Your Letters - August 1

Public rights

Re: Seafront regeneration and public involvement

WELL done on your editorial last week (July 25) in which you crystallised the fundamental choice facing our local representatives whether to invest in improving everybody's quality of life (eg by providing green wheelies bins), or seek to achieve a grand vision for the future shape of the towns best-loved architectural landscape. This is a choice over which there has been no recent public debate, and who knows what has been going on behind the locked doors of the Town Hall.

On Monday, July 28, the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Rother District Council met to discuss the latest report prepared by consultants setting out a vision for redeveloping the seafront. The report is called New Wave, and this was the first time that these proposals have been made public.

The meeting was very informative. It was clear from the excellent presentation by Mr Leonard (Director of Services) that what drives the seafront regeneration movement is not a clear and focused view of what is best for the town, but how many pots of resources it is possible to exploit.

Cllr Field identified some considerable financial weaknesses in the New Wave scheme, and also, with several others, drew attention to the hideous vision for some replacement weather shelters, although her justified criticism was unreasonably and rudely rejected by Cllr Starnes in the chair.

The case supporting the New Wave regeneration recommendations was all about money, investment and bids. Cllr Prochak was spot-on when she asked what, exactly, regeneration means. Whilst recognising that this is an exciting opportunity she wondered if it really is what Bexhill needs?

Cllr Ensor rightly stated that the council needs to engage with the people of Bexhill and Rother in an increasingly meaningful way. However when asked what input the public will have to developing the regeneration proposals Mr Leonard rather lamely replied that that's a somewhat open-ended question.

I must say I would have thought it a fairly precise question, and surely one which Mr Leonard's political masters should now address. One has to wonder, however, having seen how the chairman of this committee treated one of its members, what chance does the public have to be heard?

PETER WEBB

Glenleigh Park Road

3m risk

Re: The Seafront Future

YOU asked last week if Rother should risk 3m on the re-designing of the seafront: The answer must be a resounding No!

The council is being bludgeoned into this scheme by an ongoing lack of vision. We would doubtless all agree that some improvements can and should be made but an overall appraisal must be made and any plans should be shown to the public well in advance of final decisions.

For instance why is all this effort to be concentrated in the centre of the seafront? Why not encourage the development of attractive features at either end of the front?

The idea of regeneration has been allowed to dominate the thinking and consultants of all kinds have obliged by producing plans, but we who live here know that our seafront is attractive in itself, that people who come here to walk, sit or swim do not want stainless steel seats. They want to enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

We need much more modest proposals. Please let us listen to the Chamber of Commerce on details of costing. Let us continue to provide a touch of nostalgia in our ever popular seaside.

BASIL R. STREAT

Cantelupe Road

Hair-brained

We saw off the hotel on the hotel on the putting green. We saw off the six-storey building on the pavilion car park. Now, the meddlers are at it again ... and with large amounts of our money.

First, the hair-brained idea for shops and restaurants at the Colonnade. Who is going to patronise these out-of-the-way establishments?

There's talk of an "evening economy?" Pie in the sky, I fear. There's hardly a soul to be seen around Bexhill town centre of an evening as it is. This is not an "evening" town.

As for shops, take a look at the empty ones around the town centre now. The ones still open are, in many cases, struggling. Putting more on the seafront would be retailing suicide. It just isn't the place for them. Oh, and there's the small matter of weather. In case the "planners" haven't noticed, the Colonnade is wide open to the elements. Especially those from the south-west ... which happens to be the prevailing direction of our weather.

Our foul-weather season - aggravated, if we are to believe it, by global warming - lasts, roughly, from October to March. Can anyone realistically foresee the masses rushing to the all-action seafront in the middle of a January Force 9 and freezing, horizontal rain?

You report that the Next Wave proposal says: "The investment required by the council would be partly offset by the income generated by the restoration and development of the Colonnade into leisure and retail units."

I cannot see a more ropey basis on which to risk all that money. I can see a bottomless pit opening up to swallow ever-increasing amounts of our already-extortionate council tax.

Meanwhile, those still smarting from defeat over the Metropole hotel debacle are, it seems, trying to sneak in by the back door and snatch a chunk of the putting green. They don't give up, do they.

They should be told where to go, just as firmly as before. Leave that putting green alone.

Might I also remind those in so-called authority that we're in the middle of a credit crunch with a recession looking ever more likely. That does not seem to be deterring them from proposing to spend -- and risk - millions of taxpayers' dosh on something that could only be described as low-priority tinkering.

The Observer asks: "Does Bexhill seafront need a radical makeover - or just a little tender, loving care?"

It's a question that has only one logical answer.

Lest I be accused of being a Luddite, I DO like the idea of lining the pavilion car park with trees. But then, I overlook it.

