Alan Smith

Bearsted Parish Council is consulting residents on installing CCTV cameras at several locations, including near the Co-op, Tesco Express, cricket pavilion, scout hut and tennis club, following extensive vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Incidents have included damaged trees and signs, burned benches and car-park boy-racing. The council is comparing locally monitored systems with Swale Council’s 24/7 monitoring service and is working with Kent Police and Southeastern. Funding is available from a community fund, while residents’ views will be considered before a decision at the council’s September meeting.

The UK government has called in the application for Bradbourne, a proposed 1,300-home development between Hermitage Lane in Aylesford and East Malling, after Tonbridge and Malling councillors twice rejected it. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook, acting for Angela Rayner, has ordered a planning inquiry under new rules requiring large developments headed for refusal to be referred to the housing secretary. Council leaders Matt Boughton and Stuart Jeffery say the move undermines local democracy, while East Malling Trust argues that a planned £7 million sustainable transport corridor would limit additional traffic but makes the required affordable-housing allocation financially unviable. No inquiry date has been set.

A public meeting in East Peckham drew about 75 residents, with others attending online, to discuss Wealden Land’s proposal for 64 homes on 9.4 acres south of Church Lane. The scheme includes 32 affordable homes and public open space, but the site includes land at high risk of flooding and was previously rejected as green belt. The developer argues that the introduction of the government’s grey-belt policy makes the proposal acceptable and that it would provide sustainable, much-needed housing. Residents and East Peckham Parish Council object over flooding, wildlife and agricultural land loss, drainage, limited public transport, the distance to village facilities and water supply. Twenty-seven objections have been submitted and none in support; the site also contains a concealed Second World War pillbox.

MOPDEV 2 Ltd has applied to restore the Grade II-listed Hadlow Manor Hotel as a single Georgian-style residence, demolish its 1980s extension and replace it with eight homes. Six previously approved homes in the grounds would remain, with two changed to semi-detached properties. The disused hotel, which closed in January 2023 after operating as a 29-bedroom wedding venue, has fallen into disrepair and suffered vandalism. The proposal would reduce parking from 99 to 32 spaces. Hadlow Parish Council has not objected, and Tonbridge and Malling Council leader Matt Boughton supports redevelopment of the overgrown brownfield site.

Maidstone Borough Council rejected Syon (Forest Hill) Ltd’s application for 20 homes, including a four-storey block of eight flats, at Forest Hill in Tovil. The decision cited the loss of existing trees, pressure on retained sycamores, inadequate space for replacement planting, and failure to demonstrate appropriate flood-risk management. Residents led by Clare Bush welcomed the decision after a nine-month campaign, while objections also came from the Environment Agency, Kent Highways, the council’s tree officer and Tovil Parish Council. The proposal had attracted 18 individual objections and would have resulted in a reported 63% biodiversity net loss. The article also notes Bush’s discovery that a separate 272-home Vistry development was not required to provide educational contributions because of the age of its original planning permission.

British nuclear test veterans are seeking a special tribunal and compensation for illnesses they associate with exposure during UK weapons tests in Australia and the South Pacific from 1952 to 1967. Kent veteran Terry Quinlan says he developed cancers, hearing loss and serious heart problems after witnessing five explosions on Christmas Island, while receiving only limited compensation. Campaign group LABRATS hopes Prime Minister Andy Burnham will support an inquiry, citing his previous statements in favor of veterans and the recently debated Hillsborough Law. Veterans argue that missing health records and the difficulty of proving causation have led to most claims being rejected, while other nuclear-testing countries have provided compensation.

Fred King has been sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, after repeatedly failing to remove caravans and mobile homes from the unauthorised Warren Lands Gypsy site in Sandway near Lenham. The sentence requires him to vacate and clear the land by January 28, 2027, or serve the prison term, subject to early release provisions. Maidstone Borough Council said it would continue monitoring the site and take further enforcement action if necessary. The land has been subject to enforcement measures since 1991, while residents have raised broader concerns about the number of unauthorised Gypsy sites in Sandway.

