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Local magazine for Tunbridge Wells.New planning consultation Bloom 2013 News, policy changes, awards and more
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LOCALTunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine
www.tunbridgewells.gov.ukSpring 2013
inside:
New planning
consultation
Bloom 2013
News, policy changes,
awards and more
Ward Walks 2013 – have your say!Our programme continues this summer. A team of interviewers led by the borough council, will be collecting views about important issues in the areas of Pantiles & St Marks, Speldhurst, Southborough North and Horsmonden. Visits will be happening during June and July to a cross section of households. It’s an opportunity for residents to say what needs improving and what we, and our partners can do to help. Residents to be visited will receive a postcard through their door about a week beforehand. Posters will also be placed around the area to promote the project. More information will in the next edition and online nearer the time.
2
We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about Council services and news. If you have any comments about the magazine, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us by:
Phone 01892 526121
E-mail [email protected]
Post Lizzie Goodwin, Communications and Engagement Team Leader, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS
To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd, 01892 677721 or e-mail [email protected]
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do not endorse the external products and services advertised in Local. The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or subsequent changes.
If you require Local magazine in large print or audio CD please phone 01892 554273
Welcome! I love all the seasons, but thank goodness it’s time to put the boots and heavy coats away and start enjoying the lighter evenings. This edition of Local is packed with information about important changes to Welfare Reform... if it doesn’t affect you, you might know somebody that it does. Read more (p14-15). We’ve got the latest on the ‘2013 Bloom campaign’ (p18), how to get involved in our current planning consultation (p5-7) and plenty more to keep you up-to-date.
I’m particularly delighted that the Love Where We Live awards are back for another year. With new categories to appeal to even more people and lots of new sponsors on board too. If last year is anything to go by, it’s going to be a fantastic competition... I’m looking forward to receiving some great nominations. Find out more (p10-11).
I hope you enjoy this edition.
Lizzie Goodwin Editor
Tea dances return4Planning consultation – have your say5
News from the museum8
A new energy deal page9
Love Where We Live awards10Flag up dog fouling12
Welfare reform14Sherwood’s pioneering past16
Thinking about making alterations to your home?17
Bloom 201318County elections19
A year in the life of a Mayor21
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What’s Sportivate?It’s a four year, nationwide campaign that captures the excitement of the London 2012 Games, providing opportunities for teenagers and young adults to receive 6-8 weeks of coaching in a sport of their choice and guiding them into regular participation within their community.Sportivate targets 14-25 year olds who may not seek out sporting opportunities themselves or those who are doing limited sport in their own time. It aims to play a role in long term behavioural change by providing funding to enable new and exciting opportunities to be offered.
Local sports clubs, leisure trusts, youth clubs and youth workers are among those that can apply. For more information, guidance notes and the delivery plan please visit www.kentsport.org/sportivate.cfm or contact Carolyn Dool on [email protected] or 01622 605022.
Designed for safetyThe new year saw a special presentation to three very talented children, winners of the Tunbridge Wells is Traffic Aware (TWITA) and Wildside Cycles colouring and design competition.Launched during Road Safety Week in November last year, the judging was carried out by Andy Knight, owner of Wildside Cycles, the Mayor, Councillor John Smith, and Chair of TWITA, Councillor Caroline Derrick. Winners were presented with their prizes earlier this year in the Mayor’s Parlour.
Councillor Derrick said that choosing the winners out of so many creative entries was not an easy task. After a lot of discussion, winners Henry Mahon aged 7, and Neve Cotterill aged 8, both won a new cycling helmet, and 14 year old Sarah Grant will have a cycling jersey made up to her winning design.
Keep Dancing! Tea Dances return to the Camden Centre for 2013!
Grab those dancing shoes and head to the Camden Centre in Royal Tunbridge Wells to chat with friends, enjoy a cup of tea and dance the afternoon away! You can enjoy the live music dance numbers played by Chris Mannion on the fourth Thursday of each month from April to November (except August), from 2.30-5pm. Dances include the popular Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Square Tango and a host of others on request. You can enter the monthly raffle run by local voluntary groups and pick up a variety of useful information too. Come on your own or bring friends, no booking required.
The Tea Dance events are run by Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK) in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. For more information contact VAWK on 01892 530330.
Apply by Friday 26 April for activities starting July-September 2013
Entry is
only £2.50
and includes
refreshments
too
Dance dates:Thursday 25 April
Thursday 23 May
Thursday 27 June
Thursday 25 July
Thursday 26 September
Thursday 24 October
Thursday 28 November
The competition aimed to help raise awareness of road safety among children, and is part of TWITA’s continuing campaign to reduce road traffic casualties across the borough. For more information about TWITA and how you can help go to twita.org.uk
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Plan for Tunbridge Wells borough to 2026
1 Consultation eventsStaffed exhibitions will be held at the following places:
�� Monday 15 April Royal Tunbridge Wells (Royal Victoria Place) TBC
�� Tuesday 16 April Paddock Wood (Wesley Centre, Commercial Road) 4-8pm
�� Wednesday 17 April Hawkhurst (British Legion, Unity Hall, High Street) 4-8pm
�� Thursday 18 April Southborough (The Ark, Gallard’s Almshouses, London Road) 4-8pm
�� Friday 19 April Cranbrook (Vestry Hall, Stone Street) 2.30-8pm
�� Saturday 20 April Royal Tunbridge Wells (Royal Victoria Place) TBC
Please check our website for updates on this consultation.
2 Do it onlineThe full document will be available on our website tunbridgewells.gov.uk/allocations
You can view the documents and make your comments directly online at http://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
3 Contact usYou can also see the full document at:
�� Tunbridge Wells Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road
�� Weald Information Centre, The Old Fire Station, Cranbrook
�� All libraries in the borough (during usual opening times).
