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LOCAL

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk Spring 2013 inside:

New planning consultation Bloom 2013 News, policy changes, awards and more

Ward Walks 2013 have your say!


Our programme continues this summer.
A team of interviewers led by the borough council, will be collecting views about important issues in the areas of Pantiles & St Marks, Speldhurst, Southborough North and Horsmonden. Visits will be happening during June and July to a cross section of households. Its an opportunity for residents to say what needs improving and what we, and our partners can do to help. Residents to be visited will receive a postcard through their door about a week beforehand. Posters will also be placed around the area to promote the project. More information will in the next edition and online nearer the time.

Welcome!

I love all the seasons, but thank goodness its time to put the boots and heavy coats away and start enjoying the lighter evenings.
This edition of Local is packed with information about important changes to Welfare Reform... if it doesnt affect you, you might know somebody that it does. Read more (p14-15). Weve got the latest on the 2013 Bloom campaign (p18), how to get involved in our current planning consultation (p5-7) and plenty more to keep you up-to-date. Im particularly delighted that the Love Where We Live awards are back for another year. With new categories to appeal to even more people and lots of new sponsors on board too. If last year is anything to go by, its going to be a fantastic competition... Im looking forward to receiving some great nominations. Find out more (p10-11). I hope you enjoy this edition. Lizzie Goodwin Editor

We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about Council services and news. If you have any comments about the magazine, wed love to hear from you. Contact us by: Phone 01892 526121 E-mail Localemail@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Post Lizzie Goodwin, Communications and Engagement Team Leader, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd, 01892 677721 or e-mail antoinettem@spacemarketing.co.uk Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do not endorse the external products and services advertised in Local.
The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or subsequent changes.

Tea dances return

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Love Where We Live awards

Thinking about making alterations to your home?

Planning consultation have your say

10
County elections

17 18

Bloom 2013 Flag up dog fouling

News from the museum

12 14 19
A year in the life of a Mayor

Welfare reform

Sherwoods pioneering past A new energy deal page

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If you require Local magazine in large print or audio CD please phone 01892 554273
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Whats Sportivate?
Its a four year, nationwide campaign that captures the excitement of the London 2012 Games, providing opportunities for teenagers and young adults to receive 6-8 weeks of coaching in a sport of their choice and guiding them into regular participation within their community. A
by Fr Sportivate targets 14id 26 A ay 25 year olds who may for ac pril tiv not seek out sporting starti ities ng opportunities themselves Ju or those who are doing Septe lymb limited sport in their own 2013 er time. It aims to play a role in long term behavioural change by providing funding to enable new and exciting opportunities to be offered. pply

Keep Dancing!
Tea Dances return to the Camden Centre for 2013!
Grab those dancing shoes and head to the Camden Centre in Royal Tunbridge Wells to chat with friends, enjoy a cup of tea and dance the afternoon away! You can enjoy the live music dance numbers played by Chris Mannion on the fourth Thursday of each month from April to November (except August), from 2.30-5pm. Dances include the popular Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Square Tango and a host of others on request. You can enter the monthly raffle run by local voluntary groups and pick up a variety of useful information too. Come on your own or bring friends, no booking required. The Tea Dance events are run by Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK) in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. For more information contact VAWK on 01892 530330. Dance dates: Thursday 25 April Thursday 23 May Thursday 27 June Thursday 25 July Thursday 26 September Thursday 24 October Thursday 28 November
is Entry .50 2 y l on es nclud and i hments refres oo t

Local sports clubs, leisure trusts, youth clubs and youth workers are among those that can apply. For more information, guidance notes and the delivery plan please visit www.kentsport.org/sportivate.cfm or contact Carolyn Dool on Carolyn.dool@kent.gov.uk or 01622 605022.

Designed for safety


The new year saw a special presentation to three very talented children, winners of the Tunbridge Wells is Traffic Aware (TWITA) and Wildside Cycles colouring and design competition.
Launched during Road Safety Week in November last year, the judging was carried out by Andy Knight, owner of Wildside Cycles, the Mayor, Councillor John Smith, and Chair of TWITA, Councillor Caroline Derrick. Winners were presented with their prizes earlier this year in the Mayors Parlour. Councillor Derrick said that choosing the winners out of so many creative entries was not an easy task. After a lot of discussion, winners Henry Mahon aged 7, and Neve Cotterill aged 8, both won a new cycling helmet, and 14 year old Sarah Grant will have a cycling jersey made up to her winning design.

The competition aimed to help raise awareness of road safety among children, and is part of TWITAs continuing campaign to reduce road traffic casualties across the borough. For more information about TWITA and how you can help go to twita.org.uk

Plan for Tunbridge Wells borough to 2026


Over 90 per cent of residents agree that Tunbridge Wells is a great place to live and one of the reasons people love the borough is the beauty of the countryside and the towns and villages within it. Were all living longer and the population is growing, so we must balance the need to preserve and enhance where we live with the demand for homes and we also need to make sure that we have the right range of employment, retail, culture, leisure and recreation facilities. The Council has already prepared and adopted a long term strategy document called the Core Strategy (2010) which sets out how much development of each main use will take place and broadly where it will go. At least 6,000 homes need to be built up to 2026 and we are now consulting residents on where those homes, businesses and other facilities should go and the infrastructure needed to support this.

