Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is to get a new logo. Consultants have been engaged who are currently working with staff, Councillors and partners to develop a new look for the Council that will be used on all its printed material, posters, uniforms and internal signage.

‘We’ve undergone a period of change. We feel this needs to be reflected in the way we look - a fact recognised by the Local Government Association, IDeA and proven by research company MORI.

We also believe that a better recognition of the Council at the ‘point of service’ will help the public understand the wide range of services we provide and they will be able to access them more widely.' explains Cllr Roy Bullock, Leader of the Council.

The new logo is being developed at a time when its introduction will have the least impact on finances as there are some high profile opportunities this year that can be introduced bearing the new logo.

‘We’re retendering our waste contract, we have a new Gateway opening at the end of the year and we are designing a new website. All of these things were planned anyway so their supporting any new visual identity will have already been budgeted for.’

The logo is to be introduced over the next five years as and when materials naturally need replacing. The Council is also using the opportunity to implement new features such as standardised print templates for headed paper to cut down on the need to print large quantities as is done now.

Work on the development of the logo will cost £18,500 and it is hoped that it will be agreed and introduced in May this year. It is being funded from the Council’s reserves, rather from its revenue budget so it is not further contributing to budgetary pressure and it is not having any bearing on services. Experienced Consultants DTW Vavasour are working with the Council on the project.

Roy concludes, ‘It is healthy for local democracy for the public to be able to see quickly and understand which services are being provided by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. ’