KentOnline

Tributes are being paid to a Kent couple who are thought to have been on board a plane that crashed in India. Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek ran a wellness company in Ramsgate. The aircraft was heading for Gatwick when it came down near Ahmedabad airport. Also in today's podcast, the family of a teacher from Sheppey who was found dead in a creek have said her death with entirely preventable. The body of mum-of-three Karen Gill was discovered on South Street in Queenborough last December. Staff at a secondary school in Deal have started strike action over proposed job cuts. Five members of support staff at Goodwin Academy are set to go as their Trust say they're facing "challenging financial conditions". Hear from those who have been on the picket line. A TV star is backing calls to save Ashford's Park Mall shopping centre from being demolished. Council bosses want to create a car park on the site, before eventually turning it into flats, but Strike's Tom Burke has told us it's not the right decision. A Kent dad has praised the staff at a hospital in Kent for saving his baby son's life. Leo wasn't breathing when he was born at the QEQM in Margate in May last year. Jack Davey has been telling us how staff rushed into action, and what he's doing this weekend to pay back. And in sport, Kent have lost to Surrey in the T20 Blast. The result came down to the final ball in last night's match at The Oval - with the home side beating the Spitfires' score of 171.

People in Herne Bay have been left living in fear as the town is increasingly plagued by violent and anti-social youths branded “wannabe gangsters”. A public meeting has been called for later this month, where police and councillors will face questions from fed-up residents and businesses desperate for action. Also in today’s podcast, the owner of an indoor adventure centre says he will ban for life the person responsible for causing thousands of pounds of damage to a SEN feature. Bosses say the area of Adventure Kidz at Aylesford’s Quarry Wood Retail Park will cost around £2,500 to fix. You can hear from workers at a charity shop who have revealed their “constant battle” against thieves as clothes, shoes and even furniture handles are stolen. Staff at Making a Difference to Maidstone describe the surge in shoplifting as a “slap in the face”, amid a 55% increase in thefts over the last four years. Organisers of a decades-old village fete were left stunned after being asked to pay out almost £2,000 for security staff. The parish council has stepped in to save the annual event in Hawkhurst, but has had to blow 60% of its annual community events budget on hiring the six guards to enable it to go ahead. And eighty traders have already signed up to join Kent’s largest indoor market ahead of its opening later this month. The former Wilko store in Folkestone town centre is being turned into the county’s second Petticoat Lane Emporium.

You are going to have to pay more to have your garden waste collected in Kent. 12 local authorities in the county have decided to increase the charge by an average of £3.99 - hear from reporter Joe Harbert who has been investigating. Also in today's podcast, people living in part of Medway have told us they fear their village won't be able to cope with 350 new homes. A consultation is under way into the idea of building on land at Allhallows on the Hoo Peninsula. Hear the thoughts of the local councillor and some people who already live in the area. Eurostar has been accused of shirking its "moral responsibility" to Kent after announcing more investment in other routes. £1.7 billion is going to be spent on new trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, despite the company still not resuming services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations. Reform UK have suspended one of their Kent County Councillors, sparking calls for a by-election. Daniel Taylor, who represents the Cliftonville ward in Thanet, is now sitting as an independent. And, we're featuring a story by our reporter Alex Langridge who has noticed a trend on socials for local businesses to adopt honesty boxes. The idea certainly isn't new, but seems to have evolved in recent times.

A Sevenoaks man who led police on a 130 mile per hour chase before crashing, has avoided being sent to prison. Lee Twinley, 20 from Manor Road in Sundridge, was followed for 20 minutes on the M25 and M11 towards Cambridge back in March. Hear the moment he was tracked by a police helicopter. Also in today's podcast, a Maidstone mum has told us how her baby's initial diagnosis of bronchiolitis turned out to be a life-threatening heart condition. Leila was born in October last year but became ill less than two months later and was rushed to hospital. The boss of a youth group in Thanet has explained how the loss of their current home would be devastating. Pie Factory Music host activities, events and workshops for under-25s at Ramsgate Youth Centre which is at risk of being sold. Three youth workers have been on a fundraising cycle as they look to buy it. One of Kent's oldest company directors has told us he has no intention of retiring. Derek Ward is 92 and still works six days a week at Envirograf in Barfrestone, near Dover. He's been chatting to our reporter Sam Lennon. And in sport, the Gillingham manager says he can't wait to have Bradley Dack in his squad next season. The 31-year-old's agreed a new year-long contract at Priestfield.

