Lauren Kinrade made false allegations against a 71-year-old cancer patient who she was meant to be looking after.

Her victim was arrested and spent three months behind bars as a result of her claims.

Last month 35-year-old Kinrade from Pembury Court admitted perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to four years.

Also in today's podcast, help is being offered to hundreds of parents who are scrambling to find somewhere for their children to go after the Easter break following the closure of a school in Ramsgate.

St Lawrence College has been struggling financially and recently abandoned plans to merge with another private school, Dover College.

Two burglars from East London have been jailed following a high-speed police chase on the Thanet Way.

Officers were pursuing a Porsche which had been stolen from a property in Birchington in January.

The car crashed into a Tesla and the men tried to run away through woodland.

A meeting's been held to discuss plans to repair and reopen a road in north Kent - three years after a landslip.

Residents in Swanscombe say they're fed up with traffic diverting and causing disruption following the closure of Galley Hill Road.

And, Mimi Webb's told us she's already working on a third album.

The Canterbury-born singer is back in the studio after only just releasing the deluxe edition of Confessions: An Unexpected Turn of Events.

It includes five new tracks including Ends in Y which sees her riding a horse in the video.

In sport, Gillingham have extended the contract of fan favourite Bradley Dack.

The 32-year-old will be staying until the end of next season. Hear from him and manager Gareth Ainsworth ahead of their trip to promotion chasing Salford City this weekend.

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Ashton Harrington was found in Belmont Road in the town in the early hours of Good Friday.

The 19-year-old's mum Camille has been speaking to our reporter Gerry Warren who joins us on the podcast.

Also in today's episode, a drug dealer from Tunbridge Wells has been jailed after police found him trying to destroy a mobile phone by flushing it down the toilet.

Police attended 28-year-old Sabinson Selimaj's property in Scotts Way last October as part on ongoing enquiries into cocaine supply in the area.

Kent Police has been praised by national inspectors for the work they do in schools to tackle knife crime.

A report's been released showing improvements in the overall efficiency of the force.

It's also highlighted a scheme to identify and educate those at risk of carrying blades.

A Kent retail worker says it's frustrating to see the level of abuse towards staff remains high.

Recent figures from the Retail Trade Union show 78% of surveyed workers in the south east were verbally abused last year.

More than half were threatened and twelve-percent were actually assaulted. 

And in sport, Chatham Town have won the Isthmian League Women's Cup final.

Jess King and Amelia Woodgate both scored hat tricks as they beat Bowers and Pitsea 7-1 in Essex last night.

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Seven fire engines and a height vehicle were called to the scene in Greenhithe yesterday – it’s as fires have also broken out in Ashford and Medway – we’ll bring you all the details. 

Also in today’s podcast, you can hear an eyewitness account of the death of a skydiver at a Kent airfield. 

A man in his 50s in confirmed to have died at Headcorn Aerodrome on Easter Monday – we’ve spoken to another man who was due to skydive on the same morning. 

A row's broken out between two politicians in Medway about the School Streets scheme.

Since 2024 vehicles have been banned from driving down certain roads at drop off and pick up time – Cabinet member Alex Paterson has faced criticism from Conservative Councillor Andrew Lawrence. 

Neighbours say they’re heartbroken after a council demanded they get rid of a cherished community garden years in the making.

We’ve spoken to Vikki Montague who has spent hundreds of hours cultivating flowers, vegetables and fruit trees at Mannock House in Canterbury.

And in football, Gillingham's Sam Gale has been nominated for the league two Young Player of the Season award.

He's featured in 40 games across all competitions and scored one goal - in their 1-nil win over Crewe Alexandra in August.

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Emergency crews were called to Headcorn Aerodrome yesterday morning after eyewitnesses reported seeing 'an object' falling from the sky.

Operators, Go Skydive, say a British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.

Also in today's podcast, police have released pictures of two men they want to speak to following a fatal stabbing in Whitstable.

19-year-old Ashton Harrington was found in Belmont Road in the early hours of Good Friday.

There's a warning health services in Kent could be impacted as strike action gets underway this morning.

Resident doctors, who used to be known as junior doctors, are walking out until next Monday.

It's over a long-running dispute with government about pay.

A young woman from Kent has been telling us about her battle to get treatment for a common condition, after nearly seven years of symptoms.

Freya Baker has hyperhidrosis - which causes excessive sweating.

The 25-year-old, from Teynham near Sittingbourne, says it makes it difficult to work or carry out day to day tasks.

And in sport, Gillingham's six-game winless run has come to an end.

They beat Accrington Stanley 2 - 0 in front of the home crowd at Priestfield yesterday.

Defender Andy Smith scored his first goal for the club.

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But the father of Martin Creed’s victim says “justice has not been served”, after he admitted abusing his partner of eight years in a caravan on Sheppey. 

Also in today’s podcast, a man has appeared in court after being accused of murdering his mother at their home near Dover. 

The 64-year-old victim was attacked at a home in Khartoum Square on Sunday. 

A mum who moved to a garden city for a “blissful green escape” says it’s become a “living hell” thanks to ongoing construction.

Within weeks of moving in to the property at Ebbsfleet Garden City last August with her son she’d realised she’d moved into a working building site. 

A team of veterans have arrived in Kent as they attempt to sail around the UK.

They're using two wooden tall ships which are traditionally rigged and will be docked at Ramsgate for the next few days.

And in cricket, Adam Hollioake insists he’s a better coach for his first season in charge of Kent. 

He’s been speaking as they look to get their new County Championship campaign underway against Durham this Easter long weekend. 

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Administrators have been appointed just months after the company failed to avoid more than £50 million in agreed contributions.

Also in today’s podcast, a mum-of-one murdered by her estranged husband had told police just 16 days before she was killed that she feared it was “very likely” he would seriously harm her. 

A report has revealed officers deemed Ramona Stoia was only at “medium” risk following his arrest for physical and sexual offences against her.

A dreaded contraflow is set to be deployed on the M20 for the Easter holiday travel rush in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe.

The motorway will be closed tonight so the Operation Brock system can be installed – we’ve spoken to local roads bosses. 

We're being encouraged to count the number of bug splatters on our number plates as part of an annual survey. 

It's called Bugs Matter - and you can log the data through an app to help track insect numbers. 

And in sport, you can hear from members of the victorious rugby team from Maidstone Grammar School who are heading to meet the town's mayor later.

It's after they secured a dramatic 22-21 win at Twickenham to lift the Schools Under-18 Vase.

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The Gillingham man's family say he was spending up to £60 a day on Uber Eats and it accelerated his death – they’re calling for more to be done to restrict the sale of alcohol.

Also on today’s podcast, detectives have charged a man with murder following the death of a woman in Dover.

The 64 year-old was found dead after police were called to a home in Khartoum Square in Whitfield on Sunday afternoon – the suspect will be in court today. 

It has been a year since the government approved plans for the most ambitious road project in a generation, the Lower Thames Crossing. 

Bosses behind the scheme have now given an update on how it is progressing with hundreds of people working across the scheme.

Residents of a block of flats in Maidstone say action should have been taken sooner to fix a leak which has left them without water since Friday.

The problem was first identified at Sandling Park four months ago, but now the pipe has burst forcing supplies to be turned off.

And, a college in Sheerness has officially unveiled its new campus extension. 

It’s hoped the EKC Sheppey college facility will boost opportunities for young people on the island. 

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Crews were called to The Hengist in the High Street just after midnight on Sunday.

At its height, eight engines and a height vehicle were at the scene, with pictures showing smoke billowing into the night sky.

The boss of a nightclub at the centre of a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury has exclusively revealed to the podcast that they will reopen later this week.

Club Chemistry voluntarily closed it's doors earlier this month after almost 90% of cases could be traced back to the venue.

A Herne Bay man is getting ready to run 200 miles to Paris as part of a mental health campaign.

22-year-old Fin Dale will be setting off from his local pub tomorrow, and it'll take two weeks for him to get to the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Football, and it was another defeat for Gillingham at the weekend - their fifth in a row.

They were beaten 2-0 at Crawley Town with both goals coming in the dying moments of the match. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Andy Smith.

It was a much better result for Punjab United who drew the first leg of their FA Vase semi-final.

The Gravesend-based side travelled to Cockfosters on Saturday and it finished 1-1. The second leg takes place at their home ground on April 4.

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Property prices in Dover are just seven times residents' earnings, but in Sevenoaks it's much higher at more than 10 times.

Reporter Sam Lennon has been in Dover and speaking to people who live and work in the town.

Crews have been tackling a blaze at a car dealership in Canterbury which caused heavy smoke and travel disruption.

Seven fire engines were sent to the Mercedes-Benz showroom on Sturry Road at around half five this morning.

Plans to build 2,500 homes near Sittingbourne have been delayed.

A decision on the development off Sheppey Way in Bobbing was due to be made last night, but it's been deferred by Swale Council. Hear from local democracy reporter Dan Esson.

A Medway mum's been forced to give up work to look after her son after he was given a place at a mainstream school that can't support his needs.

Five year-old Hudson Black has autism and sensory processing disorders but was given a place at Parkwood Primary in Rainham which says it isn't suitable. We've been speaking to Hudson's mum Charlotte.

A Kent campaign group has welcomed a landmark ruling in the US, against the owners of Youtube and Instagram.

Google and Meta have been found liable for young woman's addiction to social media. We've got reaction from Whitstable Unplugged.

And in sport,  it's a trip to Crawley Town for Gillingham in league two this weekend.

The Gills will be hoping to end a run of four defeats. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Sam Gale.

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Peter Maughan died after the 4x4 he was travelling in with his parents and youngster sister was clipped at speed by a vehicle pursuing them on New Barn Road in Southfleet last June.

Hear from Peter's mother Hayley Maughan and Senior prosecutor Natalie Smith who spoke outside court.

Also in today's podcast, a driver who struck a teacher in a hit and run in Medway has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving.

Ben Allen was knocked down as he walked along Station Road in Cliffe following a night out in December 2021.

If you live in three parts of Medway, you're being urged to have a say on how £60million should be spent.

We told you last week how Twydall, Luton and Rede Common are getting an equal share of Pride in Place funding from government.

Gillingham and Rainham MP Naushabah Khan has been speaking to the local democracy reporting service.

The KentOnline Podcast has been told the UK's largest solar farm on land in Kent will be up and running within months.

Cleve Hill Solar Park covers 900 acres in Graveney between Faversham and Whitstable after being approved by the government six years ago.

And, Talia Mar has been on our sister radio station, kmfm, talking about how being an independent artist has changed her career.

The 'Stay the Night' singer left her record label in 2024. Her new single 'Suit and Tie' is her third independent release. 

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Today's ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral is the symbolic start of Dame Sarah Mullally's leadership of the Church of England.

More than 2,000 people including the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Prime Minister will be at the ceremony.

Three students from the John Wallis Church of England Academy in Ashford will also be taking part hear from MacAnthony Ihejirika and the school's chaplain Ian Rich.

Also in today's podcast, you're now able to travel around Canterbury on e-bikes.

Rental firm Beryl is bringing the vehicles to the city and already runs similar schemes in Manchester, Plymouth and Bradford.

We're joined on the episode by reporter Brad Harper who went along to the launch.

Residents of a village near Maidstone have criticised plans to build 26 homes on an agricultural field near their homes.

Developers have submitted an application for land off Gallants Lane in East Farleigh.

Meantime, there are fears a new development in Dover will result in the loss of almost all of the parking spaces around a nearby church.

11 homes are set to be built along Northbourne Road in Great Mongeham, with double yellow line directly outside.

And in sport, Kent's head coach Adam Hollioake says there's no reason some of his young players couldn't represent England at senior level one day.

Several of them were given their first-team debuts last summer and are said to be showing promise.

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Emergency crews were called to the High Street at about 4am and at its height seven fire engines were at the scene along with a height vehicle.

Also in today's podcast, drivers have been stuck in gridlocked traffic because of a closure of the Medway Tunnel.

There was a power failure overnight which led to long delays through Strood, Gillingham and Chatham. We have the latest on the situation from councillor Alex Paterson.

Two of Kent's MPs are calling for a crackdown on catapults being used to hurt animals.

Dartford's Jim Dickson has raised the issue in the commons, meantime, Faversham and Mid Kent's Helen Whately has been to visit an animal rescue centre where volunteers deal with wildlife that's been injured.

Hear from Mark Henderson from the Columbines Wildlife Care in Teynham near Sittingbourne.

Also on the podcast, we've been hearing from the mother of a young girl from Kent who lives with a rare condition that's left her locked in her own body.

11-year-old Poppy has Rett Syndrome, a degenerative disease that's rarely seen in boys but affects one in every ten-thousand girls.

And in sport, Sam Northeast says he wants to help Kent secure a move back to the top flight this season.

The batsman has rejoined the county after being involved in Glamorgan's promotion from league two last summer.

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27-year-old PC Bradley Corke died yesterday after being critically injured in the line of duty after a serious crash in Farningham last week. 

Also in today’s podcast, latest figures show there have been no new meningitis cases linked to the outbreak in Kent.

It means 20 cases have been confirmed, with nine still under investigation – it’s as business bosses are hoping this week’s enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury will bring tourists back to the city. 

Tom Burke is best known for playing a troubled private detective haunted by his past in hit crime series Strike.

But the 44-year-old is now trying to solve a “complex issue” off screen: helping Ashford town centre overcome an “identity crisis”.

We've been hearing from a Kent mental health nurse, who works with the team that offered her support during pregnancy.

After suffered severe bipolar and psychotic episodes while expecting her fourth child Tynisa Nixon received help from the Kent and Medway Mental Heath NHS Trust perinatal support team. 

