Local News
Visitor ban lifted but ‘critical incident’ continues at Kent hospital
A Kent hospital that declared a “critical incident” last week amid high levels of norovirus and other winter illnesses has reopened to visitors.
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Delays on M20 after crash involving ‘car and two lorries’
There are delays on the M20 after a crash reportedly involving two lorries and a car.
Plans for 150 homes and student flats among latest planning bids
A major housing development and a proposed six-storey student block are among the latest planning applications submitted to a council.
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Concerns raised over ‘excessive and unreasonable’ hours for new wedding venue
Plans to give an iconic town centre building a new lease of life as an events space have been met with fears over a “risk of noise nuisance”.
‘AI has helped me keep my voice after MND diagnosis’
A councillor who struggles to talk after developing motor neurone disease is using pioneering technology to communicate using his own voice.
Stairs collapsed before firefighters could reach girl killed in blaze
A stairway collapsed before firefighters could reach a 13-year-old girl killed in a devastating blaze, an inquest has heard.
Kent contestant taking on boardroom in new Apprentice series
A pharmaceuticals specialist from Kent will be one of 20 candidates in the new series of The Apprentice.
‘I work all week and am left with £30 - no wonder people stay at home on benefits’
A single mum of twins who works full-time says she has just £30 left at the end of the week due to childcare costs.
Kent water issues persist after more than a week of disruption
Water issues are persisting for some parts of Kent after more than a week of disruption.
‘You can’t do what you like and get permission after’: School ordered to put historic wall back up
An osteopathy school has been criticised for moving into a new site and making changes without planning approval.
‘The next person might not be lucky’: Mum’s warning after daughter spiked on 21st birthday
Police have launched an investigation after a 21-year-old woman was allegedly spiked while on a night out in the town centre.
New Look confirms closure of town centre store
A clothing retailer has announced it will be shutting one of its High Street branches next month.
‘Essential’ quad bike stolen from forest school
Staff at a forest school are devastated after a quad bike was stolen.
Disruption across Kent GP practices after ‘major IT failure’
GP practices across the county have been hit by a major IT failure today, and services are set to be disrupted for several days.
Blooming brilliant: New Kent gardens opening for 2026
Discover stunning gardens opening this year for charity, with teas, cake and free entry for children.
‘Maybe January needs less discipline and more joy’
Three weeks into January, our columnist questions why resolutions feel so punishing and whether it’s time to make them more fun.
Police crackdown after two days of problems with ‘boy-racers’
Police have responded to concerns about boy racers and anti-social driving after complaints were made by those who live nearby.
Special needs education overall deficit set to rise to £136m
The overspend building up for the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is set to rise to £136m by March.
Building delays mean KCC may have lost out on up to £3.9m towards school places
A development approved years ago won’t need to make any contribution towards education despite a town’s predicted shortfall of 1,765 secondary places.
Family left ‘heartbroken’ after search for 27-year-old ends in tragedy
The family of a much-loved 27-year-old say their “hearts are broken” after a 16-day search for him ended in tragedy.