Independent local news for Kent and the South East — daily reporting on Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury, Thanet, and the wider county.https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/en-gbAstro (kln-frontend)https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/mhra-limits-nasal-decongestant-sprays-to-five-days-to-prevent-rebound-congestion/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/mhra-limits-nasal-decongestant-sprays-to-five-days-to-prevent-rebound-congestion/The UK drug regulator has updated guidance on xylometazoline and oxymetazoline sprays, capping use at five days due to risks of prolonged overuse. The familiar ritual of reaching for a nasal spray when blocked sinuses strike has just become more restricted. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has announced new limits on popular decongestant […]Sun, 03 May 2026 17:00:31 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-05-03/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-05-03/Live updates on Kent rail services and road conditions. This page updates throughout the day. Last update: 21:30. 21:30 RAIL DELAY Thameslink: Disruption between Gatwick Airport and Redhill. Latest travel newsSource: National Rail 21:00 RAIL DELAY Southeastern: Major engineering: no trains at London Charing Cross and London Waterloo East. Latest travel newsSource: National Rail 20:30 […]Sat, 02 May 2026 23:00:06 GMTTravelKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/new-brain-stimulation-trial-shows-promising-results-for-children-with-autism/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/new-brain-stimulation-trial-shows-promising-results-for-children-with-autism/A Chinese study finds that accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation can improve social communication skills in autistic children, though experts urge caution about the preliminary findings. Researchers in China are reporting encouraging results from a groundbreaking trial testing brain stimulation therapy on children with autism spectrum disorder. The study, published today in The BMJ, examiSat, 02 May 2026 21:00:12 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/social-media-addiction-not-formally-recognised-despite-rising-mental-health-concerns/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/social-media-addiction-not-formally-recognised-despite-rising-mental-health-concerns/The British Medical Journal highlights the gap between popular understanding and clinical recognition of social media addiction amid mounting evidence of harm to young people’s mental health. About 40% of children show high or increasingly addictive social media use from age 8 to 12, according to research from Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. […]Sat, 02 May 2026 17:00:28 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/arrest-made-after-indecent-exposure-report-in-greenhithe-as-kent-police-seek-witnesses/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/arrest-made-after-indecent-exposure-report-in-greenhithe-as-kent-police-seek-witnesses/Arrest Made After Indecent Exposure Report in Greenhithe as Kent Police Seek Witnesses Kent Police have arrested a suspect following a report of indecent exposure in Greenhithe and are appealing for information from the public. View tweet from @kent_police Not the news Greenhithe residents wanted to wake up to. Kent Police have confirmed they’ve arrested […]Sat, 02 May 2026 17:00:28 GMTCrime & JusticeKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bromley-3-1-walsall-league-two-match-report/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bromley-3-1-walsall-league-two-match-report/Bromley won 3-1 at home to Walsall in the League Two.Sat, 02 May 2026 16:01:12 GMTKent FootballKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/gillingham-1-0-shrewsbury-league-two-match-report/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/gillingham-1-0-shrewsbury-league-two-match-report/Gillingham won 1-0 at home to Shrewsbury in the League Two.Sat, 02 May 2026 16:00:59 GMTKent FootballKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/medical-experts-warn-nhs-industry-partnerships-could-put-profits-before-patients/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/medical-experts-warn-nhs-industry-partnerships-could-put-profits-before-patients/The BMJ has raised concerns about the government’s £2 billion life sciences plan, questioning whether commercial interests might override patient benefits in NHS collaborations. The government’s ambitious plan to make the UK Europe’s leading life sciences economy faces sharp criticism from medical experts who warn that NHS partnerships with industry could prioritise profits over patient […]Sat, 02 May 2026 15:00:26 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/maidstone-borough-council-highlights-major-rental-law-changes-as-renters-rights-act-takes-effect/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/maidstone-borough-council-highlights-major-rental-law-changes-as-renters-rights-act-takes-effect/Maidstone Borough Council has urged local residents to understand new rental legislation that came into force on 1 May 2026, ending no-fault evictions and automatically converting all tenancies to rolling contracts. Maidstone Borough Council has directed residents to government resources explaining the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — legislation the