Author: Benjamin

Conservationists are celebrating after the first chick from a bird species once extinct in Kent has hatched for the first time in 200 years.The nest of red-billed choughs was discovered at Dover Castle in May – a year after the first choughs were reintroduced to the Kent skyline in a rewilding project. The chick fledged successfully in June but unfortunately went missing during strong winds and hasn’t been seen since early July.Despite the setback, conservationists behind the project have hailed its birth a ‘monumental milestone’ for the project.The surprise arrival came just weeks before the start of the second season…

Eight fire engines and a height vehicle arrived at the scene today (Friday) at 4.41pm. After a thorough search, no fire was found. The incident concluded for emergency services at 6.54pm. Crews are continuing to investigate the cause of the smoke. A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of smoke in the day care centre at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford. “Eight fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and following a search, no fire has been found. “Crews are continuing to investigate the cause of the smoke.…

Fans and friends gathered in the venue’s bar to share a few final drinks and reminisce about the beloved Bromley Picturehouse. Michael Burnstead, Strategy and Planning lead for a committee formed to save the cinema, reflected on the emotional impact of the closure. He said: “We’ve said as a committee and as a much wider group, it’s hard for all of us, and we all hold this place very dear. “It’s nothing compared to how it is for the staff who put so much into this. As we’ve said, it’s a small but very important part of our lives. “We’ve…

A man alleged to have torched a car after it knocked down a police officer in a suspected hit-and-run no longer faces trial.Benjamin Wilson was a passenger in a Vauxhall Vectra driven by Barry Rossiter when it struck PC Adam Staughton on January 26 this year.Officers were speaking to residents and drivers today in Coulter Road, Ashford. Picture: Kent PoliceThe officer was on foot in Coulter Road, Ashford, near the junction with Hedgers Way at the time, and suffered serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.Following his arrest, 24-year-old Rossiter, of Nickley Wood, Ashford, was charged with attempted murder and causing serious…

On May 3, 2024, a woman in her 80s was sitting on a bench, waiting for a bus in Home Gardens, when she was approached by Sujeepan Mangaleswaren. He grabbed her handbag in an attempt to steal it using enough force to pull the victim to her feet. A struggle over the bag resulted in the handle breaking and Mangaleswaren fled only to be tackled by members of the public. He was surrounded until the police promptly arrived and detained him. Mangaleswaren, of no fixed address, was later charged with attempted robbery and subsequently pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.…

STACEY FERGUSON, 47, of Ravensbourne Park in Lewisham, admitted harassment a woman. Ferguson was given an 18-month community orders including 120 hours of unpaid work.  SIMON HY, 34, of Watergate Street in Deptford, admitted burgling The Gym in Deptford and stealing shoes. Hy was given a two-year community order including 150 hours of unpaid work.  KAMIL BLASZKOWSKI, 40, of no fixed abode, admitted stealing £144 worth of alcohol from Asda in Bexleyheath. Blaszkowski was given a one-year community order including being banned from Asda in Bexleyheath.  JAMES ELPHIC, 43, of Altash Way in Mottingham, admitted burgling Late Night Pharmacy in…

A couple had a “lucky” escape after sunlight “bounced” off a mirror in their bedroom and caused part of the room to go up in flames.Sam and Michael were at home in St Margaret’s Banks, Rochester at the time of the “devastating” blaze and were only alerted after their smoke alarms went off.The blaze caused considerable damage to the couple’s home in St Margaret’s Banks, Rochester. Photo: Kent Fire and Rescue ServiceTwo fire engines were sent to the scene and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames on the third floor. Crews also rescued Tigger, the family cat.Pictures…

Location : The A38 westbound between the junctions with the A3121 and the A374 Plymouth. Reason : Congestion. Status : Currently Active. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 13:00 and 13:15 on 1 August 2024. Delay : There are currently delays of 15 minutes against expected traffic. Source link

Brighton and Hove City Council will intermittently stop the water flow from Victoria Fountain to prevent gulls from drowning due to wet wings. A bird rescuer expressed concerns that the fountain had become a “death trap” for birds seeking to cool off. Justin King, 51, reported rescuing over 30 birds from the fountain during the current heatwave. Councillor Mitchie Alexander, acting Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage, and Tourism, stated, “We are concerned about reports of fledgling gulls having issues in the Victoria Fountain and are taking swift action to mitigate any risks to the birds. We have adjusted the fountain’s…

Nathan Hales maintained his composure under pressure to secure a remarkable Olympic shooting gold medal. Hales, from Chatham, demonstrated remarkable poise in the sweltering near-40-degree temperatures in Chateauroux, located over 200 miles south of Paris. In the shooting final on Tuesday, Hales clinched gold while breaking the Olympic record, with his friends and family, including his partner Charlotte Kerwood, a double Olympian, cheering him on. Hales’ victory marks Great Britain’s first Olympic shooting gold in 12 years, following Peter Wilson’s double trap win at London 2012, and the first in this discipline since Bob Braithwaite’s victory in 1968. He excelled…