Your letters - October 16

Relay is returning

ON behalf of Cancer Research UK's Relay For Life Hastings, I would like to thank all those involved in making this year's Relay a success.

With 13 teams from all ages taking part, the total raised for 2009 is 15, 000.

All the money raised will go towards Cancer Research UK's life saving work in prevention and treatments for cancer.

Relay For Life will be retuning to Hastings under a different name '“ CRUK's Relay For Life 1066 Country on 11 to 12 September 2010 at William Parker Sports College.

Teams can sign up from November 1 and those who sign up before Christmas will get a prize.

Relay For life is a 24-hour community event where teams spend the year fundraising, then come together to celebrate those who have survived cancer and remember those who have passed away and honour the courage of their loved ones.

Anyone can take part, and you don't have to be athletic '“ running is not required!

We would also love to hear from local cancer patients and survivors who are invited to take part in our Lap of Honour which kicks off the Relay weekend.

We are looking for sponsorship from 2010 as we are a volunteer-led committee with a limited budget.

Among other things, sponsorship would enable us to print publicity materials, advertise, buy candles and sand for our Candle of Hope ceremony and purchase a gazebo.

For more information, visit www.relayforlifehastings.co.uk or call Nicky Evans, Chair of Relay For Life on 07825 182503.

Sarah Rajabalee

CRUK's Relay For Life 1066 Country

Poem for times past

Days Gone By

Skipping ropes gone, hopscotch forgotten,

Replaced by computers, mobiles and jargon,

Nightclubs fast food now the rage,

How life's book has turned a different page,

No sitting round table with mum and dad

Discussing the future and the latest fads,

Binge drinking from bottles, femininity gone,

Falling over in street, brain like a fog,

Oh, for the childhood of long, long ago,

A threewheeler bike, hoolahoop and yo-yo,

Oh, how I treasure those innnocent days,

When we knew nothing of adult ways.

IRENE SMOKER

Cuthbert Close

Bexhill

Water woe response

WE would like to respond to Rosemary Hodge's letter (Water Bill Woes) which appeared in a recent edition of the Bexhill Observer.

Firstly, we are very sorry that Mrs Hodge experienced problems with processing payments of her water bill, which was due to two separate issues that have both now been rectified.

For the vast majority of our 2.1 million customers, there is no reason to contact us '“ or indeed complain '“ about the excellent quality of their water supply or our levels of service, and we remain committed to ensuring that remains the case.

That commitment includes developing our new 150-strong customer service centre and technical support team at the company's head office during 2008, and which we know is helping improve service to customers.

How do we know? A recent report issued by the customer watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water, shows that customer complaints to South East Water during 2008/09 have dropped by over 12 per cent when compared to the year before.

However, we acknowledge there is still more work to do to help drive down the overall level of customer complaints.

While the Consumer Council for Water is fully aware of the massive challenge behind the merging of two water companies, and the delivery of a central customer service centre, our customers '“ quite rightly '“ should not have to feel the impact of those behind-the-scenes efforts.

We have written to Mrs Hodge and apologised directly for the billing errors that occurred in setting up her direct debit, and for clearly not meeting our usual high levels of service.

Steve George

Customer Services Director

South East Water

Club's thanks to all

At The Mermaid, Sackville Hotel, the Bexhill 100 Motoring Club celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party for members and special guests.

Awards to the winners of the Classic Car and Custom Show, held a few weeks ago, were also presented, along with a new Cup for Photography, in the merory of the late Mr Brian Hazell.

We also welcomed Mr Brain Storkey as our first elected club President. Brian is one of the founder members of the Bexhill 100, and a true supporter of our towns rich motoring history.

Presentations were also given to this years chosen Charities, which were:

The Rother and Hastings Multiple Sclerosis Society '“ cheque for 1,500

1066 Specials Football Club (www.1066specials.org.uk) '“ cheque for 1,500

Emily Lawes '“ Para Equestrian Horse Rider/Jumper '“ cheque for 1,500

A super Mermaid buffet and disco dancing rounded off a lovely evening for our members and guests, a big thank-you must go to all the staff at The Mermaid for making our 10th Anniversary night such a specal one.

