Your Letters May 18

Blaze effect

SO, you have a 13 year-old (alleged) arsonist in your town.

What was he doing out unsupervised at 10pm on a Sunday night! Most caring parents would have had him home if not in bed, at least off the streets.

But my point to this letter is not only the 1m damage to council property, lorries and the Scout hut but the fear and misery caused to the families affected.

The friends who I was staying with had relatives living in Reginald Road and were very concerned for them so we immediately went to see what help we could offer and we were delighted to see the response from the neighbours opposite.

They had offered assistance, shelter and cups of tea to all the people who had been evacuated but of course there's always one. He opened his door, asked "What's going on?" then promptly closed his door and went to view the proceedings from his top windows. But the help given by the police and fire brigade was truly superb.

There were many elderly people - many already in bed and they were forced to leave their homes in their night attire. One lady was in a wheelchair. Another was a chronic asthma sufferer. All were most anxious about the outcome of the fire and if their homes would be burnt.

Most were able to return to their homes around 3.30am but it didn't stop there. For the next four days all windows and doors had to be kept shut because of the soot, cinders and smoke during the clean-up operation. Even now to put washing out is to invite sooty smears on everything.

My sympathy goes mainly to the families whose properties back on to the car park. My friend's relatives were one such family so I have seen at first hand the damage to paintwork, gardens etc plus the heavy smell of burnt plastic.

K. Abbott

Grafton Road

Camden.

Staying safe

HOW can we expect our homes and streets to be safe when the local police cannot even protect a large open site 95 yards from Bexhill police station.

The massive fire close to houses and destroying property says it all when all we really see are the police constantly lurking behind parked vehicles or in video vans checking if we have paid our road tax or insurance.

The technology for traffic policing has reached dizzy heights sadly detecting other crimes has not.

We also see more traffic wardens than police, that I find really worrying as it shows what the priorities really are by the local council, or are we not paying them enough, perhaps they would like to comment?

Just what chance does someone stand when they live as far away as the wilds of Sidley or Little Common or even the no go area of Bexhill sea-front, and that's not just at night.

The reports we see each week in the Observer surely are contrary to the statement that crime in Sussex is low, we may have the lowest figures for "Life Threatening Crime" but what about all the "Mindless Stupidity Crime" we read about each week?

We are paying higher figures in council tax each year and as I am sure everyone agrees we are getting ever poorer service for our money.

It seems in the Bexhill area we can smash doors in, break windows and damage cars and assault students but just don't even think of parking in the wrong place or having an out of date tax disc.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Voting apathy

This month's local election results are a persuasive argument against the first-past-the-post contests, and in favour of proportional representation. In Sidley, as in a number of other wards, the new councillors were victorious on minority votes of 40% or less. District wide, the final tally of seats for each party was a complete distortion of the general will of the population, which is much more diverse than these results would indicate. Whatever your own personal politics, it can surely be no cause for celebration that Labour supporters lack a single elected councillor across the district, just as a few years ago neighbouring Hastings was a Tory-free zone.

Prolonged periods of one party rule are unhealthy. At best it feeds into a sense of apathy towards politics, to the extent that some sections of the population '“ notably the young '“ don't even turn out to vote. In extreme cases, prolonged disenfranchisement can be extremely dangerous. The momentous events in Northern Ireland this week are an example of what can be achieved when people work together; and that province's history in the last 30 years is also a stark reminder of what can happen when they don't.

Richard Madge

College Road.

Great Pavilion

WHAT a wonderful event the Mayor's Ball turned out to be!

As we walked into the De La Warr Pavilion, there were gasps of wonderment and surprise at the lavish decorations that adorned the walls and the tables. The auditorium was virtually unrecognisable with the drapes and what must have been hundreds of balloons rising up into the air making a superb display of mauve, lavender and white.

The entertainment was of a very high standard. The auction and raffle (in which I won a free meal for two at the Oasis) contained excellent prizes.

The evening to me was a huge success. Having booked a table for 10 people, all my guests thoroughly enjoyed the event. It just shows, the De La Warr which is always being knocked, can get it right sometimes.

