Alex Langridge

Demolition has begun on two derelict blocks containing 16 flats on Leonard Avenue in Swanscombe, four years after Dartford Borough Council first earmarked them for removal. The £300,000 project is expected to take six weeks per block, though archaeological monitoring or construction progress could cause delays. Asbestos and utility meters have been removed, while dust suppression and noise controls are planned. The flats were condemned because of damp, structural cracking, movement and faulty foundations caused by soft clay. Former tenants were rehoused and received £7,800 compensation, and the council aims to replace the buildings with social housing.

After 13-year-old Blake Gallier of Northfleet died by suicide in October 2025, her mother Gemma Best and sister Tayla Gallier said they discovered disturbing social-media content on her phone that they believe may have contributed to her distress. They now support the Raise The Age campaign for a social-media ban for under-16s and have founded Blake’s Pink Promise, which is being registered as a charity and has already funded counselling for 76 pupils across six Gravesend schools, as well as two adults. The organization also holds community events, plans a youth club and supports hospital initiatives. The UK government has announced that platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram will be covered by a proposed ban, expected to take effect in spring 2027. Blake’s inquest is due to take place later in 2026.

Ptarmigan Land Developments Ltd has submitted an application to build up to 100 homes on 5.7 hectares of farmland north of The Drove Way in Istead Rise. The scheme includes 50% affordable housing, new access roads, public open space, walking routes and a landscape buffer. Ptarmigan argues the site is low in ecological value and qualifies as grey belt land, while residents and the Green not Greed campaign oppose the loss of countryside and warn that local roads, schools, healthcare, public transport and other infrastructure cannot support the development. Gravesham Borough Council will consider the application, which is not allocated for development in the draft local plan.

An inquest has opened into the death of 49-year-old Karen West, who was found dead in a room at the Inn on the Lake hotel in Shorne on December 16, 2025. A post-mortem concluded that she died from mixed drug toxicity. Police arrested a 49-year-old man known to West, but released him without charge after the death was treated as non-suspicious. The inquest was adjourned until September 14.

Rainham resident Paul Gilbert says two men used counterfeit banknotes to pay £720 for an iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 bought through Facebook Marketplace. A banking hub identified the notes as fake, prompting him to report the incident to Kent Police, which is investigating. Gilbert has since installed a note-scanning machine, while police and Facebook advise users to check reviews, use secure payment methods and report suspicious buyers or listings.

The British Red Cross will close its Windmill Street charity shop in Gravesend on September 12, following a review of its retail operations. The charity cited the need for sustainable income but did not give a specific reason for the closure, which is the third charity shop closure in Gravesend town centre this year. The RSPCA closed its nearby shop in January, while Cancer Research UK plans to shut its New Road branch as part of nationwide cost-cutting closures linked to rising costs, inflation, reduced footfall and higher national insurance contributions.

Elise Burns, a terminally ill Faversham campaigner who worked with Dignity in Dying, has died aged 52 after campaigning for assisted dying legislation. Supporters, including Dignity in Dying chief executive Sarah Wootton and Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards, praised Burns’s determination and said the reintroduced Terminally Ill Adults Bill should honor her efforts. The bill previously passed two Commons votes but failed to progress in the Lords after hundreds of amendments. Opponents, including The Other Half and Not Dead Yet UK, warned about coercion, risks to disabled people and the possibility that people with severe anorexia could qualify. The bill is due to be debated in September, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said end-of-life, palliative and social care should be improved first.

Kent Police are investigating an alleged indecent exposure incident on the number 96 bus travelling towards Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe at about 2:30 p.m. on August 1, 2026. Officers released a CCTV image of a man who may assist their inquiries and asked witnesses or anyone who recognises him to contact police or report information anonymously through Crimestoppers.

The Bull pub in Tonbridge Road, Barming, closed on August 10 for a month-long £400,000 refurbishment and is expected to reopen in September. The work will improve the interior and exterior without changing the building’s layout. The pub was one of eight venues bought by Punch Pubs & Co from RedCat Hospitality earlier in the year and is the only Kent pub included in the deal.

