Brad Harper

Whitstable Oyster Company director James Green has renewed his criticism of more than 200 people opposing plans to add decking and a pergola seating area to The Forge on Whitstable beach, telling them to “like it or lump it.” He argues the development would support tourism and allow visitors to eat oysters and drink wine by the sea. The Whitstable Beach Campaign, Environment Agency and local councillor Stuart Heaver say the scheme would harm the beach’s unspoilt character and public access, while citing longstanding friction between the company and some residents. Canterbury City Council is continuing to process the application, which follows the defeat of a similar proposal in court in 2021.

Families in Kent fear nitazenes are contributing to more deaths than official figures show because the substances can deteriorate in postmortem blood samples and remain undetected. KentOnline reports that nitazenes have been forensically linked to 14 Kent deaths since 2023, while research from King’s College London suggests the true number could be underestimated by about one-third. Relatives of Antony Irvin and Emma Urquhart believe delays in toxicology testing prevented nitazene involvement from being identified. Drug-support organizations and experts warn that the substances are appearing in heroin, counterfeit tablets and other drugs, creating risks for people who may not knowingly use opioids. Families and specialists are calling for faster testing, better recording of deaths, wider naloxone access and stronger overdose-prevention services.

Two people were seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the A299 New Thanet Way between the Minster and Monkton roundabouts near Ramsgate. An air ambulance attended, and three patients were treated; one was flown to a London hospital and two were taken to a local hospital. The road was closed in both directions before reopening.

Temperatures in Kent reached 30.6C at Frittenden, with highs of around 32C expected and another heatwave potentially bringing 36C to parts of the South East later in the week. The UK Health Security Agency issued a yellow heat-health alert warning of increased risks, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions, as well as greater demand on health services and more water-related incidents. Kent is under prolonged dry-weather classification and remains close to an official drought declaration after record-low rainfall and multiple heatwaves. South East Water has imposed a hosepipe ban, while health officials warned that medicines including ibuprofen, naproxen and proton pump inhibitors can create additional risks during hot weather.

The M20 westbound near Wrotham was blocked after a crash, causing lengthy delays until the carriageway reopened shortly before 4:30 p.m. Highways workers cleared debris and recovered a vehicle. The incident followed a separate serious multi-vehicle crash on the coastbound carriageway near Ashford, in which a woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A motorcyclist was taken to a London hospital after a collision involving a motorbike and van on the clockwise M25 between Junctions 2 and 3 near Bluewater Shopping Centre on August 9. Police and paramedics attended, and the rider’s injuries were not considered life-threatening or life-changing. The carriageway was closed temporarily and reopened around 3:30 p.m., while motorists slowing to observe the crash caused additional tailbacks.

A barn fire near Uplees Road in Oare, Faversham, spread into a nearby field, producing a smoke plume visible for miles. Six fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended, residents were initially advised to close windows and doors, and firefighting operations finished shortly after 6pm. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains unknown.

Water supplies were restored to more than 4,600 properties around Sittingbourne after South East Water shut a treatment works for urgent electrical maintenance. The company warned that some customers might initially experience low pressure or cloudy water and apologized for the disruption. Swale councillor Julien Speed condemned the distribution of bottled water and the communication with residents, while parish councillor Sian Harrison said deliveries elsewhere in Kent were difficult for elderly residents to collect and were sometimes stolen. The outage followed other recent failures, including a burst main in Tonbridge, adding pressure on new chief executive John Halsall, who has promised a £1.9 billion infrastructure investment programme.

Footage from July 20 shows motorists crossing Sturry level crossing near Canterbury while its warning signals remained active, despite the barriers being raised during repair work. South Eastern Railway said the barriers had failed because of a burnt-out motor and warned that ignoring flashing red lights could have catastrophic consequences. The failures caused journeys of more than three hours amid severe congestion. A Sturry bypass project intended to reduce delays has seen its estimated cost rise from £41.6 million to £61 million, with completion now expected in summer 2028.

A severely overcrowded dinghy carrying 157 asylum seekers caught fire in French waters while attempting to cross the English Channel. French and British agencies launched a search-and-rescue operation after the engine ignited and the vessel’s structural integrity rapidly deteriorated. French boats rescued 103 people and British vessels rescued 54, with all survivors being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer; no deaths or injuries were reported. UK authorities said the incident highlighted the dangers of small-boat crossings, while French officials said migrants had previously refused assistance because they intended to reach the UK.

