Your letters May 4

Hygiene skills

I WAS distressed to read of the death of Mr David Ham from MRSA, Observer April 20. As an ex-nurse I feel more should be done to educate staff on basic hygiene skills.

When I was a student, we were constantly told, "hot water kills germs and when in doubt wash your hands". Perhaps we could donate bleach, disinfectant and cleaning products. A box in the shops could be used for this.

Florence Nightingale realised that cleaning was the best way to ensure recovery and that was in the 1800s.

Finally, may I offer sincere condolences to Mrs Marion Ham on the death of her beloved husband.

SARAH COOK (Mrs)

Cranfield Road.

My experience

I READ, with some interest and shock, the report in your paper from Mrs Ham, regarding her husband's death from MRSA.

I spent, as a patient, some time over the last two years in the Conquest and was impressed by the cleanliness on Baird, James Wards and CCU. I cannot believe that such a difference should occur on another ward. Every time a patient was discharged their vacant bed was literally taken to pieces and cleaned. Floors were washed and polished at least once a day. There is antiseptic jelly on each bay's door and at the foot of each bed.

I was reading on and waiting for the magic word "compensation" and of course it did appear.

I often wonder how many "bugs" and infections are brought in by visitors who do not disinfect themselves in any way.

I cannot believe that one ward, Tressell, should be as filthy as Mrs Ham suggests when Baird and James as well as Assessment ward should be spotless.

My sympathy goes to Mrs Ham on the loss of her husband, but I felt that I must tell of my experiences as a patient.

JIM HEARN

Calgary Road.

Conquest care

MY wife and I would like to say a few words in defence of the Conquest Hospital.

My wife had to have an operation to replace both her knee joints and so spent eight days in the Conquest over the Christmas period.

I am very pleased to say that the operation is a complete success and her after-care was second to none during her stay there.

I must say that the staff were very kind and the ward appeared to be very clean.

No doubt if the operation had not worked out so well I would be writing a different letter.

Michael and Maggie Newbold

Cantelupe Road.

Nothing amiss

I write in response to the understandable complaint by Mrs Ham regarding the cleanliness of wards in the Conquest Hospital. It is not for me to defend the indefensible. If conditions in her late husband's ward were not as they should be, we must look for early improvement.

But my experience of treatment and conditions at the Conquest were so very different, it is only right to show the other side of the coin.

Late last year I was on De Cham ward for 10 days for a major surgical operation. I left full of high praise for all aspects of my treatment which exceeded expectations. The surgical and nursing staff were all dedicated, professional and reassuring. I had every confidence in all they did.

Never once did I observe staff fail to take MRSA precautions.

I would have spoken up if I had. As for cleanliness, a bed is not the best vantage point for nooks and crannies, but overall I saw nothing amiss.

Obviously in a hospital the size of the Conquest, there will be shortcomings and room for improvement. This must be accepted and expected but like a third world hospital it is not.

I hope this letter reassures those of you due for treatment at the Conquest. I would have no qualms over a return visit.

B D MASON

Dalmeny Road.

Fitting tribute

Bexhill / Hastings Relief Road

I AM writing to you in relation to the proposals for the above road.

The planned course of the road runs very close to Upper Wilting Farm, Crowhurst, which was the crash site of an RAF Spitfire aircraft during the Battle of Britain. It was shot down there on October 30, 1940 and the possible route of the road runs either very close to, or perhaps over, the actual crash site.

The reason for this letter is to suggest that the link road, when it is constructed, be named after the pilot of the aeroplane who lost his life and was one of Churchill's "Few". His name was Pilot Officer Alfred Eric Davies, aged 23, who lies buried at Tamworth in Warwickshire and I am currently in the process of tracing any relatives he may have. It would seem fitting that Alfred Davies, who gave his life defending the land over which the road will run, should be honoured in this way.

I should be most grateful if you would forward this proposal to the relevant person or authority. I am also forwarding copies of this letter to the county councillors for the area and to the local media.

ANDY SAUNDERS

Air Warfare Research

Hastings.

