KentOnline

A mum has been granted permission to convert her house into a children’s home – despite facing huge opposition.

Vanessa Idada’s application to transform the five-bed property in Aylesham was approved unanimously at a Dover District Council planning committee meeting.

Also in today’s podcast, we’ve heard from the RSPCA ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer in Kent, with the charity saying they often see a spike in animal cruelt...

A man in his 50s has died following an incident which shut part of the M2.

Police were called to a section of the busy motorway between Strood and Chatham just before 5 this morning. 

Also in today's podcast, a plumber who had been out drinking ended up in a police chase after accepting a lift home in a stolen Asda delivery van - which was later used to ram a police car.

He’d drunk more than usual when he got into the vehicle, which h...

A mum housed in a two-bed council home with six of her children says “pigs in a sty live more comfortably” than her family.

Rebecca Waller is desperate to be moved somewhere bigger than the “claustrophobic” semi-detached property in Faversham.

Also in today’s podcast, there's been an increase in the number of Kent police officers who are being signed off work for mental health reasons.

Figures show there were 320 last year, which is a...

The family of a 30-year-old battling a cancer so “horrific” that medical professionals cried while performing radiotherapy is pleading for help with more treatment.

Chatham man Alex Able is believed to be the only adult ever recorded in the UK to be diagnosed with the very rare and aggressive Rhabdoid tumour and is now in a race against the clock.

Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a Kent campaigner who agrees the system for ...

It’s understood plans for a £30 million hotel at a country park have been quietly dropped after the intended operator pulled out.

The controversial scheme at Betteshanger, near Deal, was met with huge opposition and took two years to get planning permission.

Also in today’s podcast, the family of a sub-postmistress convicted of stealing thousands from the branch will be given the chance to clear her name after “an abuse of process”.

P...

The body of a much-loved son has been found in woodland, over a week after he was reported missing.

The 32-year-old hadn’t been seen since he was spotted in Hawkhurst last Tuesday – it comes just a day after his family made an appeal for information. 

Also in today’s podcast, the number of children getting an MMR jab in Kent must increase to prevent a measles outbreak, the county’s director of public health has warned.

The percentage ...

A restaurant boss has been hauled before a court after failing to remove an illegal dining enclosure built without planning permission outside his seafront eatery.

The owners of A La Turka in Herne Bay has admitted two offences relating to the structure - which continues to stand more than three years after he was ordered to take it down. 

Also in today’s podcast, an inquiry into the crimes of David Fuller has concluded the offences ...

A driver has called a parking firm “disgusting” after he was wrongfully issued a £100 fine for overstaying.

He’d left his car at the multi-storey in Maidstone on two separate occasions, days apart, and paid each time but was baffled when a hefty bill arrived claiming he had parked there for six days.

Also in today’s podcast, it’s been revealed the railway crossing where an Amazon delivery driver died when his van was hit by a train h...

A Kent man who had the privilege of travelling with a megastar for one of the biggest global events has been reliving the memories of Live Aid 40-years on. 

You can hear from broadcaster Steve Blacknell who flew on Concorde with Phil Collins as the singer jetted from the London show to Philadelphia in July 1985. 

Also on today’s podcast, investigations are underway after an Amazon delivery driver died following a collision involving ...

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...

A police officer was seen “bleeding” after coming out of a house before a lengthy stand-off at a property.

At least nine police vehicles were called to the property in Sheerness after two officers were reportedly assaulted.

Also in today’s podcast, businesses and residents at the centre of everyday delays on a historic bridge are calling for a solution.

You can hear from residents who say getting stuck at a standstill waiting to cross...

More details have emerged about a man who was shot by police in a village near Maidstone

Footage from body-worn cameras shows he was wielding a chainsaw and wearing a gas mask – and had what officers thought was an improvised explosive device. 

Also in today’s podcast, a mum whose son suffered heat exhaustion at school as temperatures hit 32 degrees says making pupils wear trousers during a heatwave is “inhumane”.

The 12-year-old has ...

A man has been seriously injured after being shot by police at an address near Maidstone.

Kent Police have confirmed they were in Hollingbourne last night to make an arrest when a firearm was discharged.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed it is investigation.

Also in today's podcast, staff at a Kent animal sanctuary say they are shocked and heartbroken over the theft of one of their goats.

Taco had only been at But...

A Kent woman says she’s been forced back into homelessness and is “living out of carrier bags” after being “kicked out” of her makeshift home.

Kelly Cardwell said her life was finally getting back on track after a year of sofa surfing when she found a converted garage room to rent – but council have told her she has to leave. 

Also in today’s podcast, we've been hearing from a Kent charity, on how to spot the subtle signs of alcohol ...

A Ramsgate man's facing life in prison after being found guilty of murdering his baby daughter.

A court heard Thomas Holford, 25, of Wallwood Road had smoked cannabis in the hours before shaking five week old Everleigh Stroud, and leaving her with a catastrophic brain injury.

Also in today's podcast, the East Thanet MP is calling for more to be done in future to prevent a repeat of trouble seen in Broadstairs.

Fights broke out on the ...

A woman aged in her 20s has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving after a motorcyclist was killed in a crash.

Police say it happened as a black Ford Fiesta and a black BMW X5 were travelling south along Stone Street last night.

Also in today’s podcast, residents are worried plans for 750 homes will add to the traffic problems already plaguing a town.

Developers have asked residents in Lower...

Water bosses have apologised after thousands of customers were left without water, or very low pressure, as temperatures topped 34C.

South East Water say the problem in Herne Bay was caused by particularly high demand across the county which caused storage levels of treated drinking water to 'fall significantly'.

Also in today's podcast, residents in Snodland say anti-social teenagers are becoming a growing problem - with youngsters ...

A determined flat owner who managed to oust her building’s “overcharging” managing agent and halve her service charge is now on a crusade to help other residents.

She took action after the problems and poor service started almost immediately after she moved into the property in Unicorn Walk in Greenhithe  three-years ago. 

Also in today’s podcast, people are calling for a well-used route to become a dual carriageway before more than ...

Dreamland says it is supporting the emergency services in their enquiries after the death of a 21-year-old man at a drum ‘n’ bass festival.

You can hear from a KentOnline reporter who was at the event in Margate – which was shut down hours earlier than planned following the tragic incident. 

Also in today’s podcast, a grieving family in Herne Bay believe a 73-year-old father was “put in an early grave” after being attacked by teenage...