KentOnline
The top stories from the KentOnline news team
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Episodes
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Podcast: Folkestone mum's anger as driver who hit daughter on zebra crossing avoids time in prison
Friday, 31 January 2025
A Kent mum whose daughter was hit by a driver on a zebra crossing has spoken to the podcast about her anger that he's been spared jail.11-year-old Dollie Giglia was knocked down on Tram Road in Folkestone in January last year. She suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury.Also in today's episode, five members of a crime group have been sentenced after police uncovered a cocaine network in Thanet.Footage at KentOnline shows the moment the ringleader was arrested at his home on Highfield Road in Ramsgate.Campaigners fighting to save two children's centres in Kent say they've won another ...
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Podcast: Faversham woman stole from Gillingham law firm where she worked after being hounded by bailiffs
Thursday, 30 January 2025
A Faversham woman who was caught stealing from her bosses, says she acted out of desperation after being hounded by bailiffs. Paula Gray, 61, of Lower Road stole more than £1,300 from solicitors David Simmonds and Donaghey in Gillingham after falling into debt following the death of her husband.Also in today's podcast, wildlife groups say there will continue to challenge the building of the Lower Thames Crossing, after the government gave the project its support.Rachel Reeves confirmed in a speech on growth yesterday they will be looking to the private sector to help fund the £9 billion roa...
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Podcast: Government confirms support for Lower Thames Crossing linking Kent and Essex, but exploring private finance
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
The Chancellor's made a significant announcement on the future of a project to build another tunnel linking Kent and Essex.During a major speech on how to boost economic growth in the UK, Rachel Reeves backed the Lower Thames Crossing and revealed the government's looking at privately financing the £9 billion scheme.Also in today's podcast, the family of a woman found dead after going missing from Folkestone believe police may have missed opportunities to find her while she was still alive.Leah Daley was discovered at the Warren last May 12 days after she'd last been seen.A criminal gang li...
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Podcast: Drink driver from Maidstone seen slumped over the wheel forced to stop by other drivers on the M25 in Surrey
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
Video footage at KentOnline shows the moment other drivers intervened to stop a drunk driver on the M25.The 42-year-old from Maidstone was almost four times the limit when he was spotted at Leatherhead - and police discovered a bottle of Jack Daniels on the passenger seat.Also in today's podcast, the man in charge at the Port of Dover has revealed the EU's new Entry Exit system has been delayed, again.It'll use biometric data like finger prints and facial scans and was initially supposed to come in in 2022. The KentOnline Podcast understands a phased roll-out will happened from the end of t...
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Podcast: Figures reveal a drop in the number of children applying to some secondary schools in Kent following poor Ofsted ratings
Monday, 27 January 2025
New figures seen by the Kent Online Podcast show there's been a significant drop in the number of children wanting to go to some schools in Kent after they received poor Ofsted reports.The figures highlight the impact a 'poor' grading given to a school by the watchdog can have on admission numbers.Also in today's podcast, three Kent men who were involved in a so-called 'clocking' scam involving second-hand cars and vans have avoided jail sentences.The group from Broadstairs and Chartham wiped two million miles off 23 vehicles before selling them online.Signs are going to be put up outside p...
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Podcast: Family pay tribute to 20-year-old from Minster who died following complications with diabetes
Friday, 24 January 2025
A 20-year-old from Sheppey who died following complications caused by diabetes has been described by his family as 'wonderful, kind, creative and loving'.Jake Chapman from Minster suffered a cardiac event which is thought to have been caused by a lack of insulin.Also in today's podcast, a Dartford shop owner's spoken of his devastation after a lorry containing all of his stock went up in flames.Crews were called to the blaze near the Orchards Shopping Centre last Saturday night.A weather warning for strong wind is in force across Kent as Storm Eowyn hits.Forecasters are predicting gusts of ...
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Podcast: Cranbrook tattoo artist fights to get dog returned after it was seized by Kent Police and declared an XL bully
Thursday, 23 January 2025
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for a dog to be returned to its Cranbrook owner after it was seized and declared a banned XL bully.Police took the animal away following an anonymous tip off, but owner Zakh Green adopted the pet believing it to be a mastiff cross.Also in today's podcast, a Marden man who tried to stop a child reporting the abuse they'd suffered has been jailed.Michael Numan, 58 from Seymour Drive, told his victim they were in a 'special relationship' after targeting them in April 2023.Bosses of a Kent gymnastics club fear they could be made homeless if ...
