Hythe’s Royal Military Canal has been recognised as one of the best open spaces in the country.

It is the second time the canal has won the Green Flag Award and is joined by Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Path; winning the award for the fifth year running. The national award aims to recognise areas of beauty that are safe, well maintained, and provide a service to the local community.

Folkestone MP Rory Love said:

“Its great news that the Royal Military Canal has secured this national recognition for a second year and to see the Coastal Park – the jewel in Folkestone’s crown – recognised for a fifth consecutive year is simply excellent”.

A painting by comedy legend Spike Milligan is going to auction, after hanging in a Folkestone home since the comedian’s death ten years ago.

The watercolour of a nude female had been hanging in the home of close friend, Charles Newington. The 62-year-old painting was given to him by Milligan’s wife Shelagh and has never been seen in public.

The auction will go ahead on 28 September

A memorial plaque for the comedy actress Hattie Jaques has been unveiled by the Sandgate Society. Hattie was born in Sandgate High Street, near Folkestone in 1922 and lived at 116 where the plaque has been placed.

The actress appeared on radio before following a career in films including the Carry On series, and also worked along Eric Sykes in the long running TV series ‘Sykes’.

After moving to London for a short period, Hattie returned to Kent, living in Margate during her marriage to actor John Le Mesurier, which ended in divorce in 1965. She died in 1980 from a heart attack aged 58.

Eight men have been arrested in Kent over metal thefts in the south of the county. The latest arrest on Thursday was in relation to the theft of lead from a roof in Folkestone. It is believed that the rising price of metal has resulted in thefts from public and private buildings.

Arrests have also been made in Ashford, Hythe and Dover.

A specialist doctor is to fly to Bali where a Kent man is in a coma after a serious accident.

A rescue operation is being led by MP for Maidstone and the Weald, Helen Grant. The MP hopes that after a UK doctor assesses Richard Plummer from Maidstone, he can be flown back to the UK by a specialist air ambulance.

The 32-year-old was injured in a motorbike accident on 1 July, on the Indonesian Island.

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley has signed two new players for the start of the season.

Luke Blewden and Matt Hollyoak are both from Tonbridge Angels and can play in a number of positions.
Cugley told the Kentish Express this was good as Folkestone is not the biggest club. Both players are in their 20s, with good attitudes towards their teammates.

The new additions have given the manager a good feeling and he hopes they will provide the boost his squad needs.

Dover Hill is to be fenced off in the hope of stopping stones being thrown on the road.

Police have received a number of complaints recently about incidents which have left cars damaged. Other drivers have needed to swerve dangerously to avoid stones hitting their cars.

Police have begun patrolling the area regularly and have spoken to a number of youngsters. Anti-social behaviour investigator PC John Weller told the Kentish Express: “We have spoken to a number of young people, none of whom are admitting that they were responsible”.

In the hope to stop further incidents, Shepway council will fence off an area of the hill and replant it making it difficult to access.

An inquiry is to be held after a pedestrian was hit by a police car last Thursday.

The man, in his 40s, was hit by a marked car whilst crossing near Folkestone Central station. The Herald reports that the car was not responding to an emergency call.

The man was released from the William Harvey Hospital today.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed, which is standard procedure.

Over 20, 000 people are expected to visit Folkestone this weekend for the annual Harbour Festival.

Live acts will play throughout the two days including many who appeared at this year’s Glastonbury festival.
The 28 bands performing include the likes of Electric Beatles and Springtime Cavalry.

The festival, with free entry, offers a range of activities such as a 70ft bungee-jump, the annual raft race and a firework display.

All proceeds will go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.