# Local Authority
> Clear, independent reporting on Medway’s biggest stories. No ads, no clickbait.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [Independent journalism for Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/about.md) - No clickbait. No endless advertising. Just original reporting, investigations, interviews and analysis covering the stories that shape Medway. Every week we publish two free email editions: a big original story every Tuesday and a Friday briefing that brings together the week’s biggest news, planni…
- [Advertise with Local Authority](https://www.localauthority.news/advertise.md) - Reach an engaged Medway audience through a trusted, award-winning local publication. Local Authority offers exclusive print and digital advertising opportunities for businesses, organisations and events that want to get in front of people who actually pay attention to what is going on locally. Why…
- [Complaints](https://www.localauthority.news/complaints.md) - We can look into complaints about items we have published which are in our control. We adhere to the Standards Code adopted by Impress and can only deal with complaints which relate to an alleged breach of the standards set out in this Code. We can only deal with your complaint if you are: * person…
- [Editorial Policy](https://www.localauthority.news/editorial-policy.md) - Trust is central to what we do. Local journalism only works if readers believe we have done the work, separated fact from opinion, treated people fairly and put mistakes right. This policy applies to Local Authority and the Kent Current, both published by Authority Media Ltd. It covers our websites…
- [Events](https://www.localauthority.news/events.md) - Our curated list of the most interesting events happening in Medway over the coming months. ✉️To inform us about an interesting event happening in Medway, email hello AT localauthority DOT news. We can’t guarantee we can include everything, but we’ll do what we can. ⛳ Until 8 Aug - Adventure Golf /…
- [Independent Medway journalism, now available in print](https://www.localauthority.news/print.md) - Local Authority began as a digital publication because that was the fastest way to start covering Medway properly. Since 2021, we have published hundreds of stories on local politics, public services, culture, planning, transport, housing, elections, council meetings, odd local disputes, and the st…
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.localauthority.news/privacy-policy.md) - Authority Media customer privacy notice This privacy notice tells you what to expect us to do with your personal information. Contact details Email hello(AT)authoritymedia(DOT)news What information we collect, use, and why We collect or use the following information to provide services and goods, i…
- [Stay ahead of what’s happening in Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/start.md) - Medway explained. Local Authority is independent local journalism for Medway. We report on the decisions, developments and debates shaping the area, then explain what they actually mean. No clickbait, no noise. Just useful reporting on the place we live. What you’ll find in Local Authority From cou…

## Posts
- [“I will talk to the river”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-will-talk-to-the-river.md) - What Steven asked Rachel Lowrie, songwriter-singer with the Ashen Keys and South Shore
- [Nucleus building to be sold following Rochester fire](https://www.localauthority.news/nucleus-building-to-be-sold-following-rochester-fire.md) - Town loses another arts space, Grain catches fire, expensive parking charges, and the Odeon’s smallest customers return
- [New season, familiar questions](https://www.localauthority.news/new-season-familiar-questions.md) - Gillingham have rebuilt their squad, but concerns over goals, experience and injuries remain as the opening games approach
- [Why does Medway smell like crap?](https://www.localauthority.news/why-does-medway-smell-like-crap.md) - The annual mystery pong returns, Medway's finances are already under pressure, and the former St John Fisher School is finally coming down
- [“I'm quite boring”](https://www.localauthority.news/im-quite-boring.md) - What Steven asked Vince Maple in the second of our two-part interview with the Leader of Medway Council
- [Medway tried to evict Wigmore travellers. Now it wants to make their site permanent](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-tried-to-evict-wigmore-travellers-now-it-wants-to-make-their-site-permanent.md) - From eviction attempt to £2.7m investment, plus council meetings, planning applications, property and events
- [The July Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-july-culture-review.md) - WHOOP!, Libertines, trains, Turkish grills, and more
- [Medway prepares for life after Medway Council](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-prepares-for-life-after-medway-council.md) - Gun Wharf is being prepared for a new North Kent authority, even if nobody yet knows who will run it or what exactly North Kent is supposed to be
- [“I've got more to offer”](https://www.localauthority.news/ive-got-more-to-offer.md) - What Steven asked Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council
- [Reform wins Medway by-election and takes its first seat from the Tories](https://www.localauthority.news/reform-wins-medway-by-election-and-takes-its-first-seat-from-the-tories.md) - What the Cuxton, Halling & Riverside result tells us about Medway politics, plus news in brief, planning, events, and more
- [A perfect storm gathers over the Cuxton, Halling & Riverside by-election](https://www.localauthority.news/a-perfect-storm-gathers-over-the-cuxton-halling-riverside-by-election.md) - A strong Green challenge and the arrival of Reform UK could combine to overturn a long-held Conservative seat
- [Why restoring the Brook Theatre became a £21.5m detective story](https://www.localauthority.news/why-restoring-the-brook-theatre-became-a-21-5m-detective-story.md) - Five miles of scaffolding and 126 years of problems stand between Chatham and its theatre
- [“I had no compass with which to navigate my life after my family members died”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-had-no-compass-with-which-to-navigate-my-life-after-my-family-members-died.md) - What Steven asked Nikki Price, PhD student, creative tutor and photographer
- [Medway’s future is North Kent](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-future-is-north-kent.md) - What the government’s decision means for Medway, plus a chaotic council meeting, HMS Saxifrage’s departure, planning, events, and more
- [Voice of the Opposition](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-opposition-4.md) - Cllr George Perfect on the upcoming Cuxton, Halling & Riverside by-election
- [Theatres Trust calls Royal Function Rooms plans ‘unserious’](https://www.localauthority.news/theatres-trust-calls-royal-function-rooms-plans-unserious.md) - Heritage bodies say the case for conversion has not been made, and the final stop for Medway’s missing rail monument
- [“We don’t have to impose ourselves on people”](https://www.localauthority.news/we-dont-have-to-impose-ourselves-on-people.md) - What Steven asked Marie-Claire Delbrouque, CEO of the MHS Homes Group
- [Labour wants to scrap the mayoral rules it restored two years ago](https://www.localauthority.news/labour-wants-to-scrap-the-mayoral-rules-it-restored-two-years-ago.md) - Proposed rule change offers a clue about 2027 elections, plus HMS Saxifrage, planning rows, events, and more
