It is vital that we maintain solid membership because this gives us the clout we need to make Rusthall issues at heard at the highest levels. Membership costs are very low at just £3 a year -please help us to serve you by ensuring you keep up to date with your subscriptions.
Next meeting
The next RVA meeting will be held on Thursday 29 November at the United Reformed Church village hall, from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Inspector Jon Kirby of Tunbridge Wells Police will be outlining new plans for Community Policing in Rusthall. Come and hear how you can play a part in formulating local police priorities. Hot drinks/mince pies available in the interval from the newly formed volunteer Catering Crew! Come a little earlier to join the RVA - only £3 per annum.
Rusthall Elms/Middlefield
At a recent planning forum, Jenny Blackburn, Jenny Alexander and Charles Walker spoke in support of the development of 56 homes. The developer, Taylor Wimpey, offered to reinstate the car parking facilities at the top of Edward Street, which had previously been taken away, subject to Council approval. The forum was well attended by local councillors. Langton Green residents voiced their objections to an access route through The Boundary, and the Planning Committee will reach a decision on this issue before the end of December.
New buses serving Rusthall
There has been a very positive response to the introduction of new buses to the routes serving the village. Early feedback suggests that they are far quieter and more comfortable, as well as being more environmentally friendly. In addition, the lowering ramp has meant that the buses are being well used by pushchairs and prams.
Resurfacing of Rusthall Road
A budget of £80,000 has been made available to resurface Rusthall Road from the junction with Coach Road by April 2008.
Suggested bus route ruled out
Jenny Blackburn met with a Health & Safety Officer from Arriva to discuss rerouting buses around Manor Road. After testing the proposed route, Arriva came to the conclusion that the turn from Manor Road into the High Street would be too tight for the longer buses.
Southwood Road recreation ground
The outcome of a bid for extra cash from the Lottery fund will be known by December. There will be no second consultation on the development. Details and plans will be on display in the Library. Please take the time to collect a leaflet and look at the plans, which are for a multi-sports area including hockey, ball games and a bike track.
The sale of the Commons land
Several parties have expressed an interest in the sale of the Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells Commons. According to estate agents CB Richard Ellis, a buyer may well be found before Christmas. The two commons are being sold together at a starting price of £850,000, while the Pantiles is being sold separately for £10 million. The commons package also includes the title of Lord of the Manor of Rusthall. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held a meeting at which it was decided not to bid for the Pantiles. However, the Council has agreed to initiate talks on buying the Commons. According to Planning & Development Director Robert Cottrill: The size of the commons, and their position in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, defines the character and form of the town centre'.
Other news
Development of the garage site in the High Street will proceed as soon as Hambridge Homes can find a builder. Construction traffic remains a concern.
We are pleased to report that Lampard Place has now been made safe with a secure fence.
Villagers have been disappointed to see that the bus shelter at the end of Bretland Road has recently been vandalised again. Please be vigilant and report any incidents in progress to the Police.
The local Police Community Support Officer and the Commons Warden are monitoring the situation in Bull's Hollow, where bikers are continuing to build jumps. These are being flattened on a regular basis, but it is worrying to note that the jumps are now being used by mini motorbikes, rather than just mountain bikes.
MEETING DATES FOR 2008
24 January
3 April
22 May
17 July
25 September
27 November
