Local News

A group of young people recently attended a thought provoking afternoon which discussed road safety and the consequences of carelessly riding bikes.

The Road Safety Experience, in Rochester, hosted the teenagers from both Swale and Tonbridge and Malling on Thursday (24th October).

The event was arranged by Kent Police Youth Engagement Officers, with support provided by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent County Council, Medway Council and Community Cycleworks, a not for profit organisation that promotes safe cycling amongst young people.

They reviewed a scene that has been constructed to show a collision between a bike and a car.

They then had the opportunity to speak with officers, take part in group exercises and view equipment Kent Fire and Rescue Service often used at the scene of serious collisions.

Ian Henderson, a Youth Engagement Officer for Kent Police, told SFM News: "The aim of the afternoon was to be thought-provoking, interactive and fun but we did not ignore the hard-hitting points and reality of road safety we wanted to get across. Cycling is an excellent sport but, like many things, we do sometimes take it for granted and ignore some of the risks that come with it. We hope that by sharing our experiences with young people, we can promote safer riding and prevent a serious injury."

Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services at Medway Council, told SFM News: "We are pleased to have worked closely with our partner agencies on this intervention and we will continue to work closely with schools across Medway to help teach pupils the importance of road safety. We also deliver bikeability training to schools which includes advice on how to plan journeys on busy roads. As daylight hours draw in I would like to encourage cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and other road users to make sure they are visible by wearing bright and reflective clothing. We all have a responsibility to help keep Medway's roads safe."

Kent Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on the M2 near Medway earlier this afternoon (Tuesday 8th October).

Officers were called to the coastbound carriageway of the motorway, near the services between junctions 4 (Gillingham) and 5 (Sittingbourne), at 1.36pm where a collision had taken place involving a white lorry and grey BMW estate car.

A man aged in his 20s sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and was taken into police custody.

An investigation into the collision is being carried out by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) who are asking drivers to check their dashcams for anything which might assist their enquiries.

People who witnessed the collision are asked to call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting RY/FM/108/19.

A Sittingbourne man has been jailed after he assaulted a teenager in a park in Faversham last September.

Shane Scamp, of Wild Ash Croft, kicked the boy in the face because he thought he was laughing at his friend. The 21-year old was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. He pleaded guilty to the charge at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to three and a half year's imprisonment.

The court heard that around 7.00pm on Thursday 13th September 2018, two teenagers were socialising in the recreation ground near Park Road in Faversham. They were sitting on the grass when they noticed two men near the skate park area being rowdy and drinking from a bottle. One of the men, Scamp, approached the teenagers accusing them of laughing at his friend. Whilst he was still sitting Scamp struck one of the teenagers in the face with the back of his hand. He then kicked him in the face causing him to fall backwards and lose consciousness for a few minutes.

The police were called and witnesses were able to identify Scamp as the offender. He fled the scene and officers pursued him on foot, however, he was handed a bicycle by an unknown youth and was able to escape. Further investigation confirmed Scamp had carried out the assault and eight days later officers arrested him at his home address.

The victim had sustained a fractured cheekbone which required surgery. Scamp was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced to three years and six months at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 23 September 2019.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Luke Challinger, told SFM News "The victim of this case, who was significantly younger than the offender, was socialising with his friend and Scamp viciously kicked him in the face for no reason causing serious injury. His violent behaviour during this unprovoked attack is unacceptable and a custodial sentence is entirely justified."

It may only be September but the stars of this year's Swallow's Leisure Centre pantomime "The Wizard of Oz" have been in town and On Air to officially launch the show! 

Headlining this year's Pantomime is Harry Potter star Chris Rankin, best known for his role as Percy Weasley in the hit movies and returning Eastender's star Melissa Suffield, best known for her role as Lucy Beale for a number of years.

The fun-filled family musical has been turned into a pantomime for all. Following a hugely successful summer season run throughout 2013 in Blackpool and four nationwide tours in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Trio Entertainment's production of "The Wizard of Oz" will be at Swallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne from 15th December to 24th December 2019 and is brought to you in association with 106.9 SFM for the seventh year!

Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, The Tin-man and The Cowardly Lion on their adventure to see The Wizard of Oz for their dreams to be fulfilled. Chris will be playing the part of the Wizard of Oz alongside Melissa as Dorothy.

Melissa told SFM's 'In The Bourne': "This is my third time playing Dorothy having played the part in 2014 and 2018 for Trio Entertainment and I can't wait to be back, Its extra special to have Chris as the Wizard as we both appeared on Celebrity Total Wipeout together a few years ago and did pantomime together in Bradford last year."

Producer Kevin Brown said " The Wizard of Oz promises magic, music and laughter by the bucket load. We've got a fantastic family pantomime for all the family and we cant wait for Christmas time in Sittingbourne. We have been producing the Sittingbourne pantomime since 2012 and each year the show gets bigger and better."

Joining Chris and Melissa will be star of X Factor Soheila Clifford, as The Evil Witch Of The West and back by popular demand from last year's pantomime  Tom Balmont returns as the Loveable Scarecrow. Ryan Byrne joins the cast as The Tin-Man, Kassie Malam as the magical Glinda The Good Fairy and"Jay Wallace Langan as the Cowardly Lion. The Show also features dancers from the Kent School of Dance again this year.

The Wizard of Oz runs from Sunday 15th December to Tuesday 24th December at The Swallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne. For further information and to book tickets visit www.sittingbournepanto.co.uk, or you can book in person or by calling the box office on 01795 420 420 - tickets strart from only £9.00 per person.