Transport for the South East

Delivering a sustainable and effective local transport network is key in allowing us to enjoy where we live, and I know we all have thoughts on what can improve and what would make a difference.

Transport for the South East have launched their survey which will help them in refreshing their Transport Strategy.

Whether you walk, cycle, drive, catch the bus, or use the train, your feedback could help to influence important steps to improve our network.

You can find out more and complete their survey here: https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/.../transport.../

Hadlow Road Roadworks

Over the last number of weeks my office has been in contact with SGN regarding their planned works on Hadlow Road.

I know the impact that this will have on students travelling to school, with many facing important exams and deadlines in the coming months, as well as on those travelling too and from work.

I know that there has been some confusion surrounding the future of works and SGN have today confirmed that they are altering their timetable and plans.

Works will now begin next week, the week beginning 15 April. However, workers will be working longer hours and temporary lights will be manually controlled between 7am and 7pm to allow the traffic to move quicker than what it would have originally.

In addition, I'm pleased to see that SGN have listened, and have agreed to suspend the works from 13 May to avoid disruption to those students taking their GCSE's.

I continue to be in contact with SGN so please do let me know if you have any specific issues and I will be happy to raise this with them directly. You can contact me at

tom.tugendhat.mp@parliament.uk
01732 441563
130 Vale Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SP

Tonbridge to Redhill Line Landslip

This morning (12 April) I visited the site of the landslip on the Tonbridge to Redhill line near Bough Beech.

It was fantastic to see the work which has been underway for a good while now and I was pleased that Network Rail reassured me that the line should be open for use on Monday, albeit at a reduced speed on that small section of track.

Edenbridge Community Christmas Lights

Summer may be just around the corner, but in Edenbridge the Christmas bells are jingling!

Each year the Edenbridge Community Christmas Association go to great lengths to maintain the Christmas lights throughout the town.

They have already set up their fundraising page for this year which you can find here: https://tinyurl.com/ymvhctyf

You can also find their Facebook page below where you can keep up to date on everything they're up to!

Plaxtol Primary School Red Nose Day

It was fantastic to be at Plaxtol Primary School today to take questions from students and find out how they’re celebrating Red Nose Day.

Comic Relief do some fantastic work raising money that supports here at home and across the world.

You can find out more here: https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/

Apprenticeship Fair 2024

Another year, another fantastic Apprenticeship Fair.

Over 1000 students meeting nearly 70 business to hear what opportunities they have on offer

There are some brilliant apprenticeships on offer across a range of sectors. You can find out more here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

GB Railfreight

It was fantastic to visit the GB Railfreight depot in Tonbridge last week. It is an important organisation that helps to keep our commuter trains running and delivers vital materials up and down the UK.

Find out more about GB Railfreight and their opportunities here: https://www.gbrailfreight.com/

Footpath between Cannon Lane and Townlock

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has been looking at a scheme which would provide much needed lighting of the footpath between Townlock and Cannon Lane.

I have asked TMBC for an update on when this scheme will be delivered and, unfortunately, it was made clear to me that the Council has still to identify funding and capacity to move this forward. In the meantime each and every dark evening during winter no lighting has been provided between Townlock and Cannon Lane, restricting our ability to walk safely between the Town Centre and industrial estate.

In order to help the Council demonstrate why this scheme should be a priority, which I know it is for many in the area, I have set up a page on my website asking for your views on the importance of lighting the footpath between Cannon Lane and Townlock as a matter of urgency.

Please visit tomtugendhat.org/tonbridgeriverside to share with me your thoughts on why this matters, and how this needs to happen as soon as possible.

Babons Cancer Support

Last week I was proud to be at the opening of Babons Cancer Support in Tonbridge.

Babons do some fantastic work offering counselling, support groups, and signposting to other support.

Cancer and its impacts has hit so many families across our community and the UK and the work that charities such as Babons do is so important.

