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Cara Simmonds

Cara Simmonds joined the KM Group in 2022 as a reporter for the Kent Messenger.

‘We never expected this’: Preschool vandalised by catapult yobs

26 March 2025
‘We never expected this’: Preschool vandalised by catapult yobs

Staff were shocked and disappointed to find their much-loved preschool had been damaged by vandals.

Main road reopens after crash and oil spillage

25 March 2025
Main road reopens after crash and oil spillage

Police closed off access to a busy main road after a crash involving a lorry and a car - leading to long rush-hour queues.

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First look at Primark store to open in town

25 March 2025
First look at Primark store to open in town

Fresh plans and CGIs have revealed the look of a highly-anticipated Primark branch.

Dog owners warned of legal action after ‘disturbing’ number of trees stripped in parks

24 March 2025
Dog owners warned of legal action after ‘disturbing’ number of trees stripped in parks

A stark warning has been given to dog owners after several trees in local parks had their bark removed.

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‘The whole coastline needs a deep cleanse’: Petition launched to clear mounds of rubbish

22 March 2025
‘The whole coastline needs a deep cleanse’: Petition launched to clear mounds of rubbish

A petition has been launched to remove illegally dumped waste from a once-beautiful and secluded section of coastline.

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‘Too many public toilets are closing – we upgraded ours’

21 March 2025
‘Too many public toilets are closing – we upgraded ours’

A brand-new loo has been unveiled and £15k of funding has been secured for further improvements at a park.

Council looks to spend £37,400 to improve two parking sites after charges introduced

20 March 2025
Council looks to spend £37,400 to improve two parking sites after charges introduced

More than £35,000 is needed to install CCTV and repair two parking sites, which has been subject to an ongoing debate.

Action taken after ‘selfish’ fly-tippers dump near country park

19 March 2025
Action taken after ‘selfish’ fly-tippers dump near country park

Measures have been installed to prevent “selfish” fly-tippers from regularly dumping waste near a park.

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Mum's horror after speeding car nearly hits daughter in four-vehicle pile-up

19 March 2025
Mum's horror after speeding car nearly hits daughter in four-vehicle pile-up

A mum says her daughter was just moments away from being crushed after a car smashed into a line of parked vehicles.

Strip of land left unsold despite bids at auction

18 March 2025
Strip of land left unsold despite bids at auction

A strip of grass in a residential street, which was marketed as a potential plot for building two homes, has not sold despite bids.

Opening date revealed for banking hub

17 March 2025
Opening date revealed for banking hub

The opening date of a new banking hub which will serve thousands of people has been revealed.

‘I’m trying not to cry’: Baby boutique to shut after sudden parking hike

16 March 2025
‘I’m trying not to cry’: Baby boutique to shut after sudden parking hike

The owners of a children’s clothing shop have decided to close after more than two decades of trading at a shopping centre.

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‘We’d paid for parking but got fined - the system is archaic’

15 March 2025
‘We’d paid for parking but got fined - the system is archaic’

A couple say they were “fooled” after being slapped with a parking fine despite paying £290 to renew their permit.

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Family-run car dealership on the market for nearly £1m

14 March 2025
Family-run car dealership on the market for nearly £1m

A car sales site is up for sale for nearly £1m – with potential plans to become apartments.

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Customers ‘gutted’ after farm closes shop and PYO after 50 years

13 March 2025
Customers ‘gutted’ after farm closes shop and PYO after 50 years

A family-run farm has shut its shop and pick-your-own facilities after 50 years of trading.

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Former gift shop sold with approval for flats

13 March 2025
Former gift shop sold with approval for flats

A gift shop has been sold with planning permission for an extension and two flats.

Chocolate thief jailed after stealing 20 boxes of Ferrero Rocher

12 March 2025
Chocolate thief jailed after stealing 20 boxes of Ferrero Rocher

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds of items from supermarkets, including luxury chocolates.

Arson probe under way after car explodes in residential road

11 March 2025
Arson probe under way after car explodes in residential road

An arson investigation has been launched after a burning car exploded in a cul-de-sac.

Video shows moment car explodes in residential street

07 March 2025
Video shows moment car explodes in residential street

Stunned residents watched on in horror as three cars were set alight in a quiet cul-de-sac.

Plans approved for Lidl store after third try - despite last-minute objection

07 March 2025
Plans approved for Lidl store after third try - despite last-minute objection

Plans to build a new discount supermarket have been approved for a third time, despite a last-minute objection from a competitor.

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