KentOnline

We’re bringing you an update today on the coronavirus outbreak, and how it’s affecting Kent.We already know a case has been confirmed in Maidstone, and now there are concerns over how the illness could affect travel and trade through the county.Also in today’s podcast: we reveal the size of the gender pay gap in Kent, Joanna Lumley gives us her thoughts on being made a patron of a Tonbridge theatre, and a Gravesend boxer outlines his Olympic hopes.
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Today’s podcast focuses on coronavirus after the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Kent.
A member of staff working for a company based at Maidstone Studios has been diagnosed with the illness after recently returning from Italy.
Hear from: Kent’s director of public health, an expert from the University of Kent and TV medic Dr Ranj.

Gravesend boxer Cheavon Clarke on the Tokyo Olympics, how much money it would take to make him turn professional and having a party inside the ring.

Six years after it closed, we’ve been speaking to the owners of Manston Airport to find out what could eventually happen to the site.
 
They say, they want to create a trade route from Thanet to London.
 
That would involve planes carrying cargo to the airport, it could then be trucked down to Ramsgate port, shipped along the coast and up the River Thames.
 
Also in today’s episode: thousands of children in Kent find out what secondary school they’ll be going to and Gillingham’s unbeaten run comes to an end.

The long winding history of Manston Airport could be resolved soon, as bosses wait for central government to give the green light on the project. 
This week we were joined by Tony Freudmann, director of RiverOak Strategic Partnership and the man behind Manston’s potential return.
He talks benefits to the local area, problems with carbon emissions and opening up a new trade route into the capital. 

In this week’s podcast:
The huge fire that gutted a floating restaurant in Maidstone
The man left with life changing injuries who’s taken his first steps in two years
And, why children in Kent won’t be heading the ball during football training from now on.

Campaigners opposed to plans for a new road link between Kent and Essex say it could destroy local history.The first public consultation into amended plans for the tunnel under the Thames from the east of Gravesend to Tilbury has taken place.Also in today’s podcast: it’ll be a nervous weekend for parents and children waiting to get their secondary school offer, and we look ahead to Gillingham’s game against AFC Wimbledon at Priestfield.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

A man who was left with life-changing injuries after being attacked during a night out in Ramsgate nearly two years ago, has taken his first steps since it happened.26-year-old Joe Shaw was visiting family when it happened in March 2018, leaving him unable to walk, talk or feed himself.Also in today’s podcast: Neighbours say a woman used her parrot as a weapon during a campaign of harassment, a jeweller has been compensation after a hospital mistake left him with life-changing injuries, and there’s controversy over plans for one of Maidstone’s most famous buildings.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

Firefighters have spent hours tackling a huge blaze which has destroyed a floating restaurant in Maidstone town centre.Embankment went up in flames on the river at around 8 this morning, sending thick smoke into the air and causing disruption for hundreds of drivers.Also in today’s podcast: find out how mental health support could help tackle knife crime, and hear from a charity who are looking for volunteers to help run an Elmer art trail.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

Young children in Kent are no longer going to be able to head the ball during football training as part of new rules being introduced by the FA.It’s after a major study looked into the impact, in a bid to reduce the number of players developing brain conditions like dementia later in life.Also in today’s podcast: hear from a woman who’s had to sell her car and jewellery to pay for medical equipment which is available for free elsewhere in the UK, and why a boxing promoter wants to see Tyson Fury take on Anthony Joshua.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/