�� e-mail us: [email protected]
�� call us: 01892 554056
Over 90 per cent of residents agree that Tunbridge Wells is a great place to live and one of the reasons people love the borough is the beauty of the countryside and the towns and villages within it. We’re all living longer and the population is growing, so we must balance the need to preserve and enhance where we live with the demand for homes… and we also need to make sure that we have the right range of employment, retail, culture, leisure and recreation facilities.
The Council has already prepared and adopted a long term strategy document called the Core Strategy (2010) which sets out how much development of each main use will take place and broadly where it will go. At least 6,000 homes need to be built up to 2026 and we are now consulting residents on where those homes, businesses and other facilities should go and the infrastructure needed to support this.
The consultation is open for ten weeks between 18
March and 24 May 2013
Your views are important to us, so please get involved in any of the ways set out below…
For comments to be considered, they must be submitted before midnight on 24 May 2013.
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Royal Tunbridge Wells/
SouthboroughMain location for growth identified in Core
Strategy
��Proposed 4,500 homes, 2,055 already built or planned*
��Approximately 2,400 homes allocated with supporting infrastructure such as schools, open space, community facilities
and transport links
��Approximately 44,500 sqm net additional retail floorspace in Royal Tunbridge Wells
��Three key Areas of Change in Royal Tunbridge Wells for mixed use development
��Maintain Key Employment Areas and promote business growth
��Maintain and enhance parking provision
��Increase opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation
Rural Fringe/Green Belt
��Allocate three current rural fringe areas for additional growth at
Hawkenbury, Knights Park and Speldhurst Road, former allotments as part of the
Royal Tunbridge Wells/Southborough housing requirements
��Provision of new infrastructure and community facilities including new schools at Knights Park and Hawkenbury
��Propose new areas of search for replacement rural fringe to south east of Royal Tunbridge Wells around Hawkenbury area and west of Southborough near
Caenwood Farm
��Continue protection of Green Belt, AONB and rural areas for their
natural environment and recreational uses
© Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100024298 *as at end of September 2012
RoyalTunbridge
Wells
PaddockWood
Southborough
Proposals at a glance...we need your views
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Rural Fringe/Green Belt
��Allocate three current rural fringe areas for additional growth at
Hawkenbury, Knights Park and Speldhurst Road, former allotments as part of the
Royal Tunbridge Wells/Southborough housing requirements
��Provision of new infrastructure and community facilities including new schools at Knights Park and Hawkenbury
��Propose new areas of search for replacement rural fringe to south east of Royal Tunbridge Wells around Hawkenbury area and west of Southborough near
Caenwood Farm
��Continue protection of Green Belt, AONB and rural areas for their
natural environment and recreational uses
Cranbrook��Proposed 300 homes,
43 already built or planned*
��Approximately 250 homes allocated with a main area of growth within
the Crane Valley to include supporting infrastructure and open space (some to be built beyond 2026)
��Additional retail floorspace
��Community facilities
��Strengthen and support local shops and businesses
��Maintain Crane Valley open space corridor
Paddock Wood
��Proposed 600 homes, 90 already built or planned*
��Approximately 650 homes allocated to the east of Paddock Wood to include
supporting infrastructure, open space and primary school (some to be built beyond 2026)
��Additional retail floorspace
��Community facilities
��Strengthen and support local shops and businesses
��Mitigate flooding issues
PaddockWood
Cranbrook
Hawkhurst
Hawkhurst��Proposed 240
homes, 130 already built or planned*
��Approximately 110 homes allocated to include community facilities and open space
��Protect and enhance employment opportunities at Gill’s Green
��Strengthen and support local shops and businesses
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Lifts installation under way...in the adult education centre and the library, museum and art gallery buildings in Royal Tunbridge Wells. This development will provide customers with better access to services and offer improved facilities. It is a partnership project between Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
As well as the lifts, improvements will also include:
�� Public toilets on both floors of the library, museum and art gallery building
�� A baby change room on the ground floor of the library, museum and art gallery building
�� A new improved entrance doorway to the adult education building
The buildings will remain open and every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum.
For further information please check the museum, library and adult education centre websites:
Museum: tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
Library: kent.gov.uk/libraries
Adult Education Centre: kentadulteducation.co.uk
Inspiring WomenTunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery is currently showing a fascinating new exhibition which reveals the hidden history of women in the Tunbridge Wells area. The show focuses on the period from the late 1800s to the 1920s – a time when women’s lives changed dramatically – and shows the important part Tunbridge Wells women played in that process.
From as early as the 1860s, Tunbridge Wells residents were involved in the campaign to win the vote for women, and by 1900 the town was home to one of the most active women’s movements outside London. Some favoured a strategy of peaceful campaigning, while others supported the militant ‘Suffragette’ wing of the movement. It was the Suffragettes who famously burned down the Nevill Cricket Pavilion in 1913.
The exhibition goes on to show how the First World War brought about new opportunities for many women to move into areas of work previously closed to them. These included roles in the police and the military. A Tunbridge Wells unit of the Women’s Volunteer Reserve began training women as dispatch riders, signallers, telegraphists and trench diggers.
The story continues into the 1920s with the work of Tunbridge Wells’ first women magistrates and councillors, including social reformer Amelia Scott. She pursued a range of reforming initiatives which brought maternity and child welfare issues to public attention. These included a maternity nursing home for women who would otherwise have had to resort to the workhouse.
The exhibition showcases the results of a research partnership between the museum and the University of Kent, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. Researchers Dr Anne Logan and Dr Catherine Lee have explored a range of archival sources to uncover these previously little known stories. The partnership has also produced an accompanying website – womenshistorykent.org – which will remain as an ongoing legacy of the show.
The ForumHoodwink and the museum celebrate 20 years of The Forum!The Forum, an independent music venue in Tunbridge Wells, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Hoodwink arts and Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery will be working closely with The Forum team to develop an archive to celebrate the 20 years of musical and cultural highlights of the venue which will be shown online in summer 2013.
