THE RELAUNCH....

UPDATED: Colin Ash-Smith hearing adjourned in Claire Tiltman murder case

News By Tim MacFarlan, 

Bexley and north Kent reporter

16-year old Claire Tiltman

 

Colin Ash-Smith due to plead today in Claire Tiltman murder case

The man accused of murdering Claire Tiltman in Greenhithe more than two decades ago has appeared in court. Colin Ash-Smith, 45, is charged with killing the 16-year-old in an alleyway in January 1993. She was found with more than 40 stab wounds to her body. Ash-Smith appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh prison and spoke only to confirm his name. He did not enter a plea and will be remanded in custody until his trial, which is expected to last five to six weeks and will start on November 3. The former milkman's parents Aubrey and Diane Ash-Smith were both present for the hearing.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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Make this your Hoppy-est Easter ever! Lindt brings Easter to life with a magical adventure trail for children in the Guildhall until the 21st April. Solve the clues in the Golden Bunny Warren and receive a golden Lindt chocolate reward at the end.

Happy 15th Birthday Bluewater

Bluewater shopping centre turns fifteen 

News By Heloise Wood

Bluewater is celebrating its 15th birthday having welcomed six times the UK’s population into its stores over that time.

Bluewater shopping centre turns fifteen

The Greenhithe-based shopping centre has also launched 50 new brands in its lifetime and provided employment for around 40,000 people. More than 375 million shoppers have visited the store during its lifetime. 

On Monday morning (MARCH 17) there was a special breakfast for all those who worked there since the beginning. 

On March 28 the Learning Shop Awards will reward the people and companies who have shone at Bluewater. Dartford MP Gareth Johnson and Council Leader Jeremy Kite will be on hand to help with celebrations.

The centre’s general manager Robert Goodman said: "Fifteen years is a tremendous milestone and Bluewater has achieved a great deal since opening. 

"Key to our success have been the people that work here and the wider community. "Our celebrations, therefore, are both a recognition of their vital contribution to our success and an opportunity to look ahead to Bluewater’s next chapter." 

Shoppers have also been enjoying discounts, designed to celebrate the milestone.
For more information, visit bluewater.co.uk

Will the last one to leave Dartford please turn the lights off?

Dartford is the 5th district in Kent to have its KCC street lights in selected areas switched off between midnight and 5.30am. 75% of those who responded to KCC’s recent consultation on the proposed hours of switch off and the exclusion criteria, supported the proposals. This will save around £1million per year on energy bills, help protect the environment and reduce light pollution. The 12 - 5.30 turn off in Dartford will commence shortly and continues throughout the month

For more information and to find out start dates for other districts visit www.kent.gov.uk/streetlights.

Residents in Dartford can find out which street lights will be affected by entering their postcode in the online interactive map. Input a postcode into the ‘My Location’ box in the top left hand corner of the web page and the results will be shown. Click on the ‘Legend’ tab towards the top right of the screen to identify the key to the symbols displayed.

We have done a full assessment of the local area and potential impacts but are still looking for local people to use their local knowledge in their area to identify any streets where it is felt a vulnerable group or community may be adversely impacted by the changes.

Please disseminate this message to any local groups or residents that you think may be interested. I have some flyers and posters that I can send out if you would find that useful.