No bypass

DOUGLAS Copeman and a number of other recent letter writers have queried the construction of the link road, and expressed the view that Bexhill and Hastings need a more comprehensive bypass.

This may well be true, but the reality is that the current policy climate rules this out. The choice is the link road, or no link road. If the latter option wins through, we can expect another 35 years of argument and inactivity, as well as total gridlock on Bexhill Road.

Richard Madge

College Road.

Great place

I MOVED to Bexhill from London with my husband just under three years ago. It is a fantastic place to live and over the last two years we have seen a real difference in the appearance of the town.

There were already a couple of tasteful shops, The Merchants House and The House of Cards but a few more have sprung up selling quality but affordable goods.

New restaurants have opened serving excellent food in a good atmosphere.

We have met a lot people like us who have also moved from London and all having nothing but good things to say about the town (I was delighted to read Jerry Robinson's letter).

We are very proud to be in the town that boasts a beautiful iconic building, The De La Warr Pavilion which has had numerous positive write-ups in national glossy magazines such as Elle, BBC Homes and Antiques together with national papers such as The Guardian.

The most recent news being that it is one of ten finalists for the Gulbenkian prize which recognises excellence and imagination in galleries and museums (other finalists include V&A London and Kew Palace in London).

Lets celebrate the fact that we live in such a marvellous place and lets look at how we can make it even better.

It seems that the people who are new to Bexhill feel this way but people who have lived here a long time want to spend most of their time finding the negatives.

Let's encourage visitors to spend money at the weekends by opening some of our gorgeous shops on a Sunday. We could encourage even more people to visit the De La Warr Pavilion by promoting places to stay that aren't too far away. We have a lovely hotel in Cooden, a stunning boutique hotel in St. Leonards - The Zanzibar and numerous guest houses. Let's not forget the fact that our beaches have won awards again this year.

Bexhill-on-Sea is a great place to be - fact not spin.

Dee Flower

Knole Court

Knole Road.

Town gem

WITH "friends" like Victor Meldrew, aka John Betts, Bexhill can ill-afford

enemies.

If the reality of the situation in this town is anywhere near as bad as Victor's statistics purport (after all "there's lies, there's damned lies and then there's statistics...") I'm frankly astonished he's remained

here these past few years and not gone off to find pastures greener.

But here's the thing. Had Victor actually set out on this quest he would have

quickly come to realise what a gem lies right here under his toes in TN39 and TN40.

Instead he's still here and consequently we all have to suffer his peals of "We're doomed Captain Mainwaring, we're doomed".

Get a life. Why not trumpet the positives that Bexhill has to offer, and thereafter tackle its negatives head-on, if you're so minded for letter-writing and/or Public

Office?

Surely you'd give "change for the better" a better chance? Or have I missed something? Thought not. Which point leads me to a few quick thoughts on building an even better Bexhill.

One: promote the fact that, unlike most towns, Bexhill hasn't had its High Street annihilated by the advent of out-of-town retailing.

Where else can you still wander around and buy everything from kilts to computers, proper shoes to proper men's attire, health and beauty treatments, cotton

threads and wool, art supplies and art itself, a blow-dry for the dog, a treat for the cat, proper sweets, fishing tackle, a beautiful bunch of flowers, a tattoo, some jewelry, school uniforms, surfing gear, gear for a great night out and a proper local newspaper to name but a few?

At the same time enjoying well-priced food and beverages aplenty, taking in the Conservation Area, the Old Town, the boating lake, a couple of bowling greens, the Promenade, sea views and airs, a quality home-made ice cream or two and (dare I say it on these pages) one of the greatest pieces of Modernist architecture in southern England nay Europe?

Two: put a quality tourist attraction into the lower level of the Colonnade and thereby regenerate it.

Three: attract a couple of brand-name hotels to house all these new visitors and their spending power.

Four: wither a marina? Why not? Pretty much everywhere else hereabouts has managed to attain one and are thereby enjoying all the benefits that flow from them.

