Medway News: Recent Episodes
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A 40-bed nursing home has shut amid safeguarding concerns as alternative places are sought for residents who have dementia and mental health issues.
Plans linked to a major housing development, new sports facilities and a string of home extensions are among the latest planning applications.
Tributes have been paid to a terminally ill publisher who was backing a Kent MP’s reintroduction of the assisted dying bill.
Two people were treated by paramedics after a fire broke out in a garage near a secondary school.
A council has warned flytippers that technology is making it much more likely they will be caught.
A council leader has hit back at claims new town centre flats will be homes for asylum seekers or bought by London councils.
Families say their elderly relatives are being left without dignity and as “shadows” of their former selves by a crumbling social care system.
In her latest column, MP Lauren Edwards talks about her time learning first-hand about parents’ experiences with the SEND system.
Thousands of people have backed a campaign demanding action over the long-delayed reopening of a riverside walking route.
The county’s police force has been ordered to pay costs to both a businessman and a council over a failed appeal against an alcohol licence.
There are reports of slow traffic on the M2 and A299 as people head home from the coast.
A man and a boy have been arrested after officers recovered a van loaded with stolen copper cabling within hours of a reported break-in.
A Kent MP has turned a barrage of racist abuse on its head by telling trolls demanding she “go home”: “I already am. It’s Gillingham.”
Our reviewer and her canine companions take in a trail which combines beautiful scenery, historic landmarks and plenty of opportunities to cool off.
A witness has described a huge wildfire threatening a house and sending smoke across part of the county.
A 26-year-old sex offender who had several sexual encounters with a girl he knew was 15 – including getting her pregnant – has been locked up.
A charity has appealed for help after thieves allegedly stole a specialist boat used during sailing sessions for children with additional needs.
A town’s award-winning cafe and restaurant is to shut permanently after a fire badly damaged the kitchen three months ago.
Medway’s most successful-ever Sunday League club have folded following the loss of long-serving manager and local legend Steve Lester.
A carpenter who crept into the homes of villagers to pilfer booze from them was found slumped at the wheel of his car by an off-duty officer.
Hospital staff say cuts to pay and rising parking costs are making them consider leaving for other jobs altogether.
The family of an elderly sick widow have launched a campaign to raise £8k for an ambulance and medics to bring her home from France.
A parent says his three-year-old girl had to undergo surgery after being bitten on the arm by a dog opposite a primary school “out of nowhere”.
A cash-strapped local authority will have to cough up £100,000 of taxpayer money after a judge ruled against its legal bid to evict Travellers.
A home care and supported living service has been placed in special measures following a damnng inspection from the health watchdog.
A perturbed pensioner is pleading with council chiefs to return a 20ft-long fibreglass elephant removed from his driveway over safety fears.
Children at two independent schools have been told their school will shut in just over two weeks’ time, prompting fears as to where they will go.
A new tour at a top Kent attraction will take film fans behind the scenes of huge blockbusters and popular TV shows.
A school leavers’ celebration turned into an emotional tribute as pupils gave a standing ovation for a classmate involved in a tragic accident.
A head teacher has discovered a suitcase filled with photos and documents from the school’s rich history.
Keep the kids happy for hours with a visit to one of Kent’s country parks. Here’s some of our top picks.
A guard at a young offenders’ institution suffered displaced teeth, a punctured lip and bruising after being attacked by a teenage inmate.
On this week’s Kent Politics Podcast our reporters discuss by-election wins for Reform and welcome special guest, county councillor Sean Holden.
A former college where some of the biggest names in art and fashion trained is to be converted into apartments.
The chilly weather is the perfect excuse to take the family on a trip to the lanes at one of Kent’s retro bowling alleys.
An interactive festive experience will train kids to be part of the Elf Academy and help make toys and wrap gifts in time for Christmas.
Plans to build almost 300 flats in a rundown part of a historic town are set to be approved, despite objections from conservationists.
A mass search operation to find 16-year-old James Gibbons, who was last spotted heading towards woodlands, has reached its seventh day.
Plans to convert a terraced home into a seven-bed house of multiple occupancy have riled residents - but developers say it’ll be “high end”.
A knifeman threatened to kill his neighbour in a violent and abusive confrontation over birthday party decorations.
A drunk violently attacked her neighbours after they confronted her about playing loud music during the early hours.
Fed-up parents of teens with special educational needs say they are bearing the brunt of long delays to applications for paid transport assistance.
Serious concerns over the poor state of a prison have been raised in a damning report - but the government says it is taking immediate action.
Nearly 3,000 fines have been issued since a grace period ended on a controversial scheme banning motorists from entering roads near schools.
A motorist who crashed his car into another vehicle on a busy roundabout was found to be more than three times the legal drink-drive limit.
A health trust has apologised to a heartbroken woman who was mistakenly told she had a chronic condition just days after suffering a miscarriage.
A limited exhibition celebrating artist Ralph Steadman, including his Gonzo work and Picasso-inspired project, is almost over.
A pub is facing a review of its licence following concerns the landlord has failed to report two violent assaults and cooperate with police.
An academy boss has defended his school’s ban on skin fade haircuts after a pupil was removed from classes for not following the rules.
A dad has been jailed after he was found in a £500k five-bedroom house where every room was being used to grow cannabis, apart from the kitchen.
There have been several reports of cars breaking down after being filled up with fuel at the same supermarket petrol station.
A pensioner has described the “horrible” moment she discovered her foot was infested with maggots seven days into her stay at a hospital.
A police officer has been dismissed from the force after touching a female colleague inappropriately while asking for car keys.
Councillors have agreed to give a developer more time to fill in a quarry so 181 homes can be built despite the work having dragged on for years.
A prominent politician is calling for the scrapping of local councils in Kent and the introduction of a new tax.
An influx of people because of new developments and a successful NHS recruitment drive is predicted to cause a shortage of school places.
A police sergeant who admitted masturbating near a play park while naked has been sacked for gross misconduct.
Shoppers in Kent share their thoughts on the increasing number of self-checkouts, with many taking a stand to avoid them altogether.
A former businessman who hid a secret camera in toilets and admitted voyeurism and making indecent pictures of children has avoided prison.
Residents are worried about a loss of privacy after eight small bits of land have been snapped up by a mystery man.
A prison has received an urgent notification to improve after a report finds self-harm, drug use, rising violence and a rodent infestation.
A mother whose daughter was nearly injured when her bathroom ceiling fell on her fears it is a matter of time before it happens again.
A weed smoker caught driving too slowly while high on drugs told police she was trying to avoid a large bird in the road.
Renewed calls have been made to do something with a former village school which has sat empty for 20 years - and is now branded dangerous and unsafe.
Police were left with a staggering £5,000 repair bill after a serial offender bit, kicked and spat at officers before defecating in a cell - twice.
A family circus looking for somewhere new to pitch its big top after having to leave its home of 12 years is advertising a new “mystery show”.
A husband was caught on camera attacking his former partner after the pair got into a row at a hotel.
A grieving couple whose unborn son died after they were told to stay home and not to worry have started a charity to support bereaved parents.
A 39-year-old who was banned from contacting his ex-girlfriend and repeatedly messaged her in defiance of a court order has been jailed.
A reptile lover who runs regular meet ups and events across the county has hit back at concerns raised by a protection agency over animal welfare.
A 79-year-old fundraiser is at her wits’ end with thieves repeatedly stealing from her garden sales – despite signs explaining they’re for charity.
Pharmacists are taking action against shameless shoplifters who are stealing cosmetics and baby milk to order.
Violence is increasing at a Kent prison as it sees an influx of people who would usually not be permitted, according to the latest reports.
Dozens of brides have slammed a videographer for last-minute cancellations - but the woman at the centre of the row calls their claims a “witch hunt”.
While rising costs have forced some youth organisations to fold as people opt for second jobs over volunteering one Scouts group is bucking the trend.
Two pub-goers were left shocked after being egged and verbally abused in a drive-by attack outside one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ pubs in the country.
A food van owned by a grassroots football team has been vandalised in an act the club’s chairman branded “tragic and disappointing”.
The mazes will feature pirates, witches and sunflower patches - but they are only open for a limited time.
A prolific shoplifter cried when she was given a chance to sort her life out by magistrates who told her to take better care of herself.
A group of residents are gearing up to fight against revised plans for an “enormous” winery they fear will do irreparable harm to the countryside.
