KentOnline

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.