Of course not all of it will happen. And not all of it will work. But if it makes things that bit better, isn't it better to give it a shot than not?

Unless, of course, we're all "doomed" Victor...

Jerry Robinson

Sackville Road.

Not fooled

WHO do the management of the De La Warr Pavilion think they are fooling?

They claim that the past year's count of 500,000 visitors is a great success. Not so it appears!

In fact, in spite of spending 140,000 on publicity, together with free country-wide media coverage and even a Royal visit, the number of visitors in the past year appears to be exactly the same as in the final year before the 8m refurbishment.

The director, Alan Haydon himself, at a working breakfast of the Chamber of Trade and Tourism on July 13, 2005 stated that the old-style pavilion had been attracting only "half a million visitors" yearly and forecast that, after the renovations there would be "half as many again, with a turnover over 3m."

How times and perceptions change! This last financial year, 2006-2007, the same number of visitors has suddenly become, in Mr Haydon's own words, "a phenomenal number - over 10 times the population of Bexhill."

Truly amazing!

I hate to be critical of the team who have, no doubt, worked hard in their own way but the unfortunate result is a third-rate art exhibition in a building totally unsuitable for this purpose - a very poor man's "Tate St Ives."

Most of us, the ratepayers, do not expect the Pavilion to be a roaring commercial success. Nor do we expect it to be the "catalyst for regeneration" but it is ours and we do expect to be able to use it and enjoy it in the way we want.

So Mr Haydon should listen more to the locals. We are not the sad old simple Phillistines he appears to think, and we are not easily fooled.

Jackie Bialeska

Cantelupe Road.

Food choice

EVERYDAY I learn of farmers giving up because of the low prices the supermarkets pay them. In parallel, local shops are closing down because of the trading power of the same supermarkets.

Maybe we will end up going to the supermarkets primarily because they have eliminated all competition from these local shops! That, maybe, is when we will run into increased prices.

Because we have directly played a part in that situation we won't be in any position to complain. I think it's inevitable. Verb sap!

JOHN D DAY

West Parade.

Old Boys

I AM searching for old boys who joined HMS Ganges Shotley, Suffolk, on October 8 1957 as members of Collingwood Division 352/361 class.

This year 2007 will be 50yrs.and I am hoping to organise a reunion. Contact J Curtis, 01780 754291.

J W CURTIS

42 Doughty Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire

Village fudge

REFERENCE: your article "Legal Warning on Shops Plan" (Observer 20.04.2007) the undersigned would reiterate that the application to redevelop the Hood site in Little Common is not for any tasteful mix of small shops and flats that would complement the area but for a single huge retail development (surely a supermarket) that would sound the death knell for the village's character and the livelihood of many small retailers.

Thus over 500 local residents have made objections with only two writing in support.

The planning committee, we believe, also wishes to refuse the application, but the planning officer continually insists it must go ahead under dire threats which last week were reinforced by the dramatic appearance of the council's top lawyer.

So great was this pressure to grant the application that Councillor Williams justifiably asked if there was any point in the committee discussing it.

The committee stood firm, but the result after three meetings is simply deadlock and fudge.

The planning officer rightly insists that any rejection must be on planning grounds, but we and Councillor Vereker have continually quoted such under the Local Plan and national planning policy PPS6. Policy EM13 of the Local Plan states that major shopping and commercial development shall be "focussed within the main shopping areas of Bexhill, Battle and Rye town centres".

Little Common is clearly not part of Bexhill Town Centre or "the primary shopping area", but is rather an out of centre shopping area protected by the plan and PPS6 from over-large and inappropriate retail developments.

This argument has not been addressed, neither has Councillor Vereker's cogent argument that the Local Plan disallows developments prejudicial to the "character" of smaller communities.

The planning officer refers to these arguments somewhat patronisingly as being "of the heart rather than the head", but significantly fails to answer them.

And if there is some heart in them what's wrong with that? If the heart of the community and the council is to reject the application, might not the planning officer (also) look to find ways where they might legally do so? However, having sat now through three long meetings we do agree with Mr Rallings on one thing: that the matter should be referred to full council without further ado for a final decision. We shall be seeking the necessary support to effect this.

