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The top stories from the KentOnline news team
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Two people have been injured after part of a hotel wall in Folkestone collapsed.
Falling debris from the Grand Burstin landed on a coach outside, hitting the driver and a tourist yesterday evening.
They were taken to hospital after a huge emergency response.
People staying at the hotel have told the KentOnline Podcast they just want to go home.
Also in today's podcast, Ofsted has downgraded 14 schools in Kent that were previously rated "outstanding".
Under old rules they were exempt from re-inspection for up to 15 years - but they've now been looked at again.
Out of 18 only four kept the top rating - hear from Ofsted's Regional Director for the South East about their findings.
It's understood an asylum processing centre in Manston that's been criticised for "inhumane" conditions is now empty.
Everyone who was being held at the site in Thanet has reportedly been moved.
Supermarkets in Kent and the rest of the country are being urged to cut fuel prices by 5p a litre to help struggling drivers.
The RAC has accused them of failing to pass on savings made by lower wholesale costs to customers.
Howard Cox from Cranbrook-based campaign group Fair Fuel UK explains why he thinks the government needs to cut fuel duty.
More and more presents are continuing to be donated to our sister radio station, kmfm, as part of their Give a Gift campaign.
We're collecting toys to give to children during the festive season.
Katy Clements from Morrisons in Larkfield joined Garry and Chelsea on kmfm breakfast this morning.
And in football, Gillingham will be hoping to climb out of the League Two relegation zone as they travel to Crawley Town tonight.
Neil Harris' side dropped into the bottom two following a defeat at Newport County at the weekend.
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Monday Nov 21, 2022
A Kent farm shop owner is urging us to shop local to help British farmers survive the cost of living crisis.
Amber Furnival runs a store on Romney Marsh but says she was 'disheartened' after going a whole day without a single customer.
The farm store opened in 2020 and only stocks British produce which does cost a bit more.
Also in today's podcast, as the World Cup gets underway in Qatar, it's feared there could be an increase in domestic abuse here in Kent.
Victims are being urged to contact the police or reach out to charities to get help if they're facing violence because of the football.
Hear from Emma Craigie from Whitehead Monckton solicitors in Maidstone.
A government minister says as far as he knows the death of an asylum seeker was not caused by conditions at a processing centre in Manston.
A man being held at the site in Thanet became ill and passed away in hospital over the weekend.
A Sittingbourne woman says she fears for her family's health because of the amount of mould in their home.
Vicky Norman has lived in the property in Murston for the past eight years and says it's always been a problem.
Elsewhere, cars have been vandalised along a road in Strood after a party advertised on social media got out of control.
Details for the 16-year-old's birthday at Kitchener Road were shared on Snapchat and as many as 150 teenagers showed up.
Councillor Zoe Van Dyke, who lives on the street, has been speaking to us about what happened.
It's been a year since work began on revamping the Stockbury roundabout - and bosses say good progress is being made.
The hot and dry summer allowed crews to race ahead of schedule and the flyover is expected to be in place by the middle of next year
Our reporter's been chatting with Dan Rollinson who's from National Highways.
And in football, hear from a very frustrated Gillingham manager as his side drop into the League Two relegation zone after losing to Newport at the weekend.
Friday Nov 18, 2022
Friday Nov 18, 2022
A man has died after a lorry overturned in Strood.
People rushed to try and clear rubble after the vehicle went over on Station Road yesterday lunchtime.
Lucy Hickmott has details on the investigation and an arrest that has been made.
Also in today's podcast, the family of a West Malling woman who was murdered in Qatar are urging England's footballers to raise awareness of her story at the World Cup.
24-year-old Lauren Patterson was working as a teacher there when she was killed. Hear from her mum Alison.
A woman who was threatened by a robber at her home in Chatham has told the KentOnline Podcast how she's forgiven him and hopes he turns his life around.
Harry Garratty got into Chevon Eneh's house in July last year. She's been recalling the moment to reporter Sean McPolin.
The KentOnline podcast has been told how more and more people are searching online about workplace bullying - because they're feeling targeted.
There's been a 300% jump in searches in the last three months alone. Antonio Fletcher from Whitehead Monckton solicitors in Maidstone has been explaining more during anti-bullying week.
Our features writer Sam Lawrie has details on events you need to know about in Kent this weekend.
And, Gillingham reporter Luke Cawdell has been catching up with boss Neil Harris ahead of their game this weekend.
They are in desperate need of a win as they travel to take on Newport County in league two.
Thursday Nov 17, 2022
Thursday Nov 17, 2022
As the cost of living crisis continues, the Chancellor has been delivering his Budget.
We set out the main points and there's analysis from our political editor Paul Francis.
