Louis Walker

Wye Court Farm near Ashford, which has been run by the same family for more than a century, has opened a large maize maze as it struggles with rising costs, reduced subsidies and weak crop profit margins. Designed around the Wye Crown, the attraction aims to diversify the farm’s income and reconnect visitors with British agriculture. Irrigation helped the maze survive difficult weather, and the project has attracted local families and other visitors. The farm hopes to repeat and expand the venture, including sunflower picking, if it receives enough support.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council has submitted a holding objection to the proposed South Brooks Solar Farm near Lydd and New Romney. EDF Power Solutions UK and PS Renewables propose a 500MW, 1,600-acre development that could power 140,000 homes, but councillors object to the loss of high-quality farmland, construction traffic, road safety risks, array height, battery-storage fire risks and the cumulative effect of multiple energy projects on Romney Marsh. The council voted 9–1 to submit its concerns. Developers have reduced battery storage and increased ecology land following consultation, while campaigners say the changes do not materially reduce the project’s scale. Because the scheme exceeds 100MW, it will require a Development Consent Order through the Planning Inspectorate, with the application expected in early 2027 and the final decision resting with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Dover District Council has approved revised plans to convert the disused Lighthouse Inn in Capel-le-Ferne into a 25-bedroom care home with an on-site microbar. The amended scheme reduces the number of bedrooms and limits external alterations after an earlier 39-bedroom proposal was rejected and subsequently dismissed on appeal for being bulky and damaging to the area’s character. The microbar, called The Lighthouse, will serve the local community and include five parking spaces, alongside 12 spaces for the care home. The council found the proposal acceptable on design, amenity, access, ecology, climate change and coastal-change grounds. The parish council raised concerns about visibility onto Old Dover Road and possible noise from outdoor seating, while supporting the building’s reuse and potential employment benefits. The start date for construction has not been announced.

Sandwich Toll Bridge has been closed to vehicles since August 8 after a Southern Water tanker struck it, and repairs could take more than two months. Kent County Council has issued an investigation permit through August 21 but stresses that this is not a completion deadline. MP Sir Roger Gale fears major losses for cafes, pubs, restaurants and market traders during the peak tourist season, and warns that a full closure could also prevent pedestrians and cyclists—including residents with mobility needs—from reaching the town. The disruption coincides with Southern Water’s emergency response to three burst sewage mains; the company expects those works to finish this week, while precautionary swimming warnings have been lifted after tests found no impact on bathing waters.

Eight fire engines and an all-terrain vehicle attended a field fire near Discovery Drive in Ashford. Crews used hose reel jets and beaters to contain and extinguish the blaze after flames spread towards a fire engine. The cause remains unknown, no injuries were reported, and firefighters left shortly before 6:50 p.m.

A man in his 70s died after a car crashed into a wall outside a semi-detached property on the A26 Tonbridge Road in Maidstone. Emergency services treated four patients at the scene; two were taken to hospital and one was discharged. The road was closed in both directions between Fountain Lane and Beverley Road while the incident was dealt with.

A multi-vehicle crash on the coastbound M20 near Junction 10 for Ashford caused queues of more than an hour. Several people reportedly suffered minor injuries, while one woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The road has reopened, but lanes remain closed in both directions while barrier repairs are completed.

Scramble, the much-loved mascot cat of the Kent Battle of Britain Museum in Hawkinge, has died after becoming seriously ill. Her owner, Dave Brocklehurst, said veterinary tests revealed very low white blood cell counts and a blocked bowel, and that surgery would not have been survivable, leading him to authorize euthanasia. Scramble had been part of the museum for more than 12 years, attracted gifts and affection from people around the world, and was buried beneath the museum’s “Spirit of the Few” monument. More than 1,000 people posted tributes on social media.

Traffic delays were reported on the M2 coastbound near Gillingham after an accident blocked one lane, with delays of up to 15 minutes. A police incident closed a lane on the clockwise M25 near Sevenoaks, causing delays of around 30 minutes. Traffic was also building near the Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal on the M20.

