KentOnline
The top stories from the KentOnline news team
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Episodes
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Podcast: Herne Bay mum calls for “empathy, support and safe spaces” for the trans community following the death of her teenage daughter
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
A mum has called for “empathy, support and safe spaces” for the trans community following the death of her teenage daughter. Sigrid Taylor was born in Ashford and went to school in Canterbury before relocating to America with her family when she was 7. The 19 year-old had moved back to Herne Bay about a year before her death and a fundraiser's been set up to pay for a headstone. Also in today's podcast, dozens of pupils are having to find a different school to go to in September after a new one near Thanet failed to get approval in time. It was hoped Turner Schools Carbon 6 Pathway would be...
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Podcast: National review finds maternity care at East Kent Hospitals remains 'fragmented' but staff morale has improved
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
A major review into NHS maternity services has found the system is not fit to consistently deliver high-quality care and requires urgent reform. It's been led by Baroness Amos in a bid to drive urgent improvements. Families who'd received treatment at East Kent Hospitals were among those who contributed to the report. They reported that maternity care is still “fragmented” - but staff say morale has improved. Hear from a mum whose baby was stillborn at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Also in today's podcast, a leading Kent politician has told us Andy Burnham is the right man to lead...
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Podcast: Police and paramedics part of huge emergency response on Lenham Road in Headcorn
Monday, 29 June 2026
Our top story today is developing news regarding a major emergency response in Headcorn. People living on Lenham Road have told us they heard lots of sirens at about 5pm yesterday. Police and ambulance crews had arrived at the scene and set up a cordon, with other motorists being turned away. Also in today's podcast, a man in his 30s has been seriously injured after a stabbing outside a pub in Maidstone. He was taken to a London hospital after a police were called to the the High Street near The Stag. It's hoped a new college campus in Margate with courses in animation and visual effects wi...
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Podcast: Swanley mum fundraising to get life-saving treatment in Germany after being diagnosed with cervical cancer for a second time
Friday, 26 June 2026
A Kent woman fears her son could be left without either of his parents unless she's able to travel abroad for cancer treatment. Candice Powell from Swanley was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019 following a smear test. After treatment, she was given the all clear the following year, but started to feel unwell in May 2025. The 39 year-old has been sharing her story. Also in today's podcast, the ambulance service covering Kent say they've seen a 20% increase in calls this week because of the hot weather. A red warning for extreme heat is in force across the county today, with temper...
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Podcast: TikTok influencer Brooke George from Gravesend charged with murder following death of man, 26, in Dubai
Thursday, 25 June 2026
A young woman from Gravesend has been charged with murder after a man was found dead in Dubai. 23-year-old Brooke George, who's an influencer on TikTok, is being held in custody. She's accused of killing a 26 year-old but claims to have been acting in self-defence following a violent assault. Hear from senior reporter Joe Crossley who has been following the story. Also in today's podcast, firefighters in Kent say they can't rule out strike action, as they fight plans to close some on-call stations. Changes to the service are being discussed at a meeting in Maidstone today, and the Fire Brig...
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Podcast: Red warning for 'extreme heat' issued for part of Kent on what could be the hottest day of the year so far
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
A red warning for extreme heat has come into force in part of Kent on what could be the hottest day of the year so far. This is only the second time the most severe alert has been issued. Some schools in the county have decided to stay closed today, while others are shutting early as temperatures could reach around 35c. Hear from Kent's deputy director of public health. Meantime, dispersal orders have been put in place across Thanet to try and stop antisocial behaviour on the coast. Police have been given extra powers to break up groups of people in Ramsgate, Margate, Westgate and Broadstai...
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Podcast: 10 years after the Brexit referendum a KentOnline poll reveals one in four people in Kent who voted leave would now back remain
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
A new poll's found one in four people in Kent who voted for Brexit would now back Remain if the referendum was held again. More than 1,300 residents across the county have been asked for their opinion 10 years on from the vote. Back then, 59% of people in Kent chose to leave the EU, according to the survey 57% would now vote to stay. We've been speaking to people across the county and also have the thoughts of the chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and a man leading a Rejoin campaign. Also on today's podcast, a day after Sir Keir Starmer announced he was quitting as Pr...
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Podcast: Sir Keir Starmer sets out plan to resign as Prime Minister
Monday, 22 June 2026
Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to resign as Prime Minister. Speaking outside Downing Street, he said he was proud of everything he had achieved since taking over as head of the Labour Party six years ago. He's confirmed a leadership contest will be held over the summer. Lucy's been getting reaction from local democracy reports Simon Finlay and Robert Boddy. Also on today's episode, with another amber heat health alert in force across Kent, a campaign is underway to keep us safe by the water. Temperatures are expected to hit the mid 30s this week, and it's feared some could head to a r...
