News MBC spruces up riverbank
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has been sprucing up the banks of the River Medway near to Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre to welcome back visitors as part of English Tourism Week ‘You’re Welcome,’ which runs until Sunday 27 March.
Working with the Environment Agency, MBC has helped to clear the riverbanks in the area of rubbish, brambles and debris. The makeover has left a far more pleasant waterside walk for anyone using the paths along the river or taking a trip on a boat as they can now see a different aspect to the River Medway.
Keeping the town smart and clean is not only great for residents but also visitors. Money from The Government and the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ has made it possible for the Council to carry out this work to make Maidstone more welcoming.
Chair of the MBC Economic, Regeneration and Leisure Committee, Cllr Martin Round said:
The Council has worked very hard to make the best use of this funding, what could be more welcoming than our riverside now that you can see it! You can now stand on the Millennium Bridge and look up-river, a view not seen for years and in my opinion, one of the best in Maidstone. It has improved the whole area around the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, with its delightful outside deck, where you can settle in the sunshine close to the river and the new play park.Visitors are such an important part of Maidstone’s economy, not only do they spend money in our hotels and attractions but also in our hospitality and retail businesses.
The funding has also helped create a new River Park Trail to encourage people to take in some of the nature along the river and helped Maidstone River Park to produce a brand-new leaflet indicating where to find some of the great things to see and do along the river.
Martin continues:
We have also managed to launch the Heart of Kent Walking Festival with this funding support which will encourage visitors later in the year.A number of other projects have also been taking place in various communities across the borough of Maidstone including improvements to local plantings and a major revamp for the Staplehurst skate park, which now looks spectacular.
We want everyone to know, that in Maidstone ‘You’re Welcome’, why not come in and find out for yourself?
To find out more about all Maidstone has to offer go to the Visit Maidstone website: https://www.visitmaidstone.com
Money from The Government and the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ have made it possible for The Council to carry out this work to make Maidstone more welcoming.