Your Letters - August 24

Grand action

COPY of question to Ask the Leader sent on August 12 regarding the council's requirement that the remains of the Grand Hotel be demolished by August 11.

No need to waste time and money sending an inspection team to view the remains of the Grand Hotel. They're still standing.

What did Rother District Council expect? After all the dilly-dallying there has been over the past four and a half years, the owner probably doesn't feel threatened one iota. Rother's lack of action has been iniquitous and I'm surprised the residents and business ratepayers of Sea Road, Jameson Road and Cantelupe Road haven't camped outside the Town Hall in protest. It's also disappointing that every Rother councillor has not been demanding action at every council meeting since the fire on February 21, 2003. Doesn't anyone at Rother care how awful it looks? Or what it has done to surrounding property values? How can the council talk about regeneration when it permits such a carbuncle to remain in the town centre for so long?

No doubt you will reply the council has done all it can within the law. Not good enough.

There was no reason not to issue a Section 215 notice as soon as the building was de-listed just months after the fire. Even the most simple-minded rat in residence knew the derelict structure would have to be demolished before the site could be re-developed. Even so the council prevaricated until it finally said "it is appropriate to now require the demolition of the building. Period for compliance: three months." But that was 11 months ago and, by anyone's reckoning, that's a mighty long three months.

It's inconceivable that any other council in the country would have allowed such an eyesore (and threat to public health and safety) to remain for so long and in a conservation area to boot. Rother should forget about referring the matter to Legal Services as a summons will mean a year or two of legal wrangling, expense and more inaction. Use some of the reserve funds to hire a contractor and get the monstrosity flattened as it should have done four years ago. Rother will get the money back with interest and costs when the site is sold or developed.

R WREN

Rotherfield Avenue.

Site ideas

I BELIEVE the deadline for the demolition of this Bexhill eyesore (Grand Hotel) by its present owner is today, August 14, and it is now likely that (finally) Rother will give the go-ahead for demolition by a company appointed by the district council.

This would initially be at our expense, but will be added to the liability of the site, if and when it is sold. Interest is also likely to be charged on the amount, which has been estimated at over 100,000.

If approved by Rother this would be the final chapter in the sad story of this locally historic building. Perhaps Observer readers might suggest suitable uses for the site if it is cleared?

Does anyone know a person or group who might be interested in developing this prime site?

Martyn Forster (Cllr)

Gwyneth Grove.

Be considerate

I AM 80-years-old, disabled, I suffer from emphysema, osteoporosis, hard of hearing, among other things. The only way I can get out on my own is on my mobility scooter. When I am in pedestrian areas I go at a snails pace, I know some people don't.

On Sunday, August 12, I was on my way to Tesco via Galley Hill, and as I went under the arch where the cafe is and then on to the path, I got behind this man and woman (I won't call her a lady). I stayed behind them two/three minutes, they had two dogs and were taking up all the pavement, so I thought I'll let them know I'm here, so I tooted once on my hooter. She was really horrible, her face all twisted up (but then perhaps she always looks like that). She yelled "You people on your scooters think you own the world." I just said "Don't be like that."

I hope she recognises herself. What I would like to say to her is perhaps one day you won't be able to walk your dogs. I had to find my dog another home because I couldn't walk him.

I say to her "Live and let live" you might be like it yourself one day.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Box puzzle

WITH regard to the new waste collection systems, I was puzzled to see a yellow notice on my black box headed 'Whoops' and that apparently there was an item in the box that shouldn't have been there and therefore the refuse collectors had refused to empty the whole box. I still have no idea which item was placed in the box that warranted this 'punishment' and mindful of this draconian attitude I wondered if the No Smoking Policy applied to the cabs of Verdant refuse vehicles, as I saw today a man driving a Verdant vehicle with a cigarette in his mouth.

Also thinking about the travellers that arrived (and who arrive on an annual basis) on the Downs last week and the fact that they camp illegally, free of course, with the Police calling for skips to be placed for their convenience (presumably again free); with access to water (free?) and comparing this to the council and Verdant's attitude towards my own refuse and the fact that my box will not have been emptied for two weeks due to an apparent simple oversight on the part of someone in the family, I quite naturally feel an injustice is being perpetrated by the council and Verdant and that perhaps the life of a traveller would be far more appealing, with refuse collected free, no penalty for not separating waste and a free skip into the bargain! And to add insult to injury, I contribute towards the salaries of the refuse collectors whilst the travellers contribute nothing!

