Your letters - December 19

Consultation charade

IN THE continuing debate about the proposal by Rother District Council to vandalise the now-listed Colonnade, Mr T.J. Thomas (Letters, December 12) appears to think it is better to roll over in the face of obvious and ruinous error rather than oppose vigorously, per the example of local hero Mr Jack Seabrook.

I have to count myself firmly on the Seabrook side of the fence on this one and if Mr Thomas really thinks that appeasement is the best policy, I can only suggest that he reads up on a little history - starting, perhaps, with the Danegeld and moving on to Neville Chamberlain at Munich.

Alternatively, he might like to consider that most of the opposition to the current Rother District Council ruling Junta now sadly comes from outside the council chamber and has to be expressed, in Seabrook fashion - or through the letters section of the Bexhill Observer.

It is now apparent that public consultation exercises by the council are little more than charades with all results being 'demographically weighted' - oddly enough in favour of official policy.

It is all the more important, then, that opposition to this ruinous proposal is expressed publicly and away from official manipulation - not least to provide moral support to the few remaining independently-minded town councillors.

L Frizzell

Pinewoods

We do have influence

THE campaign trolley is out again, weather permitting - 9am to 1.30pm. The questions now are a little different. The council officers, long ago, sold the soul of this little town to the government-funded quango CABE.

When they too-hurriedly applied for the million pound grant they were well aware we would have to pay for the rest of the costs, 2.5m and rising, plus VAT, architects, designers etc. for the fanciful ultra-modern designs for our seafront.

They knew that we, the ratepayers, would have no choice in the designs of the spending of our own money - hence the flawed and manipulative nature of their recent 'consultation'.

We were asked nothing about the designs for there were none - only concepts. Instead, we were asked if we wanted seating and fun events - of course, who could say 'no'?

But what sort of seating? How could, we answer honestly when all we were sold were 'concepts' - and haven't we been promised these 'fun events' before - wasn't it about the new Devonshire Square - that famous 'hub of activity', as Mr Gubby put it.

Now, though they don't get quite the answers they wanted, the officers are still forging ahead; deciding on the brief for the designers, holding a competition as they did for the putting green hotel.

You can have an influence on the final designs. We have new ways of battling on.

Fill in the new form on the trolley even if you have written a letter before. The trolley is open to all, young and old - for and against. We must fight for our beautiful sea front. Please join in and express your own views.

Jackie Bialeska

'Vox Pop'

Contrary to advice

I CANNOT understand why the Conservative-dominated district council proposes to ignore the national policy advice of the Conservative Party. The advice is to cut back on public spending and to cut out the power of unelected 'quango' bodies.

The district council are proposing the direct opposite by going ahead with a trivial but very expensive seafront scheme which most people do not want and which would be of absolutely no benefit to the town.

Jack Seabrook

Richmond Avenue

Remove those balls

I AGREE wholeheartedly with John Burke's letter of December 12. The removal of car parking from Devonshire Square, the introduction of brick pavers, traffic bumps and the ridiculous concrete balls was a futile, expensive and counter-productive exercise.

The design drawings, which were published before the work was undertaken, displayed a Mediterranean-style caf society sitting at tables and under sun umbrellas. The reality is that Devonshire Square is the coldest urban square on this side of the Ural Mountains and unsuitable for any purpose except as a car park. I propose that the balls be removed and used to supplement the sea defences to the east of Galley Hill and that car parking be reinstated in Devonshire Square forthwith.

Anthony C. Shuttleworth

Sutherland Avenue

Where is this money?

THIS week has seen two substantial decisions in transport planning matters. In a referendum held in Manchester there was a resounding vote against congestion charging.

Removing the conceived tax threat of a congestion charge will also remove the funding for any improvement to the public transport system in and around Manchester and with it the knock on for every other city in this country.

Is this again a result of the selfish and unthinking motorists who value their 'freedom' to travel where and when they like at minimal cost?

With the prospect of funding through the congestion charge, public transport improvements would have been begun before the charge was implemented.

