KentOnline

As the cost of living crisis continues, the Chancellor has been delivering his Budget.We set out the main points and there’s analysis from our political editor Paul Francis.
Also in today’s podcast, Kent MP Tom Tugendhat has been banned from driving for 6 months after being caught using a mobile behind the wheel.The Tonbridge and Malling rep has apologised but insisted he was just holding the phone when he was pulled over by police in Wandsworth in April.The major rebuild of an estate in Maidstone could have hit a stumbling block after one resident announced he was refusing to move.Golding Homes are looking to demolish around 100 properties on the Shepway estate and replace them with modern, energy efficient homes.Hear from Danny Roberts who lives there.There’s been flooding in parts of Kent after more heavy rain overnight.The Environment Agency have issued several alerts and warnings as river levels continue to rise. Our colleagues at KMTV have been speaking to a worker at a shop in Tunbridge Wells that flooded overnight.The team behind Kent’s largest science and innovation park have announced they’re expanding.Discovery Park, near Sandwich, is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary by revealing plans to double the number of people employed on its site. We’ve been catching up with chairman Martino Picardo.We’ve also been getting a sneak peak inside a former Medway bank that’s been turned into a pub.The people behind the popular dead pigeon in Rochester have converted the old Barclays in Rainham.And, there’s been a surprise visit to our radio station, kmfm, as a popular 90s TV show makes a comeback.Challenge Anneka is returning to our screens.Find out what happened when Anneka Rice turned up to see Garry and Chelsea on kmfm breakfast this morning.

The boss of a hotel near Sandwich has explained his decision to turn down more than £1 million from the Government to house asylum seekers.
Richard Martin runs the Blazing Donkey in Ham and was approached by an agency who guaranteed 100 percent occupancy for a year.
However, he says it would have meant cancelling weddings and making most of his staff redundant.
Also in today’s podcast, it’s been revealed Dartford is one of the most popular places in the county to live.
The town’s population has grown at triple the rate of England with things like highly rated schools and distance to London among the factors.
We chat to an estate agent about why the area is so popular.
The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is announcing details of his autumn budget tomorrow.
We look ahead to what we might see, with Tudor Price from the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
A school in Medway is celebrating after being rated Good by inspectors for the first time in more than 15 years.
Elaine Primary was taken over by the Inspire Partnership in 2018 and has since become the most improved in Medway.
We speak to the schools Headteacher in today’s podcast.
Plus, Gillingham are through to the second round of the FA Cup after beating AFC Fylde in a replay at Priestfield.
Scott Kashket missed an early penalty for the Gills, but Lewis Walker scored just before half time, and the game ended 1-0.
Hear from Gills boss, Neil Harris.

The owner of a popular restaurant in Herne Bay has been ordered to take down a glass enclosure around an outside seating area.
Mehmet Dari erected the ‘extension’ outside the front of A La Turka in Central Parade, Herne Bay, in the summer of 2019.
Following a Canterbury City Council probe he was forced to apply for retrospective permission for the glazed shelter, which has a capacity for 30 customers. 
Also in today’s podcast, the parents of a baby who died after choking at a nursery in Ashford have been praised in parliament for their bravery.
Nine-month-old Oliver Steeper passed away in hospital six days after the incident in September last year.
His mum and dad started a petition, against plans to relax laws around the staff to children ratio.
Kent County Council have written to the government warning they could go bankrupt within the next couple of years, unless they get more financial support.
Their budget is apparently at “breaking point” and it’s feared cutting vital services will affect the most vulnerable in society.
After the people behind the idea for a massive theme park in north Kent withdrew their plans – a new vision for the land has been put forward.
The Swanscombe Peninsula is home to endangered and rare species of plants and insects. We hear from a local councillor and a campaigner from the Swanscombe Peninsula Group.
Plus, Gillingham welcome AFC Fylde to Priestfield tonight for their FA Cup first round replay.
It finished 1-1 last time the sides met. We chat to Gills boss Neil Harris.