- [Medway’s university dream becomes a skills strategy](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-university-dream-becomes-a-skills-strategy.md) - The future of higher education at Chatham Maritime, plus the Hoo Peninsula fire station latest
- [“I'm fascinated by the figure of Jesus as a disrupter”](https://www.localauthority.news/im-fascinated-by-the-figure-of-jesus-as-a-disrupter.md) - What Steven asked Adrian Bawtree, Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral and the Musical Director of the Rochester Choral Society
- [Medway’s hidden First World War ship faces uncertain future](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-hidden-first-world-war-ship-faces-uncertain-future.md) - The campaign to save HMS Saxifrage, plus care home for Innovation Park site, active travel proposals and a busy events weekend
- [Voice of the Leader](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-leader-2.md) - Medway Council leader Vince Maple on the Labour Party leadership, local government reorganisation, and Medway's charities
- [Five theories of local politics](https://www.localauthority.news/five-theories-of-local-politics.md) - A rural by-election becomes a test of old loyalties, new momentum and tactical voting
- [The June Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-june-culture-review.md) - Nigel Kennedy, IntraFest, Rainham Poetry Festival, food and drink reviews, and more
- [“I decided I'm going to be a painter and that's it”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-decided-im-going-to-be-a-painter-and-thats-it.md) - What Steven asked artist Simon Mills
- [Councillors halt consultation on Grain and Cliffe fire station closures](https://www.localauthority.news/councillors-halt-consultation-on-grain-and-cliffe-fire-station-closures.md) - Plus Innovation Park, planning latest, Dickens’ chalet, and IntraFest
- [Does Medway exist?](https://www.localauthority.news/does-medway-exist.md) - Medway was created after a bitter 1990s battle over whether the towns were one place at all. Nearly 30 years later, that argument is back.
- [“I hate having to do what anybody else has ever done”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-hate-having-to-do-what-anybody-else-has-ever-done.md) - What Steven asked Bronach Rae, collage artist and bodhrán player
- [Rochester and Strood MP takes on assisted dying battle](https://www.localauthority.news/rochester-and-strood-mp-takes-on-assisted-dying-battle.md) - A Westminster fight with a Medway front line, plus by-election candidates, planning applications, weekend events, and more
- [Why we’re talking about money this week](https://www.localauthority.news/why-were-talking-about-money.md) - If Local Authority helps you understand Medway, this is a good week to support it
- [He defected to Reform. Eight months later, he wants out](https://www.localauthority.news/he-defected-to-reform-eight-months-later-he-wants-out.md) - A prominent local recruit leaves Reform with questions about what the party is becoming
- [No news is bad news](https://www.localauthority.news/come-behind-the-s.md) - Local Authority will host an Open Newsroom at Sun Pier House in Chatham on Friday as part of Indie News Week. The event will give readers and residents the chance to meet the team, ask questions, suggest stories, and discuss the issues affecting their part of Medway. Indie News Week is run by the P…
- [“I like solving problems”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-like-solving-problems.md) - What Steven asked Zoë Van Dyke, Medway Council portfolio holder for Business Management and councillor for Strood North and Frindsbury.
- [Medway illustrator finds new stories in Charles Dickens](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-illustrator-finds-new-stories-in-charles-dickens.md) - Plus council diary, Fort Darnet plans, School Street dropped, property, events and our Open Newsroom
- [Can the Hoo Peninsula safely lose two fire stations?](https://www.localauthority.news/can-the-hoo-peninsula-safely-lose-two-fire-stations.md) - The case for moving fire cover around Kent meets the geography of the Hoo Peninsula
- [The fight to save a designated heritage asset](https://www.localauthority.news/the-fight-to-save-a-designated-heritage-asset.md) - Bob Collins on the campaign to save Rochester's Royal Function Rooms
- [“I've been able to do some really cool things because I play bass”](https://www.localauthority.news/ive-been-able-to-do-some-really-cool-things-because-i-play-bass.md) - What Steven asked Nick Rice, bass player with South Shore and numerous Medway bands
- [Developers push back as Medway tries to make growth pay for itself](https://www.localauthority.news/developers-push-back-as-medway-tries-to-make-growth-pay-for-itself.md) - New charges for growth leads to backlash from developers, plus the week ahead, news in brief, what’s on, and more
- [Can a £15m health centre help Chatham live longer?](https://www.localauthority.news/can-a-15m-health-centre-help-chatham-live-longer.md) - What Chatham’s new NHS hub can and cannot fix, plus an update on Medway’s missing monument and The Brook car park
- [The May Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-may-culture-review.md) - Music, books, food, and more from across our towns
- [“It’s a constant battle to pay everything”](https://www.localauthority.news/its-a-constant-battle-to-pay-everything.md) - What Steven asked Jody Carrington, general manager of Poco Loco and project manager for the Intra Community Trust
- [Medway finds £7m for a council that does not exist yet](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-finds-7m.md) - Plus the rest of next week's Cabinet reports, planning latest, news in brief, events, and more
- [Voice of the Police and Crime Commissioner](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-police-and-crime-commissioner-2.md) - Matthew Scott on his tenth anniversary in the role, police reforms, and the progress being made locally
- [Upnor Castle was open six days a week. Now it opens once a month](https://www.localauthority.news/upnor-castle-was-open-six-days-a-week-now-it-opens-once-a-month.md) - The cost of thinning out public access, plus school exclusion data, and a new Kent-branded party
- [“What we want to cover is the people of Rochester”](https://www.localauthority.news/what-we-want-to-cover-is-the-people-of-rochester.md) - What Steven asked Rachel Woollett, editor of the new Rochester Radar magazine
- [The long goodbye of the Royal Function Rooms](https://www.localauthority.news/the-long-goodbye-of-the-royal-function-rooms.md) - Plans have been submitted to turn the Rochester venue into housing
- [Medway Council is coming for your furniture](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-council-is-coming-for-your-furniture.md) - Unlicensed tables and chairs face enforcement, plus a free festival for Intra
- [“I do love being the centre of attention”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-do-love-being-the-centre-of-attention.md) - What Steven asked Patrick Minhard, owner of Rochester pub Three Sheets to the Wind
- [Medway's emergency briefing](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-emergency-briefing-2.md) - Residents and councillors talk climate in Rochester, plus planning, news in brief, what's on, and more
- [End of another season for the Gills](https://www.localauthority.news/end-of-another-season-for-the-gills.md) - Ben Hopkins on what needs to come next for the struggling Gills.
