Local News

Swale Borough Council are urging residents can have their say on the future of the Kent Downs.

The Kent Downs National Landscape Team are working to update the management plan for this important designated National Landscape.

The management plan guide how the Kent Downs team: 

• manages and enhances natural beauty,
• supports farming and land management,
• guides planning and development, 
• creates more opportunities for everyone to explore and enjoy the Downs

The management plan influences decisions and shapes priorities for nature recovery, farming, climate action, access and tourism and is used by local councils, farmers, landowners, community groups and residents. 

The Kent Downs is a rich and biodiverse landscape, comprising chalk grasslands, ancient woodland, peaceful valleys, tiny lanes, oast houses and orchards.

Part of the Kent Downs falls within Swale and encompasses idyllic villages including Milstead, Bredgar, Doddington, Painter’s Forstal, Eastling, Badlesmere and Selling.

Whether you live in the Kent Downs, visit for walks or views, pass through on your way to work, or simply care about its future – your voice matters, have your say here by Sunday 2nd November 2025.

Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, told SFM News: “We are incredibly privileged to have such a beautiful landscape right on our doorstep, which needs to be closely managed to protect the Down’s unique charm. It isn’t only full of stunning views, there are animals and plant life that can’t be found anywhere else in Britain. The management plan is key to enhancing its natural beauty, supporting farmers, and helps guide planning and development within the area. Please share your thoughts on the Kent Downs - what features make it special, what matters most to you and how the area can be improved, for everyone to enjoy.”

Six people were arrested after immigration officers raided a Sittingbourne High Street nail salon yesterday (Wednesday 15^th October) afternoon.

The Home Office Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Teams, along with assistance from Kent Police, detained four Chinese nationals after swooping on the premises of Joy Nails at number 28 on the High Street.

The two men and four women were identified as suspected immigration offenders and a Civil Penalty Referral Notice was served on the shop. The owners could now face a substantial fine of up to £45,000 per illegal worker, for a first breach, if they are found to have employed someone and failed to conduct the relevant pre-employment checks required by law.

A Home Office spokesperson told SFM News: “Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages, and fuels the criminal industry of immigration crime. The government is determined to clamp down on that illegal activity in every sector where it occurs, including nail bars.”

They went on to add: “Under this government, enforcement action nationwide has increased, with visits and arrests up by around 50% on the previous twelve months, and we will be stepping up that action further in the year ahead.”

The Home Office Immigration Enforcement hotline on 0300 123 7000 is the official number to report suspected illegal working, false applications, or immigration smuggling.

You can also report concerns through the GOV.UK website by using their reporting tool or online contact form at:- https://www.imsallegations.homeoffice.gov.uk/start

This month (October 2025) is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance (KMCA) have announced that it’s working with Menopause and Cancer, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping cancer patients navigate the often-overlooked challenges of treatment-induced menopause.

Many individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or endocrine therapy experience difficult menopausal symptoms, ranging from hot flushes and fatigue to emotional distress and cognitive changes. Yet, support for these symptoms can be hard to find.

To address this, Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance and Menopause and Cancer are working together to establish peer support groups tailored specifically for those facing menopause because of cancer treatment. These groups aim to provide a safe, understanding space for patients to share experiences, access resources, and feel less alone.

KMCA want to hear from you… Menopause and Cancer is conducting a short questionnaire to better understand what kind of support patients truly need. Patient voices can help shape future services and make sure no one faces these challenges without guidance and community.

Take the survey please click here:- Kent and Medway Menopause and Cancer Support

Kent Police officers have renewed their appeal for dashcam footage and witnesses after a pedestrian in Faversham was seriously injured by a vehicle which then left the scene.

At around 7.45pm last Saturday (27th September) evening a 65 year old man was struck as he was walking in the North Lane area, close to the junction with Partridge Lane.

In the moments before the collision a Ford Focus and another small hatchback were seen travelling south on North Lane in the direction of South Road.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are keen to speak to the drivers of these vehicles as they may have important information or witnessed a Nissan flatbed / tipper’s movements before the collision. 

Following the collision the victim was taken to a London hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Three people were arrested in connection with the collision and have since been released on bail.

Anyone who may have seen the incident or Nissan tipper in the area are urged to contact Kent Police.

Dashcam or phone footage can be uploaded via the Kent Police online portal: https://kep.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/27-1357

Witnesses can also provide information by contacting Kent Police on 01622 798 538 and quoting reference BS/CF/066/25, or by emailing sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk