KentOnline

Firefighters have been tackle a fire at a block of flats on St Mary’s Island near Chatham.Crews were called at lunchtime – hear from our reporter Oliver Kemp who was there.
A group of Kent experts have told the KentOnline Podcast it’s inevitable more schools will have to close because of cases of coronavirus.Several in Sittingbourne have already had to send children home this week after positive Covid test results.Others are expected to have to do the same at some point – hear from an education expert, virologist and co-founder of an online academy.And, Sigala and James Arthur chat about their new single.

A little over a week since schools returned fully for the first time since March, and it is clear the complex issue of educating children through the ongoing pandemic has not been fully resolved.
In the past few days, four schools in Sittingbourne have had to send pupils home to self isolate, after a number tested positive for Covid-19.

The number of people allowed to meet for social gatherings is being cut in a fresh bid by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
It’s after a rise in cases in recent days – we get reaction from an Ashford GP.
Also in the podcast, a leading haulage boss warns of major disruption in Kent after Brexit, a Medway charity is raising awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder after a rise in drinking levels during lockdown and the Gills make it two wins from two at the start of the season.

It’s not been the return to school parents and teachers were hoping for in Sittingbourne after a number of confirmed cases of coronavirus.More than 100 children are now having to isolate – reporter Ollie Kemp chats about the school that have been affected.
Also in the podcast, we hear from a Kent mum whose son was saved by air ambulance crews as we mark National Air Ambulance week.A leading charity is urging parents not to put too much pressure on their children when it comes to catching up with their reading skills after lockdown.And, find out just how much a stretch of the White Cliffs of Dover is likely to fetch when it goes under the hammer at auction. 

A Ramsgate man who was left in a coma and needed part of his skull rebuilt after suffering catastrophic head injuries in an attack has been able to walk and talk again thanks to a revolutionary medical app.Reporter Ollie Kemp has been chatting to Joe Shaw and his mum Nancy along with the man who developed the technology.
Also in the podcast, a group of men have been charged following a demo in Dover at the weekend.Applications open for Medway’s newest secondary school – we hear from the principal as building work continues.And, the Gills boss chats about playing at an empty Priestfield Stadium in their first game of the season.

Hundreds of people have been told to leave their homes after a huge fire broke out at Hoo Marina.
Firefighters were called at around 4.30am – hear from those at the scene including witnesses who were woken by the sound of explosions.
Also in the podcast, an anti-racism protest is due to take place in Dover this weekend – we speak to one of the organisers.
A homeless charity react to the number of people in Kent waiting for a council house.
And, we hear from the Gillingham boss as competitive football returns this weekend.

On today’s podcast we hear from the man who’s been put in charge of tackling small boat crossing in the Channel…
He’s been giving evidence to MPs today after a record number of migrants arrived in Kent yesterday.
More than 400 people made the journey – the most in a single day.
The Home Affairs Select Committee is trying to understand why it’s happening.
Also in the podcast, there’s been a big increase in the number of online child sex crimes in Kent according to figures obtained by the NSPCC.
And, Kent’s top police officer is leading a national drive to improve safety.

Coming up in today’s podcast we hear about two men who’re starting life sentences following two separate murder trials in Kent.
Plus, there are concerns over the future of the taxi industry in the county – hear from the manager of one cab firm that’s been affected by lockdown.
One of Kent’s MPs has urged the Prime Minister to get rail companies to introduce flexible season tickets.
And, a young woman speaks out about the rare condition that left her disabled overnight and the 18 month battle to get a diagnosis.

There’s a lot of anger today about a bank holiday party in Kent that appeared to flout social distancing rules.
Wedding venues and brides-to-be have criticised the organisers of the social event that took place in a marquee in Wrotham.
It’s now being investigated by police and the council say rules that were agreed to appear to have been breached.
Also in the podcast, all pupils are expected back in school this week for the first time since lockdown started, why parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated against flu and a fundraising superstar gets a new set of wheels.

Tougher measures are coming into force across Kent to crack down on illegal raves.
From today, anyone who organises one could be fined up to £10,000, and £100 fine for those attending.
We hear from Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Faulconbridge from Kent Police.
Also in the podcast: small breweries could be under threat as the government changes tax rules, and a Kent bus operator tells us they’re confident they can get children to school safely next week.