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Alan Smith

Alan Smith joined the Kent Messenger as a trainee sub-editor in 1989. In 1998 he switched to a reporting role, chiefly on the Kent Messenger and subsequently on Kent Online.

Huge backlash over ‘reckless’ plans for new 120-home estate

15 February 2025
Huge backlash over ‘reckless’ plans for new 120-home estate

A developer’s bid to build 120 homes on farmland has attracted 230 letters of objection, despite talk of a doctors’ surgery.

9

‘It’s crunch time’ for new secondary school campaign

13 February 2025
‘It’s crunch time’ for new secondary school campaign

Hundreds of parents have backed a campaign to restore a non-selective secondary school to a part of Kent.

CCTV image released after attack outside nightclub

12 February 2025
CCTV image released after attack outside nightclub

An image of a man police would like to speak to after an attack at the weekend has been released.

Town centre residents demand a voice

12 February 2025
Town centre residents demand a voice

Fears of a “democratic deficit” following local government reorganisation have prompted a campaign to set up a new town council.

Parish councils could go if new town authority is created

12 February 2025
Parish councils could go if new town authority is created

Proposals to create an urban town council to address a “democratic deficit” could result in the abolition of 12 existing parish councils.

3

Town loses potential site for ‘much-needed’ school to housing

12 February 2025
Town loses potential site for ‘much-needed’ school to housing

A potential site for a much-needed new secondary school has been lost to housing - but there is a glimmer of hope for campaigners.

1

‘Too cramped’ and ‘ignored rules’: Residents pushback against HMOs

11 February 2025
‘Too cramped’ and ‘ignored rules’: Residents pushback against HMOs

Two more HMO applications are to be considered in part of a town which already has the highest proportion of that type of housing in a borough.

3

Dartford Tunnel partially closed after crash

09 February 2025
Dartford Tunnel partially closed after crash

Traffic is building as the Dartford Tunnel has been partially closed tonight following an accident.

Top chef praises two Kent restaurants

09 February 2025
Top chef praises two Kent restaurants

Two Kent restaurants have been singled out as offering good cheap food in a nationwide survey of Michelin-starred chefs.

Major housing projects for more than 8,000 homes under review

09 February 2025
Major housing projects for more than 8,000 homes under review

A borough’s three biggest housing schemes – which would see 8,300 new properties – are being put under the microscope.

7

Protesters hit the streets over royal’s plans for 2,500 homes: ‘Feed your people, not your pockets!’

08 February 2025
Protesters hit the streets over royal’s plans for 2,500 homes: ‘Feed your people, not your pockets!’

Frustrated protesters took to the streets today over Prince William’s plans to build 2,500 homes.

9

Multi-vehicle smash on busy motorway prompts gridlock

08 February 2025
Multi-vehicle smash on busy motorway prompts gridlock

A multi-vehicle smash on one of Kent’s busiest motorways prompted long delays.

Man, 37, arrested for indecent exposure

07 February 2025
Man, 37, arrested for indecent exposure

A 37-year-old has been arrested after reports of a man exposing himself in a town.

Teenage boy, 17, safely located

07 February 2025
Teenage boy, 17, safely located

Police say they have now safely located a missing teenager.

1

Woman arrested after ‘taking citizen tests in various disguises’

07 February 2025
Woman arrested after ‘taking citizen tests in various disguises’

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently taking UK citizenship tests for 12 people while in disguise.

Pensioner accused of sexual assault against shop worker

07 February 2025
Pensioner accused of sexual assault against shop worker

A pensioner is accused of making lewd gestures and sexually assaulting a shop assistant.

‘We thought they were sheep!’ White deer spotted on hillside

06 February 2025
‘We thought they were sheep!’ White deer spotted on hillside

A landowner was surprised to spot two white creatures running across his land.

1

Woodland saved from Tesco 25 years ago under threat again

06 February 2025
Woodland saved from Tesco 25 years ago under threat again

Volunteers working to protect ancient woodland which was once at risk of being turned into a car park are now facing a different battle.

12

Seven jailed for £22m construction industry fraud

05 February 2025
Seven jailed for £22m construction industry fraud

Six men and one woman have been sentenced for their part in a £22m construction industry fraud.

15

Village post office to close for makeover

05 February 2025
Village post office to close for makeover

A village post office is closing for a month for refurbishment.

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