Card schools, conversation and silly signs - Secret Drinker at a pub where traditional values still ring true
A school has paid tribute to a 15-year-old boy who has been put on end of life care after a jump from a pier left him brain damaged.
Plans to add more cameras to several towns to catch motorists flouting traffic rules have been welcomed despite claims they’re purely to “make money”.
A drink driver crashed into a block of flats, reversed, drove 12 doors down, parked his car and went home.
As England lines up for an historic Euro final we speak to Kent people with ties to our opponents Spain to see where their loyalty stands.
Two sisters were forced to give up on their dream careers after years of suffering from debilitating joint pain and thinking it was normal.
An ex-member of the armed forces says he was continually “chased” by British Gas to pay an inaccurate bill following a council blunder.
Families have accused one of Kent’s biggest academy trusts of ‘erasing’ its primary’s history as it prepares to rename more than 15 schools it runs.
A long-awaited flyover designed to ease congestion and reduce accidents is set to open after plans were first unveiled seven years ago.
The mother of a young girl who has been fighting a heart condition in hospital for weeks has spoken about her daughter’s life-threatening ordeal.
A revised plan to revitalise a rundown part of a historic town centre and improve a dangerous road junction is to go on display.
A hospital which was the birthplace of thousands of people closed 25 years ago. We take a look back at its history.
A lollipop lady stopped breathing and needed CPR after collapsing while on duty outside a school.
Parents, patients and doctors celebrate 25 years of a unit that has helped the tiniest babies back to health.
Labour has emerged victorious in Rochester and Strood as the party cleans up all three seats in the Medway Towns.
The Labour party has ousted the Tories in Gillingham and Rainham as it marches on to number 10.
Labour have gained another seat in the Medway Towns as they take Chatham and Aylesford which had been held by the Tories since 2010.
A desperate mum does not know where to turn after her autistic son was refused entry from 30 secondary schools who claim they “cannot meet his needs”.
An inquest into the death of a 22-year-old dad heard he lost control of his motorbike while travelling home from work.
A fast-food takeaway accused of employing illegal workers when raided by the Home Office may now have its licence revoked.
A 47-year-old found with a sawn-off shotgun at her home has been spared a prison term after it took more than eight years to sentence her.
Two huge events celebrating this year’s Armed Forces Day, including a Red Arrows aerial display, are coming to Kent.
The owner and chef of a new family-run restaurant says he wants to bring the taste of the Mediterranean to Kent.
A husband is calling for change to improve support for unpaid carers after he and his wife were left without support for half a year.
More than £6,000 has been raised for a family grieving the loss of their 21-month-old toddler after he suffered a seizure.
A dad was told to “grow up” and “take responsibility” for his actions after bombarding his ex with threatening messages.
Back-to-back general election hustings covering three Kent constituencies will be live-streamed on KentOnline tonight.
A primary school once told it was failing to give its pupils “an acceptable standard of education” has taken giant strides forward.
A council has been warned it must take action over an abandoned ship which is crashing against a sea wall and causing a pier to crumble away.
A carer is being investigated after she was caught on camera apparently spitting on her patient’s doorstep following a row over a damaged wall.
A mental health liaison for children has become the fifth finalist to be shortlisted for a prestigious award.
We profile the Rochester and Strood constituency and the candidates vying for your vote on July 4.
We profile the Chatham and Aylesford constituency and the candidates vying for your vote on July 4.
Controversial plans to erect retirement homes near a protected wildlife site have been approved — but only on the condition there’s no kids or cats.
We profile the Gillingham and Rainham constituency and the candidates vying for your vote on July 4.
An abusive man who turned up at his ex partner’s address in the middle of the night despite being banned from her home cried as he was sentenced.
A high street drinking hole has won approval to make its temporary outdoor shelter, first erected during the pandemic, a permanent fixture.
A last-ditch attempt has been launched to save a popular community pub described as the ‘heart of the village.
The festival boasts celebrity guests, retro and VR games, cosplayers, life-sized DnD and nerf battles.
A car wash site where plans for a 100-room budget hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant were approved despite heavy opposition is up for sale.
A mum says her family “can’t have fun anymore” after her housing association banned her paddling pool and wedding reception from the communal yard.
A debt-ridden university branded “a hellish nightmare” to work for is set to make further redundancies, KentOnline can reveal.
A dedicated porter is the latest finalist to be shortlisted for the Hospital Hero category in Medway Maritime's Star Award.
The moment an “unhappy” lorry driver pushes over a pensioner during a road rage incident on a major Kent road has been captured on film.
A family has paid a touching tribute to a “funny and generous” sister and daughter who defied the odds and lived life to the full for 60 years.
Visitors can tuck into a feast of street food, summer cocktails, cooking demos and live music over the three-day festival.
An application has been submitted to turn a car park into a Traveller site, nearly a year after a group were placed there on a temporary basis.
An estate agent more than three times the drink-drive limit nearly crashed after being pulled over by police patrols while on the school run.
A mum unable to register her ‘soft’ dog in time due to a fault with a government website had her pet seized and put in kennels for months.
A business owner has slammed a new traffic management scheme he says is costing him thousands of pounds and is making a high street a “ghost town”.
The producer of a new movie starring a Bend It Like Beckham actor has revealed why it was solely filmed in Kent.
Residents claim their public transport options are not good enough to support their growing villages.
Lots of beautiful early summer gardens are opening all over Kent in the next few weeks. Here’s where you can find them.
A company behind plans for a controversial winery has revealed its intentions to expand on its current site.
A family were terrorised in their home by three armed masked robbers waving Stanley knives.
The founders of a charity and festival set up in memory of a murdered student look back at its success.
A secondary school has confirmed an email containing data about its students was sent out “inadvertently”.
An owner has returned more than 100 balls to tennis courts after discovering her light-pawed pooch’s quirky obsession.
A trainee electrician enrolled on college course he was meant to pass four years ago claims absent tutors who lose his work are to blame.
An investigation into a plane crash near a 700-year-old pub which left two friends stuck in a tree for more than four hours has concluded.
A dad-of-two is hoping to make more memories with his little girls after receiving a “devastating” cancer diagnosis.
A driver was spared a prison sentence so he could be with his new baby despite causing a crash after driving at 91mph on the M2.
If you’re a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, Kent has some exhilarating days out that might just surprise you.
A new Turkish eatery has undergone a £500,000 refurbishment as it bids to bring a slice of the capital’s dining experience to the county.
A memorial is being held for a beloved restaurant boss before he is flown back to Latvia.
A healthcare worker who was the first person on the planet to perform her role has told of her pride at being shortlisted for a hospital award.
A convicted paedophile who claims to identify as a little girl has been jailed for having a secret phone in breach of a sexual harm prevention order.
As the NHS struggles to cope with the country’s mental health crisis, we spoke to those who are finding alternative places to get support.
A thief claimed he stole more than £100 of festive gifts from a pharmacy to help out his friend who owed money to the wrong people.
Aircraft conservationists have been gifted an iconic fighter plane recovered from the Arctic Circle to boost funds.
Business owners have been left fearing for their future in a town centre after footfall dropped steeply following a hike in car parking charges.
A woman who was knocked out by a complete stranger during an assault at a high street pub says she can no longer go outside or sleep at night.
The parents of a “kind and compassionate” man who died following a severe asthma attack are raising awareness of the condition.
A woman has been spared jail after firing two shots into the air outside a leisure centre hosting a boxing match and wedding reception.
Frustrated residents claim a water leak, which has been ongoing for nine months, has only worsened despite engineers’ attempts to fix it.
This week’s Kent Politics Podcast guest hits out at vast swathes of the county being built on for people who don’t even live here.
A chronically disabled woman has said she would rather die than continue to live in the cramped kitchen she calls her “prison”.
Voters will today elect two new borough councils and choose the next Kent Police and Crime Commissioner.
May is National Walking Month, and we’re celebrating with glorious strolls through Kent’s woods, villages, parks and gardens.
A doctor has been banned from practising medicine after breast cancer patients he performed substandard surgery on were left feeling “mutilated”.
An innocent bystander was left with permanent scars after he bravely stepped in to save a stranger from a pub toilet beating.
New powers for councils to enforce so-called moving traffic offences have been used sparingly to date - although new ANPR cameras could be on the way.
Everything you need to know about this year’s Sweeps Festival, from parking to getting the best view of the Morris dancers.
Parking charges are to be introduced at a discount centre and leisure park for visitors staying more than an hour.
A baby with a rare brain syndrome could have avoided undergoing invasive surgery if experts had recognised his condition earlier.
