Wednesday January 25 | 2017
All the news that matters
Local, National and International Tonbridge Castle
YOUR
OF TONBRIDGE
FREE PAPER
MCDONALDS OWNER ENSURES THAT RESIDENTS DON’T HAVE A RUBBISH TIME Page 4
CANDICE KICKS OFF 16 PAGES OF FOOD AND DRINK FOR ALL TASTES See inside
COLLEGE STUDENTS LEARN TRICKS OF THE TRADE IN NEW CAMPUS RESTAURANT Page 4
BREXIT LEGISLATION IN DAYS – DESPITE RULING ON NEED FOR A VOTE Page 14
Parents warned to stop illegally parking after ‘traumatic incident’ as car backs into schoolchildren By Murray Jones
newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
ON THE RISE: New cafés have sprung up in town in White Cottage Road
Café culture puts pubs under new pressure IT WOULD seem Tonbridge is not impervious to the changing consumer habits that are transforming high streets up and down the country. Figures from the Local Data Company show that the great British pub is losing its grip as the home of town centre socialising, as consumers switch from barman to barista. Nationally, the number of town centre bars, pubs and night clubs fell by 7 per cent. Whereas, in the same period, the number of coffee shops has risen 31 per cent. And this change can be seen no more clearly than walking around Tonbridge High Street. Independent cafés such as Beyond the Grounds, The Bakehouse at 124 and Basil have all opened within the last two years, joining Finch House, plus chains Starbucks and Caffé Nero. Greggs and Waitrose also have dedicated large seating areas to take advantage of growing demand. Meanwhile numerous traditional pubs have been lost with The Wharf, The Castle, The Red House, The Pinnacles and Bishops Oak all closing in recent years. Mojo’s Bar shut down in 2016 and The Nelson Arms has announced its closure for March this year, although a residents’ campaign hopes to preserve the Cromer Street establishment.
Continued on page 5
POLICE have written to parents to warn them about illegal parking outside a school after a group of children were hit by a car that was reversing. It happened at Cage Green Primary School, which is also home to the Phoenix Centre for Autism, and has led to concerned parents launching a petition calling for action to stop parking on double yellow lines. The school is situated next to Hugh Christie Technology College and Ridge View School, meaning hundreds of cars descend on the surrounding roads every day. The incident occurred when a parent, who does not wished to be named, was walking across White Cottage Road with her children, as well as three other youngsters. In the letter, Police Community Support Officer Linda Baker said: “When she started to cross… it was clear and then a car started
CORNERED Cars parked on yellow lines in White Cottage Road
to reverse into her six year old daughter, and the other children including the buggy. She frantically started to bang on the back of the car and shout at the driver to get it to stop whilst it continued to reverse into her, knocking them to the floor. “This has been a very traumatic incident for her and her family, which they are still trying to recover from.
Unacceptable “Despite this happening drivers are still continuing to park their vehicles on the yellow lines and pavements in White Cottage Road, which is just not acceptable.” No serious injuries were sustained although the letter urged parents to
park on the nearby Denbeigh Drive and Hop Garden Road where there is ‘adequate’ space and is only a ‘short walk from the school’. But the problems have persisted, so one parent, Sara Hasted, whose son attends the school, has launched a petition. She has demanded local authorities do more to stop the ‘out of control’ situation as well as appealing to parents to change their habits. She also revealed that she has been advised by police to stop taking pictures of illegal parkers as it was creating tension amongst parents. As possible solutions, Miss Hasted suggests: • Installing CCTV outside the school • Closing the road during school drop off and pick up times • Improving signage outside the school • Employing more traffic wardens “The double yellow lines are there for a reason and people are breaking the law day after day with no respect or regard for our children’s safety just so they have to walk a shorter distance,” said Miss Hasted. The head teacher, Mr Graeme Garthwaite said the school is working with all relevant authorities to improve the situation including the borough council and the police. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council are responsible for parking enforcement. Spokesman Robert styles said: “The borough council is aware of the issues and is in liaison with the police and school.” Police confirmed that they have spoken to the driver and the mother who was hit. Enquiries are ongoing.
INSIDE SUMMER OF FUN
Excitement mounts as festival dates announced. Page 5
TEEN AND TWENTY Dispute over sale of the club rumbles on. Page 5
PENCILS TO PICASSO Tonbridge School puts on free exhibition. Page 98
FRUSTRATED ANGELS Keeper’s heroics fail to save a weak showing. Page 103