Your views are important to us, so please get involved in any of the ways set out below

1 Consultation events
Staffed exhibitions will be held at the following places: Monday 15 April Royal Tunbridge Wells (Royal Victoria Place) TBC Tuesday 16 April Paddock Wood (Wesley Centre, Commercial Road) 4-8pm Wednesday 17 April Hawkhurst (British Legion, Unity Hall, High Street) 4-8pm Thursday 18 April Southborough (The Ark, Gallards Almshouses, London Road) 4-8pm Friday 19 April Cranbrook (Vestry Hall, Stone Street) 2.30-8pm TBC

2 Do it online
The full document will be available on our website tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ allocations You can view the documents and make your comments directly online at http://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

T cons he u is op ltation week en for te sb n Marc etween 1 h and 8 24 May 2013

3 Contact us
You can also see the full document at: Tunbridge Wells Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road Weald Information Centre, The Old Fire Station, Cranbrook All libraries in the borough (during usual opening times). e-mail us: planning.policy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk call us: 01892 554056

Saturday 20 April Royal Tunbridge Wells (Royal Victoria Place) Please check our website for updates on this consultation.

For comments to be considered, they must be submitted before midnight on 24 May 2013.
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Proposals at a glance...
we need your views

Southborough Royal Tunbridge Wells


Royal Tunbridge Wells/ Southborough
Main location for growth identified in Core Strategy n Proposed 4,500 homes, 2,055 already built or planned* n Approximately 2,400 homes allocated with supporting infrastructure such as schools, open space, community facilities and transport links n Approximately 44,500 sqm net additional retail floorspace in Royal Tunbridge Wells n Three key Areas of Change in Royal Tunbridge Wells for mixed use development n Maintain Key Employment Areas and promote business growth n Maintain and enhance parking provision n Increase opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation

Rural Fringe/Green Belt

n Allocate three current rural fringe areas for additional growth at Hawkenbury, Knights Park and Speldhurst Road, former allotments as part of the Royal Tunbridge Wells/Southborough housing requirements

n Provision of new infrastructure and commun facilities including new schools at Knights Park Hawkenbury

n Propose new areas of search for replacem fringe to south east of Royal Tunbridge Wells Hawkenbury area and west of Southborough Caenwood Farm n Continue protection of Green Belt, AONB and rural areas for their natural environment and recreational uses

Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100024298

*as at end of September 2012

Paddock Wood
Paddock Wood
n Proposed 600 homes, 90 already built or planned* n Approximately 650 homes allocated to the east of Paddock Wood to include supporting infrastructure, open space and primary school (some to be built beyond 2026) n Additional retail floorspace n Community facilities n Strengthen and support local shops and businesses n Mitigate flooding issues

Cranbrook
n Proposed 300 homes, 43 already built or planned* n Approximately 250 homes allocated with a main area of growth within the Crane Valley to include supporting infrastructure and open space (some to be built beyond 2026) n Additional retail floorspace n Community facilities n Strengthen and support local shops and businesses n Maintain Crane Valley open space corridor

Cranbrook
Hawkhurst
n Proposed 240 homes, 130 already built or planned* n Approximately 110 homes allocated to include community facilities and open space n Protect and enhance employment opportunities at Gills Green n Strengthen and support local shops and businesses

nity and

ment rural around h near

Hawkhurst

Lifts installation under way


...in the adult education centre and the library, museum and art gallery buildings in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
This development will provide customers with better access to services and offer improved facilities. It is a partnership project between Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

As well as the lifts, improvements will also include: Public toilets on both floors of the library, museum and art gallery building A baby change room on the ground floor of the library, museum and art gallery building A new improved entrance doorway to the adult education building The buildings will remain open and every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum.

For further information please check the museum, library and adult education centre websites:

Wor k Janu began ary 2 01 co expe mpletio 3, n cted su 201 mmer 3

Museum: tunbridgewellsmuseum.org Library: kent.gov.uk/libraries Adult Education Centre: kentadulteducation.co.uk

Inspiring Women
Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery is currently showing a fascinating new exhibition which reveals the hidden history of women in the Tunbridge Wells area.
The show focuses on the period from the late 1800s to the 1920s a time when womens lives changed dramatically and shows the important part Tunbridge Wells women played in that process. From as early as the 1860s, Tunbridge Wells residents were involved in the campaign to win the vote for women, and by 1900 the town was home to one of the most active womens movements outside London. Some favoured a strategy of peaceful campaigning, while others supported the militant Suffragette wing of the movement. It was the Suffragettes who famously burned down the Nevill Cricket Pavilion in 1913.

The Forum
Hoodwink and the museum celebrate 20 years of The Forum!
The Forum, an independent music venue in Tunbridge Wells, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Hoodwink arts and Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery will be working closely with The Forum team to develop an archive to celebrate the 20 years of musical and cultural highlights of the venue which will be shown online in summer 2013. Do you have any photographs, flyers, autographs or recordings from The Forum? Do you have any memories of going to The Forum or wanting to? What was your best gig there? We want to hear it all!

The exhibition goes on to show how the First World War brought about new opportunities for many women to move into areas of work previously closed to them. These included roles in the police and the military. A Tunbridge Wells unit of the Womens Volunteer Reserve began training women as dispatch riders, signallers, telegraphists and trench diggers. The story continues into the 1920s with the work of Tunbridge Wells first women magistrates and councillors, including social reformer Amelia Scott. She pursued a range of reforming initiatives which brought maternity and child welfare issues to public attention. These included a maternity nursing home for women who would otherwise have had to resort to the workhouse. The exhibition showcases the results of a research partnership between the museum and the University of Kent, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. Researchers Dr Anne Logan and Dr Catherine Lee have explored a range of archival sources to uncover these previously little known stories. The partnership has also produced an accompanying website womenshistorykent.org which will remain as an ongoing legacy of the show.

