A Rundown on the Smaller Stories in the Kentish Express

Hospital Flower Shop Closes

In spite of dismay from local residents, the final commercial shop in the William Harvey Hospital has been closed. The flower shop, run by Anne Epps, had been placed there for over 30 years.

I remember purchasing a blue teddy bear from the venue in 1985 when my little brother was born. He is now 24 and still has that the bear “Bluey”, although the flowers that were also purchased have long since perished!

As a long-standing local business, it is a shame to see it being forced out of a prime location By the need to “modernisation”.

It will be interesting to see what South East Liberal Democrat MEP Sharon Bowles, Chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs committee makes of the breach competition law Made by the hospital.

Social Services Failures

It is rather shocking to think that Kent, one of the largest counties geographically in the country has a shortage of up to 40% of social workers.

Is even more concerning that Kent Social Services was awarded an accolade of being one of the best services in the country.

However, it is a good thing that there has been an increase in reports of suspected child abuse following the Baby P scandal. This indicates that the high media coverage given to the story has made people think more about their local community and respond to prevent children from being at risk.

By the same measure, there is likely to be a higher uptake by young graduates to the Social Services profession, in order to combat, prevent and help children at risk.