Town is safe
Maidstone Street Pastors co-ordinator Nigel Downes, pictured, said his prayers and thoughts went to the family of Mr Chester, who died after suffering a head injury.
He said: “Maidstone is known for its safety and is great place to relax and have fun in. This in part is down to Maidstone Street Pastors who are there from about 10pm on a Saturday to 4am on a Sunday and who are there to listen, care and help.
“That could be to anyone – someone who is drunk or has been using drugs, homeless people, those with mental health issues, lonely, suicidal, lost, troubled – the list is endless.
“Our Street Pastor patrols often visit the likes of Brenchley Gardens which has a reputation of having some problems, as do some other areas.
“Along with Street Pastors is the invaluable service of the Urban Blue Bus, who supply medical treatment in town, and the Street Marshalls who are on hand periodically to assist with some security issues.”
