Will developers compensate us?
I COMPLETELY agree with the comments made by Rita Cox and Granville Bantick regarding the proposed new houses behind Udimore Road.
I'm sure many people in Rye will share my despair and disgust that the government inspector thinks it is acceptable to build new houses on a greenfield site, despite opposition from the locals who know and love the area, the Town Council and Rother District Council - proof that greed and profits always seem to win over anything else.
We walk through this site daily as it is our nearest point of access to open countryside.
Although surveys stated there was not much use at the site by protected species, we regularly see deer, foxes, barn owls, grass snakes, numerous birds and insects there. They may not be exotic but they are still important surely?
Who will be able to afford these houses anyway? Nobody I know. And if there is such a desperate housing shortage in Rother why haven't the recently constructed houses in other parts of Rye been snapped up off plan?
Because they are too expensive and do not provide accommodation suitable to the needs of local families.
I am pleased to hear the Environment Agency is satisfied about the drainage issues.
As a resident who lives at the lowest part of Udimore Road, and who has seen rain water pouring down the road and fountains coming out of the manholes, I am not so confident.
Will Aroncorp be offering any compensation to residents who do get flooded (most likely us) once the new houses have been built?
Kirsten Hannath
Udimore Road, Rye

Commitment doubt?
HOW right Rita Cox is (Mailbag, June 13) to upbraid Rother District Council for losing its oomph on the Udimore Road appeal.
It is a crying shame that the Inspector has decided for the appellant, and that a greenfield site will be lost.
Once again, this is a result of Labour central government targets, and Conservative complacency locally, combining to disregard the expertise of local people on their own community.
Many of the people I have spoken to on this issue, who know Rye much better than I do, have told me how problematic this development could be in terms of rainwater run-off and the effects of flooding on current housing stock.
Rye has just returned Mary Smith of the Campaign for a Democratic Rye - the local group that, like the Lib Dems on Rother District Council, is arguing for Area Committees - at the by-election of May 22.
What better example of how an Area Committee could benefit Rye and its neighbouring communities, than to have been able to put the local view to the inspector?
While I may be biased (!) I genuinely believe that Labour and the Tories are not at all committed to enabling the voice of local people to become heard via any meaningful political mechanism.
Rest assured, your Liberal Democrat campaigners are still taking the fight to them.
Nick Perry
Lib Dem
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate
Hastings and Rye

Parking request?
NOW that the Aroncrop group is to make hundreds of thousands of pounds profit by building on the greenfield site on the outskirts of Rye, would it not be a great gesture of goodwill if they tarmacked a strip at the rear of the present houses on the north side of Udimore Road for the purpose of residents parking their cars? This would make the busy B2089 a far safer road. Watch out for pigs flying down the Tillingham Valley!
BRIAN NETTLE
Pottingfield Road, Rye

Only joking
REGARDING free parking in Glengorse, Battle, I must make it clear to Mr Mr Hill that I was merely joking about encouraging more punters to park their cars in Glengorse for free.
Do you really expect those city businessmen and women to pay for parking? Have you seen the prices at the Battle Railway Station!
Mind you Mr Hill, wait until they build more houses in Battle.You ain't seen nothing yet.
Johnnie Elliott
Starrs Mead
Battle

Inspiring stories
I WOULD like to thank those who attended the Volunteers' Week event at Bodiam Castle on Saturday, June 7.
The day was a huge success, with fantastic acts from voluntary groups throughout the county, inspiring stories from current volunteers and a market place of information stalls.
All those who represented their various groups on the day worked incredibly hard and their support and patience is hugely appreciated.
I believe the day successfully achieved its aim of celebrating and raising awareness of the diversity of voluntary groups and opportunities in East Sussex - and also hope it may have inspired more people to get involved or find out more.
If anyone would like to comment on the day or find out more about volunteering in their area, they are welcome to contact Sarah Hodgetts at the Eastbourne Association of Voluntary Services on sarah@eavs.org.uk or 01323 639373.
We hope to see you again next year with something even bigger and better!
SARAH HODGETTS
East Sussex Volunteer Development Officer
Eastbourne Association of Voluntary Services

Nuclear mystery
REGARDING the Rye Observer (June 13) and the MP, Michael Foster, meeting Rye residents on feedback of report-back sessions.
High on the agenda was nuclear energy and those attending were vocal in their support of a new power station being commissioned at Dungeness. Were those attending also aware of action taken in 2003 by the Labour Party?
At that time, Labour was absolutely opposed to nuclear energy and wanted nothing but wind turbines. Can Mr. Foster explain to his supporters what became of the, then, nuclear industry? The expertise, technical data and overseas investments.
As the tndustry was a contributor to energy, where did all this contribution go? If assets were duly sold off, did the British tax-payer gain anything?
More to the point, as this Labour Government is now, allegedly, viewing a nuclear energy programme, yet do we, as a nation, have the expertise to kick-start such an idea, or will we require aid from beyond these shores - and at what cost?
Perhaps there is an EEC directive which will explain all to his supporters.
SONIA SOMERVILLE (RGN Rtd.)
Main Road, Icklesham

