Your Letters - September 7

Great beach

GLYNE Gap beach is a wonderful beach to take children to as at low tide it has lots of sand and rock pools and the sea bed shelves gently making it safer for children of all ages. The cafe is an added bonus allowing the grown ups accompanying their children to have a refreshing cuppa and children to buy ice lollies and cold drinks. I have spent many a pleasant day on this beach with my children. However those days are now gone never to be repeated. The reason? There is now nowhere to park the car! The small car park by the beach is now three hours only.

If you go over that time then you get clamped and maybe even towed away. 95 to have clamps removed (plus 5 credit card fees making a grand total of 100) and 225 if your car is towed away. Beach users used to be able to park in Ravenside car park but alas no more. They are run by the same company that run the smaller car park and so the same fees apply, however in Ravenside you have the added rule that you will be clamped if you are not a patron - notices state that "If you are seen leaving the site your car will be clamped". Can any of this be legal? If Ravenside are so worried about spaces being used by beach users why not put in meters so drivers can pay to use the car park.

After all the car park is rarely full to capacity - in fact I have only seen it really full around Christmas time and who wants to go on the beach then? So what is their problem?

The only alternative is to park on the busy main road - causing a narrowing of an already congested road or, as I have decided, not to go to our favourite beach again. Of course if the railway station were to be built this would solve the problem. I could take the bus I suppose but would then spend most of the day waiting in the traffic jams trying to get along the seafront. Oh well once again the greed of a few spoils the fun for the many. By the way does anyone know who owns the small car park at Glyne Gap? I always thought it was council owned.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Public wishes

I AM astonished that many of our councillors and especially our MPs, that are supposed to represent the pulse of their constituents, ignore their concerns. Indeed, ignore their worries blatantly and insultingly to their intelligence.

We have seen rallies protesting at the closure-threats to our A&E and maternity facilities; we have seen our post offices closing; we have seen our Council Tax escalating, our fishery industry decimated, our dairy industry brought to its knees, our borders so permeable as to let in every and any terrorist and the Human Rights legislation, ordered by the European Union, unable to deport those that disregard our culture and civil values.

The BBC is biased to the government of the day; they endeavour to broadcast only the vote-winning policy agendas that the government desires. "Not true", you may say but how often have you heard anything about the EU being the fundamental reason for all the lack of funds for our Council tax, our British way of life.

We are having to pay 40 billion annually to belong to the EU when all that money could, not only fund all our NHS, (maternity & A&E), reduce all our Council Tax to half at least, bring our fishery industry under OUR control, keep our village post offices open, our dairy industry buoyant with our ancient herds preserved with their valuable, genetic heredity, and more. Why are we giving our hard-earned money to 24 other continental countries when our need is becoming desperate?

I object to being ruled by European Commissioners that I can neither bring to account nor dismiss by any majority vote. Our Britain, with the fourth greatest economy in the world and the Continental nations trading more with us than we with them, are far better to be out of this European Union that none of us have ever been asked if we wanted to belong to. Yes, we voted for a trading relationship with Europe, but we never, ever asked to be ruled by the powers that include those that we defeated in the last two world wars. Yes, ruled, because about three quarters of our laws are now made against us by the "Rulers" of the EU in Brussels; unelected Commissioners like Peter Mandelson, a twice failed MP, appointed, not elected, as a Commissioner to rule over us.

The disgraceful treaty, signed by millionaire Blair, as he dismounted politics, will ensure that our Queen becomes a puppet to the whims of Germany and the other continental nations. Brown may or may not allow us to have a referendum on whether we should ratify the Blair-signed treaty but, whatever he decides we should protect the British way of life; protect Bexhill, Battle, Eastbourne, Hastings, St Leonards, Rye, indeed the whole of Rother, our 1066 Country, by making our voice heard. Lobby your MP; lobby your councillor, discuss with your neighbour but above all, keep our British / English way of life paramount for our children.

