KentOnline

Unexpected snowfall caught Kent by surprise and caused a number of problems on the roads.We’ve been chatting to one of the county’s leading highways bosses to see how prepared they are for winter.Also in today’s podcast – students prepare to travel home for Christmas but many are still concerned about spreading coronavirus.A wild animal park is hoping to raise thousands to create a forever home for rescued lions and bears.And, independent retails are hoping for a bumper weekend, which includes small business Saturday, after reopening following lockdown.Plus we hear from striker John Akinde ahead of Gillingham’s game against Swindon Town this weekend.

More than 30 years after two young women were killed in Tunbridge Wells, a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, both lived in basement bedsits in the town and worked in the same road.Cold case detectives have regularly reviewed the investigation and are now questioning a 66-year-old man.Also in today’s podcast, we have more reaction to news of a coronavirus vaccine has been approved.A man who’s made a film about county lines drug dealing hopes it’s wake-up call for parents and young people.And, we’ve got reaction from the Gillingham manager to last night’s win over Bristol Rovers.

It’s a massive day in the fight against Covid-19 as the first vaccine is approved for use in the UK.In today’s podcast, hear from a virologist at the University of Kent on how it’s been developed so quickly and from the head of care group as we’re told the elderly will be the first to have the jab.We’ve also got reaction to Kent now being in Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.While shops are able to reopen, pubs can still only do takeaway and other indoor leisure venues have to stay closed.We’ve been speaking to the boss of Adventure Kidz in Aylesford and Phil Thorley from Thorley Taverns in Thanet.Finally, hear from Gillingham’s assistant boss ahead of their trip to Bristol Rovers tonight in league one.

It’s the final day of the second national coronavirus lockdown in England and from tomorrow Kent will be in Tier 3 restrictions.
That means while all shops can open again, pubs will only be able to do takeaways and indoor attractions will have to stay closed.
MPs have been debating it in the commons, hear what one of them had to say.
Also in today’s podcast, there’s a call for schools to be able to close early for Christmas to ensure children can spend time in a family bubble – we’ve been speaking to the chair of the Kent Association of Headteachers.
And, our friends at KMTV have been to visit one attraction that can’t wait to re-open tomorrow – and neither can their lions and tigers! Hear from the animal director at Port Lympne near Hythe.

Back after a long hiatus, KM’s political editor Paul Francis sits down with Oliver Kemp to discuss the biggest political stories of the week.
On the eve of the government’s vote over England’s tier system, is a mutiny on the cards?
And as Brexit edges ever closer, Paul talks us through what lies in store for Kent. 

A woman who was in an abusive relationship for 10 years has told her story in a bid to help others.Sadie – not her real name – now helps to run refuges in west Kent.She’s spoken of the moment she realised what she was putting up with wasn’t right and how she finally made the decision to leave.Also in today’s podcast, the row over the tier system after lockdown continues – hear from the chief exec of Hever Castle who says people in the west of the county are being unfairly punished.There’s been a rise in the number of people home schooling during the pandemic – a mum tells us how it’s going for her.And we have reaction to Gillingham’s exit from the FA Cup.

It’s Black Friday and we’re being urged to support local traders in Kent who’ve faced one of the toughest ever years.
While many have adapted to selling online during the pandemic – some have struggled against big names like Amazon.
And while they might be able to reopen when lockdown ends next week, it’s feared takings will still be well down at what is normally the busiest time of the year.
Also in the podcast, the Tier debate causing an east / west divide in Kent.
A family speak after their house was destroyed by fire.
The Margate Film Festival gets under way.
And, we hear from Gillingham’s Dominic Samuel ahead of their FA Cup clash this weekend.

Kent will be in Tier 3 when lockdown ends next week.
Hear from health secretary Matt Hancock and find out what it will mean for you.
We’ve also got reaction from MP’s Sir Roger Gale and Rosie Duffield plus the owner of Adventure Kidz soft place centre in Aylesford.
Also in the podcast, a homeless shelter opens in Gravesham with a warning they’re likely to have a waiting list of people wanting beds.
Jax Jones has been speaking to our sister radio station kmfm.
And, the Gillingham boss says football just isn’t the same without the fans – he hopes they can be back in stadiums soon.

Forget baubles, it’s all going to be about Christmas bubbles this year.The government have confirmed an easing of coronavirus restrictions over the festive period – find out who you’ll be allowed to see and for how long.Also in today’s podcast – pub owners in Kent say they’re being unfairly punished for the high Covid rate as they face having to stay shut if the county is put into tier 3 after lockdown.We’ve been speaking to a landlord in the borough with the highest infection rate in the country, and one which has among the lowest levels in Kent.Hear from an artist who says Covid has changed the way she thinks and works as she launches a virtual exhibition.And we’ve got reaction from Gillingham’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon at Priestfield.

The wait is on to find out which tier Kent will be placed in when lockdown is lifted.
The government is due to announce its decision on Thursday after confirming three new levels of restrictions will come into force next week.
It’s widely thought the county will be in Tier 3 which will still mean no visiting friends or family in their home and pubs will have to stay closed.
But there are some calls for districts to be put into different tiers rather than restrictions covering the whole county – hear what the PM’s had to say.
Also in the podcast, a homeless charity fears potential cuts in funding could significantly affect rough sleepers in Kent.
Should animal theft be made a specific offence? We reveal how many dogs have been stolen in Kent and exactly how many suspects have been charged.
And, we look ahead to Gillingham’s game tonight with player Jack Tucker.