West Kent Local NewsYour trusted source for local news and community updates
Council decisions, crime, planning rows and community life in Tonbridge & Malling - covered as it happens.

A body has been found in woodland near Tonbridge during the search for a missing woman, with police confirming the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Fuel prices across West Kent have risen sharply following tensions involving Iran, with increases of tens of percent in recent weeks. The rise is already affecting daily costs and could soon impact travel and wider prices, with no clear sign of improvement yet.

Costco plans to open a large new warehouse store in Aylesford by 2028, creating around 250 jobs. The project is currently in consultation, with mixed reactions from locals over convenience versus traffic concerns.

Tonbridge will gain its own town council after borough councillors approved the move following strong public support. The new council will have 18 members across six wards, with elections scheduled for May 2027.

Sainsbury’s Tonbridge has started a £20m expansion into the former Beales unit, with the store staying open during phased works until mid-2026. The upgrade will bring more floor space, thousands of new products, expanded non-food ranges, 50 new jobs and major sustainability improvements.

A shopping trolley dumped in a stream in Higham Wood highlights growing concerns about littering and environmental neglect across Tonbridge and West Kent.

New designs have been unveiled for the proposed redevelopment of the Angel Centre in Tonbridge, outlining plans for a modern, energy-efficient leisure facility.

A public consultation has opened on major plans to reorganise councils across Kent and Medway, which could replace the current system with a smaller number of new unitary authorities delivering all local services.

A popular local exhibition showcasing detailed model railway layouts, expert craftsmanship and trade stands in Tonbridge.