Kent on Sunday (North & West), January 19, 2013

14.9 MB·English

by  KOS Media

Kent on Sunday
PICK UP YOUR FREE
www.kentnews.co.uk January 20, 2013 NORTH & WEST KENT EDITION Issue no 539
Promise of EMPLOYMENT
Wanted: One
court jester
extra PCSOs
HERE’S a position that doesn’t
come around very often in this
day and age; court jester.
Popular tourist attraction
Leeds Castle is advertising
slammed as to hire a fool to entertain the
crowds during the Easter and
summer holidays.
Skills needed are juggling
and joke-telling. PAGE 3
‘policing on
BUDGET
KCC warns of
more job cuts
the cheap’
CHIEFS at Kent County Council
are facing up to having to make
more staff redundant after it
confirmed it would have to find
an additional £34m in the wake
By Marijke Cox of PCSOs, who while in uniform do not of Government cuts.
[email protected] have the same levels of power as regular It means the axe could fall
officers. Critics consider them ‘policing on as many as 150 jobs later
TRUMPETED plans by the new Po- on the cheap’. this year.
lice and Crime Commissioner to boost Medway councillor and the defeated Full details inside. PAGE 5
Kent’s frontline police force by 100 Tory candidate in the PCC race, Craig
posts have been described as a “smoke Mackinlay, called it a smoke screen.
HISTORY
screen” by critics. He said: “It’s trying to be sold as an
PCC Ann Barnes unveiled proposals increase, when it isn’t. This isn’t treat- Remembering
this week to bring in 60 police commu- ing the public with the respect they
nity supporter officers (PCSOs), 20 po- deserve. If it does stop the loss of some tragedy at sea
lice constables and 18 custody attend- frontline policing in Kent then that is a
ants in June. good thing.
While her statement was greeted “Frankly, I think this is just trimming THIS week marks the anniver-
with optimism, some questioned why so the edges.” sary of a maritime tragedy off
many were PCSO posts and condemned Mr Mackinlay said, had he been suc- the Kent coast which cost the
the word “boost”. cessful in his campaign for the PCC post, lives of nearly 300 people.
Kent Police must reduce its head- he would have looked to divert money It was 140 years ago when
count by 500 officers and 1,000 civilian towards police constable recruits, par- FAITH IN THE WOODS a boat was the victim of a hit
staff over four years to save £50m. This ticularly in the wake of the Government and run during a storm which
latest plan would see the reductions cut in the starting salary to £19,000. claimed the lives of men,
drop to 480 and 962 respectively. He added: “As much as I like PCSOs, women and children. Amazing
And many question the real value Continued on page 2 SONGBIRD: Pop star Paloma Faith to play gig at Bedgebury Pinetum – SEE INSIDE full story inside. PAGE 25
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INSIDE ‘I believe this move is
(cid:78)(cid:0)News................2-31
(cid:78)(cid:0)Comment/Feedback 32-33
(cid:78)(cid:0)Kent Remembered .....34 so significant it stands
INSIDE
(cid:6)(cid:26)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:20)(cid:11)(cid:10)(cid:18)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:1)(cid:1) (cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:18) out as a national first’
Kent(cid:9)(cid:20)(cid:15)W(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:4)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:25)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:18)e(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:22)(cid:1) eken(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:10)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:10)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:22)d(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:18)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:17)(cid:5)(cid:25)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:1)
(cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:2)(cid:27) Continued from front page Mrs Barnes said the proposal for 100 more
(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:20) they haven’t got the full powers of a police consta- posts equated to a £2.79 a year increase to the
ble and they’re not as respected on the street.” police precept on the average household council
(cid:7)(cid:15)(cid:27)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:1)
(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:10)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:20)(cid:10)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1) PCC Mrs Barnes, however, said people in Kent tax bill – some 5p a week.
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had consistently told her they wanted greater She has launched a consultation asking the
police visibility and that this was answering to public whether or not they would be willing to
their needs. pay that to fund the policing posts.
Mike Roberts, secretary of the Kent Police She said: “We stand on the threshold of deliv-
Federation, which represents rank-and-file offic- ering more than 100 posts for less than a ‘cop-
ers, said any additional police officer posts was per’ a day. I believe this move is so significant LEADING are dealing with offenders, the PCs can get back
(cid:78)(cid:0)Interview ..............37 “good news”. that it stands out as a national first. LIGHT: PCC out on the streets.”
