Tenterden Cost of Living Help

24/06/2026

Parking scams ⚠️

Following several reports, can residents be mindful that we do not send SMS messages regarding penalty charge notices (PCNs) or any other related parking issues. If you do receive such a message, please treat it as spam and do not click into any links such as the example shown in the image that we've seen in circulation this week.

24/06/2026

Sun cream can be a pricey essential, but our test results show you don’t have to splash the cash to stay safe this summer, with bottles from both Lidl GB and Aldi UK passing our tests and earning our Great Value endorsement.

We tested 15 sun creams, covering big brands, own-labels and high-end products, and all products passed our tests.

Tap the link in the comments if you want to see the full list of all the sun creams that passed.

23/06/2026

Quite a variety of fuel prices this week
JP Biddenden 55.9 & 72.9
Headcorn 55.9 & 75.9
CB Rolvn. Rd 57.9 & 72.9
St Michaels 57.9 & 78.9
If you're heading towards Sutton Valence,
Valero's was 52.9 and 72.9 - the cheapest

21/06/2026

⚠️ Residents are being targeted by fake insurance brokers on social media and messaging apps, offering very cheap car insurance deals.

These policies are often fake, invalid, or cancelled soon after purchase—leaving you unknowingly uninsured.

How to protect yourself:
✅Only buy insurance from trusted providers or official comparison sites
🚨Be wary of deals offered via social media or direct messages
✅Check the company is authorised on the FCA register
❌Never share personal or payment details with unknown individuals

Stay alert and protect yourself and your family from scams.

➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: https://loom.ly/5j18s4U
Kent Police: https://loom.ly/kg53yqQ

18/06/2026

💙 Primark to open in County Square Ashford 💙

18th June 2026: County Square has today announced that Primark plans to open a new store in the centre, expected to open in the second half of 2027.

Primark will take on the former Debenhams and Select units as its new home, which will be merged to form one large 29,000 sq. ft. retail space, spanning almost half of the upper oval. Project work will shortly commence to configure the unit, so it is ready for fit-out. The new store will offer customers Primark’s most-loved ranges across fashion, kidswear, beauty, lifestyle and home, plus its popular Click & Collect service. Primark will join over 45 stores in County Square, including established fashion brands such as New Look and Next.

Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark said: “We know there’s been a lot of demand for us to bring Primark to Ashford, so we’re pleased to confirm plans to open in County Square later next year. With the demand for great value clothing higher than ever, we’re looking forward to bringing our offer to the town and becoming part of the local community.”

Stacey Bell, Centre Manager, commented: “We are thrilled that County Square will be the new home for Primark in Ashford. The brand’s arrival is a fantastic boost for the shopping centre, providing more choice of fashion, beauty and homeware for shoppers whilst supporting and creating jobs for our local community. We are working hard behind the scenes to transform the space ready for fit-out and opening next year. We predict the new store will also attract shoppers to County Square from further afield and are confident Primark’s opening and presence will strengthen our vibrant retail mix. The highly anticipated announcement marks another chapter in County Square’s rich history and our ongoing commitment to creating a destination shopping venue for the town centre.”

During the project, the centre will keep customers up to date via social media channels and monthly newsletters with the opening date expected to be announced at a later stage.

https://loom.ly/I43EyFg

18/06/2026

Lots of supermarket deals at the moment for school uniform. MSE website has done the background work so their advice can be found here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/school-uniform-moneysaving-tips/ It's quite a way to go to Ashford if the shop is then out of stock so maybe check beforehand.

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

If you're worried about finding the money to pay your energy bills - you're amongst MILLIONS of others in the UK. Ofgem has proposed a debt relief scheme which is currently in the making. Whilst we're all waiting for that, here are some click-throughs where hopefully you'll get good advice about fuel debt:
1. https://askcpag.org.uk/publications/-237548/debt-advice-handbook-14th-edition?utm_source=debt-advice-handbook&utm_medium=external&utm_campaign=fuel-coalition
2. https://goodlawproject.org/empowered-claiming-welfare-benefits/?utm_source=WordPress&utm_campaign=empowered-benefits-EFPC-070922&utm_medium=blog
3. For older customers, Age UK also provide advice online and have a phone number you can call for help: 0800 678 1602.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/debt-savings/energy/cost-of-living-payments/

16/06/2026

Our friends over at Town & Country Homestay are looking for friendly people to host students on 29th June for 4 nights Aged 14-16.

Students need dropping of at either Cranbrook Rugby Club or London Beach Hotel Tenterden. They require breakfast eg toast, packed lunch and evening meal:

If you are interested please call Lee on 07905263957.
www.townandcountryhomestay.com

Tax free income guide:
£624 x 6 students
£520 x 5 students
£416 x 4 students
£309 x 3 students
£208 x 2 students

15/06/2026

Make weekday evenings and Saturdays that little bit easier with our Kids Eat FREE offer at Little Silver Country Hotel.

From Monday to Friday, between 3pm and 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm, one child can eat FREE from our children’s menu with every adult main meal purchased.

Perfect for after school dinners, family catch ups, and stress free meals together.

Good food, happy kids, and no washing up afterwards.

We would love to welcome you and your family soon.

🌐 thelittlesilver.co.uk
📍 Ashford Rd, St Michaels, Tenterden TN30 6SP
📞 01580 443005
✉️ [email protected]