Local News

Kent Police has taken on 100 new cuddly recruits thanks to a generous donation by the Swale Knit and Natter Group.

Police Constable Darren Chapman visited members of the group in Sittingbourne on Wednesday 27th August to receive the new cuddly toys, which will be used under the Roads Policing Unit's Trauma Teddies scheme.

All traffic vehicles now carry the Trauma Teddies which are given to youngsters up to the age of six when they are trapped in a vehicle or involved in a collision either as a passenger or pedestrian.

PC Chapman came up with the idea after having attended many distressing collisions involving young people. He told the SFM News Team: "I was delighted to meet the ladies from Swale Knit and Natter and accept their generous donation. They heard about Trauma Teddies scheme earlier this year and wanted to help and, over the course of the last few months, handmade over 100 knitted toys.I was able to spend some time with the ladies and explain how the scheme works and thank them for their donations and time they spent on creating some very good quality cuddly toys. It's always more difficult when young children are involved in a collision because you cannot always explain what is happening to them. Fear and confusion can overwhelm them and sometimes all they need is comfort and reassurance rather than the type of explanation you would give an adult."

The Swale Knit and Natter group meets every Wednesday morning, between 10.30am and 12 Noon and every Thursday evening between 5.45 and 7.45pm, at Sittingbourne Library on Central Avenue and are always looking for new members.

Kent Police detectives have arrested a man in connection with a number of reported arsons across the Isle of Sheppey.

In a pre-planned operation, officers executed a warrant in Queens Road, Minster-On-Sea and arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of arson, who remains in police custody.

Detectives are investigating farm fires on Lower Road in Minster on Friday 1st August and Queenborough Road in Queenborough on Sunday 17th August. Officers remain at the scene at a blaze in Elm Lane, Minster, reported at around 1.25am earlier today (Friday 22nd August).

Swale District Commander, Chief Inspector Tony Henley, told SFM News: "I recognise how distressing these mindless and destructive fires are and I would like to reassure the residents of Sheppey, and in particular the farming community, that we are committed to catching those responsible. Alongside the criminal investigation my officers are speaking to the farming community and those affected and offering support and advice at this time. We have one person in custody today. However, we have a number of lines of enquiry ongoing and there are other people we would like to speak to in connection with these incidents. I would urge anybody with any information about these incidents to contact the investigating officer, PC Robin Stump, on 07980 683675​, quoting crime reference XY/029871/14. Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous you can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonimously on 0800 555111."

A badly injured Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Thomas has been found a new home in Sittingbourne, thanks to a record 90,000 views made to Swale Borough Council's Facebook page.

It follows the harrowing story of the 5-year-old dog, which was left badly stabbed and tied to a railing just off Thomas Road in Murston and featured in a news stroy on your local community radio station 106.9 SFM.

The good news is that Thomas is well on the way to making a speedy recovery and is moving into his new adopted home later this week. As with other cases of strays or lost and found animals, the information was posted on Facebook seeking information from the public as to his original ownership and asking if a new home could be found for him. Ordinarily 10,000-15,000 views would be made by local people, but such was the euphoria surrounding Thomas, a staggering 90,000 views were made in just a three day period.

Alister Andrews, Environment Response Manager for Swale Borough Council told SFM News: "Considering only 140,000 people live in Swale, to get this many views for a single dog story was simply extraordinary and judging by the type of response we have received, it just shows how much local people really do care about the plight of poor animals such as Thomas. I am delighted that we have re-homed him and hopefully he, and the family which has taken him in, will be very happy together".

Swale Borough Council currently has five other abandoned dogs waiting to be re-homed and if any people are interested in acquiring a new pet, they to are asked contact the Kennels directly on 01795 842466.

Sittingbourne has been badly affected by flooding, yet again, following a deluge in the past hour.

The worst affected areas appear to be around the bottom part of the High Street, East Street, Crown Quay Lane and both Mill Way and St Paul's Street in Milton Regis.

Stay tuned to 106.9 SFM for the latest information or follow our Twitter feed - which is also displayed on our Main Page at www.sfmradio.com.