government calls the biggest shake-up of […]Sat, 02 May 2026 11:01:01 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-residents-can-vote-early-today-as-borough-pilots-new-flexible-voting-system/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-residents-can-vote-early-today-as-borough-pilots-new-flexible-voting-system/Registered voters in Tunbridge Wells Borough can cast their ballots early at three special voting hubs open until 6pm today, as part of a government trial ahead of next week’s local elections. Residents across Tunbridge Wells who are registered to vote have an unusual opportunity today – they can cast their ballots early at special […]Sat, 02 May 2026 11:01:01 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bmj-medics-revue-returns-to-london-stage-after-years-long-hiatus-2/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bmj-medics-revue-returns-to-london-stage-after-years-long-hiatus-2/The British Medical Journal announces revival of traditional medical entertainment for one night only at Shaw Theatre on 15 May 2026. The lights will dim at London’s Shaw Theatre on Friday 15 May 2026, as white coats give way to stage costumes. After years away from the spotlight, the BMJ Medics’ Revue is making its […]Sat, 02 May 2026 07:00:12 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/johnson-johnson-talcum-powder-case-reaches-uk-high-court-in-landmark-hearing/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/johnson-johnson-talcum-powder-case-reaches-uk-high-court-in-landmark-hearing/Over 2,000 claimants alleging asbestos-contaminated baby powder caused cancer have brought what could become one of the largest product liability cases in UK legal history to the High Court. A preliminary hearing has taken place at the High Court as thousands of claimants pursue legal action against Johnson & Johnson over alleged asbestos contamination in […]Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:35 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-05-02/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-05-02/Live updates on Kent rail services and road conditions. This page updates throughout the day. Last update: 22:30. 22:30 RAIL DELAY Southeastern: Major engineering – no trains at London Charing Cross and London Waterloo East. Latest travel newsSource: National Rail 22:00 ROAD INCIDENT A21: A21 southbound Vauxhall exit slip road closureSource: National Highways 22:00 RAIL […]Fri, 01 May 2026 23:00:08 GMTTravelKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-surgeon-welcomes-government-pause-on-mandatory-gp-referral-changes/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-surgeon-welcomes-government-pause-on-mandatory-gp-referral-changes/A surgeon has expressed relief at the government’s decision to pause plans making “advice and guidance” referrals mandatory for GPs under the 2026/27 England GP contract amid safety concerns. NHS England had planned to make Advice and Guidance (A&G) mandatory from April 2026. The system would have required GPs to seek specialist advice before referring […]Fri, 01 May 2026 19:00:29 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/fca-faces-four-legal-challenges-to-9-1-billion-motor-finance-redress-scheme/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/fca-faces-four-legal-challenges-to-9-1-billion-motor-finance-redress-scheme/The Financial Conduct Authority confirms receipt of four legal challenges to its motor finance compensation scheme, vowing to defend it robustly amid concerns over delays to consumer payouts. The Financial Conduct Authority has received four legal challenges to its motor finance redress scheme, including one from consumer group Consumer Voice filed at London’s Upper Tribunal. […]Fri, 01 May 2026 15:01:02 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-dentistry-crisis-forces-patients-into-ae-and-gp-surgeries-across-kent/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-dentistry-crisis-forces-patients-into-ae-and-gp-surgeries-across-kent/Nearly 97% of new patients cannot access NHS dental care, driving millions to seek emergency treatment for tooth pain. The collapse of NHS dentistry has reached crisis levels, with patients increasingly turning to accident and emergency departments and GP surgeries for dental problems they cannot get treated elsewhere. According to the British Medical Journal, patients […]Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:31 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/fca-issues-39-warnings-against-fraudulent-investment-firms-in-single-week/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/fca-issues-39-warnings-against-fraudulent-investment-firms-in-single-week/Financial regulator’s enforcement surge comes as clone firm scams cost UK investors millions, with Kent residents among those exposed to illegal social media adverts. The Financial Conduct Authority has issued 39 warnings about unauthorised or clone investment firms in just seven days, the regulator announced this week. The figures show a dramatic escalation in enforcement […]Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:31 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/uk-goods-exports-to-us-drop-1-5bn-in-april-2025-after-new-tariffs/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/uk-goods-exports-to-us-drop-1-5bn-in-april-2025-after-new-tariffs/Office for National Statistics confirms sharp decline in UK goods exports to the United States