THE BRIEF
£10m for £100k of Land: Taxpayers are helping fund housing on protected countryside south of Tunbridge Wells. Inevitably, sparking backlash from locals. Government agency, Homes England spent over £10 million on the land which was bought for only £100,000 a few years earlier. Homes England purchased the land to help private developer Esquire create hundreds of homes.
The land sits within the High Weald National Landscape. Areas where development should only occur in “exceptional circumstances.” 2,300 residents now oppose the plans. There are concerns growing about misuse of public funds. As well as possible environmental harm, and homes that won't even count toward local targets. Read more from Martin Webber here.
🚴♀️Chef Cycles 450 Miles: Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager began her 450 mile cycle from Land’s End to the White Cliffs of Dover. She set off yesterday. Shrager is aiming to raise £100,000 for food poverty charities through the Hendy Foundation. At 74, Rosemary is tackling the challenge over 18 days, with all proceeds going directly to local food welfare organisations. The route includes public appearances on rest days.
During these she will host live cooking demonstrations and share tips for affordable, nutritious meals. Stops include events at the Wimborne Folk Festival, Hendy Ford Eastleigh, and Hendy Kia Tunbridge Wells. Shrager, has wanted to do the ride for five years and says she’s proud to support a cause close to her heart. The Hendy Foundation, affiliated with the Hendy Group, has stated it will ensure every donation reaches those in need.
🏹Local Man Indicted by the US: A Tunbridge Wells man has been indicted in the US for allegedly plotting to smuggle advanced military tech to China. The indictment also reference the harassing of a Chinese dissident artist. The US Government is accusing John Miller, 63, of attempting to buy missile systems, drones, and secure communication devices for reverse-engineering in China.
He and a Chinese associate reportedly hired investigators to harass the artist. The accusations also include orchestrating a fake protest to undermine Taiwanese interests. Neighbours described Miller as a “respectable family man”. He was arrested in Serbia and faces up to 40 years if convicted.
Read more from Kent Online / Daily Mail.
🏎️Police Recover Porsche: Police bodycam footage shows the dramatic moment a suspected Porsche thief was caught trying to flee in Tunbridge Wells. The £100k car was taken around 2.48am last Saturday from Southborough, and found shortly after in Bright Ridge with the engine still running. Officers boxed the car in and chased the suspect on foot, eventually arresting him. Stolen number plates were also discovered inside. A 25-year-old man from Boston, Lincolnshire, has been bailed under strict conditions. Read more here.
🚏New Bus Service: A new Metrobus service is launching in Tunbridge Wells this Saturday. Route 284 will connect High Brooms, Sherwood, Southborough, and Tunbridge Wells Hospital with the town centre and railway station, running off-peak Monday to Saturday. The service comes after strong local demand and will operate with a £3 fare cap until December. A launch event takes place tomorrow at Southborough Civic Centre, 10am–1.45pm. Contactless and bus passes accepted. Read more from Mary Harris here.
