Megan Samrai

Meridian

Production Journalist at ITV News Meridian

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Articles

'Deeply flawed' special school reforms for Kent are thrown out after teachers threatened legal action

2 weeks ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Megan Samrai

"Deeply flawed" plans for seven special schools in Kent to be redesigned to allow children with complex needs to be allowed in have been thrown out after teachers threatened legal action. Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KsENT), representing 24 heads, was seeking a judicial review of Kent County Council (KCC) plans for a shake-up of admissions' policies.
Firm repairing Kent council homes collapses into administration as only 'urgent' repairs can be done

2 weeks ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Megan Samrai

A firm which repairs council homes in an area of Kent has collapsed into administration - leaving the authority only able to carry out "emergency and urgent" repairs. Dartford Council has ended its contract with the Breyer Group at short notice while a plan is put in place to get services "back to normal". Tenants received a text from the local authority last Tuesday (April 1) informing them it is only able to complete "emergency and urgent repairs".
Warning as UK passport fees set to rise significantly from April

2 weeks ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Megan Samrai

If you're a passport holder, it's time to pay attention: you could be facing an extra £15 fee this year due to a spike in passport fees. Passport costs are poised to rise by as much as £15 starting from the upcoming Thursday, April 10. Adult applicants going for the standard online service will see prices leap from £88.50 to £94.50, while those opting for the premium one-day service will witness a hike from £207.50 to £222, according to MoneySavingExpert.
DVLA warning for drivers over 70 and those with relatives who have reached the age

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Sophie Buchan |Luke Chillingsworth |Sophie Buchan Money |Megan Samrai

The DVLA has issued a fresh warning to UK drivers, particularly those who "know someone over the age of 70", urging them to remind older people to renew their driving licences. Once individuals hit 70, they are required to renew their licence and then every three years after that, a shift from the 10-year renewal necessary for younger drivers. A significant number of older drivers in Kent and across the country, may not be aware of this requirement and could face hefty fines if they don't comply.
Opening date for new splash pad at the UK's only riverside tidal saltwater pool

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Robert Boddy |Megan Samrai

The opening date for a new splash at a popular Kent Lido has been revealed. The fun play area featuring 30 jets of water will open just in the time for the summer. The beach-themed splash pad will replace the existing paddling pool at The Strand Lido in Gillingham. Children aged three to 11 years old will be able to cool off on hot summer's day under 30 sensor-activated water jets.
National Trust members hit with 25% price rise

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Ben Hurst |Megan Samrai

National Trust membership fees have taken a steep climb with the cost soaring by nearly 25% in three years. An annual adult membership which was £76.80 last year has now risen to £96.20 from March 1, and those opting for a lifetime family membership are looking at shelling out £3,025, up from the previous £2,865.
Pensioners urged to unplug two items to reduce energy bills 'significantly'

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |James Rodger |Megan Samrai

State pensioners have been advised that they could "significantly" lower their energy bills by not leaving two household appliances on standby. Energy experts have highlighted two of the "worst home appliances to leave on standby", urging households to turn them off completely. Eclipse Energy have identified the appliances that should "never be left on standby mode". In this case, "standby" refers to appliances being plugged in with the socket switched on.
Seven planets will align in the night sky for last time in 15 years

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Jake Holden |Megan Samrai

Stargazers brace yourselves, as seven out of the eight planets are set to align across the sky for the last time in 15 years tonight. Enthusiasts will witness Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn aligning from east to southwest on Friday, February 28. The spectacle, known as a planetary parade, marks the last time they will all align until 2040, reports by the BBC.
Nestle recalls boxes of Shreddies over fears they contain hard sugar

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Neil Shaw |Megan Samrai

Shoppers are being urged to check boxes of a popular breakfast cereal after 14 batches were recalled by Nestle. Fears hard sugar may have contaminated packets of Nestle Frosted Shreddies mean the cereal is being taken off the shelves and anyone who has already purchased a box is urged not to eat it. Customers are urged to check the batch code and contact Nestle for a refund before disposing of the affected product.
The proposed law changes around AI that could be disastrous for publishers

1 month ago | kentlive.news | Lucy Thorne |Megan Samrai

Today we're keen to draw your attention to an issue that could be disastrous not just for local newspapers and online publishers like Sevenoaks Chronicle, Dover Express and KentLive, but the UK’s entire creative sector.