Suspect in ‘bedsit murders’ pleads not guilty
David Fuller, 66, is accused of killing Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, a crime which became one of Britain’s longest unsolved double murders. The two young women were killed on separate dates in 1987. Both had been living in bedsits at the time of their death. At Maidstone Crown Court this week [January […]
Investors tell of the ‘catastrophic’ effect of Tunbridge Wells minibond firm collapse
Four of the 11,500 people that lost more than £237million when LCF fell into administration began a landmark legal case yesterday [Tuesday January 19] after they were denied compensation by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Thirteen people connected to LCF are currently being sued by administrators attempting to claw money back for investors. Among […]
Concern as office space lost to residential developments
The office space – enough to accommodate around 3,300 workers or the equivalent of 2.5 professional football pitches – has been lost due to to Permitted Development Rights (PDR). PDR enables developers to bypass normal planning permission to convert commercial premises into residential developments. The initiative was introduced by David Cameron’s government and was aimed […]
Work set to begin on cinema site as financiers look for new developer
Last year, Elysian Residences, who were planning to build an £80million ‘later living’ complex ‘The Belvedere’ on the land at the top of Mount Pleasant Road, pulled out, dashing 20 years of hope that the derelict site would finally be developed. The retirement home operator pulled out of the project in October, blaming uncertainty caused […]
Residents urged to text in donations after annual Bonfire Night spectacular is called off
TUNBRIDGE Wells Round Table, whose firework fundraiser has been cancelled due to Covid restrictions, have urged people to continue donating. The annual firework show was founded in 1957 and raises around £30,000 each year for worthy causes. It is the largest gathering in Tunbridge Wells and normally attracts around 12,000 people. However due to Covid, […]
Tunbridge Wells Lidl to open in spring as construction work starts
The Times broke the news in February that the German retailer was planning to open in the town after it acquired half of the Homebase unit in Broadwater Lane – opposite Sainsbury’s. Homebase will continue to trade next door to the new supermarket. Now Lidl, have confirmed their plans and have begun work on the […]
Students are skewing local Covid infection rates
Chief Executive to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, William Benson, says in a briefing from Kent County Council, the large increase in infection rates experienced in the borough is being partly attributed to students not having registered to a new GP in their university area. Posting on Twitter, he said: “Apparently part of the increase in […]
Cinema site goes back on the market after developer pulls out
Elysian Residences, who were going to build an £80million luxury retirement complex – The Belvedere – has put the site up for sale after ‘assessing’ the development earlier this year. In August, the Times reported how the US-based developer, which bought the site last year, was reassessing its options in the wake of the Covid […]
Council leader ‘disappointed’ after cinema site goes back on the market
Elysian Residences, who were going to build an £80million luxury retirement complex – The Belvedere – has put the site up for sale after ‘assessing’ the development earlier this year. In August, the Times reported how the US-based developer, which bought the site last year, was reassessing its options in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Now […]
Pizza Express staff test positive for coronavirus
Both staff members at the High Street chain, which has only just reopened after lockdown, were said to have been asymptomatic prior to testing positive. Both are currently self-isolating. A spokesman for the pizza chain said they have been liaising with Public Health England. He added: “The significant protocols we put in place ahead of […]
