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The top stories from the KentOnline news team

  1. Podcast: Drivers forced to ‘swerve’ to avoid ‘dangerous’ potholes amid calls for council to re-tarmac Matts Hill Lane in Hartlip

    2 DAYS AGO

    Podcast: Drivers forced to ‘swerve’ to avoid ‘dangerous’ potholes amid calls for council to re-tarmac Matts Hill Lane in Hartlip

    A busy country lane plagued by potholes is damaging cars every day and one woman fears it will affect her business. She’s been documenting the downfall of the stretch in Hartlip, which has left her out of pocket due to damaged tyres. Also in today's podcast, a final report into the deaths of at least 27 asylum seekers in the Channel has found the coastguard at Dover had been placed in an "intolerable position".  Systemic failings have been identified in search and rescue efforts when a small boat overturned in 2021. One of Kent’s historic waterways has 10 times more bacteria than the River Seine in Paris had when Olympic events were postponed because of pollution. For years, residents have complained about the smell in Sittingbourne and now research shared with the KentOnline Podcast shows just how bad the water quality really is.  The boss of a wild cat conservation charity says plans are already underway to rescue a Lynx from war-torn Ukraine. Ursa was found being kept illegally as a pet and she's currently living in a centre in Kyiv, but £100,000 has been raised to bring her to Kent. And in football, they Gillingham boss is expecting this weekend’s visitors to Priestfield to be tough opposition.  The Gills are looking to regain some form with recent defeats leaving them 14th in the table – you can hear from Gareth Ainsworth ahead of kick off tomorrow.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  2. Podcast: Dad, 32, from Broadstairs left paralysed from the neck down following a crash in Hersden near Canterbury

    3 DAYS AGO

    Podcast: Dad, 32, from Broadstairs left paralysed from the neck down following a crash in Hersden near Canterbury

    A new study's revealed the scale of anti-social behaviour in Kent. Just over half of people say they've experienced it, in a survey of nearly 5,500 residents. The most common complaints were about rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour, littering and nuisance driving, hear from Kent's police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott. A young dad from Broadstairs has been left paralysed after his car flipped during a crash near Canterbury. Steven Gibbons was driving on the A28 in Hersden when he clipped the kerb last May - it was later discovered he'd severed his spinal cord. Our reporter Millie Bowles has been speaking to Steven's family. We're being told a new 'super-university' confirmed for Kent will provide opportunities for growth and development across the whole county. Contracts have been exchanged over the merger between Greenwich and Kent. Bosses in Medway have announced plans to increase council tax by the maximum amount allowed, in a bid to balance the books. If approved, an average Band D home in the Towns will pay an extra £110 a year. Leisure centre fees are also expected to increase. Firefighters are going to be knocking on doors across Kent from today, to check your smoke alarm is working. Teams will be covering the county this month to test, relocate or install the devices. It's the third year the days of action have taken place. And, a Kent football club is having to fork out thousands of pounds after one of its pitches was vandalised. The grass has been torn up at Larkfield with pictures showing what appear to be tyre tracks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
  3. Podcast: Ashford abuser jailed for six years after violently beating pregnant partner in Sheppey home

    4 DAYS AGO

    Podcast: Ashford abuser jailed for six years after violently beating pregnant partner in Sheppey home

    An Ashford man who left his pregnant girlfriend in what a judge described as the worst example of domestic assault in his 25-year legal career has been jailed. The jealous and paranoid man repeatedly attacked his victim in her Sheppey home after falsely accusing her of cheating on him and carrying another man's child. Also in today’s podcast, two higher education institutions have merged to form a ‘super university’ in a one-of-its-kind move. The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced that they have legally committed to the merger between their two institutions – we’ll unpack what all this means.  It's hoped access to new digital patient records will help address inequalities in mental health care across Kent. Key information about autistic patients or those with learning disabilities can now be stored and accessed at later appointments and by other care providers.  A major project to bring an historic theatre building in Medway back to life is on time and budget. 21 million pounds is being spent on the Brook in Chatham and we’ve spoken to a local councillor about now the project is progressing.  And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth admitted their defensive blunder in last night’s game was a killer. Notts County beat the Gills 1-0 thanks to a goal in the opening half – you can hear from the boss and from defender Robbie McKenzie.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  4. Podcast: Former bartender at Thomas Becket pub in Canterbury to receive thousands in compensation after wage dispute

    5 DAYS AGO

    Podcast: Former bartender at Thomas Becket pub in Canterbury to receive thousands in compensation after wage dispute

    A bartender wrongly accused of stealing is to receive thousands in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was unfairly dismissed following a wage dispute. The 22-year-old is being awarded more than £4,000 after a judge found those running the Thomas Becket pub in Canterbury withheld her pay packet. Also in today’s podcast, the leader of Kent County Council has written to the Home Office to ask for more funding for young asylum-seeking adults who have left care. KCC currently receives no government support for people the authority continues to look after for four years once they have reached the age of 21. The owners of the UK’s most famous scenic railway have been challenged to justify their decision to close the ride before a panel of councillors. Dreamland announced last Tuesday that it was closing the century-old ride at the amusement park in Margate – you can hear from the Mayor of the town who wants them to appear before a scrutiny panel.  Villagers have raised concerns about plans for a new housing estate saying they’re coming “under attack”.  It’s after plans were put forward for the properties at Mountain Farm in Hamstreet.  And in football, you can hear from Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth who is ready to make changes when they return to action this evening. The Gills visit Notts County on the back of a 4-1 humbling by leaders Bromley at Priestfield on Saturday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  5. Podcast: Young security guard assaulted by "wild" patient at Maidstone Hospital fears she may never work in industry again

    6 DAYS AGO

    Podcast: Young security guard assaulted by "wild" patient at Maidstone Hospital fears she may never work in industry again

