KentOnline

A man who had been living off-grid in north Kent for more than 30 years, says he feels 'absolutely dead' after his property was demolished. Bob Thwaites had called a caravan on Swanscombe Peninsula home since 1991, but the structure - and everything inside - has been levelled to the ground by the landowners of the site. Also on today's podcast, a dangerous driver who led police on a 20 minute chase after refusing to stop in Edenbridge has been jailed. The 23-year-old was spotted acting suspiciously on Mont St Aignan Way last month and followed into south London. The chief executive of South East Water has resigned. David Hinton has been under fire since water outages affected thousands of customers in Kent before and after the new year. A Faversham man who lost both of his parents to brain tumours has revealed how it's now inspired his career. Ollie Payne's dad passed away when he was just seven and his mum died just five weeks after being diagnosed 10 years later. And, events are being held in Kent to mark David Attenborough's 100th birthday. The broadcaster has worked on more than 100 nature documentaries during his career, which spans across eight decades. Hear from pupils near Ashford who are among those celebrating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A teenage motorcyclist who died in a crash near Sittingbourne has been described as the 'kindest of souls'. Oliver Tarvit collided with a VW transporter while riding along Lower Road in Tonge last month. The 17 year-old's parents have now vowed to improve the safety of the 60 mile per hour road. Also in today's podcast, a union's warning staff at Darent Valley Hospital are struggling to maintain safe hygiene standards because of a water supply issue. A fault in the heating system means taps in a large part of the building in Dartford have been deemed contaminated since last week. UNISON claims patients are being put at risk. Hear from their south east regional secretary and the interim chief executive of the hospital. Victims of domestic abuse in Maidstone are being given an easier way of accessing mental health support. A new pilot will see experts working alongside volunteers at a drop-in hub. Bosses at a Kent shopping centre say they're now at 100 percent occupancy, just a year after taking over the site. The Forum in Sittingbourne was struggling with nine empty units before Vanguard Properties UK Ltd bought it for £2.4 million. It's now full and average weekly footfall is up 24%. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People living next to a building site in Medway say their lives have been made a misery by dust. The first phase of the Capstone Oaks development off North Dane Way in Lordswood will have 91 homes, but neighbours in Hampshire Close and Barleymow Close have complained. Hear from one of them who says construction noise is also an issue. We've also got a response from developers. Also in today's podcast, the Dartford MP has told us that lessons need to be learnt - after a major water supply issue at a Kent hospital. Patients and staff have been told not to drink or wash in water from taps in a large part of Darent Valley. The air ambulance charity covering Kent has raised serious concerns about the impact of the Iran war on the cost of fuel for their helicopters. Bosses say aviation fuel has risen by 63% since the start of the conflict which means the organisation is having to find an extra £25,000 a month to fly life-saving missions. Three lions have arrived at an animal park in Kent as part of a vital breeding programme. There are currently less than 600 Asiatic lions left in the world and Theo, Rakesh and Thor are settling into life at Wingham Wildlife Park. MD Tony Binskin has been chatting to us. And, the line up for this year's Pride event in Canterbury has been confirmed. It's celebrating its 10th anniversary and will return to the city's Dane John Gardens after they underwent a renovation. Hear from Jon Fitter-Harding who is one of the organisers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Hythe man who stole thousands of pounds from his dad and secretly arranged his cremation without telling his family has appeared in court. Richard Avery had been estranged from dad George for 20 years, and took cash from his bank account within days of his death in 2022. The 56 year-old from Battery Point admitted fraud by false representation. Also on today's podcast, hear the moment a man was kicked out of a Canterbury City Council meeting just days after being convicted of harassing a councillor. Kenneth Little narrowly avoided being issued with a restraining order after appearing in court recently. Campaigners fighting to reopen a derelict cinema in Deal have staged a protest while dressed as Star Wars characters. The Regent building has been empty since 2008 and recent plans to redevelop the site fell through. A Kent mum's told the podcast how she's determined not to let her son's deafness define who he is as a person. David from Hythe was born during covid and failed his newborn hearing screening - he was eventually diagnosed with complex bilateral hearing loss at six months old. Mum Tracey Washington immediately learnt sign language and 6 year-old David's recently been fitted with implants. In sport, it was a win for Gillingham over the bank holiday weekend - finishing the season on a high. They beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 at Priestfield on Saturday - ending the campaign 17th in league two. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three teenagers who killed a man on a Sheppey beach are starting a total of 19 years in custody. The group attacked Alexander Cashford two days after he'd met one of them by chance in an arcade in Leysdown last August. They accused the 49-year-old from Rainham of being a paedophile, he was then hit with a bottle and pelted with rocks. Also in today's podcast, the chair of South East Water has resigned as a group of MPs say they have no confidence in the company's leaders. Chris Train has stepped down following a report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee. We've got reaction from Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin. The leader of Kent County Council says the learning curve has been "enormous" after Reform UK took control of the authority. It's been exactly a year since we voted in local elections. Linden Kemkaran has been speaking to the local democracy reporting service. A Kent homelessness charity is welcoming the new Renters' Rights Act which has come into force today. It gives private tenants more protection and bans so-called no fault evictions. Hear from Tom Neumark who is the chief executive of Canterbury based Porchlight. Rochester is set to welcome thousands of visitors this weekend for the annual Sweeps festival. It's one of the largest May Day celebrations of its kind - and will see Morris dancers and groups from around the world performing in the high street. A walk among the bluebells in Halling is taking place this weekend in memory of a little girl who died from a brain tumour. Seven-year-old Sofia Le Brunn-Healey passed away in March last year, after being diagnosed in November 2023. And in sport,  it's Gillingham's final game of the season this weekend. They're welcoming Shrewsbury Town to Priestfield tomorrow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A woman has been ordered to repaint her home after being told the current bright blue shade is 'unsympathetic' with a conservation area in Deal. Mary Kenny had spent more than £3,000 having the property in West Street decorated but has now received a letter from the council. She has been speaking to our reporter Louis Walker. Also on today's podcast, an investigation has found a knife attack might have been prevented if a man had received better mental health care in Kent. A 31-year-old stabbed another man just a month after being discharged from the care of the Kent and Medway NHS Social Care Partnership Trust in 2020. An ombudsman has found a series of failings by the Trust in the 12 months leading up to the stabbing. Hear from the chief executive of the ombudsman and the patient's mother. A lorry driver who lured a teenage girl into his cab in Greenhithe before attacking her has been jailed. The suspect was identified after being arrested for another offence and his DNA uploaded to a database. A pilot facility has been set up in Kent to turn waste plastic into sustainable aviation fuel. Clean Planet Technologies are researching ways of using materials that can't be recycled to power planes in a more environmentally-friendly way. They've opened a site at the Discovery Park in Sandwich. And in sport, Gillingham striker Sam Vokes has spoken about his decision to retire. The 36-year-old signed for the Gills last summer and has scored three times in 35 appearances. