Loose - A Ragstone Village
Loose is situated approximately two miles south of the County Town of Maidstone in Kent.
The main A229 Loose Road runs through the heart of the parish, which commences just before the Walnut Tree Public House to the north and culminates at the Linton Cross Roads to the south. In 2008 there was a slight change to the parish boundaries, which now includes Busbridge Road and a corner of Stockett Lane. The northern boundary takes in part of Pickering Street, including the Leonard Gould site, Northleigh Close, and on the other side of the A229, Waldron Drive, Valley Drive and Busbridge Road. To the south the parish boundary culminates at the Linton Crossroads, and encompasses Cornwallis Academy, Hubbards Lane, part of Haste Hill Road and Quarry Wood.
The picturesque ragstone village of Loose is a historical settlement, which dates back to Saxon times. The original village nestles at the bottom of Old Loose Hill to the west of the A229. The attractive Loose Valley and stream traverses the parish in an east-west direction. The village has a unique alpine character and is well known for its wonderful trees.
The population of Loose is approximately 3,500 and the electorate currently totals 1,971.
The Loose Parish Council owns and maintains some great open spaces for people of all ages to enjoy.
In the centre of the village, next to the Loose stream (pictured above) is Brooks Field and mill pond, where the Parish Council is aspiring towards creating a wild flower meadow. Fine views of the village can be seen from the top of Brooks Field.
Thanks to a £10,000 Community Wildlife lottery grant from the Big Lottery fund, the Brooks Field Water and Wildlife Project Committee was set up in 2011, to help foster these aims.
Behind the Walnut Tree Public House on the main A229 Loose Road is the King George V Playing Field. This is a recreational area for the people of Loose.
The Loose Parish Pavilion is situated adjacent to the field and is the location for most of the council and committee meetings, all of which members of the public are welcome to attend. During weekdays, for a few hours each day the pavilion is now being used as a venue for the government Sure Start scheme. As a consequence it is also being known as a children's centre, as well as the sports pavilion and a community venue. However, it is still owned and maintained by the Loose Parish Council.
During the football season the playing field is 'home' to a number of football teams and in
the summer months there are a number of pre-booked activities that take place. An annual fete is held on the first Saturday in September, which is growing bigger each year. The fete is a community event, organised by some parish council members, plus representatives from local groups and residents from the local area. Both the playing field and pavilion are available for hire, although space is becoming increasingly limited.
If you are interested in hiring either the field or pavilion, please contact the assistant clerk or see How to book the Pavilion.
email address for the Loose Parish Council is loosepc@btconnect.com