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.
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. The cost of the election will be financed by the Parish. ...
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 ...
Bell Ringers Required!
6th January 2025
A message from Rev David Bond. Ringers love to ring bells as much as you like to hear them. Many towers however will fall silent within the next 5 years unless we can recruit and train new young and adult ringers to replace older ringers whose numbers will naturally decline. St. Nicholas has a...
Parish Litter Picking Vacancy
19th December 2024
The deadline for applications has now been reached. If you have submitted an application, you will be notified following the Parish Council meeting of 22 January '25. Part-Time Vacancy for a Litter Picker If you are interested in becoming the next Parish Litter Picker,...
Parish Councillor Vacancies
19th December 2024
Parish Councillor Vacancy Downswood Parish Council currently has a Councillor vacancy to be filled by the stipulated process of co-option. The vacancy will be an agenda item for the meeting on Wednesday, 22 January 2025. If you would like more information, please contact Teresa, the Parish...
A MESSAGE FROM MATTHEW SCOTT, THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR KENT.
19th December 2024
As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Kent Police has sufficient resources to prevent and investigate crime, to support victims and to protect our communities, be they urban, rural or coastal. Thanks to your support, we now have more officers in Kent than...
Pensioner Just Missing Out Scheme
17th December 2024
Pensioner Just Missing Out Scheme Could you or someone you know be eligible to receive a £200 voucher which can be redeemed towards food, energy, or both? The Pensioner Just Missing Out scheme supports Kent pensioners in need of help with significantly rising living costs. The scheme is...
HOKH Christmas Tree Recycling Appeal
10th December 2024
Start 2025 in the most tree-mendous way by recycling your Christmas Tree with Heart of Kent Hospice Last year Heart of Kent Hospice recycled more than 600 Christmas trees and raised over £9,000 for the Hospice. This is the third...
DPC Christmas Event
10th December 2024
A jolly and heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this Christmas event such a sparkling success! The holiday spirit was alive and well as families gathered to celebrate, and it was pure magic to see the children’s faces light up—whether holding their balloon creations or proudly...
Christmas Family Fun Event
7th December 2024
Free to attend - Family Festive Fun. This is a free family festive fun event for the residents of Downswood. If you would like your face painted, it is free, if you would like balloons twisted into the shape of a dog, a hat, a sword etc, it is free. There will be mince pies and mulled wine and of...
Your Ideas Needed for the 2025/26 Budget
15th November 2024
Your Ideas Needed for the 2025/26 Budget As we start planning the Parish Council’s budget for 2025/26, we want to hear from YOU! Your input is invaluable in helping us to allocate resources to the areas that matter most to our community. Whether it’s new playground equipment (this will...
Deringwood Drive/Willington St Traffic Lights Update
19th August 2024
The PC has been in contact with KC Highways to address questions that we have been asked to clarify following the installation of the above. The detailed response from Highways is below: Thank you for the further email regarding the traffic signals at Willington Street / Deringwood...
Garden Competition Results 2024
2nd August 2024
Downswood Parish Council Garden Competition Results We are pleased to announce that judges from Notcutts Garden Centre, Bearsted selected three gardens and the residents have been informed. In addition to the £50 awarded to the first place by Downswood Parish Council, Notcutts very...
Update re Mallards Way, Mote Park and Whatman Park
1st August 2024
Following on from the information email below, we now have some dates for the works at each site to start. The dates are weather permitting, as heavy rain and higher water levels could delay works, but at the moment the forecast is looking dry. 9th - 20th September - Whatman Park ...
Mote Park Community Event: Fri 2 August
29th July 2024
Mote Park...
Community Safety Survey - Closes 25.08.24
28th June 2024
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Garden Competition 2024
12th June 2024
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Speedwatch Initiative
19th April 2024
The Parish Council has been contacted by PC James Phillips, who is inquiring whether residents would be interested in participating in a Community Speedwatch initiative. This program requires a team of local residents who are willing to volunteer a small amount of time each week. Volunteers...
Tree works - Spot Lane Nature Reserve
16th April 2024
An update from Maidstone Borough Council. Following a survey at Spot Lane Local Nature Reserve a number of trees have been highlighted as needing work to maintain a balance for public safety and good forestry management – as such MBC’s contractor with be on site at various times over the...
