Podcast: Plans submitted to expand The Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford as pupils ‘use dining hall to study’

There are plans to expand a grammar school in Ashford which has become so overcrowded some pupils are having to study in the dining hall.

The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys’ grammar based on Hythe Road in the town and most recent figures from December show 1,252 pupils go there – including 239 who are in the mixed-gender sixth form.

Also in today’s podcast, it’s been confirmed our council tax bill in Kent will be going up.

Authority bosses have approved a near 5% hike as they attempt to balance the books for the next financial year.

A Larkfield family say they’ve been battling for two years to get a housing company to fix their leaking home.

Luke Hutson and his wife Sarah have are raising three children in the Swallow Road property and have been speaking to reporter Ben Austin. We’ve also got a response from the housing association.

A demonstration has been taking place at the University of Kent today over plans to cut courses.

Nine areas of study and nearly 60 staff members could be affected as bosses look to save money.

Hear from the Kent Wildlife Trust as a new report from the charity says the results of the next election could be vital to tackle climate change before it’s too late.

Summer droughts and winter flooding are becoming more common as global temperatures rise.

Meantime, a Medway man who’s creating art out of waste has told the podcast he hopes it stops people from dropping so much.

Kieran Poole collects discarded bottle tops and ring pulls and turns them into mosaics.

And in sport, Gillingham are taking on league two leaders Stockport County at Priestfield tonight.

The Gills will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Newport County, which has left them 11th in the table.