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‘Parents could better control phone use if schools stopped setting homework online’

‘Parents could better control phone use if schools stopped setting homework online’

07 May 2024

It’s secondary schools that make it difficult for children to go without a phone, suggests our columnist, as technology has overtaken pen and paper.

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'How's the UK faring post-Brexit? Just look at political shenanigans over new border checks'

'How's the UK faring post-Brexit? Just look at political shenanigans over new border checks'

07 May 2024

The “perplexing” decision to carry out border checks 22 miles inland has caused much political wrangling, writes columnist Paul Francis…

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‘Just imagine if our beaches introduced an entry fee’

‘Just imagine if our beaches introduced an entry fee’

04 May 2024

Big crowds hitting our beaches but bringing their own food and drink deprives our coastal towns of essential income, our columnist urges a rethink.

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‘If you think a sentence is too low, don’t be quick to judge the judge’

‘If you think a sentence is too low, don’t be quick to judge the judge’

03 May 2024

Judges are often criticised for being “too soft” with their sentences, but as our crown court reporter explains, it’s sometimes out of their hands…

13

‘Ownership isn’t the only option - we need decent homes at affordable rent’

‘Ownership isn’t the only option - we need decent homes at affordable rent’

02 May 2024

The housing shortage, the Rwanda plan, the rise of tech and how to deal with litterbugs are some of the topics tackled on this week’s letters page.

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‘Choice at the barbers nowadays is staggering - all I want is a short back and sides’

‘Choice at the barbers nowadays is staggering - all I want is a short back and sides’

01 May 2024

While waiting at the barbers for a trim, Secret Thinker marvels at the choice nowadays - from fader and razor cuts to hot towel shaves and singeing.

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‘Sure Start was a lifeline – reviving it would be a vote winner’

‘Sure Start was a lifeline – reviving it would be a vote winner’

30 April 2024

Children living near Sure Start centres got better GCSEs and its among the reasons, says our columnist, why the next government must bring them back.

2

‘When will Rishi call a general election? The timing could make all the difference’

‘When will Rishi call a general election? The timing could make all the difference’

29 April 2024

With a general election looming this year, political editor Paul Francis explores the potential impact of its timing on the Conservatives’ chances.

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‘When will the McDonald’s invasion of Kent ever end?’

‘When will the McDonald’s invasion of Kent ever end?’

27 April 2024

Fast-food chain McDonald’s is expanding its Kent offering at a rapid pace - but is enough enough, asks our columnist…

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‘Local politicians do unglamorous, practical work that won’t win you a cheer from the Question Time audience’

‘Local politicians do unglamorous, practical work that won’t win you a cheer from the Question Time audience’

26 April 2024

The vain, grandstanding politicians we see on television are very different to those working quietly for their communities, our columnist argues.

2

‘Housebuilding opposition is well organised - who speaks up for those who need homes?’

‘Housebuilding opposition is well organised - who speaks up for those who need homes?’

25 April 2024

The housing shortage, the loss of vital services and voter cynicism are among topics tackled in this week’s letters to the editor.

7

‘Potholes go unfixed while major route faces traffic chaos for pointless roadworks’

‘Potholes go unfixed while major route faces traffic chaos for pointless roadworks’

24 April 2024

Secret Thinker is being driven round the bend by traffic chaos caused by “pointless roadworks” on a major route - while potholes elsewhere go unfixed.

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‘Smacking children is lazy parenting and it should be banned’

‘Smacking children is lazy parenting and it should be banned’

23 April 2024

Doctors are right to call for a smacking ban, believes our columnist, who suggests hitting children says far more about our failings as adults.

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'Crime commissioner role remains frustratingly difficult to explain to voters’

'Crime commissioner role remains frustratingly difficult to explain to voters’

22 April 2024

Political editor Paul Francis explores the often misunderstood role of police and crime commissioners ahead of the looming elections.

14

‘Seaside town’s revival is all thanks to food’

‘Seaside town’s revival is all thanks to food’

20 April 2024

While some of our coastal towns used art as the catalyst for their reinvention, one town hit upon a better recipe for success - food.

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'If we ditched waste disposal charges, rubbish wouldn't be dumped in country lanes'

'If we ditched waste disposal charges, rubbish wouldn't be dumped in country lanes'

18 April 2024

Poverty, fly-tipping, privatisation of utilities and the impact of technology are among the topics tackled in this week’s letters to the editor.

15

‘Face-off with road rage hothead made me realise my scrapping days are over’

‘Face-off with road rage hothead made me realise my scrapping days are over’

17 April 2024

He’s had his fair share of bust-ups, but in the face of an aggressive driver this week, Secret Thinker found himself taking the high road.

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‘Amsterdam is spotlessly clean and parking £5 a day so where is Kent going wrong?’

‘Amsterdam is spotlessly clean and parking £5 a day so where is Kent going wrong?’

16 April 2024

After a break in Holland where the streets were clean and parking cheap our columnist has been left wondering what could Kent learn from the Dutch?

12

‘Lib Dems appear to be making a comeback – but why not in Kent?’

‘Lib Dems appear to be making a comeback – but why not in Kent?’

15 April 2024

The Lib Dems seem to be having a problem gaining traction in Kent - and political editor Paul Francis thinks it could be all down to Labour...

5

‘Can you remember these blasts from Kent’s past?’

‘Can you remember these blasts from Kent’s past?’

13 April 2024

Getting older means you remember a very different Kent to today - our columnist takes a trip down memory lane.

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