The landmark water tower at the supermarket is set to be transformed with a new look if plans are approved.
A man took revenge on his wife’s lover by damaging his convertible car, after spotting it parked at his local pub.
The broadcaster, novelist and ex-MP is taking his new show, Can’t Stop Talking, on tour - including three nights in Kent.
A woman who was working five days a week at a major shopping centre is loving her new career baking for people in her hometown.
Pick your own pumpkins and take the perfect autumnal Instagram picture at these stunning patches.
A bedbound gran was summonsed to appear in court – six years after being fined by a council for dropping a cigarette.
Thought to have been lost forever, a new album will create a lasting legacy for a musician who died a day after being diagnosed with cancer.
Staff at a car dealership assumed a clamp had been put on one of the vehicles for sale as a joke - but now face a £1k bill from the DVLA to remove it.
The impact of the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strike is hitting Kent in the pocket as big-budget productions grind to a halt.
A couple are living with broken doors, a vandalised security gate and have had homeless strangers camped in the hallway of their rented flat.
As house prices and mortgage rates continue to skyrocket, experts say modular homes could be the answer to the country’s housing crisis.
A resident living behind an overgrown alleyway littered with bottle cans, old furniture, toys and electrical equipment wants it handed over to them.
Proposals to make three single-sex grammar schools mixed have been ‘postponed’ by the Department for Education.
A dwindling congregation and lack of resources have been blamed for a decision to close a village church after 175 years.
An 82-year-old grandmother wants rubbish to be cleared up in a five-year running battle with fly-tippers.
Salute to the ‘40s returns to Kent with jive dance lessons, vintage fashion stalls and live swing music.
To mark Labour’s first 100 days running Medway, we sat down with council leader Vince Maple to find out what it’s like to be finally in charge.
Secret Drinker sets two pubs with the same name against each other – and there was a clear winner...
Our reporter visited an eye-catching Turkish restaurant that could rival a glitzy cocktail bar with its mirrored walls and flashy neon signs.
Reporter Rhys Griffiths took a riverside walk and discovered a corner of Kent that could be perfect for those wanting a day out in the countryside.
A former semi-professional footballer claimed he had forgot he had cocaine on him when he tried to board a plane to Ibizia.
We have all visited the county’s big shopping centres – but have you ever asked yourself what used to be on the sites upon which they now stand?
Residents who fear Wilko is the last draw to their shopping precinct have been assured the council is investing in its town centres.
A candidate hoping to become one of the Towns’ three MPs has explained how her life has shaped her political beliefs.
He’s 23, ambitious and touted as a future Tory leader, but what makes him tick? Local democracy reporter Robert Boddy spoke with Cllr George Perfect.
Several charging points for electric vehicles at a motorway service station still aren’t hooked up to the power network after connection delays.
A man single-handedly took on suspected shoplifters as they hurled bricks and a screwdriver at him, as he protected innocent staff and customers.
A newly-appointed cabinet member has revealed he is looking at becoming an MP at the next general election.
Plans to make all taxi drivers accept card payments have been put forward despite concerns over signal and costs.
A heartbroken mum is urging people to talk about their mental health after her 15-year-old son took his own life.
Frustrated residents say they have to reverse into oncoming traffic as people drive the wrong way down the access road outside their homes.
A dad was discovered sitting on his sofa two weeks after he died, leaving his family with questions about who the last person to see him was.
Student midwives could face another two years of studying after their course was axed with only 10 weeks left.
Our reporter was invited inside one of the county’s biggest employers where he was given access to high-tech equipment most can only dream of using.
Aerial images have revealed the progress being made on a school being built by a busy industrial estate.
The owner of a popular pub is looking for a buyer after she and her husband turned its fortunes around.
A school educating children with autism is hoping to open a new site to expand its current intake and help young people aged between 18 and 25.
A mum is angry after she and her son were assaulted by a woman in an unprovoked attack.
A 37-year-old man has been jailed for his part in a violent robbery where a dog was hurt in order to get information.
A mum-of-two has been left heartbroken and frustrated as she fights to get her child into a special educational needs school.
New plans have been revealed to turn a former golf course and sports complex into a parkland.
A mum says she was “horrified” at being reported for “neglect” after leaving her sick baby overnight in hospital to care for her two other children.
Artwork inspired by exploration of spirituality and the inner mind will be displayed at a library.
Plans for three new classrooms that will double the capacity of a popular primary school have been approved.
The mini maze has made the surprise decision to reopen this summer - but you’ll have to be quick if you want to visit.
A thief who failed to pay for food and drinks at a pub and a restaurant later stole £80 of goods from a shop before assaulting a police officer.
A children’s football coach said his team and others may have to fold because of a “disgusting” ruling by a youth league.
A woman has described her husband’s care in hospital as ‘unacceptable’ after he was ‘given the wrong medication’ and had security called on him.
A 32-year-old thought he was going to die after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia.
It’s time to dig your bike out of the garage and enjoy a free day out exploring the Kent countryside on these beautiful trails.
The controversial former footballer and sports broadcaster will be sharing his shocking theories at an undisclosed venue next month.
A salon owner’s special day was in the balance after part of Europe was ravaged by wildfires.
Elderly residents are begging for help as they fear they have been left to care for their sick neighbours alone.
Aerial images have revealed the progress made on the multi-million-pound redevelopment of a swimming pool.
Plans to expand a vineyard to become the UK’s largest have been quashed again after an appeal was dismissed by a planning inspector.
A bid for £460 million to be spent on a new Kent hospital or much-need upgrades to existing sites has been snubbed by the government.
Thirsty villagers are now regulars at an inflatable pub after their village watering hole shut down.
The county was plunged into mourning a quarter of a century ago after an emergency chopper crashed, killing three, just a minute away from its base.
A drunk thug launched a terrifying hammer attack on a driver’s van after mistaking him for a sex offender.
A couple have spent £100k refurnishing a lightship which people will soon be able to pay to stay in.
A football superfan has published a second book, this time about some of the stranger stories in the club’s history.
Gorilla warfare, Spanish cerveza and Dom Jolly! Secret Drinker tackles two side-by-side high street pubs.
A group of primary school leavers are devastated after the party bus due to collect them from school on their last day cancelled.
A mum who became enraged when bar staff refused to give her water for her dog took a fake gun from her pocket.
A disabled woman and her 90-year-old mum say they were left “stressed” and sleeping on furniture after a bed bug infestation at their flat.
The public is being warned that unpopular decisions will have to be made as a council manages the fallout of a decision to strip it of £170 million.
A damning report has found nearly a quarter of boys at a facility for young offenders said they felt unsafe after more than 200 weapons were found.
The mother of a one-year-old who was almost snatched from a vehicle in a shopping centre car park is warning other parents to stay vigilant.
The wife of a young soldier who died while abroad for an exercise in the Baltics has paid tribute to the ‘kind-hearted’ dad-of-two.
A village nursery has taken the heartbreaking decision to close due to issues with costs and the government’s free childcare rollout.
Neighbours say they their lives are being blighted by a nuisance Ford Fiesta which drives around with its music blaring.
The new licensee of an historic pub once frequented by Dickens has given it a rustic makeover.
It has been confirmed £170m of funding is to be withdrawn from a council after the government lost faith in its ability to deliver a major project.
A troubled innovation park project looks to have turned a corner after it was revealed it has had contact from 200 companies keen to move in.
The mum of a 22-year-old who died in a motorbike accident says her son would still be alive if the road had been repaired.
Our reporter headed to a town labelled as having one of the worst nightlifes nationwide. Here’s how she found it...
Soft Cell and Peter Hook & The Light rocked during their performances at Rochester Castle.
A church is faced with a £73k repair bill after an ancient wall collapsed and insurers refused to pay up.
Fresh footage of a £92 million roundabout flyover project shows headway being made on new link roads.
A dig at the site of a new academy has unearthed artefacts thought to be 300,000 years old.
A couple have packed in their jobs, sold their house and bought a boat with the aim of sailing the seas and offering charity work everywhere they go.
A woman who was left with deep scratches to her leg after being attacked by a cat while out on a dog walk has warned people to be on their guard.
A mum-of-two who crashed her car into a hardware store after turning the wrong way down a one-way street was four times the drink-drive limit.
The owner of a historic town mansion is appealing to a thief who snatched a treasured antique possession to ‘post it back, no questions asked’.
Parents have been angered after being told by one secondary school students are no longer able to wear facial jewellery in a ‘sudden’ clampdown.