- [Medway MP turns on Starmer](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-mp-turns-on-starmer.md) - A Labour resignation, more School Streets, and another near-miss for Mark Reckless
- [“My main instrument is the recording studio”](https://www.localauthority.news/my-main-instrument-is-the-recording-studio.md) - What Steven asked Richard Lightman, Head of Music and Audio Technology at the University of Kent.
- [The Rochester pub that kept getting it right](https://www.localauthority.news/the-rochester-pub-that-kept-getting-it-right.md) - After surviving bankruptcy, covid and everything else thrown at the trade, the Who’d Ha Thought It has taken CAMRA’s top local award
- [Long-serving Medway councillor Phil Filmer dies](https://www.localauthority.news/long-serving-medway-councillor-phil-filmer-dies.md) - Plus a Chatham shop faces questions, and Medway Council talks about what comes next
- [“Sadly, I was the last editor of the magazine”](https://www.localauthority.news/sadly-i-was-the-last-editor-of-the-magazine.md) - What Steven asked Matt Maytum, film critic at the Movie Wingman, and the final editor of Total Film magazine
- [Next transport plan starts with a collective scream](https://www.localauthority.news/next-transport-plan-starts-with-a-collective-scream.md) - Transport frustration in numbers and quotes, plus the week ahead, free buses, property, events, and lots more
- [Voice of the MP - Rochester and Strood](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-mp-rochester-and-strood-2.md) - Lauren Edwards MP on how the current conflict in the Middle East shows us why it is time for the UK to build a new green economy
- [The April Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-april-culture-review.md) - Little Storpings, iconic department stores, chimney cakes, and more...
- [The plaque that couldn't survive Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/the-plaque-that-couldnt-survive-medway.md) - A rail mystery near Cuxton, a useful budget chart, and the latest Gun Wharf shuffle
- [“I wish party politics was just for elections”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-wish-party-politics-was-just-for-elections.md) - What Steven asked Cllr Mark Joy, Conservative Shadow Portfolio Holder for Education and Children's Services
- [The £46m housing plan behind Medway’s closed door](https://www.localauthority.news/the-46m-housing-plan-behind-medways-closed-door.md) - Council votes to press ahead with buying 791 L&Q homes, but decisive debate happens off stage
- [Trees Over Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/trees-over-medway.md) - Medway needs more of a tree canopy, but can we make that happen?
- [Medway’s new rules face their first proper test](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-new-rules.md) - A thinner council agenda for Thursday, Rainham traveller site saga reaches end, and a very Medway bus moment
- [“It's because I've got a bag on my head”](https://www.localauthority.news/its-because-ive-got-a-bag-on-my-head.md) - What Steven asked David Goggin, the musician behind Little Storping in the Swuff
- [Medway’s new AI search fell over almost immediately](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-new-ai-search-fell-over-almost-immediately.md) - The council’s shiny new search box served up stale information, plus Full Council next week, planning, news in brief, and more
- [Medway's difficult housing decision](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-difficult-housing-decision.md) - Why meeting housing need is easier to demand than to deliver
- [What Medway’s licensing decisions say about its priorities](https://www.localauthority.news/what-medways-licensing-decisions-say-about-its-priorities.md) - Plus Medway and Dartford jockey for position, and Kent and Medway finally manage to work together
- ["A good wig is something that doesn't look like a wig”](https://www.localauthority.news/a-good-wig-is-something-that-doesnt-look-like-a-wig.md) - What Steven asked Desiree and Raime Nurse, co-founders of Cleopatra's Legacy CIC
- [No denying shit season](https://www.localauthority.news/no-denying-shit-season.md) - Ben Hopkins on another season to forget for Gillingham FC
- [A decade of life can depend on which bit of Medway you live in](https://www.localauthority.news/a-decade-of-life-can-depend-on-which-bit-of-medway-you-live-in.md) - A Marmot report puts a number on Medway’s health divide, plus the week ahead, news in brief, and lots more
- [Medway’s Local Plan is starting to wobble](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-local-plan-is-starting-to-wobble.md) - First response from inspectors suggests Medway’s examination will be anything but straightforward
- [“I’m not doing this for the sake of a political career“](https://www.localauthority.news/im-not-doing-this-for-the-sake-of-a-political-career.md) - What Steven asked Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council portfolio holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, and co-owner of Gurkha Fire
- [When the dock stops working, who owns the plumbing?](https://www.localauthority.news/when-the-dock-stops-working-who-owns-the-plumbing.md) - A closed waterfront route exposes a responsibility gap, plus next week’s council agenda, news in brief, and a £4m property
- [Voice of the MP - Chatham and Aylesford](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-mp-chatham-and-aylesford-2.md) - Tristan Osborne MP on putting pride back into our communities.
