Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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Ben aims to run incredible 401 marathons in 401 days BEN Smith, who is taking on 401 marathons around the UK in 401 days, brought his epic challenge to the Tonbridge area at the weekend when he chalked up number 229. Ben is attempting to raise £250,000 for his chosen causes which are two antibullying charities, Stonewall and Kidscape. Both charities are close to his heart, as he suffered severe depression and bullying as a teenager because of the fact he is gay. Ben, aged 33, who is also competing in this Sunday’s London Marathon, said: “I spent 18 years hiding who I was through fear of being ostracised and being told at school that being gay was bad.” Having come out as being gay two years ago, he regained his confidence through long-distance running and this led to him coming up with the idea for his charity challenge, which he started last September. For last Saturday’s marathon, Ben, from Bristol, was supported by Weald St George’s 10k team, as he went through the 6,000-mile mark. He started in Knole Park, Sevenoaks and then ran to Tonbridge where his route took him around local beauty
spots such as Haysden Park. The route also took him past Dame Kelly Holmes’ café, 1809, in Hildenborough. In a video message to Ben, the Olympic double gold medal winner said: “I can’t believe that you are mad enough to do 401 marathons. I am only trying to get ready for London and my body is busted, so massive respect to you.”
SUPPORT TEAM Marathon runner Ben Smith Ben, who is hoping his efforts will also earn him a Guinness World Record, said: “What a day. There was a massive support thanks to Ian Walker, race director of the Weald 10k. It made the day my most successful yet and over £4,500 was donated online.” For more information on Ben’s challenge and to donate go to: www.the401challenge.co.uk
At last! Our town businesses get a rate reduction
INSIDE
By Neill Barston
ANGELS FLY
TONBRIDGE businesses have welcomed the Government’s latest budget which will reduce the rates on their premises. With small and medium sized enterprises facing increased competition from internet-based firms and chain stores, moves to support local traders have been seen as vital to maintaining the health of the town. Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, estimates the latest national budget measures should mean nearly 1,000 companies in the area are set to pay no rates at all from April 2017. He described last month’s budget as good news for small businesses, which he praised as ‘the backbone of the borough’s economic community’. Mr Heslop said: “Currently small businesses occupying premises with a rateable value of £6,000 or under are eligible for 100 per cent rate relief and therefore pay no rates at all. Under the new proposals, eligibility would increase to those small businesses occupying premises of £12,000 rateable value or less. “Although the detailed regulations have yet to be released, based on the current rating list, council staff calculated the number of businesses who would pay no rates at all is likely to increase from 588 to 965. An additional 46 businesses would receive ‘tapered’ relief from April 2017.” He added that a further 906 businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 would also see a reduction in rates. In total, 53.4 per cent (1,900) of the borough’s firms are to bene-
fit from the planned rate cuts. Howard Porter, chair of Tonbridge Town Team, believed rate relief would have a key impact. He said: “This is a welcome measure as we need to do all we can to help small businesses in the challenges they face, as they make up around 80 per cent of our economy. “Having worked with farmers markets in the area, I know how much of a step it is for micro businesses to then move up to taking on premises that can carry risks. “Reducing rates will help companies in the retail sector particularly. But we also need to assist businesses within the small scale manufacturing and creative industries in finding premises,” added the chairman, who said he would also like to see a reduction in commercial property rents to boost small businesses.
GATWICK DEBATE Tonbridge MP goes into battle over aircraft noise
PAGE 2
Ladies football team gets ready for league action
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ENTERTAINMENT
Mayfield festival hits high note with weekend launch
‘It is a timely boost during this period of slow growth’ Jo James, CEO of Kent Invicta Chamber, shared his optimism, but agreed there was further work to be done in identifying a greater number of suitable premises for new businesses. She said: “The extension to the Small Business Rate Relief has been extremely well received by our members and is seen as a timely boost during this period of slow growth. “However, this measure is not enough on it’s own and the local authorities must continue to work on to resolve the longstanding issues of road infrastructure and available industrial space within West Kent.”
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THE COMPETITION Your chance to win a stay at One Warwick Park
SEE Page 93