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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.

Award-winning online service hits one million users

06 June 2024
Award-winning online service hits one million users

One million people are now using a new digital platform to guide them to key local announcements.

2

Homes and sports hub plan for former golf course

06 June 2024
Homes and sports hub plan for former golf course

A new sports hub is proposed to accommodate football, padel tennis, a golf driving range and a restaurant, along with 100 new homes.

9

Tesco branch plans to sell clothing if extension is allowed

05 June 2024
Tesco branch plans to sell clothing if extension is allowed

Tesco wants to improve customers’ experience by adding two extensions to an existing store - but parking places will be lost.

1

‘The council is just not listening about Sunday parking charges’

05 June 2024
‘The council is just not listening about Sunday parking charges’

Voices were raised and banners were waved in a rally against the introduction of Sunday parking charges.

2

Man ‘assaulted’ female driver during A249 road rage

05 June 2024
Man ‘assaulted’ female driver during A249 road rage

Police are hunting a male driver who assaulted a woman in an alleged road rage attack.

1

Hugh Dennis opens new £640k museum gallery

04 June 2024
Hugh Dennis opens new £640k museum gallery

Radio and TV presenter Hugh Dennis has opened a town’s newest attraction.

Cause of garage fire remains unknown

04 June 2024
Cause of garage fire remains unknown

Two fire crews were called to a blaze in a garage this afternoon.

1

200 jobs could go as part of firm’s ‘new UK strategy’

04 June 2024
200 jobs could go as part of firm’s ‘new UK strategy’

A multinational company may shut its Kent base after 100 years at the site.

17

Flat blaze blamed on tumble dryer

03 June 2024
Flat blaze blamed on tumble dryer

Four fire crews were called to a fire in a block of flats thought to have been started by a tumble dryer.

Firefighters rescue horse trapped in a ditch

03 June 2024
Firefighters rescue horse trapped in a ditch

Firefighters used a hoist to rescue a horse from a water-filled dyke.

1

Unannounced hospital A&E inspection raises concerns

03 June 2024
Unannounced hospital A&E inspection raises concerns

A health watchdog is stepping in over concerns about a hospital’s A&E department.

6

Pensioner given court date after alleged sex assaults on four girls

03 June 2024
Pensioner given court date after alleged sex assaults on four girls

A 79-year-old man is alleged to have run his hand up a girl’s leg and made inappropriate suggestions.

Boy arrested after police chase

03 June 2024
Boy arrested after police chase

A teenager chased by police through a town centre was suspected of having a knife.

Tories face worst Kent results in modern history

03 June 2024
Tories face worst Kent results in modern history

The Tories could be left with just three seats in Kent following new polling which reveals the party is on course for a major election defeat.

119

Homes plan would see orchard built over

02 June 2024
Homes plan would see orchard built over

A proposal to build 52 homes on an established orchard has already attracted 200 objections.

6

‘End of an era’ as iconic cafe to shut after 23 years

01 June 2024
‘End of an era’ as iconic cafe to shut after 23 years

A popular cafe which has been providing breakfast and lunches to the town’s shoppers for more than two decades is shutting down.

4

By-election called after councillor quits his post

31 May 2024
By-election called after councillor quits his post

A Green councillor has resigned, prompting a by-election which will coincide with the general election.

‘Voters need to be given the chance to quiz election candidates’

31 May 2024
‘Voters need to be given the chance to quiz election candidates’

A resident is looking to organise his own general election hustings so voters can “ask the questions they want answers to”.

2

Family-run freight firm is an ‘export champion’

30 May 2024
Family-run freight firm is an ‘export champion’

A freight company has been given a royal honour in recognition of its overseas sales.

1

‘Appointments show utter contempt for hospitality industry’

30 May 2024
‘Appointments show utter contempt for hospitality industry’

A row has erupted over a council leader’s choice of appointments to chairman and vice chairman roles in a newly elected council.

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