- 21 hours ago
Catch up with all the latest news in the county with Finn Macdiarmid.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight, live here on KMTV.
00:26I'm Finn McDermott and here are your top stories on Monday, the 10th of November.
00:31Closure chaos. Businesses suffer as loose road closure sparks local frustration.
00:36You know, it's not good for any of us pubs this end.
00:39You know, it's not just me that's probably going to suffer,
00:42but it's probably everybody else that's sort of this end of town as well.
00:46And determined to keep on rolling.
00:48Maidstone Roller Hockey Club races to raise funds for vital floor refurbishment.
00:52To not have that in Maidstone, which has been around now for at least 30 years,
00:58if not 40, I think, would be a real travesty.
01:01And rhymes by the river.
01:03Chika Jones, a performance poet based in Rochester,
01:05will be the first to perform at Medway River Lit this evening.
01:08I know that the festival has been on for quite a while.
01:12And so being part of the festival, Future for Whites, is a great honor for my end.
01:27Now for our top story this evening.
01:29Loose Road in Maidstone has been closed for three weeks.
01:32And during that closure, many businesses and residents say the effects of damaged trade and local areas.
01:38The Bull Inn, near to the closed road, has seen a drastic drop in food orders
01:42and an increase in cancellations due to the traffic.
01:45This has forced them to close their kitchen early.
01:47Kristen Hawthorne has been speaking with them and others who have been affected.
01:50Three weeks ago, Loose Road was closed for Roadworks.
01:58It's caused gridlock traffic and damage to diversion roads.
02:01But it's also causing a noticeable difference to local businesses.
02:05Our local wet trade hasn't been affected too much, but definitely our food trade.
02:11We've noticed it at the weekends, especially when we've got our tables booked in,
02:17people ringing up because they're trying to get around the traffic.
02:19We've had tables cancel, their reservations on the day as well.
02:26I mean, it's food, especially from like Monday to Friday.
02:30It's definitely gone down by half.
02:33You know, it's not just me that's probably going to suffer,
02:36but it's probably everybody else that's sort of this end of town as well.
02:40And if you're thinking of going to pet an animal to de-stress from the traffic,
02:43you might have trouble doing that as well.
02:45The majority of us start about 8, 8.30.
02:47There was a couple of us got in about 9, so the normal journey that would have taken 10 minutes
02:52took about an hour this morning.
02:55And we're hearing that visitors, it's the same for them as well.
02:59Obviously, it's more important for us to be here because if we're not here,
03:02we can't serve the public and we can't be here to tend the goats.
03:05But yes, it's been chaotic.
03:08I mean, there's queues both ways in the roads and actually from one of the main road junctions
03:13right past our turning to the sanctuary.
03:17Yeah, it's chaotic. It is chaotic.
03:20While some Maidstone residents and businesses worry that the closure will last until Christmas,
03:25SGN have confirmed that everything is on track to close in two weeks.
03:29In a statement, they said that we're on track to complete this work,
03:32enabling the safe reopening of the road by Monday, the 24th of November.
03:38Sign diversions are in place for affected motorists while the A229 Loose Road is closed.
03:44There are no plans to alter the agreed routes.
03:46With some drivers using unsuitable side roads and causing congestion,
03:50new signs, marshals and navigation updates are in place to keep traffic on official diversions.
03:56A spokesperson for the Kent County Council added that they understand and sympathise with the concerns raised by residents
04:03regarding the impact of the recent road closures.
04:06SGN have advised us that these works are emergency and essential to maintain gas supply to residents and businesses,
04:13particularly as winter approaches and gas demand increases.
04:17We've actually got a Christmas fair on the 13th of December,
04:20so we really want our visitors to be able to get through because they're all booking online.
04:24So, obviously, once they pay, they pay and book at the same time.
04:28So, we do really want them to be able to get to us because, obviously,
04:33it would be quite stressful for us to have to refund everyone if they can't get here.
04:36So, yeah, that's a good thing.
04:38So, hopefully, they stick to their word and that will happen.
04:41So, in the lead-up to Christmas, a time when trade matters the most,
04:44locals hope they will feel the cheer instead of the traffic.
04:47Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV, Maidstone.
04:50Next, the inquest for a woman who tragically lost her life in a gas explosion in Charing took place just before the weekend.
04:59Charlene Bourville, a 60-year-old mum of six, passed away following an explosion at her bungalow last September.
05:05Now, after two days of hearing from experts and witnesses, a jury has decided on the cause of her death.
05:10Our reporter, Chloe Brewster, is with us now to tell us more.
05:13So, Chloe, obviously, an incredibly tragic loss for the family.
05:16Can you tell us a bit more of the background of how this all happened?
05:20Well, it's been over a year since a catastrophic gas leak sparked a huge explosion at the home of Charlene Bourville.
05:26The blast almost entirely destroyed the Canterbury Road property, with Charlene left with 95% burns.
05:32The inquest into her death began on Thursday and lasted a couple of days,
05:36and the court heard from fire and rescue specialists and experts.
