Guide to Services

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council

2008/09

Your A to Z guide to Council services

Click on www.tmbc.gov.uk

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Abandoned vehicles StreetLine.......................01732 876060 Online reporter...........www.tmbc.gov.uk waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Activate children’s activity holiday programme.............................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Air quality...............................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk

AllotmentsTonbridge .................................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk For all other areas please contact your local parish council

Angel Centre, Tonbridge Leisure activities, information and booking ............................................01732 359966 Lifestyles Health & Fitness Suite ............................................01732 772690 angel.leisurecentre@tmbc.gov.uk www.angelcentre.co.uk

Animal welfare licensing.......01732 876026licensing.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Animals – dead animal removal from roads .................................................01732 876060 waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk Anti-social behaviour Report an incident (non emergency) .................................................01732 876149cdrp@tmbc.gov.uk www.tmcrimereduction.org.uk Arts and creative development .................................................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Bash the Trash clean up events .................................................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Benefits Application forms..................01732 876376 Counciltaxbenefit................01732 876376 Housingbenefit.....................01732 876376 Benefitfraud–confidentialreportinghotline ..............................................01732 876337 financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk

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Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council provides more than a hundred different services for residents across the borough andyoucanfindoutaboutallofthembyvisiting our website www.tmbc.gov.uk. Whetheryouwanttofindouthowtomakeaplanning application, how to claim housing benefit,howtogetabuspassorhowtorecycle your rubbish, it’s all there at your fingertips.Youcanalsomakeapplications,bookings, payments and comments online through the website saving you time and paper. If online information isn’t your thing, there are many other ways you can contact us including by telephone, email, fax or text or by visiting us in person at one of our offices.

Information at your fingertips

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www.tmbc.gov.uk 3

This free A to Z directory of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council services contains contact telephone numbers and email addresses for all our services as well as a few other helpful numbers.

It also includes details of how to contact your local borough councillors (see page 17). If youcan’tfindtheserviceyouwouldliketocontact, you can call our main switchboard on 01732 844522. This number may also be used to contact the Council in an out-of-hours emergency. You can also text us with your queries to 07781 482959.

Youwillfindmoredetailedinformationaboutthe Council’s services on our website at www.tmbc.gov.uk. You can contact us electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week by emailing the relevant department. Our A to Z guide is also available online and is updated throughout the year.

Additional copies of this guide are availablefromourofficesatKingsHillorTonbridge Castle or by calling our Media & Communications team on 01732 876008 or emailing corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk You can also contact the Media & Communications team if you would like this document in another format such as Braille or in large print.

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Bins Dog waste bins.................01732 876147 Litter bins..........................01732 876147 Wheeled bins....................01732 876147 waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Blocked road gullies(KentCountyCouncil)..............................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Blue Badge Parking Scheme (KentCountyCouncil)...........01622 605020

Bonfires ...............................................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk Braille translation of Council documents ...............................................01732 876008corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk

Building control/regulations General enquiries and forms ..........................................01732 876305 Technical advice................01732 876305 building.control@tmbc.gov.uk

Bulky household refuse collection ...............................................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Burials ...............................................01732 876347leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Business help, funding and support ...............................................01732 876157corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Business rates Automated credit/debit card payment service (24 hours).............01732 876099 General enquiries..............01732 876338 financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Bus passesSee ‘Concessionary travel’

Car parksSee ‘Parking’

Cemeteries.................................01732 876347leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Census information..................01732 876218 planning.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Charitable collectionsSee Licensing

Children and youth ..................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Churches (list of churches in borough) ....................................................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Cleaner Borough Campaign.....01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Clean Food Award.....................01732 876190foodandsafety@tmbc.gov.uk

Cleaning (of streets etc) ............01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Climate Change Strategy .........01732 876157corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Clinical waste collection...........01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) ....................................................01732 876288transportation.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Clubs and societies..................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Committee administration ....................................................01732 876025committee.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Communications.......................01732 876008corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk

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Community safety..................01732 876132cdrp@tmbc.gov.uk www.tmcrimereduction.org.uk

Community Strategy..............01732 876157corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Complaints, comments and compliments Please use this directory to contact the service about which you would like to comment

General enquiries ..............01732 844522 Requestacomplaintsprocedureleaflet ............................................01732 876359 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk CompostingSee ‘Recycling’

Concessionary travel Bus passes and rail vouchers ............................................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Conference facilities Angel Centre, Tonbridge ............................................01732 359966 Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge ............................................01732 366180 Tonbridge Castle ............................................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Conservation areas and Listed Buildings .................................................01732 876265planning.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Consultation- community .................................................01732 876020corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Contaminated land.................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk Corporate Plan (Spotlight)......01732 876020corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Council meetings...................01732 876025committee.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Council performance.............01732 876020corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Council tax Automated credit/debit card payment service (24 hours)................01732 876099 Benefits...............................01732 876376 General enquiries and forms......................... 01732 876388 financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk Councillors (see page 17 for list of councillors) .................................................01732 876025committee.services@tmbc.gov.uk

CrematoriaSee ‘Cemeteries’

Cricket pitchesSee Sportsgrounds

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www.tmbc.gov.uk 5

Did you know that Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council grants housing and council taxbenefittoaround6,000residentsintheborough? Many people don’t realise that theymaybeeligibleforbenefits,especiallyCouncilTaxbenefit.Ifyouareunemployedor on a low income you may be eligible for benefitsowhynotcall01732876376oremail financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk to findoutmore.