If you would like to support Babons you can do so here: www.babons.org.uk/fundraising

Graffiti and Fly-Tipping

For the past few months I’ve been running a Litter, Graffiti and Fly-Tipping survey. Thank you to everyone who has used this to report issues around our towns and villages. We’ve been able to make some good progress in making our community cleaner and tidier.

Last month I joined Trench Ward Tonbridge Conservatives, Adem Mehmet, and Keith Tunstall at York Parade in Tonbridge to remove graffiti. It's looking so much better!

I’m pleased that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council are equally as committed to addressing the issues we face, especially in tackling graffiti. They’ve launched a survey to better understand how we would like to prevent graffiti happening in our community.

You can complete it here: https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/policy/graffiti-survey/1

The deadline for responses is Thursday 29 February 2024. Please do share this with your friends and neighbours. Everyone needs to work together to tackle graffiti and the Council need to know what we think.

SES Water in Edenbridge

I’ve had the chance to catch up with SES Water about their upcoming work in Edenbridge.

They let me know about what they have done to keep residents in the area updated and I’ve asked them to make sure that this continues throughout the project.

I’ve also asked them to look again at certain parts of their project to see if they can lessen the impact on the community even further.

Keep up to date with the project here: https://seswater.co.uk/.../curren.../edenbridge-roads-scheme

Hectorage Road Woodland

Charing Cross to Borough Green & West Malling

We know that since being reinstated services from Charing Cross and London Bridge on the Maidstone East line have been hugely popular. That’s why I’ve been asking Southeastern to add further services in the evening peak.

I’m delighted they’ve confirmed to me that following the next timetable change in June 2024, we will see the additional evening services that we have campaigned for. This provides an additional service between the busy 1731hrs and 1831hrs from Charing Cross.

I am delighted that our campaigning has paid off again and this proves the case many of us made for a number of years – that direct services between Charing Cross and London Bridge with Borough Green and West Malling would always be well used by the community.

You can see the timings above which will be introduced in June.

Leigh Academy Tonbridge Business Breakfast

A couple of months ago I visited Leigh Academy Tonbridge to see what brilliant work they are doing. I also had the opportunity to learn more about their new T-Level in Accounting.

Leigh Academy are looking for business partners to help offer their expertise to students, and are hosting a Business Breakfast so that Businesses can find out more.

If you are interested in attending or know a business or somebody who may like to, you can register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeVpatJSW0Cmb.../viewform

Speeding on The Ridgeway, Tonbridge

Over the past few days I have received further detail from Kent Police about speed checks conducted on The Ridgeway in Tonbridge. You can find this information here.

Edenbridge Post Office

Unfortunately the Post Office in Paydens has now closed, and Edenbridge is currently without a Post Office. This is deeply disappointing and unacceptable for the town.

Since Paydens announced earlier in the year that it was to close the facility I have been in constant contact with the Post Office to push them to reinstate the service as soon as possible in an alternative location, without any interruption to services.

Unfortunately the Post Office have been unable to secure a replacement, on either a permanent or temporary basis. Having been in consistent communication with them for months, I find this troubling. Over recent weeks I have been in contact with Kent County Council, Edenbridge Town Council and others to look for sites to help the Post Office and have sent to them numerous suggestions.

I wanted to share with you a letter I have sent to its CEO, Nick Read, which details my disappointment. You can read it here. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure we have a Post Office back in Edenbridge as soon as possible.

Lower Haysden Lane closure, Tonbridge

Lower Haysden Lane in Tonbridge is due to close until February 2024 for a new junction with Brook Street.

I have raised concerns with the developer of the land, Cala Homes, about the length of the closure.

Cala Homes has confirmed that seven day a week working is happening for part of the works, and they are also investigating re-opening the road in a eastbound direction as a one-way system. I appreciate that this is an improvement on a full closure but far from ideal. They do commit to implement the works quickly so this reduces the overall length of time the road will be closed for. 

You can see Cala Homes letter here.

Tonbridge Post Office

The Post Office have confirmed the new location for our long-awaited permanent Post Office in Tonbridge. The new site will be at 13 Quarry Hill Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2RN. This used to be Arcadia and is just a few units along from Lidl. Although it is not on the High Street, it is right outside a bus stop, by a path to the Waterloo Road car park, and particularly convenient for those living south of the railway line. 