(cid:78)(cid:0)Food and Drink.....38-39 He admitted, however, that “in an ideal world” “This is the first investment for a number of years Ann Barnes Mrs Barnes, who stressed that Kent has one of
this would involve all the posts being for police in visible policing, which is what people want.” said this move the lowest council tax precepts in the country,
(cid:78)(cid:0)LEISURE constables and not PCSOs. Mrs Barnes said the community’s number one of increasing said the PCSOs and PCs would be on the streets
Attractions, events, stage, “We support the additions by Ann Barnes to priority is greater police visibility. the number of in June if plans are given the nod.
exhibitions, theatre, arts, reduce the impact of the devastating cuts,” he “For the last two years it’s been cuts, cuts, PCSOs goes Chief Constable Ian Learmonth welcomed the
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-42 said. cuts,” she said. towards her consultation.
“We would prefer, however, no PCSOs and “This is actually investing in our police serv- number one He said: “We deliver a first-class service, and
(cid:78)(cid:0)Business ..........46-47 perhaps 35 police constables, but we have to ice. We’ll be boosting the number of officers we priority of these new roles will strengthen the frontline.”
be realistic. Police constables have extensive have on our streets; boosting visible policing. greater police See www.kent-pcc.gov.uk to respond to the
(cid:78)(cid:0)Training and careers....48
powers and skills, and they are a bigger cost than “It is a mix of PCSOs and PCs. visibility consultation.
PCSOs.” “Police constables are often off having to do ■ What do you think of the proposals? Share
(cid:78)(cid:0)Driving .............41-55 He added: “The public see a police officer and other things and dealing with other crimes and you views. Write to: The Editor, KOS, Apple
(cid:78)(cid:0)Jobs & Notices......56-61 they know what they can do, what powers they so PCSOs provide that visible policing in commu- Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford TN25
(cid:78)(cid:0)Sport..............62-63 have, but it is less clear what a PCSO can do.” nities. And while the new custody attendants 6SS or email [email protected],
Weather
TOURISM
Airline withdraws ‘tasteless’
(cid:14)
(cid:14)
(cid:1)
(cid:14) (cid:14) advert lampooning Margate
(cid:14) By Marijke Cox He said: “Margate is a fantastic town for peo-
(cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:33)(cid:25)(cid:16)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:34)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:27)(cid:34)(cid:30)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:34)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:2) [email protected] ple to visit.
(cid:4)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:32)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:32)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:30)(cid:2)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:32)(cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:37)(cid:41) “We’ve just been named as one of the top 10
(cid:32)(cid:27)(cid:31)(cid:4)(cid:39)(cid:40)(cid:26)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:42)(cid:7)(cid:38)(cid:2)(cid:13)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:33)(cid:17)(cid:36)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)
BUDGET airline company easyJet has apologised places in the world to visit; we’ve got exciting lo-
(cid:32)(cid:29)(cid:36)(cid:30)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:34)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:2)(cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:32)(cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:37)(cid:31)(cid:32)(cid:27)(cid:41)(cid:4)(cid:39)(cid:31)(cid:1)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:43)(cid:7)(cid:38)(cid:2)
(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:11)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:10) and withdrawn a marketing campaign which cal shops that you can’t find anywhere else; the
(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:23)(cid:13)(cid:19) (cid:5)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:18)(cid:16) (cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:17) (cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:13) (cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:12) poked fun at the seaside town of Margate. new Turner Contemporary art gallery and an air
(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:14)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:13) (cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:16)(cid:8) (cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:14) (cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:12) (cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:13) Fuming residents accused the company of be- show this summer. easyJet picked the wrong
(cid:8)(cid:21)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:20) (cid:14)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:18)(cid:16) (cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:16) (cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:12)(cid:15) (cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:12) ing “tasteless” with its advert which stated: “This place to insult with their campaign.”
(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:3)(cid:1)(cid:2) year, end up in Malaga, not Margate”. The airline confirmed it had stopped running
Incensed councillors, traders and residents the advert.
