KentOnline

A restaurant boss who built an illegal outdoor dining area before “gaslighting” authorities for years with promises to pull it down has been fined and ordered to pay court costs totalling more than £40,000.The glass-fronted enclosure outside A La Turka in Herne Bay was put up in 2019, despite there only being planning permission for awnings.Also in today’s podcast, a public meeting's been held in Tunbridge Wells to discuss the recent water crisis.Around 100 people showed up last night to express their frustrations following a number of outages before and after Christmas.Controversial plans for a solar farm have been approved - despite residents warning it will despoil a “historic, rural agricultural landscape”.Covering 40 hectares - roughly the size of 55 football pitches - the site on Romney Marsh is currently used to grow crops.A sports and social club with more than 650 members will close at the end of the month.The facility in Maidstone is set to shut following a “difficult decision” by the organisation that runs it to cease its affiliation.And a school with pupils from more than 80 nationalities has launched a community campaign to celebrate togetherness and belonging. Ashford’s John Wallis Academy has put up flags, banners and posters around its grounds – you can hear from their Head who says it’s come at a time when we know the world is increasingly divided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Chinese takeaway was forced to close after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to the shop.Police were called to the restaurant in Tunbridge Wells after a man went inside and lay down on the floor, before smashing up screens and equipment. Also in today’s podcast, a group of doctors are calling for better resilience within NHS IT systems after a major outage affected GP surgeries across Kent.Medics were unable to access patient details, appointment lists or process prescriptions on Monday and health bosses say it’s led to a huge backlog. A councillor who struggles to speak after developing motor neurone disease is using pioneering AI technology to communicate using his own voice.Nick Varley, who represents Kippington on Sevenoaks district and town councils, made recordings of himself speaking, which were used to train the AI to produce an accurate copy of his voice.Protesters held a large banner demanding “Keep your hands off Rays Bottom” as they voiced their anger over plans for a new housing estate.More than 300 letters of objection have been lodged in little over a month against proposals to build 75 houses on farmland near Deal.And an ice cream man who “gambled” on serving scoops when work dried up during the pandemic is in the running for a top national award. You can hear from the Rainham resident who runs Bossie’s Ice Creams’ who told us he’s excited to have his hard work recognised. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Investigations are underway following reports a woman had her drink spiked while out celebrating her 21st birthday in Maidstone.Tia Jennings was at Bierkeller on Gabriel's Hill on January 10th when she started acting out of character - she then collapsed outside a short time later. We've asked the venue a number of times for a comment.Also in today's podcast, the mother of a teenager killed in a crash in Thanet says the number of people caught over the limit during a crackdown last month is 'shocking'.18-year-old Ethan Entwhistle was a passenger in a car that hit a tree in Broadstairs in October 2023 - the driver was more than twice the drink drive limit.Police stopped around 300 motorists for drink and drug driving offences in the county in December.Families in Kent are being asked to share their experience of maternity and neonatal care for a major national review.The 'Call for Evidence' will be used to shape recommendations to improve services across England - hear from Zoe Finn who lost her son Carter when his heart stopped beating while she was 35 weeks pregnant.The MP for Ashford has signed an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for a ban on social media use for people under the age of 16.Sojan Joseph is the only Kent MP to put his name to the letter and joined 60 others from across the country.Campaigners from Kent are due at the High Court as a legal challenge against plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport gets under way.It's after the transport secretary gave approval last September for the airport to bring its Northern runway into regular use as part of a 2-point £2 billion expansion.In sport, Lenni Cirino has signed a contract extension with Gillingham. The new deal keeps the left-back at the club until the end of this season.And, find out who Chatham Town's women will be playing the fifth round of the FA Cup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A man in his 20s has been charged with murder after a fatal stabbing on Sheppey. Police were called to Noreen Avenue in Minster on Saturday night, close to a children’s play park, but the victim died at the scene. Also in today’s podcast, the number of so-called 'trolley waits' in Kent continues to rise.That’s when there’s a delay of 12 hours or more from a patient being admitted to being given a bed – new figures show there were over 28,000 last year. Parents across Kent are being urged to act as the debate on raising the social media age to 16 is set to continue this week A proposed amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently before the House of Lords, will be debated in the coming days We spoke to a local mental health charity who have launched a campaign to rethink Blue Monday.North Kent Mind says it doesn't have to be a dark and depressing time and they're urging us to rebrand it "Mulicolour Monday".And in football, Chatham Town have booked an FA Women’s Cup last-16 spot.Watched by a bumper crowd of almost 1,700 they beat fellow fourth-tier side York City 3-0 – you can hear from manager Keith Boanas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A woman who died in a motorbike crash in Kent just days before Christmas has been remembered as 'loving and free spirited'.Syntia Franczak is thought to have been the pillion passenger on the bike that was involved in a collision on the A228 Pembury Northern Bypass on December 20th. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, we've got an update on the water supply issues that have been affecting Kent over the past week.The taps are flowing again in Tunbridge Wells but not before a calf died of suspected dehydration at a farm.The Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP is leading calls for the government to treat gambling as a public health emergency.Kevin McKenna has hosted a debate in Westminster Hall addressing how problem gambling has long lasting and serious impacts on children.Meantime, the Dartford MP has spoken in the commons about the importance of investment in grassroots sports facilities.An entrepreneur is about to embark on a new venture - opening the first Caribbean takeaway restaurant in Maidstone.Mitchell Bennett has spent the last 15 years as a music promoter presenting Garage National events at venues across the town.And in sport, bottom of the table Newport County are the visitors to Priestfield this weekend.Gillingham have gone two weeks without a game after their match with Notts County was postponed because of a frozen pitch, hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A “handsy” Kent police officer once praised for bravery has been barred from all forces for life after groping two colleagues.The Folkestone-based PC would have faced dismissal this week had he not already resigned after his lurid actions.Also in today’s podcast, Ofwat has announced it has opened an investigation into South East Water following the major water outage in Kent.It comes as thousands of homes and businesses across the county continue to be left without supplies – we’ve spoken to a farmer who’s criticised a lack of provision for livestock. Utility companies who flout the rules while carrying out road works are in danger of being prosecuted. Kent County Council hopes that its get-tough policy will mean highways will be safer, flow more freely and force contractors to speed up the work.A town’s mayor has lashed out at people who have repeatedly vandalised a toddlers’ playground – saying “it needs to stop”. The site in Sevenoaks has seen a spate of attacks costing the local authority time and money. And a defiant Canterbury man is threatening to chain himself to a historic lamppost if council bosses attempt to tear it down.He says the Victorian structures are “precious” features that must be “preserved at all costs” rather than being replaced with “grotesque” modern replicas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kent and Medway’s best-performing secondary schools have been ranked from best to worst by GCSE results. However some education experts warn a legacy of Covid means the latest league table isn’t the “fairest” measure of performance. Also in today’s podcast, a man has died in a crash involving a car and a water tanker.The motorist was travelling on the A2070 Ashford Road in Hamstreet yesterday afternoon when it collided with a purple tanker heading the opposite way.Pressure is piling on the boss of South East Water with more local leaders calling for his resignation following water supply outages. Thousands of properties and businesses have been affected and several schools around the county are closed again today.Hopes of saving a town’s library building have been dealt a fresh blow - and the site may proceed to an auction sale next month.But the deputy leader of