Sandra J Melvin

Turkey Road.

Sad Pavilion

MY son plays for the under-sevens for Glenco Football Club, which he enjoys very much.

We went to the De La Warr on Friday night for the end-of-season presentation night where all the age groups for Glenco received a trophy.

It was a very enjoyable evening and all the children got into the spirit of the evening, but I must say I don't think I will be going to the De La Warr for a long time.

If the people who run this theatre want more people to come and enjoy the entertainment then I suggest they look hard at the cost of there drinks and snacks.

I paid 6.80 for four bottles of Coke, 500mls,that worked out at 1.70 each.

I was disgusted that they could charge that much when they only cost 1 in the local shops. I wish I'd brought my own. They wanted 80p for a two-fingered Kitkat.

Are the public paying for all the work that has been done on the building? It sure seems that way.

I for one will not be popping in there for a drink or something to eat. I dread to think how much an alcoholic drink and a hot meal would cost.

Even though it was an enjoyable evening it would have been even better if I could of afforded another drink for my kids and family. How can any family afford to go there if they charge those sort of prices?

Name and address supplied.

So kind

WE would like to thank on behalf of our good friend and neighbour, a pensioner who was callously robbed by conmen, all the residents of Kinver Lane who kindly donated money on her behalf.

Their generosity is much appreciated.

Among all the bad publicity Pebsham has had recently, we have some kindness.

We thank you all.

Ivan, Darren, Pauline, Liz and Lindsey Green

Kinver Lane.

Voting pattern

YOUR exemplary coverage of the elections leaves precious little else to say. So far as Bexhill is concerned, and as a useful offset to Cllr Starnes' eulogy, the Conservatives' share of the vote fell from 65.9% in 2003 to 59.4% in 2007, while the Lib Dems' share rose from 24.2% to 25.1%. Labour fell from 6.6% to 5.8% and Independents rose from 3.2% to 9.7% - mainly the Bridger effect. The underlying trend is of the Conservatives being pushed steadily westward.

One other thing. In light of uncertainty surrounding the number of votes that electors could cast, I did some rough calculations. In total some 28% of those who voted cast only one vote. By far the highest proportion was in St Michael's where 60% (!) cast only one vote. After a big drop came Central (39%), Kewhurst (31%), Collington (29%), St Mark's (28%) and Old Town (23%); then another drop with Sidley (17%), Sackville (15%) and lastly St Stephen's (14%).

STEPHEN JACKSON

Second Avenue.

Cobbled Link

RICHARD Madge (letter, May 4), living in College Road, is apparently, quite happy to accept any infrastructure proposal that eases congestion to nearby Bexhill Road.

He does not, however, seem to appreciate (or perhaps does not care) about the increased congestion that the imposition of a sub-standard Link Road solution would cause to large areas of Little Common and West Bexhill. Beyond the congestion, though, and of much greater importance, are the safety considerations.

The cobbled and improvised Link Road proposal necessarily contains design compromises - caused, not least, by such existing physical limitations as bridge an old railway cutting widths.

These compromised design restrictions will inevitably lead, if the Link Road proposal is imposed, to unacceptably dangerous conditions and, of course, an increased number of road accidents and deaths.

We already know what mayhem and tragedy can occur on inadequate roads like King Offa Way and Queensway which are not fit for current purposes and all too often carry traffic beyond their safe capacity.

If the Link Road proposal gets rail-roaded through (as now seems possible) the inevitable design inadequacies will be knowingly incorporated into the scheme from the drawing board stage. We can only expect an increased level of tragedy in the wake of the proposed disaster.

Will the Link Road Boosters (including our MP and the rest of the Conservative Party) still be boasting when it's time to count the real cost?

J. Truscott

De La Warr Parade.

Top service

I WOULD urge anyone with a non-life threatening episode to call the NHS helpline. My elderly mother-in-law was at our house for dinner last Sunday, and although not choking, all of a sudden could not digest anymore and started to feel quite ill. As it got more painful for her, we called the NHS Helpline.

