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‘Viral videos of solidarity since the riots remind us of the good that comes when we exercise our moral duty’

13 August 2024

From the imam offering chips to rioters to the ‘nans against Nazis’ our columnist has become entranced by online videos showing acts of solidarity.

‘Society prefers children who aren’t seen and not heard to those who play in our streets’

07 August 2024

‘Where are all the children?’ asks our columnist, who fears society is gradually waging a war on play that means fewer youngsters are on the streets.

Rural churches face ‘funding crisis’ in increasingly cashless society

04 August 2024

Rural churches reportedly face a funding crisis as fewer visitors carry cash, banks close and village internet struggles - can Kent’s parishes adapt?

‘Winter fuel payments need restricting but to say all but the poorest can afford heating is wrong’

30 July 2024

Pensioners’ winter fuel payments need capping just as TV Licences did, says our columnist, but it’s wrong to say all but the poorest can afford it.

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The despicable rise in dine and dash: ‘It’s greed and opportunism’

28 July 2024

Greedy customers who ‘dine and dash’ before paying are leaving owners out of pocket and staff disheartened but what is behind the rising trend?

‘It’s full steam ahead for Great British Railways - so will trains run in the national interest?’

23 July 2024

Could the government’s vision for our railways signal a new era for public transport and train travel in this country, asks our columnist?

Kent braces itself as summer getaway starts

19 July 2024

Kent is braced for a busy weekend on the roads and at its borders as schools begin to break-up, the weather warms up and Paris’ Olympics get closer.

‘We thought we’d got rid of rickets but now it’s back’

18 July 2024

There has been a sharp rise in the number of rickets cases recorded in one part of Kent but are Victorian diseases really making a comeback?

‘A lack of cash is turning education and our schools into a business’

16 July 2024

A lack of cash is turning education and schools into businesses, fears our columnist, when they should be in nothing but the business of education.

‘Flying ant day’ warning as millions of insects set to fill the skies

12 July 2024

The wet, windy, humid conditions may create the ideal conditions for ‘flying ant day’ with the natural phenomenon thought to be around the corner.

Parents’ anger at trust ‘erasing school’s history’ with name changes

10 July 2024

Families have accused one of Kent’s biggest academy trusts of ‘erasing’ its primary’s history as it prepares to rename more than 15 schools it runs.

‘Labour wants homes on the grey-belt but how do you control the green land released?’

09 July 2024

Labour proposes homes on the ‘grey belt’ but - asks our columnist - what will stop landowners letting their green land deteriorate so they can sell?

‘I’m absolutely terrified. What will this mean for children?’

08 July 2024

Education plans to send children with special needs to mainstream schools have been branded ‘terrifying and damaging’.

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The Kent councils that have closed the most public toilets

08 July 2024

Vandalism and cash-strapped council budgets are putting public toilets at risk, fear charities, as one suggests charging a fee may be the answer.

The number of dog owners prosecuted for not chipping their pet revealed

06 July 2024

Compulsory microchipping for dogs has been law since 2016 yet despite the number of canines found without ID, few people ultimately face prosecution.

‘An amnesty for lockdown breakers would be an insult to all those who stuck to the rules’

02 July 2024

Calls from some Conservatives for a Covid fine amnesty has angered our columnist, who says it shows disregard for all those who stuck to the rules.

‘Spelling out the policies that’ll improve our lives must now be the priority’

25 June 2024

Forget betting scandals and tax rows, says our columnist, with a week to go parties need to spell out exactly how they plan to improve our lives.

‘England flags are out in force but would you put up a party political poster?’

18 June 2024

With two weeks until the election where are people’s party posters asks our columnist - or has politics become too nasty and voters disillusioned?

Cadbury to relaunch retro chocolate bar after 20 years

14 June 2024

A Cadbury chocolate bar, which was first made in 1993, is being returned to shop shelves as part of the company’s 200th birthday celebrations.

The surprising law which could cost you a £1,000 fine for watching the Euros at work