Also in today's podcast, Kent MP Tom Tugendhat has been banned from driving for 6 months after being caught using a mobile behind the wheel.
The Tonbridge and Malling rep has apologised but insisted he was just holding the phone when he was pulled over by police in Wandsworth in April.
The major rebuild of an estate in Maidstone could have hit a stumbling block after one resident announced he was refusing to move.
Golding Homes are looking to demolish around 100 properties on the Shepway estate and replace them with modern, energy efficient homes.
Hear from Danny Roberts who lives there.
There's been flooding in parts of Kent after more heavy rain overnight.
The Environment Agency have issued several alerts and warnings as river levels continue to rise. Our colleagues at KMTV have been speaking to a worker at a shop in Tunbridge Wells that flooded overnight.
The team behind Kent's largest science and innovation park have announced they're expanding.
Discovery Park, near Sandwich, is celebrating it's 10th anniversary by revealing plans to double the number of people employed on its site. We've been catching up with chairman Martino Picardo.
We've also been getting a sneak peak inside a former Medway bank that's been turned into a pub.
The people behind the popular dead pigeon in Rochester have converted the old Barclays in Rainham.
And, there's been a surprise visit to our radio station, kmfm, as a popular 90s TV show makes a comeback.
Challenge Anneka is returning to our screens.
Find out what happened when Anneka Rice turned up to see Garry and Chelsea on kmfm breakfast this morning.
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
The boss of a hotel near Sandwich has explained his decision to turn down more than £1 million from the Government to house asylum seekers.
Richard Martin runs the Blazing Donkey in Ham and was approached by an agency who guaranteed 100 percent occupancy for a year.
However, he says it would have meant cancelling weddings and making most of his staff redundant.
Also in today's podcast, it's been revealed Dartford is one of the most popular places in the county to live.
The town's population has grown at triple the rate of England with things like highly rated schools and distance to London among the factors.
We chat to an estate agent about why the area is so popular.
The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is announcing details of his autumn budget tomorrow.
We look ahead to what we might see, with Tudor Price from the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
A school in Medway is celebrating after being rated Good by inspectors for the first time in more than 15 years.
Elaine Primary was taken over by the Inspire Partnership in 2018 and has since become the most improved in Medway.
We speak to the schools Headteacher in today’s podcast.
Plus, Gillingham are through to the second round of the FA Cup after beating AFC Fylde in a replay at Priestfield.
Scott Kashket missed an early penalty for the Gills, but Lewis Walker scored just before half time, and the game ended 1-0.
Hear from Gills boss, Neil Harris.
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
The owner of a popular restaurant in Herne Bay has been ordered to take down a glass enclosure around an outside seating area.
Mehmet Dari erected the 'extension' outside the front of A La Turka in Central Parade, Herne Bay, in the summer of 2019.
Following a Canterbury City Council probe he was forced to apply for retrospective permission for the glazed shelter, which has a capacity for 30 customers.
Also in today's podcast, the parents of a baby who died after choking at a nursery in Ashford have been praised in parliament for their bravery.
Nine-month-old Oliver Steeper passed away in hospital six days after the incident in September last year.
His mum and dad started a petition, against plans to relax laws around the staff to children ratio.
Kent County Council have written to the government warning they could go bankrupt within the next couple of years, unless they get more financial support.
Their budget is apparently at "breaking point" and it's feared cutting vital services will affect the most vulnerable in society.
After the people behind the idea for a massive theme park in north Kent withdrew their plans - a new vision for the land has been put forward.
The Swanscombe Peninsula is home to endangered and rare species of plants and insects. We hear from a local councillor and a campaigner from the Swanscombe Peninsula Group.
Plus, Gillingham welcome AFC Fylde to Priestfield tonight for their FA Cup first round replay.
It finished 1-1 last time the sides met. We chat to Gills boss Neil Harris.
Monday Nov 14, 2022
Monday Nov 14, 2022
A deal has been signed between France and Britain in a bid to reduce the number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel to Kent in small boats.
For the first time, British officers will work in control rooms in France. There will also be extra patrols of beaches, more CCTV and sniffer dogs used around ports.
Hear from Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Kay Marsh who's from Dover based charity Samphire and doesn't think the measures will solve the issue.
Also in today's podcast, a man's been charged with two counts of attempted murder after two men were hit by a car in Maidstone town centre.
They were both taken to hospital and one's in a serious condition after the collision.
Warm banks are being opened across the county as some of us struggle with the cost of living.
The rising costs of energy and food have left some in Kent saying they're in a desperate situation. Our colleagues from KMTV have been to a cafe in Dover that's extended its opening hours so people can stay warm.
We've also got reaction from Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay who says government support is enough.