I have of course written to the council on several occasions concerning the annual visit of the travellers on the Downs suggesting simple ways of making it impossible for the travellers to access the Downs, but the council always ignore my suggestions rather preferring to spend my money taking the travellers to court to get them removed and on overtime for their staff to clean up the mess left afterwards.

I would welcome the comments of the council and Verdant.

C STOREY-TENNANT (Mrs)

Newlands Avenue.

Package deal

I MOVED to Bexhill in 2003 and until the new rubbish system I had not complaints. In fact I was very impressed with the service. However, this afternoon (two days before my black bin day) I now have the delight of maggots to add to the local wildlife collection.

I notice from the 20-page recycling instruction that I should double wrap it in plastic and put it in the bin. With the lid shut insects cannot get in and smells cannot get out.

The recycling instructions also encourage me to buy less packaging and use bags for life. This I already do. So now I have buy plastic bags to wrap my rubbish!

I have looked at the sealing around my bin and have noticed a special feature (probably common to all our bins). I can fold the 20-page recycling brochure in half and post it into the bin at the rear, where the bin hinges, without opening the lid.

The flies also appear to have found this design fault. Do the council know?

Eric Gaiger

Chantry Avenue.

Cardboard joke

AFTER months of complaints to Rother District Council regarding the overflowing mess of cardboard at Little Common Recycling Centre, the problem is about to be solved.

The council are abolishing the cardboard recycling facility from September 3, presumably because they can't be bothered to increase collections. Therefore hundreds more contentious folk can sit in miles of queuing traffic to take their cardboard to the nearest landfill site instead. Or squeeze it into an already full dustbin.

Love Rother, Love Recycling? What a joke.

Helen Phillips

Cooden Drive.

Team leader

WITH reference to the article (Observer, August 17) on David Cassar, principal of St. Mary's School, I fully endorse Leah Norman's nomination of him for the Services to Education Award in the Bexhill Achievers scheme. I attend all of St. Mary's Christmas and summer fairs, etc, and try to support them in many ways as it is a most "magical" place, with first class professionals doing a brilliant job of educating, supporting, caring and providing a home-from-home environment for the very special children and young adults with varying disabilities and needs.

The atmosphere there is of a very warm feeling of happiness and great bonding between the youngsters and the staff, especially Mr. Cassar, and I feel that I've walked into a loving, family home. I always notice the love and respect that all the staff and youngsters have for Mr. Cassar and I seriously believe that if all schools had a principal and team leader like Mr. Cassar, there wouldn't be the problems that we have in our schools and on the streets now. He not only deserves to be nominated for this award, he deserves a knighthood.

HAZEL BARTON

Potmans Lane.

EU mystery

I WAS interested to read Cllr Standring's comments about Europe (Letters, August 3). Whatever the arguments for and against a referendum on the so-called "EU Constitution", Mr Standring is clearly not a supporter of European integration, and he is, of course, entitled to his views. However, since he has now made this a local issue and written to you in his capacity as a district councillor, it would be helpful if he could clarify for the residents of Bexhill:

(a) Were the views that he expressed his own personal feelings, or was this a statement of party, or perhaps council, policy?

(b) How will Rother residents, taxpayers and businesses fare worse under the new treaty?

(d) What are the sinister "goings on" to which he refers at the end of his letter?

Peter Webb

Glenleigh Park Road.

People's choice

MR Webb (We belong, August 10) mentions he's recently been to Austria. Of course, that country has a soft spot for integration in a German-dominated Europe ever since the infamous Anschluss!

Our country built our prosperity as world traders. Our future prosperity depends on us trading freely with China, India and the rest of the Commonwealth and across the globe. It does not depend on being tied up in a backward-looking, inward-facing, protection racket designed to prop up inefficient continental farmers and businesses.

We want free trade with the EU, but we do not need to be members of it to have that.

The EU is making us poorer, less democratic and less free. I don't see withdrawal as an end in itself, but as a means to an end - that end being a Britain that respects the principles of limited government and individual liberty.

I don't want to take powers back from the EU only to let them fester in Whitehall; I want to pass them down to local communities and to private citizens. I want decisions to be taken as closely as possible to the people they affect. I want decision-makers to be answerable through the ballot box. None of these things is possible as long as Brussels functionaries hand down our laws.

The economically-failing European super-state in which we now find ourselves bears no resemblance to the Common Market we joined back in the 1970's and yet, nobody in the UK under fifty has had an opportunity to vote on EU membership.