It has been revealed children as young as four have been suspended from Kent schools, amid a rise in the number of exclusions across the county. The numbers follow a trend across the country after Covid, with the lockdowns that started in 2020 affecting many children's formative years. Also in today's podcast, the man who oversees the police in Kent has told us he'd be interested in becoming the county's first Mayor. But Matthew Scott has urged the government to speed up any reorganisation of local authorities. Double amputee Tony Hudgell's been gifted a signed football shirt from David Beckham. The 10-year-old from West Malling was just weeks old when he suffered appalling abuse at the hands of his birth parents. A protest walk has been held on Romney Marsh as campaigners push back over plans for solar and energy storage schemes. Possible projects include the 1,500 acre South Kent Energy Park and the 1,000 acre Shepway Energy Park. Rebecca Adlington's been in Kent to take part in an endurance swim to raise awareness of protecting our oceans. The former Olympian was joined by Happy Valley star James Norton at Joss Bay - and admitted it was pretty tough. And in sport, Bradley Dack has revealed he's got unfinished business ahead of a new season at Gillingham The 31-year-old has signed on for another year - after only making 20 appearances during the last campaign.

Crash investigators want to hear from anyone who saw a lorry that overturned on a slip-road on the M20 causing seriously delays. It happened on the coastbound exit at junction 9 yesterday afternoon closing the motorway for more than 12 hours. Also in today's podcast, a Kent landlord accused of assaulting and threatening a council worker has had his trial delayed for the 13th time. Fergus Wilson is alleged to have got in a confrontation with the employee in Maidstone four years ago but his hearing has suffered a series of set backs. The man sent in by Reform UK to head up the so-called DOGE team, examining expenses at Kent County Council, has announced he's stepping down. Nathaniel Fried will leave the role after Reform Chairman Zia Yusuf also said he was resigning. Senior bosses at two water companies that supply homes in Kent have been told they won't be paid bonuses. It'll impact Thames and Southern Water under new rules for firms that failed to meet environmental or consumer standards. People living in a Margate tower block say their service charge has gone up, but the building is being left to rot. Arlington House is an 18 storey property containing more than 140 flats next to Dreamland on the seafront. Hear from our local democracy reporter Dan Esson. New research from the NSPCC shows the majority of parents here in the South East believe they had a safer, easier and better childhood than their children. More than half said they wished they had the chance to play with their children more, but said they came up against barrier like cost of living. Kent's biggest Pride event happens this weekend - but it's going to be in a different venue. The Dane John Gardens in Canterbury can't be used because work's taking place to give them a facelift. We've been chatting to one of the organisers. And in sport, Maidstone's Alessia Russo has been named in the England squad for this summer's Euros. The Lionesses will be trying to defend their title in Switzerland.

A new no-fly zone has been put in place over a famous shipwreck off the Kent coast. Pilots are banned from going over the remains of the SS Richard Montgomery which sunk off Sheerness during the second world war. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been following the story. Also in today's podcast, a petition has been launched calling for the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry service to be reinstated. It's not run for more than 12 months, after local authorities in Essex and Kent pulled their funding. It's been revealed people affected by a fire at a block of flats in Dover could be out of their homes for many more months. Conqueror House, in Crabble Hill, caught alight over Easter when a blaze started in the bin storage. We've been chatting to councillor James Defriend and have an update from Town and Country Housing who own the property. Meantime, a Margate woman has described the horror of watching a fire rip through her home. Jane Moore's house in Norfolk Road in Cliftonville was severely damaged in April. A Kent woman has received an apology from British Gas after receiving a bill for almost £30,000 for just one day's use. Janine Duffel from South Darenth had previously been paying around £53 per month. She's told us about the moment the bill turned up. And, Kent's Big Cat Sanctuary has celebrated 25 years of conservation. Part of the celebrations included the reveal of a statue of the sanctuary's founder Peter Sampson and a rescued tiger cub.

