Wonderful memories of Woolworths

I spent 26-and-a-half years working at Woolworths (and many of my fellow workers were there even longer). It was a good grounding for everyone, learning to tolerate all sorts of customers!
For the young Saturday staff it helped them to go on to bigger things. We used to have parties upstairs until it was stopped for all sorts of reasons!
The store was closed to let the Queen go by to deliver the Maundy money at the cathedral, and we watched from our canteen upstairs.
Fred Dinenage did the honours at the reopening of one update of the store. We also entered floats in the gala – one was a rainbow and all the families had helped to cut out the millions of paper flowers we needed.
I worked on records for six years.
On Thursday the new top 40 was on the wireless and lots of youngsters used to gather round to listen. There were only a few cassettes locked in a case and a few years later, wonder of wonders, the first CDs came out, said to be indestructible.
There were lots of related people at Woolworths – fathers and sons, sisters, mothers and daughters. My daughter worked there for six-and-a-half years.
You could buy most things when I first worked there in 1971, from needles and cotton to electrical items. Then Woolworths made a mistake by concentrating on four main departments, so people who came in for smaller items – and may have bought other things while they were there – didn't come in.
An end of an era – and many happy times.

Eileen Jenner, Hannah Square, Chichester



Angel's good - but we could do better for our community

Wendy Pearce's letter regarding Angel Radio is well meant but misses the point with regard to a Community Radio Station for Chichester (CCR).
Angel Radio has been a great success for Havant, but Havant and Hampshire is the community it serves, not Chichester and West Sussex, and it serves it extremely well with music produced prior to 1959.
Our (CCR) application for a radio licence acknowledges both the interests of the over-60s – which is hugely important and is not solely concerned with music prior to 1959 – and it also reflects the vibrant young and international audience which exists in this area of West Sussex.
What CCR intends to present is a radio station which reflects this vibrant community in a wide range of aspects.
This is not purely music, because it's vital the rich local and social history of the area is kept alive, together with encouraging the immense local talents which exist in the areas of spoken word, and creative music.
Since we first publicised our intention to create a radio station to serve Chichester we have received an extremely healthy, and supportive, postbag from people wanting to listen to radio which is relevant to them in terms of being local, and content which is under-represented on existing local and national radio.
Rest assured, we intend CCR to be a dynamic, stimulating and pioneering radio station which will greatly enhance the media, arts, and community which it will serve.
The team behind it will deliver this – of that I am totally confident.

Mark Ringwood, chair, Chichester Community Radio



What were those lights in the sky?

The article in the Observer concerning lights in the sky reminded both my husband and I of the occasion some 18 months ago when we had a similar experience.
It was about 10pm when we saw from our bedroom window flickering orange lights crossing the sky from west to east, in small clusters, at around wind speed.
We looked at them for about ten minutes, and must have seen about 40 in all.
There was no sound or indication as to what they might be.
Has anyone any ideas?

Betty Sheppard, Church Lane, Oving



Give us a lovely new museum - not a monolithic monstrosity

Amendments to the original planning application for the new district museum have been received from the architect and are due to be considered at the next development committee meeting on January 28.
Very little has been altered from the original scheme deferred (refused) at the council meeting last October, other than reducing the tower section by a mere 500mm (2ft). Other issues and concerns raised by councillors and conservationists appear to have been totally ignored.
A new museum would be a welcomed addition, but surely it should be appropriately designed to befit the beautiful and historic buildings that are already situated within the immediate vicinity?
I'm sure scheme architect Keith Williams, as Cllr Myles Cullen has pointed out on several occasions, is indeed the recipient of numerous accolades for public building design, but past performance is not a guide to future greatness and in this situation such a monolithic monstrosity would be a scar on our beautiful city
It is not too late to express your views to the district council before the meeting on January 28. Plans can be inspected at the council offices or on their website www.chichester.gov.uk
Let's have a new museum that will be a fitting home for such an important part of our city's heritage – and one of which we can all be rightly proud.