Personally, I am convinced we would be better off out of the EU, however, the British people should make that decision through the referendum promised by Labour in its 2005 Election Manifesto and to which my own Conservative Party is strongly committed.

Keith Standring (Cllr)

Bexhill Sackville Ward

Baird landmark

THANK you for publishing a photo of Baird Court in a gutted state. The house was not particularly old but it typified Sussex style and was a landmark. The Hastings Museum has recently featured John Logie Baird as part of it's re-development. In addition a company with Baird in the title has started a local film making initiative.

JLB is someone who is increasingly being recognised for a number of scientific advances (especially his war work).

He died at Baird Court in June 1946 just before he was due to attend a significant public presentation in London which could have led on to major developments (not housing one's though).

Bexhill has celebrated it's part in this story by demolition. It is self-defeating as this is a town that visitors and residents appreciate for its uniqueness!

The lack of sineage or a map at the station indicating the historic Old Town, beach. etc has always surprised me.

Sadly, there will now be no opportunity to indicate to tourists that this is the house where a scientific pioneer died in Bexhill. The cleared site indicates that the in-fill will produce an nice continuous curve of similar buildings.

Instead of the Blue Plaque I suggest just a nameplate "Bland Court" to commemorate this sorry episode.

D WALSH

Rotherfield Avenue.

Just asking

DESIRABLE Bexhill - Would that be because of, or, in spite of, our local politicians?

D DULY

Newlands Avenue.

My future

I AM a 21-year-old, intelligent, young lady with a wicked sense of humour! I've attended residential school and college where I have achieved qualifications in computer skills and communication, which may not sound like a great achievement to most, but when you are confined to a wheelchair and have no verbal speech, or any controlled movements, and all this has been down to me being able to use a very dextrous chin, I think you may appreciate the significance in this!

Fortunately for me I had great support at college from their rehab. department, thus allowing me to fully access the computer, via e-mailing (my only voice to the outside world at the moment) and the technology that everyone else takes so much for granted!

My mum did warn me that it may be a very different ball game, when I came out of full time education. ... and she wasn't wrong.

Not a lot has changed in the last 15-20 years! There are still not enough funds available. I desperately need an electronic communication aid, as the one I had eight years ago, no longer works! How many of you own a computer that is eight years old? Exactly!

However, I was told by my allotted 'speech therapist' that she had no funds for anything like that! We have been waiting since January 2007 for Rother PCT to allocate some funding for just an initial assessment for a communication aid ... maybe they are using computers that are eight years old and running on steam!

What I want to do is to become an active member of society, to help others in my situation, to pool our resources!

I do not want to be a burden to society, I don't like to be on benefits and would much rather work but because of the situation I am in, I am fully aware that employment is going to be somewhat difficult.

I am therefore happy to do advocacy work or anything that will give me a direction, a purpose to further hone my computer skills.

I want to learn new skills, be amongst my peers, have a social life!

However, I have become increasingly frustrated by the lack of financial support we seem to have in this area. I am unaware, correct me if I am wrong, of any placements for young intelligent people like myself, where we can go to gain further stimulation or socialize.

It would appear it is not our wheelchairs or disabilities that bind us rendering us helpless, and frustrated, but the lack of understanding by those holding the purse strings to allow us to be more active members of our society. Give us the funding and the tools in which to empower ourselves and allow us to make a difference.

In conclusion to the question, do the disabled in Bexhill have a fair deal? I would have to say NO. What are you going to do about it?

WANNIE MCNAUGHTON

via email.

Open options

AFTER the fevered protests, marches, outraged patients and copious letters surrounding threatened 'cuts' to maternity services in Hastings, that saw not just the Tory but Labour protesters unite to maintain the best service for pregnant mothers in Hastings and surrounding areas - how strange that they and our local MP Greg Barker have gone quiet about the chosen Option 4 decision recently backed by both Tory controlled Rother District Council and Hastings Council (and their Labour Group).

Option 4 plans to create an improved service at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings but maintain the midwifery led service in Eastbourne.

Obviously in an ideal (and plainly more costly) scenario Option 5 to keep consultant led services going in both areas was something that could not be achieved.

But making decisions within the NHS does have to be based upon growing costs against the greatest need that we all have to accept unless we choose to go down the path of increased private health care and we should all be delighted that we are keeping the focus of services in Hastings.

So where are the protesters now? And why aren't they backing Option 4?