following introduction of 10% baseline tariff. For businesses across Kent that rely on exporting to America, the numbers make for sobering reading. UK goods exports to the United States, excluding precious metals, plummeted by £1.5 billion in April 2025 – […]Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:31 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/12-year-old-girl-missing-from-maidstone-safely-found-by-kent-police/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/12-year-old-girl-missing-from-maidstone-safely-found-by-kent-police/12-Year-Old Girl Missing from Maidstone Safely Found by Kent Police Kent Police confirm a 12-year-old girl reported missing from Maidstone on Thursday has been located safe and well. View tweet from @kent_police Every parent’s worst nightmare. Then every parent’s greatest relief. A 12-year-old girl who vanished from Maidstone on Thursday has been found safe and […]Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:11 GMTCrime & JusticeKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bmj-study-finds-no-link-between-maternal-sedative-use-in-pregnancy-and-child-psychiatric-disorders/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bmj-study-finds-no-link-between-maternal-sedative-use-in-pregnancy-and-child-psychiatric-disorders/A large South Korean study of nearly 3.8 million children provides reassuring evidence on benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics during pregnancy. The Largest Study of Its Kind A groundbreaking study published in The BMJ on 29 April 2026 has found no increased risk of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers used sedatives during pregnancy. The […]Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:32 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-05-01/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-05-01/Live updates on Kent rail services and road conditions. This page updates throughout the day. Last update: 23:00. 23:00 ROAD DELAY M25: M25 Anti-Clockwise Jct 17 to Jct 16 Lane 2,3,4 closureSource: National Highways 23:00 ROAD INCIDENT M25: M25 Clockwise Jct 9 to Jct 10 carriageway closureSource: National Highways 23:00 ROAD INCIDENT M25: M25 Anti-clockwise […]Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:30:06 GMTTravelKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/house-fire-extinguished-on-moyle-close-in-gillingham/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/house-fire-extinguished-on-moyle-close-in-gillingham/House Fire Extinguished on Moyle Close in Gillingham Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews successfully tackled a house fire in Gillingham this afternoon, with the blaze fully extinguished by 13:00. View tweet from @kentfirerescue Fire crews raced to reports of a house fire on Moyle Close in Gillingham this afternoon. Kent Fire and Rescue Service […]Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:00:12 GMTFire & RescueKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bank-of-england-holds-interest-rates-at-3-75-as-middle-east-conflict-creates-economic-uncertainty/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bank-of-england-holds-interest-rates-at-3-75-as-middle-east-conflict-creates-economic-uncertainty/The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously 9-0 to maintain the Bank Rate unchanged, with inflation rising to 3.3% amid global energy price pressures. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has kept interest rates steady at 3.75%, with all nine members voting to hold. The figures show this decision comes as CPI inflation has climbed […]Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:04:19 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bank-of-england-holds-interest-rates-at-3-75-as-middle-east-crisis-drives-inflation-higher/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/bank-of-england-holds-interest-rates-at-3-75-as-middle-east-crisis-drives-inflation-higher/The Monetary Policy Committee voted to maintain the current rate as UK inflation climbed to 3.3% in March amid rising energy costs. The Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75% on 30 April 2026, as policymakers grapple with rising inflation driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict. UK inflation jumped to 3.3% in […]Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:04:19 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/ons-reports-sharp-rise-in-automotive-fuel-price-growth-alongside-falling-demand/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/ons-reports-sharp-rise-in-automotive-fuel-price-growth-alongside-falling-demand/Office for National Statistics data shows fuel price growth jumped 3 percentage points weekly and 33 percentage points annually, while demand per transaction dropped markedly. Fuel price growth accelerated sharply in the week to 19 April 2026, with the growth rate climbing 3 percentage points compared to the previous week, according to new data from […]Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:47 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/energy-prices-show-mixed-weekly-trends-as-year-on-year-costs-soar-for-kent-households/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/energy-prices-show-mixed-weekly-trends-as-year-on-year-costs-soar-for-kent-households/New ONS data reveals electricity prices climbed 1% in late April while gas remained stable, but both fuels cost sharply more