Latest News
Additional buses running
Two additional buses now run on Mondays to Fridays at 1745 hours from Downswood to Maidstone and at 1811 hours from Maidstone Bus Station to Downswood.
Kent Police Crime Commission Survey 2026
18th September 2026
It only takes a few minutes to complete. Annual Policing Survey 2026 (Page 1 of 4) ...
It's Been Cleared
17th September 2026
The Parish Council's Open Spaces Working Group have this week cleared the steps leading to the SSSI site . Before After ...
MBC - Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - September 2026
16th September 2026
Read the latest news Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - September 2026 ...
MBC - Environmental Services Newsletter Recycle Week 2026 - Special Edition
14th September 2026
Want to know more about recycling? Environmental Services Newsletter - Recycle Week Edition 2026 ...
Your fortnightly news update from Maidstone Borough Council
11th September 2026
For all the latest news from Maidstone Borough Council The Maidstone Bulletin - 11 September 2026 - News updates from Maidstone Borough Council ...
Downswood Parish Council warmly invites residents to share their views.
9th September 2026
Over the years, the Council has organised a wide range of community events, from seasonal celebrations to family activities and local gatherings. As our parish continues to evolve, we want to ensure that the events we provide remain meaningful, enjoyable, and relevant to the community we serve. ...
Link to MBC New Local Plan Process
9th September 2026
Maidstone Borough Council now provides a dedicated **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)** section on its website, designed to guide residents through the evolving work on the **New Local Plan Review**. This resource brings together the most up‑to‑date information in one place, offering...
Downswood Photo Competition
9th September 2026
At our recent Parish Council meeting, we were delighted to announce the results of this year’s Downswood Photo Competition, proudly titled “The Beauty of Downswood.” All submissions were carefully reviewed by our independent judges, and after much consideration, the results were...
Our News, September 2026 - knife crime, 'snapping' and our online conference
8th September 2026
Please use the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
MBC News Release - Call for Sites - Local Plan Review Process
8th September 2026
MBC press release dated yesterday - 07/09/2026 Following the closure of the Call for Sites submission period, Maidstone Borough Council is providing further information about the next stage of the process. The submitted sites will now be assessed as part of a wider evidence base that will...
Kent Police Local Priorities Vehicle crime (theft from or theft of) Message
8th September 2026
Please use the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Local Government Review
8th September 2026
As of yesterday, Angela Rayner has effectively paused and withdrawn key decisions on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is not a minor delay: it is a formal halt pending a full legal and policy review following updated and privileged legal advice. What has Angela Rayner...
Environmental Services Newsletter September 2026 Edition
7th September 2026
MBC - Environmental Services Newsletter - September 2026 Edition Environmental Services Newsletter - September 2026 ...
Community Surgeries Tomorrow
4th September 2026
Vey late in the day but the Police have notified us of Police Surgeries that are happening tomorrow - nothing like advanced notice! https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
A New Website
29th August 2026
Downswood Parish Council is delighted to share that a brand‑new parish website will be launching soon. Designed to be fresh, modern, and far easier to navigate, it represents a significant step forward in how we communicate with and support our community. This is a project we have been eager to...
The Maidstone Bulletin
27th August 2026
All the very latest news from Maidstone Borough Council The Maidstone Bulletin - the latest news updates from Maidstone Borough Council ...
Vehicle Security Reminder – Keyless Car Theft
19th August 2026
From Kent Police https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Local Priorities ASB-General (undefined) Message
17th August 2026
Police Action Tackling ASB Local Priorities ASB-General (undefined) Message ...
Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - August 2026
14th August 2026
See the very latest from Maidstone Borough Council Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - August 2026 ...
Maidstone Police: Upcoming Community Surgeries
5th August 2026
If you wish to chat with your local Police Officer, please follow the link. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Downswood Update
5th August 2026
Downswood Parish Council is pleased to report that Kent County Council contractors have been working in Deringwood Drive today, carrying out the annual cutting‑back of the Pyracantha bushes. This routine maintenance is essential at this time of year, helping to keep the footpaths clear, the play...
Mote Park Community Event
30th July 2026
This is a great opportunity to speak with your local officers, Community Policing Equine Volunteers, and a range of partner agencies and organisations who work together to support our communities https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
A Little Bit of Colour
27th July 2026
Downswood Parish Council, working in close partnership with Maidstone Borough Council, has secured two new roadside planters to enhance the character of our community. These were installed this morning along Deringwood Drive, thoughtfully positioned to complement the natural long‑grass areas and...
Bearsted Woodland Trust Update
25th July 2026
Anti Social Behaviour Tackled https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
It is Good to Talk
25th July 2026
A Big Thank You https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Kent Police July Newsletter
24th July 2026
For all the very latest news from Kent Police https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
What's on in Maidstone in August
24th July 2026
For all the very latest What's On August ☀️ ...