Tony Smith

Ashburnham

Grand Hotel

IN your report of the continuing sage of the Grand Hotel site (Observer, August 24), you quote Cllr Keith Standring, in whose ward the site is, as saying: "I am confident that the council will now be able to force through an improvement in the appearance of this prominent site at an early date. It is regrettable that this has taken so long to reach this stage but the council is restricted in the actions it can take by the requirements of the legislation concerned." Compare that with the uninhibited pledge he made in his election address when he first became a councillor at a Sackville by-election back in 2006: "I expect like me you are heartily sick and tired of seeing the continuing unsightly and dilapidated state of the old Grand Hotel site in Sea Road, in an otherwise attractive and well cared for ward. I shall struggle tirelessly for that site to be developed as quickly as possible ..."

16 months later and the position is as you report. Perhaps Cllr Standring simply ran out of steam, the result of all the hot air he puffs out about the EU? But there is a lesson to be learnt here.

STEPHEN JACKSON

Second Avenue

Traffic

HAVE any other local people noticed the vast improvement for those walking and cycling on London Road during its recent closure for pipe laying? Much reduced noise, pollution and danger from traffic leading to an environment more conducive to walking, talking and social interaction. Surely a lesson to be learned here.

I moved to Bexhill earlier this year not least because of its slightly more civilised and relaxed atmosphere compared to other towns. However, it is still dominated by traffic. Those of us wishing (or needing) to walk or cycle still face noise, pollution and danger caused by motorised traffic, some of which is speeding, some illegally parked. Society - local, national and global - needs to reduce its dependence on the motor car if issues such as obesity, other health problems, social inequity and catastrophic climate change are to be addressed.

Are there any other readers who wish to see a Bexhill where the needs of people come before the needs of cars? If so perhaps you could make your views known through this letters page. With sufficient support we could start to make changes.

PETER CAUNTER

Newlands Avenue

Dumped

WE have had a sofa and armchair dumped down an alley beside our house, we have phoned the council seven times now plus a neighbour as well. The last time was five weeks ago I spoke to a young lady who told me she would get it sorted but alas it is still there.

We keep the alley clear by cutting the grass and stinging nettles etc. There are only two alleys that are kept clear by the people so come on council isn't it about time you sorted this problem out. At the end of the day what do we pay our council tax for plus we are helping them by keeping it clear and we are quite worried that somebody will set fire to it.

M SWATRIDGE (MRS)

Cumberland Road

Christian books

IN response to Mr Minter's letter in the Observer (August 24) I would like to respectfully point out that we already have a Christian Book Shop in Bexhill.

We have been established for nearly 30 years now, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers over these many years for their support. So there is no need to have to go to Hastings or Eastbourne or elsewhere, as you have a service right in your midst.

ANN MOULAND (MRS)

Bexhill Evangelical Book Centre

Boscobel Road

Cardboard

HOW short-sighted to remove the cardboard recycling facility from Little Common. Could not two of the containers used for can and plastic recycling be replaced by an additional two for cardboard? Do we really need three containers for plastic and cans as we now have a doorstep collection for these items?

We are being urged to recycle as much as possible - doing away with cardboard recycling is surely a backward step.

LINDA BRUNTON

Cooden Drive

Thank you

AS I recover from injuries received following a fall in Sea Road a few weeks ago, may I through this paper say "thank you" to all who came to help my friend and me, a gentleman who got off his motor bike and another gentleman who was close by and the staff of the Northian Hotel,

FRANCES LYONS

Collington Road East

Arts events

AS Bexhill fans of St Mary in the Castle may know, the unique Hastings church, refurbished as an arts centre, has now been leased to the Sonrise (sic) church.

But do they know that St Mary in the Castle Friends are keeping alive the memory of the building's arts-centre period by reviving some of the successful events of those years, but at different venues?

