Mattress king who's battling for local traders

He is a businessman who spends his spare time on the battlefield and is a keen crusader for the traditional High Street in a world gone mad for out-of-town shopping centres. Dylan Hampshire, 41, of Cockett's Beds, took over the family store in Herne Bay's High Street in 1999 from his uncle and grandfather before him. He continues to make bespoke mattresses for clients as far afield as Hong Kong.

He tells Ed Targett how he'd invite King Harold round for dinner, his fears for the future of the Herne Bay central regeneration and why he'd like to see philosopher and economist Adam Smith make a cup of tea with his bread and butter...

Click to read more ...

Plea for a free parking

He is the "mattress king" with a commitment to a traditional town centre. She's the "queen of shops" trying to revive the country's high streets. Now Herne Bay's Dylan Hampshire says town bosses need to take the words of Mary Portas to heart and make parking free across central shopping areas.

Click to read more ...