KentOnline
The top stories from the KentOnline news team
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Episodes
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Podcast: M2 delays after pedestrian hit by lorry between Sittingbourne and Faversham
Thursday, 21 November 2024
There have been long delays on the M2 after a pedestrian was hit by a lorry.It happened on the coast bound carriageway between Sittingbourne and Faversham last night.It has been revealed a Canterbury man who killed his partner in a stabbing attack had his mental health referral closed on the same day.53-year-old David Creed from Long Acre Close attacked Catherine Granger in December 2020, just days after saying voices in his head were telling him to kill her. There has been a huge rise in the number of compensation claims for pothole damage in Kent.Figures have gone up from 655 in 2022 to m...
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Podcast: Neighbours complain as Upton Junior School in Broadstairs lights up their street "like the Blackpool Illuminations"
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Fed-up neighbours have compared bright lights on a nearby school which stay on until 10pm every night to the Blackpool Illuminations.The Broadstairs residents say the “irritating” glare is still visible even when they have their curtains closed. Also in today’s podcast, homeless people from Essex could be sent to live in Kent as a local authority considers buying hundreds of new-build flats. Basildon council has been eyeing up the properties near Dartford to address its “urgent need” for temporary accommodation.A heroic stranger has talked a grandad out of jumping off a railway bridge in Fa...
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Podcast: Missing Cuxton teenager James Gibbons found safe after nine days
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
A teenage boy who went missing from Medway has been found safe and well.16-year-old James Gibbons hadn't been seen since for nine days ago and was last spotted heading towards woodland near his home in Cuxton.Also in today's podcast, farmers from across Kent are joining a rally in London to protest over changes to inheritance tax.From April 2026, farms worth more than £1 million will have to pay a 20% levy which they say could lead to food shortages. The Prime Minister insists the changes will only affect a small number of farming families.A Ukrainian woman who moved to Kent when the war br...
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Podcast: Fears of ‘history being demolished’ as work progresses on hundreds of flats and film studios in Ashford
Monday, 18 November 2024
There are growing fears history is being “demolished” at a long-abandoned railway works as construction progresses on 303 flats in Ashford. Drone images taken in recent days of the site have sparked concern as brickwork at the Grade II listed engine sheds seems to have been taken down. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from the boss of a playground that’s been rated “outstanding” who’s had to make the “crushing” decision to close after being unable to find a new home. The nursery in Sheerness employs 16 staff, has 56 children on its books and is due to take an another 30 next year – but...
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Podcast: Residents in Selbourne Road, Gillingham say HMO will be like a 'mini-hotel'
Friday, 15 November 2024
People living on a road in Gillingham fear they won't be able to park near their homes after plans were put in for an HMO.Developers want to convert a property on Selbourne Road into a seven-bed facility, with work including a loft extension. Hear what some neighbours think and we've got a response from the company behind it.Also in today's podcast, a motorcycle thief who was arrested after being chased by police through Maidstone has been jailed.Hear the moment the 23-year-old was detained.A Kent family are calling for potentially live saving equipment to be available in schools and nurser...
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Podcast: Double tragedy as Ashford mum dies just months after the death of her nine-year-old son
Thursday, 14 November 2024
It’s been ruled a heartbroken mum grieving the loss of her nine-year-old son unintentionally overdosed on pills prescribed to help her sleep.The beauty therapist from Ashford died just days after the six-month anniversary of the tragic death of her beloved boy, who suffered a fatal asthma attack in November last year.Also in today’s podcast, you can hear the moment a knifeman in Chatham was detained by police after he threatened his neighbours for hanging party decorations. Born-worn cameras captured the arrest of the 57-year-old, who’d violently confronted the people in the flat upstairs b...
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Podcast: Grieving mum calls for dog ban at Kent cemetery after seeing dogs "weeing on headstones"
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Hundreds of people are backing a grieving mum’s campaign for dogs to be banned from a cemetery - after she saw the animals “weeing on headstones”.She says she’s been left “absolutely disgusted” by walkers letting their pets run around and defecate while she is visiting her 16-year-old daughter’s grave.Also in today’s podcast, two people have been violently attacked near their homes after complaining about a neighbour’s music being too loud.A Halling woman has appeared in court, accused of hitting, punching and scratching them when they confronted her. You can hear from a Kent MP who’s urgin...