05:39I see. And we know the blast was caused by a gas explosion, but how exactly does something like this happen in the first place?
05:47Well, the court at Oakwood Coroners in Maidstone, we've heard lots of details around potential things that might have gone wrong for this incident to occur.
05:54Gas engineering experts say the most likely cause was from a compression joint and pipework alongside the boiler coming loose,
06:02which then let gas escape into the home.
06:04There was a few other factors that might have contributed to this, such as potentially the installation or the structural integrity of the building,
06:11but none of these can be said for sure that they're directly related to the leak.
06:16However, when the jury concluded at the end of the last couple of days,
06:19they decided that this was in total and accidental death.
06:25I see. And something audience members out there might be wondering is,
06:29how did this grandmother not actually smell the gas itself? How does that happen?
06:34Well, we heard from experts, and they said that many of us might become nose-blind in the situation that Charlene was in.
06:39You know, the gas had been releasing into the home for at least five hours.
06:43Many of those, she would have been asleep in.
06:45So when it came to the actual explosion, there's a good chance she might not have noticed a thing,
06:49but we don't know that for certain.
06:52That combined with the age and the fact that she'd been a long-time smoker,
06:56that contributed to the fact that she didn't smell it.
06:58I see. And tell us a bit about what it was actually like there in court.
07:02You were down there yourself. Tell us what was the atmosphere like.
07:05Yeah, so I was there on Friday, and it was clear.
07:07It was a very sombre time.
07:09You know, she has six children and nine grandchildren that she leaves behind,
07:14and, you know, that must be so tough on the family.
07:16It's been over a year, so having this inquest hopefully can give them some kind of conclusion.
07:22Obviously, they decided the jury that it was accidental death.
07:26So hopefully this brings them some kind of clarity going forward.
07:29Absolutely. Thank you so much for bringing us more on this story, Chloe.
07:32Next, Maidstone Roller Hockey Club has three months to raise £25,000 for essential floor refurbishments.
07:42The volunteer-run club, which has been active for over 50 years,
07:45well, they say it would be a huge loss for the community if the money isn't raised in time.
07:51However, YMCA say they are working closely with the Roller Hockey Club to find an immediate solution.
07:57Well, with more on this, our community reporter, Henry Luck, went down to the club
08:02and even had a go himself at trying out some roller hockey.
08:05Not something I would be confident in myself, but let's see how he got on,
08:08and let's see more about this floor extension they need.
08:11The Maidstone Roller Hockey Club has been offering excitement, competition and friendship for over 50 years.
08:22But they have three months to raise £25,000 to refurbish their floor here at the YMCA
08:32and have set up a GoFundMe page in hopes of reaching this goal.
08:37Organisers of the club say the sport is vital for keeping children off the streets,
08:44building teamwork skills and promoting an active lifestyle.
08:50Yes, it's absolutely vital for the children to have somewhere to come and practice
08:54and to learn how to play a fantastic sport.
08:57The opportunities it presents to them are phenomenal.
09:00You get to play in different countries, you get to play in World Championships if you're successful enough,
09:04and to not have that in Maidstone, which has been around now for at least 30 years,
09:10if not 40, I think, would be a real travesty.
09:13I've been training here for about seven years,
09:18and because of coming here and training weekly,
09:22I've been able to play for England and play for the region.
09:26They've helped me develop much as a personal, all my emotional,
09:31and it's really, they've really supported me.
09:34They've helped me push through tougher times when I felt down.
09:37It has been, like, a great enjoyment, like,
09:41I have, like, socialised with my friends.
09:43I've made them much more friends.
09:46The hockey club is amazing because I get to play with my friends
09:49and it keeps me fit, and I just really like it.
09:53The YMCA have said the lifespan of the floor
09:58has greatly reduced due to the intense activity of roller hockey,
10:04and the charity has limited funds
10:06and no government or local council support,
10:10which means they need to balance their resources.
10:13However, the YMCA have proposed a small rent increase
10:20of £5.58 per hour
10:23once the refurbishment is complete in January next year,
10:28which will allow them to tackle any maintenance in the future.
10:32But there was one more thing I wanted to ask myself.
10:35Now let's see if I've got what it takes
10:38to become a rink hockey legend.
10:41It was admittedly my first time on skates like this,
10:46but thanks to the club's help,
10:48I was at least able to stand upright
10:50and even earned a certificate for my efforts.
10:55They and the YMCA are determined
10:58to make sure the wheels keep on spinning for this sport
11:01for everyone in the years to come.
11:05Henry Luck for Kame TV in Luce.
11:09CYBER CLUB!
11:11CYBER CLUB!
11:13CYBER CLUB!
11:13Great piece from Henry there
11:16and hopefully the club can get the money they need to keep running.
11:20Well, it is now time for a quick break,
11:22but coming up we'll have our reporter Megan Shaw
11:25who's going to be talking us through the Fire Brigade Union.
11:28The five reform representatives
11:29who are members of Kent and Medway's Fire Authority
11:32have been suspended.