Notes - Bellway Homes Meeting 25.03.24
11th April 2024
Notes - Bellway Homes Meeting 25.03.24 ...
Maidstone Borough Local Plan Review 2021-2038 Adoption
3rd April 2024
Adoption of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan Review The Maidstone Borough Local Plan Review and associated Policies Map were adopted by the Council at its meeting on 20th March 2024. The Local Plan Review provides a comprehensive planning framework for the borough for the period 2021 to 2038. ...
Suspect arrested after series of thefts
28th February 2024
We have been asked by Kent Police to share the following link: Suspect arrested after series of thefts from cars in Maidstone | Kent Police Sharing information on Facebook will NOT necessarily reach the Police, or help with investigations. Please report all non emergency crimes to 101,...
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's Winter Newsletter
27th February 2024
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's Newsletterwinter_newsletter_2024946.pdf ...
Crime Roundup
19th February 2024
Downswood Parish Council is proud of our successful partnership with other agencies, particularly the Police, in maintaining the safety of Downswood throughout 2023. The low crime figures, as indicated on the Kent Police website, reflect the effectiveness of these collaborative efforts. ...
Spot Lane Nature Reserve
14th February 2024
Outline Project Plan The following has been presented to Maidstone Borough Council Green Spaces Manager and following a very successful meeting have agreed to take this forward. Exciting news and updates will appear as we go forwards. Spot Lane Nature Reserve presents an...
Police Newsletters
12th February 2024
Rural Policing & Rural Task Force Newsletters: Rural Mattersjanuary_2024_ monthly_report___rtf972.pdf ...
Deringwood Drive/Willington Street Road Works
2nd February 2024
Information provided from Walkers Construction: We are planning to start works on the 12/02/2024. We will be installing 3-way lights so we can have lane closures for when we are working to protect the work force on the junction of Willington street and Deringwood Drive. ...
Speed Survey Results
1st February 2024
The following results are from the speed survey that was requested by Downswood Parish Council for Deringwood Drive, Church Road and Willington Street. The survey was carried out over 7 days, commencing 25 November '23. The results are summarised as follows: Willington Street...
Post Office Closure (temporary?) - Ashford Rd, Bearsted
19th January 2024
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30 MPH Extension - Church Road
20th December 2023
As from 22 December 2023, the 30 MPH Speed Limit for Church Road, Otham will be extended by 211 metres in a southerly direction to the entrance to Squerryes Oast. RTO Order RTO Map ...
Public Participation at Parish Council Meetings
10th December 2023
Guidance has been added to the website which is provided by the Kent Association of Local Councils and applies to all Parish Councils. https://www.downswoodpc.org/sp... ...
Temporary Footpath Closure - Mon 11 to Fri 15 Dec
8th December 2023
Advance notice – Foxden Drive Park. To allow electrical connections to be installed by UKPN, it will be necessary to close the footpath at the top of the steps by The Beams to the Public Right of Way. The path is expected to be closed from Monday 11 Dec to Friday 15 Dec. ...
Media Policy
6th December 2023
The DPC Media Policy has been updated. You can find the policy on the link below: Link to Policy page ...
Willington Street Closure 29.01.24
27th November 2023
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Foxden Drive - Lighting Plans
9th November 2023
The following update has been provided by Maidstone Borough Council Six new columns will be installed at Foxden Drive Park (shown as red dots on the diagram below) and three old columns will remain and be refurbed (currently not working). MBC are trying to arrange for...
Christmas Carols and Lights 02.12.23 4 pm
9th November 2023
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Public Right of Way - The Glebe
9th November 2023
The Glebe, Otham. The landowner has recently applied to move the TPO trees in the Glebe field, possibly to make space for future road access and housing, as they have previously proposed developing the land. It is vital that we retain its designation as Local Green Space when the Neighbourhood...
Use of Public Space CCTV
7th November 2023
The latest news and updates on the use of Public Space CCTV Parish Council ...
