Alex Keir

A fire at New Townsend Farm in St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe destroyed most of Charlotte and Ben Ledger’s hay and winter animal stock, causing estimated damage of at least £100,000. The couple returned early from a holiday in France and say the loss threatens their livelihood, particularly after months of dry weather made sourcing replacement hay difficult. Fire crews battled the blaze and later reignitions, while police are treating it as suspected arson and continuing CCTV, house-to-house and witness investigations. Local farmers and nearby riding-school staff have offered assistance, and the family hopes its planned fresh-milk and milkshake venture will help support the business.

Anduril Industries has operated AI-enabled Maritime Sentry surveillance towers at seven military and coastal sites in Kent since at least 2022. The systems use radar, optical and thermal cameras, and Lattice OS machine learning to detect, classify and track Channel activity before alerting Border Force or Coastguard teams. Their deployment under Military Aid to the Civil Authorities arrangements avoided normal local planning processes. An investigation found that the Ministry of Defence received no rent or licence payments during the four-year occupation, while a £14,000 electrical-connection bill also remained unpaid. The Home Office has awarded Anduril more than £21 million in contracts, but it has not confirmed whether a key contract that ended in June was renewed. Migrants' Rights Network and researcher Samuel Storey argue that such surveillance can dehumanise migrants and push crossings onto more dangerous routes, although the article notes that a direct link to Channel deaths has not been established.

Police closed Sea Street in Herne Bay in both directions between Sandown Drive and Albany Drive after a crash shortly after 5pm. A damaged Mazda 3 was left in the road, and officers cordoned off the area while seeking further information about the incident.

A second fire broke out at New Townsend Farm in St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe near Dover, about 24 hours after an initial blaze caused more than £100,000 in damage. Police are treating the incident as arson and are seeking witness, CCTV and dashcam evidence. No injuries were reported, and livestock were moved to safety. The report also covers separate fires at an outbuilding in Burmarsh, near New Romney, believed to have been deliberate, and at Dartford Heath, where the cause remains unknown.

A collision involving two cars and a van caused stationary traffic and rush-hour delays of more than 100 minutes on the coastbound M2 between Junction 3 at Chatham/Rochester and Junction 1 at Strood. Traffic was released shortly before 6pm. No injuries had been confirmed, and emergency services had been contacted for comment.

A man in his 70s was recovered from the Royal Military Canal near Burmarsh Road in Palmarsh, close to Hythe, after a suspected medical incident. Emergency services attended, closed the road temporarily and recovered the body. The death is not being treated as suspicious, the man’s next of kin has been informed, and a report has been prepared for the coroner.

A hay bale fire at New Townsend Farm in St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, near Dover, is being treated as arson, with estimated damage exceeding £100,000. Fire crews returned the following evening to manage continuing flames and carried out a controlled burn, while livestock were moved to safety and no injuries were reported. Police are seeking witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage. The report also notes separate fires in Maidstone, Iwade, Bredhurst Woods and Gravesend amid dry conditions.

Police, ambulance crews and fire engines attended a medical incident on Burmarsh Road in Hythe, near the Royal Military Canal, on 18 August 2026. The road was closed between Kingfisher Avenue and Grebe Crescent while crews responded. Witnesses reported seeing eight police cars, two ambulances and two fire engines; the fire service had left by 5:40pm. The circumstances of the incident were not known, and emergency services had been contacted for comment.

A crash and oil spill caused all London-bound traffic to be held on the M20 between Junction 9 at Ashford and Junction 8 at Leeds Castle on 18 August 2026. National Highways reported delays of around 30 minutes and three miles of congestion before traffic was released shortly after 5.30pm. The number of vehicles involved was not known, and emergency services had been contacted for further comment. The incident occurred two days after the removal of the Operation Brock contraflow system.

A high-volume gas leak at the Coffin Corner junction in Margate temporarily led to the evacuation of a small number of homes. Southern Gas Network confirmed the leak was fixed and residents returned home the same night. The wider gas-main upgrade, which has caused road closures since July 22, remains on schedule, with remaining connections due this week and roads expected to reopen after August 30.

