KentOnline

Podcast: Armed police close of city streets, covid rate highest since June and cyberstalking on the increase

Streets in the centre of Canterbury have been cordoned off after armed police were called to a building.

Officers were seen with their weapons trained on a property this morning.

Hear from our reporter Lydia Chantler-Hicks who was at the scene.

Also in today's podcast, KentOnline's been told about a rise in calls about cyberstalking during lockdown. We hear from two experts.

The coronavirus infection rate in Kent has reached its highest level since June.

A Kent MP has spoken out about rail fares as more of us work from home - hear exactly what Greg Clark had to say in the commons.

And, Dr Ranj has helped record a new poem for children affected by the pandemic.

Podcast: Council branded 'crazy' for giving Faversham funfair the go ahead

A council has been criticised for allowing a funfair to go ahead on a recreation ground in Faversham.
Some people living in the town fear it could lead to an increase in coronavirus cases and think people will break the rule of six.
Swale Borough Council are sticking by their decision - hear from one resident who isn't happy.

Also in today's podcast - the man leading the investigation into the baby death scandal at East Kent Hospitals says some NHS Trusts need to be better at admitting their mistakes.
An independent review's looking at whether failings in care led to the avoidable deaths of at least 15 newborns at the QEQM in Margate and William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
Hear what Dr Bill Kirkup has said to the Health and Social Care Committee
More of us have apparently been turning to art in lockdown - now exhibitions are opening across the county.
And, we reveal the dog who's been named Britain's most destructive pet.

Podcast: Anger in Kent as Uber get their London licence back

Taxi drivers in parts of Kent have been reacting to news Uber has got its London licence back.

A judge has decided the company is 'fit and proper' to be running in the capital.

That also means they can operate in Medway, Dartford and Gravesend again - hear from one taxi driver who isn't happy.

Also in today's podcast - new rules come into force to try and prevent the spread of coronavirus, we've been speaking to a wedding planner who fears for the future of the industry.

The issue of people crossing the Channel in small boats has been raised in the commons again by a Kent MP.

And, Kent schools are getting involved in a big assembly to tackle bullying - hear from the Rochester woman who's leading the project.

Podcast: Calls for more support for Eurostar, bride rearranges wedding and plaque unveiled to equality pioneer

There are calls for the government to provide Eurostar with more support after the company revealed it doesn't plan to stop in Kent again until 2022.

Passengers can't get on or off the high speed service at Ebbsfleet or Ashford and it's feared it could have a devastating impact on the county's economy.

Hear from local democracy reporter Ciaran Duggan who's been chatting to the head of HS1.

Also in today's podcast, we hear from a bride who's hastily rearranged her wedding to avoid having to cut the number of guests when new restrictions come into force on Monday.

A plaque has been unveiled at Chatham railway station to an equality pioneer.

And, we look ahead to Gillingham's next game in league one - they welcome Blackpool this weekend.

Podcast: Kexit sends social media into meltdown and calls for more support to help lower league football clubs in Kent

We're pretty sure you've heard of Brexit by now, but last night it was #Kexit that was trending on social media.
Yes, the suggestion or an internal border in Kent and lorry drivers needing a special permit to get into the county after the transition period ends, almost broke the internet.
Well of course we had to join in the fun by looking at what a republic of Kent would actually be like, hear from KentOnline editor and author of that feature, Ed McConnell.

Also in the podcast, as office staff are told to try and work from home again, we speak to a company boss from Broadstairs on how they've adapted over the past six months.
A group of Kent MP have called for more support for the culture sector and sport during the pandemic.
And, the Gillingham boss reacts to their defeat at Stoke City which has seen them go out of the Carabao Cup.

Podcast: Six months since lockdown started tough new restrictions are about to be brought in

It's exactly six months since the Prime Minister urged us to stay indoors to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Now, after lockdown was eased, we're again facing tough restrictions following a rise in cases.

Hear from a uni professor who still fears a second national lockdown and a wedding planner who says her industry needs more help.

Also in the podcast, we look ahead to Gillingham's trip to Stoke City in the Carabao Cup tonight.

Podcast: Opening hours of pubs cut and fines for rule breakers increased in tough new measures to stop spread of coronavirus

The Prime Minister has announced a raft a new measures in a fresh bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Boris Johnson made a statement in the Commons at lunchtime following a warning from experts yesterday that we could see almost 50-thousand cases a day by mid-October.
Pub, bars and restaurants must now shut at 10pm, retail staff, waiters and taxi drivers should wear face masks and anyone caught breaking social distancing rules will face a £200 fine.

On today's podcast, Nicola Everett hears what experts have to say and finds out if we left lockdown too early.
Also in today's episode, the UK's biggest wine producer right here in Kent starts an early harvest and there's a new signing for the Gills.

Podcast: Second lockdown looms as experts warn of increasing coronavirus cases

The government's top scientific and medical advisors have issued a stark warning as cases of coronavirus rise again.
Sir Patrick Vallance says we could see almost 50,000 cases a day by mid-October if nothing is done, that could, in turn, lead to more deaths.
We speak to some of you and hear from a Kent doctor on whether we might be heading for another national lockdown.
Also in the podcast, it's a freshers week like no other as thousands of students start university in Kent.
The future of rail services in Kent is set for a shake-up as plans are announced to scrap franchises.
And, a 'proud' Gillingham boss speaks after his side's league one victory at Wigan Athletic.

Podcast: Miss England finalist speak out as attacker avoid jail

A Miss England finalist who was left with facial scars following an attack in West Malling has spoken out as a woman avoided being sent to prison.
28 year-old China Gold from London Road in Aylesford smashed a wine glass in Olivia Cooke's face and has been given a suspended sentence.
Hear what the victim had to say outside court.

Also in the podcast, a Banksy has gone back on display in Folkestone six years after it was cut from a wall and sent to America to be sold.
And, there's bad news for Gillingham fans as the captain is ruled out for the season - manager Steve Evans also looks ahead to this weekend's game.

Podcast: Families told to leave homes at former Howe Barracks in Canterbury

More than a dozen families have been told to leave the former Army homes in Canterbury they've lived in for the past two years.
Hear from our reporter Gerry Warren who's been following the story that's not only angered the families but councillors and the city's MP.
Also in the podcast, an Ashford mum speak out about her experience of hygiene poverty as part of a campaign to raise awareness and prevent others from going through it.
Find out where there are concerns about parking near a number of schools in Kent.
And, we get an update from a Kent animal park following a large fire which is now known to have claimed the life of a rare red squirrel.