Residents of 10 Invicta Cottages on Farleigh Hill, Tovil, say Vistry has failed to provide replacement parking exclusively for them after the former lay-by was absorbed into the 272-home Millwright Place development. Vistry says the new spaces were intended to mitigate the lost parking but are unallocated because the cottage residents do not contribute to the estate’s service charges. Maidstone Borough Council agrees that planning permission required parking to be provided but did not reserve it for the cottages. Residents have complained about competition for spaces, double yellow lines, speeding traffic and wider safety and congestion concerns, and have lodged a breach of planning permission complaint.

A grass fire destroyed about an acre of grassland and scrub at Mote Park in Maidstone after three fire crews spent around 90 minutes extinguishing it. The cause remains unknown. Following hot, dry weather and widespread wildfires in Europe, Maidstone Borough Council urged visitors not to use barbecues or open fires, to fully extinguish cigarettes, dispose of litter properly and avoid leaving glass in the sun. The council has also drafted a Wildfire Response Plan and lodged it with Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Scott Hall, a 33-year-old man last seen in Palmarsh Crescent, Hythe, was reported missing by Kent Police, who appealed for public assistance over concerns for his welfare. The force later confirmed that he had been safely found and thanked the public for their help.

Kent will experience a partial solar eclipse on August 12, with about 91% of the Sun obscured. The eclipse will begin at 6:17pm, reach maximum coverage at 7:13pm and end around 8:06pm. Suggested viewing locations include Samphire Hoe, Reculver, The Leas, Capel-le-Ferne and Blue Bell Hill, ideally with an unobstructed western horizon. Viewers must use certified eclipse glasses to avoid permanent eye damage. The Perseid meteor shower will also be visible later that night.

Lockmeadow Market traders in Maidstone have gathered around 500 signatures opposing Maidstone Borough Council’s plan to seek new uses for the Market Hall and Cafe, which could require the existing Tuesday and Saturday traders to leave. Organiser June Bick says the market is a longstanding community asset and criticises the lack of public consultation, while customers point to its 147-year history and support for local charities. Council leader Stuart Jeffery says the market is underused and that the council wants a not-for-profit operator to improve Lockmeadow’s leisure offering, though he says the market could continue in an improved form. Traders plan to present their petition to the council’s overview and scrutiny committee on 10 August.

A proposal to build six homes in the garden of The Cross, next to Grade I-listed St Lawrence Church in Mereworth, has drawn objections from the parish council and local residents. They argue that the modern development would be intrusive, constitute overdevelopment of a Green Belt site, harm the setting of nearby listed buildings and place additional pressure on an unreliable village water supply. Applicant Mr Pallant says the low-rise homes, screened by mature hedges and accessed through the existing entrance, would conserve the character of the area. Tonbridge and Malling council leader Matt Boughton is very concerned and may refer the application to the planning committee; eight objections have been submitted.

Angela Rayner has rejected the £40 million Northfleet Harbourside scheme after a public inquiry raised serious concerns that lead pollution from the adjacent Britannia Refined Metals facility could expose future residents to harmful contamination. The proposal included 3,500 homes, retail and commercial space, a hotel and an 8,000-seat Ebbsfleet United stadium. Gravesham council leader John Burden criticised the decision and called for urgent answers from the Environment Agency and Britannia Refined Metals about contamination levels, remediation and ongoing risks. The refusal also affects the council’s draft Local Plan and follows objections from Kent County Council and the Port of London Authority over the loss of Robins Wharf.

The A261 London Road in Hythe was closed in both directions between the West Hythe turn-off and Old London Road after a serious incident. Police and firefighters attended, while residents reported that a car had caught fire following a crash. Authorities warned that the road would remain closed for some time.

Jamie Rogers, the new publican of The Man of Kent in East Peckham, says takings have fallen by about 40% since SGN began phased road closures for gas main replacement work. He blames diversion signs placed too far from the closures, saying customers and staff are struggling to reach the pub; weekly takings have dropped to about £11,000 from an expected £18,000. The closures have also disrupted bus services and taxi access in Golden Green. SGN says the work is necessary to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply, that access remains available, and that affected small businesses may apply for compensation.

