Joe Harbert

Builders discovered human bones beneath Ross and Claire Sledger’s patio in Wye during extension work in 2019, prompting a three-day police excavation and fears that the remains were linked to a murder. Examinations later established that the bones belonged to two unidentified Anglo-Saxon individuals dating from the fifth to 11th centuries. The remains were finally buried at St Gregory and St Martin Church, where villagers attended a service to pay their respects.

Vandals believed to have used catapults to smash all eight windows at Ashford Hockey Club’s clubhouse in Kennington, causing nearly £4,000 in damage. Club secretary Jeremy Paterson said the attack followed other incidents at the site and may prompt improved security, although the club does not want to restrict community access. A JustGiving appeal raised about £6,300 within 24 hours, exceeding its £5,000 target, while police investigate and seek information from witnesses.

Construction is underway on Ashford’s first outdoor padel facility at Sandyacres Sports and Social Club in Kennington, following approval from Ashford Borough Council in June. Groundworks are complete, with tarmac, courts, electronic gates, underground power and LED lighting still to be installed. Chairman Winston Michael hopes the two-court facility will open by the end of September, with a booking system and passcode access. He is seeking funding to cover the first court by summer 2027 before building the second court.

Fireworks displays at Hythe Venetian Fete and Broadstairs have been cancelled because of severe drought conditions and heightened wildfire risk following a government emergency alert. Organisers cited safety requirements and uncertainty over how long restrictions will last, while Hythe organisers are exploring a later date. Sandgate Sea and Food Festival said its beach-based display would proceed because it is launched over open shingle and water, uses low-debris effects and is being managed in consultation with its professional pyrotechnics provider.

Two pairs of suspected thieves reportedly attempted to steal a motorbike in Market Square, Westerham, shortly before 7:15pm on Friday. Members of the public intervened, and the offenders threatened the motorbike owner before fleeing empty-handed on two black mopeds. Police are seeking witnesses and CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area between 7pm and 7:30pm.

Ashford Borough Council has submitted plans for 26 solar canopies holding more than 1,500 panels over 234 spaces at the Civic Centre and Stour Centre car park. The system would power the Stour Centre, sell surplus electricity to the National Grid, generate about one megawatt annually and cut carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 270 tonnes a year. The project is intended to offset higher electricity use after the leisure centre's gas boilers were replaced with air-source heat pumps and support the council's goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Approval would result in the loss of 23 parking bays and 25 low-quality trees, which the council says would be converted into signposts. The scheme is part of a wider Tannery Lane redevelopment programme, with construction expected to begin in 2027 if planning permission is granted.

Thousands of Kent pupils celebrated their A-level and International Baccalaureate results, with many securing university places, apprenticeships or employment. Standout achievements included Alina, a Ukrainian refugee who arrived in Kent in 2022 with limited English and gained three A*s and an A before securing a place to study fine art at Goldsmiths. Schools across the county reported strong pass rates and record results, while pupils won places at Oxford, Cambridge, other leading UK universities and institutions overseas. Nationally, UCAS reported that 262,820 students obtained undergraduate places, up 3% from 2025, while the A-level pass rate remained 97.5%.

Gemini Trains wants to use the abandoned Chart Leacon depot in Ashford as its main base for international rail services planned from 2030, including routes to Paris, Disneyland Paris, Brussels and Germany. Chief executive Adrian Quine says the brownfield, rail-connected site could support a small international-train facility while retaining space for Southeastern services. Ashford MP Sojan Joseph and the Bring Back Euro Trains campaign support reopening the site, citing job creation, regional growth and the restoration of international stops at Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Gemini is awaiting the Department for Transport’s review of south-east depot capacity, while the government says it is exploring options through a fair and transparent process.

Ashford Borough Council has launched a task group and public consultation to assess the resilience of local water infrastructure after repeated outages and low-pressure incidents affected communities including Challock, Molash, Biddenden, Smarden, Pluckley, Charing and Tenterden. South East Water attributed the problems partly to drought and equipment failures. The review will examine the experiences of residents and businesses, the response during outages, and whether infrastructure can support thousands of planned new homes, including nearly 9,000 around Kingsnorth. Councillor Kayleigh Brunger-Randall said the findings could lead to a pause or review of housing approvals, citing overdevelopment and insufficient investment.