As more people than ever are relying on food banks, kmfm has partnered with UK Harvest to collect and donate as many tonnes of tins as possible.
Whether you want to watch a seaside procession or wave to your local carnival queens, Kent has plenty of parades taking place this summer.
A woman who found a way to brighten up her Homebase uniform has quit to turn that passion into a business.
It’s not cheap at £195 per person, so is this steam train journey through the Garden of England – with champagne all round – worth the expense?
Plans have been submitted for a town centre boozer, which once served royalty, to change its name and well-known colours.
A pre-school which has been running for more than 50 years is facing closure after losing its venue at a church.
The boss of an Instagram-favourite dessert shop taking the county by storm shares the scecrets of her sweet success.
From luscious green lawns to cosy corners in the shade, Kent is home to some brilliant pub gardens. Here’s our pick for this summer.
Pupils are preparing to move from a temporary classroom to their new school on a multi-million pound housing estate after a 12-month wait.
A man is taking part in an epic hike around Wales and England to raise funds for food banks.
Major celebrations for the Windrush generation are underway, but have lessons really been learned of their treatment?
The two-day festival will feature retro consoles, VR gaming, online tournaments, film props and cosplayers.
Police have seized a motorcycle as they brace themselves for a rise in anti-social behaviour.
X Factor winners, TOWIE stars, and an EastEnders actor will be coming together to raise money for a good cause.
Part of a busy road used by commuters and parents on the school run will close for broadband work to be carried out.
Hundreds of people say they have been left waiting for weeks with no communication after applying for a refund for a cancelled music event.
Southeastern services have been delayed after an incident involving ‘a man and trains’.
A mum who fled from Ukraine with her daughter last summer has said she is ‘very grateful’ for the support she has received.
A lifeboat crew was called to a party at a 19th Century gun tower on the coast after safety concerns were raised.
A car ended up on its side after it was involved in a crash, partially blocking a major road.
Parents of a four-year-old who died after falling ill fear a delay in calling for help when their son stopped breathing could have led to his death.
A prison officer who grabbed an inmate around the neck in a “momentary loss of control” has been found guilty of assault.
Stunning fields of purple lavender and yellow sunflowers are expected to sweep the county this summer. Here’s where you can find them.
A 22-year-old who attacked a man as he walked his son to school and another victim in his 50s has been convicted after trial.
From exhilarating flight simulators to thrilling tank rides, there’s lots for the family to enjoy at Kent’s Armed Forces Day events.
A man found crossing the Channel in a small boat had been living in the UK for years illegally and was returning to Kent after a week in France.
A seriously injured crash victim has a chance of recovery thanks to first-aider Tiff Smith but she says it was only by fate that she was at the scene.
A daughter has been left devastated after the photo frame she made for her dad’s grave was stolen.
An independent toy store which has been open for 32 years is one of many businesses struggling to stay afloat.
A thief ran off leaving his children and their pushchair in a car park after stealing more than £100 of goods from a supermarket.
A dad left paralysed and wheelchair-bound after a wisdom tooth extraction is arm cycling 50 marathons in 50 days.
A mum is desperate to move her family out of a moudly, cramped council flat which she says is affecting her son’s life-threatening health condition.
A long-standing youth worker has moved to explain why his community is falling victim to increasing levels of vandalism.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds is needed to help historians save an iconic First World War warship from the scrapyard.
Residents could be fined for driving down their own roads under plans put forward to introduce ‘school streets.’
The parents of a 22-year-old who died in a motorbike accident a year ago say their son had a “lust for life” and was always looking for adventure.
A respected family doctor took his own life after suffering from a period of poor mental health, an inquest has heard.
A disgraced teacher has told KentOnline he “deeply regrets” sending sexually explicit messages to a child - after he was banned from the profession.
A company director has hit out at a council after one of his workers received a warning after wrappers were found in his van.
Residents are demanding tighter security to stop unauthorised traveller encampments pitching up at popular park.
A 14-year-old was fined for having a child’s ticket by ‘intimidating’ train inspectors – despite being in her school uniform.
To celebrate National Fish and Chip Day, we sent a reporter to try out Kent’s top chippie as voted for by you.
The former Squeeze keyboardist and TV presenter will be performing two nights of hits with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Almost 30 vulnerable children have been left to find new places after their nursery was suddenly closed down amid an investigation.
A teenager admitted breaching his sentence after he went abroad to attend the funeral of his uncle and aunt who were killed in a car crash.
This summer will see colourful parades, star-studded entertainment and family festivals popping up to celebrate Pride season.
Motorists say “greed” is to blame after finding out ASDA and Tesco petrol stations just miles apart are selling fuel for very different prices.
Motorists say “greed” is to blame after finding out ASDA petrol stations just miles apart are selling fuel for very different prices.
A teacher says he has lost his job over a social media post about yobs terrorising his family.
A motorist feels unfairly treated after an unsuccessful appeal against a parking fine for straddling a white line in a space he says is too narrow.
Residents are fed up with taxis parking on double yellow lines and blocking roads outisde a school.
Conservationists have slammed a takeway for its signage in a historic town centre claiming it its out of sync with its Tudor surroundings.
A volunteer saved a pair of cats who were trapped in a property after the death of their owner, one of them several days after the woman died.
The festival will welcome best-selling authors, poets and playwrights to the county and pay tribute to one of Britain’s most famous writers.
Secret Drinker needs the sat nav as he goes in search of a tucked away pub at the end of a leafy country lane.
A university with a history spanning 170 years, producing well-known names in the arts and fashion world, is preparing to leave town.
A pub company is searching for new landlords to run a town boozer so it can remain as the heart of the community.
Proposals to turn a once popular boozer into six flats have been withdrawn by the applicant.
Pleasure steamers were a huge hit along our coast and left a lasting legacy – but they were also hit by tragedy, war and the railway.
A spritely great-gran still has a spring in her step as she carries on tap dancing and keeping fit as she turns 90.
You don’t need to be in Liverpool to celebrate the big event. Here’s our top picks for a Eurovision night you’ll never forget.
Local elections are taking place across the county today – but some people will be able to go to a particularly quirky location to cast their votes.
A family have been left devastated after an undertakers allegedly failed to honour a refund for their mother who paid for a funeral plan.
From celebratory street parties to rousing music fit for royalty, we’ve got the one-of-a-kind bank holiday weekend covered.
A businessman was caught up in a case of mistaken identify after being escorted out of a pub and wrongly accused of doing drugs.
A temple which is the only established Hindu place of worship in the Medway area has been supporting the wider community for 30 years.
A damning inspection has found boys at a youth offenders institute are being regularly kept in solitary confinement with little contact for days.
A terminally ill eight-year-old boy had his final wish come true when his favourite superheroes and Disney characters paid him a visit.
A 26-year-old woman has denied stealing more than £100,000 from a former employer in little under a year-and-a half with the company.
The cast of the Netflix series dined out on the luxury bakery’s sweet treats while filming in Kent. So we thought we’d give it a try too.
A hospital play leader is trying to raise money to replace thousand of pounds worth of toys removed from a children’s ward because of covid.
Make the most of the bank holiday with maypole dancing, Morris dancers, vintage fairs, classic car shows and more. Here’s our top picks.
A “loving and kind” great-grandad “more than likely” became unconscious at the wheel after suffering a cardiac, an inquest has heard.
A teenager has been charged with knife offences after officers stopped him during a routine patrol and discovered two weapons.
Traffic came to a standstill following a crash which led to the closure of one lane of a tunnel.
As he prepares to call time on his political career outgoing Medway Council Leader Alan Jarrett has given his verdict on his tenure.
A tiny cat who was taken into the care of an animal rescue has been put to sleep after she was found with a chronic condition.
A café owner has been left 'devastated' after his new business venture suffered thousands of pounds worth of damage in a suspected arson attack.
A drunk who took his friend's car without his knowledge later crashed it into parked cars twice, leaving his bumper and number plate behind.
A holiday park has undergone a refurbishment to include a new state-of-the art bar and stage for live entertainment.
A new pet parlour business offering grooming and dog walking among other services is set to open in a high street.
A huge coin hoard found in 2006 helped confirm the importance of this Kent site in British history.
A dispersal order has been put in place around a railway station ahead of a match involving League 2 side Gillingham FC.
A man and woman have been charged with intent to supply drugs after a dog helped detect nearly 400 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine.
A pizza takeaway has lost its bid to stay open until the early hours over police concerns it could lead to noise complaints.
