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Former Tunbridge Wells ABC cinema site hoardings will be transformed with photographs of the town

By: Annabel Rusbridge-Thomas

Published: 15:00, 31 October 2014

The hoardings surrounding the former ABC cinema site in Tunbridge Wells will soon be covered with professional images of 'iconic' parts of the borough.

The photographs, which will be of local scenes throughout area, will cost £24,000 and were discussed at a cabinet meeting yesterday.

Councillors said demolition of the site, owned by Bellhouse Joseph Ltd, was "excellent" and no complaints had been made following the clearing of the area.

The former ABC Cinema became a 'grot spot' of the town before the building was demolished

The future of the plot is yet to be decided by the owners.

At the meeting members agreed to cover the hoardings with pictures, possibly taken by a professional photographer from Tunbridge Wells in a bid to make the scene more attractive for the public.

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There is concern that although the old cinema has been demolished, it will be a considerable amount of time before a new development is installed in its place.

Therefore, members unanimously agreed to try and place photos on the hoardings before the Christmas period.

The building was demolished in 2014. Picture: Matthew Walker

Portfolio holder for tourism and leisure councillor Jane March said: "This is a great idea, but we need to remember we don't own the site.

"It is in such a prominent place it is a wonderful location for advertising the borough. We need to ask town and parish councils to maybe send in hi-res, positive images from around Royal Tunbridge Wells."

"The site is already so much brighter without the cinema. I thought we would have lots of complaints but we have had none" - Council leader, David Jukes...

A temporary car-park was originally planned for the site to allow overflow parking for Christmas, but councillors deemed this plan too expensive.

Cllr Alan McDermott said: "The cost of opening a car park would be very expensive. There is also bad lighting and would have to close early.

"The access to the site is also very difficult. Drivers would have to use Church Road which is not a great idea. I would like to recommend we don't proceed with the car park plan."

Council lead David Jukes said the new, improved hoardings would be a "great enhancement" to the town.

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"The site is already so much brighter without the cinema. I thought we would have lots of complaints but we have had none.

"The structure is not suitable for a car park. We should proceed with providing £24,000 from the economic development budget for pictures on the hoardings."

Lib dem councillor, Ben Chapelard disagrees with the decision to spend thousands on the hoardings. He said: "£24,000 is a waste of public money, we Tunbridge Wells liberal democrats disagree with the decision.

"The costs outweigh any possible gains."

What sites do you think should be photographed? Leave us your comments below.

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