BBC KENT
Fake DVDs 'fund' people smuggling
Fake DVDs sold at Kent markets are helping to fund illegal immigration and people smuggling. A BBC South East undercover team worked for a year investigating the exploitation behind the Chinese counterfeiting trade in Britain. A reporter infiltrated a squalid home where a number of illegal immigrants lived and found widespread breaches of immigration law. The team also found links to He Jia-Jin, the former vice president of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, who is due to stand trial in Hong Kong accused of money laundering offences. Counterfeit DVDs were openly sold at a weekly car boot fair at Swanley, which is close to the M25 in Kent. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Protecting the District's heritage
More of the District's many historic areas and buildings, will be protected and enhanced for future generations following the latest round of conservation area boundary reviews. Sevenoaks District Council is currently reviewing all 40 conservation areas in the District, and has extended many areas over the past two years.

Six areas were the subject of the most recent review of which four, the Vine and Kippington in Sevenoaks, Chiddingstone and Chiddingstone Hoath conservation areas will extended after the Council's Cabinet approved revised proposals at it meeting last night (27 September 2007). [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
What are your Councillors worth?
Residents who would like to help their local district or borough council set councillors' allowances are being invited to join an independent panel. Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council operate a Joint Independent Remuneration Panel with responsibility for making recommendations on the amounts the three authorities' Councillors should be paid in allowances. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
New bypass application pledge
Senior officials from Kent County Council (KCC) have announced they will be submitting a new planning application for a Borough Green bypass. At a public meeting last night, KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter apologised for KCC's previous blunder in failing to recognise that previous planning permission for the bypass had expired. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
No through route ban call for HGV's
Calls have been made to ban HGVs from using Sevenoaks as a cut-through after a lorry smashed into Loch Fyne restaurant on Monday. Nobody was hurt in the incident and damage was limited to a few broken tiles, but it has underlined the need for action in the minds of many in the town. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
It's 'bad news' for our village PO's
The Sevenoaks area will suffer worse than its neighbours in the imminent cull of post offices, a sneak preview of the plans has highlighted. MP Michael Fallon was shown the official closure list by Post Office bosses on Tuesday and reluctantly warned: "It's bad news." [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Resignation prompts town council rethink
The clerk of Sevenoaks Town Council has resigned suddenly. Sarah Arding, 44, handed in her notice last week after three years as the council's chief employee. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Arson fears after blaze guts barn
A fire that destroyed a barn in Westerham is being treated by police as suspected arson. An investigation has been launched into the ferocious blaze at Force Green dairy farm in the early hours of Tuesday which consumed 200 tonnes of straw. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Sex in woods stamped out
The scourge of kinky sex taking place in woods in Shoreham has been eradicated, police and landowners have claimed. Andrews Wood has appeared on a list of sites popular for "dogging", where couples have sex in public places, often in front of strangers. But while the Sevenoaks District Council-owned location has infamously suffered from such activity in the past, police said that the simple measure of introducing a gate had stopped the problem. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
On-spot fines for litter louts
Residents could face more on-the-spot fines now Sevenoaks District Council officers have received training enabling them to issue the notices. People caught littering, among other offences, could be hit with a fixed penalty fine of up to £80 as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Parading back to the future
A decision to hold the Riverhead Carnival two weeks later than normal paid off for festival-goers and organisers alike. The annual event on Sunday, which was organised by the 3rd Sevenoaks Scout Group, was blessed with brilliant sunshine. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Leader to face bypass quiz
County leaders are preparing themselves for a verbal hammering tonight (Thursday) at a public meeting over the Borough Green bypass fiasco. Kent County Council (KCC) leader Cllr Paul Carter has agreed to meet residents, along with cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Roger Gough. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Coroner records accidental death
An Ightham woman died of alcohol poisoning, an inquest at West Kent Coroner's Court heard on Thursday. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Love to be beside the sea
A huge mural of a beach scene created by 40 children has been mounted in Ightham Primary School's playground. Youngsters from Skips, an after-school club and a nursery combined, took part in an array of creative art workshops through the summer holidays which culminated in painting an 18ft mural depicting marine life and a busy holiday beach. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
No party wine for teetotal elsie, 100
At the age of 100 Elsie Webster's secret to reaching a century is living a healthy lifestyle. She celebrated her birthday at Kippington Nursing Home, Sevenoaks, where staff and family threw her a party with cake and banners. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Pets factor winner takes the lead from much-missed mother
The overall winner of this year's Pets Factor is the daughter of the 2006 champion - who died before she had a chance to claim her prize. Twelve-year-old Border Collie Summer won the Sevenoaks contest ahead of liver spotted Dalmation Buttons and Jet the long-haired cat. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Horse chestnut causes debate
Plans to reduce the size of an historic tree in Sevenoaks have come under fire from town leaders. Councillors said the horse chestnut outside the Red House on the High Street was a treasured landmark and objected to the idea of reducing its crown by 20 per cent. Its owner, law firm Knocker and Foskett, wants to cut back the tree to allow HGV access. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
MP says area will be hit hard by PO axe
The Sevenoaks area, which includes Westerham, will suffer worse than its neighbours in the imminent cull of post offices, a sneak preview of the plans has highlighted. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Street furniture
Council leaders are seeking clearer guidelines on street furniture to prevent huge numbers of tables, chairs, and A-boards cluttering Westerham pavements. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Burial ground plan is refused
A hugely controversial proposal to build a burial ground in Sundridge has been refused. The application had been opposed by nearby Combe Bank School and residents with a petition attracting more than 800 signatures. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Women take centre fundraising court
Some 60 women took up their tennis rackets to play a few volleys in aid of Chipstead Lake Cheshire Home. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Rubbish bags block footpath
Pedestrians were forced to walk in the road after piles of rubbish left by council bin collectors blocked a pavement in Westerham. A Sevenoaks District Council refuse vehicle left the bin bags outside St John the Baptist church on Hosey Hill on Thursday morning. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Reception class tuck in to healthy lunch
Schoolchildren in Sundridge have passed on the healthy eating message by inviting their parents to a picnic. The parents of the reception class at Sundridge and Brasted Primary School attended the lunchtime event. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Reception class tuck in to healthy lunch
Schoolchildren in Sundridge have passed on the healthy eating message by inviting their parents to a picnic. The parents of the reception class at Sundridge and Brasted Primary School attended the lunchtime event. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Online access guide opens up the District for disabled people
