Davina Jethwa

The Fat Pizza takeaway on Union Street, Maidstone received a one-star food hygiene rating after an environmental health inspection prompted by a customer complaint. Inspectors found no hot water at the main kitchen handwashing sink, widespread cleaning problems, grease and food debris, dirty equipment, poor premises maintenance and missing food-safety records. The business was told to make significant improvements and was due to receive a follow-up inspection, but details of that visit have not been released. The Fat Pizza did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Three overnight fires at the same location in Fleet Avenue, Dartford, forced J Shaw butchers to close just days before its planned 50th-anniversary celebrations and displaced a family living in the flat above. Firefighters attended several times as flames and embers reignited, while the service said discarded cigarettes on the roof space were believed to have caused the blaze. The shop suffered substantial rear damage, and asbestos was exposed in the upstairs flat. Owner Steven Leach hopes to reopen before Christmas and hold the anniversary celebrations later, while resident Jodie Penfold has been moved to temporary accommodation and says she does not intend to return.

Fourteen-year-old Euan Coker, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and is a devoted Spider-Man fan, attended the London premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with his aunt Toni Lyons after winning accessible tickets. Lyons says Euan and other disabled attendees were placed at the back of the venue, unable to see the red carpet directly, while other fans received autographs and photographs from the cast. She accused the organizers of treating disabled guests as a token inclusion measure and is seeking an apology and assurances that accessibility will improve. Premier Events Fan Pens offered families cinema tickets and merchandise, but Lyons rejected the offer. Odeon confirmed Sony Pictures organized the premiere; Sony Pictures and Premier Events Fan Pens did not respond to KentOnline’s requests for comment.

Vilius Domarkas, 38, pleaded guilty at Hove Crown Court to causing the death of Kent highways worker Anthony Howe by dangerous driving. Howe, 65, died at the scene of a collision on the southbound M23 near Crawley shortly before 1am on July 8. Domarkas, who has no fixed address, will be sentenced on September 28.

A group of around 40 to 50 youths wearing balaclavas and dark clothing reportedly ran through Railway Street near Chatham station on August 1 while carrying knives and broken glass bottles. A witness said the group chased and assaulted another teenager, stole his phone, and threw bottles near the station entrance. Kent Police, assisted by British Transport Police, are investigating and appealing for information to identify the suspects.

The A229 between Chart Hill Road and Clapper Lane in Staplehurst will remain closed until August 11, marking the third delay to its reopening. SGN repaired a high-volume gas escape on July 21, but joint inspections with Kent County Council found more extensive road damage than initially expected. Additional surveys and carriageway repairs are required, with traffic continuing to divert via the A274 through Headcorn.

Maidstone council is considering listed building consent for internal and external conservation work at The Dungeons within the Archbishop's Palace and Gardens complex, including replacing missing roof tiles, repairing chimney masonry and removing invasive vegetation. Other applications seek longer operating hours for Forevel Padel in Boughton Monchelsea, a replacement glasshouse at Staplehurst Nurseries, and permission in principle for six homes in Nettlestead, alongside various extensions, ecological measures, landscaping, tree protection and infrastructure works across the borough. All applications are awaiting decisions.

Residents and councillors in Maidstone are angry that resurfacing has not been scheduled for The Hedges, Hillary Road and Bannister Road, despite the roads having gone more than 20 years without a full renewal and recently being dug up for South East Water's £700,000 pipe-replacement project. Kent County Council says the roads remain on its future works programme but are not currently safety-critical, with higher-priority schemes taking precedence and no delivery date available. Councillor Geoffrey Samme warns that local government reorganisation could delay repairs by four or five years, while residents fear further deterioration during autumn and winter.