Well done Brede
WE - myself, my wife and my daughter - have lived in Brede for eight years now (or, to be more exact, my wife and I for 8 years, my daughter for five, as she was born here).
We have just finished enjoying - and 'enjoying' is exactly the right word - the Brede Village Festival. It has been one of the highlights of our daughter's life to date!
The Toddler's Run and Fancy Dress on the The Rec, the 1960's night at the village hall, the Duck Race, the Open Gardens, the Teddy Bears' Picnic and (above all) the Teddy Bear Parachute Jump from the tower of St George's Church will remain in Hester's (and our) memory for years to come.
Hearty congratulations to all involved in the organisations of these events (and the others to which we could not make it) - it is an example of what true community spirit can produce. Well done Brede!
Ian, Kim and Hester
Brede

Transport champion?
FOLLOWING recent headlines and letters about traffic congestion in Battle and various proposed solutions, I would like to invite all those who have an interest to the Battle Local Action Plan Steering Group meeting at the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, June 25, starting at 7.30pm.
The position of champion for transport issues is currently vacant and we would welcome more volunteers on this matter and the other topics that Battle residents highlighted in the Action Plan. Please join us and help make a difference!
Alison Norwood
Mitre Way, Battle

Concert success
WE WOULD like to thank all for the help and support we received to make last Friday's Circulus concert in Rye such a success - in particular Grammar School Records, Rye Bonfire Society, The Standard and Adams printers. A great time was had by all and we are already working towards the next one!
Kim, Ben & Neale
Les Voyageurs de la Framboise

Caring for Carers
NATIONAL Carers' Week was June 9-15 and I would like to ask readers to spare a thought for the tens of thousands of carers in the south-east.
One in eight of the population cares for a disabled or older spouse or family member and this number is rising rapidly.
They provide around-the-clock care for their loved ones, often without any kind of break, and with very little support. Many carers become disabled themselves, as a result of the stress.
I work at an accessible centre for disabled people and carers called Vitalise Jubilee Lodge in Chigwell, run by the charity Vitalise.
The guests and carers who take breaks here always tell me just how important a break is in their lives. Even just one week a year can make the difference between coping and despair.
A carer who recently stayed here said: "These 'holidays' really were essential breaks. Where else can I take my mother in safety and comfort, where we are totally accepted?
"It doesn't matter what happens - misunderstandings and frustrations are all dealt with as everyday occurrences, no problem, no big deal. I can relax from 24/7 worries and chores.
"I can talk to people, have a 'proper' conversation, try things that are otherwise impossible for an Alzheimer's carer. I have choices on what I do and don't do, and my mother feels safe and secure, which is what really matters."
We subsidise all our breaks to make them more affordable, but this means we have to rely on the generosity of the public to provide our essential services.
I would ask readers to remember carers need breaks just as much as the people they care for, and to support our vital work in the region. To make a donation or for more information about our breaks, call 020 8501 2331.
STEVE TRUMP
Manager
Vitalise Jubilee Lodge, Chigwell

Advice on benefits
URGENT call for families with disabled children to get advice on their benefits and tax credits entitlements.
There are 770,000 disabled children living in the UK - most are cared for at home by a family member. These families face enormous financial challenges with more than half living in poverty. Despite this, manyare not claiming benefits they are entitled to.
For those claiming, it's crucial to get regular advice to maximise income, as changes in benefit rules or family circumstances can have an impact.
Disabled teenagers could be worse off. From October 27, 2008, incapacity benefit and income support for people with health problems will be replaced by Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
Families with a disabled teenager born before October 27, 1992, have a choice - they can either claim the existing benefits now or wait and claim ESA at a later date.
Some will be worse off on the new ESA depending on individual circumstances. It is important families get advice now to find out how it will affect them.
There is an estimated 28,000 families in the UK who are missing out on much-needed extra income through additional tax credits because they do not know to tell HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) they are receiving Disability Living Allowance.
Contact a Family, the national charity that supports families of disabled children has a national freephone helpline - 0808 808 3555 - staffed by benefits experts and trained parent advisers.
We urge families with a disabled child to telephone the Contact a Family helpline to make sure they are getting every penny they are entitled to.
SRABANI SEN
Chief Executive
Contact a Family

Veterans appeal
THE British Korean Veterans Association is trying to contact former members of HM Armed Forces who served in Korea/Japan from 1950-53 and also those servicemen and women who served in these two places at a later date with the peace keeping force, 1953-57. This appeal includes former members of the Merchant Navy, NAFFI, Red Cross and WRVS. Any interested veteran should contact me at the address shown below. A SAE would be much appreciated for return correspondence.
May I thank you in anticipation of any help you can give us with our appeal.
BRIAN HOUGH
(Ex Kings Liverpool Regiment)
BKVA, 116 Fields Farm Road
Hattersley, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 3NP

