Local News

The Sittingbourne 6-a-side Monday League saw three teams win their respective divisions in an exciting season of football.

Isle Of Bourne won the Premier League, Stover FC completed an incredible feat of winning every one of their 14 games in division one, and Too Old To Play FC claimed victory in division two.

Isle Of Bourne was the deserving winner of the Premier League, showcasing impressive teamwork and skill. The team’s outstanding performance was a testament to their dedication and hard work, as they overcame fierce competition to clinch the title.

Stover FC’s success in division one was truly remarkable. Winning every game in a league is no easy feat, and the team’s achievement is a testament to their talent and determination. Stover FC’s performance was a joy to watch and a true inspiration to all football enthusiasts.

Too Old To Play FC’s success in division two was equally impressive. Despite their name, the team proved that age is just a number, and they have the skills and passion to excel on the football pitch. Too Old To Play FC’s performance was a great reminder that football is a sport for all ages.

Adam Glover, Area Manager, praised the teams and the venue, and told SFM News: "Congratulations to Isle Of Bourne, Stover FC, and Too Old To Play FC on their fantastic performances. It is great to see such dedication and passion for the sport in our community. The Sittingbourne Community College League provides an excellent venue for local football enthusiasts to come together and enjoy the game they love.”

There is also a league on Sunday nights, but the Monday league resumes after Easter. Teams can join now using this link.

Two lorries have been seized by officers during a multi-agency operation here in Swale.

Officers from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force joined forces with staff from the Environment Agency on the morning of Saturday (25th March) in response to concerns surrounding waste being illegally transported and tipped in Eastchurch.

During the operation police stopped three Scania tipper lorries to check they were road worthy and had the relevant waste licences. While one lorry driver was sent on their way, two other drivers had their vehicles seized.

One lorry was seized after it was stopped in Lower Road, Minster. The driver was handed a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) for driving with an insecure load. The vehicle was also not taxed and did not have a valid MOT.

The second vehicle was stopped in Chestnut Street, Sittingbourne, and was also identified as having no tax before it was seized.

Rural Task Force Sergeant Darren Walshaw told SFM News: "We work closely with other agencies and carried out this operation following concerns of vehicles being seen in the area which were transporting and tipping out waste illegally. We always listen to concerns from residents and I would urge anyone with similar issues to ensure they are reporting these to the relevant authorities so the appropriate action can be taken."

Gordon Henderson, Member of Parliament for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, has announced he will be standing down at the next General Election.

Mr Henderson made the announcement in a speech at the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association Annual General Meeting earlier this eveening (Friday 17^th March) in front of members.

Before becoming an MP, Mr Henderson was elected to both Swale Borough Council, where he was twice Deputy Leader, and Kent County Council.

Mr Henderson, who has lived on the Isle of Sheppey for over 40 years, first stood for election as Member of Parliament for Sittingbourne and Sheppey in 2005, when he lost to the Labour Party by just 79 votes. He stood again in 2010 and his hard work in the community over many years was rewarded when he won with a 12,383 majority.

Mr Henderson's majority slightly decreased in 2015 to 12,168, however, it increased again in 2017 to 15,211 and most recently in December 2019, his majority went up to 24,479.

The next General Election has to be held by January 2025, however, it is expected to take place sometime in 2024.

Two men, suspected of stealing fuel from lorries, were arrested following quick work from a Kent Police dog and officers.

At around 3.45am on Monday (13th March) morning officers travelling on the A249 Maidstone-bound near Bobbing noticed a car parked close behind an HGV in a lay-by.

Two men then fled the scene as the patrol vehicle approached, with Police Dog Ciara and her handler called to assist in a search across fields.

Both suspects, one aged 30 and the other 21, were located shortly afterwards, arrested and later released on bail pending further enquiries.

A number of cannisters of fuel were also seized from the scene.

Inspector Steve Dunnett, of Swale’s Local Policing Team, told SFM News: "The theft of fuel from lorries can be hugely damaging to business owners who already spend thousands every year keeping their vehicles on the road. We take a very dim view of people who help themselves to fuel or other goods that do not belong to them, and will use every resource available to us to bring them into custody."

There have been a number of fuel thefts on this stretch of the A249 for the past 6 months.