Podcast: Large fire breaks out at Viridor recycling centre on the Medway City Estate with smoke seen across the Towns

A huge fire’s broken out at an industrial estate in Strood – with smoke visible from miles away.

Crews were called to the Viridor recycling centre on the Medway City Estate just before six this morning. Hear from a reporter at the scene and a man who works nearby.

Also in today’s podcast, a hosepipe ban has been announced for a large part of Kent as the hot weather puts pressure on supplies.

South East Water say in recent weeks demand has increased to record levels for this time of year. We’ve been hearing from the Water Supply Director at the company.

A car salesman has told us he could be forced to close his business in Sittingbourne after a wall collapsed onto a number of vehicles.

Tom Bowles reckons the damage to his fleet of vehicles could reach £120,000 – he has been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley.

The first electric aircraft of its kind has crossed the Channel to Kent.

The two-seater plane touched down in Lydd before making the onward trip to Rochester Airport.

A team of four pilots aged between 17 and 23 and involved in the project to reduce CO2 emissons and noise pollution.

A Kent dad who plays in a Madness tribute band will honour his daughter by performing at a festival more than two years after her death.

Caitlin Goodsell was aged just 17 when she passed away in 2023 – after being diagnosed with a complicated heart condition when she was just eight weeks old.

Preston Summerfest in Canterbury is raising money for Demelza children’s hospice.

And in sport,  it’s another pre-season friendly for Gillingham this weekend.

They’re hosting Reading at Priestfield tomorrow.