An inquest has heard poor treatment of mental health problems led to a disturbed son fatally stabbing his mother in the neck.
A man suffered burns in an arson attack at property in a town centre which houses people with drug and alcohol issues.
Concerns over traffic have been raised after plans for flats on a disused quarry have been submitted.
Plans for a drive-thru Costa Coffee have been resubmitted after the council turned them down a year ago.
Three men were detained after police found cannabis and cocaine when executing a search warrant.
An over-the-limit BMW driver was spotted weaving across lanes on the A2 and driving slowly in the fast lane.
A popular burger diner is moving into bigger premises – and here's when you can go there.
A teenager has been reported missing with police growing increasingly concerned for her safety.
A father-of-four who drove while over twice the drink-drive limit to pick his children up from school had been downing cider all day, a court heard.
A woman has been taken to hospital following a crash in a country lane which sparked a large emergency response.
A driver stopped for not wearing a seatbelt was found to be banned from the road and has now been caught driving while disqualified three times.
Voters are set to go to the polls in local elections and with all seats on one local council up for grabs we spoke to some of the candidates standing.
A landlady is on life support after suffering heart failure three times and undergoing two major operations.
A council-run construction company has apologised after an advert appeared online encouraging people to buy second homes in a town centre.
Voters are set to go to the polls in local elections and with all seats on one local council up for grabs we spoke to some of the candidates standing.
A Labour frontbencher has responded after party leader Keir Starmer was accused by Kent's only MP of snubbing her during a recent visit to the county.
An African and Carribbean association has been given a funding boost to promote blood and organ donation within the community.
Hundreds of dancers, musicians and performers will be back for a three-day folk music event.
Two brothers jailed for attacking strangers with machetes were given the first anti-social behaviour orders at ages 10 and 13, it has emerged.
Hindus have gathered to celebrate one of the religion's most celebrated figures, Lord Hanuman's birthday.
The DJ will be recreating his much-loved Sounds of the 60s radio show for the stage in a live tour.
Controversial plans to build hundreds of homes at an idyllic beauty spot have resurfaced.
Three brothers have been jailed for almost 30 years after putting multiple people in hospital after a string of vicious attacks.
A market stall holder has raised hundreds selling cakes in aid of her four-year-old nephew who is still in hospital fighting a brain tumour.
Services provided by an Age UK charity have been taken over by another branch to secure their survival.
A blaze which tore through an empty terraced house is believed to have been started deliberately.
Pizza parlour bosses have applied to extend the time limit for alcohol sales to 5am but police have raised concerns about the potential for trouble.
The Health and Safety Executive is looking into an incident which saw the driver of a vehicle injured after it overturned.
An off-duty nurse saved the life of a grandad whose heart stopped for 10 minutes while he was on the school run.
People can expect a significant impact to health services for the rest of the week as half of NHS doctors walkout.
A woman who crashed her 4x4 vehicle into another was found to be more than twice the legal limit.
Planning permission has been granted for a new nursery to be built outside a primary school.
Residents in a new block of flats say they have been left in the dark after developers were told to reduce the number of homes or knock them down.
From free family festivals to author meet-and-greets, here’s five ways to make the most of the end of the Easter holidays.
Teachers had to step in and stop a 39-year-old from attacking two of their pupils as they left school.
A governor who was one of the first female prison officers to be recruited at a Kent prison is retiring after 35 years.
A fast food chain offering a 'true taste of America' is looking to open its first branch in the county.
Motorcycles and SUVs with tinted windows intrigued neighbours when driving through their village.
A couple who were both in their 40s when they had strokes have told of their struggle to get support and the heartache of one of them being bedbound.
An aunt is raising funds for her four-year-old nephew who has been left unable to walk after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a crash which left a walker injured and dog dead.
Gillingham Football Club say they are modernising their approach to sponsorship after ending a long-running association with their main backers.
A 'reckless' man who was so drunk he had to be carried out of a pub by police, kicked out at an officer helping to carry him out of the venue.
A man suspected of assaulting two police officers by reversing his car into them has been flown back to Britain from Italy to face charges.
A charity which provides 'invaluable' support to children with disabilities has been told it can no longer run its free sessions from a school.
Police are appealing for help to find a missing teenager who was last seen at a hospital with two other boys.
A pub known for being a live music venue hosting rock 'n' roll bands has closed its doors and been sold as landlord leaves after 35 years.
A parent and her child living near an enclosed play park have claimed they have been locked out by a housing estate management company.
A commuter car park is set to close following hundreds of incidents of anti-social behaviour.
The space between bollards that were supposed to improve safety at a junction but instead blocked drivers' view of oncoming traffic will be increased.
A school uniform shop that has been decking out pupils with ties and jumpers for more than 30 years is moving to new premises.
Thousands of people took part in legendary 50 mile walks in the 1960s, organised by the Kent Messenger and inspired by the president of the USA.
A dad-of-two has attempted to break a world record and raise funds for the hospital that helped save his baby daughter's life.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has returned to the county for filming on one of his newest movies.
A town centre branch of the greeting card retailer is the latest in a series of closures announced by the national chain.
A BMW driver who was pulled over and found to have cannabis on him was also over the drink-drive limit and had only a provisional licence.
Police tracked down a stolen van within 15 minutes of it being taken from a business premises.
Families were left without food and the money to buy more after Asda cancelled deliveries and left customers waiting up to five days for a refund.
Education watchdog inspectors have given a special school the top possible rating for the second time in a row.
The troubled cinema chain has announced it aims to raise £1.8million to get out of bankruptcy.
An angry who dad punched a pub boss in the face and threatened him with a hammer in a row over his daughter's wages, has avoided jail.
A school is transforming its outdoor area so pupils can play outside more after teachers noticed lockdowns have reduced children's gross motor skills.
Three sisters have created their own charity to supply resources to end-of-life patients, following the death of their mother.
A van driver who was pulled over during the early hours of Christmas Day was found to be over the legal drink-drive limit.
To celebrate a new sea creature-themed exhibition, we’ve trawled the archives and discovered the monsters spotted on Medway's shores.
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield has claimed Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer failed to inform her of his first visit to Kent ahead of upcoming elections.
A 30-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and having a weapon after police saw a car speeding away from them.
Any fool will tell you not to believe everything you read on April 1, and yet thousands have been duped over the years.
The Labour party leader said he wanted to build a better Kent as he visited the county ahead of upcoming local elections.
Brexit, staffing problems and red tape have caused the demise of a popular tapas restsaurant chain, says its owner.
The spring flowers will be bursting into life in gardens and woodland all over the county in just a few weeks.
A shop aiming to make it easier for customers to reduce their environmental impact has launched.
A young boy has been appointed as a Young Ambassador for an air ambulance charity that responded to more than 3,000 incidents last year.
People of all ages can celebrate old and new traditions at The English Festival taking place in April.
A couple who raised concerns about a new self-service system and allergies at an M&S cafe say they were told 'sorry, you can't eat here anymore'.
A van that did not stop for police carrying out an operation on an industrial estate targetting unsafe vehicles was chased for more than eight miles.
A man has been accused of snobbery after asking the owner of a car outside his home to move it as it's 'ruining the aesthetic of the area'.
A special police operation using drones was launched following calls to tackle off-road bikes at a recreation ground.
Voters will soon be heading to the polls and all seats on one local authority are up for grabs, so we spoke to some of the new candidates taking part.
Bodycam footage shows how police pursued a criminal in a 100mph chase on the M2 - before he crashed and fled on foot.
A homeowner has set up a petition calling for safety improvements after a car smashed into his front garden sending bricks flying through his windows.
A Marks and Spencer café at a shopping centre has been reopened by special guest Percy Pig after a huge overhaul.
Chicken shop owners have put in a retrospective application to turn a former NatWest bank into a takeaway.
A long-running plan build homes on a former tennis club are due back before the council next week.
An MP has urged a developer to deliver on its promise to build a medical centre after overcrowded GPs were forced to close their patient list.
Our reporter had a whole cocktail bar to themselves on a Friday - but did it turn out to be a hidden gem?
A new set of plans have been submitted to council officers to build a two and half storey extension.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary after a business was broken into two nights in a row.
A 35-year-old driver has been charged with nine offences after a dramatic police chase.
Covid and anti-social behaviour incidents involving nuisance cars could spell the end for a commuter car park near the M2.
Plans for new budget supermarket look likely to get the nod, despite a rival trying to scupper its bid.
