Dee Lukasik

Aircraft engineer Andy Maycock is using a family of rubber ducks named “Wedogivea” to rate persistent water leaks across Kent and pressure water companies to act. Several leaks near Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Ashford, Headcorn, Lenham and Dartford have reportedly continued for weeks, months or years, despite drought conditions and a hosepipe ban. South East Water and Thames Water attribute many leaks to dry ground and ageing underground pipes, while in several cases companies say tests indicate the water is not from their networks. Residents and local councillors are frustrated by delayed repairs, unclear responsibility, road damage and safety risks. South East Water says it has added repair teams, fixes around 21,000 network leaks annually and aims to halve water losses by 2050; Thames Water says it is repairing more than 1,000 leaks weekly and plans £3.3 billion of leakage investment between 2025 and 2030.

Masked thieves spent 16 minutes breaking into David Noyes’s Horton Kirby property and stealing four bronze deer statues worth about £10,000. CCTV of the raid received more than one million Facebook views, while the publicity may have made the distinctive sculptures difficult to sell. Police later recovered the deer after a friend spotted them abandoned outside a property in Longfield, and are appealing for witnesses and additional CCTV or doorbell footage.

Sittingbourne’s St Michaels Garage is marking 50 years in business after selling approximately 45,000 vehicles since David Ferrett started trading from home in 1976. The family dealership now sells about 1,000 vehicles annually, employs 16 people across two sites and remains run by David alongside his son James. Its growth has been driven largely by local customers and generations of repeat business, while the company has expanded its premises without wanting to lose its personal approach. The dealership has also adapted to changing vehicle technology, with hybrids—particularly Toyota models—becoming more prominent as the market moves away from combustion engines toward electrification.

Oliver Dryden, a 30-year-old man from Orpington, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison after admitting racially aggravated assault, racially aggravated criminal damage and affray. He punched and kicked a taxi driver, repeatedly stamped on his head and subjected him to racist abuse following a minor collision in Dartford. Dryden fled but was arrested at a Bromley pub a week later. Kent Police described the attack as unprovoked and said the sentence should reassure the victim that he had been held accountable.

A 33-year-old man from the Rainham area was arrested after several women reported that he approached them near Station Road and Rainham railway station, complimented them, asked for their phone numbers and homes, and offered to rub their feet. Kent Police said the evidence did not support a criminal charge but issued him a Community Protection Warning lasting one year. The warning restricts him from approaching lone women or vulnerable people except during ordinary daily interactions and requires him to leave anyone alone when asked; breaching a subsequent Community Protection Notice could lead to arrest.

Chloe Lovett has turned her hobby of buying and reselling pre-loved clothes into Lovett Or List It, a clothing shop in Trinity Road, Sheerness. The 24-year-old buys unwanted garments by weight and sells them online and in-store, with a website for booking drop-off appointments due to launch. The shop promotes affordable fashion and reuse, attracts customers ranging from teenagers to pensioners, and continues to generate most of its income through online sales. Lovett runs the business alone and works long hours, but says she has no regrets about making it her full-time income.

A 15-year-old boy and a 30-year-old man, both from Gravesend, were arrested after police recovered a van containing copper cable stolen from an industrial unit in Queenborough. Officers also found two BMW wheels reported stolen in the area. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft, with the older man additionally accused of driving without a licence or insurance; both were released on bail while investigations continue.

Dee Lukasik reviews a roughly three-mile River Medway walk from Fant Nature Reserve near Maidstone to Teston Bridge Country Park, undertaken with her golden retrievers Leo and Joey. The mostly flat, surfaced route offers riverside scenery, swimming opportunities for dogs, wildlife and historic landmarks including East Farleigh Bridge and lock. Facilities are limited along the trail, but detours provide food and refreshments, while Teston Bridge Country Park has parking, toilets, a café, picnic areas and a play area. The route is praised for its scenery, dog-friendliness, accessibility and value, with visitors advised to control dogs near livestock and residential boats.

A wildfire near West Lane on the Isle of Grain was largely extinguished after Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed up to 10 fire engines, specialist vehicles and volunteer responders. Smoke was visible for miles, but advice to keep windows and doors closed was later lifted, and crews remained to dampen hotspots. Witness Christopher Campbell praised the firefighters for protecting nearby homes, animals and farm machinery while urging people not to discard cigarettes in fields. Separate grass fires broke out near Yalding, where nine fire engines and farm machinery helped create a firebreak. No casualties were reported, and the causes and extent of the damage had not been established.