Are you reaping the benefits?

www.tmbc.gov.uk3 6

Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership ...............................................01732 876132cdrp@tmbc.gov.uk www.tmcrimereduction.org.uk

Crime PreventionSee ‘Anti-social behaviour’, ‘Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’ and ‘Community safety’.

Cycling Cycle routes......................01732 876288 Cycling Strategy................01732 876288 transportation.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Dangerous structures.........01732 876305building.control@tmbc.gov.uk

Dangerous trees (on highways) ..............................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Dangerous trees (in parks, playgrounds and open spaces).........................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Data protection.....................01732 876115data.protection@tmbc.gov.uk

Development controlSee Planning

Disability–services Access advice and useful contacts ..........................................01732 876305 Access to Council facilities ..........................................01732 876359 Minicom textphone............01732 874958 Activate Plus holiday leisure programme ..........................................01732 876166 Discovery sports days.......01732 876166 Parking bays......................01732 876034 RADAR toilets keys...........01732 876147 Grants for adapting your home ..........................................01732 876395 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Dog fouling............................... 01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Dog wardenStray and lost dogs, microchipping, dangerous and noisy dogs............................01732 876181 dog.warden@tmbc.gov.uk

Economic development and regeneration ....................................................01732 876157corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Elections and electoral registration ....................................................01732 876022electoral.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Emergency ‘out of hours’ contact number ....................................................01732 844522

Emergency Planning.................01732 876288planning.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Energy efficiency in the home ....................................................01732 876395housing.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Entertainment licences See ‘Licensing’

Equalities and diversity –policy....................................................01732 876014personnel.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Events........................................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Farmers’ markets......................01732 876157corporate.services@tmbc.gov.uk

FleasSee ‘Pest control’

Flooding (non-highway)...........01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

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Flooding on the highway (KentCountyCouncil).............08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Fly-posting.............................01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Fly-tipping..............................01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Fly-tipping on the highway (KentCountyCouncil).............08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Food hygiene/safety General enquiries................01732 876190 foodandsafety@tmbc.gov.uk Scores on the Doors www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk

Football pitches See Sportsgrounds

Footpaths and bridleways (KentCountyCouncil)............08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

FraudSee Benefits

Freedom of information.........01732 876033monitoring.officer@tmbc.gov.uk

Gardens (tourist attraction)......01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

GolfSee ‘Poult Wood Golf Centre’

Goods vehicles operators’ licences .................................................01732 876038legal.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Graffiti.....................................01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Grants Arts clubs and artistic development .............................................01732 876166 Conservation and historic buildings .............................................01732 876358 Empty homes.......................01732 876395 Home repairs, improvements and adaptations..........................01732 876152

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The Council works closely with KentPoliceandanumberofotherorganisations as part of Tonbridge and Malling’s Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) to stamp out crime and reduce the fear of crime in the borough. Through its innovative campaigns to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse and environmental crime and its proactive engagement with residents both young and old, the CDRP has played a key role in making Tonbridge and Malling oneofthesafestboroughsinKent.For more information on the partnership’s work visit www.tmcrimereduction.org.uk

Stamping out crime

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Grants cont... Landlords..........................01732 876067 Parish council....................01732 876096 Sports clubs and sports development ..........................................01732 876166 Village halls and community centres ..........................................01732 876096 Voluntary organisations.....01732 876157 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Grass cutting and hedge/tree trimming PublicHighways(KentCountyCouncil) .........................................08458 247 800 kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk www.kent.gov.uk/highways

Parks, playgrounds and open spaces ..........................................01732 876166 leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Gritting and salting of roads (KentCountyCouncil)...........08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Ground maintenanceSee ‘Grass cutting and hedge/tree trimming’

Green box recycling serviceSee ‘Recycling’

Green waste serviceSee ‘Recycling’ and ‘Refuse collection’

Guesthouses, hotels and B & Bs ...............................................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Hackney carriage and private hire licencesSee Licensing

Halls for hire List of halls........................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk See also Conference facilities

Haysden Country Park, Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge General information................01732 876166 leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk Natureandhistoricaltrailsleaflet ................................................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk Tonbridge Town Sailing Club ................................................01732 354841 Tonbridge & District Angling & Fish Preservation Society...............01732 355072

