Teacher sacked for homophobic slur and inappropriate conduct
A DISGRACED former Tunbridge Wells teacher has been banned from classrooms after he used a homophobic slur to refer to Freddie Mercury, inappropriately touched a pupil, smoked in front of pupils and lied about his qualifications. James Gardner, 41, a former Physical Education teacher at Broomhill Bank School in Tunbridge Wells, was found guilty of […]
Celebrate royally in Tunbridge Wells
A round-up of the Coronation celebrations taking place in our local communities… Culverden Celebrations for the Coronation will be kicking off early on King Charles Square in Culverden at a community event run by The Wells Free School and Cripps. On Friday May 5, children and staff from The Wells Free School will be […]
Teachers march for pay as more strikes expected
HUNDREDS of teachers in Tunbridge Wells marched through the town yesterday after walking out of classrooms to demand better pay and working conditions. Teachers from across the Borough and beyond met at Calverley Grounds for a rally with flags, music and posters on Tuesday May 2. Yesterday was the second national strike in a week […]
Crash in Tunbridge Wells sparks road safety debate
A CRASH in which a car ploughed into a camping shop in Monson Road and injured three people has prompted further questions about road safety and the traffic restrictions in place in the area. Emergency services were called on Friday April 28 at 11.27am after a red Fiat 500 crashed into the Blacks store, where […]
The ‘sweet spot’ in town?
The High Street has weathered its share of ups and downs, but it remains well-placed to thrive. Victoria Roberts takes a walk to check out the latest offerings… TUNBRIDGE Wells’ High Street comprises less than half a mile’s worth of retail and hospitality business, but its impact stretches far beyond its geographical location and […]
Woman who lost arm in attack sues RSPCA
A WOMAN from Crowborough, who had her arm amputated after a dog attack, is suing the RSPCA for £200,000 because she wasn’t made aware of the animal’s violent history. Joanna Harris, 49, fostered the American Bulldog from the RSPCA, but it attacked her while at her home in East Sussex in September 2021. According to […]
Chaos for GCSE and A Level exams in latest teacher strike
THOUSANDS of students who are about to sit their final exams are expected to be impacted by the teacher strikes this week. Nurses at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, however, remain at work. Teachers at schools across Tunbridge Wells will be walking out of the classrooms tomorrow, April 27, and again on May 2 in a dispute […]
Doctor shortages cut deep
THE nationwide problem of doctor shortages and the social care crisis is being felt close to home, as patients in Tunbridge Wells have been struggling to get necessary medical attention and make doctor’s appointments with their GP surgeries. Some residents in Tunbridge Wells have reported waiting weeks for appointments. A patient who is under the […]
Resident refuses to leave home as half of housing estate is to be demolished
PLANS for the demolition and rebuilding of half of a council estate have been approved, despite one resident refusing to move from her home. The green light was given by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) for 110 units on the Showfields Estate to be demolished at a Council meeting on March 22. A total of […]
Pink Floyd star leads classic car drive for Childline fund
CLASSIC car enthusiasts are set to participate in National ‘Drive It Day’ events across the South East to raise money for Childline. The annual motoring rally, organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) and led by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, will see motoring fans meeting up to share their love of […]