And in football, you can hear from the Gillingham manager after his side threw away an advantage on Saturday.

The Gills looked in charge at the break, but two minutes into the second half Bristol took the lead and went on to secure the 2 – 1 win. 

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Fire crews were called to Matts Hill Farm shortly after people reported hearing loud explosions.

Also in today’s podcast, the father of an 18-year-old girl who died during the Kent meningitis outbreak has described his family’s devastation as “immeasurable” as they call for urgent changes to vaccine access.

Juliette Kenny, a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, died on Saturday - less than 24 hours after first falling ill.

Opposition parties have stormed out of a “divisive fantasy debate” on immigration at County Hall.

In scenes of high drama rarely seen at Kent County Council Liberal Democrat leader Antony Hook led the members out after saying the motion was a “political stunt” based on “discriminatory assumptions”.

Dad-friendly play dates are being launched in Tunbridge Wells this weekend by support group Dad La Soul.

The two hour sessions blend play and culture, offering men a place to connect and engage with their children

And in football, Gillingham’s run of games against promotion chasers is over, but they’re still expects a tough test at Priestfield this weekend. 

The Gills have conceded 12 goals in their last three games –  you can hear from striker Ronan Hale as they prepare to welcome Bristol Rovers. 

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An inspection of HMP Swaleside on Sheppey, found incidents of violence and drug supply were high.

Concerns have also been raised about the risk to the public, with the site failing as a training and rehabilitation facility.

But first, there's been another increase in the number of cases of meningitis in Kent following a deadly outbreak.

Health experts say 15 are confirmed and 12 are being investigated - bringing the total to 27.

Two young people have died and others are being treated in hospital.

The outbreak centres around Canterbury, hear from the acting vice chancellor at the University of Kent, and the city's MP who is calling for a MenB vaccine to be more widely available.

A man's been arrested following a stabbing in Gillingham.

Armed police were called to Mill Road near the Medway Park sports centre yesterday lunchtime, we've got reaction from people in the area at the time.

And in sport, Maidstone Grammar School will compete in the final of the National Under 18 Vase today.

They'll take on Newcastle's Dame Allen School at Twickenham after a hard fought campaign.

As a state-funded school, they've competed against mostly independent schools in the knock-out rounds.

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Medics say six are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease - or MenB.

Meantime, a mum has spoken of her shock after her daughter became ill and ended up in hospital.

21-year-old Keeleigh Goodwin lives in a house share in the Wincheap part of Canterbury and started to feel unwell over the weekend.

The outbreak is being linked to three events at Club Chemistry in the city and anyone who went there is being urged to get antibiotics as a precaution.

So far, 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been handed out at four clinics in the county. In this episode, you can also hear from Dr Anjan Ghosh who is Kent's director of public health.

Other top stories, and, a Birchington man who organised the supply of class A drugs across east Kent has been locked up.

Police say the 30-year-old used a luxury watch business as a cover up and was caught singing while handling his illicit money.

A father and step-daughter have joined forces to bring traditional English dishes to a Kent town with a new “upmarket” eatery in a former landmark pub.

Businessman Henry Cooper and Tabitha Bennet are transforming the old King’s Head in Sittingbourne into a café and restaurant.

And in sport, the Gillingham manager is focusing on performance, rather than results, after last night's loss to Swindon Town.

They were defeated 2-0 at Priestfield despite managing 20 shots on target.

Hear from Gareth Ainsworth and young striker Harry Waldock.

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18-year-old Juliette Kenney was in the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. A student from the University of Kent has also died, while other young people remain in hospital.

The UK health security agency has confirmed Meningitis B is the strain behind the outbreak.

Babies have been vaccinated against it since 2015, but older students aren't protected unless they've had the jab.

Also in today's podcast, the multi-million pound rebuild of a school near Sittingbourne has been completed, following more than 18 months of work.

It means Teynham Primary will be able to welcome more pupils in future, as hundreds of new homes are also planned for the area.

The new Archbishop of Canterbury is setting off on an 87-mile pilgrimage today - ahead of her installation at Canterbury Cathedral.

Dame Sarah Mullally will walk from St Paul's Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral, joining prayer services at churches and abbeys along the way.

And in sport,  the Gillingham boss has told his squad they need to toughen up ahead of tonight's clash against Swindon Town.

The Gills have suffered a run of disappointing results - losing 5 - 0 to Cambridge United last time out.

They're sitting 17th in League Two, while tonight's visitors to Priestfield are in 6th.

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One was studying at the University of Kent in the city while the other was in the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.

Several other young people, who are believed to be Uni students, are understood to be in hospital.

Hear from our reporter Max Chesson who has been at the campus. We've also been speaking to a leading GP about how contagious the infection is.

Also in today's podcast, figures seen by KentOnline show more than 2700 households in Kent are living in temporary accommodation. That includes more than 1,600 families with children.

Medway has the highest number, followed by Dover. But, some areas have managed to reduce their figures including Thanet, where it's dropped from 302 to 219 in the space of a year.

A Kent family have been accused of fraud, after launching a fundraiser to help build an accessible home for their disabled son.

Eight-year-old Evan has muscular dystrophy and money is being raised to build a property near Maidstone with all the required adaptations inside.  

Mum Laura says their GoFundMe was reported by people who believe Evan looks too healthy.

And in sport,  the Gillingham manager's said his side have hit 'rock bottom' after another heavy defeat in league two.

They lost 5-0 away at Cambridge United on Saturday - following a 5-1 loss to MK Dons on Tuesday night.

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Ammber Fenn was driving her car towards Sittingbourne on the A249, near Sheppey Crossing, when it collided with a BMW on January 30.

Also in today’s podcast, a leading expert has been asked to help with a project to tackle health inequalities in Kent.

The county council say it's one of their top priorities - after stats revealed people in some coastal areas have poorer health and a shorter life expectancy that those inland.

We’ve got the details as it’s been revealed one of Kent’s MPs has declared more in outside interests since the start of 2025 than any other by some distance.

Tom Tugendhat has two additional jobs paying almost twice the average salary for only a few hours a month, and has taken expensive trips around the globe paid for by foreign governments and think tanks.

The KentOnline Podcast has spoken to a Kent woman who's recovering from an eating disorder and says weight loss jabs are creating a worrying new dynamic for people with body image issues.

Shannon Travers-Spencer says she tried to purchase them when suffering a relapse - and found it far too easy.

And in football, it's a trip to promotion chasing Cambridge United for Gillingham this weekend.

It follows Tuesday night's 5-1 defeat to MK Dons at Priestfield – you can hear from striker Sam Vokes who says they're determined to put things right. 

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Bosses in Tonbridge and Malling are in the process of drawing up a new Local Plan which allocates land for more than 19,000 new homes across the borough by 2042 - expanding the borough’s population by over a third.

Also in today’s podcast, the 999 call an e-bike rider made to the emergency services after striking a 91-year-old as he put the rubbish out has been released.

Clifford Cage has become the first cyclist in British legal history to be convicted of manslaughter but has avoided being sent to prison – you can hear from the daughter of the victim who spoke following the sentencing. 

A mum-of-three who created an award-winning podcast after losing her husband in a scuba diving tragedy has published her first book about coping and recovering from losing a partner.

Ben Moss from Faversham failed to resurface during a trip near Dover and his body's never been found – wife Rosie started a podcast to share her story and hear from other widows. 

The owner of an animal sanctuary has spoken to us about her relief after legal proceedings against her were dropped.

The action had been brought against the Happy Pants Ranch near Sittingbourne after it was alleged that the animal sanctuary had failed to comply with a noise abatement order it had served after neighbours reported disturbance.

And a visitor car park at one of the UK’s most famous beauty spots is now being locked overnight following a surge in anti-social behaviour.

The National Trust has introduced the restrictions at a 300-space site serving the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

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The outline planning application for a mixed-use neighbourhood in Meopham would be 50% affordable and targeted at first-time buyers and downsizers.

Also in today’s podcast, a controversial massive housing development backed by Prince William has been given the green light despite claims it would be an “eyesore” and a “Trojan Horse” for even more homes.

After hours of debate in a council meeting last night, the 2,500-home estate on the southeast edge of Faversham has been approved. 

A mum-of-two says she was “put through hell” by one of her late husband’s clients who refused to pay for building work carried out shortly before his death.

You can hear from Jo-Anne Mapp, whose husband was in the process of renovating a home in Whitstable when he died in July last year.

One of Medway's MPs has told us graffiti in her constituency is making the area look uncared for and unloved.

Naushabah Khan's reported an increase in tags on walls in Gillingham and has started a campaign to clean it up.

And in football, you can hear from the manager after Gillingham were soundly beaten at home by Milton Keynes Dons last night. 

The Gills conceded three goals in 18 first-half minutes – they’re the third team since the start of the year to beat the Gills at Priestfield by three goals or more.

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It follows several ongoing planning disputes over the use of the farmland near Gravesend in the past three years. 

Also in today’s podcast, dramatic police footage has emerged showing a fleeing thief leaping from a second-floor window to avoid being arrested.

When officers tried to arrest Bobby Thorpe, he refused them entry to the Tonbridge property, and they forced their way inside.

A campaign started in Kent calling for the age women are first called for a mammogram to be lowered could now be debated in parliament.

It's after a chemotherapy nurse noticed an increase in the number of younger women with breast cancer. 

The boss of a dedicated live music venue opening this weekend says it will bring “quality entertainment” to a town that is currently “underserved”.

Stuart Cameron is launching The Swale Assembly in what used to be Life nightclub in Sittingbourne High Street. 

And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has spoken of the ‘seemingly endless resources’ available to midweek visitors MK Dons.

They’re second in the League Two table ahead of their visit to Priestfield tonight, five points behind leaders Bromley and with a game in hand.

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He was “extremely intoxicated” at the time and demanded to be let on board while the vehicle had been stopped in traffic. 

Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a Kent charity who say they've had a record year for the amount of surplus food they've redistributed.

FareShare collects products from supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste - bosses say they’ve hit targets they haven’t seen since the pandemic. 

Parts of a former Debenhams are set to undergo a major transformation starting this week - with a medical centre earmarked for the site in Folkestone. 

Plans to transform the Art Deco section of the town centre building, known as Folca Two, have been in motion to bring the property back into public use.

We’ve got the details on a bid to make Thanet the “Isle of Culture” for 2029 

Artist and Margate resident Dame Tracey Emin, along with East Thanet MP Polly Billington, have kickstarted the campaign.

And in football, we’ve heard from manager Gareth Ainsworth after a late equaliser denied Gillingham victory on Saturday.

The Gills looked set to earn all three points before Fleetwood struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point, the game ending 1-1.

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Phil Webster had been approaching a roundabout on the A249 when he says he was cut up by another vehicle.

Also in today's podcast, more than 40 people have been arrested as Kent Police crack down on fraud.

Officers have been targeting suspected criminals who defraud others through romance scams, unnecessary building repairs and postal scams.

Campaigners have welcomed news that a merger of two private schools in Kent has been put on hold.

St Lawrence College in Ramsgate announced last week it was going to close its site and join forces with Dover College.

Parents criticised a lack of consultation and bosses now say they will reconsider options open to them. Hear from Laura Holden who has a child there.

There are plans to spend £4 million on another bridge over the River Medway in Maidstone.

It would run alongside the existing High Level Rail Bridge and be specifically for cyclists.

In sport,  it's a home game for Gillingham this weekend, following last week's victory away at Barrow.

The Gills scored in the dying seconds to secure a 1-0 victory after three losses in a row. We've been catching up with striker Seb Palmer-Holden and manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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Huge plumes of smoke were seen coming from Swanton House in Elwick Road yesterday evening. Hear from our reporter Max Chesson who has been to the scene.

Also in today's episode,  a document detailing where 23,000 homes could be built in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay will be debated by councillors for the first time tonight.

It's known as a Local Plan and also sets out where things like roads will need to be constructed to support new developments and growing populations. Our local democracy reporter Dan Esson has more information.

The MP for Ashford is warning that exposure to misinformation on social media is damaging children's mental health.

It's as TikTok videos have emerged encouraging so called "school wars" across the county, with organised fighting between pupils.

A number of schools have sent letters home to parents saying it's already impacting children. We've been speaking to Sojan Joseph.

Vouchers will be handed out in schools across Kent as we celebrate World Book Day.

It's as recent figures from the National Literacy Trust show daily reading levels for children have reached a 20-year low. Hear from award winning Kent author Annabel Steadman who wrote the Skandar series.

And in sport, the Maidstone United manager's admitted he may need to add to his squad due to injury problems.

Strike Muhammadu Faal was stretchered off on Tuesday night while goalkeeper Nathan Harness suffered concussion.

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The A299 between the Dargate Services and Roman Galley pub has been reduced to 50 miles per hour since last September after bumps appeared in the surface.

The county council say repairs will be carried out over six weeks from June 1st.

Also in today's podcast, police have released footage of the moment they found a burglar hiding in the loft of a house in Ashford.

Antony Allen, 47, who doesn't have a permanent address, had targeted a home in the town at Christmas while the owners were away.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, holidaymakers in Kent are being urged not to panic if they have got future flights booked to countries like Dubai.

Thousands of Brits have been left stranded after the country was caught up in retaliatory strikes over the weekend. Hear from Chris Scoble who owns a travel agents in Tunbridge Wells.

Meantime, we're told pupils at a school in Dubai that's partnered with one here in Kent are being offered support during the unrest.

Explosions were reported in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday and students at Kent College Dubai are currently doing remote learning to stay safe.

A construction graduate from Canterbury says more needs to be done to help women and girls get into the building industry.

