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Maidstone News
Council decisions, crime, planning rows and community life in Maidstone - covered as it happens.
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104 total
Car Bursts Into Flames on the M20 Near Maidstone
Kent Fire and Rescue Service put out a car fire on the M20 Londonbound between junctions 8 and 9 on Monday evening, with no injuries reported and the cause not yet known.
Kevin the Ice Cream Monster Crowned Mascot of Maidstone's Monster Mash
A design by seven-year-old Mya Edwards has been chosen as the official mascot of Maidstone's Monster Mash, a week of inflatable monsters, a free town-centre trail and half-term activities running from 25 to 31 October.
Olivia, Arthur and a Sevenoaks Surprise: The Names West Kent Gave Its Newborns in 2025
New ONS figures on babies born in 2025 show Olivia was the top girls' name in both Maidstone and Sevenoaks, Arthur topped the boys' list in Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling's girls' name ended in a rare four-way tie, and Sevenoaks' George was the only winner nationwide not in England's top six.
Kent Police Warn of Fraudsters Posing as Officers to Steal Crypto Savings
Kent Police are warning residents after fraudsters posing as police officers cold-called people claiming their identity was linked to a crime, convincing at least two victims to hand over crypto wallet seed phrases and lose money.
Whatman Ward at Maidstone Hospital to Close in Phases From 12 October
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has confirmed to Kent County Council's health scrutiny committee that Whatman Ward, a 21-bed geriatric and frailty ward at Maidstone Hospital, will close bay by bay from the week of 12 October, with full closure planned for 6 November.
Washing Machine Fire Breaks Out at Sutton Road House in Maidstone
Kent Fire and Rescue Service put out a house fire on Sutton Road, Maidstone, on Saturday morning after a washing machine caught alight from an electrical fault - nobody was hurt, and crews are reminding people not to run washing machines overnight or leave them on standby for long periods.
Seven Fire Engines Tackle Outbuilding Blaze Near Elmstone Lane, Maidstone
Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent seven engines to an outbuilding fire next to a residential property near Elmstone Lane in Maidstone on Friday evening, with nearby residents briefly advised to keep windows and doors closed; no injuries were reported.
MTW Hospitals Cut Hearing Aid Wait From 13 Months to Under Two Weeks
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has slashed its audiology waiting list from 1,300 to 334 patients by posting pre-programmed hearing aids straight to people with mild to moderate hearing loss, cutting their wait from a peak of 13 months to under two weeks - a model NHS England and the RNID are now reviewing as a blueprint for the rest of the country.
Maidstone Council Debated Its Water-Supply Housebuilding Motion Last Night - Result Not Yet Published
Maidstone's full Council met as scheduled on 30 September and debated the 'Halt the Houses' motion, which asks the Government to review the borough's housing target and pause building until water companies can guarantee supply - but the vote's outcome isn't in the council's published minutes yet.