11:33We're hearing all about that.
11:35We'll also be bringing you all the latest sports
11:37from around the county
11:38and revisiting a report about an extinct creature
11:41returning after all these years,
11:42the new Binosaurus Rex lorry,
11:45a bin lorry down there in Maidstone.
11:46But that's all the time for now.
11:47We'll see you in just a few minutes.
11:48We'll see you in just a few minutes.
12:18We'll see you in just a few minutes.
12:48We'll see you in just a few minutes.
13:18We'll see you in just a few minutes.
13:48We'll see you in just a few minutes.
14:18We'll see you in just a few minutes.
14:48We'll see you in just a few minutes.
15:18We'll see you in just a few minutes.
15:20We'll see you in just a few minutes.
15:22At Canterbury Crown Court on November 4th, George Kalau was jailed for 10 months.
15:27Last year, police found Kalau in a highly distressed state in the early hours of the morning.
15:33Policed Constable Gray was chasing the 20-year-old down the stairwell of his apartment block after he resisted initial arrest when he crashed into a wall, injuring his arm.
15:41Kalau was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker and inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.
15:47More than a year after the incident, PC Gray says he continues to suffer with pain and restricted movement.
15:54Now, next, tonight, we're going to be talking all about the fire brigades union.
16:00They've labelled Kent County Council as a threat to public safety following the suspension of five reform councillors.
16:08These were all previously members of the Kent and Medway Fire Authority.
16:12This comes as a total of nine KCC councillors who have been cast out of the party.
16:18The Liberal Democrat Mike Martin and also the Tunbridge Wells MP said it's time for the council administration to get a grip.
16:25Well, joining me in the studio to talk more about this is our reporter, Megan Shaw.
16:31So, Megan, what has been the latest update with the Kent County Council?
16:34As you mentioned there, the fire brigades union, so that represents the firefighters across the UK.
16:40They've criticised the Kent County Council after five of their councillors who were part of the Kent and Medway Fire Authority have been suspended.
16:47So, these are the chairman of the authority, Brian Black, the vice chairwoman, Isabella Kemp, Robert Ford, Paul Thomas and Oliver Bradshaw.
16:56So, the Kent and Medway Fire Authority is a governing body for Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
17:01Normally, it's made up of 21 KCC councillors, four Medway councillors and the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and an independent member.
17:09With Brian Black suspended, this will mean that the authority is going to have its third chair in six months.
17:14And it also means that Anne Millington, who's Kent's Fire and Rescue Service Chief Executive, has a smaller bandwidth on spending and there's no longer a large body behind her to sign off on bigger spends.
17:26So, as you were saying there, there is a risk to public safety here that perhaps these fire services are a bit compromised.
17:32I see. And what's the reaction been both inside of the council and out?
17:35There's been quite a lot of reaction from various groups.
17:37So, the union labelled the situation a shambles and a threat to public safety, with the union's general secretary, Steve Wright, even going so far as to say that without sound governance, Fire and Rescue Service won't be able to do their jobs properly.
17:51Mike Martin, that's the Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, said reforms in competence in Kent is putting lives at risk.
17:58And he says that he's asking the government to step in and take control of the authorities.
18:01These are quite serious there. Although, Anne Millington, as I mentioned before, she's the Chief Executive at Kent Fire and Rescue Services,
18:09so that they're working closely with our Monitoring Officer and Member Services at KCC to discuss next steps to ensure all necessary arrangements are made.
18:18I see. And this isn't the latest controversy from Kent County Council, is it? Tell us a little bit more about that.
18:23It's not, no. So, we did approach Reform UK HQ for comment. They've not got back to us yet.
18:29But we do know that Kent County Council has lost nine of its 57 councillors that were elected in May.
18:35And things have escalated since The Guardian published a recording of a heated council meeting that we did cover quite extensively.
18:42Following that, four councillors were expelled there and one suspended.
18:46Recently, Isabella Kemp, who was the chairwoman on this authority we were talking about, was a data protection officer at Reforms HQ
18:54and is in the process of taking Reform UK to a tribunal for unfair dismissal.
19:00I see. Thank you so much for bringing us all those details.
19:03Now, it's time to take a quick look at the football from around the county.
19:16It's looking hopeful for Dover Athletic with a chance to earn three points and possibly win their first match in the past five games they've played this season.
19:24The Whites face off against Enfield Town in their home stadium, Crabble Athletic Ground.
19:29It's an unfortunate start for Dover with an early goal from the Towners.
19:32Just before the 14-minute mark, Enfield player Billy Leonard finds an opening amidst the massive defenders and secures the first goal of the match.
19:39Following the first half, Dover is building their momentum at the 70th minute as Harrison Soji delivers a low strike
19:46and obtains the club's first goal for the match and his first goal for the club.
19:50Just moments after, Alfie Matthews takes a penalty and steals a 2-1 lead for Dover in the wake of several missed shots in the first half.
