KentOnline

There are calls for something to be done about fines handed to drivers on a stretch of the A20 after a change in the speed limit.

This dates back to October 2023 when a section of the road between Crittalls Corner in Sidcup and the Swanley Interchange was reduced from 70 and 50 miles per hour to 40.

Also in today's podcast, a Broadstairs woman who was attacked while walking home from uni classes is calling for better support services for victims of street harassment.

Daisy Foster had to be treated in hospital after being assaulted by a group of men in Birmingham in 2023.

The KentOnline Podcast has been told 38 people were arrested in the south east last month over illegal working.

The Home Office say the figure is more than double for the same time last year with Immigration Enforcement teams visiting 69 locations.

Thousands of people have signed a petition against the idea of a new solar farm near Sevenoaks.

Plans have been submitted to build on 235-acres of land between Ridley and New Ash Green.

It's feared someone could be killed if nothing's done to a crumbling abandoned house in Sandwich.

The privately owned property on New Street has been falling into disrepair over thirty years.

Football, and the Gillingham manager didn't hold back after another defeat at the weekend.

They lost 3-0 at Barrow on Saturday - their ninth game in a row without a win.

A nurse who called black members of staff monkeys and sent a topless picture of himself in fishnet tights to a junior colleague has been struck-off.

Details of Alan Prew's behaviour at Medway Maritime Hospital have been revealed at a Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing.

Also in today's podcast, volunteers looking after an ancient woodland near Maidstone say they're in desperate need of funding to continue to secure its future.

Mangravat Wood in Loose was saved from a proposed Tesco development 25 years ago.

Reform UK have won two seats on Medway Council after residents voted in by-elections.

Candidates for the party have been elected in Rochester East and Warren Wood, meantime, Labour won the seat in Gillingham South.

There are fears plans for new homes in Deal could cause a smell in the area to get even worse.

People living in Northwall Road say there's already a bit of a stench. They reckon the new builds will aggravate sewer and drainage systems.

Work on a £20 million revival project on Sheppey is under way..

Contractors have moved in to start expansion work at Sheppey College in Sheerness - which will soon offer places to students aged 16 to 19 in creative, engineering and logistics subjects. 

In sport, Gillingham make the long trip to Barrow in league two this weekend.

The Gills are currently 18th in the table - while tomorrow's opposition are just one place below them.

John Coleman is still without a win after taking over from Mark Bonner as Gillingham manager.

And, a non-league striker from Kent is hoping he can hold on to be the top goal scorer in this year's FA Cup  

Ashford United's Gary Lockyer has ten goals in the competition which continues this evening.

Seven people involved in a construction industry fraud that cheated the tax office out of £22m have been jailed.

The offenders - six men and one woman - were given sentences ranging from 27 months imprisonment up to nine years and four months. 

Also in today’s podcast, a devastated mum has warned of a “drug epidemic” in a Kent town after her son overdosed on ecstasy and died.

The 16-year-old has taken the pills with a friend at home in Folkestone, and was found unresponsive the following morning.

Kent has missed out being part of the government fast-tracked devolution programme.

The sweeping change to local government would have seen the abolition of all 14 councils in Kent and the creation of a directly elected mayor – you can hear reaction from local leaders. 

An XL Bully has bitten a police officer during one of seven dawn raids in Kent designed to smash a criminal network.

Zombie knives, Class A drugs and dozens of devices were seized during swoops with suspected drug dealers arrested.

And a pub with a troubled past is set to have a revamp after being taken over by new management.

The site at East Farleigh will be getting an upgraded patio area and brand-new cocktail bar.

A property management company has frozen the accounts of residents in Folkestone after complaints about an increase in service charges.

Some people living on the new Shorncliffe Heights development have seen their fees double, with others being asked to pay hundreds more annually.

The town's MP is backing their concerns and we've been getting reaction from Green party councillor Mike Blakemore.

Also in today's podcast, a Maidstone man who stabbed a police officer with scissors is starting 30 years in prison.

Robert Jenner, 50, attacked the PC who'd gone to his home in Albion Place with a colleague following reports of someone exposing themselves in a nearby park.

A Kent charity boss has been telling the podcast how easy it was for him to get weight loss jabs online.

Neil Charlick runs Gillingham Street Angels and has been speaking after it was revealed those wanting to buy the injections will face more stringent checks.

The MP for East Thanet is urging the government to consider social tariffs to help people with high energy bills.

Labour rep Polly Billington says too many families are struggling to afford increasing gas and electricity prices.