Health and safety at work (commercial premises)................01732 876190foodandsafety@tmbc.gov.uk

Healthy walksSee ‘Walking’

Healthy Eating Award...............01732 876190foodandsafety@tmbc.gov.uk

Here & Now residents’ newspaper ....................................................01732 876008corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk

Heritage Open Days..................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Highways (Kent County Council) ...................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Historic houses.........................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Hoarding licences(KentCountyCouncil)...................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Holiday information..................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Home Improvement AgencySee Housing services

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Hotels......................................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

HomelessnessSee Housing Services

Houses in multiple occupation licenceSee Licensing

Housing benefit See Benefit

Housing services Empty homes......................01732 876395 Energyefficiencyadviceandgrants ............................................01732 876395 General housing advice......01732 876067 Grants for house renovations and adaptations..........................01732 876395 Homelessness.....................01732 876067 Home Improvement Agency ............................................01732 876152 Home repairs, improvements and adaptations..........................01732 876152 Housing strategy, policy and development ............................................01732 876067 Low cost home ownership schemes ............................................01732 876067 Tenant and landlord rights ............................................01732 876067 housing.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Information technology (general enquiries) .................................................01732 876115IT.services@tmbc.gov.ukwww.tmbc.gov.uk

InsectsSee Pest control

Insurance claims....................01732 876108financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Internet....................................01732 876115webmaster@tmbc.gov.ukwww.tmbc.gov.uk

Invoices...................................01732 876064financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Job vacancies General enquiries................01732 876014 24 hour answerphone..........01732 876011 personnel.services@tmbc.gov.uk www.tmbc.gov.uk

Land drainage.........................01732 876262transportation.services@tmbc.gov.uk

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Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council works in a number of ways to provide and improve housing for residents. In particular it: Works with developers and housing associations to make sure new sites include affordable housing to rent or for shared ownership Advises on the grants available to renovate and adapt your home Advises on hazards in the home like dampness or poor heating Works with a range of organisations to help prevent homelessness Works with young people to help prepare them forfindingaccommodationwhentheyleave home

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Help with housing

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Land searches/charges.......01732 876124land.charges@tmbc.gov.uk

Landscaping.........................01732 876168planning.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Larkfield Leisure Centre, New Hythe Lane Reception..........................01622 719345 Lifestyles Health & Fitness Suite ..........................................01622 713225 larkfield.leisurecentre@tmbc.gov.uk www.larkfieldleisure.co.uk

Leisure CentresSee ‘Angel Centre’ and ‘Larkfield Leisure Centre’

Leybourne Lakes Country Park, A228 Larkfield General enquiries..............01732 876166 ParkRangers’Office.........01634 243397 LeybourneLakesWindsurfingandScuba Diving Centre.....................01622 790055 MidKentFisheriesAnglingClub ..........................................01227 730668 leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Licensing Alcohol and entertainments ..........................................01732 876368 Animal welfare...................01732 876026 Caravan sites....................01732 876395 Charitable collections and lotteries ..........................................01732 876026 Gambling...........................01732 876368 Houses in multiple occupation ..........................................01732 876368 Pleasure boats and boatmen ..........................................01732 876026 Street trading.....................01732 876026 Taxis - hackney carriages and private hire ..........................................01732 876026 Temporary markets registration (e.g. boot fair)....................01732 876026 licensing.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Listed buildingsSee Conservation areas

Litter......................................01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

MarketsSee Farmers’ markets

Mayor Mayoral bookings and general enquiries ................................................01732 876005 mayors.office@tmbc.gov.uk

Media and communications.....01732 876008corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk

Members of Parliament.............01732 876359electoral.services@tmbc.gov.uk

MiceSee Pest control

Minicom textphone...................01732 874958

Monuments (historic).................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Museums....................................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Noise nuisance..........................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk

Non-domestic ratesSee Business rates

Ombudsman (general enquiries) ...................................................0845 602 1983

Overhanging vegetation (KentCountyCouncil)................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Parish/town councils Clerks’ contact details.............01732 876359 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

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Parking Charges...............................01732 876034 Penalty charge notices........01732 876034 Season tickets.....................01732 876034 Residents’ preferential parking permits ............................................01732 876034 Parking Action Plan and policy ............................................01732 876288 Waiting restrictions and on-street parking bays.....................................01732 876288 parking.office@tmbc.gov.uk Disabled parking permits (KentCountyCouncil).........01622 605020

Parks, playgrounds and open spacesGeneral enquiries, event bookings and maintenance............................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Pavements(KentCountyCouncil) ................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Payments 24 hour automated debit/credit card payment service..................01732 876099 General payment enquiries ............................................01732 876388 financial.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Pedestrian crossings(KentCountyCouncil)................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Pest control............................01732 876140pest.control@tmbc.gov.uk

Places of interest...................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Planning Applications.........................01732 876230 planning.applications@tmbc.gov.uk

Enforcement........................01732 876302 planning.enforcement@tmbc.gov.uk General enquiries................01732 876257 planning.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Planning Policy/Local Development Framework...........................01732 876218 LDF@tmbc.gov.uk

Public Inquiries and Hearings .............................................01732 876038 legal.services@tmbc.gov.uk

PlaygroundsSee ‘Parks, playgrounds and open spaces’ cont...