than last spring. For families across Kent already feeling the pinch from rising living costs, the latest energy price data offers a mixed picture that highlights the ongoing financial pressure on household budgets. The […]Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:47 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/new-brain-stimulation-technique-shows-promise-for-children-with-autism-in-chinese-trial/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/new-brain-stimulation-technique-shows-promise-for-children-with-autism-in-chinese-trial/A five-day treatment protocol improved social communication skills and demonstrated a favourable safety profile in 30 children with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers in China are reporting encouraging results from a small trial testing a new brain stimulation technique for children with autism. The study, published in BMJ research, examined whether accelerated continuous theta-burst stimulatioThu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:12 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-04-30/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-04-30/Live updates on Kent rail services and road conditions. This page updates throughout the day. Last update: 23:30. 23:30 ROAD DELAY M25: M23 Northbound and Southbound Jct 8 to M25 Clockwise Jct 7 link road lane 1 closureSource: National Highways 23:30 ROAD DELAY M25: M11 Northbound Jct 6 to M25 Anti-clockwise Jct 27 link road […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:00:07 GMTTravelKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-doctor-calls-for-end-to-rigid-consultation-control-as-patient-narratives-take-centre-stage/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-doctor-calls-for-end-to-rigid-consultation-control-as-patient-narratives-take-centre-stage/Leading narrative medicine expert John Launer argues healthcare professionals must collaborate rather than dictate during patient conversations. A prominent NHS physician is challenging doctors across the country to abandon their tight control over patient consultations. John Launer, a family physician and narrative medicine specialist, argues that some medical professionals remain “impervious to Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:00:13 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/chatham-town-3-2-billericay-town-non-league-premier-isthmian-match-report/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/chatham-town-3-2-billericay-town-non-league-premier-isthmian-match-report/Chatham Town lost 3-2 away to Billericay Town in the Non League Premier – Isthmian.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:50:32 GMTKent FootballKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/new-guidelines-aim-to-improve-childrens-medical-research-standards/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/new-guidelines-aim-to-improve-childrens-medical-research-standards/New Guidelines Aim to Improve Children’s Medical Research Standards SPIRIT-C and CONSORT-C extensions provide standardised reporting frameworks for paediatric research to address unique challenges in child healthcare studies. Medical researchers have launched new guidelines to improve the quality of research involving children and adolescents. The SPIRIT-C and CONSORT-C extension statements addresWed, 29 Apr 2026 19:01:41 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/maidstone-borough-council-launches-20m-pride-in-place-programme-for-park-wood-and-senacre-residents/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/maidstone-borough-council-launches-20m-pride-in-place-programme-for-park-wood-and-senacre-residents/Residents in Park Wood, Senacre, and surrounding Maidstone areas can now shape spending of £20 million UK Government funding over the next decade. For families living in Park Wood and Senacre, the chance to directly influence how millions of pounds gets spent in their neighbourhoods doesn’t come around often. But that’s exactly what’s happening in […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:01:02 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tonbridge-malling-council-closes-lower-castle-field-car-park-bridge-to-racecourse-sportsground-for-safety/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tonbridge-malling-council-closes-lower-castle-field-car-park-bridge-to-racecourse-sportsground-for-safety/The bridge linking Lower Castle Field Car Park to the Racecourse Sportsground in Tonbridge closes tomorrow, with full removal planned later this year due to public safety concerns. For families heading to weekend football matches or tennis sessions at Racecourse Sportsground, tomorrow brings a change to their usual route. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:01:02 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/uk-healthcare-spending-hits-record-345bn-as-government-funding-dominates/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/uk-healthcare-spending-hits-record-345bn-as-government-funding-dominates/Provisional ONS data reveals UK healthcare expenditure reached around £345 billion in 2025, representing 11.4% of GDP with real-terms growth of 3.9%. The Office for National Statistics announced that provisional estimates suggest nominal UK healthcare expenditure reached close to £345 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s confirmed £317 billion total. […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:01:03 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/medway-council-elections-your-complete-voters-guide/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/medway-council-elections-your-complete-voters-guide/From the Labour administration to Reform UK, from Independent Group veterans to the newer local-first parties — every option facing Medway voters when the next ballot lands, and the question hanging over the date itself.