Luis Clifton, 22, of Tonbridge, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, failing to comply with sex-offender registration requirements, making indecent images of children and threatening to share an intimate photograph. Police discovered that he was using a prohibited mobile phone to contact an underage teenager during an unannounced home visit. The court imposed a 10-year restraining order and extended his prevention order.

The A21 Tonbridge Bypass was closed in both directions between the A26 junctions after overnight roadworks overran. National Highways said crews needed extra time to remove traffic-management equipment following safety-barrier replacement, drainage improvements, embankment and earthworks repairs, and resurfacing. Drivers were diverted via local routes and warned to expect delays until the closure was lifted later that morning.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust plans to permanently close the 21-bed Whatman Ward at Maidstone Hospital on August 31, citing service changes linked to the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, financial pressures, shorter hospital stays and expanded community care. Frontline healthcare workers warn the closure could harm frail and elderly patients, increase A&E waits and ambulance handover delays, and leave patients without specialist dementia and end-of-life support. They are calling for the decision to be paused and publicly reviewed, while the trust and NHS Kent and Medway say care can be safely provided closer to patients' homes.

Gravesend father Kris Bennett, 38, was diagnosed with an incurable grade 4 brain tumour after experiencing headaches and episodes of slurred speech during a family holiday. Surgeons removed 85% of the tumour during an eight-hour awake craniotomy at King’s College Hospital, but doctors estimate he has 12 to 18 months to live. He is undergoing chemotherapy while the family awaits decisions about further surgery or clinical trials. Kris has had to close his decorating business, sell his van and give up driving. A GoFundMe appeal, free holiday accommodation and a charity football tournament are helping the family with living and medical costs while they plan a wedding and focus on making memories with their three young children.

A dust devil unexpectedly swept through a junior athletics competition at Central Park Athletics track in Dartford, lifting tables, chairs, a marquee and several officials into the air. The roughly 90-second whirlwind damaged electronic timing equipment, injured at least one official who was taken to hospital, and created dangerous conditions for competitors. The event was abandoned, although the injured official was later reported to be recovering at home.

Dozens of goldfish were found dead or dying in the fountain pond at South Park in Maidstone during hot weather. Local resident Michelle James and others rescued around 60 fish, citing concerns that low oxygen levels were responsible. Maidstone Borough Council said the fish had likely been released by members of the public, refreshed some of the water and adjusted the fountain’s operating times. The council is seeking specialist help to relocate the remaining fish and warned residents not to release unwanted pets into ponds or open spaces because non-native species can harm local wildlife and habitats.

Daphne Harris, who has died aged 81, dedicated more than 40 years to the RSPCA and led the Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone branch from 1988. She also chaired the charity’s national governing council during two periods. Her fundraising and campaigning helped establish the Headcorn Cattery in 2012, which has since supported thousands of vulnerable animals. Harris received the RSPCA’s Queen Victoria Silver and Gold Awards and is survived by her husband Dave, three children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and her rescue cat, Blue. Local branch chair Léonie Harrington praised Harris’s commitment, warmth and lasting contribution to animal welfare.

A burst water main on Shipbourne Road left thousands of homes in Tonbridge and nearby Bidborough without water. South East Water completed the complex repair after equipment problems and nearby high-voltage cables caused delays, then began restoring supplies in a controlled manner. More than 5,000 properties had regained service, reducing the number affected to 2,564, while bottled-water stations and deliveries remained available. Shipbourne Road stayed closed because of extensive damage, with repairs expected to take several days.

Drone and archive images show how weeks without rain have turned Kent's parks, playing fields and farmland brown after England experienced its driest July in nearly 190 years. The Met Office recorded just 5.6mm of rainfall nationally and 1.5mm in southern England, while more than half of England entered drought conditions. Weather observer Lester Gosbee linked the conditions to a long-term rise in summer temperatures and warned that farmers are being forced to use winter fodder earlier, increasing costs and threatening future supplies. Continued heat and drought could require Kent's agriculture and historic gardens, including Sissinghurst Castle Garden, to adapt, while warmer, drier conditions are expected to persist into August.