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If you’ve got plans for your home or business then the chances are you’ll be contacting our Planning Services team.Ourofficersreceivemorethan2,500 planning applications every year and most are dealt with well within the government’s eight-week target. This service also deals with the preparation of the Local Development Framework and other planning policy documents, building regulations, dangerous structures, listed buildingsandconservationissues.Tofindout more or to make an application online, visit www.tmbc.gov.uk.

Planning ahead

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Poult Wood Golf Centre, Higham Lane, Tonbridge Golf shop, lessons and bookings ..........................................01732 364039 Bar, restaurant, squash courts & meeting room bookings...................01732 366180 www.poultwoodgolf.co.uk

Postal addresses.................01732 876039legal.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Potholes(KentCountyCouncil) ..............................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Press officeSee ‘Media and communications’

Public footpaths(KentCountyCouncil)..............................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Public toilets........................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Radar key enquiries.............01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

RatsSee Pest control

Rail vouchersSee Concessionary travel

RecruitmentSee Job vacancies

Recycling and refuse collection Bulky refuse collection service ..........................................01732 876147 Compost bins....................01732 876147 Green box recycling service ..........................................01732 876147 Green waste and cardboard collection service...............................01732 876147

Recycling and refuse collection cont... Recycling banks.....................01732 876147 Refuse collection (domestic)..01732 876147 Wheeled bins..........................01732 876147 waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Householdwasterecyclingcentres(KCC) ...............................................0845 345 0210 Road cleansing.........................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Road naming and numberingSee Postal addresses Roads(KentCountyCouncil) Adoptions(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Banners(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Boundaries(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Drains/roadgulleys(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Lighting(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Signsandlines(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Snowclearance(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 Zebracrossings(KentCountyCouncil) ...............................................08458 247 800 kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk www.kent.gov.uk/highways

Roadworks(KentCountyCouncil) ...................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Rubbish......................................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Scaffold and skip licences (KentCountyCouncil)................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

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Scores on the Doors..............01732 876190 (online food premises hygiene rating list)www.scoresonthedoors.co.uk

Skateparks..............................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Skip permits(KentCountyCouncil) ................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Smells.....................................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk

Smoke.....................................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk

Snow clearance.....................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Sports activities/clubs/development .................................................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Sports Coach of the Year Award .................................................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Sportsgrounds General enquiries................01732 876166 Tonbridge pitch bookings ....................01732 359966 (Angel Centre) leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Street cleaning.......................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk Street lighting........................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Street nameplates..................01732 876060waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Street naming and numberingSee Postal addresses

Street signs............................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

StreetLine problem reporter ............................................01732 876060 Abandonedvehicles,bonfires,busshelters, car park maintenance, dead animals (on road),dogfouling,fly-tippingonpublic ground,flooding,graffiti,litteringand overflowinglitterbins,overflowingrecycling sites, street name plates

Our Environmental Services team provides manyservices–fromcheckingthatrestaurants and takeaways meet hygiene standards to dealing with pest control and pollution and from sweeping the streets to wastecollectionandrecycling–officerscontinue to work to improve the environment for residents and visitors. You can help improve life for your local community by taking part in Bash the Trash clean up events, recycling and composting more of your rubbish and letting us know if you spot a problem that needs our attention. Call our StreetLine on 01732 876060 for more details. You can also check out how your local restaurant or takeaway has been rated by our food hygiene inspectors at www.scoresonthedoors.co.uk

Improving your environment

www.tmbc.gov.uk

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StreetLine problem reporter cont...waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk www.tmbc.gov.uk

Summer Playscheme...........01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Swimming poolsSee ‘Larkfield Leisure Centre’ and ‘Tonbridge Swimming Pool’

Taxi licencesSee ‘Licensing’

ToiletsSee Public toilets

Tonbridge Castle, Castle St, Tonbridge ..............................................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk www.tonbridgecastle.org

Tonbridge Swimming Pool, The Slade, Tonbridge.............................01732 367449tonbridge.swimmingpool@tmbc.gov.ukwww.tonbridgepool.co.uk

Tourist Information Centre, Tonbridge Castle....................................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Traffic light faults................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Traffic management............08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

Traveller encampments.......01732 876038legal.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Trees Dangeroustreesonhighways(KentCounty Council).................................08458 247 800 kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk www.kent.gov.uk/highways

