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The top stories from the KentOnline news team
Episodes
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
The company behind plans for a huge theme park in north Kent has called in financial administrators.
It's 11 years since the idea of the London Resort development on the Swanscombe Peninsula was first suggested.
Now, London Resort Company Holdings have revealed they've appointed administrators after getting into £100 million of debt.
We've been getting reaction from BugLife which opposes the plan.
Also in today's podcast, the home secretary has been visiting Rwanda to see where asylum seekers who cross the Channel to Kent in small boats could be sent.
Suella Braverman says she's keen to push ahead with the plans despite objections from charities and human rights organisations.
More animals have been released into the wild near Canterbury as part of a plan to boost biodiversity.
Hear how cattle, ponies and pigs are now part of the Wilder Blean project.
A Sevenoaks man living with the same rare form of dementia as actor Bruce Willis says he intends to live life to the full.
Eamonn Dobbyn was diagnosed with FTD dementia four years ago and since then has been unable to work, lost the ability to read and write and has seen his mobility decrease.
He's been telling reporter Keely Greenwood all about it.
There's been more speculation over the weekend as to whether Bansky has been back in Kent.
He posted a video from an open mic session in Margate on his Instagram.
And, it was a defeat for Gillingham on Saturday.
We've got reaction from manager Neil Harris after they lost 2-0 to Walsall.
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
A £1.2 million play area in Dartford has been vandalised during its opening weekend.
Buccaneer Bay is within in Central Park in the town. Graffiti has been sprayed on a lighthouse which is one of the main attractions.
Also in today's podcast, there's been a march through Dover today marking a year since P&O ferries sacked 800 staff.
The workers were let go without notice and later replaced with cheaper agency staff.
At the time, the company said it was vital to save the business.
We've been speaking to a former member of staff about his life now.
Staff at a care home in Dartford are celebrating after receiving their third 'outstanding' rating in a row - something that's incredibly rare.
Eglantine Villa in Horton Kirby has been recognised by inspectors for their highly personalised support. Hear from the manager there.
Our features writer Sam Lawrie takes a look at what's going on in Kent this weekend.
And in sport, hear from Gillingham defender Conor Masterson and manager Neil Harris as they travel to take on Walsall this weekend.
The Gills are currently nine points clear of the League Two drop zone.
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
A leading Banksy expert hopes to restore a piece of the mystery artists' work which was destroyed when a farmhouse in Herne Bay was demolished.
'Morning Is Broken' appeared on the building and was confirmed as genuine by the artist via his Instagram page.
But within hours, the 500-year-old property had been demolished.
Also in today's podcast, we've got reaction to yesterday's Budget.
The Chancellor announced plans for more free childcare for youngsters from 9-months old until they start school in a bid to try and get more people back into work.
But there would be a relaxation of staff to children ratios in nurseries. Lewis Steeper's baby son Oliver died in a chocking incident at a nursery and is campaigning against it.
We've also spoken to bosses at Thanet Thorley Taverns as it was revealed duty on draught drinks in pubs will be up to 11p lower than in supermarkets.
And the founder of Fair Fuel UK has reacted to news fuel duty will be frozen for another year.
Find out why there are warnings about building on a plot of land between Ashford and Canterbury.
And, a painting by famous artist David Hockney has been rediscovered in Kent.
It featured on an episode of Antiques Roadshow in Faversham - we reveal how much it's worth.
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Dozens of tyres have been found dumped on the driveway of a couple's home near Canterbury.
Hugh Cunningham and his wife Diane discovered the flytipped waste after a night out.
Hear from the couple who say they now face a large bill to get it cleared away.
Also in today's podcast, there are calls for more CCTV and better lighting in parts of Gillingham after a spate of attacks.
In the past six days, a teenager's been stabbed and a man hit with a brick in the town centre - while two people have been threatened, beaten and robbed on the Great Lines.
Councillor Naushabah Khan has been speaking to our reporter Vanessa Harris.
Some teachers in Kent are back out on strike on what's being called a National Day of Action.
They're among several groups who're staging industrial action on the day of the Budget.
We've been speaking to John Still who is a secondary school teacher in England - you can also hear from the schools minister.
A Brexit-themed Banksy in Dover that was mysteriously whitewashed over could be recreated.
A mural featuring the EU flag was painted over in 2019 and there are now plans to demolish the entire building.
And, find out which stars are going to be performing in Kent this summer.
The two-day Revival in the Park festival is happening in Maidstone in July.
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
An animal charity has started plotting a map to show where there have been reports of cats having their fur shaved as cases continue to rise.
Hear from Animals Lost and Found who say they are becoming increasingly concerned about the attacks which are leaving pets traumatised.
Also on today's podcast, hundreds of people have gathered outside Parliament to protest against the government's controversial new asylum policy.
Under the plans, anyone who arrives in Kent on a small boat would be banned from making a claim to stay here.
Junior doctors in Kent have been walking out for a second day.
Members of the British Medical Association are striking until tomorrow morning in a dispute over pay. We've been speaking to a junior doctors who joined the picket line outside Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham.
A couple who have taken over a pub in Dover say they're going to make it somewhere street food traders can work out of season.
Joe and Laura Taylor already run an events company and hope the Lord Nelson will showcase some of the foodies they know. Joe has been speaking to our reporter Sam Lennon.
And, a dad from Larkfield who lost a leg due to a rare disease is now touring the UK and Europe playing snooker after joining a world disability league.
