Fire story shows importance of smoke alarms

The fact they got out of their home with their lives and minimal injury shows how important it is to have working smoke alarms.

It might seem such a small thing, with an outside chance of ever happening, but fire can spread incredibly quickly with devastating consequences.

Any firefighter will tell you it doesn't take much time for smoke inhalation to kill if you fail to wake up during a blaze.

Mr and Mrs Russell's experience is a timely reminder for us all to check our smoke alarms - or get in touch with the fire brigade if further advice is needed.

The advice offered by the fire brigade is free - as are replacement smoke alarms for those with 10-year-old batteries.

You never know - these checks could save your life.

Interesting set of results from tourist survey

THE results from the Bexhill Guide 2009 survey of visitors to the town are very interesting.

On the positive side, they confirmed what every Bexhillian already knew - that the town has an extremely unique character.

Indeed, it's Bexhill's endearing quirkiness that stays with any visitor and attracts many people to retire here.

The point that the town centre could do with tidying up is valid - although visitors criticising lack of restaurants seems somewhat unfair as there are plenty of nice places to eat out.

The comment that there isn't enough for the children to do speaks in favour of at least retaining the putting green, which does not form part of the Next Wave plans.

It would be nice to see this facility moved to Egerton Park in the future.