Your letters - October 9

Town needs a council

YOUR correspondent John Howlett rightly observed that Rother District Council spends time and energy focusing on Bexhill. Not only time and energy, but also funding.

The latest project is the 5.1 million modernisation of the Bexhill sea front, the largest single spend ever on RDC. Neither rural, nor Bexhill residents have been consulted on this as required and promised in Rother's Code of Corporate Governance.

Bexhill is one of the last towns without its own town council. This means that taxpayers across Rother pay for some services enjoyed by Bexhill residents '“ services that parish and town councils provide in rural Rother. There is some balancing with what's known as Bexhill Special Expenses, paid by only Bexhill residents; however there is still officer time and many services which aren't covered by this.

As the Lib Dem group on Rother, we believe this imbalance can only be redressed by the creation of a Bexhill town council. Although there are costs with this, the pay-off will be for all Rother residents, but particularly for Bexhill.

To have its own non-political, independent town council attending in detail to its interests as our parish and town councils do in the rural communities can only improve Bexhill.

Lib Dems proposed that Rother District Council seek to establish a Bexhill town council. This was voted down. Lib Dems have also proposed area committees with their own devolved budgets, making their own decisions on planning. Many councils, whatever colour, operate this system successfully. This too was voted down.

Let's hope that David Cameron's commitment to localism and decisions made at the lowest possible level reaches the Conservatives on Rother. In spite of the local Conservative track record so far, we can still hope.

Cllr Sue Prochak

Leader Lib Dems

RDC

Risk-taking children

READING a recent Observer letter '“ "Please Slow Down" '“ regarding speeding traffic in Gunters Lane, I was amazed to see two youngsters from Bexhill High on their way home from school on Thursday, actually on the wrong side of the barrier where the road bends and narrows.

They were walking along the grassy slope while clinging to the barrier, laughing and having a geat time! One slip and they'd have rolled down the bank under a car. Please Mr Conn, do have words with the children.

Doreen Mills

The Briary

Bexhill

We have to be ready

I WELCOME your report titled "Reminder to residents to check flood risks", which is useful information to prevent the flash flooding that many residents have experienced through East Sussex.

My question to the county council is have they made preparations to cover the prevention of flooding by making sure all ditches and streams are clear of debris? The once-a-year contract of cleaning drains in Bexhill streets is taking place now, and it would be helpful if those who park vehicles make sure that when the machine is in the area it has access to the drains, otherwise it is impossible to clean the drains.

Drains that have been cleaned will have had a spot of white paint sprayed on it, and should you find a drain that has not been cleaned it would be useful to report it to ESCC.

I know of a drain that has weeds growing out of it, situated where double yellow lines are, and nobody parks there, it's outside RDC offices in Amherst Road, and I had it photo-ed last year.

If the surface water cannot get away, this is one of the first problems for a build-up of water, both with drains and ditches which in the past were cleaned far more often.

Stuart Wood

RDC Councillor

Thanks for your help

I WOULD like to take this opportunity of thanking Bexhill 100 Motor Club, for kindly donating to me a cheque which will help with my riding ambitions. I am a para (disabled) equestrian dressage and show jumping rider. I was born with only one arm.

This amazing support will help us with lorry servicing/repairs, training, shoeing, shows etc. The cheque will really help with future preparation for my final goal.

My dream would be to ride in the 2012 Paralympics, as without such local support from individuals, family and organisations such as the Bexhill 100, I would not be able to give Bexhill a chance of being represented in the Paralympics. So again huge, huge thanks to the Bexhill 100.

I do not get any support from lottery or any other support from sporting bodies '“ everything I do is self-funded. I work at a special needs school in Bexhill, bag up manure to help pay for lessons, and collect old ink cartridges and mobile, phones which we can turn into cash these can be dropped to SBS Consumables, London Road Bexhill or sent directly to me please see my website

www.emilyjanelawes.co.uk and www.bpsja.co.uk

Emily Lawes

15 Ian Close

Bexhill

An interesting rate

OAPs like myself hear about the amount of money waiting to be claimed as a top-up for low pensions.

When I enquired about this, I was told that after 12,000 all savings are calculated to earn 1 per week for every 500 in savings. This is 10 per cent interest which is totally unheard of. Recently it was said that councils may have to raise charges because they don't get good returns on their investments. Why not go to the mythical bank that pays 10 percent?

No doubt if we are to be means-tested on heating allowance and bus passes, all calculations will be based on this notional 10 per cent.

Mr R Whitehead

Yvonne Robertson House

Hastings Road

Stamp of approval

THROUGH the media I would like to thank the kind person who handed in a book of first class stamps at Sidley Post Office two weeks ago.

It is heartwarming to know that there are honest people.

Jacqueline Bassett

Watergate

I'm piping down

I HAVE resigned as band manager and founder committee member for the Robertson Pipe and Drum Academy.

