Your letters - June 5

Greg's not all bad

I AM very concerned about what is happening to our Government at this time of financial crisis.

I am, to say the very least disappointed in the way some MPs have "milked the system" and I have to say I am bewildered that some really ridiculous claims have been made ie cleaning moats, large screen TVs and other such silly things.

The thing that is even more bewildering is that the claims were allowed in the first place, so the person in charge should be made to come forward and explain why they allowed these to go through.

All that having been said we have to look at this problem logically, there are a great number of very hardworking MPs that do a really good job and they will lose their jobs through no fault of their own which is unfair '“ so instead of everyone rushing for blood, think again because it is your future your playing with by either not voting or voting for a little known party etc (I appreciate we are all angry about the situation, I am totally with you there).

On the subject of our MP Mr Barker '“ as an MP my husband and I have found him to be a hardworking person and keen to help the people and organisations of Bexhill and surrounding areas. Also we have found him to be honest and forthright and we believe his explanation about his expenses, we look forward to seeing them when they are published or available online to read.

MPs have come and gone in this area and he in our opinion is the best and most hard working we have known.

The newspapers are dragging this whole thing out by drip-feeding information every day.

They should be more responsible considering the situation our country is in financially and the Government. Labour, Conservative and Liberals all realise how important it is to sort this mess out quickly and we have to let them do it.

Mr Cameron has already brought his MPs into line awaiting the Government's new proposals, so let's give them a chance to sort this mess out, as I am sure it will be.

Local elections are coming up soon and we will be using our votes.

B GEBBIE

Old Mill Park

Bexhill

Tories will keep him

I SEE that several of your recent correspondents have been having a pop at Bexhill councillor Brian Kentfield and the Bexhill Conservatives both for adopting Greg Barker in the first place and then for continuing to support him after the full range of his antic transgressions became to public attention.

This is probably a little unfair, at least as far as the adoption process was concerned. Whatever Bexhill people might think, the constituency ranges a little beyond their town limits and the local party draws its membership accordingly. And as in most such cases there is a considerable range of types and backgrounds in the mix. At the risk of sounding a tad elitist, the Bexhill Conservatives are mainly of lower middle class origin and often in trade; whereas the Battle/Rye contingent have much higher social standing and lurk behind duck-filled moats, reeking muskily of "old money".

At the time of candidate selection, the Bexhillians did not, on the whole, take to Barker, regarding him as a grubby little counter-jumper, but he was heavily backed by the jodhpur-and-cord set from the rural fringes and they carried the day. At first sight this may seem odd but at that time Barker was married '“ apparently happily '“ to a charming girl with impeccable local connections (viz the duck-filled moats).

Barker himself has rather hairy heels, hailing from a car-dealing West Sussex family, and made his own big bucks '“ surprisingly quickly '“ in "business" and Russia. He seemed to know all the "right" people and, although obviously on the make, offered a truly remarkable level of self regard. Most old families boast at least one such member, often as founding father, but usually (unlike Barker) they have the sense to make sure that their escapades remain below the radar for a respectable period of time '“ say a 100 years '“ and they make absolutely sure, come Hell or high water, that they stay married to the "right" filly.

Now, of course, the case is somewhat altered. Barker, with a few more moons under his belt and apparently basking in the glow of Cameronian sunlight, feels more secure as incumbent and therefore less dependent on the old toffs of the country. He will also assume that voter apathy will soon resume in his favour.

Meanwhile (for the present at least) poor old Councillor Kentfield and Co in Bexhill are squeezed between the moated toffs in Rother and Flash Harry at Westminster and feel they have little option but (in the immortal words of Tammy Wynette) to stand by their man. But watch this space.

TH COBBETT

London Road

Battle

Get out and vote

POLITICS has been described as "the art of the possible".

In recent weeks we have learnt how some of our professional politicians have behaved in achieving what they have found to be possible.

However, there are many positive possibilities in politics that we can all pursue, and, as we have seen, we can no longer afford to let politics be an activity for a small elite group of professionals.

Fundamental to our political democracy is the right to vote. We can hardly complain when things go wrong if we choose not to participate in electing the very people who are responsible for governing us, whether in national or local elections.