The Postmaster and Post Office are currently refitting the store meaning that the Post Office have earmarked Wednesday 3 January 2024 as the proposed opening date.  

We all know that this has taken much longer than anybody expected, however, I am pleased that we will finally have a permanent presence back in the centre of Tonbridge. 

I know that everybody would have loved this site to be open for Christmas. I have though received assurance from Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that they will continue to host the Post Office in its temporary form at the Castle until the permanent site opens.

Access to Cash & Banking Hubs

I have written to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to share with them thoughts of business owners and residents. The FCA help to set the guidelines which dictate which communities can receive a banking hub and so I have asked for them to take steps to change the rules to allow communities without business banking to be able to be eligible.

You may have also seen news today that Nationwide have withdrawn from the Banking Hub programme, meaning that they will not be involved in any future hubs which are set up. What this may mean is that any community with a Nationwide, but few other banks could now become eligible for a new banking hub. I have been in touch with Link, who are in charge of assessing communities to see if they will re-assess Tonbridge as a result.

Trottiscliffe Multi Use Games Area

Trottiscliffe Village Hall is now home to a new multi use games court that can host netball, football, and basketball.

Thank you to everybody at the Parish Council and the team at Caloo for delivering this brilliant project for our community.

2023 School Bus Survey

My annual school bus survey has just gone live!

September is always a tricky time for any parent, with our children going into a new school year and sometimes a new school entirely. This brings a change to the routine and our travel plans too. With this being the case It's more important than ever to let me know your thoughts so that I can raise these with the relevant operators and KCC.

One of the ways that you can ensure our bus services are as good as they can be, is by letting me know any issues or concerns that you may have. I meet regularly with our local bus companies and I am able to raise these issues with them directly.

You can fill out my survey via the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2023schoolbussurvey

Flies in Basted Mill

Airborn International

Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre

Leigh Academy

It was brilliant to visit the Leigh Academy in Tonbridge recently where I had the chance to have a look around and see how they are getting on.

They're going from strength to strength

- Now admitting girls to the school.
- Good Ofsted with outstanding behaviour and attitudes.
- Fantastic team supporting the students.

https://leighacademytonbridge.org.uk/

Edenbridge Leisure Centre

Leybourne Woods

Great news! The Government has given £120,000 to our community towards buying Leybourne Woods. The Woods now belong to all of us. If you’re walking your dog or climbing trees, this is now your garden to enjoy. Now we need to look after this community asset together.

This happened because a few months ago Leybourne Parish Council chose to buy Leybourne Woods when it came up for sale.

After agreeing a deal, the Parish Council asked me for help. I am very pleased that the Community Ownership Fund has helped deliver.

Access to Cash

I recognise that with four branches closing in Tonbridge so recently, cashpoints won’t offer all facilities that a Banking Hub would. So you are aware, I have submitted an application to Link to trigger an assessment of Tonbridge to see if it is deemed sufficient for a Banking Hub. I have also written to Link following my submission to further stress the importance of Tonbridge having better access to cash. You can read my letter here.

Day Travelcards

I want to thank everybody took the time to sign my petition calling for the Mayor of London to reverse his decision to withdraw the Day Travelcard.

Hundreds of people have contacted me expressing their concerns about this proposal and almost everyone is clear that this will make travel to London from our community much harder.

I have written to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, making clear the overwhelming view of residents across Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling about this proposal. You can see my letter here.

This decision not only hurts us, but so many Londoners who rely on people from outside of the Capital travelling in for work and leisure, and I will do all I can to make Sadiq Khan aware of this.

Padel Tennis in Tonbridge

I had the chance to visit the new Padel Tennis courts at Tonbridge Golf Centre.

It’s a fantastic setup and I know many of us will be making a trip there soon.

As you can see, I’m a complete natural…I’ll have to have a long think about entering Wimbledon next year, alongside our locally grown strawberries!