Do you have any photographs, flyers, autographs or recordings from The Forum? Do you have any memories of going to The Forum or wanting to? What was your best gig there? We want to hear it all!
Work began January 2013, completion expected summer 2013
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If you have anything to share with us please contact Suzie, Polly or Becca at Hoodwink on 01892 554171 or via e-mail [email protected]
Did you know there is a WellPoint machine at the Gateway, Royal Tunbridge Wells? It’s available for you to check your general health during normal opening hours.What is the MOT?
�� A non-invasive health checking kiosk
�� Measures six vital signs of health: blood pressure, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, heart rate and levels of hydration
�� Results explained in a simple table
�� Save or print out your results
�� Self-test confidentially in just five minutes – it’s that easy!
In the last two years alone, the WellPoint machine has helped to identify risk factors that may otherwise go unnoticed...
�� 823 people with high blood pressure
�� 1,881 people overweight or obese
�� 1,752 people with a raised body fat percentage
Next time you’re in town, why not pop in for a test.
If you’re concerned about any of your results, contact our Health team on 01892 554411/ [email protected] who can provide additional support. They’ll also be able to tell you about their current programmes.
Give yourself a FREE Health MOTOver
5000
people have
used the
machine so
far!
Did you know? High blood pressure and excess weight along with physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking are all risk factors for developing heart attack, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and
collectively these conditions are the greatest cause of death in the UK
Are you ready to switch?Despite the rising costs of fuel and pressures on household bills, very few of us change our energy supplier to find a better deal. But there’s a new scheme coming soon, offering you a quick and easy way to make savings on your energy bills.
Similar schemes elsewhere have seen households saving between £60 and £200 per year!
It’s called Energy Deal, a collective switching scheme - helping a group of consumers use their bargaining power to negotiate a lower price for their energy tariff. The more people that sign up, the more you could save!
For those participating, the scheme will negotiate on your behalf to find the best energy deal and there will be no obligation to switch supplier once a new offer is made.
The scheme will launch later this spring, at which point participants will be asked to provide a few simple pieces of information relating to their current tariff and energy use. For now, if you would like to be notified when the scheme opens please register your contact details at tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
9
…are back again this year, so now is the time to take stock of the people who help make your community a great place to live. You can help ensure that all the amazing individuals, organisations and groups of people across the borough are recognised for their hard work and commitment. The awards aren’t just about big achievements; sometimes it’s the little things that go a long way. This year there are even more categories, so no matter what it is your nominee does or has done, we hope you’ll find a suitable award to put them forward for.
Please help make this year’s awards an even greater success by telling us about those special people you know and why you think they deserve to be recognised. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate their efforts and extraordinary qualities.
Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel and invited to an awards ceremony on the evening of Wednesday 2 October 2013, when they will be presented with a trophy and receive a prize.
How to nominateComplete a nomination form, which you’ll find on the council’s website at tunbridgewells.gov.uk. You can submit your form online, print it off and post it to us, or pick one up at the Gateway
or Weald Information Centre. Forms are also available
from Hilary or Lizzie on 01892 554270.
The Awards categories for 2013
Sports Achiever of the Year AwardInspired by Daisy FletcherThrough this award we’d like to recognise and encourage an individual, team or club that has made exceptional progress, reached extraordinary goals in their discipline, or made an important contribution to sport locally. This isn’t just about moving up the grade, but also about personal achievement, overcoming adversity and supporting others to do so.
Who are your local sporting champions?
Lifetime Achievement AwardThere are people in our borough who have been making a vital contribution to their community for many years and we would like to hear about them. Who in your community has been putting themselves out for the benefit of others for ten years or more?
Are you inspired by someone’s dedication and commitment?
Individual Hero
AwardInspired by community volunteer,
Val Joy
This award is for that individual
who makes a special effort to enhance
other people’s lives. Perhaps it’s the
little things they do that go a long
way and they are simply always there
if needed. Or they may do something
that is particularly meaningful to
their community or beneficial to the
environment in which they live –
that ‘unsung’ hero who deserves to be
recognised.
Whose contribution do you appreciate?
‘Winning Charity of the Year means recognition for our
hardworking volunteers. It
was wonderful to receive such
affirmation from our clients.
This helps raise funding for the
project and increases public
awareness of our services’Winner 2012
Main Sponsor for 2013
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The Awards categories for 2013
Terms and conditions at a glance:�� Nominees can be entered for
more than one category
�� Nominations must be for a living person
�� Nominations per person or organisation are unlimited, but each must be submitted on an official entry form
�� Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel and invited to an awards ceremony on Wednesday 2 October 2013
�� Nominations can be made by any member of the community
�� An individual, group or company can nominate themselves
�� All eligible nominations will be shortlisted before going to an independent judging panel whose decision is final
�� Closing date for nominations is Thursday 1 August 2013
Contact usFor more information, contact Hilary or Lizzie on 01892 554270, or at: [email protected]
Young Volunteer of the Year AwardThis award is for that young person you know, aged 24 or under, who stands out as somebody with very special qualities; somebody who gives up their spare time to volunteer, and in doing so, contributes to the welfare of others, their community as a whole or the environment.
Would you like to see a particular young person rewarded for their efforts?
Charity of the Year AwardThis award is for any registered charity that operates in the borough of Tunbridge Wells. Nominations can be received from staff, volunteers or from those who benefit from their work.
Tell us about a charity that enhances the lives and well-being of residents in the Tunbridge Wells borough.
Best Group Award
Is there a group of people who are the
life blood of your community? Perhaps
they can always be relied upon to help
out at events or raise funds. It could
be that they are championing a ‘green’
project, or creating opportunities
for people to get involved in local
activities such as a club or other social
group.