The boss of an arts college has stepped down from his role just months ahead of its controversial closure.
With almost a quarter of a century dedicated to Medway Council, chief executive Neil Davies is about to leave local government behind.
Cold callers from an animal charity have upset a community for knocking on their doors late in the evening.
Tributes have been paid to 26-year-old groundworker Christopher Cooke, who was found unconscious after leaving a party in March last year.
Singer Ed Sheeran has shared a clip of his new music video filmed at a tourist attraction in the county.
A man who died following a fatal collision was riding at 30mph above the speed limit, an inquest has heard.
A thief who thought he was "untouchable" led police on a 100mph chase down a hard shoulder and crashed - causing his victim life-changing injuries.
A blind woman has been a magistrate for 24 years has explained how she got into the role and why others should join her on the bench.
The owner of a music studio whose vehicle is not compliant with the ULEZ scheme says he's lost business after being forced to stop business in London.
A mum-of-three wants to reinvent what was once a run-down local into a community pub with a cafe and children's play area where all are welcome.
A developer which built more flats than it had permission for has been told they must either be demolished or changed.
A man has been jailed after crashing his articulated lorry into another vehicle and causing a mother and daughter to sustain life-changing injuries.
Plans put forward for a new railway station have been mothballed due to a rise in costs.
A husband and wife have appeared in court to face several charges, including perverting the course of justice, in relation to the death of a biker.
A killer whale skeleton weighing the same as a piano has travelled more than 300 miles to be suspended in mid-air as part of a new exhibition.
A student suffering daily seizures since January is still waiting for an urgent brain scan to discover what's wrong with her.
A young woman who has autism is fighting to change what she says is a "broken" education system after suffering through school.
Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a 28-year-old reported missing today.
Four fire engines and a height vehicle are at the scene of a blaze at a derelict building.
Ofsted inspectors were left impressed after visiting a Kent grammar school for the first time since 2008 - but still downgraded its rating.
A water company has apologised to a couple after it took them nearly a week to fix a raw sewage leak outside a retirement home.
Gillingham FC are set to hold a poignant tribute to a seven-year-old supporter who died in a freak car crash.
A woman who feels like she is being "shot by a thousand bullets" when she showers describes living with one of the world's most painful conditions.
The battle for custom from ice cream lovers in one part of Kent has turned sour after a rival was accused of stealing a distinctive jingle.
A bike shed at a railway station with space for hundreds of bicycles that cost £1.1 million to build remains almost empty every day.
From the Little Mermaid to Goldilocks, we’ve got 10 top shows that will have the whole family on their feet during the school holidays.
A jury failed to reach verdicts in a trial over the death of a woman who was propelled into the air and under a bus.
A boy was the victim of a robbery in the middle of the afternoon as he walked through a town centre.
A water company has put up traffic lights while it carries out repairs on a leaking pipe on a busy route in and out of a town.
Police officers and a search team were called to a town to look for a woman after concerns were raised.
A "much-loved" and respected doctor was found dead after police responded to concerns for his welfare.
A backstreet pub has joined Stella Artois' campaign to help struggling boozers – by displaying nude art.
People living near farmland earmarked for a £30m winery and visitor centre have been making their feelings clear as a planning inquiry gets under way.
Entrepreneurs have fulfilled their dream after opening a brewery and a tap room in a converted barn on a farm.
A councillor has hit out over the failure to shut down an industrial-sized scrapyard on land formerly considered a beauty spot.
A town centre is set to bring in new guidelines for buskers, including no microphones, limited hours and allocated pitches.
A man has been charged with firearms and drug offences after being stopped by police on a routine patrol.
A burglar who tried to break into people's houses and cars and stole a backpack has been jailed.
More than 13 miles of tape have been used to create a bizarre piece of art that people can crawl through on all fours.
From an inflatable pub to selling scones to the Archbishop of Canterbury, here's what happened to the businesses set up at the start of lockdown.
A cafe worker who's been delighting customers and staff with his singing is hoping TikTok can help him make a name for himself in the music industry.
A man accused of driving dangerously in the grounds of a castle was suffering a mental health episode at the time, a court heard.
A dad fell through his bathroom floor after it collapsed for the second time – 10 months after the same happened to his daughter.
The delayed foodie festival is making up for lost time with a packed programme, including a MasterChef finalist and a one-off comedy club.
A town centre has been hit with two police orders as officers attempt to crack down on disorderly behaviour and violent crime.
Improvements to an open space in a town centre are being scaled back amid a rise in costs.
A 15-year-old boy has gone missing for a second time just hours after police said he had been found safe and well.
Landlords have slapped a repossession notice on the door of a Mexican restaurant run by the owner of a popular tapas chain.
A trampoline park has announced it will go entirely cashless, at both its reception and its diner.
Drivers will soon be able to park for free on Mondays in 10 car parks across four town centres.
Police are continuing to appeal for information after a teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
A shop that has been serving book lovers since 1986 is set to shut by the end of the month.
A dance centre has announced it will be closing its doors after its rent almost doubled.
A Kent-based singer with more than 3.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify has released a music video for her latest single.
An application to build another 45 houses in addition to a 184-home development in a village has been submitted.
A court has heard how a woman died after being "propelled" into the air and under a London bus.
Police are investigating after a young girl was reportedly sexually assaulted by a 6ft man as she walked down the road.
A Scottish man has been charged with manslaughter after another was attacked near a town centre and later died
Police are seeking witnesses after a pensioner was injured falling from his bike as he swerved to avoid a car driving on the wrong side of the road.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after reportedly failing to stop for police.
Residents say action is needed to stop riders disturbing the peace and damaging land at a recreation ground.
An animal charity has submitted plans for a new "isolation facility" dedicated to poorly and feral moggies.
A 12-year-old boy has revealed how he feared for his life after an uninsured motorcyclist plowed into him and left him on the road.
Love is in the air as Strictly couple Nadiya and Kai take their relationship on the road with a brand new dance show.
Meet the women who could well be the longest supporters of the Gills, as they share their memories and views on the new owner.
The bereaved parent of a teenager who took his own life has backed calls for suicide prevention to become a mandatory part of the school curriculum.
The first episode of the Challenge Anneka revival, filmed at an animal rescue centre in Kent, will air tonight on Channel 5.
Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson has announced he will not be seeking re-election when the country next goes to the polls.
A retired school teacher fears damage to an historic pier could mean it will have to close and people will lose access to the river.
A mum is calling for the council to install a crossing along a route used by families on the school run before a child is hurt.
A 37-year-old man has appeared in court accused of assaulting two police officers, who needed medical treatment at a hospital.
A series of police patrols and stop checks has seen motorists stopped for numerous traffic and environmental infringements.
A local authority was left with a 'huge bill' preparing a bid for government levelling up cash it was never able to win, it has emerged.
Plans have been submitted to turn a once-popular pub, which closed in 2019, into six residential flats.
An African bar held up as an example of cultural diversity could have its licence revoked following 'unfair' noise complaints.
A grandfather who survived eight heart attacks and kidney failure died after the ambulance he was in was involved in an accident.
A disused fort has been repurposed by two charities as a clothing bank helping women and children.
A wine bar owner says he has been inundated with donations for pupils' free packed lunches during teacher strikes.
Sections of a heavily-used motorway will be closed overnight as part of planned maintenance.
The cost of a Kent council's legal challenge over the number of asylum seeking children it must care for has been made public.
A young man attacked by two men in balaclavas is the latest victim of violent crime in one town.
Children unable to attend school because of teacher strikes are being offered free packed lunches at a wine bar.
Patients have paid tribute to the "nicest" and "kindest" doctor after his sudden death.
Police are hunting for three people after they stole medication from a popular pharmacy.
An award-winning chain of cafes has given one of its venues a £50k revamp – and could be in the pipeline to run a rooftop restaurant.
A disabled boy's birthday fundraiser could be ditched after eight years due to the cost of living crisis
An independent bakery chain which only began serving tasty treats last summer is set to open a fourth shop just months after its latest expansion.
A man who was arrested on suspicion of theft after parcels were reported stolen from an Evri delivery depot has been released.
A dad-of-three is touring the UK and Europe playing snooker after thinking his life was over when he lost a leg.
If you’re trying to think of ways to keep the whole family happy during the school holidays, we’ve got you covered.
You can host a dinner party at Rochester Cathedral on a 13m-long table made of 5,000-year-old oak.
Two teenagers will appear in court charged with the stabbing of a 17-year-old in a town centre.
