Your letters - October 30

Parents' support vital

Further to the correspondence previously published regarding this matter, I too was against the new school timetable being brought in at Bexhill High.

I feel also this experiment with our children's future is lacking one vital thing, that is the full support of the parents.

Without this, and the antagonisation the hopeless consultation exercise generated, I feel Mr Conn is going to struggle even more without this vital support.

I was so unimpressed with what I heard and, quite frankly, the way people were spoken to, and the lack of any effort to accommodate those parents who work and could not attend the afternoon sessions, I have today transferred my child from the school.

Such is my feeling, and if others are unhappy, I would encourage others to do the same. I didn't see any hope in any proper compromise being reached over the timetable.

The decision by the governors to cut the Friday down to 2.30pm is even more impractical than a 5pm finish. The ideal compromise would have been a 4pm finish, with staying until 5pm optional.

There is a basic assumption all pupils live near the school and will walk home very quickly after 5pm '“ for many this just is not the case and nothing was suggested to overcome these cases.

However, this still would not address one of my main concerns '“ the lack of homework. This is a key skill that students are going to lose.

The suggestion parents could sit down with their children and go through their books in the evenings is totally farcical.

My own research into open learning methods only showed one common factor, of the many attempts to introduce them since the late 1960s, they have all consistantly failed.

It has been our experience Bexhill High struggles to control classes of 30, so how the proposed class sizes will work, is just not going to happen.

My son was thrown out of his lesson for trying to tell rowdy pupils to be quiet because he wanted to learn; the teacher simply could not control her class.

There seems to be this over-simplistic assertion that a new building will solve all the school's problems.

I wouldn't care if my son was taught in a wooden hut as long as he was being taught properly, which up until now has not been the case.

Mr Conn admitted teachers were failing to mark homework, in our case to even set it. This is a problem of management, and not the fabric of the building.

I hope that this latest attempt is successful, because a lot of children's futures depend on it, but thankfully not my children's now for certain.

Timothy Davies

Bexhill Road, St Leonards

Thanks for support

CURVES has been supporting Breast Cancer Awareness all across the UK.

Here at Curves Bexhill our raffle on Pink Day was generously supported by the membership, who raised 338.20.

This would not have been possible without the kind and generous donation of prizes by the following businesses in town: Cats Whiskers, H&H Confectionary, Second Spin, Bexhill Photographic, Destination, Wells Shoes, Elizabeth, S&S Taxis, Image Service, Bexhill Linens, Tiddlywinks, Inspiration, Danny's Discount, Flowers 4 Friends, Chameleon, Scatterbox, Warfords, The Merchant's House, Household Stores, No 48, Drays and Beauty Haven. Many, many thanks to you all.

The proceeds are to be shared equally by the charities Breast Cancer Care and St Michael's Hospice.

Cathy Hillman,

Curves, Sackville Road, Bexhill

All part of the service

I'd like to reply to Heather White, who so kindly wrote in about her visit to our office.

I'm really pleased to hear that we can provide good old-fashioned, small-company personal service that is of value to our local customers.

That's what we are here to do, and it is so very nice to know when we are getting it right, particularly in a complicated trading environment and when we are often competing against the big online players in our industry.

I think that with some extra effort and focus on providing service that customers simply can't receive elsewhere, we independent Bexhill traders can entice clients to shop local more often.

Heather, I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Danny Wooller

Dreamtime Travel Western Road, Bexhill

Saving the planet

What good news from Dr and Mrs Echlin in the Bexhill Observer that our council is now committed to cut carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010 (from now, I hope) as part of a 10 per cent reduction for year 10 ie, the 10:10 initiative which is spreading across the country.

This is the leadership we need from our council to make and implement decisions of vital importance to us all on many fronts.

On a simple level global warming is both expanding the sea inland and causing more powerful storms which, as a coastal town and hinterland in the not too distant future, will change our coastline with temporary and some permanent flooding.

Today in the world it is causing flooding, drowning, drought and starvation in the poorest densely populated areas; eg, Bangladesh, Africa and Maldives. How can this be halted/reversed? They are carbon-caused.

It's wonderful to see that B&Q as a local business is giving a lead and signing up to 10 per cent carbon emission reduction. Now we need to see which other businesses follow and take responsibility.

More important still, however, is that the 42,500 people living in Bexhill should also cut our emissions by 10 per cent.

