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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.

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.

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.

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.

Concerns raised over care home conversions

08 July 2025
Concerns raised over care home conversions

With an increasing number of houses being converted into care homes, a council is worried that it has no control over protecting the vulnerable.

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ANPR camera to enforce high street traffic ban

08 July 2025
ANPR camera to enforce high street traffic ban

ANPR cameras are to be used to enforce a private vehicle ban in a busy town centre, but only in one direction.

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“It’s appalling”: Upset over proposals to limit speaking about controversial planning issues

08 July 2025
“It’s appalling”: Upset over proposals to limit speaking about controversial planning issues

Moves to limit public speaking at planning meetings has raised fears that constructive debate could be stifled.

MP steps in to row over council tax banding

07 July 2025
MP steps in to row over council tax banding

Disgruntled park home residents have been promised the council tax banding review they wanted after learning neighbours were paying less.

Developer’s plans welcomed after number of homes cut

07 July 2025
Developer’s plans welcomed after number of homes cut

A conservation group has declared the latest housing plan for a former horse field a ‘big improvement’ on a previously approved scheme.

Decision on 435 homes plan expected soon

06 July 2025
Decision on 435 homes plan expected soon

Neighbours are still battling to prevent 435 homes being built on green fields.

Plenty of laughs in the Bard’s cross-dressing romantic comedy

05 July 2025
Plenty of laughs in the Bard’s cross-dressing romantic comedy

Changeling’s summer season has launched with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Fergus Wilson cuts down acres of trees ahead of potential development

05 July 2025
Fergus Wilson cuts down acres of trees ahead of potential development

A controversial housing mogul has cut down acres of trees and is now planning what to do with the land.

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‘We’re being left behind’: Padel tennis courts refused over noise fears

05 July 2025
‘We’re being left behind’: Padel tennis courts refused over noise fears

A councillor says his town is being “left behind” after a centre for Britain’s fastest-growing sport was refused.

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