West Kent Local NewsYour trusted source for local news and community updates
News
Council decisions, crime, community life and the stories shaping day-to-day life across West Kent.
All Articles
224 total
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.
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Arrest Over Incident at Larkfield Hotel
Kent Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was arrested following reports of inappropriate behaviour at the Hamlet Hotel in Larkfield, near Aylesford, during a private function on Saturday 3 October.
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.
Three-Vehicle Crash Closes Section of A262 Near Lamberhurst
Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police attended a three-vehicle crash on the A262 coastbound near Lamberhurst on Saturday morning, with three people passed into the care of SECAmb paramedics after everyone was out of their vehicles by the time crews arrived.
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.
Council Writes to Home Secretary Over HMO Licensing Timeline at Asylum Accommodation Property
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has written to the Home Secretary raising concerns that a Walderslade property used for asylum dispersal accommodation was occupied before its House in Multiple Occupation licence process had been completed, and is calling for a review of provider Clearsprings Ready Homes.
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.