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Podcast: Man injured after being attacked by rottweiler-type dog on land in Knockholt, Sevenoaks
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
A man's lost the feeling in one of his hands and suffered injuries to his hip, leg and wrist after being attacked by a dog near Sevenoaks.It involved a Rottweiler-type dog and happened on land in Knockholt, leaving the victim needing plastic surgery. Hear from reporter Charlotte Phillips who has covered the story.Also in today's podcast, we can hear from the chief inspector of prisons after a report revealed how inmates at a Medway jail are using cardboard and towels to stop rats from getting into their cells.Inspectors have been looking at conditions at HMP Rochester and also raised concer...
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Podcast: Digital exclusion in Kent and what's being done to help older people cope with increasing technology
Monday, 11 November 2024
We're going to hear about a story our reporter Elli Hodgson has been working on looking at digital exclusion.You've probably noticed that every day tasks like paying for parking or ordering a meal are becoming more and more linked to technology. You might need to download an app or scan a QR code. For some, it's brought huge benefits but what about those who struggle to adapt? We've been getting reaction.Also in today's podcast, it's been revealed almost 3,000 fines have been issued to drivers ignoring new School Streets rules in Medway.Cars have been banned from several roads during key ti...
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Podcast: Multiple drivers "shot at" on major road as Kent police say they're still looking for those responsible
Friday, 8 November 2024
Drivers have spoken of their shock after at least 10 vehicles were “shot at” as they travelled along the A2.Cars, lorries and coaches have all been targeted near Darenth and a Facebook post warning drivers of the danger has now been shared hundreds of times. Also in today’s podcast, a drunk man who killed his friend when he smashed his car into a wall had just minutes earlier proclaimed he was a "good driver" and would get his passengers "safely home".The 27-year-old was almost twice the legal alcohol limit, as well as over the limit for the breakdown product of cannabis, when he tried to d...
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Podcast: A debate takes place at County Hall in Maidstone following a petition to save Seashells family centre in Sheerness
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Reaction's continuing to come in following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election.Joe Biden is due to speak later today before meeting Mr Trump for the transition of power - which won't become official until January. We've been asking people in Rochester what they think.Also on today's podcast, a debate's taking place today after thousands of people signed a petition calling for a Kent family centre to stay open.The county council is planning to close Seashells in Sheerness and move some of the services it provides, elsewhere. Hear from our local democracy reporter Simon Fin...
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Podcast: American Akita dog to be put down after biting a woman's hand in Gillingham Park
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
A dog is set to be put down after biting a woman in a Medway park.The victim was walking her own dog in Gillingham Park in April 2022 when she went to stroke the American Akita called Boris.The pet bit her hand, leaving a large wound which needed hospital treatment and took six weeks to heal.Also in today's podcast, an emergency service instructor from Kent has been telling the podcast how he spent three days digging for survivors after a landslide wiped out a village in Bosnia.Chris Kendall and his team were there to deliver training when the landslide happened in October.There's anger at ...
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Podcast: Anger as Church Street Playing Field in Whitstable is padlocked by Kent County Council
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Residents in Whitstable have been left outraged after the county council decided to lock the gates of a playing field which has been earmarked for development. Padlocks have appeared on the entrances of the Church Street playing field which has been open to the public for generations. Also in today's podcast, as Americans cast their vote in the presidential election - we're being reminded the outcome could have real impacts here in Kent.Hear from Dr Andrew Wroe who is a senior lecturer in American Politics at the University of Kent.There are fears people will miss vital hospital appointment...
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Podcast: Driver wakes up covered in blood and surrounded by broken glass after crash on the A21 - but can't remember a thing
Monday, 4 November 2024
A driver who woke up after a “terrifying” crash on the A21 with no memory of the accident is appealing for witnesses.He had a swollen face, was covered in blood and surrounded by broken glass after hitting a central reservation, but has no idea of what caused the crash. Also in today’s podcast, a factory worker who sexually assaulted a woman outside a McDonald’s for almost 20 minutes has avoided jail.The Dover man was on a night out when he took advantage of his victim while she was in a vulnerable state. An elderly couple from Gillingham say they were just hours away from paying out £8,650...
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Podcast: Grandad sleeps on floor during 12-hour wait at Medway Maritime Hospital
Friday, 1 November 2024
A Kent hospital has apologised after a 75-year-old man resorted to sleeping on the floor after a 12-hour wait in A&E.Martin Wakely was taken to Medway Maritime with breathing difficulties, and his wife has described the state of the NHS as "disgusting".An elderly vandal has been spotted cutting down hundreds of handmade poppies.They were part of the Folkestone Poppy Project on the Leas, which sees thousands of crocheted poppies put up on railings every year.The NSPCC say there were more than 260 cases of online child grooming in Kent in the last 12 months.The charity's calling for tech comp...
