Success! Stage one of our plan is complete. We’ve reached our target of 1,000 signatures, forcing the council to properly debate the civic complex. This is due to take place in the Town Hall on Wednesday 26 July at 6:30pm. Now for stage two! We need to persuade our councillors that the current proposal is not in the borough’s interest. The facts against the project are clear: - Cost – the current estimate of £72m borrowing equates to £2.5m+ per annum to service, plus a £500k theatre subsidy. To put this in context it would require a 50% increase in your council tax or the equivalent of scrapping all bin collections and street cleaning! - Impact on Calverley Grounds – a grade 2 listed historic park will be spoiled. Mature trees will be uprooted, the much-loved café will be permanently closed and the toilets may not be replaced. All the while park users will be cast into shadow and overlooked by the offices. - Risks a second derelict site in the centre of town – there are no interested parties in the current Assembly Hall and Town Hall site. Do we want another “old cinema site”? - Traffic congestion will get even worse – during the many years of construction 300 parking spaces will be lost. All these extra cars will be driving around town looking for spaces worsening air pollution and slowing down all traffic. There are two things you can do to help: 1) Write to your local borough councillors to express your concern at the project. You can find their details here: http://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/meetings/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 2) Come to the debate. so that we fill the public gallery! Please put Wednesday 26 July, 6:30pm in the diary. It would be fantastic to have you there. Bring your family and friends. Thank you, Save Our Park!