The final fight against KIG has begun. In this week's Kent Messenger we report on the opening of the public inquiry which will decide whether or not a giant freight depot will be built on the outskirts of Bearsted. We were there to reports on the highs and lows of the first days of the hearing.

Our five-page special report on freight depots is not just about KIG, though. We also reveal for the first time the details of a rival scheme, known as KRAFT, being proposed at Borough Green.

We also lead this week on the news that our hospitals have been branded weak by health regulators for the third year in a row. Hospital bosses have been warned that there could be serious consequences if no improvements are made by next year.

There's a fresh appeal in the hunt for the killer of Danny King a year after he was shot at his home in Ditton, we have confirmation of a grant that will help revamp Maidstone Museum, and there are pictures of the finalists in our SEFA Street 2009 football competition, which will earn one child a trial with Chelsea.

Plus all the best news, views, sport and competitions - and find out why one village has been flooded with ferrets.