Owner of JoJo's restaurant in Tankerton, Nikki Billington, has people smuggling case dropped

A restaurant owner arrested on suspicion of people smuggling after a migrant was found in the boot of her car has been told the case has been dropped.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/smuggling-case-dropped-against-restaurant-103344/

Huge landslide at Minster in Sheppey sees cliffs plunge 70ft into sea

Caravan owners heard a rumble and woke up to a completely different view after a massive landslide saw two acres of cliff plunge 70ft into the sea.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/huge-landslide-plunges-70ft-into-103349/

Mum of 10 Debbie Stirling completes 100 marathons

A mum of 10 children has completed a staggering 100 marathons - 40 this year - while also running her own business.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/marathon-feat-for-mum-of-103286/

Lucky listener wins kmfm £1000 Friday

Kmfm has made the weekend of a lucky listener in Kent by giving them £1,000 cash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/lucky-listener-wins-1000-friday-103399/

Medway Tunnel traffic light testing to begin to help ease Medway City Estate congestion in Strood

Highways teams will begin testing the new traffic lights by the Medway Tunnel next week - seven months after they were installed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/traffic-light-testing-to-start-103381/

Teynham: Ceremony held to re-dedicate jubilee pump after it was knocked down in double fatal crash on New Year's Day

Villagers have welcomed the restoration of a commemorative pump destroyed in a tragic car accident.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/ceremony-for-restored-monument-damaged-103375/

Canterbury Cathedral to kick-start £24million overhaul

A Lottery windfall will allow authorities to fund urgent repairs and a new visitor centre at a world-famous Kent landmark.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/cathedral-to-kick-start-24million-overhaul-103364/

CCTV issued after reported voyeurism offence in supermarket in Thames Way, Gravesend

Officers have issued CCTV of a man they believe can help them with their inquiries after a man took pictures of a woman in a changing room.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/police-hunt-for-voyeur-103366/

Maidstone Mosque burglar also stole Swarovski pens from H Samuel in Ashford and wedding ring

A thief broke into Maidstone Mosque and swiped Swarovski pens, but was found out when his guilt over taking a wedding ring became too much.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/how-a-mosque-burglar-came-103363/

Lorry driver dies in crash on B2046 Adisham Road, Aylesham

Police have confirmed a lorry driver died when his HGV hit a tree and overturned on a country road.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/lorry-driver-dies-in-tree-103361/

Maidstone: Travellers have arrived on the pitch at Allington Community Club in Castle Road

Football matches may have to be cancelled after a group of travellers set up camp on a playing field.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/travellers-pitch-up-on-kids-103355/

Six Canterbury schools targeted by burglars in one night

People are being warned to be vigilant after burglars targeted six schools on the same night.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/six-schools-targeted-by-burglars-103359/

Kingdom Security wardens off Maidstone's streets after fining woman for feeding ducks

A town's entire litter enforcement service has been suspended – after a woman was fined for feeding the ducks.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/firm-suspended-after-fining-woman-103324/

Maidstone: Traffic delays on the London-bound direction of M20 after crash near J4, Leybourne

Police are at the scene of an accident between J4 and J6, which is causing delays.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/m20-crash-at-snodland-103343/

Met Office issues weather warning for heavy rain and storms in Kent

October's set to get off to a wet start as forecasters issue a severe weather warning for heavy rain and potential storms.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/wet-weekend-ahead-as-rain-103347/

Ten things you didn't know last week

This week we found out why elephants invaded a small Kent village, and that even owls aren't safe from burglars.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/ten-things-you-didnt-know-103157/

Rochester: 'Naked' boy found wandering in City Way

A little boy was found wandering the street on his own, reportedly wearing no clothes, sparking a police search for him mum.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/naked-boy-found-wandering-street-103341/

Tonbridge: Man arrested after driving through fence in Hadlow Road and police helicopter chase

A man has been arrested after a high-speed police chase through Tonbridge

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/drama-as-driver-smashes-through-103338/

VIDEO: Viral video of children singing with Maidstone busker is shared thousands of times on Facebook

Maidstone busker bags a booking with Mu Mu after Facebook video is viewed by thousands

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/video-of-kids-dancing-with-103319/

Densole: Traffic at a standstill after a girl is 'hit by a car'

Heavy traffic is lining a main route after unconfirmed reports say a girl has been run over.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/traffic-at-standstill-after-girl-103335/

Motorcyclist dies in crash with car in Shepherds Lane, Dartford

A biker has died of his injuries after a crash involving his motorcycle and a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/motorcyclist-dies-in-crash-103334/

58-foot motor cruiser with four people onboard rescued in joint lifeboat operation off Reculver

The incident took place off Reculver in the early hours of Friday morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/58-foot-cruiser-saved-in-joint-103330/

The Granville in Canterbury named best pub for Sunday roast dinner in the south

A Kent pub boasts the best roast dinner in the south - and could be crowned the top in the country.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/kent-pub-boasts-the-best-103331/

Critically hurt mum Bab Nolan yet to be told husband has died and toddler son is fighting for life

A mum critically injured in a horror crash remains sedated in hospital, unaware her husband has died and their toddler son’s life hangs in the balance

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/critically-hurt-mum-yet-to-103309/

Mum Terry Davies' purse swiped inside Park Farm Tesco Extra Store in Moatfield Meadow, Kingsnorth

A mum said she feels “sick to the stomach” after being targeted by thieves inside a Tesco store.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/mum-mugged-inside-tesco-extra-103317/

One house in Maidstone responsible for nearly 600 emergency calls to ambulance service

Ambulance crews were called to 595 emergency calls from one private address in one year.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/one-house-responsible-for-446-103308/

We tried out the rides at SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove in Orlando

Josie Hannett reveals whether Orlando's tallest, fastest and longest hypercoaster lives up to her expectations.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/lifestyle/holidays/seaworld-103275/

Fusilier Dean Griffiths shot dead due to MoD's fatal breach, HSE finds

The Ministry of Defence - exempt from prosecution - has been given a Crown Censure over a training exercise tragedy.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-marsh/news/mod-admits-fatal-breach-in-103327/

Chocolate maker Cocoba opens new factory in Swanscombe as business booms at flagship Bluewater cafe

From Bluewater cafe to industrial estate, one chocolate maker has become one of the county's fastest growing new businesses.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/inside-kents-newest-chocolate-factory-103320/

Lorry crashes into railway bridge in Strood town centre

A lorry has crashed into a railway bridge in a busy town centre.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/lorry-crashes-into-railway-bridge-103316/

Rapist Cleon Reid had already been given life sentence for murder

Jurors who found a man guilty of three rapes were shocked to find out he'd already been jailed for life... for killing a pensioner.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/jurys-shock-at-rapists-murder-103301/

Convicted paedophile Ashley Challis, from Dartford, jailed for further 14 months for sexually abusing girl

A paedophile who was given a police warning for raping a child at the age of 12 has now been sentenced for sexually abusing a young girl.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/boy-12-given-warning-for-103300/

Resign, Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke tells SECAmb board after Care Quality Commission report

An MP is demanded the entire board of SECAmb resigns after inspectors brand the trust unadequate

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/resign-mp-tells-ambulance-bosses-103299/

