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.
Scenic Green Trail
2nd February 2026
The updated version of the walker's guide can be found here: scenic_green_trail_walker_s_guide635.pdf ...
Maidstone Borough Council Environmental Services Newsletter - January 2026
26th January 2026
For the latest news...... Maidstone Borough Council Environmental Services Newsletter - January 2026 ...
Out and About with Nature
18th January 2026
Spotted this morning in Spot Lane Nature Reserve fishing in the river by the bike track, a Little Egret - a great sign that the river is healthy. ...
MBC Parish Newsletter - January 2026
15th January 2026
Read what is happening in the borough. parish_newsletter_january_2026482.pdf ...
Vacancy for a Parish Councillor/Notice of Casual Vacancy
14th January 2026
Resignation of Councillor/Casual Vacancy | Downswood Parish Council ...
Pee, Poo & Paper
14th January 2026
A Message to All Residents: Protecting Our Drains, Our Play Areas, and Our Environment The Parish Council wishes to update residents on the recent sewage overflow in the Foxden Play Area. Investigations by the utility company confirmed that the incident was caused by a blockage in the...
The Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy is published!
13th January 2026
The Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy was published 28th November 2025. From this website you can access all the Strategy documents and mapping, learn about the Strategy and its development and discover how it will support nature recovery in the county. Homepage | Making Space For...
Winter Newsletter
9th January 2026
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Winter Newsletter 2026 now live! Catch up on recent activity from the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, including: • Police Property Act Fund awards • Police Funding Consultation • Priorities and plans for 2026 • Their latest community...
Salt Bins Location Map for Downswood
7th January 2026
Downswood has 12 salt bins - please see the map for their locations. They should all be full up so please use them to treat icy conditions on roads and footpaths. If they become empty, please report this directly to KCC. Link to KCC Salt Bins map and gritting areas KCC Primary Salting...
Rediscovering History, Building Community, and Finding Peace
11th December 2025
St Nicholas Church at Otham has stood at the heart of the communities of Otham, Downswood, and Madginford for centuries. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, it remains a living archive of local history, its churchyard telling stories of generations past. Earlier this year, the church faced...
MBC - Parish Newsletter
9th December 2025
parish_newsletter_dec700.docx ...
Maidstone Gypsy, Traveller & Traveling Showpeople Development Plan Document
2nd December 2025
Maidstone Borough Council has published for consultation the Regulation 18c version of its Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (DPD), which sets out the preferred policies and potential...
Family Festive Fun
1st December 2025
What a truly magical evening we shared at the Downswood Parish Council Festive Family Party! Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful residents of Downswood, whose warmth and enthusiasm made the celebration such a joyous occasion. The venue was superb, the atmosphere alive with laughter and...
Supporting the Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter
25th November 2025
This coming Sunday, Downswood Parish Council is once again proud to lend its support to the Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter. This vital initiative provides care and refuge for those facing homelessness during the harshest winter months, offering not only warmth and shelter but also dignity and...
Piling Work - Parsonage Place
24th November 2025
Bellway Homes has confirmed that the final piling works are scheduled to commence at Parsonage Place on Monday, 1 December. The work is expected to last for approximately two weeks. ...
Parish Council Festive Cheer
19th November 2025
On Sunday the thirtieth, as dusk starts to glow, At five o’clock sharp—come rain, sleet, or snow. The Orchard will sparkle with laughter and light, As Downswood gets ready for one jolly night! There’s music and mince pies, and things to delight, With carols and food and trees...
In Grateful Remembrance
13th November 2025
Remembrance in Downswood: A Tribute to the Fallen The Remembrance Sunday display in Deringwood Drive stands as a quiet but powerful tribute—an expression of Downswood Parish Council’s enduring commitment to honouring those who gave their lives in the service of peace and freedom. It is our...
Christmas Party
13th November 2025
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Remembrance Sunday at Otham
10th November 2025
On Remembrance Sunday, the community gathered in solemn unity to honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring memory of those who served our nation in times of war and peace. Their legacy lives on in our freedoms, our traditions, and our shared resolve. The day commenced with a reverent...
