KentOnline
The top stories from the KentOnline news team
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Episodes
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Podcast: Bosses at Ashford Designer Outlet increase car parking fees as shoppers hit out at latest hike
Friday, 12 September 2025
Parking charges at one of Kent’s most popular shopping destinations have been branded “insulting” after rising for the third time in as many years.Ashford Designer Outlet has increased its minimum parking fee to £3 for four hours - up from £2.50 last year and £2 the year before.Also in today’s podcast, a serial burglar has been jailed again after cutting a hole in Bluewater shopping centre’s roof and stealing £1.4million worth of watches.The notorious thief, who has previously targeted the home of Lord Alan Sugar, was on licence when he targeted Watchfinder at the shopping complex in Februa...
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Podcast: Pregnant mum who felt faint at the wheel received £100 parking fine for stopping at Orbital Park McDonald’s in Ashford
Thursday, 11 September 2025
A pregnant woman who pulled into a McDonald’s car park after feeling faint has been forced to pay a £100 fine for overstaying the time limit.The mother-of-four stopped at the fast-food restaurant in Orbital Park, Ashford, as she feared she would pass out at the wheel.Also in today’s podcast, we’ve got more reaction to the news the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich are going to merge to form one “super uni”.We’ve spoken to university bosses who haven’t ruled out redundancies, and the Canterbury MP who’s unhappy about how the news broke.Floral tributes and touching messages h...
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Podcast: The University of Kent, with campuses in Canterbury and Medway, announces shock merger with the University of Greenwich
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
The Universities of Kent and Greenwich are set to ‘merge’ in a shock move that’s the first of its kind.An email's been sent to staff at the University of Kent this morning announcing the "formal collaboration" – it follows a difficult period financially for the Uni of Kent.Also in today’s podcast, a group of MPs says our food security could be at risk as 'alarming amounts' of meat and diary products are being illegally imported into the UK.A report by the committee has described conditions within a facility at the Port of Dover where checks are carried out as 'inadequate'.A man who had jus...
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Podcast: Canterbury vape shops boss hits back at authorities and says he's not the criminal he's being made out to be
Tuesday, 9 September 2025
The owner of several vape shops says he’s not the criminal he’s being made out to be and claims he’s being “harassed” and “targeted” by the authorities. It’s after a new report accused him of an “ongoing pattern of criminal behaviour”, from underage sales to selling fake designer goods and illegal products. Also in today’s podcast, a body has been discovered in the sea amid a search for a missing woman.Police and the coastguard were called to St Margaret’s Bay yesterday afternoon. A family-run hotel has been forced to deny rumours it is housing asylum seekers after organisers of an anti-imm...
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Podcast: Anger as man seriously injured in Westbrook crash is discharged from QEQM Hospital in Margate with ‘nowhere to go’
Monday, 8 September 2025
The mum of a hit-and-run victim says he was stunned to discover he had been discharged from hospital and someone else was in his bed.Azar Harnden spent months being treated at King’s College Hospital in London before being transferred to the QEQM in Margate after sustaining serious injuries in a horror crash in Westbrook in April.Also in today’s podcast, we've been hearing from a war veteran from Canterbury who says the "Raise the Colours" campaign is just a passing phase. The controversial movement has seen St George's Flags put up across the county and red crosses spray painted on signs a...
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Podcast: Strood motorist who was clipped by another car before chasing the driver through Wainsott ends up in court thanks to her own video footage
Friday, 5 September 2025
An irate motorist who gave chase after another driver clipped her car ended up in court herself thanks to her own child’s video footage.She was so enraged when her wing mirror was hit she followed the other driver for four minutes, getting her teenage daughter to video what was happening on her mobile phone.Also in today’ podcast, a small Kent firm used by Angela Rayner to buy a flat she has since admitted underpaying stamp duty on has denied giving her tax advice.The Deputy Prime Minister has said incorrect “advice from lawyers” led her to pay too little tax when she purchased the property...
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Podcast: Lullingstone Country Park users prepared to go to court over £20 parking admin fee disputes
Thursday, 4 September 2025
Disgruntled drivers are refusing to pay their admin fees and say they’re prepared to go to court over parking fines at one of Kent’s country parks. It’s after it was revealed some were issued penalty notices, despite having proof they’d paid to park. Also in today’s podcast, a drink-driving teacher has avoided being banned from the profession after claiming he only got behind the wheel because he “feared for his life” following a knife attack.The former head of chemistry was more than double the legal limit when he was stopped by police. People living on newbuild estates across part of nort...
