Landfill group need your funds!

Chairman Mike Rosner, who coaxed over 1,000 from the audience of the recent public meeting with an impassioned closing speech, said this week: "Without people donating money, BALI will fold up. Without it, we wouldn't have got to where we are now, and we won't get much further.

"Anything is useful to us - Bexhill collectively need to take responsibility for this.

"We have tried for seven years now, we've been in this since 2002, and we don't want to have to tell people, Sorry, we did try but we ran out of money."

Some funds have been set aside for the short window of protest allowed if the official planning application is submitted. Those contributing to this fund have been named the BALI 100, and anyone wishing to join is asked to contact Mike or Pauline Rosner.

But the group are determined to stop the application before it reaches this stage, and have hired Geoff Smith, of law firm DMH Stallard, to argue the case.

Currently, he is researching alternative sites to Ashdown Brickworks, the Turkey Road location named by East Sussex County Council as their preferred choice for landfill in the recent Waste and Mineral Planning Policy document.

Pauline Rosner, BALI treasurer, said: "We want to thank all our supporters for their help and donations over the past seven years.

"Expert advice and representation is very expensive, so we urge you to send your donations, however small, to Pauline Rosner, 16 Hillborough Close, Bexhill, East Sussex, TN39 3TW. Please make cheques payable to BALI.

"For any enquiries on funding please phone us on 01424 845688 or 212796. Thank you, and let's hope the New Year will bring us positive news."

Time is running out for Bexhill residents to have their say. Comments on the application must be received by December 2.

Those interested in protesting can ask Mike or Pauline for a copy of a handout detailing the main points to focus on. Comments can be submitted by writing, posted to Transport and Environment, ESCC, C4 Waste and Mineral Policy (AP), FREEPOST LW43, Lewes, BN7 1BE, or online at http://consult.eastsussex.gov.uk

For information or advice on the process, you can contact East Sussex County Council on [email protected]

Pauline said: "Every letter does make a difference. It will show the strength of feeling in our town."

What do you think about BALI's efforts to fight the landfill plans? Leave your comments below.