Sean Delaney

Kelly Chaplin, a Dartford beauty entrepreneur, closed her successful acne and skincare clinic after experiencing severe burnout alongside the death of her father. Travel in Norway and Iceland prompted her to reconsider her work-life balance and focus on building businesses centered on connection and sustainable working practices. She has since launched three beauty ventures, including a mentoring business and The Beauty and Skincare Awards UK, and published From Fully Booked To Freedom, a guide to pricing, recurring revenue, client retention, boundaries and time management. The book reached number one in several Amazon categories, while Chaplin continues to campaign against burnout culture in the beauty industry.

The UK government has rejected the £1.3 billion Northfleet Harbourside scheme, which included 3,500 homes, retail space and an 8,000-seat Ebbsfleet United stadium, after a planning inquiry found that future residents could face harmful lead exposure from the adjacent Britannia Refined Metals refinery. BRM says its site is tightly regulated, monitored by the Environment Agency and suitable for industrial use, but not for the scale of housing proposed next door. Ebbsfleet United, local leaders and Gravesham MP Lauren Sullivan are seeking historic air and soil monitoring data and an independent assessment of risks to existing residents and workers. Sullivan will meet Housing Secretary Angela Rayner to discuss Gravesham’s housing needs and the consequences of the refusal. The decision also threatens the football club’s planned investment amid its suspension from the National League over HMRC debts and wider concerns about its financial viability.

Aegis Energy is seeking public feedback before submitting plans to Dartford Council for a multi-energy HGV and van charging and refuelling hub at Littlebrook Business Park, near the Dartford Crossing. The proposed facility would include electric charging bays, HVO refuelling, HGV parking, van charging, driver welfare facilities, a truck wash and up to 4,000 square metres of industrial and logistics space. The company says the hub would support freight decarbonisation, improve local air quality, create jobs and form part of a five-site network planned for operation by the end of 2028. Feedback is requested by August 17, 2026.

The UK government refused permission for the £1.3 billion Northfleet Harbourside scheme, overturning Gravesham Borough Council’s 2024 approval. The proposed development included 3,500 homes, shops, offices, a hotel and an 8,000-seat Ebbsfleet United stadium. Inspectors cited the loss of the operational Robins Wharf, risks from lead pollution near Britannia Refined Metals, the displacement of about 600 industrial jobs, unresolved land ownership and doubts about the project’s financial viability. Ebbsfleet United called the decision shocking and warned of lost investment, while local businesses, the Port of London Authority and other objectors welcomed it. The club is proceeding with a proposed takeover led by John O’Leary but must restructure its finances without the development’s anticipated revenue; the applicants have six weeks to consider a High Court appeal.

Lidl has announced plans for a 1,529-square-metre supermarket off London Road in Stone, near Bluewater, representing a multi-million-pound investment and potentially creating up to 40 jobs. The proposal includes 117 parking spaces, solar panels supplying about 20% of the store’s electricity, rapid electric-vehicle chargers, landscaping, pedestrian access and highway improvements. Residents are being invited to comment during the consultation, with a planning decision expected next summer. If approved, construction could begin in late 2027 or early 2028, with opening targeted for late 2028 or early 2029. The store would form part of the wider Atlas Park redevelopment of a former quarry and landfill site, where other planned facilities include retail, offices and sports pitches; a proposed medical centre is reportedly no longer proceeding after NHS rejection.

Former Metropolitan Police officer Lauren Evans, 35, of Maidstone, has had her sentence for perverting the course of justice increased from one year to two years after the Court of Appeal deemed the original punishment unduly lenient. Evans falsely claimed that a Kent Police officer had stopped and intimately searched her, prompting a major investigation involving more than 30 detectives and 1,500 hours of work. Her account led to the wrongful arrest of an innocent officer, who was held for 23 hours. Evans was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police for discreditable conduct and ordered to return to custody to serve the increased sentence.

Strood-born teacher Isaac Newell emigrated to Argentina in 1869, helped introduce football rules and equipment, and founded the Argentine Commercial Anglican School. His son later created Newell's Old Boys in his honour, using the school's red-and-black colours. The Rosario club became Lionel Messi's boyhood team and youth club, as well as a pathway for other Argentine stars including Diego Maradona, Mauricio Pochettino and Gabriel Batistuta. Newell's legacy is now commemorated in Strood through a trophy, an exhibition and local efforts to erect a statue.