Customers gathered to say goodbye as family-run Barsleys Department Store in Paddock Wood completed its final full day of trading after 135 years. Directors Richard and Alice Barsley attributed the closure to growing economic and social pressures, with all 36 employees made redundant. The store will open on limited Fridays and Saturdays in August to serve school-uniform customers and sell remaining stock, fixtures and fittings. The business, founded by Charles Barsley in 1891, recently underwent a £1.5 million refurbishment in 2024 but was ultimately unable to continue trading.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Dover to inspect the joint command room monitoring small boat crossings and pledged a relentless response, including stronger enforcement and safe routes intended to undermine people-smuggling gangs. He said progress was being made but acknowledged that more work was needed to restore public confidence in border control. Nearly 800 National Crime Agency officers are now focused on organised immigration crime, up from 376 at the start of 2025. More than 2,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Burnham became prime minister, prompting criticism from Reform UK leader of Kent County Council Linden Kemkaran. The Home Office attributed fluctuations in crossings partly to weather conditions.

A man reported missing after being last seen near Pembury Hospital in Tunbridge Wells on July 31 has been safely found. Police thanked everyone who assisted with their enquiries and shared the appeal.

Planning permission has been granted to convert the former Bierkeller and Zinc Popworld venues on Bank Street, Maidstone, into nine flats and a commercial unit. The scheme will provide three flats and the commercial space on the ground floor, six flats on the first floor, communal and private amenity areas, cycle and refuse storage, and no car parking. Exterior changes are limited to additional windows. The venues closed in July 2025 after being operated by Stonegate Pub Group, while Bierkeller later reopened at a different Maidstone location under Ovation nightclub.

Matt Hall has taken over The Duke of Edinburgh pub in Barming, a Shepherd Neame venue that has had several landlords in recent years. The former lorry driver-turned-publican, who is teetotal and a first-time pub operator, plans to run the business for the long term, maintain Saturday live music, introduce light food options and make the pub a welcoming community space. The venue reopened on July 24 after Gregg Russell stepped down to focus on his other pubs.

Potentially toxic blue-green algae has been confirmed in the River Medway, Haysden Water and Barden Lake in Tonbridge. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and the Environment Agency are monitoring the situation and have advised people to avoid swimming, paddling or other contact with the water, while keeping dogs away from it and preventing them from drinking it. Exposure can cause illness in people and may be fatal to dogs, so anyone or any animal developing symptoms should seek medical or veterinary advice immediately.

Police are appealing for witnesses and CCTV or dashcam footage after three masked men allegedly attempted to steal a motorcycle from a property in Buckland Hill, Maidstone, shortly after midnight on July 28. The suspects reportedly fled toward Maidstone East railway station after being disturbed, leaving the motorcycle behind. Officers have reviewed some CCTV and are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the west Kent appeals line.

The A20 Ashford Road near Westwell Leacon in Ashford was closed in both directions after a two-vehicle collision shortly before 1pm on August 1, 2026. Police and ambulance crews attended the scene.

Jordan MacDonald, 28, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of robbing and seriously assaulting a woman in Maidstone in August 2024. He followed her between Knightrider Street and the Millennium Bridge, threw her to the ground and dragged her by her handbag, causing head and other injuries. MacDonald also assaulted two prison custody officers after the guilty verdict and was separately charged with assaulting a woman he knew. Detective Constable Josh Littley said the prosecution demonstrated Kent Police's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.

Two lanes of the coastbound M20 between Junction 4 and Junction 5 were closed after a vehicle caught fire, causing traffic to build and temporarily stopping traffic. Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines and extinguished the blaze; no injuries were reported, and the fire was believed to have been caused by a mechanical fault.

Eighteen-year-old Luke Shaw of Hawkhurst died after his white Honda CB 125 left Goudhurst Road in Horsmonden and collided with a tree near Brick Kiln Lane on July 14. He was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital and then transferred to King’s College Hospital, where he died on July 19. Coroner Katrina Hepburn recorded the cause of death as traumatic injury due to a motorbike incident. A full inquest is scheduled for January 11.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with head injuries after a reported assault near Aldi on Duncan Road, Gillingham, on July 29. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. A 34-year-old Gillingham man was arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail, while police appealed for information.

