Borough Councillor for Pembury

On Friday 9 March, Mrs Claire Brown resigned, for personal reasons, from her post as Liberal Democrat councillor representing the ward of Pembury.

Mrs Brown said:

“Due to a change in personal circumstances, I no longer feel I can give the role the time and attention that it deserves – or that the people of Pembury deserve.

I’ve taken a difficult decision to step aside, but this will make room or give the opportunity for another person who can be fully accessible.

I’ve really enjoyed meeting and working with Pembury residents and would like to thank them for the support they’ve shown me in my brief time as a borough councillor.”

The appropriate notice of vacancy has been displayed. To call an election a request must be made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TWO electors for the borough whereby an election will be held within 35 (working) days.

Centaur Launches Free Trials for Commuters

A coach company is giving people the chance to travel on its new London commuter service for two days free of charge.

Centaur Commute is so confident that passengers will prefer its executive coaches to the train that it’s even offering to deduct any fees that commuters incur if they cancel their rail season ticket in favour of its service.

The company began its full service from West Kent to Canary Wharf and London less than two weeks ago following a month of successful test runs but the new link has already sparked a surge of enquiries and dozens of commuters have snapped up tickets.

“The response has been incredibly positive,” says Centaur Commute’s chief executive, Matthew Sims. “Those who have tried our service have been really surprised at how comfortable, fast and relaxing it is, not to mention how much they can save on the cost of their travel.

“Around 7.5 million rail journeys are made to and from Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge every year*, making them two of the busiest stations in Kent,” adds Matthew. “Yet it’s clear from the feedback we’re getting that many people are fed up with rocketing rail fares, delays, cancellations and poor communication on trains when things go wrong. And until now there’s been no quality, value-for-money alternative.”

The company operates routes serving Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and the surrounding areas, with almost 70 pick-up points. It’s the only coach commuter service to link this area with London.

Commuters can save as much as £2,104** a year travelling with Centaur Commute instead of by train to Canary Wharf and up to £1,480** a year to London Bridge.

“Commuters are beginning to realise the huge benefits of travelling by coach,” says Matthew. “Guaranteed seats, plenty of leg room, and air conditioning are just some of the things that make this a very pleasant, viable alternative to rail travel.

“We’re also inviting motorists who usually drive to London to give us a try. If you commute by coach you have time to relax, doze, or catch up on some work during your journey. You can’t do that if you’re driving!”

For further details about Centaur Commute’s services to Canary Wharf and London, and to find out how to book your free two-day trial, visit www.commutetolondon.com or call 020 8300 3001.

Penns Yard Petition

Recently we have been asked to sign a petition in relation to the loss of Greenbelt Land in Pembury.

Before this we had heard nothing about this development, which will affect all of us residents in Pembury. Therefore it has been decided to start a Facebook page to post all the information in one place and allowing everyone in the village to debate the issue. It is of no surprise that this development has been instigated by senior management of Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, in full knowledge that the Trust made no contingency for housing needs for key workers at the new PFI hospital.

From the outset the Trust have were fully aware of the needs of key workers but decided to try and manipulate planning laws to have key worker homes built on their behalf.

There has been no consideration of schooling, roads, parking, Doctors surgeries etc. Pembury School is already at its limit & struggling to cope with student numbers already.

It is now time for those that live, affiliated, work or run a business in Pembury to be heard. Therefore please join the Facebook page and get your views across.

‘From a resident of Pembury’

 

A Dolls House

Dozy dollop productions presents Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ at The Royal Victoria Hall in Southborough from 14th – 17th January 2012.

Saturday, Monday and Tuesday performances at 8pm and Sunday performance at 3.30pm.

Produced by local girl Kimberley Godsall and starring several pembury residents including children from Amberside Dance Studio and Pembury School.

This production is a must see for any theatre lovers.

Call box office on 01732 354174 to book tickets. Adults £12 (£10 conc).

Stolen Vehicle

Please look out for a Toyota HiLux HL3 pick up truck, it is black with chrome bars at the back. Registration number of the vehicle is MJ10 HLW the vehicle was stolen from a house in Pembury in the early hours of Christmas Eve (24th December 2011)

Should you see this vehicle anywhere please report it immediately to the Police.