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. ...
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...
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...
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As of yesterday, Angela Rayner has effectively paused and withdrawn key decisions on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).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...
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... ...
Our News, September 2026 - knife crime, 'snapping' and our online conference
8th September 2026
Please use the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
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 ...
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...
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... ...
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 ☀️ ...
Climate Change and Biodiversity
17th July 2026
For all the latest news Climate Change and Biodiversty Newsletter - July 2026 ...
New Councils for Kent from April 2028
17th July 2026
The latest news from MBC New councils for Kent from April 2028 ...
Parish Trip - Royal Albert Hall
14th July 2026
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Downswood Area Big Summer Cleanup
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... ...
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,...
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... ...
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... ...
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 ...
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... ...
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... ...
Keyless Car Theft
3rd June 2026
An important message from the Police 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...
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... ...
Councillor Vacancies
28th May 2026
Downswood Parish Council has two vacancies for councillors - please see the below notices. ...
Climate Change and Biodiversity May 2026 Newsletter
14th May 2026
Read up on the latest news - Climate Change and Biodiversity May 2026 newsletter ...
Neighbourhood Watch News Letter - May
6th May 2026
For the latest news and updates, please click on the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Coffee with a Cop
6th May 2026
If you want to meet our local Police Officer, PC James Phillips, please click on the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Talking Shop
6th May 2026
For the latest update from our local Police Office, PC James Phillips, please click on the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Church Road and CCTV
1st May 2026
Some residents may have noticed the CCTV camera that has recently appeared in Church Road and immediately leapt to Facebook to share theories, counter‑theories, and the occasional conspiracy. Before anyone warms up their keyboard for another round, it’s worth pointing out one small detail: the...
What's on in Maidstone in May
24th April 2026
Please click on the following link What's on in May ...
Fencing Work in the Field Opposite the Church
22nd April 2026
The field situated opposite the church lies wholly within the civil parish of Otham. Notwithstanding this, Downswood Parish Council maintains a vigilant and systematic oversight of all planning activity in and around the Downswood area, and we remain in regular dialogue with Otham Parish Council...
Neighbourhood Watch Spring Newsletter
22nd April 2026
Find out what is happening - click on the following link. Avo 1987 ...
Community Speed Watch
22nd April 2026
Yesterday (21st) the Community Speed Watch Team returned to Church Road, to monitor traffic leaving Downswood travelling towards the Otham end. Community Speed Watch exists to reduce speeding, improve road safety, and educate drivers rather than punish them. It is a police‑supported...
Rubbish now Cleared
11th April 2026
We are sad to say that yesterday, there were three instances of fly tipping on Downswood with one alarmingly in the Old Spot Lane Nature Reserve. However, we are glad to say that the fly tipping was reported to Maidstone Borough Council. As a direct result and with swift action, this...
Environmental Services Newsletter April 2026
10th April 2026
April 2026 updates Environmental Services Newsletter April 2026 ...
Downswood Parish Council Photo Competition
9th April 2026
Downswood Parish Council is delighted to invite all residents to take part in our newly launched community Photo Competition, open from today. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of our green spaces, the character of parish life, or a moment that simply makes you smile, we would love to see...
Fly Tipping
9th April 2026
Today, there has been two incidents of fly tipping in Downswood. The first one was in the Nature Reserve and the second one is in Deringwood Drive by the junction with Horton Downs. Fly‑tipping is unacceptable because it shifts the cost, the danger, and the mess onto everyone else. It’s...
Funding Opportunity
8th April 2026
The Police Property Act Fund is now open for applications. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Highways Improvement Plan (HIP)
8th April 2026
What It Is and What Residents Can Expect Our Highways Improvement Plan sets out the parish’s priorities for improving road safety, managing traffic, and addressing the concerns raised by residents. It is a practical working document that helps us make the strongest possible case to Kent...
Keeping Busy and enjoying the Sun!
8th April 2026
Kent Police out and about. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
The Police Need Your Feedback
7th April 2026
The Police Priority Survey is now live. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
New Councillor
2nd April 2026
A big welcome to the latest member of the team, Councillor Zarah Duffield, already out and getting her hands dirty with the Open Spaces Team. ...
