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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.

Nuclear test veteran hopes BBC film ‘could be as big as Mr Bates Vs the Post Office’

14 November 2024
Nuclear test veteran hopes BBC film ‘could be as big as Mr Bates Vs the Post Office’

Three Kent veterans from Britain’s nuclear test programme of the 1950s have taken part in a documentary exposing the “scandal” of their treatment.

Care company’s service rated ‘inadequate’

14 November 2024
Care company’s service rated ‘inadequate’

A company that looks after people in supported living accommodation has been placed in special measures and ordered to make urgent improvements.

Second bridge closure causes ‘rush-hour chaos’

14 November 2024
Second bridge closure causes ‘rush-hour chaos’

Emergency repairs to a leaking water main have cut off a key river crossing just a few miles from another bridge that’s closed.

2

International renewable energy firm has its eyes on a site in Kent

10 November 2024
International renewable energy firm has its eyes on a site in Kent

An international renewable energy company hopes to build a new hydrogen generation factory in the county.

3

Churchgoers frustrated as road shuts for third time in three months

09 November 2024
Churchgoers frustrated as road shuts for third time in three months

Long-suffering churchgoers have been told to expect another road closure outside their place of worship.

2

‘A man with Parkinson’s had to sleep in our offices - we need more homeless accommodation’

02 November 2024
‘A man with Parkinson’s had to sleep in our offices - we need more homeless accommodation’

A charity is appealing for backers to help solve a town’s homelessness crisis as the hotels it relies on look to close.

2

‘First no birthday cards, now post delays are affecting my business’

02 November 2024
‘First no birthday cards, now post delays are affecting my business’

A family have hit out at Royal Mail after going weeks without any deliveries.

17

‘What’s happening to millions promised for ditched road improvements?’

02 November 2024
‘What’s happening to millions promised for ditched road improvements?’

Councillors say it is “unacceptable” that junction upgrades have been axed after being allocated government and developer cash.

12

Calls for lower speed limit after fourth crash at new junction

01 November 2024
Calls for lower speed limit after fourth crash at new junction

Residents want safety upgrades at a newly opened junction following several collisions.

5

Appeal for help finding missing teen

01 November 2024
Appeal for help finding missing teen

Police are asking the public to look out for a missing 16-year-old boy last seen at a railway station.

‘Turning offices into homes is putting too much strain on our schools, GPs and more’

29 October 2024
‘Turning offices into homes is putting too much strain on our schools, GPs and more’

A local authority has blasted the government’s planning policies for failing its residents.

3

Parents fighting for new secondary school step up campaign

29 October 2024
Parents fighting for new secondary school step up campaign

Campaigners are lobbying for a new secondary school as their children face “intolerable” daily journeys to class.

1

M2 slip road to remain closed for several weeks

29 October 2024
M2 slip road to remain closed for several weeks

A slip road off the M2 will remain closed for several more weeks for emergency bridge repairs.

5

Former wedding venue to be turned into flats

28 October 2024
Former wedding venue to be turned into flats

A businessman has won the right to convert his disused hotel into homes.

Historic England rejects listed status for old school

28 October 2024
Historic England rejects listed status for old school

Villagers’ attempts to have their old national school building listed have failed.

1

‘I loved my time as a Wren - but I wasn’t a very good shot!’

27 October 2024
‘I loved my time as a Wren - but I wasn’t a very good shot!’

The Women’s Royal Naval Service Association has honoured its oldest surviving member from the Second World War - at the age of 105.

New taxi licence plates to help keep women passengers safe

25 October 2024
New taxi licence plates to help keep women passengers safe

A council is clamping down on taxi drivers who refuse to take passengers without cash or for short journeys.

River quality found to be ‘poor’

24 October 2024
River quality found to be ‘poor’

A national test project has found high levels of phosphates and nitrates in a town’s river and streams.

2

Burglars cause £1,500 of damage at wildlife reserve

24 October 2024
Burglars cause £1,500 of damage at wildlife reserve

Thieves broke into a visitor centre at a wildlife reserve causing £1,500 worth of damage.

Expanding waste plastic firm unveils new HQ

24 October 2024
Expanding waste plastic firm unveils new HQ

A company that converts waste plastic back into oil is opening a new plant in Kent, bringing 21 jobs to the area.

1
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