Kent on Sunday (Mid Kent), January 12, 2013

21.6 MB·English

by  KOS Media

Kent on Sunday
PICK UP YOUR FREE
www.kentnews.co.uk January 13, 2013 MID KENT EDITION Issue no 538
Motorists hit ENTERTAINMENT
Remembering
Bowie’s past
by the great
DAVID Bowie proved he has
lost none of his ability to
impress with his return to the
music scene this week.
But while the legendary
price divide performer has lived a rather
reclusive life in New York in
recent years, we look back at
his formative years growing up
in Kent. PAGE 7
at county’s
TRANSPORT
Rail network
in major boost
fuel pumps
A MULTI-billion pound invest-
ment in rail links between Kent
and London will be rolled out
over the next six years.
But rail chiefs warn there
Exclusive by Marijke Cox of unleaded petrol and 11p difference will be a price to pay, in the
[email protected] for diesel between some petrol stations, form of disruption to services.
according to a fuel price-check at web- One major town in the
THE HUGE price divide over what we site PetrolPrices.com. county will even see a new sta-
pay at the pumps for our fuel is exposed It’s a similar picture down the road in tion being built. PAGE 10
today – with some motorists facing a Gillingham, with the difference in un-
difference of 15p in the cost of a litre of leaded as much as 9p and diesel 12p.
unleaded petrol within the same town. But work is in motion to put a stop FILM
And that means the difference be- to this price divide, thanks to pressure Nuclear war
tween the cost of filling up an average from campaigners, including the Kent-
tank is close to £10. based Fair Fuel UK group, which has
film appeal
So each week cash-strapped motor- prompted a review into petrol costs by
ists are being forced to pay an extra £40 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
a month if they fail to shop around – or Findings are due to be released later A BBC director is on the hunt
almost £500 a year. this month and could prompt a full in- to find the amateur actors who
But a major review could spark a vestigation, resulting in fairer and more appeared in a controversial
huge shake-up in petrol prices, putting transparent pricing across the UK. BBC drama in the 1960s.
many independent pump stations at There are particular concerns about The film depicted a nuclear
TV’S STAR TURN
risk of being forced out of the market, as some supermarket chains pricing their attack on Rochester and the
supermarkets are instructed to be more fuel differently in different towns. consequent carnage.
uniform in their pricing. Fair Fuel UK campaigner Peter Car- It was deemed so traumatic
Maidstone sees the biggest discrep- roll called the pricing debacle “smoke it was banned for more than
ancy, with a 15p difference in a litre Continued on page 2 COSMIC: Prof Brian Cox’s Stargazing Live saw 1,000 gather at school – SEE INSIDE 20 years. PAGE 19
Pomphreys Used Car Bonanza!!!
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2 I week ending January 13, 2013 KMI www.kentnews.co.uk
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INSIDE Investigation into fuel price discrepancies may
(cid:78)(cid:0)News................2-27
(cid:78)(cid:0)Comment/Feedback 28-29
(cid:78)(cid:0)Kent Remembered .....30 mean end for some independent petrol stations
INSIDE
(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:12)(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:1)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:1)(cid:1) (cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:12)(cid:8)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:13) Continued from front page HOW DOES YOUR AREA COMPARE WITH THE REST OF COUNTY?
Kent(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:13)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:8)(cid:20)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:27)W(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:28)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:5)(cid:1)(cid:26)(cid:27)(cid:1)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:30)(cid:25)e(cid:18)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:1)eken(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:8)(cid:18)(cid:16)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:12)d(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:20)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:18)(cid:13)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:1) aans din m nierarorbrsy” .D Ionv heris, mhoomtoer itsotsw fna coef pFaoylkinesgt osonme, ea os fw thelel
highest prices in Kent due to petrol providers taking UNLEADED DIESEL
advantage of tourists travelling through to the port and Area Average Highest/lowest Average Highest/lowest
Channel Tunnel.
