Episodes
A woman who attacked her sister-in-law at a family gathering in Deal has avoided being sent to prison.A court was told the defendant had drunk prosecco and half a bottle of Baileys before punching and kicking her victim on Boxing Day in 2021.Also in today's podcast, investigations are continuing following a huge fire at a listed house near Maidstone.At its height, 50 firefighters were tackling the blaze in Hunton after it broke out on Friday night. We've spoken to one of the residents.From today, parents dropping off their children to schools in parts of Medway will face a fine if they driv...
Podcast: Campaigners angry after plans for surf lagoon and hotel at country park were given go-ahead
Controversial plans for a surfing lagoon and accommodation at a Kent country park have been given the go-ahead.Campaigners say the development at Betteshanger will cause damage to rare plants and animals that live on the site.Ahead of a crackdown on vehicles outside schools in Medway, a Chatham mum has hit out at not being given an exemption permit.The School Streets scheme will ban cars from certain roads near primary schools during drop-off and pick-up times from Monday.The parents of a seven-year-old girl who died trying to cross the Channel to Kent say people smugglers do not see them '...
A Rochester teenager has had life-saving surgery after suffering a stroke.18-year-old Rhys Foskett had to be put in an induced coma after collapsing last month, and is now having to learn to walk and talk again.The human rights watchdog says efforts to tackle violence by police against women and girls require "urgent improvement".Last week an inquiry found Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Couzens, from Deal, should never have allowed to serve as an officer.An independent inquiry is underway into the deaths of at least 27 people in the Channel.They lost their lives attempting to cross from Franc...
There are calls for younger children to be better educated on the danger of knives after an eight-year-old boy was threatened in Margate.He was in the canteen at Cliftonville Primary School when another pupil held a piece of cutlery to his throat.Campaigners have been reacting to the Chancellor's Budget after he set out the government's spending plans.Jeremy Hunt announced a 2p cut to National Insurance, a new tax on vapes and a freeze on fuel duty.It is feared it could cost millions of pounds to clean up waste from an illegal dumping scandal on Sheppey.Hundreds of lorry-loads of rubbish wa...
Bosses at a bar in Ashford have made a U-turn on their decision to go cashless after some customers said they would not go back.The Glass House opened in the Lower High Street in 2018 and management recently announced the move on socials.A Kent homelessness charity is warning lives could be lost as funding for their services is set to be cut.Porchlight say they will be losing out on around a million pounds a year which could mean closing some of their hostels.The government's Rwanda bill has suffered five defeats in the House of Lords.It means it will now go backwards and forwards between b...
A Canterbury man says he's faced a seven-month battle after receiving a water bill for more than £3,200.It's because of a leak outside his Airbnb property in Whitstable.A leading Kent charity is again calling for safe and legal routes for refugees after a seven-year-old girl died while trying to cross from northern France.The boat she was in capsized with 16 people in board.A Kent campaigner is calling for paid leave for parents who lose a baby in early pregnancy. Keeley Lengthorn suffered three miscarriages in three years, but she wasn't entitled to any time off after her son George was s...
People living in part of Hythe are calling for closer monitoring of water levels after a canal burst its banks and flooded their homes.More than 10 properties in Romney Way have been affected this week.Parents are going to extreme lengths to get their child into a good school in Kent - including lying about where they live.Some families have rented properties but not lived in them, while others have used relatives' addresses.It comes as thousands of Year Six pupils across Kent find out which secondary school they have got a place at for September.Letters and emails are being sent out to par...
Parents have paid tribute to an “inquisitive little lad” who died after his head became lodged in a medical bed that had been delivered to his home the previous day.Four-year-old Ethan Wade was discovered by his father the morning after the first night in his new bed at their home in Chatham.Also in today's podcast, an inquiry has found convicted murderer Wayne Couzens should never have been given a job as a police officer and chances to stop the sexual predator were repeatedly ignored and missed.A new report has found police – including Kent’s force – “failed” to spot warning signs about h...
A former landlord has told how his life running the pub he called home was “destroyed” by three drunken customers who broke his arm in a shocking attack.The grandfather says the Margate pub “was never the same” for him and his wife after the “horrific” attack. Also in today's podcast, new data shows more than 280-thousand illegal vapes were seized in Kent last year - but not a single fine was issued.We've had the highest number out of more than 150 local authorities across the country with many of the vapes coming through the Port of Dover. A scrap metal dealer has admitted theft after bein...
A father-of-two from Tunbridge Wells has been attacked by three people in his own home after he asked his neighbours to keep the noise down. He answered the door to three people who assaulted him in front of his children. Also in today's podcast, residents says faulty technology and a staff shortage are causing the only Post Office in a Kent area to become a joke.The service has come under fire for "beyond acceptable" waiting times. Angry villagers say “diabolical” plans for a new housing estate would destroy a picturesque view across the Kent countryside.Residents also fear local roads won...
