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Tunnel vision: plans for a new Thames crossing dominated the political agenda this week

After weeks and months of speculation, the government finally announced its preferred spot for a new Thames crossing. Inevitably, not everyone was happy. The new route - which would be east of Gravesend and could involve a £5bn bored tunnel - divided political opinion. Maybe to sugar the pill, Highways England issued a press release which included a picture of north Kent looking like a Mediterranean resort at dusk....

The Dartford Crossing
The Dartford Crossing

The impact of migration on the county made headlines again. We revealed how social service chiefs in Kent were dealing with so many unaccompanied asylum seeker children that it was being forced to send some of its own vulnerable children out of the county because of the pressure from other countries.

A child refugee from Syria. Library image
A child refugee from Syria. Library image

Meanwhile, David Cameron faced criticism for talking about "a bunch of migrants" - with some saying he should apologise. He chose not to..


As a consultation on a new lorry park - sorry, a new "holding area" - for HGVs when Operation Stack is in place drew to a close, there was bad news for Kent crime commissioner Ann Barnes.

The Home Office turned down flat her plea for £567,000 of the costs incurred by Kent Police last summer during the weeks when the count was grid-locked. A bit of pre-election politicking on the government's behalf?

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes

We all know how strapped for cash Kent County Council is but its zeal to save money is sometimes rather over-ambitious.

After a public outcry, the Conservative-led authority hurriedly scrapped its plan to sell off...

Enjoying the picturesque view at Blue Bell Hill. Pic: Explore Kent
Enjoying the picturesque view at Blue Bell Hill. Pic: Explore Kent

Its unspoilt views across Medway and Maidstone make it a popular spot for visitors.

On this occasion, it seems KCC was guilty of tunnel vision...

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