Ashford 132.8 135.9/130.9 141.8 147.9/139.9
(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:19)(cid:14)(cid:15) The lowest prices for fuel in these east Kent towns
are higher than the most expensive petrol in other Broadstairs 133.2 133.9 /131.9 141.6 141.9/ 140.9
(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:23)
parts of the county. Canterbury 131.4 133.9/128.9 138.7 141.9/ 135.9
(cid:10)(cid:19)(cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:25)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:30)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:25)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:26)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:31)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:1)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:31)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:28)(cid:6)(cid:16)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:16)(cid:22)(cid:29)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:28)(cid:1)(cid:1) litrMe ofotor ruisntsle aardee hd iat nwdi t1h4 c4ops tfso or fd aies smelu –c hu pa sto 1 £3160p ppeerr Chatham 131.9 132.9/130.9 139.2 139.9/ 137.9
(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:2) tank more than buying petrol in other towns in Kent. Dartford 130.7 132.9/128.9 137.3 139.9/ 135.9
Mr Carroll said the petrol market was hard to under-
Dover 134.3 136.9/132.9 141.2 141.9/ 140.9
stand.
(cid:78)(cid:0)Food and Drink.........32 He said: “There are independent petrol stations that Folkestone 134.3 135.9/133.9 142.5 144.9/ 141.9
(cid:78)(cid:0)Interview ..............33 buy off a distributor – it’s up to the owner to decide Gillingham 133.9 139.9/130.9 141.9 149.9/ 137.9
how much they sell petrol for.
Gravesend 131.0 132.9/128.9 138.4 140.9/ 135.9
“Where it gets trickier is the multiple supermarket
(cid:78)(cid:0)LEISURE petrol stations, which have huge buying power. If a Maidstone 132.2 142.9/127.9 140.2 148.9/ 137.9
Attractions, events, stage, big supermarket chain turns up where there is anoth-
Ramsgate 133.7 133.9/132.9 141.3 141.9/140.9
exhibitions, theatre, arts, er one, then the companies start vying for the market
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 share by changing prices. Sevenoaks 132.4 133.9/130.9 140.0 140.9/ 139.9
“It means people will see petrol at a different price at Sittingbourne 132.9 134.9/129.9 140.7 142.9/ 135.9
(cid:78)(cid:0)New 2013 .........39-46 the same supermarket down the road or in the next
Tonbridge 132.7 133.9/131.9 140.2 140.9/ 139.9
(cid:78)(cid:0)Business ..........48-49 town. There’s huge concern about that.
(cid:78)(cid:0)Training and careers....50 “Another thing that confuses people is when two Tunbridge Wells 132.7 133.9/131.9 141.7 142.9/ 140.9
petrol stations with Shell or BP written on them sell
(cid:78)(cid:0)Driving .............51-54
petrol at different prices – this is because they’re fran- According to figures from PetrolPrices.com, based on prices on January 6, 2013. Figures are pence per litre.
(cid:78)(cid:0)Jobs & Notices......55-61
chises and they can set their own prices.
(cid:78)(cid:0)Sport..............62-63 “The market is difficult to understand – I call it ■ The most expensive unleaded petrol
Weather smoke and mirrors.” in Gravesend is cheaper or the same
Rural communities across the county also fare bad- as the average price of unleaded in
ly, as filling stations in remote areas charge higher Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Folkestone,
(cid:13) prices, knowing there are few or no other places to fill Dover, Sittingbourne and Gillingham.
(cid:9)
up for miles around.
(cid:2)(cid:1) For others, however, things are not quite so bad. ■ One petrol station in Maidstone
(cid:9) (cid:13) People living in Dartford, Gravesend and Canter- charges 148.9p per litre for diesel,
bury see considerably lower pump costs, particularly 11p more expensive than another
for diesel, which in some cases is almost 10p lower garage in the same town and almost
(cid:9) than in the highest-priced towns. 10p more expensive than the average
(cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:33)(cid:18)(cid:36)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:32)(cid:29)(cid:15)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:40)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:36)(cid:32)(cid:33)(cid:29)(cid:25)(cid:37) If findings from the OFT prompt a full investigation, cost of diesel in Gravesend.
(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:20)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:32)(cid:29)(cid:36)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:32)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:32)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:18)(cid:30)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:32)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:28) drivers could see pricing become more transparent.