Iain Campbell, who transformed Folkestone’s The Nailbox into a busy pub in under a year, is taking over Dover’s The Lord Nelson. He plans to reopen it by the end of August with a Barcelona-inspired bar, rebuilt riverside decking, year-round heaters and a late-night atmosphere supported by its 3am licence. Campbell hopes to draw on his nursing background and continue The Nailbox’s community fundraising, while incorporating elements of the pub’s history into the new venue.

Three people were taken to hospital for further assessment after a multi-vehicle crash on Addiscombe Road in Margate. Four people were treated at the scene, while police and three fire service vehicles attended. Crews provided first aid and made the area safe before leaving at 2:30pm.

The Environment Agency has issued an emergency advice-against-bathing warning at Dymchurch beach after sewage effluent spilled into the Hoorne Sewer. The agency is investigating and monitoring mitigation work, while water-quality monitoring has been suspended until the incident ends and risks to swimmers and the environment are reduced. The beach already had a separate bathing warning because of its poor long-term water-quality classification.

A teenage girl was pulled from the water at Hythe beach near the Stade Court Hotel at about 3:30 p.m. Emergency services, including Folkestone Coastguard Rescue Team, Kent Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and an air ambulance, responded. The girl was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford for further treatment.

A fire badly damaged one workshop at Croford Coachbuilders beside Kennington Hall in Ashford shortly after midnight. Nine fire engines attended, the A28 was temporarily closed, and one person was checked for smoke inhalation. No vehicles were damaged, the business remains operational, and owner Edward Crouch expects a full return to normal in around eight weeks. The cause is not yet known, although Crouch suspects a recently restarted oil-fired boiler may have ignited dry leaves near its outlet.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council has proposed a play zone at the former Folkestone bus station as part of its £22 million Bouverie Square regeneration scheme. Residents are divided: some fear the site’s existing problems with drugs, violence, sexual offences, begging and anti-social behaviour will make the park unsafe, while others welcome the improvement to the town centre. The plans include salamander sculptures, an eight-metre climbing structure, slides, accessible play equipment and open landscaping. The council says Kent Police reviewed the design, leading to fewer trees for better visibility and planned CCTV, and planning officers have recommended approval.

Plans submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council propose replacing 22 deteriorated garages in Albert Lane, Hythe, with five one-bedroom, two-storey terraced homes. Designed by Hollaway Studio for applicant Jeremy Brockhurst, the homes would include integrated carports, balconies, privacy fencing, solar panels and battery storage. The council is expected to decide the application by 23 September 2026, and no public comments have yet been recorded.

Roy Mountford, 72, was issued a £70 parking penalty outside his Folkestone home after the council incorrectly determined that his Peugeot was within a temporarily suspended parking area. He appealed with photographs while preparing for and later undergoing open-heart surgery, and Folkestone and Hythe District Council ultimately admitted the notice was issued in error and cancelled it. Mountford criticized the council’s handling of the case and urged other residents to challenge penalties they believe are unfair.

Southern Water has closed one lane of the A256 Ramsgate Road near Sandwich while tankers manage sewage flows during emergency repairs to three burst mains. The company says the incidents were linked to increased flows and pressure fluctuations, and expects work to finish within the week, although the road closure may last longer. Independent testing found no impact on bathing waters, allowing precautionary swimming restrictions at Sandwich Bay and Western Undercliff Beach to be lifted. Part of Sandwich Quay car park is also closed, while Dover District Council is seeking regular updates and longer-term improvements.

Kent Police have released a blurred CCTV image of two masked teenagers on a motorbike who allegedly tried to steal a man’s mobile phone in Swift Avenue, Finberry, Ashford, on July 26. The man, in his 40s, was struck on the arm but was not injured, and the suspects left empty-handed. Police are asking anyone who recognises the clothing or motorcycle to provide information.

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway has suspended steam services and switched to a diesel-only timetable after Natural England raised the fire-severity state to “exceptional” in parts of Kent. The restriction covers the line between Dymchurch and Dungeness and is expected to last at least until August 5. A steam locomotive will remain on display at New Romney station. The Kent & East Sussex Railway has also kept steam trains off its line since June 23, while Kent Fire and Rescue Service reported more than 300 accidental grass fires since the start of May.