Families in Medway say elderly relatives have suffered missed nursing visits, untreated wounds, inadequate personal care and poor communication, describing NHS social care as being at breaking point. Chantelle West says her grandmother Joyce Fitzjohn deteriorated before dying at Medway Maritime Hospital, while Lisa Birch reports similar problems affecting her mother Margaret Cooper, including prolonged gaps in wound care and an infection. Medway Community Healthcare and Medway NHS Foundation Trust expressed regret, defended risk-based prioritisation and outlined measures including an urgent clinical hub and a neighbourhood nursing model. The cases have intensified calls for wider adult social-care reform, an issue Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made a priority, although opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has questioned how it would be funded.

Gravesham Borough Council has withdrawn the reasons it gave for refusing Taylor Wimpey’s outline plan for 150 homes on green belt land off Norwood Lane in Meopham and will not contest the developer’s appeal. The council said senior legal advice indicated its refusal reasons were highly likely to be overturned and that defending the decision could expose taxpayers to six-figure costs. Local campaigners, led by Caroline Halfpenny of Green not Greed, condemned the move as undemocratic and warned it could encourage further development on countryside. The Planning Inspectorate will hold a public inquiry, provisionally from October 13, while the Secretary of State will make the final decision because the case has been called in.

Gravity Arcade has permanently closed its 7,000-square-foot venue at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe after operating for less than two years. The company said the site was always intended as a temporary pop-up and that a new permanent retailer is expected to occupy the unit in the fourth quarter. Staff arrangements were managed following the closure, while Gravity Active at Bluewater remains open. Customers can transfer unused game credits to Gravity Max at Westfield Stratford until December 31, and G-tickets remain redeemable through the GamerGreen app.

Tony Mansford, 58, of Chatham, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court after being convicted of multiple offences including rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault and child cruelty. Kent Police began investigating in November 2022 after receiving information about an alleged rape more than a decade earlier, eventually identifying six victims. Mansford denied the charges but was convicted following a trial, with Detective Sergeant Helen Bateman praising investigators and the victims who supported the case.

A 40-year-old man was seriously assaulted at a residential address in Gillingham Road, Gillingham, and suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds. He was taken to hospital and later discharged. A 33-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and conditionally bailed while police investigate. Officers are appealing for witnesses and information about the incident.

Jahmel Corbin was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. In February 2025, he crashed his friend’s Nissan Note into a Peugeot in New Road, Chatham, then drove about 100 metres with a pedestrian on the bonnet while swerving to dislodge him. The victim suffered head injuries, ligament damage, impaired vision, memory problems and persistent headaches. Corbin, who was unlicensed and uninsured, was also disqualified from driving for 40 and a half months and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Basement Bakehouse co-owners Liam Handley and Andrea Smith began selling baked goods from Handley’s home in Gravesend and quickly attracted major local demand, including three-hour queues after a social-media video went viral. They now operate a coffee cart and Saturday pop-up at Windmill Gardens while continuing to bake in Handley’s kitchen. The pair have applied to convert the former Windmill Bowls Club into a permanent bakery and coffee shop with indoor seating, an open kitchen, outdoor decking, storage and improved accessibility. They say the venture has brought more people into the park and strengthened its role as a community meeting place, while the application aims to return the vacant building to use and support public activity in the gardens.

Albert Matraxhiu was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to nine years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of 89-year-old dental surgeon Tom Wallace by dangerous driving in Gillingham. Matraxhiu was estimated to have been travelling at 76.5 mph in a 40 mph zone when he struck Wallace, carried him on the roof of his Mercedes for about 1.5 miles, and then fled. He was also convicted of driving without insurance or a licence, failing to stop and report the crash, and perverting the course of justice. He will be disqualified from driving for six years after release and must pass an extended driving test. Passenger Erald Paci received a 15-month sentence for perverting the course of justice. Wallace’s family described the impact of his death, while the judge condemned the driving and the men’s failure to stop.

