​

Merry Christmas! Thank you to everyone who has been reading this year, we've nearly doubled the number of subscribers. I hope you all have a fantastic week!

WEATHER

Monday: 5°C 🌡️ 6°C | 🌥️

Tuesday: 9°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌫️

Wednesday: 7°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌫️

MAIN STORY

"Better Streets": Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s “Better Streets” programme proposed large changes to roads in the St James’ and St John’s areas. It also changed parts of Southborough, High Brooms, Sherwood, and Park. Under these concept designs, the Council would change certain streets to one-way, bus-only, or closed to general traffic. The aim was to reduce congestion, improve safety, and encourage more walking and cycling. The Council wanted to tackle issues such as excessive traffic and parking difficulties.

The Changes: During the public consultation, residents voiced strong opposition. They argued the changes would push traffic onto main roads, which already suffer from congestion. Some council members labeled the proposals “absurd.” They raised concerns about the lack of consultation with areas outside St James’ and St John’s despite the town-wide impact. As a result, the council dropped the major road-altering elements of the plan. They chose to focus on less controversial enhancements such as new pedestrian crossings, lower speed limits, and improved lighting.

More Context: The consultation received more than 1,800 responses. Critics said the proposals failed to provide practical alternatives to car travel. They noted the limited bus and cycling infrastructure. Kent County Council and Active Travel England have provided £50,000 in funding. The Council will use this to present full feedback at a Joint Transportation Board meeting on January 13. The council may still pursue some measures that garnered public support to improve local streets and road safety.

THE BRIEF

TK Maxx Arrest: Police arrested three women from Croydon on Tuesday in Tunbridge Wells. They were allegedly stealing over £300 from TK Maxx and hiding them in a pram. Security staff apprehended one of the suspects. Police apprehended the other two suspects in the nearby retail park. A linked vehicle was also discovered, containing further suspicious items. The suspects were bailed and must return in January.

Rugby Club May Move: Esquire Developments aims to move Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club 1km down Frant Road. They want to build 355 homes on its current pitch and nearby land, straddling the Kent/Sussex border. 1,000 petitioners, the local council, and the MP, argue it will overload local Tunbridge Wells’ infrastructure. Esquire says the move would deliver improved facilities. Including a new clubhouse, an artificial pitch, and extra parking. The formal planning application timeline remains unclear.

New Local App: Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID has introduced the free “RTW Love Local Tunbridge Wells” App. It offers users a one-stop digital hub for events, offers, and transport updates. With over 1,000 downloads and 150 participating businesses, the App allows users to personalise notifications based on their interests. It will soon support an e-commerce marketplace (Shop Local) in 2025.

Up 5.3%: House prices in Tunbridge Wells rose 5.3% in October, contrasting with a 0.3% dip across the South East. This jump contributed to an 8.1% annual rise, placing Tunbridge Wells second among the region’s 64 local authorities for growth. Cherwell topped the list with 8.8% annual gains, while the Isle of Wight saw a 5% decrease. Nationwide, house prices were flat month-on-month but up 3.4% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, CPI inflation climbed to 2.6% in November. Experts note first-time buyers are more active. But they caution the high mortgage rates and inflation could lead to modest improvements in 2025. Additionally, calls have been made to incentivise older homeowners to downsize, aiding market fluidity.

More Xmas Cheer:

Photographs by Jeremy Clapham RTW​

THIS WEEK

Pat Pope's Art of Reinvention | Until 12th Jan | The work of BritPop photographer, Pope is featuring in an exhibition at the Pantiles Cafe | Details​

Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Historic Diesel Unit 1317 | Details​

Christmas At Hever | Mon to Sun | A Christmas trail, fairground rides, food & drink and shopping | £23.50+​

Christmas at Bedgebury | Until 1st Jan | With a trail created by award-winning producers, Christmas at Bedgebury is always unmissable. | £22.50​

SKATE | Mon to Sun | Ice skating, Curling and the Wheel return to Calverley Grounds | Details​

Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star | Tues to Thurs, Sat & Sun | The Little Vic Theatre is hosting this magical production | £10​

Aladdin | Mon & Tues, Thurs to Sun | Panto starring Ore Oduba, Stewart McCeyne and James Peake | £30​

Sleeping Beauty | Wed to Sun | Trinity Theatre's panto continues this week! | £28+​

The Aliens Who Saved Christmas | Tues to Thurs, Sat & Sun | Back by popular demand! The show starring Muzz Khan & Juliette Finn is at the Trinity Theatre | £8​

Fat Freddie & The Queens | Fri, 7:30pm | Christmas celebration of Queen at the Forum | £18.50​

All the Above | Fri, 7:30pm | The Sussex Arms hosts the alt grunge band | Free​

The Boxing Day Bonanza | 26th Dec | The Grey Lady's annual boxing day party, featuring the Harry Whitty Band & the Paul Dunton Orchestra | £12​

Christmas Special | Boxing Day, 11am | Head to Crowborough Miniature Railway on Boxing Day | £1+​

Sam's Quiz | Sun, 7:30pm | Sam's famous quiz night at the Guinea | £3pp​

Pantiles Christmas Market | Mon & Tues | Christmas stalls, live music, and shops at the Pantiles | Details​

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

FURTHER OUT

New Year's Eve at the Pantiles | 31st Dec | Head to the Pantiles for live music, DJs, fireworks, food and drinks | £15​

New Year's Masquerade Party 2025 | 31st Dec | The Manor House is hosting a sparkly New Year bash! | £11.25+​

Treasure Island | 17th to 19th Jan | Southborough Community Pantomime are performing Treasure Island for 3 nights in January | £14​

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

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

21st Dec - Crawley Town Athletic 2 - 2 Tunbridge Wells

28th Dec - Tunbridge Wells vs. Sutton Athletic

🏉 RUGBY

21st Dec - Tunbridge Wells 21 - 16 Horsham

REFERRAL PROGRAM

I'm sure you know at least 3 other people who'd love this newsletter.

Share your referral link (below) with them to unlock rewards... so we all win together!

Your referral link: [RH_REFLINK GOES HERE]

​

What did you think of today's newsletter? 👍Loved it! 👌Ok 👎Not your best

THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

Are you a local business looking to reach people in and around Tunbridge Wells? Contact us today about our ad options that reach thousands of local people.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it!​