A Maidstone man who's just completed what's known as the world's toughest row has told the podcast it certainly lives up to its name.

Andy Purvis and his team mate spent 49 days at sea travelling 3,000 miles across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Andy did it to raise money for Medway baby loss charity Abigail's Footsteps.

And in sport, Sam Gale has signed a new contract at Gillingham.

The deal will keep the 20-year-old at Priestfield until the summer of 2027.

Footage at KentOnline shows how drivers are getting stuck in a car park in Ashford, because the barrier won't go up.

There have been complaints about the Elwick Place site with some motorists saying they've had to wait in 30 minute queues.

We've had a statement from the council which owns the facility.

Also in today's podcast, a Tunbridge Wells man who assaulted his partner in an unprovoked attack has been caught following a police chase through a river.

The 34-year-old ran from officers while out on bail. They tracked him through woodland near Vauxhall Lane and later down a river, where he was successfully detained.

The step-father of a Meopham school boy who took his own life says a memorial fund set up in his name is getting help to vulnerable young people.

Peter Scutts established the Elliot Holmes Memorial Fund in 2022 to provide access to fast and direct counselling. He's been speaking to the podcast during children's mental health week.

You may have been hearing the word tariffs quite a bit over the past couple of days.

It's because new American President Donald Trump announced plans to impose them on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.

But what could a so-called trade war mean for us here in Kent? We've been getting details from Tudor Price who is the chief exec of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

The former leader of Kent County Council says we have a lot to gain, as central government pushes ahead with plans for devolution.

The changes would see the abolition of all 14 authorities, replacing them with a much smaller number of unitary authorities and one elected mayor.

And in sport,  Gillingham had a busy end to the transfer window - signing two new players.

Liverpool midfielder Dominic Corness has joined on loan until the end of the season. Defender Andy Smith is also moving over from Hull City.

A Folkestone man who charged at his girlfriend with a knife after she went to the cinema without him has been locked up.

The court heard Wayne Burford, 44, of Foord Road South had previous convictions for crimes against his partner, including for controlling and coercive behaviour.

Also in today's podcast, a man who caused the death of an 18-year-old woman in a crash in Canterbury has been jailed for six years.

Footage from body-worn cameras shows Jack Cracknell telling police he was speeding at the time of the collision.

 If you live in Tonbridge, you're being asked what you think on redevelopment plans around the Angel Centre.

It's been confirmed a new leisure facility is going to be created and now, the council want to know what should be built on the surrounding land - to the east of the High Street.

A year after a Folkestone road was closed following a landslide, bosses have admitted it may not re-open until 2026.

Tonnes of debris has been removed from the Road of Remembrance - while drones have been used to survey the site.

The owners of an business in Deal have admitted it'll feel strange not to be working - after deciding to shut up shop.

Skinner's Electrical Supplies has been in the High Street for 14 years.

It's been revealed the University of Kent is still spending £7,000 a month on a student bar which closed down five years ago.

The lease on the Cargo Bar in Liberty Quays in Gillingham doesn't come to an end until 2029.

Football, and Gillingham's winless run has continued.

They've now gone eight games without a victory after losing 2-1 to Notts County at Priestfield on Saturday.

A Kent wheelchair rugby club is looking for a new home, after losing the use of their sports hall.

Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby club has been using the Northfleet Youth Centre for eight years, free of charge.

A Kent mum whose daughter was hit by a driver on a zebra crossing has spoken to the podcast about her anger that he's been spared jail.

11-year-old Dollie Giglia was knocked down on Tram Road in Folkestone in January last year. She suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury.

Also in today's episode, five members of a crime group have been sentenced after police uncovered a cocaine network in Thanet.

Footage at KentOnline shows the moment the ringleader was arrested at his home on Highfield Road in Ramsgate.

Campaigners fighting to save two children's centres in Kent say they've won another battle, but not the war just yet.

There's been anger at the idea of closing Seashells in Sheerness and Millmead in Margate.

Now a scrutiny committee's decided to put the decision to shut them on hold.

Concerns have been raised after a report found what's been called a 'Boy's Club' culture within the ambulance service that covers Kent.

The GMB union surveyed almost 900 staff members, however, a source close to SECAmb has questioned the credibility of the research.

Two festivals are happening in Kent this weekend, to help us shake off the winter blues.

Community arts organisation Cohesion Plus is putting on Lunar New Year celebrations in Maidstone and a Magical Winter Festival in Ebbsfleet's Platinum Jubilee Park.