    A young security guard who was seriously injured by a “wild” patient in a hospital ward fears she may never return to her job. Lou Wicks was attacked by an intoxicated man as she and her colleagues tried to restrain him in the emergency department of Maidstone Hospital. Also in today’s podcast, a young man allegedly murdered on his 25th birthday has been described as a “beloved son” whose “memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him”. Robert Else was discovered with injuries consistent with stab wounds at a house in Eythorne last Thursday – one man has been arrested and charged.  A family from Snodland say all their possessions and memories have been lost, after a devastating fire at their home. The blaze broke out in the property on Gassons Road a week ago – you can hear from dad Adam who says they’ve had to throw everything away even their son’s toys.  Campaigners near Gravesend say it's vital a stretch of greenbelt isn't lost to housing - as plans emerge for a new estate. Developers say they want to build 154 properties on agricultural land in Istead Rise – so far, more than 1,300 people have objected.  And in football, Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth admitted he let rip at half-time after a first-half horror show against Bromley on Saturday. He was fuming with his side’s poor defending as the League 2 leaders raced into a 3-0 lead within 28 minutes at Priestfield before going on to complete a 4-1 victory. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  6. Podcast: Murder investigation underway following death of 25-year-old man in suspected stabbing at home in Eythorne near Dover

    30 JAN

    Podcast: Murder investigation underway following death of 25-year-old man in suspected stabbing at home in Eythorne near Dover

    A murder investigation is continuing following the death of a 25-year-old man near Dover. Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Rose Gardens in Eythorne yesterday morning and a man in his 60s who knew the victim has been arrested. Hear from our reporter who has been at the scene. Also in today's podcast, business owners in Dover say the town's reputation is still suffering, 10 years after an immigration protest turned into a riot. Stones, bottles and bricks were thrown when far-right activists clashed with counter-demonstrators on this day in 2016. Our reporter Sam Lennon has been in the town to speak to people about their memories of the day and the lasting impact they think it has had. The Mayor of Margate is calling for Dreamland bosses to appear before a scrutiny committee after they decided to permanently close the Scenic Railway. It's the oldest rollercoaster in the UK - and the fourth oldest in the world. Reporter Gerry Warren has also been catching up with a man who used to work on the famous ride. In sport, it's a big game for Gillingham this weekend as the league leaders head to Priestfield. Bromley are six points clear at the top while the Gills are looking to make it three wins in a row after rediscovering some form. And, money is being made available to young people in Medway to help them get more involved in sport. Grants of £100 are going to be handed out to help them buy kit or equipment. It's the brain child of the Laurence Plummer foundation which was set up to support underprivileged children in the Town's. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
  7. Podcast: Frustration as South East Water bills to rise by 7% just weeks after thousands of home in Tunbridge Wells were left without supplies

    29 JAN

    Podcast: Frustration as South East Water bills to rise by 7% just weeks after thousands of home in Tunbridge Wells were left without supplies

    Just weeks after thousands of homes in Tunbridge Wells were left without water, it's been revealed how much bills will be going up by. From April, customers of under-fire South East Water will have to pay £21 more following a 7% hike. The town's MP says residents are 'paying the price for years of underinvestment', while the company say it'll fund improvements including a new reservoir. We've got reaction from the chief executive of the business improvement district in Tunbridge Wells. Also in today's podcast, a Sheppey family fear their son won't have a suitable school place in September, after education bosses refused to assess his special needs. Raie was diagnosed with autism when he was three, and his parents want him to get an education, health and care plan before he leaves Queenborough nursery. Hear from mum Natalie Jacobs who has been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley. The KentOnline Podcast has been told the probation service covering Kent is still significantly understaffed, but improvements are starting to be made in keeping the public safe. Inspectors have been looking at how inmates are dealt with after they leave jail - for the first time since a damning report in 2024. Hear from Martin Jones who is the chief inspector of probation. A Kent MP has been been telling us how important it is for everyone to eat more locally produced food in 2026. Sir Roger Gale, who represents Herne Bay and Sandwich, says crucial farmland is being lost to housing. And in sport, Gillingham have finally completed a deal to sign international striker Ronan Hale. The 27-year-old is joining for an undisclosed fee from Scottish Championship side Ross County. He's previously played for Northern Ireland and scored 18 goals for his club last season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  8. Podcast: Fury in Margate as Dreamland’s The Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest rollercoaster, to shut permanently

    28 JAN

    Podcast: Fury in Margate as Dreamland’s The Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest rollercoaster, to shut permanently

    Dreamland bosses are facing a storm of outrage after announcing the permanent closure of the Scenic Railway. Britain’s oldest rollercoaster at the Margate attraction will no longer operate as a ride, with park bosses confirming they are looking for new ways it can be used. Also in today’s podcast, thousands of pounds have been raised for the family of a much-loved dad-of-four who died on a construction site. Tributes have been paid to popular footballer and coach Joe Heath, from Folkestone, described by his wife as a “caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person”. A heartbroken mum is backing calls to change the law around reporting collisions with cats after her beloved family pet was killed in a hit-and-run. At present motorists who hit dogs and certain farm animals, such as horses and cattle, must stop and report it as an accident under the Road Traffic Act 1988 – but cats are not included.  Local campaigners say they're happy government is finally listening to their concerns about the dangers of domestic wood burning.  A public consultation has been announced and will look at things like stricter emissions guidelines on new stoves and introducing mandatory labels. And you can hear from the MP for Gravesham who says her fight to reinstate the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry will continue in 2026.  The passenger service made as many as 100-thousand trips a year until it was scrapped in 2024 due to a lack of funding.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
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About

The top stories from the KentOnline news team

Information

  • Creator
    KentOnline
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    KentOnline