Local News
Care home dubbed ‘God’s waiting room’ shut down by inspectors
A care home described it as “God’s waiting room” by its own staff is to close after inspectors found residents remained at significant risk of harm.
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Work to begin on £300k outdoor play area
Council bosses have announced work will begin next month on a £300k project to install an inclusive and accessible children’s play area.
Huge stadium and 3,500 homes plan rejected amid 'toxic lead poisoning fears'
The Secretary of State has rejected plans for a £40 million waterfront neighbourhood featuring 3,500 homes and a new football stadium.
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Paramedic trusted her instincts to save baby's life after monitor missed heart condition
A paramedic's decision to trust her clinical instincts over reassuring monitor readings helped save a baby's life.
‘It’s been desperately needed’: Hundreds queue for opening of new Bluewater anchor store
A long queue stretched through Kent’s largest shopping centre as “super excited” customers waited in line to get inside a huge new Next store.
Reform chief on next phase of KCC efficiency drive
In her latest column, Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaren has written about the next stage in the authority’s efforts to control costs.
‘That’s another shop gone’: Sadness as New Look store to close next week
A town centre New Look store will close next week, sparking disappointment among shoppers.
Drink-driving arrest after police called to Tesco car park
A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of committing driving offences in a supermarket car park.
‘Tired’ hotel set for £1.4m upgrade wins late-night alcohol bid
A village hotel has been granted a licence to open an hour later and expand with a £1.4million refurb project despite the objections of neighbours.
Lidl unveils plans for new store near Bluewater that could be development ‘catalyst’
The German discount retailer has lodged plans to build a new store on part of a former quarry and landfill site already earmarked for redevelopment.
‘We’re utterly overjoyed’: Victory for parents in school bus campaign
Parents are celebrating after learning their fight to get a bus service for a school with no public transport links has been a success.
Paedophile who forced child to watch pornography jailed
A 45-year-old man who made a child watch pornography before engaging in sexual activity with them has been jailed after his victim came forward.
‘Total incompetence’: Model boat club’s anger at council as popular event cancelled
One of a town’s most popular summer events has been cancelled this weekend, with organisers accusing council bosses of “total incompetence”.
Man pushed through glass door after row with group of strangers
A man was pushed through a glass door following a row with a group of strangers.
Horrific footage of hedgehog 'kicked to death' sparks police probe
A police investigation has been launched after horrific footage appeared to capture the moment a hedgehog was kicked along a residential street.
Drunk woman threatened to stab strangers amid tirade of racist abuse
A woman has avoided jail despite threatening to stab strangers and shouting racist slurs at them in the street outside a charity’s headquarters.
Man taken to hospital after ‘assault’ in nightclub
A man suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital after an alleged attack by a stranger at a nightclub.
Children’s hospice charity loses ‘tenth of workforce’ as it faces £3.6m deficit
Demelza bosses say the charity is facing significant financial challenges, which have forced it to review its workforce.
Violent rapist dragged woman across floor by hair in ‘brutal’ attack
A rapist who picked up his victim by her hair and dragged her across the floor in a “brutal” assault has been jailed.
‘Please don’t do it’: Upset at decision to end town centre market
Traders and shoppers have reacted to plans to close a market after nearly 147 years.