tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk - 01732 441563

Community

news

2023 - 2024

May 2024

Lighting between Cannon Lane and Townlock, Tonbridge

Over the past few weeks I have been asking for thoughts about the need for lighting between Townlock and Cannon Lane in Tonbridge. I have been overwhelmed by the number of people getting in touch to agree that this would be a huge benefit for the town.

It is clear from the comments I have received that so many of us would benefit from lighting this footpath – from those living close by, to those working in the town centre and people who enjoy walking around Tonbridge and along the River Medway. TMBC now need to make sure they deliver this scheme as a matter of urgency.

I have shared pages of anonymised comments with its Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, Eleanor Hoyle, to help push forward the scheme. You can find a copy of my note here.

 
 

April 2024

Transport for the South East

Delivering a sustainable and effective local transport network is key in allowing us to enjoy where we live, and I know we all have thoughts on what can improve and what would make a difference.

Transport for the South East have launched their survey which will help them in refreshing their Transport Strategy.

Whether you walk, cycle, drive, catch the bus, or use the train, your feedback could help to influence important steps to improve our network.

You can find out more and complete their survey here: https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/.../transport.../

Hadlow Road Roadworks

Over the last number of weeks my office has been in contact with SGN regarding their planned works on Hadlow Road.

I know the impact that this will have on students travelling to school, with many facing important exams and deadlines in the coming months, as well as on those travelling too and from work.

I know that there has been some confusion surrounding the future of works and SGN have today confirmed that they are altering their timetable and plans.

Works will now begin next week, the week beginning 15 April. However, workers will be working longer hours and temporary lights will be manually controlled between 7am and 7pm to allow the traffic to move quicker than what it would have originally.

In addition, I'm pleased to see that SGN have listened, and have agreed to suspend the works from 13 May to avoid disruption to those students taking their GCSE's.

I continue to be in contact with SGN so please do let me know if you have any specific issues and I will be happy to raise this with them directly. You can contact me at

tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk
01732 441563
130 Vale Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SP

Tonbridge to Redhill Line Landslip

This morning (12 April) I visited the site of the landslip on the Tonbridge to Redhill line near Bough Beech.

It was fantastic to see the work which has been underway for a good while now and I was pleased that Network Rail reassured me that the line should be open for use on Monday, albeit at a reduced speed on that small section of track.

 

March 2024

Edenbridge Community Christmas Lights

Summer may be just around the corner, but in Edenbridge the Christmas bells are jingling!

Each year the Edenbridge Community Christmas Association go to great lengths to maintain the Christmas lights throughout the town.

They have already set up their fundraising page for this year which you can find here: https://tinyurl.com/ymvhctyf

You can also find their Facebook page below where you can keep up to date on everything they're up to!

Plaxtol Primary School Red Nose Day

It was fantastic to be at Plaxtol Primary School today to take questions from students and find out how they’re celebrating Red Nose Day.

Comic Relief do some fantastic work raising money that supports here at home and across the world.

You can find out more here: https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/

Apprenticeship Fair 2024

Another year, another fantastic Apprenticeship Fair.

Over 1000 students meeting nearly 70 business to hear what opportunities they have on offer

There are some brilliant apprenticeships on offer across a range of sectors. You can find out more here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

Sainsbury’s Tonbridge

Today (7 March) is an exciting day for Tonbridge and a massive vote of confidence in our town. Sainsbury’s have finally come forward with their plans for redevelopment of the former Beales unit in the Town Centre. Their plans are a serious investment in our future. They are looking to expand their store with an improved range of food, clothing and homeware, including Argos. The clearance teams have already started.

While retailers are withdrawing from many towns, it is great that Sainsbury’s want to invest some £20 million here for Tonbridge and the surrounding villages. Sainsbury’s works could take some time and plan on being fully open by Christmas 2025.

Along with the Council's wider redevelopment plans for the area too, this is the start of an exciting time for Tonbridge. It is only possible because we campaigned hard for it together. I am so grateful to all those who joined me in supporting the ‘3 Years Empty is Plenty’ campaign to encourage Sainsbury’s to bring forward proposals, as they have done today.

On Thursday, 14 March 2024, Sainsbury’s are hosting an exhibition in its store, after which there will also be an online exhibition until 5 April 2024 with Sainsbury’s asking for feedback here. Please let them know what you think once the link goes live on the 14 March.

You can also let me know what you think about their proposals by filling out my online form here and I will share these with Sainsbury’s.

Sevenoaks Primary Care Network

Sevenoaks Primary Care Network are looking to find out the thoughts of patients who are registered with one of their 8 GPs in the Sevenoaks area. This includes the Borough Green Medical Practice and the Edenbridge Medical Practice.

The PCN are looking to find out what areas of need they should be focusing on so please do share with them your thoughts here: http://www.haveyoursayinkentandmedway.co.uk/health-and...