Mike Lawson, Tower Street, Chichester



Grubby city can learn so much from France

Three years ago we made the bold decision to move to Nantes, France. And, yes, in the main, the grass has been greener – and cleaner!
We came back for a visit to friends in Selsey (a charming little place, but it could do with a make-over) and were shocked to find the bypass around Chichester, a renowned historic city, filthy, needing a cut-back and much rubbish in some places, not just litter.
At the Fishbourne roundabout leading into the city, is a litter-strewn verge, and on the corner as you come round to continue on the A27, an encampment.
Previous to this we had travelled down the A3, which was a disgrace.
We must say that on our tour around while we were here, we found Chichester district from maps we had (no designatory signs as to which district you are in), one of the cleaner places – although the road to Selsey could do with a bit of work.
But this all illustrates the lack of pride of the British.
You have lived with mess for so long you do not notice. It is such a shame when Britain has so many lovely places.
Our friends told us about the health service in Selsey.
Already under stress, you struggle to get an appointment – and lucky to be seen within four or five days. There are no initial follow-ups for medical care needs.
One of our friends, who has a heart condition, was amazed when attending a check-up and asked about having her ECG check,
and was told an ECG machine did not exist.
If they had not enquired about their flu injections, they would not have had them.
Coming from Stevenage, their clinic provided proactive care, while here it appears to struggle to meet needs. Yet there is a proposal for more housing.
We found it a shame to see and hear how things appear to be on the decline.
Although not all is perfection, the French have pride in their country. It is clean, healthcare is excellent in all areas, and the younger generation have respect
for their elders.

Jane and David Dorman, c/o Green Lane, Selsey



Hospice may have lost goodwill in closing our shop

As a dedicated customer of the recently-closed St Wilfrid's Hospice furniture shop in Southbourne,
I was naturally interested to see the photograph of staff and accompanying paragraphs on page five of the January 8 edition of the Chichester Observer.
There was a considerable amount of public opinion among Southbourne residents against the closure of the shop, which had been a delight to so many people and a real community resource for the village for four years.
My understanding is the shop was on the now-vacant site for far longer than other organisations.
Around 140 customers signed a petition, several of us made representations to the hospice management and trustees against its closure – to no avail.
Two paid members of staff were given notice and have not been offered positions elsewhere.
A lot of people have suffered as a result of the closure of a much-loved, exceptionally well-run shop with its team of dedicated staff.
The report states 'the shop was not making enough money' and that the closure was an 'economic decision'.
There were several reasons for a reduced profit during 2008. Despite this, the shop was still making money; now the premises have been empty for two months.
While we have to accept the hospice may well have a tenant lined up whose annual rent will be more than the furniture shop's profits, the closure is devastating for Southbourne, especially as it occupied a key site at the centre of the village.
The shop was undoubtedly the face of St Wilfrid's Hospice.
Sadly, I suspect they will find they have lost a lot of goodwill in Southbourne now.
While we have to accept charities are run on business lines, in this instance we can wonder if a correct decision has been made, bearing in mind the cost to the local community and certain committed members of staff.

Mrs LA Mervin, Manor Road, Southbourne

I had been a volunteer helper in St Wilfrid's furniture shop in Soutbourne since it opened. It was with deep disappointment I was informed about its closure – just one week before it closed.
It has been said the shop made £25,000 last year – to my mind a tidy sum.
Local residents have asked me how St Wilfrid's can afford to close the shop if it makes this amount of money.
I wish St Wilfrid's all the luck in the world as they do a fantastic job in caring for people very well.
I will continue to support the charity with its fundraising events.