McDonald’s temporarily closed its Park Farm restaurant in Folkestone after a small, contained vat fire activated the fire suppression system at about 8:30 a.m. The branch was expected to reopen that afternoon after cleaning and recharging the system. No one was injured and fire crews did not attend.

Saskia Victoria says her top-floor flat in Appledore Road, Margate, has been targeted with eggs three times in two weeks, including an incident in which eggs struck the window while her nine-month-old baby slept and one egg entered through an open window. She plans to seek CCTV footage before reporting the attacks to police. The incidents come amid increased antisocial behaviour in Thanet and dispersal orders covering parts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate during a busy weekend of events. Kent Police Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said officers would patrol the area and deal promptly with antisocial behaviour. Police are also investigating an unrelated assault in Broadstairs High Street.

An accidentally spread bonfire ignited dry grass near Wagon Lane in Paddock Wood before spreading to a nearby motorhome site. Firefighters sent seven engines and a bulk water carrier to extinguish the blaze, which damaged two static homes, a caravan and several sheds; no injuries were reported. The report also notes a separate major wildfire on the Isle of Grain, where crews continued dampening hotspots after an overnight firefighting operation.

More than 1,000 Tonbridge properties lost water or experienced low pressure after a major pipe burst on Shipbourne Road, the second consecutive weekend affected by an outage. South East Water opened a bottled-water station and began delivering supplies, while thousands of properties in other Kent villages remained disrupted. Parish councillor Sian Harrison said emergency water deliveries left elderly and vulnerable residents unable to collect supplies and that some water had reportedly been stolen. The outages have intensified criticism of South East Water amid a hosepipe ban and drought conditions; the company says it plans a £1.9 billion infrastructure investment to address leaks, storage and network resilience.

Jackie Sheehy, a 59-year-old grandmother living in a council flat in High Halden, says damp, mould and plants growing through the walls have left her at breaking point. She has been sleeping on her sofa because she fears the bedroom conditions are affecting her health, and says repeated inspections and repairs have failed to resolve the issues. Ashford Borough Council says multiple inspections and remedial works have taken place, but additional repairs remain outstanding because of a misunderstanding over the original specification. The council says the work has been arranged and will be overseen by senior contractor management.

Appledore Road in Tenterden has closed until August 30 for utility, drainage, lighting and resurfacing works linked to Vistry’s 141-home development. Garden centre owner Edward Boult estimates the closure could cost his business £150,000, while more than 1,600 people have signed a petition opposing the disruption to businesses, commuters and access to essential services. Kent County Council and UK Power Networks say a full closure is required for safety, with an 11-mile diversion, monitoring and continued efforts to maintain local access.

Ashford Borough Council refused Whitbread’s plans to expand the Premier Inn at Eureka Leisure Park by a net 13 rooms, add a breakfast area and enlarge the car park. Although officers considered the development acceptable in principle and economically beneficial, the company did not provide sufficient evidence that additional wastewater would be nutrient-neutral and would not harm Stodmarsh Nature Reserve. The decision comes as Whitbread prepares to close the adjacent Beefeater restaurant and integrate food and drink services into the hotel.

Dover District Council has granted a late-night licence allowing a new McDonald's drive-thru at Townwall Street and Woolcomber Street to operate 24 hours a day. Conservationists and residents opposed the development because of its proximity to St James' Church and the Dover Castle Conservation Area, citing potential noise, litter, light pollution and heritage damage. Eight residents objected, but no responsible authority, including the council's environmental health team, raised concerns. McDonald's defended the scheme by pointing to local jobs, safety measures and planned litter controls. The decision marks the final approval stage, with construction already under way and the restaurant expected to create up to 120 jobs.

South East Water is repairing a burst water main on Reculver Road in Herne Bay while warning that high temperatures and sustained demand could affect supplies in the coming days. The company is using tankers to support the local network, asking residents to conserve water, and preparing bottled-water stations and community hubs if disruption occurs. The warning follows a May heatwave that left more than 15,000 homes in Herne Bay and Whitstable without running water, renewing concerns about the water network’s resilience during extreme weather.