A Kent resident has won the £1 million top prize in the August Premium Bonds draw after buying the winning bond in February. The winner, who holds £21,000 in bonds, is Kent’s 25th jackpot winner since the prize was introduced in 1994. The draw also highlights 74,859 unclaimed Premium Bonds prizes worth more than £3.3 million across Kent, including two £50,000 prizes. There is no time limit for claiming winnings, while more than six million tax-free prizes worth £433.7 million are being paid nationally.

Repairs to the storm-damaged concrete breakwater at Mermaid Beach in Folkestone are expected to cost £172,000, taking the estimated total cost of damage from January’s Storm Goretti to almost £250,000. Folkestone and Hythe District Council has approved a £200,000 budget allocation, funded by a previous revenue underspend, and plans to begin work in October or November and finish by December. The preferred scheme will install new concrete rings and reuse displaced slabs, reducing environmental impact and restoring improved wheelchair access across the shingle beach. Councillors rejected leaving the structure unrepaired because of health and safety risks and the likelihood of further storm damage.

The Brickfield Cookhouse and Pub in Folkestone will close permanently on September 3, following Whitbread’s decision to shut its branded pubs and restaurants and focus on Premier Inn. The venue, formerly a Brewers Fayre and later a Table Table restaurant, is remembered fondly for its 1990s Charlie Chalk Fun Factory soft-play area. Whitbread’s wider restructuring is expected to close all Brewers Fayre and Beefeater locations, cut about 3,800 jobs in the UK and Ireland, and deliver £250 million in savings.

Coastal Breeze Developments has applied to convert the long-closed Springs care home in St Mary’s Bay into 29 homes, including flats, houses and new extensions. Residents have submitted 10 objections, citing inadequate roads, limited doctors, dentists and transport, potential loss of coastal views, and pressure on emergency access. One resident supports the proposal, which developers say is necessary because the small facility is financially unviable as a modern care home and attracted no operators during nearly two years of marketing. Folkestone and Hythe District Council is expected to decide the application by October 1, 2026.

Plans to redevelop Folkestone’s long-abandoned former gasworks site in Ship Street have been reduced from 135 homes to 90, although a prospective developer may ultimately build 85. Folkestone and Hythe District Council aims to deliver a fully affordable housing estate with improved pedestrian and cycling access, but contamination, low local property values, retaining-wall requirements and biodiversity obligations make the project complex and costly. The latest redesign has added £132,000 to the budget, while potential biodiversity net-gain credits could cost about £1.2 million. The council is seeking a £25,000 Homes England grant and has already secured £2.5 million from the Brownfield Land Release Fund. Outline planning permission is targeted for November, with construction-related approvals and a site sale expected during 2027.

The Hythe Venetian Fete will reduce seating from about 3,000 to 2,600 for its August 19 event because recent fetes have sold only around 2,600 tickets, making unused seats an unnecessary expense. The change will also improve disabled visitors’ views. Rising power, insurance, construction, security and medical costs have pushed the event’s total expense to about £130,000, while organisers expect ticket sales of £90,000 to £100,000 and rely on reserves, grants and sponsorship to cover the remainder. Supported by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, AW Construction and £7,500 from Hythe Town Council, organisers are also considering moving the traditional Wednesday event to a Saturday from 2028.

The UK government is seeking clarification from French authorities after a French patrol vessel appeared to fire 17 live rounds while Conservative MP and shadow home secretary Chris Philp was being interviewed by the BBC in the English Channel. Philp said there had been no warning or training exercise and described the incident as possible intimidation connected to his criticism of Channel migrant crossings. Sky News reported that the firing was part of a routine French naval training exercise, while the captain of Philp’s vessel said such exercises are normally announced to nearby vessels. Philp said he would contact the French ambassador.

Two pedestrians were hit by a car at the junction of Singleton Hill and Tithe Barn Lane in Ashford at about 1:40pm on Sunday. Ambulance crews and an air ambulance attended, with the helicopter landing on Great Chart Playing Fields, but it was not needed. One pedestrian was taken by road to William Harvey Hospital, while the other pedestrian and the driver were treated at the scene; police reported only minor injuries.

Square One Padel and Social Club is preparing to open a new facility at Mountfield Industrial Estate in New Romney within weeks. The venue will include three indoor doubles padel courts, a gym, cafe bar, changing rooms and a lounge. Founder Sam De Haan said court installation is due to begin in July and described the club as a place for sport, food, exercise and socialising. The company already operates clubs in Ashford and Sittingbourne and is also developing a larger £3 million, 10-court site in Aylesford.