Children’s hospice charity Demelza has restructured teams and made around 35 redundancies, reportedly about a tenth of its workforce, amid rising costs, employer National Insurance contributions, increased demand and weaker fundraising conditions. The charity is facing a projected £3.6 million deficit for 2026/27, £2.3 million worse than its planned deficit, and is seeking savings while diversifying income through fundraising events, appeals and community support. Demelza says it relies on supporters for 84% of its income and aims to protect its services for children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families across Kent, South East London and East Sussex.

A 46-year-old Gillingham man, Declan Walker of Campleshon Road, was arrested after police were called to Tesco Extra near the Bowaters Roundabout over alleged driving offences. He has been charged with exceeding the alcohol limit, driving while unfit through drink, assaulting a constable and using threatening or abusive behaviour. He was bailed and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on December 9; no injuries were reported.

A Gravesham Council planning application has been approved to convert the former Windmill Butchers premises, previously JM Danslow, on Windmill Street in Gravesend into a fast-food takeaway. The application does not specify the cuisine or business name, and details on odour, noise, waste, extraction, ventilation and opening hours must be approved before work begins. Applicant Valentina Borovska plans to refurbish the shopfront while retaining the three-bedroom maisonette above, with a separate rear entrance and reconfigured kitchen and bathroom. The butcher's shop closed in October after rising costs, falling customer numbers and competition from budget supermarkets, according to former owner Mark Springhall.

Eighteen-year-old motorcyclist Harley Seal died after a collision near Chestfield Barn, Whitstable, allegedly following a pursuit involving a white Mercedes A180. Prosecutors told Maidstone Crown Court that the incident was captured on CCTV and that Seal was thrown from the motorcycle. Connor Todd, 19, has been charged with murder, remanded in custody and transferred to Canterbury Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 1. Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam, doorbell or mobile-phone footage.

Eight fully furnished SoloHaus modular homes have been installed off St Alban’s Close near Valley Drive in Gravesend and handed over to Gravesham Council. Costing £784,000, the homes were provided by The Hill Group for single homeless people and rough sleepers who need limited support, offering transitional accommodation for roughly six months to two years. The council’s homelessness team will manage the properties and support residents as they move toward private or social housing. The donation forms part of The Hill Group’s £15 million initiative to provide 200 modular homes to councils and organizations across the UK.

Gravesham Council has approved Speedgreen’s plans for a 100 MWh battery energy storage system on three acres of council-owned scrubland off Thames Way in Northfleet. The scheme will include 12 battery containers, transformers, a substation, underground cabling and related infrastructure, with construction expected to take up to 18 months. The council expects at least £120,000 in annual income, potentially rising to £175,000, while planners said the project’s sustainability, grid resilience and renewable-energy benefits outweigh localized environmental impacts. Ecological safeguards will be required to protect and relocate common lizards, dormice and other wildlife.

Gravesham Council has approved Speedgreen Limited’s plan to build a 100 MWh battery energy storage system on three acres of council-owned scrubland off Thames Way in Northfleet. The facility will include 12 battery containers, transformers, a substation and underground cabling, with construction expected to take up to 18 months. Planners said the scheme’s sustainability, grid-resilience and renewable-energy benefits outweighed localized ecological harms, subject to mitigation and wildlife-translocation measures. The lease is expected to generate the council at least £120,000 annually, potentially rising to £175,000, helping support its budget.

Police, paramedics and fire crews attended a reported medical incident on Barrack Row in Gravesend town centre on July 27, 2026. The one-way route was closed between Garrick Street/New Road and Darnley Road/St James's Road, causing slow traffic. Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that its crews were assisting police, and the road reopened at about 8:15 p.m.

A 55-year-old man from Sevenoaks was arrested after allegedly acting inappropriately toward two teenage girls at an Asda supermarket in Kings Hill on July 9. He has been bailed while police investigate and are seeking to identify the girls, believed to be around 13 or 14, as well as additional witnesses.