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People living in part of Sheppey think a person armed with a catapult is responsible for a campaign of attacks on property and vehicles. Neighbours in Nautilus Drive and Nautilus Close say they've suffered smashed windows and broken windscreens over the past three weeks. Ball bearings and marbles have been discovered in the rubble. Also in today's podcast, you can hear from two mum's from Whitstable who've developed a new program to help children whose parents are separated or divorced. Tara Flynn and Kim Rojas-Powell say many youngsters don't meet the threshold for support and are falling through the cracks. A new music school has opened in Swanley for teenagers with special needs. SupaJam has moved into the former NatWest building following an £800,000 renovation. A married couple who've run a shop in Snodland for 25 years have announced they're retiring. Theresa and Francis Britto say they've enjoyed serving the community through their business at the Papermakers Arms in Constitution Hill. Reporter Elli Hodgson has been to meet them. And in sport, Gillingham have decided to cancel their end of season awards ceremony. It was due to take place following their final match of the campaign against Shrewsbury Town at Priestfield on Saturday. Some fans had called for the event not to go ahead following a disappointing season in league two with the side currently 18th. We've got reaction from Matt who runs the Gills in the Blood YouTube channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The former manager of a pub in Dartford has been jailed for fraud after taking more than £100,000 from the business. A court heard how the 33-year-old repeatedly failed to deposit all the weekend earnings from The Clipper at the bank. Hear from our reporter who covered the case in court. Also in today's podcast, a court's heard how masked raiders stole £140,000 worth of motorbikes from a warehouse in Medway, after a loading bay was left open by an employee. The gang of 12 targeted Noatum Logistics on the Isle of Grain in July last year. A water company's admitted releasing untreated sewage into rivers and seas across north Kent. The Environment Agency charged Southern Water with releasing debris, diesel and waste into waterways at various times over a three year period. People living near an inland border facility in Kent say their gardens and properties are still being damaged by lorries going the wrong way. The Sevington site in Ashford became operational in 2021 and was given permanent status last December. A river crossing in Gravesend has been restored, completing a section of the world's longest coastal path. The £80,000 swing bridge on Gordon Promenade East near the canal basin connects one side of the town to the other. An event supporting grassroots artists in Kent is returning for a second year. The Dover Summer Series will see various up-and-coming musicians perform at The Booking Hall between May and July. And in sport, Gillingham's Sam Vokes has announced his retirement. The 36-year-old striker has confirmed the Gills' final game of the season against Shrewsbury on Saturday will be his last in professional football. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Strood woman has been banned from Bluewater after being found with £5,000 worth of stolen goods. Sonia Virdi, 36, of Cooling Road was caught on CCTV stealing from stores including New Look, Pull and Bear and River Island in November and December last year. Also in today's podcast, a man suspected of stealing a phone from a child has been caught, after jumping out of a window in Maidstone as he tried to avoid police. Sean McFetridge - who's 43 and from Yalding Hill - was escaping as officers entered a property in Hope Street on April 17th. A man who started taking ketamine when he was just 14 has issued a stark warning to other young people as he recovers at a facility in Kent. Use of the drug has been growing - particularly among young people. At his worst, Joel Booker was taking around 14 grams of the substance a day which left him with serious bladder damage. He's been speaking about the treatment he's received at Kenward Trust in Yalding. An appeal has been launched by a Medway charity as they look to raise money after their funding was cut. Whoo Cares is based on the Hoo Peninsula and helps residents with things like medical appointments, housing and benefits, and community activities. And in sport, Gareth Ainsworth says he's experienced his worst day as Gillingham manager. They were beaten 6-2 at Barnet in league two on Saturday. The home side needed a win to be in with a chance of pushing for the play-offs while the Gills were playing for pride after a disappointing season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A thug has avoided jail after knocking a celebrity DJ unconscious in a shocking attack caught on camera at a Kent gig. Mobile phone footage shows the moment Zack Bradley punched fellow disc-jockey Fat Tony to the floor at The Lido in Cliftonville drawing gasps from the crowd as the music cuts out. Also in today's podcast, a couple with three young children, including a 10-week-old baby, have told of their heartbreak after they “lost everything” in a house fire. Jodie Pashley and Craig Harker's home in Margate, went up in flames earlier this month, and have been living in a hotel ever since. You can hear from a former Kent soldier who suffered with his mental health after losing colleagues in the line of duty who is making final preparations to run the London marathon. Oli Aspinall from Gillingham worked in bomb disposal - and says while he didn't lose any limbs, he lost his mind. A Kent college is open to visitors this weekend, offering a rare opportunity to see lambs being born.  Thousands of people are expected at the annual Lambing Weekend at Hadlow College in Tonbridge.  And in football, with just two games of the season left, its a trip to Barnet for Gillingham this weekend. The visitors are playing for pride following a disappointing season - while the home side are pushing for the play-offs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are calls for parking charges introduced in part of Sheppey to be scrapped, because of the impact it's having on local businesses. Traders in Queenborough say they've noticed a drop in footfall since the start of the month when motorists were made to pay. Also in today's pocdast, the Government's due to sign a new multimillion pound deal with France in an attempt to stop small boat Channel crossings to Kent. It'll see hundreds more police and military personnel deployed to French beaches. More than 41,000 people made the journey last year - beating previous records. We've got reaction from refugee charity Care4Calais. A Kent chemotherapy nurse is leading a rally outside the Houses of Parliament today, calling for the age when women first have a mammogram to be lowered, Routine screenings currently start between 50 and 53, but Gemma Reeves wants it reduced to 40. A Whitstable dad says he's been inspired to help others with Tourette Syndrome after watching I Swear. The Bafta winning film tells the story of a man living with the condition. Hear from Frankie Lowe who was only diagnosed last year despite having tics since he was a child. Community celebrations are taking place across Gravesham and Dartford today to mark Saint George's Day. Hundreds of children from more than 20 schools will be taking part in the festivities which include parades and live entertainment. And in sport, the Maidstone United manager has praised his squad after their victory in the Kent Senior Cup final last night. They beat Tonbridge Angels 2-0 at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium - despite going down to ten men in the second half. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A hearing has been told the headteacher of a school near Canterbury took her own life amid fears she was developing dementia. Alison Higgins had worked at Barham Primary for 10 years before her death, and was described as thoughtful, supporting and caring. Also in today's podcast, the head of a special needs school in Kent has warned they may be forced to make redundancies following a lower than expected funding increase. Five Acre Wood School, in Maidstone, supports nearly 900 students with severe and complex needs. They have received a 1% per-pupil uplift in cash from Kent County Council, but that doesn't account for rising inflation or additional cost pressures. Hear from the head teacher and the response from the local authority. The mother of a young cyclist who was killed in a collision with a bin lorry in Swanley is calling for improved safety measures. 19-year-old Jack Bruce died following the crash on Swanley Lane in September 2021. Investigations from the family's legal team found the refuse truck had one of its mirrors poorly adjusted, and had indicated only moments before. The MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey has led a debate in the Commons over the future of the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery. The vessel sank off the coast of Sheppey in 1944 and government contractors have now been appointed to remove the masts following safety concerns. A Medway woman is still living in a Premier Inn, six months after a car crashed into her home. Jill Robson has been staying at the hotel at Medway Valley Park since the vehicle damaged the front of her property on Cuxton Road last October. And, in sport Maidstone United face Tonbridge Angels in the final of the Kent Senior Cup tonight. The game is taking place at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been confirmed a former cinema in Canterbury will need to be completely demolished following a devastating fire. The blaze broke out at the Odeon in St George's Place on Valentine's Day. Hear from Louise Jones-Roberts who is the owner of Tokyo Tea Rooms which is based next door and has been closed since the fire started. Also in today's podcast, a Kent woman who was misdiagnosed with a birth injury, has been praised in parliament for the work she's done to train midwives. Joanne Page suffered a fourth degree tear while having her baby at the William Harvey