Trees cont... Trees in parks, playgrounds and public open spaces....................................01732 876060 waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk General advice and conservation issues ................................................01732 876168 planning.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Try Angle Awards......................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Twinning.....................................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Unauthorised encampments ....................................................01732 876038legal.services@tmbc.gov.uk

VotingSee Elections

Walking Healthy walks.........................01732 876166 leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Leafletsonlocalwalks ................................................01732 876322 customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Wards and boundaries.............01732 876022electoral.services@tmbc.gov.uk

WaspsSee Pest control

Water (pollution).........................01732 876184environmental.protection@tmbc.gov.uk

Website......................................01732 876115 www.tmbc.gov.uk

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Weddings at Tonbridge Castle .................................................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Wheeled bins.........................01732 876147waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Y – 2 Crew youth activity holiday programme.............................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Young Achievers Award........01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Youth activities......................01732 876166leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk Youth hostels.........................01732 876322customer.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Youth website.........................01732 876166www.tmyouth.org.uk

Zebra crossings (KentCountyCouncil)................................................08458 247 800kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/highways

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If you’re aged between 11 and 18 then you could join the Tonbridge and Malling Youth Forum and have your say on issues that affect young people in the borough. The Forum meets every six weeks or so at the Council’sKingsHillofficesandalreadyhas members from more than 20 schools around the borough. Find out how you can make your voice heard at www.tmyouth.org.uk or call 01732 876166.

Join the TM Youth Forum

15

We’d like to know what you think about our services so that we can continue to improvethem–youcangiveusyourfeedback by using our online comments form at www.tmbc.gov.uk calling or emailing us using the contact numbers and addresses in this guide, texting us on 07781 482959 or by visiting us in person atoneofourofficesorenquirysurgeries.

Your views count

Recycle

This leaflet is printed on paper from sustainable sources. When you have finished with it please recycle it.

Ifyouhavedifficultyreadingthisleafletandwouldlikeitinanotherformat, please call 01732 876008 or email corporate.communications@tmbc.gov.uk

www.tmbc.gov.uk

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has 53 councillors who were elected to represent local people at the elections held on 3 May 2007. The Council is made up of 46 Conservatives and 7 Liberal Democrats who between them represent the 26 wards across the borough. These councillors will serve until the next elections, which will be held in 2011. Unlike officers,councillorsarenotemployeesoftheCouncilandtheyarenotpaidasalaryfortheirduties but they do receive allowances to help meet expenses.

How decisions are madeThe Council adopted the Leader and Cabinet system on decision-making in 2002 and the eight Cabinet members (including the Leader) are responsible for most day-to-day decisions. The full Council of 53 members approves and adopts the budget and key policies within which Cabinet decisions are taken.

The CabinetThe Leader of the Council is Cllr Mark Worrall. Cllr Worrall heads the team of Cabinet Members each of whom has responsibility for at least one service area. The other Cabinet Members are:Cllr David Aikman FinanceCllr Jill Anderson HousingCllr Owen Baldock Environmental Services and Innovation and ImprovementCllr Matthew Balfour Planning and TransportationCllr Gordon Court Community SafetyCllr Nicolas Heslop Community DevelopmentCllr Sue Murray Leisure, Youth and Arts

Committees and Advisory BoardsThe Council has a number of committees, panels and advisory boards which meet regularly throughout the year. The Standards Committee trains and advises councillors on the code of conduct to ensure high standards are maintained. The Scrutiny Committee monitors decisions made by the Cabinet and can ‘call in’ decisions to be reconsidered. Three Area Planning Committees meet every six weeks to deal with planning applications. The Licensing and Appeals Committee and Panel meet to consider licensing issues and nine Advisory Boards meet regularly to discuss issues and make recommendations to the Cabinet. For more details about committees, panels and advisory boards please visit our website at www.tmbc.gov.uk

The MayorThe Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling is the borough’s First Citizen and is elected annually by the Members of the Council. He/She represents Tonbridge and Malling at events both inside and outside the borough as well as chairing Council meetings. During their year of office,theMayormustbenon-politicalandmustbeseentorepresenteverysectionofthecommunity regardless of political persuasion. Throughout the year the Mayor can expect to attend well over 250 functions and events that are arranged by local organisations and businesses,voluntarybodies,schoolsandclubs.TheMayorfor2007/08isCllrAnnKemp.The Deputy Mayor is Cllr Chris Smith and traditionally, the Deputy Mayor is then elected Mayor in the following year.

3 www.tmbc.gov.uk16 17

Your borough councillors

If you’re not sure which ward you live in you can call our Electoral Services team on 01732 876022 or email electoral.services@tmbc.gov.uk.