Gravesham Council is considering applications for several housing and property changes across the borough. A former equestrian barn near Meopham could be redesigned from three approved units into five four-bedroom family homes, while the first floor of Northfleet Press in Northfleet could become a studio flat. Grandeur Living has also applied for a lawful development certificate to convert a Northfleet property into a six-person HMO; the proposal had attracted 25 objections and one letter of support. Other applications include extensions, loft conversions, a new home, building alterations and landscaping works, all of which were awaiting the council’s consideration.

Fleetdown United FC and Hayden Youth Association in Dartford have secured £1.4 million in Community Infrastructure Levy funding from Dartford Borough Council, alongside £1.9 million in Football Foundation grants, to deliver new or extended 3G pitches and upgraded facilities. Fleetdown’s £1.85 million Heath Lane project includes a new pitch, changing rooms and infrastructure improvements, while Hayden’s £1.55 million Leyton Cross Road scheme will extend its pitch and refurbish its clubhouse. Planning permission for Fleetdown’s revised proposal was ultimately granted by the Planning Inspectorate after two council refusals. Construction is expected to begin later in 2026, with both clubs aiming to expand provision for women and girls, disabled participants and the wider community.

An inquest found that 20-year-old Isaac Bristow of Maidstone died after taking a potentially fatal level of medication, with the coroner recording a narrative conclusion that he died as a consequence of his own actions, while his intent remained unclear. Bristow had initially told emergency operators he did not need an ambulance and denied taking an overdose, leading to a delayed clinical callback; when his condition deteriorated during a later call, the incident was upgraded and ambulances were dispatched. He was found in cardiac arrest and died in Maidstone Hospital. The coroner concluded that emergency services took appropriate steps and that their actions did not cause or contribute to his death, although a doctor could not determine whether earlier hospital treatment would have changed the outcome.

Ethan Reader, 29, was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to five charges involving the supply of cannabis, crack cocaine and cocaine, as well as possession of a bladed article in public. Police said Reader was a key participant in a county lines operation distributing drugs across Medway and north Kent. He was initially stopped in Chatham after driving suspiciously and attempted to flee; officers found crack cocaine, heroin, a large knife and a phone linked to the “Bill Line,” which sent bulk marketing messages to drug users in Medway and Gravesend. He was arrested twice more during the investigation.

Ellenor has launched an eight-week We’re Going on a Bear Hunt art trail across Dartford and Bluewater Shopping Centre, featuring 31 large bears and 49 cubs decorated by artists, schools and community groups. The project aims to raise funds for the Northfleet-based hospice charity, highlight its support for children, adults and families, and challenge misconceptions about hospice care. Created with Dartford Borough Council and Wild in Art, the trail is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors before ending on September 13, with selected sculptures to be auctioned in October for further fundraising.

Construction has begun on a 76-home development at the former BT storage depot and part of Milton Place Car Park in Gravesend. The Gravesham Community Investment Partnership, involving Gravesham Borough Council and The Hill Group, is delivering 61 one-bedroom assisted-living and affordable flats for people over 55, alongside 15 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. The project will also add green space, tree planting and improved pedestrian links, while reducing car-parking spaces from 148 to 84. Early ground and drainage works began in April, with the first homes expected in the third quarter of 2027 and the full scheme due for completion by the second quarter of 2028.

Gillingham FC has banned supporters from bringing external food and drink into Priestfield Stadium, allowing only one plastic 500ml water bottle unless medical needs are documented. The policy has divided fans, with many criticizing high prices, long kiosk queues, limited options for children and concerns about searches, while others say it is common at sports and entertainment venues and could protect club revenue. The Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club called the move poorly considered and urged the club to address catering shortcomings and discuss the policy at its Fans’ Forum. Gillingham FC declined to explain the reasons for the change.

A pensioner in his 70s suffered multiple injuries, including a serious wrist injury requiring hospital treatment, after five youths allegedly fired catapults at him on Waterloo Road in Cranbrook on June 16. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on July 19 and released on bail while the investigation continues. Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage.