If there is one thing that we can do to influence decisions made by government, which affect every aspect of our lives, it is to exercise our right to vote.

PETER WEBB

Glenleigh Park Road

Bexhill

Fees are ridiculous

THE cabinet of Rother District Council has approved the fees to be paid to the new architect in charge of the Next Wave scheme .

I find it utterly inconceivable that a responsible body should approve a specific sum of 496,200 plus VAT of 86,835 in payment of fees for designs that have not yet been submitted. This is to be paid to the new architect to oversee the money to be spent on the modernising of the seafront.

The calculation of this payment is presumably based on a faulty and misconceived concept plan which was extravagantly costed out at a total of 4,700,000 and submitted by another architect.

What architect can possibly be worth 496,200 to do this work? Human nature being what it is this Cabinet decision gives the architect carte blanche to do what he likes with our money.

There are vital questions to be answered:

n Who in the council will brief the new architect by writing out a formal list of items which must be included and pointing out quite clearly:-

That this is an Edwardian town which appeals to the public for historic and aesthetic reasons

That this is largely a maintenance and general improvement program rather than a wholesale architectural project

That the remit of the new project manager presumably includes responsibility for overseeing the cost of the works.

n How is the arrangement with CABE (The Commission for the Built Environment) being involved in the process? Does the council not realise that by abasing itself before this bureaucratic quango it is losing any control over the design and extent of the work on the seafront? Does it not realise that by careful attention to design detail costings it can save more than the 1m offered by CABE?

n Have the councillors read the letters from Messrs Hamilton and Seabrook in the Observer of May 15? These letters sum up the Bexhill position very succinctly and indicate that some radical re-assessments must be made urgently by councillors and council officers.

B STREAT

Cantelupe Road

Bexhill

Come for a dog walk

I AM arranging a sponsored dog walk (with or without dog) in aid of Dogs for the Disabled on Sunday June 14 starting at 10.30am from the Cooden Beach Hotel, Bexhill.

We will be walking from the Hotel to Galley Hill and then back again which is approximately 10km. This is a level walk suitable for all abilities.

The object of this walk is to raise funds for Dogs for the Disabled so please come along and join us! If you are unable to participate in the walk then come and support us anyway, and give us a friendly wave as we pass by and also maybe put a few coins into our collecting tins.

Entry forms can be obtained from me at Donaldson Dunstall Solicitors, 48 Parkhurst Road, Bexhill on Sea (01424 216329) or by email to [email protected]. If you are under 14 you are very welcome to take part but you should bring an adult with you.

A local partnership, Monica and her dog Erin, will also be there to say hello. These assistance dogs are absolutely fantastic and they can help out in so many ways, making life easier for their disabled owners. So please come along and support us! Every pound raised will be gratefully received by this deserving charity.

JANE STRICKLAND

St Leonards

Thanks to you all

THROUGH your letters page, I would like to pass on the sincere thanks and gratitude from our family to all the staff at Lindsay Hall EMI Nursing Home in Dorset Road, Bexhill for the continuing care given to my father, Gordon Scotcher of Glenleigh Park Road, until his recent passing.

My dear dad had several respite visits over the last few years to Lindsay Hall during his illness with Parkinson's Disease.

We were always extremely happy and comfortable with the level of care and kindness shown to him and the immediate family by all the staff concerned. Leaving a loved one in care was a very strenuous decision to make, but a necessary one to enable my mother (herself in her late 70s and his 24/7 carer for many years) to take a rest from a very exhausting and demanding position.

We had arranged care for my dad in another local EMI home before he first went to Lindsay Hall '“ but they did not come even close to the experience of the staff at Lindsay Hall.

When my Father was admitted to the Conquest Hospital in September 2008, after one month the local health authority made arrangements for him to go into Continuing Care.

We were pleased and relieved to have been able to find a place within Lindsay Hall for this care, knowing that he would be in a place in which he was comfortable and well looked after.

From senior management to the kitchen and laundry staff, each and every one of them showed 100 per cent compassion, care and faultless nursing '“ we could not have asked for better care and are totally indebted to them all.

We would like to mention the wonderful Lynn, Mary, Breeda, Simon, Lenny, Laurie, Victoria, John & John (both on night staff), Liana, Julie, Angie, Sophia, Holly, Natalie, Louise (night staff), Sue, Joy, Fran, Sue (from Morocco), Jenny, Nathan and everyone else I am sorry I have missed.