Lee Dunn

Show Chairman

Bexhill 100 Motoring Club.

Ten-pin invite

Calling all ten-pin bowlers!

We the Bexhill and Little Common Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support together with the Monday Morning Bowlers and Ocean Bowling are organising a ten-pin bowling competition.

It will be on Sunday morning November 15 from 9an-1pm (doors open at 8.30am) at Ocean Bowling, Ravenside Retail Park, Glyne Gap, Bexhill TN40 2JS.

We already have 16 teams that have entered but we are looking for more, so everyone is invited to form teams of six bowlers with their family, friends and colleagues to come and join in the fun. It will be 12 per person (shoe hire free).

There will be a prize cup for the winning ream and a special award for the best under 16 player and a large raffle.

For full details and registration forms please contact John on 01424 214926 or Ron on 01424 851988. Many thanks in anticipation.

Mrs Jeannie Stiles

Secretary Bexhill and

Little Common Committee

Ode to a butterfly

The Cabbage White

The humblest of all English butterflies,

I'm just a poor plain Cabbage-White.

I flutter about in your garden.

I'm harmless. I don't sting nor bite.

I visit your tall runner-beans, and your peas.

Pollinate, so they'll flourish and grow.

I savour their nectar, but serve in return.

It's a bargain. A nice quid pro quo.

I know I am not much to look at.

We can't all be pretty, you know.

We can't all be Admirals or Peacocks.

Those show-offs that flit to and fro..

I have a posh name '“ Pier-is Brassicae -

Just as good as those more gaudy types.

My babies are really quite pretty.

They're black, with becoming green stripes.

It's true they may nibble your cabbages,

But they leave behind plenty for you.

Don't begrudge them the little they take.

They get hungry, the same as you do.

I've enough to put up with already.

I've more than enough, some would say.

Don't make war on a poor humble creature.

That tries to keep out of your way.

My eggs are quite round, and they're yellow,

And very attractive to starlings,

Which eat them whenever they find them,

And that is the end of my darlings.

A-pan-ta-les Glomeratis

Is a wasp whose fell habits I hate.

It lays its eggs inside my babies,

Which leads to a horrible fate.

So please do not murder my babies,

Don't spray them to quick Kingdom-Come.

Don't squish them with great clumping wellies,

Or squash them 'twixt finger and thumb.

Be kind to all God's tiny creatures.

They have feelings, when all's said and done.

And what about reincarnation?

In another life, you may be one.

Ralph Hill

Little Common

Link-road won't work

I WOULD like to point out that the so-called link road is not a well thought out plan, with regards to regenerating the Hastings or Bexhill areas, providing good vehicle services to the A259 via the southeast coast area, or long-term sustainability or benefit of either the road use, or Hastings,and Bexhill regeneration.

Within a period of less than five years from completion this link road will provide no benefit to any of the above. In fact it will be as bad a situation as the existing A259.

Also in the meantime the area from the junction of the Link Road at the London road /A259 though Little Common and Barnhorn Road will diminish any benefit of this link road.

In the past couple of years alone several accidents in Barnhorn Road have closed the A259, creating major through traffic problems, which will not be resolved by this link road.

It will in fact probably make it worse!

The link road should be stopped, and the cost saving put towards a full bypass around Hastings, and Bexhill to link up with the main A259 at either the Pevensey roundabout, or the next one down at the Eastbourne roundabout, with suitable branch junctions into Hastings and Bexhill, in conjunction with the dual carriageway upgrading of the A27.

This and only this will provide for the regeneration of these areas, and allow the required increase in housing and industry in this area.

Anything else is as usual a short-sighted view and a waste of taxpayers' money, which in the end will achieve nothing.

C. Ogborn

Little Common

Thanks for the show

I am writing not only of my own appreciation but on behalf of those hundreds of people of all ages who turned up at the Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum on Friday, September 11 for the Kathakali Dance Drama from South India.

It was not only a spectacular performance but also brought the magic of India to this beautiful hall with its architecture of an Indian palace.

The Kathakali was received with tremendous applause and the audience said that they would welcome a return visit from the company.

I was fortunate to meet several people who had seen one of these dance dramas at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London in 1978 which I also attended while exhibiting my Kathakali paintings.