Two men have been charged with murder, following a crash near Dartford that killed a four-year-old boy. Two Ford Rangers collided on New Barn Road in Southfleet on Sunday night a 24-year-old man remains in hospital in a critical condition. Reporter Davina Jethwa is on the podcast with the very latest. Also in today's episode, people living on an estate in Greenhithe fear someone will be seriously hurt following a spate of catapult attacks. A woman and child in a car were targeted at St Clements Lakes over the weekend and wildlife has also been killed. Hear from a resident and we've got a statement from police. A new campaign is being launched in to help young people across the county deal with violent situations. Clock it, Check it, Change it is an initiative from Kent and Medway's Violence Reduction Unit. There's going to be a review of a controversial decision to bring in new parking charges in Deal and Sandwich. Traders raised concerns the increase of nearly 40% at some sites would kill local businesses. It would have seen long-stay charges jump from £10.80 to £15 and our reporter Sam Lennon has been getting reaction from a local councillor. A campaign's started in Kent to try and encourage more women to get involved in football coaching. Research shows that 4 in 5 mums don't have any involvement in their children's sports clubs - however, more than a third want to give it a go. We've been chatting to the club development manager and one of the coaches at Faversham Strike Force FC. And in sport, England have been knocked out of the Women's National League following a 2-1 loss to Spain. Maidstone's Alessia Russo scored the only goal for the Lionesses in the first half, before the hosts came from behind to secure the win.

A mum-of-six from Folkestone who died suddenly at the age of just 36 has been described as 'very loved' and a 'free spirit'. Tributes have been paid to Sarah-Jane Clarke after she suffered a cardiac arrest at her home. Also in today's podcast, a Kent man who killed his wife and tried to use his son to clear his name has been sentenced to more time behind bars. Andrew Griggs from Deal murdered Debbie when she was three months pregnant in 1999. Union bosses have told us staff at Kent County Council are worried about job cuts as experts start analysing how tax-payer's money is spent. Reform UK say the Elon Musk style task-force will make sure there's no 'wasteful spending' at county hall. As we mark Volunteers Week, a Kent charity is looking for young people to become mental health ambassadors. East Kent Mind are offering training to help equip them with the tools they need to give advice and guidance to those who might be struggling. Bosses in Medway have gathered outside the council building to raise the Pride flag. It'll fly at Gun Wharf for the whole month as they look to celebrate diversity and inclusion. And in sport, bosses at Gillingham say they are hoping to have an update soon on three players who were offered new contracts at the end of last season. Euan Williams, Conor Masterson and Max Clark have been given the chance to sign fresh terms at Priestfield.

Tributes have been paid to a young girl who died in the River Thames near Gravesend. She's been named on social media as Bia and described as a 'beautiful angel'. Emergency crews, including the RNLI, had been called to the river near Royal Terrace Pier just before 2pm on Friday after receiving reports of two children going into the water. Also in today's podcast, Reform UK's first UK DOGE team will visit Kent County Council today. The Elon Musk inspired Department of Government Efficiency taskforce is designed to identify and cut wasteful spending. We're being urged to be aware of the dangers of wildfires in Kent. Kent Fire and Rescue have introduced a new warning system this year. Alan Standing is a group manager at the services and has been explaining how it works. Kent retailers are welcoming a government ban on disposable vapes which has come into force. Under new rules, it's now illegal for businesses to supply any single use devices, including those which are nicotine free. Hear from Mike Cameron who is the co-founder of Smoko in Tunbridge Wells, and Operations manager James Whiddett from Kent Trading Standards. It's been revealed the cost of last year's elections for Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner cost taxpayers £88,000. With voter turnout lower than previous years, it means the cost was £11.62 per vote. And in sport, there's been mixed reaction to Gillingham's decision to scrap their traditional matchday programmes. The club say they've chosen to stop publication because sales have dropped and it no longer makes financial sense.

