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This week, Primark takes a big step toward opening its long-awaited store in the old BHS building, with plans hinting at an October launch. Meanwhile, a local crackdown on illegal vape sales shows early signs of success, though poor ID checks reveal more work ahead before the single-use vape ban begins in June.

Don’t Miss:

🎤 Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back? – A raw, funny look at testicular cancer, Queen’s Hall, Saturday.

🎸 Paradise Found – A high-energy Meat Loaf tribute at Assembly Hall, Wednesday night.

— Jamie

WEATHER

Monday: 4°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 6°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 55C 🌡️ 17°C | ☀️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: A crackdown on illegal vape sales in Tunbridge Wells has seen some success. Since September, the Local Vape Action (LVA) partnership—made up of Kent County Council, Kent Police, and the Independent British Vape Trade Association—has visited over 40 shops. A test purchase found only 20% asked for ID properly, showing there’s still work to do.

More Context: A survey of 200 locals found nearly 75% want action against those selling to kids. While no shops broke the law in the tests, poor ID checks are a concern. The pilot will continue in Tunbridge Wells and help guide national plans ahead of a ban on single-use vapes starting 1st June.

THE BRIEF

👖 Coming Soon: Primark is one step closer to opening in Tunbridge Wells. It has submitted plans to the council for a new shopfront, signs, and rooftop equipment at the old BHS site on Calverley Road. The store will also connect to Royal Victoria Place. The opening is likely around 10th October. The council bought the shopping centre in 2023 and hopes Primark will boost foot traffic and attract more shops. The store will be accessible to all, with features to support people with disabilities. Job listings are not yet live but expected soon.

🔫 Laser Quest: A new games centre could be coming to Tunbridge Wells. Plans have been submitted to turn the former Hop House pub at Knights Park into a venue with Laser Quest, mini-golf, arcade games, and two party rooms. The Laser Quest arena would be 220 square metres and fit 32 players. Aviva Investors is behind the proposal, which now awaits council approval.

🦘 Tory Jumps Ship: Becki Bruneau, county councillor for Tunbridge Wells South, has quit the Conservatives to join the right-wing Heritage Party. She says the party is the only one that truly supports British people and Christians. Bruneau accused the council of wasting taxpayers' money and putting personal agendas before residents. She criticised remote-working senior staff and slammed plans for devolution, calling it a power grab. She also dismissed climate change policies as fear tactics. Conservative councillors said her views were strong but questioned her exit style. Kent County Council declined to comment. Bruneau has not decided if she’ll run in May’s election.

🍔 McDonald's Is Back: The McDonald’s on Dowding Way in Tunbridge Wells will reopen on 4th April after a month-long renovation. It closed on 3rd March for upgrades as part of the chain’s “Convenience of the Future” plan. A spokesperson said the changes will improve the experience for both customers and staff. The exact updates haven’t been shared yet. This is one of several upgrades across Kent, with work also happening in Maidstone, Swanley, and Folkestone.

🅿️ School Parking Changes: New waiting restrictions are now in place outside Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells. Kent County Council added “School Keep Clear” markings at both entrances on Sandown Park. They apply from 8–9am and 3–4pm, Monday to Friday. The goal is to improve safety, ease traffic, and protect the local area. The school, which has 1,082 pupils aged 11 to 18, did not comment. The changes followed a public consultation held last August.

THIS WEEK

Giovanni - The Last Dance | Assembly Hall | Tues, 7:30pm | Giovanni Pernice returns in 2025 for farewell dance tour. | £43​

Paradise Found - Live Meat Loaf | Assembly Hall | Wed, 7:30pm | Paradise Found: Ultimate Meat Loaf tribute with electrifying show. | £34​

Under 18's Mic Night | The Forum | Thurs, 4:30pm | Bring instruments or backing track; drum kit and backline provided | £5​

Perfectly George | Assembly Hall | Fri, 7:30pm | Rob Lamberti’s tribute show celebrates George Michael’s greatest hits | £38.75+​

Back To The 80's | The Forum | Sat, 8pm | The Forum’s longest-running club night with DJ Alex Macnutt | £10​

Children's Market | Crowborough Community Centre | Sat, 10:30am | Family event with kids' activities, entertainment, and second hand stalls | Free​

Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back? | Queen's Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Richard Herring returns with comedy show on testicular cancer | £24​

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea | Saloman's Estate | Sat, 12pm | Enjoy elegant afternoon tea with garden views | £30​

Mothering Sunday | Penshurst Place | Sun, 11:30 to 3:30pm | Celebrate Mother’s Day with crafts and flowers at Penshurst Place | Details​

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​

Easter Gaming | Royal Victoria Place | 7th to 11th Apr | Race sims, game jams, and retro coding fun await | Free​

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

Day Out With Thomas | Spa Valley Railway | 26th & 27th Apr, 3rd & 4th May | Celebrate 80 years of Thomas with rides, games, and entertainment | £19.50​

The Baddies Show | Assembly Hall | 1st to 3rd Apr | The Baddies: Hilarious family show based on hit book | £20.25​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

18th Mar - Tunbridge Wells 0 - 3 Punjab United

22nd Mar - Lordswood AFC 1 - 2 Tunbridge Wells

25th Mar - Bearsted vs. Tunbridge Wells

29th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. VCD Athletic

🏉 RUGBY

22nd Mar - Tunbridge Wells 22 - 29 Brighton

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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