KentOnline podcast

25:31

A KentOnline investigation has uncovered serious flaws with the anti-terror system designed to protect the centre of Canterbury. We found bollards that were installed to stop vehicles getting into the pedestrianised zone either weren't working, or could be easily by passed. Hear from reporter Brad Harper and Chris Phillips who's the former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office. Also in today's podcast, a couple have revealed how they were blindfolded and held for more than two days in Iran after travelling from Kent back to New Zealand. Pete and Janelle O'Keeffe decided to go on a world tour back to their homeland after spending 10 years living in Faversham. They were accused of entering a forbidden zone, and eventually released after setting off a locator beacon which alerted their daughter. An imaginative play café set up by two friends is officially opening at Chatham Dockside today. Georgie Bleek and Steph Richard came up with the idea after struggling to find someone to go themselves. The business partners both have two children under the age of three. Football, and Gillingham have recorded back-to-back home wins for the first time since September... They beat promotion chasing Bradford City 1-0 at Priestfield on Saturday. Kent's Ben Earl scored a try for England in their Six Nations victory over Italy. They won 47-24 at Twickenham - giving themselves a chance of winning the tournament.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Owner of Vapeology in Ashford says he spent £300k on his shop in Park Mall only to be given six months to leave 22:13

4天之前22:13

22:13

A business owner who spent £300,000 renovating his town centre shop is calling for compensation after being ordered to leave. He says he used his life savings to the store in Park Mall, but council say the whole mall will be demolished early next year to make way for a car park - and has given all traders six months to leave. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear about a drunk partygoer who stole a woman’s Mercedes before crashing it into a tree, fence and wall - causing thousands of pounds of damage. The smash left a trail of destruction in Broadstairs but by the time the officers arrived on the scene he’d already fled. The mutilated body of a bull breed type dog with a metal chain around its neck has been discovered in a popular dog walking spot . The RSPCA is appealing for information after the canine was found dead near Sevenoaks by a member of the public. Proposals to install double yellow lines in a residential street have been branded “a terrible mistake” and “completely unfair”. Residents in Northfleet have objected to the plans to implement a No Waiting at Any Time restriction on both sides of the road. And in sport you can hear from on-loan defender Andy Smith ahead of Gillingham’s game against Bradford City this weekend. They know they’ve got work to do if they’re to bounce back from their midweek loss.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Folkestone and Hythe District Council lost £4.4m on scrapped Princes Parade development in Hythe 23:45

5天之前23:45

23:45

It's been revealed more than £4 million worth of taxpayers' money was spent on plans for a new development near Folkestone which never materialised. Bosses in the previous administration wanted to build 150 homes and a leisure centre at Princes Parade in Hythe, but the proposals were later scrapped. Hear from Jim Martin who is the current leader of the council. A Kent homelessness charity's revealed a 21% increase in demand for their services in the space of a year. Footfall at Catching Lives in Canterbury has gone up from around 11,000 in 2023, to more than 13,300 last year. We've been chatting to chief executive Tasmin Maitland. A Kent woman who lost her baby at 22 and a half weeks pregnant is welcoming a change in the law which will see bereaved parents get paid leave from work. Keeley Lengthorne has been campaigning since George was born in March 2022. She's told us how the announcement came on a very poignant day. For the first time in a generation, NHS patients have begun receiving blood plasma from donors from Kent. Donations had been paused in 1998 due to fears about the spread of mad cow disease - but a ban has now been lifted. We've been speaking to Denise Dowsing from Maidstone who has Common Variable Immune Deficiency and relies on medication made from plasma. In sport, Kent's Emma Raducanu's due in action at Indian Wells later. It's her first tournament back since spotting a stalker in the crown at the Dubai Championships last month.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Two men who dragged drunk woman away from Ramsgate bar intent on sex attack face prison 20:21

