KentOnline

There’s a debate over whether so-called Covid passports should be introduced in order to see large scale events and foreign travel resume.The Prime Minister’s confirmed the idea is being looked into but not decision has been made.
The certificates would prove that someone has had the vaccine. Find out what some of you think about the idea.Also in today’s podcast, former Kent Superbike champion Shane Byrne apologises for his behaviour on the winners podium eight years ago.A scheme to help people travel to a place of safety that started during the first lockdown has been extended.Find out why some animals have been behaving differently at a wild animal park in Kent.And, we hear from the Gillingham boss following their defeat at Blackpool on Easter Monday.

There’s a reminder that second Covid vaccines will still be given to people in Kent, even though mass vaccination centres are temporarily closing.
It’s because of a national reduction in supply of the vaccine.
We speak to Dr Julian Spinks who explains what will be happening next.
Also in today’s podcast, one of the bosses at Buckmore Park karting circuit chats frankly about its uncertain future.
Find out why there’s been a protest outside Kent’s biggest hospital.
And, we get reaction from the Gillingham boss following their win over Wigan which put them in the league one play-off places.

As schools prepare to break up for Easter we’ve been looking at whether Covid testing in secondaries has been a success.
Students have had to do two tests a week since returning to class earlier this month in a bid to reduce the number of bubbles or year groups having to isolate.
Hear from Alan Brookes who is the head of the Kent Association of Headteachers.
Also in today’s podcast – is the daily commute a thing of the past? After a year of home working, we find out why many will decide to ditch an office full-time for good.
We speak to the Dogs Trust who fear the pandemic has led to a surge in puppy smuggling.
And you can hear from the Gillingham boss ahead of their game against Wigan Athletic this evening.
 

The future of a famous karting circuit in Kent is hanging in the balance after a planning bid was turned down.
Bosses at Buckmore Park, where the likes of Lewis Hamilton started his career, had wanted to make some changes to the site to generate income.
Kentish Express news editor and motorsport fan Dan Wright chats about its history and what could happen next.
Also in today’s podcast – there’s another warning not to break Covid rules in the warm weather.
Work for the Royal Navy is underway in Medway for the first time in more than 30 years – we find out about the project involving the next generation of submarine.
And, hear from the little girl from Snodland whose invention cause help people with hearing loss.

It’s the day we’ve been waiting months for – we’re now able to meet with small groups of friends and family outside.
And the sun shone on Kent as the latest phase of lifting lockdown took effect.
We’ve been chatting to some of you along with health bosses and a wedding planner as the rule of six came into force.
However, a Kent charity is warning that for some people with learning difficulties, coming out of lockdown with been a challenging time.
Hear from the regional director of the Music Man Project.
Also in today’s podcast – Becky Hill chats to our sister radio station kmfm about her new single.
And, the Gillingham boss reflects on missed chances in their game against top of the table Hull City.

– In today’s episode, we speak to a clinical support worker who was redeployed to a Covid ward at Maidstone Hospital when she was just 17. 
 
– Also, people misbehaving on beaches in Thanet could be fined 100-pounds, to avoid a repeat of last summer.
 
–  And… a woman from Ashford’s launched an online site to raise awareness of a rare debilitating condition which she suffers from.

In today’s podcast:
– There are suggestions vaccine passports could be needed to go the pub. Hear from the Chief Exec of Shepherd Neame, which is Kent’s oldest brewery.
 
– Also, It’s understood Kent’s mass Coronavirus vaccine sites could temporarily close, due to a shortage of jabs. We speak to Dr Julian Spinks, a GP from Medway.
 
– A woman from Tunbridge Wells has started a petition to improve street lighting in the towns parks.
 
– And… Maidstone is getting its own version of Monopoly and you could get involved!
 

– In today’s podcast, we hear from Jo James from the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, after it was confirmed John Lewis stores in Ashford and Tunbridge Wells won’t be reopening.
– Also in the podcast, we hear from a Gravesham teenager about the challenges of securing a job during the Covid-19 crisis.
– And… plans have been unveiled to overhaul the UK’s asylum system, but charities say it won’t stop people crossing the Channel to Kent in small boats.

Today marks one year since Kent, and the rest of the UK, entered the first Coronavirus lockdown.
In this episode, we reflect on the events of the past 12 months.
 
Also in today’s podcast, the MP for Dartford has chaired a debate about a controversial new £3.50 charge for people crossing the border between Dartford and Bromley.
 
And, hear about a new animal project being carried out by the Aspinall Foundation.

In today’s podcast:
– The Care Minister and MP for Faversham, Helen Whately, is calling for the UK and EU to “work together” to ensure the UK’s Covid vaccine supply is not impacted.
– A Kent charity says new immigration plans won’t stop people making dangerous journeys to get to Kent.
– Tonbridge and Malling’s Tom Tugendhat wants the maximum sentence for child cruelty offences to be increased to life imprisonment.
– A paperboy from Medway’s saved a 94-year-old woman’s life, after noticing she hadn’t picked up her newspapers for three days.
– And… reaction after Gillingham draw 2-2 with Doncaster Rovers.