One may surely say any performers who are honoured to play the Sadler's Wells Theatre renown for their world class shows must be superb and now we are seeing them in Hastings.

May I say on behalf of everyone who attended on that wonderful evening a big thank you to Hastings Museum and all who helped put on this marvellous show.

Sherifa Rashidally

Station Road, Bexhill

Scrap this road to ruin

Copy of a letter sent to Mr C Tipping, Inspector of the Bexhill Link Road Inquiry:

I write to strongly object to this road scheme.

In these days when we are enlightened as to the damage we have caused the global environment and the serious repercussions our children and grandchildren will have to face, it is beyond belief that we are continuing to build more roads, which will increase carbon emissions. The government recently made us all switch to energy-saving lightbulbs so serious is the situation.

The building of this road is not in line with government policy of not building roads through environmentally-sensitive sites. The Public Inquiry for the Bexhill Bypass, which was the same road by a different name, rejected the Bexhill Bypass due to the environmentally sensitive nature of the Combe Haven Valley and the thick fogs which would be an extreme danger to drivers.

This short road will not stop congestion, it will cause massive traffic jams at both the Ridge and Gillsmans Hill. It is a road to nowhere which will ruin a beautiful valley, rich in flora, flora and wildlife. An oasis which separates Hastings and St Leonards from Bexhill, a green lung, a heritage we need to protect.

The houses the planners want for North Bexhill could be built without the road. These are two separate issues.

For the sake of the environment, please leave the Combe Haven Valley alone and say no to this link road. We have a duty to leave some open, unspoiled places for our children to enjoy. Please say no to the link road.

G Plummer

Belle Hill

Bexhill

Red letter day

HOW marvellous to now be able to post my mail in a traditional red letterbox outside the post office in Devonshire Square rather than into those utilitarian grey steel slots in the wall.

But why stop there?

I trust the architects of the Next Wave project are including some traditional red telephone kiosks in their designs for our new seafront.

Paul Wright

West Parade

Bexhill-on-Sea

Give them a chance

I AM writing in response to the letter from P Keall in last week's paper which attacked the high school changes.

Firstly, may I reassure the writer that governors are unpaid volunteers with expertise and experience in all walks of life.

They receive specialist training in order to undertake their role, and usually do so with passion and enthusiasm.

The governing body will consist of parents, teachers, business owners and representatives from the local community such as police officers and local MPs, therefore giving a balance aspect and a realistic view of what the children need to prepare themselves for the world outside of school.

So in answer to the first observation: yes they do have education expertise.

I have friends who are teachers at the high school and are very enthusiastic about the new plans and willing to give it their support, as are many parents who are realistic about the need for change to be embraced in this fast-changing world in which we live.

My daughter has just started at the school and is thriving and happy. My son has been through the school and is now a confident, successful student at Bexhill College.

The comment which angered me most was to suggest that "the vast majority of children cannot be bothered to learn".

What a dim view P Keall has of the young people of today. As a governor of a local primary school and a parent I can assure you that the vast majority of children most certainly do want to learn, and do so willingly with the belief that they are can achieve anything they want if they work hard.

Yes. the results from the high school are not as strong as the excellent results that St Richard's produces, and this is because Bexhill High is a non-selective school, taking children from all walks of life, including those with special needs and behavioural problems.

In view of this the results will differ, but what is important is that every child achieves their best and is prepared for the real world as a well-rounded, confident person who can learn independently. Real life is hard these days '“ our children need support and encouragement, not cynical criticism and labelling as lazy and unmotivated.

I live in Turkey Road as well as your reader and yes, the children are noisy for a few minutes as they walk home with their friends past my house, no doubt letting off a little steam after being in the controlled environment of school all day.

We live in a changing world. There are some fantastic opportunities for our children if we give them the belief that they can be successful.

Let's stop moaning and give the school and our children a chance.

Janet Towner

Turkey Road

Bexhill

Saving the planet

WE thank Rother councillors for requesting Carl Maynard commit Rother District Council to 10:10.

10:10 means a person, household, business, or governing group pledge '“ and implement '“ a 10 per cent reduction of climate damaging greenhouse gases by Christmas 2010.