Multiple planning applications in Gravesham outline proposed redevelopment projects including the conversion of a former bowls club into an expanded micro‑bakery and café, a new takeaway at a former charity shop, and the installation of 120 solar panels at Shears Green Junior School to cut energy costs and emissions. Additional applications cover residential extensions, signage updates, building demolitions, and infrastructure changes across the area, highlighting ongoing development and reuse of local properties.

A lorry overturned on the A226 Gravesend Road near Gads Hill in Higham during the early morning, temporarily closing the route and slowing traffic. Police and paramedics treated the driver, a man in his 30s, who was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital. Recovery work continued until the road reopened and traffic returned to normal by mid‑morning.

A long-delayed redevelopment of Clifton Slipways in Gravesend is being scaled back, with Quinn Estates submitting revised plans that reduce the number of flats from 236 to 199 and lower the height of the Stuart Road block to avoid higher-risk building regulations. Parking would fall from 56 to 35 spaces while cycle parking increases. The changes aim to address viability concerns and improve deliverability of the project. The council has committed £1.25 million to acquiring stalled development sites and is considering compulsory purchase powers as part of a brownfield-first strategy. Additional planning applications across Gravesham were also submitted for various residential and commercial works.

A wildfire at Dartford Heath sent smoke across the A2, prompting a response from three fire engines and drawing eyewitness reports of heavy black plumes visible from nearby areas. Kent Fire and Rescue Service recently urged the public to take precautions to prevent grass fires, noting their rapid spread and environmental impact. The service highlighted common accidental causes and ongoing preparedness efforts, including recent training with specialist off-road equipment. Elsewhere, more than 100 firefighters and volunteers continue to battle a large moorland wildfire in Greater Manchester.

Emergency services including police, paramedics, firefighters and the coastguard responded to reports of people in the water at Folkestone Harbour. A coastguard helicopter, rescue team and lifeboats from Littlestone and Dover were deployed, but the response was stood down after those involved self‑recovered. Crowds gathered as multiple vehicles attended the scene.

The UK government will ban sales of high‑caffeine energy drinks to under‑16s starting April 2027, citing evidence of negative effects on children’s sleep, concentration and education. Medway GP Julian Spinks supports the measure, noting the drinks’ strong stimulant effects and potential impact on mental wellbeing. Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson and Education Minister Olivia Bailey said the ban aims to protect children’s health and complements wider initiatives to combat childhood obesity and improve school nutrition. Retailers will be responsible for compliance, with enforcement by local authorities and fines for violations.

Kent County Council voted to submit its updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan, which includes a proposal to allow quarrying in ancient Oaken Wood, for independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate. The council argues the allocation is needed to address a future shortfall in hard rock and to support the conservation of historic buildings, while opponents warn of the destruction of 41 hectares of irreplaceable woodland and accuse the authority of ignoring suitable alternatives. The Planning Inspectorate will assess environmental impacts, mineral need and public objections, with a six‑week consultation to follow. The Gallagher Group, promoting the Hermitage Quarry extension, maintains the proposal will protect jobs, reduce imports and include compensatory woodland planting.

A man was taken to hospital after being stabbed twice in the arm and having an unknown substance sprayed in his face on Talbot Lane in Ebbsfleet. Police and paramedics responded around 1 p.m., and the victim’s injuries are not considered life‑threatening. An investigation is underway with no arrests reported, and residents can expect an increased police presence during inquiries.

A 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital with a leg injury after being struck by an e-scooter on Mill Road in Gillingham. Police released a CCTV image of a man they believe may assist with the investigation. The article outlines legal restrictions on public e-scooter use and urges anyone with information to contact Kent Police or Crimestoppers.

A break‑in at the Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for the Disabled resulted in the theft of around 50 saddles, but community support has led to the donation of nearly 70 replacements and almost £7,000 in fundraising. The charity plans to use the funds for new security measures. Director Amy O’Dell described the response as overwhelming, with offers of help coming from across the country. Local pub The Nevill Bull is organising additional fundraising, and police continue to investigate, urging residents to share any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage.

