Local News

Major Power Cut Hits Hundreds Of Homes

Major Power Cut Hits Hundreds Of Homes

Hundreds of homes and businesses in the Sittingbourne area are still without power after a fault, pinpointed to a pole near the junction of Panteny Lane and School Lane in Bapchild.

Initially, 3,906 homes and businesses across the town were affected shortly after 9.00am this morning (Thursday 3rd October) and by 10.30am more than 300 customers were still without power.

A UK Power Networks spokesman told SFM News that: "Engineers are working as quickly as possible to restore electricity supplies to 318 customers in Sittingbourne. We understand how difficult it is being without electricity and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused. We ae now estimating that we will have power back on between 4.30pm and 5.30pm this afternoon. Some properties may be back on sooner than others".

Stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for the latest.

Sittingbourne Man Jailed For Faversham Park Assault

Sittingbourne Man Jailed For Faversham Park Assault

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."

Thomas Cook Last-Ditch Rescue Talks Fail

Thomas Cook Last-Ditch Rescue Talks Fail

The Forum branch of Thomas Cook Closed

Following the collapse of Thomas Cook, after last-minute negotiations aimed at saving the 178-year-old holiday firm failed, the branch here in Sittingbourne has closed with immediate effect.

It's believed that 6 people are employed locally in the branch located in The Forum Shopping Cemtre and that staff were led to believe that the company would be able to "turn around" afer it's recent difficulties.

The collapse of the firm has triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, aimed at bringing more than 150,000 British holidaymakers home.

 

Harry Potter Star Set For Sittingbourne Xmas Panto

Harry Potter Star Set For Sittingbourne Xmas Panto

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.

KCC Trading Standards Warn Of New Scam

KCC Trading Standards Warn Of New Scam

KCC Trading Standards say that they have received a number of reports concenring a scam targeting residents throughout Kent, with offers of security checks and security alarms.

How the scam works:

• The criminal cold calls by telephone
• They may say they are calling to let you know about a crime awareness campaign running in your area
• They offer a security check of your home and to fit a security alarm
• They claim to be working for the Council security team
• In one incident when the resident said another adult lived at the property the criminal hung up

How to protect yourself:

• Do not respond to cold callers
• Never agree to work from cold a caller
• Follow the Kent Police 3 Step Protect advice to keep your home safe
• If you require home security use reputable traders who are members of the KCC Trading Standards approved trader scheme, run in partnership with Checkatrade
• Get a minimum of 3 quotes in writing

 

Man Arrested After Two Stabbed In West Street

Man Arrested After Two Stabbed In West Street

Kent Police have confirmed that a man was arrested after two people were stabbed in Sittingbourne last night (Monday 26th August).

Police say they were called to a disturbance in West Street at around 9.14pm.

Both victims were taken to a local hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening and a man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

 

Five Charges After Stabbing In Sittingbourne

Five Charges After Stabbing In Sittingbourne

Five charges have been made against a man accused of a stabbing in Sittingbourne.

Shane Andrews is alleged to have assaulted the victim, who is in his 20s, in Quartz Way on the afternoon of Tuesday 13th August. The injured person is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Andrews, 22, of Ledger Close, Sittingbourne, was arrested on suspicion of assault in Greenwich the next day. After being arrested, he is alleged to have been found in possession of three knives.

He was later charged with grievous bodily harm and four counts of possessing a knife in a public place and appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court today (Friday 16th August).

At the hearing, Mr Andrews was remanded in custody and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 13th September.

Field Fire Extinguished In Wormshill

Field Fire Extinguished In Wormshill

Stock Picture

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a field fire in Wormshill early today (Thursday 25th July).

The call was received at 4.10pm and four fire engines were sent to the scene.

Crews arrived to approximately four hectares of field alight and a large smoke plume coming from the area.

Firefighters used a hose reel jet, fog spikes and beaters to tackle the blaze.

The cause is not yet known.

Scouts Receive A Donation From Kent Police Fund

Scouts Receive A Donation From Kent Police Fund

A scout group from Sittingbourne has received a donation from the Kent Police Property Fund.

The 10th Sittingbourne Scout Group, which is attached to Grove Park School, was presented with a £500 cheque from Kent Police recently. The group offers young people the opportunity to develop character, employability and practical skills such as cooking and first aid in a safe and supportive environment.

The money was made available by the force's Property Fund, which distributes money from the sale of unclaimed lost property or items seized during police operations. Money raised from the fund is given to local groups which provide a service to communities in Kent throughout the year. Inspector Tom Mepstead, from Kent Police, presented the money to Group Scout Leader Elaine Nappey and scout Henry Hearn (as pictured above).

Mrs Nappey tld SFM News: "Fundraising is a big part of what we do and we are very grateful for the money donated by the Kent Police Property Fund. This money will help towards the purchase of new equipment and enable us to continue delivering a varied programme providing young people with opportunities to develop their skills and work towards earning their badges."

Weekend Hole Appears At Newington Station

Weekend Hole Appears At Newington Station

Pic: Courtesy of Cllr Richard Palmer

Safety concerns were raised over the weekend the collapse of part of the Sittingbourne-bound platform collapsed at Newington Railway Station on Sunday (21st July) afternoon.

Southeastern spokesman Paul Prentice told SFM News: "We became aware of damage to part of one of the platforms at Newington station at 1:30pm on Sunday afternoon and immediately sent an extra member of staff to the damaged section of platform to ensure the safety of all of our passengers. From 8:00pm onwards, rail replacement buses for trains running towards Sittingbourne were put in place on that section of line until the end of service, so that Network Rail could repair the platform. Work was completed in time for normal service to begin on Monday (22nd July) morning."

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