Reform UK-run Kent County Council says the “door remains fully open” for alternative proposals for the site at Grace Hill in Folkestone – community groups have been campaigning for it to be saved. And a new support group has been set up in Kent for bereaved parents, by a nurse who lost her own son You can hear from Amber Selvey, whose son died from a rare genetic condition in 2023 - she's now launched Together in Grief based in Whitstable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New figures which show even primary school children in Kent are being suspended for substance misuse have been described as “heartbreaking”.More and more students are being pulled out of the classroom as shock new statistics reveal a significant rise in under-18s being treated for addiction problems — including use of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy. Also in today’s podcast, schools are closed again today and thousands of residents are still without supplies as the Kent water crisis continues.South East Water confirmed 25,000 customers still have issues including in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Whitstable following a breakout of leaks and bursts across their network.Bosses have declared a critical incident at a hospital due to a sudden “high demand” for its services.East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement due to sustained pressures at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.An historic former library described as a town’s “most treasured community asset” is set to be auctioned off by Kent County Council sparking fury among residents.The site in Folkestone has been closed since 2022 because of flood damage - with the authority expected to make a decision to sell it today. And money is on offer to independent business in Maidstone to improve their shopfronts. It's part of council plans to make the town centre more appealing and draw shoppers away from the online market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A major incident has been declared as disruption to water supplies has forced some Kent schools to close.Homes and businesses in areas including Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Canterbury have been affected. Hear from a Pembury resident who didn't have water over the weekend.Also in today's podcast, bosses in Medway could be pushed into using exceptional financial support from the government after their funding increase wasn't as big as expected.Under the new Fair Funding Settlement, the council anticipated a significant increase, but the provisional one still leaves a shortfall of almost £8 million.A mum from Tunbridge Wells whose son has Spinal Muscular Atrophy is backing calls from Jesy Nelson for earlier screening.The Little Mix star's seven-month old twin girls have been diagnosed with the condition - which affects breathing, swallowing and muscle control.A Kent MP says plans to change the criminal justice system are essential for victims, defendants and the people who work in it.Most recent stats show a backlog of around 80,000 crown court cases in England. We've been speaking to Chatham and Aylesford's Tris Osborne.A former Kent soldier has spoken to the podcast for the first time since completing a challenge to climb the seven highest peaks on all seven continents.Hari Budha Magar lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan and uses specially adapted prosthetics.And in sport, Chatham Town are through to the fifth round of the FA Trophy.It's the first time they've reached this stage of the competition and follows a 1-0 victory over National League side Carlisle United. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Huge waves smashed into cars as Storm Goretti brought wild weather to the Kent coast overnight.People living along Sandgate Esplanade, near Folkestone, woke up to see vehicles strewn across the road - which was flooded and covered in shingle – we’ve spoken to a witness and bosses in charge of the clean-up. Also in today’s podcast, there’s been plenty of reaction from the news Kent County Council is proposing increasing council tax by 3.99% in its draft budget.The authority is recommending a hike of a full 1% below the cap set by the government but there are concerns it could lead to cuts to local services. Major plans to redevelop a town centre street into a car-free zone with al fresco dining are finally moving ahead.The creation of a “cafe culture” in Earl Street, Maidstone, from Week Street down to its junction with Pudding Lane, is a long-held ambition of the local authority.A campaign's underway to recycle hundreds of Christmas trees in Kent - while raising money for charity.Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford picked up almost 700 trees last year and this year they’re hoping to make it 1000. And England rugby player Rosie Galligan will be hoping to inspire the next generation when she returns to Kent this weekend. The 27-year-old, who's from West Malling, will be taking coaching sessions at Aylesford Rugby Club's recruitment drive Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A campervan has been torched in a suspected arson attack just an ‘arm’s length’ away from where a young family was sleeping in Sittingbourne. Firefighters were called to battle the on-fire Volkswagen in the residents' car park outside the Litmus House flat block off Vellum Drive in the early hours of Monday morning. Also in today’s podcast, a man accused of repeatedly stabbing a uniformed British Army officer in the street has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder.Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court via video link from high security psychiatric hospital, he admitted trying to kill Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks on July 23, 2024.A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued as Storm Goretti is set to batter areas of the Kent coast.The Met Office says gusts in exposed areas could reach 70 mph, with the caution covering seaside towns in the south of the county. You can hear from a young mum who says writing about her husband’s death made her go back to therapy, but also forced her to face the worst moments of her life.Emma Charlesworthdidn't want her partner to become just “another statistic” and hopes her new book will bring comfort to those who have been widowed young. And a 30th birthday party's being thrown for Ashford International Station - as a campaign to bring it back into use continues.The facility opened on this day in 1996 - the same year Legoland also welcomed visitors for the first time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A waste company has apologised after workers were filmed taking a homeless woman's possessions from outside a store in Dover, and dumping them in their truck.Footage at KentOnline shows the Veolia staff removing a mattress and personal items from outside the Boots store in the town centre. Hear from reporter Millie Bowles who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, people living in Tunbridge Wells woke up to another day of water issues earlier. South East Water say a series of bursts at one of their sites was to blame.It comes after boss David Hinton faced MP's yesterday over an outage that left customers without supplies for two weeks in the lead up to Christmas. He has faced further calls to resign from local MP Mike Martin.There are suggestions the Port of Ramsgate could open up again, to help relieve pressure on Kent's roads.Plans are reportedly under consideration as part of the preparations to reopen Manston Airport for freight. But, this comes as Thanet District Council are looking to reduce the amount of money they have to invest to keep the facilities in working condition.A hard hitting play written in Kent about young people and mobile phones is being performed in parliament.Generation FOMO is based on interviews and conversations with students at schools and at the Uni of Kent.A new event space has opened up in Folkestone, taking over a site that's been abandoned for the last 50 years.The Loft is situated on the upper floor of the Petticoat Emporium which opened it June last year but the building had previously been home to M&S and Wilko.And finally, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing how Kent's only greyhound racing track has managed to survive when so many others have shut down.Central Park in Sittingbourne has been running dog races since 1994. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A pub landlord says government changes to business rates mean he will need to sell an extra 130,000 pints a year.He has four venues across Canterbury and says he will have to cough up an extra £64,000 annually to cover increased costs.Also in today’s podcast, police have confirmed a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were killed when a blue Ford Fiesta left the road in Iwade. We've spoken to someone who works nearby to where the crash happened on Saturday night. The boss of a water company which left 24,000 homes and businesses without drinking water over a two-week period has faced MPs in Parliament today.South East Water boss David Hinton has given himself a mark out of ten for how he handled the Tunbridge Wells water outage before Christmas.A woman who nearly died from anorexia but was pulled back from the brink has written a book and started a podcast to try to help others.Things were so bad for Annie O’Quigley that her partner threatened to leave her as he “couldn't watch someone die” in front of him.And you can hear from the Ashford MP who says bringing international trains back to the town remains his “top priority” in 2026.Sojan Joseph, who was elected last year, says restarting services in Ashford would benefit the town in a “big way”. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thousands more customers than previously thought have been left out of pocket after a Canterbury-based online store went into administration.Documents show almost 5,000 people are owed around £160,000 pounds following the collapse of Huh. Ltd.Also in today's episode, it's feared bird flu could be continuing to spread in Kent as more cases of dead swans are reported.In the latest distressing video a bird can be seen refusing to leave the side of its dead partner. More than 50 swans are now understood to have died in Canterbury and Thanet.We've been asking Kent's MPs what their priorities are for the new year, and Jim Dickson has told us he's hoping 2026 is the year catapults are reclassified as an offensive weapon.The Dartford rep says he's spoken to the Home Office minister, and a round table discussion is due to get underway in the next few months.Meantime, for Tunbridge Wells rep Mike Martin - his main focus will be on housebuilding, to take the pressure off the housing and rental markets.It comes as the borough council has approved it's Local Plan, which will see around 600 new homes built each year until 2038.A new programme's been launched to support long-term unemployed adults in Ashford.Upcycle Your Skills looks to help people boost their confidence and access local job opportunities.The scheme is being run by CXK with support from Ashford Borough Council and SUEZ.We've been hearing from some of those who were recognised in the King's New Year honours over the festive break.Hear from the boss of a west Kent charity and also a man who started his first business when he was just 11.And finally, a group of dancers from a small village in Medway will be representing England at the 2026 Dance World Cup.The Performance Hub is a studio in Cliffe which is new to competing - but they've reached the finals of the international dance event on their first attempt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three siblings have starred in a Christmas music video after being discovered on Instagram.Lola, Arlo and Noah Micallef appear in the latest music video by The Florin Street Band, after their mum posted a video of them singing one of the band’s Christmas hits. Also in today’s podcast, there are calls for Royal Mail to improve its service after people living near Folkestone say they're only receiving letters every couple of weeks - often in large batches.Residents say important post such as driving documents, medical letters and bills is regularly delivered late.You can hear from a mum from Folkestone who’s joined a campaign to give children a smartphone free Christmas. Billboards have been put up across Kent encouraging parents to delay giving their children devices as long as possible.Work on a £41 million relief road will finally begin next month – bringing with it 13 weeks of lane closures on a busy route.The long-awaited Sturry Link Road will connect the A291 Sturry Hill to the A28 Sturry Road, bypassing the village’s level crossing in a bid to ease congestion.And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth is predicting their Boxing Day showdown with old boss Neil Harris could be a great occasion.Harris brings his in-form Cambridge United side to Priestfield for the festive League Two clash, sitting four points better off than the club who sacked him just over two years ago. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Kent woman who stole party food for her daughter’s 18th birthday party after she ran out of cash has appeared in court. The single mother of three, who claims benefits, had hired a caravan to celebrate her eldest daughter’s special day but had no money left for party food. Also in today’s podcast, new technology has been rolled out across Maidstone in a bid to crack down on fly-tipping.Drones are helping council officers detect illegally dumped waste within minutes - a job that usually could take hours.Residents say it is “ridiculous” plans to turn a family home in a terraced street into a six-bedroom house of multiple occupation have been approved.The change of use application for the property in Strood was submitted to Medway Council earlier this year.The boss of a Kent music venue says he's hoping to buck the trend by opening a second site in the county.The team behind the Booking Hall in Dover are currently working on renovating what used to be the Life nightclub on Sittingbourne High Street.And we’ve been hearing how a team of therapy dogs have been spreading some Christmas cheer in Kent.The animals have been going round to hospital wards as part of a Medway Maritime initiative. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A woman has told how she was left lying on a hospital floor for more than five hours, vomiting and in agony, as staff walked straight past her.The 61-year-old says she was treated “appallingly” at the William Harvey in Ashford after being taken to the busy A&E via ambulance.Also in today’s podcast, a landlord has smeared white paint over CCTV cameras around his pub causing more than £6,000 worth of damage. He used rollers to cover the lenses as well as sensors on car park barriers and says he was trying to protect the privacy of his customers. A charity helping women on probation to rebuild their lives has opened a new centre in Kent.Many of those who use Advance are victims of domestic abuse, caught in the criminal justice system as a result of some kind of trauma.Dozens of pharmacy customers, including many Blue Badge holders, have been fined for parking at the entrance to an industrial estate while collecting their medication.For decades, visitors have been stopping on the double yellow lines at the entrance to the London Road industrial estate in Sittingbourne while grabbing their prescriptions but they’ve suddenly started receiving fines. And in football, the Gillingham manager says unacceptable defensive mistakes and missed chances led to defeat at Fleetwood on Saturday.You can hear from Gareth Ainsworth, as well as midfielder Armani Little, following the 2 -1 loss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Figures have revealed where people moving to Kent from London are choosing to set up home.According to data from the Office for National Statistics, nearly six in 10 people who've moved to Dartford since 2011 came from the capital, while more than a third of those who've relocated to Folkestone and Hythe in the same time were so-called DFLs.Hear from Local Democracy Reporter Dan Esson who compiled the data.Also in today's podcast, a Kent teacher has told us government plans to tackle misogyny and toxic behaviour in schools should focus on positive masculinity.Teachers are going to given specialist training and a helpline will also be set up for pupils. Hear from John Still who teaches in Medway.The Tunbridge Wells MP has again called for the boss of South East Water to resign following major supply issues in the town at the start of the month.It's after David Hinton said in an interview that he wants to remain in his job - and 'absolutely empathises' with customers. We've got reaction from Mike Martin.A Medway MP is calling for those responsible for creating an illegal waste dump in her constituency to be prosecuted.Up to 40 lorries a day used to be seen taking tonnes of rubbish to Bramletree Wharf in Borstal near Rochester.It's expected to be one of the busiest days on Kent's roads for the Christmas getaway.The RAC reckons 3.6 million journeys will be made today ahead of what's being dubbed Snarl-up Saturday tomorrow.Operation Brock remains in place on the M20 and lorries will be queued between Maidstone and Ashford if there are delays at the Port of Dover.And in sport, it's a trip to Fleetwood Town for Gillingham in league two this weekend.The Gills are on a run of six games unbeaten, but five of those have ended in a draw. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Strood woman faces spending Christmas in a Premier Inn after a car crashed into her bungalow, two months ago.Jill Robson was forced to move out of her property after the vehicle smashed into her bedroom on October 19th.The 84 year-old still doesn't know when she'll be able to move back in and has been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.Also in today's podcast, There'll be an increase of police patrols around pub and clubs in Kent this Christmas to help protect women and girls. Both plain clothed and uniformed officers will be out to identify anyone looking to take advantage, or who poses a threat to public safety.More than 170 drink and drug driving offences have been recorded in the first half of Kent Police's annual Christmas enforcement campaign.It's part of a national operation which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured during the festive period. There are fears an historic building in Canterbury could collapse into the river if £250,000 worth of repairs aren't carried out.Eastbridge Hospital was built to provide accommodation for pilgrims heading to the nearby Cathedral and dates back to 1180.The site has been added to an 'at-risk' register compiled by English Heritage.Sheep are being used instead of lawnmowers as part of a conservation scheme in a new woodland near Maidstone.A flock of 10 Portland sheep has been released onto land in Sutton Valence which was recently planted with more than 2,000 saplings.And in sport, Gillingham's under-18s have been knocked out of the FA Youth Cup.They were beaten 2-0 by Stevenage in their third round match last night. Hear from manager Joe Dunne. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parents say their children have been left traumatised after being shot at with paintballs near Sittingbourne.Four boys aged between seven and twelve reportedly had to hide behind a bus shelter in Iwade after being targeted by suspects wearing balaclavas in a black SUV. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, a mum from Broadstairs has been found guilty of attempted murder, after stabbing her disabled daughter.Carla Lovejoy attacked 28-year-old Isabella at their home in Guy Close in St Peter's on March 20th this year - the victim suffered wounds to her chest and abdomen.The 53-year-old will be sentenced in the new year.Health bosses in Kent are warning the impact from strike action by resident doctors could roll into the new year.Today is the start of a five day walkout as members of the British Medical Association continue to push for better pay and conditions. We've been speaking to Dr Kate Langford who is the chief medical officer for NHS Kent and Medway.A damning report has been released by prison inspectors following a visit to HMP Swaleside on Sheppey.The findings reveal it has one of the highest rates of violence of all prisons in England, while drones were also being used to fly in drugs and weapons. Hear from Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor.Business bosses in Kent say they are not surprised to see unemployment numbers rising.Figure show 39,645 people were claiming out of work benefits in October, that's a rise of of 370 compared to the previous month.In sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight.The under 18s are taking on Stevenage in the third round at Priestfield - hear from boss Joe Dunne. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A second Kent hospital is making patients and staff wear face masks amid rising flu cases, which have not yet hit their peak.It comes as we’ve spoken to a pharmacist who says there is plenty of vaccine available despite reports of low stock. Also in today’s podcast, a controversial contraflow system has been set up on the M20 in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe.Bosses say the system will act as a pressure valve to minimise the impact of congestion further down the road – but just this morning a broken down lorry within the contraflow caused a backlog stretching back miles. Government education chiefs have confirmed funding for new special education needs schools in Kent, calming fears certain projects could be scrapped amid ongoing delays.KCC say it’s been told funding will be provided by the government for the new schools in Whitstable, Swanley and Northfleet. A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a man from Deal with Locked In syndrome speak again. Jeff Brown suffers from the extremely rare condition, which leaves the person conscious but unable to speak or move, after a stroke in 2019 – you can hear from his family who say there’s massive potential for improvement. And a Thanet youth club is closer to securing its long-term future after being told it'll receive a huge grant.Pie Factory Music has been campaigning to buy its building in Ramsgate after the county council announced plans to sell it – you can hear from their very relieved CEO. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bosses in Medway insist signs warning drivers about School Street restrictions are clear enough, despite a tribunal overturning a fine.Chris Lee was sent a penalty notice for driving along Richmond Road in Gillingham which is one of a number of roads in the Towns where vehicles are banned during school drop off and pick up times.Hear from Chris and find out what the council have said in response.Also in today's podcast, a group of residents in Paddock Wood have started a campaign to try and stop almost 800 homes from being built on fields in the town which are prone to flooding.The development would also include a primary school, three traveller pitches and a local centre - and would be on a 90 hectare site of agricultural land.A Kent woman whose husband died while scuba diving has joined forces with three other widows in a bid to help others who're dealing with grief at Christmas.Ben Moss disappeared after failing to resurface in March 2018 and his body has never been found.Rosie, who lives in West Malling, was 37 at the time with three young children.The Old Town Hall in Gravesend is going to be transformed into an event and wedding space.The Grade II listed building on the High Street was sold by the county council in September as the authority couldn't afford to continue maintaining the site.It's been taken over by Olaide Dagunduro who's been running events with her husband for ten years.In sport, it was a game of two halves for Gillingham on Saturday.They ended up with draw against Barrow despite being 2-0 up at half time - hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.And, Chatham Town's women are through to the next stage after beating Sutton United 3-0.The draw for the fourth round takes place tonight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Deal man who murdered his pregnant wife more than 25-years ago has quizzed a coroner during an inquest into her death.Andrew Griggs reported 34-year-old Debbie missing from their home in Cross Road in 1999 - he was jailed for life in 2019.Our reporter Brad Harper was the only journalist at the inquest this week and is on the podcast.Also in today's episode, a Ramsgate woman has hit our at Wizz Air after a delay in compensation for being denied boarding a plane home from Bulgaria.The flight in September ran at a reduced capacity due to staff sickness.Vandalism at Swale's council offices has been condemned by the Sittingbourne MP.Toilets were flooded and a lift damaged after a debate on asylum seekers on Wednesday night. Hear from Kevin McKenna who spoke to us after raising the issue in the Commons.The trade minister has said he'll have talks with the Gravesham MP about the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry stopping - and the impact it's had on the Kent town.The service between Kent and Essex ceased running in April last year after the local authority in Essex withdrew funding.A 21 year-old man from Maidstone is about to set off on an epic challenge in a bid to reopen a youth group.Nathan Hinckley will be running 12 marathons in 12 consecutive days - with the last one on Christmas Eve.He's been telling us why he's raising money for Young Lives Foundation.Our sister radio station kmfm have revealed how many presents were bought as part of their Give a Gift campaign to support children in less fortunate circumstances this Christmas.Hear from one of the many charities to benefit from the toys.And in football, Gillingham will be hoping to make it six games without a defeat this weekend.Barrow are the visitors to Priestfield - just days after they sacked their head coach. Hear from the Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thousands of motorists have been told they must “face the consequences” after a campaign was launched to overturn speeding fines on one of Kent’s busiest routes.Drivers have been ordered to pay £100 after police started enforcing a temporary 50mph limit on the Sheppey Crossing – almost two-and-a-half years after it was reduced from 70mph.Also in todays podcast, police have responded to “horrendous” scenes at a council HQ after a debate about making the borough a “district of sanctuary” for asylum seekers turned ugly.One of the men’s toilets on the first floor of Swale council’s offices was damaged and taps were left running, flooding the floor and causing water to leak through to the ground floor.The family of a mum who suffered a catastrophic stroke while living her dream life in France have been left heartbroken by her sudden death.They’re now facing a bill running into the thousands to have her body returned to Kent. Next week's planned strike by resident doctors has been raised in the commons by a Kent MP.The medics are whether or not to walk out for five days from next Wednesday – Ashford's Sojan Joseph is concerned about the impact it'll have.And you can hear from Kent charity bosses as they react to new government plans to tackle homelessness. They've unveiled their stratgey with funding for support services and measures to stop people ending up on the streets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ricky Gervais has donated £200,000 to two animal sanctuaries in Kent.The money, which comes from his comedy tours, will be shared between The Retreat near Ashford and Flori's Friends in Canterbury.Hear from bosses who have described it as "monumental".Also in today's podcast, a man who attacked a Maidstone woman and threatened to throw acid over her face has been jailed.It was when Lee George headbutted his victim, leaving her with severe concussion, that she decided to report him to police.Elle Jenkins believes she would have been killed if she had stayed in the relationship and thinks he is a threat to other women.We're being urged to stay at home or wear a facemask if we feel unwell as rates of flu in Kent continue to rise.There's a warning the virus will be particularly bad this year following trends seen in Australia and New Zealand during their winter.Anyone who's eligible for a vaccine is still being urged to get one - hear from the Chief Medical Officer for NHS Kent and Medway.People living in social housing in Larkfield have been told they face "tenancy action" after installing their own parking bollards.Residents of Masefield Road say their 12-space car park has become a hub for anti-social behaviour and crime.And in sport, Gillingham's league two game against MK Dons next month has been postponed.The sides were due to meet at Priestfield on January 10th - but the opposition are in FA Cup third round action. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Victims’ families have spoken out about their relief after a jury found a special needs school teaching assistant guilty of child cruelty.The 46-year-old was found to have subjected four pupils to acts of physical abuse that included pinching, hitting and spitting at them.Also in today’s podcast, a fresh appeal to find those responsible for the brutal murder of a pensioner more than four decades ago has been issued.Esme Hoad was found dead in her home in Tonbridge in1982, after concerned neighbours reported she had not been seen for several days – you can hear from Detective Inspector Lee Neiles. Angry residents near Dover have made their feelings clear as lorry park developers paid a visit - with banners warning they were “not welcome here”.Other blunt messages displayed in West Hougham included: “Truck off. Do we look like a village that will back down?”You can hear from a teenager who was hit by a car and dragged from the pavement onto a verge as she calls for safety measures at a “dangerous” roundabout.The 17-year-old had just stepped off a bus in Challock and was heading home from sixth form when she heard tyres screech.And, a Kent woman has shared her story of beating the odds two decades after she was diagnosed with a rare cancer.Demie Lawson Wood was told she had neuroblastoma in 2004 when she was just six, but says the care she received while having treatment is what has inspired her to become a paediatric nurse. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NHS staff at two Kent Trusts have been invited to resign as part of plans to cut costs.Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Medway NHS Foundation Trust are offering severance payouts to try and address financial challenges.Also in today's podcast, people in Tunbridge Wells are still being told to boil their water before drinking it - more than a week after being hit with supply issues.24,000 properties have been impacted by a problem at the Pembury treatment works. Meantime, the town's MP is calling on government to provide Covid-style support to businesses affected by the supply issues.Mike Martin has written to the Water Minister calling for £18.5 million. He's been speaking to our reporter Charlotte Phillips.A woman in Sheerness is appealing for action to stop dog walkers leaving their pet's mess on a walkway leading to the beach.Anne Tiller says she has to constantly dodge mounds of poo on the path in Marine Parade during her daily walks.We've been invited to take a look inside the word's first mirco-pub which opened in Kent twenty years ago.The Butcher's Arms, in Herne, was founded by Martyn Hillier in 2005 who'd always fantasised about a pub without TVs, mobile phones, food queues and smoking. He's been chatting to reporter James Pallant.In sport, the boss of a Kent karting circuit says it was fantastic to see Lando Norris win the Formula One world title yesterday.The 26 year-old regularly competed at Buckmore Park in Chatham as a youngster.Football, and it was another point for Gillingham in league two at the weekend.They held Colchester United to a goalless draw away from home - we've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A steel manufacturer in Medway is consulting on redundancies for more than 80 employees.ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, based at Chatham Docks, began the process last week ahead of pulling out of the site on Pier Road.Also in today’s podcast, a man’s been locked up for nearly a decade after the stabbing death of another man in Canterbury.The 32-year-old attacked his victim last October in what a judge has described as "senseless and brutal" violence and the "final and tragic culmination" of ongoing animosity between two groups.A campaign run by our sister station kmfm has now raised more than £19,000 for children in Kent who are facing difficult situations this Christmas.The money raised through Give a Gift will be spent on toys which will be distributed across the county – you can hear from one one company in Kent who donated more than £1000.The leader of Medway Council says he's expecting tens of thousands of people at the Dickens Christmas Festival this weekend.The annual event is back for 2025 in Rochester High Street – there'll be costume parades, Dickens themed workshops and live performances.And in football, Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth has called for more of the same at Colchester after his side responded to a half-time scolding last weekend.They were two goals behind twice against Shrewsbury last weekend but recovered to draw - something Ainsworth has taken the positives from. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A huge development of 257 flats has been thrown into doubt after a construction firm went into administration, leaving huge blocks unfinished.The £62.3 million scheme was underway to build the homes close to Ashford town centre but work has now ground to a halt. Also in today’s podcast, we’ll bring you an update as the water crisis in Tunbridge Wells enters its sixth day. Thousand of homes and businesses are still without water and thousands more are being asked to boil water from their taps before drinking it – you can hear from the Head of Water Quality at South East Water. The dramatic moment police arrested a knifeman who had exposed himself in front of multiple people has been caught on camera. Officers pursued him on foot after he approached a group of strangers in Faversham and threw a bin at a man plus a glass at a teenager.Drivers are having to find CCTV to prove they have been incorrectly fined for overstaying in a shopping complex car park.Shoppers say they have been hit with £100 penalty notices at Neats Court in error after parking at the site for consecutive days. And a Kent man who was made redundant during Covid has launched his own even space in Chatham.When Scott Tulloch won a Kent and Medway Food and Drink award last year after starting Larry's Mobile Bar he told the judges he wanted to expand and that’s just what he’s done. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

South East Water customers in Tunbridge Wells are being told to boil water coming out of their taps, if they want to drink it.We're now into a fifth day of major supply issues in the town - affecting 24-thousand properties – we’ve been speaking to people as they queue to collect bottles of water. Also in today's podcast, a murder probe has been launched after a man was fatally stabbed in a residential street.Police and paramedics were called to Thorold Road in Chatham in the early hours of yesterday morning and have been working alongside forensic experts. You can hear from a dad who has received a £390,000 payout from an electrical firm following a long-running dispute over the cause of a devastating fire that tore through his family home.David Sercombe carried his daughter, Brontë, through thick black smoke when the blaze erupted at their seven-bed detached house near Hythe.Bodycam footage has captured the moment officers arrested a suspected thief - after a stolen van on cloned planes was stopped by police.Officers spotted the Volkswagen Transporter in Folkestone – the van had been reported in the Swindon area of Wiltshire around the same time, prompting officers to view the vehicle as “suspicious”. And holiday park bosses say a decision to refuse residents permission to stay there all year round will make 400 people homeless.The operators of Kent Parks on the Isle of Sheppey had requested permission for caravan owners to use the holiday accommodation as their permanent homes on a temporary basis, due to a “deeply challenging” situation emerging at the site. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tunbridge Wells MP is calling on the boss of South East Water to resign after thousands of people in the town were left without water.Problems started over the weekend following an issue at a treatment plant in Pembury. It's also had an impact on businesses - hear from the landlady of a pub who was forced to cancel a Christmas event.Also in today's podcast, the leader of Maidstone council says he's not surprised more younger voters are turning to the Green Party.It's as there are suggestions support for the Green's from those aged 18 to 25 has doubled.There's been mixed reaction to plans to build almost 300 homes on a golf course in part of the Kent coast.Developers want to put houses and apartments on the land next to the Hythe Imperial hotel as they says it's 'under-utilised'.Donations that could potentially save the life of a homeless person are being collected by a Kent charity in the run-up to Christmas.Emmaus Dover are filling up so called Blessing Bags to hand out to people in need.And in sport, Kent's Zak Crawley's kept his place in the England team for the second Ashes Test.He'll open the batting against Australia - despite failing to score in both innings of the first game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Drivers are still facing delays in a village near Maidstone more than a month after a wall collapsed.It borders a house in Leeds and is thought to have been hit by a lorry in October, leaving rubble over the carriageway of the B2163. We've been speaking to residents.There's a warning homelessness in Kent has reached some of the highest levels on record as we head into winter.Government figures show rough sleeping in the county has risen by 28 percent in just four months - with 248 people now living on the streets.A man's described how he was left screaming in pain after tripping over a drain cover in Folkestone.Colin Waldron suffered a broken arm and bruises to his ribs after it happened in the Old High Street.Schools across Kent have been recognised for the work they're doing to protect the environment.The Green School Awards celebrates projects from building bug boxes to installing solar panels.Football, and it was an epic fight back for Gillingham to claim a point in league two at the weekend...They came from 3-1 down away at Shrewsbury Town to draw 3-3. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The family of a woman who was murdered by her estranged husband believe police should have banned him from the tattoo parlour in Canterbury where they both worked while sex assault allegations were investigated.Ramona Stoia was stabbed by Catalin Micu at Gothink Studio in April 2022, just weeks after he'd been arrested.Also in today's episode, a Dartford man who stabbed his mother's friend to death in her sleep before sexually assaulting her has been jailed.The 21-year-old was found by police sitting on the pavement outside the property where it happened.The leader of Kent County Council has criticised Labour for lifting the two-child benefit cap in this week's Budget.Linden Kemkaran says people should use contraception to prevent them having children they cannot afford.The MP for Dover and Deal insists the government is taking control, as data shows the number of people being housed in asylum hotels has risen by 13% since June.The Home Office is said to be 'furious' at the official figures.A Tenterden man who gave up motorbike riding after the deaths of two close friends is aiming to teach young people about road safety.20-year-old Charlie Green said he struggled with the losses last year, and wanted to find a way to make a difference.A warning has been issued by Kent Fire and Rescue for anyone looking for a Black Friday deal.Crews are concerned that buying cheap appliances, chargers and devices could lead to fires breaking out.A 12-year-old entrepreneur has been telling us about a festive market she is involved in this weekend.Dozens of stalls will be set up in Margate to help young business owners sell their products.And in football, the Gillingham manager is expecting a frosty reception when he returns to his former club tomorrow.Gareth Ainsworth left Shrewsbury for Priestfield towards the end of last season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A bin man from Dover with terminal cancer has been escorted to his wedding by a procession of refuse trucks.Stephen Addley's been told he has just months to live and one of his final wishes was to marry his fiancée and make memories with their one-year-old daughter.Also in today's podcast, we've got reaction to yesterday's budget after the chancellor announced £26 billion of tax hikes.Rachel Reeves has insisted the financial plans she announced in the Commons were based on her priorities.She also says the measures will give working class children the chance to have a fulfilling life.Hear from Andrew Tate and Rachel Emmerson from Chatham based accountants Kreston Reeves, Chatham and Aylesford MP Tris Osborne and the CEO of Canterbury based homeless charity Porchlight.Two men involved in a violent axe attack near Canterbury have been jailed for a total of 48 years.Police were called to reports of an assault involving people in two cars on the A2 near Wincheap in December last year.A driver involved in a serious crash on the A21 has called for safety improvements to be made.Conor Hardy says his vehicle aquaplaned at 70-miles-per-hour on the Tonbridge bypass following heavy rain, due to poor drainage. He's been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.A Medway man with incurable prostate cancer is among those calling on the health secretary to bring in a national screening programme.More than 120 MPs have also written to Wes Streeting after former Prime Minister David Cameron revealed he was treated for the disease last year. Hear from Paul Dennington who has raised more than £155,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.And, Ashford Designer Outlet has reached full occupancy for the first time since its 90 million pound extension opened six years ago.Two new fashion brands have opened at the shopping centre. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An over-21s bar in Sittingbourne could have its licence suspended after complaints about “irresponsible bottomless brunches” and "excessive noise”.Lang’s Bar & Cocktail Lounge, in the town centre, could also have its opening hours cut back and manager removed following a hearing this week. Also in today’s podcast, a Maidstone woman who has a sight condition has told us about the moment she was almost hit by an e scooter.She was walking through an underpass with her guide dog Mabel when it happened and is warning parents against buying them as a Christmas gift this year. A swimming ban at a popular beach is to be lifted following the release of new water quality results.Deal Castle Beach was rated ‘poor’ by the Environment Agency in November 2024, prompting advice to stay out of the water - with some swimmers also reporting feeling unwell after taking a dip.New proposals for a Traveller site have been submitted after it was revealed a previous plan was approved for the wrong field.Permission was granted for one mobile home, touring caravan and day room on a plot in Sole Street by the Planning Inspectorate earlier this year.And a Kent mountaineer who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan is getting ready to complete his latest challenge. Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury, has been scaling the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and it about to head to Antarctica to tackle the final one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A town is mourning the death of a much-loved former pub landlord - described by many as a “true legend”.Father-of-four Archie Dryden died just one week after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Also in today’s podcast, a Tunbridge Wells dad has spoken openly about his experience of psychosis following a collapse in his mental health.Jamie Walker says things spiralled after the loss of his business, breakdown of his marriage, a bereavement, ADHD diagnosis and battle with alcoholism.A Kent campaigner is urging us to call out mysogyny, sexist language and cat calling as 16 days of action gets underway to tackle violence against women and girls.It's White Ribbon Day and ambassador Martin Mathews is the focus of a national portrait series to raise awareness.Fed-up villagers say it’s “appalling” that more than £100,000 has been spent on bridge repairs for damage they believe is entirely preventable through a reduced speed limit or traffic calming measures.You can hear from pub owner Jonathan Woodbridge who says he’s lost £5,000 a week in trade. And we’ve spoken to a young girl from Kent who you can catch on the big screen in Wicked: For Good. 10-year-old Matilda Williams was chosen out of hundreds of children to appear in the blockbuster and she’s told us all about it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A mum left with "scars to body and mind" after being repeatedly stabbed in front of her children has spoken of her feelings of injustice after the woman who attacked her walked from court.Makala O'Brien told KentOnline that Carrie-Ann Kilshaw, herself a mother of eight and someone she knew, should have been jailed for the unprovoked assault outside her home in New Romney two years ago.Also in today’s podcast, a childcare worker on Sheppey has spoken to the KentOnline Podcast after seeing a jump in demand for places since the funding rules were changed. Since September, parents have been able to access 30 hours a week of free care for children older than nine months – the boss of Teddy Bear Day Care says she’s opening a second site as her waiting list gets longer. We’ve been told there's been a significant rise in the number of animals being abandoned in Kent - and charity bosses are concerned.More than 600 pets were dumped in the county in the first 10 months of this year - up almost 6 percent on the same time in 2024.Donations are continuing to pour in for our sister station kmfm's Give A Gift campaign.The appeal aims to deliver toys to thousands of children across the county who'll be spending Christmas in hospital, living in care or facing difficult circumstances – you can hear from one of the charities which will benefit. And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has urged his side to become more ruthless after being held to a home draw by Barnet.The Gills picked up a point after Bradley Dack equalised at the end of the first half with a well-hit free-kick, but they were unable to make the most of their opportunities from open play, as the match finished 1-1. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Faversham couple have spoken about their decision to pull their children out of school and travel the world.James and Liberty Carew have decided to swap their traditional 9 to 5 jobs for real-world experiences across the globe.Also in today's podcast, the owner of a Kent animal sanctuary hit by bird flu, fears she may have to find 16-thousand pounds to have other animals there tested for the virus.More than 60 birds at Happy Pants Ranch in Newington near Sittingbourne had to be culled at the end of last month.Villagers in Hadlow say plans for hundreds of homes are going to 'take the soul' out of their community.An application for 116 homes and a community car park on agricultural land in Court Lane have been submitted, following another application for 100 properties on the edge of the village.Bosses at a Kent Christmas tree farm say the quality on offer this year is better than ever.It follows general warnings we could see "gappy" trees this years after growers battled low rainfall over summer and mild temperatures in autumn - hear from the owner of Hole Park Christmas Trees in Rolvenden.And in sport, the Gillingham squad have been playing Traitors as part of a bit of team bonding.They're doing challenges to win shields and trying to work out who's a faithful. Hear from defender Remeao Hutton and manager Gareth Ainsworth who's been chatting about tomorrow's game against Barnet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The parents of a Kent baby who died after choking on pasta at nursery have described a six-figure settlement as "the end of a long road".Nine-month old Oliver Steeper was fed chopped up penne bolognese by a member of staff at Jelly Beans in Ashford - despite not being weaned onto solid food. Oliver's dad Lewis has told us how the battle for accountability has been really tough.Also in today's podcast, a couple who run a pub in Northfleet say they're having to leave after 16 years because of rising costs and financial pressures.Val and Janine Buzatu took on Ye Olde Leather Bottle in 2009, and became official licensees in 2020.A Kent councillor has criticised a Reform UK MP after he said it was 'insane' for some pupils to wear ear defenders in class.Richard Tice was asked in a press conference what should be done to tackle what he describes as the 'colossal overdiagnosis of children with conditions like adhd'.Helen Whitehead is Deputy Leader of Thanet District Council and was diagnosed with autism in her 30s. Hear what she had to say in response.And, Sir Mick Jagger's been back to his former school in Kent to mark the 25th anniversary of a performing arts centre named after him.The Rolling Stones legend went to Dartford Grammar while living in nearby Denver Road.The Mick Jagger centre cost £2 million to build and opened in 2000 - Sir Mick has been speaking to reporter Alan Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Kent mum has told us how her son has been suffering from anxiety after being lured to a railway station car park and attacked.13-year-old Kian was punched and kicked by an older teenager after travelling by train from Appledore to Rye. Layla Sullivan has described the impact it's had and what she thinks of the punishment.Also in today's podcast, a change.org petition has been set up as part of our campaign calling for reforms to the Blue Badge system.We want cancer patients and those with short-term but serious mobility issues to qualify for one. Kent's MPs are in favour as are Medway Council, but the leader of Kent County Council has said it won't be implemented.As the COP30 climate conference draws to a close in Brazil this week, we've had some worrying news about insect populations in Kent.New data suggests they're continuing to decline. Hear from Paul Hetherington from BugLife.A campaign group in an historic Kent village are trying to raise £5,000 to help fight development plans.Proposals have been put in for 100 homes in Lower Street in Eastry which members of Eastry Says No say it amounts to "over-development".In sport, London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey has been called up by England.The 20-year-old from the Aylesford based club is included in the squad for friendly games against China and Ghana. Hear from England manager Sarina Wiegman. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People living on a road in Sheerness say they are having sleepless nights and suffering 'horrendous noise' coming from a house being turned into an HMO.The podcast has been told work at the property on Alma Street has been going on for more than two months. Hear from a neighbour who claims it has also caused damage to her home.Also in today's episode, a Kent charity that supports young refugees has criticised the government's plans to overhaul the asylum system.Under proposals announced yesterday, most will have to wait 20 years to apply to settle here permanently.A Kent dad says children's lives are being put at risk due to a lack of pavement along a stretch of road in Sittingbourne.Daniel Thomas is calling for pavements to be installed on Highsted Road following a series of near misses. He's told our reporter there's been a lack of action since a nearby housing estate was finished in 2007.A Kent woman who became the legal guardian of 15 children at the age of 22 has been telling us how she's helping families in Tanzania.Letty McMaster travelled there on a gap year and ended up taking over an orphanage that would otherwise have closed down.And in sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A mum-of-four from Folkestone has described how she feared she was going to die after her jealous boyfriend put his hands around her throat and squeezed until she couldn't breathe.Gina Aiano has bravely described what happened after her attacker was jailed for 27 months.Also in today's podcast, a man from Faversham says there is a lack of dignity for patients receiving corridor care at a Kent hospital.Paul's mother is in her 80s and spent days on a trolley in a corridor behind the A&E department at the William Harvey in Ashford. Paul's been speaking to Kate about the conditions.Plastic pellets dumped in the sea by Southern Water have now washed up on the Kent coast.The biobeads are used in wastewater treatment and are believed to have come from a plant in Eastbourne. Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan has shared a video about it on his socials.As COP30 continues in Brazil, bosses at a Kent college have told us they're making great progress towards being carbon neutral by 2030.£15.6 million is being spent on MidKent College's campuses in Medway and Maidstone.With Christmas not far away, our sister radio station kmfm have launched their Give a Gift campaign for 2025.They'll be hoping to deliver toys to children and young people across Kent who'll be spending Christmas in hospital, living in care or facing difficult circumstances.In sport, it was a point for Gillingham in league two over the weekend.It finished 2-2 in front of the TV cameras against Crawley Town at Priestfield - hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.And, it's hoped a major redevelopment at one of Kent's most prestigious golf courses could see it host the Ryder Cup.The multi-million-pound project at The London Golf Club in Sevenoaks will see a five-star hotel, spa, sports pavilion and luxury lodges built in the coming years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dozens of people have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a shed company in Lenham suddenly shut down.Some have staged a protest outside Sheds and Shelters Limited's headquarters on Ashford Road - demanding answers. Hear from our reporter Sean McPolin who has been following the story.Also on today's podcast, there'll be disruption to NHS services in Kent today as resident doctors begin a five-day strike.They were previously known as junior doctors, and are involved in the day-to-day running of hospitals.Meantime, pregnant women in Kent are being urged to get a vaccination for RSV to help protect their newborn this winter.It's as stats show 6 in 10 babies will contract the respiratory virus before their first birthday.Kent's police and crime commissioner says his priorities until 2028 remain the same, despite being told his role is being scrapped.The government says getting rid of PCC's across England and Wales will save money which will be invested into neighbourhood policing.Legend from Gladiators is going to help bring part of an abandoned sports centre in Kent back to life.Matt Morsia, who lives in Hythe, has revealed plans to transform the gym at Folkestone Sports Centre.Ella Eyre has been telling our sister radio station kmfm how good it feels to be back with new music, ten years after her debut album."Everything, In Time" is a self-curated album that sees her step into soul, R&B and retro funk. And in sport, Gillingham welcome Crawley Town to Priestfield in league two this weekend.They'll be hoping to make in back-to-back wins after a 1-nil victory over Bristol Rovers last Saturday. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.And, an event's being held in Maidstone this weekend aiming to provide more support for visually-impaired runners.Specially-trained guides will be available to help those who are blind or partially-sighted at the Park Run at Mote Park. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A hearing has been told how a 95-year-old man from Herne Bay stabbed his partner of 30 years while suffering from delirium, days after being discharged from hospital.Ernest Gray killed Margaret Day - who was 86 - at their home in Broomfield Road in November 2023.Also in today's podcast, we've been hearing from a Kent supermarket worker as a new survey shows more than 70% have suffered verbal abuse.Retail trade union Usdaw say nearly half of workers have been threatened and 9% have actually been assaulted. In the run up to Christmas, one worker has shared his experience.There are calls for urgent action from tech companies as figures show a rise in online grooming crimes in Kent.The NSPCC says cases have reached a record high - with 298 recorded in the county last year. We've been speaking to the charity.A Sittingbourne woman who was told she was too young to have breast cancer has created a bucket list after being told the disease is now terminal.Shanice Bennett from Sittingbourne was diagnosed when she was just 23, three years later, the cancer has spread to her bones, lungs and liver.A Maidstone dad says his street is like a "lorry formula one" - with HGVs constantly breaking the 30-mile-per-hour speed limit.Luke Knightly-Jones moved to a house in Heath Road in Boughton Monchelsea in August, he's been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.And, a former student at the University of Kent has been shortlisted for a prestigious TikTok award.Joy Anokwuru covers all things entertainment, celebrity news and trending topics in her viral videos shared with her 45,000 followers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A car dealer is still in limbo more than four months after a wall collapsed onto his forecourt, leaving him hundreds of thousands of pounds out of pocket.Tom Bowles, who runs the business in Sittingbourne, said his “heart sank” when he arrived to find many of his vehicles had been crushed by the fallen rubble on July 2.Also in today’s podcast, the mother of a 16-year-old girl killed in a car crash almost two years ago says she feels her daughter has been “forgotten about” as the long-running police investigation continues.Alisha Marie Ponter died after the car she was a passenger in overturned in Maidstone last February. Details of two garden settlements totalling 7,000 homes have been released for public consultation - despite campaigners calling for delays. They include one for a 5,000-home settlement at Lenham Heath to be known as Heathlands, and one for a 2,000-home settlement at Lidsing, on the border with the Medway Towns. In football, Gareth Ainsworth says Gillingham’s exit from the EFL Trophy at the hands of big-spending Wycombe Wanderers was a learning experience for everyone.Wycombe won the game at Priestfield 3-0 to eliminate the Gills from the competition and take second spot in the group.And as we make our way through Movember, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing about the ongoing impact of Covid on young people's mental health.Students at the Uni of Kent have launched a campaign to raise money and awareness by rowing 700 kilometres this month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More than 50 couples who had their dream weddings cancelled after a popular Kent venue went under with just 62p in the bank will not receive any of their money back.It’s after the Blazing Donkey Country Hotel fell into administration in September owing more than £380,000 to those booked to be married there.Also in today’s podcast, Reform UK council leader Linden Kemkaran has raised fears that an upcoming BBC documentary may “splice together” things she has said to “make her look bad”.The leader of Kent County Council posted told social media followers this morning she has a “genuine dilemma”.It’s a busy time for Reform UK, after a union accused Kent County Council’s leadership of creating a “threat to public safety” after councillor suspensions left the fire service’s governing body in “disarray”.Five Reform representatives who were members of the Kent and Medway Fire Authority have been removed from their positions following a leaked video of a council meeting. A Kent chemotherapy nurse is hoping to secure a debate in parliament on lowering the age women are first called for a mammogram.At the moment it's between the age of 50 and 53 with routine screening every three years to 71 – you can hear from Gemma Reeves who’s started a petition. And in football, Gillingham’s progress in this season’s EFL Trophy depends on the result of tonight’s game against the manager’s former club.Gareth Ainsworth’s side need a result against Wycombe Wanderers at Priestfield when they take on the League 1 side in the third and final group stage fixture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two men who left another man with a “broken face” after it was claimed he had made inappropriate comments to children have been spared jail.A court was told the attackers repeatedly kicked and punched their victim in a Lydd street on learning he had supposedly remarked he "liked little boys" and made a lewd gesture. Also in today’s podcast, an American-themed eatery loved by TV production companies has reopened following a major revamp.The Detling Diner closed almost 18 months ago following a devastating fire which started in its stockroom due to an electrical fault.People living in Folkestone will start to see interactive signs around the town raising awareness of the risk of flash flooding. It's a part of Kent that's been known to flood, particularly around the Pent Stream in heavy downpours. In a time where house-building targets are increasing, KentOnline is asking the question is enough being done to transform empty properties?Reporter Elli Hodgson spoke to property developer Barry Upton about how the planning system has gone “too far” and what changes are needed.And in sport, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth dedicated Saturday’s win to the coaching staff who have held the fort in his absence.Ainsworth had missed the previous four league games while recovering from major heart surgery, but was back watching in the flesh on Saturday, as his team ended a seven-game winless run. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It looks like a derelict hotel on the A2 near Gravesend will be turned into a petrol station and M&S food store.Plans for a £10 million redevelopment of the Tollgate site have been recommended for approval.Also in today's podcast, a Kent turkey farmer has told us it's 'business as usual' despite restrictions coming in to try and stop the spread of bird flu.There has been at least one confirmed case in the county - with more than 60 birds having to be culled at the Happy Pants Ranch near Sittingbourne.Councils across Kent and Medway have released five different suggestions of what local council reform could look like.New maps show how the county could be split up into unitary authorities. The leader of Medway Council, Vince Maple, has been talking us through them.Work is underway to convert an old toilet block on Sheppey into a brand new event space.Plans were originally submitted by the boss of Elmley Nature Reserve back in 2017 - but it was delayed by Covid.And in sport, the Gillingham manager has revealed more about his heart surgery, and why it couldn't wait.Gareth Ainsworth was found to have a murmur during a routine health check.You can also hear from striker Seb Palmer-Houlden who has been chatting ahead of the weekend's game at Bristol Rovers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A couple are getting a £1,200 refund for furniture that did not arrive after threatening to take The Range to court.It’s after they ordered four electric recliner armchairs from the retailer in September – some parts arrived two days later but other pieces didn’t show up at all. Also in today’ podcast, a lorry driver who had more than 40 migrants in the back of his trailer is among several caught this year amid a spike in arrests in Kent.You can hear from the National Crime Agency who’s warning hauliers are being targeted by ruthless gangs offering them thousands of pounds to smuggle people in and out of the country.A secondary school in Sevenoaks that has started locking its students’ mobile phones away during the day says children are “talking” and “running around” again since its introduction.You can hear from bosses at the school and from students who’ve been telling us what impact the smartphone ban has had.Parents in Kent are being urged to learn basic first aid skills before taking their children to events this festive season. St John Ambulance says it's important to prepare now for any activities you might have planned over the next couple of months. And, the female bison who led the wild herd in woodland near Canterbury has died at the age of 21.Staff at the Wildwood Trust say she lived a long life after being move from a zoo and released into Blean Woods in 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A mum from Margate has died just three months after being diagnosed with cancer.53-year-old Michelle Bailey was told in July she had an incurable form of the disease after initially suffering what doctors thought was a stroke.Also in today's podcast, the leader of Kent County Council has hit back at the Chancellor, after she criticised the local authority during a speech at Downing Street.Rachel Reeves was speaking ahead of her Budget later this month. Hear what she had to say and the response from Reform UK's Linden Kemkaran. The boss of a Kent charity's admitted they got too big, too quickly.Gillingham Street Angels, which runs a number of shops and a food bank, announced at the start of the week it was going to close after supporting hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people since 2018.People living on Prince Andrew Road in Broadstairs have told the podcast the name is now embarrassing, and they want it changed.It's after Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was stripped of his Royal title over his links to disgraced financier Jeffery Epstein. Andrew has always denied any wrong doing.A campaign is underway to organise a Christmas dinner for young care leavers in north Kent.Many of those who grow up in foster homes are left with nowhere to go on the big day after they turn 18.An event is already held every year in Folkestone, and now volunteers want to put on a meal in the north of the county.And in sport, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has returned to oversee training this week following heart surgery.He's been absent from the club for a month after having an operation in early October. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.