Two vehicles collided on the A20 Ashford Road near Hollingbourne shortly before 2pm on July 29, temporarily closing part of the road between Junction 8 of the M20 and Caring Lane. Emergency crews treated four people, with two taken to Medway Maritime Hospital; their injuries were not considered life-threatening or life-changing. One driver received a Traffic Offence Report for driving without due care and attention. The road has since reopened.

The A229 between Chart Hill Road and Clapper Lane in Staplehurst will remain closed until Tuesday, August 4, after a high-volume gas leak caused more extensive road damage than initially expected. SGN has been repairing the leak since July 13 and now needs additional carriageway repairs before the road can safely reopen. The incident led to evacuations and temporary business closures, causing continued disruption for local residents and motorists.

Maidstone Borough Council is considering applications for three padel tennis courts at the YMCA Sports Centre in Loose, four homes near Willow Farm in Sandling, additional units at a Gypsy and Traveller site in Linton, and the conversion of an office building into a special needs school. Other proposals include a mixed-use chiropody clinic and self-build home in Lenham Heath, along with numerous smaller extensions, tree works, advertisements and changes of use across the borough. All applications are awaiting decisions.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for Kent from 9am on July 29 to 9am on July 30, with Maidstone forecast to reach 33C. The warning indicates likely significant pressure on health and social care services and a possible rise in heat-related deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over or those with existing health conditions. It also covers London, the East of England and the East Midlands, following earlier yellow alerts and a rare red extreme-heat warning in June.

Napoli-born chef Franco de Cesare is preparing to open Bella Mia in the former La Villetta premises on Pudding Lane in Maidstone. The 75-cover restaurant will serve Neapolitan pizzas, traditional carbonara, antipasti, desserts, wine and cocktails, alongside breakfasts, weekly specials, private-party facilities and catering. De Cesare, who previously co-owned restaurants in Rochester and Sidcup, hopes Bella Mia will become the best Italian restaurant in town and is scheduled to open the following week.

Two American miniature horses, Remi and Tilly, were stolen overnight from stables in Cooling Street, Cliffe. The owners discovered tracks suggesting the animals were led away and loaded into a vehicle, and CCTV captured a van nearby. Remi requires medication for laminitis, adding urgency to the search. Police are investigating and appealing for information. The theft follows a recent separate incident at a local riding centre targeted earlier in the month.

A long-vacant former Cafe Rouge site on Earl Street in Maidstone will be taken over by Persian and Afghan restaurant Za’fron, which already operates branches in Brighton and Sussex. The unit has seen several turnovers, including closures of Cafe Rouge after its parent company fell into administration and 7Bone after operational challenges. Posters indicate Za’fron is coming soon, though the restaurant has not confirmed an opening date. The area is undergoing a planned transformation into a car-free restaurant quarter, with Maidstone Council preparing pedestrianisation, outdoor dining areas, and streetscape improvements set to begin in March next year and finish by late 2027.

Kent filmmaker Andy Evans spent five weeks in the Peruvian Amazon shooting rare wildlife for his upcoming documentary Lungs, capturing species such as pink river dolphins, pygmy marmosets and an elusive Uakari. Despite equipment failures and physically demanding treks, he described the expedition as highly successful. Set for release in January 2027, the film aims to highlight the Amazon’s pristine ecosystems and promote conservation, with plans for festival submissions and a local screening in Gravesend. Evans intends to continue pursuing global wildlife projects, including upcoming trips to Sweden and Cambodia.

Emergency services responded to a crash involving a car and a motorbike on the A20 Ashford Road between Harrietsham and the Leeds Castle turn-off. The motorcyclist was airlifted to a London hospital with serious injuries, and the car driver was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. The road was partially blocked but later reopened.

A Tonbridge hairdresser discovered a persistent spot on her ankle was squamous cell carcinoma after mentioning it to her GP during an unrelated visit. Following diagnosis, she underwent surgery and a skin graft in 2024 and is now raising awareness about early detection and sun protection. Cancer Research UK notes symptoms and is running a SPOT-IT trial at St Bartholomew’s Hospital to help high‑risk patients, which she supports.