Petition to help cancer mum Sandra Redshaw get vital cancer treatment

A mother waiting for a lifesaving transplant says she is pessimistic it will go ahead - because the NHS is funding an HIV drug instead.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/my-chemo-was-waste-of-103284/

Man arrested on suspicion of failing to appear in court and cultivating cannabis after warrant

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to appear in court and cultivating cannabis after police executed a warrant.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/man-arrested-following-warrant-103296/

Roy Blackman murder: Mark Love guilty of killing pensioner at Biddenden home

A man has been found guilty of murdering a pensioner by stripping him naked and bludgeoning him to death in a brutal raid on his home.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/burglar-guilty-of-murdering-pensioner-103130/

Gang, including Stephen Fry who fled Maidstone court, jailed for lorry raids across Kent and Essex

A criminal who escaped court and jumped into a river is part of a gang that has now been jailed for raiding lorries across Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/gang-jailed-for-lorry-raids-103236/

Backlash over binman’s sacking after Serco contract worker put food waste in general rubbish bin

A petition has been launched calling for a binman seen tipping food waste in a general rubbish bin to be reinstated.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/backlash-over-binmans-sacking-103283/

Canterbury council announces ban on sky lanterns, helium balloons and Chinese lanterns

A council has hit back at the trend for releasing sky lanterns and helium balloons - by banning them!

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/council-bans-balloons-103278/

South East Coast Ambulance Service in special measures after CQC rate trust inadequate

South East Coast Ambulance Service has been placed in special measures after inspectors branded the trust inadequate.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/ambulance-service-in-special-measures-103232/

More London boroughs could buy up land in Kent for housing: claim

A cocktail of spiralling property prices and welfare reforms could mean more London boroughs buying up sites in Kent for housing, it's been claimed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/more-kent-sites-could-go-103237/

Mugger cried after woman fought back in Sittingbourne attack

A woman who hit back at a mugger on a bike has described how she left her attacker "sobbing and whimpering".

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/he-was-a-big-sissy-103224/

Keith Simpson angry over ‘injustice’ following brother David's death on Halfway Road, Halfway

The decision not to prosecute a driver involved in the death of a motorcyclist has been slammed by the dead man’s brother.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/brothers-anger-over-death-crash-103243/

Menzies Road, Whitfield, closed due to suspect package

A bomb disposal unit is at the scene after a road was closed due to a suspect package this evening.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/road-closed-due-to-suspect-103272/

Momentum vice-chair Jackie Walker faces calls to resign over Holocaust remarks

A leading Labour activist is facing calls to resign from the party because of remarks she is alleged to have made regarding the Holocaust.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/momentum-vice-chair-faces-calls-to-103271/

Long delays on M25 after lorry crash near Dartford Crossing

A crash involving at least one lorry is causing long delays around the Dartford Crossing.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/long-delays-on-m25-after-103267/

Cyclist involved in crash with car on Key Street roundabout, Sittingbourne

A bike rider is being treated on a busy roundabout after coming off her bicycle.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/cyclist-involved-in-collision-103265/

Sittingbourne drug dealer jailed

A man wanted for supplying Class A drugs is behind bars after handing himself in to police.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/dealer-escaped-police-for-years-103250/

Crash on M2 coastbound between J3 for Chatham and J4 for Gillingham

Police are at the scene of a serious one car crash on a busy motorway.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/delays-after-serious-crash-on-103254/

Woodgate & Clark Ltd, King Street, West Malling, Michael Woodgate, Colom Tudball

An insurance company, two of its directors and two others have been charged with breaching data protection laws.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/insurance-firm-in-court-over-103244/

Temple Grove Academy in Tunbridge Wells has extended term breaks so parents can enjoy cheaper holidays

A school has lengthened term breaks so families can enjoy cheaper holidays.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/cheaper-holidays-for-tunbridge-wells-103241/

Farewell to Canterbury Crown Court Judge Adele Williams as she moves to Maidstone Crown Court

Tributes are being paid to top judge Adele Williams as she prepares to move to another crown court.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/farewell-to-judge-as-she-103218/

Police warning after 'large number' of faulty mobile phones, tablets and laptops were stolen from Gillingham Business Park

Police have issued a warning after a large number of faulty mobile phones, tablet computers and laptops were stolen from a business park.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/warning-after-large-number-of-103230/

West Ham and Southampton fans help raise thousands for cancer-stricken Jack Howard before Premier League clash at the London Stadium

Football fans showed their generosity by raising thousands to help a young boy in his bid to come out on top in his second battle with cancer.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/supporters-pitch-in-to-help-103228/

Unexploded bomb found at East Kent Ploughing Match in Nonnington

Bomb disposal teams have been called to a ploughing match after an unexploded mortar was found in a field.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/unexploded-mortar-found-at-ploughing-103226/

We'll give more help to areas struggling with migrants - Jeremy Corbyn to announce

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is expected to pledge help to communities dealing with large numbers of migrants.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-to-103216/

Parents warned after 'suspicious incident' where a woman tried to coax a teenager into a car

Police are investigating after a 13-year-old girl was approached by a woman who tried to coax her into a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/hythe/news/alert-after-attempt-to-coax-103221/

Veran Toomy of Devon Close, Chatham and Billy-Jo Ellis charged with knifepoint robbery of taxi driver at Texaco garage, City Way, Rochester

A man and woman have been charged with robbery after a taxi driver was threatened with a knife and had money stolen at a petrol station.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/taxi-driver-robbed-at-knifepoint-103209/

Tesco worker Jake Squire from Edenbridge helps a blind man do his shopping and the photo has gone viral

Jake Squire's act of kindness for a blind shopper has received thousands of Facebook likes.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/heartwarming-story-of-tesco-worker-103200/

Plumb Center and Parts Center owner Wolseley reveals plans for 80 store closures and 800 redundancies

Staff at Plumb Center and Parts Center stores across Kent are facing uncertainty after about 80 branch closures and 800 redundancies were announced.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/parts-center-branches-under-threat-103202/

Three-year-old boy is found wandering in James Street, Sheerness wearing just his pants

Police were called after a confused-looking three-year-old boy was found in the street wearing nothing but his pants.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/boy-3-found-wandering-in-103196/

Folkestone: Family petitions for controlled crossing near to where an elderly woman was killed

A grieving family have set up a petition to get a crossing installed near to where an elderly woman was killed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/crossing-battle-after-gran-died-103197/

Hero who saved the life of Gillingham dad Trevor Foster in Lockmeadow car park, Maidstone, has come forward

A hero who saved a man’s life when he collapsed in a car park, sparking a social media appeal to find him, has now been identified.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/car-park-cpr-hero-comes-103194/

Beach huts destroyed in fire at Marine Parade, Whitstable

Arsonists are thought to have been responsible for a blaze which destroyed beach huts overnight.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/beach-huts-destroyed-in-fire-103190/

Snack van fire in London Road, West Kingsdown

Fire crews were called to tackle a blaze at a mobile snack bar in the early hours of this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/snack-van-catches-fire-103191/

Firefighters tackle blaze in East Sutton derelict home

Fire crews from four engines used specialist foam to stop a blaze spreading from the first floor and roof of a home.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/four-engines-tackle-house-blaze-103189/

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) to be placed in special measures, according to Telegraph

