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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.

‘It won’t be a garden village - it’s a new town’

17 July 2025
‘It won’t be a garden village - it’s a new town’

The housing density of a planned 5,000-home “garden village” will exceed that of neighbouring town, a parish council chairman has warned.

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Air ambulance called after crash involving motorbike on A274

17 July 2025
Air ambulance called after crash involving motorbike on A274

A busy A-road has reopened after being closed while the emergency services attended a crash involving a motorcyclist.

‘It’s hard to understand why anyone would do this’: Boys with catapults kill 16 doves

17 July 2025
‘It’s hard to understand why anyone would do this’: Boys with catapults kill 16 doves

A pensioner’s flock of doves have become the latest victims in a spate of catapult crimes sweeping the county.

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Court awards son of England cricket legend £159k damages against his neighbour

17 July 2025
Court awards son of England cricket legend £159k damages against his neighbour

The son of a former England cricket captain has won £159,000 damages from his neighbour whose lies ruined the sale of his home.

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Biker taken to hospital after crash

16 July 2025
Biker taken to hospital after crash

A motorcyclist was taken to hospital after an accident on an A-road.

Motorcyclist hurt in rush-hour crash

16 July 2025
Motorcyclist hurt in rush-hour crash

A biker has been taken to a London hospital after being injured in a collision with a van.

Police search for missing 15-year-old

16 July 2025
Police search for missing 15-year-old

People are being asked for their help in finding a missing teenager.

Road closed after cyclist injured in rush-hour crash

16 July 2025
Road closed after cyclist injured in rush-hour crash

A road has been shut after an accident involving a car and a cyclist.

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Why plots of land in Kent will be protected from development for 30 years

16 July 2025
Why plots of land in Kent will be protected from development for 30 years

Selling BNG units could be the way to preserve the county’s open spaces from development.

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Retirement bungalow complex could almost double in size

15 July 2025
Retirement bungalow complex could almost double in size

A development of extra-care bungalows for over-55s could be extended into a neighbouring horse paddock.

Council brings in limit on public speakers at planning meetings

15 July 2025
Council brings in limit on public speakers at planning meetings

A council has voted to limit public speaking at planning hearings, despite opponents’ fears it will damage democracy.

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Yet another HMO planned for town centre ward

15 July 2025
Yet another HMO planned for town centre ward

An Edwardian terraced home could be converted into a six-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation.

Biker injured in rush hour M2 barrier crash

15 July 2025
Biker injured in rush hour M2 barrier crash

A motorcyclist suffered a leg injury after hitting a barrier following a collision with a car on a busy motorway.

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Victims lose £515k to courier fraud

15 July 2025
Victims lose £515k to courier fraud

More than 60 people in Kent fell victim to scammers posing as police officers or bank staff last year, new figures show.

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Man jailed over single punch after Sainsbury’s car park row

15 July 2025
Man jailed over single punch after Sainsbury’s car park row

A thug left a man with serious head injuries from a single punch after a row over a parking space outside a supermarket.

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‘Terrifying’ shed fire sparks 999 call

14 July 2025
‘Terrifying’ shed fire sparks 999 call

Five fire crews were needed to tackle a huge blaze caused by a faulty battery.

Two charged after spate of cashpoint ‘distraction’ thefts

14 July 2025
Two charged after spate of cashpoint ‘distraction’ thefts

Two men are set to appear in court following a series of alleged “distraction” thefts involving elderly ATM users.

Six fire engines called to huge grass blaze

14 July 2025
Six fire engines called to huge grass blaze

Six fire crews were needed to tackle a grass fire after recent scorching temperatures.

Village prepares for next phase of development near station

13 July 2025
Village prepares for next phase of development near station

A village has seen an application for a further 59 homes to add to 122 properties already built.

Hundreds back tougher rules on HMOs

09 July 2025
Hundreds back tougher rules on HMOs

A council has asked people for their views to shape a new policy to control houses in multiple occupation, and huge numbers want to see tougher rules.

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