Do you admire a group’s collective
energy, enthusiasm or achievements?
Ethical Business
AwardThis award will recognise a local
company that can demonstrate its
commitment to having a positive
impact on the community and/or
the environment. This could include
taking steps to reduce carbon emissions,
such as a recycling or energy-saving
programme, supporting a local charity,
providing employment opportunities
for young people or buying from local
companies.
Do you know or work for an
organisation that is putting something
back into the community?
‘As a volunteer
I had no thought of
receiving an award. I was
delighted when I learnt that
I had been nominated. As
the winner I was particularly
pleased to highlight the
community spirit within my
home village’
Winner 2012
The closing date for nominations is Thursday
1 August 2013
Main Sponsor for 2013
Safer Community
AwardThis award will highlight the efforts
of a person or people that have helped
make your community a safer place
to live. This could involve improving
the safety of pedestrians, children and
cyclists in your area, or taking steps
to stamp out crime and anti-social
behaviour.
Who do you know that believes
in positive change and making it
happen?
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Flag up dog fouling Irresponsible dog owners not picking up after their dogs were flagged up as we worked with Southborough Town Council to deliver a new approach to tackling dog fouling in the area. The new approach, recommended by our Overview and Scrutiny Dog Fouling Task & Finish Group, used a ‘Bag & Flag’ event to engage the community in tackling the problem. The event, led by Councillors David Elliott and Alain Lewis took place at the Ridgewaye Playing Fields towards the end of last year and achieved an 87% reduction in instances of irresponsible dog ownership.
The Chairman of the Dog Fouling Task and Finish Group, Councillor David Elliott, said ‘Lazy and irresponsible dog owners’ behaviour needs to change; our event made them aware that what they are doing is unacceptable. We want residents to tell the Council who is doing this and we will act on all the information received. With the help of parish and town councils, ‘Bag & Flag’ events can take place across the borough and Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued if necessary.’
Community Safety: keeping it localThe Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit (CSU), is an alliance of local agencies, organisations and charities working together to tackle anti-social behaviour and other crime and safety problems in the borough. Our partnership ensures that the people best placed to help are informed and on the case as soon as possible.The Kent County Council Community Wardens are vital members of the team, helping local people to live safely and independently, particularly those who may feel excluded or vulnerable.
Warden Supervisor, Nigel Freeman, explains: ‘We are a visible, uniformed presence, and often regarded as a focal point for the communities we work with.
‘There is no such thing as a typical warden – we come in all sizes, ages and backgrounds – nor is there a typical day. We may deal with abandoned vehicles, helping with “walking buses” and reading classes at local primary schools, to ensuring elderly residents improve their home security. Although wardens do not have any enforcement powers, if we cannot help solve your problem we will know someone who can. We work flexible hours between 7.30am and 10pm, and our contact details are accessible to everyone.
Warden Supervisor Nigel Freeman‘The situations we deal with are very varied. Recently I received a call from a worried lady in Inverness who had been unable to get in touch with an elderly friend in the borough. I ensured that a Community Warden was quickly assigned to make enquiries with neighbours; it was discovered that her friend was in hospital but due to be released in a few days. A quick phone call to Inverness reassured a very relieved and grateful Scottish resident within two hours of her call.’
Go to kent.gov.uk/communitywardens for contact details of your local Community Warden, or contact Nigel on 07969 584175 or [email protected]. If a crime is in progress always call 999, or 101 to report non-urgent police matters.
To organise an event in your local area contact the
Street Scene Enforcement Team on 01892 526121
Any bin will do – dog owners can put bagged dog waste
in general litter bins or take it home and put in the green bin
If you see an irresponsible dog owner not picking up after their dog,
call the Street Scene Enforcement Team on 01892 526121 and give them as
much information as possible – date, time,
description of the owner and the dog
12
New affordable homes for people with disabilitiesA new housing development in Showfields, Royal Tunbridge Wells has recently been built by Town and Country Housing Group in partnership with the Occupational Therapy Bureau at Kent County Council and the borough council. As well as providing much-needed large family homes, the scheme includes three specially-designed, disabled- adapted homes for families with disabled children who were known to all three organisations as having an overwhelming need for an adapted property.
Each of the adapted properties has been specially designed to meet the needs of the household as all of the families were previously living in accommodation that was unsuitable for their long term needs. Some had been waiting on the housing register for several years for a suitable property to become available.
Don’t hedge your bets – get those trimmers out!Now is a good time of year, just before spring fully arrives and the birds start nesting, to think about cutting back your hedges, especially if they’re starting to encroach on the pavement and potentially causing a hazard or risk of injury to others. Overgrown hedges, bushes or trees can have a big impact on the space available for pedestrians, particularly those who need more space, such as wheelchair users, people with mobility scooters, or mums and dads with prams. And it can cause a serious hazard for people with sight impairment. Kent County Council (KCC) is responsible for the general upkeep of roads and pavements, but it is the responsibility of individual property owners to look after their own gardens, and we all have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent or reduce, as far as possible, the risk of injury or damage that could be caused to someone else.
For more information on your responsibilities and further advice, you can visit KCC’s website kent.gov.uk
Town and Country Housing Group provided the land for the scheme and built the development, and the Council supplied additional Disabled Facility Grant funding for the adaptations. All of the properties on the development have been built to a very high standard and are already making a big difference to the lives of the families who live in them.
In addition to the completed scheme at Showfields, more disabled-adapted units are being planned in the new regeneration schemes at Sherwood, Ropers Gate and Rusthall.
Prospective applicants need to be registered on the Tunbridge Wells Housing Register and can do so by picking up an application form from the Gateway, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
News bites�� The latest Halifax Quality of Life Survey showed
the borough of Tunbridge Wells as the third most desirable place to live in the country
�� Budgets and priorities were agreed at Full Council in February. Look out for our article in the summer edition
�� 29,000 people attended the Calverley Grounds ice rink, that’s 3,000 more than the previous winter!
