By Joan Langrick
HOMES V HERITAGE
We desperately need solutions…NOW.
Dancing daffodils, joyous birds amidst ancient trees are not the usual types of attractions most cities and towns can offer their visitors, yet these tranquil oasis’s are within an easy reach of a bustling and vibrant Maidstone. For numerous woodlands and wildlife parks abound from Fant to Vinters reflecting veritable Gardens of Eden.
School children to pensioners, plant and tend trees whilst geologists unearth proof that the awesome Woolly Mammoth was certainly no fairy tale! Dozens of these “blessed plots” are woven around the town, each individuality beckoning, “Come and listen to our birds and find peace in our woodlands” Whilst Mote Park, awarded third place in 2013 for the Green Flag People’s Choice award for Britain’s Favourite Parks can be thought of as our ‘Queen of parks’ and welcomes countless visitors who return time and time again.
However now, as towns and cities throughout our country are experiencing increasing needs for accommodation, these precious green belts are under severe pressure. So, the battle lines are drawn between those who protect our trees and those who would axe them in order to house the homeless.
Meanwhile throughout our country, men, women and even children huddle in shop doorways as they face bitterly cold weather. Many are retired service personnel, who return so traumatised from fighting they’ve become unable to cope with the frustration and despair of trying to find somewhere to live. Then there are the youngsters, who have replaced the violence in their homes for the dangers of living on the streets. There are also the “hidden homeless,” depressed mothers with children who, for months cram into tiny hotel rooms, with shared toilets and no cooking facilities. The “sofa surfers” who spend, sometimes years, sleeping on friends or relatives sofa’s because they cannot afford spiralling rents let alone a mortgage for a place of their own.
Over the past few months I have written to numerous councils suggesting various temporary/alternative accommodation, eg. Scandinavian style chalets, which are far cheaper than housing families in hostels. Converted barns could provide a steady income for farmers. Weather proofed, upgraded larger garages are surely preferable to children putting parents into expensive care homes.
House owners, with long or large gardens, who have difficulty paying their mortgage, might welcome an income from an “out of site chalet” in their garden. These, and other, suggestions for these cheaper yet pleasanter temporary accommodations, means more money can be spent on building permanent homes.
Last December the Maidstone Green Party, renowned for defending ancient trees, defended the homeless when four stoic souls braved a bitterly cold night and held a sponsored sleep out. The almost £900 they raised was given to the Salvation Army and other Churches for provision of a winter shelter. For the Green Party like myself, agree that it is imperative we now find solutions to our countryside v homes divide. Much more sympathetic planning laws along with brave, totally out of the box imaginative ideas are desperately needed from each one of us who care for the vulnerable on our streets just as much as we cherish our beautiful but fragile woodlands.
Have you got any ideas of how to solve this problem? If so get in touch on Twitter and let us know your thoughts @MaidstoneMag