KentOnline

Online bookmakers’ share prices have fallen after it was announced they soon won’t be able to take payments on credit cards.The Gambling Commission says it wants to stop people spending money they don’t have.Also in today’s episode: a mum is speaking out after waiting two years for her son to be diagnosed as autistic, and a former footballer is urging parents to think about their behaviour at children’s matches.
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Eleven months after it was installed on the M20, work to remove the barrier between Ashford and Maidstone is starting today.The contraflow system is part of Operation Brock, which is designed to ease congestion if there are delays at Dover in the event of a no deal Brexit.Also in today’s episode: air pollution is putting thousands of lives at risk in Kent, a disabled music group is looking for more members, and the Gillingham and Ebbsfleet managers reflect on their games at the weekend.
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It’s 2020 and the podcasting duo are back to break down the big things happening in politics over the next few months.
Political editor Paul Francis and Oliver Kemp discuss the looming Brexit deadline, the Labour leadership contest and why Operation Brock is now being removed.
Paul also reveals his jargon of the week – what on earth does ‘uplifting the charge’ mean?

This week we were joined by Sarah Mann, director for the Music Man Project in Kent.
Sarah discusses the importance of group music projects for people with disabilities, and how they can empower people who might not always get the same opportunities as others.
Music has been described as a powerful therapeutic tool by scientists and medical professionals. It can improve people’s mental wellbeing and improve the communication skills for people with disabilities. 
 

A woman whose daughter has learning difficulties is calling for all major supermarkets to have specialist trolleys after a store failed to provide one.Bonnita Moaby’s eight-year-old has sensory processing disorder and needs to be in a secure seat while they’re shopping.Also in today’s episode: girls as young as 13 are among the alleged victims of upskirting in Kent, some of Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings are going on display in the county, and we look ahead to Gillingham’s game against Peterborough.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

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.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

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.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

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.