�� Well done to Chrissie Wade, Diane Tudball and Trevor Gilbert… the lucky winners from our Christmas prize draw
�� 335 children benefited from the Mayor’s 2012 Christmas Toy appeal. That’s up 3% on last year, so a huge thank you to everyone involved
�� Parking charges are not being increased in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre for the next financial year nor will the cost of residents’ permits rise
�� Tunbridge Wells is officially the safest place in Kent with fewer crimes than any other area
If you are concerned about a particular tree, hedge or shrub you can let KCC know on 08458 247 800 and they will contact the property owner if they think that it is causing a problem
13
Universal Credit will replace:
�� Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
�� Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
�� Income Support
�� Child Tax Credits
�� Working Tax Credits
�� Housing Benefit
Universal Credit will not replace:
�� Pension Credits
�� Contributory Jobseeker’s Allowance
�� Contributory Employment and Support Allowance
�� Disability Living Allowance
�� Child Benefit
�� Bereavement, sick and maternity benefits/payments
�� Council Tax Benefit
Welfare Reform – Benefits are changingBenefits are changing in 2013, and a new Universal Credit will start to replace many benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit.The result is that some people will receive less financial help from the state than they have had previously.
In this edition of Local, we look at some of the changes and how they may affect you or someone you know. We also explain the help and support on offer if needed.
The Welfare Reform Act will bring in changes to the benefits system, starting in April 2013.
The government is introducing the changes to:
�� create the right incentives to get more people into work
�� protect the most vulnerable in our society
�� deliver fairness to those claiming benefit and to the tax payer
�� These changes will not affect pensioners
�� Everyone affected by these changes has been or will be written to by the relevant authority
Universal CreditOne of the biggest changes is the introduction of Universal Credit in the autumn of 2013.
Housing BenefitChanges to Housing Benefit for tenants of social landlordsFrom April 2013 there are new rules about the size of accommodation that Housing Benefit, and in the future Universal Credit, will cover for working age tenants renting in the social sector. This will bring them in line with the private rented sector.
The size criteria allow one bedroom for each person or couple living as part of the household, with the following exceptions:
�� children under 16 of the same gender are expected to share
�� children under 10 are expected to share regardless of gender
�� a disabled tenant or partner who needs a non-resident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room
Those tenants whose accommodation is larger than they need will see a reduction in their Housing Benefit. Those with one spare bedroom will lose 14 per cent of their Housing Benefit, and those with two or more spare bedrooms will lose 25 per cent.
The portion of rent not covered by benefits will need to be met by the tenant. One option open to tenants is to contact their landlord to discuss
Disability Living Allowance ...is to be replaced by Personal Independence Payment from April 2013.
There will be a cap on benefits which will mean there is a maximum amount of Universal Credit payable to each household to ensure that people are better off when in employment.
Council Tax Benefit...is being abolished in April 2013 and we will provide localised support.
Because the Council will have less money to provide this support, some people who have previously not needed to pay Council Tax will now have to pay at least 8.5 per cent of the Council Tax. Based on this year’s figures it would be between £2 – £6 per week, depending on the size and location of the property.
14
Where to go for help and adviceAdvice is available in person at the Gateway in Grosvenor Road, or by telephone, and we are also working closely with partners to help support people who are affected by the changes.
GatewayGateway is able to offer help and advice to people who are concerned about the impact of the welfare reforms on their household budget.
By visiting Gateway, you can get advice from a number of sources that will help you understand how the welfare reforms will affect you and what support is available.
Gateway is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with late opening until 6.30pm on Thursdays. It is also open on Saturday from 9am to 1.30pm.
Tunbridge Wells Citizen’s Advice BureauYou can access advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in the following ways:
Drop-in advice: Available at Gateway from Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.
Telephone advice: Call 01892 533880. Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.
For more information see www.twcab.org.uk
Money adviceWhether you’re losing benefits or not, a review of your finances is a good idea to help budget for now and the future.
As well as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, other information on budgeting and debt management can be found online at sites such as:
The Money Advice Service – offers free, unbiased and independent advice on all money matters.
Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0300 500 5000.
The website includes a money health check tool and a budget planner.
Social housing supportThose residents who live in social housing and who are affected or worried by the changes can receive advice and support from their landlord.
These include:
Town and Country Housing Group – 0845 873 1321
Hyde Housing – 0800 085 4195
Moat Homes – 0845 600 1006
�� These changes will not affect pensioners
�� Everyone affected by these changes has been or will be written to by the relevant authority
opportunities to move to accommodation more suitable for their needs.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact the Council, their landlord, or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau as soon as possible.
Benefit CapA Benefit Cap will be introduced by September 2013. This cap will limit the amount that a family can receive in welfare benefits to £500 per week. A single person will be limited to £350.
There are some exceptions, for example people receiving Disability Living Allowance or Working Tax Credit.
If you are over the limit and claim Housing Benefit, your benefit will be reduced to bring your total income down to the capped level.
The FutureNew claims for Housing Benefit from customers who are out of work will move to Universal Credit from October 2013 and new claims for Housing Benefit from customers who are working will move to Universal Credit from April 2014.
Existing claimants will move from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit between October 2013 and October 2017.
Child Benefit From January 2013 families where one or more parents earns between £50,000 and £60,000 will have their benefit reduced on a sliding scale. Those earning over £60,000 will not receive any benefit.
Social FundThe Social Fund is currently dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions and is used to make payments to individuals in extreme need. It includes Community Care Grants, Crisis Loans for general living expenses, and Budgeting Loans.
Kent County Council will take over the management of the fund for people living in the Tunbridge Wells borough and other areas of Kent from April 2013.