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Podcast: Tributes to son who was a "bit of a toerag" after he was found dead in the River Medway
Thursday, 31 October 2024
A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to a dad-of-two who was found dead in the River Medway. Andrew went missing after his dinghy capsized near Sun Pier in Chatham – he’s being remembered as a generous and loving son.Also in today’s podcast, it’s been confirmed a motorcyclist has died following on collision on the M25. Traffic near the Dartford Crossing was brought to a standstill yesterday afternoon and the road didn’t reopen until nearly midnight. A special needs school may have to fork out “tens of thousands of pounds” after being hit with water supply issues.South East Water has apologise...
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Podcast: Body found in search for missing Canterbury man
Wednesday, 30 October 2024
A body has been found amid a search for a man missing from Canterbury. There was a large emergency service response in the Fordwich area ahead of the discovery yesterday afternoon. Also in today’s podcast, the closure of a bridge for repairs is causing major headaches for the thousands of motorists who rely on it each week.But there may be worse to come for those who regularly use the 600-year-old bridge near Maidstone. A university professor has branded campus bosses “ridiculous” after they banned him from bringing his emotional support dog to work.For almost two years, the trusty German s...
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Podcast: The hardest secondary schools to get a place at in Kent, with as many as four in five students rejected
Tuesday, 29 October 2024
The KentOnline Podcast can reveal which secondary schools in Kent are the hardest to get a place at and why. It comes as there are concerns about many schools being oversubscribed, with as many as four out of five children being denied their first choice. Also in today’s podcast, an inquest into the death of a 93-year-old former GP and his 91-year-old wife at their home in Sandwich has found it was a double tragedy. Brian and Dilys Richards were found in July this year – police say there was no evidence a third party was involved and it's not being treated as suspicious.You can also hear fr...
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Podcast: Teynham family risk court action after refusing to pay fine for term time holiday with autistic son and daughter
Monday, 28 October 2024
A Kent dad is refusing to pay a fine he received after taking both his children on holiday during term time despite being granted permission for just one, saying he’s not going to take one child away and leave the other behind. The family chose that time of year because it’s quieter for their autistic son – but their daughter’s school refused. Also in today’s podcast, angry homeowners insist rehashed plans for a contentious new development will only worsen their already "infiltrated" village.The plans for Ashford have been described as “diabolical” and have already raised more than 600 obje...
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Podcast: Families criticise cost of "unaffordable" swimming sessions at new leisure centre
Friday, 25 October 2024
It is feared a new sports centre in Medway will not be financially viable because of the cost of swimming sessions.It is £45 for a family ticket to Cozenton Park in Rainham, which opened in July after a £22 million rebuild of the former Splashes centre.A man has been charged with murder following the death of a man who went missing from Tunbridge Wells.54-year-old Wayne Woodgate disappeared from the Goods Station Road area last Thursday, and his family have now paid tribute.A Kent MP is supporting a bid by a youth group to buy the building they are based in, after the council confirmed it'l...
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Podcast: Heartbreak for boat owners at marina in Queenborough Creek on Sheppey as they're told to find somewhere else to dock
Thursday, 24 October 2024
People with boats at a marina on Sheppey have been told they need to find somewhere else to dock, as the site is set to become a new housing development.Land at Queenborough Creek has been leased out for years - but that lease will come to an end next March. We've been speaking to the marina manager and a man who runs his business from the site.Also in today's podcast, a murder investigation's been launched following the disappearance of a man from Tunbridge Wells.54-year-old Wayne Woodgate was reported missing a week ago.Charities are again calling for safe and legal routes for asylum seek...
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Podcast: People living at Portland House in Sheerness High Street told to pay £14k each for fire safety work
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
Residents in a block of flats in Sheerness have been told to pay £14,000 within 30 days for new fire regulations - or they could be evicted.An external staircase needs to be built at Portland House on the High Street to comply with rules introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire. We've been speaking to one resident who says she hasn't slept since receiving a letter about it.Also in today's podcast, French authorities say two people have died after a boat carrying asylum seekers sank in the Channel.Around 50 people are thought to have fallen into the water just after 8am today.The government'...
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Podcast: Anger as Orbit Housing tells Broadstairs residents to remove garden furniture used as 'wellbeing hub'
Tuesday, 22 October 2024
A group of neighbours have criticised a housing association after being told to remove garden furniture used as a 'wellbeing hub'.Orbit Housing owns properties in Hopeville Avenue, Broadstairs and says the seating is a trip hazard and a misuse of a communal area. Hear from one of the residents who says gathering with friends is good for their mental health.Also in today's podcast, staff at a Kent prison have revealed the impact of overcrowding as 1,100 more inmates are released early across England and Wales.The government has launched a review to look at tougher punishments outside of jail...