25 year-old Jessica Scanlon works on a site in Deal, after getting a degree in project management. She's calling for an end to gender stereotypes when career advice is given in schools.

And in sport, Scott Wagstaff has been named as the new manager of the youth team at Gillingham.

He takes over from Joe Dunne who left the club last month.

The 35-year-old made 66 appearances for the Gills over two years, scoring four goals, and still plays for Tonbridge Angels.

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Justin Cooke received a message on his phone shortly before seeing puffs of smoke in the sky as the missiles were intercepted.

The retaliatory strikes on Saturday followed an attack by America and Israel on Iran which killed the country's leader.

Also in today's episode, the head of the Met Police says he's fiercely committed to restoring trust, five years on from the murder of Sarah Everard.

The 33-year-old was abducted in Clapham by then serving officer Wayne Couzens from Deal, her body was later found in woodland near Ashford. We've been asking women in Rochester how safe they feel now.

The Canterbury MP has raised concerns in the commons about funding for children with Special Educational Needs in Kent.

It follows an announcement from the government that £4 billion will be invested to make mainstream schools more inclusive.

A Kent football club say they've been left in limbo after developers dropped plans for two 3G pitches, as part of proposals for a new housing estate.

Larkfield and New Hythe Football Club have been working with Obee Estates to deliver a community sports hub at the site of the former Oast Park Golf Course. However, a revised application includes 320 houses and a grass pitch only.

And in sport, there's action in the quarter finals of the Kent Senior Cup tonight.

Gillingham take on Tonbridge Angels at the Longmead Stadium.

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Black Cat hardware closed on Valentine's Day with the owner telling customers it was no longer feasible to keep it open due to a drop in footfall. It follows other independents who have shut in recent months and our reporter has been getting reaction from Declan Forley who runs Sheerness Mobility Ltd with his dad.

Also in today's podcast, the foreign secretary says they're working to bring home tens of thousands of British nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates following a weekend of airstrikes.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been targeted in revenge for the US and Israel carrying out an attack on Iran over the weekend which killed its supreme leader.

Dr Yaniv Voller is a senior lecturer in Middle East politics at the University of Kent, he's been explaining why the UAE has been caught up in the dispute and what Britain's involvement is.

A KentOnline investigation has found a car park company has made nearly £20,000 from drivers in Kent through what's known as 'major keying errors'.

It happens if you enter a digit incorrectly when putting your number plate into a payment machine at various country parks. Hear from one man who was issued with a penalty notice.

A Kent footballer's been telling us what it's like to train and play during Ramadan.

Throughout the holy month many Muslims choose not to eat or drink during daylight hours. Muhammadu Faal plays for Maidstone United and has praised how supportive the club have been.

And,  it was a dramatic last minute win for Gillingham at the weekend.

They beat Barrow 1-0 away from home from pretty much the last kick of the match in the 103rd minute. We've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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Charlotte Redsell was a much-loved and well respected boss at Fish 55 in Rochester but the community was rocked by her death last October at the age of just 26. 

Also in today’s podcast, a killer captured on CCTV shouting "I've got a nice surprise for you" as he swung a machete-style blade at his victim before chasing him to his death has been jailed for 16 years.

Chris Maclean could also be heard yelling "Game over" after the pursuit of Jay Gerrett in Sittingbourne tragically ended with him falling from a height of 13ft down an embankment and retaining wall into the path of a passing car on the road below.

A window cleaner whose heart stopped nine times while he was working at a pub admits it is a “miracle” he is still alive.

Joe Carver suffered a cardiac arrest while on a job in November 2025 – he spokes to us and says it was the wake up call he needed. 

You can hear from a Kent teen who only last summer left school but is now running her own business.

18-year-old Daisy Webb has opened The Boat and Bean cafe bar in Wateringbury after deciding university was not for her. 

And in football, after a disappointing 3-nil defeat last time out, Gillingham head to Barrow this weekend.

They've dropped to 16th in the league two table and are 12 points off the play-offs – we’ve spoken to defender Robbie McKenzie ahead of the match. 

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It follows a million-pound makeover of The Canterbury Tales - which tells Geoffrey Chaucer's much-loved stories of a medieval cast of pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury Cathedral.

Also in today’s podcast, we’ve spoken to a Kent homelessness charity as new figures show there's been a rise in the number of people sleeping rough on our streets.

A government snapshot shows 174 were counted on a single night last autumn – that’s an increase of 17%. 

You can also hear from the neice of a Rainham man who died from a rare cancer at just 55 who’s hoping to raise money so other people can be tested for it.

Andy Bird initially thought a lump on his leg was an insect bite - but it turned out to be epithelioid sarcoma.

A transport boss is ditching the Middle East to come back home and get back behind the pumps at an award-winning pub.

New licensees have taken over the running of The Admiral’s Arm in Queenborough - which was previously named Kent pub of the year as well as one of the top 16 pubs in Britain.

And you can hear from a Kent family who were left stunned as their dog gave birth to a record-breaking 17 puppies.

The owner, who lives near Canterbury, has told us how the adorable Irish Doodles “just kept coming” after her pet went into a 13-hour labour.

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The blaze ripped through her three-bedroom house in South Ashford last month and she was initially told she would be able to return once repairs to the council-owned property had been completed.

Also in today’s podcast, the KentOnline Podcast has been told the Port of Dover will be ready for the full rollout of new border checks for passengers heading to the EU.

From the 10th of April, everyone travelling through to mainland Europe will have to provide a fingerprint and photo – you can hear from the Port CEO ahead of the changes. 

You can hear from a mum-of-two was told she had multiple brain tumours after previously battling breast cancer twice.

The 35-year-old underwent successful surgery in 2024 but just before Christmas last year, she started suffering from severe headaches and problems with her vision.

Another Kent town has bid to become the first-ever UK Town of Culture. 

The competition aims to celebrate the legacy and creativity of some of the country’s smaller places – Chatham’s bid is being led by Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. 

And the local authority in Maidstone say there's been an incredible community response to a campaign to save Swift colonies. 

They're taking action to try to bolster declining populations but handing out free boxes for the birds to nest in. 

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The group regularly travel from Ashford to swim at sunrise, but say they've seen an increasing number of floating objects.

Hear from one of the group, and we've had a response from Southern Water.

Also in today's podcast, a Kent campaigner's told us she has some concerns over the government's plans to reform the special educational needs system.

Yesterday, they announced a £4 billion package and say more youngsters with SEN will be taught in mainstream schools by offering language therapists and specialist teacher training. Lisa Lloyd from Aylesford has some concerns.

We've been hearing from the bosses of a Kent vineyard about how they've been impacted by the wet start to the year.

Bosses at Nucleus Winery at Fort Borstal say heavy and persistent rainfall can wash nutrients away from the soil and hamper harvesting efforts.

A dental practice has opened on a new-build estate in north Kent after hundreds of residents called for one.

Smile Tech Dental's set up a branch at The Prep Rooms in Castle Hill which is part of Ebbsfleet Garden City and is designed to be a one-stop shop for people living there.

And in sport, Gillingham's Marcus Wyllie has gone out on load for the rest of the season.

The striker hasn't played a league game for the Gills in four months and has moved to National South side Ebbsfleet United.

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The owners want to convert an area of land that's currently used for parking between Carpet Right and Dunelm at the site in Mill Way.

Hear from reporter Alex Langridge who has been covering the story.

Also on today's episode, a Sheppey woman who lost her dad to cancer is calling on peers not to stand in the way of the assisted dying bill.

MPs voted it through last June with a narrow majority. It's now being debated in the House of Lords, but faces more than 1,000 amendments.

Claire Blythe's dad Thomas passed away in December after being diagnosed with lung cancer, she's been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley.

Nurseries in Kent are taking on a challenge to read at least four books a day, as data show children's reading has hit a 20-year low.

Figures from the National Literacy Trust show one in ten children don't own a book and only half of parents read with their child daily.  

Busy Bees Nurseries across the county are taking part in a nation wide initiative to help promote reading at home.

A former arcade on Sheppey is set to reopen as a sports lounge.

The site in Beachfields in Sheerness has been empty for several years after closing during Covid.

Neptune Sports Lounge is moving from its current location in Neptune Terrace and we've been speaking to owner Charlie Minta.

Bosses at Rochester Cathedral are hoping to install solar panels on the roof of the historic building.

The Church of England has set targets for all of its sites to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we've been speaking to Simon Lace who's Chief Operating Officer at the Cathedral.

And in sport,  it was a very disappointing weekend Gillingham.

They were beaten by 3-0 by Oldham at Priestfield on Saturday, leaving them 16th in League Two.

We've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth and midfielder Bradley Dack.

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Ofsted found safeguarding measures at Wayfield Primary were not being met, and demanded urgent improvements be implemented.

School bosses and the trust running it, say they take the report very seriously and have already been implementing a robust programme of improvement.

Also in today's podcast, a father and son accused of murdering a four-year-old boy in a hit-and-run in Southfleet have been found not guilty.

Peter Maughan was in a Ford Ranger which was "clipped at speed" by another vehicle on New Barn Road last June. Hear from a detective who reacted to the verdict outside court.

We've been hearing from a business owner in Canterbury who's still unable to trade, days after a devastating fire nearby.

The Odeon cinema in St George's Place caught alight last Saturday afternoon and we've been chatting to Louise Jones-Roberts who runs Tokyo Tea Rooms.

Young people in Kent are being encouraged to show their love for nature by taking part in a hedge planting campaign.

Tomorrow is being dubbed Hedgentines Day and is being celebrated with a planting event in Chislet near Canterbury as part of a joint project between the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Youngwilders.

In sport, Chatham Town are getting ready for a big weekend - they're playing in the fifth round of the Women's FA Cup.

They'll be the underdogs tomorrow as they take on WSL 2 side Birmingham City at St Andrew's.

And, the Gillingham boss is looking for a response from his squad in this weekend's league two clash with Oldham Athletic. 

The Gills suffered another defeat away at Chesterfield during the week - hear from Gareth Ainsworth.

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What started as a decent deed from the Whitstable mum ended with a horror attack, which also saw her hit around the head with a hammer.

Also in today’s podcast, the Folkestone son of a woman who was arrested with her partner in Iran on charges of espionage has confirmed they’ve been jailed for 10 years.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained in January 2025 while travelling through the country on a motorcycle journey.

Frustrated residents have joined forces to demand the return of their lost community centre, described as “the heart of the village”.

They came together outside the now-shut building which previously served as the base for Age UK day centre.

There are calls for parents in Kent to be more aware of the impact physical activity can have on their children's mental health.

Exercise is being suggested as a way of helping those who might be struggling with things like stress, depression or anxiety.

And you can hear from a couple who are relishing the opportunity to realise a lifetime’s ambition of running their community pub.

They’ve taken over The Rising Sun in Rochester, a venue they’ve frequented for many years.

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It’s been announced the annual Leeds Castle Classical Concert, which has been running since 1978, will no longer continue after this year. 

Also in today’s podcast, youths on e-bikes and e-scooters gathering in the car park of a leisure centre at night have been accused of intimidating residents.

Community leaders now want to reassure people that the police and council are cracking down on the anti-social behaviour reported at Cozenton Park Sports Centre in Rainham. 

Reform UK councillors who were booted out of the party at Kent County Council have joined a new rival political party. 

MP Rupert Lowe announced yesterday that seven defectors had joined his new party, Restore Britain – we’ll take a look at who they are and what this means for the county. 

A new bar has opened on a farm following a village backlash over the closure of a popular taproom.

But while many pubs are struggling, The Loddington Tap is already looking to expand, despite having opened just two months ago.

And in football, Gillingham’s manager defended his players after watching them lose again – but even he’s losing patience over conceding from set-pieces.

For the second time in four days, the Gills were beaten by a top-half team 1-0 after defeat at Chesterfield on last night.

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He was investigated for serious professional misconduct following complaints about his behaviour during one-to-one sessions and small group training exercises.

Also in today’s podcast, a detective leading an investigation into the death of a man killed near a Kent beach says the “sad” case has ruined multiple lives.

A 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 16 and 15, were cleared by a jury after being accused of murdering Alexander Cashford in Leysdown last year.

Bosses in Maidstone say they're working on a solution to address concerns over violence against women and girls. 

A recent council survey found nearly a third of residents think it's a "very big problem", while hundreds of people reported being a victim of physical or sexual assault. 

You can hear from a Kent animal park who have managed to rescue a Eurasian Lynx from war-torn Ukraine.

Ursa spent three years living in a converted horse stable after being kept illegally as a pet and she's now been transported over to the Big Cat Sanctuary. 

And in football, Gillingham face another tough game in league two tonight – they're travelling to take on Chesterfield after losing 1-nil to Crewe Alexandra at the weekend.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth says we can expect some changes to the squad. 

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The Folkestone man says conmen posing as buyers distracted him while secretly pouring oil on the engine of his Mercedes in a calculated bid to convince him it was worthless.

Also in today’s podcast, an inquest has heard a much-loved dad died after being crushed by a concrete drain at the construction site he was working on. 

Joe Heath was helping build a new logistics centre for COOK Classic in the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne when his death occurred. 

Angry residents say their new-build homes have been “ruined” by a spiked metal fence installed just feet from their windows.

Homeowners and council tenants at the Woodlands development in Broad Oak, near Canterbury, told KentOnline they now feel like prisoners.

People living in a country lane are fed up with flooding on the road outside their homes – but there’s no obvious cause. 

There is a section of Vicarage Lane in East Farleigh that floods every time it rains and then remains flooded for days afterwards.

And in sport, Tunbridge Wells' Matt Weston is a double Olympic champion - and a history maker twice over - after steering Team GB to victory in a dramatic inaugural team skeleton event at Milano Cortina.

