KentOnline

Accident and Emergency departments recorded their worst ever performance in December.Here in Kent, just 75% of patients were seen within four hours – well below the government target of 95%.People are also having to wait longer than they did in December 2018 – back then 83% were treated within that all important window.Also in today’s episode: tributes have been to a man who worked in Dartford and was killed in the Iran plane crash and Macmillan say there aren’t enough NHS staff in Kent to help patients with cancer.

The second phase of a multi-million scheme to regenerate a town centre has been scrapped.
Council bosses have agreed to end their partnership with the Spirit of Sittingbourne – once the leisure quarter is completed.
Also in today’s episode: parking permit charges for some Kent families could soon treble, and the Gillingham boss is up for the League One manager of the month award for December.
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A headteacher has defended his decision to introduce Saturday morning detentions, after some parents called it ‘unfair’ and ‘ridiculous’.Folkestone Academy’s plans will see students come in for two hours at the weekend as a punishment, in a bid to tackle bad behaviour.Also in today’s episode: families are being forced to cut down on their weekly shopping so they can afford rent, the amount we pay in council tax is set to go up again, and firefighters in Kent are among the first in the country to use new kit to rescue people from cliffs or confined spaces.
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Network Rail have admitted they “don’t know” when a landslip, that’s stopped trains running between Tonbridge and Redhill, will be dealt with.Since before Christmas passengers have been forced to use a replacement bus service after a 100m section of track was damaged.Also in today’s episode: an animal conservation charity is trying to raise £100,000 to rescue more elephants and Gillingham are out of the FA Cup after being beaten by West Ham.
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The Bishop of Dover has warned of greater division between communities and minority groups on Christmas Eve.
Speaking on the KM Community Podcast, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin commented on how the divided political landscape has played a part in encouraging intolerance.

A new school due to open in 2020 hopes to make the community experience a core part of the curriculum for their pupils.
Ebbsfleet Green Primary school is being built in Ebbsfleet Garden City, a brand-new development which will be a home for up to 30,000 people. ﷯Joanne Wilkinson-Tabi, who has recently been appointed headteacher for Ebbsfleet Green Primary school, said this is a unique opportunity for a brand new school to positively chapes the lives of the children.

Firefighters have rescued several people from cars stranded in floodwater after a night of heavy rain in Kent.
Crews were called to Ashford, Maidstone and Tonbridge and have also been helping colleagues in East Sussex after downpours.
The bad weather also caused travel disruption earlier with part of the M26 closed and trains unable to run between Strood and Maidstone West after a landslide.
Also in the podcast: the headteacher of school in Kent’s new garden city speaks about her vision for the future and Gillingham look to kick off the festive season with a win.

It’s emerged the number of people with dementia in Kent has more than doubled in the past five years.
NHS Data out this morning shows there are now more than 14,500 registered with the condition in the county – that’s over 5,500 more than in 2014.
Also in today’s episode: This year’s Miss Kent GB calls on more young men and women to embrace who they are and Gills fans queue for tickets to the FA Cup clash with West Ham United. 
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We’re being urged to be more understanding towards migrants who risk their lives to reach Kent – after more small boats were intercepted in the Channel…69 men, women and children were brought to Dover following a Border Force operation off the coast yesterday morning.Also in today’s episode: two puppies have been dumped by a busy road just days before Christmas, and villagers are still objecting to a planned redesign of a key roundabout.
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Border Force officers have brought more than 60 suspected migrants ashore in Dover.
Patrol vessels have been dealing with a number of small boats in the Channel after reports were first raised in the early hours of this morning.
Also in today’s episode: Kent MPs return to Parliament after the General Election, a youth prison has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted, and a top chef gives us tips on how to make the perfect Christmas dinner.
www.kentonline.co.uk