It was my intention to step down in November at the AGM, however health and personal reasons made it prudent to do so now. I have thoroughly enjoyed giving life to this 'wee beastie' but like any infant it is hard work, but along with co-founder Pipey Rab Reid, it has been a really exciting and fulfilling experience. I was delighted to see our lads take medals at Colchester in June and look forward to seeing them go on to great things in next year's competitions.

I wish them all luck and leave knowing the band is in good safe hands. My assistant Mrs Kim Bridger will take over as acting band manager until November when I'm certain this will be made official. I go on now to take up a different position as standard bearer for the Little Common Women's Division of the Royal British Legion which I'm looking forward to immensely. So my band life comes full circle, as I began with 1066 as their standard bearer almost six years ago. I wonder what is round the next corner.

Also on October 24/25 Edinburgh Bagpipe Company is hosting a piping workshop by Bruce Campbell. Bruce was part of the Amazing Grace phenomenon with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The workshop will be at St Richard's College and will run over the two days. Cost for the two day workshop is a steal at 40 incl. For bookings and more info, call, email or pop into the shop. You can see online information in the Events Diary on www.edinburghbagpipes.co.uk.

Pat Donoghue

The Gael

Sea Road

Cyclists, take care

WE RECENTLY rehomed a very small eight-month-old puppy from a local rescue centre.

She has a lovely nature but is a chaser of cars, motorbikes and bicycles.

We take her to training classes every week but the only place we feel safe to let her off her lead to practise her recall training is on the lower promenade below South Cliff, where she is a great favourite with other walkers due to her friendly nature. However due to an irresponsible cyclist she almost lost her life.

Most cyclists normally slow down or stop while I put her on her lead but today one man shot past us so fast I didn't hear him coming.

My dog shot off after him and I called for him to slow down.

He then proceeded to cycle off as fast as he could and she chased after him right onto West Parade.

I was about 500 metres behind and could do nothing. I feel he deliberately led her onto the road.

It was a miracle she wasn't killed or the cause of a serious accident. Luckily some dog walkers managed to stop the traffic and catch her.

I realise she has her problems, but I believe cycling is prohibited on the prom so why do these people believe they can behave in such a reckless manner?

And why isn't the council enforcing its own rules? Several times a week we have to dodge speeding cyclists. Does it take an incident where a dog is killed or a child seriously hurt by these idiots before some action is taken?

From now on I am going to photograph every cyclist on the prom in case their behaviour leads to an accident.

Gillian Schifreen

Cooden Drive

Bexhill

Motorway is best way

I MUST reply through you to the letter Richard Madge of College Road, Bexhill has written on the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road.

I know College Road and Dorset Road very well. Any link road, as indeed with any proposal for a new road, will always produce objectors.

I am well aware of all his objections, and I feel a route which I have suggested will produce far fewer than any other.

The purpose of the inquiry is to debate these problems and I hope he will come to the inquiry.

Better still it would be good to meet him My email address is [email protected] should he like to meet up with me.

I am still of the opinion that the best solution of all would be to have a proper south coast motorway rather like the one they have through north Kent. The most prosperous towns in the country all have good motorway connections.

It is generally accepted that Hastings in particular is having a very difficult time right now.

I have moved from Bexhill to Horsham which has very good connections and is obviously much more prosperous than Hastings. But our own MPs do not seem to agree!

Dr John Thurston

Southwater

West Sussex

Gratitude for donation

THANKS to the generosity of the people of Bexhill, a street collection by two 80-year-old ladies, one greyhound and shi tzu raised over 90 for Greyhounds In Need.

Rita Hawkins

Collector

Boreham Street,

Hailsham

We're on to speeders

I AM in the process of completing my latest house-to-house ward survey in Pebsham.

One of the issues raised is the problem of speeding traffic in Seabourne Road and Pebsham Lane.

I wish to inform residents that random speed checks are now taking place.

Also at my request new safety and speed warning signs are being put up in Pebsham '“ let's hope drivers take notice.

I wish to record my thanks to Brian Banks, traffic and safety manager at East Sussex County Council's highways department, for his co-operation in this matter.

Councillor Charles Clark.

Kinver Lane

A false impression?

WE have recently received a Bexhill to Hastings link road newsletter.

It gives reasons why we need the road, the chosen route, environmental protections and the key stages from 2004 to the expected completion in 2012.

On the front of the newsletter is an artist's impression of how the road will look 15 years after completion '“ an idyllic tree lined road with two vehicles on it! This begs the question, why do we need the road if this is the long-term estimate of the volume of traffic it will carry?

Janice Pearce

Bancroft Road

Bexhill

In praise of school plan

Re: Longer school days at Bexhill High

IT SEEMS to me that there is a lot written about parents opposing it but nothing representing parents like me who think, in principle, it's a good idea.

