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Good morning!

This week, Sainsbury’s solar panel plans stir up local debate. Meanwhile, 17 hospitality businesses are sounding the alarm over rising costs, warning of closures unless urgent action is taken.

Looking for plans? Don’t miss the explosive Rude Science show at the Assembly Hall on Saturday, or travel back in time with the glamorous 1920s Speakeasy Swing night.

Let’s dive in 👇

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 19°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌧️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: Sainsbury’s wants to install solar panels on the roof of its Tunbridge Wells store to help meet its Net Zero target by 2035. The system would cut 81 tonnes of CO2 each year. The panels are designed to reduce glare and won’t be visible from the street. But neighbours say the glare will hurt their well-being and lower property values. Some call the plans “intolerable.” Sainsbury’s submitted a glare report to ease concerns, but many residents are still against it. The council has yet to decide on the application.

Second Opinion: Some residents oppose Sainsbury’s solar panel plans, but others see it differently. Supporters of growth say Britain needs to back clean energy and industry to thrive again. They believe projects like this can cut red tape, support jobs, and help the UK grow. For them, solar panels aren’t just green—they’re part of a bigger plan to boost the economy and secure the future.

THE BRIEF

🪙 "Ruinous Changes": Seventeen Tunbridge Wells hospitality businesses have joined MP Mike Martin to warn the Treasury about rising costs that could force closures. From 2025, their business rates relief will drop from 75% to 40%, adding pressure on top of higher wages, National Insurance, and running costs. They argue the current system punishes small high street businesses while online giants like Amazon pay far less by comparison. The group backs a new tax based on land value instead of property value. They want urgent reform or targeted support to help local hospitality survive and grow.

⚠️ Coercive Attack: Ozgur Suyolcu, 29, has admitted to a violent and coercive attack on his girlfriend in Tunbridge Wells. He left her with severe injuries including burns, fractures, and a branded tattoo of his name. The abuse, carried out with items like a steamer and hammer, lasted several days. Even after being jailed, Suyolcu tried to control her through repeated contact. He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and controlling behaviour, and will be sentenced in June.

Need support? Refuge offers confidential help for women experiencing abuse.

😶‍🌫️ Pipeline Upgrade: A £4 million gas upgrade in Tunbridge Wells will replace 3.5km of old pipes with new plastic ones. Work starts on 5th May and runs until 5th October. It will take place along Upper Grosvenor Road, which will be closed in sections as the project moves. Drivers must follow signed diversions, and bus routes may change. This is phase one of two, with phase two planned for 2026. SGN says the work is needed to stop future gas leaks. A public drop-in session will be held on 8th April at The Robin Hood Pub for anyone with questions.

🎰 Post Office to...Betfred: The old Post Office in Tunbridge Wells could soon become a Betfred. Closed since 2023, the building has sat empty and is now marked with graffiti. After a year of trying to find a buyer, Betfred is the only serious offer. The company has applied to turn the site into a betting shop with space for bingo, football betting, and customer seating. Six people would work there. The Post Office, once known for long queues and broken heating, reopened nearby on Grosvenor Road after closing for good last September.

🏠 More Homes: Tunbridge Wells councillors have approved 120 new homes in Horsmonden, despite local objections. The vote passed 5–3. Residents and councillors raised concerns about traffic, poor pavements, and a lack of public transport. They fear the village can’t cope with more growth. The developer, Persimmon, has promised open space, land for a medical centre, and 48 affordable homes. Some councillors said rejecting the plan could be overturned on appeal, as the borough hasn’t met government housing targets.

THIS WEEK

Easter Gaming | Royal Victoria Place | Mon to Fri | Race sims, game jams, and retro coding fun await | Free​

Virtual Darts | The Claremont | Tues, 7:30pm | Food, drinks & virtual darts! | Details​

Easter Family Hub | Calverley Park | Thurs, 2pm to 5pm | Basketball, Easter crafts and face painting! | Free​

The Easter Rabbit Goes On Holiday | Penshurst Place | 5th to 21st Apr | Join the Easter trail to find the Rabbit’s lost items | With Admission​​

Comedy Night | Red Lion Pub | Thurs, 7:30pm | Head to Rusthall for French food and five acts! | Book Here​

Rude Science | Assembly Hall | Sat, 11:30am & 3pm | Explosive, hilarious science show making STEM unforgettable for kids | £21.15​

Tina Turner & Blondie Back2Back | Crowborough Community Centre | 12th Apr | £15​

Reggae with DJ Rock Steady | Tyber's Bar | Sat, 7:30pm | Reggae & Ska night! | Free​

1920s Speakeasy Swing | Assembly Hall | Sat, 6:30pm | 1920s Gatsby-style night of jazz, cocktails, and dancing! | £18​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

FURTHER OUT

The Easter Rabbit Goes On Holiday | Penshurst Place | 5th to 21st Apr | Join the Easter trail to find the Rabbit’s lost items | With Admission​

Wicked Sing Along | EM Forster Theatre | 24th Apr | Wicked sing-along night of magic, music, and fundraising fun! | £12​

Martin Clunes: Meetings With Remarkable Animals | Assembly Hall | 7th May | Martin Clunes shares inspiring true stories of extraordinary, life-changing animals | £25​​

Macy Gray | Assembly Hall | 10th May | Macy Gray celebrates 25 years of On How Life Is! | £48​

The Jives Aces Concert | Crowborough Community Centre | 16th May | Swinging fundraiser with Jive Aces to support community centre | £18.04​

East 17 | The Forum | 3rd May | The 90's band come to town | £35.50​​

PaintNGo | Buckhurst Works | Easter Weekend | Creative all-ages paint event to shape PaintnGo’s future | Details​​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

1st Apr - Tunbridge Wells 2 - 1 Kennington

5th Apr - Tunbridge Wells 3 - 3 Larkfield & New Hythe

8th Apr - Tunbridge Wells vs. Fisher

12th Apr - Stansfield vs. Tunbridge Wells

🏉 RUGBY

5th Apr - Jersey Rugby Football Club v28 - 24 Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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