Chef who's cooked for the Queen, served canapes at Harry and Meghan's wedding and fed the Bee Gees could offer you a royal feast at your home.
A spectator ejected from a match over accusations of abuse has now been charged with a series of alleged offences.
Five teenage suspects are being held in custody after being arrested in connection with the alleged stabbing of a teen.
A man has been left in hospital after being struck on the back of the head with brick by a cowardly assailant who then fled the scene.
A man who rushed to the aid of a stabbing victim has called for action to stem a rise in youth crime.
Motorists faced delays after police were called to help clear up a multi-vehicle crash.
A motorist has been banned from from using their vehicle after it was spotted being held together by a bungee cord and masking tape.
A theatre in the town centre will close for the next two years to undergo a major renovation.
An emergency service run entirely by volunteers has helped the air ambulance save countess lives over the past 10 years.
A 17-year-old who was stabbed in a town centre is in a "serious but stable condition" at a London hospital.
The first two blocks of flats at a waterfront development in the heart of a town are due to be finished within the next six months.
People have been warned to make sure their air fryers are kept in good working order after one of the appliances caught alight in a kitchen.
Police have charged a 46-year-old man with child sex offences including taking indecent photos of children.
A new 16-acre wetlands nature reserve is to be created as part of a huge "rewilding project" linked to the building of thousands of new homes.
Owners of one of the first butchers of its kind in Kent who brought a community together have retired after five decades.
A cordon has been put up outside shops in a town centre after a stabbing with witnesses saying 'blood was everywhere'.
Proposals for a car wash and a tyre shop on a derelict site have been criticised by councillors who are powerless to stop it happening.
A boy has allegedly been threatened with a 'bladed weapon' and robbed of his phone by teenagers in a park.
A collision involving two vehicles is causing long delays for motorists in part of Kent.
A 31-year-old man who was arrested twice in two weeks after he was being found with drugs has been jailed.
Heavy snow is falling across large parts of Kent this morning, forcing some schools to shut their doors.
Two honeytrap killers have been jailed after seducing and drugging a dad in a robbery-gone-wrong after he posed on Instagram with fake Rolex watches.
Police are appealing for information after a rare animal was found dead in Kent woodlands, just over a month after another was also shot dead.
A 22-year-old has been charged after a man was punched in the head in a seemingly unprovoked attack.
The boss of a local authority has been criticised for using 'inappropriate' language to describe young unaccompanied asylum seekers.
Plans to open a JD Sports gym in an empty retail park unit have fallen through – but negotiations are under way with another fitness firm.
Could a frozen ready-meal business, that gives its employees their birthday off and free meals, be the best place to work in the county?
A 46-year-old man who pushed an elderly woman to the ground before stealing and emptying the contents of her purse has been jailed.
Four people have appeared in court after police found broke up a county lines drug ring.
Children in one part of the county are fallen below national learning standards, it has been revealed.
We meet the Tories in their early twenties on why they have decided to stand for election onto their local council.
A hairdressing couple who've done 260,000 cuts between them are celebrating half a century of marriage, all while working at the same salon.
Parents, friends and former pupils have paid tribute to a primary school teacher who devoted his life to inspiring youngsters.
A busy route, which links two towns, will be shut overnight for six days for maintenance work.
A grumpy-looking cat "who stole the hearts of many" during the pandemic has been rushed to the vets.
With just two months to go until people in the Towns go to the polls, local democracy reporter Katie-May Nelson looks at the political situation.
A mum-of-two has launched a new business where she drives around like an ice cream seller, offering pick 'n' mix from her van.
Two people have been arrested after a huge haul of cannabis plants and cultivation equipment were found in a high street property.
More than 100 student midwives could be left unqualified after a regulator threatened to pull their course amid concerns over their hospital training.
Residents were shocked when the water in their taps suddenly turned brown, leaving them without bathing or drinking water.
A couple who run their own delivery company are offering an evening of free pizza to families struggling to make ends meet.
Two men have been charged after the police helicopter was called in to help with a cross-county chase of 'nuisance' bikers.
A suspected racial attack which saw girls fighting and furniture thrown happened while the school was being inspected, it has emerged.
The pop trio, known for hits Round Round and Push the Button, will be performing a huge open-air concert later this year.
Homes wishing to celebrate the King's coronation with a traditional neighbourhood knees-up have little time left to submit council street party forms.
Veteran nightclub DJ Nicky Peck is coming out of retirement to be special guest at the sixth anniversary of the Soul on Sunday sessions.
A thief with 29 convictions for 55 offences has been back in court after he targeted a Co-op store.
Celebrate World Book Day with a secondhand gem or local read from one of Kent’s independent bookshops.
Firefighters were called after a car went up in flames on the hard shoulder of the motorway during rush-hour.
A new Turkish restaurant is finally serving customers after delays were caused by planning permission woes.
A popular firework display, which was cancelled last year due to bad weather, has been axed.
Police and the ambulance service have been called to a multi-vehicle crash near a bus stop and petrol station.
A university has joined others in offering its students free emergency food packages amidst the cost of living crisis.
From floristry workshops to fun family days out, we’ve got some great ideas that are sure to make your mum’s day.
Final column from John Nurden as he prepares to disappear into the sunset for a belated retirement.
A council which took the government to the High Court over a dispute on the numbers of asylum-seeking children it should be looking after has lost.
Blue hoardings that have been rented by a council for 14 years are finally set to be demolished.
A couple who wanted to leave sitting in queuing traffic behind for a change of lifestyle moved to France and encourage others to "make the leap".
We speak to the team who helped turn around a specialist flagship college come after a difficult beginning.
Tributes have been paid to a businessman who helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities.
A number of multiplex cinemas are at risk of closure as a new buyer has yet to be confirmed for struggling Cineworld.
A world-famous TikTok star was spotted in the county over the weekend, chasing a train as part of a new video for his millions of followers.
Infuriated shoppers are warning people to be wary after finding discrepancies between the shelf and till prices.
A motorist who crashed his Audi which ended up on its roof was found to be over the drink-drive limit.
Arrests have been made after a group of people on mopeds and quad bikes were seen "riding very dangerously".
One of the stars of ITV talent show Starstruck has revealed he showcased the design talents of a Kent student last night on the popular show.
Another Kent MP has been given the green light to fight for re-election after a selection process.
A mum who was left crying and shaking after being "held hostage" inside a petrol station for an hour has pledged to seek justice through the courts.
A man was treated to two spectacular wildlife sights after spotting a seal in a river followed closely by another unusual critter.
A popular restaurant chain based in Kent has closed one of its branches and has received a repossession notice.
A salon owner who has cut the hair of MPs and TV doctors is celebrating 35 years in business by lopping off the locks of his first customer again.
Emergency services launched a big search operation last night following reports a person had been spotted in the River Medway.
The heartbroken partner of an Asda worker whose body was found this week has paid tribute to her 'king'.
Aldi staff asked to search a shopper's bag of garden waste – the second time he's been made to feel like a criminal by the store.
Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a trainee electrician and a doorman were stabbed multiple times at a nightclub.
A special evening celebrating Ukrainian culture is taking place at Rochester Cathedral a year on from the Russian invasion.
Tensions are believed to be running high at a girls' secondary school after a viral video showed a mass brawl said to have been sparked by racism.
Cheran's Bakery, which only opened eight months ago, will now be serving its much-loved cinnamon buns, brownies and cakes at a third location.
Councillors approved the promotion of a long-time worker at the council to the top job.
A council has approved plans to raise council tax by just under 5% as it seeks to grapple with 'massive in-year' pressures.
A year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a family forced to flee their city have expressed their gratitude after being resettled in Kent.
Staff from one of the county's biggest councils are protesting in a dispute over a pay increase.
A major bridge linking Kent and Essex is set to close at set times to allow vital maintenance works to take place this weekend.
Police searching for a missing 60-year-old have confirmed they have found a man's body.
The founder of a food bank says his volunteers are facing 'abuse' from people who cannot get the products they want as fresh food supplies dwindle.
A major supermarket chain has opened a new foodhall inside of Kent's popular garden centres.
A drug addict locked up more than 40 times turned his life around after the heartbreak of missing precious last moments with his mum.
Former Strictly dancer James Jordan shared his brush with the law with his fans on Instagram, joking he 's*** himself' when he was pulled over today.
Brides-to-be can snap up a bargain after a mystery customer donated more than 100 gowns, worth thousands of pounds, to charity shops.
