Tunbridge Wells civic buildings

The majority Conservative group on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has got itself into 'a right old state' over the future of the civic buildings in Tunbridge Wells. The deep divisions were highlighted at the recent special Council meetings.  There is ferment in the local Conservative association: news of moves to de-select sitting councillors has spread across the pages of Facebook.

An unholy alliance of Liberal Democrats and the Civic Society has been making hay, mostly as a consequence of the deplorable failure of the Council to communicate what it is doing or planning to do in regard to the civic complex.  The Council has made other mistakes - the demolition of the Calverley Grounds bandstand, the abortive bids for the old cinema site and the former Land Registry building and the re-location of the tourist information bureau to the Gateway.  Add the Leader of the Council's description of the residents of the borough: natives - and it is obvious there has been a breakdown in communication with and response to the concerns of the public. Why is this? Has it anything to do with the fact that the Conservatives have  a huge majority on the Council and therefore feel immune from criticism?

The Council has stated that should re-development go ahead there will be a replacement for the Assembly Hall, the library & museum and the police station.  How can this be afforded?

I do not doubt that the Council could be housed in smaller premises, particularly if joint working  with other councils and outsourcing of services continues. Should the Council go down the path being cleared by Suffolk County Council which it is reported is seeking to outsource virtually all its services, then the Council would require far smaller premises.