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.

• 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...

• Scenic Green Trail - Walker's Guide

  30th July 2025

  A guide to walking the Scenic Green Trail, a new long distance path around the Borough of Maidstone Scenic Green Trail - Walker's Guide Thanks to Phil Riches and everyone involved with this publication. ...

• 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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