A teenage boy suffered a fractured jaw and other facial injuries requiring hospital treatment after an alleged group attack outside Canterbury East railway station at about 11:30 p.m. on July 18. Kent Police said a verbal altercation preceded the violence and is appealing for witnesses and anyone with information, citing reference 46/117008/26.

Tracey Emin’s foundation has applied to restore the derelict Westbrook Loggia near Margate as a year-round bathers’ club, restaurant and community arts venue, including toilets, showers, a sauna, changing facilities, an artist studio and rooftop seating protected by a wind shelter. Several nearby residents and a ward councillor have raised concerns about noise, smoking, antisocial behaviour and loss of sea views, while other residents support the regeneration and its promised café, showers, restaurant and community space. Formal comments on the Thanet District Council planning application were due by 4 August 2026.

Journalist and broadcaster Rod Liddle has died aged 66 after a short illness at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Liddle, who lived near Canterbury from around 2012 to 2020, was a prominent columnist for The Sunday Times and The Sun, a writer for The Spectator and a presenter on Times Radio. His children and colleagues paid tribute to his talent, wit and distinctive voice, while acknowledging his controversial views and career. A former editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Liddle was involved in major media controversies surrounding crime reporting, the Iraq War and his public criticisms of institutions and individuals.

The University of Kent and the University of Greenwich have formally joined to create the London and South East (LASE) University Group, described as the UK's first “super-university.” The institutions will retain their individual names, identities, courses and campuses, while sharing governance and senior leadership and allowing other universities to join in the future. LASE begins with more than 50,000 students across campuses in London, Medway and Canterbury. Jane Harrington becomes its founding vice-chancellor and chief executive. The merger follows Kent's financial difficulties, including a £12 million deficit, redundancies and course closures, while Greenwich is reported to be in a stronger financial position.

Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park adventure playground has reopened after a £750,000 refurbishment, following cliff stabilisation work and the removal of equipment installed 25 years ago. The upgraded site has more play equipment, additional seating, improved accessibility, and buggy and cycle parking. The project was funded through developer levies, grants and council budgets, with an official launch event planned featuring free ice creams and goodie bags for children.

A 19-year-old man was pushed through a glass door outside Arrowsmiths in Charlotte Street, Broadstairs, after a verbal altercation with a group of strangers on July 1. He suffered arm and hand injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Kent Police have reviewed CCTV and taken witness statements, but no arrests have been made; officers are appealing for witnesses or mobile phone footage.

Demolition is advancing at Canterbury’s former Odeon cinema after a February fire, suspected to have been deliberately started. Excavators have removed substantial rubble while water-spraying vehicles suppress dust. Canterbury City Council deemed the structurally damaged building dangerous and issued Section 77 notices, prompting fencing, scaffolding and urgent safety work. The blaze disrupted nearby businesses, including Tokyo Tea Rooms, which remains closed. Kent Police arrested four teenage boys; one was released without charge and three remain on bail. The long-closed cinema site is earmarked for mixed-use redevelopment featuring about 50 homes and ground-floor commercial space.

The M20 coastbound carriageway at Junction 10 in Ashford reopened after police responded to a report of a pedestrian on the motorway at about 4:15 p.m. Traffic was held while officers dealt with the incident, and the pedestrian was transferred to ambulance-service care. Although traffic was released, delays remained likely on the approach, and a 60mph limit was imposed on the London-bound side while drivers passed the scene.

Firefighters responded to a third blaze in less than two weeks at Dane John Gardens near the Simmons Memorial in Canterbury. No injuries were reported and the cause was unknown. Canterbury City Council said vegetation on the mound would be cut to help prevent further incidents. The fires occurred amid several grass and field fires across Kent and an amber heat health alert as temperatures remained high.

Eighteen-year-old motorcyclist Harley Seal has been formally identified after dying in a collision with a white Mercedes A180 outside the Chestfield Barn pub near Whitstable. Connor Todd, 19, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court. Witnesses, including an off-duty doctor and nurse, attempted to save Seal, while police continue seeking dashcam, doorbell and mobile-phone footage. Tributes have been left at the crash scene.

Firefighters extinguished a grass fire near the Simmons Memorial in Canterbury’s Dane John Gardens, the second blaze at the historic site in less than two weeks. Two fire engines attended shortly after 12:30 p.m.; no injuries were reported and the cause remains unknown. The incident occurred amid several field and wildfire responses across Kent and an amber heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency as temperatures were expected to exceed 30°C.

