Kent Live: Breaking news

Catch up with the latest news, travel and weather from across Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/kent-live-breaking-news-102214/

What are your house style bugbears?

Everyone who cares about good writing and the standard of journalism has words and phrases they never want to see in their publications.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/blogs/my-blood-boils-when-i-114810/

GP Dr Hendrik Beerstecher's surgery gets lowest possible score from CQC for providing safe and well-led services

A GP's surgery has received the lowest possible score for providing safe, well-led services to its patients; but the doctor has disputed the findings.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/gps-surgery-gets-lowest-possible-114930/

Deaf shopkeeper threatened with a broken bottle

A deaf shopkeeper was threatened with a broken bottle after telling a customer they did not stock a certain brand of alcohol.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/deaf-shopkeeper-threatened-with-a-114936/

Countess of Wessex to open Abigail's Footsteps' bereavement suite at Medway hospital and visit Rochester Cathedral

The Countess of Wessex is in the county today to open a bereavement suite for families who have lost a baby and unveil a new exhibition space.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/countess-in-kent-today-114941/

Driver Jake Pedrick-Harvey pleads guilty after fatal crash hours before dangerous driving sentencing

A driver who killed a man in a crash hours before he was to be sentenced for another offence of driving dangerously has pleaded guilty.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/death-crash-driver-pleads-guilty-114951/

Seventh death at Camber Sands over tragic summer

A seventh man fell victim to Camber Sands in the summer, it has emerged.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-marsh/news/seventh-death-at-camber-114944/

One in 1,000 on sex offenders register in Kent

Just over one in 1,000 people living in Kent are registered sex offenders according to new figures released today.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/one-in-1000-on-sex-114943/

Fog warning: Met Office predicts fog for Kent from 7pm tonight

Drivers are being warned to expect fog to cloak the whole of Kent from tonight into tomorrow morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/fog-warning-issued-for-tonight-114949/

Swale Council plans to invest £28m in Sittingbourne's town centre regeneration scheme

A council plans to enter into a multi-million pound commercial property deal to build a cinema, hotel, restaurants and shops.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/council-eyes-up-28m-town-114935/

Hop Farm Paddock Wood fireworks spectacular flops after dense fog takes over the venue

A fireworks 'spectacular' was unfortunately not so spectacular after a dense layer of fog blanketed the venue.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/disappointment-as-fireworks-spectacular-dampened-114927/

Tony Portch from Sittingbourne fined after 'nighthawking' and stealing an historical ring

Police are urging people to declare any finds they make through metal detecting to avoid legal action.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/man-fined-after-historical-ring-114926/

Hundred of Hoo Academy head teacher Gary Vyse banned from driving after drink-driving conviction

A controversial head teacher who was caught behind the wheel while more than twice the legal alcohol limit has been banned from driving.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/ban-for-drink-driving-head-teacher-114928/

Teenagers charged after man was threatened with a knife and an imitation firearm in alleyway in Balmoral Road, Gillingham

A man was allegedly threatened with a knife and an imitation firearm in an alleyway, police have revealed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/trio-charged-with-blackmail-114922/

Man arrested after an alleged burglary at an Esso garage in Dartford

A man has been arrested after an alleged burglary at a petrol station.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/petrol-station-break-in-114921/

Review: The Two Of Us at the Canterbury Festival

Joe Stilgoe and Claire Martin's infectious charm created an evening filled with expert musicianship and delightful anecdotes.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/review-the-two-of-us-114916/

Maidstone: Kent Police investigate burglary of firearms and medals from property in Morry Lane, East Sutton

Police are investigating after a reported burglary of firearms and medals.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-probe-burglary-of-firearms-114917/

Review: What Will Have Been at the Canterbury Festival Speigeltent

From the first cartwheel it was obvious that this was no ordinary acrobatics show.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/review-what-will-have-been-114913/

Review: Police Cops at the Canterbury Festival's St Mary's Hall Studio Theatre

If you’re someone who enjoys the action from police flicks of the 1970s and 1980s, then The Pretend Men’s show Police Cops is definitely for you.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/review-police-cops-114909/

Row over student party in Miller Avenue, Canterbury, leads to dad's jaw being broken in alleged assault

A dad who was allegedly assaulted after complaining about a noisy student party has thanked supporters after surgery for a broken jaw.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/investigation-launched-after-dad-suffers-114898/

Police seal off Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, outside Poundland amid reports of suspicious package

Police have sealed off part of a town and evacuated a shopping centre after a suspicious package was found.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/police-seal-off-part-of-114907/

Ramsgate: Police called to land close to harbour after woman reports assault

Officers are looking into reports of a sexual assault which is alleged to have taken place at the weekend.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/police-investigate-harbour-assault-claim-114905/

Mystery banner asking 'James my Irish smiler' to get in touch is attached to railings at Princes Parade, Hythe

Forget social media and the telephone, this 40-year-old woman has appealed for a man to get in touch with her by placing a large banner on railings.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/hythe/news/have-you-seen-james-the-114899/

Former Dymchurch shopkeeper John Stageman jailed for child rape decade after similar charges dropped

A paedophile who escaped justice a decade ago when authorities said he was not fit to stand trial - and then went on the run abroad - has been jailed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-marsh/news/child-rapist-jailed---decade-114901/

Reports of dozens of young children being ill after going to Splashes Leisure Pool, Rainham

There are reports of dozens of young children being ill after going to a swimming pool.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/children-ill-after-visit-to-114896/

Dartford tunnel closure on first morning back after half term causes traffic to back up to Medway and Maidstone

An incident which saw the Dartford tunnel closed on the first morning back after half term causes traffic to back up as far as Medway and Maidstone.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/gridlock-after-tunnel-closure-114895/

Foggy start in Kent but warmer conditions expected for Halloween

Parts of Kent are shrouded in fog this morning - but conditions will improve later, with temperatures due to rise to way above average for October.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/foggy-start---but-temperatures-114893/

Dover: Two vehicle crash at foot of Jubilee Way, near port entrance

Two cars crashed at the foot of a sloping road, next to the main entrance of a Kent port.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/two-way-smash-near-port-114892/

Kent stores affected by nationwide fault with card payment system for supermarket Asda

A fault with Asda's card payment system left scores of customers queuing for long periods of time to pay for their groceries this afternoon.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/asda-payment-fault-creates-long-114888/

Gravesend: Car crashes into garage in Flowerhill Way, Istead Rise

Two people had to be cut free from a car that crashed into a garage.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/car-crashes-into-garage-114881/

Finding The Best Vacuum Cleaner

Most people enjoy having clean floors in their homes. Unfortunately, finding the right vacuum cleaner that works well and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg can be a bit of a challenge. The folks at Reviews.com decided to master the challenge of finding the best overall vacuum cleaner for you.

They put 19 of the most popular, best selling upright vacuum cleaners to the test, and managed to narrow the field to 4 of the best performing models on the market today. They used the following test criteria to reach their final decision:

Best Overall Winner

The Hoover Air Cordless Lift – This vacuum cleaner took top spot for a multitude of reasons.

• Fantastic suction power! It picked up 100% of the different testing materials in just 2 passes (1 front and 1 back.) The reviewers used a combination of Cheerios, sand, ground cinnamon and talcum powder to represent both large and fine particle debris.
• At a mere 12 pounds, it is easy to move from room to room.
• It is very maneuver in tight spaces.
• It does a good job picking up debris found in corners.
• It is battery-operated so there is no cord to get in your way while cleaning.

Top Three Runners Up

• The Oreck XL Classic – Chosen as the Best Performer for Carpets. It’s the loudest of all vacuums tested but has great cleaning power.
• The Samsung VU7000 Motion Sync – Chosen as the Best Performer for Bare Floors and for allergy sufferers. It is heavy to maneuver but it comes with a top class advanced HEPA Filtration System.
• The Bissell CleanView 9595A – Chosen as the Best Budget Pick. At $79.00 on Amazon, this vacuum was the least expensive model tested that gave good cleaning performance.

Vacuum Cleaner Tips To Keep In Mind

• Most vacuum cleaner filters should be replaced, on average, every 3 to 6 months.
• Stick-style vacuums work best for small spaces and when used for above-the-floor cleaning tasks.
• Canister vacuums work bests when used for furniture and spaces that can be difficult to reach.
• Lithium batteries (like the ones often used in cordless vacuums) generally need to be replaced every 2 to 3 years.
• Vacuum cleaners can range in price anywhere from $50 up to more than $1,000

Little Known Vacuum Cleaner Facts

• The average person will spend up to an hour a week, over the course of a lifetime, using a vacuum cleaner.
• If you attempt to vacuum up damp dirt or mud, it will clog the roller brush and reduce its cleaning effectiveness.
• Using a vacuum cleaner that doesn’t have a “Bare Floor” option on floors, can result in premature wear and tear on floor finishes.
• A vacuum cleaner’s performance has more to do with air flow ability than it does how many amps it has.