Maidstone charity 21 Together is considering leaving CAF Bank after a week-long suspension of online banking, triggered by suspected cyber fraud involving a vulnerability in third-party software. The outage left the charity struggling to access funds and pay its 14 part-time staff, forcing trustees to release money from another account. CAF Bank says service has been restored, though access may remain intermittent while traffic is managed, and its CEO apologised for the disruption and phone delays. 21 Together will file a formal complaint before deciding whether to move its banking elsewhere.

Traffic on the M25 clockwise was temporarily stopped between Junction 1A at Swanscombe and Junction 1B at Dartford after three lorries collided. All lanes later reopened, but a spillage caused continuing delays and motorists were warned of queues. Kent Police said no injuries were reported.

A burst trunk main on Shipbourne Road in Tonbridge left up to 3,200 homes without water or with low pressure, flooded part of the carriageway and required complex overnight repairs. South East Water reduced the number of affected customers to 2,564, opened two bottled-water stations and arranged deliveries for vulnerable residents. A separate burst main on Albany Terrace in Chatham created a fountain-like leak, with Southern Water using tankers while carrying out repairs. Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat helped distribute water alongside new South East Water chief executive John Halsall and called for improved service.

Dashcam footage captured mattresses, furniture, builders’ rubble and household waste scattered along more than 200 metres of Mill Lane in Yalding. The anonymous motorist who recorded it described widespread fly-tipping across rural Kent, including on nearby lanes in Hadlow. Maidstone Borough Council said its waste team had been alerted and would clear the rubbish. Fly-tipping can result in penalties of up to £1,000, while serious offences may lead to prosecution, fines of up to £50,000 and imprisonment.

Hempstead Valley Football Club coach Paul Squires, 55, has been declared free of pancreatic cancer after undergoing an eight-hour operation in Portugal. UK doctors had reportedly said his Stage 4 tumour could not be removed, prompting his wife Marta to find a Portuguese specialist. The surgery removed his pancreas, gallbladder and spleen and reconstructed two major blood vessels. Treatment cost about £55,000, funded partly by more than £31,355 raised through a community appeal. Squires will require lifelong insulin, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, dietary management and vaccinations, while Marta has questioned why surgery was not offered as an option in the UK. The football club and wider community supported the family, and chairman Steve Tye marked the successful operation by having the club badge tattooed on his calf.

Breast cancer patient Ania Joyles, who receives chemotherapy at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, raised more than £1,000 after complaining that the unit became unbearably hot because it lacked air conditioning. Her campaign exceeded its £400 target and funded eight fans for treatment rooms and staff areas. Joyles previously raised more than £600 for recovery pillows and drain bags for breast cancer patients. The Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust thanked her and said the unit’s temperature is monitored, with hot-weather measures implemented when necessary.

Katie Barton was reunited with her two Golden Guernsey goats, Maggie and Maple, after they were stolen from a stable in Rainham between July 18 and 19. Maple was found in Sittingbourne with a rope around her neck, while Maggie was located safely in Gravesend after public reports and a renewed police search. Barton believes the goats may have been deliberately separated because of their rarity and value. Police are continuing to investigate, while Barton praised the public for spreading appeals and helping bring the animals home.

Police intercepted a vehicle on the M25 carrying people smuggler Duc Quang Ta, who was transporting more than £55,000 intended to pay gang members involved in smuggling Vietnamese migrants into the UK. Investigators found Ta had coordinated multiple smuggling attempts using encrypted communication and coded language, successfully bringing 22 migrants across the Channel. Ta and accomplice Sarfaraz Sardarzehi were convicted at Birmingham Crown Court, with Ta receiving an eight-year sentence and Sardarzehi a suspended two‑year term. The National Crime Agency condemned the operation for exploiting migrants and endangering lives while committing organised immigration crime.

Police cordoned off Borstal Recreation Ground in Rochester following a large emergency response involving multiple vehicles and officers who restricted access to the area. The reason for the response remains undisclosed, and Kent Police directed enquiries to the Metropolitan Police as officers maintained the cordon for several hours.

Police searching an industrial unit near Gravesend found multiple vehicles and parts believed to be stolen, leading to the arrest of two Northfleet men on suspicion of vehicle theft and handling stolen goods. At least six seized vehicles are suspected to contain stolen components. Both men were released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.

