Episodes
A Kent council has been accused of “raking it in” at the expense of local businesses and residents after hiking charges in a village car park by close to 600%.Revenue generated by the site in Herne has almost doubled since the daily tariff rocketed from £2.20 to £15 in April.Also in today’s podcast, a 20-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman was stabbed to death in Dartford. Emergency services were called to a property in Henderson Drive on Saturday morning after concerns for a person’s welfare and found the victim with multiple stab injuries.Motorists with cars damaged by...
Plans to turn a Kent pub run by the the wife of celebrity baker Paul Hollywood into a home have been approved.The proposals for The Chequers Inn in Smarden were given the green light at a council meeting, despite opposition from residents.Also in today's podcast, Kent Police is being accused of failing to properly investigate abuse at a former children's home on Romney Marsh.Youngsters were allegedly subjected to daily violence at the Sandyridge site, run by Denis and Anne May.They were arrested in 1996 - but were never charged and have since died.A family have been forced to move to anothe...
Three parking bays in a Kent seaside town have gone up for sale for 150-thousand pounds.People living in Whitstable say trying to find a space is almost 'impossible' - and they sometimes have to leave their cars a mile away.Also in today's podcast, a pilot has been taken to hospital after crashing near to an airport in Kent.A four seater Piper PA-28 came down in woodland on Rochester Road between the Bridgewood Roundabout and Laker Road in Medway yesterday afternoon.Sixth form students across Kent have been receiving their A-Level results today.We've been along to Thomas Aveline School in R...
A former Michelin-star restaurant in Faversham is closing after 47 years.Reads is based in Macknade Manor off Canterbury Road and its won numerous accolades during the timeRona and David Pitchford have been the owners.Also on today's podcast, a violent burglary at a home in Sevenoaks is being linked to the so-called 'night watcher'.A woman was attacked and £1.8 million worth of jewellery was taken from a property near Wildernesse Golf Club in broad daylight in June.50 items were stolen including rings, watches and pendants. We've been speaking to Crimestoppers who've issued a reward.There's...
A Kent mum and her two young sons have to sleep in their living room because rats have infested the upstairs bedrooms and loft.Ebonie Evans has told the KentOnline Podcast how the vermin have “destroyed everything” at the house near Folkestone, including her £200 trainers.Also in today’s podcast, drivers say they’re facing "absolute mayhem" at a controversial new junction as traffic lights have failed four times in as many months.Contractors spent more than a year ripping out a roundabout in Ashford and replacing it – but angry motorists say it is “lucky nobody has been killed”. An amphibia...
It has been revealed 12-hour corridor waits at East Kent Hospitals are now the third worst in England.Figures show the trust that runs A&E departments in Margate and Ashford is struggling with the persistent strain on its services.A man in his 40s has died in a house fire in Faversham.There was a huge emergency response when the blaze broke out on Salters Lane in the early hours of Saturday.A charity worker from Herne Bay says she has been assaulted by people who were accusing her of being a 'dirty immigrant'.Maya runs a community support centre and free shop in the town, and has also been ...
A woman's calling for answers after some of her mum's jewellery went missing after she passed away at a Kent hospital.Iris Phillips died at Darent Valley in Dartford in April following a fall. At the time she was wearing a bracelet, watch and six rings on two fingers - but only three rings were returned.Her daughter Anne has been speaking to reporter Keely Greenwood.Also in today's podcast, a Kent nurse who slept during shifts and sometimes failed to respond to patient alarms has avoided being struck off.They used to work at the William Harvey hospital in Ashford and Margate's QEQM.This wee...
Thousands of people in Kent and the rest of England have joined counter-demonstrations against anti-immigration protests.Riot police were on standby in Dover, Canterbury and Medway last night.Hear from reporter Abby Hook who was at the Innovation Centre in Chatham where people gathered. She also spoke to some anti-racism demonstrators .Also in today's podcast, more animals have been attacked with weapons in Kent than any other part of England and Wales.Data given to KentOnline shows more than 60 reports have been made in the county in the last four years.You could be fined if you're heard s...
A mum and her young daughter have been injured after a teacup became detached from a ride at Dreamland.Kate Davies was visiting the Margate theme park with three year-old Poppy when it happened last Wednesday. We've had a statement from the theme park.Also in today's podcast, police say they're 'well prepared' to respond to any potential protests in Kent.It's as reports on socials suggest far-right groups plan to gather at three sites in the county - although we've decided not to share those details.Hear from Neil Mennie who heads up the Kent Police Federation and has been explaining how of...
There's been a delay to work on a busy roundabout in Sittingbourne - because of a dormouse.Contractors due to start work on the key Street junction this summer have discovered a nest.Also in today's podcast, KentOnline's been told asylum seekers in Kent are worried after violence broke out across the country.Hundreds of people have been arrested after riots in towns and cities following the stabbings in Southport last week.We've been speaking to Kay Marsh from Samphire Project in Dover and also have reaction from Cohesion Plus in Gravesend and Imam from a mosque in Gillingham and a group of...