Margaret Hemming, Southbourne



Members of BLADE are a cut above

On behalf of Barnham, I would like to thank the members of BLADE (Barnham Leisure Amenities Development Enterprise) for all their efforts in aiding Barnham Parish Council's objective of making Murrell's Field and eventually the new community hall the centre of the village.
Their efforts are much appreciated by all in Barnham in giving us landmark events and functions.
Special mention must be made of Rob Sparrow, who has worked miracles on the field, turning it from a rough scrap of land to what now really does look like
a park.
Unfortunately, it is the usual small. over-worked team that organise, run and clear up after the events. They give their time freely and cheerfully, but I know they would love to have more people volunteering to assist them.
They are a registered charity and are committed to provide the village with the amenities it deserves in the 21st century. So if you can offer some of your time, please seek them out and you will benefit your local community and make new friends.

Mike Young, chairman, Barnham Parish Council



Banning cycling not the answer

I was saddened to read the report of Molly Hawkins' friend who was injured by a hit-and-run cyclist on Bognor promenade.
But as a mature cyclist and campaigner for cycleways throughout the town, I have to say her plea to enforce the ban on cycling on the promenade is not the answer.
In a sense, cycling is not really the issue here; the issue is yobbish behaviour. No doubt the sort of person who can knock down an elderly lady and ride off without stopping is the same sort of selfish individual who litters our pavements with chewing-gumand throws empty beer bottles out of car windows to smash on the roadside, etc.

Dr Malcolm Ridley, Barrack Lane, Bognor Regis



Lib Dems wrong to back councillor

Shame on you, Arun and Bognor Liberal Democrats, for your continued support for drink-driver Cllr Simon McDougall.
Drink-driving is unacceptable under any circumstances, especially for those in positions of authority and responsibility.
Simon McDougall should have resigned immediately; his failure to do so should have resulted in the Liberal Democrats sacking him as a councillor and parliamentary candidate.
The disgraceful conduct of Cllr Simon McDougall is a reflection on every Lib Dem party member in Bognor and Arun who are guilty of association and inaction.
Cllr McDougall should resign or be sacked.
He has betrayed the trust placed in him and should pay the price.

John Jackson, Cross Street, Bognor Regis



Why town centre is losing customers

I have recently had my mother to stay. She is not very mobile so, to shop in Bognor, it is more practical to use a wheelchair.
I was amazed to find just one disabled toilet in the whole town.
All the toilets on the seafront are accessible by steps only, and the one outside Morrison's has a big wall directly outside the door. This makes it very difficult to push the wheelchair at an angle to access the entrance.
Chichester is totally different and has obviously spent money to address the problems wheelchair users have. So guess where we go shopping!

Joan Wells, Aldwick, Bognor Regis



Our hands are tied - we just can't allow every proposal

There appears to be a common misunderstanding by recent correspondents of the planning process.
Arun's development control committee does not have the power to change the policies which it has to apply when considering a planning application. The policy basis the committee members have to work to is laid down in the Local Plan – a legal document that took many years to arrive at, required extensive local and regional consultation with both residents and other interested parties, had a full independent public enquiry and, in Arun's case, even went to the High Court before gaining the assent of the secretary of state.
In national terms, Arun's current local plan is one of the youngest in the country, having been finally adopted by Arun DC in 2003.
Where a local planning authority does not take decisions in accord with its local plan, the planning applicant can, and usually does, appeal to the planning inspectorate and the authority leaves the way open to costs, often many thousands of pounds of council tax payers' money being awarded against it for not taking a decision that accords with its own policies.
This particularly applies where the committee members have rejected an application on grounds other than planning policies – commercial competition, ie who the applicant is, being a prime example of a matter that is not a planning consideration.
It would be true to say development control committees do sometimes take decisions contrary to planning policy and in these cases the local plan policy is left open to the planning inspectorate to interpret.
Given the remoteness and recognised unfamiliarity with a locality, planning inspectors' interpretation can be found wanting when viewed by the local residents who may have opposed the particular application that caused the appeal.
Major departures from local plan policies also have a longer-lasting effect in that they devalue the strength of the plan and make it less likely to be capable of underpinning any of the decisions of a development control committee – within planning circles this is called 'planning by appeal' and has the effect of neutering a local planning authority's democratic accountability.
Since Arun's local plan adoption, the government, in the form of the secretary of state with responsibility for planning, has issued planning policy statements (PPS) on many subjects. Local planning authorities often argued against these documents without success during the consultation phase.
These PPSs have to be read in conjunction with, and legally take precedence over, a local plan. They have the effect of rewriting a local plan where the PPS is at odds with particular policies in the local plan.
A local planning authority has to go through an even longer process if it wishes to change local plan policies. Making policy on the hoof, as it were, is not an option to be considered or we would be back to the planning inspector's interpretation.
We might not agree with the contents of a PPS but to refuse an application on these grounds would again mean the involvement of a Planning Inspector, who would be bound to accept a PPS and grant approval.
The local plan is anything but the 'red-tape' some appear to suggest.
Arun's current local plan contains policies that have resulted in approximately £500m being committed in investment in the greater Bognor Regis area. The recent application for a superstore may have offered £30m invested by the applicant but at the expense of jeopardising the greater sum.