AylesfordCllr John BalcombeSpring Cottage,423A London Road, Aylesford ME20 6DB01622 718175

AylesfordCllr David Smith1 Rowan Close, Aylesford ME20 7LP01622 715487

Blue Bell Hill & WaldersladeCllr Peter Homewood33 Old Chatham Road,Blue Bell Hill, AylesfordME20 7EZ 01634 682399

Blue Bell Hill & WaldersladeCllr Allan SullivanWynstay, 21 Beresford Road,KitsCoty,AylesfordME20 7EP 01634 669569

Borough Green & Long MillCllr David Evans1 Greenlands, St. Mary’s Platt, Sevenoaks TN15 8LL 01732 883294

Borough Green & Long MillCllr Mrs Sue Murray7 Staleys Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 8RR 01732 882859

Borough Green & Long MillCllr Tony Sayer2 Hyders Forge, Long Mill Lane, Plaxtol, Sevenoaks TN15 0RQ 01732 810027

Burham, Eccles & WouldhamCllr Roger Dalton13 Bell Crescent, Burham, Rochester ME1 3SZ 01634 867281

Burham, Eccles & WouldhamCllr Dave Davis 132 Rochester Road, Burham, Rochester ME1 3SH 01634 869650

Cage GreenCllr Mark Davis 38 Old Hadlow Road, Tonbridge TN10 4EY 01732 360412

Which ward do you live in?

Councillors Conservative Liberal Democrat

www.tmbc.gov.uk11

Your A to Z guide to council services

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Cage GreenCllr Nicolas Heslop 37 Pembury Road, TonbridgeTN9 2JB 01732 368240

CastleCllr Owen Baldock Luccombe, 26 Great Elms, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0HT01732 852491

CastleCllr Vivian Branson26 Longmead Way,Tonbridge TN10 3TG07785 760995

DittonCllr Mrs Carol Grant37 Cobdown Close,Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6SZ01732 871517

DittonCllr Barry Stone10 Acorn Grove,Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6EJ01622 718807

DownsCllr Matthew BalfourSt Pirans House,Teston Road, Offham, West Malling ME19 5DP01732 870253

DownsCllrMrsAnnKempGreat Reeds, Ford Lane, Trottiscliffe, West Malling, ME19 5DP01732 822281

East MallingCllr Mrs Liz Simpson3 Columbine Road,East Malling, West Malling ME19 6EP01732 870356

East MallingCllr Mrs Christine WoodgerDerbies, 233 Well Street,East Malling, West Malling ME19 6JW01732 841726

East Peckham & Golden GreenCllr Mrs Elizabeth Holland28 Old Road,East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5ET 01622 871329

East Peckham & Golden GreenCllr Howard RogersCockle Oast, Hartlake Road,Golden Green, Tonbridge TN11 OBL 01732 850329

Hadlow, Mereworth & West PeckhamCllr Mrs Jill Anderson27 Great Elms, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0HT 01732 850445

Hadlow, Mereworth & West PeckhamCllr Miss Janet Sergison23 The Maltings, Carpenters Lane, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0DQ 01732 851663

HighamCllr David Alkman64 Allington Drive,Tonbridge TN10 4HH 01732 366128

HighamCllr Gordon Court187 Hadlow Road,Tonbridge TN10 4LP 01732 353406

HighamCllr Christohpher Smith43KnowsleyWay,Hildenborough,Tonbridge TN11 9LQ01732 833742

HildenboroughCllr Michael DobsonFroxfield,98TonbridgeRoad, Hildenborough,Tonbridge TN11 9BT01732 833759

HildenboroughCllr Mark Rhodes27 Hawden Close, Hildenborough,Tonbridge TN11 9BP01732 833125

IghthamCllr Rodney Chartres2 Mote Cottages,Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT01732 811031

JuddCllr Peter Bolt25 Cardinal CloseTonbridge TN9 2EN 01732 366702

JuddCllr David Cure9 Lime Tree CloseTonbridge TN9 1LR 01732 369299

KingsHillCllr Christopher Brown54LapinsLane,KingsHill,West Malling ME19 4LA 01732 843514

KingsHillCllr Trevor Robins4LindelCourt,KingsHill,West Malling ME19 4HQ 01732 873072

LarkfieldNorthCllr John Clements43 St Peters Road, Ditton, Aylesford ME20 6PF 01732 841216

If you live in the borough and receive an incomeordisability-relatedbenefitthenyou could be eligible for the Council’s Leisure Pass. The Leisure Pass gives you a 50 per cent reduction in fees on a host of Council leisure programmes including the Summer Playscheme, ActivateandY–2CrewandatalloftheCouncil’s leisure facilities. Call 01732 876166tofindoutmoreordownloadanapplication form at www.tmbc.gov.uk

Leisure Pass savings

Leisure Pass

Website: www.tmbc.gov.uk • Email: leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk

For further information on the Leisure Pass please collect a leaflet fromany of the facilities mentioned above or telephone