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:15:41 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/gravesham-borough-council-launches-final-local-plan-2042-consultation-with-one-month-remaining/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/gravesham-borough-council-launches-final-local-plan-2042-consultation-with-one-month-remaining/Gravesham Borough Council is running its Regulation 19 consultation on the draft Local Plan 2042 until 29 May, seeking public input on its legal robustness before submission to the Planning Inspectorate. The clock is ticking on Gravesham’s future. With just one month left, residents have their final opportunity to shape the borough’s development blueprint through […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:02:13 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/ons-warns-easter-bank-holiday-distorts-week-15-2026-death-registrations-in-england-and-wales/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/ons-warns-easter-bank-holiday-distorts-week-15-2026-death-registrations-in-england-and-wales/Office for National Statistics cautions against comparing death figures for the week ending around Easter Monday 2026 due to reduced registrations during the public holiday. The stack of paperwork sits a little higher than usual at register offices across Kent this week. Easter Monday has left its mark on the administrative machinery of death registration, […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:01:46 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/cbi-survey-reveals-expected-output-declines-across-uk-sectors-as-economic-pressures-mount/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/cbi-survey-reveals-expected-output-declines-across-uk-sectors-as-economic-pressures-mount/The Confederation of British Industry reports firms anticipate significant drops in output for business services, consumer services, distribution and manufacturing in the coming months. Business confidence takes another knock as the latest Confederation of British Industry survey paints a stark picture of what’s ahead. Companies across the UK are bracing for further output declines, with […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:01:46 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-04-29/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-04-29/Live updates on Kent rail services and road conditions. This page updates throughout the day. Last update: 23:30. 23:30 ROAD INCIDENT M2: M2 eastbound Medway Services entry and exit slip roads closedSource: National Highways 23:00 ROAD DELAY M26: M26 Eastbound Jct 2A to Jct 3 lane 1 closureSource: National Highways 23:00 ROAD INCIDENT A249: Sheppey […]Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:04 GMTTravelKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/ai-medical-chatbots-excel-at-diagnosis-but-struggle-with-critical-risk-assessment-new-research-shows/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/ai-medical-chatbots-excel-at-diagnosis-but-struggle-with-critical-risk-assessment-new-research-shows/Multiple studies reveal artificial intelligence systems achieve impressive diagnostic accuracy yet fail to judge patient urgency and clinical appropriateness, raising safety concerns for medical advice seekers. Patients across Kent are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for medical advice, but new research reveals a troubling gap between technical accuracy and clinical judgment. While these systeWed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:49 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/fca-executive-director-sets-out-growth-focused-regulatory-strategy-at-building-societies-conference/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/fca-executive-director-sets-out-growth-focused-regulatory-strategy-at-building-societies-conference/Sarah Pritchard outlines plans to support economic growth while helping consumers make financial decisions and modernising regulatory rules. The Financial Conduct Authority has unveiled its approach to balancing growth with consumer protection as part of a major regulatory reset. Sarah Pritchard, FCA Executive Director for Supervision, Policy and Competition, detailed the strategy at the Building Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:01:17 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-dental-contract-reforms-set-for-2026-to-tackle-access-crisis/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-dental-contract-reforms-set-for-2026-to-tackle-access-crisis/The first major changes to NHS dental contracts since 2006 will launch in April 2026, introducing quality payments and urgent care requirements as the British Dental Association calls for fundamental overhaul. The Long-Awaited Changes NHS England has confirmed that sizeable reforms to dental contracts will take effect from 1 April 2026, marking the first significant […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:00:44 