If you have anything to share with us please contact Suzie, Polly or Becca at Hoodwink on 01892 554171 or via e-mail Hoodwink@tunbridgewells. gov.uk

Give yourself a FREE Health MOT


Did you know there is a WellPoint machine at the Gateway, Royal Tunbridge Wells? Its available for you to check your general health during normal opening hours.
What is the MOT? A non-invasive health checking kiosk Measures six vital signs of health: blood pressure, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, heart rate and levels of hydration Results explained in a simple table Save or print out your results Self-test confidentially in just five minutes its that easy! In the last two years alone, the WellPoint machine has helped to identify risk factors that may otherwise go unnoticed... 823 people with high blood pressure 1,881 people overweight or obese 1,752 people with a raised body fat percentage Next time youre in town, why not pop in for a test. If youre concerned about any of your results, contact our Health team on 01892 554411/ health@tunbridgewells.gov. uk who can provide additional support. Theyll also be able to tell you about their current programmes.

Over 5000 have people e h used t o ne s machi far!

Did you know? High blood pressure and excess weight along with physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking are all risk factors for developing heart attack, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and collectively these conditions are the greatest cause of death in the UK

Its called Energy Deal, a collective switching scheme helping a group of consumers use their bargaining power to negotiate a lower price for their energy tariff. The more people that sign up, the more you could save! For those participating, the scheme will negotiate on your behalf to find the best energy deal and there will be no obligation to switch supplier Simil ar once a new offer is made. sche mes The scheme will launch later this elsew here spring, at which point participants have seen hous will be asked to provide a few e hold savin s simple pieces of information g bet w een relating to their current tariff and 60 a nd 2 energy use. For now, if you would 00 per y like to be notified when the scheme ear! opens please register your contact details at tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
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Are you ready to switch?


Despite the rising costs of fuel and pressures on household bills, very few of us change our energy supplier to find a better deal. But theres a new scheme coming soon, offering you a quick and easy way to make savings on your energy bills.

are back again this year, so How to nominate now is the time to take stock Complete a nomination form, which of the people who help make youll find on the councils website at tunbridgewells.gov.uk. You can submit your community a great place to live. You can help ensure that your form online, print it off and post it to us, or pick one up at the Gateway all the amazing individuals, or Weald Information Centre. organisations and groups Forms are also available Winni of people across from Hilary or Lizzie on C h means arity of thng the borough are 01892 554270. recognised for their hardw recogni e Year was wo orking v tion for o hard work and affir m nder ful toolunteers.ur commitment. a

There are people in have been making our borough who to their communitya vital contribution we would like to he for many years and Who in your comm ar about them . putting themselves unity has been others for ten years out for the benefit of or more? Are you inspired by dedication and comsomeones mitment?

Lifetime Achievem ent Award

The Award

This h tion fro receive It The awards arent our cli such projecetlps raise fm just about big u and in nding ents. awaren achievements; or the ess of ocreases pufb sometimes its the little things that go Winne ur serviceslic r 2012 a long way. This year there are even more
categories, so no matter what it is your nominee does or has done, we hope youll find a suitable award to put them forward for.

Please help make this years awards an even greater success by telling us about those special people you know and why you think they deserve to be recognised. Lets acknowledge and celebrate their efforts and extraordinary qualities. Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel and invited to an awards ceremony on the evening of Wednesday 2 October 2013, when they will be presented with a trophy and receive a prize.

Individual Hero Award ty volunteer,

ni Inspired by commu Val Joy at individual This award is for thl effort to enhance who makes a speciaPerhaps its the other peoples lives. that go a long little things they do mply always there way and they are si ay do something if needed . Or they m meaning ful to that is particularly beneficial to the their community or ch they live environment in whi who deserves to be ro he ng u ns u at th recognised . do you appreciate ? Whose contribution

Inspired by Daisy Fl etcher Through this awar to recognise and en d wed like courage an individual , team or made exceptional club that has extraordinar y goalprogress, reached or made an imports in their discipline , to spor t locally. Thiant contribution moving up the grads isn t just about e, but also about personal achievemen adversity and supp t, overcoming or ting others to do so. Who are your local spor ting champions?

Spor ts Achiever of t he Year Award

Main Spon

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ds categories for 2013


Ethical Business Award gnise a local
co This award will redemonstrate its company that can ving a positive commitment to ha munity and/or impact on the com his could include the environment. T ce carbon emissions, taking steps to reduor energy-saving such as a recycling ting a local charity, programme, suppor ent opportunities providing employ mbuying from local for young people or companies. k for an Do you know or wor putting something organisation that is unity? back into the comm This award is for th know, aged 24 or u at young person you nder, who stands out as somebody wit qualities; somebody h very special spare time to voluntwho gives up their so, contributes to th eer, and in doing their community ase welfare of others, a whole or the environment. Would you like to se young person rewar e a particular ded for their efforts?

