Don't lay blame without proof

The Bexhill Environmental Group (BEG) is quite correct in calling for inconsiderate motorists to take more care.

However, the article is not factually correct.

It is true that some grass verges, particularly in the area close to Little Common School, have been spoilt by inconsiderate motorists.

This is a long way from the Hastings Direct premises and it’s very unlikely the damage has been caused by a Hastings Direct employee.

Similarly, the grass verges close to the Collington Mansion shops show signs of vehicle damage.

This is a heavy traffic area used by many motorists, including heavy duty vehicles, and the damage can’t be attributed to anyone in particular without conclusive proof.

In fact an early morning check found vehicles parked on the grass verges, and this was at a time when Hastings Direct employees were still tucked up in bed. This indicates it’s the residents themselves causing the damage.

As for the grass verges in the vicinity of Hastings Direct, I failed to find any grass verges, in the words of Mr Echlin, ‘destroyed’ or ‘cruelly defaced’ or ‘assaulted’.

Mr Echlin uses the word ‘scribblers’ to describe Hastings Direct employees. Scribble is defined by the Oxford dictionary as ‘to write carelessly or hurriedly’ and is deemed to be a derogatory expression.

All Hastings Direct employees are trained to varying degrees.

Many have industry recognised qualifications, many more are studying towards gaining these qualifications.

To describe an entire workforce as ‘scribblers’ is rather insulting.

By all means, Mr Echlin, continue your quest to stop inconsiderate motorists from damaging the grass verges, but don’t lay the blame on any Hastings Direct employee until you have clearly determined and can establish they are to blame.

Tony Rogers

St George’s Road

Bexhill

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