That's an initiative inspired by Franny Armstrong, producer of the worldwide influential The Age of Stupid film, now being shown for the second time in Bexhill.

Councils all over Britain, and the world, are making the commitment. Copenhagen negotiations now underw ay estimate we must reduce greenhouse gases by 40 per cent by 2020, and 80 to 90 per cent by 2050. The first 10 per cent is the easy part. It's only a start.

If we genuinely care about our children's and the Earth's futures we will demand our councillors make this start '“ and do more!

Dr and Mrs EP Echlin

Thornbank Crescent

Bexhill-on-Sea

Comments plea

I would ask you to remind the residents of Bexhill and Hastings that they have until October 20 to comment on this road scheme which will greatly affect our area, and if built destroy a beautiful green valley.

This is a democracy, but there is an uneven playing field on this issue in that East Sussex County Council has solicitors, barristers, etc, to prepare their case for it, all on big salaries paid for by the taxpayer, while us objectors have to fight to preserve the valley in our spare time at our own expense.

I would urge anyone who loves the countryside, anyone who loves nature, anyone who realises that building more and more roads is not the answer, anyone concerned with carbon emissions, to please write to Mr Tipping, the inspector, c/o L Duncan, Persona Associates, West Point, Springfield Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2PD and make your views known.

Laura Boggis

Bynes Farm

Crowhurst

Clear it up!

A MAN has been seen walking a large dog before 6.30 each morning in the Woodville Road/Wickham Avenue area.

The dog does its business and its irresponsible owner does not clear it up. The result is people pick it up on their shoes and it trails into their homes.

Local residents end up cleaning this mess, which is not at all nice.

So, apart from doing your job for you, we would like to point out you are required by law to clean away your dog's mess and not cause pollution '“ how would you like to take other people's dog mess into your home?

Name and address supplied

Thanks for your efforts

THANK you for the article on Spar's charity event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support in last week's Bexhill Observer.

However, we would like to say a big thank-you to all our family, friends and everyone who took part in making the coffee morning a great succes. Without you all it wouldn't have been possible.

Thanks again.

Surekha and Dilip Patel

Spar

Cowdrey Park Road

Little Common

Magical musical score

I write in my capacity as chairman of the Friends of Richmond, the support group for Richmond and Heatherbank, the Methodist home in Collington Lane East, Bexhill.

As advertised in your newspapers, a concert entitled Music for an Autumn Evening was held at Sackville Road Methodist Church on Saturday October 10.

The performers were Andrew McGregor, organ and piano, Andrew Gill, trumpet, Stephen Page, organ and piano and Gemma Hickman, soloist, all of whom combined their skills to produce a very varied programme ranging from jazz to classical.

This was greatly enjoyed by an audience of 140. Compere Barry Turnwell brought the acts together with a comedy element.

A collection at the end of the concert raised 512 for the amenity fund at Richmond and Heatherbank.

We are most grateful to the performers, to Jean Parrott, the principal organiser, and to all those who assisted and those who attended to make the event such a success.

Richard N Bryant

Filsham Road

St Leonards

Party fund-raiser

Through your newspaper I should like to thank all those who attended the garden tea party in Cooden to raise funds for SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families' Association) Forces Help.

Councillor Maureen Charlesworth, Mayor of Hastings, kindly drew the raffle tickets, and the generosity of SSAFA volunteers and friends ensured everyone enjoyed a wonderful tea and met interesting people.

We raised 365: this will be used to support our volunteers in the magnificent work they do for serving and ex-service men and women and their families in the Hastings and Rother area.

A big thank-you to everyone concerned.

Liz O'Brien

Divisional Secretary, SSAFA,

Drill Hall

Down Road

Learn from nature

A letter sent in to last week's Observer with the heading What About The Trees?, threw the subject totally off course and the new headline itself had to be cancelled out in an editor's postscript!

What that letter had tried to show (obviously unsuccessfully) was the mechanism of how these continually sub-contracted planting schemes fail and it used the Glyne Gap's trees as one example. The main point of that letter was actually found in its last two paragraphs: ie shrubs. This appears to have been missed.