Edenbridge Vaccine Hub

I'm pleased that we have managed to secure a Spring Booster slot in Edenbridge on Thursday 29 June, between 10am - 2pm, at the Edenbridge & District War Memorial Hospital.

𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘

To find out if you are eligible click here:https://www.nhs.uk/.../getting-a-booster-dose-of-the.../

Litter and Fly-Tipping

I am delighted to have supported the Government in raising the maximum fines for littering and fly-tipping offences. Sadly, too many of our towns and rural villages across Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling are blighted by litter and fly-tipping, and it is right that strong action is taken to deter this.

From 31 July 2023 the upper limit for Fixed Penalty Notices for littering, graffiti and fly-posting offences will increase from £150 to £500 and for fly-tipping this will increase from £400 to £1,000. You can find more detail here.

I have also written to the Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Matt Boughton here, and the Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, Julia Thornton here, asking both of our local Councils to make sure that the upper limit will be applied locally.

Cracking Down on Vaping

Earlier this week I met with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, and the Leader of KCC, Roger Gough to discuss the steps the Government are taking to crackdown on rogue firms targeting children with free vaping samples.

The current rise in illegal vaping amongst our younger generations is incredibly worrying, and I am pleased to be a part of a Government that is tackling this head on.

Tonbridge Juddians

A huge well done to Tonbridge Juddians u9’s. They’ve done us so proud by winning all of their 6 games over the two day festival played in Chichester to become the 2023 champions

Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to all those who helped train the teams and organise the events.

Coronavirus Spring Booster

Over the last couple of weeks I have been asked by some about access to the latest round of Covid Spring Booster in Tonbridge.

I’m pleased that with the help of the team at Malling PCN, the vaccine hub will be back at Sovereign Way car park from Saturday.

This will be for those aged over 75, and for anyone over the age of 5 with a weakened immune system.

You can book here: https://www.nhs.uk/.../covid.../book-covid-19-vaccination/

Kenya

Watching Kenyan troops march alongside our own at the Coronation was a reminder of our shared history, and the promise of a strong future.

By working with Kenya, our key security partner in East Africa, we're helping keep our peoples safe and strengthen global security.

I’m delighted to be in Nairobi to agree an important new Security Compact with Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary.

We will work even more closely to defend our peoples against terrorism & illicit finance, and to strengthen our maritime & aviation security.

Sainsbury’s / Beales

I’m pleased to see that after I met with Sainsbury’s a couple of months ago they have begun their early remedial work to remove some signage from the former Beales store while also making it more secure. This is something they committed to during our discussions.

This is the first step in what will be a huge project that will be a big boost to Tonbridge. Thank you to everybody who signed the 3 Years Empty Is Plenty petition, and to Tonbridge & Malling Conservatives for championing this!

Bus Services

I'm very pleased to see that the Government have extended the £2 bus fare scheme until October, after which they will be capped at £2.50 until November 2024.

With bus usage still down on pre-pandemic numbers, the one way we can help secure our services in the long-term is to use them when we can!

UK In A Changing Europe

I sat down with Anand Menon to talk about society, China and more. You can watch it here.

https://www.youtube.com/live/DZObCGIgEr4?feature=share

Flood Alert

Please be aware that there are currently Flood Alerts in place for the River Bourne from Hadlow to East Peckham and for Middle River Medway from Penshurst to Hampstead Lock at Yalding, meaning that flooding is possible in these areas.

Please stay safe and alert, you can find out more information here: Tonbridge flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)

RBLI Visit with Veterans Minister, Johnny Mercer MP

It was great to visit Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) in Aylesford this morning with Johnny Mercer to see the fantastic work they do in supporting veterans and their families.

A visit made even better by the news that this week’s budget will deliver the biggest investment in Veteran’s Affairs ever!

Forge Stores, Penshurst

It was fantastic to be at the opening of the newly refurbished Forge Stores in Penshurst.

The stores are such an important part of the local community and I know so many people rely on the amenities on offer. I can't wait to see it go from strength to strength!