People with disabilities and older people will soon be able to benefit from a new online guide to local venues providing information about their accessibility for a range of impairments and conditions. The guide will go live on Friday 28 September and will be available via Sevenoaks District Council's website, www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/access. It was developed by DisabledGo, a National Accessibility Project, following consultation with representatives of disabled groups and residents. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Swanley gets in the mood for dancing!
Swanley residents can step back in time and dance the afternoon away to music from the 40s, 50s and 60s when the next tea dance comes to the town in a few weeks time. The popular event returns to White Oak Leisure Centre on Thursday 1 November, starting at 1pm and finishing at 3pm. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Raising awareness of diversity groups and cultures in Edenbridge
A free educational workshop open to organisations, groups and individuals to raise awareness of mental health issues will mark the fifteenth annual commemoration of a global campaign next month. The workshop - 'Understanding the needs of diverse groups and cultures in Edenbridge', will take place from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Edenbridge Centre on Tuesday 9 October to celebrate World Mental Heath Day. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Council seeks views on its accounts
Sevenoaks District Council is keen to hear local people's views on how it presents financial information to the public. Every year, the Council produces a summary annual statement of accounts, which sets out where the Council spends its annual £16 million budget and where the money comes from. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Partners take to Swanley's streets
In the first of its kind, representatives from local councils, housing associations, the fire and police services and local residents took to the streets of Swanley to jointly evaluate problems with the appearance of the area and to draw up plans to improve them. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Relive a summer of fun!
Young people across the District can now relive a record breaking summer at the click of a button. Nearly 1,500 young people attended Sevenoaks District Council's free 'In the Zone' summer programme making it the most successful year on record. Now hundreds of photos, from all 24 days and 21 locations, along with a diary of each week are available to view on the Council's website by visiting the young people's section of the Council website. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Budding gardeners celebrate their achievements!
A host of residents from across the District will be rewarded for making their gardens more inviting for local wildlife at a record breaking celebration evening later this week. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Burial ground plan verdict
A controversial proposal to create a burial ground in Sundridge has been refused. The decision was made at last night's meeting of Sevenoaks District Council's development control committee. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Bypass fiasco leaves questions remaining
The inquest into the Borough Green bypass fiasco continues, with Kent County Council (KCC) admitting the project collapsed following a "collective assumption" at County Hall. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Kino signs theatre lease for 25 years
Kino Holdings has finally put pen to paper on the lease to run the Sevenoaks Playhouse until 2032. The digital cinema specialist, which was awarded the long-term contract six months ago, signed on Thursday, ensuring the future of the London Road-based arts complex. The Playhouse - to be renamed the Stag - includes two digital cinemas, the studio, bars, cafe and the theatre. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Planning blunder proves costly for charity
A blunder by district planners has forced a charity in Sevenoaks to submit a costly planning application. In February the Sevenoaks Volunteer Development Agency (SVDA) was told it would not need permission for a temporary office in its back garden. But after the building was installed, planners at Sevenoaks District Council changed their mind. The Buckhurst Avenue-based charity co-ordinates a range of community volunteering, such as befriending, driving, elderly care and helping people with disabilities. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Residents want cut in speed limit
Residents on Toys Hill are calling for a cut in the speed limit as they fear vehicles driving too fast will cause a fatal accident. An attempt to reduce the speed on the road from the national speed limit of 60mph was made nine years ago, but residents say it was turned down because the road has too few houses on it. Resident Moira Forrest said: "Just because there's only a few houses here doesn't mean someone isn't going to be killed." Police were called to an accident on Thursday at 2.40pm involving a Fiat car and a van. No-one was injured and the car had to be recovered from the road. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Probe into Tosh's shooting near end
The official inquiry into the fatal shooting by police of a Sevenoaks woman is nearing completion. The Independent Police Complaints Commission launched an Independent Investigation - the highest level probe available - after Ann Sanderson, who was known as Tosh, was shot dead by police in the town following an armed stand-off on June 11. The 37-year-old, from Bethel Road, died of a single bullet to the chest after she refused to drop her weapon - believed to have been a silver ballbearing gun. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
£250,000 arson attack on train
Police are probing an arson attack on a train at Sevenoaks station which caused major delays to rail services. The 14.43 from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks was targeted by vandals on Saturday, when they ignited paper which had been pushed between seats. Around £250,000 worth of damage is believed to have been caused by the blaze in the train's rear compartment. Sevenoaks firefighters were called out at 3.50pm. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Robbers use iron bar in attack
A Sevenoaks man in his 60s was attacked with an iron bar in his own home during an attempted robbery. The husband was described as "very brave" by police for managing to prevent the two balaclava-clad attackers getting into his home. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Appeal for witnesses
Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision four months ago in Borough Green. A 12-year-old boy was knocked off his bicycle by a silver car on May 3 - the day of the local elections. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Motorcyclist is injured in High St
Two motorcyclists were injured in separate incidents in the Wrotham area. In one incident a 46-year-old man was taken to Maidstone Hospital with suspected broken bones after his orange KTM motorcycle was in collision with a green Daewoo car. The incident took place around 11.45am on Sunday on the village's High Street. In the second incident a man was taken to hospital with leg injuries following an accident on the M20 between junction 2 and junction 3 on Thursday. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Village show is still popular
Perfect produce and fantastic flowers were on display as Stansted Horticultural Society hosted its autumn show on Saturday. The event, held in the village hall, has been a permanent fixture since the 1950s and attracted a high number of entries in a variety of different categories. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Council seeks advice on bank
Town council leaders are seeking advice this week over £320,000 worth of funds invested in Northern Rock. Sevenoaks Town Council discussed what to do with the sum tied up in the beleaguered bank at a finance and general purposes committee meeting. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Inspector to rule on pub flats plan
The future of the Railway and Bicycle pub outside Sevenoaks Station is now in the hands of an independent planning inspector. A public inquiry was held on Tuesday into Sevenoaks District Council's (SDC) refusal earlier in the year to allow the building to be pulled down and replaced with 24 flats and office space. Councillors were particularly concerned about how additional cars would join London Road, fearing direct access could cause accidents.