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Podcast: Head of Hartsdown Academy, Margate sends warning letter to parents after pupils struck down by respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
A warning letter's been sent out by a school in Margate as a number of pupils have fallen ill.There's been an outbreak of respiratory and gastrointestinal sickness at Hartsdown Academy.Also on today's podcast, plans for a major transformation of Folkestone harbour have been rejected.The shock decision came at a meeting last night with councillors on the planning committee raising concerns about the proposals for new homes and commercial units on the seafront.The ideas had been submitted by Sir Roger De Haan’s Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company.People living on an estate near ...
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Podcast: London Resort theme park plan for Swanscombe Peninsula is over after the company behind it was forced into liquidation
Tuesday, 21 January 2025
The idea of a multi-billion pound theme park in north Kent is officially over after the company behind it went into liquidation.We were told London Resort on the Swanscombe peninsula would attract millions of visitors and create thousands of jobs.But it faced several challenges, including from wildlife campaigners. We've been getting reaction from Buglife.Also in today's podcast, and in a rare move, a planning officer has stepped in to stop councillors rejecting plans for a 52 home estate in East Malling.The Tonbridge and Malling council committee were due to refuse the plans for Ivy Farm a...
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Podcast: Parents of Broadstairs teenager fear she will kill if her violent behaviour isn't taken seriously by the courts
Monday, 20 January 2025
A Thanet teenager is facing prison time after she threatened to kill her parents.18-year-old Zoe Dunn from Fairfield Road, Broadstairs, had only just been released from court on a suspended sentence for beating them up at their home in Thanet on January 6th.Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, we've been hearing what his second presidency could mean for us here in Kent.Trump will be sworn into office - becoming the 47th President of the United States.From today, if you're driving around Medway you could be fined for breaking traffic rules at 17 locations across the Towns.ANPR cameras have...
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Podcast: Tenterden dad's anger as youths armed with a catapult smash dining room window
Friday, 17 January 2025
A Tenterden family have been left with a hefty bill after vandals armed with a catapult smashed a window of their home.It happened at Matt Sendall-King's home in Rogersmead earlier this month. Hear from reporter Louis Walker who has been following the story.A Maidstone dad has been telling the KentOnline Podcast what it was like to find a World War Two hand grenade while magnet fishing with his son.Chris Homden and 10-year-old Leyton made the discovery in the River Medway at Aylesford and took it back to their home in Allington before realising what it was.There are concerns elderly and vul...
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Podcast: Cornwallis Academy in Maidstone wants to lift ‘no-whistle’ condition stopping them from using new 3G pitch
Thursday, 16 January 2025
A secondary school in Maidstone has been unable to use its new £700k sports pitch – after falling foul of a ban on noise from referees’ whistles.Cornwallis Academy has a brand new 3G artificial grass pitch which it has been forbidden from using since August.Also in today’s podcast, there's been an increase in the number of reports of online child grooming in Kent. The NSPCC say 264 cases were recorded last year - we’ve spoken to Kent Police about what they’re doing, and what we can do, to keep children safe. The co-owner of a burger van says he was left “shocked” after it was broken into ju...
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Podcast: Pensioner forced out of Anchor Hanover Housing Association home in Maidstone after mouldy ceiling collapses
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
A disabled pensioner has had to abandon his housing association home for the over 55s after a large chunk of the ceiling in his living room collapsed.The KentOnline podcast has heard the disaster is only the latest in a long line of maintenance failures at his flat near Maidstone by his social housing landlord, Anchor Hanover Housing.Also in today’s podcast, a screw head, a throat pack and swabs are some of the 37 items reportedly left behind in patients after surgery at Kent’s hospitals.The new data reveals the number of clinical claims and incidents at the county’s hospitals relating to a...
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Podcast: House prices fall in Broadstairs, Herne Bay, Westgate, Birchington and Deal according to research by Zoopla
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Statistics seen by the KentOnline Podcast show five towns in Kent have topped a list of where property prices dropped in 2024.Broadstairs, Herne Bay, Westgate, Birchington and Deal experienced slumps in the cost of a house according to Zoopla. We've go some analysis from an estate agent in the county.Also in today's episode, a mum and her three daughters who fled to Kent from Colombia have been told their asylum claim has been rejected.Luisa Rodriguez came here in 2023 after receiving threats from a violent drugs cartel and shots were even fired at their home. The 37-year-old has been shari...
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Podcast: Bigamist from Sheerness who married his step-daughter and fathered her children avoids jail
Monday, 13 January 2025
A “manipulative and controlling” bigamist who married his teenage step-daughter while still wed to her mother has been spared jail.In a bizarre and unusual case, Maidstone Crown Court heard how he’d “exploited and abused the trust” of his family for many years.Also in today’s podcast, specialist equipment has been brought in to help clear a motorway of debris after a lorry hit a bridge and jackknifed. It sparked long delays for motorists on the coastbound carriageway of the M20 after drivers were trapped behind the HGV. Business owners along part of the Kent coast say they are fearing for t...