Young Volunteer of the Year Award

teert of n u l o v As ano though wasat I . d r d a I hang an aw learnt th s vi when I ated . A ly receih n icular g ted nomip n e delih ar t t the e b s a w I I ad r ne to highligh my n i w e th pleased spirit within nity e village u m m co hom 2012 r Winne
Terms and conditions at a glance:
Nominees can be entered for more than one category Nominations must be for a living person

Safer Community Award light the efforts

Bes t Group Award e the

gh This award will hi that have helped le of a person or peop nity a safer place make your commu involve improving to live . This could rians, children and the safety of pedest , or taking steps cyclis ts in your area and anti -social to stamp out crime behaviour. at believes Who do you know th and making it in positive change happen ?

ople who ar Is there a group of pe mmunity? Perhaps life blood of your co relied upon to help they can always be e funds. It could out at events or raisampioning a green be that they are ch opportunities project, or creating lved in local for people to get invoclub or other social activities such as a group. oups collective Do you admire a gr or achievements? energy, enthusiasm

Nominations per person or organisation are unlimited, but each must be submitted on an official entry form Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel and invited to an awards ceremony on Wednesday 2 October 2013 Nominations can be made by any member of the community An individual, group or company can nominate themselves All eligible nominations will be shortlisted before going to an independent judging panel whose decision is final Closing date for nominations is Thursday 1 August 2013

nsor for 2013

This award is for an charity that operat y registered Tunbridge Wells. Nes in the borough of received from staff, ominations can be those who benefit fr volunteers or from om their work . Tell us about a char the lives and well- ity that enhances the Tunbridge Wel being of residents in ls borough .

Charity of the Year Award

Contact us
For more information, contact Hilary or Lizzie on 01892 554270, or at: LoveWhereWeLive@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk

The closing date for nominations is Thursday 1 August 2013


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Community Safety: keeping it local


The Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit (CSU), is an alliance of local agencies, organisations and charities working together to tackle anti-social behaviour and other crime and safety problems in the borough. Our partnership ensures that the people best placed to help are informed and on the case as soon as possible.
The Kent County Council Community Wardens are vital members of the team, helping local people to live safely and independently, particularly those who may feel excluded or vulnerable. Warden Supervisor, Nigel Freeman, explains: We are a visible, uniformed presence, and often regarded as a focal point for the communities we work with. There is no such thing as a typical warden we come in all sizes, ages and backgrounds nor is there a typical day. We may deal with abandoned vehicles, helping with walking buses and reading classes at local primary schools, to ensuring elderly residents improve their home security. Although wardens do not have any enforcement powers, if we cannot help solve your problem we will know someone who can. We work flexible hours between 7.30am and 10pm, and our contact details are accessible to everyone. To organise an event in your local area contact the Street Scene Enforcement Team on 01892 526121

Warden Supervisor Nigel Freeman

The situations we deal with are very varied. Recently I received a call from a worried lady in Inverness who had been unable to get in touch with an elderly friend in the borough. I ensured that a Community Warden was quickly assigned to make enquiries with neighbours; it was discovered that her friend was in hospital but due to be released in a few days. A quick phone call to Inverness reassured a very relieved and grateful Scottish resident within two hours of her call. Go to kent.gov.uk/communitywardens for contact details of your local Community Warden, or contact Nigel on 07969 584175 or nigel.freeman@kent.gov.uk. If a crime is in progress always call 999, or 101 to report non-urgent police matters.

Flag up dog fouling


Irresponsible dog owners not picking up after their dogs were flagged up as we worked with Southborough Town Council to deliver a new approach to tackling dog fouling in the area.
The new approach, recommended by our Overview and Scrutiny Dog Fouling Task & Finish Group, used a Bag & Flag event to engage the community in tackling the problem. The event, led by Councillors David Elliott and Alain Lewis took place at the Ridgewaye Playing Fields towards the end of last year and achieved an 87% reduction in instances of irresponsible dog ownership. The Chairman of the Dog Fouling Task and Finish Group, Councillor David Elliott, said Lazy and irresponsible dog owners behaviour needs to If you see an change; our event made them irresponsible dog aware that what they are doing owner not picking is unacceptable. We want up after their dog, residents to tell the Council call the Street Scene who is doing this and we Enforcement Team will act on all the information on 01892 526121 received. With the help of and give them as parish and town councils, Bag much information as & Flag events can take place possible date, time, across the borough and Fixed description of the Penalty Notices will be issued owner and the dog if necessary.

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Any bin will do dog owners can put bagged dog waste in general litter bins or take it home and put in the green bin

New affordable homes for people with disabilities


A new housing development in Showfields, Royal Tunbridge Wells has recently been built by Town and Country Housing Group in partnership with the Occupational Therapy Bureau at Kent County Council and the borough council.
As well as providing much-needed large family homes, the scheme includes three specially-designed, disabledadapted homes for families with disabled children who were known to all three organisations as having an overwhelming need for an adapted property. Each of the adapted properties has been specially designed to meet the needs of the household as all of the families were previously living in accommodation that was unsuitable for their long term needs. Some had been waiting on the housing register for several years for a suitable property to become available.

Dont hedge your bets get those trimmers out!


Now is a good time of year, just before spring fully arrives and the birds start nesting, to think about cutting back your hedges, especially if theyre starting to encroach on the pavement and potentially causing a hazard or risk of injury to others.
Overgrown hedges, If you are concerned bushes or trees can have about a particular tree, a big impact on the space hedge or shrub you available for pedestrians, can let KCC know on particularly those who 08458 247 800 and need more space, such as they will contact the wheelchair users, people property owner if they with mobility scooters, think that it is causing or mums and dads with a problem prams. And it can cause a serious hazard for people with sight impairment. Kent County Council (KCC) is responsible for the general upkeep of roads and pavements, but it is the responsibility of individual property owners to look after their own gardens, and we all have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent or reduce, as far as possible, the risk of injury or damage that could be caused to someone else. For more information on your responsibilities and further advice, you can visit KCCs website kent.gov.uk

