At the Cabinet meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on Thursday 15 November, it was decided that the Council would submit a conditional offer to purchase the Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons.

This offer was put forward to the estate agents dealing with the sale of the Pantiles and Commons before their deadline of 12 noon today, Friday 16 November.

At the Cabinet meeting on 25 October the Cabinet decided to appoint specialist legal and valuation advisors to assist in carrying out thorough research on the Commons. They had been analysing the information on tenancies, licences, income and related matters with regard to the Commons and had advised that the Council make a conditional offer, subject to the availability of further information.

The decision to pursue the purchase was taken in line with three of the Council’s Corporate Priorities to:

· Promote and maintain a thriving and diverse local economy.
· Care for our environment.
· Ensuring we are well-managed, proactive and deliver value for
money services.

Council leader Roy Bullock

Cllr Roy Bullock, Leader of the Council, said:

‘We are excited about the prospect of purchasing Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons and are looking forward to receiving further information, and the acknowledgement from the Trustees, that the Council will be the preferred bidder. To acquire this unique asset for this and future generations will be a huge benefit to the borough and its residents.’

When I asked councillor Bullock how much the council had bid for the Commons, and when they expected to hear if the bid had been successful he responded, "We are expecting to receive a response after the Trustees meeting which takes place on Friday 23 November. We are unable to state the amount of our bid as it is commercially sensitive information."