Your Letters - May 23

Think again

Re: Meeting on the North Bexhill Development

I THINK this project is a case of the cart before the horse syndrome. We have to address the transport situation before any planning can be done. We will not encourage people and work to this area before we have a decent road network.

The A27 and the A271/A269 need major improvements to cope with an ever increasing volume of traffic.

I think the feasibility of the link should be considered again. We could be landed with even more congestion at Little Common roundabout, the King Offa junction where the link will start and at The Ridge junction where it ends.

The question is do we need more residents in the towns or more visitors? If it is the latter then we should be spending on catering for the holidaymakers.

If we cannot attract business to the town then it will cost the taxpayer more money keeping new residents who by no fault of their own have no work.

Quoting Mr Barker - we must get it right for our children and grandchildren.

Perhaps they would prefer the site to be left as a countryside area with leisure activities as opposed to another housing estate.

R. SANDERSON

Top Cross Road

Private show

THE opening of the Unpopular Culture exhibition on May 10 was a real disappointment for us.

Not because of the exhibition - which was excellent - but because it seemed to be a private event. We went along just after 12 expecting to see the grand opening.

There were only a few people there and we did have a good look at the exhibition.

Afterwards we asked where was the music as promised in the brochure "join us to celebrate the opening our exhibitions", "the day will include music and special offers in the restaurant and shop".

What was happening?

Nothing said the lad behind the desk.

Even though it was a beautiful day and deckchairs were set up near the bandstand (a rare sight). He said we can't plan for music outside because the electrics might be affected by the weather. How about acoustic music or a brass band. (is that bandstand ever used?).

We went away disappointed and wondered why Grayson Perry had not appeared.

There was no notice in the foyer about him putting in an appearance and no mention by the staff member. Later in the day around 4pm my sister and I went to the town on an errand.

We decided to have a look in the De La Warr to see if anything was happening. To our amazement a huge crowd of people were coming down the stairs including Grayson Perry resplendent in his frock.

A microphone was set up, people were filming and jumping around taking photographs and after three speeches by the director of the De La Warr and a couple of women in killer heels Grayson Perry finally spoke about the exhibition and was funny and informative.

The rent-a-mob, on the whole, did not look like Bexhill residents and when I looked upstairs I saw a sign to the top of the De La Warr saying Private Function.

Was the opening private with invites only? The whole restaurant was reserved only? It seemed like the people of Bexhill were excluded from this opening as why were we not told of it when we asked at the desk in the morning?

We were very angry as the De La Warr is supposed to be the People's Palace so why were Bexhill people not told of this high profile opening? Also a large banner outside would help to advertise the exhibition as driving or walking by one would not notice anything was on there.

Lynne Moore

De La Warr Parade

Top care

AT a time when we are constantly hearing how dirty and inadequate our local hospitals are, I wanted to share with your readers my wonderful experience of the Conquest Hospital during Bank Holiday weekend.

On Sunday, May 4 after battling for over 12 hours to free my nine year old daughter of a painful headache I contacted NHS Direct for some advice.

They advised me that it would be safer for my daughter to see a doctor and arranged an appointment at Bexhill Hospital for 2pm. We saw a lovely doctor who was not happy with my daughter's condition, (she was displaying further symptoms by then). He called for an ambulance which was with us in minutes. We were taken by ambulance by two charming paramedics (who managed to make my daughter smile!) to the Conquest Hospital. Once there we were only within the A&E department for approximately 10 minutes before being transferred to Kipling Ward. We arrived on Kipling Ward and were greeted within minutes by a specialised team who had experience of meningitis!

As you can imagine by this time I was sick with worry. I was kept fully informed with regards to my daughter's suspected illness and treatment.

Within 20 minutes of arriving on the ward she had been connected to a drip and was receiving intravenous antibiotics as a precaution while we awaited test results. Thankfully within an hour she had started to make a small improvement, which continued gradually over the next 12 hours.

