Now it's scourge of the plastic bags......
I WAS disappointed by the announcement in the newspaper of the change of heart on the dog beach ban.
I do not go down to the beach regularly but I am so fed up with the anti-social behaviour of some dog owners that I welcome any controls on them.
An increasing problem seems to be that many dog owners pick up their dog's mess with a plastic bag when they feel that they are being watched, only to throw it away later.
I have had plastic bags of dog faeces dropped in my garden. You also find them regularly if you go out for a walk.
I am not sure if bagged dog faeces are more offensive than plain ones. Isn't such packaging an environmental issue, as the bags do not rot? Do we wish to enjoy the faeces forever? I feel furious about this and I shall be hiding in the hedge with my son's bow and arrow waiting for the culprit!
There are fewer dog owners than people without dogs, yet we all pay taxes to have this blight to our environment removed.
I personally resent having to pay to have other people's dog faeces removed. Similarly, I resent paying for other problems associated with dog ownership.
There would be many benefits to a dog licence scheme. People would think more carefully before taking on the responsibility of a dog.
The dog licence could pay for proper record-keeping of dog ownership, dog training undertaken, DNA records of dogs, which could be very useful in many ways and would make it possible to virtually eliminate the scourge of dog fouling.
It could be used to pay compensation to victims of dog attacks and fund the removal of little smelly packages from my garden, for dog wardens and dog training and to expand such schemes.
Another aspect of canine control that concerns me greatly is dogs walked near, or on, roads without a lead. The last time I was driving out of Rye, just before the Ferry Road Health Centre, a brown dog ran out in front of me, nearly causing an accident. I often see dogs off the lead on, or near, busy roads with dog owners a long way away. I thought that this was illegal.
It is certainly a serious problem and the council should not wait for an accident to happen before attending to this. Signs asking for dogs to be kept on a lead would be a start.
Mrs HEATHER MIDDLETON
Brede

Definition of an official request?
I READ with utter amazement the Battle Observer front page article of May 30, relating to the catastrophic traffic jams involving lorries in Battle High Street. This is a daily occurrence but, on this occasion, involved, and delayed, a fire appliance on an emergency call, which could have had dire consequences.
Even as I write, I witnessed two large lorries in the High Street unable to pass each other, forcing drivers of cars to mount the pavement.
Pedestrians were shaking their heads in disbelief, as was I. Where were the traffic wardens and the police?
Traders don't welcome these intrusive visitors, nor do other motorists and pedestrians. But still they come, like an unstoppable swarm of locusts.
I found it incredible to the point of disbelief that an anonymous county council spokesperson stated in your article '...to date we have had no petitions or official requests for restrictions in Battle High Street.' What, exactly, is the definition of an 'official request'?
I, for one, have written numerous letters to Rother District Council and the Town Council on this issue. And I know a multitude of others who have done likewise, by evidence of their letters to your publication.
Do we have to write, in person, to East Sussex County Council for it to be official, as the aforesaid avenues are deemed otherwise? Have the letters of complaint made to Battle Town Council been ignored and not referred to the County Council?
The problem is not one that will go away if ignored. It will continue until there is a calamity.
I found the comments by Mark Wise (Crew Manager, Battle Fire Station), prompted by impossible loyalty to his service (we can cope, etc., etc.) and diplomacy to the point of impracticality, (better known as P.R.) certainly not helpful.
I know of several firefighters, both from Battle and neighbouring stations, who find problems of delays when navigating the High Street on emergency calls. And that certainly doesn't come close to the 99% of " .... getting through fairly easily" as Mark Wise suggests.
All the while such spokespersons make unrealistic comments not based on facts at all, the situation will remain unchanged and lives will be at risk.
For the record, on behalf of Battle residents, I formally request that lorries be banned from using the High Street as a short cut and the High Street be double yellow-lined, precluding the parking of all vehicles, including disabled, where the majority are parked unnecessarily and unlawfully.
Mr I C LLEWELLYN-JONES
Bowlings' Corner, Sedlescombe

Collar-bell plea
IT IS in the nature of our cats for them to be beautiful and clean and purringly affectionate - just so long as we understand that we are merely their people and are certainly not their owners!
However, it is also in the nature of our cats for them to be sudden, skilled and mischievous murderers of defenceless birds, mice and shrews.
Over the past three days, there have been two such killings within a few yards of here.
One of the victims was a handsome collared dove in the back garden - blood, feathers...
No matter how well fed and no matter how comfy and secure, a cat needs to practise killing; cats have successfully survived their evolutionary process for exactly that reason. Practice makes perfect.
So, please, please, collar-bell your cats if you haven't already done so. Use a snug-fitting collar because a loose-fitting collar can get dangerously snagged. A collar-bell can give potential victims that split-second warning of lethal danger and that split-second might be just enough time for a feeding bird or shrew to react by flying or scampering away sharply.
According to Lewis Carroll and to dancer and novelist Colette, all cats understand spoken French. So (in addition to a collar-bell) boucherie et les oiseaux? non, non, et encore non!
C R CHIZLETT
North Salts, Rye

