Highways. [Programme Uncertain]
James Whitehorn, Highways Manager of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council braved rain, thunder and lightning when he came to address us regarding our highways.

He Informed us that next April the department will be taken back to Maidstone, this will involve twenty five Highway staff, new arrangements are to be worked out. He said. "Our programme for the next year is a bit uncertain."

Mr: Whitehorn continued: "Planning for the year is resurfacing, this is the priority, some has already been undertaken," he continued "We hoped to close the A26 Langton Road at night for the operation, but there appears to be some opposition in that direction."

He said. "We are hoping for a speed limit on the A26 from Langton across Rusthall Common" [past the cricket pitch.]

He informed us that a transport strategy for the whole borough has been produced; its aim is to reduce fatal accidents in the Tunbridge Wells area. It involves working more closely with the Road Safety Team. Details can be found In a publication called. 'Miles Safer in Kent.'

There is planned to be a new access road through Coniston Avenue and Culverden Down to Rusthall. High Street traffic calming was mentioned, when a member asked this question "Have you seen the rat run down Lower Green Road?' This sparked off a lively participation from other members. Then this question was posed. "Can we have a speed camera installed?" Mr Whitehorn replied: "Cameras are installed in particular black spots, they are expensive pieces of equipment." Chair person Jenny Blackburn commented that there are no speed limits, and asked: 'Who has the responsibility for setting a speed limits?" K.C.C. set the criteria.

Parking was briefly discussed, it was noted that yellow lines were a bone of contention, to have too many would damage trade in the village. Lines on just one side only of the High Street were mentioned. An island in Langton Road was suggested to allow people to cross in safety to the Church. "We may find funding for that but not in the £10,000 budgeted for this year. 1 like to think that we can find this possibly next year, or the year after."

"Traffic problems are major issues, and at this time there are not a lot of answers." J. Blackburn said.

C.C.T.V
A camera Will be affixed to the lamp post at the top of Hill View Road. It will move 360 deg: and will have two other plugs available, enabling it to operate in another place. It will prDbabiy be installed in the New Year.

Warden A Community Warden, funded by the K.C.C. will be operating in Rusthall next year, he/she is due to arrive between January/March 2005.

Police
A Community Police Support Officer will possibly arrive in the New Year, they are being trained now. Our community needs to know that they will be able to approach him/her with their concerns.

Changes for the Better are happening but, please remember, Rome was not built in a day.

Fireworks
New laws forbid the sale of fireworks to people under the age of eighteen. [Just a reminder.]

R.V.A. Notice Board
Thanks to some generous people donating to the notice board fund on bonfire night a start can now be made. We have enough cash for the posts.

Procession Bonfire night was a huge success in every way. We thank the organisers who worked tirelessly throughout the year, also all the helpers on the night. These volunteers would appreciate help, if this fun night is to continue for us all to freely enjoy.

W.W.W.
Rusthall now is on the web, our ex pats: may be interested to know this: www.crescentmoonweb.co.uk/RVA [/RVA or dennybottom.]

Car Damage
Six youths aged from 13yrs to 16 were apprehended damaging cars in Erskine Park Road and Southwood Road. News from Radio Kent. 5. 11.04

Youth of Rusthall
We would love to hear from the many young people of the village who are engaged in exciting pursuits, have interesting hobbies or are on an apprenticeship scheme etc. etc. ??. The R.V.A. would be most interested to hear, it's good to share good news. Tel: 01892 535538.

Rusthall Village Association
Things can only improve if we all, young and old alike, pull together. Want to join? Tel: 546520.

LATE NEWS: The next meeting will be the AGM in March in the big hall at St Paul's. We'll confirm the date shortly. We plan to issue another newsletter in January. The new Police Community Support Officer was due to start on December 13th and the sale of KCC land at Middlefields and Rusthall Elms seems ever more imminent!