The post Finding The Best Vacuum Cleaner appeared first on Homey Improvements.

from Homey Improvements http://homeyimprovements.com/finding-vacuum-cleaner/

Former mayor Walter Cook who ‘always felt he was a Northfleet person’ has died

A former Mayor of Gravesham, who loved to stay active and used to nip to his job in London on a Lambretta, has died.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/former-mayor-always-felt-he-114790/

Herne Bay pier: Former trust member: ‘Pier will not last much longer’

A landmark pier, which has been attracting tourists since Victorian times, could collapse if rusting supports aren't replaced, it's been claimed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/fears-pier-could-collapse-into-114818/

QEII bridge celebrates 25th anniversary today

The QEII bridge marks a quarter of a century of carrying traffic this weekend.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/bridges-history-spans-25-years-114823/

Daughter charged adult fare by Arriva despite having Young Person's Travel Pass

A mum is in dispute with a bus firm over her teenage daughter being charged full fare... despite having a travel pass

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/why-was-daughter-charged-adult-114827/

Motorcyclist injured in crash with car in Maidstone

A crash involving a motorbike and a car has left a biker injured this evening.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/motorcyclist-injured-in-crash-with-114877/

Bluewater evacuated after fire alarm

Shoppers poured into the car parks surrounding Bluewater today after alarms began to sound in the centre.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/bluewater-evacuated-114874/

IRA informer Raymond Gilmour found dead at Kent home

An IRA informer living under an assumed name in Kent has been found dead at his flat.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/ira-informer-found-dead-at-114872/

Clocks go back to end British Summer Time

It may seem gloomy and autumnal... but the clocks are going back on Sunday morning, so you get a lie-in.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/great-news-youve-got-an-114800/

Men charged with possessing handgun after car stopped in Gravesend

Two men have been charged with possessing a handgun after officers pulled over a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/men-charged-with-possessing-handgun-114866/

Four women arrested on suspicion of arson in Deal

Four women have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a shed fire in Deal.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/four-women-arrested-on-suspicion-114864/

Anglers urged to tidy up tackle after swan swallows fish hook near River Medway in Maidstone

A nature lover is urging anglers to dispose of fishing tackle responsibly after a fishing hook became lodged in a cygnet's throat.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/anglers-urged-to-tidy-up-114776/

House build boom: work on new development and another sold out before it's built

Work has begun to build almost 160 homes and another development has sold out before being built.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/house-building-is-booming-114787/

Jessie Hilden, one of the last true gypsies, has send-off fit for a queen

She was the queen of the traditional gypsy community and had the respect and love of family and friends across east Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/one-of-the-last-true-114798/

Travesty of family forced to wait for disabled badge

A family is furious after red tape meant it will take two months to process a disabled badge for her wheelchair-bound daughter.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/travesty-of-family-forced-to-114806/

Canterbury: Lauren Chilver and Carrie Anne Short jailed after caught drug dealing in city

A pair who blamed each other when they were caught drug dealing in a city centre have been jailed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/two-women-jailed-after-blaming-114844/

Homeless Colin Sayer jailed for knocking pensioner off bike in Dock Road, in Chatham

A thug has been jailed after he deliberately knocked an elderly man wearing women’s clothing off his bike with a shopping bag.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/homeless-man-jailed-for-knocking-114843/

Maidstone: Police investigate after reports of man performing an indecent act

Officers are investigating several reports of a man performing a sex acts.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/multiple-reports-of-man-performing-114834/

Closure of Aldi car park in St Andrew's Close, Canterbury, due to gas leak is causing parking chaos

A council has justified a ticket blitz on rogue parking following a gas leak, saying drivers cannot just "abandon" cars to go shopping.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/gas-leak-closes-city-supermarket-114821/

Channel 4's Hunted contestants finish on Isle of Sheppey after Sittingbourne stay

Hit television show Hunted on Channel 4 sees contestants evade hunters for a month as they battle to track them down.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/channel-4s-hunted-on-sheppey-114824/

Teenager stabbed in Milton Road, Gravesend

A man is in hospital after he was injured after an altercation with a group of men.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/teenager-stabbed-in-the-stomach-114830/

UKIP rivals in battle for leader's job push Manston centre-stage

Frontrunners in UKIP leadership race set out their stall over Manston

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/ukip-leadership-contenders-at-odds-114814/

Police launch gun amnesty

Police are calling on anyone who has an unwanted or unlicensed weapon to hand it in during a two-week amnesty.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/amnesty-on-guns-ammunition-and-114819/

Police close St George's Avenue in Sheerness to assist paramedics with medical emergency

Three ambulances and an ambulance car were called to a medical emergency shortly before 9am.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/police-close-road-after-medical-emergency-114811/

What are your house style bugbears?

Everyone who cares about good writing and the standard of journalism has their bugbears when it comes to words and phrases that should be banned.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/blogs/my-blood-boils-when-i-114810/

Guidance from the chief coroner will help us to be eyes and ears of the public

New guidance from chief coroner on how to treat the media at inquests is to be applauded.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/blogs/journalists-are-your-eyes-and-114812/

Ten things we didn't know last week

Disappointing pizza deliveries and strange goings on in Gravesend - ten things we learnt this week.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/ten-things-we-didnt-know-114619/

Mum tells of CPR attempt in bid to save baby twin

Parents of a twin baby boy who died suddenly, aged four months, may never know what caused his death.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/mum-tells-of-cpr-attempt-114797/

Review: Vanity Bites Back at the Canterbury Festival's St Mary's Hall Studio Theatre

Helen Duff's portrayal of Jill Grainger as an eccentric wannabe TV chef whose styling harks back to a 1950s housewife is delightfully unhinged.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/review-vanity-bites-back-114808/

Maidstone: Police look into man claiming to be from the Green Party reported for racial abuse

A political party has issued a warning about a man making homemade posters and reportedly racially abusing a shopkeeper.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-probe-racially-abusive-green-114803/

Police chopper searches central Canterbury for missing person

Helicopter sent up after alarm raised over missing person.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/police-chopper-in-overnight-frantic-114805/

Video 'shows migrants get out of lorry' near Dartford Crossing

A video which appears to show a lorry driver helping migrants get out of his truck has sparked outrage on social media.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/shocking-footage-shows-migrants-getting-114801/

kmfm £1,000 Friday competition starts from 8am

By tonight you could be £1,000 richer... thanks to a kmfm competition that puts a grand in your hand.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/fancy-seeing-in-this-weekend-114772/

Watling Tyres' appeal against £1 million fine for fitter Matthew Hoare's death fails

A tyre firm has failed to get a £1 million fine cut following its conviction for health and safety failures that led to the death of a young fitter.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/tyre-death-firm-fine-appeal-114774/

Shame of teen Juraj Jano over sex crime at AMF Bowling alley Gravesend

A teenager who had been in the country for just four months is now on the sex offenders’ register after touching girls at a bowling alley.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/shame-of-teen-over-sex-114781/

Family call for better checks after agency nurse Chiamaka Jideofor tied elderly woman to bed at Medway Hospital

The family of an elderly woman who was tied to a bed with her nightdress are calling for staff to be vetted more thoroughly.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/hospital-worker-tied-elderly-woman-114784/

Petition to make London Road safer gets fresh backing

A petition to get a crossing on a road which has claimed several lives has had some extra weight thrown behind it after councillors backed the scheme.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/dangerous-road-gets-more-backing-114785/

Tonbridge: Man found dead on Swanmead Way

Police were called after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man this afternoon.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/man-found-dead-on-industrial-estate-114795/

Selling: Fire crews at scene of blaze

Plumes of black smoke can be seen in a village tonight after a garden, a shed and a van went up in flames.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/firefighters-tackle-blaze-in-village-114794/

Number of people fined for using mobile phone while driving in Kent drops

The number of drivers fined for using their mobile phones at the wheel in Kent has "fallen off a cliff" - dropping by almost 4,000 in five years.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/number-of-drivers-fined-for-114758/

Police crackdown deals with 2,700 lorries and HGVs illegally and unsafely parked on hard shoulders and slip-roads

Police and highways officers have dealt with more than 2,700 HGVs parked unsafely and illegally on Kent's roads since a crackdown began last December.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-crackdown-targets-2700-illegally-parked-114757/

Police tackling nuisance drivers in car parks in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge including Fountains Retail Park, Knights Parkand Sovereign Way

Police are cracking down on nuisance drivers having late-night gatherings in car parks in two Kent districts.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/crackdown-on-late-night-nuisance-114737/

Samantha Groombridge's Facebook joke after Foster Christian murdered Natasha Sadler-Ellis and Simon Gorecki in Canterbury

A pregnant teenager who helped hide a murder weapon after two people were brutally killed joked about the stabbings on Facebook just hours later.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/theyve-been-stabbed-lol---114734/

Ky Campion and Luke Lockhart fined after dumping wood in Upper Harbledown, Canterbury

Two men who showed a “blatant disregard for the environment” when they illegally dumped mounds of wood have been fined.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/two-men-fined-after-dumping-114743/

Chatham mum warns others about baby photos being 'stolen' by catfish online

A mum is warning parents to be careful what photos they post online after pictures of her baby were taken and passed off as another child.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/mum-distraught-after-baby-photo-114744/

Screwfix worker Jake Ridley locked up after stashing guns at Screwfix store in Folkestone

A worker has been locked up after stashing two working guns in a shed at a Screwfix store.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/gun-fanatic-hid-stash-guns-114739/

Maidstone: Creepy barber Orhan Idriz jailed for six months and banned indefinitely from Southeastern services between Maidstone West and Strood

A creepy barber with a fixation for blondes has been jailed after launching a year-long campaign of harassment against three women.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/creepy-barber-locked-up-114740/

Two women arrested on suspicion of affray after disturbance on train travelling from Ashford to Victoria

Two women have been arrested following a police incident on board a train from Ashford.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/two-arrested-in-train-disturbance-114728/

Crash investigators appeal into crash which killed Jack Mander on Medway City Estate, Strood

Officers investigating a crash which killed a young motorcyclist are appealing for another biker to come forward.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/police-renew-appeal-in-fatal-114730/

Ashford woman left terrified by neighbour Steven Molnar who kept declaring his love for her

A woman was left terrified after her neighbour spent subjected her to months of harassment and kept telling her he loved her.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/im-terrified-about-coming-home-114725/

Thanet councillor quits planning role after video records him vowing to stop housing development

Councillor stands aside as planning committee chairman after video shows him vowing to block housing plans to help Manston campaign

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/ukip-councillor-quits-planning-role-114726/

Sarah Smith, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Dover and Deal dies of Ovarian cancer

Tributes have been made to Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Sarah Smith who has died.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/tributes-to-lib-dem-sarah-114729/