Karen and Richard Cook have taken over the Blacksmiths Arms in Willesborough after the 200-year-old pub experienced frequent ownership changes and fell into disrepair. They invested nearly £90,000 in a refurbishment, adding new furniture, menus, a private seating area called The Snug and improvements to the outdoor space. The couple plan to run the venue as a family-oriented, food-focused pub seven days a week, with quizzes, magic performances and potential beer and jazz festivals. Local customer Nick May welcomed their efforts and expressed hope that they will remain the pub’s owners for the long term.

Bayside Café owner Steven Doorey-Williams entered rough seas at Dumpton Gap beach near Broadstairs after three children got into difficulty. Using a life ring, he rescued a girl and two boys in separate attempts as conditions suddenly worsened and relatives called for help. Witness Jo Drake praised his immediate response. The incident followed an earlier rescue operation off Margate in which three people were hospitalized in stable condition.

Kent Police seized about 500 cannabis plants during searches of properties on Hythe Road and Riverbank Way in Ashford. Rooms at both homes had reportedly been converted for cultivation. Albanian nationals Marius Dardha, 32, and Endrit Lulaj, 30, both of no fixed address, were charged with cannabis production, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court and were remanded in custody. Their cases are due to proceed to Canterbury Crown Court, with dates yet to be confirmed.

Demolition of Ashford’s former Park Mall shopping centre is entering its final stages, with only a few units still standing. O’Connell Demolition has already cleared the main and Edinburgh Road car parks, and Ashford Borough Council says a temporary 200-space car park will open before Christmas. The council plans a £144 million residential-led mixed-use redevelopment but has not yet appointed a development partner; a contract is expected in early 2027. Traders remain concerned that limited pedestrian access from the new car park could reduce footfall.

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee approved Jarvis Homes’ outline application for 28 homes at Meadow Court in Kingsnorth, despite 17 objections and warnings from NHS Kent and Medway that local healthcare services have limited capacity for growth. Residents, parish councillors and some councillors also raised concerns about piecemeal development, unresolved access roads, flooding, sewage discharges and the lack of completed infrastructure at nearby large housing estates. The developer argued that Ashford’s housing shortage and the provision of open-market and affordable homes outweighed any harm.

Residents of Quantock Drive in Ashford are concerned that a fenced-off quarter-acre green, where grass has grown more than three feet high, could become a fire hazard during dry weather. The land was fenced off in June 2025 after Cllr Paul Bartlett applied for it to be registered as a village green, preventing development. Kent County Council will hold a public inquiry from September 29 before making a decision. The current owner, H Ahmad, opposes the application, while residents argue they have used the land for recreation for more than 20 years and want it returned to community use.

Ashford Borough Council's planning committee has approved the conversion of the town's former Tufton Street Post Office into a 33-bedroom HMO, with nine councillors voting in favour and five against. Rooms in Kent plans four flats containing en-suite single-occupancy rooms for key workers, graduates and other local professionals, alongside two commercial units and 34 bicycle spaces in a car-free development. Opponents Bernard Heyes and Charles Suddards criticised the scheme over cramped accommodation, parking limitations, overcrowding and potential anti-social behaviour, while supporters argued that the town centre needs residents and that the site's proximity to bus and rail links makes it suitable. The application was delayed for nearly five years because of nutrient pollution concerns affecting Stodmarsh Nature Reserve; the developer intends to purchase nutrient credits to achieve environmental neutrality.

Kokoro co-founders Bibek Gautam and Demand “Sulav” Shrestha plan to transform Ashford’s landmark bandstand into an outdoor seating area for takeaway customers. The Ashford Borough Council-backed project will begin as a one-year, all-year-round trial, with plans to clean and decorate the space while keeping it available for community events. The expansion is expected to increase Kokoro’s seating capacity from nine to about 20 and support wider efforts to revitalise Ashford town centre.

Gary Delaney delivered a rapid-fire, edgy stand-up set at Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall, performing 251 one-liners to a 900-capacity audience. Reviewer Joe Harbert praised the comedian’s relentless pace, sharp wordplay and lack of filler, while noting that Andy Robinson provided an effective warm-up. The crowd reportedly left laughing and attempting to recall their favourite jokes, resulting in a highly positive assessment of the show.