Tributes are being paid to 16-year-old Alisha Marie, who has died in a crash on the A249 between Sittingbourne and Maidstone.A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured when a vehicle overturned on Saturday night, and a 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.Also in today’s episode, rail passengers are facing a week of disruption after a landslip closed the line between Rainham and Sittingbourne.The six-mile stretch will be shut for the next seven days as engineers work to stabilise the slippage at Newington.After marking the second anniversary of t...
Drivers are being warned to expect major disruption as a section of the A249 is going to be closed for the next five weeks.The southbound stretch will be shut between the Stockbury Roundabout and Church Hill as part of ongoing work to improve the M2 junction.Also in today's podcast, ahead of the sentencing of an asylum seeker charged with manslaughter, we talk to a specialist prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service. Ibrahima Bah piloted an “overloaded and vulnerable” dinghy across the English Channel on which four people drowned - he's in court today. A drunk thug spotted driving thr...
It's been revealed a railway station in Kent that was once dubbed a 'mugger's paradise' is going to be staffed seven days a week.Southeastern have given an update on Thanet Parkway which cost £44m to build and is based in Cliffsend which is between Ramsgate and Margate.Also in today's podcast, a significant change has come into force today for parents who've lost a baby. For the first time, bereaved mums and dad's who's child died before 24 weeks of pregnancy will be able to apply for formal acknowledgement. We've been speaking to Keeley Lengthorn who is an ambassador for Medway baby loss ...
Kent shopping centres, police stations and supermarkets are among the latest places to be hit by YouTube 'auditors'.The latest online craze sees people asserting their rights to take photos and film on public land - and sometimes getting into a scrap with security guards. Hear from Chris Britcher who's been looking into this for a special report on KentOnline.Also in today's podcast, research has found more than half of people on Universal Credit here in the south east are unable to afford enough food to last the month.The study has been done by The Trussell Trust who are urging the governm...
There are plans to expand a grammar school in Ashford which has become so overcrowded some pupils are having to study in the dining hall.The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys' grammar based on Hythe Road in the town and most recent figures from December show 1,252 pupils go there - including 239 who are in the mixed-gender sixth form.Also in today's podcast, it's been confirmed our council tax bill in Kent will be going up.Authority bosses have approved a near 5% hike as they attempt to balance the books for the next financial year.A Larkfield family say they've been battling for two years...
An inquest into the death of a "gentle and caring" dad-of-six who was tragically swept out to sea by a riptide has heard he was cooling off after a gym session. Matthew Collins entered the water with a friend at Broadstairs when they got into trouble. Also in today's podcast, there are claims the introduction of ANPR cameras at a village hall car park in west Kent has had the unintended knock-on effect of putting children’s lives at risk.Parents on the school run who used to use the car par are now parking illegally and dangerously to avoid getting a ticket. Residents say an “alleyway from ...
The owners of a pie and mash shop in Margate have hit back after receiving a critical review on Facebook.The reviewer criticised the quality of his meal and the service - saying it took 20 minutes for his order to be taken.Now, the owners of Lucy's have suggested that any diner who has a problem speaks to them face-to-face.Also in today's podcast, maternity services at a Kent hospital have been rated inadequate - after inspectors found cases of emergency c-sections being delayed and women suffering major blood loss.They have issued a damning report into the unit at Tunbridge Wells hospital ...
Large patches of red paint on roads in Herne Bay as part of a new 20 mile per hour zone have been branded 'ugly and lurid'.The markings have appeared at nine junctions in the town.The boss of a dairy farm near Dover has been telling us about the huge financial impact of the Bluetongue outbreak.A control zone's been in force after the virus was identified in cows in Canterbury back in November.12,000 people have now signed a petition calling for courses at the University of Kent to be saved.Last month we told you a consultation's underway into plans to stop running nine of them - and cutting...
A mother from Larkfield ended up being the last to know her daughter had died after her landline was mistakenly disconnected.Sheila Plank from Martin Square had first reported the problem to BT in January. Over the next six weeks the 88-year-old still wasn't able to make or receive any calls.Sheila's other daughter Sharon has spoken to the podcast and is demanding an apology.Also in today's episode, staff at branches of The Body Shop in Kent are facing uncertainty after the UK arm went into administration.There are eight stores in the county which will continue trading for now. We've been g...
Sevenoaks has been named as the worst station for people commuting to London. It's been ranked on things like performance, frequency, speed and value of peak time services.Also in today's podcast, you can hear the story of a Kent man who was held hostage in Iraq for nearly four months. Barry Manners says the UK government still has questions to answer. A stunned neighbour has told the KentOnline Podcast of the moment she heard a giant bang as an out-of-control car smashed into a block of flats.The dramatic moment the vehicle sped across a green space in front of her home in East Malling ha...