Police raided a house in Greenhithe and uncovered more than 70 cannabis plants across multiple rooms. Xhevahir Axhami was arrested at the scene and later admitted involvement in producing class B drugs. Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to two years in prison. Police stressed the link between such operations and organised crime and urged the public to report drug activity.

Firefighters extinguished a small smouldering fire in a Northfleet flat caused by a hot iron left on furniture. Three fire engines responded, using a hose reel jet and a smoke‑control curtain. No injuries were reported. Crews advised residents to switch off electrical items like irons and hair straighteners and keep them away from flammable materials.

Kent Police sold a portion of its Sutton Road headquarters site in Maidstone for £16.2m after determining the space was no longer needed for operational purposes. The sale followed years of consultation and preparation and will help reduce borrowing for upcoming capital programmes. Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said the decision maintains an effective headquarters footprint while ensuring financial efficiency. The site, historically used since 1940, had previously been marketed but was reoccupied in 2023 due to increased officer numbers under the Police Uplift Programme.

Border Force officers at the Port of Dover discovered two 16‑year‑old Vietnamese girls hidden in a lorry cab after a scanner detected a concealed compartment. The driver, who admitted his offences, received a 30‑month prison sentence. The teenagers, believed to be trafficking victims, were taken into social services care. Officer Robin described the concealment method and expressed concern for the girls’ welfare. The case appears amid increased enforcement against people smuggling, with several lorry drivers recently arrested. The incident features in a new episode of Channel 4’s Dover 24/7: Britain’s Busiest Port.

A £300,000 refurbishment has led to the reopening of The Woolpack pub in Iwade, with new manager Melanie Clay aiming to position it as a community hub. Punch Pubs funded updates including a redesigned interior, refreshed bar, revamped beer garden and new food menu. The pub plans to host live music, quiz nights and family events, resuming operations after a month-long closure following the departure of previous managers Paul and Alison Hood.

Haynes Brothers Limited honoured employees with decades of service at a celebratory dinner in Bearsted, recognising staff who reached 25, 35 and 45 years with the company. Chairman Andrew Haynes praised their commitment and emphasised the stability their long service provides. Attendees, whose combined service totalled 958 years, received commemorative lapel pins, while those at 25 years had previously been awarded gold watches. The Maidstone-based business operates franchises across automotive, truck and agricultural machinery sectors.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford will reopen on December 12 after a three‑year closure caused by RAAC discoveries, unveiling major refurbishments and improved accessibility. Theatre director Tal Rosen says the renewed venue will offer a West End‑style experience, supported by a £28.4 million investment. The 2027 season will feature major touring productions including Blood Brothers, Singin’ in the Rain, The Signalman, and Dirty Dancing, alongside comedy and music acts. The reopening begins with a digitally enhanced Cinderella pantomime as the theatre aims to reestablish itself as a cultural hub for Dartford and the wider region.

The owner of St Leonard’s in West Malling has closed the restaurant to complete fire-related building work and reassess operations amid rising costs and increasing difficulty maintaining high standards. Despite strong reputation and no debt or rent obligations, the restaurant yields only a small return. The team plans to finish necessary renovations over the summer before deciding on the future format, with hopes of reopening after the season.

The Goodyear Blimp is scheduled to leave the UK early next week, flying over Kent for the final time before returning to its base in Essen-Mülheim via Calais. The airship has toured parts of Kent over the past week, drawing public interest and being photographed over locations such as Dover, Canterbury, Dartford and Gravesend. Operated by a team of three pilots, it is visiting England to support motorsport events, including the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. When not touring, it has been stationed at Damyns Hall Aerodrome and typically operates scenic flights from Germany during summer months.

A farm operator has requested retrospective planning permission for a sheep shed at Commority Farm in Meopham, citing the need to protect livestock during lambing and maintain long-term viability after losing tenancy at nearby Harvel House Farm. Planning documents explain the shed was moved and installed quickly due to seasonal pressures. Additional applications across Gravesham include tree works, house extensions, loft conversions, new driveways and other residential modifications, all currently awaiting council consideration.