01732 876175

A free card that entitles you to enjoy discounts on leisure activities providedby Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for those in receipt of:

Angel Centre,Tonbridge Y-2 CrewTonbridge Swimming Pool

Larkfield Leisure CentreTonbridge Sports GroundPoult Wood Golf Centre

Summer Play Scheme

Activate CoursesTonbridge Castle Festival of Music & Fireworks

• Unemployment Benefit• Job Seekers Allowance• Disability Benefit

• Incapacity or Invalidity Benefit• Income Support

• Working Tax/Pension Credit

Tonbridge Castle

Youth Together

Tonbridge Allotments

Councillors Conservative Liberal Democrat

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Your A to Z guide to council services

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Helping to tackle the causes and effects of climate change is now one of the Council’s key priorities. By working with local groups, schools and other organisations across the borough we aim to help raise awareness of how greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, are gradually warming up our planet causing higher temperatures with more droughts and heat waves, a rise in sea levelwithincreasedriskoffloodingandanincrease in extreme weather conditions. Find out how you can do your bit to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at www.tmbc.gov.uk

Climate change – how can you help?

www.tmbc.gov.uk 21

LarkfieldNorthCllr David Thornewell49 Betjeman Close,Larkfield,AylesfordME20 6TQ 01732 847415

LarkfieldSouthCllr David Lettington3 Columbine Road, East Malling, West Malling ME19 6EP 01732 870356

LarkfieldSouthCllr Mrs Anita OakleyMedway Lodge, 16B TheFerns,Larkfield,Aylesford ME20 6NE 01732 844383

MedwayCllr Andy Allison142 Hunt Road, Tonbridge TN10 4BH 01732 356737

Snodland EastCllr Mrs Barbara Brown3StKatherinesLane,Snodland ME6 5EH 01634 242760

MedwayCllr Russell Lancaster19 Mill Stream Place, Tonbridge TN9 1QJ 01732 351056

Snodland EastCllrDavidKeeley33 Godden Road, Snodland ME6 5HF 01634 240707

Snodland WestCllr Mrs Sonia Boakes14 Cox’s Close, Snodland ME6 5RA01634 242416

Snodland WestCllr Miss Anne Moloney7 Sharnal Lane, Snodland ME6 5QR01634 244601

Snodland WestCllr Les Withey8 Hegarty Court, Snodland ME6 5BW01634 249449

TrenchCllr Ms Jean Atkinson9 Tamar Road, Tonbridge TN10 3JS01732 368255

TrenchCllr Michael MacDonald117 London Road, Tonbridge TN10 3AN01732 364140

VauxhallCllr Mrs Maria Heslop37 Pembury Road, Tonbridge TN9 2JB01732 368240

VauxhallCllr Ms Sarah Spence41 Priory Road, Tonbridge TN9 2AS01732 356387

WateringburyCllr Mrs Frances EnglishManor Farm Cottage, 78 Old Road, Wateringbury,Maidstone ME18 5PP01622 812471

West Malling & LeybourneCllr Mrs Sasha LuckWaterlane Farmhouse, Water Lane, Chegworth,Harrietsham ME17 1DE01622 851379

West Malling & LeybourneCllr Brian Luker14 Park Road, Leybourne, West Malling ME19 5HP01732 842312

West Malling & LeybourneCllr Mark WorrallCarpenters, 136 Offham Road, West Malling ME19 6RF01732 843217

WrothamCllrMartinCoffinHill Park Farm, Wrotham Hill Road, Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7PX01732 823918

Here & Now

Look out for your free copy of Here & Now, your Council newspaper delivered free to residents four times a year. For extra copies, call 01732 876008.

www.tmbc.gov.uk

INSIDE >>>

Looking ahead to Campus 21

We’re like canaries in a coal

mine...

Your council, Your community

WINTER 2007

Dine out in confidence

Check out your local restaurant or food

business on the new Scores on the Doors

food hygiene rating system.

Larkfield Lifestyles makeover

Step into a life of health and fitness at

the new-look health and fitness suite.

9

In North Canada the ice caps are melting and the

whole way of life of the Inuit people is under threat

as the devastating effects of climate change begin

to take hold. One young Inuit pupil from Inuvik

described how she was feeling to a Tonbridge

Grammar School student as they chatted over a

live internet video link-up: ‘We feel like canaries

in a coal mine’, she said, and there’s no doubt that

what is happening in North Canada should act as a

warning to the rest of the world. The school link up

was organised by explorer Glenn Morris who set up a

charity called Arctic Voice to raise awareness of the

climate change issues he had witnessed around the

world.

Back in Tonbridge, a community project is gaining momentum

to help raise awareness of global warming and galvanise local

people into action to help tackle climate change before it’s too

late.

Teachers from Tonbridge Grammar School, Hillview School

for Girls and Tonbridge School are leading the project, which

already has the support of many other local schools, Tonbridge

& Malling Borough Council, businesses and community groups.