Sinclair Robieson

Marina

Disillusioned

Re: Bexhill Seafront

AT their meeting on Monday, Rother's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended the council to allocate 3.5m of our Capital Reserves for a dubious seafront scheme. It was only after a decision was made that members of the public present at the meeting found out what had been decided.

It is a ridiculous way to carry out democratic local government and it is small wonder that the public are becoming completely disillusioned.

JACK SEABROOK

Richmond Avenue

Town centre

YOUR correspondent, Jack Seabrook (July 25), got things right, as usual, regarding Bexhill Seafront Improvement Place. It should undoubtedly be referred to the people! Further, consideration should be given to sorting out the town centre first.

J. D. EDWARDS

Cooden Drive

Empty shops

I AGREE with A. P. Hamilton (Bexhill Observer, July 11). Bexhill is known for its wealth of independent traders with high street names scattered amongst us. So it saddens us greatly to see the demise of the shops already mentioned in A. P. Hamilton's letter.

Most of you may be surprised to hear this also includes Hennessy's. These are tough times for all, with rising prices, which of course includes the wholesale costs to the traders themselves.

And I am sure that it is some of these influences that have caused some of the traders to finally close their doors. Bexhill has a great deal to offer, but with empty shops on every street, the attraction surely must be less for shoppers. So come on Bexhill, let's support the traders of the town, we all work very hard to provide a good range of services, with that personal touch.

QUINN THOMSON

Quinns Deli

Devonshire Road

Missing Jackie

I WOULD like to associate myself with Philipa Coughlan's letter regarding the late Jackie Luck.

In the past, I have been taken to task by Jackie, when she didn't approve of some of my letters to the Bexhill Observer. However, she was quick to praise when she considered I deserved it! Yes, she will be missed.

It's so good when folk have fire in their belly enough to voice opinions - even when not in the best of health.

By the way, re your recent report on possible regeneration of Bexhill's seafront. I await, with some trepidation, just how the pubic area will look on the putting green, hope it passes the censor.

JOYCE HUMPHREY

Reginald Road

Grand Carnival

ONCE again, I write to say well done Bexhill for yet another grand Carnival event on Saturday.

A big improvement with the weather. It was hot, this is where we thank not only the Bexhill Old Town (Preservation Society) ladies for cool drinks, but all along the route there were drink stations helping to keep participants topped up and cool.

Thank you.

The whole town have to be congratulated for the support and that includes Sidley. And a big thank you to the organisers. I know its hard work getting such events of the ground. I'm at the moment doing the same for Hastings. Not on my own I must add but with help from my committee and many other willing helpers. We need all the help and if anyone reading this has a flair for such things please get in touch with your local committee they do need the help.

Can we expect to see some of you at Hastings on August 9?.

Robert E Morgan

Chairman Hastings Old Town Carnival

The Ridge

Sunshine Carnival

IT was sunshine all through Carnival Week congratulations to the small but dedicated and hard working committee giving our town entertainment all week. Five aside football, new pram race was great fun, well attended bootfair, dancing to the great US Drifters and good local bands ending with spectacular fireworks.

Saturday everyone enjoyed the Carnival.

Well done committee.

MRS CARRICK

Manor Road

Hastings

Stolen lamb

I am very disturbed to read that a lamb was stolen from the Ninfield area.

It seems that in this day and age nothing is sacred from the hands of what comes across as low class villainy, whether the lamb has been stolen for a pet or some other sinister reason.

I would like to urge people that have this kind of animal to keep a very close eye on them as reports from across the country show that sheep and goats are falling prey to those who would wish to follow their beliefs.

Was it not in this same catchment area that a goat was hideously slaughtered and skinned about 12 months or back.

Also with the theft of food on the increase surely this could be the tip of quite a large future iceberg.

Supposing these animals were a child's pet, the people involved in these acts have it seems no other aims than to satisfy their own excesses.

PAUL STEWART

Duke Street

MP's expenses

FOR disclosure purposes, would an MP be able to include the name of his or her same-sex lover in the "Family members employed" category, on his or her expenses disclosure, without further elaboration?

Derek Duly

Newlands Avenue

Big Eat

I WAS pleased to be asked to hand out packets of free seeds as part of the Big Sow project during May. Readers may recall that this is a community project sponsored by St Peter's church, to grow vegetables in as many properties as possible around Bexhill.

I have also started growing vegetables from some of the seed packets which were distributed and am beginning to harvest some of the produce. As with any year some vegetables have grown well and others have been disappointing. Carrots, spinach, beans and potatoes are all doing well but beetroot, chard and lettuce have been a mixed success.

We would be interested to hear how others are getting on and how successfully your veg' are growing. Is everyone suffering the slug problem?