19:58In an astonishing 11-minute window, Matthews strikes again with an ambitious 25-yard kick, raising the score 3-1.
20:06And as the stadium begins to cheer, Matthews celebrates a little too hard there.
20:10Dover dominates the latter half of the match as Manpolo offers a strategic pass through the middle to Suarez Jr.
20:16returning fresh from an injury on a high as he finalises the match with a 4-1 win to Dover.
20:21So, as we've just seen, that is three points to Dover Athletic in the National League South with a phenomenal 4-1.
20:28And it's more good news for most of our Kentish teams as Maidstone United makes their way up the NLS rankings
20:33with a victory of 3-0 against Chippenham.
20:35Right behind them is Epps Fleet United after a 2-0 win against AFC Tottenham, establishing a 3-win streak.
20:42It's not all sunshine and rainbows though, as Tombridge Angels suffer another loss, this time to Hornchurch, who were, at the time, at the top of the rankings.
20:50With three out of four teams coming home victorious, let's see where our Kent teams are headed next.
20:55The stars of the show, Dover Athletic, will be facing Dorchester Town at home.
21:00Maidstone United are playing Torquay, and Epps Fleet United are up against Sittingbourne.
21:04All three of these matches are taking place Saturday, the 15th of November.
21:08As for Tombridge Angels, we'll be seeing them head over to Bath City's home stadium on the 11th of November.
21:14In League Two, we have Gilliam FC, who have finally cemented a win, playing against the Bristol Rovers with a close 1-0 on Saturday the 8th.
21:22Gilliam FC have another match coming up on the 11th against Wickham in Gilliam's home stadium, Priestfield.
21:29Following into the Itzmian premiere, the Kentish teams have completely knocked it out of the park,
21:33as Ramsgate were in a close match, with Chessage resulting in 1-all.
21:38Dartford's stellar performance continues, with a win of 3-1 against Welling United.
21:43And Folkestone and Victor rise to the top of the league, resulting in a 3-0 win against Pottersbar Town, knocking Brentwood Town down out of first place.
21:51And finally, Chatham Town have absolutely annihilated Hashtag United after an incredible 6-0 win, marching their way up towards the top.
22:00And our final lot of upcoming matches will take place on the 11th of November.
22:04Two of our own Kent teams will be facing each other at Southwood, home stadium of Ramsgate FC, hosting away team Chatham Town.
22:11Dartford have an away game against Billericay Town FC on the 11th of November, while Folkestone and Victor stay at home playing the Cray Wanderers.
22:18And that's all from today's Kent Football Roundup.
22:31And don't forget, you can keep up to date with all the latest stories from across Kent by visiting our website.
22:36www.btv.co.uk
22:39There, you'll see an extinct creature returning after all these years, a report on the new Binnasaurus Rex, an electric bin lorry in Maidstone.
22:48Our local democracy reporter, Olly Leder, went down to see if Moat Park would become Jurassic Park.
22:52Meet the Binnasaurus Rex, the carbon-friendly apex predator of Maidstone's waste collection, silently moving through the undergrowth of Moat Park.
23:12You know, we want the children to think about recycling, thinking about litter.
23:17They see this driving along, they're excited, and if we can get them excited about recycling, excited about using litter bins, then we're doing our job.
23:26Because we're keeping the waste from being sent for disposal, we're keeping stuff from being dropped on the floor.
23:32You know, these parks are beautiful, we don't want litter.
23:34The Binnasaurus Rex is an expensive beast.
23:37It costs the council around £170,000.
23:40But because it's a herbivore, because it doesn't guzzle those fossil fuels every other bin lorry does here in Kent,
23:49it also makes it cost-effective and potentially the future for waste collection here in Maidstone.
23:57Now, I'm sure that people want to reduce their council tax, so this is more expensive to buy.
24:03But over the lifetime of a refuge vehicle, it can be 20 years, we will definitely save money.
24:09I mean, 300 litres of diesel a day, we're not using.
24:13That's a lot of diesel.
24:14But what difference does any of this make?
24:17It can go faster than that.
24:19Behind the wheel.
24:21Can you hear that?
24:22There's absolutely no roar on the Binnasaurus Rex as it's trundling along here in Moat Park.
24:29That's because it's all electric, so it won't be keeping you up in the morning as it's collecting your street waste.
24:37That's right, yeah.
24:38They'll be amazed because by the time they keep the collection, we'll be in and out without them noticing we're there.
24:46But do passers-by believe the new addition is a dino-soaring success?
24:54Fantastic.
24:54Good fun.
24:55Brightens up, you know, your day when you see something like that.
24:58Let's hope people are attracted by it and take notice of it.
25:02I like the design, but I'm anti-electric.
25:06Maidstone Borough Council's 2013 net zero target means many of the existing diesel lorries are heading for extinction.
25:17Love it or hate it, the Binnasaurus is here to stay.
25:22Ollie Leader in Moat Park.
25:26And now it's time to look at the weather for the coming days.
25:32Tonight we'll see a cloudy evening with some light rain across the county.
