Wednesday November 21 | 2018
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OF TONBRIDGE
Man charged with murder after fire in West Malling
TOP MARKS: Staff at M&S with the campaign’s backers: (l-r) Heather Cooper, Frixos Tombolis, Jane Heydecker of the steering group, Yvonne Goddard, Tonbridge Town Team’s Howard Porter, Jack Brennan, council Leader Nicolas Heslop and Holly Morris
Big boost for business as town is awarded Fairtrade accolade By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE town’s shops are celebrating after it was awarded Fairtrade status for its commitment to the Foundation’s principles following a two-year campaign. To secure the prized accolade, many retailers pledged to sell more than four Fairtrade products while cafes and restaurants began serving its tea and coffee. The campaign also secured support from faith groups, schools and volunteers, as well as local businesses, which began promoting the Fairtrade message in their working practices. Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers, mostly in Third World countries, to earn decent incomes and secure long-term contracts with companies. They also
earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest in business, social and environmental projects in their communities. A steering group, chaired by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Frixos Tombolis, the representative of Higham ward, was formed in the spring to coordinate the campaign and raise support.
‘It is a part of making Tonbridge a great place to work, shop and socialise’ Cllr Tombolis said: “People have been working incredibly hard to make all this happen and we are delighted we have now been granted Fairtrade Town status. I would like to extend our thanks to all those who have supported our efforts.”
The council passed a resolution in February to formalise its commitment to the Fairtrade Town initiative. Nicolas Heslop, the council Leader, said: “I am delighted to hear Tonbridge has now been granted Fairtrade Town status. “This is timely as we have just launched our draft Economic Regeneration Strategy consultation which we hope people will participate in and recognise that Fairtrade, along with other initiatives, is a part of making Tonbridge a great place to work, shop and socialise.” The chair of the Tonbridge Town Team, Howard Porter, explained how the move can help the High Street. “We want to promote Tonbridge as a desirable shopping destination and use all the tools available to us to achieve this,” he said.
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A MAN has been charged with murder after a woman died in a house fire in West Malling. Kent Police were called to Spitfire Road at 9pm on Saturday [November 17]. Officers attended the scene with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and two people were taken to hospital. Jackie Allen, aged 65, was rescued from the fire and treated by paramedics but subsequently passed away. Simon Childs, aged 51, of Hurricane Road was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
Babysitting A child, believed to be Mrs Allen’s granddaughter, was treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation, and a dog was also killed in the blaze. It is understood that Mrs Allen was babysitting while her daughter Mandy was out. Childs appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday [Tuesday] accused of causing the fire at the house. An investigation is ongoing and anyone with information that may assist police enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting reference 17-1809. Due to prior police contact with the man, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Neighbours and friends set up online fundraising pages to help pay funeral costs after the family’s belongings were destroyed.