From 1 April 2025, planning application fees in England will be increasing, following government changes.

for more information click here

Notice of Election

The Search for Maidstone’s Oldest Family, and ‘What Maidstone means to us.’

Maidstone Museum is undertaking an exciting redevelopment of its Local History Gallery and is looking to find the oldest family, with its roots based in the borough, to be a part of the new permanent exhibition.

Launching on Monday 17 March 2025, a competition has been opened in partnership with the Kent Family History Society (KFHS) to find the family who can trace their descendants to the earliest point in Maidstone’s history. It will close on Tuesday 1 July.

click here for more information

Please see below some really important initiatives we can all use to improve Community Safety.

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows people to report crime anonymously.

• Website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
• Key Benefits/Objectives:
  • Anonymity: Ensures that individuals can report crimes without fear of retribution.
  • Community Safety: Helps reduce crime rates by encouraging more people to report suspicious activities.
  • Support for Law Enforcement: Provides valuable information to police, aiding in crime prevention and resolution.
• How to get involved/promote:
  • Distribute flyers and posters in community centres, libraries, and local businesses.
  • Host community meetings to inform residents about the anonymous reporting service.
  • Use social media platforms to share information and success stories.
  • Collaborate with local schools and businesses to spread awareness.
• Community Safety Scenarios:
  • Domestic Abuse: Neighbours who suspect domestic abuse can use Crimestoppers to report their concerns without revealing their identity, ensuring the victim gets help.
  • Nuisance Bikes: Residents might notice individuals riding bikes recklessly or causing disturbances. Reporting this anonymously can help authorities address the issue without putting the informant at risk.
  • Vandalism: If someone witnesses vandalism but fears retaliation, they can report it anonymously to help maintain community standards.

Fearless

Fearless is a service provided by Crimestoppers for young people to report crime anonymously and get advice on crime-related issues.

• Website: https://www.fearless.org/
• Key Benefits/Objectives:
  • Youth Empowerment: Encourages young people to speak up about crime without fear.
  • Education: Provides information and advice on crime-related issues relevant to young people.
  • Anonymity: Ensures that young people can report crimes without revealing their identity.
• How to get involved/promote:
  • Distribute materials and posters in schools, youth clubs, and community hubs.
  • Use social media to reach young people and share information about Fearless.
  • Work with youth organisations, sports clubs etc, to integrate Fearless into their communication channels.

Ask Angela

Ask Angela is a safety initiative used in bars and venues where individuals can discreetly ask for help if they feel unsafe.

• Website: Home – Ask For Angela
• Key Benefits/Objectives:
  • Discreet Assistance: Provides a safe way for individuals to seek help without drawing attention.
  • Staff Training: Ensures that venue staff are prepared to handle situations where someone feels unsafe.
  • Community Safety: Enhances the overall safety of public venues.
• How to get involved/promote:
  • Work with local businesses to implement the scheme and ensure staff are trained.
  • Distribute posters and informational materials in participating venues.
  • Promote the initiative through local media and social media channels.

Hollie Guard

Hollie Guard is a personal safety app that turns a smartphone into a personal alarm, sending alerts, location, and evidence to emergency contacts.

• Website: https://hollieguard.com/
• Key Benefits/Objectives:
  • Personal Safety: Provides individuals with a tool to alert others in case of an emergency.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Sends immediate alerts and location information to emergency contacts.
  • Evidence Collection: Records audio and video evidence that can be used in investigations.
• How to get involved/promote:
  • Distribute informational materials in community centres and local events.
  • Host workshops to demonstrate the app’s features and benefits.
  • Collaborate with local organisations to promote the app, especially to vulnerable individuals.

There will be some necessary tree work taking place on The Green the week commencing the 17th March. The Green will remain open to residents but some areas may be cordoned off for safety.