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/dover-district-council-appoints-chair-for-pride-in-place-programme-targeting-20m-investment-in-st-radigunds-and-buckland/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/dover-district-council-appoints-chair-for-pride-in-place-programme-targeting-20m-investment-in-st-radigunds-and-buckland/Dover District Council’s new Pride in Place Board, chaired by Nick Holbrook-Sutcliffe, has held its first meeting to oversee up to £20 million of government funding for St Radigunds and Buckland wards over 10 years. The chairs are arranged in a circle at St Radigund’s Community Centre, and Dover District Council’s newest board is ready […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:33 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-04-28/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-travel-updates-2026-04-28/Live updates on Kent rail services and road conditions. This page updates throughout the day. Last update: 23:00. 23:00 RAIL DELAY Thameslink: Disruption between Tulse Hill and Sutton. Latest travel newsSource: National Rail 21:00 RAIL DELAY Thameslink: Disruption between Tulse Hill and Sutton. Latest travel newsSource: National Rail 19:00 RAIL DELAY Thameslink: Disruption between Tulse […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:04 GMTTravelKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-hybrid-bike-robbery-in-east-malling/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/kent-police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-hybrid-bike-robbery-in-east-malling/Kent Police Appeal for Witnesses After Hybrid Bike Robbery in East Malling Detectives from Kent Police are seeking public help following an alleged robbery in East Malling where a hybrid push bike was stolen. View tweet from @kent_police East Malling’s quiet village streets turned into a crime scene. A hybrid push bike was nicked from […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:43 GMTCrime & JusticeKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tonbridge-police-recover-suspected-stolen-electric-bike-and-appeal-for-owner/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tonbridge-police-recover-suspected-stolen-electric-bike-and-appeal-for-owner/Tonbridge Police Recover Suspected Stolen Electric Bike and Appeal for Owner Kent Police officers in Tonbridge are seeking the rightful owner of a black Surron electric bike recovered during neighbourhood patrol operations on 23 November 2025. View tweet from @kent_police Tonbridge Neighbourhood Task Force officers recovered a suspected stolen black Surron electric bike at about […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:43 GMTCrime & JusticeKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-borough-council-launches-early-voting-hubs-for-may-2026-local-elections/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-borough-council-launches-early-voting-hubs-for-may-2026-local-elections/Three weekend hubs open at Royal Victoria Place, Cranbrook Vestry Hall and Paddock Wood Community Centre on 2–3 May — but photo ID rules from polling day still apply. Residents can cast their votes at three weekend hubs before election day as part of a government-approved pilot scheme. Polling stations aren’t the only option for […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:59 GMTCouncil UpdatesKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/professor-ken-taylor-dies-aged-68-pioneer-who-created-worlds-first-heart-valve-registry/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/professor-ken-taylor-dies-aged-68-pioneer-who-created-worlds-first-heart-valve-registry/The distinguished cardiac surgeon established groundbreaking safety tracking systems that have guided heart valve treatment decisions for decades. Professor Kenneth Macdonald Taylor, one of Britain’s most distinguished cardiothoracic surgeons, died peacefully on 1 February 2026 aged 78. His death marks the end of a career that transformed cardiac surgery through pioneering research and clinical leTue, 28 Apr 2026 11:01:01 GMTHealthKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/uk-population-set-to-hit-71-million-by-2034-as-migration-drives-growth/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/uk-population-set-to-hit-71-million-by-2034-as-migration-drives-growth/Office for National Statistics projects 1.7 million increase over next decade, marking second-largest annual rise in 75 years. The UK’s population will swell to 71 million by mid-2034, up from 69.3 million today, according to new projections from the Office for National Statistics. For their part, the forecast represents a 1.7 million increase over the […]Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:28 GMTEconomyKent Local Newshttps://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-hospitals-treating-more-private-patients-despite-public-waiting-lists/https://kentlocalnews.co.uk/nhs-hospitals-treating-more-private-patients-despite-public-waiting-lists/Private patient activity at certain NHS hospitals has risen sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting concerns over prioritisation amid ongoing public backlogs. Across England’s hospitals, a concerning trend is emerging that could affect how quickly you get the NHS care you need. Private patient cases at some NHS hospitals have accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, […]Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:00:18 GMTHealthKent Local News