For those who would like a bit more informal advice on growing their own produce, a guided talk is being organised at the Barrack Road allotments in the Old Town on Friday, August 15 at 6pm to provide handy tips and also for us to see what can be grown in a small area. Refreshments are being provided. The Big Eat is being arranged for September 13, more details in a month or so.

ANGUS RADFORD

Larkhill

Ghost town?

MY partner and I have a shop in Western Road, Bexhill.

We are concerned at the way Bexhill is sliding into oblivion!

Where are the 'big' stores - why are they closing?

Should we promote it as an area with 'non-chain' shops?

Something a bit individual - not the norm?

Because if something is not done soon Bexhill will be a ghost town. We are aware of the economic down turn - who isn't.

But we are a coast town, we have more to offer surely, we need some events to happen, not be stopped because of petty rules.

Remember the saying: Use it or lose it.

Come on everybody - Bring back Bexhill!

STEPHANIE BEALE

Ninfield Road

Kind words

I WOULD like to thank you for the kind manner in which you reported my retirement celebration. It was much appreciated. Through your paper may I extend thanks to my family, colleagues, staff and pupils, parents (past and present) and friends for their presence, many kind words and gifts.

TONY CAMPBELL OBE

St Francis Chase

Snack experience

MY name is Ian Stewart. I am currently visiting my mother in Bexhill. I am from Cardwell, Queensland, Australia.

I was fortunate enough for my mother to take me to the pavilion for a snack. It was an unfortunate experience. The vacant tables had not been cleaned. The staff were jigging around. I took the dirty cutlery and chinaware to the counter. My mother ordered a smoked salmon with cucumber sandwich and tea, I also the same except altering the tea to beer. The staff behind the counter were jigging around, the order was served, the knife and fork dumped on the table (unwrapped in serviette). My mother sampled the sandwich and opened it! it had the thinnest slice possible of salmon the cucumber was transparent the bread was thick and fresh.

She complained to the staff and was ridiculed by some and ignored by others.

As a result neither she nor any of her friends all senior citizens will be visiting the pavilion at all, they as members of various clubs such as the RAFA, the Legion etc local committees and charity organisations will no doubt discuss the subject.

I as a visitor for the third (and last) time was stunned at the food, the service, the staff and the price 15.

You can be assured that I will advise anyone visiting Bexhill to give the De La Warr Pavilion a wide berth, or perhaps Bexhill in entirety.

I must take this opportunity to congratulate the bar staff, kitchen staff in fact everyone at The Lamb on the A259 about six miles west of Bexhill. The beer batter fish, chips and peas was excellent a wonderful experience better than anything between Bexhill and Redruth (my sister lives in Redruth). WooHoo Lamb Pub, No. 1. My faith in the British was restored.

I. J.Stewart

Winter Street

Cardwell

Queensland

Excellent school

THROUGH your pages we want to express heartfelt thanks to teaching staff and support staff, past and present from Glyne Gap School and the Glyne Gap faculty at Bexhill College.

We are fortunate to have such a good local school for children and young adults with complex learning difficulties. As parents we have found this school enormously supportive, even through challenging and difficult days when no approach seemed to work. Our son started there aged 2 and now leaves as a strapping 19-year-old. Through the school's patient care and support he has already achieved much more than was thought possible at birth and we are so grateful that when the going got tough the school never gave up on him.

DENNIS AND PATRICIA NOLAN

Marley Lane

Battle

Painful lesson

HELLO, I'm Alfie - A new Bexhill resident. Until six weeks ago I was living with my homeless mum on the streets of London. My paws were so sore walking the streets and I was such a lucky boy to find a new home in Bexhill. I'm a whippet cross. I think they call me a lurcher but I am a very sensitive, friendly boy.

I'd never seen the sea before or the woods and I loved just sniffing the sea air and feeling the wind in my tail. The park and the Polegrove are wonderful for a boy like me and Collington Woods is very special for all the smells. I had learnt to be a real dog and play with a ball and meet other doggie friends.

I've met such nice local people.

I'd got my confidence back and a waggy tail. Last week I was in Collington Woods with my new mum when a collie dashed out of the trees.

I thought I would say hello being the friendly chap I am and he turned round and bit a huge hole in my side. His owner said to my mum that he can be grumpy.

I've had several trips to the vet and am in lots of pain and now am frightened to go out. If owners know that their dogs are likely to give me or any dogs a bite - please keep them on a lead.

'ALFIE'

c/o HILARY McCORRY

Gatehouse Close

Long platforms

AS I have always understood it, Michael Green (Letters July 18), the main reason for the long platforms at Bexhill station is that, a century ago, the town had a very considerable number of boarding schools (most long gone).

The size of the platforms was deemed necessary to cope with the very many pupils from these schools who used the station since there were, of course, very few cars at the time. Long trains were merely a by-product of the scholastic demand.