A videographer has hit back after complaints from several couples who were let down on their wedding day.KentOnline has spoken to dozens of brides who've had issues with services provided by Wallflower Weddings, based in Tonbridge. We've also got their response.Also in today's podcast, staff at a family hub in Margate say plans to cut more than half of their funding will be a huge blow for the community.The Milmead site employs 27 paid workers as well as seven volunteers, providing support for parents, people with mental health issues and domestic abuse victims.A motorcyclist who died in a ...
A young man found dead in a Kent park following a suspected scooter accident has been described as kind and incredibly talented.Police and paramedics had been called to Mote Park in Maidstone just before 5.30am last Saturday and Anatolii Cherevko was pronounced dead at the scene.Also in today's episode, we've been told what it'll mean for patients in Kent after GPs voted to take 'collective action' for the first time in 60 years.It's in a row about new contracts and means family doctors could limit the number of patients they see each day to 25. Hear from Dr Caroline Rickard who represents ...
It's been revealed an almost 100-year-old Kent railway needs £30million pounds over the next 10 years to upgrade its facilities.Bosses at Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway have set out their financial situation as they prepare to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.Also on today's podcast, the KentOnline Podcast has discovered there's been a large jump in reports of racism at Kent schools.Data provided voluntarily by schools shows more than 900 racist incidents were believed to have happened last year.The highest number, 473, were from primaries; some 332 came from secondary schools a...
There's shock today at the sudden closure of Folkestone Sports Centre.Trustees have released a statement saying the facility can “no longer afford to remain operational”. We've got reaction from Folkestone Swimming Club which uses the pool. A petition has also been set up in a bid to save the facility.Also in today's podcast, a mum from Faversham has written a book to try and raise awareness after being diagnosed with a mostly symptomless condition that can cause infertility.Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb and can be extremely painful.An urgent search i...
The family of a woman who died after spending months on an NHS waiting list say she was 'let down'.43-year-old Jo Sharpe from Ashford had been referred to a specialist after suffering a seizure in January - but passed away earlier this month.Also on today's podcast, there's a warning temperatures could top 30 degrees in Kent today.A heat health alert is in force across the county and won't end until Friday morning. We've been chatting to Kent's deputy director of public health.If you live in Folkestone, you're being asked what you think should happen to the town's library.The building on Gr...
People living near Sittingbourne are worried sewage leaks could get worse as plans for nearly 300 new homes have been approved.Residents of Frognal Lane in Teynham say waste water regularly runs down the street and into their gardens. Our reporter Joe Crossley's been chatting to Wayne Kennett who lives there.Also in today's podcast, a survey's being sent out to 75,000 households in Kent to find out how you want police to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour.The police and crime commissioner's office has identified 25 known 'hot spots' and they want to see if targeted local patrolling c...
The bin collection crisis in parts of Kent could be about to get worse, with the GMB Union confirming they're balloting members on potential strike action.Suez has already been under pressure over waste not being taken away on time, with a recent council meeting being told there have been 36,000 missed collections.Also in today's podcast, Kent's roads are expected to be especially busy on what's being dubbed Frantic Friday.The summer getaway coincides with the start of the Olympics in Paris. We've been speaking to Toby Howe from the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum.A single dad's told KentO...
A man's been charged with attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed near an Army base in Medway.24-year-old Anthony Esan from Mooring Road in Rochester is due in court accused of carrying out the attack near Brompton Barracks on Tuesday evening.Also in today's podcast, every council leader in Kent has signed a letter calling on the government to reduce the risk of disruption when the new EU entry exit system is introduced this autumn.There are concerns the biometric checks at the port of Dover and Eurotunnel at Folkestone will cause traffic congestion in the county. We've been speaking t...
Our top story today is the shocking news that broke overnight - the stabbing of a soldier in uniform close to an army barracks in Medway.Emergency crews were called to Sally Port Gardens which is near Brompton Barracks just before 6pm. Hear from our reporters at the scene, we've also go reaction from Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards.Also in today's podcast, some people living in run-down tower blocks in Thanet have been told they face a huge bill to cover the cost of essential refurbishments.Work on the buildings is said to total £40 million. We've got the full details from our local ...
The top story on today's episode is that a huge fire that's broken out in Ramsgate.Crews were called shortly to Northwood Road shortly after 4am to tackle the flames at a near 100 year-old business.Also in today's podcast, a convicted killer has been sentenced to life in prison, after an attack in Dartford which left his victim with more than 70 stab wounds.A new report by the National Police Chiefs Council has described violence against women and girls as a 'national emergency' with over 3,000 offences every day. It accounted for just under 20% of all recorded crime excluding fraud across...