Maidstone Borough Council has voted to pursue a non-immediate Article 4 order covering office buildings larger than 1,500 square metres in the town centre, requiring future conversions into flats to obtain full planning permission. Since 2013, 35 office buildings have created 999 flats, with a further 505 units potentially possible without the order. The move follows concerns over the quality and safety of developments such as Miller Heights, where flooding and electrical problems led to a prohibition notice and emergency accommodation for residents. A council-commissioned report found that the town centre has high crime, overcrowding, limited outdoor space and inadequate supporting infrastructure, while its population and number of children increased substantially between 2011 and 2021. The order will undergo a 16-week consultation and is expected to take effect after a year, avoiding compensation liabilities for conversions already under way.

Maidstone Borough Council plans to seek new community, cultural or wellbeing uses for Lockmeadow’s Market Hall, a move that would eventually end the Tuesday and Saturday markets. Traders and customers say the decision threatens livelihoods, community ties and fundraising for a homeless charity, while criticising the council’s newer Jubilee Square market as a rival. The council argues that Lockmeadow’s traditional market has declined sharply and is unlikely to return to its former strength, but says markets will remain part of Maidstone’s town-centre offer and that traders will be consulted as future uses are developed.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council unanimously refused McCarthy and Stone’s proposal for a 50-apartment retirement complex at St Andrew’s Close near Preston Hall in Aylesford. Councillors cited insufficient parking, narrow access roads, traffic concerns and difficulties for waste vehicles. They also criticised the absence of on-site affordable housing, although officers said the developer’s viability assessment showed that including it would make the scheme unprofitable. The refusal was based solely on inadequate parking because the site’s undeveloped green space was not formally designated, and the council’s housing-supply shortfall meant an appeal would be judged under a presumption favouring development.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s planning committee rejected Croudace’s proposal for 66 homes at Drayhorse Meadow, a horse-grazing field off Fields Lane in Wateringbury. Councillors cited harm to the Medway Valley landscape and village character, plus additional traffic and pollution at the already over-capacity Wateringbury crossroads, an Air Quality Management Area. Local councils and residents also raised concerns about the loss of agricultural land, the site’s suitability for development and the lack of a guaranteed water supply. The scheme would have included 33 affordable homes, a country park and access to the A26. The decision went against officers’ advice despite the borough’s lack of a five-year housing supply and the resulting legal presumption in favour of development; Croudace may appeal.

Three-way traffic lights have been installed at the junction of Farleigh Hill and Burial Ground Lane in Tovil, near Maidstone, creating potential rush-hour delays for up to six weeks. Tovil Parish Council commissioned repairs to the crumbling ragstone wall and rusting railings around the historic Anabaptist Burial Ground, which contains gravestones dating to the 1600s. Kent County Council Highways required the traffic controls for safety because the B2010 is a bus route, while the footpath in Burial Ground Lane is closed. The work was scheduled during school holidays to reduce disruption.

Six weeks of SGN gas-main replacement works have closed key roads into Golden Green near Tonbridge, disrupting bus services, deterring taxis and forcing motorists onto lengthy diversions. The Bell Inn's takings fell by £741, or about two-thirds, in the first two days, leading the pub's joint licensees to lay off three catering staff and warn that it may close when Victoria Road is shut. Residents, including older and disabled people, say the disruption has left them isolated and made access to shopping and medical appointments difficult. SGN says the traffic-management arrangements were agreed with the local authority before work began.

The A251 Ashford Road was closed in both directions between the M2 Junction 6 near Faversham and the A252 Canterbury Road at Challock after a field fire at Badlesmere. Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed fire engines, utility terrain vehicles and a technical rescue unit, extinguishing the blaze after about 90 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the cause remained unknown.

Kent Police are appealing for information to locate 45-year-old Vernon Perkins, who was last seen in Gillingham’s Windmill Road area at about 6am on July 19, 2026. He has connections to Eastchurch, Whitstable and several areas of east and south London, and officers are concerned for his welfare. The public should call 999 with critical information or 101 with other information, quoting reference 20-0605.

