Podcast: "Heartbreaking" rise in child drug treatment across Kent and Medway with even children of primary school age suspended

New figures which show even primary school children in Kent are being suspended for substance misuse have been described as “heartbreaking”.More and more students are being pulled out of the classroom as shock new statistics reveal a significant rise in under-18s being treated for addiction problems — including use of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy. Also in today’s podcast, schools are closed again today and thousands of residents are still without supplies as the Kent water crisis continues.South East Water confirmed 25,000 customers still have issues including in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Whitstable following a breakout of leaks and bursts across their network.Bosses have declared a critical incident at a hospital due to a sudden “high demand” for its services.East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement due to sustained pressures at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.An historic former library described as a town’s “most treasured community asset” is set to be auctioned off by Kent County Council sparking fury among residents.The site in Folkestone has been closed since 2022 because of flood damage - with the authority expected to make a decision to sell it today. And money is on offer to independent business in Maidstone to improve their shopfronts. It's part of council plans to make the town centre more appealing and draw shoppers away from the online market.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.