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Podcast: "Scallywag thief" says he shouldn't be living in a tent under a bridge by the River Medway in Maidstone at 72
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
A man suffering serious health problems, and currently living in a tent under a bridge in Maidstone , has reached out to the community for help.The 72-year-old has found himself with nowhere to stay while suffering with a chronic condition which leaves him struggling for breath after any exertion.Also in today’s podcast, three recent inspections by the health watchdog have revealed the extent of the crisis facing adult social care in Kent, as the local authority warns of even core services “stretched to the brink”.During visits to services in Bearsted, Gravesend and Dover, the Care Quality...
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Podcast: Bouncer sacked after ‘excessive force’ used in incident at Atik nightclub in Dartford
Tuesday, 2 September 2025
A bouncer has been sacked after a man was left bruised following an altercation at a nightclub.Footage from ATIK in Dartford shows the victim being dragged and punched near the exit to the venue in the early hours of Saturday.Also in today’s podcast, an empty shop overrun with pigeons has been branded the “most disgusting” building in the town centre – but the landlord says his hands are tied by planning rules.The former Evans unit in Ashford is feared a “health hazard”, with one woman saying she was kept up at night due to its terrible condition.While most Year 7 pupils are settling into t...
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Podcast: Shocking moment drunk driver crashes into Pilot Inn, Dungeness - then calmly walks away - has been caught on camera
Monday, 1 September 2025
The shocking moment a drunk driver careened into a seaside pub loved by celebrities - then calmly walked away – has been caught on camera. Howard Sargent left a trail of destruction when he ploughed his Toyota into the Pilot Inn after drinking throughout the day.Also in today’s podcast, we’ve spoken to a Folkestone mum who is urging others not to ignore lumps while breastfeeding after she was diagnosed with cancer.Chelsey Saunders put her symptoms - which also included a swelling in her armpit - down to a cold and being a busy mum.Former Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe has been us how she has n...
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Podcast: Delays after crashes on the M20, M2 and A2 and a vehicle fire on the A249 during heavy rain
Friday, 29 August 2025
Drivers have been facing long delays on a number of main roads in Kent following a series of crashes.The most serious happened on the M20 in the early hours of this morning, closing part of the London bound carriageway.Also in today's podcast, a Tunbridge Wells mum has been told she has just weeks to live after a 10-year battle with cancer.Hélène Menardi was initially diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2015, and despite intensive treatment it's now spread to other parts of her body. Hear from her husband Marcus Bird.It's been announced the boss of P-and-O Ferries is leaving the com...
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Podcast: Police cordon off Swale House council office building in East Street, Sittingbourne
Thursday, 28 August 2025
Police have taped off the car park of a council office building in Sittingbourne.Officers were called to Swale House on East Street last night while paramedics were also reportedly seen early this morning. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has also been there.Also in today's podcast, a Sittingbourne mum has told us how it took her having a 'breakdown' in an A&E ward to find out her daughter has a life-changing condition.Morgan Austin from Teynham gave birth to Matilda in January and was told her baby had reflux. She was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and now needs extensive phys...
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Podcast: Tributes paid to football coach Tim Sells from Herne Bay who worked for Millwall and died following a cardiac arrest at a gym
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Tributes have been paid to a dad who died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a gym in Herne Bay.Tim Sells was working out at Snap Fitness when he collapsed last week, and passed away in hospital three days later.The 47-year-old worked as a football development manager for Millwall FC Community Trust and also coached youngsters at Whitstable Town FC and Tankerton. Hear from his partner Lisa who is urging people to learn CPR.Also in today's podcast, a man has been flown to a London hospital after being hit by a vehicle near Maidstone.The crash happened on the A229 Linton Road in Loose at aro...
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Podcast: Man flown to hospital following 'serious assault' on Hampton seafront near Herne Bay
Tuesday, 26 August 2025
A man has been injured following reports of a serious attack in Herne Bay.Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to Hampton Pier Avenue yesterday evening.Also in today's podcast, footage has been released of a traffic warden being attacked in Gravesend, as staff speak out about the abuse they are facing.An investigation by KentOnline has found enforcement officers are putting up with daily threats, assaults and racism.People living in a village near Dartford fear it could be split in two if plans to reform local councils in Kent are given the go ahead.Bosses in Medway have reve...
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Podcast: Dymchurch Amusement Park boss urges people to visit this August Bank Holiday weekend despite poor water quality at the beach
Friday, 22 August 2025
Ahead of the August bank holiday weekend we're being encouraged to visit part of the Kent coast - despite it's poor water quality rating.The owners of Dymchurch Amusement Park say there's more to do there than just swimming.Last November the Environment Agency downgraded the beach's water quality to poor and issued a no-swim warning.Also in today's podcast, a woman who moved to Kent when the war started in Ukraine has told the podcast she doesn't think the Russian president will ever agree to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Donald Trump has started plans to bring the leaders together after meeting...