Hospital. A petition to save a First World War tank in Ashford Town Centre from being relocated has already reached more than 1,400 signatures. The armoured vehicle was gifted to the town in 1919 and has sat in St George's Square ever since. A Herne Bay man has completed a challenge to run from his local pub to the Eiffel Tower. Fin Dale managed to complete the 212 miles to Paris in just two weeks. And in sport, former Maidstone United manager John Still has taken on a new role. The 75-year-old has been appointed head of football at National League South club Chelmsford City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Dover family have told the KentOnline Podcast they want to return to their old life, after a devastating fire forced them out of their home. It's exactly a year since a blaze broke out in Conqueror House on Crabble Hill. 37 households were forced to move into temporary accommodation and 21 are still there as repair work continues. Also in today's episode, a teenager from Swanscombe who needs a mobility scooter to get around has revealed how a collision left him scared to go out. Josh Howell suffered extensive bruising when it happened and has spoken out as new stats reveal the number of crashes in the south east involving mobility scooters. A Kent environmentalist says a 300-metre scar has been cut through a vital reed bed following a fire. Crews were called to Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, off Sandwich Road, just after eight last night. For the first time in two months, steam trains are now able to run from Tunbridge Wells through to Groombridge. The Spa Valley Railway reopened over the weekend after a major project to install a new bridge on the route. Football, and it was a disappointing result for Gillingham at the weekend. They lost 4-1 to Grimsby Town at Priestfield. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Herne Bay woman has spoken of the moment she was left covered in black paint just minutes before walking down the aisle to get married. Gemma Monk's £1,300 dress was ruined as she prepared to tie the knot at Oakwood House in Maidstone. She'd been targeted by her 49-year-old sister-in-law who'd turned up unannounced to the ceremony and has now been sentenced after appearing in court. Also in today's podcast, students are being encouraged to come forward for a second dose of vaccine, following a deadly outbreak of Meningitis in Kent. Two young people died and 34 were hospitalised after cases spread last month. A day of action's being held in Kent this weekend by campaigners fighting plans for three new solar farms. Hands Off Our Marsh say it would be devastating to see panels installed on hundreds of acres of prime farmland across Romney Marsh. A huge parade will be making its way through Gravesend this weekend as part of Vaisakhi celebrations. The festival marks the solar new year and the founding of the initiated Sikh community in 1699. Thousands of people are expected to take part and it'll leave the Gurdwara just after 11am on Saturday. And in sport, Gillingham's assistant manager is going to be stepping out of the dugout as he takes on a new role at the club. Richard Dobson has been appointed the club's technical director. He'll be in charge of the recruitment department, sports science and medical along with the GFC Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tributes have been paid to a 'beautiful and loving mum' from Maidstone who died from natural causes after travelling to Turkey for a cosmetic surgery procedure. The hearing at Oakwood House was told Cally Oswell went into cardiac arrest while having breast augmentation in Istanbul. The 37-year-old from Livingston Walk in Park Wood suffered a blood clot while having the surgery. Also in today's episode, the KentOnline Podcast has been told a huge blaze which caused catastrophic damage to a recycling centre in Ashford was caused by a lithium-ion battery. Crews in ten engines, a height vehicle and two water carriers were called to Green Box Recycling Centre in Brunswick Road last Tuesday. Hear from the company's managing director. The lead singer of tribute band says he's 'devastated' after thousands of pounds worth of their equipment was stolen. It was in a van that was taken from outside a venue Supersonic Queen were performing at during the Easter Weekend. We've been speaking to Freddie Mercury impersonator Phil Copping from Tonbridge who is the lead singer. And, cows have been reintroduced at a country park in Kent as part of a conservation grazing project. The cattle arrived at Jeskyns Community Woodland, near Cobham, earlier this month and it's hoped they will also help support the local skylark population, and boost visitor numbers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Police investigating the death of a 19-year-old in Whitstable have charged two men with murder. Officers had been called to reports of an assault in Belmont Road in the early hours of Good Friday, Ashton Harrington had suffered stab wounds and died at the scene. As part of the investigation, officers arrested two people at a property in Sittingbourne on Monday afternoon. Also in today's podcast, after the boss of South East Water revealed he won't be accepting his bonus this year, the KentOnline Podcast has been told it's the least he can do. David Hinton issued a statement after being quizzed by MPs for the second time about major outages in December and January. Hear from Tunbridge Wells rep Mike Martin whose constituents were affected by water issues before Christmas. A Medway MP has joined a campaign for tighter alcohol restrictions on delivery apps following the death of a local man. Glenn Perkins died after being admitted to hospital with liver disease after spending up to £60 a day on drink which he ordered straight to his front door. Roads bosses in Kent are being urged to put in the 'strongest possible bid' for money to fix a road in north Kent that's been closed since a landslip. Traffic hasn't been able to use Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe since a large chunk fell away in April 2023. In sport, it was a disappointing result for Gillingham on the road last night. Ronan Hale scored early on for the Gills at Cheltenham Town, but two second half goals from the hosts saw the match end 2 - 1. Hear from the goal-scorer and manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The boss of South East Water has been back at parliament to be questioned by MPs following recent outages in Tunbridge Wells. Dave Hinton has been accused of giving incomplete and inaccurate evidence at a previous hearing. It comes as the company say they will look at increasing the amount of compensation on offer for some of the businesses impacted. We've got reaction from Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin. Also in today's podcast, council bosses in Kent have confirmed they have sold off a sculpture by a world famous artist, to raise income. 'Two Stones' by Antony Gormley - who's the man behind the Angel of the North - had been on display outside the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone for more than a decade. Hear from Maidstone Council leader Stuart Jeffery who isn't happy the artwork has gone. A man who subjected his Folkestone partner to three months of angry, aggressive and intimidating behaviour has avoided going to prison. A court heard how the 28 year-old bombarded his victim with calls and messages, tracked her movements and cut her off from her loved ones. Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has revealed he plans on selling his Kent home, because he can't live the life he used to. The 61-year-old, who lives in Biddenden, was sacked by the BBC last July following an investigation into misconduct allegations. And in sport, Gillingham will be looking to go four games unbeaten in league two tonight as they travel to take on Cheltenham Town. It follows Saturday's nil-nil draw against promotion-chasing Salford City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A mother has spoken of her horror after a freak fall at school left her son with a fractured skull and bleed on the brain. The five year-old spent a week in two different hospitals following the accident before half-term – his mum has now pulled him out of the school because she's so unhappy with how staff dealt with the incident. Also in today's podcast, a drunk bus passenger who verbally abused a police officer with highly offensive racial slurs has been jailed. Maidstone Crown Court heard a bus driver was forced to pull over and call for help to deal with the disruptive, threatening and aggressive 47-year-old on board his vehicle. A young woman from Kent is campaigning for more women and girls to know the symptoms of Endometriosis. The 22-year-old says she was dismissed by multiple doctors after suffering severe period pain and exhaustion as a teenager. We've spoken to a Kent tradeswoman about what it's like to set up a female-only business in a male-dominated industry.  The boss of Dartford's The Shutter Tree says there are a lot of reasons why people prefer a woman to do the job.  And in football, Gillingham's goalless draw at Salford City gave manager Gareth Ainsworth another boost as he plans ahead for next season. The point for the Gills came after a thrilling finish which saw Glenn Morris make a double save to deny Salford a late winner – you can hear his reaction to the game.