News bites
The latest Halifax Quality of Life Survey showed the borough of Tunbridge Wells as the third most desirable place to live in the country Budgets and priorities were agreed at Full Council in February. Look out for our article in the summer edition Town and Country Housing Group provided the land for the scheme and built the development, and the Council supplied additional Disabled Facility Grant funding for the adaptations. All of the properties on the development have been built to a very high standard and are already making a big difference to the lives of the families who live in them. In addition to the completed scheme at Showfields, more disabled-adapted units are being planned in the new regeneration schemes at Sherwood, Ropers Gate and Rusthall. Prospective applicants need to be registered on the Tunbridge Wells Housing Register and can do so by picking up an application form from the Gateway, Royal Tunbridge Wells. 29,000 people attended the Calverley Grounds ice rink, thats 3,000 more than the previous winter! Well done to Chrissie Wade, Diane Tudball and Trevor Gilbert the lucky winners from our Christmas prize draw 335 children benefited from the Mayors 2012 Christmas Toy appeal. Thats up 3% on last year, so a huge thank you to everyone involved Parking charges are not being increased in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre for the next financial year nor will the cost of residents permits rise Tunbridge Wells is officially the safest place in Kent with fewer crimes than any other area
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Housing Benefit
Changes to Housing Benefit for tenants of social landlords
From April 2013 there are new rules about the size of accommodation that Housing Benefit, and in the future Universal Credit, will cover for working age tenants renting in the social sector. This will bring them in line with the private rented sector. The size criteria allow one bedroom for each person or couple living as part of the household, with the following exceptions: children under 16 of the same gender are expected to share children under 10 are expected to share regardless of gender a disabled tenant or partner who needs a nonresident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room Those tenants whose accommodation is larger than they need will see a reduction in their Housing Benefit. Those with one spare bedroom will lose 14 per cent of their Housing Benefit, and those with two or more spare bedrooms will lose 25 per cent. The portion of rent not covered by benefits will need to be met by the tenant. One option open to tenants is to contact their landlord to discuss

Welfare Reform Benefits are changing


Benefits are changing in 2013, and a new Universal Credit will start to replace many benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit.
The result is that some people will receive less financial help from the state than they have had previously. In this edition of Local, we look at some of the changes and how they may affect you or someone you know. We also explain the help and support on offer if needed. The Welfare Reform Act will bring in changes to the benefits system, starting in April 2013. The government is introducing the changes to: create the right incentives to get more people into work protect the most vulnerable in our society deliver fairness to those claiming benefit and to the tax payer

Disability Living Allowance


...is to be replaced by Personal Independence Payment from April 2013. There will be a cap on benefits which will mean there is a maximum amount of Universal Credit payable to each household to ensure that people are better off when in employment.

Universal Credit
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Universal Credit in the autumn of 2013. Universal Credit will replace: Universal Credit will not replace: Income-based Jobseekers Allowance Pension Credits Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Child Tax Credits Working Tax Credits Housing Benefit Contributory Jobseekers Allowance Contributory Employment and Support Allowance Disability Living Allowance Child Benefit Bereavement, sick and maternity benefits/ payments Council Tax Benefit
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Council Tax Benefit


...is being abolished in April 2013 and we will provide localised support. Because the Council will have less money to provide this support, some people who have previously not needed to pay Council Tax will now have to pay at least 8.5 per cent of the Council Tax. Based on this years figures it would be between 2 6 per week, depending on the size and location of the property. These changes will not affect pensioners

Everyone affected by these changes has been or w

opportunities to move to accommodation more suitable for their needs. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact the Council, their landlord, or the Citizens Advice Bureau as soon as possible.

Where to go for help and advice


Advice is available in person at the Gateway in Grosvenor Road, or by telephone, and we are also working closely with partners to help support people who are affected by the changes.

Benefit Cap
A Benefit Cap will be introduced by September 2013. This cap will limit the amount that a family can receive in welfare benefits to 500 per week. A single person will be limited to 350. There are some exceptions, for example people receiving Disability Living Allowance or Working Tax Credit. If you are over the limit and claim Housing Benefit, your benefit will be reduced to bring your total income down to the capped level.

Gateway
Gateway is able to offer help and advice to people who are concerned about the impact of the welfare reforms on their household budget. By visiting Gateway, you can get advice from a number of sources that will help you understand how the welfare reforms will affect you and what support is available. Gateway is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with late opening until 6.30pm on Thursdays. It is also open on Saturday from 9am to 1.30pm.

The Future
New claims for Housing Benefit from customers who are out of work will move to Universal Credit from October 2013 and new claims for Housing Benefit from customers who are working will move to Universal Credit from April 2014. Existing claimants will move from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit between October 2013 and October 2017.

Tunbridge Wells Citizens Advice Bureau


You can access advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau in the following ways: Drop-in advice: Available at Gateway from Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm. Telephone advice: Call 01892 533880. Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. For more information see www.twcab.org.uk

Money advice Child Benefit


From January 2013 families where one or more parents earns between 50,000 and 60,000 will have their benefit reduced on a sliding scale. Those earning over 60,000 will not receive any benefit. Whether youre losing benefits or not, a review of your finances is a good idea to help budget for now and the future. As well as the Citizens Advice Bureau, other information on budgeting and debt management can be found online at sites such as: The Money Advice Service offers free, unbiased and independent advice on all money matters. Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0300 500 5000. The website includes a money health check tool and a budget planner.