A barley field fire off Loose Down Road in Throwley, near Faversham, prompted the deployment of six fire engines, a bulk water carrier and an all-terrain vehicle. Heavy smoke led officials to advise nearby residents and motorists to keep windows and doors closed, but the warning was lifted after the blaze was extinguished at about 6:10pm. No injuries were reported and the cause remained unknown. The incident followed another field fire that temporarily closed the A251 Ashford Road, amid an amber heat health alert and temperatures expected to exceed 30°C across parts of Kent.

A teenager has been charged with murder after an 18-year-old motorcyclist died in a collision involving a motorcycle and a white Mercedes A180 on Chestfield Road near Whitstable. Connor Todd, 19, is due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court. Emergency responders, including an off-duty doctor and nurse, attempted to revive the rider, who died at the scene. Tributes have been left outside Chestfield Barn, while Kent Police continue to seek witness accounts and dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage.

Plans have been submitted to convert the former Pizza Hut restaurant in Canterbury High Street into Mexetto, a Mexican-Italian restaurant. The proposals include internal alterations to the listed building and new external signage, which the Canterbury Heritage Design Forum has criticized as overly modern and insufficiently sympathetic. The site’s directors include Ahmed Fahmi Amin Fouda and Nassir Abdul Rahim. Meanwhile, Canterbury Business Improvement District figures show that 91.2% of the city centre’s commercial units are occupied, with 23 new businesses opening during the year and the city’s business mix comprising 69% independents.

Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company owner James Green is defending revived plans to create a beach seating area for The Forge in Whitstable. More than 230 objections have been submitted, including opposition from the Environment Agency, the Whitstable Beach Campaign and local councillors, who cite flood risk, pressure on sea defences, congestion, safety, litter, antisocial behaviour and restricted public access. Green argues the seating would provide an attractive destination and support hospitality jobs, while the Whitstable Yacht Club now supports the scheme after opposing an earlier version. Canterbury City Council will decide the application.

Molly Egan, 21, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering life by putting a carer’s mobile phone in a microwave at a supported home in St Mary’s Bay, causing a fire and heavy smoke. After briefly being removed, she returned and switched the microwave on again. Three carers and Egan were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. Canterbury Crown Court sentenced Egan to six months in prison, reduced by her 169 days in custody and guilty plea, allowing her release on licence. The judge said her mental health difficulties and vulnerable background reduced her blameworthiness, while noting her extensive criminal record and limited prospects of rehabilitation.

Chestfield Road near Whitstable was closed for almost 12 hours after a serious collision involving a motorbike and a car outside the Chestfield Barn pub. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries, while police, ambulance and fire crews attended and specialist officers investigated. The road reopened at about 7am on July 25.

Police are investigating a burglary at a fire-damaged ground-floor flat on Dover Road in Folkestone, which was raided days after a major blaze forced residents to evacuate. The burglar reportedly stole a PlayStation 4 in a distinctive blue bag. Six fire engines attended the July 7 fire, which destroyed a top-floor flat, damaged neighbouring properties and caused one person to be treated for smoke inhalation. Nearby businesses, including a Londis store, also reported disruption.

A no-swim advisory was issued for St Margaret’s Bay near Dover after a sewage spill from a Southern Water pumping station. Dover District Council closed the nearby car park and posted warnings following Environment Agency advice to avoid bathing until contamination disperses. The incident follows Southern Water’s recent £7 million fine for illegal sewage discharges along the Kent coast between 2019 and 2021, which caused widespread beach closures and public protests.

A Faversham man, Thomas Boatwright-Smith, received a suspended six‑month prison sentence after admitting to stalking his ex‑partner, including entering the Canterbury home where she was hiding. The court heard he made dozens of phone calls, appeared at the property multiple times, and caused significant psychological harm. The victim described lasting anxiety and fear, while the judge said his behaviour had a profound impact. Mitigation cited remorse, mental health struggles and autism. He was given rehabilitation requirements, unpaid work, costs, and a 12‑month restraining order.

Southern Water faces sentencing after admitting 13 charges related to unpermitted sewage discharges from its Margate and Broadstairs pumping stations between 2019 and 2021. The incidents caused beach closures, public protests and led to compensation paid to Thanet District Council. Additional charges include failures to notify authorities of sewage overflow alarms and failing to maintain required equipment. The case, brought by the Environment Agency, is being heard at Canterbury Crown Court and is expected to last two days.

A four‑vehicle collision closed Whitstable High Street, prompting a response from police, paramedics and the fire service. Four people were assessed and treated for minor injuries at the scene before being discharged. Emergency crews secured the area while arrangements were made to recover the damaged vehicles.