The understanding and love that everyone showed not only to my dad who suffered this cruel and debilitating disease '“ but also in particular to my mum and to all the family sitting by watching our loved one pass '“ was outstanding. Nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff '“ we were fed and watered by the staff to keep us going and during the last two weeks of Dad's life we were even given the added comfort of being able to stay with him all night until he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the kindness and compassion you showed to us all, for the beautiful flowers and to Holly and Sophia for attending the funeral.Many thanks again '“ we are forever grateful '“ we miss you all.

LEANNE SCOTCHER

Battle Road

St Leonards

Parking not problem before

REGARDING the Herbrand Walk issue '“ Mr Hall stated that he had to implement clamping because the council would not allow him to install bollards.

On the basis that Mr Hall has owned the piece of land in question for some time before the jet-ski application is he sure that sour grapes have not entered the equation?

I say that because, as far as I know, parking on that stretch of beach has not been a problem before now.

Also, he stated that he had instructed the clamping firm not to clamp visitors who park their vehicles simply to look at the sea (and presumably walk/sit on the beach) '“ with this in mind, is he willing to instruct the company to reimburse all of those unfortunate people who were clamped last (bank holiday) weekend?

He clearly stated that the clamps were to deter 'travellers' '“ the people, and vehicles, pictured on your front page did not look as if they were part of that community to me!

M J CHRISTIE

Reginald Road

Bexhill-on-Sea

Venomous attack unjustified

I READ Keith Standring's venomous letter last Friday, (May 29) attacking the UK Independence Party.

His comments are almost word for word taken out of the BNP website and although he didn't sign his letter as a BNP member he obviously sympathises with them whether he is a member or not. I had an email to say that he was a member. Clearly he is anti the main four parties.

One of his comments was that, "UKIP are just as bad as Lib/Lab/Con". Well, it is a well-established political ploy to attack your most threatening opponent, especially in conjunction with a lack of ones own policies or public support. This is a blatant attempt to discredit UKIP and divert votes to the BNP. Mr Standring underestimates the wisdom of the electorate. Furthermore the fact that the BNP website has taken over a whole page devoted entirely to attempting to deface UKIP demonstrates clearly that they are very worried. Personally I believe that slagging off an opponent is as low as you can get in the field of politics; it is a negative practice and provides no information as to the positive policies of the attacker.

Mr Standring should consider that if UKIP MEPs are trying to get us out of the EU then they would be doing themselves out of a job if/when they succeed. Far from lining their pockets they are spending what money they can to bring back full sovereignty to Britain, rule ourselves and have a trading relationship with the EU only, then they will be out of a job. Equally the EU spends loads of taxpayers' money on advertising and promoting reasons why countries should be in the EU; well, they would do, wouldn't they as the career politicians within want to continue the farce that ensures their luxurious lifestyles on allowances that we have little or no chance of changing.

TONY SMITH

UK Independence Party

Brownbread Stud

Ashburnham

Battle

Coverage of Tim so inspiring

HOW inspiring to read your coverage of Paralympian, Tim Prendergast's, motivational visit to pupils at St Richard's Catholic College last week. (Friday May 1. Students meet paralympian gold medallist)

Tim's life story demonstrates what a great impact sport can have on life since it was his passion for athletics that helped him overcome his own personal struggles to achieve success. The motivational visits that he, and her fellow athlete mentors, are doing play a significant role in supporting the fantastic work schools such as St Richard's are delivering as part of Sky Sports Living for Sport.

These athlete mentor visits play a small, yet crucial part in the delivery of an initiative that sees schools connect with pupils in need of extra guidance by opening their eyes to, or tapping into their existing passion for sport.

I hope that the pupils have taken some really motivational lessons away from Tim's visit and that other schools in the area are encouraged to look into the benefits of signing up themselves.

STEVE GRAINGER MBE

Chief Executive,

Youth Sport Trust

Step to salvation?

I AWOKE on Friday, frazzled from a shallow and troubled sleep, and, as per usual, turned to the Bexhill Observer. And what should I see on opening your splendid paper but a picture of our versatile MP, Gregory Barker, firmly sandwiched between two stout members of the Sussex Constabulary.