The reader might ask if there have been other official Bexhill planting schemes which have gone so wrong? Yes '” several, is the answer and the father of all these was the sewage treatment plant at Galley Hill, which occupied many angry citizens of the town for several years, as schemes designed to 'hide' the buildings were continually mooted.

It was finally resolved by Southern Water paying for a landscaper to design something that would 'beautify' the site! The problem turned out to be that the scheme had to be cleared by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) on payment of a fee of 250 which 20 years ago was not something to be sniffed at.

Just to show one example of the lack of knowledge shown: the scheme provided by the landscape architect employed, had the shoreline strip - that's the 'growing zone' closest to the waves - planted up with a dwarf Alpine pine species. Amazingly ESCC okayed this, apparently to everyone's surprise. All these plants promptly died and, in this particular example, literally within months.

At this stage I got involved, initially with a direct phone call to the Southern Water officer concerned and suggested a different planting arrangement and also that, amongst other things, Tamarisk, Japanese Spindle and Gorse should be included. I have just been up there today and am pleased to see that those shrubs are still surviving.

So how does this sort of thing continually happen? Let's take, as a specimen case, the current Rother Next Wave scheme. The client (Rother) chooses an architect (HTA). They may or may not have a landscape officer, and if he is prudent, he will then go to various landscape architects and he will look at their schemes. It is at this stage that things really break down for Bexhill's climatic conditions.

If the past is anything to go by, you will have lots of 'eager beavers' who will rush to their textbooks and produce something, quite understandably, designed to make their names and pound signs come up in their imagination.

In the case of Next Wave, the brief is clear, to produce a shrubbery that 'offers seasonal interest as well as colour and shape'. One can see them poring over the sections in their garden books that allegedly cover salt-resisting and wind-resisting shrubs and choosing interesting sounding names like Griselinia littoralis ... "yes we'll have that" ... might go the refrain.

Having systematically knocked down these enthusiastic efforts seeking to achieve the near impossible over several years, what would this cynical critic do for this specific site?

I would take a lesson from nature and note that natural British vegetation has resorted to just growing Thrift, Sea Lavender, Samphire and the like there. There are no British shrubs that grow naturally at such extreme sites. There may be some extreme exotics that just about survive there but the emphasis there is definitely on 'survive'. So, as a planner, I would surrender to nature here and only grow grass and even then, of salt-tolerating species.

Such a solution will look much better than the likely outcome of having unsightly stumps of wind-blasted shrubs. In other words, stick to nature's remedy.

Anyone want to have a bet with me as to how this will all go?

Anthony Hamilton

Southcourt Avenue

Bexhill-on-Sea

Not the school I know

I REFER to the letter from Mr Keall (Friday October 9) and wish to respond.

I am fully in support of the Building Schools for the Future project at Bexhill High School and have been involved from the outset working together with Mr Conn. This town will benefit greatly from the new school and the progressive curriculum model, including the longer hours. I have no doubt that this is the way forward to provide career opportunities for our young people in the 21st century.

There are many new challenges for schools and this visionary approach deals with them directly. The project in its entirety has the full approval of the educational professionals in the town and in the county and deserves the support of the whole community, who should rally behind Mr Conn to ensure that it is a great success for the young people of Bexhill.

On the occasions I have visited Bexhill High School, I have not found it at all as Mr Keall described in his correspondence. I have not witnessed an undisciplined environment with uncontrollable noise levels on any visit.

Furthermore, I know a number of members of staff at the school and they have not given me an indication that they wish to leave or do not support the plans. In fact there is considerable support for the model among the staff, all of whom are working extremely hard towards the introduction of this transformational approach to teaching and learning.

I have already given, and will continue to give, support, advice and assistance to Mr Conn and the team at Bexhill High School as part of my role as a member of the Bexhill Consortium of Schools.

I would encourage the people of Bexhill to work with Mr Conn, the governors and staff to ensure that the young people of our town are given the best possible education.

A Campbell

Bexhill

Board a great idea

WHAT a splendid idea to create an honour board for the recipients of the Freedom of Bexhill.

That there have been only 14 people worthy of this award since its inception in 1902 speaks volumes for their individual achievements.

