Your letters - February 27

Grit before pensions

FURTHER to recent reports of the now de rigeur annual rise in Council Tax, I read in the Bexhill Observer (Friday February 13) that one of our intrepid councillors has defended this year's increase, even stating that Rother's will remain the lowest in East Sussex.

Well done Rother. What councillors don't mention is that whilst our pensions have been robbed out by this selfish Government, Town Hall pensions are not just gold plated but solid through and through and set to rise, written in stone and taking up to a quarter of our annual Council Tax contribution.

So not only will Town Hall staff receive a basic state pension, on top of this they will receive a golden handshake out of courtesy of the Council Tax hike they set each year, which is doing a good job of bleeding many already hard-pressed folk dry.

What great comfort reading that our Council Tax will be the lowest in East Sussex, but what a shame that the present level of funding could not during the recent bad weather stretch to gritting side streets and pavements over the majority of our area, meaning that we witnessed cars running into each other and people falling over on glass-like pavements.

Perhaps the forecast low rise in the hated tax will mean even less gritted public roads next time?

We have been reminded that we only get bad weather like this every 20 years or so (not counting two or three icy years ago) that's all the more reason that there should be enough salt and grit for all, or perhaps I and the residents in my local impassable roads don't pay enough Council Tax possibly?

I am informed that only bus routes are gritted. What about all the people who use Shank's pony to get to work, or drive or cycle? A high percentage of us live off bus routes and a very high percentage are older people who risk literally life and limb to get to work or go out shopping so if it is not on a bus route you live, you take your life in your hands or is it in the council's hands I wonder?

This country has the most stringent and usually ridiculous Health and Safety laws in the world, many backed up by local councils who seemingly turn a blind eye to their own shortcomings such as making pavements safe during icy weather.

Any comment Town Hall?

PAUL STEWART,

Duke Street, Bexhill-On-Sea

We're the AIMBYs

Re Mr Woods recent letter The Link Road NIMBYs:

After enduring 20 years of a Pellet Plant, Waste Recycling Works, a Gypsy Site, and an eternal Landfill Site, to put the icing on the cake Veolia want to extend their opening hours to include weekends. They also want to double the amount of rubbish coming into the plant. We also have the Link Road and a new estate behind our houses to enjoy. 'My cup runneth over!'

It is no wonder that we are NIMBYs, we are considering changing to AIMBYs '“ Always In My Back Yard.. When the ESCC decides the location of the expected travellers' sites I bet a month's pension that the Collington area will not be one of them. An old saying springs to mind..... 'I'm alright Jack!'

R. Sanderson

Pebsham

Time to start anew

MAY I through your letters page, address the two young men who broke into St Augustine's church hall (Friday morning) and stole an amount of money from a collection box.

Actions like this remind me of my own life. I haven't always been a Christian, actually much more of my life was spent without Jesus Christ, than the past few years with him.

I could tell you of many things I've done that are both immoral and illegal that make this small theft pale into insignificance.

Things that gave me short pleasure, but gradually increased a burden of stress on my shoulders and a fear of both arrest and discovery.

I had to hit rock bottom, have more than my fair share of brushes with the police, become an addict, and basically want death more than life, before I could hear God calling.

So I'd like to make you an offer. Meet me just once in total confidentiality. Allow me to listen to your story. Perhaps listen to mine?

Let me tell you that Jesus is actually quite cool and relevant today. I have five sons. They are not Christians, they happen to have a Christian father.

Allow me to lift some of that stress and fear, and show you a new exciting way to live. Consider this an open ended offer. This week, next month, next year, or at any point in future years from now. When you are ready. Paul Minter. 01424- 219426.

Paul Minter

Gunters Lane, Bexhil

Digital seniors

Two stories I've been told:

1) Bexhill-on-Sea is where the aged come to die '“ and then don't.

2) Others who retire to Eastbourne, do so to be near their parents in Bexhill.

Clearly Bexhill senior citizens are alive and kicking. Why should I be surprised then that my advertisement in various East Sussex papers for visiting home computer tuition received more response from Bexhill than anywhere else.

Ladies and gentlemen of Bexhill, I congratulate you on your lively interest, and owe it to you to place my advertisement in your own local newspaper. I trust you will spot it, and look forward to seeing more of you soon.

CHLOE WELLER

Eastbourne

Black mark

I SUPPOSE I should reluctantly congratulate East Sussex County Council for its unique method of dealing with the public's complaints '“ by completely ignoring the matter.

Early winter when workmen from East Sussex council came to Tarmac our path, they accidentally got some of the black stuff on my freshly painted white front garden wall.

When I rang the appropriate department I was assured the matter would be investigated.

Time went on, so I rang again. Same reply, it was "all in hand" but nil response!

I would have been quite happy with an apology really, but not this very cynical way they have treated me.

JOYCE HUMPHRY

Reginald Road

Pick up the mess

We still seem to be the dog mess capital of the south east. Why? Where are the dog wardens?

Last year there were five foot posts put up around the Sidley community green. They lasted a couple of weeks. They were hammered into the ground, not cemented so it was really a lost cause.

On one side of the green they said anyone allowing their dogs to foul without cleaning it up would be fined 1000. And on the other side they said they would be fined 500.

As per usual to date nobody was even reprimanded, never mind being fined.

Well here we are again and not only has nothing been done about it, but it's now twice as bad.

Do we have dog wardens?. Do they exist.?. The disgusting people who are leaving the dog mess unfortunately do exist.

