Author: Benjamin

The strong winds have caused the A282 southbound QEII Bridge to close today (December 7). It is not clear whether the bridge will reopen today yet.  All traffic wishing to travel southbound/clockwise on the M25 is diverted through the east bore tunnel. Northbound traffic must use only the west-bore Dartford Tunnel, which has a height limit of 4.8m (15’9″). Vehicles taller than 4.8m (15’9″) must take an alternative route via the clockwise M25. Drivers have been warned to allow extra journey time and plan ahead. Drivers may wish to take an alternative route or even delay their journey. A statement…

In court, Tesco Stores Ltd pleaded guilty to five charges for failing to comply with the council’s planning enforcement notice between November 11, 2023 and March 6, 2024. This was after Tesco Express in Beckenham failed to comply with a notice issued by the council to stop taking deliveries in South Eden Park Road. A planning condition by Bromley Council, after planning permission was granted in 2016, specified that deliveries should only be made via Stone Park Avenue, which would cause less disturbance to residents. However, Bromley Council says this notice was “seemingly ignored”, leading to the company facing prosecution. As…

A 16-year-old boy has become the fourth youngster to be arrested amid an investigation into a huge fire at a derelict department store.The blaze broke out in the former Debenhams building in Guildhall Street, Canterbury, on Monday at 8.30pm, forcing 30 people to be evacuated from their homes.Debenhams in Canterbury in the aftermath of Monday’s fire. Picture: TheDroneMan.netBusinesses in the nearby area closed, while firefighters spent two days battling the blaze and making the area safe.Over the following days, two 15-year-old boys and a 12-year-old girl were arrested.One of the 15-year-olds has been released without charge, while the other two…

Essential maintenance and tunnel works will see closures of the West Tunnel, East Tunnel, and QEII Bridge from Friday, December 6, to Monday, December 9. Diversions will be in place via National Highways and local roads. The Dartford Crossing, previously known as the Dartford Tunnel until 1991, is a major road crossing over the River Thames in England. It connects Dartford in Kent (south) to Thurrock in Essex (north) via the A282 road. This information is accurate at the time of publication, but may be subject to change, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Friday, December 6 – Saturday, December 7…

A lucky kmfm listener has had the best start to the festive season after winning £2,000.Ben Hawkins, from Cranbrook, won top prize in today’s Cash for Christmas.Cash for Christmas winner Ben Hawkins, from Cranbrook, with his daughter Daisy and wife LanaThe Kent radio station’s competition sees listeners enter via text and online to win the prize.Entries started at 6pm yesterday (Thursday) and 24-hours later one Kent winner was chosen at random.This evening, kmfm’s Getting You Home presenters Rob and Numi called Ben Hawkins from Cranbrook to let him know he had won £2,000 in time for Christmas.Ben entered today when…

Kent Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire in Lansbury Crescent just before 4.20pm yesterday (December 5). Two fire engines arrived on the scene after reports of the blaze, with crews using breathing apparatus and high-pressure hose reel jets to bring the flames under control. The fire is believed to have been caused by a tumble dryer. It did not result in any injuries. The blaze was brought under control by 4.55pm. Firefighters have issued a safety reminder to reduce the risk of similar incidents. Residents are advised to avoid overloading tumble dryers, dishwashers, and washing machines and to only…

The work will affect trains on Saturday (December 7) and Sunday (December 8). We have compiled all of the details on these works so that you can plan your journey this weekend.   Saturday and Sunday (December 7 and December 8): Engineering work is taking place overnight between Margate and Ramsgate, closing all lines. The 11.10pm train on Saturday and 12.10am train on Sunday from London Victoria to Ramsgate via Chatham trains will be replaced by buses between Margate and Ramsgate.   Sunday (December 8):Engineering work is taking place between Tunbridge Wells and Battle, closing all lines. Trains will only be…

Waterstones has returned to a closure-hit shopping centre six months after pulling out of the site.The book chain left Ashford’s County Square in June having occupied a spot next to Superdrug for more than a decade.Waterstones has now opened in the former River Island/Jobcentre unit in County Square, AshfordIts departure left many shoppers worried it would not seek a return to the town, with the company’s branch in Tenterden High Street the only one within a 10-mile radius.But the chain has now filled the former Jobcentre Plus and River Island unit two doors down in County Square.Like its previous unit,…

A new restaurant has opened at a market after its previous traders were forced to leave.Smoke Low and Slow has welcomed its first customers today (December 5) at Hatch, in Gravesend, replacing Pad Thai Live, which shut in September.Smoke Low and Slow has opened. Picture: Hatch MarketJamie Clark, who took over the running of the Gravesend Borough Market with Thomas Mudge in June, said: “It is quite exciting and I think lots of people will be pleased with it.“It is bringing something new to Gravesend. They are offering something that fits well with the market.“They have a big smoker smoking…

From family-friendly pantomimes to adult-only hilarity and live music performances, here’s what you can expect this Christmas season: Pantomime Magic: Sleeping Beauty Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Sunday, January 5 2025 Tickets from £27.00 The highlight of the festive season is the family pantomime Sleeping Beauty. This year’s production features an all-star cast, including Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas as Fairy Christmas and Olivier-nominated Cleve September (Hamilton) as the prince. Expect dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, and magical moments for the whole family. Produced by the award-winning Imagine Theatre, the show also stars Lucy May Pollard (Matilda) as Beauty, Larissa…