Ramsgate resident Steven Keeley has served Thanet District Council with a Section 82 notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, giving it 21 days to clear waste and resolve ongoing bin-collection problems before he can seek an abatement order through the magistrates’ court. The action follows months of missed collections, torn rubbish bags and nearly 4,000 complaints to the council between April and June. The disruption intensified after the introduction of fortnightly collections under the Simpler Recycling programme. Thanet District Council says it has collected the missed bins in the affected area, added vehicles and collection rounds, and is seeing significant improvements, while its legal team considers the notice.

A man and two children were taken to hospital after getting into difficulty in the sea off Margate Main Sands on July 25. A large multi-agency response, including air ambulance and coastguard helicopters, treated the casualties at the scene before transporting them to hospital. All three remained in stable condition the following morning, and police said no criminal offences had been reported.

Work has finally begun to transform the long-derelict Romney Bay House hotel in Littlestone into The Gallivant Littlestone Beach. The Gallivant’s owners bought the property in 2023 after it had been closed for four years, but construction was delayed while the building deteriorated and attracted vandalism. The hotel is expected to reopen next summer, with invitation-only events planned to show residents the proposed interior and outdoor designs. Earlier plans called for 13 bedrooms and gardens including a Victorian bathing house, although it is unclear whether those plans remain unchanged. Local councillor Paul Thomas welcomed the progress, saying it had eased residents’ concerns and could make the hotel an important asset and visitor attraction for the area.

A large fire broke out near Long Rock in Swalecliffe, Whitstable, shortly before 11pm on Saturday. Crews from six fire engines and two utility terrain vehicles fought the blaze and dampened down hotspots until early Sunday morning. Residents near Plough Lane were advised to close windows and doors because of smoke, but no injuries were reported. The cause remains unconfirmed, while local resident Cara MacNally said the burned area was larger than expected and expressed concern about the damage to wildlife and the time needed for the grassland to recover.

Two witnesses have identified deceased Folkestone man Raymond Buck as a possible suspect in the 1996 Chillenden murders of Lin and Megan Russell and the attempted murder of Josie Russell. A relative alleges that Buck confessed to killing three people and a dog, while other relatives describe him as violent and unstable. A male relative has agreed to provide DNA for comparison with crime-scene evidence. Michael Stone, who was convicted twice and continues to deny the crimes, is seeking to overturn his conviction; his solicitor Karen Todner called the development a major breakthrough. Kent Police said the information had previously been investigated and confirmed that Stone remains convicted while the Criminal Cases Review Commission reviews his case.

Around 100 Unite The Right UK protesters marched through Dover on July 25, waving St George’s flags and chanting anti-immigration slogans as they headed toward the Port of Dover. The demonstration caused traffic delays of up to 45 minutes and drew a counter-protest by pro-migrant campaigners. It took place on the same day Kent Police introduced a 24-hour ban on concealing identities in designated parts of Dover to reduce the risk of disorder. Two British men were arrested after a reported altercation: one on suspicion of a racially aggravated public-order offence and the other on suspicion of assault; both were later bailed while inquiries continued.

An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after a suspected hit-and-run collision with a white Mercedes A180 on Chestfield Road near Whitstable. Members of the public, including an off-duty doctor and nurse, performed CPR, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. A second 18-year-old man, believed to have been in the Mercedes, voluntarily attended Canterbury police station and was arrested. The motorcycle remains unrecovered, and police are seeking witnesses and footage to establish what happened.

Two lanes on the Dartford Crossing’s QEII Bridge were closed clockwise between junctions 31 and 1A after a serious collision reportedly involving a car and a motorbike. National Highways said recovery work was ongoing, with drivers facing delays of about 15 minutes. Emergency services had been contacted for comment.

Kent Police imposed a 24-hour order across parts of Dover prohibiting people from concealing their identity without a legitimate reason, ahead of an anti-immigration protest organised by Unite The Right UK. The order, effective from 9am on July 25 until 9am on July 26, allows officers to require face coverings to be removed and arrest those who refuse. Police said the measure was intended to reduce the risk of disorder and that officers would maintain a visible presence during the planned march.