25:37Temperatures peaking at 11 in Dover, cooling in the Ashford area.
25:40Tomorrow morning will bring cloudy skies.
25:42Temperatures as low as 9 in Maidstone, highs of 13 to the coasts in Dover and Margate.
25:46Into the afternoon now, temperatures will reach highs of 14 across the county.
25:50Wind speeds heading eastward at 16 miles per hour.
25:53And here is your outlook.
25:54Towards the end of the week, things getting slightly cooler.
25:56Highs of 15 while clouds continue into the next day.
25:59Temperatures will drop off to 14.
26:01Bit of rain there on Thursday.
26:10Well, it's now time for a break.
26:12But coming up, we'll hear about Maidstone's loose road that's been closed for three weeks with many businesses and residents affected.
26:19We'll also discuss the BBC's recent controversy over the weekend.
26:23After it was revealed, they misleadingly edited a speech from the US President Donald Trump.
26:27And we'll also take a look at Dettling Diner, which has now reopened after suffering from a fire about 18 months ago.
26:33They are now having up to 100 people returning to their opening day.
26:38We'll have all this and more after this very short break.
26:41See you in just a few minutes.
29:57Welcome back to Kent Tonight Live here on KMTV.
30:14I'm Finn McDermott and here's a recap of your top stories on Monday 10th November.
30:20Closure chaos businesses suffer as loose road closure sparks local frustration.
30:26Determined to keep on rolling, Maidstone Roller Hockey Club races to raise funds for vital
30:30floor refurbishment and rhymes by the river.
30:34Sheikah Jones, a performance poet based in Rochester, will be the first to perform at
30:38Medway River Lit this evening.
30:41Now for a look back at our top story tonight.
30:43Loose Road in Maidstone has been closed for three weeks and during that closure many businesses
30:47and residents say the effects have damaged trade and local areas.
30:51The Bull Inn near to the closed road has seen a drastic drop in food orders and an increase
30:55in cancellations because of the traffic.
30:57This has forced them to close their kitchen early on some occasions.
31:01Kristen Hawthorne has been speaking with them and others who might have been affected.
31:05Three weeks ago, Loose Road was closed for roadworks.
31:10It's caused gridlock traffic and damage to diversion roads, but it's also causing a noticeable difference
31:16to local businesses.
31:18Our local wet trade hasn't been affected too much, but definitely our food trade.
31:24We've noticed it at the weekends, especially when we've got our tables booked in, people
31:30ringing up because they're trying to get around the traffic.
31:33We've had tables cancel their reservations on the day as well.
31:39I mean, it's food, especially from like Monday to Friday.
31:43It's definitely gone down by half.
31:46You know, it's not just me that's probably going to suffer, but it's probably everybody
31:50else that's sort of this end of town as well.
31:52And if you're thinking of going to pet an animal to de-stress from the traffic, you
31:56might have trouble doing that as well.
31:58The majority of us start about 8, 8.30.
32:00There was a couple of us got in about 9, so the normal journey that would have taken 10
32:05minutes took about an hour this morning.
32:08And we're hearing that visitors, it's the same for them as well.
32:12Obviously, it's more important for us to be here because if we're not here, we can't
32:15serve the public and we can't be here to tend the goats.
32:19But yes, it's been chaotic.
32:21I mean, there's queues both ways in the roads and actually from one of the main road junctions
32:26right past our turning to the sanctuary.
32:30Yeah, it's chaotic.
32:32It is chaotic.
32:33While some Maidstone residents and businesses worry that the closure will last until Christmas,
32:38SGN have confirmed that everything is on track to close in two weeks.
32:42In a statement, they said that we're on track to complete this work, enabling the safe reopening
32:47of the road by Monday, the 24th of November.
32:50Sign diversions are in place for affected motorists, while the A229 Loose Road is closed.
32:56There are no plans to alter the agreed routes.
32:59With some drivers using unsuitable side roads and causing congestion, new signs, marshals,
33:04and navigation updates are in place to keep traffic on official diversions.
33:10A spokesperson for the Kent County Council added that they understand and sympathise with
33:14the concerns raised by residents regarding the impact of the recent road closures.
33:19SGN have advised us that these works are emergency and essential to maintain gas supply to residents
33:25and businesses, particularly as winter approaches and gas demand increases.
33:30We've actually got a Christmas fair on the 13th of December, so we really want our visitors
33:34to be able to get through because they're all booking online.
33:37So obviously once they pay, they pay and book at the same time.
33:41So we do really want them to be able to get to us because obviously it'd be quite stressful
33:46for us to have to refund everyone if they can't get here.
33:49So yeah, so that's a good thing.
33:51So hopefully they stick to their word and that will happen.
33:54So in the lead up to Christmas, a time when trade matters the most, locals hope they will
33:58feel the cheer instead of the traffic.
34:00Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV, Midstone.
34:05Now the BBC has been involved in controversy over the weekend after it was revealed they
34:09misleadingly edited a speech from US President Donald Trump to make it seem like he had directly
34:14called for violence on January 6th of 2021.
