about the town centre. It is run by the council in conjunction with Maidstone Town Centre Management, and involves the Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Kent County Council, the Environment Agency, The Mall and Fremlin Walk, and a number of local groups with an interest in the town centre. Small businesses, voluntary groups, independent traders and residents are also involved. If youd like to play a part in how the town centre develops, contact Jennifer Hunt at Maidstone Borough Council on 01622 602471 or email jenniferhunt@ maidstone.gov.uk

King Street bus stop

Maidstones King Street bus stop has been resurfaced to highlight the kerb and the different heights of the footpath and carriageway. The bus stop outside Colman House is part of the High Street regeneration area. The work follows earlier measures to increase visibility of the difference in levels in the High Street and King Street.

Invest in success
Maidstone: Our Investment Success Story promotes the town and surrounding area as a place to invest and do business, as well as a popular place in which to live and work. The publication showcases a range of residential, leisure and retail investments which are helping the borough become a better place to live and do business. If youd like a copy of the brochure, which looks at town centre regeneration, commercial success, sustainable growth, 21st century learning, the boroughs cultural offer and the changing landscape of the riverside area, visit www.locateinmaidstone.co. uk

Business networking a natural solution

Business owners in South Maidstone and Lenham Valley have the opportunity to boost their businesses, make contact with potential customers and seek out advice through two local forums offering regular networking events. The events, which take place on a monthly basis, bring businesses together to hear from speakers, discuss relevant issues and work together for the benefit of each business and the local area. For more information on these Business Associations, please contact Alan Reading on 01622 820841.

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Maidstone Borough Council

Eva Girling has arguably the best office location of all Maidstone council staff. Eva is Park Ranger at Cobtree Manor Park and is the first point of contact for visitors. She oversees the day-to-day operation of the park and is there next to the popular cafe. Some facts about Cobtree Manor Park:
- There is free parking, a cafeteria, and nine brand new pieces of childrens play equipment. - The park will see a major revamp this year, with a massive zoo themed play area. - The park is part of the Cobtree Estate owned by Cobtree Charity Trust Ltd and managed under a long-term lease by Maidstone Borough Council. - It is 54 acres (21.5 hectares) and includes the site of the former Maidstone zoo. - Designed in the late 1970s by the Hilliers of Winchester (of the Hillier Arboretum fame), Cobtree was to become a parkland garden or another Kew Gardens. - Most of the park is now an arboretum in its own right with about 120 species of trees and another 120 species of shrubs. - Next to the arboretum, there is lovely area of woodland which has a beautiful display of bluebells in spring. - In May the mysterious Ghost Tree appears for a few weeks. - The park is full of history, from ancient field boundaries to the 19th century sheep wash and 1930s elephant house.

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Evas job includes

- Maintenance work - pruning trees and shrubs, strimming long grass and nettles. - Working with volunteers who lend a helping hand in exchange for some healthy exercise and a dose of job satisfaction. - Organising guided walks and naturerelated events for adults and children as the park has a lot to offer to those who enjoy learning new things. - Advising the council on the best ways to enhance the park and make it a wellknown family destination.
since I was a child. At Cobtree I am surrounded by wonderful trees, shrubs and wild nature, which it is my job to control but within reason. After all, even a patch of humble nettles can be beautiful! And it keeps a lot of insects happy. In my job, the best reward is hearing praise from those who appreciate my efforts. What does good customer service mean to you? I am here to help create an environment where our visitors can relax safely and spend an enjoyable hour or two playing, chatting, learning and experiencing the beauty of the natural world first hand!

How did you get into your job? Three years ago I replied to an ad in a trade magazine and went through the usual selection process. I had worked for Maidstone council before; it was a three and a half year long contract to help upgrade several parks in Maidstone. I got to know Cobtree then and fell in love with it! What do you like about your job? I love being outdoors and plants have been my passion

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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If you are visually impaired and would like the newsletter text in large print, please call us on 01622 602807, and we will be happy to send you a copy.

Whats On!

To find out whats on in Maidstone Borough visit www.visitmaidstone.com