The last meeting was held on 27 November 2008.

Middlefields / Rusthall Elms

This project went to Committee on Wednesday 3 December. The company had asked for an extension on payment for community facilities, so that no payment will be made before 21 houses are sold on the site. Committee kept it to “sale of 13th house”

The company has also requested removal of the clauses covering extensions to any properties on ground level and at roof level. It was agreed that the roof level clause will stand, but the ground level changes may be permitted.

Chipping in

There is an active planning application to move the fish and chip shop in the High Street from its existing premises to the old wool shop site on the opposite side of the road. This move would provide expanded premises. Latest info is that this has been turned down on the grounds of disturbance to neighbours from the flue for fume dispersal.

Development threat to green spaces?

Another planning application involving a property at the bottom of Manor Road (The Haven) has been lodged with the planning department on December 23rd... The plans involve a three-bedroom property with parking space for two cars. This development will still reduce the green spaces available and result in a reduction of privacy to a number of existing properties.

The application was made by a developer. Jo Delahunty, who lives on Lower Green Road urges Rusthall residents to examine these plans and 'make up your own mind'.

She will be at the January meeting to explain more.

Leading lights

Councillor Barry Edwards has succeeded in arranging for two lampposts on the High Street to be converted to allow the display of Christmas lights. The RVA held a raffle, the proceeds of which will be donated to help cover the costs of the adaptation.

Comments have been very favourable with the wish to see more lights next year!

Hospital to have phased opening

The new Tunbridge Wells Hospital will be phased in over three years from 2010. Services will gradually be moved from Pembury and the Kent and Sussex hospitals to the new site.

Blog it!

The Courier has stopped payment to its local volunteer reporters. However, Alison will continue to supply news from the village. The paper intends to keep its Rusthall page and to provide expanded coverage on its website. If anyone would like to volunteer to maintain the 'Rusthall blog' then the newspaper will offer training to facilitate it. The blog will be available at www.thisiskent.co.uk.

RVA Website – ideally we would like to have our very own website – is there anyone out there who would like to design and run one for us? Expenses would be paid.

Assisting Southeastern improve

ASSIST, a local organisation for people with disabilities, held a survey of disabled rail users. Many were dissatisfied with the response of Southeastern staff and the efficiency of the booking system intended to aid disabled travellers. Southeastern has promised improved training for staff.

Crossing closer

A meeting on 26 November brought the prospect of a zebra crossing closer. The intended site is outside Simmonds Court, using the existing dropped kerbs. Design work for the project will be completed by the end of March 2009 and, if approved, the crossing will be built in the next financial year at a cost of £15-20,000. This includes all the design work, electrical work as well as painting the lines!

Plastic fantastic

TWBC is about to award the waste collection contract to CORY. This organisation will include kerbside plastic collections in its services.

Southwood Road NEAP

Landscaping has begun on this project with the delivery of eight large rock blocks to the site. It should be open for use in mid January-February.

Working Men's Club

It is planned that the Club will change its name to Rusthall Social Club. The old car park is being developed with 3 houses.

Parish Council?

The TW Borough Council is to distribute information relating to the option of unparished areas to establish a Parish Council. The RVA intends to establish a local group to examine the popularity of the idea. Sheila Wheeler, Chief Executive, has been asked to provide guidance on the way forward and we await this.

NEXT RVA MEETING

The next RVA meeting will be held on 15 January. Topics or speakers will include the children's centre at the school and the role of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

RVA MEETING DATES FOR 2009
at the United Reformed Church hall

January 15th
March 19th
May 21st
July 16th
September 17th
November 19th

All meetings are held in the URC Church Hall in the High Street from 7:30-9:30pm

Membership is £3:00 per person per year and is payable in May at our AGM.

Membership form HERE

Secretary needed desperately – willing to use initiative to write letters, make phone calls etc in consultation with the chairman. Expenses payable for ink, calls etc. Please would someone volunteer – we can achieve so much more when we work together for Rusthall!

Useful Numbers

Jenny Blackburn, Chair 01892 546520   Email jennyblackb@googlemail.com
Town Hall (switchboard) 01892 526121       Tunbridge Wells Police (non urgent) 01732 771055
Ariana Sutton, Community Warden 07813 695872       Carly Telford, PCSO 07772 226054
Fly tipping/abandoned vehicles 01892 548154
KCC Highways 08458 247800