Village paths are like a wasteland

Anyone visiting the wastelands of Maidstone, otherwise known as Loose, Bearsted, Boughton Monchelsea, Tovil and so on, can be forgiven for believing that they are in a Third World country.

The deplorable state of the roads and footpaths, roadside gutters overgrown with vegetation, uncut open grass areas, and alleyways so overgrown it is hardly possible to walk through them, give that impression. Why are we in this state of affairs? It was in May Maidstone council sprayed the roads and gutters, but unfortunately their officers could not tell the difference between weedkiller and fertilizer.

It is remarkable that unelected officers have decided the taxpaying residents of Maidstone’s money should be spent on altering the character of the town centre and Gabriels Hill at the cost of millions, instead of maintaining the overgrown outer areas of the town.

They will probably argue the town centre brings in tourists and boosts business, but they ahave driven business out of the town by demanding ridiculously high commercial rates, so that smaller and better shops cannot afford them.

It is about time the system where the tail wags the dog is changed for good.

I know the council must make savings, but the way its officers waste our money shows they are not capable.

One way to make a great saving is to get rid of present bunch of officers and replace them with people who listen to the taxpayers who employ them. Bruce Ditcher, Loose