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Good Morning! TW Council approved its Strategic Plan looking up to 2032, a new Mexican restaurant opens on Camden Road and we look at a fight over a public right of way. World Book Day and International Women's Day are both this week and several venues are hosting celebrations of each!

WEATHER

Monday: -3°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: -1°C 🌡️ 11°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 12°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌧️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council approved its Strategic Plan 2024-2032 on 26th February. The plan aims to make the borough a great place to live. It focuses on Climate Action, Sustainable Development, a Vibrant Economy, and Community Wellbeing. Council Leader Ben Chapelard thanked residents for their input, which shaped the final plan. With approval, the Council will now begin projects to support these priorities. The new plan replaces Building a Better Borough 2022-24.

Key Goals: The plan outlines clear steps. Climate Action focuses on cutting emissions, boosting biodiversity, and promoting green transport. Sustainable Development aims to balance new housing with nature while improving affordable homes and road safety. A Vibrant Economy will support local businesses, tourism, and startups. Community Wellbeing includes better leisure facilities, cultural spaces, and safer public areas. The Council commits to making Tunbridge Wells a great place to live, work, and visit.

Building a Stronger TW: The Strategic Plan commits to working with residents, businesses, and partners to improve the borough. It will invest in public spaces, parks, and cultural venues while supporting community projects. It also prioritises better transport and digital connectivity to modernise infrastructure. By securing funding and encouraging innovation, the Council aims to keep the town thriving for generations.

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THE BRIEF

🌮 New Mexican Restaurant: Mexcellent Mexican Street Food has opened on Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells. Husband and wife Daniel and Emilia Gallegos Jimenez turned their food trailer into a restaurant. Fulfilling a long-time dream. Daniel, a chef with 26 years of experience, makes fresh, authentic Mexican dishes using spices from Mexico. The space, decorated with pieces from the former Zapata’s restaurant, creates a warm and lively atmosphere. The cantina-style bar serves tequila, cocktails, and Mexican beer. Open Tuesday to Saturday, Mexcellent offers meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

😤 Footpath Fight: A public inquiry will decide if a well-used footpath between Blackhurst Lane and Sandown Park becomes an official right of way. Stephanie McMahon, a resident, applied to add it to the Definitive Map, but Cooper Estates Strategic Land objected. Supporters, including Councillor Hugo Pound, say the path is essential, especially with the A21 footbridge. Cooper Estates argues it was overgrown and that ownership is unclear. The inquiry took place on 28th January. The inspector’s decision is expected in the coming weeks.

🥌 Curling Club License: Tunbridge Wells Curling Club Ltd has applied for a premises license at Dundale Farm, TN3 9AQ under the Licensing Act 2003. The application, submitted on 15th January, requests approval for indoor sports and alcohol sales daily from 11am to 11pm, with opening hours from 9am to 11pm. The public can review it by calling 01732 227004 (ref: 25/00162/LAPRE). Objections must be sent in writing by 26th February, to The Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG, or licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk. False statements may result in an unlimited fine.

💥 2-Vehicle Crash: A two-vehicle crash happened at Forest Road and Bayham Road in Tunbridge Wells at 10:30am on 24th February. Emergency crews treated three people at the scene. One woman went to Maidstone Hospital, while the others were discharged. The crash was cleared by 12:30pm.

🚻 Unique Property For Sale: Draper Cottage in Southborough has a unique history. It was once a public toilet, then a breakfast café, and now serves as a holiday let or commercial space. It is now for sale again. Its past and compact design make it a quirky part of the town. Sitting opposite a park, it is close to shops, pubs, and restaurants. Just two miles from Tunbridge Wells, it offers a blend of history, green spaces, and city access.

THIS WEEK

World Book Day | The Amelia | Thurs, 4pm | World Book Day Silent Disco with crafts, dancing, and fun! | £5​

World Book Day | Chiddingstone Castle | Thurs, 11:30am | Discover the book collection in theier Library with our Curator, Naomi Collick | With Admission​

100 Years of the Pinetum | Bedgebury Pinetum | Thurs | Celebrate 100 years of Bedgebury with guided walks on trees & history | £5​

John Bishop & Friends | Assembly Hall | Mon, 8pm | John Bishop hosts charity comedy night for Taylor-Made Dreams | £48​

An Evening With Rick Stein | Assembly Hall | Tues, | Food, stories, music, and adventures with the culinary icon | £40.25​

The Rocket Man | Assembly Hall | Fri, 7:30pm | The Rocket Man: A dazzling tribute to Sir Elton John | £34.25​

International Women's Day Fundraiser | Southborough Civic Centre | Fri, 5pm | Arts, Music, Poetry, Song & Talks | Free​

IWB Comedy Night | Southborough Civic Centre | Sat, 8pm | Raising funds for DAVSS and Rights of Women | £12​

International Women's Day Successful Women | King Charles the Martyr | Sun, 2pm | Celebrate inspiring women with stories, discussion, and audience interaction | Free​

Rumble Wrestling | Queen's Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Rumble Wrestling brings high-energy family entertainment to Cranbrook | £12+​

Mr Scruff's Miniature Area Tour | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Mr. Scruff's all-night DJ set supporting grassroots music venues | £27.50​

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

FURTHER OUT

Back To The 80's | The Forum | 29th Mar | Feelgood pop, dance, indie, and electronic anthems | £12​

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​

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

Cranbrook Comedy Club | Queen's Hall | 4th Apr | Top comedians, live music, and great food | £13.50​

Celebration of Radiohead | The Forum | 14th Mar | Celebrating a legendary UK album on its 30th anniversary | £20​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

1st Feb - Tunbridge Wells vs. Fisher (POSTPONED)

4th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Faversham Town

8th Mar - Lydd Town vs. Tunbridge Wells

🏉 RUGBY

1st Mar - Tunbridge Wells 14 - 17 Bracknell

8th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Hammersmith & Fulham

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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