Local News

New CGI images of the Spirit of Sittingbourne's planned regeneration project have been released by Swale Borough Council, as new restaurants and retailers sign up to come to the town.

Swale Borough Council and The Spirit Of SIttingbourne have confirmed that Pizza Express, Wildwood, Home Bargains and Travelodge have all signed up to come to the town.

To celebrate these new arrivals to Sittingbourne, a pizza party will be held at No.34 Sittingbourne High Street this coming Saturday (15th October). All are welcome to pop along between 11am-2pm to design their favourite toppings and enjoy a free pizza in return.

Will Mooney, partner at Carter Jonas, acting as outsourced development manager for Travelodge, told SFM News: "Sittingbourne is an important location for Travelodge. We have been trying to secure a quality site for some years.
The quality of the scheme, the central location and associated retail and cinema occupiers were key to Travelodge's decision in committing to the town."

Russell Kirkham, Head of Acquisitions at Pizza Express, told SFM News: "We're thrilled to announce that Pizza Express will be arriving in Sittingbourne as part of this exciting new regeneration development. The project looks set to put Sittingbourne on the map and it's great to be a part of it."

A spokesperson for Wildwood, said: "We are delighted to announce that we will be joining this important town centre initiative and look forward to working with Swale Council and U+I to open our doors to the residents and visitors of Sittingbourne."

Cllr Andrew Bowles, Leader of Swale Borough Council told SFM News: "Our ultimate aim for this regeneration scheme is to breathe new life into the town centre, so existing shops can thrive, and new businesses choose to open in the area. The cinema will be complimented by the restaurants and hotel, and will provide a welcome boost in the number of visitors to the town. We know people are impatient to see work begin, but this is a complex development, with many interlinked aspects that need to be resolved to make sure the scheme is the success the town deserves."

Richard Upton, Deputy CEO of U+I told SFM News: "Signing up these businesses demonstrates how much interest and opportunity there is in Sittingbourne, and our commitment to the ongoing revitalisation of the area. We expect that news of this will draw more leisure and retail operators to the town centre - helping to make Sittingbourne a true destination town."

Mark Quinn, Chairman of Quinn Estates, the operator of the project, added: "Today's announcement shows confidence from wider businesses and retailers in our plans for Sittingbourne's regeneration; it also reflects the hard work of the Spirit of Sittingbourne team, and shows we can deliver what this town needs and deserves."

The Spirit of Sittingbourne development is a Public Private Partnership between U+I, Swale Borough Council, Quinn Estates and Essential Land. The scheme includes the remodelling of the town centre and the introduction of a new highway arrangement outside the railway station, to create a more pedestrian friendly environment without restricting traffic flow. Initial highway works will be the first to commence.

If you want to find out more please visit: www.spiritofsittingbourne.com.

Seven people were arrested by Kent Police after officers executed drug warrants across Sittingbourne late last week.

On Thursday 22nd September officers executed five drug warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The first address to be targeted was in Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, where officers found 21 cannabis plants in the garage connected to the property. A quantity of cash was also seized along with various other drugs paraphernalia. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of abstracting electricity and producing cannabis, and a 23-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

Officers also targeted another property in the same road and 27 cannabis plants were found in the garage. Police also found what appeared to be pill-making equipment, and a safe which appeared to contain further drugs. A 25-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

A property in Broom Road, Sittingbourne, was also targeted by officers. During the search officers found a tub containing bags of white powder. A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A search was also conducted in Peel Drive, Sittingbourne, where officers found several bags containing what appeared to be herbal cannabis. Scales and empty small bags were also found. A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Police also searched a property in Hythe Road, Sittingbourne, where they found cannabis and cash in excess of £2,000. A number of mobile phones were also found. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

All those who were arrested during the warrants have been bailed until Tuesday 10th January 2017 whilst Kent Police enquiries continue.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) have confirmed that two people were treated for the affects of breathing in smoke following a fire in a garage connected to a two-storey house in London Road, Sittingbourne earlier this evening (Friday 16th September).

A man and a woman were given oxygen therapy by firefighters and were then attended to by an ambulance crew from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).

The fire is believed to have started in a washing machine. Crews wearing breathing apparatus put out the blaze using a hose reel.

There were slight delays to traffic coming in and out of town via the A2 London Road earlier.

A man, arrested in connection with an alleged stabbing in Sheerness High Street, has been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Kent Police were called at 3.32am yesterday (Thursday 18th August) morning to a report of an assault between Maple Street and Halfway Road on the Isle Of Sheppey.

Officers attended along with ambulance staff and a man in his 20's was taken to King's College Hospital in South East London, where he remains in a serious but stable condition, having suffered an injury consistent with a stab wound.

A section of the High Street was closed while officers carried out enquiries into the incident but was re-opened at 3.20pm.

The 20-year-old arrested man from Sheerness has been released on bail until Sunday 11th September.

Officers from the Major Crime Unit would now like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything at the time of the alleged assault, or an earlier disturbance involving four men at the exit of Sheerness Holiday Park on Halfway Road.

Anyone with any information is advised to call the appeal line on 01795 419119 quoting reference 18-0118 or they can call Kent Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.