Social Fund
The Social Fund is currently dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions and is used to make payments to individuals in extreme need. It includes Community Care Grants, Crisis Loans for general living expenses, and Budgeting Loans. Kent County Council will take over the management of the fund for people living in the Tunbridge Wells borough and other areas of Kent from April 2013.

Social housing support


Those residents who live in social housing and who are affected or worried by the changes can receive advice and support from their landlord. These include: Town and Country Housing Group 0845 873 1321 Hyde Housing 0800 085 4195 Moat Homes 0845 600 1006
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will be written to by the relevant authority

Sherwood Lake today

Sherwoods pioneering past


Consultation on the future management of Sherwood Lake and Woods in Tunbridge Wells has unearthed some fascinating stories about the estates pioneering past.
William Siemens, who co-founded the Siemens electrical engineering company with his brother Werner in 1858, lived at Sherwood Park (now Badgers Holt) from 1874 until his death in 1883. Siemens was a pioneer and inventor, and made many changes to the grounds of the house. His short time at Sherwood Park saw the woodland between Blackhurst Lane and Greggs Wood Road being worked by electrical machinery, powered by Siemens own design of steam engine. Siemens oversaw the creation of landscaped gardens in the woodland, the construction of garages and stables, and the building of a walled kitchen garden. He constructed Sherwood Lake, which was fed by the same natural spring that still flows into the lake today. This Sherwood spring water was Siemens main water source, and once again he used electricity generated on site to pump water from the spring up to the estate house.
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William Siemens Siemens steam engine

Many signs of Sherwoods past remain visible at Sherwood Lake and Woods today. Visit khwp.org.uk to find out more about the fascinating history of this site, and how it will be taken care of in the future.
Sherwood Park in 1880

Thinking about making alterations to your home?


If so, why not talk to our experienced Building Control team; theyre on hand to provide help and advice to ensure your building project meets the necessary building regulations.
A designated Building Control Surveyor will work with you every step of the way to advise and assist you through the design and construction processes. Theyll also help with: Pre-application advice from the earliest stages of the project design Facilitation of meetings with other departments Site meetings whenever you want them For further advice, costs and information contact Patrick Arthur on 01892 554116 or patrick.arthur@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

A service you can trust

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Bloom gathers momentum


Were excited about 2013 hopefully a memorable year for Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom as we enter the national finals for the first time ever.
Come along to our launch event on 19 or 20 April between 10am-3pm in the precinct, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Learn about what you can do to get involved. Therell be lots of activity and fun the children will love it!

royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk
All entries must be visible from the street and its free to enter. We are expecting our best year yet, so for all keen

Whats being organised? Regular garden competition


- for residents and local business with nine categories to choose from. Pick from: basket, planter/tub/container, front patio/balcony, allotment, wildlife garden, caf/pub/club, street, front garden or shop front.

Winning our category at the regional finals in 2012 has secured a new sponsor, Coolings Nursery based in Knockholt, which is great news for everyone involved.

have an interest in the environment, love gardening, like to meet others and learn new skills, and if you are from around Royal Tunbridge Wells, wed love you to get involved. Groups can include people from the street where you live, a church or other community groups such as a Friends Group. Local traders are also being encouraged to take part. Interested? The Bloom Committee can provide help with community projects by contributing up to 500 for materials. This can include out of season activities such as bulb planting or fundraising events. We will need to see photographs and copies of any media coverage gained. The campaign is so much more than flowers as it stretches to recycling, conservation, parks and open spaces and much more.

Cont act Hele n Timm s on 0189 2 526 for m 121 ore infor mati on

gardeners and conservationists check out the website royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk for more information and an entry form.

Neighbourhoods competition
- we are looking to expand our campaign by helping local groups start their own mini Bloom. If you

We will have lots of activities throughout the year with demonstrations and volunteering events and experts on hand to give free advice. The Bloom website will be kept up-to-date with all the latest events, news and information on how to be involved.

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County Council Elections


On Thursday 2 May, electors will vote for their Kent County Councillor. If your name does not appear on the register, you will not be able to vote.
If you are unable to vote in person on 2 May, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote. The deadline for receipt of postal applications is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April and 5pm on Wednesday 24 April for proxy applications. You do not need a poll card to vote, it is simply notification of an election but you can only vote at the station you have been allocated. Listed below are the county electoral divisions and which wards fall within these divisions. County division Borough wards within the division Cranbrook Benenden & Cranbrook Frittenden & Sissinghurst Hawkhurst & Sandhurst Tunbridge Wells East Pembury St James Sherwood Tunbridge Wells North St Johns Southborough & High Brooms Southborough North Tunbridge Wells Rural Brenchley & Horsmonden Capel Goudhurst & Lamberhurst Paddock Wood East and West Pantiles & St Marks Tunbridge Wells South Broadwater Park Tunbridge Wells West Culverden Rusthall Speldhurst & Bidborough Visit aboutmyvote.co.uk or call Electoral Services on 01892 554025 if you need application forms or advice and information.

Help them tell their story


Scotney Castle is a country house, romantic garden and 14th c. Are moated castle surrounded by you ng to acres of wonderful woodland looki skills new and parkland to explore and gain elop an v enjoy. or de Do you
Scotney has a fascinating story to tell and they would love you to join them to help bring that story to life for visitors.

st? intere ome time s e hav ive as a o t g eer? t volun

Find out more by contacting greta.tanton@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01892 893845.