They talked through exactly what was happening and they decided that an ambulance was needed. Within two minutes, the ambulance was here.

The two paramedics, Mark and Dan, were outstanding. They calmed her down and then took her to the ambulance and gave her a thorough check up while at the same time helped ease her pain and discomfort. And they advised what was the best course of action.

They even offered her a free ride to the hospital (which she declined). My wife and I wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Mark and Dan. Extremely polite, professional and knowledgeable. Thanks guys, you did a great job and Mum is feeling better. Well done to the NHS.

RODNEY HARRIS

South Cliff.

Hospital filth

REGARDING your item: 'Dust and dirt hang from hospital duct' (page 5, May 4), I think louvred ceilings, or ceiling panels left open, in modern hospitals are unsightly and quite likely a hazard.

How is anyone supposed to clean the tangle of pipes and ducts above them? If the tangle has got to remain dusty, it should be kept covered.

It was more reassuring when essential pipework was concealed behind opaque panels, which were opened only when cleaning or repairs were being carried out. In some hospital areas too, windows are far away and fresh air, if any, seems to come from air conditioning units, giving a stuffy, unhealthy air quality. Air conditioning seems to be about where heating was in the Stone Age. We'd be better off opening windows as in the old TB sanatoria.

ALLAN BULA

Wickham Avenue.

Danger lure

AS an angler myself I was sickened to see the picture of a gull with those fish hooks. In freshwater angling there are strict rules with bans and fines but no such legislation seems to apply to beaches.

Experienced anglers rarely lose tackle and if they do make every effort to retrieve it. The lure that hooked the gull is banned on most freshwater fisheries so why is it allowed on public beaches?

PAUL COLEGATE

Wickham Avenue.

Sidley speed

COULD you please find out why Sidley hasn't any flashing 30mph signs when there are two schools, a Sure Start, two nursery schools and a doctors' surgery, soon to become a health centre; this all within half a mile.

When you go towards Ninfield they have big speed limit 30mph and flashing 30mph. Next Herstmonceux big 30mph plus speed cameras plus flashing 30mph and the same on the outskirts of Hailsham and so forth.

My husband had picked up our granddaughter the other day.

Walking back home and crossing the road as it was clear, all of a sudden a car appeared speeding, braked suddenly and the driver said he was sorry.

So, please, why can't we have some speeding signs before a child is killed or badly injured. At the time I was writing this we were having another car count.

MARGARET SWATRIDGE (Mrs)

Cumberland Road.

Hospital care

HAVING spent a period in the Conquest Hospital as part of on-going treatment, I have to say that my treatment, the food, and the "TLC" were excellent.

I do not dispute those who have found otherwise and am sorry for them; although comparisons with Third World hospitals make me wonder how many of those such folk have seen.

I want to express my gratitude to the staff at all levels and hope that this may help to redress the balance.

While no one (normally) wants to be in hospital, my stay was made happy and even some of the more intimate and personal part of the treatment were carried out in such a manner that afforded dignity and the minimum of embarrassment.

Most of my stay was on Ashburnham Ward, but all departments deserve the highest praise.

Les Masters

Manor Road.

Toilet role

NOW that the ladies' toilets at the South Cliff end of the seafront are closed "for refurbishment" with no indication when they will be re-opened (probably in the winter seeing from the local authority's point of view it is always better to do essential works in summer so that we can inconvenience the visitors as much as possible), I am wondering whether some enterprising person could set up a stall selling portable potties.

In my opinion it would make a fortune.

My own visit to these closed loos was last Sunday when the sun was shining and the seafront was thronging with people. I had decided to walk in order to avoid having to find a parking place so was about a mile from home when I decided to visit the loo on my way home.

The very small notice said I could either use the disabled toilet or go to Channel View where there were some alternative facilities.

Being a resident, I knew where Channel View was, and that it was quite a way off, but a visitor would have been in a quandry - the offer to be able to use the disabled toilet was a farce because it was firmly locked!