Over the next five months, the ‘Canaries’ team will be launching

a variety of creative competitions to show that being ‘green’

needn’t be a chore but a pleasure. Competitions will include

art, film making, photography, essay writing, music and poetry

and everyone will be able to take part. Many local businesses

have already donated some fantastic prizes including a day in a

professional recording studio, a digital camcorder, a bicycle and

numerous cash prizes.

Theprojectwill finish

with a two-day

festival in March

2008, which the organisers hope will include

a host of musical performances at various venues in Tonbridge

including an ‘unplugged’ concert at Tonbridge Castle; eco fairs;

a conference on global warming; live internet video interaction

with communities threatened by climate change around the

world; and a candlelit procession up the High Street.

Tonbridge Grammar School teacher Charlotte Lane says: “We

can all do something to help reduce carbon emissions and

reduce the threat of climate change. The message we want get

across is that the time for excuses was yesterday and that we

should all ‘start local and think global’ in terms of what we need

to do to improve our children’s future.”

If you’d like to get involved in the Canaries in a coal mine project

or you’d like more information about the competitions, please

call Charlotte Lane on 01732 365125 or email

clane@tgs.kent.sch.uk or visit www.canariesinacoalmine.com or

www.arcticvoice.org.

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Find out how West Kent College will be

transformed over the next three years.

Helping to beat benefit fraud

The Council is committed to ensuring that everyone who is entitled to Housing andCouncilTaxBenefitreceivesit.However,anyonereceivingbenefithasalegal duty to notify the Council promptly of any changes that may affect the amountofbenefitthattheyareentitledtoreceive. Any changes can be reported by telephone, in writing or online at www.tmbc.gov.uk. If you suspect that someoneisclaimingbenefitfraudulentlythenpleasetelephoneus,inconfidence,on 01732 876337 or let us know by using our online reporter.

Carbon Footprint

Councillors Conservative Liberal Democrat

TonbridgeCastleofficeCastle Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BGCustomer Services: 01732 876322

Open: 8.30am to 5pm Monday to FridayNote: Tourism and Customer Services also open weekends

East Malling enquiry surgery18 Twisden Road, East Malling

Open: 10am to 1pm Thursdays

LarkfieldenquirysurgeryTheLibrary,MartinSquare,Larkfield

Open: 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4pm Mondays and Tuesdays

Snodland enquiry surgeryKCCLibrary,HighStreet,Snodland

Open: 9am to 12.30pm Fridays

www.tmbc.gov.uk3 22

The Council provides an accessible and high quality range of leisure centres across the borough. With dedicatedLifestylesfitnessandhealth suites, pools for fun and fitnessandsportshallsofferingcourses and pay and play activities, each centre offers a wide variety of leisure activities to suit all ages and abilities. So if you’re looking to kick startorimproveyourfitnesslevelwhynotfindoutmore?Visit www.angelcentre.co.uk www.larkfieldleisure.co.uk www.poultwoodgolf.co.uk or www.tonbridgepool.co.uk

Making the most of your leisure time

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Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council offices and surgeries

KingsHill(mainoffice)GibsonBuilding,GibsonDrive,KingsHill,WestMalling,KentME194LZOpen:8.30amto5pmMondaytoFridaySwitchboard..................................................01732 844522SMS (text).....................................................07781 482959General fax...................................................01732 842170Minicom........................................................01732 874958Emergency ‘out of hours’..............................01732 844522

Other useful numbers

Age Concern.........................................01732 366100 (Tonbridge) .........................................01732 848008 (West Malling)

BusinessLinkKent................................08457226655

Chambers of Trade & Commerce..........01622 695544 (Maidstone) ..........01634 241802 (Snodland) ..........01732 366653 (Tonbridge)

Citizens’ Advice Bureaux.......................01732 350099 (Tonbridge) ........................01732 845501 (West Malling)

Crimestoppers.......................................0800 555 111 Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hr).......0808 2000 247 Environment Agency Floodline..............0845 9881188Homophobia Hate Crime Hotline...........0800 328 9162KentCountyCouncil..............................01622671411KentFire&RescueServiceHQ............01622692121SouthWestKentPrimaryCareTrust....01622710161KentPolice(nonemergencyonly)........01732771055Maidstone Borough Council..................01622 602000NHS Direct............................................0845 4647Racial Incident Reporting Line..............0800 138 1624Sevenoaks District Council....................01732 227000Trading Standards Advice Line..............08457 585497Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.........01892 526121Victim Support Service..........................01622 690103WestKentNHS&SocialCareTrust.....01732520400Women’s Support Service.....................01622 761146

Tonbridge Castle

www.tmbc.gov.ukTonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4LZ

Tel: 01732 844522 Fax: 01732 842170 Minicom: 01732 874958