A deal has been signed between France and Britain in a bid to reduce the number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel to Kent in small boats.
For the first time, British officers will work in control rooms in France. There will also be extra patrols of beaches, more CCTV and sniffer dogs used around ports.
Hear from Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Kay Marsh who’s from Dover based charity Samphire and doesn’t think the measures will solve the issue.
Also in today’s podcast, a man’s been charged with two counts of attempted murder after two men were hit by a car in Maidstone town centre.
They were both taken to hospital and one’s in a serious condition after the collision.
Warm banks are being opened across the county as some of us struggle with the cost of living.
The rising costs of energy and food have left some in Kent saying they’re in a desperate situation. Our colleagues from KMTV have been to a cafe in Dover that’s extended its opening hours so people can stay warm.
We’ve also got reaction from Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay who says government support is enough.
Kent County Council have written to the government warning they could go bankrupt within the next couple of years, unless they get more financial support.
Their budget is apparently at “breaking point”.
Firefighters have spent the weekend dealing with a huge blaze at a farm near Rochester. Hear from Keith Loveridge who owns the land and says the blaze could affect their livestock this winter.
The owners of a pub near Ashford have come under fire because of one of their signs.
The Tiger Inn’s new illuminated sign faces onto neighbouring properties – with some complaining the brightness shines into their living rooms and bedrooms. Lucy Hickmott has been reading a statement from the pub’s owner.
In sport, and after beating premier league side Brentford in the Carabao Cup – Gillingham crashed back down to earth at the weekend.
They were beaten 2-0 by Northampton Town at Priestfield on Saturday – we’ve got reaction from manager Neil Harris.
Gymnast Giarnni Regini-Moran has been chatting about his success at the recent World Championships and how he’s hoping to inspire the next generation.
And, Sam Billings says he’s going to focus on playing for Kent next season, after chosing not to take part in the Indian Premier League.

A man from Larkfield has spoken out about the abuse he’s received after being confused with a paedophile from Snodland who shares the same name.Terry Edwards says it’s been going on for more than a decade after the actual criminal was jailed in 2011. He’s been speaking to our reporter Amy Tregenna.
Also in today’s podcast, Just Stop Oil have announced they’re ending their demos on the M25.There’s been major disruption in Kent this week after protesters climbed up onto overhead gantries.It’s Armistice day and a veteran from Whitstable who’s close to celebrating his 100th birthday has been reflecting on his time in the second world war.Peter Colthup served with the Glider Pilot Regiment and fought at Arnhem and has spoken to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.The shocking moment a hit and run caused a car to smash into a bungalow near Whitstable has been caught on video doorbell.Hear the moment a little girl from Medway who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer eight years ago, has finally rung a bell to signal the end of her treatment.Hundreds of presents have already been donated to our sister radio station, kmfm’s, Give a Gift campaign.We’re collecting toys to give to children this festive season. Hear from the owner of a toy company in Dover who’ve got involved.TikTok sensation Venbee has also been on the station to chat about her first tour.Sam Lawrie has a round up of everything going on in the county this weekend.And, Gillingham are back in league action tomorrow.They welcome Northampton Town to Priestfield after knocking Premier League side Brentford out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Police have arrested five suspected Just Stop Oil campaigners in Kent.
They stopped a car in Westerham early this morning and seized climbing equipment and banners.
It comes as a fourth day of action by the climate group takes place on the M25.
It’s all happening while Cop27 continues in Egypt and the man in charge of the Kent Wildlife Trust is urging the government to take decisive action.
Hear from Evan Bowen-Jones who has been speaking to our reporter Jamie Long.
Also in today’s podcast, the mum of a little boy with special education news has reacted to a damning report on provision in Kent.
Yesterday we told you how Ofsted had criticised the county council.
Offensive graffiti, including Swastikas, has been spray painted over benches and shelters in a park near Maidstone.
Meantime, people living close to a nature reserve near Sittingbourne are calling for lights and cameras to be installed following claims it’s been used for lewd behaviour.
A Chatham couple say they’re devastated after being forced to move out of their flat due to severe water damage.
Beth has been describing the problem which she says started back in March after Storm Eunice.
You can also hear from the landlady of a popular pub near Sittingbourne who’s announced her retirement after nearly 30 years behind the bar.
And, reporter John Nurden has been catching up with the Wainscott teenager hoping to be the next Ed Sheeran.
Tyler Watts is learning music at home with his mum and dad – but has been out busking in a bid to make the big time.

In today’s podcast, Police have made further arrest, following another morning of Just Stop Oil protests on the M25.
A rolling roadblock had been put in place between Junction 26 and 27 leading to the Dartford Crossing after a person was spotted trying to access a gantry.
The support given to children with special educational needs and disabilities in Kent has been criticised in a damning report.
Ofsted inspectors spoke to parents and young people earlier this year and found weaknesses hadn’t been properly addressed. Hear from those in charge at Kent County Council.
 