(cid:26)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:41)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:44)(cid:6)(cid:38)(cid:1)(cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:29) OFT’s Claire Hart said one of the issues looked at in ■ Just 21 miles away from Dover,
(cid:30)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:30)(cid:1)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:36)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:32)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:41)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:44)(cid:6)(cid:38)(cid:1) the review was whether reductions in the price of across the Channel in Calais,
(cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:32)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:11) crude oil were being reflected in pump prices. motorists can fill up for as little as
(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:13) (cid:15)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:9)(cid:16)(cid:19) (cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:2)(cid:2) (cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:14) (cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:14) She said they also examined whether supermarkets 105p per litre for diesel, about £57 for
(cid:8)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:20) (cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:6) (cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:15) (cid:15)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:17) (cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:2) were making it more difficult for independent retailers Lowest: Gravesend Lowest: Dartford Diesel a full tank – more than £20 cheaper
(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:3)(cid:1)(cid:2) to compete and whether there was a lack of competi- Diesel Highest: Folkestone Unleaded Highest: Folkestone/Dover France 105p litre than the average cost in Kent.
tion between petrol stations in remote areas.
(cid:6)(cid:18)(cid:17)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:41)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:31)(cid:3) “We are keenly aware of continuing widespread
(cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:41)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:31)(cid:3) concern about the pump price of petrol and diesel and competition it is likely this will result in certain condi- He added: “The big thing is the public will start to
(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:42)(cid:3) we have heard a number of different claims about how tions being applied. This could, however, spell the wise up to what is going on.”
(cid:9)(cid:15)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:45)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:42)(cid:3) the market is operating,” she said. demise for some independent retailers. Petrol prices rose by 38 per cent between June 2007
(cid:5)(cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:42)(cid:3) “The review will help us determine whether claims “Some big supermarkets will have to stop having and June 2012, and diesel prices by 43 per cent.
(cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:35)(cid:31)(cid:3) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:45)(cid:3) about competition problems are well founded and different prices,” he said. “Smaller independent stat- Fair Fuel UK helped stop the Government’s planned
whether any further action is warranted.” ions may be affected by this, though. It could even end 3p petrol price hike due this month.
(cid:6)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:16)(cid:29)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:24)
(cid:28)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:26)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:17)(cid:31) Mr Carroll says that if the OFT finds there is unfair up bankrupting some of them.” • Prices are based on an average fuel tank of 55 litres.
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SCIENCE NEWS IN BRIEF
Students focus on far off worlds
(cid:177)(cid:0)Victim, 102, on her feet
A 102-year-old woman who had her walking
as Stargazing Live visits school frame stolen from outside her front door has
had it replaced after a police appeal.
Freda McGregor, from Wrotham, was left
stranded in her home after the frame was
swiped last week. It was found dumped in
bushes on Monday. But Medway firm First
Choice Mobility responded to the appeal and
POPULAR BBC show Star- of activities, among them
purchased her a new one.
gazing Live returned to our astronaut training, astrodome
screens this week – as hosts tours and a live link-up with (cid:177)(cid:0)Drink-drive Tory banned
Professor Brian Cox and Dara NASA astronaut Shane
O’Briain urged us all to look to Kimbrough in Houston in
A CONSERVATIVE councillor has been banned
the skies. the US.
from getting behind the wheel for 20 months
And proving the centre of Dr Becky Parker, head of
after admitting drink-driving.
many an astronomer’s physics at the school, said the
Neil Baker, 30, of Whistable, had been cabinet
universe this week was Simon event had been a fantastic
member for tourism on Canterbury City Council
Langton School for Boys, in success.
and chairman of the Canterbury Conservatives,
Canterbury, which hosted a She said: “We had well
when he crashed his car in Blean last month. He
number of special events with over 1,000 people here and
was subsequently suspended from his post by
the BBC – footage of which although visibility was not
Tory leader John Gilbey.
was shown on BBC South East. that good we did manage to
When breath-tested, he was more than
The event was organised by see a little bit of Jupiter
double the legal limit. Magistrates also fined him
BBC Learning, the Langton through our telescopes.
£200 and ordered him to pay £85 costs.
Star Centre, the University of “The whole event was
Kent and local astronomical fantastic for the school and all (cid:177)(cid:0)Is snow on its way?
societies and included a host the young people involved.”
WEATHER experts are warning snow could be
set to sweep into Kent this weekend.
The Met Office says temperatures are set to
fall, but that it is hard to predict exactly which
areas of the UK will see snow.
Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief forecaster,
said: “No one should be surprised to see sleet or
snow over the weekend and next week.”
