Rye Observer Comment: Current policing is high profile and proactive

Police locally have long taken a proactive role, confiscating alcohol and carrying out spot checks at licensed premises.

Yes there are a few problems in Rye but we have to keep this in perspective, A walk through Hastings town centre after closing time on a Friday or Saturday night would provide a stark contrast.

Rye’s new police chief Katie Woolford made a positive impact when she addressed the Annual Town Meeting this week, vowing to improve response times and promising “robust policing”

There was praise too at the meeting for Rye PCSO Neil Holden, who was give a round of applause by local residents for his work in the town.

As a newspaper we cannot remember policing in the town being as high profile and proactive as it currently is.

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Well done to Rye Conservation Society for doing what the local planning authority should be doing and raising the issue of Rye’s library frontage.

The bland fascia, with its corporate insignia of the district and borough councils, would look more at home in the centre of Milton Keynes than in the historic town of Rye.

Why should council’s be allowed to impose this on us without any public consultation whatsoever and conveniently forgetting to submit planning application?

If a local resident decided to build a garage or extension without first submitting a costly planning application, it is likely they would feel the full weight of Rother’s arm on their collar.

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Battle Observer Comment: Running in a marathon this year? We would love to hear from you

WITH the Hastings Half Marathon just two weeks away, and the London Marathon coming up a month later, stories of local people’s running endeavours are starting to arrive at the Observer newsroom.

There are often some inspirational tales behind people’s decisions to take part in these gruelling events.

Amongst the runners featured this week is Robertsbridge man Matthew Wilkinson, who is heading up to the capital in a bid to raise funds for Bliss, the charity for sick and premature babies (see page 4).

Matthew turned to Bliss for support after his newborn daughter Lottie was taken seriously ill.

Little Lottie is now a happy, healthy 18-month-old, thanks to some pioneering treatment at a London hospital.

It’s great to carry stories like this, proving that newspapers aren’t always filled with doom and gloom, contrary to popular belief.

Are you running the London Marathon for a cause which is particularly close to your heart? Or are you a running newcomer with a tale to tell, about to attempt your first Hastings Half?

We would love to hear from you - call the newsdesk on 01424 854242.