Your Letters - 14 September 2007
Please email your letters to us or post them to The Editor, Eastbourne Herald, 1 Commercial Road, Eastbourne BN21 3XQ.
Is it 'one rule for the ladies...'
I have been following, not without wry amusement, the tut-tutting of recent weeks over Simon Ballard's daring to suggest that the Grove Road ladies' gym might just possibly be considered as, well, sexist.
I still treasure one of the regular full-page advertisements that appeared in the Eastbourne Advertiser a year ago. In the middle of it was the caption: 'Exclusively Ladies Only'.
A further shock-horror for these days was that the photos depicting the centre showed not a single member of an ethnic group represented.
Ironically the centre is opposite the police station. But where were the politically correct thought officers in allowing such an outrageous piece of discrimination, on two counts, to function under their noses?
Seriously though, it does not matter to me in the least if ladies want an exclusive establishment in which to enjoy themselves. The very - and most genuine - best of luck to them. But the next time a men's club announces it does not wish to admit women to its circle, I shall not expect to hear a peep of dissent from any female.
Edward Thomas, Collington Close, Eastbourne
We're in for a shock when controls arrive
Residents of Eastbourne who are looking forward to being able to park in front of their own homes under the new parking scheme will not be so happy when businesses close down through lack of visitors to the town. Having had a business in Lewes for more than 10 years I know only too well what has happened over there, and a lot of traders say that Lewes will never recover.
Eastbourne is in for a very big shock when the National Car Park wardens start their patrolling here.
B.G. Stevens, Upperton Road, Eastbourne
GPs united in opposing threats to maternity unit
Eastbourne's General Practitioners feel it necessary to write to our local paper to express our considerable disquiet at the options proposed by East Sussex Downs and Weald, and Hastings and Rother PCTs for changing maternity services in our county.
Their document, "Creating an NHS fit for the future" is misleading, and contains a number of errors, eg numbers of deliveries are actually increasing, not decreasing, and the travel times quoted are for off-peak travel, and no help to babies about to be born during the rush-hours.
On page 14 of their summary document, it states that both PCT Boards had proposed five criteria for assessing and evaluating the options.
Criteria 1.. Clinical Effectiveness and Safety:- There are huge concerns amongst us about the safety of any of the proposed options 1-4. To remove a consultant-led service from either town would compromise the lives of a number of mothers in labour, and their unborn babies. Although we await final guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians (their interim reports have been ambiguous at times), we believe that adequate funding should be made available immediately to commission sufficient numbers of midwives and consultants to ensure a safe service on both sites.
We know there are suitably qualified midwives and consultants, at present unemployed, prepared to work in East Sussex, despite the Trusts' lack of enthusiasm to replace outgoing staff. The Ambulance Trust is not confident at present that they have either sufficient numbers of vehicles, or expertise to cope with the additional transfers or emergency situations en route.
Criteria 2.. Access and Choice :- By single-siting, the Trusts immediately disenfranchise half of the county's population for both access and choice. Best practice requires suitably trained personnel and adequate premises to be as close as possible to the emergency situation. The road infrastructure in East Sussex is woefully inadequate for rapid transfer (flying squads were abandoned in the late 1970's), and lack of public transport will mean gross inconvenience to patients and their visiting friends and relatives.
Criteria 3.. Financial Sustainability: - Despite frequent denials to the contrary at public meetings, the PCTs are hoping to save money (see no. 5). Their own figures show that only Option 1 actually saves any money, but even that takes no account of any capital investment or redundancies.
Criteria 4.. Health Gains and Demographics :- Pockets of deprivation exist across the county, and GPs from all areas have agreed that no cohort of patients should be disadvantaged or discriminated against, by removing vital core services from their community.
Criteria 5.. Maintaining Two Viable Hospitals :- We believe that core services, ie acute medicine, acute surgery, acute psychiatry, a full A & E service, consultant-led obstetrics and special care baby unit, as well as in-patient paediatrics, must remain on both sites as a basic minimum, plus others, such as radiology and pathology to service these vital specialties..
The PCTs should commission services appropriate for their population's needs, and the acute trusts, who hope to move shortly towards Foundation status, should provide all of these necessary services.
We have seen in other parts of the country what happens when you lose a core service, such as maternity or A & E. The domino effect inevitably follows, leading to severe downgrading or even closure of one or both hospitals. This is of course where the PCTs hope to save money. However, the acute trusts may well lose vital income, should this happen.
We as GPs, would have little or no faith or confidence in any organisation, especially those set up to oversee the healthcare of our population, that deliberately closed vital services to our patients.