PHILIPA COUGHLAN

Gordon Place.

Collection order

Copy of a letter sent to Rother District Council:

I AM thankful to report that the rubbish at Clock Tower Court is now being collected every Thursday as arranged. Howeever, this is collected quite early in the morning, about 8am. Then the same vehicle goes on to collect rubbish in the town centre later in the morning.

The last two Thursdays I have been into St Leonards Road and Devonshire Road and found the pavements in these two shopping streets are covered in dustbin bags, some of which have been torn open by seagulls and the contents scattered all over the pavements. Shoppers have to pick their way round the mess and the smell is dreadful.

Would it not be more sensible if the rubbish bags in the town centre shopping streets were to be collected first and the residential roads and flats were dealt with a bit later in the morning?

The traffic would not be held up so much, the gulls would not have so much time to do damage and shoppers would not be put to such inconvenience.

Please could you pass this suggestion on to the manager of the rubbish collection firm.

M R COOKE (Mrs)

Park Avenue.

Christian welcome

IN answer to the letter entitled 'Cult danger'.

I assume, because of their ignorant attitude, that the person writing the letter has never actually been to The Christian Spiritualist Church in Bexhill, otherwise they would not have written such a letter.

I do not attend the Church myself but what I do know is that after the sudden loss of my father five years ago, and nearly 50 years of marriage, my mother has found a lot of friends, warmth and comfort from the CHRISTIAN Spiritualist Church in Bexhill. She enjoys the hymns and the prayers, the interaction with other members and the social gatherings.

I challenge Mr / Mrs "Name and address supplied" to come along one Sunday afternoon and be greeted by Christian people, or are they in fear of the unknown? I can promise you, they do not have a ouija board, but what you will find is the Christian spirit.

T COLEMAN

Ellerslie Lane.

Real world

I WASN'T going to bother, but after the latest ranting of Paul Minter, I felt I had to reply.

"When is the local Christian community going to stand up to these people and take some form of action?" Is he advocating the sort of action that was taken by the Christian Crusaders in days gone by or the sort of action that went on in Northern Ireland when Christians were fighting Christians and many died in the name of Christianity?

How dare this person suggest that the community of Bexhill tell those with a different belief to his to "get out of town" - again is this not going back to the days of the Nazi party in Germany, driving people out of town because of their beliefs? His suggestion "let's form a group and decide what action to take" - I hope he is not threatening anybody as this surely is a criminal act. Lastly, can I suggest that he takes his nose out of the Bible and comes to live in the real world of freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of worship that many thousands of men, women and children died in the last World War in order to guarantee the freedoms I have mentioned.

PETER MORGAN

Harewood Close.

Town concerns

Re: Paul Minter's letter for people to stand up and be counted-

THE public should have a say in issues which affect them and I hope that folk of all denominations and none do flood the letters page with their concerns about the town in which they live.

A few suggestions though for his group which he is intending to get off the ground.

Perhaps they could call for an investigation into the recent recycling fiasco which occurred, at a great deal of expense to the tax payer. Thus far no one has been held to account for this disgraceful waste of money - despite attempts from the media, requesting an explanation for this scandal. I am sure that the money would have been better spent providing an accessible drop in centre for people in the town - to serve the needs of the community.

Paul Minter and others, could also lobby the local council and remind them of their obligations to the electorate.

Expectations, which include promoting honesty, trust, justice, accountability, and equal opportunities. This after all is the true spirit of democracy and the principles of Christianity.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Simple service

I WOULD like to reply to a letter printed last week in the Bexhill Observer entitled 'Cult danger'.

Whoever you are you need putting right. You must be totally ignorant as to what a Christian Spiritualist Church is. We do not indulge in witchcraft or ouija boards both of which are highly dangerous.

We have a Simple Service for which we ask God for healing throughout the world and our animals. If you have never been to a Christian Spiritualist Church, please do not criticise, so many have found comfort and healing in one of these houses of God and yes we do believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

DORIS

Clifford Road

Christian books

I WANT to bring the Christian bookshop back to Bexhill town centre. My wife has had the wonderful idea of starting it as a mail order business through the local churches, with home visits for those too old / ill to get out.

We would like it to be a charity with all profits being kept to fund the opening of a shop.

I have heard of the sadness of many, that other faiths and clairvoyants can have shops in the town but christianity has no presence. Not everyone is able to travel to Hastings or even further. If perhaps any individuals would like to coordinate at their church I would love to hear from them.