Minority spoiling it for the majority
WE ARE not fans of The George Hotel in Rye, being rudely asked to leave the bar last year through unknowingly walking in on a private wedding function (there were no signs outside indicating this) and we have not been back since. I should add we were not swearing or talking loudly!
However, I do agree with the manager for having the commonsense to ban certain individuals who, due to a lack of brain cells, seem to think that when drinking, not only in The George, but in other public places too, it is their right to inflict upon us their offensive language and loud behaviour/conversations, not realising that we, the ever-decreasing (it seems) respectful members of society, do not wish to hear.
We came across this unwelcome element when visiting one of our favourite pubs in Rye at around 6pm on a May Bank Holiday Monday evening when some young people continued to talk loudly and offensively. We asked them to stop using the 'F' word, which they did but it spoilt our evening as they continued to snigger very childishly behind our backs.
Just as we were about to leave, my husband noticed one member of the group even works behind the bar, so surely he should have known better?
I did not report this to the manager but maybe I should have, as we do like to drink and bring our friends to such a lovely old pub but we have since been put off by what we encountered. Being a 'nice' pub, we did not expect to encounter this anti-social, stupid element.
Rye has enough pubs to cater for all tastes and behaviour and, if you are local, you know which ones to avoid for loudness and swearing.
I just wish more pub landlords and ladies would be intolerant of bad behaviour and language, as The George clearly is. But I also feel that, again, due to a small minority spoiling it for everyone else, by banning all locals and visitors from using the bar is a little over the top - why not just ask the offending idiots to leave, or ban them?
A W KARD
Rye

Make allowances
MOST people would agree that The George has had an extremely beneficial effect on the economy of Rye. Not only has it smartened and brightened the middle of the High Street since its refurbishment, but also achieved 4 Star hotel accreditation.
This in turn has encouraged high spenders to visit our town and spend freely in other parts of the local economy. Rye needs high-quality shops, guesthouses and hotels to bring such people to this unique destination. At a time when the town's marketing effort seems to have hesitated or stalled, The George has managed to gain national publicity - not just for their own business but for all the businesses in town.
Articles in the national press have appeared advertising Rye and the hotel as a pleasant and civilised place to visit, relax and spend.
It is unfortunate then that as a result of their huge success the management of The George find themselves with a dilemma having to juggle with the needs of their well heeled customers and expectations of local drinkers.
Reluctantly I admit to having been witness to loud and sometimes unthoughtful behaviour in the bar area and agree that this isn't always agreeable to witness.
It would help if drinkers' behaviour were more compatible with the needs of businessmen and couples expecting a relaxed and/or romantic weekend.
Increasingly the bar area has become an overflow for the restaurant and so I appreciate that some people might take offence at the potentially raucous weekend behaviour and others disagree with a drinking ban for non-diners.
I feel however, that the latter may have overlooked the obvious imperatives. If individually or collectively we damage the top end of the tourist trade, we will all pay the price.
Local jobs and prosperity depend on the high quality of our hospitality sector.
Luckily Rye is well endowed with high-quality businesses that benefit the town. We need to recognise that sometimes we need to make allowances for those that directly and indirectly benefit us all - Gold credit card holders.
Derick Holman
Rye and District Chamber of Commerce

Not the answer
OH dear, oh dear. I wasn't going to write any more letters to the Observer, then along comes Shirley Lewis with her suggestion that, in order to help fire engines negotiate Battle High Street, no cars be allowed to park there (Observer, May 23) followed last week by Johnnie Elliott who not only wants to stop cars parking in the High Street, but is also in favour of encouraging more free parking in Glengorse. How could you!
I realise a number of readers think the 'no parking in the High Street idea' has merit but, in fact, this arrangement would not only make it easier for even more heavy lorries to thunder unhindered and dangerously through the High Street, but it would also kill the already fragile trade there.
Something has to be done and I would suggest that an electrically operated 'Stop' signal (facing south) be positioned by the Abbey Green; in the event of an emergency, this signal, activated by the Station Commander, would prevent traffic entering the difficult area, thus clearing the way for the emergency vehicles.
As for Johnnie Elliott's suggestion regarding more free car parking in Glengorse - no thank you Johnnie - if you lived here you wouldn't like that idea.
But, by all means, pressurise English Heritage (as you suggest) into making their parking system more coach-frindly, so that they could remain there after dropping their passengers and not have to trundle up and down the High Street.
From past experience, neither the stop light, nor the improved coach parking at the Abbey will ever happen. But, rest assured, more cars than ever will continue to park for free in Glengorse.
JOHN HILL
Glengorse, Battle