LAW
As Tappin starts jail term, his family
calls for change in extradition laws
FAMILY and friends of retired businessman what has happened to Chris, nor to those who
Christopher Tappin, who was sentenced to 33 have gone before him, but we can take steps
months in prison after admitting selling weapon to stop unwarranted extradition being imposed
parts to Iran, are vowing to stop “unwarranted” on others. I shall continue to do what I can to
extradition being imposed on others. encourage Parliament to change the law in
The pledge came as the former Kent Golf favour of domestic prosecution over extradition,
Union president was whenever reasonable.”
sentenced in a Texas court Mr Tappin’s friend, and
after reaching a deal with leader of political party Ukip,
US prosecutors in Novem- Nigel Farage, from Wester-
ber, which saw him change ham, has also called for the
his plea to guilty. US-UK extradition treaty to
The 66-year-old, from be amended.
Orpington, had previously Speaking to KoS after Mr
faced 35 years in prison. Tappin’s plea change, he
He will now serve 33 said: “The home secretary
months and a US judge has said she will introduce a
recommended he do so in a forum bar.”
UK prison. This means that British
Mr Tappin’s wife Elaine courts will be able to bar
said she could now “finally prosecution overseas, if they
see the light at the end of believe it is in the interests of
this long dark tunnel”. justice to do so.
But she said she remained “It’s too late for Chris, but I
“frustrated” that his will keep pushing for this to
extradition was granted in be introduced,” said Mr
the first place. Farage.
Despite a long fight GUILTY: Christopher Tappin was given He also condemned
against it, Mr Tappin was 33 months in prison by a US judge the “abhorrent” US plea
extradited in February 2011, and incarcerated in bargaining tool. The controversial system
a US jail with authorities claiming he was a sees defendants faced with two choices; either
“flight risk”. they plead guilty – even if innocent – and receive
“Having seen first-hand how the Extradition a lighter sentence, or they plead not guilty and
Act works in practice, I’m dismayed by the face a life sentence or huge legal bills fighting
damage inflicted on defendants and those close the case.
to them,” said Mrs Tappin. “Chris is a proud person and he feels angry
“The cost is too often either unnecessary, that he was forced into this predicament,” Mr
disproportionate, or both. We cannot change Farage added.
4I week ending January 13, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk
www.kentnews.co.uk KMI week ending January 13, 2013 I 5
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ELDERLY CARE
NEWS IN BRIEF
It’s time to make a stand against the

(cid:177)(cid:0)PinK unveils new chief
Government’s ‘lack of commitment’

PRODUCED in Kent (PinK) has appointed
Edwyn Martin as its new manager, tasked with
growing the organisation that champions local
food and drink.
The former café owner and cook, who lives in
CASE STUDY Faversham, replaces Julie Monkman, who
stepped down after four years at the helm at the
PAULINE Turner’s mother, Annie, were cut as it looked as though she end of last year.
suffered from Alzheimer’s. She went had more money. PinK, based in Hadlow, near Tonbridge, saw
into a care home after the “My parents worked from Mr Martin take over the reins on Monday.
illness reached the point the age of 14 and never (cid:177)(cid:0)Adoption numbers rise
By Marijke Cox where she needed claimed benefits. My dad
round-the-clock worked in the day and
[email protected] THE number of children being placed with
support. my mum worked in a
adoptive families has risen by almost 60 per
OUTSPOKEN County Hall lead- The placement cinema at night,” she cent, with Kent County Council crediting the
er Paul Carter has demanded cost almost £20,000 said. “My mother increase on improvements to its adoption
the Government cut foreign aid a year and as a self- would have been so system.
and EU budgets, and divert funder she had to upset if she knew From April 1 to December 31, 2012,
funds to elderly people to stop put her house on the all her money was 108 children were placed with new families,
them having to sell their homes market to pay costs. being used to pay for compared with 68 for the previous 12 months.
to pay for care. With debt care and she Some 77 children were also legally adopted
The senior Tory criticised the mounting, the family wouldn’t be able to in the county, compared with 70 for 2011.
