Your letters - April 30, 2010

No Asda, we do not support you

IN an item in The Observer of April, 23, an Asda spokesman thanks the local people for their support and patience.

We are residents of Battle Road and our property backs on to the site. We have had constant noise, dust, dirt, and a bus stop installed directly in front of our property. Much of the little remaining parking space often seems to be taken up by demolition vehicles.

We have had absolutely no contact from Asda, the council or the contractors from the start of this project. It was clear at the final planning meeting that nearby residents were of little consequence, and so far this has been proved true.

So no. Asda, we (and most of our neighbours) do not support you, and we are running out of patience.

DEBORAH AND ALAN ELLIS

Battle Road, St Leonards

'Pedestrianisation' has not done any good

AS a resident of Courthouse Street for more than six years now, I was most pleased when the so-called "pedestrianisation" took place of this road.

However, it seemed to do no good. So, I was finally delighted when it was "dressed" with a top-coating to enforce the ban on motor vehicles.

However, this morning I was walking up the street when I was confronted by a most aggressive driver in a dark blue VW Golf, who was most abusive to me. He got out of the car and said if I had a problem then I could walk on the pavement. He had always driven down here and always intended to.

Considering the accident involving a trader last year, this measure does not seem adequate '“ far from it.

May I suggest a bollard system, radio-controlled, or as a cheaper alternative a lockable bollard with only residents having keys?

I felt really threatened by this aggressive driver and thought I was going to be assaulted.

This is not good enough in the Old Town.

ADRIAN BARNETT,

Courthouse Street.

Warm weekend in park was a pleasure to see

DURING a recent warm weekend as I walked through Alexandra Park the sights and sounds of many families and pets of all ages enjoying various aspects of the park was a pleasure to observe.

As a visitor in Hastings and once resident, I would like to sing the praises of the gardeners and maintenance crew of Alexandra Park who work tirelessly and with great success to make the park clean, beautiful and a true Hastings treasure.

DOREEN PUTTICK

Boston, USA

Letter from a peeved Hastonian

As a former pupil of the Hastings Grammar School (1953-1960) I must correct the third word in last week's front page article (Stranded!)

A Hastonian is someone who attended Hastings Grammar School and presumably William Parker School, a Hastinger is someone from Hastings.

As far as I am aware, none of the three gentlemen pictured attended Hastings Grammar School/William Parker and as these school are for boys, Jenny Jones is certainly not an old Hastonian.

I trust you will note this definition of "Hastonian" and make you colleagues aware that someone from Hastings is a "Hastinger".

JOHN MERCER

Hollinghurst Road, St Leonards

Thanks to the NHS and its excellent staff

WE hear much about the shortcomings of the NHS in national news reports from time to time.

I myself sincerely thank God for the NHS in general and the excellent staff at the Conquest Hospital in particular.

I would have been completely unable to pay for operations on my ear, hemorrhoids and the insertion of two coronary stents together with all the follow up services provided from an average wage.

I very recently experienced worrying heart pain overnight and called an ambulance.

The ambulance service telephone operator remained in contact untill the paramedics arrived.

The paramedics themselves were first class in their professionalism, kindness and good humour in getting me to hospital.

My treatment all hospital staff was good at all times, in particular the doctors and staff at the medical assesment unit where although the cause of my pain turned out to be trivial I was in no way made to feel that my visit was unnecessary.

In short full marks to all concerned.

PAUL MARRIOTT

Fairlight Road

Parade was funny way to celebrate England

AFTER reading in your paper that there was to be a St George's Day Parade on Sunday, April 25 in Hastings my wife and I headed on down to watch the parade to celebrate England's day.

Well either you were mistaken in your report or the organizers have a funny idea as to what constitutes a celebration of St George's Day.

There were no England flags that we could see and no dragons, but to cap it all the parade was led by a Scottish pipe and drum band playing Scotland the Brave, very nice tune but hardly apt for this parade. I know its a lot of work organizing things like this but this parade would have been better named The Cub-Scouts march or similar.

MIKE LILLINGTON

Priory Road

Election affects future for young people

I AM writing to say how useful I found the General Election section of your website.

I used the information you provided in 'The Battle for Hastings' as a basis for assemblies at Hillcrest school last week.

It is very important to inform and engage young people in the democratic process and I have recommended your website to Hillcrest students in order to find out more about our local candidates.

Even though they are not yet able to vote, I hope that many young people will take the opportunity to submit questions to the candidates through your website, as the outcome of the election will affect their future.

THERESA PHILLIPS

Headteacher

Hillcrest School

Let Hastings pier die without further insult

I AM writing of my admiration about Andrea Head's letter 'Time to jump ship' about the dilemma of Hastings pier.

This is a letter of striking similarity to one I had waiting to send.

I loved the bit about the bandwagon and a tendency for things like this to be an avoiding point for what's really up with their lives.

Yes, let the poor pier die now without further insult.

PAUL FITSELL

Kennedy Court

Stonehouse Drive

St Leonards