KentOnline

More than 6,000 homes in Kent are sitting empty, according to new figures.The data also shows the number of vacant properties has increased by around 7% in the past year – that’s above the national average.Also in today’s episode, young carers take part in outdoor activities to get a break from their responsibilities, and a former NBA player from Sittingbourne tells us why he wants to inspire the next generation of basketball players.
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A man’s been taken to hospital with a stab wound following a disturbance in Herne Bay High Street.Three men were seen kicking their way into a flat and dragging a man out before attacking him.Also in today’s episode, we hear from a mum who’s calling for pulse tests on all newborns after her daughter’s heart condition was almost missed, teenagers tell us about a mural they’ve created to try and save lives, and Kent brewery is hoping to win the title of champion beer of Britain.
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There are concerns from health experts after Gallery Nighclub in Maidstone became the first in the country to sell vaporised alcohol…The club say the balloons only contain one 60th of a shot but the effects are almost instantaneous – however public health bosses are worried it could be a particular hazard to young people.Also in today’s episode, rural crime is on the rise in Kent, and we hear from the Tunbridge Wells Paralympian who’s going to be on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
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A group of former University of Kent students have helped make one of the biggest movies of the year.Five graduates worked on the animation and production of Disney’s new Lion King remake, which has made more than 36-million pounds in the UK box office since coming out in cinemas two week ago.Also in today’s episode, Kent’s cricketers are celebrating after continuing their unbeaten record in the T20 Blast, and we look ahead to Gillingham’s first football game of the season.
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The UK’s ramping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit by setting aside an extra £2.1bn.Chancellor Sajid Javid says Government departments will use it to help with things like stockpiling medicines and running a public awareness campaign – while the Highways Agency will get new powers to keep freight moving through ports like Dover.Also in today’s episode; a father and son have been jailed for running a modern day slavery ring in Dover, and there’s been a huge rise in reports of puppy farms in Kent.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

Bosses at Rochester Cathedral have defended their decision to open a crazy golf course in the historic building.
The nine-hole bridge themed adventure course in the medieval nave was designed to encourage more people in to find out what goes on there.
But some have branded it a ‘serious mistake’ and ‘born of desperation’.
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As Boris Johnson tries to convince farmers they’ll be better off after Brexit, one from Kent has told us leaving without a deal could be devastating for the industry.The Prime Minister’s been telling farmers they’ll get a boost from scrapping the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and by the signing of new trade deals which he says will allow them to sell more around the world.Also in today’s episode: an expert says cannabis could be legalised within the next few years, a campaign’s underway to get us talking on World Friendship Day, and a community garden in Maidstone has been transformed thanks to Project Kent.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/

The Kent ringleaders of a modern day slavery network have been found guilty of people trafficking offences.
Canterbury Crown Court heard the 48 and 26-year-olds preyed on vulnerable homeless people in the Czech Republic – promising them free accommodation in and around Dover and good money.
Instead, up to 18 victims were found living in a four bedroom home and were paid just £20 a week.
 
The pair will be sentenced at a later date.

The mum of a little girl from Aylesham who has a severe form of epilepsy says she’s worried about her daughter’s future, if she’s no longer able to access cannabis-based medication.
Nine-year-old Teagan Appleby used to suffer up to 300 seizures a day, but her health’s greatly improved thanks to cannabis oil.
Now, her mum Emma says the doctor who had been providing prescriptions privately has stopped.

This week we were joined by Safeer Khan, Imam of Nasir mosque in Gillingham.
Mr Khan believes it falls to the leader of the country to set an example for a more tolerant society, in an era of increased anti-Muslim views.