A troubled ambulance trust is set to be 'placed into special measures' after deliberately delaying thousands of 111 calls, it's been claimed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/ambulance-trust-expected-to-be-103188/

MP Craig Mackinlay faces complaint in Labour anti-semitism row

A Kent pensioner has made a formal complaint about MP Craig Mackinlay over a letter he wrote to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/mp-faces-complaint-in-labour-103159/

This is why Chilham was invaded by elephants

Covering a village with elephants is no easy tusk. This is how - and why - it happened.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/this-is-why-a-kent-103171/

Do you get your five a day? Less than half of people in Kent are eating enough fruit and veg

Almost half of us still aren't eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to research seen by KentOnline.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/almost-half-not-eating-five-103179/

Cleaner Julie Banks, of Central Road in Ramsgate, saves kittens with mouth to mouth - but one needs your help

A cleaner who saved five kittens by giving them mouth-to-mouth is appealing for help to get one of them walking.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/cleaner-saves-kittens-with-kiss-103160/

Family trying to trace hero who saved the life of dad who collapsed near Lockmeadow in Maidstone

A family is trying to trace a hero who performed live-saving CPR on a dad.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/mystery-hero-gives-cpr-to-103186/

Stones from Canterbury Cathedral sell at auction for nearly £15,000

Two pieces of stone have sold at auction for nearly £15,000 - but these are not just any bits of rock.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/would-you-buy-a-lump-103184/

Kent mummy Ta Kush goes under the scanner at KIMS in a joint project with Maidstone Museum

The 'Maidstone Mummy' has been scanned in a joint project to reveal the face of the 2,700-year-old VIP.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/kent-mummy-goes-under-the-103182/

Turn Your Garden into a Cool Kids Playground

Not only will your kids love you for this, but you as parents will reap the rewards too. Making the most of your outdoor space so your kids can get plenty of exercise and fresh air has its obvious benefits, and there are many more reasons why it’s a great idea to make the garden a place the kids want to spend time. While going to the park can still be on the agenda, having your own outdoor play area gives you the flexibility to stay home and invite friends over when the trip out feels too much, you’re waiting in for a delivery or when there’s work to be done at home.

For those of you who have kitchens overlooking the garden, it can make tea-time a whole lot easier if you can give the kids a run out in the garden while you get on with prepping the evening grub. Obviously this applies to younger children, as older ones won’t require such a watchful eye. Having friends and their kids over also means adults can relax over a cuppa, watching the little ones make the most of the inventive playground you’ve worked hard to create. You can get nostalgic and relive your childhood joining in with fun and games outdoors too. It can be a great tool for getting your older ones off their screens for a while too.

Here are 12 great ideas for giving the kids the garden playground they’ll love.

1.       A chalk board; kids love to draw on walls right? Install a large chalkboard on your fence. Kids will have hours of fun chalking up some giant pics for the family to admire.

2.       A zip line will give the kids hours of fun and great kudos with their mates. If you are lucky enough to have a big garden, and especially if you have a large tree, setting up a zip wire safely will make your garden the go to place for all the kids in your street.

3.       There’s nothing cooler than a tyre swing. You’ll need an old tyre (great to recycle), some chain and/or rope, as well as something to hang the swing from (most likely a large tree). Be sure to test it’s safe before giving the kids a go.

4.       Teepeescome in all sizes and let’s face it are the coolest of tents. Red indian outfits can make a great addition to the dressing up box and making a totem pole (big or small) could be a great creative family project.

5.       Sandpits come in all shapes and sizes and can easily be bought or handmade. Be creative; it doesn’t have to take over your garden. Sand in a large tin flower tub can be just as fun. You can bury treasure in the sand for the little ones to find.

6.       The ultimate treehouse is a fantastic project for the DIY enthusiast and a big hit with the kids. You’ll obviously need a tree you can safely put the magical sky house in.

7.       If you don’t have any trees for a treehouse project, then a playhouse is just as good a space for kids to ramp up their imaginative play and to feel they have their own space to hang out in the garden. Playhouses range from tiny one room plastic options to luxurious wooden 2-storey creations with balconies. It’s just a question of budget and aesthetics.

8.       A hammock is always a winner and a great place for you to relax on a balmy summer evening with a glass of your favourite wine once the kids are in bed.

9.       Trampolines are all the rage these days, but a quirky way of adding it to your garden is to sink it into the ground. It may take a bit of back-breaking work to dig the hole, but it makes it less of an eyesore in the garden, and you could even make a wooden cover to go over it, making a funky raised sitting area.

10.   Little ones will love an outdoor kitchen for making mud pies. It’s a great way of recycling your old pots and pans and kitchen utensils too. It doesn’t need to be elaborate – a small table with an oil cloth cover, a washing up bowl and a chopping board make a great play kitchen.

11.   A water feature is great for the summer months. Having a pool might not be an option, but splash pads with fountains can be a compromise and feel safer for the little ones. Failing that a sprinkler (while perhaps not ethically great for conserving water) can be a cheaper option for giving the kids a fun treat on hotter days.

12.   A vegetable patch might not sound quite the thing for an adventure playground, but you’ll be amazed at how fascinated kids can be with growing and tending things in the garden. There’s the planting project, the feeding and watering and the harvesting, not to mention the cooking sessions. If you’ve invested in a playhouse, you could even add on a mini veg patch as the garden to that.

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of
companies including UK Log Cabins, who were consulted over this post.

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/turn-your-garden-into-cool-kids.html

Former Ukip MEP Janice Atkinson speaks out over inflated meal bill court case

Janice Atkinson has spoken out after her former aide was convicted of inflating the bill of a meal for an official bash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/former-ukip-mep-breaks-her-103178/

Gravesham 'least worthwhile' place in UK according to 2015-16 personal well-being in the UK ONS survey

People in Gravesham feel their lives are the least worthwhile in the UK, according to a national survey - but they are pretty happy about it anyway.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/gravesham-least-worthwhile-place-in-103175/

Sam Allardyce: England manager to resign if Telegraph corruption allegations proven, says Kent MP and chair of sport select committee Damian Collins

A Kent MP who is acting chair of Commons sport select committee says England manager Sam Allardyce should resign if newspaper allegations are proven.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/kent-mp-allardyce-should-resign-103173/

Sittingbourne rail delays caused by fare dodger

Delays were caused this afternoon when a man without a train ticket "panicked" at a busy rail station.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/fare-dodger-causes-disruption-103174/

Rizzle Kicks cancels tour which includes their performance at Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone

Fans of hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks have been left disappointed after they pull the plug on their November/December tour, which includes a Kent date.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/rizzle-kicks-cancel-kent-gig-103165/

Burglars in Herne Bay and Whitstable target charity shops and church social club

Detectives appeal for witnesses in hunt for "particularly mean-spirited" offenders who stole cash from good causes.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/callous-burglars-target-coastal-charity-103162/

Serco binman filmed mixing food recycling waste and general rubbish in Whitstable

Council chiefs have branded a video of a bin collector pouring food waste into a general rubbish bin as “bitterly disappointing”.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/video-binman-filmed-pouring-recycling-103164/

DJ Tony Blackburn 'sad' after no invite to Sir Terry Wogan memorial at Westminster Abbey

