Episodes
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...
Podcast: Bigamist from Sheerness who married his step-daughter and fathered her children avoids jail
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...
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...
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with a colleague, stole £12,000 from an elderly couple in Sittingbourne has been ordered to pay back just £1.Money was withdrawn from the victims' bank account over a four month period.Also in today's podcast, huge changes to the way local councils in Kent run are set to take a big step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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
An eight-month-old girl has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being attacked by an XL Bully. Two people have been arrested after the dog, which has been described as “normally a very friendly dog”, bit the infant at a home in Hawkinge. Also in today’s podcast, a thug convicted of murdering his disabled girlfriend after he viciously punched, kicked and stamped on her has been jailed for life.You can hear the moment Huseyin Kalyoncu, a driver at an Edenbridge takeaway, was arrested following the savage attack. The owner of Kent’s worst-rated hotel has admitted it is “run...
Some Maidstone businesses have been accused of "trying to con the public" for displaying the wrong food hygiene rating, or none at all.An investigation's found nine out of ten restaurants and takeaways with low scores in the town were misleading customers about their rating.A man who attacked a Kent Police officer with a pair of scissors has been found guilty of attempted murder.The PC suffered more than 20 injuries, mostly to the face and neck, when it happened in June last year. Hear the moment shortly before the attack happened when police tried to arrest Robert Jenner, 50, at his flat i...
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 crossing...
A police control room manager who sent unarmed officers to a Dartford home hours before a woman was shot, has been cleared of gross misconduct.A neighbour had told 999 call handlers the victim's boyfriend had arrived with a handgun.The police watchdog launched an investigation into Inspector Thomas McCall following the murder suicide.Also in today's podcast, The owner of an animal sanctuary near Sittingbourne says she may be forced to leave Kent.Amey James founded Happy Pants Ranch but has been given nine months to get off her current site in Newington after losing an appeal over planning.A...
A man who caused more than £24,000 worth of damage to a Lamborghini parked in Ashford has been ordered to pay compensation.The 49-year-old had been having a drink at the Low Key Taproom in Queen Street when the expensive car was parked nearby.Also in today's podcast, a yellow weather warning for strong winds comes into force today and lasts until 6 on Sunday morning.Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the season and is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain to some parts of the county.More than 30 people have been arrested as police crack down on county line dealers supplyin...
It's been revealed a Ukrainian man who was found dead in a Maidstone park had crashed his e-scooter and fallen into some water. Absolutely, an inquest has been told Anatolii Cherevko had spent a night at a friend's house before the 24-year-old's body was discovered in an area of Mote Park.Also in today's podcast, our reporter Joe Crossley's been hearing about what's being doing to address an apparent increase in anti-social behaviour in part of Swale.It comes just days after two staff members at McDonalds were attacked at Sittingbourne Retail Park - and a group of around ten people disrupte...
Podcast: Paedophile hunters confront Ramsgate man who sent messages to young "girl" live on Facebook
A child sex offender held his head in his hands and cried “my life is over” as he was exposed by paedophile ‘hunters’ in a video live-streamed to thousands online.Footage of the ‘sting’ was broadcast on Facebook after the Ramsgate man was caught engaging in sexually explicit chats with someone he believed to be a nine-year-old girl.Also in today’s podcast, an arrest has been made over a huge fire that broke out near Canterbury Cathedral on Monday night. A teenager has been taken into custody – crews remain on the High Street today and a cordon is still in place. Tenants at a new build block...
Canterbury city centre has been closed off after a fire broke out at an abandoned former department store. Firefighters have been working through the night at the site of the old Debenhams – one person has been treated for smoke inhalation. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a man who was fined for driving on a street where traffic is banned during term time even though the school was on holiday.He says he drove down the road in Chatham when the school was on half-term break and was shocked when he received the fine in the post. Two secondary schools could be closed by the governmen...
A housing developer is trying to pull out of contributing more than £50 million worth of new infrastructure and community facilities - including a £30m major road improvement.The future of the A28 dualling project in Ashford has been thrown into doubt as it emerged Hodson Developments wants to scrap or delay dozens of agreed commitments.Also in today’s podcast, staff have been left in tears after their much “lifeline” charity store had to permanently close following a backdated rent increase.The rental hike left them in £20,000 of arrears and meant it was unable to continue trading.A plan t...
An investigation has been launched after a train derailed in what authorities have described as a “low-speed” incident near Ramsgate. The train was spotted off the tracks, sparking major delays on the network late last night. Also in today’s podcast, a heartbroken family has issued a stark warning after their three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was killed on a golf course. Mel Lacey was walking his three dogs when he says one of them, Poppy, was hit by a utility vehicle.Police hunting a convicted killer wanted on recall to prison have warned the public not to approach him.Peter Clement was jai...
A woman's received a fine for dropping a cigarette in Swanscombe, despite living 200 miles away and never visiting the town.The fixed penalty notice was sent to Natalie Walton's parents' home in Gravesend.Also in today's podcast, farmers unhappy with the government's changes to inheritance tax have been staging a go-slow tractor protest in Dover.Around 100 vehicles headed through Whitfield towards the docks yesterday afternoon.A school in Sittingbourne has sent a letter out to parents after a small amount of asbestos debris was found.It was discovered after building work at Borden Grammar.K...
A bus company's investigating after a driver was filmed telling a passenger she gave 'disabled people a bad name'.The confrontation happened after Nargis Fakhri, who uses a wheelchair, tried to board the 140 Arriva service at Strood Retail Park.Also in today's podcast, we've been hearing how "Do Not Swim" warnings for some of Kent's busiest beaches will be a blow to local businesses.The water quality at Dymchurch, Littlestone and near to Deal Castle has been rated 'poor' following investigations by the Environment Agency. It's led to fears it could impact summer tourism next year.Hear from ...
The bosses of an air show being held in Thanet has told the KentOnline Podcast there’s no truth to the rumour it could have to be called off because of road closures. If the Manston International Air Show is to go ahead in 2025, it would mean major roads around the event would have to be shut – a move that could cause gridlock during the summer holidays. Also in today’s podcast, a Nando's restaurant which claimed to have closed for “some DIY” was actually pest-proofing to help solve its “mouse activity” problem.Bosses were given a two star hygiene rating after the rodents were spotted by in...