Following a record-breaking victory in the men’s event, Weston once again proved he is the world's best with a storming run with he and his partner topping the podium in a landmark moment for British sport.

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The Rochester man tried to kill Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks in July 2024, after his mental health deteriorated and he started to have “murderous fantasies.”

Also in today’s podcast, the Reform UK Kent County Council budget passed amid warnings from the opposition and a senior officer about its risks.

It went through by 48 votes to 26, with one abstention, to applause, whistles and a standing ovation after a meeting lasting eight hours.

There'll be no road access to a Kent village overnight this weekend, as work's being carried out to replace a level crossing.

Residents on the Isle of Grain have raised concerns about being "cut off" – we’ve spoken to Network Rail about the work and the impacts it’ll have.

A project aimed at tackling underage vape sales is being launched in Maidstone today.

It's the next phase of Local Vape Action, which sees Trading Standards and Kent Police work with retailers to drive compliance and protect young people.

And in football, it's another long trip north for Gillingham in league two this weekend.

They travel to take on Crewe Alexandra who're four places above them in the league two table with both sides are pushing for the play-offs.

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24 year-old Tyler Keyes from St Radiguns Road was driving his girlfriend's BMW when he collided with a moped at the Whitfield roundabout last June, leaving the rider unconscious.

Also in today's podcast, a meeting is taking place at County Hall to discuss KCC's budget for the next financial year.

It's Reform UK's first in charge of the authority and leader Linden Kemkaran has previously said the council is focused on delivering savings for residents. Hear from our local democracy reporter Simon Finlay.

There's going to be a public meeting later over the regular closure of a busy road in Medway.

The Lower Rainham Road, which runs from Gads Hill to Otterham Quay Lane, was shut for 100 days last year. We've been speaking to Gillingham and Rainham MP Naushabah Khan who has organised the event.

Employers across Kent are being encouraged to consider taking on an apprentice.

The EKC Group is looking for 100 pledges from businesses to consider it in the next 100 days.

And, Leigh-Anne has been on our sister radio station kmfm talking about her debut album.

The former Little Mix star caught up with Jack on the Hit List ahead of the release of 'My Ego Told Me To' next week.

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The subway in Ashford regularly becomes impassable after heavy rain, leaving pedestrians stranded – you can hear from a KentOnline reporter who went down to take a look for himself. 

Also in today's podcast, a young couple have been banned from keeping animals after they effectively left their dog to starve to death.

The failed to properly feed their greyhound cross, Rocky, despite being given vouchers by an animal charity to buy dog food.

A court has heard one of two men accused of murdering a four-year-old in a high-speed hit-and-run was found by police drunk in bed. 

The suspect was arrested at his sister's home in Berkshire two days after the smash in Southfleet – we’ve got audio of the moment he was detained. 

Passengers are being warned to prepare for vital works at Kent’s busiest railway junction.

During the February half-term, £10million is being poured into track upgrades at Dartford Junction and will affect travel around the county.

And the new bosses behind reopening one of Kent’s most historic venues have revealed their plans could see audiences back before the end of the year.

That’s the aim for the management team preparing to get Margate’s Winter Gardens open to the public again as part of a multi-million-pound restoration.

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Pictures at KentOnline show injuries suffered by Louie Watkins after it happened when he drove along New Barn Road towards Gravesend. Hear from reporter Brad Harper who has been covering the story.

Also on today's podcast, a Kent MP's among those supporting the Prime Minister, as he insists he's not going anywhere.

Sir Keir Starmer survived a difficult day yesterday after the Lord Mandelson scandal led to calls for his resignation. We have been speaking to East Thanet MP Polly Billington.

A leading social media expert in Kent has told us it's essential young people are taught about AI and how to spot fake content online.

Safer Internet Day this year is all about how to use the tech responsibly. Hear from consultant Zoe Cairns who is based in Medway.

A Dartford dad has been left in intensive care for weeks after undergoing a routine tonsillectomy.

Cardiff Dicdican had the procedure at Medway Maritime, but after several bleeding episodes during recovery he went to The Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough. Reporter Charlotte Phillips has been speaking to his wife Jessica.

A new exhibition is opening at Rochester Cathedral today aiming to make us think about our human impact on the environment.

Three giant whale sculptures have been created using recycled netting, and will be hanging from the nave.

And, a village pub has re-opened following a £200,000 renovation.

The Five Bells in Lower Halling has been closed for the past five weeks so work can be carried out.

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Harry Mustoe-Playfair lives on Beech Close and says he's limited to Fibre to the Cabinet, which is an increasingly outdated technology.

The fabric printing business owner and his wife both work from home, making fast and reliable internet essential. Harry's been telling the podcast how he feels left in the dark-ages.

Also in today's podcast, people living in shared ownership flats in Tunbridge Wells have been told they'll have to pay thousands of pounds for safety work on their balconies.

Residents of the Town and Country Housing properties in Greggs Wood Road claim there's been a lack of consultation over contractors, and only one quote.

The MP for Tunbridge Wells hopes a new campaign will stop lorries getting stuck in a village high street.

Goudhurst has been used as a cut through for HGVs over the past 15 years, but they often get stuck.

Mike Martin has successfully petitioned Satnav companies to change their data so trucks won't use the route, but one or two still take the risk. He's been telling the podcast how we can all get involved.

Work is due to start this month to replace a bridge on an historic railway line in Kent.

The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells runs over the Broom Lane Bridge, between High Rocks and Groombridge which has corroded.

Volunteers are raising more than £400,000 for the installation of the replacement and are staging a fundraiser next month.

In sport, Ronan Hale opened his account at Gillingham as they beat Tranmere Rovers.

The January signing scored both goals in the 2-1 victory at Priestfield on Saturday - hear from the striker and manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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She’s been documenting the downfall of the stretch in Hartlip, which has left her out of pocket due to damaged tyres.

Also in today's podcast, a final report into the deaths of at least 27 asylum seekers in the Channel has found the coastguard at Dover had been placed in an "intolerable position". 

Systemic failings have been identified in search and rescue efforts when a small boat overturned in 2021.

One of Kent’s historic waterways has 10 times more bacteria than the River Seine in Paris had when Olympic events were postponed because of pollution.

For years, residents have complained about the smell in Sittingbourne and now research shared with the KentOnline Podcast shows just how bad the water quality really is. 

The boss of a wild cat conservation charity says plans are already underway to rescue a Lynx from war-torn Ukraine.

Ursa was found being kept illegally as a pet and she's currently living in a centre in Kyiv, but £100,000 has been raised to bring her to Kent.

And in football, they Gillingham boss is expecting this weekend’s visitors to Priestfield to be tough opposition. 

The Gills are looking to regain some form with recent defeats leaving them 14th in the table – you can hear from Gareth Ainsworth ahead of kick off tomorrow. 

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Just over half of people say they've experienced it, in a survey of nearly 5,500 residents.

The most common complaints were about rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour, littering and nuisance driving, hear from Kent's police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott.

A young dad from Broadstairs has been left paralysed after his car flipped during a crash near Canterbury.

Steven Gibbons was driving on the A28 in Hersden when he clipped the kerb last May - it was later discovered he'd severed his spinal cord. Our reporter Millie Bowles has been speaking to Steven's family.

We're being told a new 'super-university' confirmed for Kent will provide opportunities for growth and development across the whole county.

Contracts have been exchanged over the merger between Greenwich and Kent.

Bosses in Medway have announced plans to increase council tax by the maximum amount allowed, in a bid to balance the books.

If approved, an average Band D home in the Towns will pay an extra £110 a year.

Leisure centre fees are also expected to increase.

Firefighters are going to be knocking on doors across Kent from today, to check your smoke alarm is working.

Teams will be covering the county this month to test, relocate or install the devices.

It's the third year the days of action have taken place.

And, a Kent football club is having to fork out thousands of pounds after one of its pitches was vandalised.

The grass has been torn up at Larkfield with pictures showing what appear to be tyre tracks.

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The jealous and paranoid man repeatedly attacked his victim in her Sheppey home after falsely accusing her of cheating on him and carrying another man's child.

Also in today’s podcast, two higher education institutions have merged to form a ‘super university’ in a one-of-its-kind move.

The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced that they have legally committed to the merger between their two institutions – we’ll unpack what all this means. 

It's hoped access to new digital patient records will help address inequalities in mental health care across Kent.

Key information about autistic patients or those with learning disabilities can now be stored and accessed at later appointments and by other care providers. 

A major project to bring an historic theatre building in Medway back to life is on time and budget.

21 million pounds is being spent on the Brook in Chatham and we’ve spoken to a local councillor about now the project is progressing. 

And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth admitted their defensive blunder in last night’s game was a killer.

Notts County beat the Gills 1-0 thanks to a goal in the opening half – you can hear from the boss and from defender Robbie McKenzie. 

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The 22-year-old is being awarded more than £4,000 after a judge found those running the Thomas Becket pub in Canterbury withheld her pay packet.

Also in today’s podcast, the leader of Kent County Council has written to the Home Office to ask for more funding for young asylum-seeking adults who have left care.

KCC currently receives no government support for people the authority continues to look after for four years once they have reached the age of 21.

The owners of the UK’s most famous scenic railway have been challenged to justify their decision to close the ride before a panel of councillors.

Dreamland announced last Tuesday that it was closing the century-old ride at the amusement park in Margate – you can hear from the Mayor of the town who wants them to appear before a scrutiny panel. 

Villagers have raised concerns about plans for a new housing estate saying they’re coming “under attack”. 

It’s after plans were put forward for the properties at Mountain Farm in Hamstreet. 

And in football, you can hear from Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth who is ready to make changes when they return to action this evening.

The Gills visit Notts County on the back of a 4-1 humbling by leaders Bromley at Priestfield on Saturday.

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Lou Wicks was attacked by an intoxicated man as she and her colleagues tried to restrain him in the emergency department of Maidstone Hospital.

Also in today’s podcast, a young man allegedly murdered on his 25th birthday has been described as a “beloved son” whose “memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him”.

Robert Else was discovered with injuries consistent with stab wounds at a house in Eythorne last Thursday – one man has been arrested and charged. 

A family from Snodland say all their possessions and memories have been lost, after a devastating fire at their home.

The blaze broke out in the property on Gassons Road a week ago – you can hear from dad Adam who says they’ve had to throw everything away even their son’s toys. 

Campaigners near Gravesend say it's vital a stretch of greenbelt isn't lost to housing - as plans emerge for a new estate.

Developers say they want to build 154 properties on agricultural land in Istead Rise – so far, more than 1,300 people have objected. 

And in football, Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth admitted he let rip at half-time after a first-half horror show against Bromley on Saturday.

He was fuming with his side’s poor defending as the League 2 leaders raced into a 3-0 lead within 28 minutes at Priestfield before going on to complete a 4-1 victory.

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Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Rose Gardens in Eythorne yesterday morning and a man in his 60s who knew the victim has been arrested. Hear from our reporter who has been at the scene.

Also in today's podcast, business owners in Dover say the town's reputation is still suffering, 10 years after an immigration protest turned into a riot.

Stones, bottles and bricks were thrown when far-right activists clashed with counter-demonstrators on this day in 2016.

Our reporter Sam Lennon has been in the town to speak to people about their memories of the day and the lasting impact they think it has had.

The Mayor of Margate is calling for Dreamland bosses to appear before a scrutiny committee after they decided to permanently close the Scenic Railway.

It's the oldest rollercoaster in the UK - and the fourth oldest in the world.

Reporter Gerry Warren has also been catching up with a man who used to work on the famous ride.

In sport, it's a big game for Gillingham this weekend as the league leaders head to Priestfield.

Bromley are six points clear at the top while the Gills are looking to make it three wins in a row after rediscovering some form.

And, money is being made available to young people in Medway to help them get more involved in sport.

Grants of £100 are going to be handed out to help them buy kit or equipment.

It's the brain child of the Laurence Plummer foundation which was set up to support underprivileged children in the Town's.

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From April, customers of under-fire South East Water will have to pay £21 more following a 7% hike.

The town's MP says residents are 'paying the price for years of underinvestment', while the company say it'll fund improvements including a new reservoir. We've got reaction from the chief executive of the business improvement district in Tunbridge Wells.

Also in today's podcast, a Sheppey family fear their son won't have a suitable school place in September, after education bosses refused to assess his special needs.

Raie was diagnosed with autism when he was three, and his parents want him to get an education, health and care plan before he leaves Queenborough nursery. Hear from mum Natalie Jacobs who has been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley.

The KentOnline Podcast has been told the probation service covering Kent is still significantly understaffed, but improvements are starting to be made in keeping the public safe.

Inspectors have been looking at how inmates are dealt with after they leave jail - for the first time since a damning report in 2024. Hear from Martin Jones who is the chief inspector of probation.

A Kent MP has been been telling us how important it is for everyone to eat more locally produced food in 2026.

Sir Roger Gale, who represents Herne Bay and Sandwich, says crucial farmland is being lost to housing.

And in sport, Gillingham have finally completed a deal to sign international striker Ronan Hale.

The 27-year-old is joining for an undisclosed fee from Scottish Championship side Ross County.

He's previously played for Northern Ireland and scored 18 goals for his club last season.

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Britain’s oldest rollercoaster at the Margate attraction will no longer operate as a ride, with park bosses confirming they are looking for new ways it can be used.

Also in today’s podcast, thousands of pounds have been raised for the family of a much-loved dad-of-four who died on a construction site.

Tributes have been paid to popular footballer and coach Joe Heath, from Folkestone, described by his wife as a “caring, bubbly and absolute gem of a person”.

A heartbroken mum is backing calls to change the law around reporting collisions with cats after her beloved family pet was killed in a hit-and-run.