Tony Blackburn has taken to social media to say he's "sad" after not being invited to a high-profile memorial to Sir Terry Wogan.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/tonys-sadness-after-sir-tel-103158/

Car stolen from Ashburnham Road, Ramsgate, crashes into parked vehicles in Southwood Road

Police are hunting a driver who smashed a stolen car into four parked vehicles before fleeing the scene.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/stolen-car-crashes-into-four-103154/

Kent's Naomi Watts follows Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to be latest Hollywood star to announce split

An actress who was born in a Kent village and went on to be a star of the silver screen has announced the end of her 11-year relationship.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/naomi-watts-hollywood-brad-pitt-angelina-jolie-103152/

Police appeal after woman hit by car in Darnley Road, Gravesend

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 30s was knocked down by a black Mercedes, leaving her seriously hurt.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/woman-in-serious-condition-after-103153/

Jaroslav Kuru to appear at Maidstone Crown Court after youngster left with head injuries in Ordnance Road, Gravesend

An 18-year-old man is due in court after an alleged robbery that left another teenager in hospital with head injuries.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/man-set-for-crown-court-103151/

First Dates star Tom Smith still looking for love after TV show aired

A star of TV's First Dates programme is still 'on the market' after failing to find love after two shows.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/tvs-tom-still-looking-for-103142/

Police hunt taxi driver after woman reportedly sexually assaulted after getting in a cab at Gabriel's Hill, Maidstone

A woman was reportedly assaulted after getting into a cab in Maidstone

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-search-for-taxi-driver-103146/

Four men from Chatham, Sheerness and Swanscombe have appeared in court after street brawl

Four people have appeared in court after a town centre brawl which left one man with stab wounds and another fighting for his life.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/four-in-court-after-street-103144/

James Carpenter, from Ashford, jailed for terrorising elderly grandparents

A drug addict who terrorised his grandparents, hurled vile abuse at them, forced them to hand over money and attacked them has been jailed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/drug-addict-terrorised-elderly-grandparents-103105/

M2 delays after multi-vehicle crash on M2 between the Stockbury roundabout and Faversham turn-off

Drivers are warned to expect delays after a multi-vehicle accident on a busy stretch of Kent motorway.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/faversham/news/delays-after-multi-vehicle-pile-up-on-103136/

Gravesend girl turned Hollywood star Gemma Arterton returns to north Kent to shoot The Escape with Dominic Cooper

Gravesend girl turned Hollywood star Gemma Arterton is returning to her home town to shoot her next film.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/gemma-arterton-returns-home-for-103132/

Man suffers burns after garage fire in Buckland Hill, Maidstone

A man suffered minor burns to his face after a garage used to store motorbikes caught light.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/man-suffers-burns-after-garage-103128/

Drone gives Kent Fire and Rescue crews a fighting chance

From inspecting dangerous fires to finding missing peple, this is how the fire service is using drones.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/drone-gives-fire-crews-a-103107/

Hoo-dunnit? Eagle owls lost in burglary at Cranbrook aviary

At two and a half feet tall and with a wingspan of more than twice that, an eagle owl isn’t exactly the typical target of a burglary.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/hoo-dunnit-eagle-owls-lost-in-103104/

Anti-social behaviour reports to Kent Police are at a three year high

Anti-social behaviour reported to Kent Police has risen every month this year.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/anti-social-behaviour-reports-at-three-year-103126/

Dog Romeo falls ill after swimming in toxic algae infected water at Leybourne Lakes

Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets out of these lakes due to a deadly blue green algae.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/dog-falls-ill-after-swimming-103100/

Fire breaks out at house in Buckland's Road, Maidstone

Two fire engines and paramedics were called to a house in a town centre this evening after fire broke out in a garage.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/fire-fighters-called-to-blaze-103127/

Police called after reports a girl was punched near McDonald's in Maidstone

A girl was reportedly punched in a fight near McDonald's in Maidstone

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-called-after-girl-attacked-103119/

Car and van hit wall in Vale Road, Northfleet

A man in his 70s has been treated for head injuries after two vehicles collided and hit a wall.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/northfleet-vale-road-crash-wall-103122/

Jury retires to consider verdict in trial of Mark Love accused of murdering Roy Blackman at Biddenden home

A jury has retired to consider verdicts in the trial of a man accused of beating an elderly businessman to death in his home in a brutal burglary.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/jury-retires-in-pensioner-murder-103114/

Howletts wild animal park snow leopards move into new home

Two snow leopards are exploring their new surroundings at a Kent wildlife park after moving into a new enclosure.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/snow-leopards-find-their-feet-103117/

Folkestone councillor Claire Jeffrey quits Labour Party after Jeremy Corbyn re-election

A Labour Party councillor has quit the party to join the Conservatives in the wake of Jeremy Corbyn's re-election.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/jewish-councillor-quits-labour-over-103089/

Emergency services are at the scene of an incident at the Hospice in the Weald, Tunbridge Wells

Firefighters and police descended on a charity shop this afternoon... after a customer reportedly dropped a barometer containing toxic mercury.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/emergence-crews-cordon-off-charity-103109/

Officers appeal for information after teenager is raped in Toddler's Cove play area in Canterbury

Detectives are hunting a man in track suit bottoms and a Nike top aged around 30 following attack on girl.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/description-of-man-who-raped-103110/

Sheppey's Oasis Academy chosen for visit by Chinese Embassy for dementia scheme

A delegation of top Chinese doctors and academics visited a Kent school to find out about pupils' work with people with dementia and Alzheimer's.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/video-academy-chosen-for-high-level-103108/

Pervert Geoffrey Grimster-Shepherd arrested at Gillingham McDonald's after police sting

A paedophile travelled hundreds of miles to meet a girl at McDonald's but when he arrived police were there waiting for him.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/pervert-arranged-to-meet-girl-103101/

Burglars search Dartford home for items to steal after breaking in and holding woman in 80s

Burglars stood guard over an elderly woman in her home after breaking in and searching for items to steal.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/woman-in-80s-held-by-103106/

Mehmet Ucal and Conner Robinson jailed for robbery in Railway Street, Chatham

A pair of thugs who a judge said "behaved like a pack of jackals" when they punched a stranger unconscious before robbing him have been jailed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/jackal-thugs-robbed-man-as-103088/

Serial killer Peter Tobin, who buried victims in back garden in Margate, 'definitely killed others' says former police officer

Serial killer Peter Tobin - who buried two victims in his back garden - definitely killed others, according to an ex-policeman who worked on the case.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/serial-killer-definitely-murdered-others-103094/

Whitstable: Cyclist left unconscious in Cromwell Road

A cyclist has been taken to hospital after reportedly being punched unconscious by a driver this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/cyclist-punched-by-driver-left-103095/

President of France Francois Hollande says the Jungle migrant camp in Calais will be shut down

The French president has confirmed the Jungle migrant camp in Calais will be completely shut down.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/jungle-migrant-camp-to-be-103091/

Parents of newborn baby, Vladimir and Ardita Cahani, sentenced for money laundering after being caught in Folkestone

A newborn baby sat outside a courtroom as its mother and father were sentenced for international money laundering.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/new-parents-sentenced-for-money-103090/

Grandfather Nigel Knights found in river after huge search took his own life

A popular 63-year-old whose body was found in a river after he disappeared during a shopping trip took his own life, an inquest has concluded.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/tragic-grandfather-took-his-own-103067/

Lorry driver William Magee pleads not guilty to causing death of cyclist Barbara Phipps in Teynham crash

A lorry driver will stand trial accused of causing the death of a cyclist in a crash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/lorry-driver-denies-causing-crash-103087/

Unconscious 50 year-old man taken to hospital after burnt food alerts fire crew in Leyburne Road, Dover

A man was taken to hospital after fire and ambulance crews broke in to discover him unconscious.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/man-taken-to-hospital-after-103066/

Why were fire engines in Hubbards Hill, Lenham last night?