Danny Cornelius found hanged after seeing Lee Rigby hacked to death

A troubled and isolated man, who witnessed Lee Rigby being hacked to death, was found hanged, an inquest heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/witness-to-lee-rigby-death-114713/

Rare pure white squirrel spotted in woods

A family bike ride turned into a squirrel spotting adventure when a father and daughter saw a pure white rodent climbing up a tree.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/rare-white-squirrel-spotted-in-114721/

Duane Gray of Dover jailed after pouring bleach over his lover

A 30-year-old man who poured bleach over his lover after a bust up has been jailed for 21 months

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/man-poured-bleach-over-his-114723/

Stefano Brizzi murder trial: Gordon Semple did not die accidentally during sadomasochism sex session: pathologist

A policeman did not die by accident after a neck leash momentarily slipped during a sex game, a pathologist has told a murder case jury.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/cop-did-not-die-during-114724/

Harlequin ladybirds invading Kent gardens

Alien harlequin ladybirds are invading Kent gardens - and they could threaten our native species.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/kent-sees-alien-ladybird-invasion-114715/

Thomas and Dominic Hilden charged with theft after fruit stolen from farms near Sittingbourne and Faversham

Two men have been charged after thousands of pounds of fruit was stolen from farms.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/police-investigating-fruit-thefts-charge-114719/

Duane Gray jailed after pouring bleach over ex-lover in Dover

A furious man poured bleach over his ex-lover in a row over a man staying at their home.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/thug-poured-bleach-over-lover-114718/

Hero Kevin Scallon hopes to contact woman whose life he saved after crash in Milton Road, Gravesend

A man has described the emotional moment a woman’s eyes flickered as he helped try to save her after a horrific crash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/hero-hopes-to-contact-woman-114717/

Ex-teacher Christopher McKenna denies groping sleeping woman on train

An ex-teacher accused of groping a sleeping woman on a train claimed in court he had no sexual motive in touching her.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/i-was-not-enjoying-it-114711/

Woman accused ex of being a paedophile on social media

A woman who branded her former partner a paedophile on social media has received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for a year.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/woman-accused-ex-of-being-114686/

Hotpoint tumble dryer ‘burst into flames after being fixed by engineer’ following product recall

A father had to kick a flaming tumble dryer out of the house after it burst into flames, weeks after being 'fixed' by an engineer.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/tumble-dryer-burst-into-flames-114687/

Girl suffers severe injuries after being hit by car in Nursery Lane, Densole

An 11-year-old girl will remain in full leg cast until Christmas after suffering severe injuries when she was hit by a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/crossing-plea-after-girl-hit-114697/

What are Floating Laminate Floors?

If you want to give your home an immediate and affordable facelift within a reasonable amount of time, then a floating laminate floor may be just what you need. Laminate floors have been growing in popularity over the recent years because of their durability and the wide variety of colors and patterns in which they are available.

Floating laminate floors are not attached to the subfloor or substrate underneath them. They install quickly and easily and can even be a DIY job with the right tools on hand. Made of sturdy interlocking planks that snap into place, they fasten and float over your subfloor or current flooring, giving your home a new look with a short installation time.

What is laminate flooring made of?

According to DIY Network, laminate flooring is made of “ wood fibers and pulp bonded to a plastic surface.” These are then formed into planks that mimic the look of hardwoods, stone, or tile for a fraction of the cost.

These planks are made to connect with each other through interlocking grooves that are on all sides. This efficient process eliminates the need for nails, glue, or staples, allowing the finished floor to rest comfortably and discreetly over your current floor.

Floating laminate planks consist of four layers. The wear layer is the top layer that protects the bottom three layers from footfalls and other wear and tear. The second layer, or photographic layer, contains the image of the desired wood, tile, or stone the homeowner wants.

The third layer is called the “substrate” layer, which is a water-resistant fiberboard that lays on top of the fourth layer, the backing layer, which protects the floor itself from any warping or water damage.

What are the advantages of installing floating laminate floors?

• Variety. Because the photographic layer can replicate classic favorites like different stains of hardwoods, stone types, and tiles, laminate flooring is a favorable choice for the homeowner who wants many options at a good price.
• Affordability. Laminate planks are already more affordable than hardwoods, bamboo, tile, and stone. Because floating laminate planks can be installed right on top of your old floors, you can also save on the labor that would have been used to remove it.
• Durability. Laminate floors are very resistant to trauma like burns, chipping, and scratches. At the same time, they can handle high-traffic areas in the home.

What are the disadvantages of installing floating laminate floors?

• You need to start with an even surface. If you are attaching laminate planks over an existing floor or subfloor, you will need to make sure that your current floor is even or else the planks will not lock together. Also, if your floor isn’t even, you will hear squeaking as you walk over your new laminate floor. If you don’t have an even floor, you probably should consider another flooring alternative.
• They are louder. Because floating laminate floors are not attached by nails to the subfloor, they can be louder than attached floors. However, by placing a thin cushion to insulate the area between your subfloor and laminate floor, you can reduce potential noises.

How do you install floating laminate floors?

Installing floating laminate floors is easy enough to be a DIY job with the right tools. Here are the basic steps:

• Remove all moldings, wall bases, and shoe trims if applicable.
• Install the underlayment and tape it down.
• Cut the laminate flooring to meet the required dimensions.
• Install the laminate planks in rows and modify/cut when necessary.
• Reattach all moldings and trims to the walls after installation, not on the laminate floors.

To find out more about this procedure, the North American Laminate Floor Association has a useful guide that walks you through the process with more detailed descriptions.

Should I have professionals install floating laminate floors in my home?

Though floating laminate floors are relatively easy to install on your own, sometimes you may not have the professional equipment or the time to invest in this kind of renovation. That’s when hiring professionals is the right thing to do.

Also, since these floors don’t take long to install, you won’t need to vacate your house for an extended period of time. The installation doesn’t involve any nails, glue, or staples and doesn’t require ripping out old flooring either, making the time to complete the job quicker than other flooring installations.

Overall, getting professionals to do it right the first time can save you a lot of hassle and stress. Got questions?

If you have any questions about floating laminate floors, please leave a comment below. We will respond as soon as possible. We have years of experience helping people beautify their homes with the perfect flooring upgrade at the right price.

About Shawn Farina — Flooring Expert at Diverse Flooring

Shawn Farina operates Diverse Flooring, a family-run business in Maple Ridge, with his younger brother, Todd. He has been in the flooring industry for 18 years. Shawn is passionate about design and feels flooring has been a great avenue to help others make the best decisions for their homes.

“Flooring is something we all will at one time or another have to purchase. It’s really satisfying feeling to see when a client is truly happy with their choice in both the new flooring and our company.” – Shawn Farina

 

The post What are Floating Laminate Floors? appeared first on Homey Improvements.

from Homey Improvements http://homeyimprovements.com/floating-laminate-floors/

Dover rioter Tony Baker, who beat a protester with a St George flag, jailed for 30 months

A Dover rioter who hijacked a St George flag and beat a protester with it has been jailed for 30 months

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/rioter-behind-bars-after-assault-114700/

Canterbury double murder victims Natasha Sadler-Ellis and Simon Gorecki's families react to Foster Christian sentencing

The family of a mum stabbed to death in a double murder say the "monster" responsible should have got the death penalty, after he was jailed for life.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/bring-back-the-death-penalty-114680/

Driver treated after car driven into corner of house in Southall Close, Minster

A driver was treated for minor injuries after her car was driven into the side of a house.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/car-driven-into-house-114684/

Man arrested after road rage incident in Sundridge Hill, A228, Cuxton

A man was arrested and another taken to hospital after being hit by a car during a road rage incident.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/arrest-after-road-rage-incident-114662/

Tunbridge Wells: Woman dies at home in Liptraps Lane

An elderly woman was found dead at a house in Tunbridge Wells after concerns were raised for her welfare.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/woman-found-dead-at-home-114679/

UKIP leadership contender promises to resurrect efforts to re-open Manston as airport

Suzanne Evans vows to re-assess Manston and its prospects as working airport

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/ukip-leadership-contender-pledges-fresh-114674/

Stockbury Halloween fireworks will still go ahead despite the loss of their bonfire in mystery blaze

A bonfire party will still go ahead at the weekend despite organisers losing a huge stack of wood in a mystery blaze.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/village-bonfire-goes-up-in-114676/

Sentencing of Foster Christian for murdering Natasha Sadler-Ellis and Simon Gorecki in Canterbury

A killer who brutally murdered a couple and wounded two others in a bloodbath is expected to be handed a life term when he is sentenced today.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/double-murderer-faces-life-in-114671/

Illegal worker Deako Arsalan jailed for repeatedly punching girlfriend in Maidstone flat

A barber left his girlfriend needing 10 stitches and cosmetic surgery after repeatedly punching her in the face, splitting her lip.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/illegal-worker-split-girlfriends-lip-114639/

Kentish Express editor Robert Barman recovers after accident in Wye with scaffolder's pole

A cyclist was left unconscious and needing hospital treatment after a scaffolder carrying a pole stepped out in front of him during a ride.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/cyclist-recovers-after-scaffolding-pole-114668/

A2 dualling: Charlie Elphicke and other Kent MPs in bid to get A2 dualled

Dover's MP Charlie Elphicke has led a delegation to make the case for the dualling of the A2 in a bid to end the bottlenecks.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/ten-mps-lobby-minister-over-114663/

Hawkhurst: Fire at converted barn house in Rye Road, Sandhurst

Three fire crews were called to a rural house fire.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/fire-at-converted-barn-114657/

Fire at Commissioner's Road, Strood: Smoke seen across Medway

Thirty firefighters are tackling a major blaze - and people have been warned to keep doors and windows closed as smoke spreads for miles around.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/breaking-fire-crews-tackling-major-114653/

Fraudster Jaine Miller spent benefits cash on Hammers’ tickets, holidays and restaurant meals

A Jobcentre worker spent the proceeds of fraudulent welfare claims on luxury breaks, meals and West Ham tickets.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/jobcentre-worker-jailed-for-benefit-114622/

Millions paid for runway to be reserve lorry park for Operation Stack

The cost of keeping the former Manston airport on standby as a lorry park for Operation Stack has cost the taxpayer several million pounds.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/millions-paid-for-runway-to-114631/

Cousins Samuel King and Damien Davey stalked student through Canterbury before 'attempted rape' in Dane John Gardens

Two men stalked a student through a city centre before attacking her in a park, a court has heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/cousins-stalked-student-before-attempted-114646/

Churchills in The Brook, Chatham has licence revoked by Medway Council after stabbing

A pub has had its licence revoked after a street brawl which left one man with a stab wound and another fighting for his life.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/pub-loses-licence-after-stabbing-114638/

Council refuses demolition application of the battle of Britain pub, Northfleet, despite it already being torn down

Enforcement action could go ahead as an application for the proposed demolition of a pub has today been refused - despite it already been torn down.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/demolished-pub-refused-demolition-approval-114634/

Man charged after 'armed robbery' at Thomas Cook, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells

Detectives investigating an alleged armed robbery at a Thomas Cook branch have charged a man.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/man-charged-after-armed-robbery-114632/

We test Domino's pizza delivery by canoe claim

When Domino's announced it was trialling canoe deliveries by the River Loose, we placed an order to see if it would arrive by delivery 'buoy.'