Here in East Sussex the county council has backed the Hastings to Bexhill link road, a road scheme currently projected to cost 100m in actual money and with a substantial cost to the environment.

I have no doubt in my mind that both Bexhill and Hastings need economic regeneration but I have great doubts that a road which is projected to bring a reduction of five minutes to a journey time of 20 minutes will achieve that.

In our current very worrying economic situation the prospect of more jobs, even those to be created in the building of the scheme, is very appealing.

We should however remember that the money to needed to build it will not just be found hanging on a tree waiting to be gathered in. It is taxpayers' money and is this how we wish it to be spent?

Mary Varrall

Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

Bexhill and Battle Liberal Democrats

Bring on Lib Dems

BOTH Labour and Conservatives are pledged to 'reform' the welfare system. The basic thrust is that benefit claimants will have to 'earn' their benefits.

Both parties have bought into the rugged mantra that says unemployment, etc, is socially unacceptable and that, generally speaking, claimants are at fault.

As a comparison, in the former Soviet Union there was never any unemployment because being unemployed was illegal.

Both Government and Opposition seem to be unaware we are in recession - and have been for some time - and, more importantly, they seem to be unaware of a basic fact: that the British economy is grossly lop-sided, one-dimensional.

What does that mean? It means that three-quarters of economic activity relates to services.

Under successive Labour and Tory governments millions of jobs have been outsourced. Jobs once done here are now done by other people in other countries.

The essential industrial, manufacturing and agrarian sectors have been outsourced and largely replaced by a vast, effete services sector of, mainly, non-jobs.

We have to import 40% of our food. We have enough resources to feed less than half the population. We are dependant for the necessities of life on fragile and vulnerable outside sources.

And into this potentially fatal cocktail economy, millions of people - some newly unemployed - are to be thrust looking for 'work' to 'earn' their only means of living.

Any portrayal of 'choice' or 'clear water' between Labour and Conservative is a total fiction.

Neither recognise the true situation. Neither know what is happening or why or what to do about it.

So bring on the Liberal Democrats; and bring with them the one man who does know what is going on and what to do about it - Vince Cable!

Stephen Jackson

Second Avenue

Council Tax freeze?

IT WOULD appear that Rother District Council is not as short of money as it would have us believe. In fact, according to a Northiam resident who made it his business to find out just how much money the council's reserves are, at March 31, 2008 they totalled 352m (see Battle Observer recently). This does seem to be an obscene amount of taxpayers' money, but perhaps we can look forward to a freeze of Council Tax for at least one year, but let's not hold our breath.

J Tollett

Bidwell Avenue

Thank you Bexhill

WE ASKED for your support and understanding for the Hastings Lions Club's 100th anniversary Marathon and we have to say a big thank you for your fantastic turnout on Sunday.

The feedback from the runners has been that the spectators were the best they have ever known in a Marathon, and helped inspire many to very good times - and in some cases to manage to finish.

The other features of the event was the wonderful support of organisations in Bexhill.

The Bexhill Lions Club, especially, who organised the many marshals in the area, also supported by Bexhill Runners; local Scout Troops manning drink stations; the Edinburgh Pipe and Drum Band playing at Bexhill Town Hall - the list is endless.

It was tremendous to see Deputy Mayor Bridget George presenting the trophy to the first Bexhillian to finish - Ian Ward.

We hope that you also enjoyed the spectacle of such an occasion, and will see you next time in 2108! Well done Bexhill and thankyou.

Eric Hardwick M.B.E.

Hastings Lions Club

Share your love

AS a Christian there are many things I could write or say at Christmas which would separate me from you. So I'd just like to offer my love to each reader.

I'd like to offer love to all who follow Jesus Christ, whichever church or hall or house you praise him in. Also I'd like to offer love to those of other faiths.

Lastly if you reject all faith systems, I can still love you and accept your love.

However you spend the next few weeks, please share love with as many people as possible each day. Let love be your only debt.