I decided not to risk walking all the way back to Channel View and made my way quickly home, bringing my visit to the seafront to an abrupt end.

What will they do next?

I for one would be more than happy to pay a fee for a wee so perhaps a local entrepreneur would offer to manage the toilets for the council on a commercial basis thus being able to provide clean, managed, facilities.

After all, if we can pay a man with a van to trawl up and down collecting dog poo surely it is not beyond the wit of a normal person to pay someone to open and close toilets morning and night in order to deter the vandals who are always given as the reason for closing them down?

Why is the simple answer always the last one to be tried?

Sylvia Kirkpatrick

Warnham Gardens.

Rother toilets are locked at night. - Ed.

People's vote

MAY I ask Mr Holloway (Letters, May 11) if he votes for the same party his earlier generations voted for as he fails to mention this in his letter?

If he wants to have a pop at the Tories then do so but please don't suggest that it is the fault of peoples' votes. I most certainly have not followed my parents voting record as I have no wish to waste my vote as they did. I, too, witnessed the problem near the post office which I am sure was helped massively by a bus driver leaning on his hooter at regular intervals. Where were the police? Sorry too busy filling in numerous forms given to them by our wonderful Labour Government who feel facts and figures are more important than crime. As to traffic jams in other areas, most of these are caused again by illegal parking not by use of the legal spaces.

If people would only use these spaces and for their stipulated time then traffic would flow safely and as it should. Bus subsidies cut, then, I would suggest contacting HM Government as, if they chop the grant to a Tory council as seems to be their way then something has to give. I would ask why is there a subsidy given to the bus company in the first place? Surely if they provided the service so wanted at a price low enough, then they would have full buses on all routes.

I am well aware that the council have made errors but they have to work within the constraints imposed on them by Tony and his crew and look what they have done to this once glorious country. 10 years in control and what have they achieved; a big fat zero.

It's not so much goodbye Tony as good riddance and the sooner the rest of his cohorts follow the better. They have done more to ruin our lives than the local council probably ever will.

P M ADAMS

Hornbeam Avenue.

Web wonder

I HOPE that the same modesty shown by Peter Lindsey (Observer Group Editor) placing his article on page 25 of this week's Bexhill Observer will not prevent the publishing of this letter.

Of course we all love our Friday edition of the paper and rush out to get our copies as early as possible, but we also live in the 21st century.

For some time now the Observer have been gently encouraging us to visit their web sites and since the recent re-launch these have got even better.

For example today i visited the Conflict exhibition at the De La Warr, but i was able to get a taste first on the Observer's web site both in word and pictures. I was unable to attend the Bexhill Achievers Awards but viewed the many pictures soon after.

As Mr Lindsey truly says, the world is now 24/7, and people want information asap. The web sites are updated at least three times a day. I personally visit at least once a day.

I think we can all rest easy that not only is our local treasure the Bexhill Observer, every Friday, in safe hands, but Mr Lindsey and his team are proving expert guides in this multi media age, too. Thank you to all Observer staff.

Paul Minter

Uplands Close.

Student art

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved in the wonderful display of art by our local GCSE and A Level students.

Brilliant work of the highest standard on the ground floor (of the De La Warr Pavilion).

The primary schools have some interesting work on display in the upstairs gallery. Very well done.

You should be so proud.

I urge all Bexhillians to see these displays. It is really understandable art - not at all what we have had foisted upon us since the renovation of the pavilion.

All we need now is to have the shows that Hastings and Eastbourne put on and we are up and running!

Doreen Mills

The Briary.

My birthrights

I WOULD like to make a few comments on a recent speech given by Gordon Brown on the subject of constitutions.

For the UK he says we need a constitution that is clear about the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen in Britain today.

But I think this is another under-hand scheme to push us further towards complete control by Brussels and lose yet more of our rights.

On EU constitution he goes on to say, there is a huge amount of water still to pass under the bridge here, and we do not know what many countries would accept, it is getting institutional change that makes sense, but at the same time it is in the national interest that matters. What a load of nonsense and double talk (Heath style).