A three-vehicle collision involving a motorbike blocked the M20 coastbound between Junctions 8 and 9, causing long delays. Emergency services treated one injured person at the scene before transporting them to William Harvey Hospital. Traffic was held for a period, with National Highways cameras showing stationary conditions, and although all lanes reopened by early evening, congestion of about four miles continued with delays of around an hour.

Police and paramedics responded to a report of a casualty on the tracks in Walmer, near Deal, where a man was pronounced dead. British Transport Police stated the incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Train services between Ramsgate and Dover were halted, with cancellations and diversions until services resumed shortly before 8pm.

Kevin O’Toole was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court of seven sexual offences against a young girl in Margate after denying all wrongdoing during police interviews. A subsequent search of his Lincoln address uncovered more than 180 indecent images of children. Following a three‑day trial in May, a jury found him guilty on all counts, resulting in a ten‑year prison sentence and lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Investigators commended the victim’s courage and expressed hope that the sentence brings closure to her and her family.

Police are seeking help to find 39-year-old Adam Styles, last seen around 10pm on July 9 in the Broad Oak Road area of Canterbury. He is described as 5ft 8in with dark curly hair and was wearing a red baseball cap, black top, black shorts, and white and green trainers. Authorities urge anyone with critical information to call 999 quoting reference 09-2097, or provide other details to Kent Police via live chat or by calling 101.

Emergency services responded to reports of fumes at the Tesco Superstore petrol station in Faversham, prompting its closure. Fire crews secured the area, reported no injuries, and handed responsibility back to site operators before leaving later that evening. The station remained closed the following morning as Tesco awaited further assessment.

Emergency services responded to a two‑van collision on the A28 Ashford Road in Chartham, prompting delays though no injuries were reported. Kent Police attended the scene shortly after 11:30 a.m., and Kent Highways issued warnings for motorists to use caution and expect disruption. A tow vehicle was reported to be involved, and further updates were expected.

A 65-year-old highways worker from Kent died in a collision on the southbound M23 near Junction 9 in Crawley. Sussex Police arrested a 38-year-old Croydon van driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. Officers appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage as the investigation continues. The southbound carriageway remains closed with diversions in place.

A two-vehicle collision at the Four Elms roundabout in Wainscott caused delays along the A289 Wainscott Bypass. Kent Highways warned drivers to expect disruption, and Kent Police confirmed officers attended the scene after receiving the report at 7:32am. No injuries were recorded and the road was cleared by 8am.

A fire broke out in a top-floor flat on Dover Road in Folkestone, prompting police to close the road and emergency services to respond with six fire engines. Nearby residents were advised to keep windows shut due to thick black smoke. Police and paramedics remain at the scene as firefighters work to control the blaze.

A Reform UK branch issued an apology after posting an AI-generated image that falsely depicted improvements following a village clean-up in Sarre. The photo, shared as a before-and-after comparison, drew widespread online mockery for showing unrealistic changes such as freshly painted fencing, resurfaced pavement and identical shadows. A local Reform member said volunteers had genuinely cleaned the area but denied involvement in the edited image. Lib Dem councillor Mike Sole criticised the misleading post, prompting an updated statement from the branch attributing the error to an administrative oversight and stressing that the clean-up work had taken place.

Lauren Bennett, a singer from Meopham known for featuring on LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem and as a member of G.R.L., has died at 36. Her former group announced the news without disclosing a cause of death. Bennett’s career included early participation in The X Factor, joining Paradiso Girls, releasing successful singles, and contributing to film soundtracks. G.R.L. highlighted her impact and expressed their grief in a public statement.

A woman died at the scene and another remains in life‑threatening condition after a Mini Cooper crashed into a tree on the A20 in Sellindge. Local residents and a village reverend expressed condolences, and police investigators issued an appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage to assist the inquiry.

A well‑known Faversham cat, Captain Jack, died at 18 after years as a beloved fixture of Hatters Hall record shop and the local community. Originally escaping a capsized pirate‑themed vessel owned by Finbarr O'Brien, he became a popular town presence, visiting nearby shops and cafés and attracting admirers including Bob Geldof. Shop owner Les Best described widespread affection for the cat, who drew visitors from miles away and was once the subject of a £3,000 purchase offer. His death prompted tributes celebrating his longstanding place in the town’s daily life.

Two Afghan men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested after an 18‑year‑old was found with a serious stab wound in New Ruttington Lane, Canterbury. The victim was taken to a London hospital where his condition is serious but stable. The suspects, who were not known to the victim, were arrested the same evening and released on conditional bail while police continue their investigation. Authorities are appealing for witnesses and CCTV or dashcam footage.