There is also a word document version which I am happy to send to you should you need it. If you do, please give my office a call on 01732 441563 or write to me at 130 Vale Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SP

Lighting between Cannon Lane and Townlock

For a number of years Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have been looking to light the footpath between Cannon Lane and Townlock in Tonbridge. At the moment every dark evening means we can't walk safely between the town centre and industrial estate.

To help the Council prioritise this lighting, I want to hear from you. Please complete the form via the link below to share with me your thoughts on why this matters.

www.tomtugendhat.org/tonbridgeriverside

February 2024

GB Railfreight

It was fantastic to visit the GB Railfreight depot in Tonbridge last week. It is an important organisation that helps to keep our commuter trains running and delivers vital materials up and down the UK.

Find out more about GB Railfreight and their opportunities here: https://www.gbrailfreight.com/

Footpath between Cannon Lane and Townlock

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has been looking at a scheme which would provide much needed lighting of the footpath between Townlock and Cannon Lane.

I have asked TMBC for an update on when this scheme will be delivered and, unfortunately, it was made clear to me that the Council has still to identify funding and capacity to move this forward. In the meantime each and every dark evening during winter no lighting has been provided between Townlock and Cannon Lane, restricting our ability to walk safely between the Town Centre and industrial estate.

In order to help the Council demonstrate why this scheme should be a priority, which I know it is for many in the area, I have set up a page on my website asking for your views on the importance of lighting the footpath between Cannon Lane and Townlock as a matter of urgency.

Please visit tomtugendhat.org/tonbridgeriverside to share with me your thoughts on why this matters, and how this needs to happen as soon as possible.

Babons Cancer Support

Last week I was proud to be at the opening of Babons Cancer Support in Tonbridge.

Babons do some fantastic work offering counselling, support groups, and signposting to other support.

Cancer and its impacts has hit so many families across our community and the UK and the work that charities such as Babons do is so important.

If you would like to support Babons you can do so here: www.babons.org.uk/fundraising

January 2024

Graffiti and Fly-Tipping

For the past few months I’ve been running a Litter, Graffiti and Fly-Tipping survey. Thank you to everyone who has used this to report issues around our towns and villages. We’ve been able to make some good progress in making our community cleaner and tidier.

Last month I joined Trench Ward Tonbridge Conservatives, Adem Mehmet, and Keith Tunstall at York Parade in Tonbridge to remove graffiti. It's looking so much better!

I’m pleased that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council are equally as committed to addressing the issues we face, especially in tackling graffiti. They’ve launched a survey to better understand how we would like to prevent graffiti happening in our community.

You can complete it here: https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/policy/graffiti-survey/1

The deadline for responses is Thursday 29 February 2024. Please do share this with your friends and neighbours. Everyone needs to work together to tackle graffiti and the Council need to know what we think.

SES Water in Edenbridge

I’ve had the chance to catch up with SES Water about their upcoming work in Edenbridge.

They let me know about what they have done to keep residents in the area updated and I’ve asked them to make sure that this continues throughout the project.

I’ve also asked them to look again at certain parts of their project to see if they can lessen the impact on the community even further.

Keep up to date with the project here: https://seswater.co.uk/.../curren.../edenbridge-roads-scheme

Nuclear Yest Veterans Awarded

Tonbridge Post Office

I was proud to stand alongside Terry, Ian, and Ray as they received their medals for playing a vital role in the UK’s nuclear testing programme.

They thoroughly deserve this recognition. Thank you to so many of the veterans who will receive these medals and to Johnny Mercer and Rishi Sunak for making it happen.

ME19 Postal Deliveries

Following our correspondence before Christmas, I have finally received in the post a reply by Royal Mail to my numerous enquiries regarding the inconsistent postal deliveries many have been facing recently, especially in the ME19 postcode.

Please find here a copy of a letter I have received from Royal Mail which explains that the issues we have faced is as a result of high levels of sickness and recruitment difficulties.

I appreciate that this may not be the response you were hoping for given the length of time we have waited for it, and also the lack of information included around the measures being taken to address this. Please do keep me informed of your experiences with the postal service.

After over a year of waiting and campaigning locally the Post Office finally re-opened in Tonbridge.

13 Quarry Hill Road, TN9 2RN

I'm sure everybody will be pleased to see it has returned and you can find out which services they offer here: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder/0159484/tonbridge

December 2023

Hectorage Road Woodland

Back in January 2022 we were all sad to see the destruction of woodland behind Hectorage Road in Tonbridge, between homes and the Tonbridge-Paddock Wood railway line. There was no prior communication with any neighbour, business or the Council. Bats, foxes and nesting birds had been seen on the land with protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and priority species in the post 2021 Biodiversity framework. It was a well appreciated urban woodland in the heart of Tonbridge, separating homes from the industrial estate. 