Paul Minter

Gunters Lane

Very much an option

RATHER worryingly, Rother District Council leader Cllr Carl Maynard seems genuinely to believe that 'doing nothing' is not an option with regard to this proposed road scheme (Observer, December 12).

It appears from this that Mr Maynard has very little practical knowledge of option appraisal methodology.

Option One of every assessment in my experience has always been 'Do nothing' - not least to provide a practical ground against which to measure the barmier alternatives (and there are many who would undoubtedly number the proposed Link Road in that category).

And now we learn that the whole package has to be passed to central government for further appraisal.

In these days of national and international financial meltdown what a black hole that suggests!

It would be a brave man indeed who would bet against 'doing nothing' being the likely outcome of this tangled affair.

Bill Nelson

Pinewoods

Missing the point

WITH regard to the traffic-lights at the Dorset Road/De La Warr Road junction, your previous correspondent missed the point. The higher lights are for the general public, and the lower are for those wearing baseball-caps.

Ralph Hill

Willow Drive

Surviving Christmas

A BIG thank you to all who supported our Christmas fundraising on December 11. With your help we raised 303.

The money was presented to Martin Harper of Surviving Christmas. He spoke about the work of the charity and was very pleased to receive the donated and much needed clothing which he took with him on the evening.

Our grateful thanks goes to Paul Abnett who came along for the evening and kindly played the piano for the carol singing to round off the event.

June Ogonovsky

Bexhill Harmony

Thanks to Post staff

THIS is to say a big thank you to all the post and delivery staff for delivering our mail in these very busy days.

Often the weather is awful but my postman still smiles and helps me. So God bless you all and have a happy Christmas.

Kathleen Roach

The Glades

Could we need some professional guidance?

FOR once we have a problem, with the answers staring us in the face.

Our shopping centre, not in the best of conditions, is facing serious recession which has rendered thousands of very competent staff redundant across the country.

Rother District Council has some money which could be used to reinvigorate our retail activities. We just need to assemble things in the right order and go ahead.

A tour of the shopping area of Bexhill is not an encouraging experience - it gives a distinct impression that the town is less than prosperous.

Few of the shops are outstanding in their presentation: although some are above average, too many fall below a presentable standard and there are 40, or so, boarded up.

Something is not quite right. Are we not using our talents properly?

Could our retailers do better with some professional guidance and perhaps more sympathetic financial treatment?

If so, might their success not only generate more business but improve the tone of the town too? How can we do this?

Well, we have to change things, because whatever organisation is currently responsible for ensuring retail business efficiency is plainly in default!

From the pool of newly-redundant personnel we could select a team to work with our retailers and intending retailers to improve the standards of their management, staff and should choose some good people, use them wisely and reward them accordingly.

First we must determine what the local market might absorb in kinds of goods and volumes thereof.

Then it can be seen where the competition is too great or too little.

Part of the aim should be for the team to advise on the position and fit of each retail unit; the records to be maintained; courtesy and conduct of staff; to recommend a grant or loan where necessary to assist preparation of each retail unit to an acceptable standard of function, safety and security. Is the business tax and shop rent appropriate? All, of course, confidential.

There may be the odd case which, regrettably, should be advised to cease trading. If this is so, the advice should be given after due consideration.

Similarly, a business may be advised to change location to improve its fortune.

All of this action will cost money, money which cannot be expected from this Government - and certainly not from its successor - so it is suggested it be found from within the district council reserve fund and which, under the guidance of our new expert team, could be turned into a profitable investment in the shopping centre, to bring more spenders into the town for the continuing benefit of us all.

When this task has been dealt with the future of the retail team may be reviewed, perhaps it could be hired out to neighbouring towns with only an occasional Bexhill job, as required; or the function might be transferred to the council staff as a last resort...

The massive attendances on the seafront at the slightest sign of favourable weather, indicate we need not contemplate urgently any big or expensive schemes of renovation.

In fact the simple requirements on the seafront are for kiosks serving teas, snacks and beach novelties, to provide visitors with extra welcome and relieve them of a little cash; perhaps two more toilets would improve the welcome.

