Latest news with #Kent
Daily Mail
35 minutes ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Furious couple surrounded by newbuilds say they are being forced to sell their house over plans for 650 MORE homes
A couple say they are being forced to leave their home because a newbuild development has 'destroyed' the view from their back garden. Jacqueline & Terry Wheatley, 63 and 64, lived happily in their detached house on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent for 10 years until their domestic bliss was shattered by a housing estate looming over their fence. The couple feel 'boxed' in by the new homes with construction due to expand if plans for a 650 estate nearby gets the green light from council planners. Mr and Mrs Wheatley say the estate, due to cover 43 football pitches on the tiny island, will bring thousands of people and cause chaos on local roads. Locals fear the sprawling new development in the already 'heavily overbuilt' area is destined to be approved despite an unprecedented six-hour public hearing with a government planning officer. The plans for the new estate are so loathed by some that they have been the subject of an excruciating three year council war between locals and the developers, MLN Land and Properties - with neither giving an inch. The Wheatleys have decided they will cut their losses and flee to one of the 'few remaining green spots left' on the island whilst their 'homes are still worth something. Mr Wheatley said: 'We are selling. It's shocking what has happened to this island - they have ruined it.' 'It's horrendous. They're just flooding this island.' When MailOnline visited the home this week we were greeted by towering scaffolding from a neighbouring newbuild - not connected to MLN's proposals. In the garden, a brick arch lay crumbling on the ground after being damaged, the couple claim, by the builders next door. For the couple it was the straw that finally broke their back. Mr Wheatley said: 'I've really seen a change; before I had fields in front of me, fields behind me, this bungalow and the one next door were the only two properties really down this road, going back probably 20 years ago. 'We've still got a small mortgage on this, but obviously we're looking to buy outright. 'But wherever you go, they're building soo you're never going to get what we used to have – the views and everything else.' Terry claims his attempts to start a new life in a different part of the island have been frustrated by developers nearby. He continued: 'The price of my house has dropped at least 30-50 grand. I know prices have gone down with what's going on around the world, but I really don't think that's helped. 'We've had a couple of people ring up and come round, but as soon as they've seen what we have to look at in the garden everyday they've just gone: 'Oh no!'' Nextdoor neighbour Maggie Moon has lived in her home for 45 years and claims the island has changed for the worst. Mrs Moon, 82, fears the new development will cause a rise in anti-social behaviour and speeding. She said: 'They [yobs] whizz down here, they just don't care. 'When we first moved on the island, all those houses up there, it was all beautiful, but it's all houses now. 'This wasn't even a road when we moved in. You used to have to pull in to let somebody else go past. 'But there's not enough spaces. You can't get a doctor, the island can't cope with it. 'The infrastructure is awful, even getting a bus through here is awful too, if you're lucky to get a bus, not that we bother really. 'I moan and moan, every time we leave here you go along that road and say look at all the blooming cars, I've never known it. 'I am getting sick of all the houses around us. We're surrounded. It's not fair, is it? We feel hemmed in but I'm 82 and he's 86 so we're not going to move are we?' Other residents are just at the start of their journey. Retired teacher Andy Brackley recently moved into the area with his dog Orla as he wanted to downsize to be near his kids. He tells us he had no idea about the size of the new development before he bought the house. He said: 'We've literally just moved in, I only read about this the other day. About 650 houses, And the roads are pretty poor anyway, it's mad. 'This was a lovely quiet country lane which was lovely to walk up with the dog. 'We came from Medway which was busy, I thought I'd have more peace and quiet here so I'm not liking how busy it's going to be with this massive big estate. It's bit of a disaster really, there's just no infrastructure. There's no schools, shops, doctors. 'Whether they're planning to do that, I don't know. It's the roads really, they're really hectic at the moment 'But really 650 homes is like a city - they're building another island! It's a shame.' As part of the negociation process with Swale council, MLN has agreed a number of permanenet community features. These include building a community hub, safeguarding land for a medical hub and introducing a new bus service connecting the estate to Sheerness. Outdoor facilities such as a multi-use sports pitch, tennis court, bowling club and allotments will also be built.
