The right to live without fearing criminal activity

This fear has become a reality for residents and traders in St Leonard's Road, with last week's run of anti-social and violent behaviour culminating in a vicious hammer attack on a man sitting outside a pub.

Police say one of the causes was the closure of the Pelham pub, which has simply moved the trouble elsewhere.

So the police's swiftness in calling a street meeting on Monday is to be welcomed.

But it's not just about reassuring the public - there will be a chance for residents and traders to highlight the issues which affect them the most and hammer out a solution with the police.

After all those who live and work in St Leonard's Road have the right to conduct their lives and work without fearing the unlawful actions of the minority.

Time to kick this MCAT menace

ONE of the biggest nightmares for the police is the craze for taking MCAT which is spreading amongst Bexhill's youngsters.

How on earth do you crack down on a substance which should be nothing more than plant food, as possession of "meow meow" is legal?

Not only is MCAT equally as damaging as taking illegal substances, the truly worrying thing is that the long-term effects of this new phenomenon on users has yet to be seen.

The only course of action at the moment is to warn both youngsters and parents of the harmfulness of the drug.

So whatever political party wins through in the General Election, this substance must be banned.