We owe it to our children, grandchildren and the world's poorest, especially in populated coastal areas and islands.

How can we achieve it in our homes and lives?

Our biggest use of energy is perhaps in heating water. Every drop of heated water uses energy and costs. The more you heat the more you pay (in pounds and carbon emissions to the environment).

Some suggestions to achieve 10 per cent reduction as a start:

n To make two cups of tea use two cups of water (use four cups of water and you're paying double '“ pay for four and you get two '“ you don't do this in the supermarket);

n Use a small saucepan when boiling small quantities of potatoes, etc;

n Use 10 per cent less water in your bath;

n Lower the temperature control for your water by 10 per cent;

n Use a shower rather than a bath; use slower shower shorter with air adapter sprinkler.

n Plan car visits to shops, eg, reduce from four times per week to three, which is a reduction of 25 per cent;

n Walk rather use the car (just to please your doctor also!);

n House rule: nobody in room, no lights. Break the rule and put 20p in 'energy jar';

n Computer on/use for limited times '“ not left on;

n Only wash sinkful of dishes '“ not running hot water fior each cup/ plate, etc;

n Dishwasher use on economy quick wash and only with full load;

n Close windows and doors if heating is on;

n Fly less;

n Use public transport;

n Use maximum loads in washing machines;

n Loft and cavity wall insulation? Windows? Curtains?

n Buy locally produced goods where possible to avoid high carbon transport costs.

In all or any of these, you might be able to afford the cost of a very hot bath, big car engine, etc, but the environment cannot afford it.

There are many more ideas with which our Bexhill collective experience and wisdom could come up. Maybe our community-sensitive Observer could set aside a section each week for good ideas and suggestions from readers, organisations, businesses, families, churches, schools, etc.

Maybe now some shop, cafe, restaurant could give a token prize each week up to the Copenhagen December meeting for the best suggestion each week.

Each business, school, shop, etc, could have a suggestion box for energy reduction for all users with monthly reports on progress of implementation.

This weekend there is an important world leaders' meeting to lay foundations for a successful workable agenda for agreement in Copenhagen.

If Copenhagen fails, future disasters will magnify. For the future of the planet it is crucially critical to avoid climate crunching.

By our actions let's make Copenhagen into Carbonhagen into Hopenhagen.

Jack Doherty

Cooden Drive, Bexhill

Crazy golf sadness

I AM very sad to hear that the crazy golf is being removed.

My little brother and I love playing on it.

Finlay Jack, aged six

Fontwell Avenue, Bexhill

We like designs

MY husband and I have been the leaseholders of the kiosk for 10 years and logged onto the website to view the new shelter and kiosk designs with some trepidation.

However we think that most of the proposed designs are wonderful and although change is not always embraced here, we envisage that the seafront changes will be of huge benefit to Bexhill.

We must move to the future or Bexhill will be left behind.

Kay and Perry Attwood

Byworth Close, Bexhill

Sterling home helps

I would like to thank all the staff at SOS Home Services involved in my mother's care, and in particular one very special carer by the name of Janet.

I cannot thank Janet enough for saving my mother's life last week. The concern, kindness and love shown to both my mother and myself has been exemplary and the care, very professional at all times.

I cannot thank you enough, SOS.

Molly Burton

Phoenix Drive

Sovereign Harbour North, Eastbourne

Conquest praise...

Please could I, via your letters page, give heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in my care last week following my heart attack.

The ambulance switchboard, the ambulance crew (girls) and all the doctors and nurses in CCU all played a huge part in me being here today.

Nothing was too much trouble, I recieved the best care you could ever wish for. I have nothing but praise for the Conquest Hospital.

Dianne Cox

Rotherfield Avenue, Bexhill

...and for Bexhill

On a recent visit to Bexhill Hospital I was pleasantly surprised to see how nicely refurbished the waiting areas are now.

The choice of the light colours on the walls and floors created a light and airy atmosphere which made it pleasant to sit in.

Also the staff at Bexhill are as friendly and helpful as those at the Conquest.

K Livingstone

Davis Close

Power to the people?

I THOUGHT you might be interested in this poem that treats our local seafront project with a little humour:

Democracy

Democracy denied, although

Each of us want our say.

Maybe they think we're stupid, so

Our opinions are ignored.

Carefully constructed schemes

Railroad us into what leaders want.

