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.
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 ...
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. ...
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