WHISPERING SMITH: Spring’s promise of hope and spuds, down on the plot

In just a few weeks you could turn one potato into a plate full of them - why would you not want that? SUS-150225-UO104700005

But for me, it signalled the return to the allotment, meeting old friends, digging, weeding, planting the beans, the spuds and, I do sincerely hope, shedding a few pounds along the way.

With certain reservations, I do believe the town council is a great provider and is value for our money, never more so than with the continued provision of allotments. Sure, the bees are a pain – thrice experienced last year – and the wretched gate padlock that will often not respond to the issued key can be pretty frustrating, but they are small potatoes compared to the benefits of this wonderful facility. Unlike Arun District Council, the town council with its limited resources does seem to care about us and our needs. I guess this is because members actually do reside here, whereas not one of the Arun cabinet members does.

Butterflies, birds and the smell of new-mown grass – I am surely in clover this week.

THE grim reaper, in the form of Tesco, is determined to drive another stake into the heart of Littlehampton.

The superstore has applied for planning permission to erect a pod in front of its store in Broadpiece, offering key cutting, shoe repair and watch repairs.

If approved, it will spell disaster for at least three businesses in the Beach Road area already under threat from overzealous Arun parking attendants. It will also open the door wide for the Reaper to apply for other services currently on offer in town.

How crazy is that? Might as well give the town centre regeneration officer his P45 and tell the last man out to switch off the lights.

TALKING business, there are now ten salons in Littlehampton where a man can get a haircut, four betting shops where he can lose his shirt and three large chemists where he can get some paracetamol to ease his pain from both of the above but not one decent gents outfitter or shoe shop. Go figure!

THE doctor tells you this may cause you a little discomfort when what he really means, “Son, this is going to hurt.” Doc, discomfort is a pebble in your boot!