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former partners of a carer from Sittingbourne whose lies sent an innocent man to prison, have spoken of their own ordeals after she was jailed. Lauren Kinrade made false allegations against a 71-year-old cancer patient who she was meant to be looking after. Her victim was arrested and spent three months behind bars as a result of her claims. Last month 35-year-old Kinrade from Pembury Court admitted perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to four years. Also in today's podcast, help is being offered to hundreds of parents who are scrambling to find somewhere for their children to go after the Easter break following the closure of a school in Ramsgate. St Lawrence College has been struggling financially and recently abandoned plans to merge with another private school, Dover College. Two burglars from East London have been jailed following a high-speed police chase on the Thanet Way. Officers were pursuing a Porsche which had been stolen from a property in Birchington in January. The car crashed into a Tesla and the men tried to run away through woodland. A meeting's been held to discuss plans to repair and reopen a road in north Kent - three years after a landslip. Residents in Swanscombe say they're fed up with traffic diverting and causing disruption following the closure of Galley Hill Road. And, Mimi Webb's told us she's already working on a third album. The Canterbury-born singer is back in the studio after only just releasing the deluxe edition of Confessions: An Unexpected Turn of Events. It includes five new tracks including Ends in Y which sees her riding a horse in the video. In sport, Gillingham have extended the contract of fan favourite Bradley Dack. The 32-year-old will be staying until the end of next season. Hear from him and manager Gareth Ainsworth ahead of their trip to promotion chasing Salford City this weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The mum of a young man who was stabbed to death in Whitstable has told us she won't rest until she gets justice for her son. Ashton Harrington was found in Belmont Road in the town in the early hours of Good Friday. The 19-year-old's mum Camille has been speaking to our reporter Gerry Warren who joins us on the podcast. Also in today's episode, a drug dealer from Tunbridge Wells has been jailed after police found him trying to destroy a mobile phone by flushing it down the toilet. Police attended 28-year-old Sabinson Selimaj's property in Scotts Way last October as part on ongoing enquiries into cocaine supply in the area. Kent Police has been praised by national inspectors for the work they do in schools to tackle knife crime. A report's been released showing improvements in the overall efficiency of the force. It's also highlighted a scheme to identify and educate those at risk of carrying blades. A Kent retail worker says it's frustrating to see the level of abuse towards staff remains high. Recent figures from the Retail Trade Union show 78% of surveyed workers in the south east were verbally abused last year. More than half were threatened and twelve-percent were actually assaulted.  And in sport, Chatham Town have won the Isthmian League Women's Cup final. Jess King and Amelia Woodgate both scored hat tricks as they beat Bowers and Pitsea 7-1 in Essex last night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A family with a newborn baby have been left homeless after a blaze broke out on a housing estate near Dartford.  Seven fire engines and a height vehicle were called to the scene in Greenhithe yesterday – it's as fires have also broken out in Ashford and Medway – we'll bring you all the details.  Also in today's podcast, you can hear an eyewitness account of the death of a skydiver at a Kent airfield.  A man in his 50s in confirmed to have died at Headcorn Aerodrome on Easter Monday – we've spoken to another man who was due to skydive on the same morning.  A row's broken out between two politicians in Medway about the School Streets scheme. Since 2024 vehicles have been banned from driving down certain roads at drop off and pick up time – Cabinet member Alex Paterson has faced criticism from Conservative Councillor Andrew Lawrence.  Neighbours say they're heartbroken after a council demanded they get rid of a cherished community garden years in the making. We've spoken to Vikki Montague who has spent hundreds of hours cultivating flowers, vegetables and fruit trees at Mannock House in Canterbury. And in football, Gillingham's Sam Gale has been nominated for the league two Young Player of the Season award. He's featured in 40 games across all competitions and scored one goal - in their 1-nil win over Crewe Alexandra in August. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An investigation is underway after a skydiver died at at an airfield in Kent. Emergency crews were called to Headcorn Aerodrome yesterday morning after eyewitnesses reported seeing 'an object' falling from the sky. Operators, Go Skydive, say a British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident. Also in today's podcast, police have released pictures of two men they want to speak to following a fatal stabbing in Whitstable. 19-year-old Ashton Harrington was found in Belmont Road in the early hours of Good Friday. There's a warning health services in Kent could be impacted as strike action gets underway this morning. Resident doctors, who used to be known as junior doctors, are walking out until next Monday. It's over a long-running dispute with government about pay. A young woman from Kent has been telling us about her battle to get treatment for a common condition, after nearly seven years of symptoms. Freya Baker has hyperhidrosis - which causes excessive sweating. The 25-year-old, from Teynham near Sittingbourne, says it makes it difficult to work or carry out day to day tasks. And in sport, Gillingham's six-game winless run has come to an end. They beat Accrington Stanley 2 - 0 in front of the home crowd at Priestfield yesterday. Defender Andy Smith scored his first goal for the club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A domestic abuser who threatened to kill the mother of three of his children and burn her family's house down has been jailed. But the father of Martin Creed's victim says “justice has not been served”, after he admitted abusing his partner of eight years in a caravan on Sheppey.  Also in today's podcast, a man has appeared in court after being accused of murdering his mother at their home near Dover.  The 64-year-old victim was attacked at a home in Khartoum Square on Sunday.  A mum who moved to a garden city for a “blissful green escape” says it's become a “living hell” thanks to ongoing construction. Within weeks of moving in to the property at Ebbsfleet Garden City last August with her son she'd realised she'd moved into a working building site.  A team of veterans have arrived in Kent as they attempt to sail around the UK. They're using two wooden tall ships which are traditionally rigged and will be docked at Ramsgate for the next few days. And in cricket, Adam Hollioake insists he's a better coach for his first season in charge of Kent.  He's been speaking as they look to get their new County Championship campaign underway against Durham this Easter long weekend.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A developer involved in one of Kent's biggest housing projects has gone into administration - casting doubt over key infrastructure. Administrators have been appointed just months after the company failed to avoid more than £50 million in agreed contributions. Also in today's podcast, a mum-of-one murdered by her estranged husband had told police just 16 days before she was killed that she feared it was “very likely” he would seriously harm her.  A report has revealed officers deemed Ramona Stoia was only at “medium” risk following his arrest for physical and sexual offences against her. A dreaded contraflow is set to be deployed on the M20 for the Easter holiday travel rush in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe. The motorway will be closed tonight so the Operation Brock system can be installed – we've spoken to local roads bosses.  We're being encouraged to count the number of bug splatters on our number plates as part of an annual survey.  It's called Bugs Matter - and you can log the data through an app to help track insect numbers.  And in sport, you can hear from members of the victorious rugby team from Maidstone Grammar School who are heading to meet the town's mayor later. It's after they secured a dramatic 22-21 win at Twickenham to lift the Schools Under-18 Vase. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The family of an alcoholic who spent thousands of pounds on delivery apps to order alcohol have called for more safety measures. The Gillingham man's family say he was spending up to £60 a day on Uber Eats and it accelerated his death – they're calling for more to be done to restrict the sale of alcohol. Also on today's podcast, detectives have charged a man with murder following the death of a woman in Dover. The 64 year-old was found dead after police were called to a home in Khartoum Square in Whitfield on Sunday afternoon – the suspect will be in court today.  It has been a year since the government approved plans for the most ambitious road project in a generation, the Lower Thames Crossing.  