Armed police have been called after a man was seen staggering across a street “covered in blood”. The firearms officers remain in Cornwall Gardens in Canterbury following a suspected stabbing just this morning. Also in today’s podcast, police have managed to recover a second memorial plaque that was stolen from a Kent churchyard. It’s after two metal plaques listing the names of men who died in the First World War were taken from a churchyard in Chatham last week. A top Indian restaurant could have its licence stripped after a decade of hiring illegal workers on little to no pay. Owners of Tenterden’s Badsha Indian Cuisine are accused of exercising a flagrant “disregard for immigration law” after racking up fines worth £120,000. You can hear from elderly residents of a retirement complex in Ashford who say they face the “barbaric and inhumane” upheaval of being moved out of their homes and into temporary accommodation for two years. Council bosses say they’re replacing the “outdated” site but the tenants say they’re worried about being “scattered” to various parts of the borough. And we’ve spoken to the trustee of a Kent charity that's holding a celebrity football match in Maidstone this weekend kmfm Breakfast presenter Rob Wills is taking part in the game between Rochester City and a team of ex-pros to raise money for My Shining Star.

A pub landlord has stepped down from his role after a barmaid was overheard warning customers to ditch drugs moments before police arrived with sniffer dogs. It happened while two undercover officers were in the bar in Sandgate, during a covert operation targeting drug use in pubs and bars. Also in today’s podcast, a court has heard a drunken clubber punched a taxi driver eight times in the face after she refused to pay for her £8 ride home. The 41-year-old, who is originally from Russia, had been on a night out in Maidstone and was said to be “aggressive from the off” when she jumped into the cab. A group of young people have been seen running amok at a derelict secondary school just days after a suspicious fire at the building. Firefighters have tackled a spate of suspected arson attacks at St John Fisher School in Chatham – it’s led to calls for its demolition to take place sooner. Villagers fear there are “dark and depressing times ahead” after plans for a controversial 1,350-home estate were officially submitted. School facilities are also lined up for land in Chestfield. And an animal sanctuary has announced the birth of a snow leopard cub. She’s been nicknamed “Little Lady” and was born at The Big Cat Sanctuary – you can hear from one of her carers.

A petition has been set up by people living on an estate near Gravesend to try and get rid of the management firm. Residents of Springhead Parkway claim their bills have gone up, but the area has gone downhill. Hear from a couple living there and the local MP who is supporting them. Also in today's podcast, life jackets have been delivered to children at a school in east Kent in memory of a little boy who died after falling into a river during a family day out. Six-year-old Lucas Dobson had tried to climb onto a boat on the River Stour at Sandwich in August 2019. A safety campaign set up in his name has taken kit to pupils in Ash. Thames Water, which covers parts of north Kent, has been fined nearly £123 million by regulator Ofwat. The biggest ever penalty comes after investigations found the firm caused an "unacceptable impact on the environment". Meantime, campaigners are calling for water testing to be carried out at Kent's swimming spots all year round. Last week we told you how experts will monitor the levels of bacteria at the coast during the summer season. Hear from a member of Surfers Against Sewage. We've got an update on a story we brought to you on the podcast earlier this month. You'll be pleased to know a Strood man who'd waited four years for a dropped kerb to be installed outside his home, has finally had the work done. And in sport, if you head to the sports pages of KentOnline you can read the memories of some former Gillingham players 25 years after they were promoted to the now Championship. The side beat Wigan Athletic at Wembley in the play-off final.

A women's cup final in Maidstone has been abandoned after Palestine flags were reportedly waved in the crowd. Clapton CFC were taking on Dulwich Hamlet Reserves in the London and South East Regional Women's Football League Trophy final at the Gallagher Stadium. Also in today's podcast, firefighters are expected to stay at the scene of a huge fire in Gravesend for the next couple of days. Crews were called to the London Scrap Terminal on Crete Hall Road in the early hours of Monday where around 5,000 tonnes of scrap metal is thought to have caught alight. As events to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo continue, it's been revealed how Sheppey played a vital role. Thousands of Allied troops were rescued by Little Ships from French beaches during the Second World War. Those ships gathered in Sheerness before heading to Ramsgate and then Dunkirk. Hear from Jenny Hurkett who is founder of the Bluetown Heritage Museum in Sheerness. We've also been hearing about the role of the RNLI during the operation. A group in Folkstone which connects the profoundly disabled with the gifted and talented is being recognised with a King's Award for Voluntary Service. Shepway Spectrum Arts runs inclusive music and arts sessions for people of all abilities. Kate's been chatting to founder Georgina Cartledge. In sport, Emma Raducanu says she's "proud" of overcoming illness to reach the second round of the French Open. And, Kent boxer Moses Itauma has delivered another top performance to see off American Mike Balogun. The 20-year-old heavyweight from Chatham claimed a Technical Knockout during the second round of the match in Glasgow.

