New car parking charges for Tonbridge come into effect on the 19th August! My new news report on @westkentradio features comments from the meeting about the new car parking charges held last week with an interview with Council leader Matt Broughton; as well as hearing from what Tonbridge residents think about the new charges at last weekend’s River Walk Music festival!

You can listen to my news report right now by clicking on the link in my bio (you can now also listen to my news report wherever you get your podcasts - Just search for 'West Kent Radio News Reports - Julia Neal' and it should pop up!); or you can catch my news report 12:30pm 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm and 6.30pm. You can listen to the news report via www.westkentradio.co.uk; in Tunbridge Wells on 106.7 FM, in Tonbridge on 95.5 FM or in Bidborough/Southborough on 107.2FM; or by asking your smart speaker to ‘Play West Kent Radio’ 😃

#Tonbridge #KentNews #Kent #tmbc #westkentradio #radiojournalist #ukradio #ukcommunityradio #communityradiouk 

Julia Neal chats to Jess from The TN Card, a loyalty card that was established in 2020. She finds out how the card started, what businesses and consumers can gain from using the card and information about this year's Tonbridge Business Awards.

At Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday Night [30th April], councillors agreed to implement parking charges in Tonbridge until 8pm at evenings and on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Julia Neal speaks to local councillors Adem Mehmet (Cons), Garry Bridge (Lib Dems) and Lee Athwal (Greens) on their opinions on the charges. 

Councillors also agreed that Tonbridge residents will get 30 minutes free parking; instead of one hour's free parking being introduced at Martin's Square in Larkfield. Julia spoke to local resident Kay on her feelings on the parking proposals in Tonbridge; and to Teresa from Gorgeous George who comments on the impact that parking charges on Sundays will bring to her business.

At the same meeting, the council voted unanimously that the motion to extend the Upper Castle Fields Car Park is dropped. Julia spoke to Jacquie who spearheaded the campaign to save the Upper Castle Fields, and has now submitted an application to make Upper Castle Field into a village green.

Julia Neal reports on concerns that new charges to use car parks in Tonbridge will hit businesses there. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council says it must start charging for parking in the evenings and on Sundays to boost its revenue. Meanwhile, a plan by the Conservative led council to expand a car park by tarmacing over a green space near the Castle has run into trouble. The idea is being opposed by local residents and local Conservative councillors. Listen to the council leader Matt Boughton, local Conservative councillor Adem Mehmet, Mark Hood of the Green Party and Frani Hoskins of the Liberal Democrats plus local residents from the Slade area.

Julia Neal went along to the new Babons support centre in Tonbridge, which supports people with cancer. She spoke to founders Heidi Spickernell-Foad and Tracy Spickernell about how the idea came about, what support they provide and how people can access their services. This interview was broadcast on West Kent Radio on 20 March 2024.

Julia Neal talks to local councillors about the proposed Tonbridge Town Square development in Tonbridge. Plus, details on Sainbury's expansion into the vacant Beales unit (subject to planning permission). Originally broadcasted 15 March 2024

An updated interview with renowned celebrity chef, Atul Kochhar, who has just recently opened a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. As broadcasted on West Kent Radio on 11/3/24.

An update on establishing a town council in Tonbridge

Julia spoke to several councillors - and the people of Tonbridge - on Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's decision on the 'in principle' demolition on the Angel Centre.

Julia went along to celebrity chef Atul Kochhar (Great British Menu)'s new restaurant, Essence at the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells and spoke to him about his background and why he loves Tunbridge Wells! (Originally broadcasted on West Kent Radio on 20th February 2024)