Cllr Ricky J Bower, cabinet member for planning, Arun District Council



So do we object to these plans or just stay quiet?

The planning application for the Sainsburys superstore (BE/122/08) was released to the press on December 15, and, with the Christmas period, may well have been missed by many readers.
As a result they may be unaware the latest date for comments is today, January 22.
I am sure many, like me, will be in somewhat of a dilemma. Rightly we should object on the grounds that as the Asda application was rejected, so should that of Sainsbury's, as most of the reasons for objection are the same.
On the other hand, as Arun District Council obviously does not consider the views of the residents of Bognor Regis, to object will no doubt ensure the Sainsbury's application is approved.

KJ Whitfield, Limmer Lane, Bognor Regis

Despite very clear overwhelming public support for the Asda bid, it would appear party politics have been allowed to rule in this matter. There is total disregard for the view of electors, including some influential groups including the Civic Society and the Chamber of Commerce.
Arun voters should now remember which way their elected representative voted on the Asda issue, and in effect betrayed them, and recall that lack of support at the next local elections.
Arun have missed a very positive opportunity and have failed us very seriously.

David L Taylor, Bognor Regis

Yes, councillors should listen to the residents of the town – but that's the whole problem, they don't! What is the point in us going to meetings to put our points across?
Now we have lost Woolworths, Bognor is dying. Bringing in Asda might help, even just a bit. Thank you, councillors.

Sarah Redman, Bognor Regis

Without Woolworths, Bognor centre is now dead and there is very little point in going into town to shop as there is now no choice, and certainly nowhere to buy toys.
I believe this is even more reason to allow Asda the go-ahead and give the people of Bognor somewhere local to do their shopping and to give
us choice.
It will also offer employment to residents and is a much-needed addition to the town. Even though it will be only on the outskirts of town, at least it will keep us shopping locally and employed locally.
I don't see the need for a Sainsbury's in town when we have two within a reasonable commute. I can understand the reasoning behind why Sainsbury's is more favourable because the site is derelict, but the Asda proposal offers more employment opportunities.
I would love to see some more decent retailers in town, making it more attractive. What does Bognor have to offer us? Not a lot, I'm afraid to say, which is a shame.

Sam Flynn, The Hartings

Why are we not wholeheartedly supporting Sainsbury's redevelopment of the unsightly LEC site? We should be actively encouraging companies that wish to redevelop or reuse brownfield sites – we have plenty in and around Bognor.
Furthermore, we should be discouraging cut-price supermarkets using a greenfield site on the end of a by-pass road which doesn't look like being completed for a very long time.
Full marks to Sainsbury's for taking on the challenge of redeveloping and decontaminating a dreadful eyesore on the main road into Bognor Regis.

Ron Snowball, Felpham

It is unbelievable that Asda, a new retailer offering to invest in Bognor, has been turned down.
I will continue my primary grocery shopping at Asda in Havant, secondary shopping at Tesco Extra, Chichester, and ad hoc shopping at Tesco Express in Aldwick.
I am afraid Bognor has very little to offer and with the current negative approach by this council, we cannot expect any improvement in the foreseeable future.