For an ecstatic moment or two I thought that the combined prayers of the town and county had been answered. But then my head cleared and I realised that it was sadly not a 'helping the Police with their enquiries' type of situation.

My waking gloom returned, of course, but it then occurred to me that Barker's obvious desire to take close company with the Force could possibly indicate that he is '“ perhaps intuitively and not, I think, consciously '“ inching his way towards a sincere accommodation with past errors and transgressions. Clearly we are (or, rather, he is) a long way from salvation at present: the only accommodation of any interest to him at this time is clearly the one (or two or whatever) for which he can claim parliamentary housing allowances. But I think it is important in dark times such as these to nurture whatever sliver of hope can be found. Let us not forget, too, the wisdom of Confucius '“ that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single hesitant step.

From a completely different angle, advice off the wall, perhaps, but maybe Barker could do a lot worse than make contact with the persistant evangelist (Mr Paul Minter?) who advertises his availability for counsel to those in distress so plaintively and at such length in your letters section? I am sure he would find a ready shoulder to lean on.

E THACKERAY

Firle Road

Little Common

All to do with cash

I AM sure this week's Observer will be full of outrage over the new tow-away policy in operation in Herbrand Walk. We pulled up onto the beach on Saturday because this is the only stretch of beach that shelves gradually and when you have arthritis it is quite difficult to negotiate a steep stony slope to get down to sea level.

We pulled in, opened up the boot and a gentleman immediately came and warned us that he had just read a sign which said that this was a tow-away area. We went and read the sign and because of the angle at which it is placed i.e. at right angles to Herbrand Walk we assumed that it only applied to the stretch containing the beach hut which are behind this sign. We were about to walk to the edge of the sea when another gentleman pulled over in his car and warned us that many cars had already been clamped parking exactly where we were.

We left, and as we did so the tow-away lorry trundled down the road.

In your reported piece, it states that Steve Hall is only trying to protect his property from "travellers", which is why he has introduced clamping. There isn't a clamping company alive that will clamp travellers so that argument is absolute bollards. This is all about planning permission being refused for a watersport centre and being able to charge people to park on a stretch of beach which had hitherto been free.

I always thought that all beaches in Britain were 'free, perhaps it is time for someone to test whether a) the clamping signs as they stand now are legal, and b) whether the right to roam lobby would like to take on this case?

MRS. A. SMITH

Tilford Court

Sutton Place

Bexhill on Sea

MEP does good

ALLAN Bula (Is EU a Nazi idea?, May 22) asks for a list of the achievements of our Euro MPs since the last election. Well, here is a list of what our Labour MEPs, including local MEP Peter Skinner, have achieved for people across the South-East:

Four weeks' paid holiday a year

Slashed mobile phone roaming charges across Europe

Acted to tackle climate change '“ cleaner cars, renewable energy and green jobs

A European health card giving free emergency health care across the EU

European Arrest Warrant to stop criminals escaping across borders

To compare the EU, an international organisation which revels in its multiculturalism and has brought about freedom of movement and one of the most successful internal markets in the world; with the Nazis, a regime hell-bent on extermination of certain races, religions and disabilities, is misguided and wrong.

If the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, more, not less, power will be given to the elected European Parliament. The choice for voters on June 4 is between the Labour Party, which will work with our partners in Europe to get through the financial crisis, and the Tories, who will isolate Britain.

JAMES ROYSTON

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bexhill and Battle

Waste site 'shadow'

WOULD I be right in thinking that now the Newhaven incinerator has been approved and I believe construction has begun, that it would make no sense for the Turkey Road site to be used at all? I have not heard of any recent suggestion that the local site has any part to play in future rubbish disposal and I cannot see any need for it with the likely capacity of Newhaven probably being more than able to cope for several years to come.

If the Brickworks is now under no threat whatever (although it may still be in the previous plan), I think it would be most welcome if officialdom would make a statement and so remove the shadow hanging over residents.

D YOUNG

The Shrublands

Bexhill-on-Sea

Bad atmosphere

I AM 64 and have visited Herbrand Walk with my family for nearly 50 years on a regular basis not knowing it was private property.

