Podcast: Calls for Cookham Wood Young Offender Institution in Rochester to be closed after damning report by inspectors

A leading charity is calling for a youth jail in Kent to be closed following a damning report by inspectors.
They found levels of violence at Cookham Wood Young Offender Institution in Rochester had increased since their previous visit in 2019.

A report out today also revealed how boys were being kept locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day.
Hear more on the inspector's findings plus reaction from the Howard League for Penal Reform.
We have also been asking if you think youth jails are the right place for young offenders - find out what some of you have had to say.
Also in today's podcast, there's been another drop in the number of people out of work in Kent, despite the furlough scheme ending.
New figures show 51,100 people were claiming unemployment benefits in the county last month.
A specialist clinic's opening in Kent to help severely obese children, and young people who are struggling with their weight.
It's one of 15 sites across England as part of a pilot programme, and will offer things like diet plans, coaching and mental health support.
We've got reaction from Ashford GP Dr Jack Jacobs plus your thoughts.
Find out how undercover vehicles known as 'supercabs' are being used to try and reduce the number of crashes on the M25 in Kent.
Our colleagues from KMTV have been out on patrol with police to see them in action.
And you can hear from the Gillingham manager ahead of tonight's FA Cup first round replay.

Podcast: Inside the giant Amazon warehouse in Dartford

It is the size of more than six football pitches, cost £200m to build and employs over a thousand people - and we have had a first look inside the giant Amazon warehouse in Dartford.
The facility sees robots working alongside humans to get parcels packaged and out for delivery.
Our reporter Sean Delany had a look around and has also been speaking to Priyanka Bernard who is the site manager.
Also in today's podcast, a Kent MP says COP26 has "failed" young generations after The Glasgow Climate Pact was secured.
North Thanet's Sir Roger Gale has told the podcast the agreement has fallen short of the commitments needed to protect our planet.
We've been discussing the state of Kent's roads on an episode of the Lowdown on our facebook live.
It's feared some aren't up to standard, as we head into the winter period - with potentially dangerous damage like potholes needing fixing.
Hear from one of the county's senior highways managers.
Environmental campaigners say Christmas selection boxes are using excessive amounts of plastic.
A post on Facebook, that’s reached more than a million people, has shown there's often more plastic packaging than actual product.
Reporter Laoise Gallagher has carried out an investigation and found this is typically the case with the cheaper priced boxes.
And hear from the Gillingham manager following their draw with Sheffield Wednesday in league one at the weekend.

Podcast: Cash machine pulled from shop during ram raid in St Martins Hill, Canterbury

A cash machine has been ripped from a shop during a ram raid in Canterbury.
Hear from our reporter at the scene in St Martins Hill and residents who were woken by a rumbling followed by a loud bang.
Also in today's podcast, a record number of people have crossed the Channel to Kent in a single day.
It comes as French authorities search for three people who are missing after reportedly trying to make the dangerous journey in a kayak.
A young man who had a finger bitten off during an unprovoked attack has told the KentOnline Podcast how it left him anxious to go out.
Michael Connell was only 19 when it happened at The Milk House pub in Cranbrook.
A former Love Island star from Kent has spoken about how he thinks the show and social media puts pressure on young men to look good.
Footballer Aaron Simpson, who's played for the likes of Maidstone United and Dover Athletic, featured on the last series and has been chatting on Tea Time Chats on our Instagram.
There's now a whole new meaning to the phrase Holy Spirit, as Rochester Cathedral launches it's own gin.
It's called 604 which represents the date England's second oldest cathedral was founded.
And, we've been catching up with Gillingham's Jack Tucker ahead of their league one clash at Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

Podcast: Teenager treated by public outside Canterbury Premier Inn following stabbing in Edward Road

A teenager has been taken to a London hospital for treatment following a stabbing in Canterbury.
Witnesses say the 17-year-old was able to stagger from Edward Road before collapsing outside a Premier Inn.
Hear from reporter Lydia Chantler-Hicks who has been to the scene.
Also in today's podcast, it's the deadline for all care home staff in Kent to be fully vaccinated against Covid.
It's also been announced all NHS staff will have to be double jabbed by next April - hear from a GP from Strood and a solicitor based in Maidstone.
A school is investigating after a fight amongst pupils broke out on a bus.
Footage has emerged of the scrap on the Stagecoach service being used by students from Spires Academy in Canterbury.
A homeless man who has been set fire to and attacked while sleeping rough says he's hoping to put it all behind him after securing a job.
Michael Cordes has been repeatedly targeted since he ended up on the streets in May following a relationship breakdown.
He has been updating the podcast on finding work and starting training.
And, remembrance events have been taking place on Armistice Day.
Hear from a nurse who led the silence on kmfm.

Podcast: Rats chew through data cable at Tesco petrol station in Sheerness forces prices to stay low

Rats have nibbled their way through a data cable at a petrol station meaning managers were unable to change their prices.
Hear from our reporter John Nurden who's been following the story at the Tesco garage on the Isle of Sheppey.
Also in today's podcast, the health secretary's refused to rule out making Covid booster jabs compulsory for restaurants, bars and on trains.
It's something that's come into force in France. Hear from a virologist on why we need an extra jab and one GP gives us his thoughts on potential restrictions.
In more health news, fresh support’s being given to new mums and dads in Kent who’re struggling with their mental health.
More access to health care professionals like midwives and GPs is being made available after research found nearly 3 in 5 have experienced depression and low mood. 
Jo Harrison from Maidstone has been telling her story.
As Cop26 continues in Glasgow, young people are meeting for a climate conference in Gravesend and say world leaders need to act more urgently.
We've been speaking to the chair of Gravesham youth council.
And, ahead of Remembrance Day tomorrow, we've been speaking to volunteers who've been selling poppies in Kent.

