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.
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 ...
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...
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