Plans have been announced for a £3 billion AI data centre campus on 145 acres between Southfleet and Northfleet, with Clearstone proposing up to four buildings and significant landscaping. The project aims to create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs and would rely on a new power link to the nearby Northfleet East substation. Classified as nationally significant infrastructure, the scheme will be decided through a development consent order process overseen by the UK government. Early surveys are underway, public consultations are scheduled for autumn, and a planning application is expected in 2028 with potential operation in 2030. The proposal follows Clearstone’s withdrawal of a previous battery storage project, while other data centre developments are progressing elsewhere in Kent.

Thousands attended the free Gravesend Riverside Festival, featuring live music and a headline set by Leigh Francis’ Record Club. Francis interacted with the crowd throughout the nostalgic performance, supported by local bands and tribute acts. The family event, organised by Gravesham Council and sponsored by GCLL, included activities across the promenade and Fort Gardens. Attendees praised the festival, and the council is collecting feedback to help shape next year’s edition.

A 13‑hectare habitat site has been completed east of Thong near Gravesend as part of the Lower Thames Crossing project, featuring new ponds, hedgerows and more than 200 trees to support wildlife ahead of construction beginning in 2028. The area will serve as a relocation site for species during infrastructure works and contributes to 1,000 hectares of planned ecological improvements across Kent and Essex. Local and project officials highlighted the site's role in enhancing biodiversity, supporting protected species and preparing for major tunnelling and utility diversion phases of the project.

Multiple properties and land parcels across Kent are being offered at Clive Emson’s July auction, including a chapel in Burham, the Hollis Motors site in Dover, and extensive land plots in Whitstable, Preston, Margate and Minster. Several lots are highlighted for their redevelopment potential, with some sites carrying planning permissions or previous intended uses that have since changed. Additional listings include a former dance studio, garages in Chatham, a large farmhouse in Sittingbourne and a barn in Tunbridge Wells, with bidding scheduled from July 21 to July 23.

Dog owners in Kent are facing rising veterinary bills as cases of dogs injured by foxtail grass seeds increase. Vets report earlier and more frequent incidents due to hot weather and reduced grass cutting, which allows the barbed seeds to dry and penetrate dogs’ skin, ears and eyes. Several owners describe costly treatments and painful infections in their pets, with certain breeds at higher risk. Veterinary professionals advise avoiding long grass, checking dogs thoroughly after walks and seeking prompt treatment if seeds become embedded. Agria Pet Insurance reports an 11% rise in related claims.

Ryan O’Bray’s family installed the first of five planned memorial defibrillators at Sheerness Golf Club to honour the late paramedic’s dedication to saving lives. Funded through community donations under the Ryan’s Legacy initiative, the project aims to expand access to lifesaving equipment and provide first aid training across Sheppey. His parents emphasise their wish for him to be remembered for his compassion and service, while supporters highlight the significant impact defibrillators have in cardiac emergencies.

The Goodyear Blimp made its third appearance over Kent this week, flying above Gravesend, Dartford and parts of London after departing from Essex and circling central London landmarks. Previously seen over Dover, Canterbury, Maidstone and Chatham, the airship’s return has drawn public interest and widespread social media attention. The blimp, a familiar presence at major sports and entertainment events, is spending several days over England as part of a promotional tour for the US tyre company.

Emergency services cordoned off part of a footpath below The Leas in Folkestone after receiving reports of a person requiring medical attention. Police, paramedics and firefighters responded, and the individual was assessed and taken to William Harvey Hospital. The initial large response was later scaled back, and council workers later blocked access to the area.

Police in Chatham have intensified patrols under the Clear, Hold, Build initiative to curb persistent anti-social behaviour and crime. During a ride-along, officers dealt with incidents including vandalism, abusive minors, and a suspected drug deal, highlighting the scale of local issues. The scheme increases visibility, encourages direct reporting through shop-safe radios, and involves coordinated enforcement with Medway Council to address illegal goods and other offences. Officials report early improvements in public confidence and anticipate extending the initiative to ensure lasting change in the town centre.

