Wealden Progressive Movement

The former ABC cinema site in central Tunbridge Wells has now been purchased by a subsidiary of the Carlyle Group. The activities of this group during the Iraq War have come under scrutiny. Former board members have included George H W Bush, John Major, former US Secretary of State James Baker, former US Defence Secretary Frank Carlucci and members of the Bin Laden Family. Major investors include Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia.

Companies linked to the Carlyle Group have built equipment for the US military and benefitted from surveillance measures put in place during the so-called War on Terror. In 2004 it was revealed in The Guardian that it stood to make millions of pounds by acting for the Kuwaiti Government in recovering debts from Iraq.

Are people in Tunbridge Wells aware that such an important site in their town centre has been purchased by so dubious an outfit?