ASB - Mallards Way Park
26th October 2023
Good work is being undertaken by PCSO Kirsty Greaves (Maid Community Safety Unit) & PC Mitch Hunt and his team! https://www.kent.police.uk/news/kent/latest/policing-news/pcso-launches-fishing-event-to-reduce-nuisance-behaviour-in-maidstone/ This helps to highlight that if it’s reported,...
Update - Foxden Drive Ramp, Steps and Lighting
5th October 2023
Update received 23.10.23 Confirmation has been received from Bellway Homes that the new ramp is now tarmacked and the anti-slip coating will be applied this week. However, a delay in the reopening of the footpath is expected as 5 street columns have been added to the scheme. These are...
Maidstone Local Plan Review - Main Modifications Consultation
29th September 2023
Maidstone Local Plan Review – Main Modifications Consultation following Examination. The Local Plan Review will provide the planning framework for development in the borough until 2038. The polices within the plan will be used to assess planning applications and guide future development in...
Mallards Way/Spot Lane Closure
25th September 2023
Information received from Kent Highways To enable large patching/pot hole repairs to be carried out, Mallards Way/Spot Lane will be closed from 23 to 27 October, during working hours. Residents will be allowed access during the course of the work. The centre white lining of Deringwood...
Notes - Bellway Homes Meeting 12.09.23
14th September 2023
Notes - Bellway Homes Meeting 12.09.23 ...
Electoral arrangements: Bearsted and Downswood
24th August 2023
Residents may recall that the Borough’s proposal to change the parish electoral arrangements was discussed by Downswood Parish Council last year. Two Parish Councillors attended a workshop that had been organised by MBC and a link to the proposal was shared on the parish website. Whilst...
Temporary Footway Closure - Pedestrianised Old Spot Lane
23rd August 2023
UK Power Networks works. KENT COUNTY COUNCIL Spot Lane, Downswood (PROHIBITION OF PEDESTRIANS) THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 TEMPORARY ORDER OCTOBER 2023 UK Power Networks works. To allow network upgrading works to be carried out, Kent County Council has made an Order to...
Litter Bins - Mallards Way Park
23rd August 2023
New Litter Bins – Mallards Park. Following concerns that were expressed regarding the new litter bins at Mallards Park. ...
Mallards Way Litter Bin Update
15th August 2023
DPC has contacted MBC to enquire about the new litter bins at Mallards Park (no consultation took place prior to the bins being installed). DPC pointed out that the new locations are not considered suitable and that operatives will most likely have to spend time picking up and clearing away the...
Annual Policing Survey
8th August 2023
Annual Policing Survey 2023 (smartsurvey.co.uk) ...
Maidstone's Eco Hub
4th August 2023
Come and visit Maidstone’s Eco Hub Maidstone’s Eco Hub is now open and can be visited for advice and information about becoming more sustainable. It will be available at The Mall shopping centre, Maidstone, until Friday 8 September. Following the success of a similar centre which...
Garden Competition Results 2023
18th July 2023
This year’s DPC Garden Competition was judged by Mr Dan Stevens – Snr Plant Manager of Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst. We are pleased to announce the winning gardens as follows: 1st PRIZE: 27 Reinden Grove ‘A really lovely garden with a great range of mature shrubs and...
Olympicnic 2023 Photos
18th July 2023
Olympicnic 2023 | Downswood Parish Council (downswoodpc.org) ...
Report all criminal activity to the Police
17th July 2023
Following recent and all future incidents in the parish. PC Mitch Hunt would like to encourage all of those who have been involved to report incidents via 101, or the online reporting system on the Kent Police website and to mention 'PC 15334 Hunt'. Report a crime | Kent Police ...
SE Water Main Replacement, Upper St, Leeds
11th July 2023
A Message from South East Water We would like to thank everyone for their concern and input regarding the South East Water infrastructure project in Upper Street, Leeds. South East Water was pleased to have been able to complete the majority of phase one in private land to prevent prolonged...
My Community Voice
3rd July 2023
https://www.mycommunityvoicekent.co.uk/ My Community Voice is a messaging service that helps Kent and Medway residents, businesses, and community groups to keep in touch with their local policing teams. The service sends updates about your local area directly from the police officers themselves. ...