St Leonard’s restaurant in West Malling will close on July 5 after five years, with owners citing the need to complete post‑fire building work and plan their next steps. Their announcement prompted expressions of sadness from customers. The owners thanked patrons and staff, confirmed continued commitment to the site, and said they will contact anyone holding gift vouchers.

A family in Ramsgate is appealing for information after sentimental jewellery was stolen from the home of Robert Campbell while he was in respite care. CCTV captured a masked intruder entering the property late at night, and police arrested a 37‑year‑old man the following day before releasing him on bail. The stolen items, kept in a fireproof safe, included family heirlooms belonging to Susan Campbell, who has dementia. Relatives urge the public to report any sightings of the jewellery in shops, pawn brokers, or online marketplaces as police investigations continue.

A prison officer received a 24‑month suspended sentence after admitting to a romantic relationship with an inmate at HMP Rochester, involving hundreds of phone and video calls and handwritten letters. The inmate, who used illicit phones while serving time for aiding a robbery gang, received an eight‑month suspended sentence for unauthorised electronic communication. The judge cited the deliberate nature of their actions but acknowledged mitigating factors, including the officer’s lack of prior convictions and the inmate’s efforts to rebuild his life.

Two Post Office branches in New Ash Green and Longfield will close after Morrisons Daily confirmed the shutdown of both convenience stores due to rising operational costs and financial losses. Residents, many of whom rely on the services for banking, pensions and bill payments, objected to the closures, warning of wider effects on the shopping complex. The Post Office plans to seek new local partners to host replacement branches, while the shopping centre’s owners are exploring relocation options to retain post office services in the village.

Four fire engines and a technical rescue team responded to a house fire at The Bartons in Staplehurst, later reduced to three as crews brought the blaze under control. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. Kent Fire and Rescue Service completed operations with a follow-up check for hotspots, and the cause remains unknown.

Emergency services responded to a disturbance involving teenagers in Harbour Street, Ramsgate, where officers then discovered a man in need of urgent medical care. Paramedics and an air ambulance treated the man before he was flown to a London hospital. Roads were closed and nearby residents and workers were advised to stay indoors during the incident.

Subway has reopened in Gravesend with a new Stone Street restaurant two years after its previous High Street branch closed. Franchisee Judith Mensah expressed enthusiasm for serving the community and creating local jobs. A grand opening event offers customers introductory promotions, including 20% off meal deals until 9pm.

A year after a boundary wall collapsed between Lidl and T Bowles Vehicle Sales in Sittingbourne, the dealership remains closed with damaged vehicles still on site. Owner Tom Bowles estimates losses of up to £400,000 and has rejected a £40,000 insurance offer amid a dispute over responsibility for the wall. Bowles has taken on other work to stay afloat and plans to close the dealership permanently once the matter is resolved. Lidl states it aims for a swift repair and continues working with insurers and local stakeholders.

Plans have been submitted by GBD Props Limited to convert the former Debenhams and Barclays buildings on New Road in Gravesend into a mixed-use development with commercial space on the ground floor and 33 flats on the upper levels. The proposal aims to reactivate long-vacant town centre sites and support wider regeneration, with features including cycle storage, communal spaces and green design elements. A larger scheme had previously been considered but was scaled back due to financial conditions, though future expansion remains possible. The article also details the history of the buildings’ closures and notes other planning applications currently under review in the Gravesend area.

Apex Urban Developments has launched a public consultation on plans to build 500 co-living studio homes on the long-disused Lord Street Car Park in Gravesend. The proposal includes shared amenities such as a gym, cinema room, co-working space, rooftop terraces and commercial space, aiming to revitalise the brownfield site and address demand for shared housing. The scheme would replace earlier approved but unadvanced plans by Park Central Developments, a company now controlled by Apex. Consultation runs from June 18 to July 2.