The felling of trees was investigated by the Forestry Commission who referred this to DEFRA Investigation Services in July 2022. You can read my letter here asking DEFRA to investigate on the basis that the felling of this woodland did not comply with section 2.1 of the Forestry Commission guidance under felling licence legislation.

For over a year I have been working with DEFRA to make sure they have all the information needed to investigate the matter further, and am very grateful for the images and videos provided by neighbours to support this case.

Earlier this summer DEFRA referred the investigation to the Crown Prosecution Service who are satisfied that there is a realistic prospect of prosecution for the felling of this woodland, and that this is in the public interest. Charges have now been issued against the owner of the land and tree feller that the works were contrary to Section 17 of the Forestry Act 1967. You can see the letter confirming this from the Crown Prosecution Service here.

On Monday 27 November 2023, the first hearing took place in Court and further hearings will take place next year.

The woodland behind Hectorage Road was special for so many people and the character of this part of Tonbridge has changed considerably as a result of its felling nearly two years ago. I am very grateful for all the neighbours who have worked with me to pursue this matter and we now await the Court’s final verdict.

Charing Cross to Borough Green & West Malling

We know that since being reinstated services from Charing Cross and London Bridge on the Maidstone East line have been hugely popular. That’s why I’ve been asking Southeastern to add further services in the evening peak.

I’m delighted they’ve confirmed to me that following the next timetable change in June 2024, we will see the additional evening services that we have campaigned for. This provides an additional service between the busy 1731hrs and 1831hrs from Charing Cross.

I am delighted that our campaigning has paid off again and this proves the case many of us made for a number of years – that direct services between Charing Cross and London Bridge with Borough Green and West Malling would always be well used by the community.

You can see the timings above which will be introduced in June.

 

November 2023

Joint statement from Kent MP’s covered by MTW NHS Trust on the publication of stage 1 of the Fuller Inquiry

As MPs in the area covered by the hospitals in which Fuller carried out his crimes, and with many of his victims’ families as our constituents, we together demanded that the Secretary of State establish this Public Inquiry. It was vital to ensure that the conditions which allowed Fuller to operate undetected cannot be repeated. This in no way diminishes the responsibility for the depraved acts which rests with Fuller alone and for which he will rightly die in prison.

We are grateful to Sir Jonathan Michael for the serious and thorough approach that he has taken. We recognise the care he and his team have taken to give victims’ families the opportunity to testify, and the harrowing nature of much of the evidence they had to sift through.

Fuller’s crimes took place undetected over a period of decades. The failures of security and supervision that allowed Fuller to commit his crimes without suspicion are laid bare in this report. They are a wake-up call to hospitals everywhere. There was nothing unique about Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust during these decades, and the crimes took place under many different managements. That is why it is so important that these lessons are applied across the whole NHS.

The Government, the NHS and the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust must accept and act on the recommendations of Sir Jonathan’s Report without delay. The case of Fuller has shown that it is necessary to act to give much more secure protection to the deceased against the possibility of anyone of such depraved intent having access to them.

NHS England have asked the current Chief Executive and Board of Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells to implement these recommendations. We support that request. The current Chief Executive, who was appointed in 2018, is one of the most capable leaders in the NHS and has transformed the performance of the Trust. It has become a top performer on cancer treatment - MTW is the only NHS Trust in the country to deliver the 62-day cancer treatment standard every month over 4 years; it is in the top 5 trusts in the country for emergency care (against the four-hour standard); and is the first acute trust in the country to treat the backlog of long-waiting patients built up over the pandemic. We believe that the important work of implementing the recommendations of the report can best be done by building on the experience of effective turnaround.

Rt Hon Greg Clark MP – Tunbridge Wells

Tracey Crouch CBE MP – Chatham & Aylesford

Helen Grant OBE MP – Maidstone & The Weald

Rt Hon Laura Trott MBE MP* - Sevenoaks

Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MBE MP* – Tonbridge & Malling

Helen Whately MP* – Faversham & Mid Kent

Nusrat Ghani MP* – Wealden

Huw Merriman MP* – Bexhill & Battle

*statement made in constituency MP not ministerial capacity

Edenbridge Post Office Update

Since the Post Office branch in Payden's was announced to be closing I have pushed the Post Office to get a new permanent location confirmed as soon as possible.

I was in touch a few weeks ago to share with you my letter to the Post Office CEO Nick Read which highlighted my concerns with the length of time it has taken to find a permanent site, and postmaster. You can read the Post Office’s response here.

My office is in touch with the Post Office on a regular basis, and I am doing all I can to make sure they have a presence in Edenbridge as soon as possible.

Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre

Today (Monday 27 November), Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre opens to patients. This gives our town a new GP surgery, children’s services, diagnostic services, a wellbeing centre and a wide range of outpatient clinics.