A crash on the A259 near Folkestone’s J13 M20 exit roundabout partially blocked the road. Police attended, cones were placed on the approach, and a black car appeared to have hit a road sign. Inrix reported heavier-than-normal traffic, while the number of vehicles involved and whether anyone was injured remained unknown.

A man in his 20s died at the scene after a red Ford Focus overturned on the A20 Ashford Road near Harrietsham shortly after 2am on 25 July 2026. Another man in his 20s suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before being taken to hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage.

Resurfacing of three miles of the A299 Thanet Way between Whitstable, Herne Bay and St Nicholas-at-Wade has been completed after seven weeks of overnight work. Kent County Council used 7,000 tonnes of asphalt to address bumps and uneven sections caused by clay movement beneath the road. The temporary 50mph limit will be removed in stages, with lifting expected from 6 August. The council says the work has improved safety and comfort but is not a permanent fix; highways cabinet member Peter Osborne estimates it may last only three or four years.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat-health alert for Kent from 9am on July 24 until 9am on July 26 as temperatures are expected to approach 30°C, with Dartford forecast to reach 29°C. The agency warns of increased risks for vulnerable people, overheating indoors and additional pressure on health and social-care services. The alert also covers several other English regions and is Kent’s second such warning in July, following an earlier heatwave and a rare Met Office red extreme-heat warning in June.

An elderly Folkestone resident says years of unchecked overgrowth from a disused Network Rail line behind his home have turned his garden into a habitat for vermin and caused recurring drain blockages. He describes the impact on cherished memories shared there with his late wife and expresses frustration over failed attempts to get Network Rail to maintain the site. Neighbours have also tried to intervene, but no action has been taken since a stalled 2019 sale of the land.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council approved Pennypot Dental’s plan to relocate to the former Stade Street Garage despite residents’ concerns about increased street parking pressure. The council determined there was sufficient nearby parking and deemed the change of use appropriate. The converted site will include dedicated staff and visitor parking, and its operations are expected to create less noise than the former garage. The proposal received seven objections and one supportive comment, with no announced timetable for the relocation.

A £550,000 refurbishment has reopened Wetherspoon’s Samuel Peto pub in Folkestone, introducing new signage, decoration, structural repairs and upgraded bar, kitchen and cellar facilities. The project created 15 new jobs, and management expressed confidence that customers will appreciate the enhanced space. The pub, housed in a former Baptist church, continues to retain its historic character while welcoming patrons under extended hours.

Police attempted to stop a vehicle on the A2070 near Ashford, initiating a brief pursuit that was later called off before the car collided with two other vehicles at Bad Munstereifel Road. Two people were arrested on suspicion of driving offences, and two individuals sustained minor injuries. Emergency services closed the road, with only the slip road remaining shut.

Port Lympne Reserve in Kent has welcomed its first giraffe calf since 2018, naming the newborn Jude in honour of England footballer Jude Bellingham following his standout World Cup performance. The female calf, born to mother Leana and father Zubani, is healthy and being closely monitored during her early weeks. The reserve highlights the importance of the birth for the conservation of the endangered Nubian giraffe, with hopes the calf will be ready for public viewing later in the month.

Developers of The Residence in Hythe state that construction of the second phase of luxury seafront apartments is expected to finish next summer, earlier than previously anticipated. The project involves converting the former Pensand House into 32 apartments and six penthouses, following earlier delays tied to tenant evictions and repair disputes. Final pricing and floor plans will be released next month. Local councillor Stephen Bailey has raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing in the area as property values continue to rise.

Redevelopment plans for the former Debenhams building in Folkestone have advanced after Arcvelop secured approval to convert the Edwardian section, Folca One, into 17 build‑to‑rent apartments and two commercial units. The company has exchanged contracts with Folkestone and Hythe District Council, with work expected to begin later in the year. The project aims to restore the building’s historic character while adapting it for modern use, though external changes will still require full planning permission. Arcvelop positions the scheme as a major investment intended to revitalise a long‑vacant site and support the town’s future.

A motorcyclist was injured in a collision with a car on the Thanet Way roundabout near Clapham Hill in Whitstable. Police and ambulance crews responded, assessing the rider for arm injuries before transporting them to a local hospital for further treatment.