Some councils in Kent are cutting links to a Chinese technology firm over its alleged links with the suppression of the Muslim Uyghur minority.
A bar specialising in gin and prosecco could open at a former double glazing showroom in a town centre.
The part of residents' tax bill going towards the fire service is set to rise to fund pay rises, new engines and a station redevelopment.
A four-day music event featuring opera singer Katherine Jenkins has been refused permission – but organisers have vowed to appeal that.
Step behind the scenes of one of the BBC’s best-loved dramas and tour its real-life set.
After a Kent town was named one of the worst places to live in the entire country we took to the streets to find out if it deserves its reputation.
A Kent cab driver, who originally fled Afghanistan after torture by the Taliban, has avoided jail for people smuggling.
Drivers faced heavy rush hour traffic after a lorry fire and a separate motorway crash involving several cars this evening.
Officers went on to discover a cannabis farm, after finding 70 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin during a vehicle stop.
Red-faced council officers have apologised for naming 'King George III' in a coronation street party advert instead of King Charles.
A well-known and much loved member of the public who died earlier this year will go on one last trip through his home town before his funeral.
A driver was arrested on suspicion of drug offences after he was stopped for 'performing dangerous manoeuvres' on a motorway.
Hundreds of hospital patients are now being cared for at home in so-called 'virtual wards' being pioneered by a Kent nurse.
A rare gold ring thought to have belonged to Anne Boleyn's family and found by a metal detectorist in a Kent field is now at Hampton Court Palace.
A four-day music event featuring opera singer Katherine Jenkins and the Dream Valley dance festival has been refused permission amid police concerns.
A church trust is looking to demolish its building to make way for new homes, as it moves to another borough.
Firefighters have issued a warning for residents to take care with outdoor fire pits and braziers after a garden blaze damaged a property.
Mature trees in a town centre have been chopped down to make way for a £2 million landscaping scheme.
Damage to a third rail has stopped trains going between two key Kent towns, operators have warned.
Ordnance experts were called and homes were evacuated, after a man was injured by a historic explosive device.
New landlords are hoping to transform a pub and bring it back to life for the community.
A teenager who killed a much-loved dad with a single punch outside a pub has been sent to prison.
A town centre's Post Office that was set to close at the end of the year could move into a local community hub.
Tributes have been paid to a "delightful" mother and grandmother who touched many with her "stunning smile".
Villagers living near a traveller encampment claim many have started to 'sell their family homes' after the pitch was granted residency.
Two councillors on the same ward won't be standing at the next elections, they have announced.
An accountant was left in tears after being held inside a locked petrol station for an hour after her payment failed.
A 26-year-old hoping to follow in the footsteps of idol Ed Sheeran has sold out his first big gig – at one of Britain's oldest churches.
More than £15,000 of cigarettes and loose tobacco, believed to be illegal, were seized from an untaxed car by police and Trading Standards.
The owner of beauty salon inside a gym that announced its shock closure yesterday says her business was forgotten about in the decision.
Mourners will gather this evening to pay tribute to a 16-year-old transgender schoolgirl, who was stabbed to death over the weekend.
A council has begun consultation as it considers introducing new measures against nuisance vehicles.
Furniture, cardboard boxes, a TV, and gas canisters are among items which have been dumped in a village.
A university is facing a backlash for "policing language" after issuing guidance that advises students not to use the term "Christian name".
A factory producing state-of-the-art homes would feature a gym and have a bus shuttle for workers, plans show.
Inspectors returned to a problem-hit care home to discover things have got worse despite their earlier instructions.
Luxury floating lodges are being snapped by holiday-makers at waterfront activity centre – weeks before they are due to arrive.
A drug driver pulled over by police after weaving through traffic at high speeds did the whole thing again a month later.
Working families and disabled people living on the border between Kent and London have expressed fears over the impact of the upcoming ULEZ expansion.
The University of Kent has opened a voluntary redundancy scheme as it faces rising costs and problems with student retention.
A town's light festival attracted thousands of families who saw buildings lit up in magical displays.
Two criminals have been put behind bars after breaking into people's homes and stealing their cars.
A little owl has been saved by wildlife rescue volunteers after dropping down a chimney into a burning fireplace.
An OAP who was reunited with three teenage boys who helped him when he collapsed in the high street has died.
A decorated police sergeant from Wales who lost everything after falling for a Kent criminal online has shared her story as part of a podcast series.
A single dad lost a huge amount of weight after the embarrassment of being kicked off a ride for being too fat to fit.
A mum who gave birth to twins with two different types of heart diseases has shared what it's like not knowing whether they'd live or die.
CityFibre's £40m investment bringing faster internet to residents is described as 'future-proof'.
A mum has praised an organisation for the support she received after she lost her baby girl at 20 weeks.
A sweet-toothed thief who walked into a garage and stole cakes and chocolate bars even took a shopping basket with him when he fled.
A Kent born songwriter won Album of the Year at last night’s BRIT Awards for his work on Harry Styles’ GRAMMY award winning album.
A crackdown on nuisance boy racers in one borough has been a success – and could be copied in other parts of Kent.
A popular pub is to reopen under new management a month after closing and having had a £200,000 refurbishment.
Three firearms were found following a police raid at a house, leading to the arrest of two men.
Police have put in place several dispersal orders again after car enthusiasts plan to 'descend' on a Kent district.
A housing development which has been reduced from 39 to 20 homes has been given the go ahead, despite traffic and parking concerns.
Councils are seeing social workers go sick due to ill mental health more than 75 times a year on average, as they face "unprecedented pressures".
A multi-purpose ambulance centre is due to open soon, bringing ambulance crews and call handlers under one roof for the first time in this country.
Flats, houses and a Sainsbury's Local store will be built on the site of a former fire station.
The owner of an ice cream and yoghurt stall which closed after 30 years has revealed plans to reopen.
Kid Harpoon will be crowned the BRIT Awards' Songwriter of the Year, following his work on the GRAMMY award winning album Harry's House.
The ‘80s duo will be joined by New Order and Joy Division bassist Peter Hook as part of a summer concert series.
An Age UK charity will be transforming a hotel into a community hub with extra care housing and respite spaces to ease hospital bed blocking.
A teenager was arrested and more than 50 wraps of Class A drugs seized by police after noticing suspicious activity at a bus station.
Dog owners are being warned to be vigilant after a beloved family pet died from eating poisoned chicken.
Work on a new housing development of 237 affordable homes - which will be available for rent and shared ownership - is under way.
A team of historians will bring the Shakespearean era to life with a VR reconstruction, fencing, and a talking cartoon bear.
The Good Times group is the first artist to be revealed as part of a concert series heading to Kent this summer.
Two areas in the county have been ranked as some of the worst places to live in England this year.
No meat, no GMOs and no microwaves but you can still grab an all-day breakfast at the PurePlanet Cafe
An historic pier that collapsed into a river will be removed in a £137k project – with the ultimate intention being to restore it to its former glory.
A man accused of possessing a prohibited sawn-off shotgun has been remanded in custody after police raided his home.
A two-part Channel 5 documentary film produced by an award-winning company and filmed at several locations in Kent is set to air this week.
Lifts for wheelchair and pushchair users have finally been installed at a mainline railway station as part of a £5.8m upgrade.
Heritage Open Days are back - take a peek inside some of our most elusive historic sites that don’t usually open their doors to visitors.
Police have released an image of a man they want to identify after a 12-year-old was seriously hurt crossing the road.
A clothes bank has handed out three times more items in the last few weeks compared to this time last year as parents struggle to buy school uniform.
A bench put up in memory of a cancer patient has been repaired by a cleaning service after it was ruined by disposable barbecues.
Dramatic images capture the moment lightning and thundery showers were spotted in Kent.
Children were the victims in more than 300 racist or religiously-prejudiced hate crimes across one area last year.
The wartime spirit will be in full swing as a much-loved ‘40s vintage festival takes over for the weekend.
A car manufacturer has been forced to apologise to a pensioner left without her car for five months leaving her isolated and 'a prisoner in her home'.
A devastated daughter has slammed yobs who damaged her late dad's £1,200 memorial bench.
We sent our reporter to get a masterclass in fine dining with only one rule, try not to burn the place down...
Residents are calling for safety measures to be put in place a year after a petition for CCTV was rejected, as antisocial behaviour gets worse
Visitors and patients will now be asked to pay more to park at a hospital, while charges will be re-introduced for staff.
A chef has hit out at E.ON after she was given a penny by as a 'reward' for being a prepayment customer.