I wonder where Mr. Brown was educated, because when I went to school we were told and taught that we possess a fine written constitution that is the oldest in the world and has been adopted and copied by many other countries, and tailored to suit their own needs.

It is called the Magna Carta. It embodies our own interpretation of right and wrong as applied by our common law. It is a treaty between the Monarch and the people and has been reinforced by the Declaration of Rights 1688, The Bill of Rights 1689 and the Articles of Religion. All these form constitutional law, to which all statute law must conform. Constitutional Law cannot be altered nor repealed by the Lower House by statute, nor by referendum, and definitely not by any EU directive.

Magna Carta is well good enough for me, and at the next election for government I shall be voting for the Independence Party as I want my birthrights returned and my country back where they rightly belong, and this party would appear to be the only one willing to put their country first above anything else, and the only party that appears to have the necessary guts and balls to do so.

ROBERT BALL

Glassenbury Drive.

Son ignored

MAY I take this opportunity to thank the couple who ignored my son's plea for help on the evening of May 2, as he lay in the road, head bleeding, elbows and knees cut and bleeding and his bike all twisted. After all it was 7.15pm, so why worry, someone else could deal with it.

They had no need to worry, he only spent all night and the next day in the Conquest Hospital suffering from a suspected fracture of the skull and severe concussion.

I only hope if they read this and realise who they are, then one day they will do the right thing by somebody else if it happens again.

Decent people would!

N. BROWN (Mrs)

The Finches.

Photo joy

I AM thrilled to say the two photo albums I found in the Rochester Flea Market several years ago have been claimed after you published my letter this week.

Thank you for your prompt action in publishing my letter. It is very satisfying to be able to return these albums to members of the families mentioned.

P Draper (Mrs)

Rochester

Kent.

Cash thanks

I WISH to thank all the generous people of Sidley, Bexhill, St Leonards and Hastings who put donations in collecting tins for Brownbread Horse Rescue and Greyhounds in Need and the kind shop owners who find space for our boxes - their help is truly appreciated.

RITA HAWKINS

Volunteer Worker

Boreham Street.

Purse return

ON Wednesday, May 9, while in a shop my purse / wallet was stolen from my handbag and later discarded and empty apart from some membership cards, on which were my name and address, on the De La Warr car park.

Thank you to the kind person who found it and posted it back to me receiving same on Friday, May 11. So kind to take the trouble and I would like to reimburse you.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Election thanks

ON behalf of Bridget George and myself, I should like to thank all those who supported us in the recent elections for Rother District Council.

We shall endeavour to continue a high standard of service to you all.

Paul Lendon (Cllr)

St Stephen's Ward.

MAY I thank all the people who voted for me in the recent election.

I have enjoyed the friendliness and support that I have received during the past eight years. I have worked hard for St Mark's and I shall, I assure you, continue to do so.

It has been a privilege to serve you all.

Joanne Gadd (Cllr)

AFTER a concentrated period of electioneering in beautiful weather and meeting and talking with many residents it has ended in a successful outcome.

We would like to thank everyone who voted for us. However, we must emphasise that now we represent all the residents whatever their political allegiance.

We will continue to meet and talk with all Central Ward and be available to the residents at all times.

Joy Hughes (Cllr)

Michael Ensor (Cllr)

Central Ward.

MAY I thank all the people involved in the district election, especially the voters of Sackville Ward.

Although I was unsuccessful this time, I have enjoyed the experience of the election campaign. I would like to congratulate the new councillors in their posts.

Jill Forster

Gwyneth Grove.

ON behalf of myself and my colleague Cllr Mrs Frances Winterborn, we would like to thank those who voted and elected us in the Old Town Ward.

Cllr Stuart Wood, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats,

Cllr Mrs Frances Winterborn

MAY I, through your letters page, say a big thank you to all those who worked long hard hours to bring us the results of the Rother elections last week?

Firstly, the counting staff who worked into the early hours and following day in the De La Warr Pavilion.