Emergency Road Closure - Willington Street (Property Service Road), Maidstone - 8th April 2026 (Maidstone)
2nd April 2026
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Annual Parish Meeting
31st March 2026
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Theft of Cars
28th March 2026
There have been a couple of cars that have been stolen in Downswood recently and they have happened on a Sunday evening into Monday morning. We have been in contact with PC James Phillips about them and the following is his response. Thank you for getting in touch. Apologies for the late...
Have Your Say
26th March 2026
Current consultations through Maidstone Borough Council Have Your Say - Street Trading Policy ...
WeRoam
25th March 2026
From the KCC Active Travel Team ...
Police Crime Prevention Advice
23rd March 2026
Need any advice? Please see the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Egg-Citing April
23rd March 2026
What's on in April What's On in April ...
Fly Tipping
21st March 2026
Advice and Guidance from the Police on Fly Tipping https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Downswood Parish Council Photo Competition
20th March 2026
Downswood Parish Council is delighted to invite all residents to take part in our newly launched community Photo Competition, open from today. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of our green spaces, the character of parish life, or a moment that simply makes you smile, we would love to see...
Climate Change and Biodiversity March 2026 Newsletter
13th March 2026
Read About the 'Gold Award' Climate Change and Biodiversity March 2026 Newsletter ...
Crime Stoppers
13th March 2026
Kent Police Needs You! https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
New Bench
12th March 2026
We are pleased to announce the installation of a new bench in the community mini orchard for everyone's use. ...
Environmental Services Newsletter - March
12th March 2026
How to be Waste Savvy Environmental Services March 2026 Newsletter ...
New Gate
12th March 2026
Maidstone Borough Council has very kindly installed new gates at the entrance to Mallards - very smart indeed and nice to see ...
Tetra Paks
10th March 2026
Maidstone Borough Council have confirmed the following ...
Church Road - Safety Measures
3rd March 2026
Otham and Downswood Parish Councils came together today with the Leader of KCC and officers to open a much‑needed conversation about safety along Church Road. The dialogue was open, constructive, and grounded in real experience, with KCC able to see for themselves the challenges that residents...
A Trip to Custody at Kent Police
2nd March 2026
Kent Police are Recruiting Independent Custody Visitors in Kent - interested? https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Speed Watch
2nd March 2026
Community Speed Watch (CSW) stands as a frontline defence in road safety, coordinated by Kent Police and powered by trained local volunteers. Armed with approved speed‑indication devices, these teams work to prevent tragedy, safeguard neighbourhoods, and remind drivers that speed limits are not...
Environmental Services Newsletter
2nd March 2026
Increase in fly-tipping Environmental Services Newsletter ...
Neighbourhood Watch
2nd March 2026
March News https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Latest Alerts
2nd March 2026
Please see the latest link from 'My Community Voice' regarding the theft of motorbikes https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Local Officers take Catapult and Counterfeit Cash off the street!
20th February 2026
To read more, follow the link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Shape Local Government Reorganisation in Kent
20th February 2026
Do you want to know more about the Local Government Review? Want to have your say? Please click on the following link. Shape Local Government Reorganisation in Kent ...
What Goes Up!
14th February 2026
St Nicholas. affectionately known by many as “Otham Church”, has long stood as a spiritual and cultural anchor not only for Otham, but also for the communities of Downswood, Bicknor Wood, Madginford and the wider parish family. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the church has watched nearly...
Extraordinary Full Council Meeting - 19.02.26
13th February 2026
Please see the agenda for full details Minutes and Agendas | Downswood Parish Council ...
Downswood SSSI Site
12th February 2026
MBC has confirmed that work to remove all the vegetation from the SSSI rock face is planned to take place on Thursday 19th & Friday 20th February. What the Downswood SSSI Is All About The SSSI in Downswood is designated because of the old ragstone quarry—a remnant of the area’s...
Five Steps to Become Better Prepared
7th February 2026
Are you emergency ready? 5_steps581.pdf ...
Downswood Carbon Footprint
5th February 2026
Are you concerned about the effects of global warming? Do you know what the carbon footprint of Downswood is? Click on the following link, enter your email address and a full report will be downloaded. This report tells you about your community’s carbon1 footprint – both the scale of...
Parish Councillor Vacancy
4th February 2026
Are you interested in becoming a Parish Councillor? Downswood Parish Council currently has a vacancy for a Councillor to represent the interests of those who live or work in Downswood. The Council is made up of nine voluntary Councillors, all of whom live or work locally, supported by our...
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 ...
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