6天之前20:21

20:21

Two men who kidnapped a drunk woman from a bar with the intention of sexually assaulting her are facing lengthy spells behind bars. They were caught on camera as they dragged and carried their limp victim away from Clique in Ramsgate's Harbour Parade to a property in nearby Kent Terrace. Also in today’s podcast, a car enthusiast has been laid to rest on what would have been his 21st birthday after he died in a tragic accident. The young man from Tonbridge was killed when the car he was working on slipped off the jack and crushed him. There are fears three months of closures at a crossroads at Hawkhurst are set to bring lorry traffic chaos neighbouring communities . The intersection, where two A roads meet, is being upgraded but locals say it’ll cause dangerous conditions. The national health watchdog has finally released its long-awaited findings following an inspection at one of Kent’s busiest hospitals . And more than a year after the emergency department at Medway Maritime Hospital came under scrutiny, its rating has dropped from “good” to “requires improvement”. And in sport, you can hear from Gillingham manager John Coleman who admits his team were too open in defence in last night’s defeat at Newport. They were beaten 3 – 1 and conceded all three goals in the first 30 minutes.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Lilyroos Glamping near Deal given permission to extend opening months despite fears over noise 20:18

7天之前20:18

20:18

A Kent campsite has been given permission to extend its opening hours - despite concern from people living nearby over noise. Lilyroos Glamping near Deal will be able to welcome visitors for 11 months of the year, instead of just seven. Hear from reporter Louis Walker who has been following the story. Also in today's podcast, an inquiry into the deaths of at least 27 people who died when their small boat capsized in the Channel has begun. Evidence is being heard to find out what lessons can be learned from the tragedy as the vessel made its way to Kent in November 2021. Bosses at a dental surgery in Margate say they could be treating thousands of patients a year, but can't get an NHS contract. Nightingale opened last month, and although it's a private practice they want to provide NHS appointments to help meet demand. Gabriel Morris from the Local Democracy Reporting Service has been speaking to assistant manager Teresa Kelsall. A Kent doctor who's featured in a new Netflix drama has told the podcast it's important the story is re-told and lessons are learnt. Toxic Town is about families in Corby whose children were born with limb defects. Investigations found that waste driven through the town after a steelworks was demolished caused babies to have upper limb deformities. A woman says she was humiliated after being told to leave a Morrisons Daily in Canterbury because she has a guide dog. Caroline Kennelly has just 3% of vision and relies on Dougie to be able to do everyday tasks. She's described what the experience was like and what the supermarket has said since. And in football, Gillingham are on the road in league two tonight. They're travelling to take on Newport County after a victory at the weekend ended their 13 game winless run.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: The Apprentice star Jonny Heaver from Deal posts video on TikTok about his facial scars 23:01

8天之前23:01

23:01

Star of The Apprentice, Johnny Heaver, has taken to TikTok to explain his facial scars.. The 23-year-old from Deal is still in the process and is hoping to become Lord Sugar's next business partner, but his appearance has prompted speculation online. He now says he wants to set the record straight. Also in today's podcast, the sister of an artist who was murdered by a man she didn't know in Thanet has called for more action to tackle violence against women. Claire Knights was attacked as she walked her dog in Birchington in August 2023 and her body was found two days later. Killer Harrison Lawrence Van-Poos, who's 21 and from Craven Close in Margate, has been jailed for life and will spend a minimum of 25 years behind bars. An investigation by KentOnline has found drivers are paying thousands of pounds in parking fines at Kent country parks because of what's known as a 'keying error'. It's claimed some machines are issuing tickets before people can enter their full number plate - resulting in a penalty notice despite the fee being paid. A cancer patient from Larkfield says she was left "sickened" after being told she didn't meet the criteria for a blue badge . Sandy Burr was diagnosed with melanoma last October, and also had blood clots in her lungs following surgery. And in sport, Gillingham 's run of 13 games without a win has come to an end following a home victory over Morecambe. Robbie McKenzie scored the winner in the 79th minute at Priestfield on Saturday.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Death of 25-year-old Regan Phillips, who went missing after a night out in Rochester, caused by accidental fall into the river 20:04

11天之前20:04

20:04

A “caring and loving” young man who was “always there for anyone” died after suffering hypothermia and drowning in a river. An inquest has heard 25-year-old Regan Phillips disappeared after enjoying a night out with work colleagues in Rochester. Also in today’s podcast, sickening footage shows the moment a cruel teen holds up a dead seagull by its wings “like a trophy” after it was reportedly killed with a catapult. The youth posed with the bird outside a church in Ashford while another boy captures the moment on his mobile phone. A salon boss says her plans for a new development will breathe life into part of a Kent high street she believes “doesn’t really offer anything”. The 22-year-old has put forward proposals for a two-storey building on land at the side and rear of the business. A shop has been banned from selling alcohol after a 14-year-old boy was left unresponsive following a binge on vodka sold to underage friends. Girls as young as 13 bought the drinks before heading to a park for a gathering. And in sport you can hear from full back Remeao Hutton as Gillingham prepare to take on fellow league two strugglers Morcambe . The Gills are in poor form, on a winless run that even experienced boss John Coleman hasn’t seen before.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Traders hit out at decision to demolish Park Mall shopping centre and Edinburgh Road car park in Ashford 17:41