A record-size tunnel boring machine built by Herrenknecht in Germany will be used for the Lower Thames Crossing, creating the UK’s longest road tunnel to ease congestion near the Dartford Crossing. National Highways confirmed the machine will begin work in 2028, delivered in segments by sea and operated by the Bouygues TP Murphy Joint Venture. The project aims to double road capacity across the Thames and support economic growth, while incorporating environmental considerations. Despite progress, the scheme faces scrutiny over financing, with concerns about taxpayer exposure and delays in publishing the full business case.

A Kent MP warns that the EU’s new biometric Entry/Exit System could cause 12‑hour queues at Dover, blocking ambulances and endangering travellers during peak summer traffic. The government plans additional French border staff and traffic‑management measures, including Operation Brock and a holding area at Lydden Hill. The Transport Secretary will meet the EU transport commissioner to discuss concerns while defending UK preparations, dismissing the MP’s warnings as scaremongering.

Police released CCTV of Jason Lawrence, a 54‑year‑old man last seen on Kennington Road in Ashford on July 11. Officers provided his description and appealed for anyone with urgent information to call 999, with other details directed to 101 or the Kent Police live chat service.

England’s World Cup round‑of‑16 match against Mexico may be rescheduled to 7pm UK time due to forecasts of thunderstorms in Mexico City, though FIFA has not confirmed the change. An earlier kickoff could further benefit pubs in Kent following the government’s decision to allow extended opening hours until 5am, a move criticised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council for its late notice. Police officials urged fans to act responsibly as forces adjust their plans while awaiting confirmation of any schedule changes.

The Goodyear Blimp made a second appearance in Kent within the week, flying over Maidstone, Leeds Castle, Medway, and Gravesend after arriving via Calais as part of a multi-day tour of England. The airship, normally based in Essen-Mülheim and Lake Constance, drew attention from onlookers who shared images of its flight. Known for its role in major sporting and entertainment events, the blimp cruised at up to 73 mph and offered aerial views of Kent landmarks before continuing its UK itinerary.

A Goodyear Blimp flight over Kent offered rare aerial views as the airship made its first local appearance in four years after departing Calais. The blimp passed over Dover and Canterbury, capturing images of prominent landmarks including Canterbury Cathedral and the St Lawrence Ground. Typically based in Germany, the aircraft will continue several days of flights across England for the US tyre company, drawing public attention as it travels slowly at low altitude. This visit follows earlier returns to the UK in 2021 and 2022 after a decade-long absence.

A collision involving a lorry and a car on the eastbound M20 between junctions 3 and 4 caused heavy congestion on the A228 Snodland Bypass and surrounding roads. Traffic was temporarily held while Highways officers cleared the vehicles, leading motorists to divert through Snodland and creating further queues along Malling Road. No police attendance was required.

Emergency services, including multiple police vehicles and ambulances, responded to an unidentified incident near Waterfront UTC in Gillingham, establishing a cordon before scaling back their presence. The public walkway and nearby traffic routes later reopened, and police stated they were awaiting confirmation of the situation while maintaining a small remaining presence at the scene.

A 15‑year‑old girl, Ruby Morris, was reported missing after last being seen in the Haine Road area between Margate and Manston. She is believed to have possibly travelled by train to central London, with a potential sighting near Euston station late the same night. Kent Police issued her description and urged the public to call 999 with urgent information or use live chat or 101 for other details.

A man in his 20s was knocked unconscious after being punched by two unidentified men in an alleyway behind the Co-op on Borstal Street in Medway. Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses or CCTV footage, while the victim received hospital treatment and was later discharged.

Fire crews extinguished a large agricultural fire in Sweets Lane, East Malling after deploying six engines and a bulk water carrier. The blaze affected machinery, outbuildings and large amounts of wood chip and logs, but caused no injuries. Residents were initially advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, but the warning was lifted once the fire was fully out and crews completed damping down. Authorities have not yet identified the cause.

A Gillingham man, Thomas Bull, received a five–year, three–month prison sentence at Maidstone Crown Court for coercive control, repeated assaults and intentional strangulation of a former partner. He isolated the victim, subjected her to violence, and damaged her home by urinating on her belongings. Police arrested him in December 2024, and he later pleaded guilty to multiple charges. Authorities commended the victim’s courage and urged others in abusive relationships to seek help.

Aegis Energy plans to transform part of the former Littlebrook Power Station in Dartford into an electric HGV charging and clean fuels hub aimed at cutting emissions and improving air quality. The project targets one of the UK’s major freight corridors near the Dartford Crossing and is expected to reduce roadside HGV parking while offering improved driver facilities. The company has acquired the site from Tritax Big Box and Bericote Properties and intends to submit a planning application later in the year, with community engagement forming part of the process. Supportive statements from industry and environmental figures highlight the hub’s role in enabling commercial transport to transition away from fossil fuels while supporting logistics and local economic activity.