We enjoyed it very much because it was one of the unspoilt areas locally and you could park on the beach and enjoy the uninterupted view.

Sadly my wife passed away with cancer in 1997,and I have been a regular visitor since as I like to reflect on our happier times there.

I also like to feed the seagulls. I have caused no harm.

I have many photographs and videos taken there of the scenery and windsurfers.

I have rheumatiod arthritis and cannot walk far so Herbrand walk was suitable for me.

I used to feel free there '” not any more.

I was planning to have some of my ashes scattered there because I love it so much.

But now the atmosphere its been sullied by Mr Hall and his rip-off bully boys,I have changed my mind, for I would not be at peace there now either dead or alive.

So Mr Hall, I hope you can enjoy your private beach, no-one else can, thank you very much.

Why dont you put a toll booth each end ? You can cause even more misery to the beach lovers.

I never saw that many travellers there to cause you to behave in this vindictive way to innocent day visitors, why not target them with clamps and leave the rest of us in peace?

Or charge a parking fee and clamp those that don't pay?

I hope you can sleep at night.

A lovely family day out at Herbrand Walk is no more thanks to you.

TONY LAMBERT

Dorset Road

Highwaymen alive

I THOUGHT that highwaymen were dead and long gone a thing of the 17th century, but no, they are alive and still robbing the unsuspecting visitor, who parks on the beach and misses the very inconspicuous signs posted at almost missable gaps and at 18 inches high. Yes I was one of those caught out on Bank Holiday Monday and charged an extortionate 190 to be released.

My family and myself have been visiting Herbrand Walk for years, fishing and often just relaxing, afterwards a trip into Bexhill and something to eat, or the pub at Normans Bay on the way home. Unfortunately I was not alone, as the clampers were parked on yellow lines waiting to pounce on numerous members of the public who like had not seen the signs. I had to warn at least 20 cars drivers about the clampers and the newly put up signs.

If the new owners want the beach for themselves, then put up reasonable signs and a fence at this beautiful spot to prevent cars parking off road, if they want to charge us then employ someone to collect a reasonable amount or install a parking meter, but this would not bring in the revenue of 190 a time so could this just be cold calculating greed.

Needless to say we will not be returning to Cooden or Bexhill, if this is the way they treat holidaymakers and spent our days out elsewhere, where we won't have our day spoilt by these leeches.

As a footnote, by law clampers must display a badge on their person and give their name if asked, only one of the clampers did so, the other refused. Also they can only charge a reasonable amount 130, to overcome this they split it up 65 fixed parking charge, 120 release fee and 5 for using your card, this was reported but the police seemed sympathetic but unable to help. The name of this company,UK Parking Management, based in London. So not only do they not contribute anything to East Sussex or the local economy, but have the adverse effect by alienating and driving away visitors.

How many felt they were robbed this last weekend and won't be returning?

Visitor from Crowborough '“ details supplied

Clamping sorrow

I WAS dismayed but not surprised to see that clamping with huge fines was imposed for vehicles parking at Herbrand Walk Beach and astonished at the speed, within two days of the Planning Committee rejecting Herbrand Walk Developments' proposals on May 21.

Mr Hall said he had no choice as he was not allowed to fit bollards, and had not been able to find out the council's decision before the Bank Holiday weekend.

Any of his family/friends/acquaintances could have attended the meeting if he had not been able to do so himself, the date was known and publicised well in advance and it was an important matter (other planning applicants attended the meeting).

Getting clamping and signage organised between Thursday morning and Friday afternoon after the Planning Committe would surely have been difficult, such complex arrangements usually take time to put in place?

The Planning Committee had no option but to refuse the application.

The Environment Agency stated that given the location, it was a legal requirement to submit a flood risk assessment with the application, and as this was not included, this was sufficient grounds alone to refuse the application (I saw damaged beach huts strewn across that road following the storms of Christmas 1999)

Furthermore, Highways objected on safety grounds as revised proposals were submitted to allow parking of camper vans by siting the proposed cream plastic bollards further onto the beach, which would have enabled car-parking at an angle (where they had not objected to the original parking proposals).