Temp Rd Closure - Otham Lane, Bearsted From 24.07.23
27th June 2023
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SE Water Public Meeting
23rd June 2023
South East Water, Rocfort Road, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5AH Following our public drop-in session on 17 May where we heard from many members of the community. Following that session we have been speaking with Kent Highways to address the issues raised, primarily concern about the road closure and...
Parsonage Place - Piling Update
14th June 2023
Update from Bellway Homes. The piling rig will return to Parsonage Place tomorrow (Thursday 15 June). Depending on the time of arrival, piling might start the same day. We have been assured that a shroud will be fitted, which should help with the noise. It's currently...
Rooftop Solar Revolution
1st June 2023
Donate Have you heard about our ...
Foxden Drive Play Area & Field - Update re Planned Works
31st May 2023
Foxden Drive Play Area & field– Briefing Note 31/5/2023 Andrew Williams, Parks & Open Spaces Manager Forthcoming works relating to Bellways Development: Sewer Connection: The Bellway development on Church Road has the right to connect to the 6” sewer running under the field at Foxden...
Mayor of Maidstone - Downswood's Cllr Gordon Newton
23rd May 2023
Congratulations to Downswood's Councillor Gordon Newton and Mrs Carol Newton who became Mayor & Mayoress of Maidstone last Saturday, 20th May. ...
Notes - Bellway Homes Meeting 17.05.23
18th May 2023
Notes - Bellway Homes Meeting 17.05.23 ...
Ramp - Foxden Drive Park
15th May 2023
Bellway Homes has provided an update regarding work on the ramp at Foxden Drive Park. The work was originally intended to be carried out in February but this was delayed by MBC. Having checked the trees that are due to be removed, the ecologist has found nesting birds in one of...
Foxden Drive Play Area/Ramp
11th May 2023
The following update was received from Bellway Homes this morning: 'We will be fencing of the ramp area to Foxdown Park to allow us to start building the new cycle ramp today, and tomorrow we will be removing trees that have been agreed that need to be removed to accommodate this work, there...
Report Anti Social Behaviour on British Rail
11th April 2023
How to report anti-social behaviour on our rail networks. Traveling without paying, anti-social behaviour and other risk taking behaviour is becoming an increasing concern for us all on our rail networks. It also leads to increases in these behaviours in areas where young people meet, but...
Mallards Park
6th April 2023
Mallards Park MBC informed the Parish Council some months ago that work is due to be carried out at Mallards Park. Having chased this up, DPC can advise that a project budget is now available to MBC and they will start drawing up a specification with the following aims for the lake and...
Deringwood Drive/Willington St Traffic Lights Update
5th April 2023
DPC has been advised that due to the ‘dip’ in Willington Street at the junction with Deringwood Drive, KCC Highways have decided that it would be unsafe to put any form of traffic signals in this location. This meets the requirements from the Planning Inspector of ‘appropriate junction...
Kent Bus Service Changes Bulletin - March, April, ,May and June 2023
4th April 2023
Bus services in the UK operate in a de-regulated (privatised) environment outside of the control of KCC who do not license or contract operators or their services. Bus operators are able to change or cancel or any service by giving 70 days’ notice to the Department for Transport. Operators...
Notes from meeting with Bellway Homes 18.01.23
9th February 2023
Notes from meeting Bellway Homes 18.01.23 Note re pile driving. DPC was subsequently advised that the pile driving has been delayed as is now due to start week commencing 13.02.23 ...
No 4 Bus Timetable (19.02.23)
30th January 2023
The revised Number 4 bus timetable commencing 19.02.23 is below: https://api.arrivabus.co.uk/ro... ...
Temporary Footpath Closure
27th January 2023
Notice of the intention to make an Order to temporarily close Public Footpath KM86 in the Parishes of Otham and Downswood(Public Footpath KM86) Kent County Council intends to make an Order the effect of which is to temporarily close Public Footpath KM86 between Church Road and...
Closure of Church Road
4th January 2023
Notice of Road Closure. Important update: Due to the short notice received, the closure of Church Road will be delayed by one week. This will now commence on 16 January 2023, with a completion date of 7 February 2023. The Parish Council was informed today that Church Road will be...
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