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Podcast: Controversial landlord Fergus Wilson offers land in Boughton Monchelsea to Maidstone Borough Council for traveller camp
Thursday, 21 August 2025
A Kent landlord has revealed plans to offer woodland to a council for a traveller camp.Fergus Wilson has said he will sell a 12 acre site in Boughton Monchelsea, that he bought in the 1980s, to Maidstone Borough Council.The local authority recently launched a search for suitable land to accommodate a 15 pitch camp.Also in today's podcast, the Reform UK leader of Kent County Council has told local authorities to check up on the legal status of asylum hotels.Linden Kemkaran has spoken out after a High Court decision to stop people being housed at a hotel in Epping.Thousands of teenagers acros...
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Podcast: Man who died after falling in River Medway at Maidstone named as Daniel Grossett from Headcorn who volunteered at Hungry Hearts for the Homeless
Wednesday, 20 August 2025
A man who died after falling in the River Medway in Maidstone earlier this month has been named.Daniel Grossett was discovered a day after being spotted going into the water near Archbishops Palace on August 11th. He'd previously been on an episode of the podcast and plenty of tributes have been paid.Also in today's episode, Kent Wildlife Trust bosses have told us how vital money that could be spent on conservation is having to be used to repair damage at some of their sites.A viewing screen at one site has been destroyed by vandals while camping equipment has been dumped at another. Hear f...
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Podcast: Man in 'critical but stable' condition in hospital after tractor fell from bridge onto M20 central reservation
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
A tractor driver is in a critical but stable condition after his vehicle fell from a bridge onto the M20.Police say he had been driving along the A227 near Wrotham when his trailer became separated from the tractor and overturned.Also in today's podcast, there's been mixed reaction to news further traffic restrictions could be put in place on Rochester High Street.You already can't drive along it on Saturdays - now a consultation is underway into plans to stop vehicles on Sundays and bank holidays as well.A Kent politician says the Conservatives will need to learn lessons from Donald Trump ...
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Podcast: Tributes left to boy, 2, who died in crash at Gorrell Tank car park in Whitstable as man is arrested
Monday, 18 August 2025
A two-year-old boy has died after a car hit pedestrians in a car park in Whitstable.Emergency crews were called to the junction of Harbour Street and Cromwell Road on Saturday night and a man in his 20s has been arrested.Also in today's podcast, two people are due in court charged with murder following the death of a man in Gravesend.Police were called to a disturbance involving a group of people outside a property on Augustine Road last Tuesday night. It's been revealed temporary accommodation is costing councils in Kent almost £50 million a year.That's up from around £26 million two years...
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Podcast: Residents of Elham Valley Caravan Park left in shock after eviction notices were posted on homes giving them 14 days to leave
Friday, 15 August 2025
Residents at a caravan park near Canterbury fear they will be left on the streets after being given 14 days to leave.Elham Valley Holiday Park, which is also known as Goldpark Leisure, currently has around 19 caravans with some occupants having lived there for 10 years.Hear from one of the residents after an eviction notice was taped to his door.The King has said today the sacrifices of VJ Day should 'never be forgotten' as we mark the 80th anniversary.This was when Japan surrendered, officially ending the Second World War. Flags are being raised across Kent including at The Vine Gardens in...
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Podcast: Thousands of students across Kent collect A-level results
Thursday, 14 August 2025
Three teenagers charged with murder following the death of a man on a Sheppey beach are due to make a first appearance at crown court today.Alexander Cashford, 49, who had a home in Warden Bay, is said to have suffered multiple injuries in Leysdown on Sunday night.Also in today's podcast, a murder investigation is underway after a man in his 30s died following a stabbing in Gravesend.Police were called to reports of a disturbance outside a property in Augustine Road late on Tuesday night.Figures today show a record number of students across the country have got into their first-choice unive...
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Podcast: Man, 22, dies after Kawasaki motorbike hits kerb on A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road in Ashford
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
A motorcyclist has died following a crash which closed a major road in Ashford.The 22-year-old was riding a bike that hit a kerb on the A2070 last night.Also in today's episode, three teenagers have been charged with murder following the death of a man on Sheppey.Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown at around 7pm on Sunday following reports of an altercation involving a small group of people. Alexander Cashford, 49, died at the scene.Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show more animals are being attacked with weapons in Kent than anywhere else in England.32 cases w...
