Rye Observer comment: Can councils say they acted in best interest of electorate?

We are all facing cuts and hardship in these tough times with Rother planning to hit motorists in the pocket by hiking parking charges and abandoning its public toilet refurbishment programme to meet a budget short-fall.

So why is it that Rother can afford to spend thousands of pounds of tax payers money in expensive legal fees to hound three Winchelsea councillors?

These three appeared to be acting in the interests of their town and those who elected them.

The fact that a High Court Judge has now upheld their right to freedom of speech makes something of a mockery of Rother Council’s judgement.

Can Rother Council and Icklesham Parish Council, who raised the complaint, hand on heart say they acted in the best interest of the electorate and council tax payers?

...................

Rye has had a difficult start to the year with traffic chaos damaging trade at the weekend and more roadworks and a rail blockade set to continue for the next two months.

It will be an extra burden on many who are already facing tough and difficult times, let’s be clear on that.

But we also have to look beyond this to the future. Extensive work on the rail line should lead to shorter journey times and may even pave the way for more trains running.

While anyone who has driven along the section of the A259 between Rye and Winchelsea could not argue that improvements to the road surface are desperately needed. Snow and ice from recent winters has left the surface resembling a farm track.

We have to pull together and shoulder the load now in order to have a better transport infrastructure in the future. At least the work is not taking place during the busy spring and summer months.

And who knows, Rye may even get a new supermarket one day.

.............................................

Battle Observer comment

JUST a couple of months ago Mo Bourner was in a coma, bravely fighting for his life, after he was attacked in Bexhill.

In November, a scan showed the former Ninfield Primary pupil had severe brain damage.

He regained consciousness, but initially was unable to recognise anyone.

But this week his overjoyed father, Peter Bourner from Hooe, says Mo is now able to speak a few words and can breathe and take food by himself (page four).

Mo still has a long way to go, but he has made some amazing progress.

His family, who are obviously devoted to the teenager, have shown such dignity since the incident which left their son desperately clinging to life.

And the tidal wave of love from well-wishers, some of whom have never ever met Mo, has been touching.

Hopefully this love and support for young Mo will help him move further forward.

It will be great to see more good news about the teen’s progress during the new year.