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Latest news from Maidstone Borough Council  -  28 January 2022

#CleanUpMaidstone

You may notice new #CleanUpMaidstone posters appearing on lamp posts, bins and barrows around Maidstone where Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is asking everyone to play their part in helping to keep the borough clean and tidy.

After the first Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted, MBC saw a massive 250% increase in roadside littering. In 2020 Council teams removed over 1950 tons of waste which had been illegally disposed on the highways across the borough. Additionally, the start of every new year sees a 20% rise in waste including household waste, fly-tipping and illegal carriers offering to remove it.

Don't forget that the work to remove Ash Dieback infected trees in Mote Park is still ongoing until Monday 28 February and will necessitate the closure of the A20 Ashford Road from New Cut Road to Square Hill on Sunday 30 January so that the trees can be safely cut down. 

Please be aware of these planned closures and plan your travel routes in advance.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Hear about a new political map for Maidstone

Everyone is invited to an online public community presentation on Monday 31 January from 6pm to 7pm to hear about a new political map for Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), which is being proposed by The Local Government Boundary Commission.

A new pattern of wards is being developed for MBC as The Commission has decided that the number of councillors in Maidstone should be 48. This is a change from the current council, which has 55 councillors.

Can you create artwork for Mote Park?  

MBC and BBS Construction are calling on artists to submit proposals to develop a piece of public art for the new café building within Mote Park. 

There is strong preference for it to be based on the history of Mote Park, possibly incorporating memories of the past, people and children in the park over the years.

Be part of an ambitious tree planting project

The council is encouraging anyone who owns areas of land in the borough to be part of an ambitious tree-planting project. 

We are looking to partner with local landowners to plant trees on their land in order to increase biodiversity, combat climate change and to help the borough reduce its carbon footprint.

Get your jab at Pop-Up Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic in Maidstone

People of Maidstone are being encouraged to get their Covid-19 vaccine or booster at a pop up vaccination ‘walk-in’ clinic bus which is being set-up by MBC and the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group. The Covid vaccination bus will be visiting Morrison’s Sutton Road car park on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January for anyone over 16 years old – no need to book. 

Community groups - apply for a grant before Monday 31 January

Maidstone Borough Council is calling on local community groups and Parish Councils to come forward and apply for a new Household Support Grant which is aimed at people in their area who need help buying food or paying essential bills this winter.

To bid for a part of this funding or for more information please email VCSliaison@maidstone.gov.uk for an application form before 31 January 2022 or visit:

New Omicron Business Grant Support Available

Could your business be eligible for up to £6,000?

If your business is within the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors, you could be eligible for a new Omicron business grant.

Community Resilience Grant 

The pandemic has continued for a lot longer than was first imagined, and the impacts have been felt deeply in our communities particularly for people experiencing loneliness, social isolation or mental health issues.

In response the Council has introduced the Community Resilience Fund to help organisations that have been affected to deliver activities to help people in their community and is inviting groups to apply for funding which could help.

Maidstone Cemetary Chapel Works

Work has begun on the Maidstone Cemetery Chapel to restore the beautiful Grade II listed building to its former glory.

Designed by Peck & Stephens, the Gothic Style chapel originally opened in 1858, but following several structural surveys was closed in 2006 due to a significant risk identified to visitors and staff at the Cemetery.

Following the proposed work being initially approved by the former MBC Heritage, Culture and Leisure Committee (in September 2018), the work to repair the Cemetery Chapel has now begun.

Maidstone Museum Reopens in February

Don't forget that Maidstone Museum will be reopening their doors on Wednesday 9 February 2022 after their winter closure. The museum is open just in time for half term, and there will be activities for families over the week, as well as the new Plaxtol Project exhibition. The museum will be open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm (last admission 3:30pm) with extended hours for half term.

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