W e l c o m e t o t h e N L R A w e b s I t e
LITTER PICK A litter pick was completed on Saturday 28/1023 in the vicinity of the Mangravet Recreational Playing fields. There was a total of five volunteers, namely Cathy Patton, Mick Westwood, Pat Excell, Trevor Smith and myself. We collected a total of 9 bin bags. Included in the rubbish was about 6 large metal canisters of ‘laughing gas’,some used, some unused. Thanks to those that attended on what was forecasted a wet Saturday, however, the sun came out later and shone on the righteous. GREENWAY BENCH We have restored one of the benches along the Greenway and paved under and in front of it to keep it tidy. The second bench will not be restored until the Autumn. POLICING OUR AREA Click HERE to read the latest update on Policing our area. 539 LOOSE ROAD (CELSIUS SITE) Application to demolish existing office block and erect a new 3-storey building containing 7 x 1-bed person flats, with associated parking, amenity, cycle storage and waste storage. Application 21/506580 NLRA and several residents submitted objections and the application was refused by Maidstone Borough Council in February 2022. The applicant appealed against this decision (processing of appeals was delayed at the time due to covid backlog) and we have just discovered that the appeal was DISMISSED recently. The Inspector quoted the North Loose Neighbourhood Plan (along with other planning documents) with regard to Policies SD2, SD5 and HD2. Main reasons for refusal:
BOUNDARY WALK On the afternoon of April 15th, 34 intrepid walkers accompanied by 6 dogs met up at the Y centre for Sean Carter to lead us round the boundary of the NLRA area. The route was slightly different to previous walks to reflect the change to the boundary which will come into effect next year once the ward boundary changes are implemented. More will be mentioned about the ward changes during the NLRA AGM on June 10th. The weather was kind to us and the rain abated for a couple of hours, although evidence of the recent wet weather was very evident from the amount of mud on the footpaths! During the walk Sean explained much of the work which NLRA volunteers carry out, such as the maintenance of the greenway, Richmond Green and Mangravet Wood. He also outlined some of the main changes which will shortly impact North Loose as a result of the ward boundary review. Whilst we will lose 350 homes to Tovil, we will gain the cemetery along Sutton Road …. although so far Sean has not had much success drumming up interest from the residents!!! Although the path along Mangravet Wood was the muddiest part of the walk, we were treated to a beautiful display of anemones and the first glimpse of the bluebells. Once we had passed New Line Learning, Sean told us about the planning application for 90 new homes in the field infront of the police headquarters, and a further 110 homes in the Boughton Monchelsea area. NLRA is busy negotiating a deal to ensure a 70m wide wildlife corridor is retained at the side of the field to ensure the local wildlife still has somewhere to live. The remainder of the walk was on pavements. Once we arrived back at the Y centre there were well deserved refreshments and biscuits waiting for us, including treats for the 4-legged members of the group. Everyone enjoyed the walk, finding it both informative and a chance to talk to other local residents
There was a tremendous amount of rubbish outside the school entrance and the path that abuts the playing field and the copse of woodland that sits on the south west corner of the playing field.
At our November Meeting a talk by our own Richard Hunt entitled ‘Incidents in the life of a Policeman’ was enthusiastically received by 34 Loose Ends Members. As usual, the afternoon concluded with a General Knowledge Multiple Choice Quiz. At Our December meeting we will holding our annual Members Christmas Party where we will be entertained by Mick Abbott. QUIZ NIGHT Thank you to everyone who attended our Quiz Night on 7th October – a great turnout with 16 teams Congratulations to winners Keith Benjamin and his team of Carol, Mick, Pat, David and Sandra. Thank you also to local businesses who donated raffle prizes: Doo Da’s Hairdresser “CORONATION” STREET PARTY A selection of photos taken at the Lancet Lane Street Party which Brian Clarke also attended. LOOSE THREADS
An interesting read from the early 1900s
Click here to read this journal of The Loose Area History Society
Richard gave a detailed account of a long career with the Force in a variety of roles at different Kent Police Stations and The Metropolitan Police in London.
His talk highlighted the serious nature of the work as well as some occasions when humour also played its part. Richard’s dedication and commitment to Public Service was evident throughout his talk. This prompted some questions from the audience before a break for refreshments.
Dominos
Nicki’s Florist
Sunkee Chinese
Rumwood Nursery
Maidstone AquaticsLuckys Newsagent