Michaela Haswell from Rochester won £1,000 in kmfm’s Thousand Pound Friday competition after receiving a surprise call from presenter Ben Pearce. She plans to use the money for a family trip to Lanzarote, while kmfm is set to offer further prizes through its Summer Money Drops competition starting August 3.

Comedian Rob Beckett praised Folkestone as an excellent family day-out destination on the Parenting Hell podcast. He highlighted the Sea Scrub Sauna, Sandy's Fish and Chips, mini golf, the Folkestone Harbour Arm, drinks and a playground. Local residents also responded positively to his comments. The article additionally reports that Beckett and other comedians and presenters were recently filmed in Canterbury for the game show Let's Play Ball.

The UK government has refused plans for the £40 million Northfleet Harbourside development, which included 3,500 homes, an 8,000-seat Ebbsfleet United stadium and retail, office, hotel, medical and community facilities. Planning inspectors cited the potential exposure of around 7,000 people to toxic lead pollution, the loss of about 600 industrial jobs, harm to safeguarded Robins Wharf, unresolved land-ownership issues and doubts about the developer’s ability to deliver the complex scheme. Ebbsfleet United said it was surprised and disappointed and is reviewing the decision, while Gravesham MP Lauren Sullivan said resident and business safety must be protected alongside brownfield regeneration.

Work is due to start in August 2026 on a £300,000 expansion of the play area at Herne Bay Memorial Park, with completion expected in early October. The upgraded facility will include wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory and calm-play zones, shaded seating, and BSL and Braille signage. Canterbury City Council developed the plans with input from SNAAP, parents, carers and children, and is funding the project through council capital funds and developer contributions.

Kate Sutton, a former British Airways apprentice who catered for Concorde passengers including Princess Diana and Paul McCartney, is preparing to open The Bakehouse in Walmer with her husband, Michael. The couple are renovating the former Jane’s bakery and installing commercial equipment ahead of an anticipated August opening. Sutton plans to start with a small range including sourdough bread and later add weekend specials, while retiring former owner Jane Ward reflects on the bakery’s 27-year role as a community hub.

A two-car crash on the eastbound A2 near Darenth in Dartford closed the route and caused delays between the M25 Junction 2 and the B255 for Bean. A driver was treated at the scene by a paramedic and taken to a local hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. Emergency services and traffic officers attended, and the vehicles were recovered before the road reopened at about 8pm.

Mountain Warehouse will relocate its Deal High Street shop into the larger former Poundland building, with its current store expected to close in September. The opening date for the new branch has not been announced. Poundland left the premises in October after its lease expired, amid plans to close dozens of stores following its sale to Peach Bidco, a Gordon Brothers subsidiary. The move follows Mountain Warehouse's similar relocation into a former Wilko unit in Canterbury.

Fire crews extinguished a grass fire at Coney Banks in Chatham after smoke was reported shortly after 4:30pm. No injuries were reported, the cause remains unknown, and crews left at about 5:30pm. The blaze occurred during an amber heat health alert, as Kent experienced temperatures of up to 30°C and firefighters tackled several other grass and field fires across the county. Authorities urged residents to dispose of cigarettes and disposable barbecues safely because dry vegetation can cause fires to spread rapidly.

Dover District Council collected £139,000 less parking income than budgeted in 2025/26, following a previously forecast £195,000 year-on-year decline. Conservative councillor Dan Friend argues that higher charges and three-hour limits in Deal and Sandwich have reduced town-centre visits, footfall and support for local businesses. Labour councillor Lynn Wright defends the strategy, saying the restrictions improve space availability and visitor turnover while remaining relatively affordable compared with other Kent towns. The council attributes the shortfall to several factors, including the closure of Woolcomber Street car park in Dover, changes in usage and increased purchases of parking permits, and says it will continue monitoring the policy.

Police and paramedics attended a two-car crash on Pier Road in Gillingham. One westbound lane was closed, and emergency services were contacted for further comment.

