KentOnline

Podcast: MPs investigate Channel crossings as a record number of migrants arrive in Kent

On today's podcast we hear from the man who's been put in charge of tackling small boat crossing in the Channel...

He's been giving evidence to MPs today after a record number of migrants arrived in Kent yesterday.

More than 400 people made the journey - the most in a single day.

The Home Affairs Select Committee is trying to understand why it's happening.

Also in the podcast, there's been a big increase in the number of online child sex crimes in Kent according to figures obtained by the NSPCC.

And, Kent's top police officer is leading a national drive to improve safety.

Podcast: Murder convictions, fears over the taxi industry and battle for a diagnosis

Coming up in today's podcast we hear about two men who're starting life sentences following two separate murder trials in Kent.

Plus, there are concerns over the future of the taxi industry in the county - hear from the manager of one cab firm that's been affected by lockdown.

One of Kent's MPs has urged the Prime Minister to get rail companies to introduce flexible season tickets.

And, a young woman speaks out about the rare condition that left her disabled overnight and the 18 month battle to get a diagnosis.

Podcast: Bank holiday party investigated by police

There's a lot of anger today about a bank holiday party in Kent that appeared to flout social distancing rules.

Wedding venues and brides-to-be have criticised the organisers of the social event that took place in a marquee in Wrotham.

It's now being investigated by police and the council say rules that were agreed to appear to have been breached.

Also in the podcast, all pupils are expected back in school this week for the first time since lockdown started, why parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated against flu and a fundraising superstar gets a new set of wheels.

Podcast: Breweries under threat, illegal rave crackdown and school term transport preparations

Tougher measures are coming into force across Kent to crack down on illegal raves.

From today, anyone who organises one could be fined up to £10,000, and £100 fine for those attending.

We hear from Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Faulconbridge from Kent Police.

Also in the podcast: small breweries could be under threat as the government changes tax rules, and a Kent bus operator tells us they're confident they can get children to school safely next week. 

Podcast: Employers warned of Covid spread as some work places reopen

A Kent professor is warning employers to make sure offices are Covid secure, despite the health secretary saying the risk of transmission is low.

Matt Hancock said NHS track and trace data shows there's 'little evidence' of coronavirus spreading in workplaces.

We hear from Martin Michaelis from the University of Kent's school of biosciences, who is warning that we can't be sure that's the case, as most people have been working from home.

Also in the podcast: there are calls for a clamp down on fly-tipping in Kent - and it's feared organised crime is causing more of it. 

Podcast: Face coverings in schools, lorry smashes and cricket success

Face coverings will become 'part of the uniform' for some secondary school pupils in Kent.

The government says only those under local lockdowns have to use masks in corridors and communal areas - but headteachers elsewhere can make their own decisions.

We hear from Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Community Learning, which runs two schools in Medway and Sheppey.

Also in the podcast: a man is calling for heavy lorries to be banned from his village after his home has been hit eight times in a year, and we hear from England's Zak Crawley following his recent cricket success.

Podcast: Kent's teachers prepare as schools set to return

With just a week to go before schools reopen, its feared some parents won't send their children back for fear they could catch coronavirus.

We hear from Ruth Powell, headteacher at St Katherine's Primary in Snodland, who is confident her school will be Covid-secure.

Also on the podcast: a mum from Chatham claims her son hasn't had a fair assessment for autism because of the pandemic.

Podcast: Teen given life sentence after 'drug row' murder

A teenager has been given a life sentence after being found guilty of murdering Anthony Eastwood.

Nathan Kitenge-Mpiana will serve a minimum term of 14 years and 141 days before he can be considered for parole.

 

We hear from the victim's partner Stephanie Hall, who has slammed the killer for his remorselessness.

 

Also on the podcast: charity Protection Against Stalking says the number of victims has doubled since the start of lockdown.

Podcast: Evictions ban extended by government

Landlords will not be able to evict renters from their homes for another month.

The government announced the decision this afternoon, following pressure from councils and charities who warned almost half a million vulnerable families could be at risk of losing their homes.

We hear from Peter Fleming, leader of Sevenoaks council, who says the change is a good idea but there are also wider pressures to resolve. 

Also in the podcast: Kent's first environmental boss tell us the county can become 'green' by 2050 - despite plans for major infrastructure developments.

Podcast: GCSE results day for Kent students

Hear from students as they collect their results, amid continued frustration from teachers about this year's grading fiasco.

 

We speak to pupils from Hillview School in Tonbridge and the headteacher of Maidstone Grammar School.

 

Also in the podcast: concern grows for the care of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children left in the hands of Border Force, after past failures.