- [Medway eyes £46m housing buy from mystery provider](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-eyes-46m-housing-buy-from-mystery-provider.md) - Plus Gun Wharf gets a glow-up, and Hoo developments go to the Planning Inspectorate
- ["Movement can tell you a thousand things without even a word being said"](https://www.localauthority.news/movement-can-tell-you-a-thousand-things-without-even-a-word-being-said.md) - What Steven asked Paul Kasey, creature movement director and star of Doctor Who, Star Wars and Blade II
- [Age UK Kent Rivers heads for insolvency](https://www.localauthority.news/age-uk-kent-rivers-heads-for-insolvency.md) - Major local support service shuts abruptly, plus planning applications, NHS leadership change, political battles, and lots more
- [The March Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-march-culture-review.md) - Hip hop theatre, hidden histories, Rochester ribs, new Billy Childish, and more
- [The maps behind the £60m](https://www.localauthority.news/the-maps-behind-the-60m.md) - Morning traffic chaos, awkward Pride in Place boundaries, and Reform’s AI slop problem
- [“If you've got tools, use them”](https://www.localauthority.news/if-youve-got-tools-use-them.md) - What Steven asked Alex Cameron MBE, co-chair of the Intra Community Trust
- [£60m Pride in Place funding for three Medway areas](https://www.localauthority.news/42m-pride-in-place-funding-for-three-medway-areas.md) - Long-term funding awarded by the government for community projects, plus council meetings, planning updates, news in brief, and lots more
- [Will Medway turn turquoise?](https://www.localauthority.news/will-medway-turn-turquoise.md) - How Britain’s fractured politics could reshape Medway and open the door to a Reform breakthrough
- [Medway backs School Streets as Rochester opposition grows](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-backs-school-streets-as-rochester-opposition-grows.md) - Plus Medway watches Kent meningitis outbreak and a sign that needed another draft
- [“You don't come here just to die”](https://www.localauthority.news/you-dont-come-here-just-to-die.md) - What Steven asked Martyn Reeves, Chief Executive of Wisdom Hospice Charity
- [Two approvals show Medway’s growth dilemma](https://www.localauthority.news/two-approvals-show-medways-growth-dilemma.md) - Big developments in High Halstow and Gillingham get the green light, plus the Hoo by-election result, news in brief, and lots more
- [What does this mean for the table?](https://www.localauthority.news/what-does-this-mean-for-the-table.md) - The Shouting Ben on the progress, or lack thereof, of Gillingham FC
- [The curious politics of Hoo’s parish by-election](https://www.localauthority.news/the-curious-politics-of-hoos-parish-by-election.md) - Plus a no-show march in Gillingham and the end of Medway’s brief Waitrose era
- ["Everything within my work means something"](https://www.localauthority.news/everything-within-my-work-means-something.md) - What Steven asked Catriona Faulkner, hand stitch and assemblage artist
- [450 homes proposed on former Chattenden Barracks site](https://www.localauthority.news/450-homes-proposed-on-former-chattenden-barracks-site.md) - Brownfield vs a sensitive habitat, plus Reform’s imaginary communists, the week ahead, news in brief, and lots more
- [Stories of the Cannon](https://www.localauthority.news/stories-of-the-cannon.md) - A Victorian dockyard death, a prison execution bell, a pub landlord’s 'man-fish,' and the changing face of our pub landscape
- ['School wars' vs reality](https://www.localauthority.news/school-wars-vs-reality.md) - Red vs blue meme hits Medway, but police say no incidents reported, plus Gillingham footbridge to reopen, and aliens visit the peninsula
- [“We wanted to do local food”](https://www.localauthority.news/we-wanted-to-do-local-food.md) - What Steven asked Andy and Carol Austen, owners of Austen's fruit and veg
- [A night of big numbers and small obsessions](https://www.localauthority.news/a-night-of-big-numbers-and-small-obsessions.md) - Medway passes its budget after a night of amendments, plus Wayfield’s Ofsted, Station Road closures, planning, and lots more
- [The February Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-february-culture-review.md) - Live music, Mindgame at the Medway Little Theatre, and the return of our food reviews
- [River strategy floats relocation of industry and summer transport](https://www.localauthority.news/river-strategy-floats-relocation-of-industry-and-summer-transport.md) - What Medway’s new river plan signals about waterfront priorities and future trade-offs
- [“There is nothing like face-to-face storytelling in the world”](https://www.localauthority.news/there-is-nothing-like-face-to-face-storytelling-in-the-world.md) - What Steven asked Kate Mechedou, co-director of Medway Play Lab and new PhD student.
