News From Dartford Times

THE LEADER of Dartford Council has resigned after being questioned by police over the alleged downloading of child pornography from the internet. Kenneth Leadbeater stood down from the top job at Dartford council on Monday to concentrate on other things

RESIDENTS in a street neighbouring a petrol station are opposing plans to build a supermarket on the site. A 128-signature petition and 47 letters of objection have been sent to Sevenoaks District Council. They are appealing against replacing the shop

INTERNATIONAL judo stars and Olympic hopefuls will be flocking to the town within days of the opening of a new world-class centre. The first meeting of the 2012 Olympic development team will take place at the brand-new Dartford Judokwai Centre on Saturda

YOBS have ransacked a church smashing a cherished statue of Mother Theresa leaving the congregation reeling in horror. Parish priest St Francis De Sales Church, Church Road, Hartley, Father Hugh Bridge said: When I saw the mess I felt horror. It wil

CHARITIES have called for primary care trusts to take urgent action in tackling the sexual health crisis in the country. The call comes as Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust (PCT) is will receive £308,574 as part of its annual funding fo

FIVE police officers are due to be commended by the RSPCA today for their help in snaring a gang of badger baiters. North Kent officers Ann Davis, Mike Mallard, Sarah Rivett, Andrew Mannering and Joanne Young will be honoured at Gravesend Police Station.

PENSIONERS have criticised a new scheme to give free bus travel to the county's over 60s because some will not be able to benefit. The Kent wide scheme will allow the over 60s to travel free on any bus journey starting or ending in the county from April

URGENT steps must be taken to stop the demise of small shops in rural areas and high streets, according to a new report. The findings by Parliament's All Party Small Shops Group warn that unless urgent measures are taken, the impact on village and high s

DARTS pro Andy 'The Viking' Fordham is to write a book about his life story. The former British Darts Organisation (BDO) champ has agreed a deal to publish his autobiography and is due to meet with a ghost writer and publishers this week. He is expe

THE largest ever insect survey suggests wildlife is facing a massive decline due to climate change and the destruction of habitats. Some species of moth are down as much as 98 per cent since data began in 1968 and the effects could harm the whole ecosyst