Sudanese national Chan Mathok Atak, 19, has been charged with endangering life after allegedly piloting a 13-metre dinghy carrying a record 165 migrants across the English Channel to Dover. He was arrested by the National Crime Agency and remanded ahead of a hearing at Margate Magistrates’ Court. The crossing was part of a wider rise in arrivals after an 11-day weather-related pause, with 366 people arriving in three boats that day. Care4Calais said overcrowding is making crossings increasingly dangerous and called for safe routes, while the Home Office blamed smuggling gangs and highlighted increased UK-French enforcement. Home Office figures recorded 13,007 arrivals so far this year, down on the equivalent periods in 2025 and 2024.

Archaeologists Colin and Sean Welch’s Research Resource Archaeology team have begun excavating a V1 flying bomb crash site at Chetney Marshes near Iwade. Records indicate the bomb was brought down on August 16, 1944, when RAF Flight Lieutenant J. Malloy wing-tipped it after a pursuit over Kent. The remote, privately owned farmland has preserved the site, where researchers found the bomb’s launch lug and Argus pulse-jet tailpipe. The excavation is sponsored by HE Services and Pearson TQ, with all finds being GPS-recorded and documented for Kent’s historic environment records.

A fire involving crops and bushes near the railway line in Tudeley, close to Paddock Wood, temporarily suspended Southeastern trains toward London and Tonbridge. Services resumed after staff confirmed the track was safe, although smoke caused delays of around five minutes. Kent Fire and Rescue sent five engines and a bulk water carrier to extinguish the fire; no injuries were reported and the cause remains unknown.

Two black American miniature horses, Remi and Tilly, were stolen from their stables in Cooling Street, Cliffe, on Monday night and later recovered by police at an address in Gravesend. Owner Cindy Hitch thanked people who shared the appeal and reviewed doorbell and CCTV footage. Both horses were reported safe but shaken and tired; the family was particularly concerned about Remi because the 17-year-old horse has laminitis and requires medication.

Folkestone’s annual Pride parade travelled from the Old High Street through Sandgate Road to Bouverie Place, drawing members of the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters. Organisers said the event aims to champion local diversity, foster tolerance and create an inclusive community. Afternoon entertainment at The Leas and an evening ticketed After Pride Party at Quarterhouse featured several performers and bands.

Maidstone’s 40th annual River Festival is attracting crowds with live entertainment, boats, markets, a funfair, a raft race and displays of supercars and superbikes. The free volunteer-run event has financial support from local businesses, while additional activities are taking place at Maidstone Museum and the Carriage Museum. Highlights include a trophy ceremony, an illuminated boat procession at 9pm and a fireworks finale at 10pm.

The freehold owners of Tonbridge’s Grade II-listed Rose and Crown Hotel have agreed to take direct management of the property and undertake urgent repairs after Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council issued a safety enforcement notice. Structural surveys will assess rainwater damage to the portico, carriageway and part of the restaurant, while outstanding work includes repairs to the portico roof and historic coats of arms. The council welcomed the owners’ commitment but warned that further enforcement action remains possible if the work is delayed. The hotel has significant architectural and historical importance, including Georgian features, older timber-framed sections and royal connections.

Councillors are preparing to reconsider an application for a 1,300‑home development in Aylesford after the chief planning officer overturned a previous refusal and requested a review of the financial risks of an appeal. The proposal by East Malling Trust includes a £7 million Sustainable Movement Corridor intended to shift transport habits, a claim several councillors strongly criticised. The earlier refusal cited heritage harm, mineral sterilisation, loss of high‑value agricultural land and inadequate affordable housing provision. More than 500 objections have been submitted, and the planning committee will revisit the application on July 30.

Maidstone Borough Council’s cabinet voted unanimously, with one abstention, not to introduce a Public Space Protection Order banning the possession of catapults in public places. Kent Police and council officers said existing powers were more effective, particularly for dealing with young offenders, and warned that a PSPO could consume resources while reducing opportunities for local officers to intervene constructively. Supporters argued that the measure would address public fear and signal action against attacks. The decision was criticised by councillor Stan Forecast, who said the current situation was failing residents.

