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Poundland in Gillingham damaged as gale force winds lash county

07:34, 04 May 2021

updated: 16:07, 04 May 2021

Poundland in Gillingham was among the places bearing the brunt of storm damage, as gale force winds lashed the county last night.

A yellow weather warning had previously been issued by the Met Office, with forecasters predicting gusts of around 40 to 50 mph, with some as high as 65mph on hills and some coastal areas.

Poundland in Gillingham was damaged by strong winds. Image from Mythologic Escape Rooms
Poundland in Gillingham was damaged by strong winds. Image from Mythologic Escape Rooms

In Gillingham High Street, signage was torn from the bargain store and fell into the street.

Mythologic Escape Rooms posted a photo of the aftermath on Facebook: "It’s all gone wrong outside Poundland in Gillingham High St. this evening... saw this as we were leaving...."

A temporary shelter at The Crown pub in The Street, Upchurch, was another victim of the strong winds.

The wind played havoc with this marquee at The Crown pub in Upchurch. Picture: The Crown Pub/Facebook
The wind played havoc with this marquee at The Crown pub in Upchurch. Picture: The Crown Pub/Facebook

Posting on Facebook, it said: "Due to having no shelter and today’s weather forecast we unfortunately will not be able to open.....

"Hope to be back to normal tomorrow but will keep you posted. Stay Safe."

Elsewhere the weather led to delays on the ferry services, and there was trouble on the tracks when two high-speed trains were hit by fallen trees.

Southeastern posted on Twitter this morning: "Because of two of our High Speed train sets damaged by fallen trees last night, this mornings 06:52 Broadstairs to St Pancras via Faversham will be formed of 6 coaches instead of 12."

And there were delays last night as fallen trees blocked the lines at Swanscombe and Gravesend.

Read more: all the latest news from Kent.

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