We sincerely hope that the respective boards examine carefully the other options, designed to retain services on both sites. Surrey and West Sussex have agreed to keep core services at their hospitals, so we would expect our boards to do likewise, and not bow to political directives, which in no way appear to benefit our increasing populations .
Doctors J.Clarke, W.Miller, K.Leeson, G.Coutts, D.Liebenberg, V.Bolton, I.McNaughton, B.Brennan, M.Gaffney, P.Dickens, D.Penge, H.Daggett, G.Brown, K.Barrow, R.McNicol, P.Shepherd, M.Writer, K.Vernon-Hunt, D.Thomas, J.Martyr, L.Verghese, R.Ribbons, J.Bruuns, D.Tran, R.Al-Jawaheri, J.Prosser, A.Stewart, G.Folwell, M.Evason, M.Nicholles, B.Tyrell, H.Thomas, P.Williams, R.Deery, J.Lofts, D.Davison, P.Frisby, R.Higgs, I.Rajap, R.Stevens, H.Tidbury, J.Barnes, T.Gietzen, R.Wicks, S.Mathias, S.Lytton, C.Shepherd, M.Stockton, P.Scarisbrick, K.Norwood, J.Andrews, J.Rabuszko, S.Sorooshian, M.Pope, I.Wiggins, I.Adoki, I.Cookey, I.Baig, J.Darwent, A.Bansel, R.Tasharroffi, C.Greaves, C.Bedford-Turner, S.Dickson, A.Hammett, M.Sharp, S.Robins, K.Ivel, R.Brown, R.Brierley, R.D'Abbraccio, S.Savvas, C.McGregor, A.Pearce, P.Holmes, A.Grimston, M.Jackson, S.Spencer, N.Cereceda, K.Thurston, W.Kloth, K.Edwards, C.Gardner, C.Tourle, S.Cowee, R.Lowe, G.Baker, J.Simmons, C.Dodge, I..Oezburun, R.Rowland, E.Balmer, H.Alston, P.Dunphy, M.Cockburn, K.McGhee, C.Mellor, J.Jones, B.Pickering, R.Harvey, M.Barnes, C.Lewis, M.Shears, D.Elliott, P.Herridge, I.Cockburn, S.Palit, J.Bayles, I.Bayles, F.Nicholls, R.Adcock, H.Cheal.
Fewer crimes in East Sussex
Your correspondent (Selective statistics from the police? - Letters, August 31) suggests that the claims made in the Policing East Sussex newspaper delivered to homes across Sussex by Sussex Police Authority and Sussex Police show 'a worrying lack of scrupulousness and honesty'.
Confusion seems to have arisen from the complexity of the assessments published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary. Your correspondent quotes from the 23 individual 'baseline assessment' grades awarded to Sussex Police. However the grades we use in Policing East Sussex are the ones suggested by the Home Office: these policing performance assessments combine the range of HMIC baseline assessment grades with other performance indicators to provide a single grade and 'direction of travel' in just seven areas.
These seven grades form the basis of the simple chart published in Policing Sussex, our aim being to provide information which is not only accurate and informative, but intelligible as well.
As far as the information available via our websites is concerned, we keep this under review, mindful that numbers alone only tell part of the story. We currently publish some numerical information and charts, along with detailed updates from local officers on our neighbourhood policing website. In the near future, we will also be providing detailed local crime data to East Sussex in Figures, the website run by East Sussex County Council.
On a final note, I would like to stress that East Sussex Division has been working closely with our partners on a local and county level to reduce crime and we have achieved a reduction of 8.4 per cent in the number of crimes reported to us compared to the same period last year. This amounts to 3,579 fewer crimes in East Sussex. In relation to Eastbourne, there has been a 9.7 per cent reduction in overall crime (1,027 fewer crimes). I hope this reassures our communities of our continued drive and commitment to ensure East Sussex remains a safe place for residents and visitors.
Nick Wilkinson, Chief Superintendent, Divisional Commander, East Sussex Division.
The bad and good of days gone by
During my schooldays in Eastbourne 1942/43 we would often have sudden visits from the Luftwaffe fighter-bombers which would scream across the town in formation at rooftop height with cannon blazing and dropping their bombs into the shops and houses. Then to retreat at wave top height to their bases in France to sip their looted champagne, leaving Eastbourne to recover the broken bodies from shelters and homes.
Now annually we have a visit of "weapons of war" which display their skills to the crowds. However this time they are "ours" and offer us no threat. Maybe at some time in the future they will be in the right place at the right time to defend us against those who would choose to threaten our shores.