A public meeting after decisions made.

Costly surveys draw up unwanted plans.

Yes, we have lost democracy and our money.

Ray Rippingale

Firle Road, Little Common

Have your say

WELL the council is at it again. The exhibition of the 10 possible designs for the new seafront shelters is to be shown only on the internet.

Don't the whizz-kids realise that a sizeable proportion of the ratepayers in this town '“ the people who are paying all the money for these shelters '“ cannot, according to the Office of National Statistics, or do not want to use a computer.

However it is possible to go along to the help point behind the town hall in Amherst Road. There, some poor employee will show the designs on the computer screen and the public will be able to comment on the forms provided. This is a poor excuse for an exhibition that is so important to the town but it is all the council is offering.

Come to see the designs and express your opinions. Don't let the final designs lie in the hands of judges like Alan Haydon, the director at the De La Warr Pavilion, who doesn't appear to have much of an eye for design judging by the lacklustre exhibitions he oversees. The "exhibition" will be on display until November 6. Come and let your voice be heard.

Jackie Bialeska

Chairman, Vox Pop

Going greener

JUDGING by the single photo in last week's edition of this newspaper our MP has returned to his London home and is not spending as much time in the constituency.

In fact, I know it to be the case as last week he spoke in support of a Liberal Democrat debate raised to support the 10:10 campaign.

This national campaign aims to get individuals and organisations to sign up to a pledge to reduce their carbon emissions by 10 per cent by the end of 2010. I have pledged to do so. It will be a difficult task as I have already taken several steps in that direction.

In Parliament last week, Greg Barker urged local councils to do the same, going so far as mentioning Rother District Council by name. Since the Conservative leader of Rother would not give a commitment to Sue Prochak, Lib Dem group leader, it will be interesting to see his response to the request from his Conservative MP.

Mary Varrall

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman

Bexhill and Battle

Ban overtaking

RE the Marsh Road, as I see it, what is needed is less a reduction in the speedlimit, as floated in your editorial (October 23), than a total ban on overtaking, with cameras to policeit and heavy fines and licence cancellations '“ even jail '“ for anyone caught doing so.

I've driven this road many times and don't regard it asinherentlydangerousbut it seems to attractmore than its fair share ofimpatient lunatics,who feel they have a right to overtake whatever the traffic conditions. I suggest that these irresponsible people have caused most of the serious accidents.

I feelthat a strictly-enforced overtaking ban would see the accident rate plummet.and make life a lot safer for the great majority whoprefer to stay alive and unharmed.

Sinclair Robieson

Marina

Bexhill

Dog dirt misery

WHAT a beautiful day Sunday, October 25, was. My grandchildren came to visit, I took them to Egerton Park so they could kick about with a football. I was absolutely appalled at the amount of dog dirt all over the place, on the pathways, on the playing field and even in the flower beds.

Just in the area at the rear of the museum there were 23 piles and, believe me, some were really big piles! I counted five dog bins in that area alone, so there is no excuse for it. It's just lazy and ignorant on the owners.

I am a dog owner myself. I pick up after my own animal, these people make it bad for all of us. Well, suffice to say, we did not stay in the park '“ we ended up on the beach but it was a bit too windy for a ball. Where are the dog wardens to enforce the law?

J Burton

Millham Close

Bexhill-on-Sea

Cut the chrome

What is wrong in spending our regeneration money on doing a good job restoring our Victorian/Edwardian image?

We do not need to be chromed and glassed to look good. We may even attract a lot of film and TV productions to the town producing income and free publicity. No more follies with our money, please.

Tony Ashby

Lychgates Close

Listen to the people

IN discussion last week with a lady whose ideas and opinions I greatly value, she suddenly said that the whole handling of the Next Wave Scheme for Bexhill showed nothing but complete contempt for the people of Bexhill together with their wishes and opinions.

This is a very serious allegation, with which many people agree, and it is high time that councillors and district council officers realised what they are doing and changed their tune.

The concept that regeneration is best put in hand with expensive high-flown architectural schemes must be rejected and more realistic ideas put into operation covering a wide range of sensible improvements to the town.

These improvements and a revised series of plans for action do not need to be listed here, since they are well known and acknowledged, but I seriously suggest that the decision takers bestir themselves and show that first of all they are willing to adapt their ideas and spend our money with a greater sense of responsibility. We the public all expect their immediate reaction.