Little Silver Country Hotel owner Terry Haigh says a floodlit padel court opened at neighbouring London Beach Country Hotel and Spa has deterred wedding bookings because of noise concerns. The court, approved by Ashford Borough Council despite objections from residents and Tenterden Town Council, is less than 50 metres from the venue and has acoustic barriers and conifer screening. Haigh, who relaunched Little Silver after a £400,000 refurbishment, is seeking permission to build a spa with treatment rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, a hot tub, sauna and steam room to create a new income stream. A decision on the spa application is expected later in 2026.

Tenterden’s first Public Space Protection Order has been approved following increased reports of antisocial behaviour and a consultation in which 88% of respondents supported the measure. The order covers a large part of the town and allows enforcement officers to issue £100 fines or pursue prosecutions for offences including street drinking, dog fouling, dangerous e-scooter use, loitering, abusive language and misuse of catapults. Catapults were residents’ main concern after reports of wildlife being killed and homes damaged, including a £350 window repair suffered by resident Matt Sendall-King. The order was developed by Tenterden Town Council, Ashford Borough Council and police, although its final boundary does not include neighbouring St Michaels.

A construction contractor was fined £90,000 after an investigation found multiple safety failings led to severe, life‑changing injuries for worker Aaron Back, who fell from a forklift bucket at a site in Ashford. The Health and Safety Executive determined the company failed to provide proper equipment, training or supervision despite prior enforcement warnings. Margate Magistrates’ Court also ordered the firm to pay more than £27,000 in costs. Officials stressed that falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace deaths and that the incident was entirely avoidable.

Tenterden Schools Trust is seeking to merge with a larger, financially sustainable academy trust after the collapse of a proposed transfer to Aletheia Academies Trust. Although the trust says its finances have improved, it maintains that proposed redundancies and other cost-cutting measures at Homewood School may still proceed. National Education Union members, who have already staged 11 strike days, oppose the job losses, reductions in support-staff hours and changes to pay and working conditions. The trust is under a Department for Education Notice to Improve following serious concerns about its finances, including a £941,537 loss and failures in financial scrutiny.

Work has resumed on four unfinished seven-storey apartment blocks in Victoria Road, Ashford, after London-based Antvic replaced Vidi Construction, which entered administration and left the site abandoned for around 10 months. The revised project will deliver 254 flats, three fewer than originally planned, along with retail units, underground parking, rooftop terraces and communal spaces. Antvic expects to complete two blocks within seven months and the remaining works within 13 months under a £26.25 million contract. The wider scheme, backed by Starlight Investments, originally envisaged 400 homes, includes no affordable housing, and follows the completion and occupation of 143 homes in the first phase.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council rejected Dr Ann Kaplan Mulholland’s proposal for a 200-space gravel car park beside Lympne Village Hall, intended to serve weddings and events at Lympne Castle. Villagers and Lympne Parish Council opposed the scheme over traffic, noise, privacy, pollution, wildlife, safety and concerns about incremental overdevelopment of the Grade I-listed site. Planning officers concluded that the car park would be visually intrusive, damage the area’s rural character and the castle’s heritage significance, create unacceptable disturbance and fail to demonstrate biodiversity net gain. The castle says alternative parking remains available and that its restoration and luxury-venue plans will continue.

Councillors have formed a cross‑party working group to address the long‑neglected Regent Cinema in Deal after a redevelopment proposal involving a new two‑screen cinema and townhouses stalled. Local representatives, campaigners, and heritage groups expressed concerns over the building’s deterioration and the adequacy of previous plans, while the developer confirmed ongoing cooperation with the council and intentions to refurbish the facade as broader redevelopment plans continue.

A woman in her 40s died in a London hospital 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, later releasing him while inquiries continue. Officers are appealing for witnesses, including a man seen walking with the victim earlier that morning and drivers who were in the area at the time.

Folkestone Harbour Arm will screen the 2026 World Cup final if England beat Argentina in the semi‑final. The venue had opted not to show England’s late‑night group matches due to family‑friendly considerations, but organisers say the final warrants a community event. Tickets would be released on July 16 with security and crowd‑management measures in place. The Harbour Arm has previously attracted large crowds for major tournaments, though past pricing drew criticism from fans.