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Podcast: Landlady of The Staggered Inn micropub in Dover left customer needing surgery after attack
Monday, 21 October 2024
A Dover landlady who attacked a customer she found sleeping behind the bar has avoided being sent to prison.Maidstone Crown Court was told how a row had broken out a The Staggered Inn micropub in the High Street in December last year.Also on today's podcast, it's been a nightmare on the M25 in Kent after a huge lorry fire overnight.The vehicle caught alight on the clockwise carriageway between Sevenoaks and Godstone.We're being asked what we think about planned changes to firefighter response time targets in Kent.At the moment crews aim to get to an emergency within 10 minutes - no matter w...
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Podcast: Residents concerned about nuisance bikes on Barnfield Rec in Chatham as figures show no fines have been issued
Friday, 18 October 2024
It's emerged police have been called to a Medway park more than 60 times in four months to reports of nuisance vehicles - but no bikes have been seized.New rules have been put in place across the Towns to try and tackle the problem.Also on the podcast, a former Kent sub-postmaster who was wrongly convicted of stealing during the Horizon IT scandal has had his conviction overturned.Sunil Patel from Romney Marsh spent nine months in prison and was ordered to pay £48,000 pounds due to faulty accounting software. He's been speaking of his relief and what he wants to happen next.A documentary sh...
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Podcast: Passengers sue Arriva bus company after being left stranded at a Maidstone bus stop
Thursday, 17 October 2024
A fed-up pensioner has sued Arriva after he and his wife were left stranded at a freezing cold bus stop in Maidstone. The bus they needed turned up on time but sailed right past them – they’re now chasing the company for the cost of their taxi home. Also in today’s podcast, the family of a dad-of-five who passed away suddenly just before his 40th birthday say they’re struggling with heartache. Lewis Leggatt was found in his Maidstone home earlier this month but his cause of death still hasn’t been determined. Kmfm has led the tributes to Liam Payne in Kent after the news of his shock death ...
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Podcast: Driver in his 20's killed after colliding with two cars on the M20
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
A man in his 20's has been killed after his Smart car collided with two other vehicles on the M20. Ambulance crews were called to the scene of the crash near junction one this morning but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Also in today’s podcast, a dad has pulled his autistic son out of a secondary school in Canterbury which he claims is “obsessed” with dishing out detentions.He says his child has ADHD and his mental health has declined rapidly since starting this September.As assisted dying is put back before parliament, the KentOnline Podcast has been speaking to a man who’s te...
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Podcast: Calls for funeral sector reform after inquiry into the crimes of Kent killer David Fuller
Tuesday, 15 October 2024
An independent inquiry set up to examine the crimes of Kent killer David Fuller has made a urgent calls for regulation of the funeral sector.Fuller was able to abuse bodies in hospital mortuaries while he was employed as a maintenance worker – you can hear from the mother of one of his victims.Also in today’s podcast, bosses of a Chinese restaurant in Folkestone have been told to clean up their act – after inspectors found mouldy chopping boards and flies in egg fried rice.They’ve been handed a one-star hygiene rating after council officers also discovered evidence of people smoking and car...
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Podcast: Two charged with murder after man stabbed to death in Canterbury high street
Monday, 14 October 2024
Two men have been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in Canterbury city centre. Emergency services were called to the high street but the victim died at the scene – the two suspects are due in court today. Also in today’s podcast, there are fears some people living in a Kent village are missing out on medical services after a GP surgery closed more than two years ago. It means more than 7,000 residents are already having to travel to neighbouring areas for an appointment with hundreds more homes planned for the area in the coming years. A community say they’re “living in f...
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Podcast: Canterbury High Street cordoned off by police after man in his 20s stabbed to death
Friday, 11 October 2024
Four people have been arrested and a murder investigation is under way after the death of a man in Canterbury.Police taped off part of the high street after being called late last night where a man in his 20s is understood to have suffered stab wounds. Hear from reporter Liane Castle who's been at the scene.Also in today's podcast, the owner of a Dartford cafe's told the podcast that nearby roadworks are the reason he's decided to close.Jason Astell will shut Allison's Pantry for the final time today.A Dover mum's told the KentOnline Podcast she'd rather go to prison than pay a parking fine...