34:17Since then, two top leaders at the BBC have resigned and Trump himself has accused the journalists
34:22of being corrupt and dishonest.
34:23And he's today threatened legal action as they received more than 500 complaints.
34:28Andy Richards, who's been a journalist for more than 20 years and is now the channel director
34:32here at KMTV, joins me to discuss this further.
34:35So Andy, is this something people should be concerned about, that the BBC have been revealed
34:39to be making this kind of impartial, misleading edit that seems to lend itself to a certain viewpoint?
34:45I think what's, first of all, is really quite interesting, the way this has played out
34:50quite quickly as well over the weekend.
34:53What's ironic is that it was a journalist from The Telegraph who exposed this story,
34:59who has no impartiality to adhere to, because it's very different.
35:06Print media and broadcast media have different standards and different regulation to adhere
35:11to in terms of impartiality.
35:13We have to do the same thing as the BBC here at KMTV.
35:17We are regulated by Ofcom in exactly the same way.
35:20And impartiality is a really important thing.
35:22I think if there'd been no action and no quick investigation, I think that would have
35:27been really concerning.
35:29Critics will be saying, well, what else have they been doing in terms of misleading the
35:34public if that's what they have been found to be doing?
35:37But I think the fact that there was very quick action should be something that everyone
35:42should be encouraged by with the BBC.
35:46And let's see how this plays out over the next few weeks.
35:49Absolutely.
35:49And you mentioned there the difference between broadcast and print.
35:53You know, you and I know, you know, Ipso Code and Ofcom and things like that.
35:57But for our viewers at home, is this to the level of seriousness that this is being treated
36:02with?
36:02Is this something very serious that will be long-term repercussions for?
36:06I think there's politics in play here as well.
36:10Clearly, the US and the UK have got important deals to do.
36:15And it's a very, very turbulent time in international politics.
36:19Having the biggest news organization in the world, some would say, having this type of controversy
36:26around it is embarrassing for UK politicians.
36:29So that's something that's definitely at play here.
36:32But it's really, I think, impartiality is extremely important.
36:36For example, you didn't tell me the questions you were going to ask me about this in this
36:41interview because it was important that you could ask me open and honest questions without
36:45it being formulated and created because your job is to push me on these types of issues.
36:54And I would expect the same within the BBC.
36:57I see.
36:57Thank you so much for your time, Andy.
36:58Thank you, Finn.
36:59Now, after suffering from a fire 18 months ago, Dettling Diner has now reopened with
37:05up to 100 people returning on each of their opening days.
37:08The location was also used for filming for shows like Netflix's The Gentleman and ITV's
37:12Joan.
37:13Alia Pritchard has the story.
37:15A Taste of America returns as the Dettling Diner reopens after its devastating fire 18 months
37:21ago.
37:21The diner that was loved by TV productions and used for shows like The Gentleman was left
37:27completely wrecked after an electrical fire started in the stock room.
37:30On July 24, we had a fire here on a Saturday evening.
37:35The place was empty at the time.
37:37The passerby spotted the smoke coming out of the roof called the Fire Brigade, by which
37:42time it had taken hold.
37:44The smoke had completely engulfed the whole diner and it ruined everything basically.
37:50The smoke, the fire, everything was gone.
37:53All our stock furniture, absolutely everything.
37:56Since the fire, they have worked tirelessly to rebuild from the ashes of what they had
38:00lost and have revamped it into a traditional red and white American-themed diner.
38:04We went for the American diner theme, hence the red and white.
38:08It looks nice, it's bright, it's clean and I think it's appealing.
38:12I hope everyone else sees that.
38:14But we got there in the end.
38:16We're there now.
38:17We've got all new stuff in here, which we hope everybody's going to like as much as
38:21we do.
38:22And yeah, we're really looking forward to it taking off.
38:25We're here, we're ready and we hope we can really come true for you.
38:30We've tried our hardest and now we just need the support.
38:33The diner finally welcomed back customers on Wednesday 5th November and received many positive
38:38reviews about the transformation.
38:40Next, Maidstone Council have begun a public consultation on Lidsing and Heathland's garden
38:49settlements of 7,000 homes.
38:51The council has drafted supplementary planning documents for the two sites and is inviting
38:55for comments on them.
38:56The Heathland's garden settlement is proposed for land between Lennam and Charing and could
39:00deliver up to 5,000 homes with 40% affordable housing.
39:04The plans also include a new railway station, healthcare, education facilities and a country
39:09park.
39:09The Lidsing Garden settlement will provide up to 2,000 homes, also with that 40% affordable
39:14housing alongside employment space, community services and a strong emphasis on biodiversity
39:18and green infrastructure.
39:21Next, a Medway Scouts group raising funds for the Royal British Legion Industries has been
39:26left in disbelief after poppies they put up on lampposts were stolen.
39:30Last night, 46 mementos put up in CityWay in Rochester were taken just over 24 hours before
39:36Remembrance Sunday.