The Bayeux Tapestry was transported from Folkestone to the British Museum under police escort, marking its first return to England in nearly a millennium. Officials from UK and French cultural institutions coordinated the loan, described as a major collaboration between the countries. British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan and President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the partnership’s significance. The exhibition, opening in September and running until July 2027, has already generated record ticket sales. The tapestry will undergo condition checks before installation and will return to its museum in Normandy after renovations.

Hythe’s long-neglected concrete Multi-Use Games Area will undergo a £54,000 renovation funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy, adding new sports facilities, resurfacing and colourful designs. Councillor Stephen Bailey, who led the project, expects the revamped space to improve options for young people and potentially reduce anti-social behaviour. Construction is planned to begin in late summer, with existing equipment reused to control costs and additional amenities such as a shelter and possible climbing structures being considered.

A major fire destroyed the top floor of a building in Dover Road, Folkestone, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents for five hours as six fire engines battled the blaze. One person was treated for smoke inhalation, and surrounding properties suffered heat damage. Businesses, including a Londis store, reported disruption, with temporary three‑way traffic lights installed while fencing remains in place. Emergency services responded quickly, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

A green Jaguar X-Type became lodged in a hedge after crashing in the car park of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate shortly before 11:30am. The number plate detached but damage was otherwise minimal, and no injuries were reported. Police confirmed they responded to reports of a car colliding with a hedge near St Peter’s Road between the chemotherapy and ophthalmology departments.

Plans to redevelop a long-vacant former Aldi site in Hythe propose constructing retirement apartments and cottages, reducing the adjacent Mount Street car park from 80 to 42 spaces. Residents warn the loss of parking could harm the town centre, while developer Churchill Living argues the project would boost the local economy through increased spending by future residents. The scheme includes demolishing existing buildings, creating a 2.5‑storey development with 13 resident parking spaces, and adding two new retail units. Folkestone and Hythe District Council will decide on the application by late September.

A council-owned waste vehicle caught fire outside the Singleton Centre in Ashford after a used vape ignited, prompting explosions and the evacuation of nearby shops and the Singleton Barn pub. Fire crews arrived within minutes and extinguished the blaze, with no injuries reported among the SUEZ crew operating the vehicle. Ashford Borough Council attributed the incident to improper disposal of a vape and urged residents to recycle electrical items correctly.

Work on 11 new accessible council bungalow homes on the former Sturry Road Social Club site in Canterbury will begin in the autumn following £1.67 million in funding from Homes England. The £4.3 million project is supported by additional council and developer contributions. Canterbury City Council highlights the scheme’s focus on adaptable, energy‑efficient housing, while some councillors previously raised concerns about small garden sizes. Construction is expected to take around 14 months, after which the homes will be added to the council’s social housing stock.

Owners of The Cow Shed restaurants in Faversham and Birchington-on-Sea report annual losses exceeding £64,000 despite a £1.3 million turnover, citing rising costs and unsustainable margins in the hospitality sector. The family-run business has struggled with long working hours, personal financial sacrifices, and the challenge of maintaining profitability, particularly as food sales generate minimal or negative returns. They are supporting Tom Kerridge’s campaign to reduce hospitality VAT from 20% to ease pressure on the industry. Despite financial strain, the business continues community initiatives, including providing meals to vulnerable children and supporting homeless services.

Plans led by Grand Arts CIC aim to transform The Grand in Folkestone into a major cultural venue modelled on London’s Barbican Centre. The proposal includes restoring historic public spaces such as Palm Court, revitalising neglected rooms, and creating a collaborative arts hub involving local cultural groups. The project will proceed in phases, beginning with external restoration, and depends on securing a lease agreement and future funding from heritage bodies. Residents have already contributed to early restoration efforts, and a community consultation is planned to shape the use of redeveloped spaces.

Plans have been submitted to divide the former Homebase unit at Park Farm Retail Park in Folkestone to create new stores for Marks & Spencer and Home Bargains. The proposal includes significant refurbishment, expanded parking, EV charging spaces and new landscaping. Marks & Spencer would return to the town with a full-size food hall two decades after closing its previous site. The council will decide on the application by October 1, alongside other developments underway at the retail park.