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11/2/13 14:21:13

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With the successful launch of Sounds of The Wells (SOTW) last month, 2013 promises to be a fantastic year for music lovers.
For the Tunbridge Wells music scene, in collaboration with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, SOTW is a recently formed live music collective comprised of representatives from four of the towns main music festivals and venues. By combining their

resources and expertise, SOTW will promote Tunbridge Wells as a live music destination. Events such as these not only play an important part in Tunbridge Wells culture, they bring vital commerce to the area too. Funding is essential to ensure all the events continue each year, so if you, or anyone you know can support them in some way, the organisers would be delighted to hear from you.

Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival 2013


Various venues around Tunbridge Wells 28 September 13 October Now in its tenth year, the festival brings classical music as well as classic jazz to younger people and families. e michael@waggatt.com t 01342 851168 w tunbridgewellsfestival. co.uk

TWYCA (Tunbridge Wells International Young Concert Artists)


Kent College and The Assembly Hall Theatre, 5 July 20 July 2014 Now approaching its 35th year, the biennial competition provides an opportunity for the most talented of the next generation of classical musicians to play before a jury of international stars. e chris.jostorr@ blueyonder.co.uk w twiyca.org

2013 Local & Live Music Festival


The Pantiles 23 26 August. During March, The Local & Live Music Festival will be showcasing some of its acts ahead of the festival in August at The Grey Lady Music Lounge on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. e paul@pauldunton.co.uk t 07786 547265 w localandlive.org

UNFEST
The Forum, The Duke of York, The Ragged Trousers and The Sussex Arms Spring Bank Holiday Weekend The festival aims to showcase the towns independent spirit: its music venues, its businesses, its music and art over three days. w unlabel.net or twforum. co.uk

Access guide

Join the thousands of people who already enjoy the benefits of a free access guide which:
Offers accessibility information about a huge range of venues, including hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. Records any accessibility improvements that have been made to venues each year. Includes recent updates on new venues in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre, North Farm, Frittenden and Hawkhurst, following suggestions from the public. Aims to raise awareness of accessibility issues for people with disabilities, their carers, family and friends. Visit disabledgo.com or google DisabledGo Tunbridge Wells. If you would like more information about the guide, or if you would like to be sent details about new venues that are being added, please contact Dean Eales, Customer Relationship Manager at DisabledGo, e-mail: dean.eales@disabledgo.com or telephone: 01438 842710.

FREE Local Business Advice

If youd li ke story and to share your in please co spire others, ntact Hem on 01892 55 4272

Running a sm business? all

We fund Enterprise First to offer free support for start up, new and established small business, so take advantage and contact 0845 4587535 or www. ar, enterprisefirst.co.uk us ye o i v e 0 pr
Starting a new business? Whether you are with or without a job at the moment, you may wish to consider the opportunities and challenges of running your own business. This could be run from home, alone or in conjunction with others, be part-time or a full-time venture.

0 In the re than 61 started o e m re wer esses which mo e n i s u h b nt of e in t in Ke 10% wer bridge than gh of Tun u s boro Well

Around 300,000 new businesses will be started in the UK this year. Could you be one of them?
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Welcome to Silverdale Day Nursery...


Silverdale Day Nursery provides care for children aged from 3 months to 5 years. Our nursery has been thoughtfully designed to ensure we oer your child new experiences and encourage individual development on a daily basis in a caring and secure environment.

What we oer....
Caring, qualied sta Extensive range of modern toys Fully functional childrens kitchen Large outdoor play area Childrens playmaker tree house Water play and nature/growing areas Safe and secure premises with CCTV Open 51 weeks a year - 7am - 7pm Nutritious menus Government funded term time places of up to 15 hours available

Contact us Tel:01892 540068

Email:info@kindernurseries.co.uk Web: www.kindernurseries.co.uk


CWC BC.qxp:Layout 1 6/1/12 18:26 Page 2

C C
5/6/7 JULY 2013
Friday 5 July

Builders Ltd
Builders and Decorators Presented by

EXTENSIONS
email: cwcbuilders@aol.com wesleyfamily22@aol.com

Tony Wesley 079 4052 3749

RENOVATIONS KITCHENS BATHROOMS CARPENTRY DECORATIONS FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FULLY INSURED

Killer Queen at Tonbridge Castle!

15 Adult, 12 concessions Family ticket 40*

Saturday 6 July

Tonbridge Castle Proms


12 Adult, 8 concessions Family ticket 30* Sunday 7 July

GREASE! Sing-a-long
EM Forster Theatre 15 Adult, 10 concessions Family ticket 40* Box office 01732 304241

Early Bird tickets available online only from 1 March (prices will increase in May!)

For a free estimate call Mark on 07958 713676 or 01892 616623 e-mail cwcbuilders@aol.com

Tickets available from Tonbridge Castle Gateway Telephone 01732 770929 | www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk
*Family ticket 2 x adult, 2 x child (child ages 5-16) Please note tickets are non refundable and non exchangeable.

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185 TMBC TAF 114x94.indd 1

Out and about with the Veg Squad!