Their task was arduous and exacting.

Also, let us not forget the small army of people who trudged round in the hot sun delivering the literature to as many houses as possible, all volunteers.

Next, I salute the voters, without whom the democratic process would not take place. It is just a pity there are not a few more of them.

Those who care about such things may not all be pleased with the results nationally or in their ward, but I promise to go on representing everyone in the East Bexhill Division, and St Michael's Ward to the best of my ability.

Martyn Forster (Cllr)

I WOULD like to thank the electors who voted for me in Central Ward in the local elections and the support given by Bexhill local Labour party.

I would like to congratulate Derek Stevens and his team on the way the election was organised.

Please do not forget all your votes will count when it comes to the European election.

Best wishes to my elected opponents I hope they serve the Ward well and try to solve the problems that there are in Central Ward.

MAURICE WATSON

Ingram Avenue.

I WOULD like, through your pages, to thank those people of St. Michael's Ward who voted for me in the recent elections; unfortunately there weren't enough of you and I failed to keep my seat.

The seat was won by the sitting County Councillor for East Bexhill, Martyn Forster.

I am sure that Cllr Forster will be able to help the residents of Pebsham and other parts of the ward in dealing with local problems; his county connection should give him access to officers at County Hall, and others, in a way that we Rother people found difficult to do.

I must confess that I knew very little about Councillor Forster and what he had done prior to the election campaign but, in his election leaflet, he claimed some quite impressive achievements for the residents of East Bexhill.

I trust that he will be able to apply his claimed expertise and be able to deliver the promises he has made and will help find solutions to the many problems that are specific to St. Michael's Ward.

Councillor Forster's commitment to his county responsibilities is remarkable, the county website shows that he missed only one committee meeting last year; I am confident that, providing he continues in this way, the residents of St. Michael's Ward will have a councillor who knows exactly where he is leading them.

Peter Fairhurst

Rookhurst Road

A BIG thank you to all the voters of Sidley Ward who supported both myself and Jim Carroll at the polling booths last Thursday.

We will both be working hard for the benefit all the residents of the ward, regardless of their politics.

Please let either of us know if you have any local issues or concerns that you think we might be able to help with, correspondence can be sent to the Town Hall or of course chat to us around the ward.

We will also be aiming to hold local surgeries.

Robert Wheeler (Cllr)

Preston Road.

MAY I thank the residents of Sidley for voting for me in this year's Rother elections.

It is important that all political groups are represented at local election level. I feel confident that having representation or contact with four political groups in Sidley can only be positive for the residents and traders of the village.

Secondly, may I congratulate Councillors Carroll and Wheeler on their recent election victory and to take this opportunity to remind them that should I be able to be of assistance to them they only need to ask.

Thirdly, I must take this opportunity to convey my thanks to the past councillors Helen and Keith Bridger, and Philipa Coughlan and Stephanie Webb of the Labour Party for making this year's Sidley election campaign a positive and enjoyable experience.

The Liberal Democrats will continue to monitor and work in Sidley with the view of promoting a safer Sidley, a better Sidley and a happier Sidley.

Brett McLean

Lib Dem candidate for Sidley -

Rother Council elections 2007

and chairman St Leonards Lib Dems

I STOOD as the Independent candidate in Sackville Ward in the recent election and would be grateful if I could borrow your columns to sincerely thank everyone who gave me their support.

If I knew who you were I would come and thank you personally!

It was both a pleasure and a privilege to meet and chat with so many residents in this varied and vibrant part of the town.

I gained 200 votes which represents about 7.4 per cent of the total votes cast in the ward, and means that something like 13 per cent of all the people who voted gave me one of their votes.

In Sackville Ward the ruling group lost its previous overwhelming majority and is now the minority party due to the joint opposition put up by the Liberal Democrats, Labour and myself.

I am very grateful indeed for your support.

As the new council embarks on its new term I am sure that we will watch with interest to see how effectively this administration listens to the electorate.

Peter Webb

Glenleigh Park Road