Local News

A three-month inquiry regarding the two applications known as 'Highsted Park' commenced at 10am this morning (Tuesday 11th March) at Swale House here in Sittingbourne.

The inquiry is being heard by HM Planning inspector Christina Downes and refers to two applications of Land West of Teynham London Road (21/503906/EIOUT) and Land South and East of Sittingbourne (21/503914/EIOUT) both of which can be viewed online via the website: https://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/ and by using the relevant Reference Numbers in bold.

In total the application would include 8,400 homes, a hotel, a new recycling centre, two primary schools, one secondary school, provision for a new M2 motorway junction (5A) and the completion of the southern relief road.

The applications have been submitted by Quinn Estates Kent Ltd, GH Dean & Co Ltd, Atwood Farms Ltd, Atwood Trustees and AG Kent Holding BV.

Swale Borough Council will continually update the inquiry website with the latest details, or stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for the latest  developments throughout the inquiry.

Kent Police investigators are renewing their appeal for witnesses following a serious collision on the A249 near Stockbury.

The incident happened at 10.05pm last Tuesday (25th February), when a silver Land Rover Discovery and a black BMW 1 series collided near the Chalky Road junction.

Officers attended the scene along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a passenger from the BMW, a man in his 30s, was flown to a London hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

The driver of the Land Rover, a man in his 40s, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries and is now recovering at home. The passenger, a woman in her 30s, sustained minor injuries.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the BMW travelling from the M20 junction seven roundabout, up Detling Hill towards Sittingbourne or the Land Rover travelling in the opposite direction before using the slip road for the Chalky Road junction in the moments before the collision.

Sergeant Chris Oliver-Jones told SFM News: "This is a well-travelled road, even at that time of night and believe there may be further witnesses to the incident who might hold valuable information."

Anyone who can help should call 01622 798538, or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk, quoting reference XX/HG/013/25.

Dashcam footage can be uploaded here: https://kep.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/a249stockbury-rtc

Investigators are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a report of a serious assault in Sittingbourne in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 27th February).

Patrols were called to an injured man near Rectory Road shortly after midnight. Officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene where the victim, who is in his late teens, was treated for an injury consistent with a stab wound. He was taken by air ambulance to a London hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Kent Police have arrested a local woman, aged 19, on suspicion of assault and she is currently in custody.

An investigation is underway and officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed an altercation or a disturbance in the area to call them. Drivers with dashcam and residents with private CCTV are also urged to check for relevant footage. Anyone with any information is asked to call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/33242/25. Alternatively they can also call Kent Crimestoppers FREE and anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form.

** UPDATE FRI 11:32AM 28/02/25 ** The woman arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody has been named as Leah Scantlebury, of Commonwealth Close in Sittingbourne. She has been charged with wounding with intent. The 19 year old was remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court later today (Friday 28th February).

After nearly four years in the heart of Sittingbourne High Street's community The Swale Media Art Centre (SMAC), at number 34, is set to close on Friday 4th April.

The founder of SMAC, local long-standing resident and former film director and ex-Swale Borough Councillor, Ken Rowles, told SFM News: "I am very angry with the closure of our gallery and community hub. We have been offering a  range of arts and media activities, workshops and classes for all ages and activities. We have supplied room hire, and gallery space, Art classes, film screenings, art and craft afternoons, a networking IT room with equipment available for training".

Ken went on to add: "our museum in the centre features celebrities who live or have lived in the borough including Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Faversham including the villages. Names such as Terry Nation, who wrote episodes of Dr Who and inventor of the Dalek, Michael Crawford star of theatre, film and television series, Bob Todd who started life in Faversham as a farmer and had difficulty becoming a comedy actor of television, film Bernard Lee well known as M in early James Bond 007. Eric Barker star of my Carry on films and a wealth of comedy film 50's and 60's. The Museum includes posters, memorabilia along with film and television cameras and editing equipment.

Ken told 'In The Bourne' listeners: "the Sittingbourne community are losing a venue that, for four years, has been a valuable asset to the town and has been a home for education for the young and not so young. Parents have said that we have given their children something schools are now lacking. We were told by our landlord that they couldn’t guarantee another five-year extension to our lease which, because we’re a charity, we would need for further funding. I'm sorry that we didn't get any support from Swale Borough Council either, who have other ideas for 34 High Street Sittingbourne or will it become just another empty building or nail spa?"

Stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for the latest on this breaking news story.