I also remember leaning my bicycle against a lamp-post and claiming it the next day unharmed. I remember, also, when we parked our cars unlocked and when one walked the streets of Eastbourne by day or by night without fear of molestation, and when a passing bobby could bid you "good night sir." How things have changed.
H Barrow, Cowbeech Hill
Adding to problems
Reading about the dreaded bus lane in Seaside, I fail to see what gain will be made by this stupid idea. If they think it will get people to use public transport then the whole system needs to be looked into as well.
How on earth can that small stretch of main road bring a vast improvement? It's more likely to cause congestion, with the bus stops on the up side at Seaside causing much congestion as it is. This stupid idea will add problems to an already badly congested road.
M R Lee, Sandwich Street, Eastbourne
Paths for people
NOW that we have an abundance of cycle paths (previously known as pavements) would it be possible to construct safe tracks for pedestrians?
Mrs H.C. Bourne-Jones, Oxendean Gardens
Stranded by the downhill racing
The road sign in East Dean warning of the road closure for the Go Fast event told us that the road would be closed at 5pm on Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday.
The last Birling Gap bus for Brighton on Friday, which leaves Eastbourne at 5.32 pm, was blocked by the 5 pm closure, so stranding two families with young children who then had to walk to the A259 at East Dean.
On Birling Gap's busy weekend, walkers from Jevington, Friston, Cuckmere, Butts Brow, etc. who were relying on buses home were without
service all day
If this event is to take place next year, please put up road signs making clear the closure is for a full 50 hours, position the East Dean sign well clear of the main road junction so that cars may safely stop to read it, let the last bus on Friday come through, put signs at Birling Gap, Cuckmere, Friston, etc. to save walkers from considerable unexpected extras.
Michael Mordaunt, Seven Sisters, Birling Gap
Well done, Jeeves!
I felt I must write to express appreciation to Chris Jordan for putting on such a wonderful show as 'By Jeeves'.
It's a long time since I've enjoyed an evening at the theatre so much. I'm amazed I've not heard of this musical before, considering the music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber and it is written by Alan Ayckbourn. The cast were all outstanding, but Robin Armstrong's performance as Bertie Wooster was inspired.
I'm pretty sure he was on stage the whole time, but his energy was boundless and his acting, dancing and singing (not to mention his whistling) were superb. I hope we see a lot more of this young man in the future. Even the programme made good reading, with a very entertaining article on P.G. Wodehouse by Alan Ayckbourn.
In passing, I'd mention that maybe the lack of audience for Mickey Rooney' s show on Sunday was due to it coinciding with this production's run. I was torn between the two, and being unable to afford both, opted for 'By Jeeves'. I'm sorry I missed Mickey Rooney but would have been even sorrier to have missed this wonderful show.
I hope it has a very successful tour round the country.
J Boulding, Brodrick Road Eastbourne
Leave play to their imagination
It is beyond belief that Eastbourne Borough Council has to employ someone to teach children how to play. Don't today's children have any imagination? Does everything have to be laid on for them?
When we were young we played in our own or our friends' gardens, or in a friend's barn. There, with a few empty boxes, we could have a house, a fort for cowboys or Indians, a castle or a pirate ship, using nothing but our own imagination.
At home, we learned to knit, sew, make cakes and I never remember being bored. If we had said we were bored I'm sure our mother or grandmother would soon have found us something to do.
As a teenager during the war, as well as studying, I took part in events to help with the war effort - for War Weapons week, or Wings for Victory.
One difference from today was that most mothers were at home to keep an eye on things and there was strict discipline in schools. Many of the teachers had taught our own parents and there was not the cult of the 'teenager'.
Left to themselves, young children will play naturally, often imitating their elders or playing with imaginary friends and making up games with any materials to hand.
Today's plastic toy generation seems to have lost that gift preferring to press buttons or watch TV.
There seems to be a very poor quality of spoken English as well, when so much communication is via the computer screen, with little actual conversation. What there is lacks clarity and even rudimentary grammar.
It seems a sad state of affairs when the council feels it has to intervene and utilise public money, albeit from the lottery.
D.V. Baird, Short Brow Close, Lower Willingdon
At least once a year for the past three decades I have visited Eastbourne. I have a great affection for the town and its surrounds, and I have always thought that its councillors lived on the same planet as the rest of us.
However, after reading in the national press that they intend to spend 80,000 on teaching children how to play games, I have sadly concluded that like most other Town Halls, there will be a parking area for space ships.