For the last three years Kent High Weald Partnership staff and volunteers have worked with their partners at Pepenbury, Sherwood Park Primary and Oakley School to help improve vegetable growing and education facilities through the borough council and Lottery funded Food 4 Thought project.
Last year saw the birth of the Veg Squad, a package for local primary schools combining practical improvements to growing areas with training for pupils and staff. Visits to St Barnabas and St Peters Schools in Tunbridge Wells, and Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Primaries further afield, led to one simple conclusion. What they wanted, and what they

New Vegetable Beds at Cranbrook School

got, was raised beds and more raised beds, filled with a mountainous total of over 20 tonnes of soil. To find out more about the Food 4 Thought project, including resources for education, visit the website: khwp.org.uk/home/schoolsgrowingveg.html Things were never really fine and reporting the sad truth every week to the volunteer was extraordinarily powerful. Given that one in four women and one in six men from all walks of life will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives, the support provided across West Kent by the highly trained DAVSS volunteers is invaluable. They provide a range of services including risk assessment, safety planning, face to face meetings, a support to court service, and they run a confidential helpline for those seeking advice. Last year DAVSS helped more than 170 clients in cases involving 212 children. If you or anyone you know is suffering health problems linked to domestic abuse, emotional, physical or both, please call the local helpline on 01892 570538 10am 1pm weekdays.

Local domestic abuse charity says: your health matters: talk to us

Talk to us is what the DAVSS volunteers in West Kent emphasise again and again.
So often new clients say that they didnt want to trouble anyone, only to find that when they do pick up the phone that there are people willing and trained to understand what they are going through and offer them help. Amy (name changed) who had benefited from DAVSS services to help her escape from the psychological abuse she suffered said: It was mainly my mind which was assaulted.

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Dont Suffer.
The Horder Centre, a nationally recognised centre for Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal excellence, has opened a Physiotherapy Clinic in the centre of Tunbridge Wells offering fast access to expert care. Available without a GP referral, our new service enables you to minimise your pain as quickly as possible and get your life back on track. We can treat various conditions including: I Sports injuries I Back pain I Arthritic and joint problems I Posture problems

I Repetitive strain injuries

Initial appointments are affordably priced at 40, with follow up appointments priced at just 30. Early, late night and Saturday appointments are available. Book your FREE 15 minute consultation today and let us provide a personal solution to ease your pain. Call us on

01892 529059 or visit www.horderhealthcare.co.uk for further information.


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Horder Healthcare Physiotherapy Clinic Lower Ground Floor, 2 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EE
Registered Charity Number: 1046624

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Whats On at the Assembly Hall Theatre


March
Mon 18 Mar Tue 19Wed 20 Mar Thu 21 Mar Fri 22 Mar Sat 23Sun 24 Mar Mon 25Sat 30 Mar Sun 31 Mar Mon 1 Apr Tue 2 Apr Fri 5 Apr Sat 6 Apr Sun 7 Apr Tue 9 Apr Wed 10 Apr Thu 11 Apr Fri 12Sat 13 Apr Tue 16Sat 20 Apr Sun 21 Apr Sun 28 Apr Mon 29 Apr Tue 30 Apr Sat 4 May Sun 5 May Mon 6Sat 11 May Sun 12 May Mon 13 May Tue 14Sat 18 May Tue 21 May Fri 24 May Tue 28 MaySat 1 Jun Fri 7 Jun Thu 13 Jun Sat 15 Jun Sun 16 Jun Tue 18Thu 20 Jun Wed 26 Jun Wed 17Thu 18 Jul Cannon, Campbell, Watchorn & OConnor TW Primary Schools Concert West Kent WI No Jacket Required Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance Coppelia Soul Sister Steeleye Span Best Friends Forever Milkshake! Come Out To Play Solid Silver 60s The Magic of Motown RTWSO Michaela Strachan Russell Kane Joe Brown Rapunzel TWODS The Sound of Music The Military Wives Choir The Karpenters Tom Paxton The Good Old Days Pasha Kovalev & Katya Virshilas Sids Show Priscilla Queen of the Desert Alice in Wonderland Ballet Chas n Dave Carnaby Street Sally Morgan Billy Ocean Yes, Prime Minister Counterfeit Stones The Shaolin Warriors Thatll Be The Day RTW Choral Society Dora the Explorer Well Meet Again Jason Manford

TUNBRIDGE WELLS FARMERS MARKET

Spring
2013
DATES

April

MAR 9 & 23 APR 13 & 27 MAY 11 & 25 9AM 2PM


@TWBCFrmrsMkt TWBC Farmers Market

PLEASE BRING A BAG

and nd e o c se e th n the outsid . o e c a 2pm nth o o The market takes pl t m of t h e o m 9a m fourth Saturdays lls fr Town e We Hall, Royal Tunbridg

May

A change to the way you pay for water is in the pipeline


Since February, South East Water has been installing compulsory water meters for residents in Southborough as part of the Customer Metering Programme that is currently rolling out across the South East. Nearly all residents of Tunbridge Wells will have a water meter fitted and it will take approximately a year to complete the 18,500 installations. Customers will receive information through the post four months before their meter is due to be installed, and South East Water has said that you do not need to do anything in the meantime. Please visit southeastwater.co.uk for answers to all the most frequently asked questions or call the metering helpline on 0333 000 0003.
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June

July

Did you know you have the right to choose where you have your NHS treatment?
The NHS Constitution gives you the right to decide which hospital to visit from a list of qualified providers. The Horder Centre is a qualified provider and an independent centre of excellence for orthopaedic care approved to provide NHS services without charge to the patient. We have a 99.3% patient satisfaction rate and deliver consistently high outcomes in areas including joint replacement and physiotherapy. As a charity, The Horder Centre reinvests any surplus money it generates through fundraising and clinical activity back into enhancing services, further advancing health and benefitting even more patients. If you require orthopaedic treatment or investigation for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, ask your GP to refer you to The Horder Centre. Its your right. Visit horderhealthcare.co.uk for more information or call us on 01892 600804
The Horder Centre, St Johns Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1XP

Registered Charity Number: 1046624

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