By the way, Mr G, locomotives usually are at the front end of trains. Or am I missing something?

NORMAN CHURCHER

Marina

Recycling site

REGARDING last week's Bexhill Observer and the article on page 5, 'Black wheelie bin - I don't need one', it states that Mr Caunter saves all his cardboard in a box which is then taken to Ravenside, which now has a new recycling facility.

Any idea where in Ravenside? I took my cardboard there this morning but couldn't find a recycling bank.

J TRIMBY

By email

Ravenside hosts one of Bexhill's biggest recycling centres. It is located opposite the Wickes store.- Ed.

Scary link

I NOTE the planning application for the new school facility at Gunters Lane which will no doubt go through on the nod without access problems being resolved.

Some nine years ago I viewed a property in Homelands Close and as a result of enquiries heard the suggestion that access to develop this site would be a new road to continue Knebworth Road through what are now allotments and whilst their loss would be a great shame it makes sense.

Furthermore I was told way back in 1970 when I first came to Sidley that Turkey brickyard clay pit was earmarked for landfill.

Beware, it does not take too much imagination to see a link road from Little Common Road to Turkey Road.

M. FRENCH

Pembury Grove

Bonfire menace

SOME time back your paper reported the Leader of the Council saying he was unable to do anything to stop bonfires - surely he could obtain ASBOs against the worst offenders!

On Sunday evening, as everyone knows, it was hot and humid and I, as probably everyone else in Bexhill, had my windows open when some inconsiderate b....r lit a stinking bonfire which was still smouldering and stinking into the early hours. If that doesn't amount to anti-social behaviour what does? Perhaps the Leader would care to comment!

PETER CHALKLEY

Pembury Grove

Postal queues

Re: 'Post Office queue' - Bexhill Observer, August 25 - Mrs L Roberts:

HAD Mrs Roberts read the previous week's letter properly she would had noticed it finished saying queues were due to closures. Maybe like myself the previous two writers were either not well enough, young enough or have time to queue for ages. I, too, have had to walk out ladened down with un-posted parcels.

The letters page is for people to exercise their right to express their views as you yourself did last week, Mrs Roberts.

May I suggest if you find other peoples right to do the same "annoying" and "silly" that you kindly stop reading these pages.

MRS CHANDLER

Collington Avenue

Our safety

BEFORE the council gets carried away with the project in Friday's Observer may I suggest that each individual gets off his seat and walks round the constituency he or she is supposed to represent?

Many roads and pavements are in a terrible state and in some cases dangerous condition, verges and hedges are not properly maintained and many so called repairs following excavations by water,gas and electricity companies are horrendous.

Does the council not set high standards for these sort of works, or does nobody actually verify that they are satisfactory?

I am surprised that the council is not for ever being sued for neglect by people tripping over raised areas of pavement .

If there is a lot of rate payers money around, spend it for the safety and benefit of all the local people, not just for the income of a few businesses.

Eric Fooks

Spindlewood Drive

The Observer shares Mr Fooks' concern at the poor state of repair of local roads and pavements.

However, while the seafront plans are a Rother District Council project, highways are an East Sussex County Council responsibility. Ed.

Pension theft

I WOULD like to thank the person who stole my pension money and my lifeline of my mobile phone.

I hope this doesn't happen to your grandparents or parents and cause them the anguish it has been for me.

And, by the way, the money was going to be used for a small holiday.

At least you did one decent thing and that was leaving my precious photograph of my late father who died this time last year.

Well done!

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Cream tea

OUR Cream Tea to raise money for the Friend's of St Jude's which took place on Carnival Day raised 255 profit

We (the committee) would like to thank Jackie and Alex Thomson of Lolesworth Cottage in the Old Town for once again letting us use their lovely garden for the annual event and for all those who helped with the catering, serving teas, running stalls or carrying around chairs and tables.

Once again we've managed to raise a substantial sum during a lovely summer event to help women and their children to enjoy some extra treats in the refuge.

Philipa Coughlan

Chairman

Friends of St Jude's

Dog bins

DOG owners are often blamed for allowing a dog to foul footpaths and grass verges and failing to pick it up.

Pebsham Lane has only two bins one very small, which should be emptied once weekly.

At the moment both bins are completely full having not been emptied for a fortnight.

I have phoned the council and the bin people to no avail. This is a health hazard and an eyesore and should not be allowed to happen.

MRS HOUGHTER

Alford Way

Dead bees

A FRIEND of mine living in the centre of Bexhill recently had a strange experience.

Arriving at the gate to her garden, she found, lying before the gate, no fewer than 15 dead bees. We have heard of some affliction affecting bees just now, but cannot remember what it was.

Might this be the problem, and have any other Observer readers similar experiences or ideas as to the cause?

FREDERICK ROBINSON

De La Warr Parade