Would they allow their dogs to foul their own houses and gardens and leave it for their friends and children to walk in? How would they feel if I walked my dogs in their houses and allowed them to defecate and left it for them to walk in?

Please, please pick up your dog mess, I am sick to death of trying to avoid it. The same thing applies to the people who do not pick up along the beach.

It only takes a minute and you can buy 300 nappy bags for the small price of one pound. For god's sake pick it up and have some pride in owning a dog and living in a nice part of the world.

Saving the planet and being green doesn't just mean not using carrier bags. It also means dog owners using nappy bags. one small bag for mankind. take it. PLEASE.

M. Hudson.

Watermill lane

Thanks for match

On the evening of Monday 16th February Sidley United FC hosted a friendly match against Eastbourne Borough to mark the official opening of their new all seater stand.

The stand was provided from a fund that was set up to receive donations for a tribute to James Duffell and Liam Cox, two Sidley players who were tragically killed in a road traffic accident in 2003.

James and Liam were our sons. We are very grateful to all of the people who made donations for the stand. We are grateful to all of those who gave of their time and we are grateful to all at Sidley who worked so hard to have the stand erected. It will be a lasting tribute.

Finally we are grateful to Eastbourne Borough for playing the match against Sidley to mark the occasion.

Cliff and

Jane Duffell

Leon and

Liz Cox

A thousand thanks

MY thanks to the paramedics, doctors and nurses in the resuscitation ward who worked so hard trying to save my dear husband, after he had a massive heart attack.

Special thanks to James who didn't leave my side throughout this awful time.

To all our friends and family, what would have I done without your help and understanding?

Also for the flowers, cards and donations for Barby Keel you so kindly gave, and to Jonathan Graves for making the service so memorable.

I know Norman would have appreciated it. If only he was here to thank you himself.

VI KENNEDY,

Terminus Road,

Bexhill

Bibles out of reach

IN the national papers this week, it was said that libraries were to put the Bible on the top shelf, so that it did not offend Muslims.

Muslims should be told when they come to this country, that this is a Christian country.

Christians, wake up. The Bible should be put on the front shelves so that the Muslims could see it.

If this offends the Muslims they should return to their own country.

PAUL AND LINDA GUNSTONE,

St Peter's Crescent

Kind wishes were welcome

THROUGH your paper may I please convey my sincere thanks to all my friends for the cards, care and love shown to me while I was in the Conquest Hospital and Irvine Unit?

The cards were waiting for me when I got home. I shall treasure your thoughtfulness knowing you all cared. Again, sincere thanks.

GWEN KINGSLEY THOMAS,

South Cliff,

Cooden,

Bexhill-on-Sea

Farewell, John you'll be missed

AS THE former Public Relations Officer for the Rother Branch of UNISON, the local government union, John Dowling and I had a good working relationship.

Over the years many trade-union press releases were given to John. He took a keen interest in the way that council services were delivered and the changes that affected the public and Rother's staff.

John was always interested in public interest stories, for example the proposed takeover of the De La Warr Pavilion by the pub chain Wether-spoons.

A successful media campaign was launched by UNISON which reached out to the Observer readership through John's power of the pen.

I was able to talk to John 'off the record', a trust he never betrayed and he is a man of the highest integrity. Enjoy that well-earned retirement, John.

Peter Smith

Former Trade Union Officer

Rother Branch of UNISON

Cycle lane campaign

A VERY big thank you, for so succinctly echoing the views of cyclists regarding the problem of the seafront in Bexhill.

Having campaigned unsuccessfully for almost 20 years to get some form of cycle lane along the promenade, it was helpful to see that others are now beginning to understand the dilemma posed to the National Cycle Network route two by the obstacle that is Bexhill.

The recently formed Bexhill Wheelers are actively campaigning and asking the same question: What happens when cyclists, in-line skaters and so on, meet Bexhill seafront?

We will be lobbying Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council and would ask any like-minded people to support us. Please e-mail me:

[email protected]

IAN HOLLINGE,

Chairman,

Bexhill Wheelers

Closed shops are unsightly

HOW nice to see that Courts old shop has now been smartened up with signs saying that The Factory Shop will be opening soon.

For the many shops in the town that are closed, with all sorts of brown paper, newspaper and other unsightly items in their windows, would it not be a good idea if an organisation like the Chamber of Commerce were to set up a competition for local schools to produce drawings, paintings and other artwork to go into these windows?

I am sure that this would brighten up our shopping area.

I'm hoping that this meets with a response because the shopping centre is beginning to look a bit of a mess.

PETER MORGAN,

Harewood Close,

Bexhill-on-Sea

Slimming social hit the spot

I WOULD like to say what a lovely evening we had on Saturday at Sidley Sports and Social Club.

Put on by Slimming World, all the money raised that evening is going to charity. The group has chosen St Michael's Hospice and Smiles.

It's a shame Rother District Council couldn't let them do something in the town to promote awareness of obesity.

It just goes to show you how different places react. No problem in Hastings.

Slimming World has helped a lot of people all over the country to lose weight and I was very surprised when I first joined to see how much you can eat and still lose the weight.

Thank you Avril, Cheryl and Elaine for a great night. I am sure I speak on behalf of everybody who came. Great raffle and a good disco what more could be asked for?

I'm now going to rejoin as I too need to lose a few pounds.

S DANN,

Watermill Close,

Bexhill-on-Sea