Author Profile

‘Let us give a fitting send-off to George - the man who walked the length of the Earth’

28 March 2024

The family of an intrepid explorer, whose 19,021 mile, six-year walk across the Americas remains a world record, are seeking a fitting tribute to him.

Citizens Advice Bureau branch shut ‘until further notice’

28 March 2024

A branch of a free national advice and support service used by thousands of vulnerable people has shut after having its funding withdrawn.

Man taken to hospital after being hit by bus near school

26 March 2024

A dog walker has been taken to hospital after they were hit by a bus near a primary school.

School drop-off changed after car park is ‘inhabited’

25 March 2024

School staff were forced to take extra measures to protect pupils after a shared parking facility was ‘inhabited by members of the public’.

Driver remains in serious condition after crashing into fence

25 March 2024

A motorist remains in a serious condition after having to be cut free from his car following a crash.

Year-long cultural festival kicks off

18 March 2024

Residents are being encouraged to “get hands-on with culture” as part of a bumper festival programme marking historic events and showcasing talent.

Themed dining shacks open in pub garden

17 March 2024

Town pub offers alfresco dining at Caribbean, seaside and English garden-themed shacks.

More than 160 bank jobs at risk of being outsourced abroad

14 March 2024

More than 100 customer service staff at a bank could soon lose their jobs as the company tries to cut costs and outsource the work abroad.

Spanish tapas bar and pizzeria restaurants open in town centre

14 March 2024

A new Spanish restaurant which promises to bring authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the town centre is opening alongside a pizzeria.

Mum with ‘rock hard lump’ in breast ‘told she was too young’ for screening

14 March 2024

A mother who was told she was “too young” for a breast screening was later diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Homeless charity takes over empty car showroom in town centre

13 March 2024

An award-winning charity which supports homeless and vulnerable people has taken over empty car showrooms in the town centre.

Hike in pitch fees could force traders out of Christmas market

13 March 2024

A small business owner says she might be unable to trade at a Christmas market after the fees jumped to £2,000.

Nepalese restaurant reignites town’s ‘iconic’ fire station

11 March 2024

Professional chefs whose exotic dishes have attracted visitors from all over Kent have opened their latest venture under the railway arches.

Shopping centre closed briefly due to flooding

11 March 2024

A shopping centre was evacuated for a short time due to flooding in the area.

Film to mark heroic historic boat’s 100th anniversary

10 March 2024

A film premieres this week focusing on a 100-year-old paddle steamer which played a key role in rescuing troops in the Second World War.

‘My father warned me the job wasn’t for the faint-hearted’

08 March 2024

On International Women’s Day, reporter Nicola Jordan looks back on her 46-year career and what it was like as one of the only females in the newsroom.