Edinburgh Live
40 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'Best horror film' fans have ever seen now streaming on Netflix
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Boasting an impressive 98 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Babadook is a 2014 indie psychological horror film that has garnered a cult following since its debut. The film, based on Jennifer Kent's 2005 short film Monster, was both penned and directed by Kent, marking her first foray into feature-length directing. The cast includes young Noah Wiseman as Samuel Vanek and Essie Davis delivering a compelling performance as Amelia Vanek, with Daniel Henshall, Hayley McElhinney, Barbara West, and Ben Winspear rounding out the top-notch ensemble. Currently available on Netflix, The Babadook tells the chilling tale of a widowed single mum, Essie, who, along with her son Sam, grapples with a sinister humanoid monster in their home that simply won't leave. Kent reportedly began crafting the screenplay in 2009, aiming to delve into themes of grief, parenting, and the terror of insanity. Funding for the film was sourced from Australian government grants and partially through crowdfunding. The shoot took place in Adelaide, where the crew made sure to protect six year old Wiseman from the film's eerie undertones, reports the Daily Record. (Image: PA) The eponymous monster and special effects were reportedly realised using stop-motion animation and practical effects. The film smashed the global box office, pocketing an impressive $10 million against a modest $2 million budget. Despite its worldwide success, The Babadook received a lukewarm response in Australia, managing a mere $258,000. It initially charmed audiences at its Sundance Film Festival debut in January 2014. Film buffs were utterly taken by "The Babadook," with one critic hailing it as: "One of the strongest, most effective horror films of recent years - with awards-quality lead work from Essie Davis, and a brilliantly designed new monster who could well become the break-out spook archetype of the decade." While accolades poured in with another critic branding it "one of the smartest and most effective horror films in years", yet another praised: "This psychological thriller from gifted first-time filmmaker Jennifer Kent will have you climbing the walls simply by plumbing the violence of the mind. Brace yourself." (Image: FREE FILM STILL / FREE TO USE) Praise wasn't in short supply, with one saying: "Let a law be passed, requiring all horror films to be made by female directors." Another added: "Manages to deliver real, seat-grabbing jolts while also touching on more serious themes of loss, grief and other demons that can not be so easily vanquished." Cinema-goers echoed critics' sentiments, with one praising: "Excellent, suspenseful movie with incredible acting, especially from the child actor. This movie, at 10 years old already, will be a classic. The Rotten Tomato score is SPOT ON with 98%!". One viewer was thoroughly impressed, writing: "This is definitely one of the best horror movies I've ever seen. Not only was it terrifying, but it really made me care about the characters. I highly recommend it for horror fans!". Another enthusiast couldn't contain their enthusiasm, writing in all caps: "ONE OF THE MOST PERFECT MOVIES I'VE EVER SEEN! This film was no joke! Although no jump scares, this movie has proven that you don't need cheep jump scares and gore to make a proper horror film. The performances of the two characters and the atmosphere of everything is what made this movie truly terrifying in it's own ways. One other thing to mention is the emotional story that grabs you from start to finish. The Babadook is a unique work of cinema unlike anything you've ever seen! What a masterpiece!". Meanwhile, another viewer admitted a change of heart: "I made fun of this movie when I first watched it. Until it was late at night and I was trying to fall I ate my words."
Daily Mail
42 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pete Tong on life as a legendary DJ: How the music star went from playing £100 sets in Kent villages to taking over the Royal Albert Hall
Despite his name being slang for things going wrong, it has all gone right for Pete Tong and his career. The veteran DJ, who over the years has become one of the biggest names in dance music, as well as being the BBC 's longest-serving DJ, started out by playing village halls in Kent and earning just £100 a set. Now, the 64-year-old has once again taken to the iconic stage at the Royal Albert Hall to perform his Ibiza Classics with Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. But life wasn't always big stages and crowds for Pete, as he shares with MailOnline how his first gig was at a school disco, where he performed for free and had to work a 'normal job' on the side. During an exclusive interview, Pete explained: 'The first time I ever played was a school disco, and I got paid nothing because I was learning how to do it. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Then I rented a village hall. It was quite entrepreneurial looking back, and I stuck posters up around the village and did this party and ended up with £100 on the kitchen table. 'I was around 16-years-old at the time and that was quite a lot of money back then.' While finding his feet in the music industry, Pete worked at Blues & Soul magazine, before landing a day job as an A&R man at London Records. 'My way into raving was being the DJ. I was out a lot, looking back at my old diaries I was playing six or seven times a week, but I wasn't raving I was playing. I obviously did go to clubs occasionally,' he added. Pete grew up in Dartford alongside his father who was a bookie and mother who was a former publican. Despite neither of them being musicians, Pete's love for music started to show at a young age. He shared: I didn't come from a musical family, but my dad did collect a lot of records. It just became a hobby early on in my life, then became a passion and then a life. 