And in sport, promotion chasing Notts County are the visitors to take on Gillingham this weekend.

The home side have gone seven games without a win and dropped to 17th in league two. Tomorrow's opponents are up in third.

A Faversham woman who was caught stealing from her bosses, says she acted out of desperation after being hounded by bailiffs. 

Paula Gray, 61, of Lower Road stole more than £1,300 from solicitors David Simmonds and Donaghey in Gillingham after falling into debt following the death of her husband.

Also in today's podcast, wildlife groups say there will continue to challenge the building of the Lower Thames Crossing, after the government gave the project its support.

Rachel Reeves confirmed in a speech on growth yesterday they will be looking to the private sector to help fund the £9 billion road link between Kent and Essex.

Hear from the Kent Wildlife Trust and chief exec of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

A victim of a rogue salesman has told the KentOnline Podcast how she was conned by the 'very friendly and pleasant' man - before his lies began.

Lewis Blake, 43, from Whitstable is now in jail after claiming to be a window shutter installer - but using clients' cash on gambling and adult websites.

Eight years after it closed, work's started on restoring the famous Leas Lift in Folkestone.

More than £6 million is going to be spent on the Grade 2 star listed structure.

And, a Kent man has completed an epic challenge to row the Atlantic.

Andy Purvis from Maidstone has reached Antigua, with team mate Tim Cox, after 49 days, 8 hours and 53 minutes at sea.

The pair set off before Christmas and have travelled 3,000 miles to raise money for charity.

The Chancellor's made a significant announcement on the future of a project to build another tunnel linking Kent and Essex.

During a major speech on how to boost economic growth in the UK, Rachel Reeves backed the Lower Thames Crossing and revealed the government's looking at privately financing the £9 billion scheme.

Also in today's podcast, the family of a woman found dead after going missing from Folkestone believe police may have missed opportunities to find her while she was still alive.

Leah Daley was discovered at the Warren last May 12 days after she'd last been seen.

A criminal gang linked to west Kent and thought to be making £7,000 a week through drugs have been jailed.

The men were part of a cocaine network that was uncovered during a stop and search in Tonbridge.

A decision to close a leisure centre in Deal for nine months is going to reviewed after a backlash from people who use it.

We told you earlier this month how Tides is due to shut in April until a new operator's found to run it from next January.

But those using the pool, tennis courts and sports hall weren't happy.

A Medway councillor says he's prepared to call for a referendum over a bid for the Towns to be granted city status.

Leader Vince Maple announced the authority's fifth push for the title at a meeting last week. Hear from Michael Pearce, who represents Hoo St Werburgh and High Halstow - and the leader.

Elon Musk has been told to keep his 'hands off' the English Channel after suggesting it should be re-named.

The Tesla boss posted on X suggesting the stretch of water is called the George Washington Channel instead. Reporter Sam Lennon has been finding out what people in Dover think.

Football, and  it was another game without a win for Gillingham last night.

They drew 1-1 at Grimsby Town after the hosts equalised with just seconds to spare. We've got reaction from manager John Coleman and goalkeeper Glenn Morris.

Video footage at KentOnline shows the moment other drivers intervened to stop a drunk driver on the M25.

The 42-year-old from Maidstone was almost four times the limit when he was spotted at Leatherhead - and police discovered a bottle of Jack Daniels on the passenger seat.

Also in today's podcast, the man in charge at the Port of Dover has revealed the EU's new Entry Exit system has been delayed, again.

It'll use biometric data like finger prints and facial scans and was initially supposed to come in in 2022. The KentOnline Podcast understands a phased roll-out will happened from the end of this year instead.

The issue of family hubs has been raised in the Commons following concerns some mums and dads in part of Kent aren't getting the support they need.

Blossoms in Deal was one of a number of sites that closed last year in a bid to save Kent County Council millions of pounds.

Two sites in Kent have been added to this year's Theatres at Risk Register.

There are concerns about the Theatre Royal in Margate and Roundhouse Theatre in Dover.

There's anger today as a Parish Council in Kent prepares to knock down a toilet block described as 'iconic' by the local community.

People in Meopham say the facility opposite Pitfield Green is 'vital' for locals and visitors.

But the Parish Council claims the toilets aren't fit for purpose and need a £50,000 facelift.

And in football, the Gillingham manager is still hoping for his first win with the side tonight.

They're travelling to take on Grimsby Town after drawing 1-1 at Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.