Decimus Property Development's solution is to force traffic leaving the flats to turn left into the station. Speaking on behalf of SDC, Nick Stilwell, of Stilwell Consultation, believed residents in a hurry might be tempted to ignore the restriction. "Of particular concern is not people turning left, but people who choose not to go into the forecourt and go straight into the main road," he said. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Residents press for crossing
Concerned Kemsing residents have continued to put pressure on community leaders to improve safety on a busy stretch of road used by children every day. On Tuesday morning a site meeting was held at the junction of West End, Dynes Road and Childsbridge Lane. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Fly pasts as air cadets are remember
A Lancaster bomber flew over Biggin Hill as cadets commemorated those who fought in the Battle of Britain. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Flower show theme based on hymn
Beautiful blooms filled a Westerham church as the village played host to a harvest flower festival. More than 20 floral displays as well as produce were on show at the flower guild-organised event, which took place in St Mary's Church from Friday to Saturday. The theme of the flower guild's displays was the hymn We Plough the Fields and Scatter, with each couplet being depicted by a floral exhibit. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Vandalism forces toilets to close
On the day Westerham's only public toilets were finally re-opened after vandalism, they were forced to close again after reports of fresh damage. The Fullers Hill facilities were reopened at 11am on Friday. They had been shut for several weeks while waiting for a replacement part for the door locking system. But Sevenoaks District Council spokesman Steve Mandaluff said: "Unfortunately we were notified by the police at 11pm the same day that they had again been vandalised." They are now out of action again for the foreseeable future. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Village steps up campaign to keep PO
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to keep Ide Hill Post Office open. The document, supported by village organisations and societies, attracted 1,186 signatures and was passed to Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon on Thursday. Mr Fallon said: "What is significant for the Ide Hill petition is how many people have signed both from the village and from the surrounding area. The Post Office will take into account public opinion." [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Landowner fears blaze was deliberate
Firefighters acted quickly to stop a grass fire in a Brasted field spreading to gardens. The blaze in Bull Fields, Chart Lane, was spotted by Bruce Draper as he walked his dog at 5pm on Sunday last week. The flames covered a 60m by 40m area of cut hay when six firefighters from Westerham fire station arrived 10 minutes later. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
MP waits to hear about PO closures
Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon said he should learn early next week which post offices are earmarked for closure. He has a meeting with Post Office bosses on Tuesday - at which he expects to be told which branches in his patch will be at risk under Government plans to cull 2,500 post offices nationwide. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Success for dragon boat team
The team representing Weald Community Primary School enjoyed its best ever result in Europe's biggest dragon boat festival on Saturday. Weald Warriors finished third overall in the annual event at Bewl Water, Lamberhurst. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Auction raises £2,000
The Antiques Roadshow's John Sandon helped raise more than £2,000 for Rochester Cathedral at an auction in Kippington Centre, Sevenoaks. The event was organised by one of the cathedral's trustees, Diana Paul, of Brasted High Street. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Driver suffers head injuries
A man was taken to hospital with head injuries after his car collided with a lamppost in Dunton Green. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Council caught on double yellows
Just two weeks after police were caught parking on double yellow lines while having lunch with a TV star, Sevenoaks District Council has been forced to explain why one of its vehicles was snapped doing the same thing outside its offices in Argyle Road. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Bursar awaits his sentence
The former bursar who stole nearly £175,000 from the Wildernesse School, Sevenoaks, will find out later this month whether he will be jailed. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
CAB set to open later on one day
The Sevenoaks Citizens Advice Bureau has announced it will be opening later one day a week. From next week, the bureau will be open to the public until 7pm every Thursday. The service currently runs from 9.30am until 3.30pm four days a week, and is closed on Wednesdays. [more]

