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Cara Simmonds

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

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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Nine arrests as fifth cannabis farm shut in a week

07 March 2025
Nine arrests as fifth cannabis farm shut in a week

Several arrests have been made as part of a sting operation disrupting and shutting down large-scale cannabis cultivations across the county.

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£2.5m unit for children with special needs approved

19 February 2025
£2.5m unit for children with special needs approved

A disused school workshop is to be transformed into a £2.5m unit for children with additional needs in time for the next academic year.

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Road rage ‘assault’ sees motorist arrested

17 February 2025
Road rage ‘assault’ sees motorist arrested

Police are trying to track down a driver who was allegedly assaulted by another motorist following a crash.

Home plagued by drugs and crime shut down by police

17 February 2025
Home plagued by drugs and crime shut down by police

Police have secured a closure order on a property which became a hub for drug misuse and violent crime.

Plans to build 450 homes in flood zone slammed as ‘irresponsible’

17 February 2025
Plans to build 450 homes in flood zone slammed as ‘irresponsible’

Proposals to build a new housing estate near a river have been condemned amid fears of flooding and surging insurance policy costs.

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Plans revealed to transform former high street Wilko store

16 February 2025
Plans revealed to transform former high street Wilko store

Plans have been submitted to transform a three-storey high street building once home to a Wilko, which has been empty for more than a year.

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The housing estate promised everything - but left in the dark

16 February 2025
The housing estate promised everything - but left in the dark

Residents living on a housing estate that had been promised a school and a shop are being left in the dark after the street lights stopped working.

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Walker stunned to find ‘ginormous’ 20ft pipe washed up on beach

14 February 2025
Walker stunned to find ‘ginormous’ 20ft pipe washed up on beach

A resident was shocked after coming across a massive metal pipe during his walk along a beach.

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Drug driver left boy, 10, with ‘appalling’ injuries after running red light

13 February 2025
Drug driver left boy, 10, with ‘appalling’ injuries after running red light

A motorist who hit and seriously injured a 10-year-old boy while high on cannabis has been jailed.

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Kent buildings shortlisted for national architectural award

12 February 2025
Kent buildings shortlisted for national architectural award

Three building projects in Kent are among the nominations for a national architectural award.

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Mum sets up charity in honour of daughter with rare brain disorder

11 February 2025
Mum sets up charity in honour of daughter with rare brain disorder

A mum has set up a charity after her nine-year-old girl was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition that affects just 500 people worldwide.

Violent abuser bit off part of father’s ear in station assault

11 February 2025
Violent abuser bit off part of father’s ear in station assault

A man who bit off part of a victim’s ear in an unprovoked attack in a station underpass has been jailed.

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Former jewellers to become convenience store

10 February 2025
Former jewellers to become convenience store

A high street unit that was home to a national retailer for more than 18 years could become a convenience store.

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Former sports centre sold for more than £700k at auction

10 February 2025
Former sports centre sold for more than £700k at auction

A youth and sports centre which was shut by Kent County Council as part of budget cuts has gone under the hammer.

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