Uni plans encounter strong resistance

PLANS for Kent University to expand into the Chaucer Field area have been hit with another blow, as Canterbury City Council has extended the objection deadline until May 9.

The Facebook group that has been set up as a petition to the university's proposed developments has already generated strong support to stop the extension, and the council has received over 400 objections to date.

Nuns travel to London to join the festivities

Three local men travelled to the Royal Wedding on Friday to celebrate the marriage of William and Kate, but chose an odd attire to attend in.

Tom Murphy, Robert Gisby and Matthew Robson ventured to the capital dressed as nuns on the 5.25AM train from Canterbury West to St Pancreas and raised the odd eyebrow as they traversed the city streets.

The three men made their way on the underground to Trafalgar Square to join the thousands gathered round big screens on what was a day to remember.

Royal Wedding security speak out

THE £30 million security for Friday’s Royal Wedding was heavily broadcast and a much talked about cost during what is, the country’s worst ever recession.

This expense was argued as a needed precaution by the monarchy, to deal with the thousands that descended on London, the possible threat of terrorism, and of course the projected campaign from students to stop the impending tuition fee rise.

 Amidst thousands of police units lining the streets, another branch of protection was drafted in for the day’s events – the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).
Because of security reasons, the Kent based informant will remain anonymous, but this exclusive interview still provides a behind-the-scenes insight into Her Majesty’s protection.

Labour smell blood as coalition weakens

LABOUR has stepped up their game in a bid to snatch Canterbury from the firm grip of the Conservatives with a new agenda in place. The party have distributed a leaflet to every house in the city with detailed plans and are urging residents to display Labour support posters in their windows.

With the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition wavering, a YouGov poll suggests Labour have risen to 43% of votes in the country, while the Conservatives slip to 34% and Liberal Democrats disastrously falling to just 9%.

Residents feel strain of university expansion

STUDIO 41, Netto’s supermarket and Bamboo Tiger have been demolished on New Dover Street to make way for a Student Union and accommodation.

The Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) project was announced in 2010 and has received stiff criticism during the past 12 months from residents clearly displeased with the university’s expansion.

Beaney to unveil museum in 2012

UNIVERSITY construction has dominated the city’s press in recent times. Namely, the £20 million project on Reims Way and the demolition of Netto’s and Bamboo Tiger to make way for the Student Union and surrounding accommodation.

However, in the centre of Canterbury, a venture is underway to strengthen the city’s cultural ties and reassert the urban Victorian ancestry. 


The Beaney project will open in spring, 2012, and the construction will include renovating the old library at the heart of the busy High Street.

St Lawrence on course for grand opening

IT'S been months of dirt, noise and aggravation and with the cricket season just weeks away, Canterbury's St Lawrence ground is still not quite up to scratch. 

The renovation of Kent's home turf has seen a number of additions, including flood lights to keep matches running until late in the evening - which is particularly useful during winter's shorter days.

Marlowe Theatre remains on schedule

See this short video for the latest look at the brand new Marlowe Theatre that is scheduled to open in autumn 2011.