At present motorists who hit dogs and certain farm animals, such as horses and cattle, must stop and report it as an accident under the Road Traffic Act 1988 – but cats are not included. 

Local campaigners say they're happy government is finally listening to their concerns about the dangers of domestic wood burning. 

A public consultation has been announced and will look at things like stricter emissions guidelines on new stoves and introducing mandatory labels.

And you can hear from the MP for Gravesham who says her fight to reinstate the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry will continue in 2026. 

The passenger service made as many as 100-thousand trips a year until it was scrapped in 2024 due to a lack of funding. 

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Gareth Tyrrell, a familiar and popular face across Ashford, ran the Park Mall complex for 15 years, where he was known for stopping to chat with traders and shoppers.

Also in today’s podcast, a campaign group in Tunbridge Wells say they're determined to make sure the town's recent water issues stay on the agenda. 

Tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without water in major outages in recent months – last night bosses from South East Water declined to attend a council scrutiny meeting. 

There are calls from a Kent MP for the government to do more to help young people into work. 

Helen Whately told the commons there are nearly one million young people are not in education, work or training and 700,000 university graduates are on benefits. 

Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show one town is facing a shortfall of 1,765 secondary school places by 2033.

But while most new housing developers in Maidstone are being asked to contribute towards the cost of expanding school capacity to meet the demand, at least one site of 272 homes doesn’t have to pay a thing.

And a 16-year-old skateboarder is raising funds to set up a 14-foot ramp at his local park help him achieve his Olympic dreams.

The teen already competes across the world and has hopes of kickflipping his way to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

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People living near Sandown Castle Community Garden say it's led to rubbish, including gas canisters, being dumped near their properties.

Hear from our reporter Louis Walker who has been covering the story.

Also in today's podcast, a Kent woman says she's 'lost all faith in the NHS' after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer.

Victoria Rodwell from East Malling first went to her GP with throat issues 16 months ago. She's been speaking to reporter Davina Jethwa.

A Dartford man is starting a campaign to have defibrillators in all schools and colleges after managing to save his wife's life.

Suzanne Cutler suffered a cardiac arrest while travelling home from a family celebration with her husband and daughter.

Pupils at a Kent school who have been taking part in a smartphone detox, have told the podcast they would support a ban on social media for under 16s.

The government is consulting on the idea of introducing restrictions similar to Australia.

A couple who run escape rooms in Chatham have expanded to a third site in the county.

Rob and Nikki Kimber set up Hysteria Games eight years ago after visiting a similar venue in London on a date.

The new venture is based in a unit in Sittingbourne - our reporter Joe Crossley has been along to get a sneak peak.

Football, and Gillingham have made it back-to-back wins in league two.

They beat Harrogate Town 3-0 away from home on Saturday, following a victory over Newport County the previous weekend.

Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and goal scorer Conor Masterson.

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It is well over five years since the first families moved into The Meadows development in Staplehurst but they are still living with unfinished roads, crumbling pavements and a children’s play area that has never opened.

Also in today’s podcast, officers searching a property in Maidstone have found a drug dealer hiding in his garden shed. 

Police were called to reports of a disturbance but found cocaine, cannabis and cash – we’re got audio of the moment he was arrested. 

There’s community anger over a crucial cut-through road which has been shut 22 times in the past two years.

The road in Sissinghurst, which is little over half a mile long, has been closed for a variety of roadworks but half were related to South East Water.

A Kent veteran who became the first double above the knee amputee to climb Mt Everest says there's more work to do to reduce the stigma around disability. 

Former Gurkha Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury, has just returned from his latest challenge of climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. 

And in football you can hear from the Gillingham manager ahead of this weekend’s away fixture at Harrogate Town. 

Gareth Ainsworth says they’ll be looking for gain momentum following last week’s dramatic victory over Newport County. 

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The glass-fronted enclosure outside A La Turka in Herne Bay was put up in 2019, despite there only being planning permission for awnings.

Also in today’s podcast, a public meeting's been held in Tunbridge Wells to discuss the recent water crisis.

Around 100 people showed up last night to express their frustrations following a number of outages before and after Christmas.

Controversial plans for a solar farm have been approved - despite residents warning it will despoil a “historic, rural agricultural landscape”.

Covering 40 hectares - roughly the size of 55 football pitches - the site on Romney Marsh is currently used to grow crops.

A sports and social club with more than 650 members will close at the end of the month.

The facility in Maidstone is set to shut following a “difficult decision” by the organisation that runs it to cease its affiliation.

And a school with pupils from more than 80 nationalities has launched a community campaign to celebrate togetherness and belonging.  

Ashford’s John Wallis Academy has put up flags, banners and posters around its grounds – you can hear from their Head who says it’s come at a time when we know the world is increasingly divided.

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Police were called to the restaurant in Tunbridge Wells after a man went inside and lay down on the floor, before smashing up screens and equipment. 

Also in today’s podcast, a group of doctors are calling for better resilience within NHS IT systems after a major outage affected GP surgeries across Kent.

Medics were unable to access patient details, appointment lists or process prescriptions on Monday and health bosses say it’s led to a huge backlog. 

A councillor who struggles to speak after developing motor neurone disease is using pioneering AI technology to communicate using his own voice.

Nick Varley, who represents Kippington on Sevenoaks district and town councils, made recordings of himself speaking, which were used to train the AI to produce an accurate copy of his voice.

Protesters held a large banner demanding “Keep your hands off Rays Bottom” as they voiced their anger over plans for a new housing estate.

More than 300 letters of objection have been lodged in little over a month against proposals to build 75 houses on farmland near Deal.

And an ice cream man who “gambled” on serving scoops when work dried up during the pandemic is in the running for a top national award. 

You can hear from the Rainham resident who runs Bossie’s Ice Creams’ who told us he’s excited to have his hard work recognised. 

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Tia Jennings was at Bierkeller on Gabriel's Hill on January 10th when she started acting out of character - she then collapsed outside a short time later. We've asked the venue a number of times for a comment.

Also in today's podcast, the mother of a teenager killed in a crash in Thanet says the number of people caught over the limit during a crackdown last month is 'shocking'.

18-year-old Ethan Entwhistle was a passenger in a car that hit a tree in Broadstairs in October 2023 - the driver was more than twice the drink drive limit.

Police stopped around 300 motorists for drink and drug driving offences in the county in December.

Families in Kent are being asked to share their experience of maternity and neonatal care for a major national review.

The 'Call for Evidence' will be used to shape recommendations to improve services across England - hear from Zoe Finn who lost her son Carter when his heart stopped beating while she was 35 weeks pregnant.

The MP for Ashford has signed an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for a ban on social media use for people under the age of 16.

Sojan Joseph is the only Kent MP to put his name to the letter and joined 60 others from across the country.

Campaigners from Kent are due at the High Court as a legal challenge against plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport gets under way.

It's after the transport secretary gave approval last September for the airport to bring its Northern runway into regular use as part of a 2-point £2 billion expansion.

In sport, Lenni Cirino has signed a contract extension with Gillingham. The new deal keeps the left-back at the club until the end of this season.

And, find out who Chatham Town's women will be playing the fifth round of the FA Cup.

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Police were called to Noreen Avenue in Minster on Saturday night, close to a children’s play park, but the victim died at the scene. 

Also in today’s podcast, the number of so-called 'trolley waits' in Kent continues to rise.

That’s when there’s a delay of 12 hours or more from a patient being admitted to being given a bed – new figures show there were over 28,000 last year. 

Parents across Kent are being urged to act as the debate on raising the social media age to 16 is set to continue this week 

A proposed amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently before the House of Lords, will be debated in the coming days 

We spoke to a local mental health charity who have launched a campaign to rethink Blue Monday.

North Kent Mind says it doesn't have to be a dark and depressing time and they're urging us to rebrand it "Mulicolour Monday".

And in football, Chatham Town have booked an FA Women’s Cup last-16 spot.

Watched by a bumper crowd of almost 1,700 they beat fellow fourth-tier side York City 3-0 – you can hear from manager Keith Boanas. 

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Syntia Franczak is thought to have been the pillion passenger on the bike that was involved in a collision on the A228 Pembury Northern Bypass on December 20th. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been covering the story.

Also in today's podcast, we've got an update on the water supply issues that have been affecting Kent over the past week.

The taps are flowing again in Tunbridge Wells but not before a calf died of suspected dehydration at a farm.

The Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP is leading calls for the government to treat gambling as a public health emergency.

Kevin McKenna has hosted a debate in Westminster Hall addressing how problem gambling has long lasting and serious impacts on children.

Meantime, the Dartford MP has spoken in the commons about the importance of investment in grassroots sports facilities.

An entrepreneur is about to embark on a new venture - opening the first Caribbean takeaway restaurant in Maidstone.

Mitchell Bennett has spent the last 15 years as a music promoter presenting Garage National events at venues across the town.

And in sport, bottom of the table Newport County are the visitors to Priestfield this weekend.

Gillingham have gone two weeks without a game after their match with Notts County was postponed because of a frozen pitch, hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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The Folkestone-based PC would have faced dismissal this week had he not already resigned after his lurid actions.

Also in today’s podcast, Ofwat has announced it has opened an investigation into South East Water following the major water outage in Kent.

It comes as thousands of homes and businesses across the county continue to be left without supplies – we’ve spoken to a farmer who’s criticised a lack of provision for livestock. 

Utility companies who flout the rules while carrying out road works are in danger of being prosecuted. 

Kent County Council hopes that its get-tough policy will mean highways will be safer, flow more freely and force contractors to speed up the work.

A town’s mayor has lashed out at people who have repeatedly vandalised a toddlers’ playground – saying “it needs to stop”. 

The site in Sevenoaks has seen a spate of attacks costing the local authority time and money. 

And a defiant Canterbury man is threatening to chain himself to a historic lamppost if council bosses attempt to tear it down.

He says the Victorian structures are “precious” features that must be “preserved at all costs” rather than being replaced with “grotesque” modern replicas.

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However some education experts warn a legacy of Covid means the latest league table isn’t the “fairest” measure of performance. 

Also in today’s podcast, a man has died in a crash involving a car and a water tanker.

The motorist was travelling on the A2070 Ashford Road in Hamstreet yesterday afternoon when it collided with a purple tanker heading the opposite way.

Pressure is piling on the boss of South East Water with more local leaders calling for his resignation following water supply outages. 

Thousands of properties and businesses have been affected and several schools around the county are closed again today.

Hopes of saving a town’s library building have been dealt a fresh blow - and the site may proceed to an auction sale next month.

But the deputy leader of Reform UK-run Kent County Council says the “door remains fully open” for alternative proposals for the site at Grace Hill in Folkestone – community groups have been campaigning for it to be saved. 

And a new support group has been set up in Kent for bereaved parents, by a nurse who lost her own son 

You can hear from Amber Selvey, whose son died from a rare genetic condition in 2023 - she's now launched Together in Grief based in Whitstable. 

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More and more students are being pulled out of the classroom as shock new statistics reveal a significant rise in under-18s being treated for addiction problems — including use of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy. 

Also in today’s podcast, schools are closed again today and thousands of residents are still without supplies as the Kent water crisis continues.

South East Water confirmed 25,000 customers still have issues including in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Whitstable following a breakout of leaks and bursts across their network.

Bosses have declared a critical incident at a hospital due to a sudden “high demand” for its services.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement due to sustained pressures at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

An historic former library described as a town’s “most treasured community asset” is set to be auctioned off by Kent County Council sparking fury among residents.

The site in Folkestone has been closed since 2022 because of flood damage - with the authority expected to make a decision to sell it today. 

And money is on offer to independent business in Maidstone to improve their shopfronts. 

It's part of council plans to make the town centre more appealing and draw shoppers away from the online market. 

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Homes and businesses in areas including Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Canterbury have been affected. Hear from a Pembury resident who didn't have water over the weekend.

Also in today's podcast, bosses in Medway could be pushed into using exceptional financial support from the government after their funding increase wasn't as big as expected.

Under the new Fair Funding Settlement, the council anticipated a significant increase, but the provisional one still leaves a shortfall of almost £8 million.

A mum from Tunbridge Wells whose son has Spinal Muscular Atrophy is backing calls from Jesy Nelson for earlier screening.

The Little Mix star's seven-month old twin girls have been diagnosed with the condition - which affects breathing, swallowing and muscle control.

A Kent MP says plans to change the criminal justice system are essential for victims, defendants and the people who work in it.

Most recent stats show a backlog of around 80,000 crown court cases in England. We've been speaking to Chatham and Aylesford's Tris Osborne.

A former Kent soldier has spoken to the podcast for the first time since completing a challenge to climb the seven highest peaks on all seven continents.

Hari Budha Magar lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan and uses specially adapted prosthetics.

And in sport, Chatham Town are through to the fifth round of the FA Trophy.

It's the first time they've reached this stage of the competition and follows a 1-0 victory over National League side Carlisle United.

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People living along Sandgate Esplanade, near Folkestone, woke up to see vehicles strewn across the road - which was flooded and covered in shingle – we’ve spoken to a witness and bosses in charge of the clean-up. 

Also in today’s podcast, there’s been plenty of reaction from the news Kent County Council is proposing increasing council tax by 3.99% in its draft budget.

The authority is recommending a hike of a full 1% below the cap set by the government but there are concerns it could lead to cuts to local services. 

Major plans to redevelop a town centre street into a car-free zone with al fresco dining are finally moving ahead.

The creation of a “cafe culture” in Earl Street, Maidstone, from Week Street down to its junction with Pudding Lane, is a long-held ambition of the local authority.

A campaign's underway to recycle hundreds of Christmas trees in Kent - while raising money for charity.

Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford picked up almost 700 trees last year and this year they’re hoping to make it 1000. 

And England rugby player Rosie Galligan will be hoping to inspire the next generation when she returns to Kent this weekend. 

The 27-year-old, who's from West Malling, will be taking coaching sessions at Aylesford Rugby Club's recruitment drive 

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Firefighters were called to battle the on-fire Volkswagen in the residents' car park outside the Litmus House flat block off Vellum Drive in the early hours of Monday morning. 

Also in today’s podcast, a man accused of repeatedly stabbing a uniformed British Army officer in the street has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court via video link from high security psychiatric hospital, he admitted trying to kill Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks on July 23, 2024.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued as Storm Goretti is set to batter areas of the Kent coast.

The Met Office says gusts in exposed areas could reach 70 mph, with the caution covering seaside towns in the south of the county. 

You can hear from a young mum who says writing about her husband’s death made her go back to therapy, but also forced her to face the worst moments of her life.

Emma Charlesworthdidn't want her partner to become just “another statistic” and hopes her new book will bring comfort to those who have been widowed young. 

And a 30th birthday party's being thrown for Ashford International Station - as a campaign to bring it back into use continues.

The facility opened on this day in 1996 - the same year Legoland also welcomed visitors for the first time.

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Footage at KentOnline shows the Veolia staff removing a mattress and personal items from outside the Boots store in the town centre. Hear from reporter Millie Bowles who has been covering the story.

Also in today's podcast, people living in Tunbridge Wells woke up to another day of water issues earlier. South East Water say a series of bursts at one of their sites was to blame.

It comes after boss David Hinton faced MP's yesterday over an outage that left customers without supplies for two weeks in the lead up to Christmas. He has faced further calls to resign from local MP Mike Martin.

There are suggestions the Port of Ramsgate could open up again, to help relieve pressure on Kent's roads.

Plans are reportedly under consideration as part of the preparations to reopen Manston Airport for freight. But, this comes as Thanet District Council are looking to reduce the amount of money they have to invest to keep the facilities in working condition.

A hard hitting play written in Kent about young people and mobile phones is being performed in parliament.

Generation FOMO is based on interviews and conversations with students at schools and at the Uni of Kent.

A new event space has opened up in Folkestone, taking over a site that's been abandoned for the last 50 years.

The Loft is situated on the upper floor of the Petticoat Emporium which opened it June last year but the building had previously been home to M&S and Wilko.

And finally, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing how Kent's only greyhound racing track has managed to survive when so many others have shut down.

Central Park in Sittingbourne has been running dog races since 1994.

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He has four venues across Canterbury and says he will have to cough up an extra £64,000 annually to cover increased costs.

Also in today’s podcast, police have confirmed a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were killed when a blue Ford Fiesta left the road in Iwade. 

We've spoken to someone who works nearby to where the crash happened on Saturday night. 

The boss of a water company which left 24,000 homes and businesses without drinking water over a two-week period has faced MPs in Parliament today.

South East Water boss David Hinton has given himself a  mark out of ten for how he handled the Tunbridge Wells water outage before Christmas.

A woman who nearly died from anorexia but was pulled back from the brink has written a book and started a podcast to try to help others.

Things were so bad for Annie O’Quigley that her partner threatened to leave her as he “couldn't watch someone die” in front of him.

And you can hear from the Ashford MP who says bringing international trains back to the town remains his “top priority” in 2026.

Sojan Joseph, who was elected last year, says restarting services in Ashford would benefit the town in a “big way”.

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Documents show almost 5,000 people are owed around £160,000 pounds following the collapse of Huh. Ltd.

Also in today's episode, it's feared bird flu could be continuing to spread in Kent as more cases of dead swans are reported.

In the latest distressing video a bird can be seen refusing to leave the side of its dead partner. More than 50 swans are now understood to have died in Canterbury and Thanet.

We've been asking Kent's MPs what their priorities are for the new year, and Jim Dickson has told us he's hoping 2026 is the year catapults are reclassified as an offensive weapon.

The Dartford rep says he's spoken to the Home Office minister, and a round table discussion is due to get underway in the next few months.

Meantime, for Tunbridge Wells rep Mike Martin - his main focus will be on housebuilding, to take the pressure off the housing and rental markets.

It comes as the borough council has approved it's Local Plan, which will see around 600 new homes built each year until 2038.

A new programme's been launched to support long-term unemployed adults in Ashford.

Upcycle Your Skills looks to help people boost their confidence and access local job opportunities.

The scheme is being run by CXK with support from Ashford Borough Council and SUEZ.

We've been hearing from some of those who were recognised in the King's New Year honours over the festive break.

Hear from the boss of a west Kent charity and also a man who started his first business when he was just 11.

And finally, a group of dancers from a small village in Medway will be representing England at the 2026 Dance World Cup.

The Performance Hub is a studio in Cliffe which is new to competing - but they've reached the finals of the international dance event on their first attempt.

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Lola, Arlo and Noah Micallef appear in the latest music video by The Florin Street Band, after their mum posted a video of them singing one of the band’s Christmas hits. 

Also in today’s podcast, there are calls for Royal Mail to improve its service after people living near Folkestone say they're only receiving letters every couple of weeks - often in large batches.

Residents say important post such as driving documents, medical letters and bills is regularly delivered late.

You can hear from a mum from Folkestone who’s joined a campaign to give children a smartphone free Christmas. 

Billboards have been put up across Kent encouraging parents to delay giving their children devices as long as possible.

Work on a £41 million relief road will finally begin next month – bringing with it 13 weeks of lane closures on a busy route.

The long-awaited Sturry Link Road will connect the A291 Sturry Hill to the A28 Sturry Road, bypassing the village’s level crossing in a bid to ease congestion.

And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth is predicting their Boxing Day showdown with old boss Neil Harris could be a great occasion.

Harris brings his in-form Cambridge United side to Priestfield for the festive League Two clash, sitting four points better off than the club who sacked him just over two years ago.

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The single mother of three, who claims benefits, had hired a caravan to celebrate her eldest daughter’s special day but had no money left for party food. 

Also in today’s podcast, new technology has been rolled out across Maidstone in a bid to crack down on fly-tipping.

Drones are helping council officers detect illegally dumped waste within minutes - a job that usually could take hours.

Residents say it is “ridiculous” plans to turn a family home in a terraced street into a six-bedroom house of multiple occupation have been approved.

The change of use application for the property in Strood was submitted to Medway Council earlier this year.

The boss of a Kent music venue says he's hoping to buck the trend by opening a second site in the county.

The team behind the Booking Hall in Dover are currently working on renovating what used to be the Life nightclub on Sittingbourne High Street.

And we’ve been hearing how a team of therapy dogs have been spreading some Christmas cheer in Kent.

The animals have been going round to hospital wards as part of a Medway Maritime initiative.

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The 61-year-old says she was treated “appallingly” at the William Harvey in Ashford after being taken to the busy A&E via ambulance.

Also in today’s podcast, a landlord has smeared white paint over CCTV cameras around his pub causing more than £6,000 worth of damage. 

He used rollers to cover the lenses as well as sensors on car park barriers and says he was trying to protect the privacy of his customers. 

A charity helping women on probation to rebuild their lives has opened a new centre in Kent.

Many of those who use Advance are victims of domestic abuse, caught in the criminal justice system as a result of some kind of trauma.

Dozens of pharmacy customers, including many Blue Badge holders, have been fined for parking at the entrance to an industrial estate while collecting their medication.

For decades, visitors have been stopping on the double yellow lines at the entrance to the London Road industrial estate in Sittingbourne while grabbing their prescriptions but they’ve suddenly started receiving fines. 

And in football, the Gillingham manager says unacceptable defensive mistakes and missed chances led to defeat at Fleetwood on Saturday.

You can hear from Gareth Ainsworth, as well as midfielder Armani Little, following the 2 -1 loss. 

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According to data from the Office for National Statistics, nearly six in 10 people who've moved to Dartford since 2011 came from the capital, while more than a third of those who've relocated to Folkestone and Hythe in the same time were so-called DFLs.

Hear from Local Democracy Reporter Dan Esson who compiled the data.

Also in today's podcast, a Kent teacher has told us government plans to tackle misogyny and toxic behaviour in schools should focus on positive masculinity.

Teachers are going to given specialist training and a helpline will also be set up for pupils. Hear from John Still who teaches in Medway.

The Tunbridge Wells MP has again called for the boss of South East Water to resign following major supply issues in the town at the start of the month.

It's after David Hinton said in an interview that he wants to remain in his job - and 'absolutely empathises' with customers. We've got reaction from Mike Martin.

A Medway MP is calling for those responsible for creating an illegal waste dump in her constituency to be prosecuted.

Up to 40 lorries a day used to be seen taking tonnes of rubbish to Bramletree Wharf in Borstal near Rochester.

It's expected to be one of the busiest days on Kent's roads for the Christmas getaway.

The RAC reckons 3.6 million journeys will be made today ahead of what's being dubbed Snarl-up Saturday tomorrow.

Operation Brock remains in place on the M20 and lorries will be queued between Maidstone and Ashford if there are delays at the Port of Dover.

And in sport, it's a trip to Fleetwood Town for Gillingham in league two this weekend.

The Gills are on a run of six games unbeaten, but five of those have ended in a draw.

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Jill Robson was forced to move out of her property after the vehicle smashed into her bedroom on October 19th.

The 84 year-old still doesn't know when she'll be able to move back in and has been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.

Also in today's podcast, There'll be an increase of police patrols around pub and clubs in Kent this Christmas to help protect women and girls. 

Both plain clothed and uniformed officers will be out to identify anyone looking to take advantage, or who poses a threat to public safety.

More than 170 drink and drug driving offences have been recorded in the first half of Kent Police's annual Christmas enforcement campaign.

It's part of a national operation which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured during the festive period. 

There are fears an historic building in Canterbury could collapse into the river if £250,000 worth of repairs aren't carried out.

Eastbridge Hospital was built to provide accommodation for pilgrims heading to the nearby Cathedral and dates back to 1180.

The site has been added to an 'at-risk' register compiled by English Heritage.

Sheep are being used instead of lawnmowers as part of a conservation scheme in a new woodland near Maidstone.

A flock of 10 Portland sheep has been released onto land in Sutton Valence which was recently planted with more than 2,000 saplings.

And in sport, Gillingham's under-18s have been knocked out of the FA Youth Cup.

They were beaten 2-0 by Stevenage in their third round match last night. Hear from manager Joe Dunne.

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Four boys aged between seven and twelve reportedly had to hide behind a bus shelter in Iwade after being targeted by suspects wearing balaclavas in a black SUV.  Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been following the story.

Also in today's podcast, a mum from Broadstairs has been found guilty of attempted murder, after stabbing her disabled daughter.

Carla Lovejoy attacked 28-year-old Isabella at their home in Guy Close in St Peter's on March 20th this year - the victim suffered wounds to her chest and abdomen.

The 53-year-old will be sentenced in the new year.

Health bosses in Kent are warning the impact from strike action by resident doctors could roll into the new year.

Today is the start of a five day walkout as members of the British Medical Association continue to push for better pay and conditions. We've been speaking to Dr Kate Langford who is the chief medical officer for NHS Kent and Medway.

A damning report has been released by prison inspectors following a visit to HMP Swaleside on Sheppey.

The findings reveal it has one of the highest rates of violence of all prisons in England, while drones were also being used to fly in drugs and weapons. Hear from Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor.

Business bosses in Kent say they are not surprised to see unemployment numbers rising.

Figure show 39,645 people were claiming out of work benefits in October, that's a rise of of 370 compared to the previous month.

In sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight.

The under 18s are taking on Stevenage in the third round at Priestfield - hear from boss Joe Dunne.

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It comes as we’ve spoken to a pharmacist who says there is plenty of vaccine available despite reports of low stock. 

Also in today’s podcast, a controversial contraflow system has been set up on the M20 in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe.

Bosses say the system will act as a pressure valve to minimise the impact of congestion further down the road – but just this morning a broken down lorry within the contraflow caused a backlog stretching back miles. 

Government education chiefs have confirmed funding for new special education needs schools in Kent, calming fears certain projects could be scrapped amid ongoing delays.

KCC say it’s been told funding will be provided by the government for the new schools in Whitstable, Swanley and Northfleet. 

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a man from Deal with Locked In syndrome speak again. 

Jeff Brown suffers from the extremely rare condition, which leaves the person conscious but unable to speak or move, after a stroke in 2019 – you can hear from his family who say there’s massive potential for improvement. 

And a Thanet youth club is closer to securing its long-term future after being told it'll receive a huge grant.

Pie Factory Music has been campaigning to buy its building in Ramsgate after the county council announced plans to sell it – you can hear from their very relieved CEO. 

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Chris Lee was sent a penalty notice for driving along Richmond Road in Gillingham which is one of a number of roads in the Towns where vehicles are banned during school drop off and pick up times.

Hear from Chris and find out what the council have said in response.

Also in today's podcast, a group of residents in Paddock Wood have started a campaign to try and stop almost 800 homes from being built on fields in the town which are prone to flooding.

The development would also include a primary school, three traveller pitches and a local centre - and would be on a 90 hectare site of agricultural land.

A Kent woman whose husband died while scuba diving has joined forces with three other widows in a bid to help others who're dealing with grief at Christmas.

Ben Moss disappeared after failing to resurface in March 2018 and his body has never been found.

Rosie, who lives in West Malling, was 37 at the time with three young children.

The Old Town Hall in Gravesend is going to be transformed into an event and wedding space.

The Grade II listed building on the High Street was sold by the county council in September as the authority couldn't afford to continue maintaining the site.

