- 5 months ago
Catch up with all the latest news from across the county with Gabriel Morris.
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00:00And a very warm welcome to Ken Tonight, live here on KMTV.
00:28I'm Gabriel Morris and here are your top stories on Friday, the 5th of September.
00:34Blockage on Bluebell Hill, Kent County Council plans 12 weeks of lane closures.
00:40Normally, before, when they've done Kent County Council, when they've done road closures,
00:44they send us letters in advance. For this one, I haven't received any debt. Compensation,
00:49they need to compensate us as a small business.
00:51We need a permanent solution, St John's Ambulance brass band on the Isle of Sheppie,
00:56still looking for a new home.
00:58Of course it hurts. When you think you've given your life up for them and it's just taken away
01:07and it hurts very, very much.
01:09And ten years of tech. Medway Neurological Network puts on Showcase and celebrates its 10th anniversary of innovation.
01:17We have six in 100,000 people within the UK who suffer with a neurological disease.
01:24Well, thank you for your company this evening.
01:37Our top story tonight is Kent County Council has announced 12 weeks of staggered lane closures on Bluebell Hill,
01:42one that carries out essential works. And a temporary speed limit of 40 miles per hour will also be in place on the stretch.
01:49Currently, it's at the national speed limit. Well, we're joined by reporter Alfie Rowe, who's live at the scene.
01:56It's in the middle of the rush hour traffic. Road's looking quite calm out there at the moment.
02:00But Alfie, what reason has the local authority given for these lane closures?
02:05Well, Gabriel, although not speaking to me directly, the Kane County Council has released a statement saying that the lane closures are necessary
02:16in order to carry out essential survey work. What does this mean?
02:20Well, they're gathering information on the ground and drainage conditions for the project, which will, pardon me,
02:27which will inform information for the A22-9 Bluebell Hill Improvement Scheme.
02:32Now, this is a £250 million scheme by the council in order to address, ironically, congestion, as well as road safety conditions between the M2 and the M20.
02:45And we can see some pictures there heading into rush hour this evening, looking quite good.
02:52Cars going at the speed limit. But when these staggered lane closures come in, can drivers expect big disruptions to their journey?
02:59Well, Gabriel, with a temporary speed limit now of 40 miles per hour between the Lawsleys and Cobbry Roundabout, a little bit of disruption is to be expected.
03:12However, the Kent County Council have insisted they will try their hardest to minimise the disruption.
03:17They'll do multiple ways of doing this. They'll put survey teams operating at multiple locations simultaneously.
03:23They intend to extend working hours, including doing overnight shifts when this is possible.
03:29And they also said they'll make use of lane closures from other projects in order to limit traffic management, which is needed.
03:36But for this work in practice, we'll just have to see.
03:39And you mentioned this was to prepare for the Bluebell Hill improvement scheme to improve congestion.
03:47Has this been a major problem for the A229 more broadly?
03:51Well, Gabriel, as you can see now, admittedly, congestion is not too much of a problem.
03:58But the A229 does have a bit of a reputation when it comes to congestion. Hence, this scheme was put forward.
04:05And people have trepidation about the new plans to put these lane closures in place.
04:10Just earlier, I spoke to someone who works at a diner along the stretch of road, and he expressed his concerns.
04:17That's not good for me. For as a small business, they're going to affect my business.
04:22Normally, before, when they've done Kent County Council, when they've done road closures, they send us a letter in advance.
04:29For this one, I haven't received any letter. Compensation, they need to compensate us as a small business.
04:36Interesting stuff there. Alfie, thank you so much for bringing us those details this evening.
04:45Now, the St John Ambulance Brass Band on the Isle of Sheppey has found a temporary new home on the island.
04:51The unit was originally due to be evicted last month due to running costs and the building's stability.
04:57However, the band are still calling for a permanent solution to be found to ensure members can keep playing.
05:02Well, our community reporter, Henry Lark, has been to visit them at one of their latest band practices to find out more.
05:08The last nationwide brass band of the St John Ambulance are still standing, but only for a few weeks longer.
05:23They were granted a goodwill extension by the organisation and are now due to be evicted on the 23rd of September.
05:33Very sad. Disappointed. But the good work that our bandmaster and other members of the band to see what they're trying to do to save our headquarters,
05:48of course it hurts. When you think you've given your life up for them and it's just taken away and it hurts very, very much.
06:00All the members of the Isle of Sheppey St John Ambulance Brass Band have written on the wall behind me
06:08to leave a lasting message and a memorial of a building that has hosted many years of music, fun and most importantly, family.
06:20However, they've been granted temporary accommodation at the Sheppey Rugby Club, but they're still looking for a permanent place for next year.
