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Council decisions, crime, community life and the stories shaping day-to-day life across West Kent.

Kent Police have released a CCTV image following a vehicle theft investigation in Sevenoaks. While the incident itself is concerning, the appeal is also a reminder of the value CCTV and dashcam footage can bring when helping police identify suspects and investigate crime.

Local play areas across Maidstone are set to benefit from a £95,000 investment, with 19 parish councils receiving funding to improve children's facilities. The scheme aims to create safer, more attractive spaces for families while supporting children's health, development and outdoor play.

Maidstone has launched a summer-long celebration marking 25 years of Maidstone River Park, with riverside events, festivals and community activities planned across the town.

A new patrol team has launched across Tonbridge and Malling to tackle anti-social behaviour, but the use of private security officers instead of police has sparked mixed reactions from residents online.

THE PIG Hotels has abandoned plans to turn Groombridge Place into a luxury hotel after accepting a private offer for the historic estate, disappointing many local residents who hoped the project would boost jobs and tourism in the area.

Urgent safety works have been ordered at Tonbridge’s historic Rose and Crown Hotel after structural concerns were raised over the building’s front portico. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has given the owners seven days to act or face possible legal action, as many residents hope the landmark building can finally be restored to a safer and more fitting condition.

Tonbridge has been named Kent’s busiest commuter station after season ticket journeys across the county rose by more than 1.4 million trips in a year, according to new figures released by Southeastern.

The chief executive of South East Water has announced his resignation following months of criticism over major water outages that left thousands of homes across Kent and Sussex without supply during the winter crisis.

Residents in Maidstone are being invited to help shape plans for a new outdoor pump track at the former Willington Street Park and Ride site, with proposals also including rewilded green spaces designed to support local wildlife and biodiversity.