12天之前17:41

17:41

Traders in a shopping centre in Ashford say a decision to demolish the site is "brutal" ... The council have announced the closure-hit Park Mall centre will be temporarily replaced with a car park, while plans are considered for its redevelopment. Also in today's podcast, campaigners against a new road tunnel linking Kent and Essex have suggested a rail route instead. They have been setting out alternatives to the Lower Thames Crossing which they say will be smarter and cheaper. A coroner's ruled the death of a 22 year-old Ashford man who was hit by a train in Australia was a tragic accident . Luke Beaufils had been partying with friends before falling onto the tracks at a railway station on the outskirts of Sydney last March. Volunteers at a soup kitchen in Maidstone are asking the council for help, after being told they'll have to start paying for parking. Hungry Hearts for the Homeless have been serving rough sleepers in the College Road car park for the last seven years. A Kent MP is urging Sir Keir Starmer to make sure the government's tackling health inequalities in deprived areas. Polly Billington's spoken during PMQs in the Commons. Elsewhere, the MP for the Weald of Kent has spoken on the cost of granting asylum seekers indefinite leave to remain.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Family of former sub-postmistress convicted of stealing from her branch near Canterbury hope to finally prove her innocence 25:29

13天之前25:29

25:29

The family of a sub-postmistress “shunned in the street” after being convicted of stealing thousands from the branch she ran hope to finally prove her innocence 27 years on. Pat Owen was found guilty of theft from the post office near Canterbury in 1998 despite denying she had anything to do with a £6,000 shortfall in its accounts. Also in today’s podcast, council bosses have confirmed a closure-hit shopping centre and neighbouring multi-storey car par k are to be knocked down. Traders at the site in Ashford have been told they need to vacate the site by August 31 ahead of demolition work. A man has been banned from keeping animals after two horses he owned were found almost emaciated and riddled with lice . The owner from Maidstone said he only took them from a member of the Travelling community because they were not being cared for properly. You can also hear from a young woman who is “allergic to herself” who says a cruel and undiagnosed disease has robbed her of her life. The 21-year-old’s skin and body react violently to everything from laughing too much to the tears when she cries, which she says “feels like acid” is being poured over her face. And in football, a loss for Gillingham at Priestfield last night extends their winless run to 13 matches. You can hear from manager John Coleman who says his team looked scared to win.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Queen Camilla in Canterbury to unveil statue of playwrite, poet and spy Aphra Behn 0:31

14天之前0:31

0:31

The Queen is in Kent today to unveil a statue of a heroine of English literature, credited with being the first full-time professional woman writer. Her Majesty arrived in Canterbury high street to reveal the bronze figure Aphra Behn – who was born to a Kent barber in the 17th Century, and then went on to lead an extraordinary life. Also in today’s podcast, a high-flying university graduate is facing a lengthy spell behind bars for causing a man’s death in a horror crash in Dover . He was speeding and on the wrong side of the road when he collided almost head-on with a taxi, killing the rear-seat passenger. Plans to demolish a row of town centre shops to make way for a new hotel have been refused - amid fears it would create a “terrible eyesore” . The 92-room project set for Ashford was approved three years ago but now a bid to flatten the units has been snubbed by councillors. The most targeted areas for dog thefts across Kent have been revealed. Last year a total of 154 dogs were stolen across the county and now campaigners are urging owners to beware. And in football you can hear from the Gillingham manager ahead of their league two clashing with Fleetwood Town. John Coleman says he’s sure their hard work will pay off soon.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Kent police sergeant caught naked near Chatham play park spared prosecution 21:03

