Local News
First look inside as Wetherspoon reopens after £550k makeover
New images show how a Kent Wetherspoon looks as it reopens after a £550k refurbishment.
Local messages
'They will always remain slaps on the wrist rather than proper solutions...'
Our reporter speaks about the use of on-the-spot fines as the go-to punishment for a wide range of public offences…
Puppy love: Dog-crazed mum to throw wedding for ‘madly in love’ pooches
Bella the cockapoo and her miniature poodle groom, Jasper, are set to tie the knot during an extravagant ceremony hosted by their owner.
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Revealed: Kent to have four massive new unitary councils
Kent will be carved up into four new unitary authorities once existing councils abolish themselves in the coming months.
Empty shopping parade set to become four-storey hotel as plans approved after five-year delay
An empty shopping parade is finally set to be transformed into a hotel after councillors approved plans which have been held up for almost five years.
‘It’s a disgrace’: Disgust over ‘filthy’ leisure centre changing rooms
Changing rooms and showers at a leisure centre have been branded "filthy" and "disgusting" less than two years after an £8 million refurbishment.
‘It’s a fair swap’: Residents back Saga’s plans for 100 homes at Kent beauty spot
Saga’s plans to build about 100 homes on part of its headquarters at a Kent beauty spot have been unveiled - and residents are largely in favour.
Electricity restored to dozens of homes after telegraph pole fire caused outage
Homes have had their power restored after a telegraph pole erupted into flames, leaving people without electricity for more than seven hours.
How to create a perfect garden setting for butterflies
As the Big Butterfly Count starts, an expert reveals how to maximise your chances of spotting these beautiful insects.
‘I’ve found the perfect place to sup a pint as the sun sets over the sea’
Summer loving: Secret Drinker soaks up the rays in a pub just yards from the beach.
‘It’s like drinking four cups of coffee’: Under-16s to be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks
Kent GPs have welcomed a forthcoming ban which will stop under-16s from being able to buy high-caffeine energy drinks.
Cafe and karaoke bar can stay open into early hours despite neighbours’ noise fears
A cafe and karaoke bar has won permission to stay open until 1am, despite residents’ concerns.
Teens should be offered meningitis B jab on NHS after deadly Kent outbreak, government advisers say
Teenagers should be offered a vaccine on the NHS to protect against deadly meningitis B (menB), government advisers have recommended.
‘No one was called racist’: School defends decision to remove England flags from pupils’ arms
A headteacher has defended staff who asked pupils to remove England flags painted on their arms during a school sports day.
Boxers and Premier League ace to launch ‘unique’ elite gym and lifestyle centre
A string of sports stars - including a Kent boxer tipped as a future world champion - are behind a swanky new gym opening in September.
Arrest after man taken to hospital following ‘stabbing’
A police cordon is in place and a man has been arrested after another was reportedly stabbed in a town centre.
‘We’re bringing it back to what it was always meant to be’
Bosses have moved to explain how their popular venue is far more than a centre for talented cyclists.
‘Our vet bills are astronomical’: Dog owners' grass seed fury as park ‘left to grow wild’
Pet owners are urging a council to better maintain their green spaces after a surge in grass seed cases landed them with “astronomical” vet bills.
Lidl wants to build another new Kent store - right opposite Tesco
Lidl wants to open a new store within sight of one of its biggest rivals - and just three miles from another of its own supermarkets.
‘It was a choice between the football or a night of musical beauty’
Review: Sublime harmonies, Freddie Mercury impressions and a zany rendition of Dancing Queen