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Podcast: Teenagers remain in custody on suspicion of murder after man in Leysdown on Sheppey reportedly hit with concrete slab
Tuesday, 12 August 2025
Three children are still being questioned by police on suspicion of murder following the death of a man on Sheppey.It's been reported the victim, who was in his 40s, suffered severe head injuries after being hit with a concrete slab in the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown on Sunday night.Also in today's podcast, police have increased patrols in part of Maidstone following reports of motorbikes and e-bikes being ridden antisocially.People living in the Coombe Road area of Tovil have raised concerns.There are concerns the cost of parking in Rainham could put shoppers off visiting the town.Dri...
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Podcast: Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after man dies following 'altercation' in Leysdown-on-Sea, Sheppey
Monday, 11 August 2025
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man on Sheppey.Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown shortly after 7pm yesterday.It had been reported that a row had broken out among a small group of people and a man was seriously injured in an attack.Also in today's podcast, a Kent mum says she's been forced to give up her career because her son has been left without a school place.Leighton, 10, from Maidstone has additional needs and hasn't been in class since the start of the year.The leader of Kent County Council says Reform UK has ...
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Podcast: Mum pays heartbreaking tribute after son, 4, died when he 'fell under' a bus outside Margate's QEQM hospital
Friday, 8 August 2025
A four-year-old boy has died after being hit by a bus outside a Kent hospital.Emergency crews rushed to the car park at the QEQM in Margate after it happened yesterday afternoon.The little boy has been named as Zaahir Jan and his mum has posted a heartbreaking tribute online.Also in today's podcast, two men have been charged with murder by detectives investigation the death of another man in Sittingbourne.He reportedly fell from a wall and collided with a vehicle after being chased in the town centre on Saturday night.A housing company's being urged to do more to support residents in Strood...
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Podcast: Homeless Gravesend man jailed after stabbing teenager following a fight outside Tesco Express store
Thursday, 7 August 2025
A man has told a court he's 'scared to walk the streets' after being stabbed by a homeless man in Gravesend.The victim was attacked by Gary Stephens after intervening in an argument he was having with a woman outside a Tesco store in 2022.Also in today's podcast, the leader of the opposition at Kent County Council has criticised the way Reform UK are behaving in cabinet meetings.Lib Dem councillor and leader of the opposition at KCC Antony Hook has spoken out - you can hear from him and a response from Reform's chief whip at KCC, Maxwell Harrison.A Kent MP has raised concerns about Britain'...
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Podcast: Man in court after jumping on ex's BMW at traffic lights in Dover and punching windscreen
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
A man who jumped on his ex's car at traffic lights in Dover has avoided jail - despite already being banned from contacting her.A court was told the 32-year-old saw her by chance in the town and smashed the windscreen in June.Also in today's podcast, a Folkestone man whose mum and step-dad are being held in Iran says they've been allowed to make their first call home.Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained on suspicion of espionage while on a motorbike tour around the world.The boss of a Kent charity that trains dogs for children with Type 1 diabetes has told us they're having to pause the ...
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Podcast: Family forced to leave Parkdean Resorts in Margaret's Bay, Dover after finding bed bugs
Tuesday, 5 August 2025
A family have been forced to leave a Kent holiday park in the middle of the night after finding bugs on their bedding.The Allen's had booked a five-night stay at Parkdean Resorts in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover - hear from reporter Oliver Leonard who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, a Margate mum, who's battling breast cancer, says she's stuck in a nightmare legal battle to evict a tenant from her former family home.Kelly Eastland needs £60,000 to pay for pioneering treatment in Germany. She's been explaining what has happened over the past few months.Police have launc...
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Podcast: Flowers left in memory of man in his 20s who died in a motorbike crash in Herne Bay
Monday, 4 August 2025
Flowers have been left at the scene of a crash in Herne Bay following the death of a motorcyclist.The man in his 20s was riding along Reculver Road when he was involved in a collision near the junction with Terminus Drive in the early hours of Saturday.Also in today's podcast, an MP has raised concerns about plans for a housing development on land in Rainham.An application for hundreds of homes on an orchard off Pump Lane was previously rejected - but now the land's been included in the council's Local Plan.Hear from Naushabah Khan who has joined residents at a protest.A Medway man with inc...
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Podcast: Medway Maritime Hospital criticised after mouse droppings found under patient's bed and in drawers
Friday, 1 August 2025
A woman whose mum is being treated at Medway Maritime Hospital has raised concerns about a mice infestation on the ward.82-year-old Christine Dobbs was reluctantly admitted after suffering a fall at home, but her stay has been marred by what her family says is a “shocking” rodent problem.Hear from Christine's daughter, we have also got a response from the hospital.Also in today's podcast, parents in Kent are being urged to make sure their children are fully vaccinated as levels of measles remain high.145 cases in England have been detected this month - and it's said to be spreading fast in ...