A woman in her 40s was airlifted to a London hospital in life‑threatening condition after being struck by a lorry on the A20 in Dover. Police arrested a 41‑year‑old man on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage, as officers work to establish the circumstances leading up to the crash. The affected stretch of the A20 was closed eastbound during the morning but later reopened.

Police issued an appeal to identify a man after a woman reported being followed and filmed on Ratcliffe Highway in Hoo. Officers released an image of the individual and asked anyone with information to contact them, providing a case reference and Crimestoppers’ anonymous reporting options.

Police arrested a 17-year-old in Chatham after a boy was allegedly threatened and robbed of his bike. Officers quickly located two suspects, chasing and detaining one within seconds and recovering cannabis during a search. Bodycam footage shows officers ordering the suspect to stop before apprehending him. A second 17-year-old was arrested the following day, and both were released on bail pending further enquiries.

Thanet District Council has deployed extra bin lorries and maintained a recall crew after months of missed and delayed waste collections following the rollout of a new recycling system for 27,000 households. Residents have reported overflowing rubbish and pest issues, prompting the council to apologise and review collection routes. Food waste recycling has risen significantly since the changes, and an independent review and increased direct engagement with residents are planned to improve the service.

Police pursued sex offender Jordan McGrath-Coulstock after he fled in a car without tax or a valid MOT, reaching speeds above 80 mph before crashing in Cuxton. Officers recovered a prohibited mobile phone he discarded while trying to escape, and he later admitted dangerous driving and breaching sex offender restrictions. Sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and two months, he had been released from prison only months earlier for previous sexual offences. Authorities said his actions showed disregard for court-imposed conditions and confirmed he will face increased monitoring after release.

Volunteers at Union Street Methodist Church in Maidstone will read the names of 350 people buried in its former churchyard, using entries from a 200‑year‑old burial register loaned from the Kent History and Library Centre. The event highlights the inclusive history of Methodist burials, contrasts past Anglican restrictions, and offers the community an opportunity to explore more than 3,100 recorded burials that reflect the town’s historical and social heritage.

Plans for a £562,000 refurbishment of Dartford Borough Museum and Central Library aim to redesign exhibits, improve lighting, and modernise displays as part of the town’s wider regeneration. The building’s past association with the TV show Most Haunted is revisited through contrasting views from local historian Christoph Bull, who dismisses the haunting claims, and paranormal researcher Neil Nixon, who believes in ghost phenomena but reports no personal experiences at the site. Some staff accounts of unexplained sounds and scents persist, while experts note that infrasound can mimic paranormal sensations. Ghost enthusiasts suggest refurbishments can stir alleged spirits, though whether this will occur remains uncertain.

Fire crews responded to a vegetation fire near Knole Park in Sevenoaks, deploying four engines and an all‑terrain vehicle as they worked to control the blaze. Residents nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, and travellers were urged to avoid the area. Authorities encouraged people to share safety guidance with others who may not have online access.

A van collided with two parked vehicles on the A229 Hartley Road in Cranbrook, prompting police response and temporary traffic delays. No injuries were reported, and traffic, which had been moving slowly in both directions, returned to normal after the scene was cleared by mid‑afternoon.

A family-run farm in Boughton Monchelsea marks 40 years of cherry growing, led by veteran grower Brian Piper and his daughter Rachel Sands. The orchards span 30 acres with 35 varieties, many trialled from specialist German breeders, and focus on premium-quality fruit rather than large-scale supermarket supply. The business employs seasonal pickers, sells directly to customers and farm shops, and has won national awards for its cherries and pears. The milestone highlights the decline of small independent growers and the family’s efforts to preserve local tradition while adapting through innovation and careful crop management.

A detailed account of a dog-friendly walk through the Woodland Trust’s Hucking Estate highlights its well-maintained trails, scenic viewpoints and varied landscapes. Walkers praise the area’s natural beauty, tranquillity and accessibility, while noting limited facilities such as the lack of public toilets. Encounters with other visitors underscore the estate’s popularity, and a post-walk meal at the nearby Hook & Hatchet pub is described as enjoyable though relatively expensive. The walk earns high marks for scenery, dog friendliness and value, with minor suggestions for additional benches and improved signage.