Fire engines were called to a blaze on farmland near a village last night.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/fire-crews-tackle-field-fire-103070/

Firefighters tackle 'dumped' caravan fire on the corner of Symons Avenue and White Road, Chatham

Firefighters tackled a caravan blaze after it was dumped in a quiet residential road.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/firefighters-tackle-dumped-caravan-blaze-103068/

The Connected Kent and Medway smartcard makes bus travel your Oyster - but not on Arriva and Stagecoach

Oyster-style cards are being introduced on buses across Kent today, but not all operators are on board.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/cards-make-train-travel-your-103000/

Wingham Wildlife Park wins legal fight over American chimps

A two-year battle to bring a troop of chimps from America to Kent was finally granted by a judge.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/lab-test-chimps-finally-have-102995/

Brave Georgie Childs speaks out about abuse by teacher Robert Appleby at Herne Bay High School.

Brave Georgie Childs has spoken out about the abuse she suffered at the hands of a teacher when she was just 15, so others do not suffer in silence.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/i-cant-let-this-happen-103006/

Charlotte Giles banned from keeping pets for ten years after neglecting dogs

Two neglected and malnourished dogs were in such a bad state that their owner has been banned from keeping pets for ten years.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/woman-banned-from-keeping-pets-102998/

Warning over youths in clown masks in Minster on Isle of Sheppey

It may be more than a month until Halloween, but clowns have been terrorising residents of a Kent town.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/clowns-terrorise-towns-residents-103064/

Farmer uses tractor and plough to stop fire spreading in Broadstairs

A farmer created a fire break with a tractor and plough to stop a suspicious field blaze spreading.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/farmer-uses-tractor-to-fight-103065/

Fire in Hillbrow Road, Ashford

A man received burns to his hands after a blaze destroyed the roof of a house.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/man-suffers-burns-as-fire-103062/

Tributes paid to Shaun Richards after crash in Tonbridge when car hits telegraph pole

Tributes have been paid to a 24-year-old man tragically killed in a crash when a car hit a telegraph pole.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/tributes-paid-to-tragic-crash-103061/

Driver taken to hospital after crash in The Brook, Chatham

One car was badly damaged and a driver taken to hospital after a crash this afternoon.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/driver-taken-to-hospital-after-103059/

Thousands of packets of chewing gum stolen from Dartford truck

Police are investigating after more than 50,000 packets of chewing gum were stolen from a truck.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/thousands-of-chewing-gum-packets-103050/

Delays as repairs are carried out to Dartford tunnel

A tunnel at the Dartford crossing is shut as repairs are carried out.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/tunnel-partly-shut-for-emergency-103052/

Sutton Valence School student Freddy Parker passed Six Chair Challenge on The X Factor

Freddy Parker wowed mentor Nicole Scherzinger in last night's episode of The X Factor.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/freddy-gets-through-103042/

Can Labour re-establish itself as a political force in true blue Kent?

Does Jeremy Corbyn have the prescription for Labour's Southern discomfort?

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/blogs/what-corbyns-re-election-means-for-103046/

Did you see huge meteor fireball over Kent last night?

Stargazers watched in amazement as a huge fireball shot across Kent's skies last night.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/meteor-fireball-over-kents-skies-103038/

400 bales of haystacks catch light near the A2 at Lydden

Hundreds of bales of haystacks have caught light near a busy stretch of dual-carriageway.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/blaze-in-800-tonne-haystacks-103037/

Six fire engines tackle warehouse fire in Dartford

Six fire engines and 30 firefighters are tackling a blaze which has struck a warehouse.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/dozens-of-firefighters-tackle-warehouse-103036/

M20 crash between junctions 8 and 9 of M20

Two people were released from vehicles and several casualties assessed by ambulance crew after a pile-up on the M20.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/several-hurt-in-three-vehicle-pile-up-103035/

Friends of Charlie Booth, from Cobham, open sports centre in his name in India

Friends of a tragic teenager who took his own life have opened a sports centre in an impoverished part of India in his name.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/friends-fitting-tribute-to-charlie-102967/

Herne Bay air show could return with two day event in 2018

Organisers have revealed a popular air show attended by tens of thousands of spectators every year could return with a two-day event in 2018.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/popular-air-show-could-become-102981/

James Edwards, from Shepway, who punched pregnant woman in stomach, jailed for threatening 999 calls

A drunk thug spared jailed after punching a heavily pregnant woman in the stomach has now been locked up for persistently phoning 999 to make threats.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/drunk-thug-who-punched-pregnant-102983/

Mark Roberts to walk from Dover to Sittingbourne for Maidstone-based Wonderful Foundation

A man who shouldn't even be standing - let alone walking - after 16 knee and leg operations is trekking from Dover to Sittingbourne for charity.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/walker-defies-injuries-to-help-102963/

Car on fire on A2 at Eltham

Dramatic footage has been posted of a car on fire on the A2 this evening.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/video-car-fire-drama-on-103033/

Woman, 53, dies after collision at Hacklinge, near Deal

A 53 year-old woman injured in a head-on crash at Hacklinge has since died of her injuries, police have today revealed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/woman-dies-after-horror-smash-103024/

Jeremy Corbyn appeals for unity as he wins leadership

Labour has re-elected Jeremy Corbyn as party leader after an acrimonious campaign

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/jeremy-corbyn-defeats-owen-smith-103012/

Chancepixies animal welfare charity in West Hougham wins judicial review to stop puppy farm from trading

An animal welfare charity has won a landmark legal case to stop one of the country's largest puppy farms from being allowed to trade.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/animal-charity-wins-legal-battle-102927/

Hero teenagers Connor Peckham and Leo Paige go to aid of collapsed man in Rochester

A pair of teenagers have been hailed as heroes for going to the aid of a man who had collapsed in an alleyway while on their way to school.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/hero-teens-help-injured-man-102955/

Optician spots Whitstable teenager Ethan Sayer's brain tumour during routine eye test

A teenager was just days from dying when an optician found a tumour in his brain during a routine eye test.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/teen-days-from-death-when-102921/

Brothers rescued after jetski fails off Herne Bay

One man is being treated for exposure after two brothers were rescued when their jet ski failed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/sport/brothers-rescued-after-jetski-fails-103008/

No criminal action to be taken against substance-snorting Mayor of Dover Neil Rix

No criminal action will be taken against a Kent mayor filmed snorting a substance in a toilet cubicle.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/no-action-to-be-taken-103004/

Canterbury: Nitrous oxide gas canisters stolen from The Chaucer Hospital in Nackington Road

Police are searching for two men in a black Audi after six nitrous oxide gas canisters were stolen from a hospital.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/laughing-gas-canisters-stolen-from-102999/