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launched a Twitter campaign called Love Mar- In a statement it said: “There was no intended
(cid:9)(cid:22)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:40)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:31)(cid:4)
gate, which began trending soon after. criticism of the town but, of course, we apologise
(cid:10)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:31)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:4) Just days later easyJet apologised and con- to any residents of Margate who have been of-
(cid:9)(cid:15)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:4) firmed it had withdrawn the advert. fended by the campaign.
(cid:5)(cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:40)(cid:4) Councillor and Margate resident Will Scobie “easyJet has taken the decision to cease run-
(cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:24) (cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:35)(cid:43)(cid:4) (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:37)(cid:41)(cid:4) BAD MOVE: Margate was voted a top place in the world to visit defended his home town. ning the ads.”
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EMPLOYMENT
It’s no joke – Leeds Castle advertise NEWS IN BRIEF
(cid:177)(cid:0)No end to cold snap
for court jester to entertain visitors
WEATHER forecasters are predicting no
immediate end to the icy blast which brought ice
and snow throughout much of this week.
By Marijke Cox Temperatures fell below zero as the icy blast
swept across the county, prompting appeals to
[email protected] ensure elderly relatives and neighbours were
checked up on to ensure they were coping with
THERE are not many jobs – unlikely to be any in the conditions.
fact – where you’d be paid to lark around. For the latest weather news for the county,
That is until now… log on to our website - www.kentnews.co.uk.
For bosses at one of Kent’s most prestigious at-
tractions are on the hunt for a happy-go-lucky (cid:177)(cid:0)Motorists pay the price
person; someone who can tell jokes, turn cart-
wheels, juggle and generally make a fool of POLICE say a total of 211 motorists were
themselves to get a giggle out of visitors. arrested as part of its Christmas anti-drink and
Yes, the jester is back. And so determined are drug driving campaign.
staff at Leeds Castle to find the perfect candidate, All failed roadside breath tests after being
they are asking that only happy people apply. stopped between December 1 and January 1. In
The former royal palace near Maidstone is look- total, officers carried out 682 breath tests
ing to reintroduce the historic tradition of throughout the month.
the Tudor kings by appointing In one case, a Thanet man, 47, was found
their own joker to entertain the more than five times over the legal limit. He was
masses this summer. banned from driving for more than two years.
Applicants must be able to HAVING A LAUGH: Candidates for the jester job will be invited to perform at half-term in February
chat with visitors, teach basic (cid:177)(cid:0)Paloma Faith tour date
circus skills and perform tricks. A PROFESSIONAL FOOL The jester will then receive his or her official
If they also have an interest in appointment in time for the Easter holidays. CRITICALLY acclaimed chart star Paloma Faith
history and can speak foreign A spokesman for Leeds Castle said the success- has confirmed she will be performing a one-off
languages, even better. A jester, or fool as they were also ful ‘fool’ will be paid £8.75 per hour and will be open air show in the county this summer.
Chief executive of Leeds Castle, known, was a historical required to work 30 hours a week between mid- The star will perform at Bedgebury Pinetum
Victoria Wallace, said: “The principle person employed to March and mid-September. on June 21 as part of the Foresty Commission’s
of appointing a jester is just as it was in entertain a ruler in medieval The job advert states: “We are looking for a popular Forest Live concert series. A day later,
Henry VIII’s time. When the royal court times. jester who is proficient at juggling, tumbling American superstars Blondie perform.
visited the castle, there were about as Many courts throughout English or other gymnastic skills. You will need to be The singer is currently promoting her latest
many people in their retinue as we see history employed these professional funny with a comprehensive repertoire of jokes album, Fall to Grace. It has been nominated in
visiting on a sunny weekend. fools, who performed music, tricks, and patter, rather than just one ‘act’, and most the Best Album category in next month’s Brit
“Having someone whose job it is to riddles and acrobatics. importantly be able to judge an audience and de- Awards.
make visitors laugh can’t be a bad thing.” But when Charles I was liver entertainment at an appropriate level.” Tickets are on sale now.
Candidates will be put through their paces overthrown in the civil war in the
in the interview process, with all applicants 17th century the jester was never
invited to perform throughout half term to reinstated and became extinct.
visitors, who will then choose their favourite.