From today onwards healthcare in Edenbridge and surrounding villages is transformed by our new Memorial Health Centre.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make today a reality. It has been a pleasure to be part of this journey for over 8 years now.

We’ve attended a number of public meetings and discussed ideas, and later reality, with our Medical Practice, our NHS, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, Edenbridge Town Council, Sevenoaks District Council and Kent County Council. It has been a true team effort and one that has seen the town pull together to deliver something special for Edenbridge.

Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre is a healthcare hub for the town and means our healthcare professionals are now working in state of the art facilities.

Sevenoaks District Council Local Plan consultation

Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) are giving us until Thursday 11 January 2024 to respond to Plan 2040, the new Local Plan. This will shape our communities for generations. 

In our area SDC are proposing development be concentrated in and around the town of Edenbridge. They have identified eight different sites that could be developed for around 982 homes in total:

Edenbridge War Memorial Hospital – 34 units

Leathermarket – 14 units

Farmstead Drive – 43 units

Land west of Ashcombe Drive and Meadow Lane – 80 units

Land at Crouch House Road – 91 units

Land north of Skinners Lane – 150 units

Land at Breezehurst Farm – 450 units

Land east of Mead Road – 120 units

TOTAL = 982 HOMES

You can see the sites marked on this map.

I’m pleased the Council are hosting a session on between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 December 2023 at The Eden Centre on Four Elms Road in Edenbridge where they will be available to discuss plans. Please do attend if you are interested.

Leigh Academy Tonbridge Business Breakfast

A couple of months ago I visited Leigh Academy Tonbridge to see what brilliant work they are doing. I also had the opportunity to learn more about their new T-Level in Accounting.

Leigh Academy are looking for business partners to help offer their expertise to students, and are hosting a Business Breakfast so that Businesses can find out more.

If you are interested in attending or know a business or somebody who may like to, you can register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeVpatJSW0Cmb.../viewform

October 2023

Speeding on The Ridgeway, Tonbridge

Over the past few days I have received further detail from Kent Police about speed checks conducted on The Ridgeway in Tonbridge. You can find this information here.

Edenbridge Post Office

Unfortunately the Post Office in Paydens has now closed, and Edenbridge is currently without a Post Office. This is deeply disappointing and unacceptable for the town.

Since Paydens announced earlier in the year that it was to close the facility I have been in constant contact with the Post Office to push them to reinstate the service as soon as possible in an alternative location, without any interruption to services.

Unfortunately the Post Office have been unable to secure a replacement, on either a permanent or temporary basis. Having been in consistent communication with them for months, I find this troubling. Over recent weeks I have been in contact with Kent County Council, Edenbridge Town Council and others to look for sites to help the Post Office and have sent to them numerous suggestions.

I wanted to share with you a letter I have sent to its CEO, Nick Read, which details my disappointment. You can read it here. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure we have a Post Office back in Edenbridge as soon as possible.

Lower Haysden Lane closure, Tonbridge

Lower Haysden Lane in Tonbridge is due to close until February 2024 for a new junction with Brook Street.

I have raised concerns with the developer of the land, Cala Homes, about the length of the closure.

Cala Homes has confirmed that seven day a week working is happening for part of the works, and they are also investigating re-opening the road in a eastbound direction as a one-way system. I appreciate that this is an improvement on a full closure but far from ideal. They do commit to implement the works quickly so this reduces the overall length of time the road will be closed for. 

You can see Cala Homes letter here.

Tonbridge Post Office

The Post Office have confirmed the new location for our long-awaited permanent Post Office in Tonbridge. The new site will be at 13 Quarry Hill Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2RN. This used to be Arcadia and is just a few units along from Lidl. Although it is not on the High Street, it is right outside a bus stop, by a path to the Waterloo Road car park, and particularly convenient for those living south of the railway line. 

The Postmaster and Post Office are currently refitting the store meaning that the Post Office have earmarked Wednesday 3 January 2024 as the proposed opening date.  

We all know that this has taken much longer than anybody expected, however, I am pleased that we will finally have a permanent presence back in the centre of Tonbridge. 

I know that everybody would have loved this site to be open for Christmas. I have though received assurance from Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that they will continue to host the Post Office in its temporary form at the Castle until the permanent site opens.

Access to Cash & Banking Hubs

I have written to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to share with them thoughts of business owners and residents. The FCA help to set the guidelines which dictate which communities can receive a banking hub and so I have asked for them to take steps to change the rules to allow communities without business banking to be able to be eligible.

You may have also seen news today that Nationwide have withdrawn from the Banking Hub programme, meaning that they will not be involved in any future hubs which are set up. What this may mean is that any community with a Nationwide, but few other banks could now become eligible for a new banking hub. I have been in touch with Link, who are in charge of assessing communities to see if they will re-assess Tonbridge as a result.