Police investigate report of rape in alleyway near Morrisons off Princes Avenue, Walderslade

Footpaths and a field were taped off by police and forensics while officers investigated an alleged rape in an alleyway behind a supermarket.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/police-investigate-alleyway-rape-102989/

Chatham street brawl leaves man critical as five men from Medway, Sheerness and Swanscombe are charged

Five people have been charged following a street brawl, as a 69-year-old man fights for his life in hospital.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/man-critical-after-street-brawl-102987/

Delays on Taddington Roundabout, near J3 of M2 coastbound after van fire

Motorists are facing delays after a van caught fire on a busy roundabout.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/van-blaze-causes-delays-on-102982/

Mark Love, accused of murdering Roy Blackman in Biddenden burglary, gives evidence at trial

A mechanic who denies brutally beating a pensioner to death in his own home has claimed he does not remember the hours leading up to the killing.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/murder-accused-doesnt-remember-lead-102978/

Inspector Alex Jones faces no further penalty after incident at Maidstone Travelodge

A boozy night out involving Kent Police workers ended with a senior officer facing disciplinary charges.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/inspector-suspended-after-booze-fuelled-hotel-102948/

Eat your heart out, Strictly Come Dancing! Gravesend gran Doreen Vickery does the macarena to mark her 100th birthday

Eat your heart out, Strictly Come Dancing...

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/video-macarena-to-mark-100th-102949/

Ramsgate thug Darren McManus savagely beat his partner in public

Police found a violent man covered in a woman's blood after being called by concerned neighbours.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/thug-savagedly-beat-his-partner-102969/

Westgate thug Gavin Pettit jailed for 14 months

A terrified teenage daughter cradled her mother after a beating by her ex-lover.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/ex-lover-left-black-and-blue-102972/

E-Type Jaguar from 1962, worth nearly £200,000, stolen from outside Premier Inn, Dover

A hunt is on to find a classic car worth nearly £200,000 after it was stolen from outside a hotel.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/search-for-stolen-classic-sixties-102965/

10 things you now know from reading KentOnline that you didn't know last week

Our waters aren't safe from pirates. And it's harder to build a shed than donate a kidney. Here are 10 things you now know that you didn't last week!

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/10-things-you-didnt-know-102791/

Suspected prostitute Holly Brennan cleared of assaulting hotel staff who forced their way into hotel room

A suspected prostitute defended herself with coat hangers and cranberry juice as security guards attempted to force their way into her hotel room.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/escort-defended-herself-with-coat-102947/

Bramling: Crash in Bramling Road outside Canterbury leaves woman trapped in car

Firefighters are working to free a woman trapped inside her car after an accident on a busy road this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/woman-trapped-after-two-car-crash-102960/

Trophy hunting is good for lion conservation, University of Kent professors claim

University of Kent professors have claimed that trophy hunting could be beneficial for the rapidly decreasing lion population.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/trophy-hunting-is-good-for-102961/

Girl hurt after arm gets stuck in Asda lift in Gravesend

A father has told of his attempts to free his daughter after her arm became trapped in the door of a supermarket lift.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/girl-4-gets-arm-trapped-102958/

Missing pensioner Brian Smart, from Abbey Wood, visited Dartford, Bluewater, Bexleyheath and Greenwich

The family of a missing pensioner who disappeared a year ago have reissued their appeal for information in the hope of finally finding him.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/elderly-man-missing-for-12-102954/

Unsafe building causes closure of The Street Mersham between Kingsford Street and Old Rectory Close

A small village's main street has been closed this morning due to an unsafe building.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/village-high-sttreet-closed-due-102952/

A229 Loose Road in Maidstone closed due to crash

A crash between a car and a bike has prompted police to close a main road, causing long rush hour delays.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/road-closed-after-crash-involving-102953/

Crash and vehicle fire on M20 between Leeds Castle and Ashford

A driver escaped his vehicle as it burst into flames after crashing into another car and veering off a motorway.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/driver-flees-burning-car-after-102950/

Eyewitness account of stabbing in The Brook Chatham

A witness who dashed to help a young man after he was stabbed in the street has described how he thought he would bleed to death.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/i-thought-he-was-going-102922/

Police Constable Anthony Thomas may lose job after drink-drive conviction

A police officer is likely to lose his job after driving to work over the alcohol limit.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/drink-drive-policeman-may-lose-102937/

Herne Bay, crash victim Tracy Morgan who drove into tree had sleeping disorder

A woman who died when her car careered into a sheep field may have fallen asleep at the wheel, an inquest has heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/was-sleeping-disorder-to-blame-102928/

Robber jailed after taking items worth thousands from home of elderly lady in Penenden Heath

A robber has been jailed after he stole items worth thousands from an elderly woman.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/robber-jailed-after-targeting-elderly-102944/

Victim of M20 head-on crash Pippa Piper describes ordeal as video emerges of driver Krzysztof Stopko speeding wrong way beforehand

The victim of a head-on crash says her life will never be the same, as footage emerges of the driver responsible hurtling down the M20 the wrong way.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/video-m20-head-on-crash-victim-102942/

Beacon Court Tavern in Gillingham sells for £100k over guide price at Clive Emson auction in Maidstone

A pub which closed earlier this year has sold at auction for more than £100,000 over its guide price.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/pub-sells-for-100k-over-102931/

Six people to appear at Medway Magistrates Court charged in connection with vehicle thefts across Kent

Six people are set to appear in court today after being arrested in connection with a string of vehicle thefts across Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/six-in-court-accused-of-102920/

Man's altercation with teenage boys in Marine Parade, Sheerness

Officers want to speak to a man who allegedly acted in an aggressive manner towards three children as they were walking down a street.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/police-appeal-for-aggressive-man-102907/

A20 closed between Folkestone and Dover due to serious crash

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash involving a lorry and a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/serious-crash-closes-road-102913/

Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek said Fancy Bears hack was 'a pathetic smear' on her and Team GB

Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek, whose medical details were published by a computer hacking team this week, has called it a 'pathetic smear'.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/asthma-leak-a-pathetic-smear-102905/

Part of Tilbury Power Station, opposite Gravesend on the River Thames, to be demolished today

Part of Tilbury Power Station, opposite Gravesend on the River Thames, is due to be demolished this afternoon.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/part-of-power-station-to-102901/

Great British Bake Off host Paul Hollywood signs Channel 4 deal but Mary Berry snubs move

Kent baker Paul Hollywood has agreed to host the show when it moves to Channel 4 - but co-presenter Mary Berry will not be joining him.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/bake-off-star-signs-deal-102891/

BBC Saturday Kitchen TV crews seen at Chapel Down, Tenterden

Saturday Kitchen presenter Susie Barrie helped with the grape harvest in filming for the popular show.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/tv-crews-seen-at-chapel-102859/

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys pupils excluded after video shows them setting fire

A group of boys have been excluded from school after a video appeared online of them dropping a brick on a body of a squirrel and setting fire to it.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/school-boys-excluded-over-squirrel-102877/

Man's body found off Steeds Lane in Kingsnorth, Ashford

Emergency services were called after the body of a man in his 20s was discovered near a country lane.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/man-found-dead-off-rural-102881/

