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.
Call for Sites Map
8th October 2026
The link below provides access to Maidstone Borough Council’s Call for Sites interactive map, which displays all land parcels submitted for consideration as part of the emerging Local Plan Review. The total quantum of land put forward across the borough significantly exceeds MBC’s identified...
Increased Police Patrols
7th October 2026
Retail theft - for the full story, please use the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Foxden Park Play Area
7th October 2026
A Downswood resident has contacted the Downswood Parish Council with concerns regarding the safety of the damage to the wet pour surface at Foxden Park. The Clerk has subsequently reported the matter to MBC Parks and Open Spaces. ...
Mallards Play Area Toddler Swings
5th October 2026
In July, a Downswood resident contacted the Clerk of Downswood Parish Council with concerns regarding the safety of the toddler swings at Mallards Play Area. The Clerk subsequently reported the matter to MBC Parks and Open Spaces and the swings have since been removed for assessment/repair....
Congratulations
5th October 2026
Congratulations to Thomas Thorndycraft for winning the Maidstone Borough Council litter picker of the year award last week. Thomas and others can be seen regularly around Downswood keeping the area clean. Litter picking sounds , well, just so simple but it has remarkable effects. Regular litter...
South East Water - Temporary Road Closure - Mallards Way, Downswood - 28th October 2026 (Maidstone District)
28th September 2026
Due to works planned to be undertaken by South East Water, it will be necessary to close part of Mallards Way, Downswood, from 28th October 2026 with estimated completion by 30th October 2026. Mallards Way, Downswood, will be closed in the vicinity of property number 15. To the extent indicated...
Don't Forget!
28th September 2026
Don't forget, the Downswood Parish Survey closes in a few days time. If you have not completed the survey, please click on the link below. Downswood Questionnaire | Downswood Parish Council ...
MBC - Calls for Sites - News Update
21st September 2026
Following the closure of the Call for Sites submission period, Maidstone Borough Council is providing further information about the next stage of the process. Read the article here: Call for Sites helps inform Maidstone's future planning - MBC News Website Call for sites FAQ Appendix 2...
Keep up to Speed
21st September 2026
With all the latest news from Maidstone Borough Council News Updates from MBC - MBC News Website ...
Kent Police Crime Commission Survey 2026
18th September 2026
It only takes a few minutes to complete. Annual Policing Survey 2026 (Page 1 of 4) ...
It's Been Cleared
17th September 2026
The Parish Council's Open Spaces Working Group have this week cleared the steps leading to the SSSI site . Before After ...
MBC - Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - September 2026
16th September 2026
Read the latest news Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - September 2026 ...
MBC - Environmental Services Newsletter Recycle Week 2026 - Special Edition
14th September 2026
Want to know more about recycling? Environmental Services Newsletter - Recycle Week Edition 2026 ...
Your fortnightly news update from Maidstone Borough Council
11th September 2026
For all the latest news from Maidstone Borough Council The Maidstone Bulletin - 11 September 2026 - News updates from Maidstone Borough Council ...
Downswood Parish Council warmly invites residents to share their views.
9th September 2026
Over the years, the Council has organised a wide range of community events, from seasonal celebrations to family activities and local gatherings. As our parish continues to evolve, we want to ensure that the events we provide remain meaningful, enjoyable, and relevant to the community we serve. ...
Link to MBC New Local Plan Process
9th September 2026
Maidstone Borough Council now provides a dedicated **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)** section on its website, designed to guide residents through the evolving work on the **New Local Plan Review**. This resource brings together the most up‑to‑date information in one place, offering...
Downswood Photo Competition
9th September 2026
At our recent Parish Council meeting, we were delighted to announce the results of this year’s Downswood Photo Competition, proudly titled “The Beauty of Downswood.” All submissions were carefully reviewed by our independent judges, and after much consideration, the results were...
Our News, September 2026 - knife crime, 'snapping' and our online conference
8th September 2026
Please use the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
MBC News Release - Call for Sites - Local Plan Review Process
8th September 2026
MBC press release dated yesterday - 07/09/2026 Following the closure of the Call for Sites submission period, Maidstone Borough Council is providing further information about the next stage of the process. The submitted sites will now be assessed as part of a wider evidence base that will...
Kent Police Local Priorities Vehicle crime (theft from or theft of) Message
8th September 2026
Please use the following link https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Local Government Review
8th September 2026
As of yesterday, Angela Rayner has effectively paused and withdrawn key decisions on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is not a minor delay: it is a formal halt pending a full legal and policy review following updated and privileged legal advice. What has Angela Rayner...