Fan-Lead Review

Last week we heard about the positive steps that the Government are taking in protecting football clubs and their supporters.

Our very own Tonbridge Angels FC is owned by the supporters and has played a leading role in the Fair Game initiative, a growing group of clubs, and supporters, campaigning to improve football governance.

These are real steps in the right direction!

Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre

For many months we have seen construction of the new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre on Four Elms Road. We have pulled together as a community after years of hard work to make this a reality. Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre will be a facility that transforms healthcare in our town.

It is a significant investment by the NHS and all healthcare providers in Edenbridge, delivering services we need.

There will be more opportunities to find out about how the centre will work for us and to have our say at a series of public meetings. I will be hosting one next Saturday, 4 March 2023, from 10am at The Eden Centre.

I hope you will be able to join me there. You can find out more details and register to attend here

https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/.../edenbridge-health-and.../

Southern Water Visit

I recently visited the Southern Water Treatment Centre in Tonbridge.

We spoke about the challenges they are facing and what they think can be done to help overhaul the current Victorian era network.

I was pleased to hear how serious Southern Water are about tackling the ongoing challenges.

Apprenticeship Fair 2023

It is one month to go until our annual Apprenticeship Fair which is taking place at Maidstone Leisure Centre.

All schools have been invited, but if you are yet to respond please do get in touch with me ASAP.

Businesses are currently offering degree level apprenticeships, but others looking for apprenticeships are of course welcome.

It’s set to be our biggest event ever with 7 constituencies represented.

Speeding on Main Road, Edenbridge

£2 Single Bus Fare

Until 31 March 2023 the Government has introduced a £2 bus fare cap across the country, for single tickets.

We’re seeing greater pressure on our bus operators than ever, as the cost of fuel and driver availability means they need more of us to get the bus than before to keep our routes sustainable.

It is, quite simply, a case of ‘use it or lose it’ with the buses. That’s why I’m pleased that the £2 cap is being introduced to make sure as many of us possible can have access to the buses that run, and that Arriva and Metrobus are participating.

If you live on a bus route which is included within the scheme, please use it while fares are so low. It could be the difference between them remaining or not.

The list of bus routes included is click here.

Hft - Edenbridge

It was lovely to visit Hft in Edenbridge. The team of staff that work there to support the adults who rely on their care are so dedicated.

Hft is a wonderful charity that helps to provide supported living services for people with learning disabilities.

I had the opportunity to have a look around the site, while also answering some very tough and interesting questions on a range of topics from some of the adults who Hft support.

You can find out more about them here: https://www.hft.org.uk/

Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Grant Scheme

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have today launched a new project to help improve shopfronts and fill vacant units across our community.

Our local high streets are important hubs that many people visit from nearby as well as from afar, and this project will help so many shop owners and tenants afford vital improvements to their property that they may otherwise have been unable to afford.

The project will fund a range of improvements, including improving shop fronts, repairing damaged stonework, and improvements to signage and lighting to name but a few.

If you are a local tenant or property owner that may be interested in applying for funding then you can find out more about this project below.

Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Grant Scheme – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk)

Openreach

Openreach are working around the clock to deliver superfast broadband to homes across our community, as well as the millions up and down the UK.

I recently visited their Exchange in Edenbridge where I managed to see first-hand how the work to upgrade our lines to new full-fibre broadband takes place.

While I understand that works to upgrade the lines cause disruption, with more people than ever working from home, these works are vital to improve internet connectivity across Tonbridge, Edenbridge, and Malling.

You can find out more about Openreach, as well as finding out what broadband is available to you by clicking here: https://www.openreach.com/.../ultrafast-full-fibre-broadband

Tonbridge Vaccination Hub

Extra dates have been made available for anybody who needs or is eligible for further Covid19 vaccination.

If you have any questions please do head over to the wonderful team operating the hub and they will be happy to help out!

Search Grab-a-Jab online to find your nearest walk-in site offering vaccinations or click the link below.

Please do be aware that severe weather at any point may alter these dates and times.

https://www.nhs.uk/.../find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid.../