I am puzzled that bollards are supposed to be necessary to prevent travellers from camping, but the proposed parking-width was extended to allow for camper vans (I suppose this was necessary for jet-ski owners and their vehicles in the envisaged greater numbers). The area is also not designated for development (I too cannot understand why the application got this far given this fundamental point).

I have heard that Rother District Council was offered the land by the previous owner for the nominal sum of 1 but turned it down.

I now think the council should use its powers for compulsory purchase at the price at which the land was purchased in April 2009, given the speed with which unreasonably high and unpopular fines were imposed on people parking at the beach over a Bank Holiday (so much for encouraging tourist trade), huge popularity of the unspoilt beach available for all (as demonstrated in the number and strength of feeling of the objections) and to prevent increased use of jet-skis ruining the area for people using the beach and sea, residents and wildlife.

I would be happy to help contribute financially to a 'Public Beach Fund' as I'm sure would many others - it was a revelation to discover that the beach was actually in private hands (below high water-mark and the sea are certainly not owned by the development company, despite their proposals to 'police' it).

I'm sorry the council couldn't or wouldn't offer more help dealing with the travellers during their occupation (I wrongly thought I was helping to pay for their eviction through my sizeable Council Tax payments).

The Planning Department needs to consult all residents, beach-users and beach-hut owners in the event of any further applications, it wasn't enough to put up two planning signs on the beach when the entire sea-front would be effected by such proposals.

Name and address supplied

Jet skiing backed

REJECTING the marine sports development at Herbrand Walk without contemplating a compromise and picking a fight with the owner of the beach has some nasty unintended consequences for the local community.

The loss of access to the beach through imposed clamping is a catastrophe; families have swum, shrimped, picked mussels off the groynes and enjoyed barrbecues with friends in the balmy summer days for generations.

Beach access is a glorious natural resource and must be available for all to be enjoyed for all ages and purposes.

Jet skiing is an international sport, in the Mediterranean sea strict rules are imposed where speed is limited to under 10mph until a mile off shore, the resultant noise is a distant hum, nearer the shore it is a low rumble like a Lambretta.

A narrow access channel five metres wide ensures safety to riders and bathers alike, (day boat owners, canoes can also use the channels). In this way numbers are controlled and transgressors lose their rights to trade or use the facility.

Turning away capital investment and innovation from entrepreneurs has become a local custom in Bexhill, with pressure groups and their accompanying vitriol quick to attack from a narrow subjective stance but slow to recognise potential economic advantage and the needs of the wider community.

Anthony Hamilton recognises the resultant decay when he saunters around the town conducting his economic appraisals, however next time he best not stray down to Herbrand Walk, he will not hear jet skis, nor the sound of children playing, nor ice cream vans plying their trade, just the distant shriek of lawn mowers and the stench of the odd twilight bonfire.

I urge the council and representatives of the objectors to meet with Mr Hall and find the middle ground in a restructured proposal.

Geoff Howard

Coverdale Avenue

Bexhill

Gardens joy

JUST a little change from the evils of politics. It all confuses me '“ there has got to be some new way.

Egerton Park Gardens

There is a garden that I know

Near the centre of the town

Where you may wish to go

when the rush of life has got you down,

To rest awhile among the flowers

And hear the songbirds sing,

And while away some idle hours

And watch children on the swing:

The park is full of things to do,

Tennis, bowls, roundabout and swings, all ago-go,

And if you wish things not to do

But just sit and watch the daisies grow:

Until the evening sun goes down

then off to English tea in Bexhill town!

Dr R.V WHITLOCK

Knole Road

Deckchair case?

I SEE from this week's Observer that Rother Council and Cabinet have been busy rearranging the deckchairs of civic responsibility for its titanic administration.

I searched in vain, however, for details of the new Chair of Vanity Projects and Ego Trips (Conspicuous Expenditure).

I guess that means Carl Maynard will have to carry this heavy burden in person for yet another year.

E ARNOLD

Birkdale

Bexhill

MPs' difference

THE difference between Greg Barker and Michael Foster's reactions to the MPs' expenses scandal could not be starker.

Greg Barker has, after the headline 'MP: I Won't Pay It Back', agreed to pay back some of the Capital Gains Tax he avoided paying when he sold his taxpayer-funded second home in February 2007.

Yet he has still not announced how much he will be paying, and appears to be only coming clean when he has no other option.