Bosses behind the scheme have now given an update on how it is progressing with hundreds of people working across the scheme. Residents of a block of flats in Maidstone say action should have been taken sooner to fix a leak which has left them without water since Friday. The problem was first identified at Sandling Park four months ago, but now the pipe has burst forcing supplies to be turned off. And, a college in Sheerness has officially unveiled its new campus extension.  It's hoped the EKC Sheppey college facility will boost opportunities for young people on the island.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The bosses of a popular restaurant in Aylesford have told the KentOnline Podcast they're 'deeply heartbroken' following a fire over the weekend. Crews were called to The Hengist in the High Street just after midnight on Sunday. At its height, eight engines and a height vehicle were at the scene, with pictures showing smoke billowing into the night sky. The boss of a nightclub at the centre of a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury has exclusively revealed to the podcast that they will reopen later this week. Club Chemistry voluntarily closed it's doors earlier this month after almost 90% of cases could be traced back to the venue. A Herne Bay man is getting ready to run 200 miles to Paris as part of a mental health campaign. 22-year-old Fin Dale will be setting off from his local pub tomorrow, and it'll take two weeks for him to get to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Football, and it was another defeat for Gillingham at the weekend - their fifth in a row. They were beaten 2-0 at Crawley Town with both goals coming in the dying moments of the match. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Andy Smith. It was a much better result for Punjab United who drew the first leg of their FA Vase semi-final. The Gravesend-based side travelled to Cockfosters on Saturday and it finished 1-1. The second leg takes place at their home ground on April 4. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you're looking to get on the housing ladder, figures today have revealed the most and least affordable parts of Kent. Property prices in Dover are just seven times residents' earnings, but in Sevenoaks it's much higher at more than 10 times. Reporter Sam Lennon has been in Dover and speaking to people who live and work in the town. Crews have been tackling a blaze at a car dealership in Canterbury which caused heavy smoke and travel disruption. Seven fire engines were sent to the Mercedes-Benz showroom on Sturry Road at around half five this morning. Plans to build 2,500 homes near Sittingbourne have been delayed. A decision on the development off Sheppey Way in Bobbing was due to be made last night, but it's been deferred by Swale Council. Hear from local democracy reporter Dan Esson. A Medway mum's been forced to give up work to look after her son after he was given a place at a mainstream school that can't support his needs. Five year-old Hudson Black has autism and sensory processing disorders but was given a place at Parkwood Primary in Rainham which says it isn't suitable. We've been speaking to Hudson's mum Charlotte. A Kent campaign group has welcomed a landmark ruling in the US, against the owners of Youtube and Instagram. Google and Meta have been found liable for young woman's addiction to social media. We've got reaction from Whitstable Unplugged. And in sport,  it's a trip to Crawley Town for Gillingham in league two this weekend. The Gills will be hoping to end a run of four defeats. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Sam Gale. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two men have been jailed for killing a four-year-old family member in a crash near Gravesend. Peter Maughan died after the 4x4 he was travelling in with his parents and youngster sister was clipped at speed by a vehicle pursuing them on New Barn Road in Southfleet last June. Hear from Peter's mother Hayley Maughan and Senior prosecutor Natalie Smith who spoke outside court. Also in today's podcast, a driver who struck a teacher in a hit and run in Medway has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving. Ben Allen was knocked down as he walked along Station Road in Cliffe following a night out in December 2021. If you live in three parts of Medway, you're being urged to have a say on how £60million should be spent. We told you last week how Twydall, Luton and Rede Common are getting an equal share of Pride in Place funding from government. Gillingham and Rainham MP Naushabah Khan has been speaking to the local democracy reporting service. The KentOnline Podcast has been told the UK's largest solar farm on land in Kent will be up and running within months. Cleve Hill Solar Park covers 900 acres in Graveney between Faversham and Whitstable after being approved by the government six years ago. And, Talia Mar has been on our sister radio station, kmfm, talking about how being an independent artist has changed her career. The 'Stay the Night' singer left her record label in 2024. Her new single 'Suit and Tie' is her third independent release.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's an historic day in Kent as the enthronement of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury takes place. Today's ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral is the symbolic start of Dame Sarah Mullally's leadership of the Church of England. More than 2,000 people including the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Prime Minister will be at the ceremony. Three students from the John Wallis Church of England Academy in Ashford will also be taking part hear from MacAnthony Ihejirika and the school's chaplain Ian Rich. Also in today's podcast, you're now able to travel around Canterbury on e-bikes. Rental firm Beryl is bringing the vehicles to the city and already runs similar schemes in Manchester, Plymouth and Bradford. We're joined on the episode by reporter Brad Harper who went along to the launch. Residents of a village near Maidstone have criticised plans to build 26 homes on an agricultural field near their homes. Developers have submitted an application for land off Gallants Lane in East Farleigh. Meantime, there are fears a new development in Dover will result in the loss of almost all of the parking spaces around a nearby church. 11 homes are set to be built along Northbourne Road in Great Mongeham, with double yellow line directly outside. And in sport, Kent's head coach Adam Hollioake says there's no reason some of his young players couldn't represent England at senior level one day. Several of them were given their first-team debuts last summer and are said to be showing promise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An investigation's underway following a fire at a café in Strood. Emergency crews were called to the High Street at about 4am and at its height seven fire engines were at the scene along with a height vehicle. Also in today's podcast, drivers have been stuck in gridlocked traffic because of a closure of the Medway Tunnel. There was a power failure overnight which led to long delays through Strood, Gillingham and Chatham. We have the latest on the situation from councillor Alex Paterson. Two of Kent's MPs are calling for a crackdown on catapults being used to hurt animals. Dartford's Jim Dickson has raised the issue in the commons, meantime, Faversham and Mid Kent's Helen Whately has been to visit an animal rescue centre where volunteers deal with wildlife that's been injured. Hear from Mark Henderson from the Columbines Wildlife Care in Teynham near Sittingbourne. Also on the podcast, we've been hearing from the mother of a young girl from Kent who lives with a rare condition that's left her locked in her own body. 11-year-old Poppy has Rett Syndrome, a degenerative disease that's rarely seen in boys but affects one in every ten-thousand girls. And in sport, Sam Northeast says he wants to help Kent secure a move back to the top flight this season. The batsman has rejoined the county after being involved in Glamorgan's promotion from league two last summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There have been tributes to a “selfless” and “brave”  Kent Police officer who has died after being involved in a crash while responding to an emergency call. 27-year-old PC Bradley Corke died yesterday after being critically injured in the line of duty after a serious crash in Farningham last week.  Also in today's podcast, latest figures show there have been no new meningitis cases linked to the outbreak in Kent. It means 20 cases have been confirmed, with nine still under investigation – it's as business bosses are hoping this week's enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury will bring tourists back to the city.  Tom Burke is best known for playing a troubled private detective haunted by his past in hit crime series Strike. But the 44-year-old is now trying to solve a “complex issue” off screen: helping Ashford town centre overcome an “identity crisis”. We've been hearing from a Kent mental health nurse, who works with the team that offered her support during pregnancy. After suffered severe bipolar and psychotic episodes while expecting her fourth child Tynisa Nixon received help from the Kent and Medway Mental Heath NHS Trust perinatal support team.  And in football, you can hear from the Gillingham manager after his side threw away an advantage on Saturday. The Gills looked in charge at the break, but two minutes into the second half Bristol took the lead and went on to secure the 2 – 1 win.