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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.

New traffic fine powers used sparingly - but bus gate cameras on the way

27 April 2024
New traffic fine powers used sparingly - but bus gate cameras on the way

New powers for councils to enforce so-called moving traffic offences have been used sparingly to date - although new ANPR cameras could be on the way.

11

‘Nothing can bring mum back, but we hope hospital’s learned from mistakes’

27 April 2024
‘Nothing can bring mum back, but we hope hospital’s learned from mistakes’

Medics did not spot a 91-year-old’s broken leg and failed to give her vital medication, an inquest has heard.

Row over ‘misleading’ election pamphlet

25 April 2024
Row over ‘misleading’ election pamphlet

A councillor has defended a privately-funded election pamphlet after claims it resembled an official parish council release.

1

Hope for parents protesting loss of green where children play

25 April 2024
Hope for parents protesting loss of green where children play

A controversial decision to build a car park on a green space near a school could be reconsidered.

MPs urge people to object to 1,300-home plans in ‘precious’ countryside

25 April 2024
MPs urge people to object to 1,300-home plans in ‘precious’ countryside

Two MPs are urging their constituents to object to plans for 1,300 homes on a greenfield site.

3

Mayor takes blindfolded train journey

25 April 2024
Mayor takes blindfolded train journey

Dignitaries donned blindfolds to experience what it is like for the visually impaired to travel on the railways.

‘Pretty soon we’re going to have a serious rat problem’

24 April 2024
‘Pretty soon we’re going to have a serious rat problem’

Residents of a block of flats say issues with their new waste collection service have left them with an overflowing bin store.

5

Revealed: Kent’s parking charge hotspots

24 April 2024
Revealed: Kent’s parking charge hotspots

New figures obtained by KentOnline have revealed which councils make the most money from parking and which street has dished out the most tickets.

36

Wetlands to boost wildlife and protect against flooding

23 April 2024
Wetlands to boost wildlife and protect against flooding

A new wetland area is to be created, despite fears from neighbours it could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

3

New pavilion plans at one of world’s oldest cricket clubs

23 April 2024
New pavilion plans at one of world’s oldest cricket clubs

An historic cricket team based in the grounds of a castle is looking to raise £500k after getting the green light to build a new clubhouse.

Dog-walking field approved five years after opening

23 April 2024
Dog-walking field approved five years after opening

A prospective councillor has apologised for not seeking planning permission before using a field as a pet exercise enclosure.

2

Drivers given fake parking penalty notices

23 April 2024
Drivers given fake parking penalty notices

A council has issued a warning following a spate of phoney penalty charge notices being issued.

‘People are worried they won’t be able to get to the hospital’

23 April 2024
‘People are worried they won’t be able to get to the hospital’

Villagers are being invited to a public meeting to discuss their concerns over plans for a new community of 1,300 homes.

1

Thousands sign petition against new Sunday parking fees

22 April 2024
Thousands sign petition against new Sunday parking fees

A council is set to debate a decision to extend parking charges into evenings, bank holidays and weekends after a huge backlash.

Person burned in house fire started by candle

22 April 2024
Person burned in house fire started by candle

A resident was injured after an improperly extinguished candle set fire to their home.

1

‘Our record saw 109 exhausts fitted one Saturday’

21 April 2024
‘Our record saw 109 exhausts fitted one Saturday’

A new business fitted only one exhaust on its first day, but 50 years later business is great.

12

‘We met at the pub - now we’re making award-winning gin together’

21 April 2024
‘We met at the pub - now we’re making award-winning gin together’

A pair of friends who began experimenting with making their own spirits have won gold for their gin at the first attempt.

8

‘Fortnum and Masons it ain’t’ - Christmas tree seller fears closure over rates tax bill

21 April 2024
‘Fortnum and Masons it ain’t’ - Christmas tree seller fears closure over rates tax bill

A Christmas tree farmer is appealing against a ratings valuation he says could put him out of business and cost his staff their jobs.

24

Football legend spotted filming at M&S

20 April 2024
Football legend spotted filming at M&S

Customers at an M&S store were amazed to spot former England footballer Ian Wright while they were doing their shopping.

8

Mum ‘forced’ to smuggle drugs into prison

20 April 2024
Mum ‘forced’ to smuggle drugs into prison

A serial fraudster who took cocaine into a jail hidden in a crisp packet says she had been made to fear for her life.

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