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News
18th September 2020DETAILS: Resurfacing works on B2012 Lower Boxley Road
THERE is an overnight road closure scheduled for next week. The B2012 Lower Boxley Road/Well Road will be closed from Staceys Street to beyond the Wheeler Street crossroads. These road surface ...
18th September 2020LATEST: Prezzo to reopen in Maidstone
FANS of Prezzo will be pleased to hear it is reopening on September 22. Diners at the popular Italian chain in Earl Streetcan enjoy some new additions to the menu, including a new calamari ...
PLANNED: 18-month road closure in Aylesford
AN 18-month road closure has been planned for Aylesford. Rochester Road will close from September 28for up to 18 months between the bridge on Rochester Road Southbound approach to Kits Coty ...
URGENT: Gas leak repairs near Maidstone
THERE is a road closure in East Farleigh. Dean Street is currenty closed until September 25at the New Cut junction. The alternative route is via Lower Road, Ewell Lane, onto Heath Road, ...
GALLERY: Maidstone pupils adjust to 'new normal'
AS thousands of pupils in Maidstone return to school after lockdown, the Downs Mail asked teachers how they felt about resuming to education after more than six months away from the ...
INQUEST: Police took 49 minutes to respond to dad's 999 call
POLICE took a total of 49 minutes to respond to a dad's emergency call whilehis son lay dying on the kitchen floor. Richard Betts Jr (23) was being restrained by his father after using a ...
M20 DISRUPTION: After Op Stack - even more trouble on the motorway
THERE is to be more disruption to the M20 next week for roadworks between September 21 and 24. It affects most the London and coast bound lanes. This week, drivers were subjected to Operation Stack ...
HIT AND RUN: Police officer injured in leg after car drug search drama
A POLICEMAN has suffered leg injuries after being struck in an alleged hit and run after a drugs search. The incident happened at 1am at Blue Bell Hill village near Maidstone. A Kent Police ...
HUNTED: Three hammer-wielding suspects attack man in robbery near Maidstone
POLICE are searching three masked men armed with hammers who assaulted a man during aviolent burglary at a house near Maidstone. The victim was taken to hospital after the attack on ...
Dad weeps as Richard Betts' final moments recounted at inquest
A DEVASTATED dad wept as the final moments of his son's troubled life were recounted before an inquest this morning. Richard Michael Betts, 23, died after an altercation at the family home at ...