KentOnline

Kent County Council have backtracked on a pledge to treat climate change as an emergency. An official declaration was made in 2019 - but a Reform UK councillor has now led a motion to scrap the statement, describing the science behind global warming as "nonsense". Despite a protest outside County Hall in Maidstone, the motion was voted through by 50 votes to 21 with three abstentions. Also in today's podcast, a Kent headteacher says children are being traumatised by content they're seeing online. Damian McBeath banned children from having phones in class last year and is now backing a national campaign calling for the digital age of consent to be raised to 16. Anti-immigration protestors are set to rally in Kent again this weekend. Demonstrators will march through Canterbury to a facility being used to house asylum- seeking children, while a counter demonstration is also due to take place. Hear from our local democracy reporter Dan Esson. The final Salute to the 40s event will take place at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham this weekend. The retro festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors but, after running for 18 years, this will be the very last one. Hundreds of people will be taking part in a fundraising walk for a hospice charity in Gravesend this evening. ellenor's annual Twilight Walk starts and ends at St Georges C of E School with an eight kilometre route around the town. And in football, Gillingham have the chance to break a club record this weekend. They're currently 20 games unbeaten in league two. A win or draw at Newport County tomorrow would make it the longest run without a defeat in the side's history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pictures have emerged of a Costa Coffee in the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford that's been turned into a makeshift ward. Health campaigners have described it as humiliating, with the main seating area blocked off by screens and patients wheeled in on beds. It's as the hospital continues to struggled with demand. Also in today's podcast, we're being encouraged to sleep rough for a night to experience what it's like for the 194 people in Kent who're currently on the streets. Canterbury based charity Porchlight are trying to raise awareness as winter and the bad weather approaches. Hear from a Kent councillor who's defected to a different political party. David Knight has left the Tunbridge Wells Alliance and joined the Conservatives, saying he wants to work with a party that can deliver across the whole borough and wider Weald. A mum from Deal has joined a celebrity-backed campaign to make bedtime stories accessible for blind and partially sighted children. Bedtime Donations allows parents to record themselves reading a story through an app - it's then added to an online library which can be accessed by anyone. Alison Steadman, Jon Richardson and Ralf Little are among those who've taken part. And, researchers at the University of Kent have shown it could be possible to grow tea on the Moon. Scientists planted saplings in soil similar to that found on the lunar surface, and we're told they flourished. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parents have hit out at a secondary school in Medway after their daughters were singled out over the length of their skirts. Some pupils at Hundred of Hoo Academy have been told their hemlines fall above the knee, and have been removed from class. Hear from one mum who has now pulled her daughter out of the school. Also in today's podcast, protests have taken place at the start of Donald Trump's second State visit to the UK. Earlier, giant projections showing the US president alongside disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were beamed onto Windsor Castle. We've been speaking to an international relations expert from Canterbury Christ Church University. The first cohort of doctors will be graduating today from the Kent and Medway Medical School. It opened in 2020 and is the county's first facility of its kind. Hear from Amelia Townsend who is one of today's graduates. A group of MPs have handed a letter in to the rail regulator, calling for changes to be made so new international trains can stop at Ashford. Eurostar services haven't called at stations in the county since Covid, and there's a campaign to allow other operators to use the high speed route. The local democracy reporting service has spoken to Ashford's Sojan Joseph. And Kent has had another Royal visit. Find out who's been in the county. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Kent mum at the centre of an online storm says she “absolutely” regrets posting a controversial TikTok video about the murder of US activist Charlie Kirk – but insists her words have been “totally misconstrued”. She’s been bombarded with vile threats and even had her business kicked out of the county’s largest indoor market after she uploaded a clip in the wake of the 31-year-old’s death. Also in today's podcast, a mum whose partner died in a building site accident has told how her life has “completely changed” since the tragedy - and how she stays strong for their children. David Archer suffered fatal injuries two years ago when he fell down a manhole at an unfinished housing estate in Ramsgate. The KentOnline Podcast has been told 200 species in Kent are at risk - and £3 million is needed to help save them. Bosses at Kent Wildlife Trust have launched their most ambitious fundraiser as they say we're facing a nature crisis. Handmade poppies in memory of men who lost their lives during the second world war have gone on display at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. The Threads of Remembrance installation also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict. And in football, the draw has been made for the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. We’ve got a full list of fixtures for teams across the county. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Twelve weeks worth of lane closures are starting today on the main road linking Medway and Maidstone. It's so survey work can take place on the A229 Blue Bell Hill before a £250 million improvement scheme goes ahead. There'll be a temporary speed limit of 40 miles per hour while work is being carried out. Also in today's podcast, residents of a housing estate on Sheppey say they've been left with thousands of pounds worth of debt after getting rid of their property management firm. FirstPort was removed by people living on the Queenborough Phase One development earlier this year. The MP for Canterbury says she'd love to return to the rank of Labour, but not under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer. It's been a year since Rosie Duffield quit the party to stand as an independent over heavy-handed management. A Rainham man has stepped into help renovate the home of a 16-year-old girl who was left brain damaged after collapsing at a park in Ashford. Rubie Boyton now has severe, complex disabilities after suffering cardiac arrest at Bridgefield Park in May last year. Plasterer Dan Boalch is giving his time and expertise free of charge to help adapt her family home. In sport, Gillingham have equalled their club record - going 20 games unbeaten. They secured a 1-0 victory over Notts County at Priestfield on Saturday thanks to a goal from Josh Andrews - hear from him and manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 February. There's just one month to go until the new Entry/Exit System is rolled out in Dover and Folkestone. It will involve people from non-EU countries – such as the UK – having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the EU but we’re being assured it won’t lead to long delays and backlogs of traffic. In football Gillingham will face a different kind of challenge this weekend as they look to maintain their impressive start to the season. The Gills welcome Notts County to Priestfield this Saturday – you can hear from boss Gareth Ainsworth and midfielder Jonny Williams. And we’ve spoken to the boss of a textile business in Kent who welcomed the Princess of Wales for a royal visit. Kate was at the Marina Mill in Cuxton as part of a series of engagements celebrating the British textile industry.

