The May Meeting; Report and Follow Up

RVA last met on May 31st. Guest speakers and topics included...

About ASBOs and ABAs

Terry Hughes has been working for the borough in his current position for over a year and a half. He liaises with government agencies such as health, housing and education to beat and prevent crime. Most people will be familiar with the idea of ASBO’s but may never of heard of an ABA. There are several steps that lead up to an ASBO, an ABA is one of these steps. The system works like this:

At the time of the meeting, there were seven ASBOs enforced in the borough, no recipient resided in Rusthall.

ABAs are more common across the borough. These were commissioned for vandalism mainly, most notable serious damage to the Elms derelict building. Their commissioning appears to have had the desired affect. Mr Hughes would like to make it clear that in his experience, the procurement of an ASBO is not something recipients brag about, as is sometimes thought. An ASBO places strict curfews on the individual.

Police Presence

The visiting police representatives were next to speak. They were keen to stress that Tunbridge Wells has a below average crime record and that an association such as ours shows community strength; a united voice is important.

There was a good reaction from members and several problems with the system were raised. Trouble contacting the police was a common concern. >>>>>

Currently, when you contact Tunbridge Wells police station any time of day, you speak to the the West Kent central switch board. You are then transferred to an area office, which in the evenings becomes the Maidstone branch. Several members, from personal experience, explained that this divorce from the community was unacceptable. The problem is that one may report a crime, it takes 10 minutes to do so and you don’t see a police presence for over an hour, if at all. The speakers explained that a new system, one which should dispatch local officers, was in the pipeline. There was criticism from members that the police presence in the village is weak.

One resident that reported a street fight that took place outside the Onestop, opposite Common View, received no police response and the event was not captured on CCTV either; even though the high street has this in operation.

Community Warden

Ariana Sutton took the floor next to explain her role in the community. She is funded by KCC and is Rusthalls Community Warden. Her remit is quality of life issues. She is not a police officer, but works, as Mr Hughes does, with agencies to help improve upon the day to day issues that make Rusthall a nice, or otherwise place to live.

She took questions from members which included concerns on parking, especially by the Oak public house and she appealed for information on the use of mini-motorbikes.

Ariana works closely with PC Carter, who is the police constable for Rusthall.

Is It Effective?

Both Terry Hughes and Ariana Sutton stressed that feedback from the community was an effective way of informing the authorities of any undesirable behaviour and harder crime. This can include compiling a nuisance diary, taking photographs etc. They can then view the evidence and take appropriate action.

Each guest speaker stressed that if a crime was taking place at that moment, that a call to 999 police emergency would be the action needed and not to rely on the West Kent Central switch board.

Since the last meeting, anti-social behaviour in Common View and Cranwell Road has been tackled and reduced, due to actions taken by residents and our community authority figures taking notice and responding. The CCTV Camera has a much better view of the high street than before, problem youths have been approached and apprehended. Ariana Sutton has moved her working hours around to target problem times. And a borough wide football competition is also in the pipeline.

Rusthall Elms & Middlefield

Unsurprisingly, the last meeting saw a lively debate on the proposal to develop this derelict site into a mix of residential plots and sports facilities. RVA Newsletter No 9 outlines these proposals. The final guest speaker at the May meeting was from Taylor Woodrow; responsable for the proposed plan.

Opinions against Proposal

Among the concerns by residents are parking issues, traffic volume, potential for road accidents, opportunity for crime, ‘association housing’, noise and light intrusion from sports facilities, drain on resources such as water and privacy issues for residents in Edward Street and Common View.

Opinions For Proposal

Reasons expressed for the proposal included Taylor Woodrow's reputation, derelict property attracts crime and is an eyesore, affordable housing, more houses mean schools less likely to close, sports facilities to be used by the school.

RVA Chair person Jenny Blackburn suggested that the village applies for a planning forum. This would give the village voice to have it’s say over the proposal. It would work like this:

This may sound positive, however the Taylor Woodrow representative did not promise a reconsultation after any planning changes.

There was a suggestion that the entrance to the site should be via the Langton Road, not the Boundary as proposed. In fact, it was hard to find anyone who thought otherwise. The current idea would encourage traffic to route through the village instead of round it. Indeed, to avoid the sometimes lengthy queues that are now apparent along the Langton Road, drivers divert through the village anyway. The extra volume would make a problem squared. Also, at least one property would need to be demolished in order for this entrance to to be made.

The argument was that common land would need to be taken to enable a safe entrance via the Langton Road and that would not be acceptable.

Councillor Bob Wratten, Who disagrees with the proposal, made it clear that in today's political climate, developments are not turned down due to traffic or parking issues. Taylor Woodrow are adamant that their experience and research suggests the effect of extra traffic due to the development is within acceptable limits. A strain on the private road use is even encouraged, as this may make public transport and car share initiatives more attractive. The County Councils directive on the latter can be found at www.kent.gov.uk/carshare or www.kentschoolrun.org

It is fair to say that something needs to happen with Middlefield. A derelict building is not good for the village and it’s such a waste. Some residents suggest that such a development is ‘an easy option’. What the village really needs is a car park. Maybe a mix of new housing, parking and sports facilities.

At the time of going to press, no planning application had been submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Triumph Over Vandalism

Two village amenities have been vandalised, then brought back to life in recent months. The first is Primrose Garden Nursery. A spate of vandalism plagued the nursery, which is run by KCC but staffed by adults with learning difficulties. Crime prevention initiatives have been put in place to help prevent further problems. The nursery sells vegetables, bedding plants and hanging baskets. Ariana Sutton carried out the grand reopening.

The second is arson damage to the Mary Caley Recreation ground on Thursday 1st June. No one has been prosecuted for this act as of yet. If anyone has information on this incident, please either contact Ariana (see general numbers) or Crime Stoppers (0800 555111). The play area has now been restored and reopened.

Sources: Courier 23rd June,    
Www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Well Done To . . .

Rusthall and Tunbridge Wells Amateur boxing Club

Newsletter No 9 June 2006 told of the success of Rusthall and Tunbridge Wells Amateur Boxing Club and the anticipation of one of its members, Nabil Yahyaoul, who was to box for the title of English Amateur Boxing Light Weight Champion.

Well, he not only defeated his opponent and won the title, but he did so by a margin of 12-0.

Also, Head coach Billy Hall has now been appointed Kent Amateur Boxing Association’s county coach. His name was put forward and unanimously approved by the KABA.

Sources: Courier 23rd June,    
Courier 18th August

Cutting Edge

Sophie McAleenen, hair stylist and daughter of Michael and Karen from the Cutting Room, has recently been rewarded for her achievements on her Hairdressing NVQ 2 course by West Kent College. Her performance through the year was exceptional. She won a coloration course in London and a selection of styling equipment.

And it’s Good Bye

To the owners of Lower Green Stores. Alan and Eileen Cobil who have been serving the village for over fourteen years. The shop floor is being replaced by a new dinning room. “Neither of us wanted to leave, we both love the village” said Mrs Cobil. A surprise cheque for £600 was awarded to the couple, donated by residents and customers. Happy retirement.

Sources: Courier 23rd June,    
Courier 7th July

General Useful Numbers

T.Wells Police Station: 01892 511055       Rusthall Community Warden: 07813 695872       T.Wells Borough Council: 01892 526121      
Rusthall Veterinary Surgery: 01892 511715       Emergency Dental Service (NHS): 01892 517771