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/what-happened-when-we-tested-114583/

Thug Robert Hutchings jailed after bullying girlfirend Angela Filkins and using her as punchbag

A thug ground his fists into his girlfriend's ribs so hard they cracked... in a case dubbed "pretty close to torture".

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/bully-used-girlfriend-like-punchbag-114618/

Former Sittingbourne Community College teacher Chris McKenna on trial accused of sexually assaulting train passenger

A former teacher has gone on trial accused of molesting a young woman as she slept on a train.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/ex-teacher-sexually-assaulted-sleeping-train-114617/

Police appeal after a woman was reportedly sexually assaulted on a bus from Dartford to Gravesend

Police have released an e-fit of a man after reports of a sexual assault on a bus

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/police-appeal-after-reports-a-114614/

Medway Secure Training Centre abuse investigation - six in court

Six people have appeared in court after being charged over allegations of abuse at a youth jail.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/youth-jail-abuse-case-in-114612/

Medway council one of two in Kent to not house Syrian refugees

Syrian refugees will not be homed in Medway until the government can provide long term funding arrangements, the council has confirmed

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/medway-council-will-not-house-114609/

Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay's aide Sam Armstrong investigated for second sex offence allegation

A Kent MP's chief of staff arrested on suspicion of rape is now being investigated for a second alleged sexual offence.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/second-sex-attack-allegation-against-114606/

Champneys to buy Eastwell Manor in Ashford

Health resort group Champneys has announced a huge investment as part of its take-over of a 3,000-acre country house and estate.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/champneys-buys-eastwell-manor-114596/

Ryan Davies caught performing sex act in Tesco car park

A judge hit out at a teenager... saying a Tesco car park in the middle of the day was not a suitable place to carry out a lewd act.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/teen-caught-in-lewd-act-114552/

Howletts wild animal park celebrates black rhino birth

Keepers and staff at a Kent wildlife are the celebrating the birth of a critically-endangered black rhino.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/video-newborn-baby-black-rhino-114602/

Sittingbourne: Review into rapist mental health nurse Vijay Bundhun reveals failings by NHS trust

A review has revealed several failings by a mental health trust after one of its nurses was jailed for life for raping patients.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/risk-posed-by-rapist-nurse-114599/

Countrystyle Recycling fined £300,000 after worker breaks arm and leg while repairing shredding machine

A waste and recycling company has been given a hefty fine after a mechanic broke his arm and leg in an accident involving a shredding machine.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/countrystyle-recycling-fined-300k-shredder-lenham-114600/

Stefano Brizzi murder case: Man accused of killing Gordon Semple had smell of gone-off meat in flat: Court

Police who visited the flat of a man accused of murdering a fellow officer have described a rotting stench and a bath full of acid.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/murder-suspects-flat-had-smell-114594/

M20: Delays as vehicle hits bridge between Junction 11A Channel Tunnel and J11 Hythe

Two lanes are closed on the M20 after a vehicle hit a bridge.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/delays-as-vehicle-strikes-bridge-114588/

Kent Live: Breaking news

Catch up with the latest news, travel and weather from across Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/kent-live-breaking-news-102175/

Finally, a memorial to honour Greenhithe's war dead

Nine civilians, one as young as 16 and another aged 77, were among the 123 Greenhithe people who died during the world wars.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/finally-a-memorial-to-honour-114468/

Flex Festival featuring So Solid Crew causes concern among Borstal and Wouldham residents

A festival organiser has met residents in a bid to allay their concerns over a grime, garage and hip hop event on the banks of the Medway.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/villagers-concerned-over-garage-and-114564/

Former police officer Dexter Coleman-Mitchell jailed for possessing illegal weapons, including stun guns.

Illegal weapons - including stun guns and blank-firing pistols - have landed a former police officer in jail.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/former-police-officer-dexter-coleman-mitchell-114569/

Gatwick or Heathrow? Decision today on airport expansion

A long-awaited decision on whether Heathrow or Gatwick should expand to meet rising demand for more aviation capacity will be made today.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/gatwick-or-heathrow-decision-expected-114575/

Cash announced for mental health 'street triage' vehicle and 'places of safety'

The government has announced £59,000 towards creating 'safe places' for people with mental health problems.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/cash-announced-for-mental-health-114578/

Pumpkin pictures: Kent's Halloween pumpkin carvings

Check out these amazing Halloween creations as Kent gets carving.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/pumpkin-pictures-kents-top-carvers-114585/

Michael Danaher jailed for murder of Tonbridge School's Adrian Greenwood after going to steal copy of the Wind in The Willows

A man who murdered a former Tonbridge School pupil and stole his first edition, £50,000 copy of the Wind in The Willows has been jailed for 34 years.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/wind-in-the-willows-murderer-114577/

Travellers arrive at Radnor Park in Folkestone

A group of travellers who have pitched their caravans in a busy town centre park have been given until 1pm tomorrow to leave the site.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/travellers-camp-in-park-114505/

Dover to Sellindge: Transformer to be moved along the M20

A load the size of a one-bedroomed house will be moved along a Kent motorway tonight, and drivers are being told to steer clear.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/warning-monster-machine-to-use-103902/

Robert Stronghill charged after a woman and two children were injured in a crash in Milton Road, Gravesend

A man has been charged after a woman and two children were injured in a crash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/driver-charged-after-serious-crash-114568/

Man charged after assault in Hart Dyke Road, Swanley

A man is due in court after a woman was punched and a police officer attacked.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/man-charged-after-police-officer-114561/

Motorbike collides with two other vehicles in Cross Lane West, Gravesend

Police have closed a road and the air ambulance has been called after a motorbike collided with two other vehicles.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/air-ambulance-attends-motorbike-crash-114559/

Alan Cruttenden, 78, from Gillingham, spent 12 hours banging on his neighbours' wall shouting 'queers'

An elderly man has been found guilty of harassment after banging on his neighbours' wall for 12-hours whilst calling them "queers".

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/pensioners-12-hour-homophobic-rant-114555/

Kings Hill construction boss Victor Shearer, West Malling accountant Aquil Ahmed and Swanscombe's Christopher Azzopardi jailed for £6.9million fraud

Three Kent men who stole £6.9million from HMRC to fund their lavish lifestyles have been jailed for a total of 19 years.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/kent-trio-jailed-for-7m-114546/

Maidstone: Rafel Kafel of Milton Street jailed for raping woman

A terrified victim jumped from a window to escape a vicious rapist after he attacked her in "the most appalling and demeaning way" over several hours.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/man-jailed-for-vicious-rape-114553/

Maidstone: Man arrested at The Pilot in Upper Stone Street on suspicion of assaults

A man has been arrested at a town centre pub following two assaults.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/man-arrested-at-pub-after-114544/

The Rolling Stones send their backing to #HelpJack campaign as Hartley lad Jack Howard continues cancer treatment in Los Angeles

The Rolling Stones have sent their backing to a fundraising campaign hoping to help a young boy in his second battle with cancer.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/video-stones-back-jack-114540/

Air ambulance lands at Cranbrook Rugby Club after young player sustains suspected head injuries

The air ambulance landed on a rugby field after a young boy sustained suspected head injuries.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/boy-taken-to-hospital-after-air-ambulance-lands-at-cranbrook-114537/

Repton Park outraging public decency: teen distressed after man commits 'inappropriate act'

A 15-year-old girl was left distressed after a man reportedly pulled up beside her and committed an 'inappropriate act' in the drivers seat.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/man-commits-inappropriate-act-in-114539/

Aylesford: Station level crossing barrier failure causes delays on Station Road and between Forstal Road and M20 J6

Drivers are being warned to avoid a major road after the level crossing barrier got stuck.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/delays-after-level-crossing-failure-114536/

Penis agony: Bricklayer Steven Horden's operation

A bricklayer faces a desperate wait to see if he can have children - after a freak accident during intercourse.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/couples-baby-fears-after-agonising-114534/

Calais Jungle camp: French authorities start to clear migrant camp

The huge dismantling of the Jungle camp in Calais has begun, with thousands of migrants being dispersed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/mass-exodus-of-migrants-from-114531/

Team GB athlete John Smith is fighting fit after weeks in hospital with septicaemia

An athlete who missed the Paralympics because he was “clinically dying” has come back stronger than ever.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/team-gb-athlete-fighting-fit-114463/

Campaign launched to send Jo Medhurst and family on holiday to Florida

A campaign has been launched to send a terminally ill woman and her four children on a dream holiday to Florida.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/mums-last-wish-to-take-114480/