KOS MEDIA - KENT NEWS
Man hit with iron bar as he protected his home
Police have appealed for information after a violent attack at the home of an elderly couple in Sevenoaks.

Two men wearing balaclavas rang the doorbell at the couple’s home on Westerham Road on Tuesday at around 8.50pm.

The husband tried to shut the door but was hit by an iron bar, which left him with head and arm injuries. He managed to shut the door and dial 999. The attacker escaped with no money, police said. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Five years of healthy living in Swanley!
A host of Swanley residents marked five years of healthy living at a celebration event in the town last week (Monday 10 September). More than 40 people attended the special Healthy Swanley Network Celebration event at White Oak Leisure Centre to recognise the success of the Healthy Swanley Project. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
MP slams funding 'bias'
Tony Blair's former constituency of Sedgefield is handed more than double the amount of Government aid than Sevenoaks, official figures have shown. The stark facts were uncovered by Sevenoaks' Conservative MP Michael Fallon, who said they exposed the Government's "bias" towards the Labour-dominated north. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Don't be put on-the-spot by new fines
People caught littering, amongst other offences, could be hit with an on-the-spot fine of up to £80 as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. The District's 23 existing Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and some Sevenoaks District Council officers all received formal training on issuing the fines at the Council Offices earlier this month (Thursday 6 September).