The next such revival will be a jazz breakfast with the Jazz Caverners at 11am on Sunday, October 14. It will be held at Venue M (the former George Street Hall) in George Street, Hastings. Tickets, price 6 (including the customary cake and drink), will be available from the Friends' office, Unit 9, St Andrew;'s Shopping Mews, Waldegrave Street, Hastings TN34 1SJ; and Hastings Information Centre at the Town Hall; from September 15. The number for enquiries is 442601.

ALLAN BULA

Wickham Avenue

Danger road

FOR those who live, (or have lived), in Barnhorn Road, the recent accident (Bexhill Observer, August 24) should not come as a surprise. The speed limit of 30mph is abused in both ways and the 40mph is, by a good deal of drivers, totally ignored. Should a driver be foolish enough to keep at, or below, the speed limit he, or she, can soon have a 'boy racer' almost on his, or her, bumper in no time.

As the County Councillor for Bexhill West, I have had many conversations and exchanges of emails with the Highways Agency, (which is responsible for trunk roads), to ensure that the A259 is not the race track that some drivers feel that it is. I have asked for islands by the bus stops so that people can get across the road safely. I have also asked for the 30mph limit be moved westward to the top of the hill, but this was rejected. Had this restriction been in force, (and followed!) the incident by the entrance to Coneyburrow Lane in June, where two cars were written off and at least one driver was injured, would not have happened. Local residents will also remember the lorry which shed it's load by the Broadwalk and Greyhorses. Had people been on the southern side of the road by the crash, they would most certainly have been badly injured, if not killed.

I shall continue to badger the Highways Agency for the above measures which would not cost too much. However, there is nothing to stop members of the public writing to the Highways Agency, (not to be confused with ESCC's Highways Department), on this matter and the email addresses are '[email protected]' and area4interroutejv.co.uk. The more letters they get, the more notice they will take. I would be grateful if these could be copied to me so that I can chase up the relevant people and, hopefully, get some action from them.

CLLR BRIAN GADD

Collington Lane

TO the best of my knowledge this was the third accident in as many weeks; yet the road planners at County Hall are advocating building the Link Road and developing north Bexhill which can only add to the volume of traffic along this stretch of the A259.

If the project goes ahead there will, in my view, be other matters for the police to deal with as well as traffic accidents. Low cost housing and low paid jobs seem to foster discontent and social problems.

Do the planners consult the police and emergency services?

The ESCC should co-ordinate the efforts of all interested parties to persuade the rail company to provide a fast, reliable and comfortable service to London which would place Bexhill and Hastings in the commuter belt so that:

(i) the 'brightest and best' would not have to move from the area to find suitable employment;

(ii) there would be a demand for quality housing and services as the more affluent living in the London suburbs move into the area, and

(iii) companies would be more likely to set up offices, research and development sections and laboratories etc.

Some may say that's 'pie in the sky' - I say that's regeneration'

D W WOOLLER

Collington Rise

Planning enquiries

WHAT a difference an Inspector makes!

This week we have news of two very different results of planning inquiries.

In Barton-on-Sea Churchill Retirement Living wanted to build a block of 25 retirement flats. They wanted to demolish existing housing and build their block on what our Government would call 'brownfield' land, i.e. previously developed land. The Inspector concluded that "the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the living conditions of local residents. However, this is clearly outweighed by the fact that the proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area". The appeal was therefore dismissed.

Here in Bexhill-on-Sea plans by the same company to build a block of 41 retirement flats on land currently used as bowling greens, and historically an open space within the setting of a Grade 2 listed Victorian terrace, are to be allowed. A different Inspector in this case has acknowledged that the site "is excluded from the definition of previously developed land" (i.e. it is 'greenfield') but does not consider this to be "an argument of substance against the proposal" and concludes "that the proposed development would preserve the setting of the adjacent listed building and more generally would not cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding development". He even goes so far as to state that "the proposed apartments block, in the context of the setting of the listed building, would be modest and unassuming and would not compete with it."

So it now appears that 'greenfield' land can be built on and that all the legislation in place to protect it can apparently be disregarded - an unwelcome planning precedent.