Picture: ADY KERRY
IN THE SADDLE: Sir Chris was joined by hundreds of fans at Gravesend’s Cyclopark this week
SPORT
Testing time suits Olympic star
SIX-times Olympic gold medallist Sir range of bikes with hundreds of fans getting
Chris Hoy heaped praise on a leading the chance to cycle alongside their hero.
Kent cycle venue when he paid a special Sir Chris said: “This is a great facility
visit on Wednesday. and the closed road circuit was perfect for
The cycling legend applauded Graves- our testing with plenty of twists and turns
end’s Cyclopark as he tested out his new to get a feel for the bikes’ handling.”
4I week ending January 20, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk
www.kentnews.co.uk KWE week ending January 20, 2013 I 5
News for more pictures and news go to www.kentnews.co.uk
COUNCIL
NEWS IN BRIEF
KCC dips into reserves as funding
(cid:177)(cid:0)Roads cash boost
cuts put pressure on 150 more jobs
COUNTY Hall chiefs have confirmed there will
be a further £6.2 million of Government money
invested into Kent’s roads.
The cash – £4m for the forthcoming financial
By Marijke Cox year and £2.2m for 2014/15 – was announced by
ANGER AT MORE CUTS
transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin as part
[email protected]
of a nationwide road funding package.
MORE jobs look set to be axed Labour county councillor Leslie Christie KCC’s Bryan Sweetland said: “This is
at County Hall as council chiefs called the job cuts “dreadful”. welcome funding that dovetails with the
are forced to find an additional “These are probably 150 low paid new approach to maintaining our roads.”
£34 million in the wake of cen- workers, probably part time,” he said. (cid:177)(cid:0)Funding up for grabs
tral government cuts. “I can’t believe KCC can say it’s cutting
It pushes the amount of sav- 1,600 jobs but not affecting frontline
ings needed at Kent County services. Yes, they’re not cutting social BUSINESSES are being urged to bid for Govern-
Council for 2013/2014 up to SAVINGS: From left: Cllr Paul Carter has announced up to 150 job workers, but they’re cutting their support ment cash loans as a new round of the Regional
£94m, instead of the anticipat- cuts at the council while Cllr John Simmonds admitted times are staff which means social workers will have Growth Fund opened this week.
ed £60m gap set out in au- tight. Labour’s Cllr Leslie Christie has slammed the proposals to take on extra work, putting them under Business minister and Sevenoaks MP Michael
tumn’s draft plan. more pressure, impacting frontline services. Fallon encouraged firms to apply for some of the
Leader Paul Carter said there additional £3m is now needed, budget was due to a cut in “I would’ve started with talking to the £350 million on offer while on a visit to Hythe.
could be as many as 150 extra admitting it was a concern. grants from central Govern- Government to try and convince them there Mr Fallon said: “Jobs are being created,
job cuts later this year as he But despite the huge savings ment amounting to 9.5 per needed to be a more sensible way of money is being invested and the fund is making
unveiled the budget proposals needed, Cllr Carter has con- cent – £13m short of the reduc- tackling this rather than just slash and burn. a difference. This additional round will help keep
on Wednesday. firmed a council tax freeze. tion estimated by KCC. “I would consult with the public on the momentum going.”
Three years ago, KCC set out “We are doing all we can to Finance cabinet member whether or not they would prefer to accept (cid:177)(cid:0)Leadership changes
plans to save £340m over four freeze council tax for the third John Simmonds said there a small increase in the precept to help
years, which included some successive year, despite mas- could be even more changes maintain important services, such as those MIDKENT College is on the hunt for a new prin-
1,500 posts being scrapped. sive reductions in government made by the Government. He for the elderly and children. cipal following changes to the structure of the
This is now closer to 1,600. grant allocation to fund local stressed that some £250m had “I think Paul Carter announcing that KCC organisation’s senior leadership.
Cllr Carter warned there government services,” he said. already been saved of the is freezing council tax for a third year is a Stephen Grix will relinquish the position he
could be more still to come, but “Year-on-year, we are show- £340m savings needed over very populist thing to say. has held since 2005 at the end of the current
said the council was working ing how innovation and integ- the four years and that they “If people would like to see a 5p a week academic year, but will continue as chief
hard year-on-year to protect rity – brought together by were on target. But he admit- increase and keep important services then executive on a part-time basis. The two roles
frontline services. elected councillors and experi- ted times were tough. they should be able to say so.” will merge in 2015.