September 2023

Trottiscliffe Multi Use Games Area

Trottiscliffe Village Hall is now home to a new multi use games court that can host netball, football, and basketball.

Thank you to everybody at the Parish Council and the team at Caloo for delivering this brilliant project for our community.

2023 School Bus Survey

My annual school bus survey has just gone live!

September is always a tricky time for any parent, with our children going into a new school year and sometimes a new school entirely. This brings a change to the routine and our travel plans too. With this being the case It's more important than ever to let me know your thoughts so that I can raise these with the relevant operators and KCC.

One of the ways that you can ensure our bus services are as good as they can be, is by letting me know any issues or concerns that you may have. I meet regularly with our local bus companies and I am able to raise these issues with them directly.

You can fill out my survey via the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2023schoolbussurvey

Flies in Basted Mill

A few days ago I met with residents near Borough Green who have suffered this summer from an incredible number of flies in and around their homes.

If you live in the area on this map, around Borough Green, Platt, Crouch and especially Basted Mill, and have noticed an increase in flies, please let me know. My e-mail address is tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk

We were joined by Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and local Councillor Mike Taylor to speak about what can be done to tackle this problem. Many think the source is nearby farms, though it is affecting people differently, and there is evidence to suggest the source is elsewhere.

I’m keen to build up a picture of who is being affected and how so we can best tackle this problem. Do let me know if you have any information to share.

Airborn International

AirBorn International Ltd are a manufacturer and supplier of components and electronics in the space, defence, medical and industrial markets. They are extremely specialist in what they produce and they are the second largest employer in Edenbridge.

They are invested in the community and have just moved into a larger factory, which I was honoured to open. It was a privilege to be joined by Sevenoaks District Council Chairman Alan Layland and Edenbridge Town Council Chairman Bob Todd too.

AirBorn International trade globally right from the heart of our Edenbridge community. The importance of what we do was shown by their President and CEO flying in from Texas for today’s opening. Yet so many of the staff I spoke to are based locally, here in Edenbridge and surrounding villages.

Businesses like AirBorn create wealth in our economy. They show that the British manufacturing industry is prospering and are investing in our community. I was delighted to be a part of this special day for the company.

Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre

Since this picture was taken we have seen great progress with the construction of Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre. This will be a facility that transforms healthcare in the town and surrounding villages and many people have worked hard over a number of years to make the project happen.

It is a significant investment by the NHS and all healthcare providers in Edenbridge and on Saturday 7 October 2023 there will be a public meeting about the services we can expect. The meeting will take place between 10am and 11.30am at the WI Hall on Station Road.

You can register to attend and find further details through the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) website here.

I hope you will be able to join me there.

Leigh Academy

It was brilliant to visit the Leigh Academy in Tonbridge recently where I had the chance to have a look around and see how they are getting on.

They're going from strength to strength

- Now admitting girls to the school.
- Good Ofsted with outstanding behaviour and attitudes.
- Fantastic team supporting the students.

https://leighacademytonbridge.org.uk/

Edenbridge Leisure Centre

In its first few months since re-opening Edenbridge Leisure Centre is thriving. Thank you to the new team for meeting me to discuss the first few months and showing me around a few days ago. It was great to see the improvements that have already been made.

Membership is up from the previous operator and Everyone Active have done a great job in making the Leisure Centre so much more welcoming.

We both commented on how much potential there is in Edenbridge and surrounding villages for great leisure facilities, and Everyone Active have some impressive ambitions for our town. Do sign up here and show just how much Edenbridge Leisure Centre is supported locally.

Leybourne Woods

Great news! The Government has given £120,000 to our community towards buying Leybourne Woods. The Woods now belong to all of us. If you’re walking your dog or climbing trees, this is now your garden to enjoy. Now we need to look after this community asset together.

This happened because a few months ago Leybourne Parish Council chose to buy Leybourne Woods when it came up for sale.

After agreeing a deal, the Parish Council asked me for help. I am very pleased that the Community Ownership Fund has helped deliver.

August 2023

Access to Cash

I recognise that with four branches closing in Tonbridge so recently, cashpoints won’t offer all facilities that a Banking Hub would. So you are aware, I have submitted an application to Link to trigger an assessment of Tonbridge to see if it is deemed sufficient for a Banking Hub. I have also written to Link following my submission to further stress the importance of Tonbridge having better access to cash. You can read my letter here.

 

Day Travelcards

I want to thank everybody took the time to sign my petition calling for the Mayor of London to reverse his decision to withdraw the Day Travelcard.

Hundreds of people have contacted me expressing their concerns about this proposal and almost everyone is clear that this will make travel to London from our community much harder.

I have written to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, making clear the overwhelming view of residents across Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling about this proposal. You can see my letter here.

This decision not only hurts us, but so many Londoners who rely on people from outside of the Capital travelling in for work and leisure, and I will do all I can to make Sadiq Khan aware of this.