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Consultation on the future management of Sherwood Lake and Woods in Tunbridge Wells has unearthed some fascinating stories about the estate’s pioneering past.William Siemens, who co-founded the Siemens electrical engineering company with his brother Werner in 1858, lived at Sherwood Park (now Badgers Holt) from 1874 until his death in 1883.
Siemens was a pioneer and inventor, and made many changes to the grounds of the house. His short time at Sherwood Park saw the woodland between Blackhurst Lane and Greggs Wood Road being worked by electrical machinery, powered by Siemens’ own design of steam engine.
Siemens oversaw the creation of landscaped gardens in the woodland, the construction of garages and stables, and the building of a walled kitchen garden. He constructed Sherwood Lake, which was fed by the same natural spring that still flows into the lake today.
This Sherwood spring water was Siemens’ main water source, and once again he used electricity generated on site to pump water from the spring up to the estate house.
Many signs of Sherwood’s past remain visible at Sherwood Lake and Woods today. Visit khwp.org.uk to find out more about the fascinating history of this site, and how it will be taken care of in the future.
Sherwood Lake today
Siemens steam engine
Sherwood Park in 1880
William Siemens
Sherwood’s pioneering past
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Thinking about making alterations to your home?If so, why not talk to our experienced Building Control team; they’re on hand to provide help and advice to ensure your building project meets the necessary building regulations.A designated Building Control Surveyor will work with you every step of the way to advise and assist you through the design and construction processes.
They’ll also help with:
�� Pre-application advice from the earliest stages of the project design
�� Facilitation of meetings with other departments
�� Site meetings whenever you want them
A service you can trust
For further advice, costs and information contact Patrick Arthur on 01892 554116
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Bloom gathers momentumWe’re excited about 2013 – hopefully a memorable year for Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom as we enter the national finals for the first time ever. Come along to our launch event on 19 or 20 April between 10am-3pm in the precinct, Royal Tunbridge Wells.Learn about what you can do to get involved. There’ll be lots of activity and fun… the children will love it!
What’s being organised?
Regular garden competition - for residents and local business with nine categories to choose from. Pick from: basket, planter/tub/container, front patio/balcony, allotment, wildlife garden, café/pub/club, street, front garden or shop front.
All entries must be visible from the street and it’s free to enter. We are expecting our best year yet, so for all keen
gardeners and conservationists check out the website royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk for more information and an entry form.
Neighbourhoods competition - we are looking to expand our campaign by helping local groups start their own ‘mini Bloom’. If you
have an interest in the environment, love gardening, like to meet others and learn new skills, and if you are from around Royal Tunbridge Wells, we’d love you to get involved. Groups can include people from the street where you live, a church or other community groups such as a ‘Friends Group’. Local traders are also being encouraged to take part.
Interested? The Bloom Committee can provide help with community projects by contributing up to £500 for materials. This can include out of season activities such as bulb planting or fundraising events. We will need to see photographs and copies of any media coverage gained.The campaign is so much more than flowers as it stretches to recycling, conservation, parks and open spaces and much more.
We will have lots of activities throughout the year with demonstrations and volunteering events and experts on hand to give free advice. The Bloom website will be kept up-to-date with all the latest events, news and information on how to be involved.
Contact Helen Timms on 01892 526121 for more information
Winning our category at the regional finals in 2012 has secured a new sponsor, Cooling’s Nursery based in Knockholt, which is great news for everyone involved.
royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk
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Are
you
looking to
gain new skills
or develop an
interest? Do you
have some time
to give as a
volunteer?
County Council Elections On Thursday 2 May, electors will vote for their Kent County Councillor. If your name does not appear on the register, you will not be able to vote.If you are unable to vote in person on 2 May, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote. The deadline for receipt of postal applications is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April and 5pm on Wednesday 24 April for proxy applications.
You do not need a poll card to vote, it is simply notification of an election but you can only vote at the station you have been allocated.
Listed below are the county electoral divisions and which wards fall within these divisions.
County division Borough wards within the division
Cranbrook Benenden & Cranbrook
Frittenden & Sissinghurst
Hawkhurst & Sandhurst
Tunbridge Wells East Pembury
St James’
Sherwood
Tunbridge Wells North St John’s
Southborough & High Brooms
Southborough North
Tunbridge Wells Rural Brenchley & Horsmonden
Capel
Goudhurst & Lamberhurst
Paddock Wood East and West
Tunbridge Wells South Broadwater
Pantiles & St Mark’s
Park
Tunbridge Wells West Culverden
Rusthall
Speldhurst & Bidborough
Visit aboutmyvote.co.uk or call Electoral Services on 01892 554025 if you need application forms or advice and information.
Help them tell their storyScotney Castle is a country house, romantic garden and 14th c. moated castle surrounded by acres of wonderful woodland and parkland to explore and enjoy. Scotney has a fascinating story to tell and they would love you to join them to help bring that story to life for visitors.
Find out more by contacting [email protected] or call 01892 893845.
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November:
Guide Dogs
BlindFold Walk
005332_Varicose_Veins_Local Tunbridge Wells_114x192_15.02.13.indd 1 11/2/13 14:21:13
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May: Royal Visit by the Earl and Countess of Wessex
June: St John’s
Primary School
Jubilee Street Party
June
: A v
ery
wet
RTW
Cr
icke
t Wee
k w
ith
a vi
sito
r fro
m o
ur
twin
tow
n W
iesb
aden
June: Lighting the
Jubilee Beacon
July: Schools Torch Relay Visit to Town Hall
July: Mayor and
local schools
welcome the
Olympic Torch
as it comes
through Royal
Tunbridge Wellsaugust: Paddock Wood Carnival
September:
Lions’ Club Open
Charity Horse
Show, Matfield
Sept
embe
r: AT
C An
nual
In
spec
tion
November:
Mayor
switches
on Rotary’s
Tree of
Light
DECember: Mayor and family visit TW Ice Rink
November:
Guide Dogs
BlindFold Walk
December: Hilden Grange School supports the Mayor’s
Annual Toy Appeal
January: 100th
birthday celebration
in Cranbrook
A year in
the life of
a Mayor of
Tunbridge
WellsCllr John Smith and
Mrs Rebecca Smith –
Mayor and Mayoress
2012-13 – share a
momentous year with
us...