Nick Hollington

John Hodson

Stuart Earl

Bexhill.

Town's decline

FIRST of all I would like to reply to Mr Derek Duly's letter in last week's paper (April 20) "Letters Mystery."

As I have written in answer to these types of letters before, I would like to invite Mr Duly and the public to attend meetings at Rother when they will find most of these items in the letters pages on the agendas, being debated by councillors or in some cases some have nothing to say - many of these items are reported in the Observer for all to read.

However, I would like to at the same time reply to the letters over the last few weeks on the Decline of Bexhill and get some of the facts right. Why did Jerry Robinson of Sackville Road, Curves Fitness Centre not open this back some 10 years ago when the old car show rooms became empty?

I would suggest he gets his facts right as a newcomer to Bexhill, as residents and Cllr Forster well know Bexhill has had more than its share of empty shops - as fast as one opens another closes and we still have many closed, maybe Mr Robinson would like to open these and at the same time join the Sackville Road Business Association if its still running, if not maybe he would care to start it up again - as so many before him have tried and worked hard to keep that road going with Christmas lights etc, over the years. Cllr Armstrong is to be commended on holding a meeting with the Old Town Police Community Support Officer - as chairman of the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership this would have been helpful some three to four years ago, then maybe we would not have had all the crime in the Old Town area, and not leave it till just before the elections as this has been of great concern to so many residents in the area and the latest spate because of no police patrols has become greatly out of hand, I hope he can get some action even if its rather late in the day.

STUART WOOD (Cllr)

Deputy Leader Liberal Democrats.

Piano mystery

FELICITY Truscott, who bravely confesses to be a Friend of the DLWP, adds a further layer of intrigue to your correspondence about the Great Pavilion Piano Mystery. Will we ever find out for sure what happened to the ruptured Steinway? Now more than ever we need Hercule Poirot to return!

And, as if to compound our confusion, Ms Truscott concludes by appealing for 'community support' in drumming up the odd 70K for yet another piano. However, before we reach into our pockets once more, perhaps the Friends (and the DLWP) might like to consider the following matters (and maybe even provide a few answers):-

1) 70K is a huge sum for a piano, but a mere drop in the tsunami of cash that has washed over the Pavilion in the last five years or so. Are we really expected to believe that, if the presence of a piano is genuinely needed, the 70K could not be found out

of the 10 million pounds of capital provided or the half million plus annual subsidy gifted out of local taxpayer funds?

2) DLWP/Pavilion patently did not look after the last piano, how can there be any confidence they will do better this time?

3) How often will this fabulous resident artefact actually be used? Once in a blue moon, judging by the programme of events thus far. And if this is so, why not hire a piano, as and when required, as so many other similar establishments do?

4) And now, a bit of lateral thinking: DLWP is supposedly a high-tech 21st century take on a knackered steam age icon.

Why not, then, 'stick with the concept' (as our American friends put it) and use a modern miracle keyboard boasting hundreds of dandy effects? I see that Birds Music Store (not a stone's throw from the Pavilion in Sackville Road) stocks an impressive range of Casio digital keyboards at prices starting from around 100. I am told the grand piano option is startlingly realistic.

ROYSTON PARKER

Peartree Lane.

Save us!

NATIONAL news of this type is of the utmost importance to all local citizens and if the event comes to fruition, will change Great Britain forever.

I feel that as chairman of the Democracy Movement in Southeast Sussex, it is my duty to warn all residents that if we allow Tony Blair and his Government to sign the European Constitution, as he proposes to do in the near future, then we deserve to live forever under a European dictatorship instead of with a British, freely elected government.

The Premier intends to sign the document, which will destroy the British Constitution, will impose an alien Constitution upon us and will destroy Her Majesty the Queen as our Head of State. He will be supported by many, but not all politicians from all main parties, all of whom have sworn an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty. Their action is no less treasonous than was that of Guy Fawkes, who paid the ultimate penalty for a similar attempt on British democracy. Tony Blair has manoeuvred our law so that he cannot be so treated.

