Jackie collects a cartload of views on piazza

Few saw the wheeled shopper arrive or when it disappeared usually late in the afternoon but a sign above it invited the public to give their views on the Devonshire Square piazza.

The cart's owner was eventually tracked down as local artist Jackie Bialeska who was spurred into action to conduct her vox pop following comments by Rother council leader Graham Gubby.

She said she agreed with his statement concerning the square that just because a few letter writers complained, this should not form the basis upon which local decisions should be made.

"However, I am surprised that he appears to be unaware of the very emotional views of a great mass of the public about the square," she said.

In the first five days the survey was available, 700 opinions were collected, the majority being "vehemently opposed" to the new style piazza.

The main problem was the loss of parking she said and the second being the shabby appearance and bad workmanship.

Jackie, of Cantelupe Road, sets her cart up and then leaves.

This way she feels the views expressed are not biased or influenced by people standing chatting to her.

Councillor Gubby's statement that it was just a few people complaining "got my goat" she said. "I am talking to people all the time and they are furious."

She said she could see the potential of the square and what people wanted was a station there and parking.

"There have been a lot of suggestions. One 11 year old said it could be used for a street party, another suggestion was for a local market."

"He (Councillor Gubby) is doing his best I am sure, but I wanted the views of the people to come across"

"Maybe the council should try this next time, out on the street among the real people - the ratepayers. After all, these people have to live with the results of councils' decisions and should have a say."

Jackie, a sprightly 67-year-old, is not new to campaigning issues.

She was among protesters who collected signatures opposing the plans for development on the seafront putting green earlier this year.

Her survey cart was moved on to Western Road this week after someone complained that she was blocking the path. She is varying her pitch but says the cart will be out unless it rains.

She plans to continue with it for as long as she can afford the paper and will then forward her vox pop on to the Rother leader.