Pressed on whether services enced staff – can give us ways “We are having to do a lot of
For details, see our recruitment section.
would remain unscathed with to look after the bills and pro- things differently and this has
less staff and the subsequent tect services. meant staff have had to work a
additional pressures on the re- “So we need to deal with our lot harder,” he said.
maining workforce, he stressed own circumstances with intel- Adult social care is being hit
that “innovative” measures ligence and common sense. In hard with a five per cent cut,
were being taken. the spirit of that attitude, we amounting to £18m, and re-
“The jobs will come out of have already worked hard to ductions in staffing costs will
back office staff and middle find more than £250m of sav- amount to £11m. Children’s
management,” he said. ings over three years. services also look set to see a Our new Online Van Service Advisor is now live at Sparshatts of Kent Ltd
Cllr Carter said money kept “I’m proud of what we have big chunk of its funding cut. Offering a fast and convenient way to get a quote or request a booking for your
in reserves as a fall-back was achieved and pleased we can Medway Council will publish next Mercedes-Benz Van Service or repair
also being dipped into to help continue to keep the burden on its budget proposals at the be-
fill the spending gap. The draft residents as low as possible.” ginning of February. It will go www.mercedes-benzvanservicing.co.uk/sparshatts
budget had detailed plans to The additional £34m sav- to cabinet on February 12 and It’s available 24/7 online,with no hidden charges,the prices are for fixed price
use £6m of this, but he said an ings revealed in the proposed to full council later that month. repairs,so its quick and upfront to get a quotes.
Children’s services show first
steps towards improvement
Online No obligation Quote Convenient First-class Service QR Code
VULNERABLE children are being better Ofsted said: “Senior leaders within the
cared for following a major overhaul of chil- council, supported by strong and well-
dren’s safeguarding services by Kent County informed political leadership, have delivered
Council, according to Ofsted inspectors. a significantly improved response at the point
County Hall chiefs said there had been a of referral to children’s social care services.
“massive effort” by staff and members and “In consequence, children who are at risk
significant investment – amounting to around of harm are protected by effective initial
£20 million – to turn things around following screening and prompt subsequent action.”
a damning Ofsted report in 2010. But improvements are still needed, with
It had found KCC’s child protection weaknesses in planning for children in need,
“inadequate” and in the worst cases, children as well as getting the right help for those not
had been left at significant risk of harm. at risk but needing extra help.
Some 2,700 vulnerable children were found They also said it was important to make
to be without a social worker. sure social workers do not stop help for
But the latest report following an unan- children too early and that managers need to
nounced inspection at the end of last year get better at checking the quality of work
deemed safeguarding services “adequate”, done by staff and give them regular feedback
showing a great improvement. During the Ofsted highlighted the high rate of children
inspection, a random sample of around 200 going back into the care system and needing
children found that none had been ‘left at risk repeat child protection plans.
of, or suffering from, significant harm’. Cabinet member for specialist children’s
The report said the service was judged services, Jenny Whittle, said while the report
“adequate”, meaning it was meeting the recognised the work done to raise standards, Of course you can still call us or drop in to get your quote or make your booking,just call
minimum requirements. KCC was only “part of the way along the road”. 0844 396 1122 :Ashford :Dartford :Sittingbourne :Tunbridge Wells
6I week ending January 20, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk
www.kentnews.co.uk KWE week ending January 20, 2013 I 7
News for more pictures and news go to www.kentnews.co.uk
CELEBRITY
NEWS IN BRIEF
The village hall play that inspired
(cid:177)(cid:0)Teen ‘made up’ attack
an Oscar-nominated leading lady
A TEENAGER has been fined for wasting police
time after falsely claiming he had been robbed
at knifepoint - even self-harming to make the
claim more realistic.