June/July 2023

Padel Tennis in Tonbridge

I had the chance to visit the new Padel Tennis courts at Tonbridge Golf Centre.

It’s a fantastic setup and I know many of us will be making a trip there soon.

As you can see, I’m a complete natural…I’ll have to have a long think about entering Wimbledon next year, alongside our locally grown strawberries!

Edenbridge Vaccine Hub

I'm pleased that we have managed to secure a Spring Booster slot in Edenbridge on Thursday 29 June, between 10am - 2pm, at the Edenbridge & District War Memorial Hospital.

𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘

To find out if you are eligible click here:https://www.nhs.uk/.../getting-a-booster-dose-of-the.../

Litter and Fly-Tipping

I am delighted to have supported the Government in raising the maximum fines for littering and fly-tipping offences. Sadly, too many of our towns and rural villages across Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling are blighted by litter and fly-tipping, and it is right that strong action is taken to deter this.

From 31 July 2023 the upper limit for Fixed Penalty Notices for littering, graffiti and fly-posting offences will increase from £150 to £500 and for fly-tipping this will increase from £400 to £1,000. You can find more detail here.

I have also written to the Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Matt Boughton here, and the Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, Julia Thornton here, asking both of our local Councils to make sure that the upper limit will be applied locally.

Leigh Primary School

For many years I've been working with Leigh Primary School to make sure they can provide the best education possible to our children. Leigh is a picturesque village, with a wonderful village green, but this is often used by the school because the site is so small.

A new kitchen would make such a difference to the school. Please consider supporting if you can. I've visited and am working with the school on different funding options. Demonstrating community support would help make this project a reality.

Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day to everybody across Tonbridge and Malling, and the rest of the UK.

It is a day to give thanks and think about friends and family who have served and to everybody who supports them.

Tonbridge Station Works

A228 & Kent Street Junction Consultation

There are now less than two weeks to go to respond to Kent County Council with your views on the changes to the junction of the A228 with Kent Street in Mereworth.

The road is one we will all be familiar with given it is a vital connection between West Malling and Kings Hill in the north, and Hadlow, East Peckham and Tonbridge to the south. However, it is increasingly hard for residents in Mereworth, especially those on Kent Street itself, to turn in and out of their roads safely.

That’s why KCC are looking at changes and we need to have our voices heard now.

The proposals include traffic signals at the junction with Kent Street and two new bus stops, as well as widening the road between Beech Road and Kent Street on the west of the A228.

You can find and respond to the consultation here: https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/kent-street-malling-road

May 2023

Cracking Down on Vaping

Earlier this week I met with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, and the Leader of KCC, Roger Gough to discuss the steps the Government are taking to crackdown on rogue firms targeting children with free vaping samples.

The current rise in illegal vaping amongst our younger generations is incredibly worrying, and I am pleased to be a part of a Government that is tackling this head on.

Tonbridge Juddians

A huge well done to Tonbridge Juddians u9’s. They’ve done us so proud by winning all of their 6 games over the two day festival played in Chichester to become the 2023 champions

Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to all those who helped train the teams and organise the events.

Coronavirus Spring Booster

Over the last couple of weeks I have been asked by some about access to the latest round of Covid Spring Booster in Tonbridge.

I’m pleased that with the help of the team at Malling PCN, the vaccine hub will be back at Sovereign Way car park from Saturday.

This will be for those aged over 75, and for anyone over the age of 5 with a weakened immune system.

You can book here: https://www.nhs.uk/.../covid.../book-covid-19-vaccination/

Kenya

Watching Kenyan troops march alongside our own at the Coronation was a reminder of our shared history, and the promise of a strong future.

By working with Kenya, our key security partner in East Africa, we're helping keep our peoples safe and strengthen global security.

I’m delighted to be in Nairobi to agree an important new Security Compact with Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary.

We will work even more closely to defend our peoples against terrorism & illicit finance, and to strengthen our maritime & aviation security.

Sainsbury’s / Beales

I’m pleased to see that after I met with Sainsbury’s a couple of months ago they have begun their early remedial work to remove some signage from the former Beales store while also making it more secure. This is something they committed to during our discussions.

This is the first step in what will be a huge project that will be a big boost to Tonbridge. Thank you to everybody who signed the 3 Years Empty Is Plenty petition, and to Tonbridge & Malling Conservatives for championing this!

Bus Services

I'm very pleased to see that the Government have extended the £2 bus fare scheme until October, after which they will be capped at £2.50 until November 2024.

With bus usage still down on pre-pandemic numbers, the one way we can help secure our services in the long-term is to use them when we can!

April 2023

UK In A Changing Europe

I sat down with Anand Menon to talk about society, China and more. You can watch it here.


https://www.youtube.com/live/DZObCGIgEr4?feature=share

Flood Alert

Please be aware that there are currently Flood Alerts in place for the River Bourne from Hadlow to East Peckham and for Middle River Medway from Penshurst to Hampstead Lock at Yalding, meaning that flooding is possible in these areas.