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A huge fire has engulfed several vehicles and industrial buildings after breaking out near Sittingbourne late last night. Fire crews were called to Matts Hill Farm shortly after people reported hearing loud explosions. Also in today's podcast, the father of an 18-year-old girl who died during the Kent meningitis outbreak has described his family's devastation as “immeasurable” as they call for urgent changes to vaccine access. Juliette Kenny, a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, died on Saturday - less than 24 hours after first falling ill. Opposition parties have stormed out of a “divisive fantasy debate” on immigration at County Hall. In scenes of high drama rarely seen at Kent County Council Liberal Democrat leader Antony Hook led the members out after saying the motion was a “political stunt” based on “discriminatory assumptions”. Dad-friendly play dates are being launched in Tunbridge Wells this weekend by support group Dad La Soul. The two hour sessions blend play and culture, offering men a place to connect and engage with their children And in football, Gillingham's run of games against promotion chasers is over, but they're still expects a tough test at Priestfield this weekend.  The Gills have conceded 12 goals in their last three games –  you can hear from striker Ronan Hale as they prepare to welcome Bristol Rovers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coming up in today's episode, the KentOnline Podcast has been told a jail in Kent is one of the worst in the country. An inspection of HMP Swaleside on Sheppey, found incidents of violence and drug supply were high. Concerns have also been raised about the risk to the public, with the site failing as a training and rehabilitation facility. But first, there's been another increase in the number of cases of meningitis in Kent following a deadly outbreak. Health experts say 15 are confirmed and 12 are being investigated - bringing the total to 27. Two young people have died and others are being treated in hospital. The outbreak centres around Canterbury, hear from the acting vice chancellor at the University of Kent, and the city's MP who is calling for a MenB vaccine to be more widely available. A man's been arrested following a stabbing in Gillingham. Armed police were called to Mill Road near the Medway Park sports centre yesterday lunchtime, we've got reaction from people in the area at the time. And in sport, Maidstone Grammar School will compete in the final of the National Under 18 Vase today. They'll take on Newcastle's Dame Allen School at Twickenham after a hard fought campaign. As a state-funded school, they've competed against mostly independent schools in the knock-out rounds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The number of cases of meningitis in Kent has risen to 20. Medics say six are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease - or MenB. Meantime, a mum has spoken of her shock after her daughter became ill and ended up in hospital. 21-year-old Keeleigh Goodwin lives in a house share in the Wincheap part of Canterbury and started to feel unwell over the weekend. The outbreak is being linked to three events at Club Chemistry in the city and anyone who went there is being urged to get antibiotics as a precaution. So far, 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been handed out at four clinics in the county. In this episode, you can also hear from Dr Anjan Ghosh who is Kent's director of public health. Other top stories, and, a Birchington man who organised the supply of class A drugs across east Kent has been locked up. Police say the 30-year-old used a luxury watch business as a cover up and was caught singing while handling his illicit money. A father and step-daughter have joined forces to bring traditional English dishes to a Kent town with a new “upmarket” eatery in a former landmark pub. Businessman Henry Cooper and Tabitha Bennet are transforming the old King's Head in Sittingbourne into a café and restaurant. And in sport, the Gillingham manager is focusing on performance, rather than results, after last night's loss to Swindon Town. They were defeated 2-0 at Priestfield despite managing 20 shots on target. Hear from Gareth Ainsworth and young striker Harry Waldock. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The family of a teenager from Faversham who died after contracting meningitis say they're 'beyond devastated'. 18-year-old Juliette Kenney was in the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. A student from the University of Kent has also died, while other young people remain in hospital. The UK health security agency has confirmed Meningitis B is the strain behind the outbreak. Babies have been vaccinated against it since 2015, but older students aren't protected unless they've had the jab. Also in today's podcast, the multi-million pound rebuild of a school near Sittingbourne has been completed, following more than 18 months of work. It means Teynham Primary will be able to welcome more pupils in future, as hundreds of new homes are also planned for the area. The new Archbishop of Canterbury is setting off on an 87-mile pilgrimage today - ahead of her installation at Canterbury Cathedral. Dame Sarah Mullally will walk from St Paul's Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral, joining prayer services at churches and abbeys along the way. And in sport,  the Gillingham boss has told his squad they need to toughen up ahead of tonight's clash against Swindon Town. The Gills have suffered a run of disappointing results - losing 5 - 0 to Cambridge United last time out. They're sitting 17th in League Two, while tonight's visitors to Priestfield are in 6th. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two young people have died following a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury. One was studying at the University of Kent in the city while the other was in the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham. Several other young people, who are believed to be Uni students, are understood to be in hospital. Hear from our reporter Max Chesson who has been at the campus. We've also been speaking to a leading GP about how contagious the infection is. Also in today's podcast, figures seen by KentOnline show more than 2700 households in Kent are living in temporary accommodation. That includes more than 1,600 families with children. Medway has the highest number, followed by Dover. But, some areas have managed to reduce their figures including Thanet, where it's dropped from 302 to 219 in the space of a year. A Kent family have been accused of fraud, after launching a fundraiser to help build an accessible home for their disabled son. Eight-year-old Evan has muscular dystrophy and money is being raised to build a property near Maidstone with all the required adaptations inside.   Mum Laura says their GoFundMe was reported by people who believe Evan looks too healthy. And in sport,  the Gillingham manager's said his side have hit 'rock bottom' after another heavy defeat in league two. They lost 5-0 away at Cambridge United on Saturday - following a 5-1 loss to MK Dons on Tuesday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tributes have been paid to a “fiercely loyal” and “always smiling” big sister who died in a crash. Ammber Fenn was driving her car towards Sittingbourne on the A249, near Sheppey Crossing, when it collided with a BMW on January 30. Also in today's podcast, a leading expert has been asked to help with a project to tackle health inequalities in Kent. The county council say it's one of their top priorities - after stats revealed people in some coastal areas have poorer health and a shorter life expectancy that those inland. We've got the details as it's been revealed one of Kent's MPs has declared more in outside interests since the start of 2025 than any other by some distance. Tom Tugendhat has two additional jobs paying almost twice the average salary for only a few hours a month, and has taken expensive trips around the globe paid for by foreign governments and think tanks. The KentOnline Podcast has spoken to a Kent woman who's recovering from an eating disorder and says weight loss jabs are creating a worrying new dynamic for people with body image issues. Shannon Travers-Spencer says she tried to purchase them when suffering a relapse - and found it far too easy. And in football, it's a trip to promotion chasing Cambridge United for Gillingham this weekend. It follows Tuesday night's 5-1 defeat to MK Dons at Priestfield – you can hear from striker Sam Vokes who says they're determined to put things right.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House-building plans are in jeopardy as South East Water has warned that it has the capacity to supply water to only one third of all the new homes being planned. Bosses in Tonbridge and Malling are in the process of drawing up a new Local Plan which allocates land for more than 19,000 new homes across the borough by 2042 - expanding the borough's population by over a third. Also in today's podcast, the 999 call an e-bike rider made to the emergency services after striking a 91-year-old as he put the rubbish out has been released. Clifford Cage has become the first cyclist in British legal history to be convicted of manslaughter but has avoided being sent to prison – you can hear from the daughter of the victim who spoke following the sentencing.  