Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has given the green light to a significant initiative: the installation of new lighting along the riverside path at Town Lock. Approved by the Cabinet on June 3rd , this long-awaited scheme promises to enhance safety and visibility along a 380-metre stretch, connecting the Town Lock area to the retail parks at Vale Road and Cannon Lane.
The path, currently unlit and bordered by dense trees along the river’s edge, has been a source of night-time safety concerns for some members of the public. The new lighting is set to dramatically improve visibility and security, aligning with the council’s broader strategy of town centre improvements and promoting sustainable travel.
Following a thorough feasibility study, the council is now moving into the design and tender stages of the project. While options like solar-powered and low-level bollard lighting were explored, the final design is anticipated to feature taller column lighting to ensure consistent and reliable illumination. Construction is expected to commence later this year.
The project comes with an estimated cost of £100,000, which will be financed through a combination of external sources. These include support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Rates Pool programme, both of which have allocated funding for improvements specifically within Tonbridge town centre.
- The new lighting on this stretch of the pathway is welcomed by many that use it.
Cllr Adem Mehmet, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration, highlighted the project’s importance, stating: “This project is a major step forward in making Tonbridge a safer, more welcoming place for everyone. The riverside route is a key link for residents, workers and visitors, and this investment will help ensure it feels accessible and secure all year round. It’s a great example of how we’re delivering on our commitment to improve public spaces and support sustainable travel”.
From Tonbridge Bean’s perspective, this is truly fantastic news for the town. Anyone who uses that riverside path during the winter months knows just how incredibly dark it can become, making what should be a pleasant walk feel less secure. With more flats being built on the old gas works site nearby, increasing pedestrian traffic in the area, getting this vital work done now feels not just beneficial, but entirely prudent. It’s about more than just lights; it’s about making Tonbridge’s public spaces genuinely accessible and safe for everyone, all year round, and especially for the growing number of residents in that part of town. This investment will undoubtedly make a real difference to daily life in Tonbridge.
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