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 have been placed at a school as heartbroken staff, pupils, and parents mourn the loss of a much-loved teacher. Concerned colleagues went to the 45-year-old’s home on Monday, after she did not turn up for work and failed to call in sick. A Reform UK councillor has launched a campaign to try and prevent drink spiking after he was targeted at a pub in Ashford. Dean Burns is thought to have had his beer tampered with while out with friends and was left virtually unconscious. And a former boxing coach is hoping to launch a pie and mash empire after opening his first east London-style shop to much fanfare. You can hear from the owner of Julian’s Pie and Mash in the Forum Shopping Centre in Sittingbourne which opened last week.

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 just put down a deposit on a house with his partner is fighting for his life after suffering four strokes and a bleed on the brain. The 23-year-old from Maidstone had suffered a headache all week when he sneezed in Costco last month. A town that has been without direct train services to London for almost four decades could see them return. Since 1989, passengers heading to the capital from Sheerness have had to get off at Sittingbourne and wait for a connection – but Southeastern is looking to bring back a direct service. And final preparations are being made for a relay around Kent and Medway to spread the message of suicide prevention. More than 130 baton bearers will carry the Baton of Hope across the county in memory of people who've been lost - we’ve spoken to one of the organisers.

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-immigration protest planned to demonstrate outside. Bosses at The King Charles Hotel have slammed claims it was housing people under government schemes as “completely untrue”. A campaign urging action on the impact of smartphones and social media on students has gained the support for a local MP. You can hear from Independent Rosie Duffield who was at a public meeting held by Whitstable Unplugged - a local group pushing for more regulation. And a much-loved community marching band has been granted an extension to stay in its home while it battles to find a permanent solution. The St John Ambulance music group on Sheppey, the last of its kind, was first handed an eviction notice at the end of June.