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Podcast: The Bull Inn on London Road in Dover set to 'close and be demolished' after more than 200 years
Friday, 10 January 2025
The landlord of a pub in Dover says he's devastated as the owners want to close it and knock it down.The Bull Inn on London Road dates back 200 years, having first opened its doors in 1823, but it's due to shut at the end of February.Also in today's podcast, the number of people in hospital with flu in Kent has more than trebled in a month.Data shows 114 are being treated in the county - up from just 24 at the start of December. At this point in January last year the figure was 36.Hear from Dr Julian Spinks who is a GP in Medway.Kent could get a mayor in less than two years after a big deci...
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Podcast: Sheerness carer told to repay just £1 after stealing £12k from elderly couple in Sittingbourne
Thursday, 9 January 2025
A carer who, along with a colleague, stole £12,000 from an elderly couple in Sittingbourne has been ordered to pay back just £1.Money was withdrawn from the victims' bank account over a four month period.Also in today's podcast, huge changes to the way local councils in Kent run are set to take a big step forward today.Bosses at County Hall in Maidstone are going to decide if we should be in the first step of the process - known as the Devolution Priority Programme.It's likely to see smaller councils scrapped and replaced with fewer unitary authorities, with a mayor overseeing them.Hear fro...
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Podcast: Faversham Lakes residents join forces to get rid of FirstPort property management company over rising fees
Wednesday, 8 January 2025
A property management company looking after a 400 home estate in Faversham has had its contract cancelled after complaints from residents.It follows years of discontent between FirstPort and people living at Faversham Lakes over finances and maintenance costs.Also in today's podcast, forecasters say there's a chance of snow in Kent today.A yellow weather warning's in force and we've been speaking to KCC Highways and a forecaster from the Met Office.The MP for Tunbridge Wells is calling for more support for children in Kent who are suffering from Long Covid.Mike Martin has raised the case of...
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Podcast: Footpath between New Romney and St Mary in the Marsh turned into huge bog after Environment Agency dredging
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
Frustrated residents say a popular countryside footpath has been turned into an impassable bog following dredging work.The Environment Agency completed the work in November, but the foot-deep sludge from the drainage channel is still blocking the route.Also in today’s podcast, a woman has been rescued from a vehicle by firefighters after flooding shut several roads.It’s after heavy rains and flood warnings have been issued for the county – with more potentially severe weather on the way. There’s been a huge turnout at public meeting over Deal water quality after ‘do-not-swim’ warning issued...
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Podcast: Wouldham mum banned from keeping dogs for life after failing to feed bulldog or take him to a vet with a skin condition
Monday, 6 January 2025
A Medway mum has been banned from keeping dogs for life after neglecting her son's bulldog.Tanya Alabaf, 42 of High Street, Wouldham, was looking after the animal while his owner was in prison - but didn't feed him properly and failed to take him to a vet for a chronic skin condition.Also in today's podcast, Justin Welby's officially stepping down as the Archbishop of Canterbury today.He resigned in November over the handling of a child abuse scandal.A Kent woman has developed a new app which allows domestic abuse sufferers to raise a silent alarm.Ask Joan works by detecting electrical surg...
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Podcast: Owner of Cosy Cat Cafe in Herne Bay determined to stay open despite rising costs and falling customer numbers
Friday, 3 January 2025
The owner of Kent's first cat café says she's determined to keep it open despite rising costs and falling customer numbers.Cosy Cat Café in Herne Bay opened in 2018 and is home to 13 rescues. Reporter Millie Bowles who's been covering the story joins the podcast to explain more.Also on today's episode, we're being urged to check on our older neighbours and relatives after temperatures dropped well below freezing in Kent overnight.An amber cold health alert is in force until next Wednesday and there are concerns about wintry conditions putting more pressure on the NHS. A weather warning for ...
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Podcast: Calls for action after another crash at A2042, Elwick Road and Station Approach junction in Ashford
Thursday, 2 January 2025
There are calls for action to improve safety at a four-way junction in Ashford, after several crashes.This is where the A2042 meets with Elwick Road and Station Approach near the town's railway station and is controlled by traffic lights. Find out what residents want to happen.Also in today's podcast, parents of students at an SEN school in Kent have accused the council of putting money before the needs of children.Bradstow School in Broadstairs offers 24-hour support to children with the most complex needs but could close in August.It's owned by Wandsworth Council who claim Kent County Cou...