“lack of commitment” shown accepted a much lower help her children or
by the Coalition, which has price for the house. grandchildren.” (cid:177)(cid:0)Naomi’s nomination
dithered over introducing rec- SPEAKING OUT: Cllr Paul Annie’s pension and Mrs Turner said ‘cash-
ommendations outlined by the Carter has called for action attendance allowance were also poor’ elderly people who had to HOLLYWOOD star Naomi Watts has been
Dilnot commission to reform regarding elderly care fees used towards care home fees, which sell their homes to pay for care were nominated for an Academy Award.
adult social care funding. had amounted to more than £100,000 left with virtually nothing. Born in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks, the
Under the current system, £23,250 has to bear the costs by the time she passed away. “I support the Dilnot 44-year-old is in the running for Best Actress for
elderly people, including those of their own care. Her daughter, Pauline, 68, who recommendations, although I think her role in The Impossible.
suffering debilitating diseases Last year, more than 24,500 lives in Cliftonville, said that when even with the £35,000 cap people will The film focuses on a family caught up in the
such as Alzheimer’s, are forced people nationwide had to sell the house was sold, her mother’s still have to sell their homes. I think Asian tsunami disaster of 2004.
to sell their homes and use sav- their homes to pay care bills. pension credits and fuel allowance the cap should be lower.” The film has upset some survivors, however.
ings to pay for care costs. Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg See inside for more more details.
As a result, many who have pledged support to the Dilnot
worked every day of their lives report in the mid-term review But with this money spent
and never relied on state bene- on Monday but have come un- on their care, experts say some
fits are left with nothing. der fire for the lack of detail in are left with barely anything in aa rroooomm ttoo eessccaappee
Cllr Carter said the current how they propose to take the their pocket each week.
funding system was “not up to reforms forward. Cllr Carter said the Govern-
the job” and demanded Prime Recommendations were out- ment needed to prioritise im-
ffrroomm tthhee hheeccttiicc ppaaccee ooff lliiffee
Minister David Cameron and lined by the Dilnot commission plementing the Dilnot reforms,
his deputy Nick Clegg resolve 18 months ago, but there has which would cost £1.7bn.
the crisis. been little movement since. “The figure is affordable if
He has launched a Govern- Speaking to KoS, Cllr Carter the Government puts a cap on
ment e-petition with the lead- said: “Even after their joint an- contributions to the EU com-
ers of Hampshire and Bucking- nouncement on Monday, there munity budget and foreign
hamshire county councils seems to be no commitment. aid,” he said. “Savings made
calling on Whitehall to intro- “This has to be a priority – from not increasing these con-
duce recommendations out- these reforms must be intro- tributions will more than pay
lined by the Dilnot commission. duced by 2015. for making sure we have fair,
The two key proposals are: “I’m standing up for people sensible funding for elderly care.
(cid:78) A funding cap at £35,000, who have worked hard their “I think the delay is because
after which the Government whole lives, who have never they’re trying to reduce budget
would pay for care. This means had to fall back on state benefits, expenditure, but these recom-
an individual would pay for but who, when reaching old mendations should be a priori-
their own care – possibly fund- age or suffering illness, have to ty. The Government should be
ed by an insurance policy taken sell their homes and spend their looking after its own.
out when they are still working hard-earned money on care.” “We’re urging KoS readers
– and once they have contrib- Social care experts warn that to sign the petition and get this
uted £35,000 would be eligible the problem goes even deeper, debated in Parliament. We need
for full state support. with ‘cash-poor’ elderly people to make sure the Government
(cid:78) An increase in the means- stripped of pension benefits and knows how urgent the need for
tested support threshold from other credits when they sell their this solution has become.”
£23,250 to £100,000. Cur- homes due to their bank balance Go to http://epetitions.direct.
rently, anyone with assets over suddenly increasing. gov.uk/petitions/43330 to sign.
MM
SIGN THE PETITION AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE BB
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
KK
HUNDREDS, if not thousands, We have teamed up with with you in mind Est 1987 DDeessiiggnn SSttuuddiioo
of people living in Kent have Kent County Council to launch
been or are faced with the a campaign to push these
dilemma of how to pay for recommendations through by Design,Supply & Supervised Government approved installation
elderly care. 2015. We are appealing to you
We believe there needs to to help pressure the Government LARGE SHOWROOMS ATTHE OAST,CLOCK HOUSE FARM,
be a fair partnership between by signing the Make Dilnot HEATH ROAD,COXHEATH,MAIDSTONE,KENT,ME17 4PB
state help and individuals Happen by 2015 e-petition to
paying for their own care. Dilnot commission to make see this debated in Wealden company operating in and around the Maidstone area
While recommendations this happen, the Government Parliament. Go to http://bit.ly/
Call for an appointment:01622 619875 www.m-b-k.co.uk
have been put forward by the is dithering over the reforms. X64YIQ to sign.