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 and roundabouts. The eviction deadline for a Kent boat club fighting for survival has been extended by a month. The campaign to save Broadness Cruising Club has now received the backing of Thamesbank, a group of stakeholders and campaigners for the Thames, which champions its users and the environment. A Larkfield man has described his surprise at finding around three tonnes of fly-tipped waste inside his garage. Martyn de Young has had his lock-up for the past 30 years without any problems, but on Bank Holiday Monday, he found it full of rubbish. And in football it was a dramatic comeback that saved Gillingham during their match at Bromley over the weekend. You can hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and from penalty taker Max Clarke.

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 in Hove this year. The boss of several secure re-educational centres in Spain says he was “disappointed” after hearing about England’s first “secure school” in Rochester shutting due to problems with violence. It follows an announcement Oasis Restore would be temporarily closing after safety concerns were raised over children making weapons and kicking down doors. Charities in Kent that help reduce crime and keep people safe are being given the chance to bid for cash from the man who oversees the police in Kent. You can hear from Matthew Scott who’s announced up to 2-thousand pounds will be made available after items seized by police were auctioned off. And in football, it’s a huge weekend for Gillingham as they travel to take on the only other undefeated league two team this season. It’s a local derby against Bromley – we’ve spoken to manager Gareth Ainsworth.

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 north Kent are banding together to help others in their battle with management companies. Firms have been coming under the spotlight following reports of charges going up - but work not being carried out. You can hear from wildlife experts who were against plans for 2000 homes near Canterbury and are now welcoming news the land's been removed from the city council's local plan. The site is not included in a revised document which sets out where building could take place - meaning properties will need to go elsewhere in the district. And with children back at school this week and autumn under way - we're being encouraged to make sure winter vaccines are booked in. Online bookings have opened for Covid and flu jabs which will start to be delivered next month.

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 Commission found inadequacies that plunged them into special measures. In a shock announcement, the county’s tourism champions – Visit Kent - has ceased trading and is to be liquidated. They were behind the hugely popular long-running Kent Big Weekend event which saw thousands of tickets to leading tourism attractions given away free to local residents. You can hear from teenage defender Logan Dobbs who’s described the last few days as “unreal” after scoring his first professional goal for Gillingham last night. His opener against Fulham under-21s in the Vertu Trophy – in a 4 – 1 win for the Gills – came just days after a netting dramatic FA Cup equaliser for Welling United. And a campaign is underway in Kent to raise the profile of disability football. Despite having 18 clubs across the county and south east London with 75 teams - there's no pathway so players can progress – we’ve spoken to an ambassador from the Kent Disability Football League.

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 their new secondary schools this week, some families are seeking alternative ways to educate their children. You can hear from one Kent parent who says they’re facing paying for private tuition after their child received a place 25 miles away. In football, we’ve got a wrap up of what was a busy transfer deadline day at Gillingham which saw three arrivals and two departures. You can hear from some of the new signings as well as the manager as he looks ahead to tonight’s EFL Trophy clash. And rehearsals are underway for the 2025 celebrity pantomime in Chatham’s Central Theatre This year’s production will features Lee from Steps – you can listen in as he tells us he’s no stranger to the Christmas tradition.

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 no doubt Nigel Farage will be the next Prime Minister. The Reform party member, well known for her straight-talking style, has been the latest guest on the Kent Politics Podcast Dozens of motorbikes have taken to the roads of Ken to raise vital funds for a service that delivers blood to hospitals. SERV is made up of volunteers who ensure critical supplies get to medical bases – we’ve been chatting to some of their members. And in sport we’ve got plenty of reaction after Gillingham’s win over Oldham Athletic on Saturday. You can hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and from new signing Sam Vokes who’s scored his first goal to help the Gills go top of the league.