Police are investigating after three teenage boys allegedly entered a garden in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey and plucked and cut the feathers of a pet duck, with one reportedly carrying a knife. The suspects, all described as white boys aged 14 to 15, fled before officers arrived. Enquiries continue, including reviewing CCTV, and authorities are appealing for information via Kent Police or Crimestoppers.

A man was taken to hospital after a collision between a car and an e-scooter on Forstal Road in Aylesford. Police and ambulance crews responded around midday, and an air ambulance landed in a nearby recreation ground. The road was temporarily closed but later reopened. The man’s injuries are not considered life-changing or life-threatening.

A baby hedgehog found being violently kicked by children in Maidstone was taken to Thorne Hedgehog Rescue but had to be put down due to severe internal injuries. A DPD driver intervened and brought the injured animal to safety before it was transferred to the rescue centre, where vets discovered a broken upper palate and liver laceration. The centre’s owner, Lisa Steward, reported increasing instances of deliberate cruelty and highlighted the strain on the volunteer-run facility as it cares for around 100 hedgehogs. A fundraising page has been launched, and residents are urged to leave water out for wildlife during the heatwave.

Fire crews extinguished a fire near the B&Q store on Thames Way in Gravesend after being called shortly before 9pm. Flames had spread to nearby trees and bushes, with a witness reporting popping and banging sounds near an electrical tower. Two engines used a hose reel to put out the blaze by 10:22pm. No injuries were reported and the cause remains unknown, with B&Q approached for comment.

A Sittingbourne pub, The Vineyard, says it cannot legally open to show England’s 1 a.m. World Cup match against Mexico because government licensing extensions do not apply to games outside specific evening hours. Manager James Eakin says hundreds of customers have had to be turned away and criticises the lack of flexibility after pubs invested in preparations for the tournament. Local councils state they cannot override national legislation, and deadlines for temporary events notices have passed. Several venues across Medway received approvals, but no further applications can be processed before the match.

A couple operating Kentish Lady Cruises reported being attacked by a group of youths who threw rocks and other objects at their boat while travelling on the River Medway in Maidstone. Nick Kennedy described escalating abuse and threats, including sexual threats directed at his wife, as the group followed them along the towpath. Police were alerted by a resident, though the responding sirens were unrelated, and an investigation is now underway. Kennedy’s account prompted extensive online reactions highlighting similar problems with youth anti‑social behaviour in the area. Authorities have requested CCTV and dashcam footage from the public to support the investigation.

Police closed the A2 Rochester Bridge eastbound after responding to concerns for a person’s welfare near Corporation Street, prompting fire crews and an ambulance to attend before the road reopened later in the afternoon. The closure caused significant congestion, with delays reported across surrounding routes and into the Medway City Estate.

Residents and local officials in Maidstone criticize prolonged delays in repairing a pothole-ridden mini roundabout in Penenden Heath, which has been reported more than 30 times and compared to lunar terrain. The delays are linked to a contractor change after Kent County Council replaced Amey with Ringway for long-term highway maintenance. Councillors warn of safety risks and growing public frustration, while local businesses report traffic disruptions affecting trade. KCC states the roundabout is scheduled for full resurfacing this month, citing the complexity of closing multiple busy routes for repairs.

Recent planning submissions in Maidstone include a 30‑home development in Harrietsham featuring affordable units and new access from the A20, a self‑build home in Langley, and plans for new houses and apartments at several Maidstone sites including Upper Stone Street and Preston House in Albion Place. Numerous smaller applications involving extensions, tree works, ecology submissions, and listed building consents have also been filed, all awaiting decisions from the borough council.

Armed officers and emergency crews responded to reports of a weapons-related assault on Lenham Road in Headcorn, leading to a large police presence and road disruption. Three people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Six individuals, three men and three women, were arrested and remain in custody as the investigation continues.