6I week ending January 13, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk
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ENTERTAINMENT
LEGEND’S KENT PERFORMANCES
The humble beginnings of
1962 (cid:78) The Konrads
Bromley Technical High School; Chislehurst Caves
returning superstar Bowie 1963 Shows in Biggin Hill, Orpington, West Wickham
(cid:78) The Hooker Brothers
Bromel Club, Bromley
By Chris Britcher come a pop star. He then had a short-lived 1964 (cid:78) Mannish Boys
[email protected] cMaareidesrt owniteh g trhoeu Kp itnhge B Meeasn, ibsehf oBroey hse, wjohineerde SRtoacrh Ceslutebr, ;M Wayides Ctoonllee;g Geo, ondr ACsohmfopradn; iAonssto Cr lTuhbe, atre,
Deal; Pembroke Club, Chatham; Sellindge
DAVID Bowie blew out the candles on his he admitted he dreamed of emulating Dart-

66th birthday cake this week – and then ford rocker Mick Jagger.
(cid:78) Davie Jones and the Mannish Boys
surprised fans by releasing his first new He lived in the county town for a short
Astor Theatre, Deal; Invicta Ballroom, Chatham;
music for a decade. while, but in an interview with a fansite he
Medway County Youth Club; Justin Hall, West
The digital release of Where Are You remembered receiving a beating as he
Wickham; Royal Star Hotel, Maidstone; Corn
Now? on Tuesday was an aperitif to a new walked down the street. He said: “It was
Exchange, Maidstone
album, The Next Day, in March – his first just this big Herbert. He knocked me down
since 2003’s Reality. on the pavement and when I fell down, he 1965 Royal Star Hotel, Maidstone; Bromel Club, Bromley
But it also marked the end of several proceeded to kick me for no reason that I
years of rather reclusive behaviour from can fathom to this day. I haven’t got many (cid:78) The Lower Third
one of the most flambouyant and influen- good memories of Maidstone.” Working Men’s Club, Minster; Sheerness & District
tial performers of the last 40 years. BIRTHDAY: Kent’s David Bowie is now 66 With an increasing desire to make it big, MCC Cons Club; Grand Hotel, New Romney;
He currently lives a quiet life in New he then joined The Lower Third, a Margate Cliftonville Hall, Margate (band perform a
York, shunning the limelight, with his wife with the young David attending Burnt Ash band which had a regular slot in a Clifton- Thursday night residency)
Iman. All of which is a long way from his Junior school, before he failed his 11-plus ville hotel, before he moved on to front The
more humble beginnings in Kent where he and went to Bromley Technical College. Buzz and then Riot Squad, ditching his 1966 (cid:78) David Bowie & The Buzz
started life as David Jones and played early It was here that his musical career and surname in the mid-60s to replace it with Pleasurama, Coronation Ballroom, Ramsgate
shows across the county. love of performance began, with junior Bowie; after the American frontiersman.
His mother, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Burns, school providing a chance for him to join He had feared Davie Jones was too similar 1969 (cid:78) David Bowie
was born in Southborough, Tunbridge the choir and music and dance classes. to Davy Jones of the Monkees. Library Gardens, Bromley; Downham Folk Club,
Wells. in 1913, and met David’s father, As a teenager, he became entranced by By 1969, he released Space Oddity to co- Bromley; General Gordon, Gravesend; Aurora
Haywood ‘John’ Jones, in the cafe of the American stars like Elvis Presley, Fats incide with the Moon landings, and went Hotel, Gillingham
Ritz cinema in the spa town, where she Domino and Little Richard after listening from performing in Beckenham folk club to
worked as an usherette. They married and to singles of his father’s. enjoying his first major commercial hit. 1973 (cid:78) The Aladdin Sane tour
lived in Brixton where, in 1947, David was At the age of 15 he formed his first band. The rest, as they say, is history. He per- (performing as Ziggy Stardust)
born. They moved to Bromley in 1953. The Konrads performed locally, before he formed in Kent only once more; in Chatham Central Hall, Chatham
The family would live there until 1965, announced he was leaving school to be- for Ziggy Stardust’s farewell tour of 1973.
8 I week ending January 13, 2013 KMI www.kentnews.co.uk
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CRIME
Can memorial service to murdered teenage girl
help solve the agonising 20-year-old mystery?