Malcolm Jones, Bognor Regis

I must confess to being somewhat mystified by the reasoning behind the arguments put forward by Sainsbury's in support of their application for the Lec site redevelopment.
If almost 50 per cent of the customers at the Portfield site are from Bognor Regis postcodes, does this not mean they are to lose 50 per cent of their trade at the Portfield branch? And if that is so, what is the logic of the multi-million-pound expansion programme currently being implemented there?
They are planning a (presumably customer) car park for 600-plus cars, so what is the effect of this increase in traffic going to cause? Will Sainsbury's and Tesco between them underwrite the cost of traffic management improvements? Or will that be left to the Arun council taxpayers to deal with?
At least the Asda development would make use of an existing roundabout, and be sited at one end of the dual carriageway.
Sainsbury's proposals would involve travel between roundabouts, doubling back from one end to the other and add to the congestion already experienced when leaving Tesco.
They propose another car wash and jet wash, but there is a perfectly adequate Arco wash already in existence – and that does not appear to be overworked. So why take business away from it?
Sainsbury's claim the site is a gateway to Bognor Regis. I would say the Asda site fills that description much more logically while causing considerably fewer traffic problems.

Geoffrey King, Oaktree Close, Pagham

During the Christmas holiday I have been gridlocked in Tesco's car park, Bognor Regis, more times than I care to remember.
Each time I rant to myself, remembering an inspired solution to improve things I read about some months ago in the Observer.
I think to myself: did no-one else see it or did I miss some vital design flaw?
The idea went that if the left-hand lane of the Shripney Road was restricted to Tesco and B&Q traffic and the right-hand lane restricted to through traffic, things would run more smoothly. The main thing that stops you getting out of the car park is a constant stream of through traffic.
The cost would be minimal – line paint and some new signs.

Linda Smith, Elmer Sands

Asda would be a greater asset than Sainsbury's. I have used Asda at Havant for over 20 years and I am always satisfied with what I have bought there.

Mrs A Rayner, Bognor Regis

The council is allowing hundreds of flats and houses to be built and people will need somewhere to shop. The public should be given the opportunity of choosing where.

Mrs Pilgrim, Sylvan Way, Bognor Regis



It's time to sever council's unecessary Connections

Together with 349,999 other homes, I have just received a copy of the latest edition of Connections from West Sussex County Council.
Its front page headline reads 'We're fighting the recession with advice to help YOU make your money go further' says council leader Henry Smith.
With respect to Mr Smith, I don't know if it is one of the functions of a council to make such an announcement or give such advice when we are all swimming in similar advice from so many sources, including, I am sure, other organs of the state.
What interests me more, and I suspect most of those who have been reading Mr Smith's advice – and that must be most of the 350,000 homes to which Connections proudly tells us it is sent – is how diligently he and his fellow councillors are bending their backs and following his advice on how to save money and beat the credit crunch throughout the council's offices.
In reading on, it takes no time at all to reach the hoary old chestnut, with a slight variation this time, linking cuts to the threat of reduction in front-line services.
He says their efficiency drive has helped keep the council tax increase at the lowest since the tax began. And I would hope so too, with inflation at close to zero.
What we are looking for, Mr Smith, is, at the very least, no increase at all, and why not a reduction? That's what many of us are facing – a reduction in our standard of living, particularly the elderly and those on fixed incomes.
One of the best ways you can, as you put it, 'help residents to weather the storm' is to freeze the council tax, or better.
Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, was quick to recognise one obvious saving following his election – and that was to scrap their version of Connections. It's a pet which should be put down.
In addition to the flow of editorial, there are no fewer than 4 adverts for the council's own services. Does it pass the 'want v need' test? Does the council want it? Clearly it does. Does it need it? No, of course they don't.
It's an unnecessary appendage which should be cut out.
These are not normal times, as, to be fair, Mr Smith seems to realise. But much better he should concentrate on the council's own income and expenses.
And interesting, isn't it, that while we read daily of job losses all over the country, the council still finds room in Connections to advertise the fact it is still recruiting. What is it they say about living in a parallel universe?