A mystery local donor has bought the Greater and Lower Culand Pits near Blue Bell Hill for £320,000 and donated them to the Kent Wildlife Trust, securing the future of the 39-acre nature reserve. Previously owned by Trenport and originally acquired from Blue Circle Cement, the former chalk pits contain important Cretaceous fossils, including pterosaurs, plesiosaurs, turtles and fossilised fish. The site has since developed into chalk grassland supporting orchids, butterflies and other wildlife, and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Public access remains restricted because of unprotected cliff edges, although the pits can be viewed from a nearby picnic site.

Residents in East Farleigh, Maidstone and Borough Green report prolonged water leaks that South East Water has not repaired despite a hosepipe ban. Flooding, property damage and safety hazards have persisted for weeks, leaving residents frustrated with repeated delays and unclear repair timelines. Similar unresolved leaks across the Maidstone area have added to criticism of the company’s infrastructure maintenance. South East Water has acknowledged several leaks and says repairs are being arranged, while recent leadership changes follow regulatory fines and parliamentary criticism.

A £200,000 refurbishment of The George Hotel in Cranbrook by Shepherd Neame includes a new outdoor terrace, mural, external bar, and refreshed interior spaces. General manager Duncan Moore highlights the improvements as enhancing guest experience while preserving the building’s historic character. Early customer response has been positive, and the hotel aims to strengthen its role as a community hub and destination for visitors.

Residents in Sandway near Lenham have lodged a formal complaint against Maidstone Council for failing to act against an unauthorised Gypsy site where significant development has taken place without permission. Villagers say their reports of excavation, utility installation and the arrival of a mobile home were ignored, with the council opting to wait for a retrospective planning application that has yet to be validated. Local councillors and parish leaders argue that the absence of an updated Gypsy and Traveller site policy has created uncertainty and encouraged unauthorised developments. The council says it is reviewing evidence before deciding on any enforcement action.

Snodland Town Council rejoined Tonbridge and Malling’s Safer Neighbourhood Scheme following an incident in which a BP customer was intimidated by a group of youths. The council reversed its earlier decision over the £2,000 fee, citing improved service from a newly contracted security firm, TMS. Councillors will receive direct contact access to the Safer Neighbourhood Team during out‑of‑hours periods, enhancing responsiveness. Local officials expressed confidence in the scheme’s renewed professionalism as Snodland signed a two‑year contract for enhanced patrols and anti‑social behaviour enforcement.

A digital book of condolence has been opened following the death of former Maidstone and the Weald MP Ann Widdecombe, as police shift the case from a murder investigation to a counterterrorism inquiry. Widdecombe, a long-serving MP and later public figure, was found dead at her Devon home, with a 28-year-old suspect re-arrested on terrorism-related grounds. Maidstone Council highlighted her decades of service and urged the public to avoid speculation while paying tribute. Counter Terrorism Policing South East is now leading the investigation alongside Devon and Cornwall Police.

Maidstone councillors voted to support expanding a Public Space Protection Order to ban the possession of catapults in public areas following rising incidents of vandalism and wildlife harm. Despite council officers warning the measure would be difficult to enforce and could disproportionately criminalize young people, several councillors argued it would provide an additional tool to prevent damage and improve safety. An amendment allowing legitimate use, such as for licensed angling, was approved, and the motion passed six to three. The proposal will now be considered by the council’s cabinet.

Residents living near the Good Vibes Cafe in Maidstone objected to the venue’s request to extend alcohol sales and music hours until 4am, citing existing noise from karaoke and live music and concerns about the premises effectively operating as a nightclub. In response, the business scaled back its request to 1am and agreed to adopt Kent Police’s recommended conditions, including CCTV, Challenge 25 checks, drug‑testing provisions, and weekend door security. The application will be decided by Maidstone Borough Council’s licensing sub‑committee, following similar late‑night approval granted recently to another nearby venue.

Kent County Council proposes reducing speed limits to 20mph on several roads in Offham to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, with additional 40mph buffer zones on Teston Road. The consultation remains open until July 27.