Herne Bay: Dog rescued as car submerged in sea

A man smashed the back window of his 4x4 after it became submerged in the water this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/car-pulled-from-the-sea-102875/

Crash between train and tractor on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway will not be investigated

Accident investigators have this morning confirmed they will not be looking into why a small train crashed with a tractor on the line.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-marsh/news/train-derailment-will-not-be-102876/

Cheapest Kent home? Bungalow in Warden Bay, Sheppey, on the market for £20,000

This bungalow is more than 15 times cheaper than the average Kent house price. Here, we take a look at 10 of the county's biggest property bargains.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/bungalow-could-be-yours-for-102845/

CCTV footage shows duo steal charity boxes from barbers

CCTV footage shows heartless thieves raiding a barbers and taking more than £150 in charity donations.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/thieves-steal-charity-boxes-from-102873/

Sheppey Crossing shut both directions

Delays are building up after police shut the Sheppey Crossing both ways.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/crossing-shut-both-ways-102874/

Evicted tenants awarded damages against landlord Judith Wilson over damp home in Wood Lane, Ashford

A couple turfed out of their home in a dispute over repairs have won a court battle against their landlord.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/landlord-ordered-to-pay-2500-102866/

The Brook in Chatham closed after man stabbed and two others hurt

One man has been left with stab wounds after violence erupted in a town centre in the early hours of this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/man-stabbed-in-brawl-102871/

Delays around Dartford Crossing

Traffic remains very heavy around the Dartford Crossing following huge delays which saw people trapped on the M25 overnight.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/drivers-trapped-for-hours-in-102870/

Family demand answers over death of Sian Hollands, from Dartford, in Darent Valley Hospital's A&E department

A family is demanding to know why doctors failed to help their daughter, who died in A&E after a 27-hour wait for treatment.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/grief-at-mums-ae-death-102834/

German Sven Pfeiffer admits causing serious injury in head-on crash when he drove on wrong side in Brielle Way, Sheerness

A German driver has admitted causing a head-on crash by driving on the wrong side of the road, which left a mother and daughter seriously injured.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/german-driving-on-wrong-side-102849/

Mum Debbie Chapman, from Broadstairs, campaigns for more disabled toilet facilities in Thanet

A mum who struggles to find public toilets for her disabled son is campaigning for more facilities.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/having-a-toilet-is-not-102841/

Morning Southeastern high speed service to London reduced from 12 to six carriages

Commuters are furious that they may be forced to travel on a shorter train until the end of the year, causing a daily nightmare on their commute.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/shortened-train-services-cause-nightmare-102823/

Gillingham fans head to White Hart Lane to see side take on Spurs

Almost 3,000 fans are heading to White Hart Lane as Gills take on Spurs - including one who is flying from Spain and back in 24 hours for the match.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/gills-look-forward-to-big-102847/

Seven more people charged over abuse allegations at Medway Secure Training Centre, Rochester

Seven more people have been charged following an investigation into allegations of abuse at a Kent youth jail.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/seven-charged-over-youth-jail-102860/

Family of missing Max Bagnall receive boost after Polish court ruling

The family of a young boy who has been abducted by his mother and taken on the run in Poland have received a boost in their efforts to be reunited.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/boost-in-familys-search-for-102846/

Costica Ciapa, of Wellington Street, Gravesend, jailed for killing Rimantas Karvelis in London Road, Gravesend

A man who has admitted killing a man in a crash was on bail for other serious offences at the time, a court has heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/hit-and-run-death-driver-was-on-102824/

Protesters against Operation Stack lorry park off M20 aim to fight plan in court

Protesters against a huge Operation Stack lorry park off the M20 have vowed to fight it in court... if they can raise the cash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/we-are-ready-to-fight-102840/

Missing: Jade Harper from Folkestone has been missing for three weeks

A 14-year-old girl has not been seen in her hometown for three weeks, prompting a charity to appeal for her to get in touch.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/teen-missing-for-three-weeks-102829/

Kent's road bosses pledge support for Europe-wide Project EDWARD

The county council and emergency services have pledged their support to a Europe-wide day of action to prevent the number of serious road accidents.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/road-chiefs-join-campaign-to-102826/

Chelsea Walker, from Swanley, wins £270,000 on EuroMillions draw

A teenager has scooped thousands on the lottery.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/chelsea-19-in-shock-at-102821/

DIY SOS: The Big Build back filming on Sheppey

Producers of a hit BBC TV show say they have been blown away after more than 130 firms volunteered to help a Kent family build a new home.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/video-huge-response-to-diy-102816/

Want to Sel your Home? Here are 4 Ways to Increase its Market Value

So you’re planning on selling your family home, and you want to know if there are any changes you can make that will help to boost the market value of your property. Property values can often depend largely on the area; whether it is near a bus or train line, whether the neighbourhood is reputable, whether or not an ‘upmarket’ supermarket is close by. However there are a number of renovations you can make to the property itself which is guaranteed to increase its market value. 

Here are four of them. 

1.       Extension and Conversion

The Guardian states that adding a loft conversion or extending your home can increase the value of your property by up to 20%. Loft conversions and property extensions are a handy way to transform unused space into functional space in order to add value to your home. Loft conversions are generally considered less disruptive when compared to a property extension, but both have their merits. 

Remember planning permission! Local authorities can and will order you to tear down any extensions or conversions at your own expense. Some lofts cannot be converted due to lack of space, the internal height of the existing loft etc. so make sure to check with a professional before you start drawing up any plans. 

2.       Taking Care of your Amenities

When looking at a property, two rooms that potential buyers are likely going to pay a attention to, are the kitchen, and the bathroom(s). Problems in a bathroom can spell disaster for any potential buyer; as you have damp and mould to worry about in the long term, while a dirty or smelly kitchen can really put buyers off. People want to step into a fresh house full of possibilities, not a house where the kitchen smells of year old potatoes and garlic. 

According to Bathstore, your basic new bathroom suite costs, on average, about £4,500. MyLocalPrices values a typical new fitted kitchen at anywhere between £5,000 and £8,000. These prices give you a good idea as to what you should be aiming for, when looking at getting a new bathroom and kitchen fitted. The new amenities don’t need to be bespoke, designs that are presentable and in-keeping with the style of the house work just fine.

3.       Revamping a Tired Exterior and a Dreary Interior

It is important to remember that a potential buyer will be looking at all aspects of your property, including its exterior. If the brickwork looks dirty, the paint is flaking off the doors and the windows haven't been washed for years, it is unlikely that you’ll make a sale any time soon. Hire a professional property maintenance company to see to the dirty brickwork and the painting, and get a window cleaner to give your windows a good scrub. If the front door looks a little worse for wear, consider investing in a new door as opposed to fixing it up. 

Unless numerous buy-to-let investors are going to be taking an interest in your propertypotential buyers will not want to purchase the property with all its existing furniture. It is better to completely clear the property out. When repainting go for neutral shades such as Calico from Dulux, or a Light French Gray (sic) from Behr.

4.       Two Small Trumps One Large

In today’s world, 3 Bedroom properties are generally worth more than 2 bedroom properties, even if the 2 bedrooms are large and spacious. It’s all about functionality over form; a large bedroom is all very well for a retired professional, but it doesn’t quite fit the bill for a growing family with plans for the future. Likewise in a family home, two bathrooms are certainly preferable to one, particularly when you consider the amount of time some people like to spend in the bathroom. 