39:38It comes after around 30 children of the 21st Medway Scout group spent the last day putting
39:43them up.
39:44Each year, the Scouts put up the tributes to those who served during the war to raise around
39:48£5 per lamppost to give to the RBLI.
39:51This time, they're hoping to raise more to cover the losses.
39:54Tomorrow, members of the group who originally placed the poppies will take part in a parade
39:58to Fort Pitt Military Cemetery in CityWay.
40:01And now, a petition to lower the age and increase the frequency of mammogram invites has been
40:06launched.
40:08Gemma Reeves, a local chemotherapy nurse, started this petition after witnessing firsthand
40:12how many young patients are diagnosed with breast cancer.
40:15She wants the age for mammograms to be lowered from 50 to 40 and for the invites to become
40:20annual rather than every three years.
40:22The petition currently has over 13,000 signatures.
40:25Let's listen to Gemma now.
40:28Because early detection makes a huge difference.
40:31And when breast cancer is, you know, or any cancer is found sooner, treatments can be less
40:35aggressive, outcomes are better, and more people get a chance to, you know, live full
40:41lives, really.
40:41And that's why I set up the petition to, you know, lower the age of the mammograms from
40:4740 and for them to be more routine.
40:50The thing is, you know, everything is always cost-related, isn't it?
40:53And, you know, if they did lower the age and do the screenings more often, you know, in
40:59the long run, like, they would be saving money.
41:02Because if you've got that early detection, the treatment for an early detection might not
41:08cost as much as somebody that has been detected later and needs to go through a few lines of
41:14different chemotherapies.
41:15Now it is time for a short break.
41:18But coming up, we'll hear more about Tide's Leisure Centre that was demolished as a £20
41:23million revamp takeover continues.
41:26We'll also learn about a controversial plan by Rogate Properties Limited that looks to
41:31demolish the St George's Parish Hall.
41:33This has been declined by the Dover District Council.
41:36We'll also hear about an archive of Kent soldiers who fought in the First World War.
41:40This has been released by the platform findmypast.com, and we'll have loads more stories as well.
41:46Catch up with you just after this short break.
47:46We're going to have a look at something else.
47:48Don't forget you can keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by logging
47:50on to our website kmtv.com.uk.
47:52This isn't about the weather.
47:53In fact, it's about the cost of parking in Whitstable.
47:54My mistake.
47:55Let's have a look.
47:56How much is too much to pay for a day by the seaside?
47:59Under Canterbury City Council's new proposals, this figure might increase, as plans to hike
48:04up council car park prices loom over Canterbury, Whitstable and Herm Bay.
48:10This would be the second price hike in two years
48:13As measures brought in last year rose some by up to £2.10 an hour
48:18Announced last year but then scrapped in February
48:21These plans seek to bump up ban one car park charges by 10 pence
48:26But as Whitstable is already the priciest place to park on Kent's coastline
48:31Residents and locals alike were disgruntled by even the smallest increase
48:35I think it's diabolical and I can't see what we're getting for that
48:40I think it's greed on behalf of the councils
48:43And it will push the independent shops into wondering if it's worth their while staying in the winter
48:50We did look at the price per hour and kind of go how much when we got here
48:54Yeah but we knew what we wanted to do and fortunately we're in a position where we can pay that
49:01I think it's quite expensive £3.70 an hour in this car park here is quite a lot of money
49:06But I appreciate it's gone up quite a lot recently which is obviously quite a shock to the locals
49:11But those who seem to be most affected by these increased prices doesn't seem to be those paying them
49:17Instead it seems to be those who own businesses within Whitstable who are feeling a pinch
49:22Carol Ridley owns dress shops in Whitstable and Sandwich
49:25And worries this decision might put businesses like hers at risk
49:30Parking is outrageous
49:32I mean I have wonderful clothes and yes they're quite expensive but they're worth it
49:38And all my people say to me is I come for the day we want to go to the beach
49:44We want to fraternize the restaurants and the businesses
49:49But now adding another 30 minimum to the day out just on parking
49:56Instead of coming once a week they're coming once a month and I know that for a fact
50:02I mean it's outrageous they are so out of touch
50:07But for the council pricing people out of the most expensive car parks
50:11Seems like part of the plan to improve the area
50:14And the idea behind this is that we obviously want to limit the impact
50:18Of parking prices on people as much as possible
50:22We want people to have that choice if you want to park right in the town centres
50:26Then that's something you can do but that will come at a premium
50:30We want people to use those cheaper car parks
50:33And the reason we want them to do that is because they are the less polluting areas
50:36It discourages people from driving into those areas
50:38With the proposal still up for consultation it's uncertain if freezing prices for 80% of
50:45Canterbury City Council's car parks will keep residents and tourists coming
50:50Or if pushing ahead with price hikes we'll see them out the door
50:54Megan Shaw for KMTV in Whitstable
50:58Well let's see if I can get it right this time
51:00It's now time to look at the weather
51:01Tonight we'll see a cloudy evening with some light rain across the county