- [Medway has 'bounced back.' So why doesn’t it feel like it?](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-has-bounced-back-so-why-doesnt-it-feel-like-it.md) - Plus a coming budget meeting, this week’s HMO applications, Pride in Medway nominations, a property with river views, and lots more
- [Voice of the MP - Gillingham and Rainham](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-mp-gillingham-and-rainham-2.md) - Gillingham and Rainham MP Naushabah Khan MP on new restrictions on HMOs
- [From marches to meetups, the playbook is shifting](https://www.localauthority.news/from-marches-to-meetups-the-playbook-is-shifting.md) - How hard-right organisers are testing Medway, plus asset sales, hunting communists, and very good dogs
- [“We are breaking down barriers that keep people socially isolated”](https://www.localauthority.news/we-are-breaking-down-barriers-that-keep-people-socially-isolated.md) - What Steven asked Nic Lamont, in the first of a two-part interview about Medway Playlab CIC
- [The 'emergency' cycle](https://www.localauthority.news/the-emergency-cycle.md) - Plus new HMO applications, an Upnor property, events, and sport, and news in brief
- [Catching up with Gillingham FC](https://www.localauthority.news/catching-up-with-gillingham-fc.md)
- [Let’s talk about the bus again](https://www.localauthority.news/lets-talk-about-the-bus-again.md) - Why Medway’s bus network still feels fragile, plus hospital merger wobbles, and pothole politics
- [“I think the time is right for Medway to elect its first Green councillor”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-think-the-time-is-right-for-medway-to-elect-its-first-green-councillor.md) - What Steven asked Grace Duffy, Chair of the Medway Green Party
- [Brook car park heads for demolition](https://www.localauthority.news/brook-car-park-heads-for-demolition.md) - Plus next week’s council decisions, a wave of new HMO applications, a Cliffe house with orchard views for now, and the weekend’s events
- [Medway’s budget holds the line for another year](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-budget-holds-the-line-for-another-year.md) - What a balanced budget does - and doesn’t - say about Medway’s finances
- [“We're here to forget about the real world for a little bit”](https://www.localauthority.news/were-here-to-forget-about-the-real-world-for-a-little-bit.md) - What Steven asked Adam Ashford-Smith, karaoke host extraordinaire
- [Temporary housing approved on Medway’s doorstep](https://www.localauthority.news/temporary-housing-approved-on-medways-doorstep.md) - Plus new planning applications, council meetings, a house overlooking Horsted Valley, and the weekend’s sport
- [The January Culture Review](https://www.localauthority.news/the-january-culture-review.md) - Live music, new Billy Childish, theatrical chaos and a Medway farewell
- [When the only road closes](https://www.localauthority.news/when-the-only-road-closes.md) - A village cut off, a tree felled in Hoo, and new rail usage figures for Medway
- [“It was essential for the transformation of Chatham”](https://www.localauthority.news/it-was-essential-for-the-transformation-of-chatham.md) - What Steven asked Luke Bacon, Minister at St Johns Church in Chatham
- [Power and procedure at Medway Council](https://www.localauthority.news/power-and-procedure-at-medway-council.md) - Plus a surge in new HMO applications, a £1.4m Rainham house, next week's council business, what’s on locally and the weekend’s sport
- [Forthcoming attractions](https://www.localauthority.news/forthcoming-attractions.md) - Stephen Morris examines what 2026 looks like for Medway music
- [What kind of democracy does Medway want?](https://www.localauthority.news/what-kind-of-democracy-does-medway-want.md) - Scrutiny, civility, and basic democratic questions are on this week's agenda. Plus a look at NHS waiting lists at Medway.
- [High Court clears the way for Chatham Docks redevelopment](https://www.localauthority.news/high-court-clears-the-way-for-chatham-docks-redevelopment.md) - What the ruling means for Medway, what’s coming up at Medway council, and everything else you need to know this weekend
- [Voice of the Opposition](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-opposition-2.md) - Cllr George Perfect on Medway's finances and the coming budget.
- [Labour councillors raise red flags over Medway’s Local Plan](https://www.localauthority.news/labour-councillors-raise-red-flags-over-medways-local-plan.md) - Plus Ofsted’s inspection of children’s services and Medway’s on alert Kent’s water network comes under strain
- [Winter is here](https://www.localauthority.news/winter-is-here.md) - Stuart Bourne on the sights that can still be found in our gardens this time of year
- [The Christmas lights so rubbish even Medway Council wouldn’t charge for them](https://www.localauthority.news/the-christmas-lights-so-rubbish-even-medway-council-wouldnt-charge-for-them.md) - Plus council business, planning applications, a £700,000 house behind the walls of Kitchener Barracks, what’s on this week and the weekend’s sport.
- [Funding boost not enough to stabilise Medway finances](https://www.localauthority.news/funding-boost-not-enough-to-stabilise-medway-finances.md) - Plus Horsted Valley to become new nature reserve, other Cabinet news, news in brief, and more
- [“I don’t sit on boards to be important”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-dont-sit-on-boards-to-be-important.md) - What Steven asked Jack Packman, CEO of Medway Voluntary Action
- [Before we start again](https://www.localauthority.news/before-we-start-again.md) - A look back at a year of Local Authority, and what we’re trying to protect
- [Catching up with our previous guests](https://www.localauthority.news/catching-up-with-our-previous-guests-2.md) - Two dozen of our previous interviewees talk about 2025 and what lies ahead for 2026
- [“The mayoralty has invigorated our marriage”](https://www.localauthority.news/the-mayoralty-has-invigoratedour-marriage-and-lives-together.md) - What Steven asked Councillor Trevor Clarke, the Mayor of Medway
- [The year in Medway music](https://www.localauthority.news/the-year-in-medway-music-2.md) - Plus keeping Medway history alive, we review Lupen Crook at Three Sheets, and lots more
- [Voice of the Leader](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-leader-3.md) - Medway Council Leader Vince Maple on threats to democracy, local government reorganisation, and the year ahead.
- [School Streets fine overturned at Medway’s busiest site](https://www.localauthority.news/school-streets-fine-overturned-at-medways-busiest-site.md) - Plus prominent Medway flagger jailed, horreno
- [“People are always searching for something”](https://www.localauthority.news/people-are-always-searching-for-something.md) - What Steven asked the Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester
- [Antiques star looks for treasures in Chatham](https://www.localauthority.news/antiques-star-looks-for-treasures-in-chatham.md) - Plus Medway Valley Line recreated for video game, Moot Brew Co showcased in House of Commons, our weekly events guide, and more.
