I dont know anyone in Kent but I have benefited on a number of occasions from Heathercraft in West Sussex -
http://www.iwestsussex.co.uk/profile/275035/Horsham/Heathercraft-Machine-Knitting-Centre/
You would need to take your machine to them but they are quick and reliable and reasonably priced. You would need to phone them as they dont use emails
Before doing anything have you made sure that the machine is clean and oiled and above all does the sponge bar need replacing - that may be all that is needed - you have a very good machine and hopefully you will soon be knitting again
Marian
April 2009