The fines can be issued by both the Council and the PCSOs for the following offences:

Depositing litter - £80 (reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days)

Fly posting - £80 (reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days)

Graffiti - £80 (reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days)

Failure to remove dog faeces - £50 (no reduction for early payment)

Fines can also be issued to the registered owner of any car from which the driver, or passenger, is seen throwing rubbish. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Residents urged to get on their bikes
Sevenoaks District residents are being encouraged to try sustainable forms of transport as part of National Travelwise Week, which runs from 17 to 23 September 2007. The week aims to raise awareness of sustainable modes of travel that in most cases have less of an impact on the environment compared to driving a car with a single passenger. Sustainable forms of transport include, cycling, walking, car sharing and public transport.

Another option is to work from home reducing the need to travel. By adopting greener forms of travel, not only does it reduce harmful pollution that adds to the problem of global warming, there are also health benefits associated with walking and cycling. Car sharing also has a number of benefits. Amongst those are shared travel costs and reduced traffic congestion.

Residents who would like to contact others who make similar journeys to themselves can sign up to a Kent-wide car sharing scheme by logging on to www.kentcarshare.com. [more]

BBC KENT
Company agrees 25-year Stag lease
A new long-term deal has been signed for the running of a revamped arts and entertainment venue in a Kent town.

Kino Holdings Ltd has signed a 25-year lease to operate the Stag cinema and theatre in Sevenoaks. The company was already in charge of the venue on an interim basis after it briefly closed a year ago because of financial problems. In the past year Kino Holdings has invested in digital cinema projectors and new facilities for young people. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Council and Kino put pen to paper for long term Stag agreement
The Stag cinema and theatre has a bright future after Kino Holdings Ltd and Sevenoaks District Council signed a 25 year lease agreement. Kino and the Council put pen to paper late last week giving Kino the keys to the arts complex until 2032. The signing of this long term agreement comes after a great deal of work to reopen the Stag by all concerned and puts to an end any uncertainty over its future. Kino has been running the Stag on an interim basis since October 2006 after the facility closed to the public two months earlier. Since then, Kino has worked hard to fully reopen the complex and has demonstrated its commitment to the Stag by investing in cutting edge digital technology and new facilities to ensure its future viability. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Chaos after train arson
Major delays to rail services were caused by vandals deliberately setting fire to a train carriage in Sevenoaks station. The 14.43 from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks was targeted by arsonists on Saturday who ignited paper which had been pushed between seats. Although no passengers were hurt, operator Southeastern wants the culprits to be caught, describing the incident as "potentially very dangerous". [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
See off the summer with SNAP!
Young clubbers in Sevenoaks can celebrate the new school term in style when the latest SNAP club night comes to the town next weekend. Two brand new acts - solo artist Lauren Rose and three piece boyband Limited Edition, along with SNAP regular DJ Ignition, will be entertaining clubbers this time round when the popular club night visits Sevenoaks Community Centre on Cramptons Road from 7pm to 10.30pm on Saturday 22 September. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Planners dismiss 500-home scheme
Proposals to create a development in Dunton Green of up to 500 homes have been dismissed by planners for being over the top. Berkeley Homes' plans for the West Kent Cold Store site would have increased the number of homes in the village by 50 per cent. Objectors warned the proposals would have been "disastrous" for Dunton Green, and would have a knock-on effect on surrounding villages. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Playhouse managers finally sign
The managers at the Sevenoaks Playhouse have finally signed the contract giving them control of the venue for the next 25 years, councillors have said. Kino Holdings was awarded the lease back in March - and the building would have closed on Monday if bosses had not put pen to paper by the end of the week. But relieved Sevenoaks district councillors said that Kino signed the contract yesterday. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
School thief's anxious wait
The former bursar who stole nearly £175,000 from the Wildernesse School, Sevenoaks, will find out later this month whether he will be jailed. Haydn Puffette, 63, has admitted tricking staff at the boys' school in Seal Hollow Road into signing cheques and then paying them into his own account. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Shows fiasco at the Playhouse
Theatre goers will endure six months without being entertained at the Sevenoaks Playhouse, after disagreements between managers and hirers led to shows being cancelled. Three performing arts organisations have pulled their latest productions out of the venue in recent weeks, while several more are still weighing up their options. Details of the behind the scenes problems coincided with warnings that the venue would close again unless the new manager signs the contract tomorrow (Friday). [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
POs learn of closures soon
