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Podcast: Shop owner won’t move despite plans for huge new hotel

In today's podcast, the owner of an independent shop in Ashford town centre says they're not going to move - despite plans for a huge hotel opposite.

A row of six shops is being knocked down to make way for the new building which will have 92 bedrooms, a bar, restaurant and spa.

Jim Symes, who runs Ashford Sewing Centre, says they've had a lot of confusion from customers.

Also in today's episode, we take a look at some of the issues that have led to a shortage of doctors in Kent.

New data shows there are just 38 GPs for every 100,000 people, which is the worst figure in Britain.

Elsewhere, a Chatham woman who underwent transgender conversion therapy as a teenager says it's ruined her life.

Shea Coffey is calling for the process, which aims to stop people from transitioning, to be made illegal.

Market traders in and around Canterbury, who are already feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis, have been told they'll need to pay thousands in backdated rent.

Retailers say they're spending sleepless nights worrying about their finances as they try to recover from the impact of Covid and deal with soaring energy bills.

Animal conservationists are hoping to protect more endangered lions by building larger enclosures.

The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden want to improve existing habitats and create new space for Asiatic lions.

And in football, Gillingham's disappointing start to the League Two season has continued.

Hear from manager Neil Harris after their 1-0 defeat away to Carlisle at the weekend.

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