A meningitis outbreak in Canterbury has resulted in the deaths of a University of Kent student and a pupil from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School. The UK Health Security Agency identified multiple suspected cases and arranged antibiotics for students, particularly those in specific accommodation blocks. Club Chemistry, a student nightclub, has been linked to several people who became ill, prompting a public statement from the venue. Universities and health officials are coordinating responses, cancelling in‑person exams and providing guidance while students express anxiety and confusion. Local leaders have offered condolences, and a petition has emerged calling for the campus to temporarily close as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

A 75-bed dementia care home at the Chatham Waters development has reached its topping-out milestone, with completion scheduled for summer. The facility, developed by Montpelier Estates and Apex Contractors for Peel Waters, will feature amenities including a cinema, café, hair salon and rooftop sensory garden. The project is part of Peel Waters’ wider regeneration of the former industrial site, which has already delivered 600 homes and community infrastructure. Representatives from local authorities, developers and partner organisations attended the ceremony, which marks the start of interior works and the continuation of job creation and community engagement efforts.

Emergency services resumed their search for a woman reportedly seen entering the River Stour near Pound Lane in Canterbury. Fire crews, technical rescue teams and a police helicopter carried out extensive searches of the river and surrounding areas before being stood down near midnight, with efforts restarting the following morning. Sections near the river were cordoned off as search and rescue teams continued operations around North Lane and Kingsmead Road.

Heavy traffic caused delays for nearly 30,000 cars heading to Dover for Christmas ferry departures, prompting P&O Ferries to advise passengers to allow extra time. The Port of Dover urged travellers not to arrive more than two hours early and later reported free‑flowing traffic. Southeastern rail passengers were also warned of potential disruption due to engineering work near Tonbridge.

An independent review ruled out merging the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust with the Medway NHS Foundation Trust, prompting the creation of a new working group with a shared board and future joint leadership. Both trusts will remain separate while cooperating to improve patient care, reduce waiting times, and make better use of NHS resources. Senior leaders emphasized shared challenges and the benefits of coordinated decision‑making as they begin developing the group’s operating structure and priorities.

Hundreds of dog owners attended Faversham Pools’ end-of-summer Fido Lido swim sessions, where up to 35 dogs at a time enjoyed the pool before its winter closure. The event featured separate zones for confident and less confident dogs, drew enthusiastic crowds, and sold out quickly, prompting organisers to add an additional fully-booked weekend block. Attendees praised the enjoyment and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the event’s strong community appeal.

Thousands are expected in London for Tommy Robinson’s ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally, opposed by a Stand Up To Racism counter‑march, prompting a major policing operation involving more than 1,600 officers, including units from Kent Police. The Metropolitan Police has raised concerns about potential tensions, particularly for Muslim communities, but urged residents to continue normal activities, assuring safety measures and strict protest conditions. Both demonstrations will march to opposite ends of Whitehall, with barriers and a large separation zone in place to reduce the risk of disorder.

A man in his 40s was seriously injured in a stabbing on Northdown Road in Cliftonville, Margate, prompting police to cordon off the area for forensic investigation. Officers arrested a 20-year-old man from Thanet in connection with the attack, and detectives are appealing for witnesses and relevant footage. The victim was taken to a London hospital and is in serious but stable condition.

Kent County Council leaders from Reform UK directed the removal of transgender‑related books from children’s library areas after alleging inappropriate material was found, but the council later clarified that no policy had changed and the referenced book had been displayed in an adult section. Opposition councillors and LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the move as censorship and improper governance, highlighting concerns over sidelined processes and the stigmatization of transgender and neurodivergent communities. The debate has fueled wider political tension over culture‑war issues in the county.

Heritage crime in Kent is rising, with churches, historic sites, and protected wrecks increasingly targeted for theft, vandalism, and illegal metal detecting. Recent incidents include the theft of First World War memorial plaques and illegal recovery of items from shipwrecks. Law enforcement and Historic England highlight the cultural loss caused by such crimes and stress the need for better crime reporting to allocate resources effectively. Kent Police, supported by local universities and heritage organisations, are using property marking, community reporting apps, and emerging technologies like AI to prevent and investigate offences. Officials emphasise that partnerships, vigilance, and accurate reporting are essential to protecting historic sites and preserving community heritage for future generations.

A man previously banned from all Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores in Kent was jailed for 12 months after stealing meat products from a Gillingham Co-op three times in ten days, breaching an existing Criminal Behaviour Order. Police arrested him on June 14, and he pleaded guilty to theft and CBO breaches. Authorities stated the order was intended to protect local businesses and affirmed continued action against retail crime.