Podcast: Kent MPs welcome inquiry into crimes carried out by David Fuller who abused bodies in mortuaries

Kent MPs have welcomed news an independent inquiry will be carried out into the crimes of David Fuller.

The 67-year-old from East Sussex abused bodies in mortuaries at hospitals in the county where he worked as an electrician.

Hear from the health secretary who's been speaking about it in the commons.

It's emerged women taking part in a Reclaim These Streets march in Canterbury were abused by a number of men.

Hundreds gathered in the city to protest against violence against women and raise awareness of recent cases of drink spiking.

Influencers from Kent have been telling the KentOnline Podcast about abuse they've suffered from trolls.

They've been speaking out on Social Media Kindness Day which was set up following the death of Caroline Flack.

And, find out who Gillingham will play in the second round of the FA Cup, if they win their replay next week.

Podcast: Residents of Jemmett Road in Ashford call for urgent repairs to be carried out by Kent County Council

People living on a road in Ashford say people could be injured and vehicles damaged because it is in such a poor state.
More than 300 people have signed a petition calling for Jemmett Road to be resurfaced. Hear from our reporter Alex Jee who has been covering the story.

Also in today's podcast, the number of Covid patients in Kent's hospitals has hit an eight month high.
Hear from the chief executive of the NHS as there's another call for all eligible people to have a booster jab in a bid to ease pressure on the health service this winter.
A search is under way for a rare dog thought to have been stolen from a van at Bluewater.
Björn disappeared while his owners popped into the shopping centre on their way home at the weekend.
Michael Fox and Johanna Kerwien say they are desperate for the two-year-old Russian bolonka to be found.
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has been chatting to our sister radio station kmfm about appearing in panto in Kent this Christmas.
And, the Gillingham boss was not happy with the referee following their draw with Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Hear what he had to say to our reporter Luke Cawdell after the game at Priestfield.

Podcast: David Fuller - his crimes, how he was caught and the calls for a public inquiry

Warning: Some listeners may find the content of today's podcast distressing and upsetting.

A man on trial accused of murdering two women in Tunbridge Wells more than 30 years ago has sensationally changed his plea to guilty.

David Fuller killed Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in 1987 and had initially tried to claim diminished responsibility.

Following his arrest in December last year, it was discovered the 67-year-old from East Sussex had sexually assaulted bodies in a mortuary while working at Tunbridge Wells hospital.

Hear the moment he was arrested at his home, from the chief executive of the hospital trust, and Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner as there are now calls for a public inquiry.

Also in today's podcast, as the Cop26 summit continues we hear about a company in Kent trying to harness wind energy.

Young activists are also planning to meet in Medway later.

It's bonfire night tonight but there are calls from some for the sale of fireworks for private displays to be banned.

Hear why it's not always a great evening for pet owners.

And, Gillingham take a break from the league this weekend - find out who they're facing in the first round of the FA Cup.

Podcast: Rainham mum of woman who had her drink spiked at Casino Rooms in Rochester says much more needs to be done

The mum of a young woman who had her drink spiked during a night out in Rochester is calling for venues to take more responsibility.

Olivia Calvert, 19, was left unresponsive and unable to walk after going to Casino Rooms.

She says she was told to leave the club and accused of being drunk before her friend called an ambulance.

Hear what her mum Hannah has said about it.

Also in the podcast, a person has died and another is missing after trying to cross the Channel to get to the UK.

It comes after we revealed on yesterday's podcast how more than 20,000 people had made the dangerous journey so far this year.

Hear the moment three men who ram raided a Co-op in Medway were chased by police and eventually arrested.

They even drove on the wrong side of the Ratcliffe Highway as they tried to get away.

Medway's Dr Ranj is urging parents to get their children vaccinated against flu this winter.

It's feared the NHS could be put under extreme pressure if vulnerable people get it.

And, a new foodhall has opened in Maidstone.

It's cost almost half a million pounds to build the facility and we were at the opening night.

Podcast: Best friend of 18-year-old killed in Lenham Road crash near Headcorn pays tribute at his funeral

The best friend of a dad-to-be who was killed in a crash along with three other men has paid tribute at his funeral.
18-year-old Jacko Cosgrove was in the vehicle which hit a tree on Lenham Road near Headcorn last month as the group travelled to watch at Tyson Fury fight on TV.
Patrick Cash has described his friend as a 'jolly person' as a service was held at Holy Family Church in Park Wood, Maidstone.
Also in today's podcast, an asylum charity is calling for safe routes to the UK for refugees to be put in place before the harsh winter weather sets in.
Bridget Chapman from Kent Refugee Action Network has been speaking after figures revealed more than 20,000 people have made the dangerous crossing via the Channel in small boats so far this year.
As Cop26 continues in Glasgow, find out what's being doing to deal with litter that ends up in the River Thames in Kent.
All this week we're showcasing people in Kent who are doing their bit to tackle climate change and improve the environment - today we shine a spotlight on the Port of London Authority.
A Deal man who struggled to have a baby with his partner has revealed how couples often feel 'isolated' and 'forgotten about'.
Toby Trice had been trying to conceive for four years and has spoken out as part of National Fertility Week.
And, Little Mix have been chatting to our sister radio station kmfm ahead of the launch of their new album.
Between Us is out next week and marks their 10th anniversary.