A Delightful Surprise at Otham Church
9th November 2025
A Delightful Surprise at Otham Church Friday morning’s coffee gathering at Otham Church turned into a memorable occasion with the unexpected arrival of Helen Whately MP. Her surprise visit was warmly welcomed by the residents of Downswood and Otham, who enjoyed engaging with her in a relaxed...
Working Together to tackle anti-social behaviour
6th November 2025
working_together_to_tackle_asb769.docx ...
Christmas Lights in Downswood
5th November 2025
As a non-political public body, Downswood Parish Council is committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors. In accordance with statutory Health and Safety obligations, and following due process, the Council wishes to clarify its position regarding this...
Downswood Parish Council Christmas Party
3rd November 2025
A free Christmas festive fun event for all the family, complete with a Christmas buffet treat. ...
MBC Consultation - Heathlands Garden Settlement
3rd November 2025
Have Your Say on the Heathlands Garden Settlement Draft Supplementary Planning Document (Monday 3 November – Monday 15 December) Maidstone Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to...
Otham Church Christmas Market
31st October 2025
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Service of Remembrance 09.11.25
29th October 2025
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Reverend David Bond
17th October 2025
It is with great sadness that DPC announces the news that Rev David Bond died on Monday 13 October, after a fall. In addition to many years of service in the parish of St Nicholas, Otham with St Mary, Langley and towards the homeless in Maidstone, David was for many years, a Trustee of the...
DPC Garden Competition
16th October 2025
The winners of DPCs Garden Competition have been notified and have received their prizes of £50 each, along with certificates. Congratulations to the residents of 20 Horton Downs for the Most Colourful Garden and 11 Ravens Dane Close for the Best Wildlife Garden. Many thanks to Borough...
Maidstone Borough Council’s Housing Land Supply Shortfall
14th October 2025
Following the news that Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has fallen below it's five-year land supply, Downswood Parish Council wrote to Helen Whately MP to request her assistance in understanding why the situation had arisen. The response from Maidstone Borough Council dated 6 October,...
Part Time Litter Picker Vacancy
9th October 2025
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Residents views on the future of local government in Kent
9th October 2025
KCC asks its residents for views on the future of local government in Kent - News & Features - Kent County Council ...
Upcoming Community Surgeries
5th October 2025
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Going Plastic Free
10th September 2025
Joining the Plastic Free Communities Initiative At a recent Parish Council meeting, we were privileged to receive a compelling presentation on the environmental and community impact of single-use plastics. The discussion was not only informative—it was galvanising. It reminded us that even...
Police Community Engagement Event
1st September 2025
We are delighted to share the news that Maidstone Police will be hosting a Community Engagement Event on Monday, 15th September, from 12:00 to 13:00 in the car park at the rear of the Spires shops. This is a valuable opportunity to meet PC James Phillips, our dedicated local officer,...
Mallards and Criminal Damage
29th August 2025
The damage caused at Mallards last night was reported to the Police by the Parish Council first thing this morning as well as to Maidstone Borough Council. While social media can be a helpful platform for raising awareness, we must stress the importance of reporting such incidents directly to...
Mallards Park Gym Equipment
19th August 2025
One item of gym equipment is showing signs of rust and will be removed. Although an assessment by MBC confirmed it is not dangerous, the decision follows feedback that some users feel uncomfortable using it. A decision regarding its repair or replacement will be made later this year. ...
A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme
4th August 2025
A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme ...
Brambles Begone! A Joyful Tidy-Up at St Nicholas
31st July 2025
This week, the Open Spaces Team rolled up their sleeves alongside church members and local residents for another round of green-thumbed graft at St Nicholas Church. With strimmers buzzing and secateurs snipping, the gang tackled the jungle of grass, brambles, and bushes that had been staging a...
Shrub and Hedge Maintenance – A Parish Perspective
31st July 2025
At this time of year, Downswood Parish Council often receives enquiries from residents about the Pyracantha bushes along Deringwood Drive. These concerns are always formally passed on to Kent County Council, who remain responsible for their upkeep. We would like to reassure residents that we...
Victory on the Bramble Front
23rd July 2025
The Parish Council is delighted to report that our valiant Open Spaces team has completed their epic quest: clearing the final stretch of the SSSI footpath from Deringwood Drive to the field. It’s been no stroll in the park—more like a battle through the botanical badlands. Overgrowth had...