It's been taken over by Olaide Dagunduro who's been running events with her husband for ten years.

In sport,  it was a game of two halves for Gillingham on Saturday.

They ended up with draw against Barrow despite being 2-0 up at half time - hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.

And, Chatham Town's women are through to the next stage after beating Sutton United 3-0.

The draw for the fourth round takes place tonight.

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Andrew Griggs reported 34-year-old Debbie missing from their home in Cross Road in 1999 - he was jailed for life in 2019.

Our reporter Brad Harper was the only journalist at the inquest this week and is on the podcast.

Also in today's episode, a Ramsgate woman has hit our at Wizz Air after a delay in compensation for being denied boarding a plane home from Bulgaria.

The flight in September ran at a reduced capacity due to staff sickness.

Vandalism at Swale's council offices has been condemned by the Sittingbourne MP.

Toilets were flooded and a lift damaged after a debate on asylum seekers on Wednesday night. Hear from Kevin McKenna who spoke to us after raising the issue in the Commons.

The trade minister has said he'll have talks with the Gravesham MP about the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry stopping - and the impact it's had on the Kent town.

The service between Kent and Essex ceased running in April last year after the local authority in Essex withdrew funding.

A 21 year-old man from Maidstone is about to set off on an epic challenge in a bid to reopen a youth group.

Nathan Hinckley will be running 12 marathons in 12 consecutive days - with the last one on Christmas Eve.

He's been telling us why he's raising money for Young Lives Foundation.

Our sister radio station kmfm have revealed how many presents were bought as part of their Give a Gift campaign to support children in less fortunate circumstances this Christmas.

Hear from one of the many charities to benefit from the toys.

And in football, Gillingham will be hoping to make it six games without a defeat this weekend.

Barrow are the visitors to Priestfield - just days after they sacked their head coach. Hear from the Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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Drivers have been ordered to pay £100 after police started enforcing a temporary 50mph limit on the Sheppey Crossing – almost two-and-a-half years after it was reduced from 70mph.

Also in todays podcast, police have responded to “horrendous” scenes at a council HQ after a debate about making the borough a “district of sanctuary” for asylum seekers turned ugly.

One of the men’s toilets on the first floor of Swale council’s offices was damaged and taps were left running, flooding the floor and causing water to leak through to the ground floor.

The family of a mum who suffered a catastrophic stroke while living her dream life in France have been left heartbroken by her sudden death.

They’re now facing a bill running into the thousands to have her body returned to Kent. 

Next week's planned strike by resident doctors has been raised in the commons by a Kent MP.

The medics are whether or not to walk out for five days from next Wednesday – Ashford's Sojan Joseph is concerned about the impact it'll have.

And you can hear from Kent charity bosses as they react to new government plans to tackle homelessness. 

They've unveiled their stratgey with funding for support services and measures to stop people ending up on the streets.

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The money, which comes from his comedy tours, will be shared between The Retreat near Ashford and Flori's Friends in Canterbury.

Hear from bosses who have described it as "monumental".

Also in today's podcast, a man who attacked a Maidstone woman and threatened to throw acid over her face has been jailed.

It was when Lee George headbutted his victim, leaving her with severe concussion, that she decided to report him to police.

Elle Jenkins believes she would have been killed if she had stayed in the relationship and thinks he is a threat to other women.

We're being urged to stay at home or wear a facemask if we feel unwell as rates of flu in Kent continue to rise.

There's a warning the virus will be particularly bad this year following trends seen in Australia and New Zealand during their winter.

Anyone who's eligible for a vaccine is still being urged to get one - hear from the Chief Medical Officer for NHS Kent and Medway.

People living in social housing in Larkfield have been told they face "tenancy action" after installing their own parking bollards.

Residents of Masefield Road say their 12-space car park has become a hub for anti-social behaviour and crime.

And in sport,  Gillingham's league two game against MK Dons next month has been postponed.

The sides were due to meet at Priestfield on January 10th - but the opposition are in FA Cup third round action.

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The 46-year-old was found to have subjected four pupils to acts of physical abuse that included pinching, hitting and spitting at them.

Also in today’s podcast, a fresh appeal to find those responsible for the brutal murder of a pensioner more than four decades ago has been issued.

Esme Hoad was found dead in her home in Tonbridge in1982, after concerned neighbours reported she had not been seen for several days – you can hear from Detective Inspector Lee Neiles. 

Angry residents near Dover have made their feelings clear as lorry park developers paid a visit - with banners warning they were “not welcome here”.

Other blunt messages displayed in West Hougham included: “Truck off. Do we look like a village that will back down?”

You can hear from a teenager who was hit by a car and dragged from the pavement onto a verge as she calls for safety measures at a “dangerous” roundabout.

The 17-year-old had just stepped off a bus in Challock and was heading home from sixth form when she heard tyres screech.

And, a Kent woman has shared her story of beating the odds two decades after she was diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Demie Lawson Wood was told she had neuroblastoma in 2004 when she was just six, but says the care she received while having treatment is what has inspired her to become a paediatric nurse. 

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Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Medway NHS Foundation Trust are offering severance payouts to try and address financial challenges.

Also in today's podcast, people in Tunbridge Wells are still being told to boil their water before drinking it - more than a week after being hit with supply issues.

24,000 properties have been impacted by a problem at the Pembury treatment works. 

Meantime, the town's MP is calling on government to provide Covid-style support to businesses affected by the supply issues.

Mike Martin has written to the Water Minister calling for £18.5 million. He's been speaking to our reporter Charlotte Phillips.

A woman in Sheerness is appealing for action to stop dog walkers leaving their pet's mess on a walkway leading to the beach.

Anne Tiller says she has to constantly dodge mounds of poo on the path in Marine Parade during her daily walks.

We've been invited to take a look inside the word's first mirco-pub which opened in Kent twenty years ago.

The Butcher's Arms, in Herne, was founded by Martyn Hillier in 2005 who'd always fantasised about a pub without TVs, mobile phones, food queues and smoking. He's been chatting to reporter James Pallant.

In sport, the boss of a Kent karting circuit says it was fantastic to see Lando Norris win the Formula One world title yesterday.

The 26 year-old regularly competed at Buckmore Park in Chatham as a youngster.

Football, and it was another point for Gillingham in league two at the weekend.

They held Colchester United to a goalless draw away from home - we've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, based at Chatham Docks, began the process last week ahead of pulling out of the site on Pier Road.

Also in today’s podcast, a man’s been locked up for nearly a decade after the stabbing death of another man in Canterbury.

The 32-year-old attacked his victim last October in what a judge has described as "senseless and brutal" violence and the "final and tragic culmination" of ongoing animosity between two groups.

A campaign run by our sister station kmfm has now raised more than £19,000 for children in Kent who are facing difficult situations this Christmas.

The money raised through Give a Gift will be spent on toys which will be distributed across the county – you can hear from one one company in Kent who donated more than £1000.

The leader of Medway Council says he's expecting tens of thousands of people at the Dickens Christmas Festival this weekend.

The annual event is back for 2025 in Rochester High Street – there'll be costume parades, Dickens themed workshops and live performances.

And in football, Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth has called for more of the same at Colchester after his side responded to a half-time scolding last weekend.

They were two goals behind twice against Shrewsbury last weekend but recovered to draw - something Ainsworth has taken the positives from.

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The £62.3 million scheme was underway to build the homes close to Ashford town centre but work has now ground to a halt. 

Also in today’s podcast, we’ll bring you an update as the water crisis in Tunbridge Wells enters its sixth day. 

Thousand of homes and businesses are still without water and thousands more are being asked to boil water from their taps before drinking it – you can hear from the Head of Water Quality at South East Water. 

The dramatic moment police arrested a knifeman who had exposed himself in front of multiple people has been caught on camera. 

Officers pursued him on foot after he approached a group of strangers in Faversham and threw a bin at a man plus a glass at a teenager.

Drivers are having to find CCTV to prove they have been incorrectly fined for overstaying in a shopping complex car park.

Shoppers say they have been hit with £100 penalty notices at Neats Court in error after parking at the site for consecutive days. 

And a Kent man who was made redundant during Covid has launched his own even space in Chatham.

When Scott Tulloch won a Kent and Medway Food and Drink award last year after starting Larry's Mobile Bar he told the judges he wanted to expand and that’s just what he’s done. 

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We're now into a fifth day of major supply issues in the town - affecting 24-thousand properties – we’ve been speaking to people as they queue to collect bottles of water. 

Also in today's podcast, a murder probe has been launched after a man was fatally stabbed in a residential street.

Police and paramedics were called to Thorold Road in Chatham in the early hours of yesterday morning and have been working alongside forensic experts. 

You can hear from a dad who has received a £390,000 payout from an electrical firm following a long-running dispute over the cause of a devastating fire that tore through his family home.

David Sercombe carried his daughter, Brontë, through thick black smoke when the blaze erupted at their seven-bed detached house near Hythe.

Bodycam footage has captured the moment officers arrested a suspected thief - after a stolen van on cloned planes was stopped by police.

Officers spotted the Volkswagen Transporter in Folkestone – the van had been reported in the Swindon area of Wiltshire around the same time, prompting officers to view the vehicle as “suspicious”. 

And holiday park bosses say a decision to refuse residents permission to stay there all year round will make 400 people homeless.

The operators of Kent Parks on the Isle of Sheppey had requested permission for caravan owners to use the holiday accommodation as their permanent homes on a temporary basis, due to a “deeply challenging” situation emerging at the site.

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Problems started over the weekend following an issue at a treatment plant in Pembury. It's also had an impact on businesses - hear from the landlady of a pub who was forced to cancel a Christmas event.

Also in today's podcast, the leader of Maidstone council says he's not surprised more younger voters are turning to the Green Party.

It's as there are suggestions support for the Green's from those aged 18 to 25 has doubled.

There's been mixed reaction to plans to build almost 300 homes on a golf course in part of the Kent coast.

Developers want to put houses and apartments on the land next to the Hythe Imperial hotel as they says it's 'under-utilised'.

Donations that could potentially save the life of a homeless person are being collected by a Kent charity in the run-up to Christmas.

Emmaus Dover are filling up so called Blessing Bags to hand out to people in need.

And in sport, Kent's Zak Crawley's kept his place in the England team for the second Ashes Test.

He'll open the batting against Australia - despite failing to score in both innings of the first game.

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It borders a house in Leeds and is thought to have been hit by a lorry in October, leaving rubble over the carriageway of the B2163. We've been speaking to residents.

There's a warning homelessness in Kent has reached some of the highest levels on record as we head into winter.

Government figures show rough sleeping in the county has risen by 28 percent in just four months - with 248 people now living on the streets.

A man's described how he was left screaming in pain after tripping over a drain cover in Folkestone.

Colin Waldron suffered a broken arm and bruises to his ribs after it happened in the Old High Street.

Schools across Kent have been recognised for the work they're doing to protect the environment.

The Green School Awards celebrates projects from building bug boxes to installing solar panels.

Football, and it was an epic fight back for Gillingham to claim a point in league two at the weekend...

They came from 3-1 down away at Shrewsbury Town to draw 3-3.

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Ramona Stoia was stabbed by Catalin Micu at Gothink Studio in April 2022, just weeks after he'd been arrested.

Also in today's episode, a Dartford man who stabbed his mother's friend to death in her sleep before sexually assaulting her has been jailed.

The 21-year-old was found by police sitting on the pavement outside the property where it happened.

The leader of Kent County Council has criticised Labour for lifting the two-child benefit cap in this week's Budget.

Linden Kemkaran says people should use contraception to prevent them having children they cannot afford.

The MP for Dover and Deal insists the government is taking control, as data shows the number of people being housed in asylum hotels has risen by 13% since June.

The Home Office is said to be 'furious' at the official figures.

A Tenterden man who gave up motorbike riding after the deaths of two close friends is aiming to teach young people about road safety.

20-year-old Charlie Green said he struggled with the losses last year, and wanted to find a way to make a difference.

A warning has been issued by Kent Fire and Rescue for anyone looking for a Black Friday deal.

Crews are concerned that buying cheap appliances, chargers and devices could lead to fires breaking out.

A 12-year-old entrepreneur has been telling us about a festive market she is involved in this weekend.

Dozens of stalls will be set up in Margate to help young business owners sell their products.

And in football, the Gillingham manager is expecting a frosty reception when he returns to his former club tomorrow.

Gareth Ainsworth left Shrewsbury for Priestfield towards the end of last season.

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Stephen Addley's been told he has just months to live and one of his final wishes was to marry his fiancée and make memories with their one-year-old daughter.

Also in today's podcast, we've got reaction to yesterday's budget after the chancellor announced £26 billion of tax hikes.

Rachel Reeves has insisted the financial plans she announced in the Commons were based on her priorities.

She also says the measures will give working class children the chance to have a fulfilling life.

Hear from Andrew Tate and Rachel Emmerson from Chatham based accountants Kreston Reeves, Chatham and Aylesford MP Tris Osborne and the CEO of Canterbury based homeless charity Porchlight.

Two men involved in a violent axe attack near Canterbury have been jailed for a total of 48 years.

Police were called to reports of an assault involving people in two cars on the A2 near Wincheap in December last year.

A driver involved in a serious crash on the A21 has called for safety improvements to be made.

Conor Hardy says his vehicle aquaplaned at 70-miles-per-hour on the Tonbridge bypass following heavy rain, due to poor drainage. He's been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.

A Medway man with incurable prostate cancer is among those calling on the health secretary to bring in a national screening programme.

More than 120 MPs have also written to Wes Streeting after former Prime Minister David Cameron revealed he was treated for the disease last year. Hear from Paul Dennington who has raised more than £155,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

And, Ashford Designer Outlet has reached full occupancy for the first time since its 90 million pound extension opened six years ago.