We received the best possible care during my daughter's stay and we were able to take her home at lunchtime on Bank Holiday Monday.

Even the after care could not be faulted, I received a telephone call from one of the doctors to explain that the tests were all clear and that she had been suffering from a virus with similar symptoms to meningitis.

I cannot fault the care we received and would like to praise all the health professionals involved in my daughter's treatment. I would also like to reassure other parents that our children's ward at the Conquest Hospital is outstanding.

LUCY FOX (Mrs)

Reginald Road

So welcoming

PLEASE allow my letter to thank many of the residents of Bexhill, making me feel at home.

Now, just under one year I have resided here, in a retirement complex.

Due to the friendly conversations with many local persons, yes, I have no fear of conversing with "persons unknown", I have been able to have the true "feel" of this unique seaside town. Such interest and care shown to all issues.

Yes, many issues, on lack of bins available in the roads, lack of public toilet facilities, hence, persons popping into the DLWP and also necessary re-thinking about the DLWP's usage. Queues at the main GPO - maybe more cashiers?

The Conquest Hospital is on my case, with care, consideration and they have my gratitude.

My wish is to remain settled in Bexhill and long may this lovely town thrive. Having lived and worked in numerous countries, I bless the NHS. Thank you.

VALDA WARREN

Church Street

Shop customers

THERE was a report in the Observer concerning a councillor who didn't shop in Bexhill but went to Eastbourne instead. I would just like to say I have found the contrary, in the guise of Pauline Bullock, ex-mayor, and her husband Stan. They come in to my shop and have always done so. We are not deserted by councillors in Bexhill Old Town.

KEN CARR

Church Street

r THE councillor concerned did not say she didn't shop in Bexhill, merely that she bought pet food in Eastbourne.- Production editor.

Dim view

I AM wondering if the power of the press can get our street light working.

Eight weeks ago, the street light outside our house was knocked down. I rang 0845 6080 193, and two men attended, in two vans.

One made the wires safe, the other cut up the concrete pole. About 9pm two more men arrived, in two vans to move the wire, and mark the position for the new pole, that is now four men and four vans.

Next morning another man with a car came, and photographed the scene, five men and five vehicles. Next to arrive were three men in one van, to put up the five metre pole, that's eight men and six vehicles.

Next to arrive was a man from ESCC who arranged to have the one foot of the broken post removed. We are now up to ten men, and eight vehicles. Lastly two men arrived to remove the one foot of broken post, total 12 men and nine vehicles.

I have rung the above telephone number, three times, and been told they are waiting for EDF to connect up the wiring.

After eight weeks the light is still not working. No wonder the rates and electric are so dear.

D. DUNN

Glyne Ascent

Snake's alive

ON Thursday evening, May 8, the Cooden Beach Hotel became, for one night only - Rock Capital of the south!

Bernie Marsden, ex Whitesnake guitarist held an evening session at the Cooden Beach Hotel in very intimate surroundings Bernie sang and played a great selection of Blues and rock music supported by Jeff Topp, found of "Topp Strings" and his band!

I would like to publicly thank Jeff, through your paper, for organising this event and putting Bexhill on the "rock map"!

Jeff hopes to arrange further evenings with different artists SO watch this space!

ERIC JACKSON

The Gorses

Bin kindness

MAY I extend my very grateful thanks to the binman who so very kindly rescued my stolen handbag and my late husband's wallet from a bin where they had been discarded, being stolen from my home. The binman handed the items to Bexhill Police Station and have now been returned to me.

Thank you so much for all the trouble you took Mr Binman whoever you are.

L. CHATFIELD (Mrs)

Bexhill

Post care?

WELL yet again our main post office is closed, just a note on the door to state the obvious. We used to have other sub post offices within walking distance but now it's Little Common or Deans Drive.

This is what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket.

Oh dear, so sad. Never mind we are only the customers.

Barry Vitler.

Western Road