In North Shields this week we have started ground investigation works after a report of possible mining related damage to two homes. Due to access issues it was necessary to use a crane to deliver a drilling rig to the back garden of one of the properties so that ground samples can be taken and examined to see if the cause of the damage is due to historical mining in the area. We have also installed monitoring equipment at the properties to provide reassurance to the residents. We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding whilst the drilling rig was being delivered. Our Public Safety and Subsidence Team respond to hundreds of similar incidents every year. If you suspect a mining hazard, please contact our 24/7/365 Hazard Line on 0800 288 4242.

⚠️ Final update at 1:20pm People travelling close to the A256, near the Felderland Lane junction, Eastry, are no longer being advised to avoid the area. The bus involved in the fire has been loaded onto a recovery vehicle and the road is now open. Please share this information with any loved ones who may not have access to the internet. Thank you. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ⚠️ Update at 12pm If you are travelling or planning to travel on the A256, near the Felderland Lane junction #Eastry, we are still advising you to avoid the area and find an alternative route if possible. There is a lot of congestion following a bus fire. Crews were called at 8.54am this morning. Four fire engines attended and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used main jets to extinguish the flames. There were no reported injuries, and the cause is not yet known. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ⚠️ Initial Update People travelling or planning to travel in Eastry on the A256, near the Felderland Lane junction, are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route if possible, due to firefighters extinguishing a bus that has caught alight. Three fire engines are in attendance, and it’s confirmed that all passengers are out of the vehicle. Please share this information with any loved ones who may not have access to the internet.

Crackdown on Tunbridge Wells shop thieves sees almost 60 charges in one month: https://www.kent.police.uk/news/kent/latest/policing-news/crackdown-on-tunbridge-wells-shop-thieves-sees-almost-60-charges-in-one-month/

A #Gravesend property connected to persistent antisocial behaviour and crime has been issued with a closure order. Our local officers received multiple complaints about disorderly and offensive behaviour by those living in and visiting the address in Princes Road. After residents raised these concerns, we applied for a closure order at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 8 January 2025. It will last for three months and any unauthorised person entering the property during this time, risks a fine and a prison sentence. Our beat officers ensured the local authority owned property was empty and it has now been secured. A sign has been placed on the door with a warning that it is an offence to enter. Police Sergeant Steve Cole said: ‘We are determined to support communities that have suffered persistent antisocial behaviour and incidents of disorder connected to a minority of properties. 'Where concerns are raised, beat constables and council enforcement officers will warn the occupants of the consequences if their appalling and unacceptable conduct continues. Where they fail to take note of this warning we can instigate prohibitive measures to address this.’ The closure order used legislation under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and Gravesham Borough Council will be taking possession of the premises. Police Sergeant Cole added: ‘We have reports of several other flats and houses in the area where the occupants are affecting the quality of life for residents. We will be gathering the necessary evidence and will not hesitate to take similar robust actions at these other locations.’

Following recent flooding, #TeamEA have been working through the week to protect communities across the country. 1 - Operating the Didsbury Flood Storage Basin in Manchester. 2 - Clearing debris from flood screens in Anglia 3 - Deploying demountable defences in Northwich 4 - Pumping flood water at Ratcliffe on Soar Flood alerts remain active in some places. Keep yourself safe, check your flood risk: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/

#ScamAlert ⚠️ Doorstep Criminals active in Ashford, Hythe and Dartford targeting residents They are targeting homes offering roofing repairs and jet washing of driveways. Multiple residents have paid for the work to be carried out but it has not been completed, and for some the traders are demanding more money. 🔴 Doorstep criminals, often referred to as rogue traders, cowboy builders or building and gardening scammers, make unsolicited visits to homes, offering seemingly attractive deals to persuade homeowners to agree to various services. However, accepting their offers typically results in paying exorbitant prices for substandard, unnecessary, and occasionally hazardous work. 🚨 Learnt how to protect yourself from doorstep criminals: https://loom.ly/NZXpcBc ✅ Always get three quotes and use a safe, local trader that's been vetted by Kent Trading Standards: https://loom.ly/ePwEHxY ☎️ Look out for others, report to Kent Police on 101. You can also report it to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You'll stay 100% anonymous, always.