Reduce the tax!
COMMENTS have already been made regards the lack of delivery of the new green wheelie bins for some areas (especially Battle). We have a large garden and so we can produce large amounts of 'green' waste that could be recycled using these bins, but we have no green wheelie bins! This means we have to take our garden waste to the Mountfield tip at full expense and time to us when we are already paying for the same service from our doorstep!
Why doesn't Rother, as a goodwill gesturel, reduce the council taxes of those who do not recieve the 'full' recycling service, as we still pay exactly the same amount as those who have had the green wheelie bins for months! If we are late paying Council Tax, we would be sent a 'reminder' within a few days, yet when it's the other way around, it takes months to fully introduce a new system.
The council says to leave out green sacks for collection while the bins are still being 'delivered', but we have to buy these bags with more of our own money, not Rother. Perhaps, these could be issued free by the council to those who still wait and wait for the bins. We have not got part of a service we have been paying for since last year.
MARY BOORMAN
Battle Hill, Battle

Forced to sell my pride and joy
FIRSTLY, I would like to point out I am not rich; I am a coach driver who works exceedingly hard for a living, claims nothing and pays tax and National Insurance.
Three years ago, I was able to purchase a make of car I have wanted all my life - a Jaguar X-Type 2.5SE. I know you will say it's not good for the environment but you do make a lot of money to fill the void your useless chancellors have created over the last ten years.
It is my pride and joy - we even used it as our wedding car when my wife and I got married in Sicily.
With the latest 'green' tax (grab) being put upon us by our MP's party and government (I use the word 'govern' in its loosest sense), I will have to pay nearly £500 next year in road tax. As a result, I am having to change cars.
The problem is my car is, in effect, worthless now, so I will have to take a bank loan in order to get a different car - more expense.
My point is very simple and it is directed to Michael Foster MP (Labour): Your party is responsible for me and, no doubt, thousands of people in your constituency, having our Council Tax doubled by 'giving' pensioners concessionary bus travel (council pays of course), changing our bins once a fortnight, taxing everything from flights to the gas and electricity we buy, not to mention the petrol and diesel which you could cut the duty on.
Just remember, for ever 1,900 people satisfied with your work as an MP, there are 10,000 who are not and who will vote against you at the next election. You claim to be friends with the people of Hastings and Rye, so get out and make some noise about the unfair taxation your government is piling on us, or reap the whirlwind when your leader finally HAS to call a General Election, which I have no doubt, will be in 2010 - the latest possible date.
So you have two years to: not tell us how you have improved things and squandered money; killing commonsense by prosecuting people for leaving their bins open by four inches (local council, I know, but caused by government regulations and meddling); feelings we are not all being bullied and robbed but have more money in our pockets and; dare I say it, without your party's (may I remind readers, Labour) Chancellor getting his grubby fat fingers on it!
I will never forgive you or your party for forcing me to sell my beloved car. So, get your office in order and check out the Situations Vacant section of this paper because I and others will work day and night to ensure you are unemployed come May 2010. I have sent copies of this letter to several other papers.
DAVID COOKE
Parsonage Lane, Icklesham

Target requirements priority
SO, the Inspector has found for the planning application to build more than 100 houses on a greenfield site north of Udimore Road, Rye - an application that gives the town nothing except more houses, many second homes, and contributes nothing, except perhaps more traffic.
Apparently the main influence on the Inspector was the fact that in the whole of the area Rother District Council (RDC) was short of just 40 plus houses needed to meet government requirements.
He seems to have totally ignored the impact on the town and the fact RDC had itself successfully fought against three planning applications for this very site in the past.
This time the case against offered by RDC was half-hearted, to say the least, as this site fulfils requirements and saves them looking further.
It seems totally incomprehensible that in the recent enquiry that covered a possible marina development for Rye on a largely brown-field site, which would have brought prosperity, as marinas have in other towns, and was in keeping with Rye's maritime past, a development was rejected by the Inspector on the grounds of impact on Rye, largely as evidenced by the campaign against this development.
This campaign was fought by among others the Conservation Society, both as a Society and as individuals, including those who did not live in the town, and was a concerted and spirited defence that was conspicuously lacking in defence of Udimore Road.
It appears greenfield sites are as tethered goats to predatory developers who have no connection with the area, and to whom nothing matters except a profit.
One wonders if RDC's officers and councillors are strong enough to insist conditions laid down by the Inspector for the development north of Udimore Road will be adhered to.
Before being accused of nimbyism, this development will have little impact upon me personally, but it fills me with impotent rage that a greenfield habitat enjoyed for generations, used for providing food, the shortage of which is apparently a world problem, is destroyed for yet more houses when Rye and district is full to the gunnels with second, barely occupied, houses.
RITA COX
Udimore Road, Rye

Loyalty and determination
I WAS perturbed to read of the experience of the young local footballer asked to alight at Etchingham, having been discovered to have an invalid railway ticket.
It is a fact that train fares are dearer around 5am bound for London Charing Cross - I was charged such a rate fairly recently when I travelled on the first train bound for London on a week day morning.
Apart from this, well done to the individual whose trip to Peterborough weekly for football training with the club shows ambition, loyalty, tenacity and determination and is a plus for the Hastings school he attends.
Finally, may I add that Etchingham may be 'in the middle of nowhere' but it is a pleasant retiring East Sussex village which I know well. I am only glad that the boy got back home safely and has since been able to get to training without further hiccups.
DAVID MENCE
Warrior Square, St. Leonards