A mum-of-three who created an award-winning podcast after losing her husband in a scuba diving tragedy has published her first book about coping and recovering from losing a partner. Ben Moss from Faversham failed to resurface during a trip near Dover and his body's never been found – wife Rosie started a podcast to share her story and hear from other widows.  The owner of an animal sanctuary has spoken to us about her relief after legal proceedings against her were dropped. The action had been brought against the Happy Pants Ranch near Sittingbourne after it was alleged that the animal sanctuary had failed to comply with a noise abatement order it had served after neighbours reported disturbance. And a visitor car park at one of the UK's most famous beauty spots is now being locked overnight following a surge in anti-social behaviour. The National Trust has introduced the restrictions at a 300-space site serving the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Campaigners have branded plans to build 725 homes in their village as “beyond comprehension”, claiming it would double the population. The outline planning application for a mixed-use neighbourhood in Meopham would be 50% affordable and targeted at first-time buyers and downsizers. Also in today's podcast, a controversial massive housing development backed by Prince William has been given the green light despite claims it would be an “eyesore” and a “Trojan Horse” for even more homes. After hours of debate in a council meeting last night, the 2,500-home estate on the southeast edge of Faversham has been approved.  A mum-of-two says she was “put through hell” by one of her late husband's clients who refused to pay for building work carried out shortly before his death. You can hear from Jo-Anne Mapp, whose husband was in the process of renovating a home in Whitstable when he died in July last year. One of Medway's MPs has told us graffiti in her constituency is making the area look uncared for and unloved. Naushabah Khan's reported an increase in tags on walls in Gillingham and has started a campaign to clean it up. And in football, you can hear from the manager after Gillingham were soundly beaten at home by Milton Keynes Dons last night.  The Gills conceded three goals in 18 first-half minutes – they're the third team since the start of the year to beat the Gills at Priestfield by three goals or more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New proposals to create two Traveller sites have been submitted just weeks after legal action started because several mobile homes had been stationed without permission. It follows several ongoing planning disputes over the use of the farmland near Gravesend in the past three years.  Also in today's podcast, dramatic police footage has emerged showing a fleeing thief leaping from a second-floor window to avoid being arrested. When officers tried to arrest Bobby Thorpe, he refused them entry to the Tonbridge property, and they forced their way inside. A campaign started in Kent calling for the age women are first called for a mammogram to be lowered could now be debated in parliament. It's after a chemotherapy nurse noticed an increase in the number of younger women with breast cancer.  The boss of a dedicated live music venue opening this weekend says it will bring “quality entertainment” to a town that is currently “underserved”. Stuart Cameron is launching The Swale Assembly in what used to be Life nightclub in Sittingbourne High Street.  And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has spoken of the ‘seemingly endless resources' available to midweek visitors MK Dons. They're second in the League Two table ahead of their visit to Priestfield tonight, five points behind leaders Bromley and with a game in hand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Sittingbourne man's avoided jail after becoming violent and punching the windscreen of a packed school bus when he was denied entry by the driver.  He was “extremely intoxicated” at the time and demanded to be let on board while the vehicle had been stopped in traffic.  Also in today's podcast, you can hear from a Kent charity who say they've had a record year for the amount of surplus food they've redistributed. FareShare collects products from supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste - bosses say they've hit targets they haven't seen since the pandemic.  Parts of a former Debenhams are set to undergo a major transformation starting this week - with a medical centre earmarked for the site in Folkestone.  Plans to transform the Art Deco section of the town centre building, known as Folca Two, have been in motion to bring the property back into public use. We've got the details on a bid to make Thanet the “Isle of Culture” for 2029  Artist and Margate resident Dame Tracey Emin, along with East Thanet MP Polly Billington, have kickstarted the campaign. And in football, we've heard from manager Gareth Ainsworth after a late equaliser denied Gillingham victory on Saturday. The Gills looked set to earn all three points before Fleetwood struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point, the game ending 1-1. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Snodland man has spoken of the moment he suffered a broken arm during a road rage attack in Maidstone. Phil Webster had been approaching a roundabout on the A249 when he says he was cut up by another vehicle. Also in today's podcast, more than 40 people have been arrested as Kent Police crack down on fraud. Officers have been targeting suspected criminals who defraud others through romance scams, unnecessary building repairs and postal scams. Campaigners have welcomed news that a merger of two private schools in Kent has been put on hold. St Lawrence College in Ramsgate announced last week it was going to close its site and join forces with Dover College. Parents criticised a lack of consultation and bosses now say they will reconsider options open to them. Hear from Laura Holden who has a child there. There are plans to spend £4 million on another bridge over the River Medway in Maidstone. It would run alongside the existing High Level Rail Bridge and be specifically for cyclists. In sport,  it's a home game for Gillingham this weekend, following last week's victory away at Barrow. The Gills scored in the dying seconds to secure a 1-0 victory after three losses in a row. We've been catching up with striker Seb Palmer-Holden and manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze in a derelict building next to Ashford College. Huge plumes of smoke were seen coming from Swanton House in Elwick Road yesterday evening. Hear from our reporter Max Chesson who has been to the scene. Also in today's episode,  a document detailing where 23,000 homes could be built in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay will be debated by councillors for the first time tonight. It's known as a Local Plan and also sets out where things like roads will need to be constructed to support new developments and growing populations. Our local democracy reporter Dan Esson has more information. The MP for Ashford is warning that exposure to misinformation on social media is damaging children's mental health. It's as TikTok videos have emerged encouraging so called "school wars" across the county, with organised fighting between pupils. A number of schools have sent letters home to parents saying it's already impacting children. We've been speaking to Sojan Joseph. Vouchers will be handed out in schools across Kent as we celebrate World Book Day. It's as recent figures from the National Literacy Trust show daily reading levels for children have reached a 20-year low. Hear from award winning Kent author Annabel Steadman who wrote the Skandar series. And in sport, the Maidstone United manager's admitted he may need to add to his squad due to injury problems. Strike Muhammadu Faal was stretchered off on Tuesday night while goalkeeper Nathan Harness suffered concussion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been confirmed work to fix a stretch of the Thanet Way will start this summer. The A299 between the Dargate Services and Roman Galley pub has been reduced to 50 miles per hour since last September after bumps appeared in the surface. The county council say repairs will be carried out over six weeks from June 1st. Also in today's podcast, police have released footage of the moment they found a burglar hiding in the loft of a house in Ashford. Antony Allen, 47, who doesn't have a permanent address, had targeted a home in the town at Christmas while the owners were away. As the conflict in the Middle East continues, holidaymakers in Kent are being urged not to panic if they have got future flights booked to countries like Dubai. Thousands of Brits have been left stranded after the country was caught up in retaliatory strikes over the weekend. Hear from Chris Scoble who owns a travel agents in Tunbridge Wells. Meantime, we're told pupils at a school in Dubai that's partnered with one here in Kent are being offered support during the unrest. Explosions were reported in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday and students at Kent College Dubai are currently doing remote learning to stay safe. A construction graduate from Canterbury says more needs to be done to help women and girls get into the building industry. 25 year-old Jessica Scanlon works on a site in Deal, after getting a degree in project management. She's calling for an end to gender stereotypes when career advice is given in schools. And in sport, Scott Wagstaff has been named as the new manager of the youth team at Gillingham. He takes over from Joe Dunne who left the club last month. The 35-year-old made 66 appearances for the Gills over two years, scoring four goals, and still plays for Tonbridge Angels. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Kent dad who lives in Abu Dhabi has told the podcast about the moment he was alerted to potential missile strikes. Justin Cooke received a message on his phone shortly before seeing puffs of smoke in the sky as the missiles were intercepted. The retaliatory strikes on Saturday followed an attack by America and Israel on Iran which killed the country's leader. Also in today's episode, the head of the Met Police says he's fiercely committed to restoring trust, five years on from the murder of Sarah Everard. The 33-year-old was abducted in Clapham by then serving officer Wayne Couzens from Deal, her body was later found in woodland near Ashford. We've been asking women in Rochester how safe they feel now. The Canterbury MP has raised concerns in the commons about funding for children with Special Educational Needs in Kent. It follows an announcement from the government that £4 billion will be invested to make mainstream schools more inclusive. A Kent football club say they've been left in limbo after developers dropped plans for two 3G pitches, as part of proposals for a new housing estate. Larkfield and New Hythe Football Club have been working with Obee Estates to deliver a community sports hub at the site of the former Oast Park Golf Course. However, a revised application includes 320 houses and a grass pitch only. And in sport, there's action in the quarter finals of the Kent Senior Cup tonight. Gillingham take on Tonbridge Angels at the Longmead Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Traders in Sheerness High Street say they're fighting a losing battle to keep their shopping promenade alive after the closure of several small businesses. Black Cat hardware closed on Valentine's Day with the owner telling customers it was no longer feasible to keep it open due to a drop in footfall. It follows other independents who have shut in recent months and our reporter has been getting reaction from Declan Forley who runs Sheerness Mobility Ltd with his dad. Also in today's podcast, the foreign secretary says they're working to bring home tens of thousands of British nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates following a weekend of airstrikes. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been targeted in revenge for the US and Israel carrying out an attack on Iran over the weekend which killed its supreme leader. Dr Yaniv Voller is a senior lecturer in Middle East politics at the University of Kent, he's been explaining why the UAE has been caught up in the dispute and what Britain's involvement is. A KentOnline investigation has found a car park company has made nearly £20,000 from drivers in Kent through what's known as 'major keying errors'. It happens if you enter a digit incorrectly when putting your number plate into a payment machine at various country parks. Hear from one man who was issued with a penalty notice. A Kent footballer's been telling us what it's like to train and play during Ramadan. Throughout the holy month many Muslims choose not to eat or drink during daylight hours. Muhammadu Faal plays for Maidstone United and has praised how supportive the club have been. And,  it was a dramatic last minute win for Gillingham at the weekend. They beat Barrow 1-0 away from home from pretty much the last kick of the match in the 103rd minute. We've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Friends and family have paid tribute to a popular restaurant manager – saying the “inspiring” young woman died “far too young”.  Charlotte Redsell was a much-loved and well respected boss at Fish 55 in Rochester but the community was rocked by her death last October at the age of just 26.  Also in today's podcast, a killer captured on CCTV shouting "I've got a nice surprise for you" as he swung a machete-style blade at his victim before chasing him to his death has been jailed for 16 years. Chris Maclean could also be heard yelling "Game over" after the pursuit of Jay Gerrett in Sittingbourne tragically ended with him falling from a height of 13ft down an embankment and retaining wall into the path of a passing car on the road below. A window cleaner whose heart stopped nine times while he was working at a pub admits it is a “miracle” he is still alive. Joe Carver suffered a cardiac arrest while on a job in November 2025 – he spokes to us and says it was the wake up call he needed.  You can hear from a Kent teen who only last summer left school but is now running her own business. 18-year-old Daisy Webb has opened The Boat and Bean cafe bar in Wateringbury after deciding university was not for her.  And in football, after a disappointing 3-nil defeat last time out, Gillingham head to Barrow this weekend. They've dropped to 16th in the league two table and are 12 points off the play-offs – we've spoken to defender Robbie McKenzie ahead of the match.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of Kent's most popular visitor attractions has been revived, with its new bosses promising a spectacular, immersive experience. It follows a million-pound makeover of The Canterbury Tales - which tells Geoffrey Chaucer's much-loved stories of a medieval cast of pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury Cathedral. Also in today's podcast, we've spoken to a Kent homelessness charity as new figures show there's been a rise in the number of people sleeping rough on our streets. A government snapshot shows 174 were counted on a single night last autumn – that's an increase of 17%.  You can also hear from the neice of a Rainham man who died from a rare cancer at just 55 who's hoping to raise money so other people can be tested for it. Andy Bird initially thought a lump on his leg was an insect bite - but it turned out to be epithelioid sarcoma. A transport boss is ditching the Middle East to come back home and get back behind the pumps at an award-winning pub. New licensees have taken over the running of The Admiral's Arm in Queenborough - which was previously named Kent pub of the year as well as one of the top 16 pubs in Britain. And you can hear from a Kent family who were left stunned as their dog gave birth to a record-breaking 17 puppies. The owner, who lives near Canterbury, has told us how the adorable Irish Doodles “just kept coming” after her pet went into a 13-hour labour. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A grandmother of 12 has been left heartbroken after a council confirmed she cannot return to her home of more than 25 years following a devastating fire. The blaze ripped through her three-bedroom house in South Ashford last month and she was initially told she would be able to return once repairs to the council-owned property had been completed. Also in today's podcast, the KentOnline Podcast has been told the Port of Dover will be ready for the full rollout of new border checks for passengers heading to the EU. From the 10th of April, everyone travelling through to mainland Europe will have to provide a fingerprint and photo – you can hear from the Port CEO ahead of the changes.  You can hear from a mum-of-two was told she had multiple brain tumours after previously battling breast cancer twice. The 35-year-old underwent successful surgery in 2024 but just before Christmas last year, she started suffering from severe headaches and problems with her vision. Another Kent town has bid to become the first-ever UK Town of Culture.  The competition aims to celebrate the legacy and creativity of some of the country's smaller places – Chatham's bid is being led by Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.  And the local authority in Maidstone say there's been an incredible community response to a campaign to save Swift colonies.  They're taking action to try to bolster declining populations but handing out free boxes for the birds to nest in.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Swimmers say they are anxious about going in the sea at Hythe because of the amount of sewage being discharged into the water. The group regularly travel from Ashford to swim at sunrise, but say they've seen an increasing number of floating objects. Hear from one of the group, and we've had a response from Southern Water. Also in today's podcast, a Kent campaigner's told us she has some concerns over the government's plans to reform the special educational needs system. Yesterday, they announced a £4 billion package and say more youngsters with SEN will be taught in mainstream schools by offering language therapists and specialist teacher training. Lisa Lloyd from Aylesford has some concerns. We've been hearing from the bosses of a Kent vineyard about how they've been impacted by the wet start to the year. Bosses at Nucleus Winery at Fort Borstal say heavy and persistent rainfall can wash nutrients away from the soil and hamper harvesting efforts. A dental practice has opened on a new-build estate in north Kent after hundreds of residents called for one. Smile Tech Dental's set up a branch at The Prep Rooms in Castle Hill which is part of Ebbsfleet Garden City and is designed to be a one-stop shop for people living there. And in sport, Gillingham's Marcus Wyllie has gone out on load for the rest of the season. The striker hasn't played a league game for the Gills in four months and has moved to National South side Ebbsfleet United. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.