- [Local Authority has a new home](https://www.localauthority.news/local-authority-has-a-new-home.md) - We’ve moved, but nothing should change for most of you.
- [Council to tighten controls on HMO hotspots](https://www.localauthority.news/council-to-tighten-controls-on-hmo.md) - Plus jobs at risk at Chatham Docks, lots more council news, news in brief, and more
- [“I did everything I could to get out of Chatham”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-did-everything-i-could-to-get-out.md) - What Steven asked musician Pete Molinari
- [Unbeaten but unspectacular](https://www.localauthority.news/unbeaten-but-unspectacular.md) - Plus Humbug, reviews of A Sherlock Carol and the High Span, our weekly events guide, and more
- [Ambulance service criticised after secret Medway filming](https://www.localauthority.news/ambulance-service-criticised-after.md) - Plus inspection finds Medway A&E still not good enough, councillor allowances admin errors, news in brief, and more
- [“A YIMBY doesn’t mean you’re ruining the local environment”](https://www.localauthority.news/a-yimby-doesnt-mean-youre-ruining.md) - What Steven asked Cllr Louwella Prenter, Medway Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness.
- [The ghosts of a working-class landscape](https://www.localauthority.news/the-ghosts-of-a-working-class-landscape.md) - Plus a proper Christmas for care leavers, new High Span album, our weekly events guide, and more
- [How do we make Medway culture matter?](https://www.localauthority.news/how-do-we-make-medway-culture-matter.md) - The results of our Local Democracy Café exploration on arts and culture in our towns
- [Can Medway make you happy?](https://www.localauthority.news/can-medway-make-you-happy-d83.md) - Results from our first Local Democracy Café event
- [GSA has closed. What comes next?](https://www.localauthority.news/gsa-has-closed-what-comes-next.md) - Plus politics latest, St. John's Church reopens, news in brief, and more
- ["Success is doing it in the first place"](https://www.localauthority.news/success-is-doing-it-in-the-first.md) - What Steven asked Lee Grimshaw, owner of record label Spinout Nuggets
- [Connecting two Medways](https://www.localauthority.news/connecting-two-medways.md) - A new pen pal project linking Medway and Port Medway, one handwritten letter at a time
- [Life after reorganisation](https://www.localauthority.news/life-after-reorganisation.md) - How Medway and the rest of Kent could change in the coming years
- [Voice of the Police and Crime Commissioner](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-police-and-crime-commissioner-a11.md) - Matthew Scott on his Annual Policing Survey, the Police Property Fund, and the Safer Streets initiative
- [Medway shrinks its democracy](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-shrinks-its-democracy.md) - Plus 4D to the future, Medway to build a care home, Spalding censured, news in brief, and more
- [“Life is short, make the most of it”](https://www.localauthority.news/life-is-short-make-the-most-of-it.md) - What Steven asked Dr Shibu Chacko MBE, advanced clinical practitioner
- [Say hey to Hey Louie](https://www.localauthority.news/say-hey-to-hey-louie.md) - Plus new Christmas market launches, South Shore and the Penrose Web, our weekly events guide, and more
- [How does Medway Culture Matter?](https://www.localauthority.news/how-does-medway-culture-matter.md) - Week two of our Local Democracy Café exploration on arts culture in our towns
- [Flags down](https://www.localauthority.news/flags-down.md) - Plus Medway still struggling to balance the books, Strood Library finally getting a new lift, news in brief, and more
- [“Almost anywhere can be a place to have live music”](https://www.localauthority.news/almost-anywhere-can-be-a-place-to.md) - What Steven asked Kevin Younger, aka Mr Unswitchable and Clive Shite, musician in The High Span, Hand of Stabs and Minimus.
- [Medway Street Angels are not closing](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-street-angels-are-not-closing.md) - Plus Gills latest, the Silent Postman, adults at Poco Loco, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more
- [Does Medway culture matter?](https://www.localauthority.news/does-medway-culture-matter.md) - Our live forum for real conversation and real action on Medway’s future
- [Gillingham Street Angels suddenly announces closure](https://www.localauthority.news/gillingham-street-angels-suddenly.md) - Plus Conservative defects from Conservatives to Conservatives, the latest flag stand-off, news in brief, and more
- [“I still support the idea of revolutionary change”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-still-support-the-idea-of-revolutionary.md) - What Steven asked Chas Berry, socialist and coordinator for Your Party Medway
- [Medway River Lit returns](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-river-lit-returns.md) - Plus requiem for a hoodie, new Singing Loins album, give art a second chance, our weekly events guide, and more
- [How can Medway make you happy?](https://www.localauthority.news/how-can-medway-make-you-happy.md) - The results of our Local Democracy Café exploration on happiness in our towns
- [Kent and Medway's relationship seems increasingly strained](https://www.localauthority.news/kent-and-medways-relationship-seems.md) - How a plan to save Kent’s tourism voice became another casualty of Reform’s chaos. Plus anti-immigration march is off, news in brief, and more
- [“I wanted to do something for the people there”](https://www.localauthority.news/i-wanted-to-do-something-for-the.md) - What Steven asked Cllr Mark Jones, Labour councillor for Strood West
- [Medway marks 80 years of the UN](https://www.localauthority.news/medway-marks-80-years-of-the-un.md) - Plus crowdfunder launched for Medway supergroup, we review the Flowers of Srebrenica on stage, our weekly events guide, and more
- [Voice of the MP - Rochester and Strood](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-mp-rochester-and-strood-668.md) - Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards on Chatham High Street, skills, grassroots sports, and investment across Rochester and Strood
- [A protest in search of a crowd](https://www.localauthority.news/a-protest-in-search-of-a-crowd.md) - Plus Medway Council meeting comes to an abrupt end, the return of Rehman, news in brief, and more
- ["Don’t take advice from me. Don’t do it my way."](https://www.localauthority.news/dont-take-advice-from-me-dont-do.md) - What Steven asked David Cramer Smith, the author of Medway: A Novel
- [Chatham gets an Art Junction](https://www.localauthority.news/chatham-gets-an-art-junction.md) - Plus wrestling in Rainham, new Rats Bay mural, Silents Synched, we review Padrino, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more.
