DELIVERED TO 5,000 HOMES
Post Office saved after protests
JUNE 2015
A plan to close Kennington Post Office and convert it into a dental surgery has been dropped following protests from residents. Chopra & Associates have revised their planning application which could have resulted in the post office becoming an additional surgery
Published by Kennington Community Forum
Beware of the conmen Police are urging elderly people to be on the alert after three conmen tricked a man out of £1,000. They claimed to be from the council and told him he would be evicted immediately unless he paid rent arrears. The 69-year-old victim, who lives alone in Beecholme Drive, Kennington, was driven to cashpoints and money was withdrawn from his account. The conmen returned over the next two days and he handed over £300 and £200. He called police when he realised his bank account had been emptied. Police Community Support Officer Nikki Relf said: “He is very, very vulnerable and is on medication. He pays a
VULNERABLE MAN ROBBED OF £1,000 small amount of rent and is not in arrears.” It was shortly after midday on Friday 1 May when a man claiming to be from Ashford Borough Council called at the bungalow and told the victim he would be evicted unless he paid £1,000. He was taken to a blue car with two other men inside and driven to several cashpoints. One of the men was described as clean shaven, aged between 30-40, and wearing a T-shirt. PSCO Relf said: “They cleaned him out, but he will not lose any of his money as it has
been refunded by the bank. “It is very important elderly people keep their doors locked and ask for identification even if the caller has an appointment. Never give any personal details and if you become suspicious call 999.” Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101. Earlier this year two conmen claiming to be from Lloyds Bank called on a elderly woman in Thirlmere, Kennington. They persuaded her to give them her bank card details and shortly afterwards withdrew £1,500 from her account. If you would like a copy of the latest East Kent Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter which warn of scams, email fraud and bogus callers please contact philip.sims01@gmail.com
There’s fun for everyone at the Fayre Kennington Summer Fayre is on Saturday 27 June at the Recreation Ground, Ulley Road. More than 30 stalls will be selling a wide range of goods and the ever-popular children’s funfair will be in full swing. Arena events feature Maypole dancing, Downs View choir, Towers Cheerleaders, Ashford Folk, Zumba dancing, The Brilliant Book, Phoenix school, DreamDragons and a Fun Dog Show — just bring your pooch along. There are fantastic prizes in the Grand Draw. Tickets will be on sale at the Committee tent. The Fayre is held in aid of charities and local voluntary organisations. It starts at noon and parking is free. If you have any books, CDs or DVDs Kennington Forum could sell on its stall please call Sandra Dunn on 01233 634165. Facebook: Kennington Summer Fayre
Great prizes to be won Grand Draw prizes include a Big Cat Encounter, Eurostar tickets and a thrilling off-road experience
at 225 Faversham Road. Chopra are still seeking permission for a one-bedroom ground floor flat, and rear and first floor extensions. Objections have been made to these proposals “because of the condition of the building and the rubbish that is usually left around it.”
‘E XCELLENT’ RESTAURANT FORCED TO CLOSE DOWN It was a popular lunch venue and was rated “excellent” on the Tripadvisor website. But Carters in Kennington, the Towers’ school restaurant where meals were prepared and served to the public by catering course students, has closed. Principal Richard Billings said: “It has been forced on us by the government’s emphasis on nonvocational subjects. Many of the vocational subjects have now gone from the accredited list of qualifications. Most schools are moving to academic subjects and some are closing catering departments.” He said Carters had been making a heavy loss for a number of years. Three members of the restaurant staff have been made redundant. Richard Billings Students will complete the catering course using other kitchens in the school. The restaurant was named after Paul Carter, the leader of Kent County Council, who opened the Towers enterprise centre in 2007. But there is some positive news. Mr Billings said: “We are working closely with Mr Carter and looking at ways of re-opening the restaurant in a different form.” Towers’ construction department (bricklaying and woodwork) is also closing as those qualifications have also been taken off the accredited list. Meanwhile the Hair and Beauty Academy has proved so popular that it will be expanded. A hairdressing salon and barber’s shop, run by students, will open to the public on Saturday mornings from September with heavily reduced rates for local residents.
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