KentOnline

The financial cost of lockdown has been revealed today as it’s confirmed the UK has fallen into it’s biggest ever recession.
The economy shrank by 20% between April and June as shops, pubs, restaurants and factories all closed because of the pandemic.
The Chancellor has warned more jobs could be lost but insists we will get through this.
Also in the podcast, figures show an increase in racially aggravated crime in Kent during the Black Lives Matter protests, and £112m of work gets underway to improve two busy junctions on the A2.

Talks have been taking place in Paris on the number of migrants risking their lives by crossing the Channel in small boats to Kent.
Hundreds of people have made the journey in recent days and the Navy has been asked to help patrol the waters.
Also in today’s podcast – a man has died in a hit and run in Medway, figures reveal a rise in child sex offences in Kent and cinemas say their futures are being threatened by movies being streamed.

There’s anger after thousands of people turned up on a beach in Kent for a ‘cook out’ event which organisers have now admitted ‘got out of hand’.
Coaches and minibuses arrived from London for the gathering on Greatstone beach in New Romney after it was banned from happening at nearby Camber.
This morning, the coast was covered in litter and it’s emerged a number of police officers were injured.
Also in the podcast – a request is made to the Royal navy to patrol the Channel as migrant crossings continue.
And, why more and more children in Kent are suffering from conditions like eczema.

An inquiry is getting underway after a record number of migrants crossed the English Channel to Kent.
Dover’s MP is calling for French authorities to do more to stop people trafficking gangs.
Also on today’s podcast – thousands flock to Kent’s beaches as temperature soar, but be warned, the sunny weather could come to an abrupt end on Monday.

A family say firefighters should have done more after a fire ripped through a field and destroyed part of their property.
The recently built Airbnb bungalow was gutted by the blaze in Gillingham.
Hear from the owners who only just managed to escape.
Also in the podcast – Strood GP Dr Julian Spinks has advice on how to copy with the heatwave and Santus Circus thank residents who donated food during lockdown.

Swab tests have been carried out to check for signs of coronavirus at railway stations in Kent.
A new cleaning product is being used and extra staff brought in to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Hear from one of the Southeastern bosses.
Also in the podcast – a Kent mum urges other parents to know the signs of Type 1 diabetes after her 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed. And, we hear from one holiday business that’s had a surge in bookings as more of us opt for a staycation this year.

A year on from the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India, Kashmiris living in Kent are speaking up and raising awareness of the plights faced in their home region.

It may be the middle of summer, but decisions are already being made as to whether pantomimes will be staged in Kent this Christmas.
Bosses at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre have called off their production, but The Stag in Sevenoaks say a covid-safe performance will still go ahead.
Also in the podcast – how organised crime gangs are targeting farms in Kent and a Tonbridge couple react to a decision from the High Court on humanist weddings.

One of the big incentives by the government to try and boost the economy following lockdown is underway – and hundreds of places to eat in Kent have signed up.Eat Out to Help Out will run on Mondays to Wednesdays in August.Hear from one Kent food place that’s taking part.
Also in the podcast – an Ashford doctor reacts to news of a new 90 minute Covid test and hear from the Wrotham schoolgirl who’s got a top prize for a film made in lockdown.

The further easing of lockdown in England has been put on hold following an increase in coronavirus cases.
 
The Prime Minister made an urgent announcement earlier saying leisure venues like bowling alleys and ice rinks won’t be able to reopen tomorrow as planned.
 
Wedding receptions with up to 30 guests also won’t be able to go ahead.
 
Also in the podcast – hear from a West Malling woman who’s keen to keep on working from home as a survey finds 1 in 12 of us want to do it permanently. And, British Touring Car racer Michael Crees chats ahead of the start of the season.