D J TRAMASEUR (MRS)

Brassey Road

Consultation

CLLR Deirdre Williams, portfolio holder for Working in Partnership and Cabinet Spokesperson on Regeneration, Culture and Leisure, was quoted in a PMP (consultants) press release as saying "We are carrying out a public consultation exercise to find out from the people of Rother exactly what they want from the open space and sports facilities in their district.

"Our coastline, parks and open space provide great amenity and leisure opportunities for our residents and visitors and we are committed to delivering a strategy for Rother's open spaces that meets the needs of all".

That consultation exercise was funded by the council (read taxpayers) to identify which open spaces are particularly well used and valued by local people. The object of the exercise included development of a Green Space Strategy to be published next year.

What a pity then that the council's officers failed to defend at appeal the one planning refusal reason originally cited to save the green open space which is Gullivers bowling greens in Knole Road. Instead they accepted hook, line and sinker the argument from developers that part of the site was surplus to requirements.

Meanwhile what did Rother's specially commissioned report conclude? That not only is this part of Bexhill in need of more green space but that the bowling green site - shortly now to be bulldozed - was one of the three highest quality and high value open spaces in the whole of Rother!

This site is, of course, in Cllr Deirdre Williams' own ward.

ANNE-MARIE LOADER

Knole Road

Splendid hospital

I HAVE just returned from a stay in the Conquest Hospital after an operation.

I can only say that I could not have had more care and attention in every respect as would like to say, to everyone, a very sincere thank you.

We are lucky to have such a splendid hospital with such an excellent teamwork from everyone.

Margery Langford

Hawkhurst Way

Evacuees

I WAS interested in your letter regarding keeping in touch with the family to whom the lady was evacuated in the war.

In late September 1940 my mother, older brother and myself were evacuated.

We all met at Ore village school and were taken to the railway station, on buses, and put on a train at about 9 o'clock in the morning.

We spent the whole day on the train travelling across country to avoid London, and at one time stopped in a tunnel during a raid.

At about 8 o'clock in the evening we arrived in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and were put up in the local school. My mother sat with other adults in a little desk, while my brother and I with all the other children lay on the floor and tried to sleep.

The next morning we were marshalled in groups and taken round to find places to lodge.

We ended up at believe it or not No. 10 Downing Street, Chippenham. Mrs Stokes the lady of the house took us in, and fussed over my brother and I.

We stayed with them and were treated like one of the family. We went to church with them, my brother sang in the choir, and after church on Sunday evening we were taken to one or the other of Mrs Stokes grown up children for an evening meal.

When my father, who was a conductor on the Hastings trolly buses was blown through a shop window by a bomb blast, came to join us he was welcomed and within a couple of days he got a job working in the bacon factory in Calne.

We eventually left for home in mid December, and remained in contact with Mrs Stokes for many years.

When I was in the RAF at Wroughton my mother visited us and I took her down to meet Mrs Stokes by then an old lady and a widow.

After my mother's death I continued to send a Christmas card each year, until at last we had no reply.

There is no doubt in my mind that Mrs Stokes was a wonderful lady and I will never forget her.

D WATLING

Sandown Way

Flood plans

Copy of a letter sent to the Chief Executive, Rother District Council:

RE: FLOODING: Emergency arrangements

To date we in Bexhill area have been spared the discomfort, disruption and expense which those in other parts of the country have experienced. However, judging by some recent incidents in Kent we may not always be so fortunate and it could be prudent to be prepared.

To this end, may I presume that RDC have plans and materials in place for instant implementation and ready for the public to be informed now, hopefully in advance of any such incident. Further, could I suggest that a leaflet for information and instruction be produced and distributed to all concerned.

J D EDWARDS

Cooden Drive

Voices in the head

I'VE been following - in your excellent Letters page - the argy-bargy among Bexhill religionists over spiritualism.