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Podcast: Residents concerned about roadworks on the A251 Ashford Road which will see a slip road off the M2 closed for almost a month
Friday, 19 June 2026
Residents have raised concerns about a motorway slip road near Faversham being closed for several weeks as part of a house building project. Developer Redrow is currently building an estate in the town known as Preston Fields. At the moment, access to the site is via Canterbury Road along the A2, however, they're going to create a second entrance via Ashford Road. Once complete, it will be situated a few hundred metres from Junction 6 of the M2 but while the work takes place, the coastbound slip road will be shut. Also in today's podcast, a man who made £185,000 from smuggling people from t...
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Podcast: Mum's fury as private school throws hundreds of books into a skip
Thursday, 18 June 2026
A mum has criticised a private school's decision to throw hundreds of books into a skip. They were spotted by Becky outside the King's School in Rochester, and she says she was "horrified" - but bosses have defended the decision. Also in today's episode, campaigners say they are disappointed plans for homes on a former school site in Hythe have been given the go ahead. The estate will include a mix of 150 houses and flats on what used to be Foxwood School. An object found by a metal detectorist in Kent has been declared treasure. The copper-alloy die stamp dates back to Anglo-Saxon times an...
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Podcast: Kent's biggest school, Homewood in Tenterden, is closed today as teachers and support staff strike over proposed job losses
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Kent's biggest school is closed today as teachers and support staff go on strike. They're walking out over six days between now and July 2nd in a dispute over compulsory job losses at Homewood in Tenterden. It's after plans to move the school to a new trust fell through earlier this year. Hear from the local National Education Union rep and a teacher who is on the picket line. Also in today's episode, hear from a young dad who has praised staff at Medway Maritime Hospital after his baby was born with a rare condition. Charlie Hayes and his partner Demi went for a scan when baby Luca stopped...
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Podcast: Family of Chatham man detained by ICE agents in the US are desperate to reunite him with his wife and children
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
The family of a Chatham man who's been detained by immigration agents in the US say they're desperate to reunite him with his wife and twin sons. 29-year-old Connor Read was in the process of applying for a green card when he was taken to an ICE detention centre. It's understood a removal order had been activated because he didn't have the correct visa. Reporter Joe Crossley has been speaking to his wife Jaelin. Also in today's podcast, a Chatham man who stabbed another man after a row over a 10 pound phone debt has been found guilty of murder... Mark Jesse, 51, attacked his victim at the h...
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Podcast: Social media expert reacts to news under 16s in the UK are going to be banned from having accounts on sites including YouTube, TikTok and Instagram
Monday, 15 June 2026
It's been announced under-16s are going to be banned from using social media. Sites like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram will be off limits, in a bid to protect young people from online harms. The Prime Minister says he's giving kids their childhood back - we've got reaction from Rochester-based social media consultant Zoe Cairns. Also on today's episode, the boss of a Canterbury bar that was forced to close following a huge fire next door hopes they could reopen before the end of the summer. Tokyo Tearooms had to close when a blaze broke out in the derelict Odeon cinema in St George's Place...
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Podcast: Meningitis vaccine to be offered to thousands of teenagers across England following deadly outbreak in Kent
Friday, 12 June 2026
After a deadly outbreak of meningitis in Kent earlier this year, a one-off vaccination programme's being offered to help protect Year 13 pupils across England. Two young people died after falling ill from the disease in March which was linked to a nightclub in Canterbury. Under 25s starting Uni for the first time are also being offered two doses of the MenB jab. Also in today's episode, a 91 year-old woman has been forced to leave her home of 20 years, just weeks after being targeted by thieves. Queenie Watts was a resident of the Cutbush and Corrall almshouse in Maidstone but was becoming ...
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Podcast: Mum from Paddock Wood says it's 'ridiculous' she has been denied a Blue Badge despite her 2-year-old son being diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome
Thursday, 11 June 2026
A Kent mum whose son has a rare genetic condition affecting his mobility says it's 'ridiculous' she's been denied a blue badge. Two year-old Ronnie, who lives in Paddock Wood, has been diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Mum Charlotte Jenner says it's dangerous trying to get him in and out of a vehicle if she can't park in a designated space. South East Water have agreed to double the amount of compensation for businesses in Tunbridge Wells affected by outages over the winter. Around 24,000 properties were impacted by a problem at the Pembury Treatment Works. Meantime, the water minist...