An inquest has heard how faded road markings and a twisted give way sign may have contributed to the tragic crash deaths of a young man and his pregnant girlfriend.Josh Alexander and Jessica Poole were killed in the accident at a crossroads near Ashford last June. Also in today's podcast, a man has shed tears as he's formally cleared of stalking his ex-girlfriend after a video filmed on his phone helped to "undermine" her accusations.The Whitstable man had been arrested and charged with harassing the woman over a four-week period following a break-up.It's been suggested opening a Primark s...
An A&E crisis engulfing two Kent hospital trusts saw an elderly woman with dementia endure a “dehumanising” three-day wait for a bed.Emergency departments across the county last month reported a record number of patients experiencing delays of 12 hours or more before being admitted to a ward.Also in today's podcast, an asylum seeker who has resorted to sleeping under a rowing boat on a Kent beach is warning others “Don’t come here - the system is broken”.Alaa Eldin is from Syria, he was left homeless and penniless after his application for asylum was struck out. There are concerns plans to ...
A Medway mum has told the podcast she fears for her son's future, because he's been left without a school place.Five-year-old Louie has learning difficulties and autism. He was due to go to Abbey Court in Strood but it's now been revealed there aren't enough teachers. Kelly Smith says it is an awful situation.Also in today's episode, we've got reaction next to news that parking charges are set to increase to as much as £3.70 an hour in some of Kent's coastal towns.Canterbury City Council are looking at putting up prices as well as scrapping free parking concessions in parts of Herne Bay and...
A house on the Isle of Sheppey has become a bit of a local tourist attraction after the owner turned the back garden into a town from the Wild West.Stephen Smart has dedicated the last 25 years to building a saloon, jailhouse, bank and even undertakers at the property on Minster Road. Reporter Megan Carr has been to meet him.Also in today's podcast, work on a business park in Medway could be paused, as big name tenants like Netflix fail to commit.The council have spent more than £11 million getting Innovation Park off the ground but so far they haven't attracted any big business.The King's ...
A woman found dead in Ashford leading to a large part of the town centre being cordoned off has been named.Chelsea Louise was discovered in the Lower High Street last month. Her brother has paid tribute to the 'a funny, lively ray of sunshine'.Also in today's podcast, the government has turned down a bid by bosses in Medway to increase council tax above the current maximum 4.99% that's allowed.The authority had been hoping to up bills in a bid to balance the books as they look to overturn a funding shortfall. Hear from council leader Vince Maple.More than 60,000 speeding fines have been iss...
There have been tributes for a young jockey who died in a tragic accident at a Kent racecourse.The 25-year-old has been taking part in in the final event at Charing yesterday when he was thrown from his horse. Also in today's podcast, public health officials in Kent are warning parents to make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date amid a worrying rise in measles cases. The UK Health Security Agency has declared a ‘national incident’ with hundreds of cases recorded across the country. Controversial plans to transform a million-pound property in Gravesend into houses has been appr...
A Canterbury woman who rescued an XL Bully now has nine of them, after the surprise arrival of a litter of puppies.The breed has now been banned which means they cannot legally be sold or given away.Also in today's episode, there are concerns for the future of a foodbank in Sittingbourne as the building it is in could be demolished.Phoenix House has fallen into disrepair and Kent County Council want to knock it down or sell it to save money.The KentOnline Podcast has been told there has been a dramatic increase in the number of pets being dumped since Christmas.The RSPCA say the cost of liv...
A Medway dog walker has described their “pure shock” after part of a huge tree hit him when it came tumbling down onto a road during a storm.The horse chestnut had already been reported to council by residents as "dangerous" years ago but nothing had been done. Also in today's podcast, the top floor of a closed town centre car park could be torn off in a last-ditch effort to reopen the site.Council bosses are doing what they can to get the 300-space site in Ashford back up and running after stalactites formed on the ceiling. Kent Police are reminding us there's no excuse for speeding, as fi...
Angry residents have packed into a public meeting in Herne Bay to have their say on a controversial seafront traffic scheme.The debate comes amid a huge backlash to a £250,000 project to create a “Spanish-style” plaza along Central Parade. Also in today's podcast, hear from a woman living in a new-build block of flats in Herne Bay who's been staying in a hotel after a faulty light fitting sparked a huge fire.All the tenants were evacuated and put up in temporary accommodation, where some remain as they face a three-month wait for repairs to take place.Furious villagers have slammed “outrage...
Restaurant owners who have been criticised for not paying staff on time have apologised and said they are doing everything they can to fix things.The business in Aylesford closed last month and several employees have claimed they are owed thousands of pounds in wages, dating back to December.Also in today's podcast, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned the Rwanda asylum bill is “leading the nation down a damaging path”.The policy has cleared its first major hurdle in the House of Lords, but Justin Welby has accused the Government of outsourcing the country’s “legal and moral responsibili...