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Access guideJoin the thousands of people who already enjoy the benefits of a free access guide which:�� Offers accessibility information about a huge range
of venues, including hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. �� Records any accessibility improvements that have been
made to venues each year. �� Includes recent updates on new venues in Royal
Tunbridge Wells town centre, North Farm, Frittenden and Hawkhurst, following suggestions from the public.�� Aims to raise awareness of accessibility issues for
people with disabilities, their carers, family and friends.Visit disabledgo.com or google ‘DisabledGo Tunbridge Wells’. If you would like more information about the guide, or if you would like to be sent details about new venues that are being added, please contact Dean Eales, Customer Relationship Manager at DisabledGo, e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: 01438 842710.
FREE… Local Business AdviceWe fund Enterprise First to offer free support for start up, new and established small business, so take advantage and contact 0845 4587535 or www.enterprisefirst.co.uk
Starting a new business?
Whether you are with or without a job at the moment, you may wish to consider the opportunities and challenges of running your own business.
This could be run from home, alone or in conjunction with others, be part-time or a full-time venture.
Around 300,000 new businesses will be started in the UK this year. Could you be one of them?
Running a small business?If you’d like to share your story and inspire others, please contact Hem on 01892 554272
In the previous year,
more than 6100
businesses were started
in Kent of which more
than 10% were in the
borough of Tunbridge
Wells
With the successful launch of ‘Sounds of The Wells’ (SOTW) last month, 2013 promises to be a fantastic year for music lovers.For the Tunbridge Wells music scene, in collaboration with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, SOTW is a recently formed live music collective comprised of representatives from four of the town’s main music festivals and venues. By combining their
resources and expertise, SOTW will promote Tunbridge Wells as a live music destination.
Events such as these not only play an important part in Tunbridge Wells’ culture, they bring vital commerce to the area too. Funding is essential to ensure all the events continue each year, so if you, or anyone you know can support them in some way, the organisers would be delighted to hear from you.
TWYCA (Tunbridge Wells International Young Concert Artists) Kent College and The Assembly Hall Theatre, 5 July – 20 July 2014
Now approaching its 35th year, the biennial competition provides an opportunity for the most talented of the next generation of classical musicians to play before a jury of international stars.
w twiyca.org
Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival 2013Various venues around Tunbridge Wells – 28 September – 13 October
Now in its tenth year, the festival brings classical music as well as classic jazz to younger people and families.
t 01342 851168
w tunbridgewellsfestival.co.uk
2013 Local & Live Music Festival The Pantiles 23 – 26 August.
During March, The Local & Live Music Festival will be showcasing some of its acts ahead of the festival in August at The Grey Lady Music Lounge on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
t 07786 547265
w localandlive.org
UNFESTThe Forum, The Duke of York, The Ragged Trousers and The Sussex Arms
Spring Bank Holiday Weekend
The festival aims to showcase the town’s independent spirit: its music venues, its businesses, its music and art over three days.
w unlabel.net or twforum.co.uk
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Welcome to Silverdale Day Nursery...
Caring, qualified staff
Extensive range of modern toys
Fully functional children’s kitchen
Large outdoor play area
Childrens playmaker tree house
Water play and nature/growing areas
Safe and secure premises with CCTVSafe and secure premises with CCTV
Open 51 weeks a year - 7am - 7pm
Nutritious menus
Government funded term time places of up
to 15 hours available
What we offer....
Silverdale Day Nursery provides care for children aged from 3 months to 5 years. Our nursery has been thoughtfully designed to ensure we offer your child new experiences and encourage individual development on a daily basis in a caring and secure environment.
Contact usTel:01892 540068Email:[email protected]: www.kindernurseries.co.uk
In the previous year,
more than 6100
businesses were started
in Kent of which more
than 10% were in the
borough of Tunbridge
Wells For a free estimate call Mark on07958 713676 or 01892 616623e-mail [email protected]
EXTENSIONS
RENOVATIONS
KITCHENS
BATHROOMS
CARPENTRY
DECORATIONS
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
FULLY INSURED
Builders and DecoratorsWCC Builders Ltd
email: [email protected]@aol.com
Presented byTony Wesley
079 4052 3749
CWC BC.qxp:Layout 1 6/1/12 18:26 Page 2
Early Bird tickets available online only from 1 March (prices will increase in May!)
Tickets available from Tonbridge Castle GatewayTelephone 01732 770929 | www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk*Family ticket – 2 x adult, 2 x child (child ages 5-16) Please note tickets are non refundable and non exchangeable.
5/6/7 JULY 2013
Friday 5 July
Killer Queen at Tonbridge Castle! £15 Adult, £12 concessions Family ticket £40*
Saturday 6 July
Tonbridge Castle Proms£12 Adult, £8 concessions Family ticket £30*
Sunday 7 July
GREASE! Sing-a-longEM Forster Theatre£15 Adult, £10 concessions Family ticket £40*Box office 01732 304241
2185 TMBC TAF 114x94.indd 1 12/02/2013 21:32
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Out and about with the Veg Squad! For the last three years Kent High Weald Partnership staff and volunteers have worked with their partners at Pepenbury, Sherwood Park Primary and Oakley School to help improve vegetable growing and education facilities through the borough council and Lottery funded ‘Food 4 Thought’ project.