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Podcast: Businessman Simon Edgecombe from Teynham claims he is the victim of a Post Office miscarriage of justice more than 40 years ago
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
A Kent man who was sent to prison after being prosecuted by the Post Office is trying to clear his name after hearing about the Horizon scandal. Simon Edgecombe was convicted after selling a van to a staff member who took money from the till to cover the cost back in 1983. He says there was paperwork to prove it was a legitimate transaction, but he was found guilty by a jury and locked up for 12 months. The 71-year-old has been sharing his story in a bid find evidence that will quash the conviction. Also in today's episode, we've been told a major shake-up of the fire service in Kent is abo...
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Podcast: Brother of professional footballer sent to prison for making threats against own family and breaking into West Malling home
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
A West Malling man who threatened members of his own family and tried to attack one after smashing in to their home has been jailed. A court's been told how Dane May carried out a relentless campaign against his mum and two siblings, including League One footballer Alfie May. The 38-year-old from Edington Way has been locked up for more than seven years and will spend a further three on licence when he's released. Also in today's podcast, a warning has been issued about the World Cup leading to a rise in domestic abuse in Kent. Bosses in Medway have launched a campaign urging people to spot...
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Podcast: Frustrated residents say new-build Nightingale View estate in Hamstreet near Ashford has turned into a 'nightmare'
Monday, 8 June 2026
Bosses in Ashford have launched an investigation into a new-build estate in the town following complaints from residents. People living in homes on Nightingale View in Hamstreet have reported cracked footpaths, dead trees and patchy, dying grass. The developer insists it's working on a plan to get the area up to scratch, while the council say they're looking at whether any planning breaches have occurred. Hear from reporter Louis Walker who has been covering the story. Also on today's episode, a driver who reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour in heavy rain before causing the death...
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Podcast: Sittingbourne's Marino Fish Bar celebrates its 30th birthday as the country marks National Fish and Chip Day
Friday, 5 June 2026
Kent Police have told the KentOnline Podcast how they'll be using targeted operations this summer to tackle antisocial behaviour. It's been a problem during the warm weather - particularly at the coast. Officers are now stepping up patrols and using dispersal orders to move on anyone causing trouble. Also in today's episode, a search is underway for a hit and run driver who left a pet dog with serious injuries near Dover. Sully, a 21-month-old Labrador, had to have a leg amputated after being struck by a van in the Whitfield part of town last month. Police say an investigation is ongoing an...
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Podcast: Anger as solar park near Faversham used truckloads of water to wash panels as taps ran dry across Kent
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Bosses at a Kent solar farm have apologised after using water from a roadside standpipe to clean panels, when taps in nearby homes were running dry. A bowser was seen arriving at Cleve Hill Park in Graveney near Faversham during the outages in the recent hot weather. Also in today's episode, a mother and daughter from Maidstone have been jailed after going on a shopping spree with a credit card stolen from a 91-year-old woman. It was taken from the victim's home and one of the women was found by police hiding in a cupboard. Two cars have been caught reaching speeds of more than 100 miles pe...
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Podcast: Owner of Boathouse Fisheries claims video about 'dodgy shops' by MP Tony Vaughan contributed to closure of Hythe branch
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
The owners of a seafood business in Hythe have told KentOnline that a video posted on social media by the local MP about so called 'dodgy shops' has contributed to their decision to close. Boathouse Fisheries opened a fishmongers and bistro on the High Street in February last year, but after 16 months in the town, they're shutting because of rising business rates, higher wages, increasing energy bills and reduced footfall. However, they've also criticised a video posted online by MP Tony Vaughan. Also in today's podcast, after more than a dozen people lost their lives in water during the re...
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Podcast: Anger as NHS Kent and Medway makes cuts to IVF treatment and lowers eligibility age limit for women
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
It's claimed significant changes to IVF provision in Kent have been brought in 'under the radar'. From the start of April, the number of cycles on the NHS has been cut from two to one, while the upper age limit for women to start treatment has been lowered from 40 to 38. Health papers due to be discussed by councillors this week suggests the change brings Kent in-line with most other areas. Hear from a county councillor who is also a former NHS director. Also in today's podcast, a dad who lives near Maidstone has been telling us about the impact of ongoing water supply disruption. South Eas...
