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Good Morning!
This week Mike Martin MP pushes back against bus lane signs, the local ICU is one of the best in the world and a £135m logistics hub gets approved. Film lovers can head to St Mark's Church who are hosting a candlelit tribute to Hans Zimmer and then can head to Rusthall for a screening of The Cider House Rules.
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WEATHER
Monday: 2°C 🌡️ 4°C | 🌧️
Tuesday: 2°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☁️
Wednesday: 1°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☁️
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MAIN STORY
Local MP Says: MP Mike Martin opposes new blue bus lane signs in Tunbridge Wells, arguing they mislead drivers and increase fines. He claims red circular signs, used elsewhere, are clearer and better at deterring motorists. Martin has invited Kent County Council (KCC) officials to walk the route. He wants them to reconsider the change, and is urging them to commission an independent expert to propose solutions. He has also called for a delay in implementing the new signs, warning they will worsen the situation. KCC issued almost 12,000 fines in the past year, raising c.£840,000, though actual collections were lower due to appeals and early payments.
More Context: KCC, now taking over bus lane enforcement from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, says the blue signs follow the Highway Code and match those used elsewhere in Kent. A six-month warning period will give drivers time to adjust before fines begin. Critics, including local residents, argue the blue signs are unclear. Some people have only realised their mistake after receiving a penalty. KCC insists the scheme is about changing driver behavior, not raising revenue. Cllr Sean Holden dismissed Liberal Democrat concerns, saying the previous enforcement unfairly fined drivers and was more about generating money than road safety.
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THE BRIEF
£8.8m Re-tender: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council may re-tender its waste management contract with FCC Environment. The £8.8m-a-year contract, shared with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, runs until 2027, with an option to extend for 10 years. FCC Environment, which took over Urbaser UK in 2024, will not extend under the current price. The councils rejected a price increas. It will now consider three options: in-house services, a Local Authority Trading Company, or a new contractor. A report recommends continuing the partnership and outsourcing services. A joint steering group will manage the process.
Last WWII Bomber: Wing Commander Jack Harris, the last known surviving WWII Bomber Command pilot, was laid to rest in Tunbridge Wells. He died on 9 January at age 104. Harris flew 37 missions with 550 Squadron, including raids over Dresden. Despite many close calls, he always returned home safely. Family, friends, and an RAF bugler attended his funeral, where the Last Post was played. After the war, he helped form the 550 Squadron Association and organized reunions. He settled in Tunbridge Wells with his family and married three times, his last at age 98.
Logistics Hub Approved: TN2 Gateway secured final approval this week. Scannell Properties and Royal London Asset Management own the 33-acre logistics and industrial site. The £135m scheme will deliver over 500,000 sq ft of high-spec warehouse space across nine units, ranging from 23,000 sq ft to 175,000 sq ft. Well placed near the A21, the TN2 Gateway is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings. The developer's see sustainability as a key selling point. Features include solar panels, green roofs, carbon-neutral heating, and extensive landscaping. The first units will be ready for occupation in early 2026, with full completion later that year.
Alfresco Green Light: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has approved more outdoor seating in The Pantiles. Landowner Targetfollow's plan faced objections over walkways, business visibility, and open space. The council ruled the expansion keeps the area’s charm while allowing pedestrian access. Some seating must be removed within four months to protect sight lines and heritage value. Targetfollow also sought to make its seasonal festival seating around the bandstand a year-round feature. The Pantiles, known for its shops, restaurants, and events, remains a key attraction in the town.
World-Class ICU: Tunbridge Wells Hospital’s ICU is the first in England to earn international accreditation for patient-centered care. It is one of only 18 ICUs worldwide recognised under the HU-CI project, scoring "excellent" across 160 standards. The unit focuses on humanized care, allowing 24/7 next-of-kin visits and early rehabilitation. Research shows this approach shortens ICU stays and reduces anxiety and depression. The trust says the award reflects the team’s dedication and its commitment to putting patients first.
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THIS WEEK
The Cider House Rules | Sat, 6:30pm | An orphan leaves his mentor to seek freedom at Rusthall Community Cinema | £5
Bookmania | Fri, 9:30am | Love and Kindness story telling for pre-schoolers | £5
Cranbrook Comedy Club | Fri, 8pm | Tom Ward, President Obonjo, Freya Mallard and Dave Chawner are at the Queen's Hall | £9+
Hans Zimmer Candlelight Experience | 14th Feb | Pay homage to Zimmer at St Mark's Church | £20+
Music Tonbridge Showcase | Mon, 6:30pm | New Wave and Contemporary Rock classics at the Forum | £7
Speed Dating at the Guinea | Thurs, 7pm | 30 to 40-year-olds event this week | £15
Valentines Dinner and Music | Fri, 7pm | Live music with the Bob Bernard Duo at the Grey Lady | £10+
Pottery: Arty Farty Winter | Wed, 11am | Relieve stress by kneading, moulding, shaping and slapping clay! | £26
The Valentine's Day Tea & Bloom Workshop | Sat, 1:30pm | Indulge in a heartwarming experience of creativity and culinary delight | £50
Dadspace Meetup | Sat, 10am | Free mental health support group for Dads | Free
Peter Andre in the Best of Frankie Valley | Fri, 7:30pm | A high-pitched tribute to Frankie Valli's timeless hits at the Assembly Hall | £45
For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)
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FURTHER OUT
All Star Murder Mystery | 28th Feb | Head to the Grey Lady for a 3-course meal, prosecco and murder! | £50
An Afternoon with Kirsten Ramsay | 9th March | Join a talk with ceramics expert Kirsten Ramsay on restoration | £55
Easter Baking | 18th April | Kick off Easter with homemade Hot Cross Buns and treats! | £70
World Book Day | 6th March | Explore Chiddingstone Castle’s library with curator Naomi Collick | Details
Wicked Sing Along | 20th Feb | Sing along to Wicked in this magical half-term event! | £6+
Calendar Girls | 26th Feb to 1st Mar | A woman plans a unique tribute after her friend’s loss. | £15+
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SPORT
⚽ FOOTBALL
4th Feb - Corinthian 2 - 3 Tunbridge Wells
8th Feb - Whitstable Town 4 - 0 Tunbridge Wells
11th Feb - Tunbridge Wells vs. Sutton Athletic
15th Feb - Faversham Town vs. Tunbridge Wells
🏉 RUGBY
15th Feb - Old Alleynians vs. Tunbridge Wells
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THANK YOU
Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!
Jamie
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