Sub-postmasters are just days away from finding out which of our post offices will be in the firing line. Kent is one of the first counties to go through the national review process which will see up to 2,500 branches across the UK close by 2009, with around 50 expected in our county. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
'We must fight to save injury unit'
Residents in Westerham are fighting to keep a nearby treatment centre open. West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) is carrying out a public consultation on the future of Edenbridge minor injuries unit. However, all the options being considered would close the unit. The hospital's League of Friends is proposing an alternative option that would keep the unit open. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
20mph limit a possibility
Councillors have resolved to do more to tackle the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in Westerham - including the possibility of installing a 20mph limit. The parish council discussed the problem of motorists racing through the village at a meeting on Monday. Councillors highlighted near misses and lorries mounting pavements because of vehicles going too fast on unsuitable roads. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Youths harass visitors to rec
Sundridge recreation ground is becoming a no go area for residents because of the youths that gather there, a council leader has warned. Sundridge and Ide Hill Parish Council chairman Nick White said that villagers who jogged or walked dogs on the recreation ground were reluctant to use it in the evening because they did not feel safe. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Survey aims to uncover happy couple secrets
A risque new website is aiming to lift the lid on what really goes on behind closed doors in Sevenoaks. One resident - a male, it has to be noted - was so intrigued by a statistic showing Sevenoaks has Britain's lowest divorce rate, that he set out to find out why. Chris Packer, 56, from Chiddingstone Causeway, has set up an online survey delving into the lives of married women, and those in long-term relationships. He hopes sevenoakswives.co.uk will shed some light on what makes the town's female population apparently so satisfied with their men. ot feel safe. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Hospice appeals for help
A heartfelt plea has gone out from Hospice in the Weald's chief executive this week for help in raising £1million for an extension to its vitally important day therapy centre. The Department of Health has pledged a £250,000 grant with the condition the Pembury-based hospice finds the remainder of the money by the end of March next year. "Time is of the essence and failure is not an option," said John Ashelford who said builders start on the project in just two weeks. "We've got a fantastic community who raised the original £4.3million to build the hospice in 1998 and this extension won't happen without their support again." [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
New school pool makes a big splash
Walthamstow Hall's new environmentally-friendly swimming pool has been completed for the start of the new autumn term. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
M25 crashes
Two people were taken to hospital on Monday after two separate road accidents on the M25. At 10.30am a person was taken to The Princes Royal Hospital in Farnborough after a van overturned. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Nature park on fire
Sevenoaks firefighters were called to a small fire on a nature park between Otford and Kemsing on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at 6.42pm in Oxenhill Shaw and Meadow and fire crew had to use flexi packs and beaters to tackle the fire. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Great storm
Next month marks 20 years since the Great Storm of 1987, which tore through the Sevenoaks area. To mark the anniversary, the Chronicle will be publishing a special three-part supplement - but we need your help. We will be including people's memories of that unforgettable night. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Sevenoaks is a vibrant place for young folk
The oft-heard claim that there is nothing for youngsters to do in the Sevenoaks area has been dismissed by the council's chief executive. Robin Hales said Sevenoaks District Council was "always disappointed when it is sometimes remarked that there is there is little locally for young people to do". [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Burglars smash in to steal golf equipment
Burglars smashed their way into a golf club in Halstead to steal £6,000 worth of golfing equipment. Detectives in West Kent are appealing for information following the raid at the Broke Hill Golf Club on Sevenoaks Road. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Classes give patient 'drive to carry on'
A Kemsing in-patient of the hospice said he could not speak highly enough of the "immensely talented and caring" nursing staff. Richard Muggeridge, 35, was diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago after he had a seizure and collapsed at work. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Child porn accused in court
The case against a Westerham man accused of child porn charges has been sent to the crown court. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Celebrating five years of success in Swanley
An innovative project that has helped over 7,000 Swanley residents of all ages lead healthier lifestyles over the past five years is being celebrated today (Monday 10 September). The special Healthy Swanley Network Celebration event will be held at White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre on Hilda May Avenue, from 2pm to 4pm, with many of the groups who have benefited from the project attending. [more]