06:30St John have confirmed that this is a temporary solution for the band until a more central spot higher for the network as they call it now can be found,
06:42but they did confirm that they will not be on Sheppey.
06:45The Brass Band is also receiving help from a Kent County Council councillor who is fighting to preserve this iconic piece of Sheppey history by keeping it where it is.
06:59It is our ambition to get over 5,000 signatures and then go to the headquarters of St John Ambulance and put it on their desk to those officials.
07:07Their decision has undermined not only this band, this brilliant, brilliant band, but the people of the Isle of Sheppey and we will not stand for it whatsoever.
07:14St John Ambulance say they're continuing to work with the brass band and local volunteers to find a suitable space in Sheppey whilst finding more permanent solutions across the county.
07:28The choice to close the unit came following a review of the building which confirmed it was no longer suitable for the charity's needs.
07:37It's clear that no matter whether they stay or move to a different place, this brass band is determined to keep playing the same tune.
07:48Henry Luck for Kame TV on the Isle of Sheppey.
07:58Now the Duchess of Kent has passed away at the age of 92.
08:02Buckingham Palace has announced she passed away peacefully last night,
08:05surrounded by her family.
08:08The Duchess Catherine was the oldest member of the royal family
08:11and the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
08:15A familiar figure at Wilburden, she handed over trophies and comforted those who had lost.
08:20The Duchess was also a great music lover who supported music charities and taught music in Hull,
08:26where she was known by pupils as Miss Kent.
08:30Following her passing, the flag at Buckingham Palace has now been lowered to half-mast.
08:39Now, on September 7th this Sunday, the government will be testing an emergency alarm system to everybody's mobile phones,
08:47meaning compatible phones up and down the country will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound.
08:53The alert is set for 3pm this Sunday and is said this alarm is to warn people of life-threatening emergencies such as extreme weather.
09:00But for those who have a hidden phone due to domestic abuse relationships, this drill is said it could pose a risk.
09:08Kristen Hawthorne reports.
09:11This Sunday, September 7th, an emergency alert will be tested on all compatible phones and tablets across the UK.
09:19This means that at 3pm on Sunday, your phone will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound.
09:25I went to Rochester to speak to the public to find out how much they know about this test.
09:34I guess the idea is it's good, but I think there's a bit of thought around why exactly are they doing it,
09:43because there's not been a lot of information. We've been told that it's happening, but not quite why.
09:48I think it's a good idea, but I do wonder if we were going to get a nuclear bomb,
09:53whether actually an emergency alert would be any use. What would we do?
09:57I'm not sure what we're meant to really do about it.
10:01I know it's just an alert, but an alert for what? What's it meant to be alerting?
10:07It's a practice for if there was a big...
10:12Storm?
10:13Well, just a huge problem.
10:15Oh, OK.
10:16A government...
10:17Well, I'm not explaining that very well, but it's a way of alerting the nation.
10:21I think you'll find most people will be in the same view as us, don't really know what it's for.
10:25According to the government's website, the emergency alert system is used to warn people
10:29if there's a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather.
10:33Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency.
10:40Although typically no action is required to get ready for the test, those who need to keep a phone hidden will need to prepare.
10:47One way you can do this is by opting out on your settings. This will prevent any future alerts.
10:52In terms of any queries and people who are concerned about the risk to them from these alerts,
10:57we would say that obviously we don't want to alert that there is a concealed device to the abuser.
11:03It could be then potentially putting the victims and their families further at risk as well.
11:07So we advise either to turn the phones off during this period on Sunday.
11:10Or we have actually given instructions on how to disable the alarms on our social media platforms
11:16for both iPhone and Android phones. Or you can go to the government's website for instructions and further information as well.
11:23Up until now, the government has activated the alert system on five occasions to warn people of genuine dangers,
11:29such as for Storm Dara.
11:31So this is not the first time the alarm has been sounded and it likely won't be the last.
11:36So best to be prepared. Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV, Rochester.
11:46Yeah, this Sunday 3pm if you are announced and about, do get us a video and send it to us.
11:51But we'll be back with more news after this break. Goodbye.
15:12And welcome back to the Ken Podcast.
15:14Ken tonight. I'm getting the wrong show there.
15:16Welcome back to Ken tonight live here on KMTV.
15:19Now, a leisure centre in Ramsgate has unveiled a plaque in memory of a long-standing member.
15:25Doug Whale passed away earlier this year after attending the leisure centre for more than 30 years.
15:30Relatives joined staff this week to unveil the plaque which has been placed above Wales' favourite rowing machine.
15:36His granddaughter said they were overwhelmed by their love and friendship shown to Doug by both customers and staff over the past 30 years.
15:44Adding the gym was like Doug's second home.
15:46The plaque will remain in place as a permanent tribute to his life and inspiration he gave to others.