- [What makes Medway happy?](https://www.localauthority.news/what-makes-medway-happy.md) - Week two of our Local Democracy Café exploration on happiness in our towns
- [Labour office vandalised amid rising tensions](https://www.localauthority.news/labour-office-vandalised-amid-rising.md) - Plus it's full council o'clock, the latest Medway Matters Live, and UKIP return to Rochester
- [“Work-based learning for me was everything”](https://www.localauthority.news/work-based-learning-for-me-was-everything.md) - What Steven asked Lucy Mason, Work-Based Learning Manager at Medway Maritime Hospital and MidKent College Special Stakeholder
- [Faith, safety and human connection](https://www.localauthority.news/faith-safety-and-human-connection.md) - Plus new EP links Tokyo and Chatham, we review the Royal Crown, events this week, and more
- [Can Medway make you happy?](https://www.localauthority.news/can-medway-make-you-happy.md) - A new live forum for real conversation and real action on Medway’s future
- [Princes Park councillor defects to Reform](https://www.localauthority.news/princes-park-councillor-defects-to.md) - Plus faith and fear in Medway’s Jewish community, news in brief, and more
- [“The world ended, and so did my hopes and dreams”](https://www.localauthority.news/the-world-ended-and-so-did-my-hopes.md) - What Steven asked Alex Gilbert, co-promoter of Medway-based United Kingdom Professional Wrestling
- [Gills finally remember how to lose](https://www.localauthority.news/gills-finally-remember-how-to-lose.md) - Plus Art Loin and Son at the Three Sheets, The Rivals at Medway Little Theatre, our weekly events guide, and more
- [Why I’m talking to Medway about race](https://www.localauthority.news/why-im-talking-to-medway-about-race.md) - Columnist Zahra Barri visits the Medway Culture Club
- [Marching orders](https://www.localauthority.news/marching-orders.md) - The far-right plot two protests for Medway. Plus Medway's lonely reorganisation to be examined, news in brief, and more
- [“It felt so hard to live a conventional life”](https://www.localauthority.news/it-felt-so-hard-to-live-a-conventional.md) - What Steven asked Carol Donaldson, ecologist and author
- [Medway’s overlooked treasure trove of military history](https://www.localauthority.news/medways-overlooked-treasure-trove.md) - Plus Glassbox lecture casts a spell, we review Piggyz, our weekly events guide, and more
- [North Kent or nowhere?](https://www.localauthority.news/north-kent-or-nowhere.md) - As ministers demand fewer, bigger councils, Kent’s authorities struggle to agree on who goes where
- [Council pledges to remove Medway’s lamppost flags](https://www.localauthority.news/council-pledges-to-remove-medways.md) - Plus AI to the rescue, brownfield scheme gets funding boost, news in brief, and more
- [“I enjoy solving problems“](https://www.localauthority.news/i-enjoy-solving-problems.md) - What Steven asked Habib Tejan, Conservative councillor for St Mary's Island
- [Barges find new life on the Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/barges-find-new-life-on-the-medway.md) - Plus Festival of Chatham Reach returns, Reform school latest, farmers' market turns 25, we review Fish at 55, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more
- [Voice of the MP - Chatham and Aylesford](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-mp-chatham-and-aylesford-3c9.md) - Chatham and Aylesford MP Tristan Osborne on graffiti
- [Farage football shirt offered as essay prize in Medway school](https://www.localauthority.news/farage-football-shirt-offered-as.md) - Plus Medway MP gets promoted and hears from the worst people, news in brief, and more
- [“They need to put the work in with the humans”](https://www.localauthority.news/they-need-to-put-the-work-in-with.md) - What Steven asked Lisa Riley, nurse and Executive Vice President of a health tech company VitalHub UK
- [From page to stage](https://www.localauthority.news/from-page-to-stage.md) - Plus Theatre Royal at Three Sheets, we review Boba Tigers, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more
- [Autumn arrives early](https://www.localauthority.news/autumn-arrives-early.md) - How to adapt our gardens to climate change, Medway's lack of allotments, a perfect Medway park for autumn, and more
- [The fight over Medway’s HMOs](https://www.localauthority.news/the-fight-over-medways-hmos.md) - Plus two Kent maps left standing, MP supports flag erections, news in brief, and more
- [“It became really evident how important it is to be connected to the community”](https://www.localauthority.news/it-became-really-evident-how-important.md) - What Steven asked Natalie Tegg, Deputy CEO of The French Hospital in Rochester
- [Top of the league](https://www.localauthority.news/top-of-the-league.md) - Plus a parish council by-election special, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more
- [Councillor found to have bullied nursery boss insists ‘all is not as it seems’](https://www.localauthority.news/councillor-found-to-have-bullied.md) - Plus democracy on a rota, flag wars keep going, news in brief, and more
- [“The times I've been accused of being drunk is unbelievable”](https://www.localauthority.news/the-times-ive-been-accused-of-being.md) - What Steven asked Phil Bungay and Martin Nagler of the Medway Neurological Network
- [Playtime for grown-ups](https://www.localauthority.news/playtime-for-grown-ups.md) - Plus helping students into engineering, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more
- [Voice of the MP - Gillingham and Rainham](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-mp-gillingham-and-rainham-6ad.md) - Naushabah Khan MP on flags, the challenges facing the constituency, and work to regenerate town centres
