Fundraising meal for campaigners

Bill and Margaret van Draat, of Freezeland Farm, Freezeland Lane, offered their home to Bexhill Against Landfill and Incineration for an informal dinner on Saturday.

Among those present was the town's MP, who called the evening: "a fabulous occasion", and gave a speech on the need for cross-party support against East Sussex County Council plans which name Ashdown Brickworks, Turkey Road, as preferred choice for a major new landfill site. MP Greg Barker said: "It was a terrific turnout and spirits were very high amongst the campaigners.

"I was able to thank them for what next year will be 10 years since I formed BALI at a meeting at Bexhill High School and I was so glad to be able to thank people who have stayed with it all this time. The issue of a landfill in Bexhill is as important now as it was then."

Fifty-eight guests raised around 1,500 for the BALI war chest. BALI member Iva Barnes said: "We had kind people who donated items for the auction and raffle which raised a considerable amount of money.

However, the most important thanks must go to Bill and Margaret whose generosity and spirit ensured that we had an incredibly successful evening in so many different ways. Chair of BALI Nick Hollington added: "It was a full house and the food was lovely. It was such a lovely evening and a striking event."

'¢To find out what is going on with the ESCC's waste plan, and for an update on BALI's activities, check next week's Bexhill Observer.