Letter to South East Water

Much of Tonbridge and the surrounding area went days without water following failures by South East Water. That’s not good enough.

I’ve written to its CEO detailing the issues we had that week and what we expect them to do to resolve them.

South East Coast Ambulance Service

During Apprenticeship Week, I visited the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) centre and spoke to five of their apprentices, and the Head of Education and Programme Lead. It was great to speak to them about their experiences, and I am delighted to hear how pleased they are with the programme.

I was glad to be able to speak to Simon Weldon, Chief Executive of SECAmb, and Jaqualine Lindridge, Chief Paramedic Officer, to discuss the current situation with our NHS services, and the main concerns for our local service. I was pleased we agreed on the next steps that need to be taken moving forward to ensure quality care for all residents.

Dementia Carers Group

I met with the Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells Dementia Friendly Community. I spoke to people who care for their loved ones with dementia, and heard about the impact this has on them, and the importance of an effective Care Review in the coming months.

Apprenticeship Week

During National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the people and businesses driving success - building skills, careers, and a stronger economy.

Phone survey

I’ve heard your concerns and I’m working with network providers to fix the poor mobile phone signal we’ve seen for far too long in our community.

Please take a moment to complete my survey and pinpoint the areas where you’re facing issues. Your feedback will help drive improvements. You can complete the survey here.

Alexir Packaging

I was pleased to be able to visit Alexir Packaging in Edenbridge and meet their team.

Following Labour’s budget, they have raised concerns about the impact increased National Insurance Contributions will have on their company.

Ye Olde Crown Inn

I met with Irene and Edward, the owners of Ye Olde Crown Inn in Edenbridge, to discuss the future of our high streets and potential local events for the coming months. As many retailers withdraw from high streets, it is essential that we continue to support our local businesses, and help our community here in Kent to thrive.

Hildenborough Residents

Following flooding of roads in Hildenborough due to heavy rainfall, I visited the affected areas with Southern Water, Kent County Council, and the Environment Agency to discuss the next steps they need to take to prevent this happening again.

Royal Mail Christmas Visit

Thank you to all Royal Mail Staff who have worked so hard to get out post to us before Christmas.

It was nice to be at Tonbridge Delivery Office to see the busy operation in action and thank the teams. Our posties do a great job getting our post to us, regardless of where we live.

New Ash Green Medical Centre

I visited the New Ash Green Medical Centre and met with Dr Gandhi, a GP Partner, and Una, the Office Manager. I was pleased to hear about the successful services they provide, and was glad to be able to discuss how we can work together to resolve some of the difficulties they face with patient care.

Christmas Card Competition

As I do every year I had a fantastic time meeting this year’s Christmas Card winners.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have visited Chiddingstone Primary, Mereworth Primary, New Ash Green Primary, and Nexus School to congratulate Tess, Johnny, Millie, and Verity and on their fantastic designs. Thank you to everyone who entered - there were hundreds of brilliant designs to look through!

As I’m sure you can imagine, it was a really difficult decision, but Tess had the winning design which is on the front of the card I have sent to hundreds of people across our community. Congratulations to all the winners.

Small Business Saturday

Small busisnesses are the backbone of our community and economy, bringing life and character to our high streets.

Here in Kent, we’re fortunate to have so mant incredible small businesses that keep our town thriving. Wherever you are, make sure to support your local small businesses - they deserve it!

Multiple Intelligence Hub

I visited the Multiple Intelligence Hub in Borough Green. They provide essential care and learning facilities for autistic and ADHD children as well as other additional needs. They currently provide support for 35 children and young adults with complex needs.

We spoke concerning the impact of the 2024 Autumn Budget announcements and their concern for the impact the National Insurance and Minimum Wage changes could have on their business.

I am proud to have such a brilliant service in our community. Thank you to all the staff who help make this incredible service possible.

Offham Village Map

I was delighted to be invited to unveil the Offham Village Map at the bus shelter by the Quintain.

So many people worked hard to support this project, and it is a reminder of how brilliant our community is.

Labour’s Education Tax

Many parents are extremely concerned about the Government plan to make schools pay tax, and the impact it will have on their children’s future.

Private or state, everyone will pay - some will see higher fees and others will see larger class sizes. This is a tax on everyone.

Our community depends on education with many schools, like Tonbridge School, employing hundreds of teachers and other staff. That matters to everyone.

It’s more important than ever to let me know your thoughts. You can respond to my survey by using the link here. Please share this with anyone you know who has children at an affected school. 

Leigh Park Farm

We need to talk about the future. We need to protect our family farms.

Our security depends on it.

Police Patrol

Thank you to the Kent Police Neighbourhood Task Force Offices for allowing me to join your patrol in Edenbridge.

We all know being accessible matters for the Police, especially in Edenbridge. We must all feel confident to report crime and get a quick response. That’s what I raised today and I’ll continue working with Kent Police to ensure we have a strong police presence in the town.

Hospice in the Weald

Ahead of the second reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, I spoke to staff at the Hospice in the Weald about the potential impact of this legislation on the services they provide, and to hear from the staff about their views on the matter.

I am incredibly grateful to all the staff that support residents, and all the work that our community does to make this brilliant facility work, and am very proud to be a patron of Hospice in the Weald.

Hilden Park School

It was a great pleasure to open Hilden Park School, another school with great potenital in our community.

The staff and management are dedicated towards the growth of the school and providing for local children.

I wish them well with their ambitious and exciting plans.

New Ash Green Solar

A solar farm in New Ash Green is not the solution.

Over the past few weeks I have met with many residents, including the organisers of No NAGS, to discuss their concerns about this proposed site.

It is bad for our environment, our economy, and for Kent.

British Farming

Standing with farmers and making sure British farms can survive: that’s what the Conservative Party stands for.

Sadly, it is what Labour is against.

Leigh Flood Barrier

With the amount of rain we have seen over recent weeks, many of us are concerned about flooding. Sitting in the catchment of so many rivers across our community, we need to be prepared to protect our homes from flooding.

I met the Environment Agency at the Leigh Flood Storage Area to talk about how we can work to prepare for winter, and see the expansion scheme as it's being built. There is no doubt the works at Leigh will help us all be better defended. 

Works to the Hildenborough Embankment have already started.

Ightham Speed Watch

Ightham is a beautiful village full of interesting local history. However it suffers from speeding and HGVs on the A227 through the heart of the community. I enjoyed meeting with the Community Speedwatch team to hear their thoughts on how we can keep the A227 safe for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and especially neighbours in the village. 

We're lucky to have a number of great Community Speedwatch teams. I'm always happy to work with Kent Police, Kent County Council and others to prevent unnecessary speeding in our rural villages.