More than 10 officers were called out in the
By Nick Ames
FROM KENT TO HOLLYWOOD early hours of Tuesday morning to Baxendale
[email protected] Court in Ashford. But officers became suspicious
when the 19-year-old “victim” gave inconsistent
WATCHING her mother on stage in Naomi was born on September 28, 1967. Her parents
accounts of what had happened. He then
an amateur production in a small divorced when the future star was just four years old
admitted he had made it up and was fined £80.
village hall in Kent proved to be one and mum Myfanwy looked after her and brother Ben on
of the major inspirations for Oscar- her own. But the couple had a reconciliation before the (cid:177)(cid:0)Oast house in blaze
nominated actress Naomi Watts. tragic death of Naomi’s father, Peter Watts, in 1976 of a
The 44-year-old Hollywood star suspected drug overdose. FIRE crews tackled a blaze in a converted oast
– up for an Academy Award for her The remaining family members relocated to Angelsey house in the village of Chilham on Tuesday
role in Asian tsunami film The Im- before leaving for Australia when Naomi was 14-years- night, which left one man needing hospital
possible – was born and raised in old. She started appearing in Australian TV shows treatment for inhaling smoke.
Shoreham, near Sevenoaks. before moving to the USA and getting her first film roles. The fire broke out in a two-storey converted
Growing up, she went to the local TALENT: Naomi Watts stars in The Impossible oast house in Canterbury Road and took over an
school and even took part in pro- hour to extinguish. It is believed the fire started
ductions staged by the amateur She said: “My son, David, fashioned music hall style event major landmark. in a chimney and then spread to the main
dramatic society. went to school at the village the players staged in the village Mrs Britton said: “We celebrated building. The oast house had been converted
And she still has followers in the primary with Naomi. Her hall and Naomi was in the chil- our 80th anniversary in 2004. We into a private property.
village – who say they are delighted mother, Myfanwy, or Miv as dren’s chorus – that would had a big party and decided to try
at the success which has seen her she was always known, have been in the 1970s.” and get in touch with Naomi, who (cid:177)(cid:0)Nightmare on the A2
take major roles in films including played Eliza Doolittle in a Naomi, then aged five, was was just starting to make it big.
Peter Jackson’s King Kong, and production of Pygmalion the fascinated by her mother’s cos- “It was Miv who got back to us, MOTORISTS faced huge delays after a car trans-
David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. players put on at Shoreham tumes and change of voice. saying she had very happy memo- porter overtuned on the A2 near Gravesend -
She is also set to star as Princess Di- Village Hall. By all accounts Throughout the show she ries of being part of the players. and spilled its load over the carriageway.
ana in a forthcoming bio-pic. she was extremely good. waved at her mother, but got “There’s a feeling of pride in the Tailbacks stretched back four miles and the
Kate Britton is currently presi- “Apparently that was one no response apart from a village at what Naomi has achieved road was partially closed for hours as recovery
dent of the Shoreham Players – a of the inspirations for Naomi brief wave. and it is fantastic news that she has of the vehicles took place.
group to which the actress’ mother wanting to become an ac- The Shoreham Players been nominated for an Oscar.” Two people were injured in the incident. The
belonged and which organised her tress. got back in touch with the The Academy Awards will be lorry driver has serious, but not life threatening,
stage debut. “Then there was an old family when celebrating a presented on February 24. injuries and a motorist suffered minor injuries.
8 I week ending January 20, 2013 KWE www.kentnews.co.uk
News for more pictures and news go to www.kentnews.co.uk
EDUCATION
Teaching how to spot warning signs in a
bid to prevent repeat of drowning tragedy
By Marijke Cox TRAGEDY: be done as cuts to councils are felt. their own people. It seems the BBC
[email protected] James Taylor, “This is why after the Christmas was trying to do that with Jimmy
left, was break, all staff at Gad’s completed fur- Savile. I think schools are better than
THE former headteacher of an 11- drowned by ther in-depth child protection training most institutions; society and other
year-old boy, drowned by his de- his mother. to assist in ensuring our pupils are organisations are trying to catch up.”
pressed mother, has urged teaching Headteacher safe both at school and at home,” he When asked whether there was a
staff to play a greater role in spotting David Craggs, said. “This included kitchen, mainte- danger of false accusations and inno-
children at risk of abuse or neglect. right, wants to nance and cleaning staff. We don’t cent people being targeted, Mr Craggs
David Craggs, of plush public school prevent such know who’s going to see what. They admitted this was a risk.