Lorry fanatic Paul Loveridge had warned of plan to take his own life

A haulage enthusiast took his life just feet away from the treasured lorry that he was restoring, an inquest heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/lorry-fanatics-tragic-death-after-114485/

Woman meets her donor 20 years after pioneering transplant

A little girl who had a pioneering bone marrow transplant almost 20 years ago has met the woman who saved her life.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/weald/news/woman-meets-her-donor-20-114489/

Social workers asked to help with checking age of migrant children in Calais

Home Office approaches county council to ask for help with age checks on unaccompanied child asylum seekers

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/kent-social-workers-on-standby-114528/

'Paul Nuttall is only person to unite UKIP' - Thanet council leader

New contender in UKIP leadership gets backing of only council it runs

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/thanet-ukip-declares-support-for-114521/

Theresa May's leadership honeymoon already seems a distant memory

Europe remains the issue that the Conservatives can't stop banging on about

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/blogs/mays-first-100-days--114519/

Dickens World, Chatham, had debts of nearly half a million pounds

In the months before it closed, Dickens World had debts of nearly half a million pounds according to documents filed at Companies House.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/dickens-world-debts-nearly-half-114422/

Pluckley residents haunted by ghost-hunter influx fears as Celebrity Haunted Hotel Live visits

A live TV programme could bring hordes of ghost hunters to Britain's most haunted village, locals fear.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/halloween-programme-spooks-locals-114451/

Suicidal woman’s unsent text could have saved her life

A desperate text message from a suicidal woman was not sent until after her death - because of a poor mobile signal, an inquest heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/suicidal-womans-unsent-text-could-114475/

New pioneering one-stop cancer centre at Darent Valley Hospital means people can be seen, diagnosed and started on a treatment plan all in a day

A pioneering one-stop cancer centre means people suspected of having the disease can be seen, diagnosed and started on a treatment plan – in one day.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/new-centre-leads-the-way-114455/

Dartford Grammar School for Girls tops expectations with outstanding rating

A grammar school has surpassed its previous good performance by being judged outstanding in every category.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/school-tops-expectations-with-outstanding-114460/

Great grandmother catches British Heart Foundation charity shop thief after chasing him down the street in Canterbury

A battling great-gran who caught a shoplifter after chasing him down the street has warned other thieves to stay away – or face the same treatment.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/im-not-going-to-stand-114481/

'Neo-Nazi’ 'White Lives Matter' group march today in Margate

The UK’s first “White Lives Matter” march is expected today in Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/appeal-as-neo-nazi-group-plans-114483/

Villagers launch campaign to save Archbishop’s Palace in Charing

An ancient palace first mentioned in the Domesday Book could collapse unless urgent action is taken, say campaigners.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/there-is-now-real-danger-114492/

Hear 999 call made by Foster Christian as his murder victims Simon Gorecki and Natasha Sadler-Ellis lay dying

Convicted murderer Foster Christian made a chilling 999 call claiming he'd been assaulted as his victims lay dying.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/hear-999-call-made-by-114493/

Smyths Toys Superstore opens at Ashford Retail Park

A new toy superstore has opened in time for the run-up to Christmas.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/new-toy-store-opens-114459/

Rodney Bradbury, of Hill View Road, Rusthall, jailed for Tunbridge Wells Common crash

A man who caused serious injury when he hit two men with his car after suffering a black out at the wheel has been jailed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/motorist-jailed-after-black-out-114478/

Murder accused Stefano Brizzi 'cooked and ate' part of Greenhithe PC Gordon Semple's body, trial hears

A Breaking Bad fan who strangled a cop may have cooked and eaten part of the body, a jury heard - as it emerges police found his head in a bucket.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/murder-accused-cooked-and-ate-114476/

Search on for Deejay-Kris Evans, 13, missing from Tonbridge

Police are searching for a 6ft 1in 13-year-old boy who has gone missing.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/search-on-for-missing-teen-114479/

P&O Ferry competition: 500 round trip return crossings to be won

Fancy being in with a chance to win return cross-Channel ferry crossings? There are hundreds to be won.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/sail-away-with-fantastic-return-114470/

Alain Juppe: Border controls should move back to Kent from Calais

A leading French politician is calling for the border controls to be moved back to Kent from Calais.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/border-controls-should-move-to-114462/

5 Outdoor Christmas Decorating Tips For Your Home

Are you thinking of decorating the exterior of your house for this year’s Christmas holidays? It’s a trend that’s been growing for some years now, and new innovative lighting designs can be used to great effect to give your home a special and unique Christmas feel.

A few words of caution though, before you let your creative juices run away with you: safety is paramount.

First, electricity needs to be handled with respect. Make sure the lights you wish to install are specifically for outdoor use, and don’t be tempted to overload your electrical sockets – it’s dangerous and can cause a fire. LED lights are best, not only because they are more energy efficient and need less wattage than traditional incandescent bulbs, but also for their beautifully clear, crisp light output. 

Secondly, putting up and taking down outdoor Christmas lights on a building comes with a fair degree of personal risk. Are you working off a simple household ladder? If you do, make sure it’s in good condition and a stable position on a firm and flat surface. Also, it’s advisable to always work in pairs, so you have someone assisting you – two pairs of hands are safer than one. For high roofs, rooftops or other elevated areas, ladders are unlikely to be the right solution. You may be better off hiring a scaffold platform or tower, or even a cherry picker. The last thing you need this Christmas is a nasty accident.

With the essential safety concerns addressed, are you ready to add some festive fun and magic to the outside of your home? Here are 5 design considerations and decorating tips to help you make your home truly Christmassy.

1.       Highlight the building’s architectural features

When installing lights to the front elevation of your house, always start at the centre and work your way outwards to the sides. Look at interesting architectural details of the building to see what can be highlighted in the design scheme. Gables, rooflines, chimneys, arches, windows or similar features lend themselves particularly well. 

Combine horizontal and vertical features to achieve the perfect balance. Rather than covering the entire house in lights, perhaps pick out the roof outline up to the gable peak and down again, then highlight the front door outline to create a simple yet effective festive aesthetic.

2.       Create a professional, three dimensional effect

Whatever you do, it needs to really impress, especially at Christmas – so don’t skimp on lighting; the thicker your lighting garlands are, the more effective the result will be. Use large, bright LED bulbs spaced properly and evenly, every 30cm or so, and include cutbacks so that your house doesn’t appear two dimensional. Make sure the length is just right; you should have a bulb positioned right at the top of the apex, and no overhanging lights at the bottom – otherwise it just looks messy.

3.       Don’t forget to decorate your trees

Beautifully decorated trees add impact, especially when they frame the house. There are two techniques you can use to light up your trees in the front garden. Spiral/canopy wrapping encircles the entire tree (perfect for conifers), while trunk & branch wrapping highlights the main branches and emphasises the structure of the tree (ideal for deciduous trees). Both can look wonderful, as can mixing and matching the two.

4.       Classic white or colourful fun?

Whether you go for the traditional Christmas favourite all-white look or have fun with some on-trend colour is entirely up to your personal taste. This year, one of the popular colour schemes to emerge is a very festive combination of red, green and white. Then again, other colour contrasts can work well too – try silver and gold, or green and blue perhaps, to create an effective and unusual wow factor for your Christmas home.

5.       Add extra decorations to set the scene

For a bolder look, you can give your front garden a Christmas theme with the addition of festive characters – Father Christmas, reindeer, snowmen or penguins, angels and stars, or a nativity scene? The shops are now full of inspiration, with all kinds of fun characters and wonderful light designs to choose from – go and have a look.

Finally, complement your outdoor Christmas light display with some lush greenery to add an extra festive touch to your exterior decorations. Evergreen wreaths or garlands (either real or artificial) can be trimmed with ribbons, ornaments and lights to provide enchanting accents for windows and doors.

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

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/10/5-outdoor-christmas-decorating-tips-for.html

Carer tied elderly patient to bed at Medway Maritime Hospital

A frail dementia patient was tied to a hospital bed with her nightgown by a carer who boasted about it to a nurse.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/carer-boasted-of-tying-frail-114394/

Mark McKenna sentenced after being caught trying to meet child at Bluewater by paedophile hunters The Hunted One

A pervert is facing jail after being caught by a group of paedophile hunters trying to meet an 11-year-old girl for sex at a shopping centre.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/video-pervert-caught-trying-to-114457/

Making Miracles which supports bereaved parents opens stall at Darent Valley Hospital

People don’t like to talk about deaths of babies, but a charity is hoping to bring it to the forefront by launching a stall at Darent Valley Hospital.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/helping-to-ease-parents-fear-114450/

Maidstone: Arrest after brawl at Morrisons, Sutton Road

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after violence erupted at a Maidstone supermarket this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/arrest-after-supermarket-brawl-114453/

London Marathon: Ray Johnson to run 12 days before his 80th birthday

A pensioner will run the London Marathon 12 days before his 80th birthday.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/faversham/news/ray-79-to-run-marathon-114414/

Lydd GP surgery Orchard House Surgery placed into special measures

A GP surgery has been put into special measures after health inspectors branded the quality of its care as inadequate.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-marsh/news/gp-surgery-placed-in-special-114444/

Jury retires to consider verdict in Canterbury double murder trial of Foster Christian

A jury has retired to consider verdicts in the trial of a man accused of murdering two and stabbing two others in a row that erupted over a shower.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/jury-considers-verdict-in-double-114449/

Ten things we didn't know last week

We found out that even sweeping the street can land you in trouble...