The UK’s first Valour support centre opened at the RBVE site in Aylesford, with Veterans Minister Calvin Bailey stating the programme will make accessing housing, health and employment support easier for veterans. RBVE, one of 14 organisations receiving a share of £13m in new government funding, will expand its long‑standing work assisting veterans and people with disabilities. The Valour scheme provides in‑person, online and MOD‑managed support channels, with further investment planned later in the year.

The Maidstone River Festival will relocate its traditional firework display from the Fremlin Centre to the former Royal Mail Sorting Office due to rooftop solar panel installation. The event on July 25 will proceed with its usual entertainment, including live music, a raft race, illuminated boats and various attractions across the town. The festival also marks the Silver Jubilee of the Maidstone River Park, featuring themed activities and community participation.

Fourteen former Maidstone Grammar School for Girls classmates reunited six decades after their school years, sharing memories of the 1960s, including music, fashion and cultural experiences such as seeing the Rolling Stones at the Rochester Odeon. The group reflected on strict school traditions, influential teachers and their diverse life paths, which included careers in journalism, education, public service and the arts. Several travelled long distances to attend the gathering, which celebrated enduring friendships and formative teenage experiences.

A Grade II-listed Georgian house in Bexley, rebuilt in 1761 by antiquarian John Thorpe, has been listed for sale at £1.2 million after more than 50 years in the same family. Thorpe’s notes on a Roman mosaic ultimately led to the discovery of Lullingstone Roman Villa, now managed by English Heritage. The five‑bedroom property retains much of its original design and occupies a prominent position in the Old Bexley Conservation Area. The current owner recalls its long family history, while estate agents highlight its unique heritage appeal.

Maidstone Council delayed submitting its Gypsy and Traveller Development Planning Document despite a requirement to resolve a shortfall of 530 pitches, the highest need of any authority. Councillors cited insufficient time, inadequate data and the disruptive impact of a new national planning system, opting instead to incorporate the policy into the next Local Plan. The move breaks earlier commitments to the Planning Inspectorate and leaves the borough without a five‑year supply of sites, prompting criticism from local parish representatives and the Gypsy Council, who argue the council is avoiding responsibility and leaving communities without policy protections.

Councillors approved a low initial budget of £780,000 for the new Maidstone Town Council, adding about £22 to the annual council tax bill for a Band D household. A proposal for a higher or medium budget was rejected despite warnings that underfunding could hinder future operations and recruitment. The council’s first-year spending will largely cover staffing, accommodation, legal fees and repayment of establishment costs, with few service responsibilities beyond managing allotments. A 24-member shadow council will prepare policies ahead of elections next May, while options remain open regarding the length of the first elected term.

A joint £8 million investment by Tunbridge Wells Council and Serco Leisure will upgrade leisure centres in Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook and Paddock Wood, following Serco and Leisure Solutions Community Trust taking over operations after Fusion Leisure’s administration. Initial improvements of £750,000 will include upgraded gyms, new EGYM smart equipment and Lynxight AI safety technology for swimming pools. Council representatives and LSCT leadership emphasise modernisation, improved safety and a long-term commitment to community health and wellbeing.

A riding school in East Farleigh is seeking to repurpose planned barn units into storage buildings after financial pressures caused by the pandemic and rising costs. Neighbours have raised concerns about increased traffic, especially involving larger vehicles, while traffic consultants argue the scheme would generate fewer trips than the previously approved equestrian expansion. Local councillor Claire Kehily has requested the application be reviewed by Maidstone Council’s planning committee, citing issues including retrospective use, road capacity, noise and fears the site could later be redeveloped for housing. The application is pending consideration by East Farleigh Parish Council.

Spot Lane in Bearsted will be closed between Ashford Road and Shirley Way from July 6 to July 23 to allow UK Power Networks to install power cabling. Traffic will be diverted via Willington Street and Ashford Road.

Swale council has adopted an Article 4 direction removing automatic rights to convert homes into HMOs and approved a supplementary planning document setting rules on HMO density, parking, waste storage and minimum room sizes. The policy aims to manage concentrations of HMOs, prevent ‘sandwiching’ of family homes, and ensure adequate facilities, while acknowledging their role in affordable housing. Enforcement challenges remain due to incomplete records of existing smaller HMOs. Local councillors support the measures, and residents in Sheerness have raised concerns about ongoing conversions and disruption.

