Nicola Jordan

2 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

A roadside pub with a “loyal local following” has temporarily called last orders while its owners find a new landlord to run it. The Coach and Horses in Strood has shut while pub company Stonegate advertises to fill the vacancy for what it says could easily become the town’s “go-to local”. The hostelry in London Road is one of the town’s few remaining boozers and is known for its live entertainment and quiz nights.

2 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

The Home Secretary has insisted local inquiries into grooming gangs in five towns will be going ahead despite accusations from an Kent MP they are not good enough and were being “watered down”. Katie Lam (Con), who represents the Weald of Kent, used a passionate speech in Parliament earlier this week to draw attention to graphic examples of child sex abuse in a bid to demand updates from the government.

2 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

A former senior college lecturer could receive a huge payout after a colleague was recorded mocking her and was found to have spread false racial abuse claims. An employment tribunal found in favour of Dr Sharon Turton, who taught psychology at MidKent College before she “was forced to take voluntary redundancy” due to undue stress.

2 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

An historic pier reopened to the public just nine months ago after previously plunging into the water has been closed again for safety reasons. Rochester Pier, the dilapidated landmark structure which collapsed into the River Medway, is now shut again for an important safety inspection. Medway Council will carry out the audit and specialists will work “at pace” to carry out any necessary remedial work to ensure the popular riverside attraction can reopen again soon.

2 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

A care home for adults with autism and mental health issues has been placed in special measures after an inspection revealed a series of shortfalls. Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission found residents at Rock House in Gillingham were banned from buying sweets or fizzy drinks with their annual food allowance and, if they disobeyed, were ordered to pay the money back.