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/ten-things-we-didnt-know-114253/

Harry Ludlow, from Rochester, avoids jail for molesting young girl and joining group sex attack on teenager

The mother of a sex attack victim stormed out of court while criticising a judge for letting the man who abused her daughter walk free.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/my-daughter-has-life-sentence-114388/

Joseph Sharp, 33, jailed for seven years for two knifepoint robberies in Strood

A violent drug addict committed two knifepoint robberies within hours of each other, causing wounds to a shopkeeper in one of the raids.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/victims-remarkable-courage-praised-as-114439/

Skeleton found in Edinburgh Road car park, Ashford

A shopper says she got an early Halloween fright when she spotted a skeleton in the driver's seat of a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/skeleton-found-in-car-park-114438/

Police to investigate car arson attacks in Park Farm Close, Folkestone

Police are to investigate an act of arson after a BMW and Mercedes were found alight in a Kent town

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/two-car-arson-attack-114433/

Royal Navy watch as Russian warships enter English Channel near Ramsgate en route to Syria

The Royal Navy is watching a fleet of Russian warships as they pass through the English Channel off the Kent coast this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/russian-warships-off-kent-coast-114431/

Crash closes Station Road, Ashford

Emergency services were called to the scene of a crash that closed a Kent road.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/crash-closes-road-114425/

Motorists near Ashford and Faversham warned about randy deer

Motorists have been warned to steer clear of randy deer during the creatures’ annual mating season this month.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/watch-out-there-are-randy-114398/

Bridesmaid misses best friend's USA wedding due to United Airlines flight cancellation

A bridesmaid who missed her best friend's wedding has accused an airline of being too cautious in cancelling her flight to the USA.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/bridesmaid-misses-best-friends-wedding-114412/

Kent police 'write off' 12 patrol cars in as many months

Twelve police patrol cars have been "totalled" in Kent in just 12 months, it's been revealed

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-write-off-12-cars-114417/

NSPCC warns children after attempted abductions and stranger dangers in Kent

A children's charity has warned youngsters to take care this half term after a spate of attempts to snatch children in Kent.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/warning-after-spate-of-attempted-114419/

Busker Jayne Snow from Rochester films man dancing to cover of Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

A busker from Rochester captures the moment an old man started dancing to one of her songs. What do you think of his moves?

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/video-what-do-you-think-114408/

Where can you get the best deals on a new home in Kent?

Find out which areas have the most reduction from the original asking price - and where you might pay more.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/kent-home-buyers-saving-on-114308/

VIDEO: How to carve the perfect pumpkin in time for Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching, we've put together a handy step-by-step video guide on how to carve the perfect pumpkin.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/video-how-to-carve-the-114403/

Shannan Campey, from Tunbridge Wells, jailed for harrowing abuse against partner

A powerfully-built bully stamped on his girlfriend's head, cut her hair, threw darts at her and poured paint over her in a sadistic campaign of abuse.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/terrified-victim-thought-sadistic-thug-114401/

Eurostar to cut train services and jobs as sales fall after Paris terror attacks, Brexit and migrant crisis

Jobs and train services at Eurostar are due to be lost by the end of the year threatening employees and services at Kent's two international stations.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/jobs-at-risk-in-eurostar-114400/

Stefano Brizzi 'strangled and dismembered' PC Gordon Semple after meeting on gay dating app Grindr

A fan of the Breaking Bad series dismembered a police officer after a sex party claiming 'Satan told me to', a court heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/breaking-bad-fan-strangled-and-114389/

Liam Shorter, of Otford, jailed for sharing images of child sex abuse

A 22-year-old who claimed to be a vigilante paedophile hunter has been caged for sharing images of child sexual abuse.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sevenoaks/news/fake-paedophile-hunter-jailed-over-114380/

Canterbury: Havelock Street and Monastery Street closed following lorry collision

Police and fire crews are at the scene of an accident where a HGV has crashed into scaffolding.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/road-closed-after-lorry-hits-114379/

Folkestone Debenhams death: woman died after shop staff locked up leaving her collapsed in toilet

A woman died after shop staff locked up for the night, leaving her collapsed in the toilet.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/tragic-shopper-locked-in-toilet-114372/

Appeal after Tunbridge Wells woman seriously injured in crash at Crowborough

A Kent woman has been seriously injured and her 87-year-old passenger critically hurt in a crash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/appeal-after-horror-crash-114368/

Curious Brew, Aldi and flats approved by Ashford Borough Council for Victoria Way

A £55 million town centre development - which will include a supermarket, flats and brewery - has been approved unanimously.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/supermarket-flats-and-brewery-approved-114359/

Audley Travel admits liability over death of Tenterden mother Gillian Metcalf in Brazil boat tragedy

A travel firm has finally admitted liability for the death of a mother in a boating tragedy in Brazil.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tenterden/news/firm-admits-liability-over-mums-114361/

Police are investigating after a Jaguar E-Type believed to be worth in excess of £40,000 was reported stolen from Shorne.

Police are investigating after a Jaguar E-Type believed to be worth in excess of £40,000 was reported stolen.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/classic-car-stolen-from-garage-114367/

Foster Christian: Man accused of double murder claims he was attacked first before fatal knife attack

A man accused of a double murder told a court he was dizzy and seeing stars from being hit on the head when he lashed out while holding a knife.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/double-murder-suspect-i-was-114346/

Broomfield pensioner Ian Sandford says NHS refusal to pay for fat-removal operation condemns him to live like invalid

A pensioner who hit 30 stone after a serious illness says the NHS is refusing to pay for an op to remove fat - condemning him to life in a wheelchair.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/red-tape-over-op-is-114357/

Crash causes delays on M20 London-bound at junction 4 for Leybourne

Rush hour traffic is queueing for miles after a crash on the M20 this morning.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/miles-of-queues-after-m20-114355/

Schoolgirl Xena Mclane's cold turned out to be life-threatening auto-immune condition that left her with end-stage kidney failure

A schoolgirl's 'cold' turned out to be something far more serious... and escalated to coughing up 'litres' of blood.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/i-was-coughing-up-litres-114325/

Fears for safety after mum mugged at knifepoint in Ufton Lane, Sittingboune

A mugger brandishing a knife demanded cash from a woman with her young child.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/mum-threatened-with-knife-in-114329/

Matt and Becky Baxter combine wedding with a park run at Shorne Woods

It's not often you see a runaway bride.. and groom. But for Matt and Becky Baxter there couldn’t be anything more natural than a park run wedding.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/groom-goes-on-the-run-114336/

Air ambulance called to serious crash on Milton Road, Gravesend

A woman has been injured in a serious crash involving two cars this evening.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/air-ambulance-called-to-serious-114347/

Car fire shuts M20 motorway near Brands hatch

A car was engulfed in flames on a motorway this evening.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/video-car-fire-shuts-motorway-114344/

VIDEO: Chef filmed 'smoking' in McDoody's burger bar kitchen, Gillingham

A video has emerged showing a chef with what appears to be a cigarette in his mouth working in a burger bar kitchen.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/video-chef-filmed-smoking-in-114337/

Njabulo Leroy Sibanda, 25, formerly of Fir Tree Grove, Chatham, jailed for six years after assault in Gillingham High Street

A man who attacked a group of friends with a knife, leaving one needing 20 stitches in their face, has been jailed for six years.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/man-jailed-for-six-114332/

Missing toddler twitter reports spark Kent Police helicopter search in Tonbridge.

A police helicopter has been scrambled amid rumours on social media that a young child had been spotted unattended.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/twitter-report-sparks-helicopter-search-114324/

Electrotec Repair Centre unit in Ashford targeted by ram-raid causing thousands of pounds worth of damage

Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to a unit on an industrial estate after it was allegedly ram-raided by a Jeep.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/electronic-repair-unit-ram-raided-114323/

Alison Brown, was bitten on the bottom by Kim Poynter's dog, Max in High Street, Isle of Grain

A dog owner has been ordered to keep her rottweiler on a lead at all times and muzzle him when he is walked after it bit another woman on the buttock.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/dog-ordered-to-be-on-114321/

Canterbury: Kent Police hunt men after jewellery theft in St Peter's Street

A man who ran off with a posh watch and a diamond ring from a jewellers was helped by an accomplice who held the door open for him.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/thief-runs-off-with-rolex-114320/

Search on for missing Daniella Fitzgerald, last seen at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, Ashford Road.

Police are searching for a 13-year-old girl who was last seen at a four-star Maidstone hotel.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/teen-missing-from-maidstone-hotel-114315/

Kent: Travis Perkins announces 30 store closures putting 600 jobs at risk

Staff at Kent branches of Wickes owner Travis Perkins face uncertainty after the company announced 30 branch closures, putting 600 jobs at risk.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/travis-perkins-announces-store-closures-kent-114307/

Tony Blackburn to return to the BBC after sacking following Dame Janet Smith inquiry

kmfm presenter Tony Blackburn is returning to the BBC - after a long-running spat over his sacking.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/tony-gets-back-job-at-114310/

De Bradelei Wharf shopping centre in Dover reopens exactly two weeks after shutdown.