Last year saw the birth of the ‘Veg Squad’, a package for local primary schools combining practical improvements to growing areas with training for pupils and staff. Visits to St Barnabas and St Peter’s Schools in Tunbridge Wells, and Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Primaries further afield, led to one simple conclusion. What they wanted, and what they
got, was raised beds and more raised beds, filled with a mountainous total of over 20 tonnes of soil.
To find out more about the ‘Food 4 Thought’ project, including resources for education, visit the website: khwp.org.uk/home/schoolsgrowingveg.html
New Vegetable Beds at Cranbrook School
Local domestic abuse charity says: ‘your health matters: talk to us’
‘Talk to us’ is what the DAVSS volunteers in West Kent emphasise again and again. So often new clients say that they didn’t want to trouble anyone, only to find that when they do pick up the phone that there are people willing and trained to understand what they are going through and offer them help. Amy (name changed) who had
benefited from DAVSS services to help her escape from the psychological abuse she suffered said: ‘It was mainly my mind which was assaulted.
‘Things were never really fine and reporting the sad truth every week to the volunteer was extraordinarily powerful.’
Given that one in four women and one in six men from all walks of life will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives, the support provided across West Kent by the highly trained DAVSS volunteers is invaluable. They provide a range of services including risk assessment, safety planning, face to face meetings, a support to court service, and they run a confidential helpline for those seeking advice. Last year DAVSS helped more than 170 clients in cases involving 212 children. If you or anyone you know is suffering health problems linked to domestic abuse, emotional, physical or both, please call the local helpline on 01892 570538 10am – 1pm weekdays.
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The Horder Centre, a nationally recognised centre for Orthopaedic andMusculoskeletal excellence, has opened a Physiotherapy Clinic in the centre of Tunbridge Wellsoffering fast access to expert care.
Available without a GP referral, our new service enables you to minimise your pain as quickly aspossible and get your life back on track.
We can treat various conditions including:
I Sports injuries I Back pain I Arthritic and joint problems
I Repetitive strain injuries I Posture problems
Initial appointments are affordably priced at £40, with follow up appointments priced at just £30.Early, late night and Saturday appointments are available.
Book your FREE 15 minute consultation today and let us provide a personal solution to ease your pain.
Call us on 01892 529059 or visit www.horderhealthcare.co.uk for further information.
Horder Healthcare Physiotherapy ClinicLower Ground Floor, 2 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EE
Don’t Suffer.
Registered Charity Number: 104662425
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What’s On at the Assembly Hall TheatreMarchMon 18 Mar Cannon, Campbell, Watchorn & O’ConnorTue 19–Wed 20 Mar TW Primary Schools ConcertThu 21 Mar West Kent WIFri 22 Mar No Jacket RequiredSat 23–Sun 24 Mar Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance – CoppeliaMon 25–Sat 30 Mar Soul SisterSun 31 Mar Steeleye Span
April Mon 1 Apr Best Friends ForeverTue 2 Apr Milkshake! Come Out To PlayFri 5 Apr Solid Silver 60sSat 6 Apr The Magic of MotownSun 7 Apr RTWSOTue 9 Apr Michaela StrachanWed 10 Apr Russell KaneThu 11 Apr Joe BrownFri 12–Sat 13 Apr RapunzelTue 16–Sat 20 Apr TWODS The Sound of MusicSun 21 Apr The Military Wives ChoirSun 28 Apr The KarpentersMon 29 Apr Tom PaxtonTue 30 Apr The Good Old Days
May Sat 4 May Pasha Kovalev & Katya VirshilasSun 5 May Sid’s ShowMon 6–Sat 11 May Priscilla Queen of the DesertSun 12 May Alice in Wonderland Ballet Mon 13 May Chas ‘n’ DaveTue 14–Sat 18 May Carnaby StreetTue 21 May Sally MorganFri 24 May Billy OceanTue 28 May–Sat 1 Jun Yes, Prime Minister
June Fri 7 Jun Counterfeit StonesThu 13 Jun The Shaolin WarriorsSat 15 Jun That’ll Be The DaySun 16 Jun RTW Choral SocietyTue 18–Thu 20 Jun Dora the ExplorerWed 26 Jun We’ll Meet Again
July Wed 17–Thu 18 Jul Jason Manford
Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells from 9am to 2pm.
fourth Saturdays of the month outside the
The market takes place on the second and
@TWBCFrmrsMkt
TWBC Farmers Market
PLEASE BRING A
BAG
Spring2013DATES
MAR 9 & 23APR 13 & 27MAY 11 & 259AM – 2PM
TUNBRIDGE WELLS FARMERS MARKET
A change to the way you pay for water is in the pipelineSince February, South East Water has been installing compulsory water meters for residents in Southborough as part of the Customer Metering Programme that is currently rolling out across the South East.
Nearly all residents of Tunbridge Wells will have a water meter fitted and it will take approximately a year to complete the 18,500 installations.
Customers will receive information through the post four months before their meter is due to be installed, and South East Water has said that you do not need to do anything in the meantime.
Please visit southeastwater.co.uk for answers to all the most frequently asked questions or call the metering helpline on 0333 000 0003.
27
The NHS Constitution gives you the right to decide which hospital to visit from a list of qualified providers.
The Horder Centre is a qualified provider and an independent centre of excellence for orthopaedic careapproved to provide NHS services without charge to the patient.
We have a 99.3% patient satisfaction rate and deliver consistently high outcomes in areas including jointreplacement and physiotherapy.
As a charity, The Horder Centre reinvests any surplus money it generates through fundraising and clinicalactivity back into enhancing services, further advancing health and benefitting even more patients.
If you require orthopaedic treatment or investigation for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, ask your GP to refer you to The Horder Centre.
It’s your right.
Visit horderhealthcare.co.uk for more information or call us on 01892 600804
Did you know you have the right to choosewhere you have your NHS treatment?
Registered Charity Number: 1046624
The Horder Centre, St Johns Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1XP
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