18 minutes | Tuesday, 10 December 2024
There are calls for more to be done to revive Ramsgate town centre as figure show 1 in 4 shops there is empty.MP Polly Billington has been meeting with an action group set up to tackle the problem, and backed new powers enabling the council to bring sites back into use.Hear from reporter Max Chesson who's been investigating the issue.Also in today's podcast, the UK's signed a joint-action plan with Germany aimed at stopping people-smuggling gangs and dangerous small boat crossings to Kent.Berlin's pledged to tighten its laws to make it easier to prosecute those facilitating illegal crossings to Britain.One of Kent's water companies has reported a 40% increase in pollution incidents in the first half of this year.Thames Water reported over 350 category one sewage spills in the six months to the end of September.There's been an increase the number of reports of pet neglect in Kent.RSPCA figures show there were nearly 1,500 cases from January to September this year - that's the fifth highest in the country.Nationally there's been a 25% increase. Hear from the charity as to why they think it's happening.Social care providers in Kent say they are on the brink of collapse following measures announced in the autumn budget.It's been described as a triple whammy - with an increase in national insurance contribution, plus a lowering of the threshold, as well as a hike in minimum wage. We've been speaking to the Kent Autistic Trust.Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show a significant discrepancy in the number of e-scooters being seized in different parts of Kent.400 of the vehicles have been confiscated by police in the county since the start of January 2022. We've been getting reaction from police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott.And in sport, Kent Cricket have named Adam Hollioake as the new head coach of the men's team.The former Surrey captain and England player has signed a contract until the end of the 2027 season.