A shopping centre that suddenly shut a fortnight ago has suddenly reopened.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/closed-shopping-centre-reopens-114311/

Gourmet Burger Kitchen announces intention to move into Lockmeadow in Maidstone

A restaurant chain has made clear its intention to move into a Kent leisure complex.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/gourmet-burgers-to-come-to-114300/

Unemployment Kent: Fewer people in dole queues in September

Fewer people claimed unemployment benefits in Kent last month, despite the number of jobseekers growing nationally.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/unemployment-kent-down-september-114302/

Teenager headbutted by would-be robber who fled at Albert Court, Ramsgate

A teenager was headbutted by a man who tried to steal his mobile phone before running off.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/teen-headbutted-in-violent-robbery-114297/

Traffic queues on M25 after roadworks near Dartford tunnels

Roadworks on the M25 have led to queues stretching back more than eight miles.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/delays-stretch-back-for-miles-114296/

Migrant 'suffocated under weight of baby clothes catalogues' in lorry coming to UK

A migrant is thought to have suffocated under the weight of baby clothes catalogues as a truck came to the UK.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/migrant-suffocated-under-weight-of-114290/

WARNING: Flood alert issued for Kent coast from Pegwell Bay to Deal, including Sandwich

The Environment Agency updated its website this morning to warn people about a high tide which is expected in parts of Kent around lunchtime today

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/flood-alert-issued-for-kent-114291/

Motorists are facing delays on the M2 near Strood after fuel and debris was left on the carriageway after smash

Motorists are facing delays after fuel and debris were strewn across the carriageway of the M2 near Strood after an earlier crash.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/delays-on-the-m2-after-114292/

Sheppey teenager Amanda Day's ‘fake’ illness was incurable brain tumour

Her 'fake' illness was initially dismissed by doctors, but now brave Amanda says she'll live life to the full, despite her diagnosis.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/girls-fake-illness-was-incurable-114256/

Kent County Council halts closure of child asylum seekers' reception centres with destruction of Calais jungle camp

Kent County Council has halted the closure of one of its reception centres for child asylum seekers due to the destruction of the Calais migrant camp.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/council-halts-child-asylum-centre-114266/

Voyeur Jack Eldred secretly filmed woman dressing at her Tunbridge Wells flat

A pervert filmed a woman getting dressed after taking a shower by concealing a camera in her room.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/voyeur-secretly-filmed-woman-dresssing-114277/

Roadworks gridlock Maidstone town centre

Drivers are reporting huge delays in this town centre this evening as roadworks snarl up the entire one-way system.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/roadworks-gridlock-town-114287/

Police warning ahead of far right 'White Lives Matter' march

Kent Police has issued a warning ahead of the UK's first 'White Lives Matter' demonstration.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/police-warning-ahead-of-far-114285/

White finger syndrome: Thanet council admits breaches of health and safety rules

A council has today admitted safety breaches which left up to 40 workers with "white finger" syndrome.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/council-admits-white-finger-safety-114284/

Falklands veteran Peter Bailey spared jail after reaching for rifle when woken by nail gun noise at Tunbridge Wells flat

A construction worker and Falklands veteran snapped and reached for a rifle when he was awoken by noise from a nail gun.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/veteran-woken-by-nail-gun-114281/

More than 50 people stood outside the flattened remains Gravesend's historic Battle of Britain pub in protest at it being illegally bulldozed

More than 50 people stood outside the flattened remains of the Battle of Britain pub in protest at it being illegally bulldozed in the dead of night.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/battle-for-the-battle-of-114283/

The Leigh Academy and Dartford Football Club team up to create an academic course with football and now girls can do it too

The Leigh Academy and Dartford Football Club have teamed up to create a course which marries academic study with football and now girls can do it too.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/academy-lets-girls-reach-their-114280/

Cheryl Prudham, known as the Queen of Benefits, Robert Prudham, of Maidstone, and Jacob Underdown, of Sheerness, accused of hospital parking theft

A woman dubbed the Queen of Benefits, her ex partner and a third man will stand trial in connection with the theft of £10,500 from car parks.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/queen-of-benefits-in-court-114270/

Manager of Rat Race in Margate High Street Ryan Bond given a fixed penalty notice after sweeping the front of shop

A shop manager has been landed with a fine for sweeping the outside of his store.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/im-worried-im-going-to-114268/

Socially isolated Oliver Horwood of Sinclair Way, Darenth, jailed after threatening young girls in perverted chats

An 'overweight teenager' persuaded young girls to send him indecent images of themselves and threatened to post them on the internet.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/socially-isolated-teen-threatens-girls-114276/

Gravesend traffic problems following accident involving a car and lorry

Traffic is building up after a crash involving a car and lorry on one of the county's busiest routes.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/traffic-problems-following-accident-involving-114269/

The Source bar, Maidstone: A nightclub due to hold a clown-themed event has called it off

A Kent nightclub which courted controversy after advertising a clown-themed party on Friday has re branded the event.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/club-calls-off-clown-night-114262/

Could Thanet council leader be on UKIP joint leadership ticket?

After the shock resignation of UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe, could council leader Chris Wells be on brink of entering race?

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/thanet-council-leader-drops-further-114259/

Police, fire and ambulance crews at Aldi supermarket in Gillingham

A supermarket has been sealed off as police, fire and ambulance crews deal with an incident.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/emergency-crews-descend-on-aldi-114257/

Honeymooner James Roberts cured of fear of flying by hypnotist Jason O'Callaghan on honeymoon at airport

A groom was cured of his fear of flying in the airport as he was waiting to go on his honeymoon with his new wife.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/hythe/news/honeymooner-cured-of-fear-of-114251/

Illegal immigrant 'found dead' in the back of a lorry in Sellindge

An illegal immigrant has been found dead in the back of a truck after its driver is thought to have stopped at a lorry park.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/illegal-immigrant-found-dead-in-114252/

Julian Clary takes aim at Ashford's bus passengers

A camp comic has tweeted a tongue-in-cheek take down of Olympic and Paralympic parades - by taking a swipe at the tracksuit-clad bus users of Ashford.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/comics-swipe-at-bus-passengers-114249/

Maidstone supercentarian Vera Pigott dies at the age of 111 at Sutton Valence Care Home on North Street

A woman who reached the grand age of 111 in July has sadly passed away

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/supercentarian-dies-at-111-years-114246/

Roy and Kerry Rogers claim they have mould in their throats after living in damp Chatham flat

A couple claim they have developed mould spores in their throats after living in a damp flat for more than a year.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/weve-developed-mould-spores-in-114234/

Woman recalls aftermath of road horror in Medway Road, Gillingham

A woman has described how paramedics battled to save the life of a six-year-old boy after he and another child were hit by a car.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/witness-recalls-aftermath-of-horror-114244/

Maidstone: Charlotte Dutton reported missing last seen near Lockmeadow, in Barker Road

Police are investigating the disappearance of a school girl last seen in Maidstone.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/police-probe-teenagers-dissappearance-114243/

The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells has been named one of the UK's best high streets

A shopping parade in Kent has been named one of the UK's best high streets.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/the-pantiles-one-of-uks-114241/

Kent most haunted places for Halloween 2016

Join us on a harrowing tour of the most haunted places across the county.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whats-on/news/kents-most-haunted-places-103205/

Youngster in serious but stable condition this morning after being hit by car in Medway Road, Gillingham

A man in his 50s has been arrested after two children were hit by a car, leaving one of them in a serious condition.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/child-fighting-for-life-after-114226/

Multi-vehicle crash closes M25 at the Swanley Interchange near Dartford causes long delays

The emergency services are currently at the scene of a multi-vehicle smash on the M25 near Dartford and the carriageway has been closed as a result.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/multi-vehicle-crash-closes-m25-near-114233/

Third floor flat fire in Trimworth Road, Folkestone, after cooking left unattended

Flats had to be evacuated after a person in the third floor flat left their cooking unattended.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/flat-fire-after-cooking-left-114231/

Police arrest Sam Armstrong, aide to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay

An MP's office is said to have been raided by police investigating an allegation his aide raped a woman.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/kent-mp-aide-arrest-114229/

Gasmask-wearing attacker Greg Coleman stabbed victim in face as he slept in Margate flat, raided with accomplice John Mahoney

A gaskmask-clad thug beat his victim with a metal bar and stabbed him in the face in a nighttime attack.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/man-wakes-as-gasmask-attacker-114210/

Lorraine Fowler saves husband Paul's life after heart attack at Medway home

Lorraine Fowler’s sixth sense that something was not quite right probably saved her husband’s life.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/i-never-ever-expected-to-114217/

Trial of Stefano Brizzi, charged with murdering policeman PC Gordon Semple, starts today at the Old Bailey

The trial starts today of Stefano Brizzi, the man accused of murdering and dismembering a policeman he allegedly met on the gay dating website Grindr.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/man-in-court-accused-of-114225/

Kent Police raid suspected brothels in slavery crackdown

Kent Police have raided suspected brothels across the county as part of a Europe-wide crackdown on sex trafficking.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/video-114228/

Overturned car brings M20 to a standstill near Maidstone

A crash in which a car flipped onto its roof has blocked the M20 this evening.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/overturned-car-brings-m20-to-114227/

Cardy Construction in Canterbury faces debt claims of more than £18m

Cardy Construction, the building giant which collapsed this year, is facing claims for more than £18m of debts from hundreds of companies owed money.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/cardy-construction-firms-claim-18m-114224/

Kent Aldi customers targeted by Facebook voucher scam

Kent's Aldi customers should be on their guard for this Facebook voucher scam.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/this-fake-aldi-voucher-is-114222/

A249 at Stockbury closed Maidstone bound following crash

A main road is currently closed following a car crash on a roundabout connecting a motorway and a busy A-road.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/three-vehicle-crash-near-roundabout-114219/

Foster Christian case: Man accused of murder 'felt vulnerable' in shared Canterbury accommodation

A man accused of a double murder is alleged to have wanted to move from his home because he felt vulnerable there, a court heard.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/man-accused-of-murder-felt-114220/

Peter Harris, of Tunbridge Wells, jailed for causing horror smash on the A26 near Uckfield

A Tunbridge Wells man who left a woman in a wheelchair after colliding with her car while travelling on the wrong side of the road has been jailed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/man-jailed-for-causing-horror-114215/

Items worth more than £25,000, one including a potentially hazardous substance, taken from industrial estate

Items worth more than £25,000 were taken from an industrial estate, with one containing a potentially hazardous substance.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/hythe/news/industrial-estate-break-in-114216/

Man arrested after stabbing outside church in Newington Road, Ramsgate

A suspect is being questioned by police after a man was stabbed in the stomach outside a church.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/man-arrested-over-church-stabbing-114211/

School reinforces safety guidelines after a third pupil was alleged victim of attempted abduction

A school has warned students to travel in pairs after the third attempted abduction of a pupil in weeks.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/schools-warning-after-third-attempted-114209/

Hildenborough: PC Louise Wilson of Metropolitan Police Service sacked after drink drive disqualification