Gad’s Hill in Higham – set in the incidents from might see something in the car park “There is a danger that teachers or
former home of Charles Dickens – happening before schools starts. parents are accused of things they
stressed that while schools were doing “I’m sure we’re not perfect, but haven’t done,” he said.
a good job, tragic cases such as that of we’re very much at the forefront.” “Eighty-five per cent of accusations
James Taylor highlighted the need for Mr Craggs, who has been head of against teaching professionals are
greater safeguarding, particularly at our school for six or seven weeks; the school for 13 years, said the Jim- seen to be malicious. But there is still
with deep cuts being seen across coun- he would have been in Year 11 now. my Savile scandal highlighted prob- that 15 per cent who have been guilty
cils and support services. “We didn’t notice anything to lems within institutions. of wrongdoing.
Tragic James had been a pupil at suggest a problem. Reports, after “The underlying message from this “The process has to be vigilant and
Gad’s for just seven weeks before be- his death, said the mother was having case is that too frequently people don’t open, and fair and quick. It can have a
ing removed and placed in Wilming- money problems and that’s likely to do anything,” he said. huge impact on a person’s life but
ton Grammar School in Dartford. be why she took James away from our “They don’t report it. The British you’ve got to get to the bottom of
It is understood his mother was school. Medical Association did some research what’s going on.
struggling financially before drugging “There was nothing obvious to sug- a few years ago with health care work- “It’s a difficult thing to tackle. It
and drowning her son in the bath at gest something was going to happen. ers, which found that the natural means having to deal with parents
their home in New Ash Green in “What happened to James very Gad’s. It can happen across the board.” thing for people to do is to explain or a carer who is potentially being
2008. She was detained indefinitely much made the issue stand out for us. Mr Craggs said most schools do a things away and not face up to the un- accused of child abuse. But if it’s
in a psychiatric hospital under the “It shows these things can happen good job identifying and supporting palatable truth that teachers or par- not dealt with, it might be allowing
Mental Health Act. anywhere. If it happens in what is children recognised as vulnerable and ents could be abusing a child. abuse to carry on which will destroy a
Explained Mr Cragg: “We had James seen as a nice, independent school like at risk. But he said more needs to “Often institutions seek to defend child’s life.”
RECOGNISING VICTIMS
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
Divorce,personal injury,
Schools across the UK are while physical abuse is easier
or ACCIDENT CLAIM?
the annoying neighbour obliged to train their staff every to spot, emotional abuse and
three years in being alert to the neglect is harder.
an unpaid bill.It's dispute,
signs and how to react. He said the school is also on
Girlings Personal Injury Claims Ltdis a
dispute,dispute. They must also have a the lookout for signs of trauma
Canterbury-based company specialising in accidents at work, designated child protection caused by domestic abuse or
medical negligence,head injuries and car/motorcycle accidents. officer. divorce.
Makes you long for a
Teachers have to report signs “Children can get dragged into
nice bit of conveyancing. of abuse, but Mr Craggs said being pawns in the parent’s war.”
Hi, I'm Richard Ratcliffe and as a lawyer CRIME
I deal a lot with people's problems. For the
most part, my clients are grateful for the Robbery in broad daylight
help I can give. Because I never forget
that while it's my job, it's often the most
important thing that's happened to them. A 50-year-old businessman was in a plastic bag concealed in his
robbed of nearly £8,000 in a broad jacket as he walked from his place
And, actually, that goes for conveyancing too.
daylight raid. of business.
Police are now appealing for He was apporached by two men
RATCLIFFESSolicitors witnesses to the crime which took who demanded the cash before
Tel:[phone] place at around 10.20am on they ran off down Invicta Road and
e-mail:[email protected] January 14 in Cavour Road, then Galway Road.
Sheerness. Anyone with information should
www.ratcliffessolicitors.co.uk
The victim was carrying £7,891 call police on 101.
22 Park Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 1DR
NOTHING TO PAY US AT ANY STAGE
www.kentnews.co.uk week ending January 20, 2013 I 9
10I week ending January 20, 2013 www.kentnews.co.uk
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