15:54Yeah, I'm sure he'll remain an inspiration there above the rowing machine.
15:57Well, Watling Street in Canterbury has been closed following an appearance of a six-foot-deep sinkhole.
16:02Take a look at this.
16:03Southern Water and Kent Highways were called to a suspected collapsed sewer at the end of August.
16:08And the road has been closed to traffic between St Margaret Street and Rose Lane Junctions.
16:14There you go.
16:15That's a picture of the sinkhole then.
16:17This week, the carriageway has been ripped up and with parts of the old pipeline lying in the ground.
16:22Southern Water says it's relining a five-metre stretch of the sewer and they aim to complete the work by the end of next week at the latest.
16:31Now, Dave, you can keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by logging on to our website.
16:37It's kmtv.co.uk.
16:39There you'll find all our latest reports, including this one.
16:43Tiktok Cafe in Rainham closed in May due to rising costs and reduced foot traffic.
16:49Nearly a month after reopening, they're celebrating their return.
16:52But high parking fees and other financial pressures remain a concern.
16:56Definitely the parking prices have been hiked and also, you know, the other thing is the parking is not free here.
17:05And in most of the shopping centers, like if you go to the other shopping centers, you have one hour, one and a half hour and somewhere even six hours parking is free.
17:18And then there you can see that means the people visit a lot because they are free from paying parking.
17:27The price hikes aren't just hitting businesses, they're affecting staff and the wider community too.
17:33Absolutely ridiculous with the council. They need to generate more revenue, I understand that.
17:39But I've got to provide more parking spaces as well.
17:42It should be controlled, it should be a gradual increase, not very big parking prices consistently.
17:50So, you know, I mean, Rainham is turning into a ghost town.
17:54It's a disgrace, like the way it's gone up in leaps and bounds.
17:59Whereas, you pay £1.90 and you train them for half an hour.
18:05And then you go over to Dockside and you get the first hour for it.
18:09And then, even then, for two hours, it's a lot cheaper than you.
18:15The other issue, obviously, is that my staff have to park locally to be able to come in and work.
18:20So that's impacting them. So in terms of the local economy, it's certainly not helping.
18:26It's not promoting business, not promoting trade.
18:31And for our local residents, it's certainly impacting them.
18:35A Medway Council spokesperson said it is widely known that local authorities across the country
18:41are under increasing financial pressure and, unfortunately, this meant we were faced with some difficult decisions
18:47in setting this year's budget, including an increase in parking fees.
18:52Nevertheless, Medway remains a great location for business, with more than 14,000 businesses located there.
18:58And we are committed to supporting them as best we can.
19:01As rising costs continue to ripple through Rainham, members of the public are calling for change
19:06before more beloved businesses are potentially forced to shut their doors for good.
19:11Maisie Walker for KMTV, Rainham.
19:14Well, if you've been out and about today, I'm sure you could feel it was a little bit hotter
19:20than it has been for the past couple of days.
19:22Is it going to stay that way? Let's have a look at the weather forecast for the coming days.
19:26Well, going into this evening, clear skies with temperatures reaching 15 in Dartford.
19:34Lows of 12 in Ashford, low wind speeds in the west.
19:37Going into tomorrow morning, winds picking up to six highs of 17 across the county with sunny skies.
19:43Tomorrow morning, highs of 22 in Canterbury, lows of 17 in Dartford.
19:48And for the rest of the week, a sunny start with some cloud on Tuesday.
19:53Temperatures starting at 26, but dropping in the start of next week.
20:07And finally, the Medway Neurological Network is celebrating its 10th anniversary
20:12and held a special showcase with talks, stalls and panels and a lot more.
20:16It's all to demonstrate the technology and aid that people can receive
20:19for motor neurone diseases and mental health disorders.
20:22Bringing together more than 30 CEOs, companies and startups,
20:26our reporter Kai Wei went down to the event to find out more.
20:31The Medway Neurological Network is celebrating its 10th anniversary,
20:34showcasing its latest innovations over at the Medway campus.
20:38We have our Neurotech 25 event today.
20:41We are celebrating 10 years of being formed and carrying out events over the years
20:49to promote the public's understanding and knowledge of neurological diseases.
20:54At the moment, we have six in 100,000 people within the UK
20:59who suffer with a neurological disease.
21:02And of course, with that person, there is very often a partner and family supporting them.
21:09What it does for the residents of Medway is it brings all the technologies that are currently out there
21:14and you'll see from the number of stands that are there and people demonstrating into one place
21:20because it can be quite a minefield to understand what is exactly out there.
21:24And if you don't know it's out there, how do you ever know to look for it?
21:27It enables people to come and listen to the advancements.
21:30You've got a lot of experts talking, but also they can go and play with equipment.