Please stay safe and alert, you can find out more information here: Tonbridge flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)


Extra Investment for Schools in Tonbridge & Malling

Pension Boost

Sainsburys/Beales

I was very happy to meet with Sainsbury's recently and they showed me inside Beales as it currently stands. There is no doubt that there is a lot of work to do but they assured me that they do plan on bringing forward proposals over the coming months, as they realise just how important this shop is to a town like Tonbridge. We spoke about some of the different options – from including a Post Office, breaking it down into smaller units, or even extending Sainsbury’s existing store.

This will cost money but they were very positive about considering the many different ideas that have come forward. Any project will be significant which is why I pressed on them the need for urgency. However, the target is for works to happen over the course of the next year which means we need to influence Sainsbury’s now.

It is also clear that the petition is working. Sainsbury’s know how much we care about revitalising the whole area. That’s why we need even more signatures than we currently have. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbours to sign up via the link below so we can make clear to them just how much this matters to the future of Tonbridge.

3 Years Empty Is Plenty - Regenerate the former Beales unit now! | Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling (tonbridgeconservatives.org.uk)

March 2023

RBLI Visit with Veterans Minister, Johnny Mercer MP

It was great to visit Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) in Aylesford this morning with Johnny Mercer to see the fantastic work they do in supporting veterans and their families.

A visit made even better by the news that this week’s budget will deliver the biggest investment in Veteran’s Affairs ever!

Forge Stores, Penshurst

It was fantastic to be at the opening of the newly refurbished Forge Stores in Penshurst.

The stores are such an important part of the local community and I know so many people rely on the amenities on offer. I can't wait to see it go from strength to strength!

Fan-Lead Review

Last week we heard about the positive steps that the Government are taking in protecting football clubs and their supporters.

Our very own Tonbridge Angels FC is owned by the supporters and has played a leading role in the Fair Game initiative, a growing group of clubs, and supporters, campaigning to improve football governance.

These are real steps in the right direction!

Apprenticeship Fair 2023

Over 1500 students represented by 7 different MPs all in one place looking for future opportunities at our fantastic Apprenticeship Fair!

Thank you to all the students, teachers, and businesses that attended.

Victim Voice

Matthew Scott, PCC for Kent has recently launched a new campaign called Victim Voice. It is aimed at raising awareness of victim rights and support services, ways of contacting the police and explaining the criminal justice process.

You can find out more about the campaign here: http://www.linktr.ee/victimvoice

Moto HGV Park - Wrotham Heath

Back in 2021 Moto submitted an application for the construction of a 200 space HGV park at Junction 2a of the M26 at Wrotham Heath. This was comprehensively rejected by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for a number of reasons. They are detailed by the Leader of the Council here.

Moto have since made me aware that they are looking at submitting an amended design which you can find on their website here. I cannot see a substantive difference. You’ll see that the area is similar in size with some major changes to local infrastructure proposed as part of their plans. They are also inviting any comments you may have as well, though there will be a formal consultation by TMBC if a revised planning application is submitted.

While there is a need to make sure there are suitable HGV parking places in the region, there is a balance. As I did before, I will closely follow their revised plans and have requested to meet with them. But I am not the only one who should share my views. By sharing your thoughts, they will be left in no doubt as to the impact on the local area and what we expect them to do ahead of them submitting revised plans.

St George’s Court, Wrotham

Clarion Housing have made an application to the Court which would remove a covenant at St George's Court in Wrotham which limits occupation to those over the age of 55. This is ahead of their regeneration plans.

For many years I have been pushing Clarion to accelerate redevelopment. For too long we have seen deadlines come and pass and the upgraded homes that Clarion wish to build could have been here many years ago.

Despite this, I know of many locally who wish the covenant to stay, and others who would wish for the site to be used for housing people of every age from Wrotham and the surrounding area.

Local Councillors Robin Betts and Martin Coffin have done a survey to canvass opinion. I hope you will be able to fill it in. You can do so here - https://www.tonbridgeconservatives.org.uk/StGeorgesCourt

I shall continue to do everything I can to encourage Clarion to act quickly and on the results of the survey too.

Railway Approach Refurbishment

Railway Approach is a key entrance to Tonbridge from the station. The units have been in need of modernisation for many years. I am delighted that The Arch Company, who own them, are investing £200,000 over the summer to refurbish them. This will allow new businesses to move in and create new jobs in the town, over the next year.

I’m looking forward to works starting over the next few months. A huge thank you to TMBC and especially Cllr Vivian Branson, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, who has been leading this project locally. Refurbishment will make a real difference to our town.