Brian Barnes, a long‑serving community figure in Saltwood and founding member of the Channel Rotary Club, has died aged 91. After moving to Kent in the 1970s, he became deeply involved in local life through Rotary, scouting and sports clubs, holding leadership roles and supporting numerous community projects, including aid for flood victims and earthquake relief. He is remembered for his decades of service, dedication to family and positive impact on residents and fellow volunteers.

Three suspects, including a 16‑year‑old boy, have been charged after a serious assault in Red Lion Square, Hythe, that left a man in his 40s hospitalized. The two adult defendants were remanded in custody while the youth was released on conditional bail. All three are due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on August 3.

Hundreds of old office desk phones were found dumped in a layby along the North Downs Way near Folkestone, prompting a cleanup and investigation by local councils. The fly-tipping incident involved large quantities of landline handsets marked with extension codes but no company identification. Authorities emphasized that fly-tipping is a criminal offense and urged residents to report similar cases with precise location details. The source of the phones remains unknown as businesses continue transitioning from analogue to digital landline systems.

Two high-value racing bikes worth a combined £20,000 were stolen from outside a home on Lower Corniche in Hythe between 2.30am and 5am on June 9. Police have reviewed CCTV and released images of the bikes while appealing for information. Anyone with knowledge of the theft or offered the bikes for sale is urged to contact Kent Police or provide anonymous information through Crimestoppers.

Canterbury City Council approved plans to replace the derelict former Tivoli Amusements on Herne Bay’s seafront with a four‑storey block containing six flats and a commercial unit. Councillors supported the project despite resident criticism of the building’s design, citing long‑standing regeneration goals and structural problems that made preserving the existing façade unviable. Supporters highlighted accessibility benefits and the development’s central location. The scheme forms the first phase of a wider redevelopment of the neighbouring Beach Street car parks, after a larger 2019 plan was abandoned due to rising costs and pandemic‑related delays.

Police arrested two men, aged 34 and 36, and a 16‑year‑old boy after a man suffered serious injuries in an assault in Red Lion Square, Hythe. The victim was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues, with officers appealing for witnesses and information.

A £5 million plan to redevelop the derelict Folkestone Methodist Church into a community hub with homeless accommodation has been withdrawn after the Rainbow Centre and South Kent Methodist Circuit concluded that fundraising prospects were too uncertain. Supporters cited financial risk in the current economic climate, while local residents who previously opposed the proposal welcomed its withdrawal due to concerns over anti-social behaviour. The charity will continue operating from its existing base and reassess future options, noting continued need for homelessness support in the town.

A man suffered serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries after an assault late Saturday in Hythe’s Red Lion Square. Multiple police units responded, and the victim was taken to William Harvey Hospital for treatment. An investigation is underway, and authorities are appealing for witnesses to provide information using a designated reference number.

A Folkestone-based artist prepares to open Real Reds Room, an inclusive open‑studio gallery inspired by her personal experiences, her daughter, and a desire to foster community representation. After relocating from London during the pandemic and facing initial isolation, she secured a High Street space through Creative Folkestone. Her work reflects past trauma, motherhood, and health‑system experiences, and she aims to provide accessible art sessions, support financially struggling visitors, and build a welcoming atmosphere. Funding efforts include a GoFundMe campaign and grant applications, with plans for residencies and wellness collaborations.

A burst sewage pipe at the Seabrook pumping station led to warnings against swimming or entering the water at Seabrook Beach and Seabrook Stream due to potential contamination. Southern Water redirected flows and began repairs and water quality testing, while council and Environment Agency officers assessed environmental impacts. Signs were posted along Princes Parade as temperatures in Kent reached extreme levels. Local swimmers expressed frustration over the timing of the incident during hot weather, and authorities urged the public to avoid the affected areas until further updates.

Schools across Kent are closed, travel services are urging essential journeys only and the ambulance service has declared a critical incident as temperatures are expected to reach 36C under a red extreme heat warning. South East Water has introduced a hosepipe ban and addressed concerns about water supply issues, while some areas face outages and pressure problems. Rail operators warn of severe disruption, Eurotunnel services report long delays and emergency services advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat and seek non-emergency care through alternative channels. A shift to stormy weather is forecast for the following morning.