Our ToWn is the brainchild of a group of councillors and local business and community leaders who say they will work with organisations and volunteers ‘to get things done in Tunbridge Wells’.
The initial trustees of the group include the Council’s cabinet member for Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Scott; Women’s Equality Party campaigner Liz Orr; Town Forum Chairman Adrian Berendt; former Kent County Council councillor Catherine Rankin; and Local & Live Trustee Peter Taylor.
Cllr Scott told the Times: “This will be a residents-orientated group and not a campaign group. We want to support other organisations and get things done.”
He said the focus of the group at first will be to bring more events to the town to generate footfall and visitors.
“The initial Trustees see immediate and longer-term objectives such as running and supporting festivals; assisting in enhancing an environmentally-friendly travel system in our town; and supporting community interest buildings, features or activities.
“In doing so, we fully recognise and wish to support those in the creative, hospitality and other local industries – both professional and amateur.”
He continued: “Currently, so many things in Tunbridge Wells depend on individuals, and we have great people doing things, such as Debbie King who is behind the TW Fringe, but what happens when these people step down? There is nobody to keep these ideas going.
“If you want to donate money to Tunbridge Wells, there is nowhere to donate it to. You have to have a specific cause.
“The key to the success of Our ToWn will be achieving common purpose with all those in the town who wish to enjoy the town and enhance it for current and future generations.”