I went along to the meeting with parents chaired by the governors and with a talk by Mike Conn where he answered questions.

To be honest I was very inspired and encouraged by his plans for the new school and for the education of our children.

He seems to have their best interests at heart and is very passionate about giving them the best chance in life.

Let's face it, we are in a global recession with high levels of unemployment and our kids need something to give them the edge. What better than a longer school day to enable them to do their homework without distractions of TV, PlayStation, X-box etc?

Mike Conn made it clear that clubs attended by the children could be accommodated and he even had ideas of bringing in drama groups so the kids have hobbies on site.

Of course there will be concerns and teething problems but these can be overcome '” but not with the negative and narrow-minded thinking of some of the parents I listened to at that meeting.

I was getting embarrased by the trivial things they were coming up with, and I felt truly sorry for Mike Conn as he looked so deflated at the end after the barrage of attacks.

I thought extended school days were part of the government agenda anyway, so what's the big problem?

We have here a forward-looking headteacher who has vision and can see that our children have untapped potential '“ give him a chance to show what he can do! Your kids can see friends and play at the weekends and their evenings will be free!

Let's move with the times!

Tracey Whitewood-Neal

Watermill Close

No, the plan is daft

SO the high school governors have given the go ahead for the new school hours, surprise, surprise! What qualifies them to do this, have they educational expertise? I don't think so.

Are they part of the plot to ruin the country? The great majority of pupils and more importantly the teachers think this is a stupid idea, guess how many of the teachers are going to leave? (poll the teachers).

The idea of the so called 'learning pods' is fine if the pupils are keen to learn but the vast majority are not bothered. Imagine the chaos that 90 pupils can cause. Have you been in the present school and heard the uncontrolled noise that comes from the classrooms? There is no discipline, so smaller not larger classes is the right option.

This giant ego trip will condemn diligent pupils to the scrapheap of poor results.

How is it that St Richards results are always so far ahead of the high school?

Why has no one investigated the lacklustre results of the high school? Surely the best way forward for the new school is a new board of governors with educational expertise and employ the now retired Mr Campbell of St Richards to show them how it is really done. He must be worth his weight in gold.

God help our children because as sure as eggs is eggs, this is going to be one almighty lash-up. Parents and children, rise up and protest before it is too late.

P Keall

Turkey Road

Bexhill

Wedding thanks

MY HUSBAND and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make our medieval wedding a very special day after all the trauma leading up to it.

We managed to raise at least 260 for Marie Curie Cancer care, 225 for British Heart foundation, 100 for Cancer Research, 50 to 1st Bexhill Guides, 300 to the Recycle wood company, and we even built a bog in Pakistan for Oxfam, which is fantastic. Thank you so much.

Caz and Martin Coomber

address supplied

Kick out the lunatics

THIS country is in a complete muddle and is completely out of control.

It is run by three treacherous creatures, Brown, Mandelson and Miliband, who are out to benefit themselves in every possible way.

Years ago these creatures would be incarcerated in the Tower on a charge of treason.

For heavens sake, this government has got to be rid of at the earliest possible moment '“ or it will be too late.

Just look around you, people look downtrodden, the streets are littered with rubbish, embankments by the railway are overgrown, roads and pavements are in an appalling and dangerous state, girls and boys are being killed in other countries while their own country is being given away right, left and centre by an inept and incapable government.

What are you citizens going to do about it '“ just let it go on as it is or take a stand and oust the lunatics?

D Carden

Catley Court

Sutherland Avenue

Freedom idea is crazy

CAN I believe what I am reading?

An honour board, listing recipients of the Freedom of Bexhill, to be sited at the museum which is to cost something like 2,000?

Due to the recession this should be given very serious thought, and maybe a cheaper alternative can be found.

Our dear councillors have already virtually rubber-stamped the spending of 5.1million on so-called re-designing the seafront and 500,000 apparently being paid to the appointed architects.

How refreshing to know that the ratepayers of the town are being considered!

JW Tollett

Bidwell Avenue

Bexhill

Clean up dog mess

RECENTLY and innocently I suggested to my two small grandchildren that we should have a bit of fun and explore the lower slopes of the Galley Hill cliffs. The exploration lasted two minutes.

The disgusting mess left by dog owners was beyond belief. My grandchildren could have been blinded.

Do these dog-owners have any conscience? They are criminals, as there are laws forbidding these obscene acts against the public and decency.

Why does the council not act? I understand we have an officer who is responsible for attending fouling common footpaths. Why not put a CCTV camera aimed towards the underpass so that these inconsiderate criminals can be noted and held to account?

I am sure the visitors to this town would be grateful '“ though if nothing is done, as my Surrey friends name it, it will become a dog's toilet.

Name and address supplied