Emergency medicine consultant Sudhaker Kowlur and his wife, Sujana Muchumarri, are preparing to open Biryanis and More in the former KFC unit on Ashford’s Lower High Street on July 30. The 68-seat restaurant will specialise in Hyderabadi biryanis alongside curries, other Indian dishes, drinks and takeaway service. Nearly £1 million has been invested in buying and refurbishing the property, with more than a dozen staff to be employed. Kowlur will continue working at William Harvey Hospital while Muchumarri manages the restaurant, and a rooftop beer garden may be added subject to planning permission. Ashford Borough Council has supported the project through an empty property grant.

Karen Jenkins is retiring at 66 after more than 40 years working in renal care at East Kent Hospitals, having moved from London to Canterbury in 1985. She became the trust’s second consultant nurse, helped establish advanced kidney care, non-dialysis and end-of-life services, and supported patients through dialysis and transplantation. Her career also included research and national and international professional roles, and she received the British Renal Society’s lifetime achievement award in 2019. She plans to travel, sail and welcome a grandchild in retirement.

SGN has begun maintenance on below-ground pressure-regulating infrastructure along Faversham Road outside Towers School in Kennington, Ashford. Temporary two-way traffic lights will remain in place until August 21, operating manually from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. SGN says the work will be confined to the footpath rather than the carriageway, with a temporary walkway installed in the road. Kent County Council said the works were scheduled during the school holidays and include weekend working to limit disruption, although the project follows road resurfacing completed eight months earlier.

John Halsall has begun his role as South East Water’s new chief executive, replacing David Hinton after severe supply outages across Kent and Sussex prompted political criticism and Hinton’s resignation. Halsall has pledged to improve day-to-day performance, rebuild customer trust, increase transparency and deliver the company’s £2.1 billion investment programme. South East Water was fined more than £22 million by Ofwat for service failures and has been ordered to spend a further £30.5 million on improvements without passing the cost to customers.

Ann Widdecombe’s family has announced that a public memorial for the former Maidstone MP will be held later in 2026, after a private funeral for family and close friends. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon on July 9. Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder, with prosecutors alleging that he struck her repeatedly with a hammer; investigations into a possible political or terrorist motive continue. Widdecombe represented Maidstone as a Conservative MP for 23 years and later held roles with the Brexit Party and Reform UK.

Independent Ashford councillor Bill Barrett accused senior council figures of colluding to silence him after five of his six questions at a full council meeting were deferred for written answers. The questions concerned issues including the impact of a new bowling alley at Elwick Place, payments linked to the closure of Matches Sports Bar, and the By The Tank Cafe. Council leaders Noel Ovenden and Nathan Iliffe defended written responses as more detailed and appropriate, while Ovenden said some information was confidential or had already been provided. The answers were circulated to all 47 councillors the following day, but Barrett said the decision undermined democratic scrutiny. The dispute follows wider disagreements over the handling of Park Mall and the council’s Green–Ashford Independents minority coalition, which Barrett alleges is supported by Labour.

Lewis Campbell-Williams, 21, of Brasted near Sevenoaks, has received a three-year football banning order after threatening Cardiff City supporters at Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium on April 18. Police found a bladed article in his bag, and he later pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and an unrelated shop theft. He was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £272 in costs. The order prevents him from attending regulated football matches in the UK and requires him to surrender his passport during designated overseas tournament periods.

Ashford businessman James Ransley is standing for the Consensus Party in the Clacton by-election against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Count Binface and 31 other candidates. Ransley promises to move to Clacton if elected, hold at least 50 in-person surgeries annually, publish an annual performance report and attend parish councils. He opposes greater NHS privatisation, supports offshore wind power and wants to reduce reliance on foreign fossil fuels. Farage previously won the seat by more than 8,000 votes, and voters are due to go to the polls on 13 August.

Obianata Onyia, formerly of New Ash Green near Sevenoaks, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to four years and three months in prison after admitting seven counts of sexual assault against a child. He will serve a further three years and nine months on licence, is subject to 10-year restraining and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Kent Police praised the victim’s courage in reporting the abuse and urged others to report sexual abuse.