'My parents told me I was attracted to music as a baby, banging things, strumming things. I got a toy drum kit and then a real drum kit and went from there.' Recalling the moment he knew he wanted to be a DJ, he said: 'I saw a school DJ and it changed my life. A humble DJ at a school disco and I thought, "that would be fun to do". Pete admits 'staying healthy and relevant' has been the biggest challenge throughout his career. 'I don't lose sleep over it, but certain opportunities come along and you kind of reinvent yourself in ways you never thought,' he says. 'The best example being right now with the orchestra. If you had asked me 20 years ago, "what are you going to do in 10 years, how can you take your career to a whole other level?" I can guarantee I wouldn't have said an orchestra. 'There's lots of different challenges but it is just making the most of the opportunities and being grateful.' Pete said it was also hard juggling his busy schedule with family life, but admits it was his kids who kept him grounded. He shares three children with his ex-wife Deborah. Their marriage broke down in 2003. Pete also has another child and two step-children with his second wife Carolina Acosta, who he married in 2006. The broadcaster explained: 'It is definitely a challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. It also keeps you really grounded, with that responsibility and that to go home to, and I would like to think that is a big reason why I'm still doing what I'm doing. 'When I started DJing, I made a decision early on that I would only do the bits I really wanted to do and loved. I didn't want to be on radio seven days a week and I didn't want to be gigging seven nights a week. 'I wanted to pick and choose, and so I kind of always had a day job when I first started, because DJing wasn't seen to be the be all and end all, and the money wasn't the same from when I started to what it is now so that created a more regular environment around my kids.' Now, Pete and Jules are celebrating a decade of their Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. The pair first teamed up in 2015 to perform for BBC Proms, an annual summer series bringing daily classical music to the Royal Albert Hall, but have went on to tour Europe with the orchestra. Each of the four shows will feature unique programming, including appearances from guest vocalists Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, and Barbara Tucker. Guest DJs Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, and Paul Oakenfold will also join the show. Speaking about returning to the Royal Albert Hall after ten years, he said: 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing. 'But it isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way. We are all super excited to be back.' And fans will be thrilled to hear that Pete has no plans to stop after ten years: 'There was a time five years ago when we said we would probably end it if we made it to ten, but now we never want to end it!' Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, May 29 - June 1. The broadcaster is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025. Kicking off in Glasgow on December 4, the upcoming run of shows also includes stop-offs in Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour, which Pete describes as a 'giant mobile disco', will conclude with two gigs at The O2 in London on December 12 and 13.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
The historic village with rustic charm that's home to Kent's ‘original vineyard'
If you're looking for a village where you can taste wine, see beautiful countryside views and soak up the history – this village is just 90 minutes from south east London. Rich in timber-framed houses and surrounded by the rolling hills of the 'Weald of Kent', Biddenden's history dates back as early as the 10th century according to records. Biddenden's history dates back as early as the 10th century. (Image: Barry Marsh/Flickr) Just 90 minutes from London by car or by train to Headcorn via London Bridge, this pretty Kent village near the busy town of Ashford is a worthy contender to visit for a day. The town is rich in historic houses and charming cottages that you can see along its Main Street, which is considered one of the UK's 'prettiest' according to the Parish Council. This pretty Kent village near the busy town of Ashford is a worthy contender to visit for a day. (Image: John K Thorne/Flickr) The village itself has a rather interesting tradition which dates to around the year 1100, marked by the birth of two conjoined twin sisters – Elisa and Mary. The sisters both died at aged 34, but even in death they had a resounding impact on the village for over 400 years after, as land left to the village helped to earn a steady income that went towards those in need. As part of the town's longstanding tradition, one day every Easter the town hosts a huge celebration where bread and cheese is distributed to local widows and pensioners, and biscuits are distributed to spectators bearing an effigy to the pair. The village itself has a rather interesting tradition , marked by the birth of two conjoined twin sisters – Elisa and Mary. (Image: John K Thorne/Flickr) But you can still see homages to the twins around the village, including the wrought iron sign taking pride of place on the green. The village is also home to Kent's oldest commercial vineyard, which was first established n the late 1960s. The village is home to Kent's oldest commercial vineyard, which was first established n the late 1960s. (Image: Biddenden Vineyards) You can visit the vineyard spanning 22 acres and try from their range of award-winning wines and ciders, including varieties like Pinot Noir and Ortega Demi-Sec. Guided tours run between May and September, where for £27.50 you can opt to join a tour finishing with a tasting of three of their wines. You can visit the vineyard spanning 22 acres and try from their range of award-winning wines and ciders. (Image: Biddenden Vineyards) Walking around the village itself you'll come across many historic gems including Vane Court – a 15th century house that was a royal residence for King Rama VII of Thailand. But you can also eat in one of the village's historic treasures too, as The West House is situated within a 16th century weaver's house and opened its doors in 2002, offering a seasonally changing menu. But if it's more a cosy pub you're after, The Red Lion is an example of a charming country pub with wooden timber frames and a colourful beer garden to sit in. You can easily spend a day in the village wandering its streets and nearby walking spots, but if you fancy heading deeper into Kent you'll find a number of historic houses nearby like Sissinghurst Castle and Scotney Castle, both owned by The National Trust.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Disgraced businessman and sex attacker Mohamed al Fayed 'bought Princess Diana's old school to groom and rape underage girls', sensational new book on dead monster claims
