Listen Live

Safer Link to Retail Parks

Thursday, 5 June 2025 11:43

By Martin Webber

Tonbridge Riverside

Lighting is to be installed along a riverside path in Tonbridge.

The cabinet of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has decided to move forward with a long-awaited initiative to enhance safety along the 380-metre path linking the Town Lock area and the retail parks at Vale Road and Cannon Lane.

The path is currently unlit and bordered by trees along the river’s edge, prompting night time safety concerns.

Cllr Adem Mehmet, (pictured below) who's the cabinet member for infrastructure and Tonbridge regeneration, said the project was a major step forward in making Tonbridge a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.

He continued: "The riverside route is a key link for residents, workers and visitors, and this investment will help ensure it feels accessible and secure all year round. It’s a great example of how we’re delivering on our commitment to improve public spaces and support sustainable travel.”

Following a feasibility study, the council is now progressing to the design and tender stages.

The council said that several options have been explored such as solar-powered and low-level bollard lighting. 

But the final design is likely to feature taller column lighting to ensure consistent and reliable illumination with construction expected to begin later this year.

The estimated cost of the project is £100,000, which will be funded through a combination of external sources.

These include support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Rates Pool programme, which has allocated funding for improvements in Tonbridge town centre.

At the same meeting on Tuesday night, the council's cabinet agreed to voluntarily apply for Village Green status for River Lawn in the heart of Tonbridge.

Tonbridge Green Party said: "This is a very significant moment and it comes soon after the confirmation by KCC that Upper Castle Fields has become a Village Green after proposals to extend a car park over parts of it were abandoned".

Full details on this story here:
https://www.westkentradio.co.uk/news/west-kent-news/river-lawn-protected/

Share

More from WEST KENT NEWS

  • Water crisis may cost firms £20m

    Businesses in Tunbridge Wells are calling on shoppers and local residents to support them in the run up to the festive season.

  • MP Calls For £18million Fund

    The MP for Tunbridge Wells, Mike Martin, has written to the Water Minister calling for Covid-style emergency cash for local businesses who've suffered through the town's water crisis.

  • Tonbridge MP 1974-2015 Has Died

    Tributes have been paid to the former Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling, Sir John Stanley, who's died aged 83 after illness.

  • Thursday Water Crisis Latest

    Residents of Tunbridge Wells whose water supply has been disrupted since Sunday are still being told they must boil any water supply they get before drinking it.

  • New Group at KCC

    Three Kent county councillors expelled by Reform UK in October have formed a new group.

  • Torrington Car Park Development

    A colossal town centre multi-storey car park in Tunbridge Wells could be reworked into homes and businesses.

  • Maidstone Council Leader Wins Key Vote

    The Green Party leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Stuart Jeffery, has easily survived a Conservative effort to remove him.

  • "Boil Water" from Noon in Tunbridge Wells

    South East Water is resuming water supplies to Tunbridge Wells despite continuing issues with purification, so it's now telling affected customers to boil their tap water, before it's consumed.

Comments

Add a comment

On Air Now Chris Woodward 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Now Playing
Dancing In The Moonlight Toploader
Recently Played
  • News West Kent Radio 16:59
  • We Have All The Time In The World Louis Armstrong 16:56
  • All Of My Heart ABC 16:52

COMING UP

  • Pete Moore

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    West Kent Country

  • Classical Selection

    9:00pm - 10:00pm

    Classical Selection

SOCIAL MEDIA