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Ceroc'ing all over the world!
Edenbridge residents will be able to try out a whole range of new forms of dancing, from street jazz to ceroc, when an exciting dance class comes to the town for the first time this week. The EZ STEPZ Strictly Dance Funk Class will also offer participants the chance to learn salsa, pop and Latin American dance techniques when it launches on Friday 14 September, at Edenbridge Leisure Centre. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Blaze hits village hall
A village hall in Borough Green has been left devastated following a fire in the early hours of Saturday morning. The blaze at Potters Mede, on Wrotham Road, was spotted by a passing police patrol car around 3am. Firefighters from Seal, Borough Green and Larkfield tackled the fire, and left the scene at 6.25am. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Boss denies hiding losses
A Sevenoaks-based insurance firm boss accused of covering up one of the UK's biggest financial disasters has denied allowing money to be hidden from the firm's accountants. [more]

KOS MEDIA - KENT NEWS
Palmer watercolour may fetch £30,000
A watercolour by Samuel Palmer showing the Kent countryside is expected to fetch up to £30,000 at auction. Palmer (1805-1881), a follower of William Blake, was one of the leading lights of the golden age of British landscape painting. The watercolour was painted while the artist was living in Shoreham, in west Kent. Palmer lived in the Shoreham area from 1826-1835, buying a run-down cottage apparently nicknamed Rat Abbey. During that time he set about producing some of the finest watercolours in British history. The painting to be sold by Bonhams on September 18 is a study for The Bright Cloud, a large oil and tempera work on a mahogany panel, which hangs in the City of Manchester Art Galleries. The richly intimate depiction of the Kent countryside was painted in 1832-3 and is typical of his style at this time. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
County chiefs launch post office fight
The threat of closures to the county's post offices has spurred council leaders to launch a campaign urging residents to support their local branches. Kent County Council is calling people to back its campaign by making full use of their local branch and by adding their voices to the campaign's petitions and surveys. A national review is currently being carried out to identify both rural and urban post offices for closure, with Kent being one of the first counties to go through the process. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
£6,000 raid on golf club
Burglars smashed their way into a golf club in Halstead to steal £6,000 worth of golfing equipment. Detectives in West Kent are appealing for information following the raid at the Broke Hill Golf Club on Sevenoaks Road on Friday last week. [more]

KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
When Sevenoaks was Strawberry Fields!
Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope celebrating 40 years since the Beatles visited the town in 1967 and all things 60s with a new programme of events. In the library there will be talks from Imogen Parker, author of 'The Time Of Our Lives' a story of the passions and fashions of the 50s and 60s and from the journalist, novelist and biographer Philip Norman, whose book 'Shout' was the first biography of The Beatles and whose forthcoming authorised biography of John Lennon is set to be a definitive work.