Downswood Digs In! A Grassroots Morning of Community Cheer
22nd July 2025
This morning, the Downswood Parish Council Open Spaces Team joined forces with church members and local residents for a good old-fashioned grass-cutting bonanza at the church grounds. The grass may have been tall enough to hide a large dog, but that didn’t stop our merry band of volunteers!...
Help Shape Local Cycle Improvements!
17th July 2025
Help Shape Local Cycle Improvements! Downswood Parish Council has been informed that Kent County Council has Section 106 funding available to improve the cycle route around Church Road and Deringwood Drive. We’d love to hear your ideas! If you have suggestions to enhance this...
Hose Pipe Restrictions in Kent & Sussex
11th July 2025
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Path to Success
27th June 2025
The Open Spaces team have been busy clearing the SSSI footpath as it was very overgrown and nearly impassable. From the photo's below, you can see what a great job they have done. If you walk along the path, you will see 4 massive grab bags of cuttings. These are being removed by Maidstone Borough...
Outdoor Gym Equipment - Mallards
27th June 2025
Concerns were recently raised by a resident regarding the condition of the outdoor gym equipment at Mallards. For avoidance of any doubt, Maidstone Borough Council has examined the equipment and has confirmed: ‘Following up on your concern regarding the condition of the equipment —...
An Apple a Day
27th June 2025
The Open Spaces team have also been busy working on the mini orchard including watering the fruit trees. Downswood Parish Council 'Caring for our Community' ...
Hear All About It
27th June 2025
The next Parish Council meeting is this coming Tuesday (1st of July). Start time is 8pm but prior to this, we are receiving a talk from Bearsted CAN on going plastic free. This starts at 7.45pm. everyone is welcome. ...
Money Money Money
27th June 2025
HAVE YOUR SAY! - Government Consulting on Changes to Council Tax Billing Council tax shake-up to deliver fairer billing and support - GOV.UK ...
The Forever Finley Project
26th June 2025
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Conservation Area Extension
20th June 2025
Otham Conservation Area Update The new boundaries for Otham have been formally adopted. The final document and the associated map are shown below. Please note, the map will be updated to include the Willington estate once MBCs systems have been updated, but they currently do not have a...
Tree Down
10th June 2025
A large section of tree has collapsed in the Spot Lane nature reserve at the junction with Mallards Way. It was causing an obstruction for both traffic and pedestrians but has been partially cleared by the open Spaces Team and the road is passible. Maidstone Borough Council have been informed. ...
Foxden Play Area
10th June 2025
A large hole has been reported today in the Foxden play area between two drains at the end closest to the Bellway development. It has now been reported to the Parks and Open Spaces Team at Maidstone Borough Council who are responsible for the play area. ...
The Big Day Out
4th June 2025
Celebrate Nature on June 14th – Join Us for Maidstone’s Big Day Out On June 14th, the beauty of Maidstone’s natural landscape takes centre stage during Maidstone’s Big Day Out — a borough-wide celebration held in partnership with Maidstone CAN and supported by Maidstone Borough...
Incident at Spot Lane Nature Reserve – 20th May 2025
21st May 2025
The Parish Council is aware of a serious incident that took place on the evening of Tuesday 20th May 2025 at the bike track within Spot Lane Nature Reserve. A group of four young children, aged around 11, were approached by a larger group of older youths, believed to be approximately 14...
Use of Social Media
21st May 2025
As a member council of the Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC), Downswood Parish Council regularly engages in training opportunities and adheres to the guidance provided by the association. KALC acts as the representative body for local councils throughout Kent, offering valuable support,...
Walk for Parkinson's UK (Passing through Downswood) 08.06.25
20th May 2025
Event Name: Walk for Parkinson’s: Maidstone Event Date: Sunday 8th June 2025 Event: A 2 or 6-mile walk for supporters of Parkinson’s UK, with all proceeds going to the charity. All funds will go towards giving help and hope towards those living with Parkinson’s. Number of...
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's Spring Newsletter
20th May 2025
Spring Newsletter 2025 ...
Parish Precept Comparison
15th May 2025
Below is an updated list of parish and town councils within the Maidstone Borough area, ranked from highest to lowest based on their Band D council tax precepts for the 2025–26 financial year. This list includes Downswood Parish Council, with its precept information sourced from the council's...