Yet who amongst us now know who or why, for example, William Cuthbert was conferred with the Freedom in 1943, or Miss Burrows in 1958 or Dr Claude Pycroft in 1962.

Our town has a very rich and noteworthy history but I do feel there are times when we undervalue this key asset.

An honour board placed in our newly refurbished museum with a photograph and short life story for each recipient of the Freedom of Bexhill would be a fitting tribute and valuable addition to the town's heritage.

I hope the Charter Trustees of Bexhill will give this suggestion the serious consideration it deserves.

Paul Wright

West Parade

Bexhill-on-Sea

Put the record straight

FURTHER to Mike Rosner's letter re NEC Birmingham in September 11 Bexhill Observer, may I please put the record straight. Following a meeting at the museum on August 25, the museum did in fact agree to the Bexhill 100 Motoring Club taking the Serpollet to the NEC in Birmingham.

Club members are not always able to attend all club nights, and unfortunately Mike Rosner did not realise that we had secured the Serpollet. May I apologise unreservedly to the museum.

The Bexhill 100 MC has been very fortunate to be travelling to Birmingham for this is the biggest and most popular show of its kind in the UK.

We are going to promote Bexhill and its motoring heritage.

We have had little or no response from the town but will hold the beacon high for this town and its history.

Fiona Hemsworth

Bexhill 100 Motoring Club

Letter drew fire

THE recent letter to members of Bexhill and Battle Conservative Association from President John Ball concerning local MP Greg Barker and his involvement in the parliamentary expenses inquiry, has drawn critical fire from the national magazine Private Eye.

In its current edition, now on newstands, the iconic satirical and investigative publication carries an article on the letter and the MP in is parliamentary column.

It reads in full :

"Tories in Bexhill and Battle were relieved to read a letter from their local association president John A Ball, telling them their local MP had been given a 'clean bill of health' by Tory HQ over the expenses scandal.

"Shadow Environment Minister Greg Barker 'has not abused the system', party members were told. 'We think it is of absolute importance that in the general disrepute into which Members of Parliament have fallen that we distinguish between those who abused the system, some criminally, and those who have not'. Greg, the letter made clear, had not.

"Is this the same Greg Barker who designated a flat in Chelsea as his second home in April 2004, claimed 2,148 on curtains and lighting for the riverside address, and then switched to his second-home allowance eight months later to a new property he bought in Pimlico ? It certainly is.

"Barker then claimed 15,875 for stamp duty and other purchase costs for this new flat, and later made a claim for 12,452 for work done on it (the claim was refused for being late). He claimed 27,928 in mortgage payments on the Pimlico flat over two years, then sold it for a 320,000 profit. He then moved back into his original flat.

"He has now agreed to make an undisclosed 'voluntary' donation to the Inland Revenue since public money helped fund this neat shimmy up the property ladder. A spotless bill of health indeed!"

Michael Green

Marina Arcade

Bexhill-on-Sea

Visit was a dream

MY partner and myself popped in to Dreamtime Travel in Western Road as we are thinking of going to New Zealand in a couple of years' time and we wanted some information as a starting point.

We had no expectations, and we dropped in on the spur of the moment but we were both really impressed by the service we were given especially by Danny Wooller who was so helpful and knowledgeable.

In the past I have been a great advocate of using the internet and very focused on getting the cheapest deals, however my experience earlier this week has made me re-think and really value the level of service and expertise of face-to-face contact, especially the calibre of service we received at Dreamtime and the importance of support my local town.

We are saving hard for our trip of a lifetime and when we do book our holiday it will definitely be with Dreamtime Travel.

Heather White

Second Avenue

Bexhill-on-Sea

Praise indeed

Although I am reluctant to make recommendations, especially about estate agents, I wish to commend Burgess and Co, Bexhill, for the courteous, dedicated and professional way they performed finding us the right property at the right price.

We were kept fully informed at all stages and any problems resolved quickly. We were made to appear as esteemed clients instead of a nuisance that some other agents' impressions gave. If you are moving make Burgess and Co your first port of call.

N Davis

Hornbeam Avenue

No French connection

DO you think there was there any particular reason for not accommodating at least part of the French Market in Devonshire Square?