If you’re interested in one of the refurbished units, please register here - https://www.thearchco.com/register-your-interest-1-7.../

My Selection as the Tonbridge Candidate at the General Election

I am delighted to have been selected by the Conservative Party Selection Council to contest the new Tonbridge seat at the next General Election.

I will be incredibly sad not to have the chance to represent East Malling, West Malling, Kings Hill, Leybourne and Wateringbury after the next election, but will keep working for everyone until then.

Thank you to everyone on the Selection Council for placing their trust in me. I promise not to let you down, and look forward to campaigning in the new communities in seat - Hartley, Ash, New Ash Green and Hodsoll Street too.

Tonbridge Coronation Big Lunch

February 2023

Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre

For many months we have seen construction of the new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre on Four Elms Road. We have pulled together as a community after years of hard work to make this a reality. Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre will be a facility that transforms healthcare in our town.

It is a significant investment by the NHS and all healthcare providers in Edenbridge, delivering services we need.

There will be more opportunities to find out about how the centre will work for us and to have our say at a series of public meetings. I will be hosting one next Saturday, 4 March 2023, from 10am at The Eden Centre.

I hope you will be able to join me there. You can find out more details and register to attend here

https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/.../edenbridge-health-and.../

Southern Water Visit

I recently visited the Southern Water Treatment Centre in Tonbridge.

We spoke about the challenges they are facing and what they think can be done to help overhaul the current Victorian era network.

I was pleased to hear how serious Southern Water are about tackling the ongoing challenges.

Apprenticeship Fair 2023

It is one month to go until our annual Apprenticeship Fair which is taking place at Maidstone Leisure Centre.

All schools have been invited, but if you are yet to respond please do get in touch with me ASAP.

Businesses are currently offering degree level apprenticeships, but others looking for apprenticeships are of course welcome.

It’s set to be our biggest event ever with 7 constituencies represented.

Speeding on Main Road, Edenbridge

Following numerous requests, and petitions, over many years for additional road safety measures on B2026 Main Road in Edenbridge, I am pleased that Kent County Council have started to make some changes, aimed at making the road and wider Marlpit Hill area safer.

Here are details of the proposed reduction in the speed limit to 40mph on Main Road for 300 metres further north than Homestead Road.

I know that reducing the speed limit on this stretch of road is one of the initiatives that has been suggested to help improve safety in the area, and I am pleased local Councillors have been able to work successfully to introduce this.

January 2023

£2 Single Bus Fare

Until 31 March 2023 the Government has introduced a £2 bus fare cap across the country, for single tickets.

We’re seeing greater pressure on our bus operators than ever, as the cost of fuel and driver availability means they need more of us to get the bus than before to keep our routes sustainable.

It is, quite simply, a case of ‘use it or lose it’ with the buses. That’s why I’m pleased that the £2 cap is being introduced to make sure as many of us possible can have access to the buses that run, and that Arriva and Metrobus are participating.

If you live on a bus route which is included within the scheme, please use it while fares are so low. It could be the difference between them remaining or not.

The list of bus routes included is click here.

Hft - Edenbridge

It was lovely to visit Hft in Edenbridge. The team of staff that work there to support the adults who rely on their care are so dedicated.

Hft is a wonderful charity that helps to provide supported living services for people with learning disabilities.

I had the opportunity to have a look around the site, while also answering some very tough and interesting questions on a range of topics from some of the adults who Hft support.

You can find out more about them here: https://www.hft.org.uk/

Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Grant Scheme

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have today launched a new project to help improve shopfronts and fill vacant units across our community.

Our local high streets are important hubs that many people visit from nearby as well as from afar, and this project will help so many shop owners and tenants afford vital improvements to their property that they may otherwise have been unable to afford.

The project will fund a range of improvements, including improving shop fronts, repairing damaged stonework, and improvements to signage and lighting to name but a few.

If you are a local tenant or property owner that may be interested in applying for funding then you can find out more about this project below.

Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Grant Scheme – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk)

Openreach

Openreach are working around the clock to deliver superfast broadband to homes across our community, as well as the millions up and down the UK.

I recently visited their Exchange in Edenbridge where I managed to see first-hand how the work to upgrade our lines to new full-fibre broadband takes place.

While I understand that works to upgrade the lines cause disruption, with more people than ever working from home, these works are vital to improve internet connectivity across Tonbridge, Edenbridge, and Malling.

You can find out more about Openreach, as well as finding out what broadband is available to you by clicking here: https://www.openreach.com/.../ultrafast-full-fibre-broadband

Tonbridge Vaccination Hub

Extra dates have been made available for anybody who needs or is eligible for further Covid19 vaccination.

If you have any questions please do head over to the wonderful team operating the hub and they will be happy to help out!

Search Grab-a-Jab online to find your nearest walk-in site offering vaccinations or click the link below.

Please do be aware that severe weather at any point may alter these dates and times.

https://www.nhs.uk/.../find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid.../