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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.

Curry house car park could be carved up for new cul-de-sac

12 April 2025
Curry house car park could be carved up for new cul-de-sac

A developer has submitted a new housing plan for a site round the back of an Indian restaurant.

Celebrations as councillors refuse orchard homes plan

09 April 2025
Celebrations as councillors refuse orchard homes plan

Champagne corks are popping as a village defeats an unwelcome planning application for the third time.

10

Farmers market saved after council u-turn

09 April 2025
Farmers market saved after council u-turn

A treasured farmers market has been saved following a council U-turn on parking.

Neighbours’ anger at farm’s plan for 55 acres of polytunnels for strawberries

08 April 2025
Neighbours’ anger at farm’s plan for 55 acres of polytunnels for strawberries

Two new applications for polytunnel sites on a farm will be a blot on the landscape, say neighbours.

5

Councillor admits going over 30mph limit during debate on speed camera

07 April 2025
Councillor admits going over 30mph limit during debate on speed camera

A councillor has been told his driving was “irresponsible, dangerous and illegal”, after he admitted speeding in 30mph zones.

6

Tree fire and roadworks cause chaos on busy route

07 April 2025
Tree fire and roadworks cause chaos on busy route

A tree on fire and roadworks combined to bring traffic to a halt on a key artery this morning.

‘Another day, another diversion’: Dismay as additional road closure ordered to fix ‘large void’

07 April 2025
‘Another day, another diversion’: Dismay as additional road closure ordered to fix ‘large void’

The sight of workmen at an already closed road junction delighted residents this morning - only for them to learn it’s for an additional road closure.

New leisure centre could cost £23m, as location agreed

06 April 2025
New leisure centre could cost £23m, as location agreed

A council will have to borrow to meet the ‘eye-watering’ cost of a new leisure centre.

3

‘We’ve been married 70 years and seldom had a cross word’

06 April 2025
‘We’ve been married 70 years and seldom had a cross word’

A couple in their nineties are celebrating their Platinum wedding anniversary after 70 years of happy marriage.

Fire crews tackle big blaze at farm

06 April 2025
Fire crews tackle big blaze at farm

A fire in an agricultural building sparked a massive emergency response.

Six-mile tailbacks at Dartford Tunnel after roadworks overrun

06 April 2025
Six-mile tailbacks at Dartford Tunnel after roadworks overrun

Drivers are suffered huge delays today after part of the Dartford Tunnel closed due to overrunning roadworks.

1

Two charged with attempted murder after stabbing

06 April 2025
Two charged with attempted murder after stabbing

Two men have been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in quiet cul-de-sac.

Crews called to house on fire

06 April 2025
Crews called to house on fire

Four fire crews attended a blaze in the music room of a house.

Crews tackle grass fire by railway

06 April 2025
Crews tackle grass fire by railway

Firefighters were called to a grass fire on the embankment beside a railway.

All aboard! 5,000 free bus rides up for grabs

05 April 2025
All aboard! 5,000 free bus rides up for grabs

A bus operator is offering 5,000 people a free ride to entice them back to public transport

More than 30,000 migrants cross Channel since Starmer became PM

05 April 2025
More than 30,000 migrants cross Channel since Starmer became PM

A total of 154 people made the crossing in four boats yesterday, according to latest Home Office figures.

Driver hits parked cars and flips his vehicle

05 April 2025
Driver hits parked cars and flips his vehicle

Six cars have been written off after an overnight crash in a 20mph zone.

3

‘It’s a great pub and about to get better’

05 April 2025
‘It’s a great pub and about to get better’

A ‘tired-looking’ traditional pub is to get a £325k makeover and a Birra Moretti beer garden.

Crews tackle village barn blaze

05 April 2025
Crews tackle village barn blaze

An electrical fault is believed to be behind a fire at a barn.

Four arrests after stabbing left man ‘soaked in blood’

05 April 2025
Four arrests after stabbing left man ‘soaked in blood’

Police are still at the scene of a stabbing but have made four arrests, it’s been revealed.

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