Residents of Claire House in Tovil have lived for months without a mains water connection, relying instead on tanker deliveries after failed attempts to link the block to South East Water’s network. The development previously drew water and electricity from a neighbour’s home, leading to large unexpected bills later reimbursed by the owner. Tenants report unfinished works, sewer odours, bin issues and occasional criminal activity in the area. Developer Lee Phelps attributes delays to administrative hurdles and ongoing negotiations, while local authorities cite limits to their oversight. A new connection point has been approved, pending a road closure permit.

Two cats have disappeared from Hogbarn Lane in Harrietsham within weeks of each other, leaving their owners concerned that the pets may have been stolen. Extensive searches, posters, social media appeals and even drone use have produced no clues about the whereabouts of Luxor, a Maine Coon, or Mummy Cat, a long‑time pet known in the community. Both cats are microchipped, and the lack of sightings or reports has heightened fears of possible theft. Owners are appealing for any information that could help locate their missing animals.

Crime in Kent decreased by 8% in the first quarter of the year, with notable reductions in violent offences against women and girls, rapes, and serious sexual offences. Improvements were reported in emergency call handling and police response times, though antisocial behaviour incidents rose, attributed partly to revised recording practices. Fatal traffic incidents increased from 15 to 25, while business robbery figures spiked due to new Home Office classification rules. Kent Police leaders highlighted ongoing progress and emphasised continued efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and maintain public safety during the busy summer period.

Councillors in Tonbridge and Malling attempted to reject a major plan for 1,300 homes between Aylesford and East Malling, but the head of planning overruled them on the grounds that their reasons could not be defended on appeal. The proposal includes a £7 million Sustainable Movement Corridor, which several councillors criticised as unrealistic and potentially harmful to heritage sites, traffic conditions and mineral resources. Concerns were also raised about water supply, sewage capacity, traffic impact and the reduced provision of affordable housing. Despite a committee vote to refuse the scheme, new government rules mean large applications must be referred to the Secretary of State if a council seeks refusal. The application will return to committee after legal advice on potential financial risks, while over 500 objections have been submitted.

A Maidstone man was jailed for three years for distributing more than 200 indecent images of young children via Telegram. Police traced the uploads to his home, seized his phone and uncovered extensive conversations involving child abuse material. He pleaded guilty and received a lifelong requirement to remain on the sex offenders’ register along with a 15‑year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

A mobile home delivered by crane to land on Benover Road in Yalding caused major traffic disruption and prompted Maidstone Council to investigate a potential planning breach. The site, where a previous barn conversion application by Tommy Smith was refused in 2024, has undergone several recent alterations that neighbours believe may indicate plans for long‑term residential use without permission. Residents and the parish council raised concerns over the installation process, which blocked roads and led to extensive queues, while the council confirmed the matter is now under enforcement review.

A Larkfield mother discovered a pellet hole in her daughter’s bedroom window, prompting community concern over suspected catapult or air‑rifle attacks. Multiple residents reported similar incidents in nearby areas, including damage and youths firing at wildlife. Initial police response frustrated the family, but later statements confirmed house‑to‑house inquiries and CCTV checks. Rising incidents have led Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to impose a Public Space Protection Order banning public possession of catapults for over‑16s, while an MP urged residents to report issues. Concerns persist as catapults and steel ball bearings remain easily available online.

Council officers recommend approval of a 1,300‑home development in Aylesford despite widespread opposition over traffic impact, water infrastructure concerns and loss of quarrying potential. Senior local politicians from Tonbridge, Malling and Maidstone express strong objections, criticising assumptions about active travel and warning of severe congestion on Hermitage Lane. National Highways, Kent Highways and Active Travel England support the proposed Sustainable Movement Corridor, limiting grounds for refusal. New submissions outline a water delivery strategy and highlight environmental drawbacks of quarrying the site. The revamped planning committee will reconsider the application, with previous vocal opponents no longer holding votes. The development includes funds for local infrastructure, a school and a community centre, while critics maintain it risks worsening already strained services and traffic conditions.