I believe the Holy Spirit is calling me to do this and that it will take no time at all to reopen a Christian book (and gift?) shop. I put myself at the service of the whole local christian community for free. Together we will show the power of God's Spirit in action!

PAUL MINTER

8 Uplands Close

Bexhill on Sea

TN39 4EF

tel: 01424 224707

Road rage

ON Saturday afternoon my husband and I were shopping in Bexhill. We were crossing Parkhurst Road, by Boots. My husband had started to cross the road when a red Alpha Romeo car came racing round the corner and hooted very loudly at my husband. The driver was a young man and he had a wife and children in the car.

He then stopped his car in the middle of the road, got out of the car and strode very aggressively up to my husband. He was extremely angry and was swearing and pushed my husband very strongly backwards.

My husband staggered backwards but managed to stay upright. The driver strode back to his car and zoomed off. We both felt very upset and shaken, but the negative aspect of this was diminished due to the wonderful kindness of passers by who came to see if we needed help.

We would like to give warm, heartfelt thanks to all of you who stopped and offered support, including the gentleman who offered to be a witness and the lady who offered Reiki healing.

We have reported this incident to the police, as we don't want anyone else to be a victim of this aggressive individual.

I feel sorry for his family - not a very good role model for his children! I hope he feels sorry, but sadly I think that is very unlikely.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

First class

HAVING been discharged from the Conquest Hospital after a lengthy stay in Cookson Devas Ward, I would like to say that the treatment I received was nothing but first class. Nothing was too much trouble for the doctors, nurses, ancillary staff, in fact everyone connected to the ward. Their duties were carried out in a courteous and friendly manner at all times.

My deepest thanks to you all.

CHAS BEAUMONT

Clifford Road.

Sidley success

MAY I thank everyone who contributed to the amazing effort to put the Sidley Community Association carnival float together. It took two months and many hours of hard work '“ but we won First Prize in our class!

A very special thank you to children, young people families and staff whose efforts were clearly visible on the day, also Radiator Arts.

Well done Sidley Dragon Crew! A special vote of thanks to Penny and Robin Wells for the use of their vehicle - their hospitality on the day was much appreciated.

Margaret Lea

Chief Executive Officer.

History's warning

I AM an ancient survivor of the World War of 1939-45, with horrendous memories of the devastation and casualties, because we, the British people, were determined that we were not going to be governed by Europeans, but only by democratically elected Britons.

I am greatly saddened now that millions of our people seem to be capitulating, without a fight to the European Union, whose intentions are little different from the Europeans of 1914 and 1939.

I played my small part in the last war and for the past ten years, I have again fought non-stop within the Democracy Movement to prevent the European Union from imposing its will upon our people. Now our politicians are prepared to deceive our citizens and to sign the final E U Treaty, which if ratified in Parliament within the next six months, will destroy our freedom and democracy forever. Not only will it destroy our democratic freedom, but also our currency the and Her Majesty the Queen as our Head of State.

They should ignore this warning at their peril.

ANTHONY C LEEDING

Collington Rise.

Floral surprise

BEXHILL is full of Good Samaritans. Only last week I was doing 'my bit' for recycling in Little Common and chatting away to this very pleasant lady when she surprised me by giving me a lovely bunch of flowers.

Many thanks to this sweet stranger; I want her to know she made my day - it was such a wonderfully thought act that I will never forget.

YVONNE LIGHTFOOT-ST JOHN

Bexhill.

Alien takeover?

I WONDER, could anyone enlighten me about the mysterious small crimson circles, drawn on the ground, in various places in our area?

No one seems to know just what they are for (not even knowledgeable men who usually are ready to give their opinions). So ... could there be a rather sinister explanation?

Are they perhaps, intended to mark places for small crafts to land? ... Miniature space ships (harder to detect) thus allowing equally small aliens to 'take over' Bexhill (they could hide in our wheelie bins).

Oh well, I'm only asking, it is the silly season after all.

JOYCE HUMPHREY

Reginald Road.

Those bangs

Re: Loud bang - Letter from J K Lyon, Observer August 17

MY husband and I also heard the bangs. We also live in Little Common.

The noise woke us up and at first we thought it was fireworks perhaps at a wedding, but at 01.05 and thereafter had our doubts.

To us it sounded like gunshot. We were not sure which direction these bangs came from.

Anne and Roy Bridge

Little Common.

A number of local people heard the noises but no explantion has been offered.- Ed.