Isn't it the ideal event to be hosted by Gubby's balls?

Peter Webb

Glenleigh Park Road

Bexhill

Irish vote a sad day

THE most disturbing aspect on the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty was the dissembling by the Irish goverment.

Having brought about the meltdown of the Irish economy through the ruthless pursuit of neoliberal policies and reckless borrowing on the international money markets, the government claimed that a "yes" vote would restore economic stability and revive growth, thus correcting for external events beyond its control.

On top of this patently false analysis, it went on to claim that a "no" vote would isolate Ireland.

The reality, as I have outlined in your sister paper the Battle Observer, is that rejection of the Treaty would change nothing.

Indeed the treaty is very largely a technical/legal consolidation, as even the UK goverment has finally admitted and was at pains to play down.

But the scale of the deception can be judged by the wide range of people, including farmers badly hit by the recession, who believed the line put out, leading to a considerable "yes" vote of 67 per cent.

This is a goverment that deserves to be booted out.

The re-run treaty referendum was the last throw of the dice, the last chance to pin the blame on someone else.

And it succeeded. All in all a sad day.

As a lifelone supporter of the European project it gives me no pleasure to write this, and this is why I support the Lib Dem pledge to hold a referendum on our membership of the EU.

This is the only way to clear up the matter.

Stephen Jackson

Second Avenue

Bexhill-on-Sea

Maintain it now

What is going on with Bexhill? Can't the council and planning people see what us locals see?

Re. Sackville Road - ugly luxury! Flats, rubbish, towering too high, overpriced, not luxurious enough to attract millionaires or idiots. Not sold. Also, the times I have seen scaffolding up repairing goodness knows what trouble with the balconies....Too many flats in the block, if they were more spacious maybe they would be more desirable.

Retail outlets underneath are too small, also not taken probably because also premium priced. The flat to appeal to the right buyers could perhaps have benefited from swimming pool, sauna, and gym for residents instead.

Re: the cafe in the Colonnade - very popular as it is in a sheltered position and a lovely venue to sit and watch the world go by. Okay, it needs renovating and maybe when the weather is inclement not very well patronised. Art groups exhibit local art occasionally. Also a month or so ago a not very well publicised live music group for charity performed there. Bring it on. We the people of Bexhill do not want more shops there.

Re: the De La Warr Pavilion too many managers, not open a great deal of the time in the evening. A lot of modern art, an doverpriced shop items in the retail outlet. Most events poorly advertised. Not much us Joe Bloggs are interested in. More Blods performances or anyone remotely popular would be good. Does not pay its way.

Re: Next Wave regeneration - now the council and planners want to destroy our seafront. The gardens along the promenade protected by sturdy functional walls to keep plants sheltered still look good and have stood the test of time. The shelters when they are maintained and properly painted protect from the wind and are shady in the sunshine for young and old alike. The putting, poorly used you say... well it is a bit antiquated but update it then! It is of inferior quality to other resorts and also excessively overpriced by about 1 for each person compared to other seaside towns and essential to a bit of holiday fun. Could also be put to private tender, surely.

A cycle lane along the promenade would also be popular.

Re: all the Next Wave proposed white painted walls and variety of seating and benches would look alright for three to six months barely and would need constant maintenance, easily destroyed by graffiti, seagulls, skateboarders, chipped dirty walls a fortune to maintain. I am not an old age pensioner, just a concerned Bexhillian practical person.

The one idea which seems nice for children is the idea of water jets working up from the ground intermittently but I feel Egerton Park would be a better venue for this feature. In St Helier (Jersey) they have this in a small seated area sheltered by walls with a water fountain in the centre.

Please listen to your townspeople. Maintain what we have now! Practical and traditional,

Mrs P Stanley

address supplied

Times are hard

TIMES are hard, I'm not well, but I still try to give to charity. Yesterday I gave money, this morning I gave away something on Freecycle which I often do.

This afternoon a charity collector came to my door. I recognised him as I had given several times before. When he asked, I said - sorry not this year, and with a scowl, he said - that's what you said last year.

Somehow I don't think I will be giving to that charity again!

Name and address witheld