New Councils for Kent from April 2028
17th July 2026
The latest news from MBC New councils for Kent from April 2028 ...
Climate Change and Biodiversity
17th July 2026
For all the latest news Climate Change and Biodiversty Newsletter - July 2026 ...
Downswood Area Big Summer Cleanup
14th July 2026
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Parish Trip - Royal Albert Hall
14th July 2026
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KCC Community Warden
9th July 2026
Downswood Parish Council is delighted to welcome Sally Williams to Downswood. We have been working with KCC and Bearsted Parish Council and we are glad to say Sally is now also taking on the Downswood Parish area. We wish her every success and we will be reporting on updates as we go...
Environmental Services Newsletter - July 2026
6th July 2026
For all the latest from Maidstone Borough Council, please follow the link Environmental Services Newsletter - July 2026 ...
A Message from Maidstone Borough Council
1st July 2026
Help us keep everyone safe this summer. We’re asking residents not to swim in any open inland waterways in the borough such as the River Len, Mallards Way Lake and Mote Park Lake. We’ve had a report of someone becoming unwell after swimming, and these waterways are not tested or safe for...
Urgent Appeal From Southeast Water
23rd June 2026
From Southeast Water: We’re going into another heatwave this week and we want to make sure the taps keep flowing for everyone. We need your help to do this. Please use water for essential purposes only: hygiene, drinking and cooking. Why are we asking you to help? Right now the...
Summer Solstice Clean-up
21st June 2026
Happy Spot-Less Summer Solstice… and a Happy Father’s Day too! Today, 3 volunteers went on a dawn litter pick mission to tackle roadside litter in Church Road Otham. They made use of the longest day of the year and quiet road traffic conditions, working from 4.30am - 7.30am to clear a...
Neighbourhood Watch June News Letter
17th June 2026
For all the news locally, click on the link below https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Police Talk on Fraud Cancelled
17th June 2026
Unfortunately, the Police have had to cancel the talk on fraud at the Downswood Community Centre https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
My Community Voice
17th June 2026
My Community Voice (MCV) helps the Police keep us updated with local policing news, crime prevention advice, appeals, and community events — straight from your neighbourhood officers. Want to make your community even stronger? Please spread the word! Ask your family, friends, neighbours,...
MBC Local Plan Review - Church Road
16th June 2026
The article below is a slightly longer read, but it provides an important and clear overview of how Maidstone Borough Council will develop the next Local Plan. It also explains when each stage of public consultation will take place — something that is especially crucial for our community to...
What's on Maidstone River Park
12th June 2026
Join Maidstone Borough Council to help mark the 25th anniversary of Maidstone River Park with a fantastic programme of events celebrating the park, the River Medway and the wonderful green spaces at the heart of our borough. What's On Maidstone River Park ...
On Foot in the Hours of Darkness
9th June 2026
On foot patrol. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Coffee with a Cop
8th June 2026
PCSO Boyd and PC James Phillips will be holding a “Coffee with a Cop” event at Fed on the Green, The Green, Bearsted, ME14 4EA on Friday 12th June at 1pm! https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
MBC Environmental Services Newsletter - June 2026
8th June 2026
For all the latest news, please click on the link below. Environmental Services Newsletter - June 2026 ...
Downswood Community Enjoys a Wonderful Summer Fair
7th June 2026
Downswood residents turned out in great numbers for this year’s DCA Summer Fair, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for all ages despite the weather. The event brought together families, neighbours, and friends for an afternoon of stalls, games, refreshments, and community spirit....
Police Fraud Prevention Talk
5th June 2026
Downswood Parish Council is pleased to announce together with the Downswood Community Centre, that our local Police Officer is holding a talk at the Downswood Community Centre. Full details in the link below. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Speedwatch in Downswood – A Call for Community Action
3rd June 2026
Over recent months, we have been fortunate to work closely with the excellent Bearsted Speedwatch team, who have generously shared their experience and provided us with the training needed to get started. Their support has shown just how effective a well‑run Speedwatch group can be in improving...
Keyless Car Theft
3rd June 2026
An important message from the Police https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Maidstone Big Day Out
2nd June 2026
Maidstone Big Day Out - Saturday 13th June 2026 Spot Lane Nature reserve is a peaceful stretch of woodland running alongside the River Len. Activity Downswood Parish Council will be giving a guided tour of the reserve and then walk along the river Len as it runs through Mallards Park. The...
Crimestoppers
30th May 2026
If you have information about crime or suspicious activity but would prefer to remain anonymous, please remember you can report it safely and confidentially through Crimestoppers. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
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