Local News

Sittingbourne Fire crews are at the scene of a fire involving approximately 30 tonnes of baled hay this afternoon.

Three fire engines and a bulk water carrier have been sent to deal with the fire along with an all terrain vehicle (ATV). The ATV is an eight wheeled vehicle which can get firefighters and equipment to remote areas that would be difficult for a fire engine to reach.

Local traffic is not be affected by the incident.

The speed limit on the Sheppey Crossing was lowered from 70mph to 50mph from 10.00am this morning (Wednesday 22nd July).

The "emergency" speed cut follows a pre-inquest review in to the deaths of Deborah Roberts and her 8-year-old son Marshall on the crossing last July.

Mid Kent and Medway Coroner, Patricia Harding wrote to Highways England urging them to take immediate action.

The inquest itself has yet to take place, but the design of the bridge, visibility and braking distance are expected to be discussed as the cause of death is further investigated.

"Safety is Highways England's top priority", said a spokesperson, "We are fully supporting the inquest. The coroner in the pre-inquest hearing has recommended urgent action. In the interim, before the full inquest has taken place, Highways England has taken the decision to introduce a temporary speed limit on the basis that we need to assess whether such a measure would improve safety."

The speed limit is in place in both directions on the A249 between the junction with the B2005 (Grovehurst/Iwade) and the Neats Court roundabout.

MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Gordon Henderson, has tentatively shown his support for the reform telling SFM News "I am delighted they're doing something, but I want to speak to the Transport Minister to see what other measures might be considered as well".

However, others are sceptical the change in speed limit will improve safety on the crossing. Deborah Roberts's sister, Emma Tweed, feels the speed limit will only be effective if it is enforced. "There needs to be average speed cameras because otherwise drivers won't stick to it when they don't stick to the 70mph limit now."

In September 2013, a 130-vehicle pile-up injured 60 people on the crossing and became one of the largest crashes in British history. It was ruled that foggy weather and speed were to blame.

Picture Courtesy of Andy Hudson - Sittingbourne.me.

Organisers of Tunstall Primary School's Summer Fete were left shocked and distressed after stock and prizes for their event were stolen in a burglary.

It is thought that thieves broke-in to the school's storeroom on Thursday (2nd July) evening and stole soft drinks, alcohol and many of the raffle prizes, most of which had been donated and gifted by parents over the previous year.

Speaking live on Saturday (4th July) morning to 106.9 SFM's Jason McCrossan, one of the Fete's organiser's Juliet Sensier said that parent's were shocked and saddened to find out that many of their donations had been taken just hours before the fete was due to begin.

Juliet then launched an appeal to SFM's listeners for any help that they could offer in the way of donations and prizes to replace those that were taken.

Shortly after, a number of calls were made to 106.9 SFM from community spirited people including local businessman Kevin Wilson from Beds4uForLess on Sittingbourne High Street who spoke to Pete Flynn on "the Saturday Show" and said that he would pledge a couple of foam pillows, worth about £40 for the school's Raffle and Sally Reeves at Bailey's Coffee Shop who, after hearing Janet's appeal, donated several gift vouchers. A number of other people were inspired by Juliet's story, including a lorry driver who heard the plea on the radio and turned up to off load a number of boxes, including lemonade and other confectionery. Asda Sittingbourne's Community Champion, Claire Fosbeary, also heard the appeal and arranged for the store to donate a trolley full of soft drinks to make the day happen.

Speaking again to 106.9 SFM, just as the school's Fun Day was about to began, Juliet thanked everyone from the local community who had turned up after the "radio appeal" and donated items and said how grateful she was that some good had come from the trauma of the theft and that the event was "full steam ahead".

Kent Fire and Rescue Service tackled a "large fire" at the paper mill in Ridham Avenue, Kemsley earlier this afternoon.

On arrival crews found a large amount of baled paper well alight and used two main jets, two flat fan sprays (ground monitor) and one hose reel jet to tackle the fire.

It's believed that a mechanical digger was also used to break up and move the paper stack.

There was a large amount of smoke in the area and local residents were urged to close their windows and doors as a precaution whilst the fire was being tackled earlier.

Traffic on the Northern Relief Road (Swale Way) was not affected by the fire.