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Good Morning! In today's TW Life:

• Labour Councillor doesn't think planting trees is enough
• Which village might be home to an HGV park?
• Secure your Thomas tickets!

Have a great week!

WEATHER

Monday: 0°C 🌡️ 9°C | ☁️

Tuesday: 1°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀️

Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☀️

MAIN STORY

Jayne Sharratt, a Labour Councillor, says planting trees won’t stop climate change.

​She told West Kent Radio that the Liberal Democrats' plan to plant 116,000 trees—one for each resident—is not enough. Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats proposed the idea to tackle climate change, but Sharratt called it a "wasteful distraction." She said trees alone can’t absorb carbon as quickly as people burn it.

“Nobody opposes planting trees,” Sharratt said. “But planting them won’t solve the climate crisis. It just isn’t enough.”

Sharratt led carbon reduction policy during the previous council coalition. She also spoke about bus fares, airport expansion, and housing shortages. She blamed private bus companies for rising ticket prices. She supported the council’s opposition to Gatwick expansion, noting concerns over noise, climate, and transport.

Sharratt believes the focus must shift to practical solutions, not symbolic actions.

THE BRIEF

🚌 Bus Cuts: East Sussex residents want Stagecoach to reverse planned cuts to the route 51 bus service. From 30 March, buses from Eastbourne to Heathfield and Tunbridge Wells will run hourly instead of every half hour. Over 600 people signed a petition opposing the change. Residents say fewer buses will harm elderly, disabled, and low-income passengers. Sophie Carpenter, who has multiple sclerosis and cannot drive, said the cuts will hurt her and her clients. Stagecoach says rising costs forced the decision.

🚨 Girl Assaulted: A teenage girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a stranger in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, Tunbridge Wells. It happened around 12.17 pm on Sunday, 9th March. Police charged Pyotr Slawomir, 53, who has no fixed address, with two counts of sexual assault. The second charge relates to an incident on High Brooms Road, Southborough, on 22nd October. Slawomir will appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court today.

🛣️ Right of Way Changes: Construction of 167 retirement flats on the ABC cinema site in Tunbridge Wells has changed public footpaths. A 73m path (WBX18) from Clanricarde Road to Church Road has been removed. Another (WBX17) has been partially diverted, now taking a less direct route. The council approved these changes in January 2023. Despite concerns, work continues, adding shops, restaurants, and basement parking, but no affordable housing.

🚚 HGV Fordecombe Base: Rexaus Group, a waste management company from Tunbridge Wells, wants to use Spring Hill Farm in Fordcombe as a base for three HGVs. It currently operates from Cannon Bridge Works in Tonbridge. The company also owns a butcher shop, café, and auto repair service. The application is listed with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, and no objections have been made yet. Residents near the site can submit concerns by March 20.

🚦 Traffic Light Delays: Hawkhurst residents say they are "in the dark" about roadworks at the A229/A268 junction. Developer Dandara is installing traffic lights for a 71-home project, causing road closures from 31 March to 15 June. Locals fear long delays and business losses. Councillor Ellen Neville says poor communication has left people unprepared. Dandara apologised, saying they are working with Kent County Council to reduce disruption.

THIS WEEK

Comedy Night | The Guinea | Thurs, 7:30pm | Comedy night returns with top acts—tickets £7, sold out before! | £7​

Our Kids Our Lives Screening | Langton Pavilion Cafe | Tues, 7:30pm | A film by Ben Akers about the mental health of our kids | Free​

A Celebration of Women | Limekiln | Sun, 12pm | Join for high tea, speakers, and fundraising this March! | Details​

Mad, Bad And Dangerous To Know | Trinity Theatre | Sat, 3:30pm | Talk on eccentric MPs by Vivian Widgery, supporting young musicians | £14​

That'll Be The Day | Assembly Hall | Sat, 7pm | Experience rock, pop, and comedy in the UK's longest-running show! | £21+​

Spring Equinox Mini Retreat | Hever Castle | Sun, 10am | Relax with nature, sound bath, and campfire reflection. | £65​

Stephanie Benson, Queen Of Jazz | The Grey Lady | Fri, 7pm | The Ghanian singer and performer is playing this Friday | £10​

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

FURTHER OUT

Giovanni - The Last Dance | Assembly Hall | 25th Mar | Giovanni Pernice's 2025 tour, The Last Dance—unmissable performance! | £43

Easter Gaming Fun | Royal Victoria Place | 7th to 11th Apr | School holiday fun with VR racing and Pixel Bash gaming! | Details​

The Easter Rabbit Goes On Holiday | Penshurst Place | 5th to 21st Apr | Join the Easter Rabbit's holiday hunt for lost items! | With Admission​

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​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

11th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Corinthian (POSTPONED)

15th Mar - Tunbridge Wells 0 - 3 Hollands & Blair

18th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Punjab United

22nd Mar - Lordswood AFC vs. Tunbridge Wells

🏉 RUGBY

22nd Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Brighton

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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