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Podcast: Disability Rights UK warns people not to give street fundraisers collecting in its name after Tonbridge scam
Tuesday, 24 December 2024
A charity is warning people to be wary of fraudsters collecting money in its name after a woman in Tonbridge became the latest to be scammed.The cafe customer thought she was donating to Disability Rights UK when she was approached by a young girl presenting as deaf. Also in today’s podcast, a thug who left the mother of his child “unrecognisable” after a ferocious beating told police he had "destroyed her face".He made a harrowing 999 call after he had viciously assaulted his ex-partner with such force that he broke her jaw in three places.Council bosses in Ashford have apologised after a ...
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Podcast: Thug involved in infamous Canterbury gang attack on German student spared jail again after glassing pub patron
Monday, 23 December 2024
A Canterbury man involved in a brutal gang attack which left a German student with life-changing brain damage has once again been spared jail for a violent assault.Despite being warned three years ago by a judge that he was being given a "last and final chance", the 22-year-old has since racked up numerous convictions, but the courts have decided not to put him behind bars.Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a Kent MP who is demanding the government take action after it was revealed some restaurants and takeaways aren’t displaying the correct food hygiene ratings. Tris Osborne has de...
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Podcast: Whitstable woman who was too drunk to remember stabbing teenager is jailed
Friday, 20 December 2024
A woman who told police she was too drunk to remember stabbing a teenager in Whitstable, has been sent to prison.Abbie Lucas, 30, told officers she'd drunk several bottles of wine on the day of the attack in August last year.Also in today's podcast, it's thought more than 23 million car journeys will be made today as we head away for Christmas.Operation Brock is in force on the M20 to manage cars and lorries heading to Eurotunnel and the port of Dover on what is being dubbed frantic Friday.Hear from AA patrol of the year Chris Wood, and Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills.There is als...
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Podcast: Anger as Ofwat confirms Southern Water bills will go up by 53% over the next five years
Thursday, 19 December 2024
Southern Water customers in Kent are going to see a 53% rise in bills over the next five years.It's the biggest increase announced by the regulator today.Elsewhere in the county, Thames Water have been allowed to put bills up by 35%, South East Water will get a 24% hike and for Affinity, it's 26%. We've been getting reaction from a campaigner at SOS Whitstable.Also in today's podcast, a Kent farmer's died after choking on food while out for a meal.David Deme, who used to run Chegworth Valley near Harrietsham, passed away after being rushed to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford earlier t...
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Podcast: Residents welcome Londoners to Deal after town was described as 'Hackney-on-Sea'
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Residents in Deal say an influx in people from London is good for the area, after it was described as Hackney-on-Sea.It was suggested in a recent article by the Financial Times, which says "foodies and families" from the capital have sparked a transformation of the town.A person has been treated by paramedics following a fire at a bungalow in Whitstable.Pictures show huge flames and smoke coming from the property, with five fire engines and a height vehicle called to the scene.A Margate man has admitted murdering an artist who went missing while out walking her dog.Claire Knights disappeare...
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Podcast: Former porn star Roma Lawson from Seasalter cries in court after judge says her 'time has run out' to clean up act
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
A former Kent porn star who was twice told by a judge to clean up her act - has cried in court after being sent to prison.Roma Lawson sobbed in the dock at Canterbury Crown Court after being told her 'time has run out'.Also in today's podcast, there are calls for more patrols at a layby near Sittingbourne, after a sex toy was found strapped to a tree.It's thought the area near woodland on the A249 has become a dogging hotspot.A Margate man has admitted murdering an artist who went missing while out walking her dog.Claire Knights disappeared from Minnis Bay in Birchington in August last year...
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Podcast: Patients left in corridors as East Kent Hospitals Trust struggles amid A&E crisis
Monday, 16 December 2024
There are fears some hospital in Kent aren’t coping with the rise in A&E admissions, with an increase in patients forced to endure 12-hour ‘trolley waits’.You can hear from the daughter of an 89-year-old woman who has dementia and terminal lung cancer, who’s been in a bed in a corridor for two days while she waits for a space on a ward. Also in today’s podcast, a Kent homelessness charity has raised concerns about families being evicted from rented properties just before Christmas. Figures show a rise in possession orders being issued across the county. Kent’s most pricey parking capital is...
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Podcast: Anniversary of death of Pat Lamb after night out in Maidstone prompts family to warn of dangers of open water
Friday, 13 December 2024
Ten years since the death of a Greenhithe man who fell into open water after night out in Maidstone, his family have issued a warning. The disappearance of Pat Lamb in December 2014 sparked a massive search – you can hear from his sister Zoe who says we all need to look after each other if we’re out celebrating this Christmas. Also in today’s podcast, a Kent council has been accused of "laughing" at drivers after dozens became stuck in mounting queues in a packed car park.Frustrated motorists claim they were left waiting for more than an hour in Canterbury because of problems with the ANPR ...