Transport Focus’s Strategic Roads User survey found that Kent’s 50.6-mile M20 was England’s highest-rated motorway, with 79% of surveyed drivers satisfied with their journey. The A2 ranked 17th among major A-roads, while the A30 matched the M20’s 79% satisfaction rate and the M27 was rated the worst motorway at 56%. Overall journey satisfaction rose to 71%, but roadworks significantly reduced satisfaction, prompting Transport Focus to urge National Highways to improve planning, communication and delivery as it begins a major programme of road repairs and renewals.

Traders in Ashford are urging the council to add a second pedestrian route from a planned temporary car park on the former Park Mall site, arguing the current single access point will deter shoppers and worsen declining footfall. A petition signed by 48 businesses calls for a pathway via Taylors Passage, citing mobility challenges and reduced convenience. Councillor Paul Bartlett has submitted a motion supporting the additional route, which will be reviewed by the council’s cabinet in September. The demolition of Park Mall and associated car parks has already reduced parking capacity and contributed to business struggles, including a local café’s decision to close. The council acknowledges the concerns and will issue a formal response while assessing the motion later in the year.

Staff at Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs asked pupils to remove St George’s flags painted on their arms during sports day, prompting accusations from a parent that children were labelled racist. Executive headteacher Kirstin Cardus denied the claim, stating the decision was based on school rules allowing face paint only for college symbols, not national flags. She said no one was called racist and any sanctions mentioned were for not following instructions. The incident occurred shortly after England’s football victories, and the school emphasised that it displays the national flag and promotes British values, including individual liberty and non‑discrimination.

Gemini Trains has released CGI images and detailed plans for competing with Eurostar on cross-Channel routes, potentially restoring international services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet International. The company aims to operate trains from Stratford International through Paris, Disneyland Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport to Cologne, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, with a possible Ashford depot and introductory Paris fares of about £59. Regulatory hurdles and rolling-stock lead times have pushed the launch target from 2029 to 2030. Eurostar, which has not served Ashford or Ebbsfleet since 2020, says it plans a £1.7 billion fleet investment and new routes by 2031.

Fifty-one parks and green spaces across Kent have received 2026 Green Flag Awards, up from 49 in 2025 and 45 in 2024. The recognised sites include parks, nature reserves, a shopping centre and a former gunpowder works. Five sites also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation, while four retained Green Flag Community Awards. Keep Britain Tidy highlighted the role of parks in community wellbeing, and local council representatives praised the staff and volunteers responsible for maintaining the spaces.

Drone imagery shows construction progress on Ashford Borough Council’s 20‑home development on the former Piper Joinery site in Mabledon Avenue. The £8 million project, delayed by nutrient neutrality restrictions affecting Stodmarsh Nature Reserve, resumed after remediation work and the introduction of an environmental credits system managed with Canterbury City Council. The scheme includes townhouses and apartments with low‑carbon heating, solar panels, EV charging, and other sustainability features. Completion is expected in summer 2027. Council leader Noel Ovenden emphasises the project’s role in expanding affordable, energy‑efficient housing as more than 2,000 households await accommodation.

A 14‑year‑old snow leopard named Nuri has died at Howletts Wild Animal Park after a short period of declining health, leading staff to make the decision to euthanise him. The loss follows the recent death of his longtime companion Ziva, with whom he spent more than a decade at the park. Keepers described Nuri as a friendly and memorable animal. The article also highlights the vulnerable conservation status of snow leopards, noting threats including climate‑driven habitat loss and poaching.

More than 20 caravans and several vehicles from a Traveller group have set up an unauthorised encampment on land behind Gashouse Fields allotments in South Willesborough, Ashford. The group is believed to have accessed the site the previous night through nearby residential roads. Authorities are determining whether the plot is council-owned, which would place responsibility on Ashford Borough Council to address the encampment; eviction from private land would fall to the landowner. The site lies close to Bromley Green Football Club, Asda and Ashford Designer Outlet.

A family-run alpaca attraction on Romney Marsh will close on July 31 after 17 years due to changing economic conditions and the owner's planned retirement. Founder Annie Clifton-Holt thanked visitors and confirmed the alpacas will remain on the family farm, with previously booked events still proceeding. The business, launched after alpacas became a therapeutic outlet for her, grew into a popular visitor experience. Supporters have expressed sadness at the closure and appreciation for the memories created.