One last item. Bexhill is in dire need of more car parking space. Some small relief might be obtained if fewer taxis were parked at the kerbside with replacements called up as needed.

If the recommendations above bring an improvement in business we shall require even more spaces. Realistic assessments of the current parking deficiency together with the expected increase in requirements should be met in full; any skimping, or reliance on wardens and fines, could restrict business and detract from the benefit of the whole endeavour.

Moreover, although the future need for parking units is unlikely to diminish we should continue to present a friendly face to our public with free parking.

J D Edwards

Cooden Drive

In memory of Chloe

I WOULD like to thank everyone for their kind and generous sponsorship towards raising funds for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Southampton General Hospital where my beloved and most precious five year-old granddaughter lost her battle for life against the vicious bacterial organism E-coli 0157 within six days of becoming unwell.

Chloe passed away on November 29, 2007, and her funeral was on December 14, 2007.

On Sunday, December 14, 2008, by the grace of God, and expert coaching from my personal trainer, Paul Holdaway, of Lifestyle Physio Gym in Bexhill, I was able to complete the Hastings 100th Anniversary Marathon.

Due to a fractured leg earlier in the year, I was unable to run or power-walk the route and therefore, I walked it, arriving at the finish line seven hours and thirty five minutes after I started and received my medal.

Thank you again to all my sponsors. So far, more than 1,000 has been raised, with some gifts yet to be collected.

The final amount will purchase a piece of equipment, which will be donated to the ward where Chloe passed away.

The item of life-saving machinery will bear a brass plaque in memory of Chloe as a lasting recognition of her life. My heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your support.

Mrs P E Lelliott BSc (Hons), SR Ch.; M. Ch. S, HPC

Warnham Gardens

Return to normality!

I HEARTILY commend the excellent letter of J Burke (December 12) which returns once again to the egregious Devonshire Square non-parking scheme.

One of your correspondents has wittily referred to it as 'Gubby's Balls' - not only describing the obstructions placed in the road but also encompassing the fact that the scheme is utter 'balderdash'.

With the sole exception of the De la Warr Pavilion, this subject has generated more vitriolic correspondence in the Observer than anything else.

At the last count, the total of published correspondence was just short of 100 letters!

What has been produced is am unattractive empty cold wind-swept north-facing 'nothing'.

There are some occasional drinkers who venture out of the pub on a fine day but that is all.

Particularly infuriating is the fact that those trying to post items in the allocated boxes have to park illegally on double yellow lines and walk round into an empty square and then go back to the always-present queue of cars.

Fortunately, the local police are well aware of this utter idiocy that the local authorities have created and cast a 'blind eye' on what HAS to go on.

There is absolutely no motor access to the posting facilities.

I have left telephone messages with all the local senior executives asking:

(a) how much this daft scheme cost and

(b) how much would it cost to reverse it ?

So far, there has been a deafening silence and not a single call has been returned. Have we now got to start a correspondence session with ESCC and Rother ?

I join with all the other correspondents (not least J Burke of Bexhill) in asking that this ghastly aberration be removed as soon as possible and that normality now be returned.

A P Hamilton

Southcourt Avenue

Heartwarming support

ON behalf of everyone at St Mary's, I am writing to thank all the local people who turned out to support our Christmas Fair on November 29.

The day raised a much-needed 6,500 for Trust funds. Amazingly, of that total, more than 4,000 was taken on the day of the fair.

St Mary's is a non-maintained special school and college, and as such receives very little central government funding.

It does get fees from local authorities for the learners placed at its Wrestwood Road site, but relies heavily on fundraising events to purchase specialist equipment, and for little those little 'extras' that enrich the lives of its special needs students and pupils.

The economic crisis has also had an impact on the Trust's finances and has made fundraising especially important this year.

It is, therefore, heartwarming to feel so supported by you. Your generosity always amazes us all.

From the governors, children and staff may I wish you a very peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

Kay Parkin

Director of Finance and Human Resources

St Mary's Wrestwood Children's Trust

Undignified comment

SO, Greg Barker, MP and Shadow Environment Minister, goes to Brazil to do his bit to save the rain forest. Whether he manages to save a twig is questionable. But I wish him well.

