Local News
KCC set to increase council tax by 3.99% in new budget
Kent County Council is proposing increasing council tax by 3.99% in its draft budget.
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‘He was like a man possessed’: Trial starts in alleged ‘work colleague stabbing attack’
A man who was knifed three times by a work colleague was allegedly pulled down the stairs and stamped one, a court has heard.
‘This isn’t right’: Fury as historic library set to be sold off at auction
A historic library described as a town’s “most treasured community asset” is set to be sold off at auction, sparking fury among residents.
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Long delays on A2 near Bluewater following multi-vehicle crash
The emergency services were called to a crash involving several vehicles on a busy stretch of an A-road.
Man admits attempted murder after soldier stabbed several times near barracks
A man accused of repeatedly stabbing a uniformed British Army officer in the street has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder.
Mum’s heartbreak after losing husband and son to same rare disorder
A heartbroken mother has bravely spoken out after losing her husband and son to the same rare genetic disorder.
Pub forced to temporarily shut after suspected electrical fault sparked fire
A pub was forced to shut temporarily after a suspected electrical fault sparked a fire in its cellar.
Opposition chief slams council over state of its finances
One of the county’s most prominent politicians is being accused of “giving up” on balancing the books without further government help.
Six men charged after First World War memorial plaques stolen
Several men have appeared in court in connection with an ongoing police investigation into the theft of two war memorials from a church.
Burglary suspect charged following break-in at cheese restaurant
A 45-year-old man has appeared in court after a break-in at a high street restaurant in the early hours.
Fly-tipping leads police to cannabis farm as 150 plants seized
A cannabis farm was raided and about 150 plants seized amid an investigation into flytipped growing equipment.
Suspect charged after truck driver ‘assaulted with metal pole’
A suspect has been charged after a truck driver was reportedly attacked with a metal pole.
Government ‘set to water down’ business rates hike amid huge pubs backlash
The government is reportedly poised to row back on controversial business rates rises for pubs following uproar over the changes - including in Kent.
New nature reserve to be created in heart of town
An area of existing greenspace is set to be redesignated in an effort to benefit local groups and provide extra protections.
‘It’s a huge relief’: Bird of prey centre gets green light to reopen
An animal sanctuary will reopen to visitors after a temporary closure linked to bird flu outbreak.
‘It’s time we looked up to our rooftops to power our future’
MP Tony Vaughan believes the answer to clean sources of energy lies not in our fields, but on our roofs.
Popeyes to open new town branch after fast food rival’s sudden closure
An American fried chicken chain is set to open its second branch in the county as it continues to expand.
Council building which sold for nearly four times the asking price sent for sign-off
The £1.5million sale of a former adult education centre by Kent County Council has now been officially ratified.
Plans for ‘overbearing and excessive’ new industrial estate approved
A bid to double the size of a new industrial estate described as ‘overbearing and excessive’ has been approved.
Heartbreaking images of abandoned dog so thin it had to be put to sleep
The RSPCA is trying to trace the owner of a dog that was so thin it had to be put to sleep after being left abandoned on a street.