I now pledge that I reject the European Constitution, which they will try to impose upon me and millions of Britons without our democratic consent (a referendum).

God Save our Queen!

ANTHONY C LEEDING

Collington Rise.

Cats debate

I FEEL compelled to write in response to P. Brown's letter about "problem cats".

As someone who has always been a cat owner I resent the accusations made that a cat's "sole intent seems to be to kill as many birds as possible".

None of my cats, past or present, have killed birds either for food or sport. Neither do they "invade and foul gardens".

I have a lovely garden that I share with my feline and feathered friends in an atmosphere of tolerance and harmony.

Two things P Brown might do well to consider.

To say "it is a pity one can't legally act to dispose of these pests" is cruel, thoughtless and selfish. To the old, ill, or lonely their cat may be their only source of comfort.

What gives P Brown the right to deny them this?

There is enough misery in this world so how about a little more consideration and tolerance all round.

Alternatively, perhaps it's a pity one can't legally act to dispose of such a pest as P Brown!

J Butler

Linden Road.

More cats

ONE man's pest is another man's pet a fact P. Brown (Observer, April 27) would do well to realise.

How would P. Brown suggest he / she disposes of these pets / pests should the law allow. Drowning, hanging, shooting, stabbing, poison?

And will P. Brown enjoy telling the pet-owner just what has happened to their pet?

What about the birds who seem to want to kill as many worms and insects as possible?

What about you, P. Brown? Are you a vegetarian or are many chickens, cows, sheep and pigs killed for you?

At least you can use reason and moral judgment to make your lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, cats can't.

They act on natural instincts. Maybe you don't know much about cats.

They are extremely clean in their habits. I wonder if you have seen cat excrement littering the streets and gardens or masses or damaged plants everywhere.

Cats are quite fussy and stick to their own patch. Well-loved, well-fed cats rarely kill birds.

Your letter shows a complete lack of care for other people's feelings. Couldn't you find it in your heart to be a little more tolerant?

In fact go and find a cat to stroke. It is a proven fact that people who do this have much lower stress levels and much better health.

Maybe then you wouldn't say such nasty things and really upset people who have done nothing to deserve it such as us who find great happiness and comfort from loving and being loved by a furry feline.

Val Rawlings

Saxon Rise.

Star turn

EVERYONE at O'Sullivans Snooker Club would like to extend their congratulations to Jimmy Robertson for regaining his place on the main snooker tour.

This is a great achievement for Jimmy who really struggled with his form last year and to come so far in such a short time has been down to lots of practise and a positive attitude.

We all wish him well as he moves on to play at a much higher level.

Jimmy has been representing Bexhill in snooker for about 12 years beginning when he could barely reach the table.

To see him succeeding would bring great pleasure to those of us who know him well.

Anyone wanting to support him in any way will be most welcome to call at O'Sullivans Snooker Club and catch up with him there.

Good luck, Jimmy.

The management and members of the club.

O'Sullivan's Snooker Cub

Bexhill.

Is he alive?

(with apologies to the muse - Dr R V Whitlock)

I wonder what it's like to be alive;

But, living in Bexhill, I've

No idea. In this hive

Of inactivity, who can really thrive?

Perhaps only those who skive,

Or, geriatrically, drive

To Sainsburys five

Times a day: only to arrive

(In reverse) on the railway track (live) -

And, against all odds, survive.

T V BLACKLOCK , Dorset Road.

Race thanks

LAST Saturday's Race Night held at the Athletic Club raised much-needed funds for the Bexhill Athletic Football Club and Bexhill Carnival.

The Bexhill AAC Football Club wishes to thank the Carnival Committee for their support and time in hosting the evening, and to all who attended in support of the event. Also, a big thank you to our race sponsors; Goddard and Rogers opticians, Downtown hairdressers; Priceless Tools; Personal Service Travel; Oven Door restaurant and Green Financial Planning.

Martin Hyland

Bexhill AAC Football Club