The Liberal Democrat candidate for tomorrow’s by-election (7th September) in High Brooms and east Southborough is arguing that the local environment urgently needs to be improved.

In a statement to Southborough News, candidate Allen Lear (below) said: “I support the Lib Dem vision to clean up the toxic air pollution in Tunbridge Wells, through measures such as 20mph zones and investment in active transport.”

The Lib Dem Party statement said: “Allen Lear rings a wealth of commercial experience, having run public houses and a petrol station franchise. He is now a self-employed childminder, living in Ruscombe Close, Southborough.”

The statement continued: “If elected, Allen will fight for transparency and accountability for the Southborough Hub  development. He believes the development should deliver affordable housing and have a minimal impact on the already congested roads around the site.”

Meanwhile, Southborough News has not managed to obtain any further response from the Conservative candidate about criticism from Labour that she does not live in the Southborough Town Council area.

However, some comments on social media suggest the Conservative candidate, Judith Symes, has lived in Tunbridge Wells since childhood and knows the area well. It is also understood she is a former candidate for a seat at Westminster and has been involved in politics for many years.

The Labour candidate, Alain Lewis, made an extensive statement in an article on this blog last weekend (see below).