By Chris Murphy dwindling leads to follow two decades later. that potential were lost. Another close friend Emma Edwards add-
[email protected] Reverend Kenneth Clark at St Mary’s in Stone “A long time has passed, but it seems in- ed: “Even though it’s been 20 years, it
will conduct the service. conceivable there isn’t a key to unlock this doesn’t take the pain away.
A CANDLELIT memorial walk to remember He also carried out the funeral services of mystery. It will only take one piece of in- “I knew Claire from school. She was a bit
murdered schoolgirl Claire Tiltman has been or- Claire’s parents – both of whom died without formation and we will see a solution.” of a rebel and got in to a bit of trouble.
ganised for the 20th anniversary of her death. seeing the murderer brought to justice. The walk starts at 6pm at Horns Cross But she was, more than anything, such
Friends of the youngster will retrace her final Her father Cliff had fought tirelessly to keep outside the Bull public house and good fun.
footsteps on Friday, January 18, and then attend the case alive, but died last year. ends at the memorial in Claire’s “We are optimistic her killer will
a service at the local church. Rev Clark said: “At the time, we reflected there name where a tribute will be left be- be found.”
They hope it will spark some new information were more victims than just Claire; it was her fore a short service at 7pm. Reflecting on the day of the trag-
and finally find her killer – as well as keep her parents, grandparents and her friends as well. Vicki Atkins was the friend edy, Lisa Gribbin, Claire’s best friend
memory alive. “They were left totally devastated. Claire was on her way to see that who now lives in Scotland, said: “I
Claire, who wanted to be a firefighter, was “Her friends approached me to mark the 20 fateful night. knew something was wrong when
stabbed more than 40 times in an alleyway near years that have passed. They had been pals since play- her mother arrived at the door.
her home in Greenhithe. “The walk re-enacts her last steps. There will school. “I had not seen any news, and
She had managed to stagger towards the end be a pause at the place where she died and then She said: “I can’t believe, 20 this was now the following day. Just
of the alley, off the busy A226 London Road, but we will cross the road into the church. years on, there is still no justice. I seeing her face I knew something was
tragically died. She was just 16. “Claire was a fun-loving, bubbly teenager just hope it brings one more piece of wrong.”
Police say the case remains open, but there are with her life in front of her – all those dreams and information to solve the mystery.”
TRAGEDY: Murdered Claire Tiltman
DID CLAIRE KNOW THE KILLER WHO ENDED HER LIFE IN BRUTAL ALLEYWAY ATTACK?
Talking to a lawyer is
CLAIRE had turned 16 just four Developments in DNA proce- CLAIRE was the only child
never going to be a days before she left her home in dures have been used to analyse of Lin and Cliff. Her death
Woodward Terrace at around 6pm old evidence, but still nothing left a gaping hole in their
barrel-load of laughs. on January 18, 1993. concrete has emerged. lives, and they never re-
But it doesn't have The Dartford Grammar School Detective Chief Inspector Rob ally recovered.
student was heading to meet chum Vinson, from the Kent and Essex Lin died, aged 56, from
to be scary. Vicki Atkins. She would never arrive. Serious Crime Directorate, said: cancer in 2008. Cliff, 62,
It should have been a relatively “This is one of the largest murder followed last year.
easy stroll from her home, down an investigations ever for Kent Police. They were always open
Hi, I'm Richard Ratcliffe and my job is trying alleyway to Vicki’s home. But it was It has been repeatedly re-investi- to approach in the hope
to make sure that some of the bad things here she met her death. It was a gated. it may spark a new line
that happen to people don't get worse. savage, brutal assault and she ATTACK: The scene of the crime “The hardest thing we have had of information that would
But, because a lot of people think talking stood no chance of survival. to deal with is that there were no lead detectives to their
to a lawyer will be intimidating, they will put The killer vanished and her body rigorously checked. Cross- witnesses. All we have is Claire daughter’s killer.
up with a situation longer than they need to. was found by a passer-by some 20 referencing every shred of evidence, staggering to the end of the At first, police visits
Maybe your marriage has broken down, minutes later. and closely interviewing several alleyway. I just keep coming back to were regular and optimis-
or perhaps you're in a dispute about land Stranger murders are relatively suspects, some already in prison, thinking somebody locally knows tic, but as time passed,
or money? Call me and maybe I can help. rare, which has prompted the all turned up nothing. who did it. they became fewer less
question: did she know the person Rumours started. Was it the work “The killer of Claire Tiltman progress was made.