Later in October local residents can enjoy a guided walk of key locations where the Beatles came to film their videos for Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane. There will also be an exhibition of 60s objects and memorabilia in the museum on loan from local residents. There will also be art work by Broadstairs based artist Peter Murphy in the gallery. [more].
Try the Sixties Quiz within the Kaleidoscope Eyes leaflet [1.3MB]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Council gave go-ahead says TV company
Television star Holly Willoughby enjoyed lunch with several Metropolitan Police officers in Sevenoaks on Friday - while their cars were parked on yellow lines in the High Street. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Leaders face grilling over bypass fiasco
Residents in Borough Green and Platt will get their chance to grill council bosses over the collapse of the much needed bypass. Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, Kent County Council's leader Cllr Paul Carter confirmed that a public meeting is planned, with a date yet to be decided, at which he said a "complex matter will be explained" to residents. When asked if he would apologise to the residents over the debacle, Cllr Carter repeated: "It was a very complex matter". [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Grieving family thanks villagers
The family of a man found dead near Borough Green has paid tribute to the support received from villagers while searching for him. Tom Bourne, a father-of-one from Whitstable, had been missing since August 15 after leaving his mother's address in the seaside town. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Flowers are laid after tragic station accident
Tributes have continued to pour in this week for Halstead teenager Thomas Baker, who tragically died at Shoreham Railway Station. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Excess alcohol killed priest
A Polish priest who was found dead in his Sevenoaks flat earlier this summer died of alcohol poisoning, an inquest has heard. Fr Miroslaw Cukier, 44, was discovered by parish priest Fr Richard Harvey at around 8am on June 15. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
More homes are added to plans for area's future
The number of homes planned to be built in the Sevenoaks area by 2026 looks set to be increased following a Government report. The report commissioned by the Government Office of the South East on the 2006 draft South East Plan has recommended an increase of 200 more dwellings in the Sevenoaks district on top of the 3,100 already planned. The report also suggests possibly redrawing the boundaries of the green belt to make way for new homes across the South East. This could have huge implications for the district because 93 per cent of it is in the green belt. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Hay bales shed by trailer damage car and block A25
Hay bales caused chaos at the weekend when they crashed into a garden and a car, blocking a Sevenoaks road. Police were called to the incident at 3.30pm on Saturday which happened near the Shell Garage on Seal Road after a tractor pulling a trailer lost part of its load. A blue Vauxhall Astra and a front garden wall were damaged. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
A call for action if town to keep charm
Independent traders in Sevenoaks have warned the town will lose its unique appeal unless action is taken. The caution comes after the recent launch of a commission to review the future of Britain's high streets. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Cottages blaze for 20 hours
A huge fire in Westerham over the weekend took dozens of firefighters more than 20 hours to put out. Police are investigating the blaze at four derelict cottages on Brasted Road, as Kent Fire and Rescue Service believe it may have been started deliberately. Insp Adrian Payne said: "The cause of the fire is being investigated but at this stage it is too early to say whether it is suspicious." [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Two injured in car crash
Two people were left with minor injuries after their car hit a lamppost in Westerham. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Moat residents shun meeting
A Housing Association open day in Westerham, to discuss residents' concerns, has been shunned by those at whom it was aimed. Atterbury Close resident Maureen Oakley said there were more people from Moat Housing than anyone else at the event, organised by the housing association and West Kent Police. She said: "As far as Saturday goes, I wouldn't call it a success. Very few of the residents bothered to go" Residents have complained in the past about Moat's poor response to complaints and the lack of adequate maintenance. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Return choir visit
A Gospel choir livened up a church service in Westerham church when it returned to the village due to popular demand. More than 150 people saw the Croydon Seventh-day Adventist Gospel Choir perform at St Mary's Church on Sunday evening. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
School reunion
The organiser of Otford School's reunion has called the event "a dream made in heaven". Some 70 people attended the event at the Rising Sun in Twitton, including the former headmaster, 95-year-old Reg Byron. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Impressive marrows and onions wow the visitors at village's autumn show
It was all marvellous marrows and outstanding onions in Riverhead on Saturday, as the Riverhead Garden Society's autumn show was held. An impressive 143 entries were submitted overall and those taking part had a choice of competing for prizes in a range of categories. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Work on crossing to start
Work on a long-awaited pedestrian crossing in Borough Green will start in the next few months. Construction of the £47,000 crossing in Western Road, which has been wanted in the village for several years, is expected to be completed by November. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Mote wins coveted award for work with schools
Ightham Mote has won its place among the upper echelons of Britain's heritage properties by scooping a prestigious award. The National Trust property will receive the coveted Sandford Award from the Heritage Trust in recognition of its close work with visiting schools, at a ceremony in November. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Town PC finds his lawful wedded wife
Popular Sevenoaks bobby tied the knot at the weekend. PC John Boyden and his bride Paula, a local care assistant, wed on Saturday. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Brain storm
Next month marks 20 years since the Great Storm of 1987, which tore through the Sevenoaks area. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Celebration marks project end
A weekend of events in Weald saw villagers celebrating the completion of their church extension. The new facilities at St George's Weald were finished in April but the weekend saw an array of exciting events officially marking the end of the five-year project. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Confusion after accident
A road accident in Bessels Green was the source of confusion as emergency services tried to locate the collision. Initially it was thought the incident happened in Cold Harbour Lane, Hildenborough. A Kent Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said at the time of the accident on Wednesday last week: "The call came to the fire service at 16.26pm but there seems to be some confusion over the location." The collision actually occurred on Cold Arbour Road, the B2046, at Bessels Green. [more]

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Wildlife initiative reaches shortlist
An environmental initiative in Sevenoaks has blossomed into such a success it has been shortlisted for an international award. The Gardening For Wildlife award scheme now has more than 100 entrants, with 69 new gardens entering this year alone. In the past three years 18 schools in the area have also participated with developments including the creation of sensory and cottage gardens, increases in bird numbers and improvements in bio-diversity recorded. [