An air ambulance transported a woman in her 70s to a London hospital after she was seriously injured in a collision with a car near the White Cliffs Business Park in Whitfield, Dover. The helicopter landed near Honeywood Parkway, and emergency crews treated her for pelvic and leg injuries. The incident temporarily blocked the London-bound A2 carriageway before clearing by late afternoon.

Two sisters from Dover described years of sexual abuse by their stepfather, Dominic Scott, beginning in childhood and continuing after one disclosed the assaults to a teacher who dismissed the claim. Scott intimidated the victims and used threats and violence to prevent them from speaking out. Following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, he was convicted of 16 offences, including child rape and indecent assault, and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The women outlined severe long-term trauma, while Kent County Council noted that safeguarding practices in schools have strengthened since the disclosure was ignored in 1999.

Two sisters from Dover detailed years of sexual abuse by their stepfather, Dominic Scott, who was convicted of 16 offences including child rape and indecent assault. One victim revealed a teacher dismissed her disclosure in 1999, enabling the abuse to continue. The women described the lasting trauma, including PTSD and isolation, and the prosecution outlined Scott’s threats and violence used to silence them. Judge Edmund Fowler condemned the prolonged abuse and sentenced Scott to 18 years in prison with an extended licence period. Authorities noted that safeguarding practices in schools have since strengthened.

A 19-year-old Maidstone garden centre worker, Jason Stevens, was found dead in Blean Woods six days after being reported missing. An inquest opening detailed his last known movements, including CCTV footage and cell site data, and listed multiple drug overdose and ketoacidosis as the initial cause of death. A large-scale search located his body on February 19, and a full inquest is scheduled for July 15. His family expressed devastation and thanked the community for its support.

An air ambulance landed at St Thomas' Catholic Primary School in Canterbury after a medical incident prompted police to close Military Road and assist ambulance crews. Traffic was diverted as emergency services responded around midday, with authorities providing limited details while the situation remained ongoing.

A 17-year-old student, Nikola Ohrimenko, was identified at the opening of an inquest into her death after being struck by a train at Teynham Railway Station on June 11. The coroner reported that a train driver alerted British Transport Police and that emergency services responded to the scene. The initial cause of death was recorded as multiple injuries. Originally from Latvia and living in Sittingbourne, she will be the subject of a full inquest scheduled for November 9.

Police issued a 48‑hour dispersal order across key areas of Whitstable to curb expected anti‑social behaviour during hot weather, granting officers powers to move on individuals and confiscate alcohol or nuisance items. The move follows similar orders in Thanet earlier in the week amid a wider summer crackdown prompted by recent large youth gatherings, disturbances and business closures, particularly in Broadstairs and Margate.

An inquest concluded that Leah Daley died from misadventure due to cocaine and alcohol intoxication, with her health condition possibly contributing. The jury determined she died on or around May 5, 2024, near where her body was found at the Warren in Folkestone. Her family remains critical of Kent Police’s search efforts and aspects of the investigation, including deleted drone footage and decisions regarding forensic procedures. Police defended their actions, outlining the resources used and evidence reviewed. Expert testimony indicated no signs of third‑party involvement. The coroner declined to issue a prevention of future deaths report, citing insufficient grounds, while acknowledging unresolved questions surrounding the case.

A 49-year-old man, Daniel Myers, who was found unresponsive in public toilets at Toddlers Cove in Canterbury, was confirmed to have died from cardiac arrest with a respiratory infection contributing. Emergency services were unable to revive him after responding on March 11. An inquest opened by coroner Sarah Clarke outlined his background and stated a full hearing will follow. Canterbury City Council acknowledged the role of a Canenco staff member who alerted emergency services and supported people at the scene.

Jurors reviewed evidence surrounding the death of Leah Daley, whose body was found in undergrowth at Folkestone Warren 11 days after she was reported missing. Police investigated but dismissed rumours that her disappearance was linked to retaliation over her father Damian Daley’s criminal history. Testimony highlighted conflicting witness accounts, search challenges, and concerns from the family about deleted drone footage and the discovery of phone casing thought to have been placed after initial searches. Medical and personal history, her movements on the day she vanished, and statements from acquaintances were examined as the inquest seeks a formal conclusion on her death.

A planning inspector overturned Canterbury City Council’s refusal of a proposal to redevelop a former Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Whitstable into four homes. The inspector concluded the building did not qualify as a community facility under planning policy and that retaining it for community use was unrealistic. Concerns about impacts on nearby protected habitats were resolved through a financial mitigation contribution. Six public objections were lodged, but the appeal decision allows the redevelopment to proceed with a mix of retained and new-build housing.