Over the years, playground equipment has been dismantled, and children's games, ie conkers, hop scotch, tag, etc, stopped for health and safety reasons. The PC brigade has successfully put an end to egg and spoon and three-legged races, et al, at school sports days, because they consider it 'unhealthy' for children to compete with one another.
Try as I might, I just cannot think of any game that I played as child, that would not fall foul of criteria such as this, so I would suggest to Eastbourne councillors, spend the 80,000 on something more sensible.
D.Walker, Ashfield Close, Barrowford, Lancs
I wholeheartedly agree with your comments in Herald Opinion. How ridiculous to employ somebody to teach children how to play but at the same time shut down play parks. Exactly what does Eastbourne Borough Council think it is doing?
Surely, instead of wasting money from the lottery on what they call a play ranger, that money should be spent on giving kids what they want - facilities for basketball, stoolball, rounders - and instead of closing play parks give the young ones a better and safer play area.
There's a building on the corner of The Rising in Langney, called The Villas. It was at one time a youth club, crche and it's also been used for other things as well. It is now standing empty, why can't someone take that on and spend some of this money and get things done for the youngsters?
I must admit that the youth club was closed down because of certain individuals wrecking it for others, but why can't the PCSOs get involved and help to keep things in order?
Wouldn't it be nice if parents also took responsibility for their children, and got involved with them? I do know that there are some who do, but not many on my estate. There are too many children left to roam around the streets and their parents don't seem to care where they are or even who they are with.
Area panels have been set up throughout the town with 20,000 being given to each one. There are four in all and this money is to be spent on improving the environment in each area, with people putting ideas forward. I put plans forward for an old play park to be re-opened. I was told it would cost too much.
L S Hodson, Wayford Close, Langney
Crack down hard on menace of vandalism
Yet again as I walk through the streets of Old Town I see more cars vandalised, more houses with missiles being thrown at them and more damage to common property than ever before.
I also see the efforts of the police (and I have to say they appear to work exceptionally hard) as they battle to keep the peace with hands increasingly tied up by paperwork and a system that means many crimes go without any justice being achieved despite excellent officers.
A month ago my car was smashed by youths. They ran away never to be seen again. Verdict... none. Another car gets smashed on a Friday night... verdict, the hard working owner has to pay excess. Someone's house has a window broken... verdict, house insurance for the whole street goes up the next year.
Recently another car was stolen in Old Town. Verdict... the owner had to pay the excess, pay the recovery fees and watch the premium rise for the following year.
It is very obvious that something has to be done before Old Town (and doubtless other areas) becomes a no go area at night and an area where people become too scared to report what they do see.
So, to all the people who ran for election in Old Town, the people who overwhelmingly voted for you kindly request that something is done, and soon.
Also, if there are any judges or magistrates reading this letter, please could you note down that a slap on the wrist for a second, third and sometimes even a fourth offence, does not work.
Paul Gosling (gosling2000_99@yahoo.com)
Better causes than Belle Tout
With reference to the Belle Tout Lighthouse on Beachy Head which is again in the news. Your readers might like to be aware that, as I understand it, although the building is Listed the only original part of the structure is in fact the tower.
That does not include the glass cage and railings on the top of the tower as these were added only some 20 years ago. Further the main block house that is used as the main living quarters, situated and joining the tower to the north, was extensively added to some 50 years ago.
To me it is not remarkable that so many people have expressed the opinion that Belle Tout is an ugly structure, and one or two have likened it to a carbuncle on the Downs. The trouble is that when the whole structure was moved it effectively made the whole thing so much more prominent. It should also be pointed out that in the not too distant future, as the cliff is further eroded, the buildings will have to be moved back still further, assuming that would be possible. This would of course be a huge expense.
Now some people are asking for donations to purchase the property, to in some way open it to the public, though how much the public will have access to just part of the building if it turns into a B&B could be problematical. I respectfully suggest that if you are lucky enough to have some spare cash, donations to a more worthy local cause, perhaps to a hospice, might be more worthwhile.
R.H. Charlwood, Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne.
When will the borough council planning committee learn to say no to property developers? Has anyone else noticed the number of old properties in the Meads area which are being renovated, added on to both upwards and sideways and the gardens filled up with several new houses.
This is gross over development just like the Marina. The planning committee can't ask residents to care for our environment if theydon't.
A. Cushing. Granville Road, Eastbourne
Writing on the wall for new sign?
THE litter-strewn, graffitti-despoiled Shinewater playpark in Langney has a brand, spanking new hardwood noticeboard adjoining the entrance gate. I give it a week, myself.
John Wilkinson, Foxglove Road, Eastbourne
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