A police officer who was caught driving while three times the legal alcohol limit has been sacked.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tonbridge/news/drink-drive-police-officer-sacked-114204/

French students arrive at Dickens World, Chatham Maritime, to find it closed

A group of French schoolchildren turned up to a popular attraction this morning, to find it had been repossessed.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/students-great-expectations-dashed-at-114205/

Repairs to Dreamland's scenic railway rollercoaster delayed due to rope problems

Dreamland's most iconic attraction is still closed to the public - more than two months after it was shut down for testing.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/rollercoaster-derailed-by-fresh-troubles-114203/

Ward & Partners Children's Awards presented at the Mercure Hotel in Maidstone

Kent's awe-inspiring children and families honoured at Ward & Partners Children Awards

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/kids-shine-at-glittering-awards-104120/

Olympic gold medalist hockey player Maddie Hinch may miss Team GB parade after flight home cancelled

Gold medal winning hockey player Maddie Hinch has turned to Twitter for help after her flight home for the Team GB celebration parade was cancelled.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/will-olympian-make-team-gb-104201/

RNLI Sheerless lifeboat launched on early morning distress call

A lifeboat crew called out to an early morning distress alert.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/rnli-lifeboat-launched-on-distress-104197/

Man 'attacks' boy, 15, sparking police appeal for witnesses

A mother has said she is “sick to the stomach” after watching a video of her teenage son getting 'attacked' in broad daylight, by a grown man.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/teen-gets-attacked-by-man-104198/

The Source bar, Maidstone, to host clown night in run up to Halloween

A Maidstone nightclub is to host a clown-themed event in preparation for Halloween.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/nightclub-to-host-clown-night-104194/

Travellers set up camp at Gravesend's Cyclopark

Five caravans have parked up at a key Kent cycling attraction.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/travellers-set-up-camp-at-104193/

How to Make a Good Impression to Potential Buyers During Your First Open House

The way you hold an open house plays a critical role in determining the value of your home. Without the right preparation and plan, you can easily send potential buyers out the door. If this is the first time you’ll be setting up one, here are some of the things you can do to make a very good impression.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal

Your driveway and walkway are as important as what’s inside your home. Since they are the first areas that your potential buyers can see, you have to make sure that they are in top shape.

Freshen up your landscaping by removing dried and dying plants. It’s also a good idea to re-do your exterior paint, particularly if it’s already peeling or extremely faded. If your front and garage door are already showing signs of wear and tear, now is the right time to get them replaced.

It can also help if you can clean your gutters. In case your home’s siding is filled with dirt and grime, you can pressure wash it. A fresh new welcoming mat can make a big difference, too.

Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure that your driveway is clear. You don’t want anything there that can obstruct the view of your home.

Clean your home

This is probably the most important thing you need to do if you want to create a good impression to your potential buyers. A home full of clutter isn’t only visually unappealing, but it can also make your property lose its value. It might even discourage people from buying your property.

Start off by removing most of your personal items from your home. It should be as sparse as possible even before you set it up on the market. Take away as much furniture as possible and leave only those items that you think can boost your home’s aesthetic appeal.

Remove all stains from your walls, mirrors and silverware. You want your home to be as pristine as it can be. If there are hard-to-remove stains, it’s a better idea if you can reach out to the professional carpet and upholstery cleaners in your area. They have the tools, materials and skills to remedy stubborn stains without the risk of damaging your household item.

Let more light in

Whether it’s natural or artificial light, you want your home to be as bright and illuminated as possible. This is to help your potential buyers get a good view of your home’s layout and floor plan. You can open up all your curtains and make sure that all light bulbs are functioning well prior to their visit.

Prepare some refreshments

This is probably one of the most overlooked things when it comes to preparing for an open house. Although not a necessity, offering something for your visitors to eat and drink can help make a good impression. It doesn’t have to involve complex and expensive food items. It can be as simple as serving freshly baked cookies and glasses of cool lemonades.

Add accessories if you can

You don’t need tons of accessories to highlight your home, but adding them where they matter can make a big difference. This includes adding vases of flowers and scented candles in your living room. You can also add extra storage spaces in your bathroom to organize your toiletries and towels.

It’s a good idea if you can replace any broken faucets and cabinet handles, too. You can decorate your kitchen with decorative bottles filled with spices and oils. You can also use recipe books and glasses to add character to the room.

Assemble your furniture

You might be keeping your furniture the way they are for convenience and comfort. However, for open houses, you might want to consider moving them around to maximize your space.

Stage your furniture so that people can move around without bumping into things. Take away large furniture, such as sectional sofas. Make sure that there’s plenty of room for them to walk around but avoid pushing all your furniture to the wall. You want to create a focal point, such as a large window or your fireplace.

Depersonalize your home

Tuck away your family photos as they can be distracting for your potential buyers. As buyers can also look into your cabinets and storage spaces, it’s a good idea to empty them out or organize their contents. Seeing them overflowing can create the impression that your home doesn’t have enough space to keep things neatly tucked in.

Remove your toothbrush and towels from your bathroom. You should also consider clearing your kitchen countertops , especially if you have tons of appliances there. You only need to have the essentials to emphasize your kitchen’s functionality.

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/10/how-to-make-good-impression-to.html

Three teenagers released on bail after alleged rape on Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone

Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of raping a woman on a beach have been released on bail.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/beach-rape-suspects-bailed-104183/

Dog walker describes finding bodies of Stephen Port's alleged victims, including Daniel Whitworth from Gravesend, in churchyard

A dog walker has described finding the bodies of two victims of an alleged serial killer in a churchyard within just three weeks of each other.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/oh-please-let-that-be-104178/

X Factor: Former Maidstone schoolboy Freddy Parker, from Ashford, voted off the show

Kent schoolboy Freddy Parker, who was once favourite to win the X Factor, has been voted off the show.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/x-factor-dream-over-for-104176/

Canterbury mother fears conspiracy theorist son Max Spiers was murdered in Poland

A mother fears her conspiracy theorist son - who warned her he was "in trouble" days before his death - was murdered.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/mother-fears-conspiracy-theorist-son-104085/

Carey Miles, from Canterbury Historic River Tours, offers student a job after witnessing good deed

The boss of a tourist business was so impressed when he witnessed a student selflessly buying a homeless man a coffee, that he offered him a job.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/students-good-deed-rewarded-with-104090/

Homes in Star House, Pudding Lane, Maidstone being used to house London's homeless

Plush new homes in the county are being used to house the capital's homeless.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/local-homes-for-londoners-104093/

Snodland parents Simon Palmer and Lisa Standen lose baby Summer after being denied test at Medway hospital

A grieving father says his baby died at just 19 days old after being denied a potentially life-saving test - because it was deemed too expensive.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/malling/news/parents-grief-as-baby-dies-104096/

Clown with catapult in Denton. gravesend

The police helicopter was scrambled after reports of a group of clowns causing a disturbance in a town.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/police-helicopter-in-search-for-104175/

Smoke alarm alerts householders to oven fire in Kemsing

Firefighters were called to put out to a blaze which broke out in an oven.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/smoke-alarm-alerts-householders-to-104174/

Fire under floorboards starts in house in Margate Hill, Acol, Kent Fire and Rescue Service called

Fire crews were called to a blaze that broke under a house's floor boards.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/blaze-starts-under-floorboards-104173/

Blaze in garage in Thanington Way, Canterbury, Kent Fire and Rescue Service called

Fire crews were called to a blaze in a garage.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/contents-of-garage-destroyed-in-104171/

Four people trapped in hotel lift at the Premier Inn, Cherry Garden Lane, Folkestone

Two men and two women had to be rescued by firefighters after being stuck in a hotel lift.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/four-trapped-in-hotel-lift-104172/

Police called to Showfields Road, Tunbridge Wells after 'dog taken away'

Police have reportedly been called to an incident in which a dog is believed to have been taken away from a home.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/several-police-cars-called-to-104169/

Telegraph pole struck by car in Risborough Lane, Folkestone, Janine Brown, of St Martins road, charged

A woman has been charged with drink-driving after a car toppled a telegraph pole

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/car-knocks-down-telegraph-pole-104168/

Reported rape on Sunny Sands beach, Folkestone followed by arrest of man of 18 and two boys of 16

Three teenagers have been arrested after the reported rape of a woman on a beach.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/three-arrested-after-beach-rape-104167/

Rare collection of Chinese deities and buddhas fetches £192,000

A collection of rare Chinese deities has fetched more than £190,000 - after their owner became a world expert.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/rare-collection-fetches-192000-104062/

Young Iraq war critic joins Forces after urging Tony Blair not to go to war

A former schoolboy who told Tony Blair not to go to war in Iraq - aged nine - has now joined the armed forces

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/schoolboy-who-urged-blair-not-104092/

River in Broad Oak, Canterbury, turns bright pink after vandals dump printer ink

An investigation has been launched after a woodland stream was turned luminous pink by vandals.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/probe-launched-after-river-turns-104104/

Gillingham man Arnold Awoonor-Gordon discovers Victoria adopted his great-great grandma Sarah Forbes Bonetta

A Kent man has finally discovered the truth behind an old family legend - and it was closer to home than he ever imagined.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/victoria-adopted-my-great-great-grandma-104132/

Maidstone: Police carrying our inquiries after suspected stabbing outside Spar in Upper Fant Road

Detectives with sniffer dogs are carrying out searches following reports of a stabbing.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/huge-police-response-after-stabbing-104161/

Crash on A2 Watling Street at Pepper Hill

A woman has been cut free from her vehicle and treated for a head injury after a crash on the A2.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/woman-suffers-head-injury-in-104159/

Fire on Mercedes Sprinter van on P&O ferry Pride of Burgundy at Dover Eastern Docks

A van on a car ferry was found to be on fire after the ship docked.

from KentOnline News http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/fire-on-ferry-car-deck-104158/