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The top stories from the KentOnline news team

  1. Podcast: Frustrated residents say new-build Nightingale View estate in Hamstreet near Ashford has turned into a 'nightmare'

    21h ago

    Podcast: Frustrated residents say new-build Nightingale View estate in Hamstreet near Ashford has turned into a 'nightmare'

    Bosses in Ashford have launched an investigation into a new-build estate in the town following complaints from residents. People living in homes on Nightingale View in Hamstreet have reported cracked footpaths, dead trees and patchy, dying grass. The developer insists it's working on a plan to get the area up to scratch, while the council say they're looking at whether any planning breaches have occurred. Hear from reporter Louis Walker who has been covering the story. Also on today's episode, a driver who reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour in heavy rain before causing the deaths of two women on the M20 has been jailed. The victims had been standing on the hard shoulder of the coastbound carriageway in October 2022 after another vehicle aquaplaned. A new group's been set up to provide support for thousands of unpaid carers in Kent. The county council say they want to bring people from different backgrounds together, and give them a voice. Drop-in sessions are being held at libraries in Ashford and Dartford to provide advice. A new £15 million healthy living facility has officially opened within a shopping centre in Chatham. It brings GP practices and community health services together under one roof and is named in memory of Medway's late director of public health, James Williams, who died in 2024. Ollie Leader from the local democracy reporting service has been along to have a look. A Kent town has welcomed its first ever Pokémon shop. Country cards in Snodland has been launched by two electricians who bonded over their love of Pokémon cards and country music. Reporter Elli Hodgson has been chatting to Keith Blackman and Matt Gibbons. And in sport, Kent have been beaten by Sussex Sharks in the T20 Blast. They only managed a score of 133 after batting first at Hove. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min
  2. Podcast: Sittingbourne's Marino Fish Bar celebrates its 30th birthday as the country marks National Fish and Chip Day

    3d ago

    Podcast: Sittingbourne's Marino Fish Bar celebrates its 30th birthday as the country marks National Fish and Chip Day

    Kent Police have told the KentOnline Podcast how they'll be using targeted operations this summer to tackle antisocial behaviour. It's been a problem during the warm weather - particularly at the coast. Officers are now stepping up patrols and using dispersal orders to move on anyone causing trouble. Also in today's episode, a search is underway for a hit and run driver who left a pet dog with serious injuries near Dover. Sully, a 21-month-old Labrador, had to have a leg amputated after being struck by a van in the Whitfield part of town last month. Police say an investigation is ongoing and they're keen to hear from anyone with dash-cam footage. A skills hub has opened in Kent in a bid to get young people, veterans and former prisoners into work. It's after recent stats revealed more than a million 16 to 24 year-olds are out of work, training or education. The facility at Hermitage Quarry in Maidstone will support projects like the Lower Thames Crossing. As we mark National Fish & Chip Day, a shop in Sittingbourne has been telling us how they've adapted to stay in business. Marino Fish Bar on London Road is celebrating its 30th birthday, and has been nominated for three prizes in this year's English Fish and Chip Awards. Winners will be announced later this month. Thousands of people are expected in Canterbury tomorrow for Kent's biggest Pride event. It'll start with a parade through the city centre from 11 - before acts take to the stage in the Dane John Gardens. This year marks the event's 10th anniversary, and a return to its traditional home after major work there last summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  3. Podcast: Anger as solar park near Faversham used truckloads of water to wash panels as taps ran dry across Kent

    4d ago

    Podcast: Anger as solar park near Faversham used truckloads of water to wash panels as taps ran dry across Kent

    Bosses at a Kent solar farm have apologised after using water from a roadside standpipe to clean panels, when taps in nearby homes were running dry. A bowser was seen arriving at Cleve Hill Park in Graveney near Faversham during the outages in the recent hot weather. Also in today's episode, a mother and daughter from Maidstone have been jailed after going on a shopping spree with a credit card stolen from a 91-year-old woman. It was taken from the victim's home and one of the women was found by police hiding in a cupboard. Two cars have been caught reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour while racing on the M2. Officers recorded the vehicles as they headed coastbound between junctions 2 and 3 near Rochester in September last year. The family of a Canterbury woman who died after being dragged and kicked by a horse after it was spooked by dogs are calling for body protectors to be compulsory. Ewa Larsson had been leading the horse near Deal when it happened last August. A petition against plans to build 20,000 homes in Kent has been handed in to the Prime Minister. The Stop The Sprawl campaign argues large scale developments in Lenham, Lidsing, Sittingbourne and Faversham will damage the character of the area. And, Legend from Gladiators is going to be on the new series of Celebrity Googlebox. Matt Morsia from Hythe joins the line-up when it returns to Channel 4 tomorrow night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    15 min
  4. Podcast: Owner of Boathouse Fisheries claims video about 'dodgy shops' by MP Tony Vaughan contributed to closure of Hythe branch

    5d ago

    Podcast: Owner of Boathouse Fisheries claims video about 'dodgy shops' by MP Tony Vaughan contributed to closure of Hythe branch

    The owners of a seafood business in Hythe have told KentOnline that a video posted on social media by the local MP about so called 'dodgy shops' has contributed to their decision to close. Boathouse Fisheries opened a fishmongers and bistro on the High Street in February last year, but after 16 months in the town, they're shutting because of rising business rates, higher wages, increasing energy bills and reduced footfall. However, they've also criticised a video posted online by MP Tony Vaughan. Also in today's podcast, after more than a dozen people lost their lives in water during the recent heatwave, children in part of Kent are being taught about how to stay safe in the sea. Experts are visiting Sholden and Northbourne primary schools in Deal over the next two days. Hear from William Thomson who is the founder of Tide School. Plans for a solar farm on green belt near Sevenoaks have been rejected. It's after a previous decision on the proposals for farmland between Ridley and New Ash Green was pushed back. We've got reaction from a local councillor. And in sport, Gillingham have added to their squad ahead of next season. Zane Albarus has signed a two year deal from Brighton and Hove Albion and the 20 year-old midfielder says he's looking forward to impressing at Priestfield. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
  5. Podcast: Anger as NHS Kent and Medway makes cuts to IVF treatment and lowers eligibility age limit for women