Contrast this with Michael Foster, who this week took up the Hastings Observer's invitation to disclose his receipts.

Any member of the public can go to Michael's office on Bohemia Road, St Leonards, and inspect his receipts. Will Greg Barker make a similar offer to his constituents?

I wonder if Greg Barker's choice not to publish his receipts until he is obliged to in July has anything to do with the fact that there are county council and European elections in the meantime, on June 4 (yesterday).

Mr Barker should come clean with the people of Bexhill and Battle immediately '“ there is no obvious reason why he needs so much longer than Michael Foster to declare his expenses.

I am one of more than 130 Labour candidates for MP who have signed the Progress pledge that, if elected, I will declare my expenses on a monthly basis, including all receipts. I invite Greg Barker to declare the same.

JAMES ROYSTON

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bexhill and Battle

Holiday warning

A WORD of warning to anyone taking a holiday that involves an early morning flight and is intending getting to Gatwick Airport by taxi.

On May 8 my husband and myself were to fly to the Costa Dorada for two weeks and had booked a taxi for 2.50am and had it confirmed by our taxi firm who were Roadrunners in Town Hall Square.

At 3.10am we phoned and were told that our driver was in the area.

Several minutes later we telephoned again and were told that we would be contacted again in two seconds. Nothing happened at all. We kept telephoning and merely got the ringing tone. As a result we missed going on holiday. We felt bemused, worn out and disbelieving that this had happened, but it had!

I managed to obtain the mobile number for the managing director of Roadrunners who told me that they do 2,000 airport runs a week and that when they go wrong they go badly wrong! The firm paid for more flights out to Spain on the following Tuesday May 12 and free taxis each way.

They also gave us 50 to have a meal out whilst on holiday which is a derisory amount for four days' lost holiday. None of this has made up for the loss of four days of our holiday, it just isn't possible to do that.

I am reluctant to try to claim on our travel insurance for the lost days' holiday as it will load any future insurance that we take out.

This leaves us feeling badly let down by Roadrunners and that in view of what has happened that we have no recourse except to inform people in writing and by word of mouth.

In fact we still can't believe that it can have happened! to us! In the same circumstances again we would take the train to Gatwick the previous evening and sit it out listening to announcements advising us not to leave our luggage for however long it takes '” or get friends or family to run us to Gatwick Airport.

It is all very well to run a cut price taxi service that undercuts everyone else in the town but only if you actually turn up for fares that have been booked and confirmed!

BARBARA BALL

College Court

Scholars Walk

Bexhill-on-Sea

Honour Biden

IN view of the recent election of former Senator Joe Biden to the office of Vice President of the United States, might not a congratulatory letter be addressed to him at the White House from the civic authorities, together with a warm invitation to visit the town, and especially the De La Warr Pavilion, should he include the United Kingdom on one of his future international trips? The letter should include brochures of the town and especially the Pavilion and can be used promotionally.

The reason? Vice President Biden, a specialist in international affairs, was for many years until his recent election, US Senator for the State of Delaware.

This relatively small, but perfectly formed, state on the Atlantic coast in the mid-Atlantic region, was named in honour of Thomas West, third Baron De La Warr, who became first Governor of the new Royal Colony of Virginia at the beginning of the 17th century.

One of his captains, Samuel Argall, was blown off course and sailed into a strange bay, which he dedicated to his Governor, although it is doubtful that Lord De La Warr ever saw or explored the bay, river and state which today still bears his name.

In 1631, the first white settlement was made on Delaware soil. Proudly known as the "First State" because in 1787, Delaware delegates were the first to ratify the constitution of the new United States, Delaware has other local links, including the town and river of Lewes and the county of Sussex.

MICHAEL GREEN

Marina Arcade

Bexhill

Well done to all

BEXHILL'S got talent! Congratulations to Bexhill Art Society for bringing their enjoyable and accessible art work to the DLWP over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Tucked away in the studio was their beautifully presented and varied exhibition.

Equally impressive was the Springfield Methodist Church Flower Festival.

Numerous imaginative arrangements had as their Dana song theme All Kinds of Everything.

Both venues gave such a warm welcome too.

Thanks!

HELEN SHUTTLEWORTH

High Branches

Bexhill