21:34They can talk to people in similar circumstances
21:36and they can be signposted through what can be a really, really difficult time.
21:41The tech on display includes brain scan technology, educative tools and software
21:45that's designed to help people with motor neurone diseases and many other health conditions.
21:49We have an app called Lift, which is designed to make music therapy and music activities
21:58accessible to people who don't play a musical instrument
22:01and we're concentrating on people who've got cognitive impairment.
22:05So we're working with people with autism and dementia, a number of other conditions.
22:10I think we've got about four pilot groups.
22:12It's going really well. We're continuing to do those pilot groups.
22:15Now we want to take it out into schools, into dementia groups, get it out there.
22:20The stalls weren't limited to technology though, as companies like Carers First, Parkinson's UK
22:26and many more had stalls to raise awareness and support.
22:29START is a disability outreach project. It includes a strong peer network
22:34and we run, have a social media and we run workshops as well.
22:38I found out about START through my emails that it's a disability, it's a disabled-led programme.
22:43I didn't know about START, but it was when I met other disabled students in the university
22:47who have autism, who have ADHD, who have a disability
22:51and they have told me how much START has changed them as a person.
22:56Honestly, I just don't know what I could do without it.
22:58Aiming to help others mentally and physically, the latest advancements in technology
23:03are no doubt shaping the future of the medical field in Kent.
23:06Kai Wei for Kame TV in Chatham.
23:10Well, here to talk more about the event as well as his start-up company is Stuart Grimshaw.
23:15You saw him in Kai's report there. He's the CEO of Headseep and the creator of Lyft.
23:20Stuart, thank you so much for joining us live this evening.
23:23Really interesting start-up you've got there and a bit of innovation that you displayed yesterday
23:28at the event in Medway. Tell us a little bit more about it and what it's used for,
23:34because people can create music who maybe don't have the traditional motor skills
23:38to play a more traditional instrument.
23:43Yeah, so the core tech has been in development for a couple of years.
23:51And a fortuitous meeting at the back end of last year,
23:55and then a sort of a kind of experimental prototype that we did in January
23:59with a group that works with dementia patients,
24:02led to our company completely pivoting towards people with cognitive impairments.
24:08It was such a good fit and we had such a good result from the rudimentary version of the app
24:13that I threw together in January.
24:16How does it all work?
24:17It took off. A lot of introductions led to a lot of other introductions.
24:21And here we are.
24:24Yeah, we can see some pictures on the screen.
24:26We're just releasing this month.
24:27Yeah, we can see some pictures on the screen here now.
24:29How does it work? Is there some sort of AI technology there or tell us more?
24:35Not in our software.
24:37We're using, I think the iPad uses AI to do the gesture recognition
24:42to tell our software where the hands are.
24:44So we sort of, you know, we hook into the iPad's software
24:48to monitor where the hands are and after that we take over
24:53and the music side of it doesn't actually use any AI.
24:56It's just old school software.
24:59It's just programmed to make music.
25:02I'm sure it's been really enjoyed by the users as well, right?
25:06Yeah, it's gone down really well.
25:09So we've had, we've been using it with various groups of people with different sort of, you know,
25:13cognitive impairments and conditions.
25:15But we've had huge success with children with autism, which we've been working hard on,
25:19in SEND schools this last term.
25:22And then dementia patients.
25:24Those are the two areas where we found the level engagement really high and it's made a big difference.
25:30And we've had some quite sort of, some quite moving sessions with people from those two groups.
25:35So it's been, it's been great.
25:37It's been very sort of, it's been a lot of fun the last eight months.
25:40And you were at the Neurotech event yesterday.
25:43Tell us a little bit about the importance of having this every year.
25:46It was in its 10th year.
25:48That was great.
25:49So this is our first year.
25:50We got connected to that via the Headway Group, which is a brain injuries charity.
25:55And Jane Etheridge there sent us.
25:58So it got us connected up there.
26:00So it's the first time we've attended.
26:02And it was brilliant.
26:03It was really good.
26:04We ended up talking a lot of sort of tech talk between us and firms that do, are in a similar space.
26:13We ended up speaking to a lot of groups about possible addressing people with Parkinson's, which is not something we've looked at.
26:20So I think that sort of, that sort of interchange of different firms and different techies sort of with different technologies is really promising.
26:29So it's like a little mini sort of Silicon Valley in Chatham.
26:32It was great.
26:33It was really good.
26:34It was really good afternoon.
26:36Very productive.
26:37Stuart, thank you so much for joining us.
26:38I'm afraid we're out of time, but thank you for joining us this evening.
26:42Well, that's all we've got time for this evening on Kent tonight.
26:46We'll see you soon.
26:47Goodbye.
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