Greenhithe News: Firefighters in chemical scare at John Lewis in Bluewater

Bluewater department store John Lewis was evacuated (file picture)

Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from John Lewis at Bluewater today after a chemical scare.

Around 15 firefighters were sent to the department store at the Greenhithe shopping centre to investigate a suspected leak from a fridge.

The store was evacuated for around an hour-and-a-half while crews dealt with the scene.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said three fire engines were called at about 11.45am.

At 1.10pm, the brigade said the leak had been dealt with and crews were leaving the scene.

Officers from Kent Police helped fire crews evacuate the store.

Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service were also sent on standby.

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UKIP Slams Tory Election 'Smear Campaign'

Sky News reported that UKIP has accused the Tories of running a "morally reprehensible" smear campaign by trawling through would-be councilors' Twitter and Facebook posts.

John Sullivan

The party claims it is a victim of a co-ordinated smear campaign by the Conservatives to undermine its local election prospects.

The row comes as one of the party's council candidates faces criticism for allegedly posting a series of anti-gay comments on Facebook. 

Gloucestershire County Council hopeful John Sullivan is accused of writing that regular physical exercise in schools can prevent homosexuality and congratulating Russia for banning gay pride.

At least two Sunday newspapers ran negative UKIP stories. To read the full story as reported by Sky News click on the following link: UKIP Slams Tory Election 'Smear Campaign.

We decided to do some scrolling of our own to see if we could find any evidence to support claims of smear campaign closer to home...

UKIP Cllr Chris Browne is thought to have been the subject of smear campaigns in Surrey that he isn't going to take up his job as a borough Councillor. What nonsense! It just shows how desperate the other parties have become that they stoop to this. 

However we found no evidence to support UKIP claims, in fact locally we found evidence to support quite the opposite where it is clear UKIP and their supporters are attacking fellow candidates; claiming Conservatives Candidate Keith Kelly is weak and, The Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents Association have been torn apart following the decision not to allow the current KCC Councillor Richard Lees to contest his seat. Instead they put forward a proven deviate... We need people in politics who can make a difference vote UKIP.

At the time of writing this piece Mr Peter Harman was unavailable for comment. However former Councillor David West who recently resigned his seat on the Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Council and who was somewhat controversially replaced by none other-than Josephine Harman had this to say:

"As an ex S&GRA Councillor, this interests me. Richard is a very motivated Councillor, he does far more than most. There was an election, unfair in my opinion, which i took part in. Richard lost to one of the "old school" Councillors. The winning Councillor's wife was later shoe horned into the vacancy left by me, there was no election. I'm afraid S&GRA lives in the past. Dominated by old men (mainly) that are more interested in free cups of tea and biscuits than they are in "ruffling feathers". The council does very little to support the old part of Greenhithe, it may as well be called the Swanscombe and Ingress Park Town Council. Having said all this, I'd rather eat my own eyes than vote for UKIP".

What do you think ?
Should ordinary hard working men and women who want to serve their communities be subjected to a political lynch mob. A Conservative party source told Sky News that..."UKIP should be held to account about the candidates they want to hold public office." We are inclined to agree provided the same can be said of the candidates standing for the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association Party, The Conservative, Liberal Democrats  and The Labour Party and others.

 

Gareth Johnson MP to host a Charity Cricket Match at Hesketh Park in aid of Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled and Dartford Cricket Club.

Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford

 

 

Gareth Johnson

MP for Dartford

CHARITY CRICKET MATCH

30th June 2013

at

Hesketh Park, Dartford

Dear GMRA Members & Readers

We have received an email from Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford about an upcoming charity event which reads as follows:

I wanted to send you this special bulletin to highlight my forthcoming Charity Cricket Match at Hesketh Park which is held in aid of Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled and Dartford Cricket Club.

For the last two years, I have organised a Charity Cricket Match between a 'Gareth Johnson XI' and Dartford Cricket Club. The event is designed to raise money to assist the Club in providing recreational activites for local children and help the Arrow Riding Centre provide facilities for disabled children.

In addition to the game, there will be a wide range of stalls, attractions and entertainment laid on for anyone attending the park that day. If you are able to pop along for an hour or so then please bring the family as you will be very welcome.

This year, the match will be held on 30th June 2013 at the home of Dartford Cricket Club, Hesketh Park. The game starts at 11.30 am but there will be youth games and other activities taking place from about 10.00 am.

Charity Cricket Match between a 'Gareth Johnson XI' and Dartford Cricket Club.

The Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled

I have worked with the Arrow Riding Centre on many occasions and have witnessed the excellent work they do.  Based in Darenth, it is a fantastic asset for the local area. It provides riding lessons to the disabled from the local area and further afield.  The facilities on offer at the centre are excellent and allow those with disabilities to experience horse riding and the physical and social benefits of the sport. It is run by Ken and Val Buck, a husband and wife team who work tirelessly to ensure the centre has remained open since 1982 and provides riding lessons for disabled children from just seventeen months old.

Gareth Johnson with Val Buck and Jim Lowrie and one of the specially trained horses

Dartford Cricket Club

Funds will also be donated to Dartford Cricket Club which is proud to be the world's oldest Cricket Club, dating back to 1727.  It is based at Hesketh Park and always welcomes new playing and non-playing members. This charity game will help the club to expand the work it is carrying out with its junior academy. Its Chairman, Jim Lowrie, has worked extremely hard to help make this game a regular fixture for the club.

Hesketh Park

How you can help

You can help by donating old books, CDs,  or tombola/raffle prizes. Please just e-mail my office at gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk with any details and we will be happy to collect any items from you.

Alternatively, if you have a business that would be willing to support this year's event, this can be done in the form of an advertisement in the Programme for the day which ranges from £25 to £250.  Or you may wish to provide a gift or service that can be used by the Arrow Riding School or Dartford Cricket Club or raffled on the day.  All contributors will receive a mention in the Programme.

Lastly, please come along and support this event on 30th June 2013.  I look forward to seeing you there.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE THE DartforDARTFORD MESSENGER NEARER THE TIME OR THE JUNE EDITION OF DARTFORD LIVING.

                                                                                           Copyright (C) *2011* *Gareth Johnson MP* All rights reserved.

Contact Details :

P:  Gareth Johnson MP
     House of Commons
     London SW1A 0AA
T: 020 7219 7047
E: gareth.johnson.mp@parliament.uk