Government planning rule changes have forced Ashford Borough Council to restart work on its Local Plan, which outlines sites for more than 17,000 future homes. The new Planning and Infrastructure Act requires a revised process and timeline, prompting the council to submit a fresh Notice of Intention and begin a scoping consultation in September. Councillors say earlier public feedback will still inform the plan, which includes major development around Ashford, Tenterden and local villages, along with engagement with infrastructure providers. Local government reorganisation could affect future authority boundaries, but the council aims to maintain progress on preparing the updated Local Plan 2043.

A restaurant in Deal has reopened seven months after a New Year’s Day fire caused extensive damage, requiring a £230,000 rebuild. Owner Jason Herring highlighted full refurbishment efforts including new flooring, lighting and facilities, supported by strong community backing. Fire crews contained the blaze, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer, preventing wider destruction. The venue is now fully operational and offering its usual dining capacity and live music events.

A woman was taken to William Harvey Hospital after her Mercedes overturned on the A28 Canterbury Road in Chartham, blocking traffic in both directions. Emergency services responded at 4.20pm, and the road was fully reopened between 5.30pm and 7pm. Police reported that no other vehicles were involved and the woman’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Police responding to a welfare concern at a home on Folkestone Road in Dover found a woman in her twenties dead, prompting notification of next of kin. A 24-year-old man from Folkestone was arrested later that day in connection with the incident and subsequently bailed with conditions while enquiries continue. The investigation remains ongoing.

Police discovered a viable explosive substance while searching the Hawkinge home of Mark Humberstone, who had been arrested after allegedly firing arrows at a neighbour’s porch. The find led to evacuations and a cordon on nearby streets. Humberstone has been charged with possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, causing criminal damage and holding four unlawful weapons. He remains in custody and is due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court in August.

Residents in Kennington have raised concerns over torn England and Union flags hanging from lampposts at a busy Ashford junction. Community councillor Chris Morley called for their removal, arguing they are now litter and create a poor impression of the town, but Kent County Council said it will only act if the flags pose a safety risk. The issue has drawn mixed reactions from locals, with some defending the flags as patriotic symbols and others calling for those who put them up to take them down. Despite complaints and sightings of similarly damaged flags elsewhere, the council has declined further comment.

Funding efforts to restore Ashford’s Grade II-listed First World War Mark IV tank advanced after the National Lottery Heritage Fund approved a bid by the Ashford Heritage and Memorial Charitable Foundation, enabling a detailed funding application for £960,000. Ashford Borough Council has already committed £300,000 to stabilise the deteriorating vehicle, which remains in the town after public support and a petition by residents. Local leaders emphasise the tank’s historical significance and community value as work proceeds toward securing full restoration funding, with the tank expected to leave temporarily for repairs before returning to Ashford.

Plans for the first 300 homes of the 10,000‑property Otterpool Park development have been confirmed for a site near Westenhanger railway station, with construction expected to begin in 2029. Residents expressed mixed reactions, citing either the need for new housing or concerns about increased traffic and infrastructure strain. Local officials and Homes England continue working toward securing planning approval, finalising a Section 106 agreement, and starting preliminary works in 2028. The project has recently advanced with approval for a new wastewater treatment facility, seen as essential for environmental compliance.

Jagged metal believed to be remnants of Second World War structures has been exposed on Walmer beach near Granville Road, prompting safety warnings. Councillor Chris Vinson urged swimmers to take care while Dover District Council began mobilising machinery and preparing warning signs. The council plans to remove the metal and continue monitoring the area.

Canterbury City Council approved a bid for The Peter Cushing Wetherspoon pub in Whitstable to extend its weekend closing time from 11.30pm to 1am despite strong objections from nearby residents concerned about anti-social behaviour. Councillors debated issues including resident complaints about disturbances, precedent-setting for other businesses, and whether later hours would worsen or contain disruption. Supporters argued that extended hours inside a supervised venue could reduce street disorder. The pub will still require a separate licence variation for later alcohol service, and Wetherspoon maintains that the extended hours will not cause disturbance.