Extension to Otham's Conservation Area
14th May 2025
Update on the Proposed Extension to Otham’s Conservation Area Following the consultation held just after Christmas, Downswood Council would like to thank all residents who took the time to provide feedback to MBC on the proposed extension to Otham’s Conservation Area. The Otham...
March Crime Figures
10th May 2025
Kent police have released the March crime figures. Here is a snap shot of the parishes surrounding Downswood. Shepway - 90 Downswood - 4 Otham - 8 Bearsted - 22 Leeds - 19...
Parish Council Election Results 08.05.25
9th May 2025
Congratulations, Lawrence Rustem, on your election to the Parish Council. We look forward to welcoming you at the next PC meeting at 8pm on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, and to working together for the benefit of our community." Commiserations, Karen Berry. We hope you will continue your...
Heathlands Garden Settlement
9th May 2025
Dear Sir/Madam, We’re surveying residents and businesses to share their ideas about the development. ...
Reposting: Parish Council Election 08.05.25
8th May 2025
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Busting the Myths
6th May 2025
We would like to address and correct some recent misinformation being circulated on social media concerning the forthcoming Downswood By-election, which will take place this Thursday. By-elections are formally managed by Maidstone Borough Council, not the Parish Council. However, the financial...
Food for Thought
4th May 2025
The Open Spaces Team have been out this weekend giving the small community orchard some TLC. Downswood Parish Council 'Caring for our Community' ...
Hook, Line & Sinker
4th May 2025
If you need information regarding fishing at Mallards, there is new notice board with all the details. ...
Parish Council Election - Thursday 8 May
2nd May 2025
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Busting the Myths
1st May 2025
Council Statement Regarding Recent Facebook Post The Parish Council is aware of a post circulating on a separate Facebook page concerning a newsletter allegedly linked to the upcoming by-election on 8th May. We wish to clarify that this information is incorrect. The newsletter referenced by...
Parsonage Place Related Remedial Works – Update from KCC.
29th April 2025
Some works were carried out by the developer on Church Road last week (kerbing, surfacing by the kissing gate, adjacent carriageway remedials and a dip in the footway into site). The Deringwood Drive/Willington Street junction has been discussed again, with a request for detailed design of the...
Defibrillator Training
28th April 2025
Just a couple of places left for tomorrow's defibrillator training. Please get in touch ASAP if you would like to take part. ...
Flower Power
17th April 2025
With the recent thinning of the tree canopy at Spot Lane Nature Reserve, sunlight now pours through to the woodland floor, breathing new life into the undergrowth. Dormant native wildflowers—long suppressed by the dense shade—are beginning to re-emerge, adding vibrant splashes of colour and...
Election of a County Councillor
16th April 2025
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Spot Light on the The Facts
15th April 2025
It is regrettable that misinformation continues to circulate on social media regarding the recent tree works at Spot Lane Nature Reserve. Misplaced blame has once again been directed toward Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) contractors and Downswood Parish Council (DPC). This is categorically...
Good News
14th April 2025
Following a meeting last week with Kent Police and the Community Safety Team, it was discussed that youths with catapults are a county-wide issue and not just an isolated problem for Downswood. Kent Police will begin foot patrols in Downswood and will be visiting Mallards more frequently....
Annual Parish Meeting - Tuesday 6 May 2025 at 7.30 pm
14th April 2025
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Parish Councillor Election - 8 May 2025
9th April 2025
The following two candidates are standing for election as a Parish Councillor on 8 May 2025. ...
Defibrillator Training
3rd April 2025
Building on the success of our previous training session, we are excited to announce another defibrillator training program. Please get in touch if you would like to participate. ...
Consultation for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
31st March 2025
Dear Sir/Madam, We’re inviting residents, landlords, and relevant stakeholders to take part in the consultation for our Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). It will run from 31 March to 27 April, and we welcome your ...
Notice of KCC Election 01.05.25
26th March 2025
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Sign up to the Kent & Essex CCTV registry to keep your community safe
17th March 2025
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Check your smoke alarms are in date
17th March 2025
Check your smoke alarms are in date! Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging people to check the expiry date on their smoke alarms, as they only have a lifespan of up to ten years. Between 2022-2024, approximately 6,600 expired smoke alarms were discovered at properties in Kent and...