Two new fashion brands have opened at the shopping centre.

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Lang’s Bar & Cocktail Lounge, in the town centre, could also have its opening hours cut back and manager removed following a hearing this week.  

Also in today’s podcast, a Maidstone woman who has a sight condition has told us about the moment she was almost hit by an e scooter.

She was walking through an underpass with her guide dog Mabel when it happened and is warning parents against buying them as a Christmas gift this year. 

A swimming ban at a popular beach is to be lifted following the release of new water quality results.

Deal Castle Beach was rated ‘poor’ by the Environment Agency in November 2024, prompting advice to stay out of the water - with some swimmers also reporting feeling unwell after taking a dip.

New proposals for a Traveller site have been submitted after it was revealed a previous plan was approved for the wrong field.

Permission was granted for one mobile home, touring caravan and day room on a plot in Sole Street by the Planning Inspectorate earlier this year.

And a Kent mountaineer who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan is getting ready to complete his latest challenge. 

Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury, has been scaling the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and it about to head to Antarctica to tackle the final one. 

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Father-of-four Archie Dryden died just one week after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. 

Also in today’s podcast, a Tunbridge Wells dad has spoken openly about his experience of psychosis following a collapse in his mental health.

Jamie Walker says things spiralled after the loss of his business, breakdown of his marriage, a bereavement, ADHD diagnosis and battle with alcoholism.

A Kent campaigner is urging us to call out mysogyny, sexist language and cat calling as 16 days of action gets underway to tackle violence against women and girls.

It's White Ribbon Day and ambassador Martin Mathews is the focus of a national portrait series to raise awareness.

Fed-up villagers say it’s “appalling” that more than £100,000 has been spent on bridge repairs for damage they believe is entirely preventable through a reduced speed limit or traffic calming measures.

You can hear from pub owner Jonathan Woodbridge who says he’s lost £5,000 a week in trade. 

And we’ve spoken to a young girl from Kent who you can catch on the big screen in Wicked: For Good. 

10-year-old Matilda Williams was chosen out of hundreds of children to appear in the blockbuster and she’s told us all about it. 

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Makala O'Brien told KentOnline that Carrie-Ann Kilshaw, herself a mother of eight and someone she knew, should have been jailed for the unprovoked assault outside her home in New Romney two years ago.

Also in today’s podcast, a childcare worker on Sheppey has spoken to the KentOnline Podcast after seeing a jump in demand for places since the funding rules were changed.  

Since September, parents have been able to access 30 hours a week of free care for children older than nine months – the boss of Teddy Bear Day Care says she’s opening a second site as her waiting list gets longer. 

We’ve been told there's been a significant rise in the number of animals being abandoned in Kent - and charity bosses are concerned.

More than 600 pets were dumped in the county in the first 10 months of this year - up almost 6 percent on the same time in 2024.

Donations are continuing to pour in for our sister station kmfm's Give A Gift campaign.

The appeal aims to deliver toys to thousands of children across the county who'll be spending Christmas in hospital, living in care or facing difficult circumstances – you can hear from one of the charities which will benefit. 

And in football, Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has urged his side to become more ruthless after being held to a home draw by Barnet.

The Gills picked up a point after Bradley Dack equalised at the end of the first half with a well-hit free-kick, but they were unable to make the most of their opportunities from open play, as the match finished 1-1.

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James and Liberty Carew have decided to swap their traditional 9 to 5 jobs for real-world experiences across the globe.

Also in today's podcast, the owner of a Kent animal sanctuary hit by bird flu, fears she may have to find 16-thousand pounds to have other animals there tested for the virus.

More than 60 birds at Happy Pants Ranch in Newington near Sittingbourne had to be culled at the end of last month.

Villagers in Hadlow say plans for hundreds of homes are going to 'take the soul' out of their community.

An application for 116 homes and a community car park on agricultural land in Court Lane have been submitted, following another application for 100 properties on the edge of the village.

Bosses at a Kent Christmas tree farm say the quality on offer this year is better than ever.

It follows general warnings we could see "gappy" trees this years after growers battled low rainfall over summer and mild temperatures in autumn - hear from the owner of Hole Park Christmas Trees in Rolvenden.

And in sport, the Gillingham squad have been playing Traitors as part of a bit of team bonding.

They're doing challenges to win shields and trying to work out who's a faithful. Hear from defender Remeao Hutton and manager Gareth Ainsworth who's been chatting about tomorrow's game against Barnet.

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Nine-month old Oliver Steeper was fed chopped up penne bolognese by a member of staff at Jelly Beans in Ashford - despite not being weaned onto solid food. Oliver's dad Lewis has told us how the battle for accountability has been really tough.

Also in today's podcast, a couple who run a pub in Northfleet say they're having to leave after 16 years because of rising costs and financial pressures.

Val and Janine Buzatu took on Ye Olde Leather Bottle in 2009, and became official licensees in 2020.

A Kent councillor has criticised a Reform UK MP after he said it was 'insane' for some pupils to wear ear defenders in class.

Richard Tice was asked in a press conference what should be done to tackle what he describes as the 'colossal overdiagnosis of children with conditions like adhd'.

Helen Whitehead is Deputy Leader of Thanet District Council and was diagnosed with autism in her 30s. Hear what she had to say in response.

And, Sir Mick Jagger's been back to his former school in Kent to mark the 25th anniversary of a performing arts centre named after him.

The Rolling Stones legend went to Dartford Grammar while living in nearby Denver Road.

The Mick Jagger centre cost £2 million to build and opened in 2000 - Sir Mick has been speaking to reporter Alan Smith.

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13-year-old Kian was punched and kicked by an older teenager after travelling by train from Appledore to Rye. Layla Sullivan has described the impact it's had and what she thinks of the punishment.

Also in today's podcast, a change.org petition has been set up as part of our campaign calling for reforms to the Blue Badge system.

We want cancer patients and those with short-term but serious mobility issues to qualify for one. Kent's MPs are in favour as are Medway Council, but the leader of Kent County Council has said it won't be implemented.

As the COP30 climate conference draws to a close in Brazil this week, we've had some worrying news about insect populations in Kent.

New data suggests they're continuing to decline. Hear from Paul Hetherington from BugLife.

A campaign group in an historic Kent village are trying to raise £5,000 to help fight development plans.

Proposals have been put in for 100 homes in Lower Street in Eastry which members of Eastry Says No say it amounts to "over-development".

In sport, London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey has been called up by England.

The 20-year-old from the Aylesford based club is included in the squad for friendly games against China and Ghana. Hear from England manager Sarina Wiegman.

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The podcast has been told work at the property on Alma Street has been going on for more than two months. Hear from a neighbour who claims it has also caused damage to her home.

Also in today's episode, a Kent charity that supports young refugees has criticised the government's plans to overhaul the asylum system.

Under proposals announced yesterday, most will have to wait 20 years to apply to settle here permanently.

A Kent dad says children's lives are being put at risk due to a lack of pavement along a stretch of road in Sittingbourne.

Daniel Thomas is calling for pavements to be installed on Highsted Road following a series of near misses. He's told our reporter there's been a lack of action since a nearby housing estate was finished in 2007.

A Kent woman who became the legal guardian of 15 children at the age of 22 has been telling us how she's helping families in Tanzania.

Letty McMaster travelled there on a gap year and ended up taking over an orphanage that would otherwise have closed down.

And in sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight.

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Gina Aiano has bravely described what happened after her attacker was jailed for 27 months.

Also in today's podcast, a man from Faversham says there is a lack of dignity for patients receiving corridor care at a Kent hospital.

Paul's mother is in her 80s and spent days on a trolley in a corridor behind the A&E department at the William Harvey in Ashford. Paul's been speaking to Kate about the conditions.

Plastic pellets dumped in the sea by Southern Water have now washed up on the Kent coast.

The biobeads are used in wastewater treatment and are believed to have come from a plant in Eastbourne. Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan has shared a video about it on his socials.

As COP30 continues in Brazil, bosses at a Kent college have told us they're making great progress towards being carbon neutral by 2030.

£15.6 million is being spent on MidKent College's campuses in Medway and Maidstone.

With Christmas not far away, our sister radio station kmfm have launched their Give a Gift campaign for 2025.

They'll be hoping to deliver toys to children and young people across Kent who'll be spending Christmas in hospital, living in care or facing difficult circumstances.

In sport, it was a point for Gillingham in league two over the weekend.

It finished 2-2 in front of the TV cameras against Crawley Town at Priestfield - hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.

And, it's hoped a major redevelopment at one of Kent's most prestigious golf courses could see it host the Ryder Cup.

The multi-million-pound project at The London Golf Club in Sevenoaks will see a five-star hotel, spa, sports pavilion and luxury lodges built in the coming years.

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Some have staged a protest outside Sheds and Shelters Limited's headquarters on Ashford Road - demanding answers. Hear from our reporter Sean McPolin who has been following the story.

Also on today's podcast, there'll be disruption to NHS services in Kent today as resident doctors begin a five-day strike.

They were previously known as junior doctors, and are involved in the day-to-day running of hospitals.

Meantime, pregnant women in Kent are being urged to get a vaccination for RSV to help protect their newborn this winter.

It's as stats show 6 in 10 babies will contract the respiratory virus before their first birthday.

Kent's police and crime commissioner says his priorities until 2028 remain the same, despite being told his role is being scrapped.

The government says getting rid of PCC's across England and Wales will save money which will be invested into neighbourhood policing.

Legend from Gladiators is going to help bring part of an abandoned sports centre in Kent back to life.

Matt Morsia, who lives in Hythe, has revealed plans to transform the gym at Folkestone Sports Centre.

Ella Eyre has been telling our sister radio station kmfm how good it feels to be back with new music, ten years after her debut album.

"Everything, In Time" is a self-curated album that sees her step into soul, R&B and retro funk. 

And in sport, Gillingham welcome Crawley Town to Priestfield in league two this weekend.

They'll be hoping to make in back-to-back wins after a 1-nil victory over Bristol Rovers last Saturday. Hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth.

And, an event's being held in Maidstone this weekend aiming to provide more support for visually-impaired runners.

Specially-trained guides will be available to help those who are blind or partially-sighted at the Park Run at Mote Park.

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Ernest Gray killed Margaret Day - who was 86 - at their home in Broomfield Road in November 2023.

Also in today's podcast, we've been hearing from a Kent supermarket worker as a new survey shows more than 70% have suffered verbal abuse.

Retail trade union Usdaw say nearly half of workers have been threatened and 9% have actually been assaulted. In the run up to Christmas, one worker has shared his experience.

There are calls for urgent action from tech companies as figures show a rise in online grooming crimes in Kent.

The NSPCC says cases have reached a record high - with 298 recorded in the county last year. We've been speaking to the charity.

A Sittingbourne woman who was told she was too young to have breast cancer has created a bucket list after being told the disease is now terminal.

Shanice Bennett from Sittingbourne was diagnosed when she was just 23, three years later, the cancer has spread to her bones, lungs and liver.

A Maidstone dad says his street is like a "lorry formula one" - with HGVs constantly breaking the 30-mile-per-hour speed limit.

Luke Knightly-Jones moved to a house in Heath Road in Boughton Monchelsea in August, he's been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson.

And, a former student at the University of Kent has been shortlisted for a prestigious TikTok award.

Joy Anokwuru covers all things entertainment, celebrity news and trending topics in her viral videos shared with her 45,000 followers. 

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Tom Bowles, who runs the business in Sittingbourne, said his “heart sank” when he arrived to find many of his vehicles had been crushed by the fallen rubble on July 2.

Also in today’s podcast, the mother of a 16-year-old girl killed in a car crash almost two years ago says she feels her daughter has been “forgotten about” as the long-running police investigation continues.

Alisha Marie Ponter died after the car she was a passenger in overturned in Maidstone last February. 

Details of two garden settlements totalling 7,000 homes have been released for public consultation - despite campaigners calling for delays. 

They include one for a 5,000-home settlement at Lenham Heath to be known as Heathlands, and one for a 2,000-home settlement at Lidsing, on the border with the Medway Towns. 

In football, Gareth Ainsworth says Gillingham’s exit from the EFL Trophy at the hands of big-spending Wycombe Wanderers was a learning experience for everyone.

Wycombe won the game at Priestfield 3-0 to eliminate the Gills from the competition and take second spot in the group.

And as we make our way through Movember, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing about the ongoing impact of Covid on young people's mental health.

Students at the Uni of Kent have launched a campaign to raise money and awareness by rowing 700 kilometres this month.

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It’s after the Blazing Donkey Country Hotel fell into administration in September owing more than £380,000 to those booked to be married there.

Also in today’s podcast, Reform UK council leader Linden Kemkaran has raised fears that an upcoming BBC documentary may “splice together” things she has said to “make her look bad”.

The leader of Kent County Council posted told social media followers this morning she has a “genuine dilemma”.

It’s a busy time for Reform UK, after a union accused Kent County Council’s leadership of creating a “threat to public safety” after councillor suspensions left the fire service’s governing body in “disarray”.

Five Reform representatives who were members of the Kent and Medway Fire Authority have been removed from their positions following a leaked video of a council meeting. 

A Kent chemotherapy nurse is hoping to secure a debate in parliament on lowering the age women are first called for a mammogram.

At the moment it's between the age of 50 and 53 with routine screening every three years to 71 – you can hear from Gemma Reeves who’s started a petition. 

And in football, Gillingham’s progress in this season’s EFL Trophy depends on the result of tonight’s game against the manager’s former club.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side need a result against Wycombe Wanderers at Priestfield when they take on the League 1 side in the third and final group stage fixture.

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