A 42-year-old Iraqi man was arrested at a barber shop in Ashford as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into a criminal group suspected of smuggling migrants between the UK and France using lorries and small boats. The arrest follows earlier activity in 2025 that led to two other arrests after migrants were seen near HGVs at an Ashford industrial estate. The NCA says the network moves people in both directions, warning of risks to migrants and border security. The man remains in custody as the agency continues more than 100 investigations into organised immigration crime.

A Folkestone resident photographed the new Air Force One flying over Kent as President Donald Trump traveled to Ankara for a NATO summit. The Boeing 747-8i VC-25B aircraft, originally a Qatari VIP jet, was retrofitted for U.S. presidential use and features a redesigned livery. The flight marked its first international mission after recent domestic operations.

Clarence, an 18‑year‑old lion rescued from a French circus, was euthanised at Wingham Wildlife Park after a decline in health related to age. Staff described him as resilient despite lifelong injuries resulting from his early treatment and highlighted the loving care he received during his years in Kent. The park reflected on the peaceful life he ultimately found alongside his brother Brutus, who died in 2022. Conservation organisations note that while lions are not endangered, their wild populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, conflict with humans and poaching.

Lisa Wraight has been appointed lead volunteer at William Harvey Hospital nearly three years after her mother, Kim Godfrey, died there. She began volunteering as a way to cope with grief and now oversees around 200 volunteers while continuing to support patients on the Cambridge M2 ward, which treats conditions similar to those her mother experienced. Wraight’s work is praised by staff for easing pressures on the ward, and she says building relationships with patients remains the most rewarding part of her role. She believes her mother would be proud of her commitment to helping others.

A long-vacant garage site in Kennington has reopened after businessman Edmond Sollaku invested more than £500,000 to transform the former Crouch’s Garage into the new Kennington Garage. Sollaku purchased the site in January and carried out extensive upgrades, including modern equipment and MOT capability approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The garage, now staffed by three workers and equipped with six ramps, began serving customers last week and has experienced strong early demand. Sollaku, who also owns a garage in Molash, says he intends the site to serve the growing local community and is pleased to secure a prime location after years of disuse.

The owner of By The Tank Cafe in Ashford will close the business in August, citing severe drops in footfall and dust caused by the demolition of the neighbouring Park Mall shopping centre. Weekly takings have fallen by almost 40% since the centre closed, and despite promotional support offered by Ashford Borough Council, the owner says conditions have become untenable. Residents expressed concern over the loss of a valued community space, while the council stated it had provided practical assistance during the demolition period and could not influence consumer behaviour.

A repeat shoplifter from Ashford received a seven‑month jail sentence after admitting to stealing over £900 worth of goods from Adidas, Co‑op and Morrisons stores across six incidents in late June. He was also charged with breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order and refusing a drug test. Police highlighted the ongoing impact of persistent shoplifting on local businesses and expressed satisfaction that he was quickly located, arrested and held accountable.

Magnet will close 15 underperforming UK stores, including its Ramsgate location, as part of a company voluntary arrangement aimed at reducing unsustainable property costs and stabilizing finances. Five other Kent branches will continue trading. Management says staff affected by closures will be offered support and possible redeployment, and customer orders will be redirected to nearby stores. The CVA, overseen by Interpath, awaits creditor approval, with leadership expressing confidence that the restructuring will strengthen the company’s long‑term viability.

Temporary two-way traffic lights installed for drainage repairs on A28 Chart Road have caused severe delays, with queues stretching from multiple junctions in Ashford. Kent County Council apologised for the disruption, stating the work is necessary to replace collapsed drainage infrastructure and will be completed within the week. The affected stretch is also part of a delayed road-widening project linked to the Chilimington Green housing development, where funding contributions from the developer have faced setbacks.

Ashford Borough Council has submitted planning applications to build 218 homes across its former Civic Centre and the Kent Wool Growers site, with construction targeted for 2027 if approved. The proposals include converting the old Civic Centre into 58 flats and developing 160 additional units on the adjoining KWG plot, with a mix of social housing, affordable rentals and shared‑ownership properties. Plans incorporate parking, office space, a kiosk cafe, restoration of the Grade II*-listed Whist House and installation of solar canopies at the nearby Stour Centre car park as part of carbon‑neutrality efforts. The council highlights the projects as essential to addressing rising temporary accommodation costs and significant housing demand in the borough.

