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Tunbridge Wells News
Council decisions, crime, planning rows and community life in Tunbridge Wells - covered as it happens.
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West Kent leisure centres begin new chapter under new operator
West Kent's leisure centres in Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood and Cranbrook are now under new management. The change brings plans for £8 million of investment, upgraded gym equipment and new AI-assisted technology designed to improve swimmer safety.
Revealed: The West Kent parishes paying the highest and lowest council tax in 2026/27
Council tax bills across West Kent vary by more than £330 a year depending on where you live. We analysed the official 2026/27 figures to reveal the area's highest and lowest-paying parishes, and how the region's biggest towns compare.
Father’s Day in West Kent: sunshine, cold drinks and dads pretending they don’t want a fuss
Father’s Day in West Kent arrives with sunshine, heat and plenty of simple ways to celebrate. From park walks and riverside strolls to pub gardens, Sunday lunches, picnics and family days out in Maidstone, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, today is a good excuse to spoil Dad a little - even if he insists he “doesn’t want anything”.
Kent Police Step Up Summer Patrols as Antisocial Behaviour Crackdown Begins
Kent Police have launched a summer operation targeting antisocial behaviour across the county, including planned action in Sevenoaks and other West Kent communities.
West Kent Feels the Impact of 2026’s First Heatwave as Water Supplies Come Under Pressure
West Kent experienced its first heatwave of 2026 as record-breaking temperatures swept across the South East, bringing sunshine, soaring demand for water and fresh concerns about increasingly hot summers.
THE PIG Pulls Out of Groombridge Place Project in Shock Move
THE PIG Hotels has abandoned plans to turn Groombridge Place into a luxury hotel after accepting a private offer for the historic estate, disappointing many local residents who hoped the project would boost jobs and tourism in the area.
Tonbridge Named Kent’s Busiest Commuter Station as Rail Season Ticket Use Rises
Tonbridge has been named Kent’s busiest commuter station after season ticket journeys across the county rose by more than 1.4 million trips in a year, according to new figures released by Southeastern.
South East Water Chief Executive Steps Down After Months of Outages and Criticism
The chief executive of South East Water has announced his resignation following months of criticism over major water outages that left thousands of homes across Kent and Sussex without supply during the winter crisis.
Liberal Democrats Tighten Grip on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council After Local Elections
The Liberal Democrats strengthened their control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council after gaining three additional seats in the 2026 local elections, while Reform UK failed to secure any councillors in the borough despite strong national results elsewhere.