15天之前21:03

21:03

A police sergeant caught naked near a children’s play park has been spared a criminal conviction after prosecutors rejected appeals for him to face more serious charges. He’s escaped with just a caution after he was spotted by shocked dog walkers loitering with no clothes on in woodland in Chatham. Also in today’s podcast, an inquest has heard a father of two was killed in a crash caused by speed, the damp road surface and the condition of his tyres. He died last September on the A2 after he lost control of his black Vauxhall and smashed into the central barrier and a bridge parapet. A planning battle that has been raging for 13 years may finally be reaching an end . A public inquiry starts tomorrow to determine the future of the popular fishing centre in Marden. A teenager who was savaged during a dog attack has been hailed a “hero” for shielding his puppy and younger brother during the ordeal. Police were called to Herne Bay after a 17-year-old boy and a Dachshund had been attacked by an aggressive dog. And in sport you can hear from the Gillingham manager following another goalless draw over the weekend. The Gills were at away Carlisle United and John Coleman was full of praise for the traveling fans.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: University of Kent spends £20k on canopy in Chatham as it makes cuts to staff 22:15

18天之前22:15

22:15

It has emerged the debt-ridden University of Kent has splashed out £20,000 on a canopy just weeks after it was revealed it is paying £7,000 a month for an empty bar. Students at the Medway campus have been left unimpressed with the newly-built shelter - labelling it “worthless” and a “waste of money”. Also in today’s podcast, there’s been an update on investigations into a fatal shooting which happened outside a village pub on Valentine’s Day. You can hear from Kent Police who say the body of the man suspected of carrying out the attack has been seen in the water. The terrifying moment a masked burglar charged at an officer with a crowbar during a break-in at a village store has captured on bodyworn camera. You can hear the moment he violently resisted attempts to arrest him and even tried to snatch a Taser. The owners of a coffee shop in a bus are locked in a planning battle with a council which says they have no right to be there. Bosses at the Moving Mug in Tunbridge Wells say support from the community has been “touching”, but some customers think the council should be more supportive of the business. And in sport, John Coleman believes the Gillingham squad are adapting to his methods – and now he wants moments of quality to ensure they get back to winning ways. He’ll be hoping to get his first win this weekend away at Carlisle.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Dad-of-four from High Halden near Ashford given ‘crushing’ news he has just 18 months to live 21:18

19天之前21:18

21:18

A 39-year-old dad-of-four has been given the “crushing” news he has just 18 months to live as the cancer he hoped he had defeated has returned and spread. The Kent community has rallied to support Matt Jones following the devastating diagnosis, which has left him fearing his youngest children will “not even remember me when I’m gone”. Also in today’s podcast, investigators have given an update following the shooting murder of a woman in Knockholt on Valentine’s Day . Lisa Smith was gunned down outside a pub and police now believe her attacker has also died. Villagers have been left stunned after grass verges on their housing estate were marketed for sale for potential use by the “travelling community” . A listing on Rightmove for the narrow roadside plots near Canterbury revealed they were being auctioned off, with no prior warning to residents. You can hear audio of the moment a drug dealer was arrested and his weapons seized as police raided his home. He’d had been operating multiple cocaine supply lines across west Kent, known as the Scarface network. And two former Gillingham managers have united in a managerial partnership in League 1. Neil Harris and Mark Bonner have returned to Cambridge United to try and help them off the bottom of the table.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Murder trial hears Canterbury man suffered domestic abuse from his estranged wife in the lead-up to his death 22:15

20天之前22:15

22:15

A trial has heard a Canterbury woman fatally stabbed her estranged husband repeatedly in the chest and through the heart , before storing his body - dressed in his underwear - in a cupboard in her bedroom. The discovery of the 65-year-old's remains was made on July 11 last year after a police officer investigating his disappearance and experienced in homicide enquiries recognised a distinctive "sickly smell" emanating from foliage. Also in today’s podcast, reports of anti-social behaviour have dropped across Kent, but is still an issue for some towns . You can hear from a business owner in Thanet who says it’s got so bad it’s putting people off shopping there. The family of a much-loved wife and mum who was found drowned in a river have spoken for the first time. Stella Toner suffered from mental health issues and alcohol addiction and went missing from the family home in Strood – her daughter has now become patron of the charity that offered her support. Plans to convert a disused school block into a £2.5m facility for children with Special Educational Needs have been given the go-ahead. It’ll take over the two-storey building in Minster which had previously been used by the troubled Oasis Academy. And a recue dog from Strood has been named as a finalist for the Crufts hero award. Tilly was found abandoned in a plastic washing basket in the middle of a roundabout when she was just four weeks old but she now visits prisons, schools and care homes across the county – you can hear from her owner.…

KentOnline

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Podcast: Tributes paid after man and two dogs die in a house fire in Hersden, near Canterbury 18:48

21天之前18:48