Where I take grave exception to our MP, is in his speech to Brazilian politicians.

I always thought that serious politicians when abroad put party politics to one side and were not unduly critical of Her Majesty's Government or indeed her police force.

Mr Barker, by his own account, told Brazilian politicians that we have 'a new Prime Minister who took power without holding a General Election'.

Did Mr Barker then tell his audience that John Major did the same thing before he faced a General Election?

Now I don't take Mr Barker too seriously, but then I am one of his constituents.

His audience probably want a balanced view so perhaps were surprised when Mr Barker went on among other things to say, '..and now the police have started locking up members of the Opposition in Parliament'.

This was a reference to Damian Green, who faced a few hours of courteous questioning about specific allegations before returning home. Mr Green was not grabbed in the dead of night, tortured, and never heard of again, a set of circumstances all too familiar to many Brazilian people in the recent past.

Daily, we hear about the risks taken by our armed forces and police force. It is reassuring that they never cease to uphold the dignity and reputation of their country, regardless of their views.

Mark Sivyer

Gunters Lane

Thanks for help

WE would like to say a big thank you to Len and Peter at the Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club for giving up there Friday evening to help with the Special Olympic Disco. It was a great evening raising money to put in the fund for the athletes to go to the National Games next year in Leicester. Thanks must also go to Domino Pizzas for providing 10 large pizzas for the athletes to enjoy. Everyone had a good time, I would like to wish everyone involved with Special Olympics a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.

Vanessa Harrison

Potmans Lane

Declining amenities

SO the powers that be have finally forced out the majority of motorists who 'enjoy' the declining amenities of this once very charming, quaint, Edwardian town.

With one of the largest ageing populations, we are told, but not everyone qualifying for a disabled badge, the majority of motorists are going to be forced out of the town centre and will be taking their business elsewhere.

There won't then be the need for loading bays as the shops will no longer be able to stock their shelves with no customers coming through the doors. Taxis will be bereft of custom, especially when the most sensible thing to do is to ignore your car and use the free bus pass the over-sixties can now enjoy.

The added threat now of turning our seafront into a glass and chrome monstrosity, doesn't bear to be thought of, but then the overpowering flats at the top of Sackville Road already give us the idea of how the council are determined to destroy the town we were once so proud of.

Am I right in also thinking that during 2008 not one event was held in the open space designated the 'place of the balls' and, as a very apt show done a few years ago by the Bright Lights Theatre Company called Taking The Pizza demonstrated, with satirical wisdom, the reality of this white elephant.

Marie Barnett

Westcourt Drive

Land reform needed

WHILE there are people saying we should eat less meat, to use the land more efficiently to feed the world population, one needs to realise, the more cattle you have the more grass grows. It is like mowing your lawn, the more you cut it the more it will grow.

If we are not to use more chemicals and artificial fertilisers, cattle manure is the best way to improve the soil. One cannot grow vegetables or corn on all the land, grazing is almost the only thing some land can be used for.

It is better to rear a calf to adult to become beef, rather than shoot it at a week old. If we did not have calves, there would be no milk, cheese, yoghurt, rice pudding, chocolate etc.

There are too many speculators in forward-buying of food and land investors. A new vision is needed for land use.

The main need of the human race is food and shelter - the simplest things to provide. The land was a gift from God. There was no production or material cost and no delivery charge. Yet there is starvation and homelessness on a global scale.

Land reform is needed. Create tenancies for working farmers. In Eastern Europe, where the state still owns the land, it would be better for the state to become the landlord, rather than sell it off, rather than investors buying the land for capital gain.

In order to keep a policy for food security, we need to make producing food a paying enterprise.

We would not then need to consider GM crops. Council-owned farms should be transferred to a farming company to stop councils being able to sell them off.

Some large farm holding could also be transferred to the company as an alternative to Inheritance Tax.

Laurence Keeley

Fairfield, Hailsham