Dartford Messenger

2 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Joe Crossley

A housing battle that lasted more than three years has come to a “disappointing" end after plans to build 650 homes were allowed on appeal. The controversial new estate, the size of 43 standard 11-a-side football pitches, which will be constructed in Scocles Road in Minster, on Sheppey, was given the go-ahead on Tuesday, June 24. Proposals were first put forward in May 2022. Swale council’s own officers were recommended to approve the scheme.

2 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Sam Lawrie

One of Kent’s outdoor music venues is gearing up for a jam-packed weekend as two huge musicians are set to perform. Indie giants The Libertines and Welsh singer Tom Jones will play back-to-back gigs at Dreamland, Margate’s vintage fairground, as part of this year’s Margate Summer Series. The venue’s string of open-air concerts is in full swing, with the likes of Supergrass and Scooter having already visited the seaside spot.

3 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Davina Jethwa

Additional reporting by Gabriel MorrisMotorists travelling through a town gridlocked by road closures have called the emergency works “unbearable”. Drivers say coming in and out of Tunbridge Wells is “impossible” after Frant Road shut on Friday (June 20) for Southern Water to carry out repairs. But, the works follow other restricted access issues in Sandhurst Road, Powder Mill Lane, Upper Grosvenor Road (all for gas works) and Eridge Road (for water works).

3 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Davina Jethwa

A “cowardly bully” who controlled “almost every aspect” of his partner's life and repeatedly beat and strangled her has been jailed. Alex Buckwell of Hollingworth Road, Maidstone, subjected his victim to “relentless physical and psychological abuse” during their relationship, even denying her privacy inside her home by using a coin to open a lock when she was in the bathroom. Buckwell also made the woman delete all her social media accounts and forced her to block or delete friends on her phone.

3 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Sam Lawrie

Tickets for a sparkling new light trail that will illuminate Kent’s biggest wildlife park are on sale. Visitors can get their hands on tickets to the new festive trail, coming to Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe this Christmas, from today (June 25). You can book tickets to the event here. The tickets, which have only been on sale to members so far, have already started selling out for popular time slots, so it’s advised to book early if you fancy going along.