A Kent dog owner faces an anxious wait to see if his Staffordshire bull terrier cross will be put down after it attacked another man.He’ll learn next month if a court has decided Demba will be destroyed following the alarming incident near Whitstable.Also in today’s podcast, the family of a one-year-old who unexpectedly died says the wait for answers and “missed opportunities” has prevented them from grieving.During five hospital visits, medics missed the fact the “happy and always smiling” child suffered an undiagnosed and extremely rare heart condition.Families have hit out at a former ma...
There’s disruption in Kent as a Worldwide IT outage shuts down essential services. Thameslink, Southern Rail and Port of Dover have all reported problems, as well as GP surgeries, airports and banks. Also in today’s podcast, a waste management company that’s caused four months of bin collection chaos is to be penalised - but residents will not see a penny.Suez started collecting recycling and rubbish across Swale, Maidstone and Ashford as part of a £152 million contract in March.Motorists in one Kent town are facing a summer of misery thanks to what feels like an avalanche of roadworks.Frus...
Podcast: Man arrested following reports a woman was raped in the Marlborough Road area of Gillingham
A man's been arrested following reports of a sex attack in Gillingham.An area was cordoned off by police earlier - hear from our reporter Sean McPolin who was there earlier.Also in today's podcast, The mum of a boy who died in a hit and run in Folkestone is calling for reforms to the justice system.Seven-year-old William Brown Jr was trying to collect a football from Sandgate Esplanade when he was struck last December.Almost 40 fines have been issued to food delivery riders in Canterbury after new rules came into force.The public spaces protection order bans riders from aggressive driving, ...
Parents are worried about the safety of their children as they're set to be banned from parking in a nearby village hall during the school run.They currently use the space in Wingham before taking pupils to the primary school - but from September, that won't be allowed to happen.Also on today's podcast, planning reforms, a new border security bill and re-nationalising rail firms are expected to be among the announcements in today's King's Speech.The Prime Minister's using the State Opening of Parliament to set out Labour's aims for Britain. We've been speaking to the new Tunbridge Wells MP,...
There are calls for a review of Dreamland's licence as it's emerged more than 20 teenagers ended up in hospital after a gig at the venue in Margate.A 17 year-old girl had died after attending a drum and bass event at Dreamland.Emily Stoke suffered from a suspected MDMA overdose - and it's now emerged 21 other teenagers also ended up in hospital.Also in today's podcast, Figures seen by KentOnline show a 70% rise in fines issued to parents in Kent for taking their children out of school.More than 13,000 penalty notices were handed out for unauthorised absences last year - up from around 7,700...
Video footage showing people risking their lives at level crossings has been released as part of a major safety campaign.It's after near misses in Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Gravesend and East Farleigh.Plans to scale back the number of children eligible for special needs places in Kent have been described as 'terrifying' by worried families.Kent County Council say there's an over-reliance on special school placements and want to change the admissions guidance so they're only for those with the most complex needs.A Medway man says he's been hounded by a gas company for seven month...
A teenager's been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two people were injured at a temple in Gravesend...Emergency crews were called to the Gurdwara just after 8pm last night - the air ambulance was also seen to land within the grounds off Saddington Street.Four people have died after their boat capsized in the English Channel as they attempted to cross to Kent.The French Coast Guard says 63 people were rescued off the coast of Boulogne. We've been getting reaction from Samphire Project the works with refugees in Dover.A couple have told the podcast their damp, cold and mouldy f...
A mum has praised her son for saving her from a fire at their home near Dartford.The blaze broke out in a bedroom of the property on Capel Place in Wilmington, setting off the smoke alarms.Loren Ringshall has lived there for 16 years and initially attempted to fight the flames, before being dragged to safety. She's been speaking to reporter Ben Austin.More than a thousand days after major work started on the redesign of the Stockbury roundabout drivers can now use the new flyover.One lane, heading Maidstone bound, opens today - then a lane in the Sittingbourne direction opens tomorrow.A for...
Frustrated neighbours say “rude and lazy” school-run parents are making their lives hell by parking and driving recklessly.Residents in Ashford say vehicles are regularly left on double-yellow lines, across dropped kerbs and even on driveways by people dropping children at the nearby schools. Also on today’s podcast, a cleaner at a school in Sandwich who was signed off work has told of her shock at being sacked by text message.She’d been on sick leave with anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome - but was told via WhatsApp that her P45 was in the post. The long wait to use a £92 million flyover for...
The son of a Gravesend man who was attacked by an XL Bully says he was one bite from death. The 69-year-old suffered injuries to his arms, legs, shoulder and upper thigh after being mauled by the animal while on his evening walk. Also in today’s podcast, police have had to cordon off a town centre street after a man and a woman were found dead.Emergency services were called to The Butchery in Sandwich after concerns were raised for two pensioners.Furious residents say housebuilding has spiralled out of control as 1,500 homes are planned across just 1.5 square miles of Ashford.An application...