Mohamed al Fayed bought Princess Diana 's old school to groom and rape underage girls, a new book has claimed. A former teacher at West Heath School in Sevenoaks, Kent has revealed how the disgraced businessman bought the school on the promise to protect Diana's legacy but instead used it to prey on vulnerable school pupils. The former owner of Harrods, who died in 2023 aged 94, raped one school girl, caused the suicide of another and even fathered a baby with one underage pupil, the bombshell book alleges. In an extract from The Monster Of Harrods seen by The Sun, author Alison Kervin reveals how the depraved Egyptian business mogul targeted vulnerable school girls as well as young players at Fulham FC. Just a year after the death of the Princess of Wales in May 1998, al Fayed bought West Heath School which was teetering on the brink of financial collapse, under the guise of protecting a place which had been so special to the late royal. The Monster Of Harrods alleged that the businessman would regularly wander around the school unaccompanied, chatting to underage pupils and a former teacher revealed his visits always seemed inappropriate and 'creepy'. The former teacher explained he believed al Fayed was grooming the pupils and said he would promise them careers after they had finished and shower them with gifts from Harrods. The former owner of Fulham FC would also allegedly give girls lifts in his Rolls Royce and invite them to his house. Mohamed al Fayed (pictured in 2007) bought Princess Diana 's old school to groom and rape underage girls, a new book has claimed. He said: 'He shouldn't have been there. Benefactor or not, a man of that age should not be mixing with young girls, offering them lifts in his and chauffeur-driven limo, and buying them presents before inviting them to his house. How is any of that appropriate?'. The tell-all book also claims that one pupil was attacked by al Fayed in a bathroom, ripping her clothes and hurting her after inviting her to Harrods. A former pupil described how her friend was terrified to share what had happened to her: 'He told her that her parents would be told about how she had behaved and all the school would know that she was the one who had closed the school down. She was terrified - she felt like she was to blame, and nothing I said would calm her down.' Author Ms Kervin alleges that the brutal businessman threatened to close the school if the pupil reported him and refused to go to the police or to lawyers until the litany sexual abuse was revealed following his death. The former pupil said she was also aware of at least one other pupil who was raped by the predator and another who gave birth to a secret child. She also believes one woman committed suicide because of her experience with al Fayed. The school told The Sun: 'We do not tolerate abuse or harassment in any form.' In Sepetember 2024, in response to the BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods they commented: 'We have no further information other than what is currently in the news.' And his abuse did not end with the Princess Diana's former school. A former footballer for the Fulham Women's team al Fayed set up revealed she was humiliated and sexually harassed by the club owner. In The Monster Of Harrods, she alleges that she was desperate to become a footballer and took al Fayed at his word when he promised to help her make the team. She described sharing her hopes with the businessman who offered to speak with her privately in his apartment. But when she arrived, she claimed the conversation was centred around whether she had a boyfriend and if she had lost her virginity. When conversation did turn to football, the promising player said she was asked to show off her legs and despite feeling uncomfortable, took off her tracksuit bottoms at which point al Fayed tried to reach out and touch her. She said he also asked her to take off her underwear but he felt uncomfortable and ran for the door only to find it locked. She said she repeatedly banged on the door while al Fayed laughed at her. After her experience she said she fell out of love with the game and eventually left the club. And the aspiring player was one of several who experienced harassment and abuse at the hands of the al Fayed and despite them all reporting it to the police, they say nothing ever came of it. Mohamed al Fayed was hit with an avalanche of rape and assault claims after at least two former Harrods workers told a BBC documentary they had been raped or molested by the Egyptian tycoon. Meanwhile last year, the Met Police revealed they were investigating 40 new allegations against al Fayed and others since the BBC documentary. The 40 new allegations related to 40 alleged victims and were in addition to allegations police were aware of before the BBC's investigation and documentary, Scotland Yard said. Prior to recent media coverage, 21 allegations were made against the late billionaire which resulted in crimes being recorded relating to 21 separate women between 2005 and 2023. The Met has now widened its investigation to look at associates who may have assisted and facilitated the abuse - meaning criminal charges could still be on the cards even though the direct perpetrators have died. It comes as a survivors group Justice for Harrods Survivors says it has 'credible evidence' suggesting the sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated at Harrods and the billionaire's properties 'was not limited to Mr al Fayed himself'.