Ashford’s first Irish bar, Rosie O’Leary’s, will open on the ground floor of the Cameo nightclub after a £90,000 investment, creating 10 jobs. Managed by former Cameo manager Dan Harding, the venue aims to offer live music, premium drinks, major sports screenings, and a distinct atmosphere geared toward an older crowd. Owned by David Gaine and Kerry Bullimore, the bar becomes the fourth Rosie O’Leary’s in the UK and opens at 6pm on Saturday with live entertainment planned for the weekend.

Residents of Kingsnorth warn that nearly 9,000 planned and approved homes risk overwhelming the village as multiple developments advance around Ashford. Concerns focus on strained infrastructure including dangerous junctions, water pressure issues, healthcare capacity, and delayed schools. A new 175‑home proposal from Dean Lewis Estates, on land not designated for housing in the local plan, further heightens fears over unchecked expansion. Local councillor Ray McGeever says infrastructure is not keeping pace with rapid development, urging a more balanced approach as major schemes continue to progress.

Primark’s planned 2027 opening in Ashford’s County Square has sparked optimism that it could revive a struggling town centre affected by multiple shop closures, though residents and business owners express mixed views on whether a single major retailer can reverse long-term decline. Supporters anticipate increased footfall and renewed interest from other brands, while skeptics question the impact of past council decisions, including the demolition of Park Mall and displacement of local traders. Alongside Primark’s arrival, the council is advancing broader regeneration plans such as a new theatre, expanded leisure facilities at Elwick Place, and revitalised market areas, forming a wider strategy to restore vibrancy and variety to the town centre.

Poundstretcher will open its first store in Tenterden on July 3 in the former Original Factory Shop unit, creating up to 12 jobs. The mayor will open the shop, with free goody bags for the first customers. Local councillor Pam Smith expressed mixed feelings, noting residents had hoped for an M&S but acknowledged the benefit of filling the empty unit. The opening follows the closure of the previous tenant due to financial difficulties, while Poundstretcher continues to expand after previously leaving its Ashford location amid redevelopment plans.

Radley will close its only Kent store at Ashford Designer Outlet after entering administration, despite the brand being acquired by Gordon Brothers, whose deal excluded its retail estate. All 21 UK stores are expected to shut by September, with job losses already affecting 42 employees and further uncertainty for about 300 more. Ashford Designer Outlet’s manager expressed regret over the loss while noting the recent return of Diesel and arrivals of new retailers such as The Gift Company and The Label Yard amid broader turnover at the centre.

A small Kent primary school marked its 175th anniversary with a community celebration featuring a head teacher’s fly-over, historical exhibits and student-created displays. Memorabilia from the school’s past was showcased alongside new artwork and letters to future pupils. The event raised £788 and highlighted the school’s role in the community, including its wartime history. The school will open a new nursery in September to meet local childcare needs, supported by partner institutions. Brenzett Primary was rated “Good” by Ofsted in 2025.

A Care Quality Commission inspection found Canterbury’s Chaucer House care home delivering inadequate care, including long delays in essential support, poor risk management, and lack of staff training. Inspectors reported safety incidents going unrecorded, undignified mealtime conditions, and failures in leadership creating a harmful culture. The home has been placed in special measures with conditions requiring improved risk assessments, training, and reporting. Avante Care & Support has apologised and announced a new leadership team and improvement plan aimed at restoring standards.

Ashford Borough Council approved converting The Swan Inn in Wittersham into a house despite strong local objections, ending the village’s only pub. Owner Kevin Gillespie argued the business was financially unsustainable, citing losses, energy costs and limited buyer interest. Villagers and local representatives expressed disappointment, calling the closure a major loss for community life, while some blamed national tax and business policies for the decline of rural pubs. The new development will retain the existing structure but reduce parking significantly.

Folkestone Sports Centre, closed since 2024 and heavily vandalised, has received a £386,542 National Lottery grant to support its refurbishment and eventual reopening. The funding will contribute to restoring the swimming pool, changing rooms and other facilities as part of a wider £4.5 million redevelopment, which also includes a £2.4 million grant from the district council. The Sports Trust, set to operate the site, describes the funding as a major milestone, while local MP Tony Vaughan supports the project and its community value. Recent vandalism has complicated initial plans, but renovation work continues as the centre moves toward reopening.