Developers have proposed building 15 family homes on a former youth centre site in Aylesham, arguing the project would reduce anti-social behaviour through increased oversight and improved use of the neglected land. Residents oppose the plan, calling for the youth centre to be rebuilt to restore lost facilities for young people. The site, sold by Kent County Council despite local objections, is not included in Dover District Council’s Local Plan, and concerns persist that additional housing will strain existing infrastructure. A planning decision is expected later in the year.

A 103-year-old woman, Joan Martin, celebrated her birthday at a Hersden care home, reflecting on her long life, habits and family. She credited lifestyle choices such as giving up smoking, avoiding sugar and never drinking alcohol, and recalled her marriage and evacuation during the Second World War. Now surrounded by a large extended family, she spends her time painting, colouring and completing crosswords.

A long‑running free Christmas Carols and Classics event in Walmer has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to increased costs imposed by Dover District Council’s 2024 events policy and limited public support, with only 37 consultation responses indicating little demand. Walmer Town Council leaders cited rising fees for hiring Walmer Green, additional service charges, and concerns about value for ratepayers. Chair Trevor Bond said the event may return if a forthcoming local government reorganisation results in more supportive policies. Other community events have also been affected by the revised charges.

Temporary resurfacing works on the A299 Thanet Way are expected to last only three to four years due to underlying structural issues caused by unstable clay. Kent County Council is conducting overnight repairs to smooth hazardous sections and remove a 50mph speed limit, while seeking £63 million from the Department for Transport for long‑term improvements. Without further funding, potential closures of bridges or the Chestfield Tunnel could severely impact the route between Herne Bay and Whitstable.

The head teacher of Sandwich Technology School, Simon Sharples, will step down at the end of the academic year, citing prolonged political pressure that has affected his work and family life. Sharples, who took charge after an inadequate Ofsted rating and helped deliver significant improvements, emphasised that his departure is unrelated to plans to transfer the school to the Barton Court Academy Trust. He questioned the timing of a full Ofsted inspection immediately after the transfer proposal was made public. Local councillor Dan Friend praised Sharples’ commitment and leadership, noting the progress achieved despite ongoing challenges. The school remains in special measures but continues to demonstrate improvement as it awaits a potential transition to a new academy trust.

A two‑car collision led to the closure of the A20 Hythe Road in Smeeth near Ashford, affecting both directions at the junction for Church Road and Station Road. Police, fire crews and paramedics responded, with one fire engine assisting ambulance staff before leaving the scene after about an hour. Authorities warned of significant delays, and information on injuries has not yet been released.

Residents in Whitstable object to Wetherspoon’s bid to extend The Peter Cushing pub’s weekend closing time to 1am, citing fears of increased noise, anti-social behaviour and public disturbances. Councillor Clare Turnbull requested the planning committee review after 15 objections, though one resident supported the proposal. Wetherspoon argues the extension aligns with nearby venues, includes measures to manage behaviour and has prior police support. Environmental health and licensing officials raised no objections. The planning committee is expected to issue a decision on June 24.

Nick Frost has debuted his first solo art exhibition, Strangers I Made, at Linden Hall Studio in Deal, showcasing more than 40 abstract portraits. Gallery director Myles Corley praised Frost’s work and noted its positive reception. The exhibition marks Frost’s growing involvement in visual art following his discovery of painting through art therapy. The show runs until July 25, with pieces available for purchase.

Police evacuated homes in Hawkinge after discovering suspicious items while investigating criminal damage. A 61-year-old man was arrested, and an explosive ordnance disposal team from the Ministry of Defence assessed the items, determining they posed no current risk. Emergency services maintained a cordon until late evening, after which residents were allowed to return as searches continued.

Police launched an investigation after reports that a man armed with a weapon entered a business on Canterbury Road in Westbrook, Margate, threatened people, and left without causing injuries. Officers responded, reviewed CCTV, and appealed for information citing reference 46/95880/26.