No insult was ever intended
FURTHER to Mr Tollett's recent letter (Mailbag, June 6, it would appear that Mr Tollett is determined to be insulted by Winchelsea councillors, when it is quite clear that no insult was ever intended.
I have already apologised for any unintended hurt that may have been felt, despite the fact that I was only reiterating information provided by Mr Alford at a previous parish council meeting.
I cannot see what I have done to inflict such an 'injury', and it is simply grotesque to suggest that I would wish to insult the memory of the Mary Stanford crew.
Mr Tollett also seems determined to confuse what has been said in order to be able to make unfounded allegations about inaccuracies.
For example, he states that Mr Alford never said the Rye Harbour lifeboat was once called the Winchelsea lifeboat, yet his letter in the last Rye Observer was followed immediately by one from Mr Alford, confirming that he did in fact make this statement!
I am however delighted to hear that there is a local committee to deal with this issue and that Cllr Stanford is involved.
However, if this body did exist and has always included Cllr Stanford, it would have been helpful if Mrs Stanford could have updated the council on this matter.
No mention was made of this when the issue was raised in November 2007 or February 2008 - and why did Mrs Stanford not take the lead in drafting the consultation note and managing the consultation process?
Once again, I am sorry if I upset anyone, and reiterate that nothing of the sort was intended.
I hope Mr Tollet and Mr Alford will be generous enough to accept my apology!
Let's now move on and deal with the real issue - securing the future of the Lifeboat House, if this is possible and desired by the community.
Councillor Mike Terry

Alas, it is not that simple
WELL done, young Harriet Peachey, on your reasoned call for improved local bus services (Mailbag June 6). Alas, it is not that simple, as someone has to pay for unprofitable services outside peak periods.
London's buses and underground cater for a dense population of 6.9m people, of whom around 4m are potential wage earners and ratepayers, who subsidise 'free' child and OAP passes.
East Sussex has a widely dispersed population of 690,000 (1/10 that of London). Our agricultural corner of England has some of the highest house prices, unemployment rates and bus fares, with one of the lowest wage rates in England.
We are not rich and therein lies the problem. There are nowhere near enough ratepayers to subsidise an unprofitable rural bus network outside of peak periods. Those considered 'essential to the community', have to be paid for by the ratepayer but, as these must serve as wide a community as possible to maximise patronage, they are painfully slow and inconvenient for most potential passengers who, therefore, elect to go by car, or not at all!
Bus frequencies and journey times are little different today from the 1950s heyday of regulated, cross-subsidised services. The decline began in the 1960s with the motor car and greater mobility.
While there is a strong case for a nationalised, state subsidised core infrastructure of integrated bus and train services, post offices, power/water supply, the EU would not allow it as it prevents competition from small operators, such as Dengates (read my book The Village Bus Remembered) by expanding services to meet a demand (supported by local petitions) which, in reality, was not viable!
De-regulation of the nationalised bus industry came in 1986 but, today, we have lost profitable and attractive direct, long haul, bus services due to EU tachograph rules and fuel tax rebates only on short haul local services, together with high fares through lack of competition. As a result, potential passengers are choosing the convenience of motor cars, which get them from A-B by the quickest, most direct, route at times which suit them.
The motor car thus becomes an attractive cash-cow to the government, backed by pretentious, but flawed, 'green-tax eco-arguments'.
Yet, modern eco-friendly, under-used buses, only return 8mpg when, 30 years ago, packed buses returned a less polluting 10-12mpg. Furthermore, by making car running costs prohibitively expensive and withdrawing parking spaces in towns, rather than encouring people on to buses, they no longer shop in towns, forcing closure of once viable specialists shops, with job losses and lost taxes and rate revenue.
This, in turn, forces the government, through stealth taxes, to bleed dry surviving wealth creators and wage earners, but, as Gordon Brown has now discovered, you can only bleed taxpayers so far before his government finds itself unable to cover their reckless, unsustainable, spending plans - including recompense to the councils for 'free' bus passes and services.
Ten years ago, John Prescott famously boasted his Integrated Transport Policy would transform public transport usage within five years!
He never got it off the ground - neither have his witless, empty-headed colleagues.
To be fair, like Alchemist's Gold, it is an impossible dream in an ever-changing, dynamic and mobile society and only works in a policed, socialist state, where citizens are not allowed cars; must use bicycles, buses and trains; are fed propaganda and denied proper education; life in new densely populated eco-towns built on prime agricultural land. Oh crikey! We're here already!
As to 'man-made climate change', we can only save planet Earth through population control, which will curb consumer demand. Land should be used to grow food - not housing. But then, no politician dares concede the truth.
BARRY M. JONES
Bixley Lane
Beckley