Environmental Services Newsletter September 2026 Edition
7th September 2026
MBC - Environmental Services Newsletter - September 2026 Edition Environmental Services Newsletter - September 2026 ...
Community Surgeries Tomorrow
4th September 2026
Vey late in the day but the Police have notified us of Police Surgeries that are happening tomorrow - nothing like advanced notice! https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
A New Website
29th August 2026
Downswood Parish Council is delighted to share that a brand‑new parish website will be launching soon. Designed to be fresh, modern, and far easier to navigate, it represents a significant step forward in how we communicate with and support our community. This is a project we have been eager to...
The Maidstone Bulletin
27th August 2026
All the very latest news from Maidstone Borough Council The Maidstone Bulletin - the latest news updates from Maidstone Borough Council ...
Vehicle Security Reminder – Keyless Car Theft
19th August 2026
From Kent Police https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Local Priorities ASB-General (undefined) Message
17th August 2026
Police Action Tackling ASB Local Priorities ASB-General (undefined) Message ...
Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - August 2026
14th August 2026
See the very latest from Maidstone Borough Council Climate Change and Biodiversity Newsletter - August 2026 ...
Downswood Update
5th August 2026
Downswood Parish Council is pleased to report that Kent County Council contractors have been working in Deringwood Drive today, carrying out the annual cutting‑back of the Pyracantha bushes. This routine maintenance is essential at this time of year, helping to keep the footpaths clear, the play...
Maidstone Police: Upcoming Community Surgeries
5th August 2026
If you wish to chat with your local Police Officer, please follow the link. https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Mote Park Community Event
30th July 2026
This is a great opportunity to speak with your local officers, Community Policing Equine Volunteers, and a range of partner agencies and organisations who work together to support our communities https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
A Little Bit of Colour
27th July 2026
Downswood Parish Council, working in close partnership with Maidstone Borough Council, has secured two new roadside planters to enhance the character of our community. These were installed this morning along Deringwood Drive, thoughtfully positioned to complement the natural long‑grass areas and...
Bearsted Woodland Trust Update
25th July 2026
Anti Social Behaviour Tackled https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
It is Good to Talk
25th July 2026
A Big Thank You https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
Kent Police July Newsletter
24th July 2026
For all the very latest news from Kent Police https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
What's on in Maidstone in August
24th July 2026
For all the very latest What's On August ☀️ ...
New Councils for Kent from April 2028
17th July 2026
The latest news from MBC New councils for Kent from April 2028 ...
Climate Change and Biodiversity
17th July 2026
For all the latest news Climate Change and Biodiversty Newsletter - July 2026 ...
Downswood Area Big Summer Cleanup
14th July 2026
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Parish Trip - Royal Albert Hall
14th July 2026
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KCC Community Warden
9th July 2026
Downswood Parish Council is delighted to welcome Sally Williams to Downswood. We have been working with KCC and Bearsted Parish Council and we are glad to say Sally is now also taking on the Downswood Parish area. We wish her every success and we will be reporting on updates as we go...
Environmental Services Newsletter - July 2026
6th July 2026
For all the latest from Maidstone Borough Council, please follow the link Environmental Services Newsletter - July 2026 ...
A Message from Maidstone Borough Council
1st July 2026
Help us keep everyone safe this summer. We’re asking residents not to swim in any open inland waterways in the borough such as the River Len, Mallards Way Lake and Mote Park Lake. We’ve had a report of someone becoming unwell after swimming, and these waterways are not tested or safe for...
Urgent Appeal From Southeast Water
23rd June 2026
From Southeast Water: We’re going into another heatwave this week and we want to make sure the taps keep flowing for everyone. We need your help to do this. Please use water for essential purposes only: hygiene, drinking and cooking. Why are we asking you to help? Right now the...
Summer Solstice Clean-up
21st June 2026
Happy Spot-Less Summer Solstice… and a Happy Father’s Day too! Today, 3 volunteers went on a dawn litter pick mission to tackle roadside litter in Church Road Otham. They made use of the longest day of the year and quiet road traffic conditions, working from 4.30am - 7.30am to clear a...
Neighbourhood Watch June News Letter
17th June 2026
For all the news locally, click on the link below https://www.mycommunityvoiceke... ...
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... ...
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,...
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 ...
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