Russell Cradick, Heathfield Green, Midhurst



Sobering thought in a busy A&E

At 9pm on New Year's Day, I turned up at A&E at St Richard's in Chichester with two suspected broken wrists, the result of an enjoyable, but ultimately disastrous, visit to the Winchester outdoor ice rink.
I was informed by the radiologist who treated me that on her 12-hour shift, I was the first person she had seen for a non-alcohol related injury.
It beggars belief our medical staff have to spend so much of their
valuable time treating injuries caused by drink-related violence. They are saints to do it.

Keren Robbins, Wyndham Road, Petworth



Grateful for help

I would like to give sincere thanks to the two lady drivers who stopped their cars and came to assist me when my 86-year-old husband tripped over the uneven pavement in Orchard Street on Friday morning.
I was most grateful because I was unable to get my husband up off the ground on my own as I am also 80.

Mrs R Francis, Orchard Street, Chichester



Campaign against us is based on wishful thinking

We are saddened by the cleverly-written and misleading letter from the Eade family et al ('Our last word on 'our' woodland garden', Observer, January 8).
It is, however, a fine example of their entire campaign of propaganda against us.
Regrettably we have to respond to it as these people, unable to take our garden from us by legal dispute, are campaigning to try to get it registered as a ' village green' in an attempt to stop us fencing it.
Unfortunately these agitators seem to think they can say whatever they want.
They forget history is recorded as it goes along. Their claims throughout their campaign simply do not match the recorded facts.
John Rayner very generously gave Terwick Woodland to the Rogate Parish Council but only on condition the area alongside his garden 'be treated as if it were the private property of the owners of Woodliving' (as stated in his original letter to the solicitors and borne out in the deed.)
The campaigners refer to the statement of the parish clerk who 'witnessed the crucial transaction'. Sadly her statement is totally contradicted by the facts as recorded by her in the 1991 council minutes and by other hard documentary evidence. It does, however, demonstrate how the council were misled into taking an adversarial approach to us.
The campaigners now admit their own legal advisers consider we have exclusive use of our part of the wood and that we have the same rights as John Rayner. The two specialist barristers representing the council both confirmed the deed confers the right to fence the private area of woodland.
John Rayner's decision to fence the area was not made on his 'deathbed' as the campaigners tried to imply the gardener said.
Some of the campaigners have already admitted the area was clearly marked off and that there were signs and numbered posts around the private area and that people respected this.
The exact boundary of the area, previously agreed on the ground by council members and recently agreed by both parties' legal advisers and two independent surveyors, was based on the deed itself which is the relevant legal document.
The land registry plan, referred to by the campaigners, was based on a thumbnail sketch and subject to survey. The agreed boundary is as per the deed, no more no less.
John Rayner's intentions were very clearly stipulated in his private letters and correspondence with his lawyers and the council. Our case, and the deed, was supported by these and by a wealth of hard documentary evidence. The campaigners' views are based on hearsay, misinformation and wishful thinking.
The only 'flaw' in the deed is it says what John Rayner wanted it to say and not what the campaigners would like it to say.
Anne Arnold's letter (Parish councils always acted in good faith, January 1) is factually incorrect as can be ascertained from public records.
Her personal views do not reflect the views of the parish council, which has apologised to us. Her attitude and actions – voting to go to court against the council's legal advice and when their insurers had withdrawn support – explains why so much time and public money has been wasted on this matter.
People who have seen the evidence are staggered by the way we have been treated.
We trust the decent people in Rogate will now let us enjoy our garden as John Rayner wished and see through the campaigners' propaganda and inappropriate 'village green' application.

Gerry and Jean Devlin, Woodliving, Rogate



Gun club is an unfair target - so who's next?