There’s been an increase in the number of children in Kent needing help with speech, language and communication.
New data shows just over 1,000 Year 1 pupils have required support in the last academic year – a rise of around 8 percent.
We chat to a Kent based speech therapist.
As progress continues on the development of the M2 and A249 Stockbury roundabout, conservation efforts are also being ramped up. We chat to National Highways.
Plus, hear from Gillingham boss Neil Harris after his side knocked Premier League side Brentford out of the Carabao Cup.

Just Stop Oil protesters have caused a second day of disruption after blocking the M25 at several locations.
One of them was the Dartford Crossing, leading to huge tailbacks.
Hear from the protesters and what the Prime Minister has been saying at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt.
Also in today’s podcast, an inquest’s heard the man suspected of firebombing an asylum centre in Dover died from asphyxiation.
The attack happened nine days ago.
The owner of a company in Dartford fears they’re just one heavy rainfall away from having to close, permanently.
Production at Dartford Composites had to be temporarily suspended last week when downpours left the factory surrounded by water, and some machinery flooded. Hear from the manager who’s been speaking to reporter Sean Delaney.
A Sittingbourne mum has shared her experience of catching Covid while pregnant – as a warning to others.
Claire was 25 weeks into her pregnancy when she was admitted into Medway Maritime hospital with covid pneumonia.
A Canterbury mum is demanding a refund for her daughter’s £450 bus pass – claiming she’s late for school almost every day.
Hear from reporter James Pallant who has been covering the story.
Craid David’s been telling our sister radio station kmfm it’s a privillege to still be releasing music after 22 years in the business.
He caught up with Rob on drivetime to talk about the release of his new album.
And, it’s premier league opposition for Gillingham in the Carabao Cup tonight.
They’re travelling to Brentford for their third round match.

Climate campaigners have been causing disruption on the M25 after climbing onto gantries over the motorway.
The action was staged by Just Stop Oil protesters just weeks after they forced the closure of the QE2 bridge at the Dartford crossing.
It comes as world leaders gather at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt to discuss what can be done to tackle global warming.
Also in today’s podcast, another protest has been held outside an asylum processing centre in Maston.
Hundreds of people gathered at the site in Thanet yesterday afternoon, with many calling for it to be shut down.
The former Home Secretary has also admitted he was given legal advice about the way the centre was operating.
A woman is recovering from an unprovoked attack in a Folkestone alleyway that left her covered in blood.
Eliza Eastland was walking home just after half 7 at night when she felt someone was following her. She’s been speaking to our reporter Rhys Griffiths.
The sister of a Dartford woman who took her own life is calling for all domestic violence-linked suicides to be registered on a national database. Hear from a councillor who’s been supporting Gemma Robinson’s family.
Dozens of volunteers have been building beds to make sure children living in poverty in Thanet have somewhere to sleep.
An event’s taken place at the Discovery Park in Sandwich.
For the first time ever, if you live in Canterbury you’re going to have to pay to visit the cathedral.
Permits giving residents free access to the Precinct are going to be scrapped in the new year – but some have concerns.
And in sport, Gillingham are in the draw for the second round of the FA Cup – but they face a first round replay.
It finished 1-1 against non-league AFC Fylde at the weekend. Manager Neil Harris shared his thoughts after the game.

The Home Office insists steps are being taken to improve conditions at an overcrowded asylum processing centre in Thanet.
We’re told there is now extra bedding and better medical facilities at the site in Manston – and more than 1,000 people have been moved out.
But, it has been confirmed two groups of men were left stranded in London after leaving the site.
Hear from the policing minister and the leader of Kent County Council which has written an open letter to the home secretary saying the county is at breaking point.
Also in today’s podcast, a couple have been left living in a car after being evicted from their home.
The landlord issued a Section 21 notice which is also known as a no fault eviction. Friday Quick has been speaking to our reporter Alex Langridge.
A Maidstone man is calling on OFGEM to change their price cap in the face of skyrocketing energy prices.
Richard Winstone is the director of a financial advice website and has started a petition calling for the government regulator to change how bills are calculated.
A Kent MP says the UK’s space industry is missing out on reaching its full potential, because of an ‘uncertain and disjointed’ approach by the government.
Hear from Greg Clark who chairs the Commons Science and Technology Committee.
Our features writer Sam Lawrie has a guide to events going on this weekend.
In sport, Gillingham take a break from the league as they travel to take on AFC Fylde in the FA Cup.
Plus, we’ve been catching up with the chairman of Chatham Town after he secured the future of Gillingham women.
They will play Oxford United this weekend.