A Step in the Right Direction
13th March 2025
With the permission of KCC Public Rights of Way Team, the DPC Open Spaces Team have repaired the missing step at the SSSI site making it much safer. The pictures below are the before and after. ...
Tea and Cake Anyone?
7th March 2025
Every Friday morning between 10am and 12pm Otham Church holds a Tea and Coffee Morning with some delicious cake as well. It is a great community get together and the proceeds help to maintain the church. Why not pop in and say hello. ...
KCC Letter in Response to Recent Road Closures
5th March 2025
Sharing a letter received by Otham Parish Council regarding the recent road closures. ...
Blooming Great Idea
5th March 2025
We are pleased to announce that Downswood Parish Council has now launched its annual Garden Competition. The theme is different this year and there will only be two categories - 1) Best colourful garden 2) Best garden for wildlife. The judging will take place at the beginning of September...
Crimestoppers
3rd March 2025
Did you know that you can report many things to Crimestoppers and when you do, your details remain completely anonymous. Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers ...
DPC Meeting
2nd March 2025
The next DPC meeting is this coming Tuesday (04/03/2025) starting at 8pm in the Community Centre. All residents are warmly welcome. The below link is the agenda for the meeting. DOWNSWOOD PARISH COUNCIL ...
Sweeping Changes
2nd March 2025
The Open Spaces Team have been out again in force around Downswood. Downswood Parish Council Caring for our Community ...
Downswood Precept for 2025/26
25th February 2025
Downswood Precept for 2025/26 In response to recent enquiries from residents, the parish council can confirm that the precept for the fiscal year 2025/26 has now been agreed by Maidstone Borough Council and will be set at £45,000. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining and...
A Big Day Out for Spot Lane Nature Reserve
25th February 2025
We are really pleased to announce that Downswood Parish Council is taking part in the Big Day Out on Saturday the 14th of June 2025. Please click on the link to find out more about the Big Day Out Maidstone's Big Day Out We will be giving 2 guided tours, one at 10.30am and one at 1.30pm...
A New Chapter for Downswood: Anne Fincham Joins the Parish Council
24th February 2025
In a pivotal moment for local governance, Maidstone Borough Council has officially confirmed the conclusion of the nomination period for the forthcoming by-election. Consequently the democratic process has yielded a significant appointment. It is with great enthusiasm that Downswood...
Notification Regarding By-Elections and Financial Implications
17th February 2025
Maidstone Borough Council's Returning Officer is statutorily responsible for the administration and delivery of elections, including by-elections, across all parishes within the Maidstone borough. In accordance with Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, the Returning Officer is...
Standing up for Nature
14th February 2025
Last week, an assessment of Downswood took place by the RSPB to advise members of the Parish Council on what needs to be done and in the right way to support nature, especially insects, pollinators, birds and other animals. We now have some good ideas to take forward this year and we will...
Notice of Election - Downswood Parish By Election - Thursday 20 March 2025
13th February 2025
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Shock Delivered
13th February 2025
On Wednesday the 12th of Feb, 9 people attended free CPR and AED training. By the end of the training session, everyone commented on how they were now confident should they need to perform CPR or use an AED. Further free to attend training sessions will be planned for this year. ...
Defibrillator Locations
13th February 2025
Locations Want to know the location of defibrillators, please click on the following link Defib finder – find the defibrillators nearest you. This was a suggestion by a local resident and a good one at that! ...
Spot Lane Nature Reserve - Get Involved
13th February 2025
Last year we brought to you the excellent news that Maidstone Borough Council had agreed to run a 5 year project on improving the Spot Lane Nature Reserve. We are pleased to announce a partnership approach with Bearsted Parish Council for this project as half the area is on their land. We have...
Otham Conservation Area Consultation
28th January 2025
Otham Conservation Area Consultation IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note: The date of the public exhibition has changed. It will now be held on Wednesday, 19 February between 4pm to 6pm in Otham Village Hall, Otham Street, M15 8RN. Officers will be available to discuss the draft plan...
Free Defibrillator Training
24th January 2025
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KCCs Road Safety & Active Travel Group Newsletter
8th January 2025
We hope that you find the following newsletter interesting. KCCs Road Safety & Active Travel Newsletter ...
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