51:09Temperatures peaking at 11 in Dover
51:11Cooling over in the Ashford area reaching 9 degrees
51:13Tomorrow morning will bring cloudy skies
51:15Temperatures as low as 9 in Maidstone
51:17Highs of 13 to the coasts in Dover and Margate
51:19Into the afternoon temperatures will reach highs of 14 across the county
51:22Wind speeds heading eastward at 16 miles per hour
51:25And here is your outlook
51:26Towards the end of the week things getting slightly cooler
51:28Highs of 15 while clouds continue into the next day
51:31Where temperatures drop off to 14 with some rain there on Thursday
51:42Next the Medway River Lit is a Medway based literary
51:46Literary how do you say that literary there we go
51:48Organization that was commissioned by Medway Council in 2023
51:51Maybe I should go down I might need some help with some reading
51:54It's a 10-day celebration of the history and the future of literature
51:57Poetry and spoken word here in Medway
52:00They showcase over a hundred writers and performers in genres from crime
52:03Drama fantasy literature and more I spoke to Chika Jones earlier
52:08Thank you so much for joining me Chika and first of all how does it feel
52:11Feel being featured as part of the Medway River Lit
52:17It feels I guess like a like a honor I'm honored to be featured as part of this
52:27I know that the festival has been on for quite a while
52:31And so being part of the festival of future poets is a great honor for my end
52:36Absolutely and you've performed on stages across Nigeria, Germany and here in the UK
52:42How does the energy I suppose of Medway's poetry scene actually compare
52:46I know you hold Medway poetry nights regularly tell us a bit about that
52:48I think my favorite thing is the enthusiasm people bring to their work and their performance
53:00Comparing will be slightly hard because I think poetry communities all over the world tend to be the same
53:07People love their poems people love to share them, but I think um for for Medway poetry night
53:14Which I started holding in in 2020
53:19Two
53:192023 actually um so going on two years now
53:23It's been really good to see people of all ages
53:25I think typically most times when I see poetry performances or nights in other places
53:31And there's a certain younger crowd
53:34Which you tend to see
53:36But I think what has stood out for me for Medway poetry is
53:39People of all ages people from all kind of backgrounds show up with their poems
53:44And it really brings a
53:47richness to the experience you get to hear poems from people who are
53:51Quite old you get to hear poems when people are quite young
53:54You get to hear poems from people in between from all walks of life
53:57So that I think has stood out for me as special in Medway poetry night since the two years we've been holding it
54:03I see and what do you hope that audiences might take away from your performance?
54:09From my performance, that's usually a hard one to answer as a poet
54:13I hope they can take away joy
54:16Over the past three years, I think I have been performing for Waymo, but over the past three years
54:22I've been obsessed a bit with the concept of joy
54:25And what that means and I hope that when people hear my poems or listen to them
54:30They come away with joy regardless of the subject
54:34Absolutely, and you mentioned there that richness getting younger people involved
54:38What's sort of being done at festivals like Medway River Lit to make sure that it keeps poetry as a medium alive?
54:44Especially getting these young people through the door. Tell us a bit about that
54:46I think my favorite thing is the open mic feature because sometimes when
54:55I'm gonna split it so sometimes when younger people are getting into poetry
55:00One of the biggest fears is oh, what if people don't like my poem or what if this is just nonsense?
55:05And the open mic as a feature of festivals really says come in with whatever you have
55:11No matter how you think about it bring that poem to the state and I think that's a way to reduce that fear and get over that barrier to entry
55:19And away from younger people age-wise
55:22There are people who are older who are also just starting in poetry who just want to see what it's like
55:27So the open mic feature is also a great place not to feel like you're being judged or you're on the spot
55:33And you can just bring yourself in I think another thing is the cost and the timing of events
55:39And keeping the cost relatively low so people don't have to think too much about getting the money to attend
55:45It's also something that's super important and where it's possible also free free entry is a great thing
55:50I see and we haven't got much time left, but I'm curious. How did you get into writing and performing poetry?
55:56And how easy is it for people to get into? How can people start doing it?
55:59I started writing in 2012 I had my first slam in 2013 and I think I got into it from reading a lot
56:10I used to read a lot and I think by
56:12Logic or consequence you tend to write a lot if you read a lot
56:16So I think if you are thinking of writing or becoming a poet or performing poetry
56:22A good place to start is reading reading books reading poetry books reading novels any kind of literature
56:28You can lay your hand on reading reading and reading a lot will spoil you into writing. I see. Thank you so much for your time
56:37You've been watching kent tonight live here on kmtv and unfortunately that is all the time we have for now. Thank you for watching and good night
56:52You
Recommended
57:11
|
Up next
57:09
57:06
57:18
57:01
27:04
27:07
57:20
12:16
27:08
27:01
27:04
27:00
57:12
27:03
27:00
27:01
27:05
12:13
27:09
27:04
12:10
27:05
57:03
57:01
Be the first to comment