A man who harassed his neighbours for almost three years after wrongly accusing them of vandalising his car has appeared in court. He claimed he had video footage of the couple committing the criminal offence, but when police investigated they identified a different suspect. Also in today’s podcast, a court has heard a mother and her two children were left terrified when a burglar armed with a large knife kicked down the door to their home. A 29-year-old was later arrested when he was picked out of a police line-up – he’s been sent to prison. Residents on a new-build estate who have been stuck with a “nightmare” internet provider are still worried after the housing developer announced the sale of its broadband service. The area has its own broadband network that previously only provider could access – but it’s hoped a £100 million new deal will make the market more competitive. The owner of a struggling burger van wants to reassure customers he has cleaned up his act – after receiving a damning food hygiene rating. The Smash Burger in Folkestone received a zero-star score following an inspection in March. And in football, you can hear from the Gillingham manager who says he’s looking to cut down the squad ahead of next season. It comes after the signing of Bristol City striker Seb Palmer-Houlden on a three year deal.

A group of travellers have won a landmark legal case against Medway Council to stay on a park and ride site. The families were given permission to stay on the land in Wigmore for three months from July 2023 is they paid a weekly fee, then were ordered to leave in the October. Reporter Davina Jethwa has been following the story and joins the podcast with all the details. Also in today's episode, a Maidstone drug dealer has been jailed after video was found of a manufacturing lab that was used to make tens of thousands of ecstasy pills. Video at KentOnline shows footage that was discovered on Jamie Stacey-Evans' phone. Leaders in Sevenoaks have been told their days in charge are numbered after nine Conservative councillors quit the party. They've formed a new group called West Kent Independents and the Tories no longer have overall control of the authority. Hear from the leader of the Lib Dems in the area. Inspectors have reported significant changes at a Kent school previously criticised for the number of fights and high levels of truancy. Ofsted have been back to Sandwich Technology School to check on safety, behaviour and attendance. Simon Sharples took over as headteacher in January and has been telling us about their success. A petition has been launched to protect five oak trees on the Hoo peninsula from a potential road widening scheme. It's feared developers behind plans for a new 760-home estate near High Halstow could chop down trees on Christmas Lane. Events are taking place in France to mark the 85th anniversary of one of the most incredible rescue missions during the Second World War. Privately owned Little Ships from England were used to collect Allied soldiers from beaches at Dunkirk in 1940. Reporter Gabriel Morris is in Dunkirk. And in sport, Ashford United's Gary Lockyer has collected the award for scoring the most goals in this season's FA Cup. The 32-year-old netted 10 during their campaign to the third qualifying round.

Twelve families have been forced to leave their homes after a fire at a block of flats in Gravesend. It broke out in Nursery Grove yesterday afternoon and crews remained at the scene until this morning. Hear from our reporter Alex Langridge who has been there. Also in today's podcast, there's been a significant increase in the number of emergency food parcels being given out here in the south east. The Trussell Trust says more than 310,000 were distributed in the past year - that's up 56% compared to five years ago. We've been chatting to the charity. You can also hear from the chairman of a foodbank charity in Canterbury on what the situation has been like for them. Dozens of Little Ships that rescued troops from French beaches during world war two are heading from Kent to Dunkirk today. They are recreating the journey made in 1940 to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. We've been speaking to Phil Christodolou who own Quisisana which was involved. A Kent mum has been telling us how she is fulfilling a dream of running her own business after more than a decade of working in care. Jo-Eleanor Matthews has refurbished the former Blind Company building on London Road in Teynham, turning it into a cafe. She's been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley. Margate's Turner Contemporary gallery has launched creative sessions to promote play and creativity in young children. They've teamed up with Save the Children to create the Tiny Turnips workshops for zero-to-24-month-olds. In sport, Maidstone United have released seven players following their National League South play-off final defeat. Vice-captain Jordan Higgs and long-serving defender Raphe Brown are among those leaving the club.