A Swanley mother, previously in remission from cervical cancer, is facing stage four disease after delayed detection at Maidstone Hospital. She underwent major surgery but now requires immunotherapy available at a private clinic in Germany, prompting a £50,000 fundraising effort. She fears leaving her teenage son without parents and criticises the local NHS trust, which acknowledges her concerns and continues to support her care.

Teachers and students at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls used Second World War air‑raid tunnels as cool classrooms during a severe heatwave, taking advantage of the consistently lower temperatures underground. The tunnels, originally built as shelters and later opened for tours, accommodated lessons and even an exam as temperatures reached 30°C and amber and red heat warnings were issued. Students described the experience as enjoyable and educational, with opportunities to explore historic features. The tunnels will open to the public for guided visits in late August.

A former Jewson builders’ merchant site in Maidstone is undergoing demolition as developer Terance Butler Holdings pursues plans to convert it into four industrial units, despite the land being earmarked for housing in the council’s Local Plan Review. The site, now marketed as Powerhub 2, has a long history of commercial use and was purchased in 2023 before the developer submitted a new application to retain and refurbish the remaining buildings. The scheme includes partial demolition, new access roads, and EV-enabled parking. Previous proposals from a related company for nearby residential redevelopment highlight ongoing tensions between industrial and housing priorities in the area.

Police issued a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a reported knife assault in St George’s Avenue, Sheerness. Officers responded to a fight involving three people, during which a man was allegedly attacked with a knife and later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 28-year-old man was arrested and released on bail while inquiries continue. Authorities are urging anyone who recognises the man in the image to contact them or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Extreme heat across Kent has prompted school closures, transport disruption and widespread business shutdowns, as temperatures approach 40°C under amber and red Met Office warnings. Tonbridge Grammar School and other institutions are closing or reducing hours, while Southeastern and Thameslink warn of delays, cancellations and reduced services. Several local businesses and events have suspended operations for safety. Health officials caution of significant risks, including tropical nights and increased strain on vulnerable groups, as forecasters expect record June temperatures in the UK.

A former pub in Sheerness High Street may be converted into a children’s day nursery under a new planning application submitted by Olufunke Babatunde. The proposal includes rooms for infants and toddlers, a sensory room, staff facilities and no external alterations. Planning consultancy Homz argues the change of use would provide childcare capacity, support working families and increase town centre activity. The building previously failed to sell at auction and had earlier been considered for redevelopment into homes and a micropub, with plans revised and approved in 2022. The new application can be viewed through Swale Council under reference 26/501683/FULL.

A woman from Sittingbourne diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma is receiving end‑of‑life care after multiple surgeries and treatment failed to stop the tumour from returning. Her family, facing significant medical and funeral expenses, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover experimental medication and help make her remaining time comfortable. Her partner recounts the rapid onset of symptoms that led to the diagnosis, and the family continues creating memories while managing her declining health.

An amber extreme heat warning has been issued across Kent, London, and large parts of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to reach the mid‑30s and very warm nights. Authorities warn of health risks such as heat exhaustion and increased dangers near coastal and inland waters. The heat may disrupt travel and affect heat‑sensitive infrastructure, including the possibility of power cuts. Officials advise staying hydrated, avoiding midday sun, and supporting vulnerable individuals during the heatwave.

Police located a 12‑year‑old girl who had been reported missing after last being seen early in the morning in the Dean Street area near Maidstone, thanking the public for sharing the appeal.

An eastbound slip road from Kingsnorth onto the A2070 and one lane of Bad Munstereifel Road toward M20 Junction 10 are closed for emergency manhole cover repairs, with work expected overnight according to National Highways.

ProCook will open a new store in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone, on June 26 as part of its retail expansion, taking over a former Early Learning Centre unit. The launch includes a 20% discount weekend and goodie bags for early customers. The opening adds to a wave of recent new arrivals at the shopping centre following its 2024 purchase by the Frasers Group, including Rituals, Holland & Barrett, Sostrene Grene, The Works and upcoming attraction Activate.

A 38-year-old man last seen on New Dover Road in Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone has been located, according to police, who confirmed his safe recovery after issuing an appeal earlier in the week.