Martin Brunker was diagnosed with something called charcot foot three years ago - which leaves the bones in the foot fragile and able to break and dislocate.
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
The mum of a teenage boy who died after taking pills on a night out has spoken as the man who sold them to him is jailed.
17-year-old Will Horley took Tramadol while out with friends in Whitstable in 2018.
Hear from Kim Webster who also goes into schools to tell her son's story.
Also in today's podcast - as thousands of junior doctors start three days of strike action, we've been hearing why so many are leaving the profession.
It's feared poor pay and working conditions are pushing them to quit or move abroad to earn money. Hear from Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks.
We've also been speaking to a Maidstone man who's getting ready for an epic fundraising challenge.
Andy Purvis and his friend Stuart Hatcher are hoping to raise over £50,000 for three dementia charities by rowing across the Atlantic.
Hear about the former Kent schoolboy who has won an Oscar for his work on Netflix war epic All Quiet On The Western Front.
A lady who managed to correctly predict the gender, weight and arrival day of a stranger's baby has spoken about her special gift.
And, the Gillingham boss has been chatting following their win at the weekend.
They beat Tranmere Rovers 2-0 at Priestfield.
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
A teenage boy is in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed.
Police cordoned off part of Gillingham High Street after emergency crews were called yesterday evening.
Our reporter Chris Hunter has been to the scene and spoken to some people who witnessed the attack.
Also in today's podcast, the Government has confirmed the building of the new Lower Thames Crossing will be delayed by two years - if the project is approved.
Construction work on the route from Gravesend to Tilbury in Essex was due to start next year and be completed by 2029.
We've been speaking to a campaigner who says they will continue to fight the plans.
A new clothes bank has opened in Kent to try and help with the cost of living crisis.
Shareware started in Nottingham back in 2014 and has now teamed up with domestic abuse charity Sateda to open at Fort Luton in Chatham.
Our features writer has a roundup of everything going on in Kent this weekend.
And in sport, hear from the Gillingham boss ahead of this weekend's game.
They welcome Tranmere Rovers to Priestfield.
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Police are hunting a gang of teenagers who pushed a trolley down an escalator at an Asda store in Gravesend which left a pensioner injured.
The man was knocked backwards after it happened around a fortnight ago.
Hear a description of the suspects and an update on the man's injuries.
Also in today's podcast, an academy trust in Medway has been praised for the work it's doing to make sure teachers have good mental health.
We've been speaking to bosses at Rivermead Inclusive Trust about a platinum award they've been given and what it means.
It might not be the weather for heading to the beach right now, but recruitment is under way to find lifeguards for Kent's beaches this summer.
The RNLI are looking for people to patrol coastal spots in Swale and Thanet.
Rochester Cathedral is currently home to a 13 metre long table made from the wood of a 5,000-year-old fossilised black oak tree.
The wood was found preserved in peat in 2012, but the 'Table for the Nation' wasn't completed until 2022 - and was dedicated to the Queen for her Platinum Jubilee.
Hear from Canon Sue Brewer from the Cathedral where it'll be on display for the next year.
And, a couple who became friends after chatting on the phone during lockdown have met for the first time.
Sally Griffiths from Exeter and Jenny Hossack from Maidstone were put in touch with each other by Inspired Friendships.
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
A Ramsgate couple have spoken about being forced to live in one room for the past two years after a burst watermain destroyed the foundations of their home.
A sinkhole is thought to have led to the major leak under the pavement outside Marilyn and Michael Stapleton's bungalow.
Hear from the pair - we've also got responses from the water company and insurers.
Also in today's podcast, there's advice for drivers if more snow falls in Kent this evening.
Lots of children have had a day off school after the north and west woke up to the white stuff this morning.
The home secretary's insisting a new plan to deal with illegal immigration doesn’t break the law.
The proposals designed to try and stop small boats crossing the Channel to Kent was announced yesterday and has also been the subject of a clash in the commons at PMQs today.
It's International Women's Day and we've been speaking to some inspirational business women in Kent.
Hear from Becky Simms from Reflect Digital in Maidstone and Cheran Friedman who started her own bakery and now has three shops in Kent.
And in sport, it was a great point on the road for Gillingham last night.
Hear from manager Neil Harris after it finished 0-0 at promotion chasing Stockport County.
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
A couple from Deal have been sentenced for their part in a £2 million fraud which helped to fund their lavish lifestyle.
Hear from our court reporter Paul Hooper who covered the case at Maidstone Crown Court.
Also in today's podcast, the home secretary has unveiled details of new laws to try and stop small boats crossing the Channel to Kent.
The government says anyone who arrives in the country via that route will be banned from claiming asylum.
We've got reaction from the Samphire project in Dover which aims to unite communities.
We've been getting reaction to news the fire service has accepted a new pay offer, averting strike action in Kent.
Yesterday afternoon firefighters accepted a 7% pay rise backdated to July 2022 plus an additional 5% from this summer.
A Kent pharmacist has described his position as 'dire' - with as many as 600 pharmacies across the country set to close this year.
800 have already closed since 2015 due to rising costs.
Mr Doodle has been at work on a massive piece of art in Ashford.
He's been commissioned to decorate the side of a car park on Edinburgh Road as part of an art trail through the town.
And in football, Gillingham travel to take on promotion chasing Stockport County in league two tonight.
Hear from manager Neil Harris who has been speaking to our sports reporter Luke Cawdell.