Kent’s first Polish Cultural Festival will take place at The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, offering traditional Polish food, live music, folk dancing, children’s performances and cultural workshops. The event highlights Polish history and heritage, including a tribute to 303 Squadron, with the children of its commander attending as guests. Organiser Renata Rams aims to promote Polish‑British friendship, while special guest artist Barbara Kaczmarowska Hamilton will lead art workshops. The festival runs on July 5 from 11am to 5pm and will be opened by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells.

Police cordoned off a riverside footpath in Tonbridge after a serious sexual assault was reported near the Angel Centre. The incident occurred late on July 2, and officers continue to investigate, maintaining a presence at the scene. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact them and quote the provided reference number.

A decision on the Highsted Park development in Sittingbourne is expected by the end of September after the planning inspector submitted her report to the government. The proposal for 8,400 homes and major infrastructure has drawn strong opposition from local groups and councillor Julien Speed, who cites scale, loss of agricultural land and pressure on services. Supporters, including Quinn Estates, argue it will deliver housing, jobs and infrastructure. Possible outcomes range from full approval to full refusal, with potential for legal challenge. Water supply concerns and national housing targets add to the stakes as the Housing Secretary’s future remains uncertain.

A car caught fire at the junction of Tonbridge Road and Farleigh Lane in Maidstone, sending thick black smoke into the air. Emergency services including fire, police and ambulance crews attended, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze within about 35 minutes. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

Police are seeking information after a man in his 20s was punched in the face inside The Vineyard pub in Sittingbourne late on June 27. The victim was taken to hospital and later discharged. A 23‑year‑old man was arrested shortly after the incident but released without charge. Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man they believe could assist the investigation and are asking witnesses or anyone who recognises the individual to contact Kent Police or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers.

A yellow heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for Kent and several other English regions as temperatures are expected to approach 30C. The agency warns of elevated risks to vulnerable people and increased pressure on health and social care services. The alert follows record-breaking temperatures and last week’s extreme heat red warning in parts of Kent, with authorities urging continued caution during the hot spell.

Two people were treated for non‑life‑threatening injuries after a single‑vehicle crash left a car overturned on Square Hill in Maidstone. Police and paramedics responded shortly before 6 p.m., and photos from the scene showed the vehicle on its roof beside the road.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service team, including search dog Millie and five firefighters, has been deployed to Venezuela as part of the UK International Search and Rescue response following two major earthquakes that killed more than 1,700 people and left tens of thousands missing. The team is conducting ground, drone, and canine searches in difficult conditions, working alongside UK and local specialists to locate survivors. Officials highlighted the challenging environment, the community’s gratitude, and the team’s training and readiness for large‑scale disaster operations, with UK ISAR supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

An off‑duty police officer helped restrain Nicholas Noble after he attempted to leave an Asda petrol station in Gillingham with stolen ice lollies, bacon and other items while carrying a knife. Noble was arrested and later admitted shoplifting, possessing an offensive weapon and resisting a police officer. Medway Magistrates' Court sentenced him to 12 months in prison, including time added for a separate case. The officer and assisting members of the public were credited with preventing a potentially more serious incident.

Graffiti in Folkestone calling for the assassination of Nigel Farage prompted a response from the local council, which arranged its removal. Farage highlighted the threat on Facebook as he continues to face scrutiny over a £5 million gift from businessman Christopher Harborne, currently under review by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. The report also notes previous threats against him, including a jail sentence for Fayaz Khan after posting a violent TikTok video. Kent Police and Farage have been contacted for comment.

The Howard School in Rainham received an Exceptional grade for Personal Development and Wellbeing under Ofsted’s updated framework, becoming the first secondary school in Kent to earn the distinction. Inspectors praised the school’s support for pupils’ mental health, behaviour, inclusion, and careers guidance, along with high-quality teaching and leadership focused on students’ best interests. Additional categories such as attendance, behaviour, curriculum and governance exceeded expected standards, while achievement and post‑16 provision met expectations. School leaders and the academy trust described the outcome as a rare national-level achievement demonstrating the staff’s commitment and high expectations.

The birth of Willow Wilkinson completes five generations of women in one Maidstone family, spanning ages from seven weeks to nearly 90 years. All live close to one another and maintain strong relationships, with each generation sharing stories of work, family life and caregiving. The milestone is celebrated as especially meaningful due to the family’s closeness and the predominantly female lineage.