who ended her young life? of a notorious serial killer? Scorned should not be out there on the Cliff understood the
RATCLIFFESSolicitors Today, it’s understood some boyfriend? Homeless nomad? streets. They should be locked up detectives were just as
Tel:[phone],000 people have come forward All were investigated, but the for what they have done. That’s why frustrated but he never
with possible clues, and 1,685 case rapidly became one of Kent’s it becomes so personal to all who gave up hope until his
e-mail:[email protected]
statements were written and most notorious unsolved crimes. work on this case.” death.
www.ratcliffessolicitors.co.uk
22 Park Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 1DR
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TRAVEL
BIGGER PLATFORMS
Billions to boost rail links to city,
Stations which will benefit include:
New Cross, Blackheath, Eltham, Welling,
Bexleyheath, Barnehurst, Dartford, Hither
but warnings of a sting in the tail Green, Mottingham, Grove Park, New Eltham,
Chelsfield, Knockholt, Dunton Green, Maze
Hill, Westcombe Park, Charlton, Plumstead,
Erith, Slade Green and Gravesend.
By Chris Britcher
[email protected] IN NUMBERS that despite the investment – which will deliver
significant benefits by the end of 2019 – there
A MULTI-billion pound investment in Kent’s will have to be trade-offs to achieve them.
railway network – the biggest since the Victorian 654,300 total number of extra He said: “The number of passengers using the
era – is to be rolled out over the next six years. peak morning seats into railway continues to grow year-on-year. As the
But while it will greatly enhance the service London across south railway gets busier, the number of challenges
rail operators can provide in and out of London, east by 2019 increase and it becomes more complex than ever
passengers are being warned they face the pros- 50m number of passengers to run a reliable and cost-effective railway.
pect of years of disruption to services as part of a a year using London “As a result, we have entered an era of trade-
‘trade-off’ for the improvements. Bridge offs. Increasingly we have to balance the need to
At the heart of the announcement by Network 30% Southeastern’s build more infrastructure, run trains on time
Rail, which maintains the infrastructure of the prediction of passenger and reduce costs, and in many areas difficult
nation’s rail network, is a £6 billion investment growth by 2022 choices will need to be made.
in the Thameslink service, which will include a £26m cost of relocating “Billions of pounds are being invested in the
rebuild of London Bridge station – a major inter- Rochester train station Thameslink programme, which includes the re-
change for Kent commuters. development of London Bridge station. This will
But, when the programme rolls out between transform the railway for passengers across Kent
2014 and 2019, there will also be a train length- FUTURE: An artist’s impression of how London Bridge station will be rebuilt to benefit commuters but while work is taking place there will be many
ening programme across the Kent surburban tests for passengers as well as Network Rail and
area by Network Rail, lengthening platforms reliability on sections of the line between Hast- comed Network Rail’s decision. the train operators. This is an example of the
and upgrading systems to power longer trains. ings and Tunbridge Wells; Ashford and Ton- He said: “We’re working in an alliance to im- trade-offs that have to be made.
Rochester station will be moved closer to the bridge; Dartford and London via Sidcup; Ashford prove rail services in Kent and south east Lon- “As the network becomes increasingly full, par-
town centre as part of wider regeneration plans. and Hastings; and Ashford and Ramsgate. don and this strategic plan builds on the large ticularly in peak periods, the rail industry must be
The £26m new building will be sited on land The move comes in a bid to cater for an expect- amount of work that has been completed and is able to make balanced and evidence-based choic-
which forms the Corporation Street car park. ed 30 per cent rise in the number of passengers currently under way. This investment will ena- es between providing increased capacity, improv-
The move has been welcomed by local MP using Kent’s rail services by 2022. Operator ble us to further improve reliability and meet the ing punctuality and driving down costs.
Mark Reckless, and will go before Medway Coun- Southeastern says numbers have increased by growing demand for our rail services.” “The end result will be a better railway for
cil next week to secure planning permission. 7.2 per cent in the last three years alone. However, Dave Ward, Network Rail’s route everyone which will encourage continued eco-
There will also be targeted work to improve A spokesman for Southeastern said it wel- managing director for the south east, has warned nomic growth across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.”