- [Flags, apparently](https://www.localauthority.news/flags-apparently.md) - Plus Medway debt surges 36% in a year, Council staff happy with pay but other problems linger, news in brief, and more
- [“We live rent free in their heads, they can’t get rid of us”](https://www.localauthority.news/we-live-rent-free-in-their-heads.md) - What we asked John Vye, Reform councillor for Rochester East and Warren Wood
- [Teenagers won’t fix Medway’s turnout problem](https://www.localauthority.news/teenagers-wont-fix-medways-turnout.md) - But other new measures might make a more meaningful impact, argues former Civil servant and new Local Authority writer Bob Collins
- [When exceptional support is no longer exceptional](https://www.localauthority.news/when-exceptional-support-is-no-longer.md) - Plus Medway offers own proposal for future council map that annoys everyone, news in brief, and more
- [“We are humans at the end of the day”](https://www.localauthority.news/we-are-humans-at-the-end-of-the-day.md) - What Steven asked Jacob Granger, the new community editor of journalism.co.uk
- [Activity book is Medway’s newest export](https://www.localauthority.news/activity-book-is-medways-newest-export.md) - Plus Sun Pier House lifts off, we review Pam Exotic Jerk, our weekly events guide, and more
- [Four years in](https://www.localauthority.news/four-years-in.md) - Where we're at and where we're going
- [Infighting, resignations, and a ‘coup’ rock the Medway... Greens?](https://www.localauthority.news/infighting-resignations-and-a-coup.md) - Plus new proposals to restrict traffic in Rochester High Street, street ambassadors off to a strong start, news in brief, and more
- [“Just because you put a wig on, it doesn't change who you are“](https://www.localauthority.news/just-because-you-put-a-wig-on-it.md) - What Steven asked River Medway, legendary Drag Race contestant
- [The Gills kick off a new season](https://www.localauthority.news/the-gills-kick-off-a-new-season.md) - The Shouting Ben on the season ahead for the Gills and their chances of finally pushing for promotion
- [On the fringe of Pride](https://www.localauthority.news/on-the-fringe-of-pride.md) - Plus Loco Cabaret, queer history walks, Pride fringe events, and more
- [VAT change fails to spark school exodus in Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/vat-change-fails-to-spark-school.md) - Plus plans for flats on a council car park, Chatham's new security 'ambassadors,' news in brief, and more.
- [“There was three of us in this marriage, but I was two of them”](https://www.localauthority.news/there-was-three-of-us-in-this-marriage.md) - What Steven asked Hilary Cooke, CEO of Medway Pride
- [Restored floatplane goes on display inside cathedral](https://www.localauthority.news/restored-floatplane-goes-on-display.md) - Plus low MMR vaccine uptake in Medway, our libraries need security, Space at Platform 3, Bollywood Buffet Club, our weekly events guide, news in brief, and more.
- [Voice of the Opposition](https://www.localauthority.news/voice-of-the-opposition-7dc.md) - Cllr George Perfect on the Local Plan
- [Red routes suddenly start catching people in some places](https://www.localauthority.news/red-routes-suddenly-start-catching.md) - Plus Budgens refused licence in Chatham, news in brief, and more.
- [“My baptism to life was seeing mankind at its worst”](https://www.localauthority.news/my-baptism-to-life-was-seeing-mankind.md) - What Steven asked Douglas Hamandishe, Gillingham North Labour councillor and former Deputy Mayor
- [Sea monsters, swirling organs, and Chatham pockets](https://www.localauthority.news/sea-monsters-swirling-organs-and.md) - Our music correspondent Stephen Morris reviews three new Medway records by the Penrose Web, the Spike Direction Effect, and the Guy Hamper Trio
- [Rochester Bridge Trust supports community projects](https://www.localauthority.news/rochester-bridge-trust-supports-community.md) - Plus Austen's turns 10, Rochester author launches new book, Space visit Platform 3, our weekly events guide, and more.
- [Three motions and you’re out](https://www.localauthority.news/three-motions-and-youre-out.md) - Medway Council proposes sweeping changes to meetings, plus Budgens faces Chatham challenge, a mysterious new restaurant, news in brief, and more
- [“Let's look for a brighter future”](https://www.localauthority.news/lets-look-for-a-brighter-future.md) - What Steven asked Ajaib Hussain, Chair of Medway Inter Faith Action.
- [Campaign to support unpaid carers in Medway](https://www.localauthority.news/campaign-to-support-unpaid-carers.md) - Plus Learning to be Irish, new Mess Room exhibition at Rochester Cathedral, the Penrose Web, events this week, and more
- [Neighbouring council plans temporary accommodation on Medway’s doorstep](https://www.localauthority.news/neighbouring-council-plans-temporary.md) - Plus think tank proposes Thames Gateway development corporation, news in brief, and more
- [“I've been able to do a lot more than I thought”](https://www.localauthority.news/ive-been-able-to-do-a-lot-more-than.md) - What Steven asked Ionut Bertea, Liz Howe and Paddy Tutt, artists at the Hazelnut Press
- [New Buddhist centre opens in Rochester](https://www.localauthority.news/new-buddhist-centre-opens-in-rochester.md) - Plus Medway Walk for Peace, Medway podcast marks book anniversary, we review the Royal Crown, news in brief, and more
- [Changing Seasons](https://www.localauthority.news/changing-seasons.md) - Our outdoor correspondent Stuart Bourne on the changing climate, keeping your plants happy, and Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

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