Kent County Council have written to the government warning they could go bankrupt within the next couple of years, unless they get more financial support.
Their budget is apparently at "breaking point".
Firefighters have spent the weekend dealing with a huge blaze at a farm near Rochester. Hear from Keith Loveridge who owns the land and says the blaze could affect their livestock this winter.
The owners of a pub near Ashford have come under fire because of one of their signs.
The Tiger Inn's new illuminated sign faces onto neighbouring properties - with some complaining the brightness shines into their living rooms and bedrooms. Lucy Hickmott has been reading a statement from the pub's owner.
In sport, and after beating premier league side Brentford in the Carabao Cup - Gillingham crashed back down to earth at the weekend.
They were beaten 2-0 by Northampton Town at Priestfield on Saturday - we've got reaction from manager Neil Harris.
Gymnast Giarnni Regini-Moran has been chatting about his success at the recent World Championships and how he's hoping to inspire the next generation.
And, Sam Billings says he's going to focus on playing for Kent next season, after chosing not to take part in the Indian Premier League.
Friday Nov 11, 2022
Friday Nov 11, 2022
A man from Larkfield has spoken out about the abuse he's received after being confused with a paedophile from Snodland who shares the same name.
Terry Edwards says it's been going on for more than a decade after the actual criminal was jailed in 2011. He's been speaking to our reporter Amy Tregenna.
Also in today's podcast, Just Stop Oil have announced they're ending their demos on the M25.
There's been major disruption in Kent this week after protesters climbed up onto overhead gantries.
It's Armistice day and a veteran from Whitstable who's close to celebrating his 100th birthday has been reflecting on his time in the second world war.
Peter Colthup served with the Glider Pilot Regiment and fought at Arnhem and has spoken to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
The shocking moment a hit and run caused a car to smash into a bungalow near Whitstable has been caught on video doorbell.
Hear the moment a little girl from Medway who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer eight years ago, has finally rung a bell to signal the end of her treatment.
Hundreds of presents have already been donated to our sister radio station, kmfm's, Give a Gift campaign.
We're collecting toys to give to children this festive season. Hear from the owner of a toy company in Dover who've got involved.
TikTok sensation Venbee has also been on the station to chat about her first tour.
Sam Lawrie has a round up of everything going on in the county this weekend.
And, Gillingham are back in league action tomorrow.
They welcome Northampton Town to Priestfield after knocking Premier League side Brentford out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Thursday Nov 10, 2022
Thursday Nov 10, 2022
Police have arrested five suspected Just Stop Oil campaigners in Kent.
They stopped a car in Westerham early this morning and seized climbing equipment and banners.
It comes as a fourth day of action by the climate group takes place on the M25.
It's all happening while Cop27 continues in Egypt and the man in charge of the Kent Wildlife Trust is urging the government to take decisive action.
Hear from Evan Bowen-Jones who has been speaking to our reporter Jamie Long.
Also in today's podcast, the mum of a little boy with special education news has reacted to a damning report on provision in Kent.
Yesterday we told you how Ofsted had criticised the county council.
Offensive graffiti, including Swastikas, has been spray painted over benches and shelters in a park near Maidstone.
Meantime, people living close to a nature reserve near Sittingbourne are calling for lights and cameras to be installed following claims it's been used for lewd behaviour.
A Chatham couple say they're devastated after being forced to move out of their flat due to severe water damage.
Beth has been describing the problem which she says started back in March after Storm Eunice.
You can also hear from the landlady of a popular pub near Sittingbourne who's announced her retirement after nearly 30 years behind the bar.
And, reporter John Nurden has been catching up with the Wainscott teenager hoping to be the next Ed Sheeran.
Tyler Watts is learning music at home with his mum and dad - but has been out busking in a bid to make the big time.
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
In today's podcast, Police have made further arrest, following another morning of Just Stop Oil protests on the M25.
A rolling roadblock had been put in place between Junction 26 and 27 leading to the Dartford Crossing after a person was spotted trying to access a gantry.
The support given to children with special educational needs and disabilities in Kent has been criticised in a damning report.
Ofsted inspectors spoke to parents and young people earlier this year and found weaknesses hadn't been properly addressed. Hear from those in charge at Kent County Council.
There's been an increase in the number of children in Kent needing help with speech, language and communication.
New data shows just over 1,000 Year 1 pupils have required support in the last academic year - a rise of around 8 percent.
We chat to a Kent based speech therapist.
As progress continues on the development of the M2 and A249 Stockbury roundabout, conservation efforts are also being ramped up. We chat to National Highways.
Plus, hear from Gillingham boss Neil Harris after his side knocked Premier League side Brentford out of the Carabao Cup.