    6d ago

    Podcast: Anger as NHS Kent and Medway makes cuts to IVF treatment and lowers eligibility age limit for women

    It's claimed significant changes to IVF provision in Kent have been brought in 'under the radar'. From the start of April, the number of cycles on the NHS has been cut from two to one, while the upper age limit for women to start treatment has been lowered from 40 to 38. Health papers due to be discussed by councillors this week suggests the change brings Kent in-line with most other areas. Hear from a county councillor who is also a former NHS director. Also in today's podcast, a dad who lives near Maidstone has been telling us about the impact of ongoing water supply disruption. South East Water customers started experiencing problems 11 days ago - with the company blaming high demand during the heatwave. We've also been speaking to the company's head of water resources and the Ashford MP who is promising to hold water firms to account. A group that works with young families in Folkestone has been telling us about some of the pressures parents are facing, as they appeal for more volunteers. Home Start Shepway says issues including screen time, diet and cost of living can leave people struggling. And in sport,  former Gillingham midfielder Euan Williams has signed for National League South side Dover Athletic. The 23-year-old was one of 14 senior players to leave the Gills at the end of last season - as boss Gareth Ainsworth oversees a major overhaul. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  6. Podcast: Pembury mum starts petition calling for extra funding to save children's services run by Hospice in the Weald

    Jun 1

    Podcast: Pembury mum starts petition calling for extra funding to save children's services run by Hospice in the Weald

    A mum's told the podcast how she burst into tears after finding out a hospice in Kent that supports her son, will be withdrawing its service for children. Six year-old Kit Slessor-Pavely has life-limiting complex needs and is regularly visited by staff from the Hospice in the Weald in Pembury. But the charity say fundraising hasn't kept up with rising costs and 10 jobs are at risk. Hear from Kit's mum Kaz who has set up a petition. Also in today's episode, around 4,000 homes in Kent are still experiencing problems with their water supply. Low pressure and intermittent supply has been impacting South East Water customers for over a week now. The company blamed it all on high demand during the recent hot weather. Hear from people who have been staging a protest in Whitstable. A group that was set up 30 years ago to help people in Medway with asthma say they're facing an uncertain future. MASH had to stop running regular clinics as the building they were in needed repairs - but that's led to their NHS funding being pulled. We've been speaking to Bridget Nightingale who's a trustee and co-founder. And, it's hoped young people will be able to learn more about politics at a new summer school in Thanet. MP Polly Billington is setting up a programme to inspire the next generation of leaders. It starts in July for people aged between 18 and 24. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
  7. Podcast: Residents complain about mountains of rubbish left outside Samuels Tower in Chatham

    May 29

    Podcast: Residents complain about mountains of rubbish left outside Samuels Tower in Chatham

    A huge pile of rubbish has been left outside a block of flats in Medway for weeks, with residents complaining about the smell during the hot weather. Council-contracted bin men have refused to clear up the mountain of bin bags and cardboard in the car park of Samuels Tower in Chatham and landlords who took over the block last year say it's an ongoing problem. Also in today's podcast, people in Whitstable are being warned their water supply could stay patchy over the weekend, after taps ran dry. South East Water says supply should be back today, but it's still under strain, after 8,000 homes were left without running water. Meantime, the leader of Kent County Council has announced she's setting up a Water Resilience Partnership in a bid to hold companies and regulators to account. Staff at a museum in Medway have been given advice on how to distance themselves from the views of Charles Dickens - despite not receiving any complaints. Workers at the Guildhall in Rochester have been told how to answer questions on the author's opinions on race and the British Empire. And in sport, Gillingham have made their first signing of the summer. Midfielder James Brophy previously played for Cambridge United - and helped them win promotion from league two 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: Teenage boy dies after getting into difficulty while swimming in a pond in Swanscombe near Dartford

    May 28

    Podcast: Teenage boy dies after getting into difficulty while swimming in a pond in Swanscombe near Dartford

    The body of a teenage boy has been found in Swanscombe following concerns about a swimmer in a pond. Police, paramedics and fire crews were called to water near Galley Hill Road at around 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Scuba divers were also spotted heading to the scene. Also in today's podcast, TikTok influencers have denied fuelling trouble on a Kent beach over the bank holiday which led to a number of arrests and people being moved on by police. Videos shared on the social media site described a gathering at Viking Bay as 'Broadstairs' Biggest Beach Link-up' - with a comment suggesting another could take place. South East Water say around 18,000 customers across Kent are being impacted by supply problems which started last Saturday. Residents in Whitstable, Herne Bay, Maidstone and Ashford are among those affected. Bosses are blaming high demand during the hot weather but there are now calls for a water emergency to be declared. Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show Kent has the second-highest number of school exclusions in the country for racist, homophobic, transphobic and disablist abuse. The department for education data shows a 68% rise between the start of 2022 and the same time last year. Reporter Alex Langridge is on the episode to explain the figures in more detail. And, a dessert business from Maidstone is set to launch a new weekly pop-up stall at the The Royal Star Arcade next month. Aurelie Luxe Treats, which specialises in mini pancakes and waffles will begin trading every Saturday from the 6th June.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 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

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