Episode 13: Tunbridge Wells Council Election Sees Lib Dems Aim to Take Full Control West Kent Talking

The May local elections are fast approaching. They take place on Thursday 2nd May.

There are no votes this year in Tonbridge, but in Tunbridge Wells all the seats on the Borough Council are up for grabs. In most areas, you get 3 votes.

Democracy is all about making an informed choice.

So, do listen on to get a better idea of what the six main parties standing all want to do.

Tunbridge Wells Borough council is currently a coalition led by the Liberal Democrats. The Lib Dems run things with the votes of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance Party, Labour and one independent, Rodney Atkins.

There are several recurring issues in the interviews ahead. One is the council’s decision to persist with fining motorists for driving through a section of road opposite the Town Hall. A staggering £ 1.5 million has been raised so far - that’s a staggering sum given that council tax revenues are £ 9 million a year.

The fact that tens of thousands of motorists have been fined suggests most drivers are simply confused. Some visitors to the town who received a 70 pound fine - have said they won’t be back.

Also still controversial is the Local Plan for housebuilding and the recent increase in charges in council car parks.

This is a pretty unpredictable election as there are new ward boundaries and the total number of councillors is being cut from 48 to 39.

Listen to:

Nick Pope of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance Party,

David Hayward of the Independents for Tunbridge Wells Party,

Tom Dawlings who is leader of the Conservatives on TWBC,

Hugo Pound who is leader of Labour on TWBC,

Geoff Mason who is Chair of Tunbridge Wells Green Party and Ben Chapelard, leader of the Liberal Democrats on TWBC