A Dover woman has ended up in court after finding out the dog she rescued was an XL Bully. The 55-year-old thought she'd adopted a Staffordshire bull terrier, but called police for advice when a neighbour raised concerns. Also on today's podcast, the sea at 29 beaches in Kent is going to be tested to make sure it's safe for us to swim in. KentOnline's been told how experts will regularly monitor the water during the summer season which runs until the end of September. More than 40,000 young people in Kent have signed a Commitment Pledge to not carry a knife, and report someone they know is. It's something set up by the Violence Reduction Unit in the county and police team that visits schools. Hear from crime commissioner Matthew Scott as we mark knife crime awareness week. The owner of a new takeaway near Maidstone is urging people to give him a chance, after a backlash over the serving of halal meat. Zam Haidari is the director at Coxheath Pizza and Chicken, but he's come under fire for using halal-certified meat which some animal welfare groups have called unnecessarily cruel. Zam has been speaking to reporter Elli Hodgson. More than £10,000 has been donated to a Sittingbourne family so they can convert their home to accommodate their poorly son. Six-year-old Reuben Whitehead has to be connected to a feeding tube up to 16 hours a day after being born early and developing complications. We've been chatting to the friends who set up the fundraiser. A swimming club chairman's warned they may have to pull out of a national competition this summer following the closure of their normal training facility. Competitors haven't been able to use Folkestone sports centre after it suddenly shut last summer. It's been confirmed the site has been taken over - but it's unclear when it might re-open.

A former cage fighter from Folkestone has been locked away indefinitely after he attacked a stranger in the street. Kiane Trotman, 38, from Foord Road South, was experiencing paranoid schizophrenia when he punched and kicked his victim near the Canterbury Road Recreation Ground in 2023. Also in today's podcast, the new Reform UK leader of Kent County Council has appeared to backtrack on the party's plans to stop staff working from home. Party leader Nigel Farage said he wanted to get people back in the office, after their success in the recent local elections. Hear what Linden Kemkaran has now had to say. Our campaign calling for reforms to who's eligible for a Blue Badge has been raised in the Commons by one of Medway's MPs. We want the system changed after hearing from cancer patients who've been denied one. The route for this year's Baton of Hope relay through Kent and Medway has been revealed, The Olympic-torch style baton will be passed to volunteers as it makes its way through Gillingham, Rochester, Maidstone, Canterbury and Margate. It's to raise awareness of suicide prevention by encouraging everyone to talk openly about mental health struggles. We've been speaking to one of the baton bearers. There are fears a hike in parking charges in Sandwich and Deal could impact the number of people visiting the towns. The council say the decision's been made following a comprehensive review - looking at supply and demand and planning for the future. Our reporter Sam Lennon has been to Sandwich to get reaction. In sport, Maidstone United have missed out on a chance of promotion to the National League. They were beaten 1-0 away at Boreham Wood in yesterday's play-off final. Elsewhere, Whitstable Town's players have been on an open top bus parade through the town to celebrate their historic FA Vase win. They were joined by staff and all important trophy as they travelled through the streets on Saturday.

A cancer patient from Faversham says it is her “dying wish” for thousands of people to benefit from the choice of ending their life. Elise Burns is terminally ill and urging MPs to “do the right thing” when voting on the assisted dying bill. Also in today’s podcast, a man who stalked his ex-partner and threatened to burn her house down has avoided being sent to prison. A court heard the 39-year-old from Ashford launched a relentless campaign of harassment that left his former partner living in constant fear. There’s a warning from firefighters as we head into the summer about making sure barbecues are properly cool before throwing them away. It follows a blaze on Ramsgate seafront which saw a public bin go up in flames. Parents and councillors have slammed a travel company’s decision to axe a “vital” school bus route. Arriva has announced it will be cancelling its service from Swanscombe to Dartford from the start of next month. And a Kent family has appeared in the top 20 of the UK rich list once again It’s reported the family, who live near Canterbury, are worth over £9 billion.