Basil R. Streat

Cantelupe Road, Bexhill-on-Sea.

Camper problems

Parking of camper vans on De la Warr Parade is nothing new.

It has been going on for years, not only in summer but also throughout the year. For many weeks past until last Sunday, my window looked directly out on to a large camper van (parked with two wheels on the grass) with the owner's car parked in front of it.

The van was obviously being lived in by someone who was perhaps working in the area, as it (or alternatively the car) moved away at 7.30am and came back every night. I saw this person using the gents' toilet to empty his waste containers (a usual occurrence).

Living in vans on the Parade for long periods happens quite often '“ they are not always owned by short-stay visitors to the area. I have spoken to the police about this subject many times, including during their PR/Meet the Public exercise in Post Office Square this summer. They said that a vehicle with two wheels on the grass was illegally parked. So why do the police not issue parking tickets?

I cannot think of any other town in Sussex which allows overnight parking or with such lax parking regulations. Surely, it is within the council's control to find a solution to this problem by introducing bye-laws. I agree with all the objections mentioned in your article and would like to ask the owners of these vehicles how they would feel if someone came and "set up camp" on their doorstep?

There are many touring sites in the surrounding areas where people can stay overnight and pay their fees for doing so.

Another point is that if these vehicles belonged to members of the travelling community, the police would not hesitate to quickly move them on, which has happened in the past from the grassy area in front of Sutton Place.

In fact, in the height of summer, the De la Warr Parade often resembles a travellers' campsite.

M.Broadhurst

De la Warr Parade

Bexhill on Sea

Musical fun

RECENTLY in the Observer a number of letters have complained about the De La Warr Pavilion being 'dark'. This will not be the case from November 18 to 21.

There have also been complaints about lack of use of the Pavilion by local groups, again this will not be the case.

The BLODS are presenting The Likes Of Us, the first Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical seen in Bexhill and the premiere of this lively musical for the south coast area.

It is the story of Dr Barnardo and how he set up his first home, with some of the royalties going to Barnardos. A cast of more than 60 has been rehearsing for four months. All that is needed now is the support of local people, or visitors, to make the show a success.

I promise you will have an enjoyable evening and leave humming some memorable music!

Bernard Simon

Director, The Likes Of Us

Bad alternative

IN last week's Observer Dr John Thurston wrote about the planned Bexhill-Hastings link road and recommended alternative route AR3, which is his own formal proposal to East Sussex County Council for consideration at the public inquiry commencing on November 10.

The intention of the link road seems to be to remove traffic on the A259 approach to Hastings which does not need to enter the town and move it to the north of Hastings joining the A21.

In the proposed alternative AR3, it turns from King Offa Way up Dorset Road and Penland Road, then on to Wrestwood Road before turning right along the west side of Pebsham. Whilst in his proposal to the Public Inquiry for AR3 Dr Thurston has recognised that "there would be an increase of traffic on the road with consequent noise and pollution", he has overlooked critical health and safety aspects.

Unlike the London Road the alternative proposed is not already a major numbered thoroughfare but a residential area. On the first part of AR3 there are at least four care homes or homes for the elderly, Bexhill College, the Battle Abbey Nursery School and swimming pool, plus access to sports fields and college parking.

Pupils from St Mary's Westwood School, St Mary's Magdalene Primary School, Battle Abbey Preparatory School, and Pebsham School are moving throughout the area at school opening and closing times, when the roads are more gridlocked with parents taking their children to school or Bexhill College.

In his proposal Dr Thurston comments: "The residents of Dorset Road may not like losing their on-street parking".

His suggestion misses the point that some half of the houses do not have driveway parking, especially the many flats, so what people living in these would be expected to do with their vehicles is overlooked.

Large lorries, commercial traffic and yet more cars adding to the already jammed roads of AR3 during school start/finish times, and the considerable threat to safety resulting, would not achieve the aim of the link road.

Residents and road users should be aware of the implications of Dr Thurston's proposal.

Peter Swanson

Dorset Road

Bexhill

Thank you all

I WOULD like to thank the two gentlemen who came to my aid after I fell in Station Road on October 14 who phoned for an ambulance.

I also thank the lady in a car who stopped to help, the ambulance crew, the staff in A&E, many patients in A&E who offered help and the nurse in Old Town Surgery.

Thank you all very much.

Name and address supplied