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Podcast: Pembury mum starts petition calling for extra funding to save children's services run by Hospice in the Weald
Monday, 1 June 2026
A mum's told the podcast how she burst into tears after finding out a hospice in Kent that supports her son, will be withdrawing its service for children. Six year-old Kit Slessor-Pavely has life-limiting complex needs and is regularly visited by staff from the Hospice in the Weald in Pembury. But the charity say fundraising hasn't kept up with rising costs and 10 jobs are at risk. Hear from Kit's mum Kaz who has set up a petition. Also in today's episode, around 4,000 homes in Kent are still experiencing problems with their water supply. Low pressure and intermittent supply has been impact...
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Podcast: Residents complain about mountains of rubbish left outside Samuels Tower in Chatham
Friday, 29 May 2026
A huge pile of rubbish has been left outside a block of flats in Medway for weeks, with residents complaining about the smell during the hot weather. Council-contracted bin men have refused to clear up the mountain of bin bags and cardboard in the car park of Samuels Tower in Chatham and landlords who took over the block last year say it's an ongoing problem. Also in today's podcast, people in Whitstable are being warned their water supply could stay patchy over the weekend, after taps ran dry. South East Water says supply should be back today, but it's still under strain, after 8,000 homes...
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Podcast: Teenage boy dies after getting into difficulty while swimming in a pond in Swanscombe near Dartford
Thursday, 28 May 2026
The body of a teenage boy has been found in Swanscombe following concerns about a swimmer in a pond. Police, paramedics and fire crews were called to water near Galley Hill Road at around 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Scuba divers were also spotted heading to the scene. Also in today's podcast, TikTok influencers have denied fuelling trouble on a Kent beach over the bank holiday which led to a number of arrests and people being moved on by police. Videos shared on the social media site described a gathering at Viking Bay as 'Broadstairs' Biggest Beach Link-up' - with a comment suggesting a...
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Podcast: Six people arrested as police use extra powers to break-up antisocial groups on Thanet's beaches
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Antisocial behaviour during the hot weather in Thanet over the weekend has led to six people being arrested. Dispersal orders were put in place in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate with officers also called to reports of underage drinking. One teenager was detained for assaulting an emergency worker and possession of cannabis - while another was held for criminal damage and assault. Also on today's podcast, disruption to water supplies is continuing for residents in various parts of Kent. South East Water have apologised to customers in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Maidstone. Hear from the dad...
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Podcast: Veolia bin lorry driver from Rainham avoids prison and keeps licence despite seriously injuring woman in crash near Maidstone
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
A bin lorry driver, who injured a woman after crashing into her car at a crossroads near Maidstone, has been spared jail and allowed to keep his licence. Dino Farrell, 52, from Bedson Walk in Rainham, failed to stop at a four-way junction in Langley in February 2024 - having not seen a ‘Stop’ sign and an unbroken white line marking. Also in today's podcast, lifeboat crews in Kent have issued a warning after being called out to several emergencies involving jet skis during the hot weather. One was found abandoned near a shipping lane off Sheppey over the Bank Holiday weekend - while another ...
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Podcast: Victim speaks out as cowboy builders are jailed over £1.3 million scam
Friday, 22 May 2026
A Kent widow who was conned out of almost £150,000 said her late husband was driven out of his home by a cowboy builder. Two men have been convicted of fraud following an eight-week trial, after scamming victims out of a total of £1.3 million. Also in today's episode, there are concerns children in Kent could go hungry during half term as a voucher scheme has been scrapped. The county council previously provided £10 a week for pupils on free school meals to use during the holidays, but it has been withdrawn due to 'funding constraints'. Roads are expected to be busy ahead of the bank holida...
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Podcast: Driver jailed over fatal crash after brake-checking BMW on A249 near Sittingbourne
Thursday, 21 May 2026
A grandmother who brake-checked a driver on a dual carriageway leading to a crash which killed a motorcyclist has been sentenced to five years in prison. 55-year-old Collette Gibson from Lime Close in South Ockendon, Essex was convicted of causing Paul Wright’s death on the A249 near Sittingbourne in 2022. Also in today's episode, a registered sex offender who was caught talking to a 13-year-old girl online has been locked up for two years. Police have released footage of his interview, where he claimed he only started the conversation to get her banned from a website. A zombie knife has be...
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Podcast: East Kent Hospitals Trust staff offered chance to resign as part of cuts
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
East Kent Hospitals is offering employees one-off payments to leave their jobs as part of plans to reduce their workforce. Health campaigners have raised concerns about the loss of clinical staff, which bosses insist won't happen. We are being warned to expect a busy weekend on the roads as Operation Brock comes into force on the M20. The Bank Holiday and half term getaway will see thousands of people heading through Dover and Folkestone. The MP for Folkestone and Hythe is calling for better support and action to stop ex-offenders committing more crimes. Tony Vaughan says the re-offending r...
