Tonbridge’s River Lawn One Step Closer To Village Green Status Thanks To The Efforts Of Local Green & LIB DEM Councillors

Pictured: Councillors Mark Hood, Frani Hoskins, Bethan Parry and Lee Athwal celebrating the news.

In a significant victory for community campaigning, Tonbridge’s River Lawn is one step closer to being granted Village Green status. Judd Ward councillors Mark Hood and Stacey Pilgrim successfully brought a motion to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC), calling for the council to voluntarily ask Kent County Council to designate River Lawn as a Village Green.

This decision marks the culmination of years of relentless advocacy by the Green Party and local campaigners. In 2018, TMBC blocked an application by the Barden Residents Association due to a technicality, sparking widespread concern about the future of this cherished green space. Since then, the council has reversed its decision to sell the land for development, but the area has suffered from a lack of proper maintenance under the guise of ‘rewilding’.

The motion, which was unanimously supported by TMBC, also calls for a review of the management of River Lawn. This review will be brought to the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, paving the way for much-needed improvements such as better pathways, lighting, and the re-routing of one of the rights of way.

A Community Effort

The success of this motion is a testament to the power of community action. The Keep River Lawn Green campaign has been at the forefront of this fight, organising events like annual conker championships, carol concerts, sports days, and litter-picking sessions to bring the community together and highlight the importance of this space.

Green councillors paid tribute to the campaign’s leaders, including Chair Emma Hood and Secretary Lucy Athey, as well as the countless residents who signed petitions, attended protests, and marched to protect River Lawn. They also acknowledged the efforts of former councillor April Clark, a fierce advocate for River Lawn during her time on the council, and thanked their LibDem colleagues for their support.

Green Party Commitment to Tonbridge

This victory is another example of how the Tonbridge & Malling Green Party is showing up, not just during elections. Since joining TMBC, Green councillors have consistently championed the protection and improvement of River Lawn, making the case for its Village Green status alongside other successes like the designation of Upper Castle Fields.

Looking Ahead

With Village Green status on the horizon, the focus now shifts to improving River Lawn as a public space. The Green Party will continue to push for the necessary upgrades to make it a safe, accessible, and welcoming area for all residents.

This victory is a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together and when elected representatives truly listen to their constituents. The Tonbridge & Malling Green Party remains committed to fighting for what our constituency wants and needs, ensuring that Tonbridge doesn’t lose its beautiful green spaces.

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