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 company. Peter Hebblethwaite has been in charge of the firm, which runs services between Dover and Calais, for the last four years. A Folkestone man whose mum and step-dad have been detained in Iran says they've been "suddenly whisked" into a court room to face charges of spying. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested in January while on a motorbike tour of the world and their son Joe Bennett is concerned they won't get a fair trial. An 11 year-old from Tunbridge Wells who's raised thousands of pounds during her treatment for a brain tumour has been nominated for a top award. Kirsty Waugh started experiencing symptoms in September last year and tests revealed a benign tumour which can't be removed because of where it is. She's been raising money during a 70 week course of chemotherapy. A woman from Gravesend has celebrated her 105th birthday and revealed her secrets to long life. Great-grandmother Nona Donner was born in August 1920 - living through the Second World War. And in sport, it's a trip north for Gillingham in league two this weekend. They're travelling to take on newly promoted Oldham Athletic - hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Robbie McKenzie.

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 physiotherapy. Police have told the podcast they won't be arresting anyone for putting up flags in public places across Kent. You may have noticed Union Flags appearing on lamp posts in recent days while roundabouts and road markings have been spray painted to look like St George Crosses. A popular shop in Rochester has reopened two days after a suspected arson attack. The door and front of Get Ready Comics on the High Street was badly damaged when a floral arch outside was reportedly set alight early on Tuesday morning. Hear from the owner who has been chatting to us while a police investigation is underway. And in sport, Kent's Emma Raducanu says she's looking to build on progress every day as she continues her strong run at the US Open. She's through to the third round after beating Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen.

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 around 5.30am - our reporter Cara Simmons has been to the scene. A new report has revealed Kent could be missing out on a share of nearly £3 billion in economic growth due to no international trains stopping at Ashford. Eurostar suspended services in 2020 because of Covid, now a thinktank called The Good Growth Foundation say the Government should favour new operators. We've been speaking to a local campaigner. An event has taken place in Kent to discuss violence against women and girls. It was organised by the Reform UK leader of the county council who wanted to examine why women feel less safe and where threats are coming from. Local democracy reporter Simon Finlay went along and us updated the podcast on what happened. And, a Kent man who met his wife on VE Day is celebrating his 100th birthday. Peter Lake worked as a mechanical engineer for the RAF and lived in London during the Second World War.

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 revealed how they think devolution could look in future - with a map showing Wilmington falling into two different unitary authority areas. A Kent MP says he wants to challenge the perception that we live in an unsafe society as crime rates are actually falling. Tris Osborne says it might not seem the case as more visible offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are increasing. The owners of a café and bar in Tonbridge are hoping to convert an old bank vault inside into a new nightlife space. The Market House opened in the former NatWest on the High Street last August. Gillingham have extended their unbeaten run under manager Gareth Ainsworth to 17 games. They beat top of the table Crewe Alexandra 1-nil at Priestfield on Saturday.

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 them separately over the past week. Hear from Margarita Bondarenko who's from Kyiv and now lives in Canterbury, she's been speaking ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day this weekend. A Medway nurse is urgently fundraising for immunotherapy after being diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer. Charlotte Flannery was told the tumour on her ovary has fewer than 100 recorded cases and she needs £70,000 for further treatment to prevent it from returning. In sport, it's another home game for Gillingham this weekend. They welcome top of the table Crewe Alexandra to Priestfield looking to maintain their unbeaten run in league two. Hear from defender Andy Smith and manager Gareth Ainsworth. Cricket, and Kent have won their latest game in the One Day Cup. The Spitfires bowled Northamptonshire Steelbacks out for 243 and reached the victory target with seven wickets to spare. And, the Women's Rugby World Cup gets underway later with England taking on the USA. It's hoped the tournament will encourage more girls to get involved in the sport. We've been speaking to a young player from Medway Rugby Club.