As a former committee member of Midhurst Gun Club, and speaking only for myself, I feel I should support the Observer's January 1 article which Mr J Powers of the Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) took exception to in his letter last week.
To me, there is not enough difference between 'ordering someone to leave a site' and 'giving them notice to leave a site' to make it worth commenting on, so I won't.
However, I do take exception to Mr Power's statement the SWT has 'evidence' the gun club were preventing birds from nesting in the area.
In fact, the data provided by SWT showed the local rare bird populations seemed to be getting close to the area concerned and may be increasing in number.
This has been occurring while the gun club is using the site once a month so, in fact, the gun club presence doesn't seem to bother the birds at all. And maybe the club's 45 years' management of the land in that area has something to do with their presence?
I'm sure everybody, including the shooters, agrees the increased presence of these rare birds is very welcome, even if the gun club are not.
This makes me wonder for how long will the rest of us be welcome on the common? It's not so many years ago the common was fenced off. Now they're getting rid of the gun club, and threatening signs with police insignia copied onto them are regularly posted on the gates warning everyone not to even think of disturbing anything or they will be reported to the authorities.
Who's next? Dog-walkers, maybe? Children playing? Or even just walkers? How long before SWT decide you, too, must be prevented from stepping foot on this hallowed ground, less you tread on the wrong sort of fungi?
I'm withdrawing my family's membership of the Sussex Wildlife Trust in protest at the way their current management are behaving.
I have been a member for 14 years and support their broad aims but as a member I have never once had an opportunity to provide input to their policies or direction.
They're not conserving the countryside as it always has been – rather, they seem to be trying to recreate it in some utopian image they have dreamt up in their own minds.

John Baron, Elmleigh, Midhurst

Mr Powers, if you take decisions which affect others – ie Midhurst Gun Club – without involving the other parties, or making yourself available at the site to convey to us your decisions, instead sending your messengers, it is not surprising you were not successful in conveying those decisions.
We experienced some confusion in all that was put to us.
We don't feel we have disturbed the birds. We asked to see the proof which you could not provide.
I can provide a photo of the base of a tree as evidence that shooting did not disturb a tree creeper close to the guns, flying up the fir trees and walking down to fly back up again.
We see you are cutting down acres of mature fir trees – yet you say we are destroying the habitat!

B Reed, Northside, Lavant



Pond vandalism has been going on for years

I read with interest last week's incident of vandalism at Midhurst's South Pond.
Being a former Sussex police officer, with much of my service being based at Midhurst, I can inform readers South Pond was identified many years ago as what Sussex Police used to call a 'hotspot' for youths gathering and engaging in general anti-social behaviour.
The throwing of refuse and other items into the pond has also been going on for a long time. I remember on several occasions the provided life-preservers being thrown in, and several years ago, during a particularly hot summer, an expensive aerator that had been installed by the Environment Agency to keep the fish alive was damaged.
Over the years, as numbers of local police officers have dwindled, it has become increasingly difficult to effectively police this location at the key times when these offences are most likely to committed, which are obviously during the hours of darkness and typically on Friday and Saturday nights.
At these times the few police responsible for Midhurst are very likely to be committed elsewhere, possibly as far away in areas including Wisborough Green which is nearly a half-hour drive away. Or they could be busy processing prisoners at Chichester custody centre.
I suspect the historically ongoing anti-social behaviour at South Pond is no different in the eyes of Camelsdale residents when they repeatedly suffer similar anti-social behaviour at their recreation ground, and they often have to wait even longer for police to attend. I'm sure every parish in the area could quote a similar problem affecting their area.
This is not the fault of the police. They do the best they can with the limited resources available, and will take positive action when they can.
But there is a worrying underlying issue rooted in society. Why are these youths acting like this? Many of them, when engaged in this behaviour, are under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. Do their parents know what they are doing – and, if they do know, do they even care?
On the rare occasions when the perpetrators are brought before the courts to answer for their actions, the lenient sentences handed out are rarely sufficient to act as a deterrent to others.
I suspect the problems these youths cause started many years earlier in their lives.
It's called growing up in a loving family environment and being taught the fundamental behaviour characteristics of self-respect and responsibility. Society has a big part to play in resolving these issues.