At the risk of prolonging this correspondence, let me ask a question: Why is it when people say they're being told to do something by God, we're all expected to treat them with deference and respect and in some cases canonise them?

How does Letters page Christian propagandist Paul Minter know that the voice telling him to open a Christian bookshop in Bexhill isn't the same voice telling a Muslim to kill people in an attack on the London tube system -- also in the name of religion?

And is this voice any different from the one speaking to the poor deluded folk who end up on medication or, at worst, in Broadmoor? Voices in the head? God? The devil? How can any rational person believe this stuff?

Roy Haynes

The Sackville

Overheard

HOW refreshing to read John Dowling's "fragments of conversation" heard during his Bank Holiday walk about, "Oh look the tide's right out, what a lovely town".

My 'overheards' during my wandering around the town are frequently of a medical leaning - "I'm seeing my man tomorrow" or "he's in the Conquest with his ears!"

PETER R DAW

Sea Road

Unbiblical and evil

MY final word on spiritualist 'so called' churches. For those of us fortunate enough to live long lives a lot of pain and suffering comes our way.

We question many times which the right path is. I was baptised as a baby and at 12 confirmed. End of story. Sadly not, I judged not by the wisdom of the scriptures but by the imperfectness of followers. Reading many books on world religions, both still practiced and some now nearly forgotten.

There is much knowledge and good in most world faiths. It took me nearly 15 years to return to the bible and Christianity. Why?

I was reading many books that mentioned bible quotes and started checking them and the verses/ chapters either side. Nearly always they were misquoted. I decided that I had to read the bible from cover to cover, so I did.

What gripped me was it's knowledge was far superior to not just my intelligence, the books I'd read for so long, but to anyone I'd ever heard of. No longer was there a choice. The bible was truth, and all else must be judged by that truth.

Still my journey hadn't finished. Christianity is so diverse, or so I thought. I won't mention which other 'so called' Christian organisations I mixed with, but again I was lead away from the true path.

I knew a girl who wore a crucifix and another faith's symbol together on a chain and it was accepted by her 'church'.

There comes a time when a standard has to be set. When we have to ask 'Who are my brothers and sisters?' There is a reason for organisations like Churches Together and similar. Because although Our Lord Jesus Christ invites everyone to share Eternal Life, you have to accept His death and resurrection to receive this gift. You have to also accept the scriptures as being true. Churches are not, or should not be, social clubs. Those attending have acknowledged Jesus as Lord.

My journey continues to this day. I have still not found a 'home' church to share my faith. Some within the church still reject me, which hurts.

But I draw the same line as they do. There is one God YaHWeH, reached only through His Son Jesus Christ and one Holy Spirit .

Spiritualism is unbiblical and therefore evil and unacceptable.

PAUL MINTER

Uplands Close

Refusenik

I SHOULD like to thank the refuse collection teams serving this area of Bexhill for continuing to provide an excellent service since the changeover to alternate weekly collections.

My problems are an overflowing black recycling box (good), an overflowing black wheelie bin (bad) and a green box (when full of newspapers) that is too heavy to lift and move to the boundary of my property.

There are three adults and one child in my household and we are struggling in vain to compress two weeks rubbish in the containers provided.

The additional green bin I have just received is unhelpful, as my garden waste has always been composted in a corner of my garden.

I notice that Hastings Borough Council is sensibly providing householders with two 240litre size wheelie bins, one for rubbish and the other for recycling. What a good idea!

PETER WATSON

Wealden Way

Congratulations

I WOULD like to congratulate all students who have passed exams this summer - well done!

Bexhill College has once again achieved a very high percentage of passes at 'A' level. (95% or 98%, I think).

However, I believe that these results are artificially high. After the first year of 'A' levels, if a student doesn't do well in their exams, they are told they may not complete Year 2.

Easy to achieve a high percentage of pass rates if you don't allow those who may fail to take them isn't it?

Perhaps the results for Year 1 should be published too?

DEBBIE WILKINS

Station Road