The rooms do not need to be particularly large, but the Gov.uk website does list the Nationally Described Space Standard for one bedspace as “a single bedroom that needs to have a floor area of at least 7.5m²”. For bathrooms, BHG recommends that at least 21inches of space must be planned in front of a lavatory, toilet, bidet and a tub, with 24inches of space needed in front of a shower. 

The Nationwide Building Society has calculated that an extra bathroom can add up to 4.9% or £9,600 on to the value of your home, whereas having an extra bedroom can bump it up by 11% or £22,100.  If you have the space, why not add upwards of £30,000 to the value of your home by turning one bedroom into two and adding a bathroom? It will certainly be worth the effort. 

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of companies including HuntersEstate Agents, who were consulted over this post.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/want-to-sel-your-home-here-are-4-ways.html

Who and what is RICS?

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(RICS) is an institution with offices all over the world. The organisation accredits professional surveyors within the property, land, and construction sectors.Founded in London on the 15^th June 1868 after a meeting of surveyors at the Westminster Palace Hotel, it was originally known as the ‘Surveyors’ Institution’. John Clutton, the man responsible for establishing property consultants Cluttons, wasthe very first president.

The headquarters of RICS are in London, on the corner of Great George Street and Parliament Square.Their name was changed to ‘The Chartered Surveyors’ Institution’in 1930, and in 1946, the title ‘Royal’ was granted by George VI. Finally, in 1947, the professional body became the ‘Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’, or RICS. 

So, what exactly does RICS do? Well, apart from maintaining the highest professional and educational standards and promoting the aims of the profession, they also help to oversee regulation and provide unbiased guidance and advice.

Worldwide, RICS accredits over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The RICS accredited course is the first step on the road to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. It provides the initial academic requirements for students training to be surveyors.Because of its uncompromising code of ethics, clients and consumers are protected from unprofessional and low-standard practices.

The significant market presence of RICS means they’re ideally placed to influence policy and entrench standards nationwide. By working closely with government, they’re able to deliver the highest international standards and support and develop the real estate, land and construction arena for the interest and welfare of all.

The statistics are impressive: In 2015, the number of RICS qualified professionals in 140 countries around the world totalled 120,000, while student membership came in at 81,000. The United Kingdom has the majority of accredited professionals but there are also very large numbers in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong … and the numbers in China, India and the Americas are growing at a phenomenal rate.

The RICS works closely with other professional bodies such as The World Bank, The United Nations and The European Union. And in 2013, the RICS became a founder member of the alliance to develop International Property Measurement Standards, which launched its very first standard (for measuring office space) in November 2014. A year later, the RICS became a founder member of the alliance to develop International Ethics Standards. These member bodies are focused on the development and implementation ofnew, professional standards.

Becoming a RICS Member

1.      If you’re studying for or have completed a RICS accredited degree, (undergraduate or post graduate), you will need to complete two years of Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) training (if you have less than 5 years’ experience), or one year’s APC training (if you have experience of 5 or more years). But if you have at least 10 years’ work experience,then no APC training is required. 

2.      If you already have a Bachelor’s degree or are a member of a RICS approved professional body and have at least 5 years’ experience, you can apply to become a member straight away

Because Chartered Surveyors have the highest levels of professional skills that are recognised all over the world, they earn more too. A salary survey conducted in 2014 clearly showed that Chartered Surveyors earned at least 20% more than their non-chartered colleagues.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

RICS members never stand still for a moment and are required to continually improve their skills and competence. They do this by completing a minimum of 20 hours per year on CPD training.This programme, which encourages a spirit of continuous learning, ensures that members build on their skills and competencies on an ongoing basis.

How Do Students Benefit?

Students are offered free membership to RICS and can take advantage of career advice, the  extensive library of books and reference materials, exciting job opportunities, and can tap into the vast network RICS is able to provide.

Registered Charity

RICS has set up a registered charity called The RICS Education Trust. It offers grants of up to £10,000 for those members involved in research projects.Applications for grants areavailable to full-time practitioners and academics. The charity does not, however, provide financial support for undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working alongside a selection of companies including Peter Barry Surveyors, who were consulted over this post.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/who-and-what-is-rics.html

5 Signs that You are Buying a High Quality Cast Iron Radiator

Cast iron radiators have seen a wonderful revival of late as more people are seeking to bring a touch of elegance into their home that also captures an authentic vintage look.

When considering purchasing a cast iron radiator, it is important to be able to sort a high quality contender from an inferior pretender. The following guide will help make the task of discernment a much simpler and straightforward one to achieve.

·         Weight

Perhaps the most telling sign that a cast iron radiator is of high quality is whether it is actually constructed of genuine iron, rather some other type of composite metal. Cast iron radiators are so effective because they have significant mass that when fully heated, continues to emit warmth long after they have been switched off.

A general rule of thumb is that a heavier radiator is likely to be constructed of very dense metal that will outperform those heaters made of a lesser substance. For cast iron radiators, heavier is definitely better. Always check with the manufacturer to confirm exactly what the radiator is made from and choose iron every time.

·         Thickness of Steel

As previously stated, mass conducts heat in a more efficient manner, so it is important that the metal used in the radiator is quite thick so it will retain its heat. Thinner materials lose stored heat much more rapidly than thicker materials. A very simple test is to tap or knock on the metal of the radiator and see if it feels strong and sturdy. It should feel more like tapping a brick wall rather than a tin can!

·         Length of Warrantee

Unsurprisingly, the length of warrantee offered by the cast iron radiator’s manufacturer is an excellent indication as to how well the heater is made. It also demonstrates the confidence that the product has generated as returns often reflect a combination of design flaws, previous returns and expected failure rates.

No manufacturer feels comfortable making products that may harm their good reputation or be subject to a recall, so a long extended warrantee speaks volumes about the quality of the heater in question. Expect a reliable cast iron radiator to be covered for at least 10 years or more from the date of installation.

·         Overall Finish

An excellent cast iron radiator will be matched by an equally high quality finish. It should look durable, thick and well covered as opposed to thin and spotty. As these heaters generate fairly intense heat it is important that any paintwork be up to the task of repeated heating and cooling for many years.

Many radiators are also available with the option of intricate patinas and scroll work on their surfaces. These not only make a wonderful statement in any room, but also indicate the level of skill and attention to detail crafted into the radiator by the manufacturer.

·         Meets Required Standards

Lastly, high quality radiators will tick all the right boxes as far as quality assurance and compliance with the rigid safety standards imposed by current legislation. Such standards vary around the world, so it is important to check that any cast iron radiator sold in the UK meets local standards and have never faced a safety recall.

Comparing high quality cast iron radiators need not be a complicated process, especially when armed with the right information that highlights those aspects that distinguish the very best from the barely acceptable. This preparatory research will help ensure your choice in radiators continues to serve you properly, well into the future.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/09/5-signs-that-you-are-buying-high.html

St Edwards Primary School, Sheerness, welcomes dog into class

Primary school teachers are hoping they can teach a young dog new tricks after an 18-week-old cockapoo joined pupils for lessons.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/video-the-new-kid-in-102810/