Phil Gurr, Bradshaw Avenue, Crafers, South Australia



To the point

I was very pleasantly surprised to receive the best teacher accolade at the recent Observer Community Awards.
My thanks go to the Observer – you dreamt up and organised a wonderful event – to all the voters, thank you all for making the effort to vote.
And thanks to my wife Maureen, for putting-up with my books and piles of marking on our dining room table.
Thank you all.

Sandy Hood, Saxby Close, Barnham

I was delighted to read about Sandy Hood winning the best teacher prize at the Observer Community Awards. This is very true – Sandy is the best. Though
I am far away in Africa, I read most of his answers to AAT student questions. His explanations are simple and anybody would understand. He is always willing to help, so he deserves this award.

Meriam Bok, Botswana

The local argument about women priests might be helped by a few facts. Can some expert tell us:
1 Horsham lies within the diocese of Chichester; does that in itself give the Bishop of Chichester authority, within Church of England rules, to bar the new Bishop of Horsham from ordaining women as priests?
2 Suppose Horsham's new bishop, disobeying his superior, ordains some women. Would their ordination be invalid?
3 Once appointed, can a Bishop of Horsham be removed from his post simply by the Bishop of Chichester?

Stephen Hugh-Jones, East Harting, Petersfield

The Southbourne Lions would like to thank those who kindly supported the club's Christmas carol float collections in Southbourne, Bosham, Westbourne and surrounding areas, which raised £2,663, plus the Emsworth street collection amounting to £348.
All these funds are distributed to local people and good causes in need of help, particularly where other agencies cannot or will not do so.

Geoffrey Whitaker, Southbourne Lions Club, Chichester

I would like to thank Gary King, host and DJ from the QE2, and Steve Power from Wave 105 FM for leading our pre-Christmas fundraising event.
Many intriguing items of QE2 memorabilia were successfully auctioned and Gary enthralled the audience with tales of his experiences.
Thanks also to Selsey Cricket Club for hosting the event and John Reeve for organising it.
A magnificent £250 was raised to help the group conserve local wildlife and heritage.
Joe Savill, chairman,

Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group, Vincent Road, Selsey


I read in the Observer we now have a new fire chief. I understand the post is very well paid, as it should be, but I cannot understand why, in the age of modern communication, we have two fire brigades in Sussex. If London and most other counties can get by with one, surely Sussex can. I am sure it would save a lot of administrative costs.

AJ Marsh, Chawkmare Coppice, Aldwick

Recently I was lucky to be voted runner-up in the Gorgeous Grandparents competition in the Observer.
I would like to thank all the readers who voted for me. My prize was a very generous voucher from Sight and Sound
of Bognor, who sponsored the competition. Local company Woods Travel donated a holiday to the winner.
I believe both independent local businesses should be applauded for their generosity during this credit crunch.

Sue Brodie, Pagham Road, Pagham

My wife and I enjoyed a recent visit to Bognor to see my parents.
The one thing that spoilt it, though, was the amount of dog mess all over the beach and the promenade. As dog owners ourselves, we were appalled at the lack of responsibility shown by the town's dog walkers.
There is no excuse for this lazy, dirty behaviour and it needs to be seriously addressed immediately.

Mr PA Yeetes, Stroud Green, London

I would like to thank the Observer for printing my letter asking if anyone knew of an old friend, Christine Park.
Within a few hours of publication I had a phone call from her son and one of her daughters, and later that night had a phone call from Christine.
She has now remarried and moved away from Bognor. Thank you for helping to put me back in touch.

Norma Wyllie (nee Bell), Doncaster

In their wisdom I expect Barrack Lane will now be changed by the council to Barack Obama Lane.

Trevor Jennings, Aldwick


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